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diff --git a/9150-h/9150-h.htm b/9150-h/9150-h.htm new file mode 100644 index 0000000..ae37b70 --- /dev/null +++ b/9150-h/9150-h.htm @@ -0,0 +1,15559 @@ +<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Strict//EN" +"http://www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-strict.dtd"> +<html xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml" xml:lang="en" lang="en"> +<head> +<meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html;charset=utf-8" /> +<meta http-equiv="Content-Style-Type" content="text/css" /> +<title>The Project Gutenberg eBook of Dick Sands the Boy Captain by Jules Verne</title> + +<style type="text/css" xml:space="preserve"> + +body { margin-left: 20%; + margin-right: 20%; + text-align: justify; } +p {text-indent: 1em; + margin-top: 0.25em; + margin-bottom: 0.25em; } +h4 {text-align: center } + +</style> +</head> +<body> + +<div style='text-align:center; font-size:1.2em; font-weight:bold'>The Project Gutenberg eBook of Dick Sands the Boy Captain, by Jules Verne</div> +<div style='display:block; margin:1em 0'> +This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere in the United States and +most other parts of the world at no cost and with almost no restrictions +whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or re-use it under the terms +of the Project Gutenberg License included with this eBook or online +at <a href="https://www.gutenberg.org">www.gutenberg.org</a>. If you +are not located in the United States, you will have to check the laws of the +country where you are located before using this eBook. +</div> +<div style='display:block; margin-top:1em; margin-bottom:1em; margin-left:2em; text-indent:-2em'>Title: Dick Sands the Boy Captain</div> +<div style='display:block; margin-top:1em; margin-bottom:1em; margin-left:2em; text-indent:-2em'>Author: Jules Verne</div> +<div style='display:block; margin:1em 0'>Release Date: September 8, 2003 [eBook #9150]<br /> +[Most recently updated: October 8, 2023]</div> +<div style='display:block; margin:1em 0'>Language: English</div> +<div style='display:block; margin-left:2em; text-indent:-2em'>Produced by: Distributed Proofreaders</div> +<div style='margin-top:2em; margin-bottom:4em'>*** START OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK DICK SANDS THE BOY CAPTAIN ***</div> + + <hr /> + <h4> + Dick Sands the Boy Captain by Jules Verne + </h4> + <p> + <b>[Redactor's Note:</b> <i>Dick Sands the Boy Captain</i> (Number <b>V018</b> + in the T&M numerical listing of Verne's works is a translation of <i>Un + capitaine de quinze ans</i> (1878) by Ellen E. Frewer who also translated + other Verne works. The current translation was published by Sampson & + Low in England (1878) and Scribners in New York (1879) and was republished + many times and included in Volume 8 of the Parke edition of <i>The Works + of Jules Verne</i> (1911). There is another translation published by + George Munro (1878) in New York with the title <i>Dick Sand A Captain at + Fifteen</i>. + </p> + <p> + This work has an almost mechanical repetiveness in the continuing + description of the day after day trials of sailing at sea. Thus the + illustrations, of which there were 94 in the french edition, are all the + more important in keeping up the reader's interest. The titles of the + illustrations are given here as a prelude to a future fully illustrated + edition.<b>]</b> + </p> + <hr /> + <div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center"> + <h2> + D I C K S A N D S + </h2> + <br /> + <h4> + THE BOY CAPTAIN. + </h4> + <h5> + BY + </h5> + <h4> + JULES VERNE. + </h4> + <h6> + TRANSLATED BY + </h6> + <h4> + ELLEN E. FREWER + </h4> + <h6> + ILLUSTRATED + </h6> + <br /> + <h4> + 1879 + </h4> + <hr /> + <h4> + CONTENTS. + </h4> + <table cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" width="85%" border="1"> + <tbody> + <tr> + <th> + + </th> + <th> + + <a href="#PART_I">PART THE FIRST</a> + </th> + </tr> + <tr> + <td> + <a href="#I">I</a> + </td> + <td> + THE "PILGRIM" + </td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td> + <a href="#II">II</a> + </td> + <td> + THE APPRENTICE + </td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td> + <a href="#III">III</a> + </td> + <td> + A RESCUE + </td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td> + <a href="#IV">IV</a> + </td> + <td> + THE SURVIVORS OF THE "WALDECK" + </td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td> + <a href="#V">V</a> + </td> + <td> + DINGO'S SAGACITY + </td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td> + <a href="#VI">VI</a> + </td> + <td> + A WHALE IN SIGHT + </td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td> + <a href="#VII">VII</a> + </td> + <td> + PREPARATIONS FOR AN ATTACK + </td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td> + <a href="#VIII">VIII</a> + </td> + <td> + A CATASTROPHE + </td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td> + <a href="#IX">IX</a> + </td> + <td> + DICK'S PROMOTION + </td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td> + <a href="#X">X</a> + </td> + <td> + THE NEW CREW + </td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td> + <a href="#XI">XI</a> + </td> + <td> + ROUGH WEATHER + </td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td> + <a href="#XII">XII</a> + </td> + <td> + HOPE REVIVED + </td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td> + <a href="#XIII">XIII</a> + </td> + <td> + LAND AT LAST + </td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td> + <a href="#XIV">XIV</a> + </td> + <td> + ASHORE + </td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td> + <a href="#XV">XV</a> + </td> + <td> + A STRANGER + </td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td> + <a href="#XVI">XVI</a> + </td> + <td> + THROUGH THE FOREST + </td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td> + <a href="#XVII">XVII</a> + </td> + <td> + MISGIVINGS + </td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td> + <a href="#XVIII">XVIII</a> + </td> + <td> + A TERRIBLE DISCOVERY + </td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td></td> + <td align="center"> + <b><a href="#PART_II">PART THE SECOND</a></b> + </td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td> + <a href="#BI">I</a> + </td> + <td> + THE DARK CONTINENT + </td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td> + <a href="#BII">II</a> + </td> + <td> + ACCOMPLICES + </td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td> + <a href="#BIII">III</a> + </td> + <td> + ON THE MARCH AGAIN + </td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td> + <a href="#BIV">IV</a> + </td> + <td> + ROUGH TRAVELLING + </td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td> + <a href="#BV">V</a> + </td> + <td> + WHITE ANTS + </td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td> + <a href="#BVI">VI</a> + </td> + <td> + A DIVING-BELL + </td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td> + <a href="#BVII">VII</a> + </td> + <td> + A SLAVE CARAVAN + </td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td> + <a href="#BVIII">VIII</a> + </td> + <td> + NOTES BY THE WAY + </td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td> + <a href="#BIX">IX</a> + </td> + <td> + KAZONDÉ + </td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td> + <a href="#BX">X</a> + </td> + <td> + MARKET-DAY + </td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td> + <a href="#BXI">XI</a> + </td> + <td> + A BOWL OF PUNCH + </td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td> + <a href="#BXII">XII</a> + </td> + <td> + ROYAL OBSEQUIES + </td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td> + <a href="#BXIII">XIII</a> + </td> + <td> + IN CAPTIVITY + </td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td> + <a href="#BXIV">XIV</a> + </td> + <td> + A RAY OF HOPE + </td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td> + <a href="#BXV">XV</a> + </td> + <td> + AN EXCITING CHASE + </td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td> + <a href="#BXVI">XVI</a> + </td> + <td> + A MAGICIAN + </td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td> + <a href="#BXVII">XVII</a> + </td> + <td> + DRIFTING DOWN THE STREAM + </td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td> + <a href="#BXVIII">XVIII</a> + </td> + <td> + AN ANXIOUS VOYAGE + </td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td> + <a href="#BXIX">XIX</a> + </td> + <td> + AN ATTACK + </td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td> + <a href="#BXX">XX</a> + </td> + <td> + A HAPPY REUNION. + </td> + </tr> + </tbody> + </table> + <br /> + <hr /> + <h4> + LIST OF ILLUSTRATIONS + </h4> + <table cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" width="85%" border="1"> + <tbody> + <tr> + <th> + Number + </th> + <th> + Title + </th> + </tr> + <tr> + <td> + I-01-a + </td> + <td> + Cousin Benedict + </td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td> + I-01-b + </td> + <td> + Captain Hull advanced to meet Mrs. Weldon and her party + </td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td> + I-02-a + </td> + <td> + Negoro + </td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td> + I-02-b + </td> + <td> + Dick and Little Jack + </td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td> + I-03-a + </td> + <td> + Negoro had approached without being noticed by any one + </td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td> + I-03-b + </td> + <td> + The dog began to swim slowly and with manifest weakness towards + the boat + </td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td> + I-04-a + </td> + <td> + Mrs. Weldon assisted by Nan and the ever active Dick Sands, was + doing everything in her power to restore consciousness to the poor + sufferers + </td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td> + I-04-b + </td> + <td> + The good-natured negroes were ever ready to lend a helping hand + </td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td> + I-05-a + </td> + <td> + "There you are, then, Master Jack!" + </td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td> + I-05-b + </td> + <td> + Jack cried out in the greatest excitement that Dingo knew how to + read + </td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td> + I-05-c + </td> + <td> + Negoro, with a threatening gesture that seemed half involuntary, + withdrew immediately to his accustomed quarters + </td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td> + I-06-a + </td> + <td> + "This Dingo is nothing out of the way" + </td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td> + I-06-b + </td> + <td> + Occasionally Dick Sands would take a pistol, and now and then a + rifle + </td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td> + I-06-c + </td> + <td> + "What a big fellow!" + </td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td> + I-07-a + </td> + <td> + The captain's voice came from the retreating boat + </td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td> + I-07-b + </td> + <td> + "I must get you to keep your eye upon that man" + </td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td> + I-08-a + </td> + <td> + The whale seemed utterly unconscious of the attack that was + threatening it + </td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td> + I-08-b + </td> + <td> + The boat was well-nigh full of water, and in imminent danger of + being capsized + </td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td> + I-08-c + </td> + <td> + There is no hope + </td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td> + I-09-a + </td> + <td> + "Oh, we shall soon be on shore!" + </td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td> + I-09-b + </td> + <td> + "Oh yes, Jack; you shall keep the wind in order" + </td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td> + I-10-a + </td> + <td> + All three of them fell flat upon the deck + </td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td> + I-10-b + </td> + <td> + Jack evidenced his satisfaction by giving his huge friend a hearty + shake of the hand + </td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td> + I-10-c + </td> + <td> + A light shadow glided stealthily along the deck + </td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td> + I-11-a + </td> + <td> + For half an hour Negoro stood motionless + </td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td> + I-12-a + </td> + <td> + Under bare poles + </td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td> + I-12-b + </td> + <td> + Quick as lightning, Dick Sands drew a revolver from his pocket + </td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td> + I-12-c + </td> + <td> + "There! look there!" + </td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td> + I-13-a + </td> + <td> + "You have acquitted yourself like a man" + </td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td> + I-13-b + </td> + <td> + They both examined the outspread chart + </td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td> + I-13-c + </td> + <td> + The sea was furious, and dashed vehemently upon the crags on + either hand + </td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td> + I-14-a + </td> + <td> + Surveying the shore with the air of a man who was trying to recall + some past experience + </td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td> + I-14-b + </td> + <td> + Not without emotion could Mrs. Weldon, or indeed any of them, + behold the unfortunate ship + </td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td> + I-14-c + </td> + <td> + The entomologist was seen making his way down the face of the + cliff at the imminent lisk of breaking his neck + </td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td> + I-15-a + </td> + <td> + "Good morning, my young friend" + </td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td> + I-15-b + </td> + <td> + "He is my little son" + </td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td> + I-15-c + </td> + <td> + They came to a tree to which a horse was tethered + </td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td> + I-16-a + </td> + <td> + The way across the forest could scarcely be called a path + </td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td> + I-16-b + </td> + <td> + Occasionally the soil became marshy + </td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td> + I-16-c + </td> + <td> + A halt for the night + </td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td> + I-16-d + </td> + <td> + Hercules himself was the first to keep watch + </td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td> + I-17-a + </td> + <td> + "Don't fire!" + </td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td> + I-17-b + </td> + <td> + A herd of gazelles dashed past him like a glowing cloud + </td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td> + I-17-c + </td> + <td> + A halt was made for the night beneath a grove of lofty trees + </td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td> + I-18-a + </td> + <td> + "Look here! here are hands, men's hands" + </td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td> + I-18-b + </td> + <td> + The man was gone, and his horse with him! + </td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td> + II-02-a + </td> + <td> + They were seated at the foot of an enormous banyan-tree + </td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td> + II-02-b + </td> + <td> + Both men, starting to their feet, looked anxiously around them + </td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td> + II-02-c + </td> + <td> + Dingo disappeared again amongst the bushes + </td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td> + II-03-a + </td> + <td> + "You must keep this a secret" + </td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td> + II-03-b + </td> + <td> + "Harris has left us" + </td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td> + II-03-c + </td> + <td> + The march was continued with as much rapidity as was consistent + with caution + </td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td> + II-04-a + </td> + <td> + It was a scene only too common in Central Africa + </td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td> + II-04-b + </td> + <td> + Another brilliant flash brought the camp once again into relief + </td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td> + II-04-c + </td> + <td> + One after another, the whole party made their way inside + </td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td> + II-05-a + </td> + <td> + Cousin Benedict's curiosity was awakened + </td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td> + II-05-b + </td> + <td> + The naturalist now fairly mounted on a favourite hobby + </td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td> + II-05-c + </td> + <td> + "My poor boy, I know everything" + </td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td> + II-06-a + </td> + <td> + They set to work to ascertain what progress the water was making + </td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td> + II-06-b + </td> + <td> + All fired simultaneously at the nearest boat + </td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td> + II-06-c + </td> + <td> + The giant clave their skulls with the butt end of his gun + </td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td> + II-07-a + </td> + <td> + The start was made + </td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td> + II-08-a + </td> + <td> + If ever the havildar strolled a few yards away, Bat took the + opportunity of murmuring a few words of encouragement to his poor + old father + </td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td> + II-08-b + </td> + <td> + The caravan had been attacked on the flank by a dozen or more + crocodiles + </td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td> + II-08-c + </td> + <td> + The creature that had sprung to my feet was Dingo + </td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td> + II-08-d + </td> + <td> + More slaves sick, and abandoned to take their chance + </td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td> + II-09-a + </td> + <td> + Adjoining the commercial quarter was the royal residence + </td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td> + II-09-b + </td> + <td> + With a yell and a curse, the American fell dead at his feet + </td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td> + II-10-a + </td> + <td> + Accompanied by Coïmbra, Alvez himself was one of the first + arrivals + </td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td> + II-11-a + </td> + <td> + The potentate beneath whose sway the country trembled for a + hundred miles round + </td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td> + II-11-b + </td> + <td> + Alvez advanced and presented the king with some fresh tobacco + </td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td> + II-11-c + </td> + <td> + The king had taken fire internally + </td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td> + II-12-a + </td> + <td> + "Your life is in my hands!" + </td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td> + II-12-b + </td> + <td> + All his energies were restored + </td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td> + II-13-a + </td> + <td> + Friendless and hopeless He contented himself with the permission + to go where he pleased within the limits of the palisade + </td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td> + II-13-b + </td> + <td> + "I suppose Weldon will not mind coming to fetch you?" + </td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td> + II-14-a + </td> + <td> + Dr. Livingstone + </td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td> + II-14-b + </td> + <td> + With none to guide him except a few natives + </td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td> + II-14-c + </td> + <td> + "You are Dr. Livingstone, I presume?" + </td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td> + II-15-a + </td> + <td> + The insufferable heat had driven all the residents within the + depôt indoors + </td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td> + II-15-b + </td> + <td> + Before long the old black speck was again flitting just above his + head + </td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td> + II-15-c + </td> + <td> + For that day at least Cousin Benedict had lost his chance of being + the happiest of entomologists + </td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td> + II-16-a + </td> + <td> + The entire crowd joined in + </td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td> + II-16-b + </td> + <td> + "Here they are, captain! both of them!!" + </td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td> + II-17-a + </td> + <td> + Hercules could leave the boat without much fear of detection + </td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td> + II-17-b + </td> + <td> + It was caused by a troop of a hundred or more elephants + </td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td> + II-18-a + </td> + <td> + He stood face to face with his foe + </td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td> + II-18-b + </td> + <td> + Instantly five or six negroes scrambled down the piles + </td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td> + II-19-a + </td> + <td> + Upon the smooth wood were two great letters in dingy red + </td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td> + II-19-b + </td> + <td> + The dog was griping the man by the throat + </td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td> + II-19-c + </td> + <td> + The bullet shattered the rudder-scull into fragments + </td> + </tr> + </tbody> + </table> + </div> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <hr /> + + <p> +<a name="PART_I" id="PART_I"></a> +</p> + <p> + <a name="I" id="I"></a> + </p> + <h4> + CHAPTER I. + </h4> + <h4> + THE "PILGRIM." + </h4> + <p> + On the 2nd of February, 1873, the "Pilgrim," a tight little craft of + 400 tons burden, lay in lat. 43° 57', S. and long. 165° 19', W. She + was a schooner, the property of James W. Weldon, a wealthy Californian + ship-owner who had fitted her out at San Francisco, expressly for the + whale-fisheries in the southern seas. + </p> + <p> + James Weldon was accustomed every season to send his whalers both to the + Arctic regions beyond Behring Straits, and to the Antarctic Ocean below + Tasmania and Cape Horn; and the "Pilgrim," although one of the + smallest, was one of the best-going vessels of its class; her + sailing-powers were splendid, and her rigging was so adroitly adapted that + with a very small crew she might venture without risk within sight of the + impenetrable ice-fields of the southern hemisphere: under skilful guidance + she could dauntlessly thread her way amongst the drifting ice-bergs that, + lessened though they were by perpetual shocks and undermined by warm + currents, made their way northwards as far as the parallel of New Zealand + or the Cape of Good Hope, to a latitude corresponding to which in the + northern hemisphere they are never seen, having already melted away in the + depths of the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans. + </p> + <p> + For several years the command of the "Pilgrim" had been entrusted to + Captain Hull, an experienced seaman, and one of the most dexterous + harpooners in Weldon's service. The crew consisted of five sailors and + an apprentice. This number, of course, was quite insufficient for the + process of whale-fishing, which requires a large contingent both for + manning the whale-boats and for cutting up the whales after they are + captured; but Weldon, following the example of other owners, found it more + economical to embark at San Francisco only just enough men to work the + ship to New Zealand, where, from the promiscuous gathering of seamen of + well-nigh every nationality, and of needy emigrants, the captain had no + difficulty in engaging as many whalemen as he wanted for the season. This + method of hiring men who could be at once discharged when their services + were no longer required had proved altogether to be the most profitable + and convenient. + </p> + <p> + The "Pilgrim" had now just completed her annual voyage to the + Antarctic circle. It was not, however, with her proper quota of + oil-barrels full to the brim, nor yet with an ample cargo of cut and uncut + whalebone, that she was thus far on her way back. The time, indeed, for a + good haul was past; the repeated and vigourous attacks upon the cetaceans + had made them very scarce; the whale known as "the Right whale," the + "Nord-kapper" of the northern fisheries, the "Sulpher-boltone" of + the southern, was hardly ever to be seen; and latterly the whalers had had + no alternative but to direct their efforts against the Finback or Jubarte, + a gigantic mammal, encounter with which is always attended with + considerable danger. + </p> + <p> + So scanty this year had been the supply of whales that Captain Hull had + resolved next year to push his way into far more southern latitudes; even, + if necessary, to advance to the regions known as Clarie and Adélie Lands, + of which the discovery, though claimed by the American navigator Wilkes, + belongs by right to the illustrious Frenchman Dumont d'Urville, the + commander of the "Astrolabe" and the "Zélee." + </p> + <p> + The season had been exceptionally unfortunate for the "Pilgrim." At + the beginning of January, almost in the height of the southern summer, + long before the ordinary time for the whalers' return, Captain Hull had + been obliged to abandon his fishing-quarters. His hired contingent, all + men of more than doubtful character, had given signs of such + insubordination as threatened to end in mutiny; and he had become aware + that he must part company with them on the earliest possible opportunity. + Accordingly, without delay, the bow of the "Pilgrim" was directed to + the northwest, towards New Zealand, which was sighted on the 15th of + January, and on reaching Waitemata, the port of Auckland, in the Hauraki + Gulf, on the east coast of North Island, the whole of the gang was + peremptorily discharged. + </p> + <p> + The ship's crew were more than dissatisfied. They were angry. Never + before had they returned with so meagre a haul. They ought to have had at + least two hundred barrels more. The captain himself experienced all the + mortification of an ardent sportsman who for the first time in his life + brings home a half-empty bag; and there was a general spirit of animosity + against the rascals whose rebellion had so entirely marred the success of + the expedition. + </p> + <p> + Captain Hull did everything in his power to repair the disappointment; he + made every effort to engage a fresh gang; but it was too late; every + available seaman had long since been carried off to the fisheries. Finding + therefore that all hope of making good the deficiency in his cargo must be + resigned, he was on the point of leaving Auckland, alone with his crew, + when he was met by a request with which he felt himself bound to comply. + </p> + <p> + It had chanced that James Weldon, on one of those journeys which were + necessitated by the nature of his business, had brought with him his wife, + his son Jack, a child of five years of age, and a relation of the family + who was generally known by the name of Cousin Benedict. Weldon had of + course intended that his family should accompany him on his return home to + San Francisco; but little Jack was taken so seriously ill, that his + father, whose affairs demanded his immediate return, was obliged to leave + him behind at Auckland with his wife and Cousin Benedict. + </p> + <p> + Three months had passed away, little Jack was convalescent, and Mrs. + Weldon, weary of her long separation from her husband, was anxious to get + home as soon as possible. Her readiest way of reaching San Francisco was + to cross to Australia, and thence to take a passage in one of the vessels + of the "Golden Age" Company, which run between Melbourne and the + Isthmus of Panama: on arriving in Panama she would have to wait the + departure of the next American steamer of the line which maintains a + regular communication between the Isthmus and California. This route, + however, involved many stoppages and changes, such as are always + disagreeable and inconvenient for women and children, and Mrs. Weldon was + hesitating whether she should encounter the journey, when she heard that + her husband's vessel, the "Pilgrim," had arrived at Auckland. + Hastening to Captain Hull, she begged him to take her with her little boy, + Cousin Benedict, and Nan, an old negress who had been her attendant from + her childhood, on board the "Pilgrim," and to convey them to San + Francisco direct. + </p> + <p> + "Was it not over hazardous," asked the captain, "to venture upon a + voyage of between 5000 and 6000 miles in so small a sailing-vessel?" + </p> + <p> + But Mrs. Weldon urged her request, and Captain Hull, confident in the + sea-going qualities of his craft, and anticipating at this season nothing + but fair weather on either side of the equator, gave his consent. + </p> + <p> + In order to provide as far as possible for the comfort of the lady during + a voyage that must occupy from forty to fifty days, the captain placed his + own cabin at her entire disposal. + </p> + <p> + Everything promised well for a prosperous voyage. The only hindrance that + could be foreseen arose from the circumstance that the "Pilgrim" would + have to put in at Valparaiso for the purpose of unlading; but that + business once accomplished, she would continue her way along the American + coast with the assistance of the land breezes, which ordinarily make the + proximity of those shores such agreeable quarters for sailing. + </p> + <p> + Mrs. Weldon herself had accompanied her husband in so many voyages, that + she was quite inured to all the makeshifts of a seafaring life, and was + conscious of no misgiving in embarking upon a vessel of such small + tonnage. She was a brave, high-spirited woman of about thirty years of + age, in the enjoyment of excellent health, and for her the sea had no + terrors. Aware that Captain Hull was an experienced man, in whom her + husband had the utmost confidence, and knowing that his ship was a + substantial craft, registered as one of the best of the American whalers, + so far from entertaining any mistrust as to her safety, she only rejoiced + in the opportuneness of the chance which seemed to offer her a direct and + unbroken route to her destination. + </p> + <p> + Cousin Benedict, as a matter of course, was to accompany her. He was about + fifty; but in spite of his mature age it would have been considered the + height of imprudence to allow him to travel anywhere alone. Spare, lanky, + with a bony frame, with an enormous cranium, and a profusion of hair, he + was one of those amiable, inoffensive <i>savants</i> who, having once + taken to gold spectacles, appear to have arrived at a settled standard of + age, and, however long they live afterwards, seem never to be older than + they have ever been. + </p> + <p> + Claiming a sort of kindredship with all the world, he was universally + known, far beyond the pale of his own connexions, by the name of "Cousin + Benedict." In the ordinary concerns of life nothing would ever have + rendered him capable of shifting for himself; of his meals he would never + think until they were placed before him; he had the appearance of being + utterly insensible to heat or cold; he vegetated rather than lived, and + might not inaptly be compared to a tree which, though healthy enough at + its core, produces scant foliage and no fruit. His long arms and legs were + in the way of himself and everybody else; yet no one could possibly treat + him with unkindness. As M. Prudhomme would say, "if only he had been + endowed with capability," he would have rendered a service to any one in + the world; but helplessness was his dominant characteristic; helplessness + was ingrained into his very nature; yet this very helplessness made him an + object of kind consideration rather than of contempt, and Mrs. Weldon + looked upon him as a kind of elder brother to her little Jack. + </p> + <p> + It must not be supposed, however, that Cousin Benedict was either idle or + unoccupied. On the contrary, his whole time was devoted to one absorbing + passion for natural history. Not that he had any large claim to be + regarded properly as a natural historian; he had made no excursions over + the whole four districts of zoology, botany, mineralogy, and geology, into + which the realms of natural history are commonly divided; indeed, he had + no pretensions at all to be either a botanist, a mineralogist, or a + geologist; his studies only sufficed to make him a zoologist, and that in + a very limited sense. No Cuvier was he; he did not aspire to decompose + animal life by analysis, and to recompose it by synthesis; his enthusiasm + had not made him at all deeply versed in vertebrata, mollusca, or radiata; + in fact, the vertebrata-animals, birds, reptiles, fishes-had had no + place in his researches; the mollusca-from the cephalopoda to the + bryozia-had had no attractions for him; nor had he consumed the midnight + oil in investigating the radiata, the echmodermata, acalephæ, polypi, + entozoa, or infusoria. + </p> + <p> + No; Cousin Benedict's interest began and ended with the articulata; and + it must be owned at once that his studies were very far from embracing all + the range of the six classes into which "articulata" are subdivided; + viz, the insecta, the mynapoda, the arachnida, the crustacea, the + cinhopoda, and the anelides; and he was utterly unable in scientific + language to distinguish a worm from a leech, an earwig from a sea-acorn, a + spider from a scorpion, a shrimp from a frog-hopper, or a galley-worm from + a centipede. + </p> + <p> + To confess the plain truth, Cousin Benedict was an amateur entomologist, + and nothing more. + </p> + <p> + Entomology, it may be asserted, is a wide science; it embraces the whole + division of the articulata; but our friend was an entomologist only in the + limited sense of the popular acceptation of the word; that is to say, he + was an + </p> + <p> + [Illustration: Cousin Benedict] + </p> + <p> + observer and collector of insects, meaning by "insects" those + articulata which have bodies consisting of a number of concentric movable + rings, forming three distinct segments, each with a pair of legs, and + which are scientifically designated as hexapods. + </p> + <p> + To this extent was Cousin Benedict an entomologist; and when it is + remembered that the class of insecta of which he had grown up to be the + enthusiastic student comprises no less than ten [Footnote: These ten + orders are (1) the orthoptera, <i>e.g.</i> grasshoppers and crickets; (2) + the neuroptera, <i>e.g.</i> dragon-flies; (3) the hymenoptera, <i>e.g.</i> + bees, wasps, and ants; (4) the lepidoptera, <i>e.g.</i> butterflies and + moths; (5) the hemiptera, <i>e.g.</i> cicadas and fleas; (6) the + coleoptera, <i>e.g.</i> cockchafers and glow-worms; (7) the diptera, <i>e.g.</i> + gnats and flies; (8) the rhipiptera, <i>e.g.</i> the stylops; (9) the + parasites, <i>e.g.</i> the acarus; and (10) the thysanura, <i>e.g.</i> the + lepisma and podura.] orders, and that of these ten the coleoptera and + diptera alone include 30,000 and 60,000 species respectively, it must be + confessed that he had an ample field for his most persevering exertions. + </p> + <p> + Every available hour did he spend in the pursuit of his favourite science: + hexapods ruled his thoughts by day and his dreams by night. The number of + pins that he carried thick on the collar and sleeves of his coat, down the + front of his waistcoat, and on the crown of his hat, defied computation; + they were kept in readiness for the capture of specimens that might come + in his way, and on his return from a ramble in the country he might be + seen literally encased with a covering of insects, transfixed adroitly by + scientific rule. + </p> + <p> + This ruling passion of his had been the inducement that had urged him to + accompany Mr. and Mrs. Weldon to New Zealand. It had appeared to him that + it was likely to be a promising district, and now having been successful + in adding some rare specimens to his collection, he was anxious to get + back again to San Francisco, and to assign them their proper places in his + extensive cabinet. + </p> + <p> + Besides, it never occurred to Mrs. Weldon to start without him. To leave + him to shift for himself would be sheer cruelty. As a matter of course + whenever Mrs. Weldon went on board the "Pilgrim," Cousin Benedict + would go too. + </p> + <p> + Not that in any emergency assistance of any kind could be expected from + him; on the contrary, in the case of difficulty he would be an additional + burden; but there was every reason to expect a fair passage and no cause + of misgiving of any kind, so the propriety of leaving the amiable + entomologist behind was never suggested. + </p> + <p> + Anxious that she should be no impediment in the way of the due departure + of the "Pilgrim" from Waitemata, Mrs. Weldon made her preparations + with the utmost haste, discharged the servants which she had temporarily + engaged at Auckland, and accompanied by little Jack and the old negress, + and followed mechanically by Cousin Benedict, embarked on the 22nd of + January on board the schooner. + </p> + <p> + The amateur, however, kept his eye very scrupulously upon his own special + box. Amongst his collection of insects were some very remarkable examples + of new staphylins, a species of carnivorous coleoptera with eyes placed + above their head; it was a kind supposed to be peculiar to New Caledonia. + Another rarity which had been brought under his notice was a venomous + spider, known among the Maoris as a "katipo;" its bite was asserted to + be very often fatal. As a spider, however, belongs to the order of the + arachnida, and is not properly an "insect," Benedict declined to take + any interest in it. Enough for him that he had secured a novelty in his + own section of research; the "Staphylin Neo-Zelandus" was not only the + gem of his collection, but its pecuniary value baffled ordinary estimate; + he insured his box at a fabulous sum, deeming it to be worth far more than + all the cargo of oil and whalebone in the "Pilgrim's" hold. + </p> + <p> + Captain Hull advanced to meet Mrs. Weldon and her party as they stepped on + deck. + </p> + <p> + "It must be understood, Mrs. Weldon," he said, courteously raising his + hat, "that you take this passage entirely on your own responsibility." + </p> + <p> + "Certainly, Captain Hull," she answered; "but why do you ask?" + </p> + <p> + "Simply because I have received no orders from Mr. Weldon," replied + the captain. + </p> + <p> + [Illustration: Captain Hull advanced to meet Mrs. Weldon and her party.] + </p> + <p> + "But my wish exonerates you," said Mrs. Weldon. + </p> + <p> + "Besides," added Captain Hull, "I am unable to provide you with the + accommodation and the comfort that you would have upon a passenger + steamer." + </p> + <p> + "You know well enough, captain," remonstrated the lady "that my + husband would not hesitate for a moment to trust his wife and child on + board the 'Pilgrim.' " + </p> + <p> + "Trust, madam! No! no more than I should myself. I repeat that the + 'Pilgrim' cannot afford you the comfort to which you are + accustomed." + </p> + <p> + Mrs. Weldon smiled. + </p> + <p> + "Oh, I am not one of your grumbling travellers. I shall have no + complaints to make either of small cramped cabins, or of rough and meagre + food." + </p> + <p> + She took her son by the hand, and passing on, begged that they might start + forthwith. + </p> + <p> + Orders accordingly were given; sails were trimmed; and after taking the + shortest course across the gulf, the "Pilgrim" turned her head towards + America. + </p> + <p> + Three days later strong easterly breezes compelled the schooner to tack to + larboard in order to get to windward. The consequence was that by the 2nd + of February the captain found himself in such a latitude that he might + almost be suspected of intending to round Cape Horn rather than of having + a design to coast the western shores of the New Continent. + </p> + <p> + Still, the sea did not become rough. There was a slight delay, but, on the + whole, navigation was perfectly easy. + </p> + <p> + <a name="II" id="II"></a> + </p> + <h4> + CHAPTER II. + </h4> + <h4> + THE APPRENTICE. + </h4> + <p> + There was no poop upon the "Pilgrim's" deck, so that Mrs. Weldon had + no alternative than to acquiesce in the captain's proposal that she + should occupy his own modest cabin. + </p> + <p> + Accordingly, here she was installed with Jack and old Nan; and here she + took all her meals, in company with the captain and Cousin Benedict. + </p> + <p> + For Cousin Benedict tolerably comfortable sleeping accommodation had been + contrived close at hand, while Captain Hull himself retired to the + crew's quarter, occupying the cabin which properly belonged to the chief + mate, but as already indicated, the services of a second officer were + quite dispensed with. + </p> + <p> + All the crew were civil and attentive to the wife of their employer, a + master to whom they were faithfully attached. They were all natives of the + coast of California, brave and experienced seamen, and united by tastes + and habits in a common bond of sympathy. Few as they were in number, their + work was never shirked, not simply from the sense of duty, but because + they were directly interested in the profits of their undertaking; the + success of their labours always told to their own advantage. The present + expedition was the fourth that they had taken together; and, as it turned + out to be the first in which they had failed to meet with success, it may + be imagined that they were full of resentment against the mutinous + whalemen who had been the cause of so serious a diminution of their + ordinary gains. + </p> + <p> + [Illustration: Negoro.] + </p> + <p> + The only one on board who was not an American was a man who had been + temporarily engaged as cook. His name was Negoro; he was a Portuguese by + birth, but spoke English with perfect fluency. The previous cook had + deserted the ship at Auckland, and when Negoro, who was out of employment, + applied for the place, Captain Hull, only too glad to avoid detention, + engaged him at once without inquiry into his antecedents. There was not + the slightest fault to be found with the way in which the cook performed + his duties, but there was something in his manner, or perhaps, rather in + the expression of his countenance, which excited the Captain's + misgivings, and made him regret that he had not taken more pains to + investigate the character of one with whom he was now brought into such + close contact + </p> + <p> + Negoro looked about forty years of age. Although he had the appearance of + being slightly built, he was muscular; he was of middle height, and seemed + to have a robust constitution; his hair was dark, his complexion somewhat + swarthy. His manner was taciturn, and although, from occasional remarks + that he dropped, it was evident that he had received some education, he + was very reserved on the subjects both of his family and of his past life. + No one knew where he had come from, and he admitted no one to his + confidence as to where he was going, except that he made no secret of his + intention to land at Valparaiso. His freedom from sea-sickness + demonstrated that this could hardly be his first voyage, but on the other + hand his complete ignorance of seamen's phraseology made it certain that + he had never been accustomed to his present occupation. He kept himself + aloof as much as possible from the rest of the crew, during the day rarely + leaving the great cast-iron stove, which was out of proportion to the + measurement of the cramped little kitchen; and at night, as soon as the + fire was extinguished, took the earliest opportunity of retiring to his + berth and going to sleep. + </p> + <p> + It has been already stated that the crew of the "Pilgrim" consisted of + five seamen and an apprentice. This apprentice was Dick Sands. + </p> + <p> + Dick was fifteen years old; he was a foundling, his unknown parents having + abandoned him at his birth, and he had been brought up in a public + charitable institution. He had been called Dick, after the benevolent + passer-by who had discovered him when he was but an infant a few hours + old, and he had received the surname of Sands as a memorial of the spot + where he had been exposed, Sandy Hook, a point at the mouth of the Hudson, + where it forms an entrance to the harbour of New York. + </p> + <p> + As Dick was so young it was most likely he would yet grow a little taller, + but it did not seem probable that he would ever exceed middle height, he + looked too stoutly and strongly built to grow much. His complexion was + dark, but his beaming blue eyes attested, with scarcely room for doubt, + his Anglo-Saxon origin, and his countenance betokened energy and + intelligence. The profession that he had adopted seemed to have equipped + him betimes for fighting the battle of life. + </p> + <p> + Misquoted often as Virgil's are the words + </p> + <p style="TEXT-ALIGN: center"> + "Audaces fortuna juvat!" + </p> + <p> + but the true reading is + </p> + <p style="TEXT-ALIGN: center"> + "Audentes fortuna juvat!" + </p> + <p> + and, slight as the difference may seem, it is very significant. It is upon + the confident rather than the rash, the daring rather than the bold, that + Fortune sheds her smiles; the bold man often acts without thinking, whilst + the daring always thinks before he acts. + </p> + <p> + And Dick Sands was truly courageous; he was one of the daring. At fifteen + years old, an age at which few boys have laid aside the frivolities of + childhood, he had acquired the stability of a man, and the most casual + observer could scarcely fail to be attracted by his bright, yet thoughtful + countenance. At an early period of his life he had realized all the + difficulties of his position, and had made a resolution, from which + nothing tempted him to flinch, that he would carve out for himself an + honourable and independent career. Lithe and agile in his movements, he + was an adept in every kind of athletic exercise; and so marvellous was his + success in everything he undertook, that he might almost be supposed to be + one of those gifted mortals who have two right hands and two left feet. + </p> + <p> + Until he was four years old the little orphan had found a home in one of + those institutions in America where forsaken children are sure of an + asylum, and he was subsequently sent to an industrial school supported by + charitable aid, where he learnt reading, writing, and arithmetic. From the + days of infancy he had never deviated from the expression of his wish to + be a sailor, and accordingly, as soon as he was eight, he was placed as + cabin-boy on board one of the ships that navigate the Southern Seas. The + officers all took a peculiar interest in him, and he received, in + consequence, a thoroughly good grounding in the duties and discipline of a + seaman's life. There was no room to doubt that he must ultimately rise + to eminence in his profession, for when a child from the very first has + been trained in the knowledge that he must gain his bread by the sweat of + his brow, it is comparatively rare that he lacks the will to do so. + </p> + <p> + Whilst he was still acting as cabin-boy on one of those trading-vessels, + Dick attracted the notice of Captain Hull, who took a fancy to the lad and + introduced him to his employer. Mr. Weldon at once took a lively interest + in Dick's welfare, and had his education continued in San Francisco, + taking care that he was instructed in the doctrines of the Roman Catholic + Church, to which his own family belonged. + </p> + <p> + Throughout his studies Dick Sands' favourite subjects were always those + which had a reference to his future profession; he mastered the details of + the geography of the world; he applied himself diligently to such branches + of mathematics as were necessary for the science of navigation; whilst for + recreation in his hours of leisure, he would greedily devour every book of + adventure in travel that came in his way. Nor did he omit duly to combine + the practical with the theoretical; and when he was bound apprentice on + board the "Pilgrim," a vessel not only belonging to his benefactor, + but under the command of his kind friend Captain Hull, he congratulated + himself most heartily, and felt that the experience he should gain in the + southern whale-fisheries could hardly fail to be of service to him in + after-life. A first-rate sailor ought to be a first-rate fisherman too. + </p> + <p> + It was a matter of the greatest pleasure to Dick Sands when he heard to + his surprise that Mrs. Weldon was about to become a passenger on board the + "Pilgrim." His devotion to the family of his benefactor was large and + genuine. For several years Mrs. Weldon had acted towards him little short + of a mother's part, and for Jack, although he never forgot the + difference in their position, he entertained well-nigh a brother's + affection. His friends had the satisfaction of being assured that they had + sown the seeds of kindness on a generous soil, for there was no room to + doubt that the heart of the orphan boy was overflowing with sincere + gratitude. Should the occasion arise, ought he not, he asked, to be ready + to sacrifice everything in behalf of those to whom he was indebted not + only for his start in life, but for the knowledge of all that was right + and holy? + </p> + <p> + Confiding in the good principles of her protégé, Mrs. Weldon had no + hesitation in entrusting her little son to his especial charge. During the + frequent periods of leisure, when the sea was fair, and the sails required + no shifting, the apprentice was never weary of amusing Jack by making him + familiar with the practice of a sailor's craft; he made him scramble up + the shrouds, perch upon the yards, and slip down the back-stays; and the + mother had no alarm; her assurance of Dick Sands' ability and + watchfulness to protect her boy was so complete that she could only + rejoice in an occupation for him that seemed more than anything to restore + the colour he had lost in his recent illness. + </p> + <p> + Time passed on without incident; and had it not been for the constant + prevalence of an adverse wind, neither passengers nor crew could have + found the least cause of complaint. The pertinacity, however, with which + the wind kept to the east could not do otherwise than make Captain Hull + somewhat concerned; it absolutely prevented him from getting his ship into + her proper course, and he could not altogether suppress his misgiving that + the calms near the + </p> + <p> + [Illustration: Dick and little Jack.] + </p> + <p> + Tropic of Capricorn, and the equatorial current driving him on westwards, + would entail a delay that might be serious. + </p> + <p> + It was principally on Mrs. Weldon's account that the Captain began to + feel uneasiness, and he made up his mind that if he could hail a vessel + proceeding to America he should advise his passengers to embark on her; + unfortunately, however, he felt that they were still in a latitude far too + much to the south to make it likely that they should sight a steamer going + to Panama; and at that date, communication between Australia and the New + World was much less frequent than it has since become. + </p> + <p> + Still, nothing occurred to interrupt the general monotony of the voyage + until the 2nd of February, the date at which our narrative commences. + </p> + <p> + It was about nine o'clock in the morning of that day that Dick and + little Jack had perched themselves together on the top-mast-yards. The + weather was very clear, and they could see the horizon right round except + the section behind them, hidden by the brigantine-sail on the main-mast. + Below them, the bowsprit seemed to lie along the water with its stay-sails + attached like three unequal wings; from the lads' feet to the deck was + the smooth surface of the fore-mast; and above their heads nothing but the + small top-sail and the top-mast. The schooner was running on the larboard + tack as close to the wind as possible. + </p> + <p> + Dick Sand was pointing out to Jack how well the ship was ballasted, and + was trying to explain how it was impossible for her to capsize, however + much she heeled to starboard, when suddenly the little fellow cried + out,- + </p> + <p> + "I can see something in the water!" + </p> + <p> + "Where? what?" exclaimed Dick, clambering to his feet upon the yard. + </p> + <p> + "There!" said the child, directing attention to the portion of the + sea-surface that was visible between the stay-sails. + </p> + <p> + Dick fixed his gaze intently for a moment, and then shouted out + lustily,- + </p> + <p> + "Look out in front, to starboard! There is something afloat. To + windward, look out!" + </p> + <p> + <a name="III" id="III"></a> + </p> + <h4> + CHAPTER III. + </h4> + <h4> + A RESCUE. + </h4> + <p> + At the sound of Dick's voice all the crew, in a moment, were upon the + alert. The men who were not on watch rushed to the deck, and Captain Hull + hurried from his cabin to the bows. Mrs. Weldon, Nan, and even Cousin + Benedict leaned over the starboard taffrails, eager to get a glimpse of + what had thus suddenly attracted the attention of the young apprentice. + With his usual indifference, Negoro did not leave his cabin, and was the + only person on board who did not share the general excitement. + </p> + <p> + Speculations were soon rife as to what could be the nature of the floating + object which could be discerned about three miles ahead. Suggestions of + various character were freely made. One of the sailors declared that it + looked to him only like an abandoned raft, but Mrs. Weldon observed + quickly that if it were a raft it might be carrying some unfortunate + shipwrecked men who must be rescued if possible. Cousin Benedict asserted + that it was nothing more nor less than a huge sea-monster; but the captain + soon arrived at the conviction that it was the hull of a vessel that had + heeled over on to its side, an opinion with which Dick thoroughly + coincided, and went so far as to say that he believed he could make out + the copper keel glittering in the sun. + </p> + <p> + "Luff, Bolton, luff!" shouted Captain Hull to the helmsman; "we will + at any rate lose no time in getting alongside." + </p> + <p> + "Ay, ay, sir," answered the helmsman, and the "Pilgrim" in an + instant was steered according to orders. + </p> + <p> + In spite, however, of the convictions of the captain and Dick, Cousin + Benedict would not be moved from his opinion that the object of their + curiosity was some huge cetacean. + </p> + <p> + "It is certainly dead, then," remarked Mrs. Weldon; "it is perfectly + motionless." + </p> + <p> + "Oh, that's because it is asleep," said Benedict, who, although he + would have willingly given up all the whales in the ocean for one rare + specimen of an insect, yet could not surrender his own belief. + </p> + <p> + "Easy, Bolton, easy!" shouted the captain when they were getting + nearer the floating mass; "don't let us be running foul of the thing; + no good could come from knocking a hole in our side; keep out from it a + good cable's length." + </p> + <p> + "Ay, ay, sir," replied the helmsman, in his usual cheery way; and by + an easy turn of the helm the "Pilgrim's" course was slightly + modified so as to avoid all fear of collision. + </p> + <p> + The excitement of the sailors by this time had become more intense. Ever + since the distance had been less than a mile all doubt had vanished, and + it was certain that what was attracting their attention was the hull of a + capsized ship. They knew well enough the established rule that a third of + all salvage is the right of the finders, and they were filled with the + hope that the hull they were nearing might contain an undamaged cargo, and + be "a good haul," to compensate them for their ill-success in the last + season. + </p> + <p> + A quarter of an hour later and the "Pilgrim" was within half a mile of + the deserted vessel, facing her starboard side. Water-logged to her + bulwarks, she had heeled over so completely that it would have been next + to impossible to stand upon her deck. Of her masts nothing was to be seen; + a few ends of cordage were all that remained of her shrouds, and the + try-sail chains were hanging all broken. On the starboard flank was an + enormous hole. + </p> + <p> + "Something or other has run foul of her," said Dick. + </p> + <p> + "No doubt of that," replied the captain; "the only wonder is that + she did not sink immediately." + </p> + <p> + "Oh, how I hope the poor crew have been saved!" exclaimed Mrs Weldon. + </p> + <p> + "Most probably," replied the captain, "they would all have taken to + the boats. It is as likely as not that the ship which did the mischief + would continue its course quite unconcerned" + </p> + <p> + "Surely, you cannot mean," cried Mrs Weldon, "that any one could be + capable of such inhumanity?" + </p> + <p> + "Only too probable," answered Captain Hull, "unfortunately, such + instances are very far from rare" + </p> + <p> + He scanned the drifting ship carefully and continued,- + </p> + <p> + "No, I cannot see any sign of boats here, I should guess that the crew + have made an attempt to get to land, at such a distance as this, however, + from America or from the islands of the Pacific I should be afraid that it + must be hopeless." + </p> + <p> + "Is it not possible," asked Mrs Weldon, "that some poor creature may + still survive on board, who can tell what has happened?" + </p> + <p> + "Hardly likely, madam; otherwise there would have been some sort of a + signal in sight. But it is a matter about which we will make sure." + </p> + <p> + The captain waved his hand a little in the direction in which he wished to + go, and said quietly,- + </p> + <p> + "Luff, Bolton, luff a bit!" + </p> + <p> + The "Pilgrim" by this time was not much more than three cables' + lengths from the ship, there was still no token of her being otherwise + than utterly deserted, when Dick Sands suddenly exclaimed,- + </p> + <p> + "Hark! if I am not much mistaken, that is a dog barking!" + </p> + <p> + Every one listened attentively; it was no fancy on Dick's part, sure + enough a stifled barking could be heard, as if some unfortunate dog had + been imprisoned beneath the hatchways; but as the deck was not yet + visible, it was impossible at present to determine the precise truth. + </p> + <p> + Mrs Weldon pleaded,- + </p> + <p> + "If it is only a dog, captain, let it be saved." + </p> + <p> + "Oh, yes, yes, mamma, the dog must be saved!" cried + </p> + <p> + [Illustration: Negoro had approached without being noticed by any one] + </p> + <p> + little Jack; "I will go and get a bit of sugar ready for it." + </p> + <p> + "A bit of sugar, my child, will not be much for a starved dog." + </p> + <p> + "Then it shall have my soup, and I will do without," said the boy, and + he kept shouting, "Good dog! good dog!" until he persuaded himself + that he heard the animal responding to his call. + </p> + <p> + The vessels were now scarcely three hundred feet apart; the barking was + more and more distinct, and presently a great dog was seen clinging to the + starboard netting. It barked more desperately than ever. + </p> + <p> + "Howick," said Captain Hull, calling to the boatswain, "heave to, + and lower the small boat." + </p> + <p> + The sails were soon trimmed so as to bring the schooner to a standstill + within half a cable's length of the disabled craft, the boat was + lowered, and the captain and Dick, with a couple of sailors, went on + board. The dog kept up a continual yelping; it made the most vigourous + efforts to retain its hold upon the netting, but perpetually slipped + backwards and fell off again upon the inclining deck. It was soon + manifest, however, that all the noise the creature was making was not + directed exclusively towards those who were coming to its rescue, and Mrs. + Weldon could not divest herself of the impression that there must be some + survivors still on board. All at once the animal changed its gestures. + Instead of the crouching attitude and supplicating whine with which it + seemed to be imploring the compassion of those who were nearing it, it + suddenly appeared to become bursting with violence and furious with rage. + </p> + <p> + "What ails the brute?" exclaimed Captain Hull. + </p> + <p> + But already the boat was on the farther side of the wrecked ship, and the + captain was not in a position to see that Negoro the cook had just come on + to the schooner's deck, or that it was obvious that it was against him + that the dog had broken out in such obstreperous fury. Negoro had + approached without being noticed by any one; he made his way to the + forecastle, whence, without a word or look of surprise, he gazed a moment + at the dog, knitted his brow, and, silent and unobserved as he had come, + retired to his kitchen. + </p> + <p> + As the boat had rounded the stern of the drifting hull, it had been + observed that the one word "Waldeck" was painted on the aft-board, but + that there was no intimation of the port to which the ship belonged. To + Captain Hull's experienced eye, however, certain details of construction + gave a decided confirmation to the probability suggested by her name that + she was of American build. + </p> + <p> + Of what had once been a fine brig of 500 tons burden this hopeless wreck + was now all that remained. The large hole near the bows indicated the + place where the disastrous shock had occurred, but as, in the heeling + over, this aperture had been carried some five or six feet above the + water, the vessel had escaped the immediate foundering which must + otherwise have ensued; but still it wanted only the rising of a heavy + swell to submerge the ship at any time in a few minutes. + </p> + <p> + It did not take many more strokes to bring the boat close to the larboard + bulwark, which was half out of the water, and Captain Hull obtained a view + of the whole length of the deck. It was clear from end to end. Both masts + had been snapped off within two feet of their sockets, and had been swept + away with shrouds, stays, and rigging. Not a single spar was to be seen + floating anywhere within sight of the wreck, a circumstance from which it + was to be inferred that several days at least had elapsed since the + catastrophe. + </p> + <p> + Meantime the dog, sliding down from the taffrail, got to the centre + hatchway, which was open. Here it continued to bark, alternately directing + its eyes above deck and below. + </p> + <p> + "Look at that dog!" said Dick; "I begin to think there must be + somebody on board." + </p> + <p> + "If so," answered the captain, "he must have died of hunger; the + water of course has flooded the store-room." + </p> + <p> + "No," said Dick; "that dog wouldn't look like that if there were + nobody there alive." + </p> + <p> + [Illustration: The dog began to swim slowly and with manifest weakness + towards the boat.] + </p> + <p> + Taking the boat as close as was prudent to the wreck, the captain and Dick + called and whistled repeatedly to the dog, which after a while let itself + slip into the sea, and began to swim slowly and with manifest weakness + towards the boat. As soon as it was lifted in, the animal, instead of + devouring the piece of bread that was offered him, made its way to a + bucket containing a few drops of fresh water, and began eagerly to lap + them up. + </p> + <p> + "The poor wretch is dying of thirst!" said Dick. + </p> + <p> + It soon appeared that the dog was very far from being engrossed with its + own interests. The boat was being pushed back a few yards in order to + allow the captain to ascertain the most convenient place to get alongside + the "Waldeck," when the creature seized Dick by the jacket, and set up + a howl that was almost human in its piteousness. It was evidently in a + state of alarm that the boat was not going to return to the wreck. The + dog's meaning could not be misunderstood. The boat was accordingly + brought against the larboard side of the vessel, and while the two sailors + lashed her securely to the "Waldeck's" cat-head, Captain Hull and + Dick, with the dog persistently accompanying them, clambered, after some + difficulty, to the open hatchway between the stumps of the masts, and made + their way into the hold. It was half full of water, but perfectly + destitute of cargo, its sole contents being the ballast sand which had + slipped to larboard, and now served to keep the vessel on her side. + </p> + <p> + One glance was sufficient to convince the captain that there was no + salvage to be effected. + </p> + <p> + "There is nothing here; nobody here," he said. + </p> + <p> + "So I see," said the apprentice, who had made his way to the extreme + fore-part of the hold. + </p> + <p> + "Then we have only to go up again," remarked the captain. + </p> + <p> + They ascended the ladder, but no sooner did they reappear upon the deck + than the dog, barking irrepressibly, began trying manifestly to drag them + towards the stern. + </p> + <p> + Yielding to what might be called the importunities of the dog, they + followed him to the poop, and there, by the dim glimmer admitted by the + sky-light, Captain Hull made out the forms of five bodies, motionless and + apparently lifeless, stretched upon the floor. + </p> + <p> + One after another, Dick hastily examined them all, and emphatically + declared it to be his opinion, that not one or them had actually ceased to + breathe; whereupon the captain did not lose a minute in summoning the two + sailors to his aid, and although it was far from an easy task, he + succeeded in getting the five unconscious men, who were all negroes, + conveyed safely to the boat. + </p> + <p> + The dog followed, apparently satisfied. + </p> + <p> + With all possible speed the boat made its way back again to the + "Pilgrim," a girt-line was lowered from the mainyard, and the + unfortunate men were raised to the deck. + </p> + <p> + "Poor things!" said Mrs. Weldon, as she looked compassionately on the + motionless forms. + </p> + <p> + "But they are not dead," cried Dick eagerly; "they are not dead; we + shall save them all yet!" + </p> + <p> + "What's the matter with them?" asked Cousin Benedict, looking at + them with utter bewilderment. + </p> + <p> + "We shall hear all about them soon, I dare say," said the captain, + smiling; "but first we will give them a few drops of rum in some + water." + </p> + <p> + Cousin Benedict smiled in return. + </p> + <p> + "Negoro!" shouted the captain. + </p> + <p> + At the sound of the name, the dog, who had hitherto been quite passive, + growled fiercely, showed his teeth, and exhibited every sign of rage. + </p> + <p> + The cook did not answer. + </p> + <p> + "Negoro!" again the captain shouted, and the dog became yet more + angry. + </p> + <p> + At this second summons Negoro slowly left his kitchen, but no sooner had + he shown his face upon the deck than the animal made a rush at him, and + would unquestionably have seized him by the throat if the man had not + knocked him back with a poker which he had brought with him in his hand. + </p> + <p> + The infuriated beast was secured by the sailors, and prevented from + inflicting any serious injury. + </p> + <p> + "Do you know this dog?" asked the captain. + </p> + <p> + "Know him? Not I! I have never set eyes on the brute in my life." + </p> + <p> + "Strange!" muttered Dick to himself; "there is some mystery here. We + shall see." + </p> + <p> + <a name="IV" id="IV"></a> + </p> + <h4> + CHAPTER IV. + </h4> + <h4> + THE SURVIVORS OF THE "WALDECK." + </h4> + <p> + In spite of the watchfulness of the French and English cruisers, there is + no doubt that the slave-trade is still extensively carried on in all parts + of equatorial Africa, and that year after year vessels loaded with slaves + leave the coasts of Angola and Mozambique to transport their living + freight to many quarters even of the civilized world. + </p> + <p> + Of this Captain Hull was well aware, and although he was now in a latitude + which was comparatively little traversed by such slavers, he could not + help almost involuntarily conjecturing that the negroes they had just + found must be part of a slave-cargo which was on its way to some colony of + the Pacific; if this were so, he would at least have the satisfaction of + announcing to them that they had regained their freedom from the moment + that they came on board the "Pilgrim." + </p> + <p> + Whilst these thoughts were passing through his mind, Mrs. Weldon, assisted + by Nan and the ever active Dick Sands, was doing everything in her power + to restore consciousness to the poor sufferers. The judicious + administration of fresh water and a limited quantity of food soon had the + effect of making them revive; and when they were restored to their senses + it was found that the eldest of them, a man of about sixty years of age, + who immediately regained his powers of speech, was able to reply in good + English to all the questions that were put to him. In answer to Captain + Hull's inquiry whether they were not slaves, the old negro proudly + stated that he and his companions were + </p> + <p> + [Illustration: Mrs. Weldon, assisted by Nan and the ever active Dick + Sands, was doing everything in her power to restore consciousness to the + poor sufferers.] + </p> + <p> + all free American citizens, belonging to the state of Pennsylvania. + </p> + <p> + "Then, let me assure you, my friend," said the captain, "you have by + no means compromised your liberty in having been brought on board the + American schooner 'Pilgrim.' " + </p> + <p> + Not merely, as it seemed, on account of his age and experience, but rather + because of a certain superiority and greater energy of character, this old + man was tacitly recognized as the spokesman of his party; he freely + communicated all the information that Captain Hull required to hear, and + by degrees he related all the details of his adventures. + </p> + <p> + He said that his name was Tom, and that when he was only six years of age + he had been sold as a slave, and brought from his home in Africa to the + United States; but by the act of emancipation he had long since recovered + his freedom. His companions, who were all much younger than himself, their + ages ranging from twenty-five to thirty, were all free-born, their parents + having been emancipated before their birth, so that no white man had ever + exercised upon them the rights of ownership. One of them was his own son; + his name was Bat (an abbreviation of Bartholomew); and there were three + others, named Austin, Actæon, and Hercules. All four of them were + specimens of that stalwart race that commands so high a price in the + African market, and in spite of the emaciation induced by their recent + sufferings, their muscular, well-knit frames betokened a strong and + healthy constitution. Their manner bore the impress of that solid + education which is given in the North American schools, and their speech + had lost all trace of the "nigger-tongue," a dialect without articles + or inflexions, which since the anti-slavery war has almost died out in the + United States. + </p> + <p> + Three years ago, old Tom stated, the five men had been engaged by an + Englishman who had large property in South Australia, to work upon his + estates near Melbourne. Here they had realized a considerable profit, and + upon the completion of their engagement they determined to return with + their savings to America. Accordingly, on the 5th of January, after paying + their passage in the ordinary way, they embarked at Melbourne on board the + "Waldeck." Everything went on well for seventeen days, until, on the + night of the 22nd, which was very dark, they were run into by a great + steamer. They were all asleep in their berths, but, roused by the shock of + the collision, which was extremely severe, they hurriedly made their way + on to the deck. The scene was terrible; both masts were gone, and the + brig, although the water had not absolutely flooded her hold so as to make + her sink, had completely heeled over on her side. Captain and crew had + entirely disappeared, some probably having been dashed into the sea, + others perhaps having saved themselves by clinging to the rigging of the + ship which had fouled them, and which could be distinguished through the + darkness rapidly receding in the distance. For a while they were + paralyzed, but they soon awoke to the conviction that they were left alone + upon a half-capsized and disabled hull, twelve hundred miles from the + nearest land. Mrs. Weldon was loud in her expression of indignation that + any captain should have the barbarity to abandon an unfortunate vessel + with which his own carelessness had brought him into collision. It would + be bad enough, she said for a driver on a public road, when it might be + presumed that help would be forthcoming, to pass on unconcerned after + causing an accident to another vehicle; but how much more shameful to + desert the injured on the open sea, where the victims of his incompetence + could have no chance of obtaining succour! Captain Hull could only repeat + what he had said before, that incredibly atrocious as it might seem, such + inhumanity was far from rare. + </p> + <p> + On resuming his story, Tom said that he and his companions soon found that + they had no means left for getting away from the capsized brig; both the + boats had been crushed in the collision, so that they had no alternative + except to await the appearance of a passing vessel, whilst the wreck was + drifting hopelessly along under the action of the currents. This accounted + for the fact of their being found so far south of their proper course. + </p> + <p> + For the next ten days the negroes had subsisted upon a few scraps of food + that they found in the stern cabin; but as the store room was entirely + under water, they were quite unable to obtain a drop of anything to drink, + and the freshwater tanks that had been lashed to the deck had been stove + in at the time of the catastrophe. Tortured with thirst, the poor men had + suffered agonies, and having on the previous night entirely lost + consciousness, they must soon have died if the "Pilgrim's" timely + arrival had not effected their rescue. + </p> + <p> + All the outlines of Tom's narrative were fully confirmed by the other + negroes; Captain Hull could see no reason to doubt it; indeed, the facts + seemed to speak for themselves. + </p> + <p> + One other survivor of the wreck, if he had been gifted with the power of + speech, would doubtless have corroborated the testimony. This was the dog + who seemed to have such an unaccountable dislike to Negoro. + </p> + <p> + Dingo, as the dog was named, belonged to the fine breed of mastiffs + peculiar to New Holland. It was not, however, from Australia, but from the + coast of West Africa, near the mouth of the Congo, that the animal had + come. He had been picked up there, two years previously, by the captain of + the "Waldeck," who had found him wandering about and more than half + starved. The initials S. V. engraved upon his collar were the only tokens + that the dog had a past history of his own. After he had been taken on + board the "Waldeck," he remained quite unsociable, apparently ever + pining for some lost master, whom he had failed to find in the desert land + where he had been met with. + </p> + <p> + Larger than the dogs of the Pyrenees, Dingo was a magnificent example of + his kind. Standing on his hind legs, with his head thrown back, he was as + tall as a man. His agility and strength would have made him a sure match + for a panther, and he would not have flinched at facing a bear. His fine + shaggy coat was a dark tawny colour, shading off somewhat lighter round + the muzzle, and his long bushy tail was as strong as a lion's. If he + were made angry, no doubt he might become a most formidable foe, so that + it was no wonder that Negoro did not feel altogether gratified at his + reception. + </p> + <p> + But Dingo, though unsociable, was not savage. Old Tom said that, on board + the "Waldeck," he had noticed that the animal seemed to have a + particular dislike to negroes; not that he actually attempted to do them + any harm, only he uniformly avoided them, giving an impression that he + must have been systematically ill-treated by the natives of that part of + Africa in which he had been found. During the ten days that had elapsed + since the collision, Dingo had kept resolutely aloof from Tom and his + companions; they could not tell what he had been feeding on; they only + knew that, like themselves, he had suffered an excruciating thirst. + </p> + <p> + Such had been the experience of the survivors of the "Waldeck." Their + situation had been most critical. Even if they survived the pangs of want + of food, the slightest gale or the most inconsiderable swell might at any + moment have sunk the water-logged ship, and had it not been that calms and + contrary winds had contributed to the opportune arrival of the + "Pilgrim," an inevitable fate was before them; their corpses must lie + at the bottom of the sea. + </p> + <p> + Captain Hull's act of humanity, however, would not be complete unless he + succeeded in restoring the shipwrecked men to their homes. This he + promised to do. After completing the unlading at Valparaiso, the + "Pilgrim" would make direct for California, where, as Mrs. Weldon + assured them, they would be most hospitably received by her husband, and + provided with the necessary means for returning to Pennsylvania. + </p> + <p> + The five men, who, as the consequence of the shipwreck, had lost all the + savings of their last three years of toil, were profoundly grateful to + their kind-hearted benefactors; nor, poor negroes as they were, did they + utterly resign the hope that at some future time they might have it in + their power to repay the debt which they owed their deliverers. + </p> + <p> + [Illustration: The good natured negroes were ever ready to lend a helping + hand.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="V" id="V"></a> + </p> + <h4> + CHAPTER V. + </h4> + <h4> + DINGO'S SAGACITY. + </h4> + <p> + Meantime the "Pilgrim" pursued her course, keeping as much as possible + to the east, and before evening closed in the hull of the "Waldeck" + was out of sight. + </p> + <p> + Captain Hull still continued to feel uneasy about the constant prevalence + of calms; not that for himself he cared much about the delay of a week or + two in a voyage from New Zealand to Valparaiso, but he was disappointed at + the prolonged inconvenience it caused to his lady passenger. Mrs. Weldon, + however, submitted to the detention very philosophically, and did not + utter a word of complaint. + </p> + <p> + The captain's next care was to improvise sleeping accommodation for Tom + and his four associates. No room for them could possibly be found in the + crew's quarters, so that their berths had to be arranged under the + forecastle; and as long as the weather continued fine, there was no reason + why the negroes, accustomed as they were to a somewhat rough life, should + not find themselves sufficiently comfortable. + </p> + <p> + After this incident of the discovery of the wreck, life on board the + "Pilgrim" relapsed into its ordinary routine. With the wind invariably + in the same direction, the sails required very little shifting; but + whenever it happened, as occasionally it would, that there was any tacking + to be done, the good-natured negroes were ever ready to lend a helping + hand; and the rigging would creak again under the weight of Hercules, a + great strapping fellow, six feet high, who seemed almost to require ropes + of extra strength made for his special use. + </p> + <p> + Hercules became at once a great favourite with little Jack; and when the + giant lifted him like a doll in his stalwart arms, the child fairly + shrieked with delight. + </p> + <p> + "Higher! higher! very high!" Jack would say sometimes. + </p> + <p> + "There you are, then, Master Jack," Hercules would reply as he raised + him aloft. + </p> + <p> + "Am I heavy?" asked the child, + </p> + <p> + "As heavy as a feather." + </p> + <p> + "Then lift me higher still," cried Jack; "as high as ever you can + reach." + </p> + <p> + And Hercules, with the child's two feet supported on his huge palm, + would walk about the deck with him like an acrobat, Jack all the time + endeavouring, with vain efforts, to make him "feel his weight." + </p> + <p> + Besides Dick Sands and Hercules, Jack admitted a third friend to his + companionship. This was Dingo. The dog, unsociable as he had been on board + the "Waldeck," seemed to have found society more congenial to his + tastes, and being one of those animals that are fond of children, he + allowed Jack to do with him almost anything he pleased. The child, + however, never thought of hurting the dog in any way, and it was doubtful + which of the two had the greater enjoyment of their mutual sport. Jack + found a live dog infinitely more entertaining than his old toy upon its + four wheels, and his great delight was to mount upon Dingo's back, when + the animal would gallop off with him like a race-horse with his jockey. It + must be owned that one result of this intimacy was a serious diminution of + the supply of sugar in the store-room. Dingo was the delight of all the + crew excepting Negoro, who cautiously avoided coming in contact with an + animal who showed such unmistakable symptoms of hostility. + </p> + <p> + The new companions that Jack had thus found did not in the least make him + forget his old friend Dick Sands, who devoted all his leisure time to him + as assiduously as ever. Mrs. Weldon regarded their intimacy with the + </p> + <p> + [Illustration: "There you are, then, Master Jack!"] + </p> + <p> + greatest satisfaction, and one day made a remark to that effect in the + presence of Captain Hull. + </p> + <p> + "You are right, madam," said the captain cordially; "Dick is a + capital fellow, and will be sure to be a first-rate sailor. He has an + instinct which is little short of a genius; it supplies all deficiencies + of theory. Considering how short an experience and how little instruction + he has had, it is quite wonderful how much he knows about a ship." + </p> + <p> + "Certainly for his age," assented Mrs. Weldon, "he is singularly + advanced. I can safely say that I have never had a fault to find with him. + I believe that it is my husband's intention, after this voyage, to let + him have systematic training in navigation, so that he may be able + ultimately to become a captain." + </p> + <p> + "I have no misgivings, madam," replied the captain; "there is every + reason to expect that he will be an honour to the service" + </p> + <p> + "Poor orphan!" said the lady; "he has been trained in a hard + school." + </p> + <p> + "Its lessons have not been lost upon him," rejoined Captain Hull; + "they have taught him the prime lesson that he has his own way to make + in the world." + </p> + <p> + The eyes of the two speakers turned as it were unwittingly in the + direction where Dick Sands happened to be standing. He was at the helm. + </p> + <p> + "Look at him now!" said the captain; "see how steadily he keeps his + eye upon the fore; nothing distracts him from his duty; he is as much to + be depended on as the most experienced helmsman. It was a capital thing + for him that he began his training as a cabin-boy. Nothing like it. Begin + at the beginning. It is the best of training for the merchant service." + </p> + <p> + "But surely," interposed Mrs. Weldon, "you would not deny that in + the navy there have been many good officers who have never had the + training of which you are speaking?" + </p> + <p> + "True, madam; but yet even some of the best of them have begun at the + lowest step of the ladder. For instance, Lord Nelson." + </p> + <p> + Just at this instant Cousin Benedict emerged from the stern-cabin, and + completely absorbed, according to his wont, in his own pursuit, began to + wander up and down the deck, peering into the interstices of the network, + rummaging under the seats, and drawing his long fingers along the cracks + in the floor where the tar had crumbled away. + </p> + <p> + "Well, Benedict, how are you getting on?" asked Mrs Weldon. + </p> + <p> + "I? Oh, well enough, thank you," he replied dreamily; "but I wish we + were on shore." + </p> + <p> + "What were you looking for under that bench?" said Captain Hull. + </p> + <p> + "Insects, of course," answered Benedict; "I am always looking for + insects." + </p> + <p> + "But don't you know, Benedict," said Mrs. Weldon, "that Captain + Hull is far too particular to allow any vermin on the deck of his + vessel?" + </p> + <p> + Captain Hull smiled and said,- + </p> + <p> + "Mrs Weldon is very complimentary; but I am really inclined to hope that + your investigations in the cabins of the 'Pilgrim' will not be + attended with much success." + </p> + <p> + Cousin Benedict shrugged his shoulders in a manner that indicated that he + was aware that the cabins could furnish nothing attractive in the way of + insects. + </p> + <p> + "However," continued the captain, "I dare say down in the hold you + could find some cockroaches; but cockroaches, I presume, would be of + little or no interest to you." + </p> + <p> + "No interest?" cried Benedict, at once warmed into enthusiasm; "why, + are they not the very orthoptera that roused the imprecations of Virgil + and Horace? Are they not closely allied to the <i>Periplaneta orientalis</i> + and the American Kakerlac, which inhabit-" + </p> + <p> + "I should rather say infest," interrupted the captain. + </p> + <p> + "Easy enough to see, sir," replied Benedict, stopping short with + amazement, "that you are not an entomologist!" + </p> + <p> + "I fear I must plead guilty to your accusation," said the captain + good-humouredly. + </p> + <p> + "You must not expect every one to be such an enthusiast in your + favourite study as yourself." Mrs. Weldon interposed; "but are you not + satisfied with the result of your explorations in New Zealand?" + </p> + <p> + "Yes, yes," answered Benedict, with a sort of hesitating reluctance; + "I must not say I was dissatisfied; I was really very delighted to + secure that new staphylin which hitherto had never been seen elsewhere + than in New California; but still, you know, an entomologist is always + craving for fresh additions to his collection." + </p> + <p> + While he was speaking, Dingo, leaving little Jack, who was romping with + him, came and jumped on Benedict, and began to fawn on him. + </p> + <p> + "Get away, you brute!" he exclaimed, thrusting the dog aside. + </p> + <p> + "Poor Dingo! good dog!" cried Jack, running up and taking the + animal's huge head between his tiny hands. + </p> + <p> + "Your interest in cockroaches, Mr. Benedict," observed the captain, + "does not seem to extend to dogs." + </p> + <p> + "It isn't that I dislike dogs at all," answered Benedict; "but + this creature has disappointed me." + </p> + <p> + "How do you mean? You could hardly want to catalogue him with the + diptera or hymenoptera?" asked Mrs Weldon laughingly. + </p> + <p> + "Oh, not at all," replied Benedict, with the most unmoved gravity. + "But I understood that he had been found on the West Coast of Africa, + and I hoped that perhaps he might have brought over some African hemiptera + in his coat; but I have searched his coat well, over and over again, + without finding a single specimen. The dog has disappointed me," he + repeated mournfully. + </p> + <p> + "I can only hope," said the captain, "that if you had found + anything, you were going to kill it instantly." + </p> + <p> + Benedict looked with mute astonishment into the captain's face. In a + moment or two afterwards, he said,- + </p> + <p> + "I suppose, sir, you acknowledge that Sir John Franklin was an eminent + member of your profession?" + </p> + <p> + "Certainly; why?" + </p> + <p> + "Because Sir John would never take away the life of the most + insignificant insect; it is related of him that when he had once been + incessantly tormented all day by a mosquito, at last he found it on the + back of his hand and blew it off, saying, 'Fly away, little creature, + the world is large enough for both you and me!' " + </p> + <p> + "That little anecdote of yours, Mr. Benedict," said the captain, + smiling, "is a good deal older than Sir John Franklin. It is told, in + nearly the same words, about Uncle Toby, in Sterne's 'Tristram + Shandy'; only there it was not a mosquito, it was a common fly." + </p> + <p> + "And was Uncle Toby an entomologist?" asked Benedict; "did he ever + really live?" + </p> + <p> + "No," said the captain, "he was only a character in a novel." + </p> + <p> + Cousin Benedict gave a look of utter contempt, and Captain Hull and Mrs + Weldon could not resist laughing. + </p> + <p> + Such is only one instance of the way in which Cousin Benedict invariably + brought it about that all conversation with him ultimately turned upon his + favourite pursuit, and all along, throughout the monotonous hours of + smooth sailing, while the "Pilgrim" was making her little headway to + the east, he showed his own devotion to his pet science, by seeking to + enlist new disciples. First of all, he tried his powers of persuasion upon + Dick Sands, but soon finding that the young apprentice had no taste for + entomological mysteries, he gave him up and turned his attention to the + negroes. Nor was he much more successful with them; one after another, + Tom, Bat, Actæon, and Austin had all withdrawn themselves from his + instructions, and the class at last was reduced to the single person of + Hercules; but in him the enthusiastic naturalist thought he had discovered + a latent talent which could distinguish between a parasite and a + thysanura. + </p> + <p> + Hercules accordingly submitted to pass a considerable portion of his + leisure in the observation of every variety of coleoptera; he was + encouraged to study the extensive collection of stag-beetles, + tiger-beetles and lady-birds; and although at times the enthusiast + trembled to see some of his most delicate and fragile specimens in the + huge grasp of his pupil, he soon learned that the man's gentle docility + was a sufficient guarantee against his clumsiness. + </p> + <p> + While the science of entomology was thus occupying its two votaries, Mrs. + Weldon was giving her own best attention to the education of Master Jack. + Reading and writing she undertook to teach herself, while she entrusted + the instruction in arithmetic to the care of Dick Sands. Under the + conviction that a child of five years will make a much more rapid progress + if something like amusement be combined with his lessons, Mrs. Weldon + would not teach her boy to spell by the use of an ordinary school primer, + but used a set of cubes, on the sides of which the various letters were + painted in red. After first making a word and showing it to Jack, she set + him to put it together without her help, and it was astonishing how + quickly the child advanced, and how many hours he would spend in this way, + both in the cabin and on deck. There were more than fifty cubes, which, + besides the alphabet, included all the digits; so that they were of + service for Dick Sands' lessons as well as for her own. She was more + than satisfied with her device. + </p> + <p> + On the morning of the 9th an incident occurred which could not fail to be + observed as somewhat remarkable. Jack was half lying, half sitting on the + deck, amusing himself with his letters, and had just finished putting + together a word with which he intended to puzzle old Tom, who, with his + hand sheltering his eyes, was pretending not to see the difficulty which + was being labouriously prepared to bewilder him; all at once, Dingo, who + had been gambolling round the child, made a sudden pause, lifted his right + paw, and wagged his tail convulsively. Then darting down upon a capital S, + he seized it in his mouth, and carried it some paces away. + </p> + <p> + "Oh, Dingo, Dingo! you mustn't eat my letters!" shouted the child. + </p> + <p> + But the dog had already dropped the block of wood, and coming back again, + picked up another, which he laid quietly by the side of the first. This + time it was a capital V. Jack uttered an exclamation of astonishment which + brought to his side not only his mother, but the captain and Dick, who + were both on deck. In answer to their inquiry as to what had occurred, + Jack cried out in the greatest excitement that Dingo knew how to read. At + any rate he was sure that he knew his letters. + </p> + <p> + Dick Sands smiled and stooped to take back the letters. Dingo snarled and + showed his teeth, but the apprentice was not frightened; he carried his + point, and replaced the two blocks among the rest. Dingo in an instant + pounced upon them again, and having drawn them to his side, laid a paw + upon each of them, as if to signify his intention of retaining them in his + possession. Of the other letters of the alphabet he took no notice at all. + </p> + <p> + "It is very strange," said Mrs. Weldon; "he has picked out S V + again." + </p> + <p> + "S V!" repeated the captain thoughtfully; "are not those the letters + that form the initials on his collar?" + </p> + <p> + And turning to the old negro, he continued,- + </p> + <p> + "Tom didn't you say that this dog did not always belong to the captain + of the 'Waldeck'?" + </p> + <p> + "To the best of my belief," replied Tom, "the captain had only had + him about two years. I often heard him tell how he found him at the mouth + of the Congo." + </p> + <p> + "Do you suppose that he never knew where the animal came from, or to + whom he had previously belonged?" asked Captain Hull. + </p> + <p> + "Never," answered Tom, shaking his head; "a lost dog is worse to + identify than a lost child; you see, he can't make himself understood + any way." + </p> + <p> + The captain made no answer, but stood musing; Mrs. Weldon interrupted him. + </p> + <p> + "These letters, captain, seem to be recalling something to your + recollection. + </p> + <p> + "I can hardly go so far as to say that, Mrs. Weldon," he replied; + "but I cannot help associating them with the fate of a brave + explorer." + </p> + <p> + "Whom do you mean? said the lady. + </p> + <p> + "In 1871, just two years ago," the captain continued, "a French + traveller, under the auspices of the Geographical + </p> + <p> + [Illustration: Jack cried out in the greatest excitement that Dingo knew + how to read] + </p> + <p> + Society of Paris, set out for the purpose of crossing Africa from west to + east. His starting-point was the mouth of the Congo, and his exit was + designed to be as near as possible to Cape Deldago, at the mouth of the + River Rovouma, of which he was to ascertain the true course. The name of + this man was Samuel Vernon, and I confess it strikes me as somewhat a + strange coincidence that the letters engraved on Dingo's collar should + be Vernon's initials." + </p> + <p> + "Is nothing known about this traveller?" asked Mrs. Weldon. + </p> + <p> + "Nothing was ever heard of him after his first departure. It appears + quite certain that he failed to reach the east coast, and it can only be + conjectured either that he died upon his way, or that he was made prisoner + by the natives; and if so, and this dog ever belonged to him, the animal + might have made his way back to the sea-coast, where, just about the time + that would be likely, the captain of the 'Waldeck' picked him up." + </p> + <p> + "But you have no reason to suppose, Captain Hull, that Vernon ever owned + a dog of this description?" + </p> + <p> + "I own I never heard of it," said the captain; "but still the + impression fixes itself on my mind that the dog must have been his; how he + came to know one letter from another, it is not for me to pretend to say. + Look at him now, madam! he seems not only to be reading the letters for + himself, but to be inviting us to come and read them with him." + </p> + <p> + Whilst Mrs. Weldon was watching the dog with much amusement, Dick Sands, + who had listened to the previous conversation, took the opportunity of + asking the captain whether the traveller Vernon had started on his + expedition quite alone. + </p> + <p> + "That is really more than I can tell you, my boy," answered Captain + Hull; "but I should almost take it for granted that he would have a + considerable retinue of natives." + </p> + <p> + The captain spoke without being aware that Negoro had meanwhile quietly + stolen on deck. At first his presence was quite unnoticed, and no one + observed the peculiar glance with which he looked at the two letters over + which Dingo still persisted in keeping guard. The dog, however, no sooner + caught sight of the cook than he began to bristle with rage, whereupon + Negoro, with a threatening gesture which seemed half involuntary, withdrew + immediately to his accustomed quarters. + </p> + <p> + The incident did not escape the captain's observation. + </p> + <p> + "No doubt," he said, "there is some mystery here;" and he was + pondering the matter over in his mind when Dick Sands spoke. + </p> + <p> + "Don't you think it very singular, sir, that this dog should have such + a knowledge of the alphabet?" + </p> + <p> + Jack here put in his word. + </p> + <p> + "My mamma has told me about a dog whose name was Munito, who could read + as well as a schoolmaster, and could play dominoes." + </p> + <p> + Mrs. Weldon smiled. + </p> + <p> + "I am afraid, my child, that that dog was not quite so learned as you + imagine. I don't suppose he knew one letter from another; but his + master, who was a clever American, having found out that the animal had a + very keen sense of hearing, taught him some curious tricks." + </p> + <p> + "What sort of tricks?" asked Dick, who was almost as much interested + as little Jack. + </p> + <p> + "When he had to perform in public," continued Mrs. Weldon, "a lot of + letters like yours, Jack, were spread out upon a table, and Munito would + put together any word that the company should propose, either aloud or in + a whisper, to his master. The creature would walk about until he stopped + at the very letter which was wanted. The secret of it all was that the + dog's owner gave him a signal when he was to stop by rattling a little + tooth-pick in his pocket, making a slight noise that only the dog's ears + were acute enough to perceive." + </p> + <p> + Dick was highly amused, and said,- + </p> + <p> + "But that was a dog who could do nothing wonderful without his + master." + </p> + <p> + "Just so," answered Mrs. Weldon; "and it surprises me + </p> + <p> + [Illustration: Negoro, with a threatening gesture that seemed half + involuntary, withdrew immediately to his accustomed quarters.] + </p> + <p> + very much to see Dingo picking out these letters without a master to + direct him." + </p> + <p> + "The more one thinks of it, the more strange it is," said Captain + Hull; "but, after all, Dingo's sagacity is not greater than that of + the dog which rang the convent bell in order to get at the dish that was + reserved for passing beggars; nor than that of the dog who had to turn a + spit every other day, and never could be induced to work when it was not + his proper day. Dingo evidently has no acquaintance with any other letters + except the two S V; and some circumstance which we can never guess has + made him familiar with them." + </p> + <p> + "What a pity he cannot talk!" exclaimed the apprentice; "we should + know why it is that he always shows his teeth at Negoro." + </p> + <p> + "And tremendous teeth they are!" observed the captain, as Dingo at + that moment opened his mouth, and made a display of his formidable fangs. + </p> + <p> + <a name="VI" id="VI"></a> + </p> + <h4> + CHAPTER VI. + </h4> + <h4> + A WHALE IN SIGHT. + </h4> + <p> + It was only what might be expected that the dog's singular exhibition of + sagacity should repeatedly form a subject of conversation between Mrs. + Weldon, the captain, and Dick. The young apprentice in particular began to + entertain a lurking feeling of distrust towards Negoro, although it must + be owned that the man's conduct in general afforded no tangible grounds + for suspicion. + </p> + <p> + Nor as it only among the stern passengers that Dingo's remarkable feat + was discussed; amongst the crew in the bow the dog not only soon gained + the reputation of being able to read, but was almost credited with being + able to write too, as well as any sailor among them; indeed the chief + wonder was that he did not speak. + </p> + <p> + "Perhaps he can," suggested Bolton, the helmsman, "and likely enough + some fine day we shall have him coming to ask about our bearings, and to + inquire which way the wind lies." + </p> + <p> + "Ah! why not?" assented another sailor; "parrots talk, and magpies + talk; why shouldn't a dog? For my part, I should guess it must be easier + to speak with a mouth than with a beak." + </p> + <p> + "Of course it is," said Howick, the boatswain; "only a quadruped has + never yet been known to do it." + </p> + <p> + Perhaps, however, the worthy fellow would have been amazed to hear that a + certain Danish <i>savant</i> once possesed a dog that could actually + pronounce quite distinctly nearly twenty different words, demonstrating + that the construction + </p> + <p> + [Illustration: "This Dingo is nothing out of the way."] + </p> + <p> + of the glottis, the aperture at the top of the windpipe, was adapted for + the emission of regular sounds: of course the animal attached no meaning + to the words it uttered any more than a parrot or a jay can comprehend + their own chatterings. + </p> + <p> + Thus, unconsciously, Dingo had become the hero of the hour. On several + separate occasions Captain Hull repeated the experiment of spreading out + the blocks before him, but invariably with the same result; the dog never + failed, without the slightest hesitation, to pick out the two letters, + leaving all the rest of the alphabet quite unnoticed. + </p> + <p> + Cousin Benedict alone, somewhat ostentatiously, professed to take no + interest in the circumstance. + </p> + <p> + "You cannot suppose," he said to Captain Hull, after various + repetitions of the trick, "that dogs are to be reckoned the only animals + endowed with intelligence Rats, you know, will always leave a sinking + ship, and beavers invariably raise their dams before the approach of a + flood. Did not the horses of Nicomedes, Scanderberg and Oppian die of + grief for the loss of their masters? Have there not been instances of + donkeys with wonderful memories? Birds, too, have been trained to do the + most remarkable things; they have been taught to write word after word at + their master's dictation; there are cockatoos who can count the people + in a room as accurately as a mathematician; and haven't you heard of the + old Cardinal's parrot that he would not part with for a hundred gold + crowns because it could repeat the Apostles' creed from beginning to end + without a blunder? And insects," he continued, warming into enthusiasm, + "how marvellously they vindicate the axiom- + </p> + <p style="TEXT-ALIGN: center"> + 'In minimis maximus Deus!' + </p> + <p> + Are not the structures of ants the very models for the architects of a + city? Has the diving-bell of the aquatic argyroneta ever been surpassed by + the invention of the most skilful student of mechanical art? And cannot + fleas go through a drill and fire a gun as well as the most accomplished + artilleryman? This Dingo is nothing out of the way. I suppose he belongs + to some unclassed species of mastiff. Perhaps one day or other he may come + to be identified as the 'canis alphabeticus' of New Zealand." + </p> + <p> + The worthy entomologist delivered this and various similar harangues; but + Dingo, nevertheless, retained his high place in the general estimation, + and by the occupants of the forecastle was regarded as little short of a + phenomenon. The feeling, otherwise universal, was not in any degree shared + by Negoro, and it is not improbable that the man would have been tempted + to some foul play with the dog if the open sympathies of the crew had not + kept him in check. More than ever he studiously avoided coming in contact + in any way with the animal, and Dick Sands in his own mind was quite + convinced that since the incident of the letters, the cook's hatred of + the dog had become still more intense. + </p> + <p> + After continual alternations with long and wearisome calms the north-east + wind perceptibly moderated, and on the both, Captain Hull really began to + hope that such a change would ensue as to allow the schooner to run + straight before the wind. Nineteen days had elapsed since the + "Pilgrim" had left Auckland, a period not so long but that with a + favourable breeze it might be made up at last. Some days however were yet + to elapse before the wind veered round to the anticipated quarter. + </p> + <p> + It has been already stated that this portion of the Pacific is almost + always deserted. It is out of the line of the American and Australian + steam-packets, and except a whaler had been brought into it by some such + exceptional circumstances as the "Pilgrim," it was quite unusual to + see one in this latitude. + </p> + <p> + But, however void of traffic was the surface of the sea, to none but an + unintelligent mind could it appear monotonous or barren of interest. The + poetry of the ocean breathes forth in its minute and almost imperceptible + changes. A marine plant, a tuft of seaweed lightly furrowing the water, a + drifting spar with its unknown history, may afford unlimited scope-for + the imagination; every little drop passing, in its process of evaporation, + backwards and + </p> + <p> + [Illustration: Occasionally Dick Sands would take a pistol, and now and + then a rifle.] + </p> + <p> + forwards from sea to sky, might perchance reveal its own special secret; + and happy are those minds which are capable of a due appreciation of the + mysteries of air and ocean. + </p> + <p> + Above the surface as well as below, the restless flood is ever teaming + with animal life; and the passengers on board the "Pilgrim" derived no + little amusement from watching great flocks of birds migrating northwards + to escape the rigour of the polar winter, and ever and again descending in + rapid flight to secure some tiny fish. Occasionally Dick Sands would take + a pistol, and now and then a rifle, and, thanks to Mr. Weldon's former + instructions, would bring down various specimens of the feathered tribe. + </p> + <p> + Sometimes white petrels would congregate in considerable numbers near the + schooner; and sometimes petrels of another species, with brown borders on + their wings, would come in sight; now there would be flocks of damiers + skimming the water; and now groups of penguins, whose clumsy gait appears + so ludicrous on shore; but, as Captain Hull pointed out, when their stumpy + wings were employed as fins, they were a match for the most rapid of fish, + so that sailors have often mistaken them for bonitos. + </p> + <p> + High over head, huge albatrosses, their outspread wings measuring ten feet + from tip to tip, would soar aloft, thence to swoop down towards the deep, + into which they plunged their beaks in search of food. Such incidents and + scenes as these were infinite in their variety, and it was accordingly + only for minds that were obtuse to the charms of nature that the voyage + could be monotonous. + </p> + <p> + On the day the wind shifted, Mrs. Weldon was walking up and down on the + "Pilgrim's" stern, when her attention was attracted by what seemed + to her a strange phenomenon. All of a sudden, far as the eye could reach, + the sea had assumed a reddish hue, as if it were tinged with blood. + </p> + <p> + Both Dick and Jack were standing close behind her, and she cried,- + </p> + <p> + "Look, Dick, look! the sea is all red. Is it a sea-weed that is making + the water so strange a colour? + </p> + <p> + "No," answered Dick, "it is not a weed; it is what the sailors call + whales' food; it is formed, I believe, of innumerable myriads of minute + crustacea." + </p> + <p> + "Crustacea they may be," replied Mrs. Weldon, "but they must be so + small that they are mere insects. Cousin Benedict no doubt will like to + see them." + </p> + <p> + She called aloud,- + </p> + <p> + "Benedict! Benedict! come here! we have a sight here to interest you." + </p> + <p> + The amateur naturalist slowly emerged from his cabin followed by Captain + Hull. + </p> + <p> + "Ah! yes, I see!" said the captain; "whales' food; just the + opportunity for you, Mr. Benedict; a chance not to be thrown away for + studying one of the most curious of the crustacea." + </p> + <p> + "Nonsense!" ejaculated Benedict contemptuously; "utter nonsense!" + </p> + <p> + "Why? what do you mean, Mr. Benedict?" retorted the captain; "surely + you, as an entomologist, must know that I am right in my conviction that + these crustacea belong to one of the six classes of the articulata." + </p> + <p> + The disdain of Cousin Benedict was expressed by a repeated sneer. + </p> + <p> + "Are you not aware, sir, that my researches as an entomologist are + confined entirely to the hexapoda?" + </p> + <p> + Captain Hull, unable to repress a smile, only answered good-humouredly,- + </p> + <p> + "I see, sir, your tastes do not lie in the same direction as those of + the whale." + </p> + <p> + And turning to Mrs. Weldon, he continued,- + </p> + <p> + "To whalemen, madam, this is a sight that speaks for itself. It is a + token that we ought to lose no time in getting out our lines and looking + to the state of our harpoons. There is game not far away." + </p> + <p> + Jack gave vent to his astonishment. + </p> + <p> + "Do you mean that great creatures like whales feed on such tiny things + as these?" + </p> + <p> + "Yes, my boy," said the captain; "and I daresay they are as nice to + them as semolina and ground rice are to you. + </p> + <p> + When a whale gets into the middle of them he has nothing to do but to open + his jaws, and, in a minute, hundreds of thousands of these minute + creatures are inside the fringe or whalebone around his palate, and he is + sure of a good mouthful." + </p> + <p> + "So you see, Jack," said Dick, "the whale gets his shrimps without + the trouble of shelling them." + </p> + <p> + "And when he has just closed his snappers is the very time to give him a + good taste of the harpoon," added Captain Hull. + </p> + <p> + The words had hardly escaped the captain's lips when a shout from one of + the sailors announced,- + </p> + <p> + "A whale to larboard!" + </p> + <p> + "There's the whale!" repeated the captain. All his professional + instincts were aroused in an instant, and he hurried to the bow, followed + in eager curiosity by all the stern passengers. + </p> + <p> + Even Cousin Benedict loitered up in the rear, constrained, in spite of + himself, to take a share in the general interest. + </p> + <p> + There was no doubt about the matter. Four miles or so to windward an + unusual commotion in the water betokened to experienced eyes the presence + of a whale; but the distance was too great to permit a reasonable + conjecture to be formed as to which species of those mammifers the + creature belonged. + </p> + <p> + Three distinct species are familiarly known. First there is the Right + whale, which is ordinarily sought for in the northern fisheries. The + average length of this cetacean is sixty feet, though it has been known to + attain the length of eighty feet. It has no dorsal fin, and beneath its + skin is a thick layer of blubber. One of these monsters alone will yield + as much as a hundred barrels of oil. + </p> + <p> + Then there is the Hump-back, a typical representative of the species + "balænoptera," a definition which may at first sight appear to + possess an interest for an entomologist, but which really refers to two + white dorsal fins, each half as wide as the body, resembling a pair of + wings, and in their formation similar to those of the flying-fish. It must + be owned, however, that a flying whale would decidedly be a <i>rara avis</i>. + </p> + <p> + Lastly, there is the Jubarte, commonly known as the Finback. It is + provided with a dorsal fin, and in length not unfrequently is a match for + the gigantic Right whale. + </p> + <p> + While it was impossible to decide to which of the three species the whale + in the distance really belonged, the general impression inclined to the + belief that it was a jubarte. + </p> + <p> + With longing eyes Captain Hull and his crew gazed at the object of general + attraction. Just as irresistibly as it is said a clockmaker is drawn on to + examine the mechanism of every clock which chance may throw in his way, so + is a whaleman ever anxious to plunge his harpoon into any whale that he + can get within his reach. The larger the game the more keen the + excitement; and no elephant-hunter's eagerness ever surpasses the zest + of the whale-fisher when once started in pursuit of the prey. + </p> + <p> + To the crew the sight of the whale was the opening of an unexpected + opportunity, and no wonder they were fired with the burning hope that even + now they might do something to supply the deficiency of their meagre haul + throughout the season. + </p> + <p> + Far away as the creature still was, the captain's practised eye soon + enabled him to detect various indications that satisfied him as to its + true species. Amongst other things that arrested his attention, he + observed a column of water and vapour ejected from the nostrils. "It + isn't a right whale," he said; "if so, its spout would be smaller + and it would rise higher in the air. And I do not think it is a hump-back. + I cannot hear the hump-back's roar. Dick, tell me, what do you think + about it?" + </p> + <p> + With a critical eye Dick Sands looked long and steadily at the spout. + </p> + <p> + "It blows out water, sir," said the apprentice, "water, as well as + vapour. I should think it is a finback. But it must be a rare large + one." + </p> + <p> + "Seventy feet, at least!" rejoined the captain, flushing with his + enthusiasm. + </p> + <p> + "What a big fellow!" said Jack, catching the excitement of his elders. + </p> + <p> + [Illustration: "What a big fellow!"] + </p> + <p> + "Ah, Jack, my boy," chuckled the captain, "the whale little thinks + who are watching him enjoy his breakfast!" + </p> + <p> + "Yes," said the boatswain; "a dozen such gentlemen as that would + freight a craft twice the size of ours; but this one, if only we can get + him, will go a good way towards filling our empty barrels." + </p> + <p> + "Rather rough work, you know," said Dick, "to attack a finback!" + </p> + <p> + "You are right, Dick," answered the captain; "the boat has yet to be + built which is strong enough to resist the flap of a jubarte's tail." + </p> + <p> + "But the profit is worth the risk, captain, isn't it?" + </p> + <p> + "You are right again, Dick," replied Captain Hull, and as he spoke, he + clambered on to the bowsprit in order that he might get a better view of + the whale. + </p> + <p> + The crew were as eager as their captain. Mounted on the fore-shrouds, they + scanned the movements of their coveted prey in the distance, freely + descanting upon the profit to be made out of a good finback and declaring + that it would be a thousand pities if this chance of filling the casks + below should be permitted to be lost. + </p> + <p> + Captain Hull was perplexed. He bit his nails and knitted his brow. + </p> + <p> + "Mamma!" cried little Jack, "I should so much like to see a whale + close,-quite close, you know." + </p> + <p> + "And so you shall, my boy," replied the captain, who was standing by, + and had come to the resolve that if his men would back him, he would make + an attempt to capture the prize. + </p> + <p> + He turned to his crew,- + </p> + <p> + "My men! what do you think? shall we make the venture? Remember, we are + all alone; we have no whalemen to help us; we must rely upon ourselves; I + have thrown a harpoon before now; I can throw a harpoon again; what do you + say?" + </p> + <p> + The crew responded with a ringing cheer,- + </p> + <p> + "Ay, ay, sir! Ay, ay!" + </p> + <p> + <a name="VII" id="VII"></a> + </p> + <h4> + CHAPTER VII. + </h4> + <h4> + PREPARATIONS FOR AN ATTACK. + </h4> + <p> + Great was the excitement that now prevailed, and the question of an + attempt to capture the sea-monster became the ruling theme of + conversation. Mrs. Weldon expressed considerable doubt as to the prudence + of venturing upon so great a risk with such a limited number of hands, but + when Captain Hull assured her that he had more than once successfully + attacked a whale with a single boat, and that for his part he had no fear + of failure, she made no further remonstrance, and appeared quite + satisfied. + </p> + <p> + Having formed his resolve, the captain lost no time in setting about his + preliminary arrangements. He could not really conceal from his own mind + that the pursuit of a finback was always a matter of some peril, and he + was anxious, accordingly, to make every possible provision which + forethought could devise against all emergencies. + </p> + <p> + Besides her long-boat, which was kept between the two masts, the + "Pilgrim" had three whale-boats, two of them slung to the starboard + and larboard davits, and the third at the stern, outside the taffrail. + During the fishing season, when the crew was reinforced by a hired + complement of New Zealand whalemen, all three of these boats would be + brought at once into requisition, but at present the whole crew of the + "Pilgrim" was barely sufficient to man one of the three boats. Tom and + his friends were ready to volunteer their assistance, but any offers of + service from them were necessarily declined; the manipulation of a + whale-boat can only be entrusted to those who are experienced in the work, + as a false turn of the tiller or a premature stroke of the oar may in a + moment compromise the safety of the whole party. Thus compelled to take + all his trained sailors with him on his venturous expedition, the captain + had no alternative than to leave his apprentice in charge of the schooner + during his absence. Dick's choice would have been very much in favour of + taking a share in the whale-hunt, but he had the good sense to know that + the developed strength of a man would be of far greater service in the + boat, and accordingly without a murmur he resigned himself to remain + behind. + </p> + <p> + Of the five sailors who were to man the boat, there were four to take the + oars, whilst Howick the boatswain was to manage the oar at the stern, + which on these occasions generally replaces an ordinary rudder as being + quicker in action in the event of any of the side oars being disabled. The + post of harpooner was of course assigned to Captain Hull, to whose lot it + would consequently fall first to hurl his weapon at the whale, then to + manage the unwinding of the line to which the harpoon was attached, and + finally to kill the creature by lance-wounds when it should emerge again + from below the sea. + </p> + <p> + A method sometimes employed for commencing an attack is to place a sort of + small cannon on the bows or deck of the boat and to discharge from it + either a harpoon or some explosive bullets, which make frightful + lacerations on the body of the victim; but the "Pilgrim" was not + provided with apparatus of this description; not only are all the + contrivances of this kind very costly and difficult to manage, but the + fishermen generally are averse to innovations, and prefer the + old-fashioned harpoons. It was with these alone that Captain Hull was now + about to encounter the finback that was lying some four miles distant from + his ship. + </p> + <p> + The weather promised as favourably as could be for the enterprise. The sea + was calm, and the wind moreover was still moderating, so that there was no + likelihood of the schooner drifting away during the captain's absence. + </p> + <p> + When the starboard whale-boat had been lowered, and the four sailors had + entered it, Howick passed a couple of harpoons down to them, and some + lances which had been carefully sharpened; to these were added five coils + of stout and supple rope, each 600 feet long, for a whale when struck + often dives so deeply that even these lengths of line knotted together are + found to be insufficient. After these implements of attack had been + properly stowed in the bows, the crew had only to await the pleasure of + their captain. + </p> + <p> + The "Pilgrim," before the sailors left her, had been made to heave to, + and the yards were braced so as to secure her remaining as stationary as + possible. As the time drew near for the captain to quit her, he gave a + searching look all round to satisfy himself that everything was in order; + he saw that the halyards were properly tightened, and the sails trimmed as + they should be, and then calling the young apprentice to his side, he + said,- + </p> + <p> + "Now, Dick, I am going to leave you for a few hours: while I am away, I + hope that it will not be necessary for you to make any movement whatever. + However, you must be on the watch. It is not very likely, but it is + possible that this finback may carry us out to some distance. If so, you + will have to follow; and in that case, I am sure you may rely upon Tom and + his friends for assistance." + </p> + <p> + One and all, the negroes assured the captain of their willingness to obey + Dick's instructions, the sturdy Hercules rolling up his capacious + shirt-sleeves as if to show that he was ready for immediate action. + </p> + <p> + The captain went on,- + </p> + <p> + "The weather is beautifully fine, Dick, and I see no prospect of the + wind freshening; but come what may, I have one direction to give you which + I strictly enforce. You must not leave the ship. If I want you to follow + us, I will hoist a flag on the boat-hook." + </p> + <p> + "You may trust me, sir," answered Dick; "and I will keep a good + look-out." + </p> + <p> + "All right, my lad; keep a cool head and a good heart. You are second + captain now, you know. I never heard of any one of your age being placed + in such a post; be a credit to your position!" + </p> + <p> + Dick blushed, and the bright flush that rose to his cheeks spoke more than + words. + </p> + <p> + "The lad may be trusted," murmured the captain to himself; "he is as + modest as he is courageous. Yes; he may be trusted." + </p> + <p> + It cannot be denied that the captain was not wholly without compunction at + the step he was taking; he was aware of the danger to which he was + exposing himself, but he beguiled himself with the persuasion that it was + only for a few hours; and his fisherman's instinct was very keen. It was + not only for himself; the desire upon the part of the crew was almost + irresistibly strong that every opportunity ought to be employed for making + the cargo of the schooner equal to her owner's expectations. And so he + finally prepared to start. + </p> + <p> + "I wish you all success!" said Mrs. Weldon. + </p> + <p> + "Many thanks!" he replied. + </p> + <p> + Little Jack put in his word,- + </p> + <p> + "And you will try and catch the whale without hurting him much?" + </p> + <p> + "All right, young gentleman," answered the captain; "he shall hardly + feel the tip of our fingers!" + </p> + <p> + "Sometimes," said Cousin Benedict, as if he had been pondering the + expedition in relation to his pet science, "sometimes there are strange + insects clinging to the backs of these great mammifers; do you think you + are likely to procure me any specimens?" + </p> + <p> + "You shall soon have the opportunity of investigating for yourself," + was the captain's reply. + </p> + <p> + "And you, Tom; we shall be looking to you for help in cutting up our + prize, when we get it alongside," continued he. + </p> + <p> + "We shall be quite ready, sir," said the negro. + </p> + <p> + "One thing more, Dick," added the captain; "you may as well be + getting up the empty barrels out of the hold; they will be all ready." + </p> + <p> + "It shall be done, sir," answered Dick promptly. + </p> + <p> + If everything went well it was the intention that the whale after it had + been killed should be towed to the side of the schooner, where it would be + firmly lashed. Then the sailors with their feet in spiked shoes would get + upon its back and proceed to cut the blubber, from head to tail, in long + strips, which would first be divided into lumps about a foot and a half + square, the lumps being subsequently chopped into smaller portions capable + of being stored away in casks. The ordinary rule would be for a ship, as + soon as the flaying was complete, to make its way to land where the + blubber could be at once boiled down, an operation by which it is reduced + by about a third of its weight, and by which it yields all its oil, the + only portion of it which is of any value. Under present circumstances, + however, Captain Hull would not think of melting down the blubber until + his arrival at Valparaiso, and as he was sanguine that the wind would soon + set in a favourable direction, he calculated that he should reach that + port in less than three weeks, a period during which his cargo would not + be deteriorated. + </p> + <p> + The latest movement with regard to the "Pilgrim" had been to bring her + somewhat nearer the spot where the spouts of vapour indicated the presence + of the coveted prize. The creature continued to swim about in the reddened + waters, opening and shutting its huge jaws like an automaton, and + absorbing at every mouthful whole myriads of animalcula. No one + entertained a fear that it would try to make an escape; it was the + unanimous verdict that it was "a fighting whale," and one that would + resist all attacks to the very end. + </p> + <p> + As Captain Hull descended the rope-ladder and took his place in the front + of the boat, Mrs. Weldon and all on board renewed their good wishes. + </p> + <p> + Dingo stood with his fore paws upon the taffrail, and appeared as much as + any to be bidding the adventurous party farewell. + </p> + <p> + When the boat pushed off, those who were left on board the "Pilgrim" + made their way slowly to the bows, from which the most extensive view was + to be gained. + </p> + <p> + The captain's voice came from the retreating boat,- + </p> + <p> + "A sharp look-out, Dick; a sharp look-out; one eye on us, one on the + ship!" + </p> + <p> + [Illustration: The Captain's voice came from the retreating boat. <i>Page + 72</i>] + </p> + <p> + [Illustration: "I must get you to keep your eye upon that man " <i>Page + 73.</i>] + </p> + <p> + "Ay, ay, sir," replied the apprentice. + </p> + <p> + By his gestures the captain showed that he was under some emotion; he + called out again, but the boat had made such headway that it was too far + off for any words to be heard. + </p> + <p> + Dingo broke out into a piteous howl. + </p> + <p> + The dog was still standing erect, his eye upon the boat in the distance. + To the sailors, ever superstitious, the howling was not reassuring. Even + Mrs. Weldon was startled. + </p> + <p> + "Why, Dingo, Dingo," she exclaimed, "this isn't the way to + encourage your friends. Come here, sir; you must behave better than + that!" + </p> + <p> + Sinking down on all fours the animal walked slowly up to Mrs. Weldon, and + began to lick her hand. + </p> + <p> + "Ah!" muttered old Tom, shaking his head solemnly, "he doesn't wag + his tail at all. A bad omen." + </p> + <p> + All at once the dog gave a savage growl. + </p> + <p> + As she turned her head, Mrs Weldon caught sight of Negoro making his way + to the forecastle, probably actuated by the general spirit of curiosity to + follow the maneuvers of the whale-boat. He stopped and seized a handspike + as soon as he saw the ferocious attitude of the dog. + </p> + <p> + The lady was quite unable to pacify the animal, which seemed about to fly + upon the throat of the cook, but Dick Sands called out loudly,- + </p> + <p> + "Down, Dingo, down!" + </p> + <p> + The dog obeyed; but it seemed to be with extreme reluctance that he + returned to Dick's side; he continued to growl, as if still remembering + his rage. Negoro had turned very pale, and having put down the handspike, + made his way cautiously back to his own quarters. + </p> + <p> + "Hercules," said Dick, "I must get you to keep your eye upon that + man." + </p> + <p> + "Yes, I will," he answered, significantly clenching his fists. + </p> + <p> + Dick took his station at the helm, whence he kept an earnest watch upon + the whale-boat, which under the vigourous plying of the seamen's oars + had become little more than a speck upon the water. + </p> + <p> + <a name="VIII" id="VIII"></a> + </p> + <h4> + CHAPTER VIII. + </h4> + <h4> + A CATASTROPHE. + </h4> + <p> + Experienced whaleman as he was, Captain Hull knew the difficulty of the + task he had undertaken, he was alive to the importance of making his + approach to the whale from the leeward, so that there should be no sound + to apprize the creature of the proximity of the boat. He had perfect + confidence in his boatswain, and felt sure that he would take the proper + course to insure a favourable result to the enterprise. + </p> + <p> + "We mustn't show ourselves too soon, Howick," he said. + </p> + <p> + "Certainly not," replied Howick, "I am going to skirt the edge of + the discoloured water, and I shall take good care to get well to + leeward." + </p> + <p> + "All right," the captain answered, and turning to the crew said, + "now, my lads, as quietly as you can." + </p> + <p> + Muffling the sound of their oars by placing straw in the rowlocks, and + avoiding the least unnecessary noise, the men skilfully propelled the boat + along the outline of the water tinged by the crustacea, so that while the + starboard oars still dipped in the green and limpid sea, the larboard were + in the deep-dyed waves, and seemed as though they were dripping with + blood. + </p> + <p> + "Wine on this side, water on that," said one of the sailors jocosely. + </p> + <p> + "But neither of them fit to drink," rejoined the captain sharply, + "so just hold your tongue!" + </p> + <p style="FONT-WEIGHT: bold; FONT-STYLE: italic"> + Under Howick's guidance the boat now glided stealthily + </p> + <p> + [Illustration: The whale seemed utterly unconscious of the attack that was + threatening it] + </p> + <p> + on to the greasy surface of the reddened waters, where she appeared to + float as on a pool of oil. The whale seemed utterly unconscious of the + attack that was threatening it, and allowed the boat to come nearer + without exhibiting any sign of alarm. + </p> + <p> + The wide circuit which the captain had thought it advisable to take had + the effect of considerably increasing the distance between his boat and + the "Pilgrim," whilst the strange rapidity with which objects at sea + become diminished in apparent magnitude, as if viewed through the wrong + end of a telescope, made the ship look farther away than she actually was. + </p> + <p> + Another half-hour elapsed, and at the end of it the captain found himself + so exactly to leeward that the huge body of the whale was precisely + intermediate between his boat and the "Pilgrim." A closer approach + must now be made; every precaution must be used; but the time had come to + get sufficiently near for the harpoon to be discharged. + </p> + <p> + "Slowly, my men," said the captain, in a low voice; "slowly and + softly!" + </p> + <p> + Howick muttered something that implied that the whale had ceased blowing + so hard, and that it was aware of their approach; the captain, upon this, + enjoined the most perfect silence, but urged his crew onwards, until, in + five or six minutes, they were within a cable's length of the finback. + Erect at the stern the boatswain stood, and manoeuvred to get the boat as + close as possible to the whale's left flank, while he made it an object + of special care to keep beyond the reach of its formidable tail, one + stroke of which could involve them all in instantaneous disaster. + </p> + <p> + The manipulation of the boat thus left to the boatswain, the captain made + ready for the arduous effort that was before him. At the extreme bow, + harpoon in hand, with his legs somewhat astride so as to insure his + equilibrium, he stood prepared to plunge his weapon into the mass that + rose above the surface of the sea. By his side, coiled in a pail, and with + one end firmly attached to the harpoon, was the first of the five lines + which if the whale should dive to a considerable depth, would have to be + joined end to end, one after another . + </p> + <p> + "Are you ready, my lads?" said he, hardly above a whisper. + </p> + <p> + "Ay, ay, sir," replied Howick, speaking as gently as his master, and + giving a firmer grip to the rudder-oar that he held in his hands. + </p> + <p> + "Then, alongside at once," was the captain's order, which was + promptly obeyed, so that in a few minutes the boat was only about ten feet + from the body of the whale. The animal did not move. Was it asleep? In + that case there was hope that the very first stroke might be fatal. But it + was hardly likely. Captain Hull felt only too sure that there was some + different cause to be assigned for its remaining so still and stationary; + and the rapid glances of the boatswain showed that he entertained the same + suspicion. But it was no time for speculation; the moment for action had + arrived, and no attempt was made on either hand to exchange ideas upon the + subject. + </p> + <p> + Captain Hull seized his weapon tightly by the shaft, and having poised it + several times in the air, in order to make more sure of his aim, he + gathered all his strength and hurled it against the side of the finback. + </p> + <p> + "Backwater!" he shouted. + </p> + <p> + The sailors pushed back with all their might, and the boat in an instant + was beyond the range of the creature's tail. + </p> + <p> + And now the immoveableness of the animal was at once accounted for. + </p> + <p> + "See; there's a youngster!" exclaimed Howick. + </p> + <p> + And he was not mistaken. Startled by the blow of the harpoon the monster + had heeled over on to its side, and the movement revealed a young whale + which the mother had been disturbed in the act of suckling. It was a + discovery which made Captain Hull aware that the capture of the whale + would be attended with double difficulty; he knew; that she would defend + "her little one" (if such a term can be applied to a creature that was + at least twenty feet long) with the most determined fury; yet having made + what he considered a successful commencement of the attack, he would not + be daunted, nor deterred from his endeavour to secure so fine a prize. + </p> + <p> + The whale did not, as sometimes happens, make a precipitate dash upon the + boat, a proceeding which necessitates the instant cutting of the + harpoon-line, and an immediate retreat, but it took the far more usual + course of diving downwards almost perpendicularly. It was followed by its + calf; very soon, however, after rising once again to the surface with a + sudden bound, it began swimming along under water with great rapidity. + </p> + <p> + Before its first plunge Captain Hull and Howick had sufficient opportunity + to observe that it was an unusually large balaenoptera, measuring at least + eighty feet from head to tail, its colour being of a yellowish-brown, + dappled with numerous spots of a darker shade. + </p> + <p> + The pursuit, or what may be more aptly termed "the towing," of the + whale had now fairly commenced. The sailors had shipped their oars, and + the whale-boat darted like an arrow along the surface of the waves. In + spite of the oscillation, which was very violent, Howick succeeded in + maintaining equilibrium, and did not need the repeated injunctions with + which the agitated captain urged his boatswain to be upon his guard. + </p> + <p> + But fast as the boat flew along, she could not keep pace with the whale, + and so rapidly did the line run out that except proper care had been taken + to keep the bucket in which it was coiled filled with water, the friction + against the edge of the boat would inevitably have caused it to take fire. + The whale gave no indication of moderating its speed, so that the first + line was soon exhausted, and the second had to be attached to its end, + only to be run out with like rapidity. In a few minutes more it was + necessary to join on the third line; it was evident that the whale had not + been hit in a vital part, and so far from rising to the surface, the + oblique direction of the rope indicated that the creature was seeking yet + greater depths. + </p> + <p> + "Confound it!" exclaimed the captain; "it seems as if the brute is + going to run out all our line." + </p> + <p> + "Yes; and see what a distance the animal is dragging us away from the + 'Pilgrim,' " answered Howick. + </p> + <p> + "Sooner or later, however," said Captain Hull, "the thing must come + to the surface; she is not a fish, you know." + </p> + <p> + "She is saving her breath for the sake of her speed," said one of the + sailors with a grin. + </p> + <p> + But grin as he might, both he and his companions began to look serious + when the fourth line had to be added to the third, and more serious still + when the fifth was added to the fourth. The captain even began to mutter + imprecations upon the refractory brute that was putting their patience to + so severe a test. + </p> + <p> + The last line was nearly all uncoiled, and the general consternation was + growing very great, when there was observed to be a slight slackening in + the tension. + </p> + <p> + "Thank Heaven!" cried the captain; "the beast has tired herself out + at last." + </p> + <p> + Casting his eye towards the "Pilgrim," he saw at a glance that she + could not be less than five miles to leeward. It was a long distance, but + when, according to his arrangement, he had hoisted the flag on the + boat-hook which was to be the signal for the ship to approach, he had the + satisfaction of seeing that Dick Sands and the negroes at once began + bracing the yards to get as near as possible to the wind. The breeze, + however, blew only in short, unsteady puffs, and it was only too evident + that the "Pilgrim" would have considerable difficulty in working her + way to the whale-boat, even if she succeeded at last. + </p> + <p> + Meantime, just as had been expected, the whale had risen to the surface of + the water, the harpoon still fixed firmly in her side. She remained + motionless, apparently waiting for her calf, which she had far + out-distanced in her mad career. Captain Hull ordered his men to pull + towards her as rapidly as they could, and on getting close up, two of the + sailors, following the captain's example, shipped their oars and took up + the long lances with which the whale was now to be attacked. Howick held + himself in readiness to sheer off quickly in the event of the finback + making a turn towards the boat. + </p> + <p> + "Now, my lads!" shouted the captain. "Look out! take a good aim! no + false shots! Are you ready, Howick?" + </p> + <p> + "Quite ready, captain," answered the boatswain, adding, "but it + perplexes me altogether to see the brute so quiet all of a sudden." + </p> + <p> + "It looks suspicious," said the captain; "but never mind; go on! + straight ahead!" + </p> + <p> + Captain Hull was becoming more excited every moment. + </p> + <p> + During the time the boat was approaching, the whale had only turned round + a little in the water without changing its position. It was evidently + still looking for its calf, which was not to be seen by its side. All of a + sudden it gave a jerk with its tail which carried it some few yards away. + </p> + <p> + The men were all excited. Was the beast going to escape again? Was the + fatiguing pursuit all to come over a second time? Must not the chase be + abandoned? Would not the prize have to be given up? + </p> + <p> + But no: the whale was not starting on another flight; it had merely turned + so as to face the boat, and now rapidly beating the water with its + enormous fins, it commenced a frantic dash forwards. + </p> + <p> + "Look out, Howick, she's coming!" shouted Captain Hull. + </p> + <p> + The skilful boatswain was all on the alert; the boat swerved, as if by + instinct, so as to avoid the blow, and as the whale passed furiously by, + she received three tremendous thrusts from the lances of the captain and + the two men, who all endeavoured to strike at some vital part. There was a + sudden pause. The whale spouted up two gigantic columns of blood and + water, lashed its tail, and, with bounds and plunges that were terrible to + behold, renewed its angry attack upon the boat. + </p> + <p> + None but the most determined of whalemen could fail to lose their head + under such an assault. Calm and collected, however, the crew remained. + Once again did Howick adroitly sheer aside, and once again did the three + lances do their deadly work upon the huge carcase as it rolled impetuously + past; but this time, so great was the wave that was caused by the + infuriated animal, that the boat was well-nigh full of water, and in + imminent danger of being capsized. + </p> + <p> + "Bale away, men!" cried the captain. + </p> + <p> + Putting down their oars, the other sailors set to work baling with all + their might. Captain Hull cut the harpoon-line, now no longer required, + because the whale, maddened with pain and grief for the loss of its + offspring, would certainly make no further attempt to escape, but would + fight desperately to the very end. + </p> + <p> + The finback was obviously bent on a third onslaught upon the boat, which, + being in spite of all the men's exertions still more than half full of + water, no longer answered readily to the rudder-oar. + </p> + <p> + No one thought of flight. The swiftest boat could be overtaken in a very + few bounds. There was no alternative but to face the encounter. It was not + long in coming. Their previous good fortune failed them. The whale in + passing caught the boat with such a violent blow from its dorsal fin, that + the men lost their footing and the lances missed their mark. + </p> + <p> + "Where's Howick?" screamed the captain in alarm. + </p> + <p> + "Here I am, captain; all right!" replied the boatswain, who had + scrambled to his feet only to find that the oar with which he had been + steering was snapped in half. + </p> + <p> + "The rudder's smashed," he said. + </p> + <p> + "Take another, Howick; quick!" cried the captain. + </p> + <p> + But scarcely had he time to replace the broken oar, when a bubbling was + heard a few yards away from the boat, and the young whale made its + appearance on the surface of the sea. Catching sight of it instantly, the + mother made a fresh dash in its direction, the maternal instincts were + aroused, and the contest must become more deadly than ever. + </p> + <p> + Captain Hull looked towards the "Pilgrim," and waved his signal + frantically above his head. It was, however, with + </p> + <p> + [Illustration: The boat was well nigh full of water, and in imminent + danger of being capsized] + </p> + <p> + no hope of succour; he was only too well aware that no human efforts could + effectually hasten the arrival of the ship. Dick Sands indeed had at once + obeyed the first summons: already the wind was filling the sails, but in + default of steam power her progress at best could not be otherwise than + slow. Not only did Dick feel convinced that it would be a useless waste of + time to lower a boat and come off with the negroes to the rescue, but he + remembered the strict orders he had received on no account to quit the + ship. Captain Hull, however, could perceive that the apprentice had had + the aft-boat lowered, and was towing it along, so that it should be in + readiness for a refuge as soon as they should get within reach. + </p> + <p> + But the whale, close at hand, demanded attention that could ill be spared + for the yet distant ship. Covering her young one with her body, she was + manifestly designing another charge full upon the boat. + </p> + <p> + "On your guard, Howick! sheer off!" bellowed the captain. + </p> + <p> + But the order was useless. The fresh oar that the boatswain had taken to + replace the broken one was considerably shorter, and consequently it + failed in lever-power. There was, in fact, no helm for the boat to answer. + The sailors saw the failure, and convinced that all was lost uttered one + long, despairing cry that might have been heard on board the + "Pilgrim." Another moment, and from beneath there came a tremendous + blow from the monster's tail that sent the boat flying in the air. In + fragments it fell back again into a sea that was lashed into fury by the + angry flapping of the finback's fins. + </p> + <p> + Was it not possible for the unfortunate men, bleeding and wounded as they + were, still to save themselves by clinging to some floating spar? Captain + Hull is indeed seen endeavouring to hoist the boatswain on to a drifting + plank. But all in vain. There is no hope. The whale, writhing in the + convulsions of death, returns yet once again to the attack; the waters + around the struggling sailors seethe and foam. A brief turmoil follows as + if there were the bursting of some vast waterspout. + </p> + <p> + In a quarter of an hour afterwards, Dick Sands, with the negroes, reaches + the scene of the catastrophe. All is still and desolate. Every living + object has vanished. Nothing is visible except a few fragments of the + whale-boat floating on the blood-stained water. + </p> + <p> + [Illustration: There is no hope.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="IX" id="IX"></a> + </p> + <h4> + CHAPTER IX. + </h4> + <h4> + DICK'S PROMOTION. + </h4> + <p> + The first feeling experienced by those on board the "Pilgrim," after + witnessing the terrible disaster was one of grief and horror at the + fearful death that had befallen the victims. Captain Hull and his men had + been swept away before their very eyes, and they had been powerless to + assist. Not one was saved; the schooner had reached the spot too late to + offer the least resistance to the attacks of the formidable sea-monster. + </p> + <p> + When Dick and the negroes returned to the ship after their hopeless + search, with only the corroboration of their sad foreboding that captain + and crew had disappeared for ever, Mrs. Weldon sank upon her knees; little + Jack knelt beside her crying bitterly; and Dick, old Nan, and all the + negroes stood reverently around her whilst with great devoutness the lady + offered up the prayer of commendation for the souls of the departing. All + sympathized heartily with her supplications, nor was there any diminution + of their fervour when she proceeded to implore that the survivors might + have strength and courage for their own hour of need. + </p> + <p> + The situation was indeed very grave. Here was the "Pilgrim" in the + middle of the Pacific, hundreds of miles away from the nearest land, + without captain, without crew, at the mercy of the wind and waves. It was + a strange fatality that had brought the whale across their path; it was a + fatality stranger still that had induced her captain, a man of no ordinary + prudence, to risk even his life for the sake of making good a deficient + cargo. It was an event almost unknown in the annals of whale-fishing that + not a single man in the whale-boat should escape alive; nevertheless, it + was all too true; and now, of all those left on board, Dick Sands, the + apprentice-boy of fifteen years of age, was the sole individual who had + the slightest knowledge of the management of a ship; the negroes, brave + and willing as they were, were perfectly ignorant of seamen's duties; + and, to crown all, here was a lady with her child on board, for whose + safety the commander of the vessel would be held responsible. + </p> + <p> + Such were the facts which presented themselves to the mind of Dick as, + with folded arms, he stood gazing gloomily at the spot where Captain Hull, + his esteemed benefactor, had sunk to rise no more. The lad raised his eyes + sadly; he scanned the horizon with the vain hope that he might perchance + descry some passing vessel to which he could confide Mrs. Weldon and her + son; for himself, his mind was made up; he had already resolved that + nothing should induce him to quit the "Pilgrim" until he had exhausted + every energy in trying to carry her into port. + </p> + <p> + The ocean was all deserted. Since the disappearance of the whale nothing + had broken the monotonous surface either of sea or sky. The apprentice, + short as his experience was, knew enough to be aware that he was far out + of the common track alike of merchantmen or whalers; he would not buoy + himself up with false expectations; he would look his situation full and + fairly in the face; he would do his best, and trust hopefully in guidance + from the Power above. + </p> + <p> + Thus absorbed in his meditations he did not observe that he was not alone. + Negoro, who had gone below immediately after the catastrophe, had again + come back upon deck. What this mysterious character had felt upon + witnessing the awful calamity it would be impossible to say. Although with + his eye he had keenly taken in every detail of the melancholy spectacle, + every muscle of, his face had remained unmoved; not a gesture, not a word + betrayed the least emotion. Even if he had heard, he had taken no part, + nor evinced the faintest interest in Mrs. Weldon's outpouring of prayer. + </p> + <p> + He had made his way to the stern, where Dick Sands was pondering over the + responsibilities of his own position, and stood looking towards the + apprentice without interrupting his reverie. + </p> + <p> + Catching sight of him, Dick roused himself in an instant, and said,- + </p> + <p> + "You want to speak to me?" + </p> + <p> + "I must speak either to the captain or the boatswain," answered the + man. + </p> + <p> + "Negoro," said Dick sharply, "you know as well as I do, that they + are both drowned." + </p> + <p> + "Then where am I to get my orders from?" asked the fellow insolently. + </p> + <p> + "From me," promptly rejoined the apprentice. + </p> + <p> + "From you! from a boy of fifteen?" + </p> + <p> + "Yes, from me," repeated Dick, in a firm and resolute voice, looking + at the man until he recoiled under his gaze. "From <i>me</i>" + </p> + <p> + Mrs. Weldon had heard what passed. + </p> + <p> + "I wish every one on board to understand," she interposed, "that + Dick Sands is captain now. Orders must be taken from him, and they must be + obeyed." + </p> + <p> + Negoro frowned, bit his lip, sneered, and having muttered something that + was unintelligible, made his way back to his cabin. + </p> + <p> + Meantime, the schooner under the freshening breeze had been carried beyond + the shoal of the crustaceans. Dick cast his eye first at the sails, then + along the deck, and seemed to become more and more alive to the weight of + the obligation that had fallen upon him; but his heart did not fail him; + he was conscious that the hopes of the passengers centred in himself, and + he was determined to let them see that he would do his best not to + disappoint them. + </p> + <p> + Although he was satisfied of his capability, with the help of the negroes, + to manipulate the sails, he was conscious of a defect of the scientific + knowledge which was requisite for properly controlling the ship's + course. He felt the want of a few more years' experience. If only he had + had longer practice he would, he thought, have been as able as Captain + Hull himself, to use the sextant, to take the altitude of the stars, to + read the time from his chronometer; sun, moon, and planets, should have + been his guides; from the firmament, as from a dial-plate, he would have + gathered the teachings of his true position; but all this was beyond him + as yet; his knowledge went no further than the use of the log and compass, + and by these alone he must be content to make his reckonings. But he kept + up his courage, and did not permit himself for one moment to despair of + ultimate success. + </p> + <p> + Mrs. Weldon needed little penetration to recognize the thoughts which were + passing in the mind of the resolute youth. + </p> + <p> + "I see you have come to your decision, Dick," she said. "The command + of the ship is in your hands; no fear but that you will do your duty; and + Tom, and the rest of them, no doubt, will render you every assistance in + their power." + </p> + <p> + "Yes, Mrs. Weldon," rejoined Dick brightly; "and before long I shall + hope to make them good seamen. If only the weather lasts fair, everything + will go on well enough; and if the weather turns out bad, we must not + despond; we will get safe ashore." + </p> + <p> + He paused a moment and added reverently,- + </p> + <p> + "God helping us." + </p> + <p> + Mrs. Weldon proceeded to inquire whether he had any means of ascertaining + the "Pilgrim's" present position. He replied that the ship's chart + would at once settle that. Captain Hull had kept the reckoning accurately + right up to the preceding day. + </p> + <p> + "And what do you propose to do next?" she asked. "Of course you + understand that in our present circumstances we are not in the least bound + to go to Valparaiso if there is a nearer port which we could reach." + </p> + <p> + "Certainly not," replied Dick; "and therefore it is my intention to + sail due east, as by following that course we + </p> + <p> + [Illustration: "Oh, we shall soon be on shore!"] + </p> + <p> + are sure to come upon some part of the American coast." + </p> + <p> + "Do your best, Dick, to let us get ashore somewhere." + </p> + <p> + "Never fear, madam," he answered; "as we get nearer land we shall be + almost sure to fall in with a cruiser which will put us into the right + track. If the wind does but remain in the north-west, and allow us to + carry plenty of sail, we shall get on famously." + </p> + <p> + He spoke with the cheery confidence of a good sailor who knows the good + ship beneath his feet. He had moved off a few steps to go and take the + helm, when Mrs. Weldon, calling him back, reminded him that he had not yet + ascertained the true position of the schooner. Dick confessed that it + ought to be done at once, and going to the captain's cabin brought out + the chart upon which the ill-fated commander had marked the bearings the + evening before. According to this dead-reckoning they were in lat. 43° + 35', S., and long. 164° 13', W.; and as the schooner had made next to + no progress during the last twenty-four eventful hours, the entry might + fairly be accepted as representing approximately their present position. + </p> + <p> + To the lady's inexperienced eye, as she bent over the outspread chart, + it seemed that the land, as represented by the brown patch which depicted + the continent of South America extending like a barrier between two oceans + from Cape Horn to Columbia, was, after all, not so very far distant; the + wide space of the Pacific was not so broad but that it would be quickly + traversed. + </p> + <p> + "Oh, we shall soon be on shore!" she said. + </p> + <p> + But Dick knew better. He had acquaintance enough with the scale upon which + the chart was constructed to be aware that the "Pilgrim" herself would + have been a speck like a microscopic infusoria on the vast surface of that + sea, and that hundreds and hundreds of weary miles separated her from the + coast. + </p> + <p> + No time was to be lost. Contrary winds had ceased to blow; a fresh + north-westerly breeze had sprung up, and the <i>cirri</i>, or curl-cloud: + overhead indicated that for some time at least the direction of the wind + would be unchanged. + </p> + <p> + Dick appealed to the negroes, and tried to make them appreciate the + difficulty of the task that had fallen to his lot. Tom answered, in behalf + of himself and all the rest, that they were not only willing, but anxious, + to do all they could to assist him, saying that if their knowledge was + small, yet their arms were strong, and added that they should certainly be + obedient to every order he gave. + </p> + <p> + "My friends," said Dick, addressing them in reply; "I shall make it + a point of myself taking the helm as much as possible. But you know I must + have my proper rest sometimes. No one can live without sleep. Now, Tom, I + intend you to stand by me for the remainder of the day. I will try and + make you understand how to steer by the aid of the compass. It is not + difficult. You will soon learn. I shall have to leave you when I go to my + hammock for an hour or two." + </p> + <p> + "Is there nothing," said little Jack, "that I can learn to do?" + </p> + <p> + "Oh yes, Jack; you shall keep the wind in order," answered Dick, + smiling. + </p> + <p> + "That I will!" cried the child, clapping his hands, while the mother + drew him to her side. + </p> + <p> + "And now, my men," was Dick's first order to his crew, we must brace + in the yards to sail fair. I will show you how." + </p> + <p> + "All right, Captain Sands; we are at your service," said old Tom + gravely. + </p> + <p> + [Illustration: "Oh yes, Jack; you shall keep the wind in order."] + </p> + <p> + <a name="X" id="X"></a> + </p> + <h4> + CHAPTER X. + </h4> + <h4> + THE NEW CREW. + </h4> + <p> + Dick Sands, captain of the "Pilgrim," would not lose a moment in + getting his ship under sail. His prime object was to land his passengers + safely at Valparaiso or some other American port, and to accomplish his + purpose it was in the first place necessary that he should ascertain the + schooner's rate of speed and the direction that she was taking. This + information was to be obtained readily enough by means of the log and + compass, and the result of each day's observations would be entered + regularly on the chart. + </p> + <p> + The log on board was a patent log, with a dial-plate and screw, by means + of which the distance that is travelled can be measured accurately for any + definite time; it was an instrument so simple that the negroes were very + soon taught its use. The slight error in the reckoning caused by the + action of the currents could only be rectified by astronomical + observations, which, as already has been stated, were beyond Dick's + attainments to make. + </p> + <p> + The idea more than once crossed Dick's mind whether he would not take + the "Pilgrim" back again to New Zealand; the distance was considerably + less than it was to America, and had the wind remained in the quarter + whence it had been blowing so long, it is more than likely he would have + determined to retrace his course. But as the wind had now veered to the + north-west, and there was every probability that it was settled for a + time, he came to the conclusion that he had better take advantage of it + and persevere in making his way towards the east. Accordingly he lost no + time in putting his ship before the wind. + </p> + <p> + On a schooner the fore-mast usually carries four square sails; on the + lower mast a fore-sail; on the top-mast a top-sail; on the top-gallant a + top-gallant-sail and a royal. The main-mast carries only a main-sail and a + top-sail. Between the masts upon the fore-stays can be hoisted a triple + tier of triangular sails; while the bowsprit with its jib-boom will carry + the three jibs. + </p> + <p> + The jibs, the main-sail, the main-top-sail and the staysails are all + managed with comparative ease, because they can be hoisted from the deck + without the necessity of ascending the mast to let fly the robbins, by + which they are fastened to the yards. With the sails on the fore-mast it + is altogether a more difficult business. In order either to unfurl them, + to take them in, or to reef them, it is necessary for a man to clamber up + by the shrouds, either to the fore-top, or to the top-gallant cross-trees, + and thence mounting by loose ropes, extended below the yards, to hold on + by one hand whilst he does his work with the other. The operation requires + alike the head and arm of an experienced mariner; and when a fresh breeze + has been blowing, it is a casualty far from uncommon that a sailor, + confused by the flapping of the canvas and the pitching of the vessel, + should be blown overboard in the act. For the unpractised negroes the + danger would necessarily be very great. However, the wind at present was + very moderate, and the ship ploughed her way over the waves without any + violent oscillations. + </p> + <p> + At the time when Dick Sands, in obedience to the signal he received from + Captain Hull, proceeded to make his way to the scene of the disaster, the + "Pilgrim," as she lay to, was carrying only her jibs, main-sail, + fore-sail, and fore-top-sail. In order, therefore, to put her as near as + possible to the wind, it had been merely necessary to counter-brace the + fore-sail yard, a manoeuvre in which the negroes had rendered all the + assistance that was necessary. It was requisite now to do something more. + To enable him to get straight before the wind Dick wanted to increase his + sail, and was desirous of hoisting the top-gallant, the royal, the + main-top-sail, and the stay-sails. + </p> + <p> + He was himself standing at the wheel. + </p> + <p> + "Now, my men," he shouted to the negroes; "I want your help. Do + exactly as I tell you. Bear away, Tom!" + </p> + <p> + Tom looked puzzled. + </p> + <p> + "Bear away! unfasten that rope, I mean. And, Bat, come along; do the + same as Tom." + </p> + <p> + The men did what they were bidden. + </p> + <p> + "That's right!" continued Dick, and calling to Hercules, said,- + </p> + <p> + "Now, Hercules; a good strong pull!" + </p> + <p> + To give such a direction to Hercules was somewhat imprudent; the rigging + creaked again under his giant strength. + </p> + <p> + "Gently, gently, my good fellow!" said Dick, laughing; "you will + have the mast down." + </p> + <p> + "I declare I hardly touched the rope," answered Hercules. + </p> + <p> + "Well, next time, you must only pretend to touch it," said Dick; and, + continuing his orders, shouted, "Now slacken! let fly! make fast! now + brace in the yards! all right! that's capital!" + </p> + <p> + The yards were loosened, the foresails turned slowly round, and, catching + the breeze, gave a slight impetus to the ship. Dick's next orders were + for the jib-sheets to be set free, and then he called the men to the + stern. + </p> + <p> + "Now," said he; "we must look to the main-mast; but take care, + Hercules, not to have it down." + </p> + <p> + "I will be as careful as possible, Mr. Dick," submissively replied + Hercules, as though he were afraid to commit himself to any rash promise. + </p> + <p> + The manoeuvre was simple enough. The main-sheet was gradually slackened, + the great sail took the wind and added its powerful action to that of the + fore-sails. The main-top-sail was next brought to bear; it was only clewed + up, so that there was nothing to do except to pull the halyards, haul it + aboard the tack, and unfurl it. But in pulling at the halyards the + muscular energy of Hercules, which was supplemented by that of Actæon, + not to forget little Jack, who had volunteered his assistance, proved to + be overpowering, and the rope snapped in two. All three of them, of + course, fell flat upon the deck; but fortunately neither of them was hurt, + and Jack laughed heartily at his tumble as an excellent joke. + </p> + <p> + "Up with you!" cried Captain Dick; "there's no harm done; splice + the rope, and haul away more gently next time." + </p> + <p> + It took but a few minutes to execute the order, and the "Pilgrim" was + soon sailing away rapidly with her head to the east. + </p> + <p> + "Well done, my friends!" said Dick, who had not left his post at the + helm; "you will be first-rate sailors before the end of the voyage." + </p> + <p> + "We shall do our best, I promise you, Captain Sands," replied Tom, + making it a point to give the young commander his proper title. + </p> + <p> + Mrs. Weldon also congratulated the new crew upon the success of their + first attempt. + </p> + <p> + "I believe it was Master Jack who broke that rope," said Hercules, + with a sly twinkle in his eye; "he is very strong, I can tell you." + </p> + <p> + Jack looked as though he thoroughly appreciated the compliment, and + evidenced his satisfaction by giving his huge friend a hearty shake of the + hand. + </p> + <p> + There were still several sails that were not yet set. Running well before + the wind as the "Pilgrim" was, Dick nevertheless felt that the + gallant, royal, and stay-sails, if brought into service, would materially + assist her progress, and he determined not to dispense with their help. + The stay-sails could be hoisted from below, but to bring the gallant and + royal into play demanded more experience than any of his crew had had. + Knowing that he could not entrust the task to them, and yet resolved not + to be baulked of his wish to set them, he undertook the task himself. He + first put Tom to the helm, showing him how + </p> + <p> + [Illustration: All three of them fell flat upon the deck.] + </p> + <p> + to keep the schooner's head in the right direction, and having placed + the other four at the royal and top-gallant halyards, proceeded to mount + the foremast. + </p> + <p> + To clamber up the foreshrouds and the top-shrouds on to the cross-trees + was mere child's play to the active apprentice. In a few minutes he had + unfurled the top-gallant-sail, mounted to the royal-yard, unfurled the + royal, again reached the cross-trees, and having caught hold of one of the + starboard backstays, had descended to the deck; there he gave the + necessary directions, and the two sails were made fast, and both yards + braced. + </p> + <p> + Nor did this content him. The stay-sails were set between the masts, and + thus the "Pilgrim" was running along, crowded to the full, with all + her canvas. The only additional sails which Dick could possibly have + employed would have been some studding-sails to larboard, but as the + setting of these was a matter of some difficulty, and they were not always + readily struck in the case of a sudden squall, he contented himself + without them. + </p> + <p> + Again he took his place at the helm. The breeze was manifestly freshening, + and the "Pilgrim," almost imperceptibly heeling to starboard, glided + rapidly along the surface of the water, leaving behind her a wake, smooth + and clean, that bore plain witness to the true adjustment of her + water-line. + </p> + <p> + "This is good progress, Mrs. Weldon," he said; "may Heaven grant the + wind and weather may continue thus favourable!" + </p> + <p> + The lady, in silence, shook the boy's hand; and then, worn-out with the + excitement of the past hours, went to her cabin, where she lay down and + fell into a troubled doze. + </p> + <p> + The new crew remained on watch. They were stationed on the forecastle, in + readiness to make any alteration which the sails might require, but the + wind was so steady and unshifting that no need arose for their services. + </p> + <p> + And Cousin Benedict? all this time, where was he? and what had he been + doing? + </p> + <p> + He was sitting in his cabin; he had a magnifying-glass in his hand and was + studying an articulata of the order orthoptera, an insect of the Blattidae + family; its characteristics are a roundish body, rather long wings, flat + elytra, and a head hidden by the prothorax. He had been on deck at the + time of the calamity; the ill-fated captain with the crew had been drowned + before his very eyes; but he said nothing; not that he was unmoved; to + think that he was not struck with horror would be to libel his kind and + pitying nature. His sympathy was aroused, especially for his cousin; he + pressed her hand warmly as if he would assure her of his truest + commiseration; but he said nothing; he hurried off towards his cabin; and + who shall deny that it was to devise some wonderfully energetic measures + that he would take in consequence of this melancholy event? + </p> + <p> + Passing the kitchen, however, he caught sight of Negoro in the act of + crushing a blatta, an American species of cockroach. He broke out into a + storm of invective, and in tones of indignation demanded the surrender of + the insect, which Negoro made with cool contempt. In a moment Captain Hull + and his partners in death were all forgotten; the enthusiast had secured a + prize with which he hastened to his own little compartment, where he was + soon absorbed in proving to his own satisfaction, in opposition to the + opinion of other entomologists, that the blattae of the phoraspous + species, which are remarkable for their colours, differ in their habits + from blattae of the ordinary sort. + </p> + <p> + For the remainder of the day perfect order reigned on board the + "Pilgrim." Though they were unable to shake off the sickening feeling + of horror roused by the frightful disaster, and felt that they had + sustained a startling shock, all the passengers seemed mechanically to + fall into their usual routine. Dick Sands, though avowedly at the wheel, + seemed to be everywhere, with an eye for every thing, and his amateur crew + obeyed him readily, and with the promptness of a willing activity. + </p> + <p> + Negoro made no further overt attempt to question the young captain's + authority, but remained shut up in his kitchen. Dick made no secret of his + determination to place the cook in close confinement if he exhibited any + </p> + <p> + [Illustration: Jack evidenced his satisfaction by giving his huge friend a + hearty shake of the hand.] + </p> + <p> + future sign of insubordination. Hercules was ready to carry him off bodily + to the hold, and old Nan was equally ready to take his place in the + cooking department. Probably Negoro was aware of all this; at any rate he + did not seem disposed to give any further cause of offence at present. + </p> + <p> + As the day advanced the wind continued to freshen; but no shifting of the + sails seemed necessary. The "Pilgrim" was running well. There was no + need to diminish her spread of canvas. Masts as solid and rigging as + strong as hers could stand a far heavier breeze. + </p> + <p> + As a general rule, it is deemed prudent in case of a squall to shorten + sail at night, and especially to take in gallants and royal; but the + weather prospects now were all so promising and satisfactory that Dick + persuaded himself he was under no necessity to take this precaution; he + rather felt himself bound to take the strongest measures he could to + expedite his reaching less unfrequented waters. He made up his mind, + however, not to leave the deck at all that night. + </p> + <p> + The young captain made every effort to get an approximate reckoning of the + schooner's progress. He heaved the log every half-hour and duly + registered the result of each successive examination. There were two + compasses on board; one in the binnacle, close under the eye of the + helmsman, the other, an inverted compass, being attached to the rafters of + the captain's cabin, so that without leaving his berth he could see + whether the man in charge of the wheel was holding a proper course. + </p> + <p> + Every vessel that is duly furnished for a lengthened voyage has always not + only two compasses but two chronometers, one to correct the other. The + "Pilgrim" was not deficient in this respect, and Dick Sands made a + strong point of admonishing his crew that they should take especial care + of the compasses, which under their present circumstances were of such + supreme importance. + </p> + <p> + A misfortune, however, was in store for them. On the night of the 12th, + while Dick was on watch, the compass in the cabin became detached from its + fastening and fell on the floor. The accident was not discovered until the + following morning. Whether the metal ferule that had attached the + instrument to the rafters had become rusty, or whether it had been worn + away by additional friction it seemed impossible to settle. All that could + be said was that the compass was broken beyond repair. Dick was extremely + grieved at the loss; but he did not consider that any one was to be blamed + for the mishap, and could only resolve for the future to take extra care + of the compass in the binnacle. + </p> + <p> + With the exception of this <i>contretemps</i>, everything appeared to go + on satisfactorily on board. Mrs. Weldon, reassured by Dick's confidence, + had regained much of her wonted calmness, and was besides ever supported + by a sincere religious spirit. She and Dick had many a long conversation + together. The ingenuous lad was always ready to take the kind and + intelligent lady into his counsel, and day by day would point out to her + on the chart the registers he made as the result of his dead reckoning; he + would then try and satisfy her that under the prevailing wind there could + be no doubt they must arrive at the coast of South America: moreover, he + said that, unless he was much mistaken, they should sight the land at no + great distance from Valparaiso. + </p> + <p> + Mrs. Weldon had, in truth, no reason to question the correctness of + Dick's representations; she owned that provided the wind remained in the + same favourable quarter, there was every prospect of their reaching land + in safety; nevertheless at times she could not resist the misgiving that + would arise when she contemplated what might be the result of a change of + wind or a breaking of the weather. + </p> + <p> + With the light-heartedness that belonged to his age, Jack soon fell back + into his accustomed pursuits, and was to be seen merrily running over the + deck or romping with Dingo. At times, it is true, he missed the + companionship of Dick; but his mother made him comprehend that now that + Dick, was captain, his time was too much occupied to allow him; any + leisure for play, and the child quite understood that he must not + interrupt his old friend in his new duties. + </p> + <p> + [Illustration: A light shadow glided stealthily along the deck.] + </p> + <p> + The negroes performed their work with intelligence, and seemed to make + rapid progress in the art of seamanship. Tom had been unanimously + appointed boatswain, and took one watch with Bat and Austin, the alternate + watch being discharged by Dick himself with Hercules and Actæon. One of + them steered so that the other two were free to watch at the bows. As a + general rule Dick Sands managed to remain at the wheel all night; five or + six hours' sleep in the daytime sufficed for him, and during the time + when he was lying down he entrusted the wheel to Tom or Bat, who under his + instructions had become very fair helmsmen. Although in these unfrequented + waters there was little chance of running foul of any other vessel, Dick + invariably took the precaution of lighting his signals, carrying a green + light to starboard and a red light to port. His exertions, however, were a + great strain upon him, and sometimes during the night his fatigue would + induce a heavy drowsiness, and he steered, as it were, by instinct more + than by attention. + </p> + <p> + On the night of the 13th, he was so utterly worn-out that he was obliged + to ask Tom to relieve him at the helm whilst he went down for a few + hours' rest. Actæon and Hercules remained on watch on the forecastle. + </p> + <p> + The night was very dark; the sky was covered with heavy clouds that had + formed in the chill evening air, and the sails on the top-masts were lost + in the obscurity. At the stern, the lamps on either side of the binnacle + cast a faint reflection on the metal mountings of the wheel, leaving the + deck generally in complete darkness. + </p> + <p> + Towards three o'clock in the morning Tom was getting so heavy with + sleepiness that he was almost unconscious. His eye, long fixed steadily on + the compass, lost its power of vision, and he fell into a doze from which + it would require more than a slight disturbance to arouse him. + </p> + <p> + Meantime a light shadow glided stealthily along the deck. Creeping + gradually up to the binnacle, Negoro put down something heavy that he had + brought in his hand. He stole a keen and rapid glance at the dial of the + compass, and made his way back, unseen and unheard as he had come. + </p> + <p> + Almost immediately afterwards, Tom awakened from his slumber. His eye fell + instinctively on the compass, and he saw in a moment that the ship was out + of her proper course. By a turn of the helm he brought her head to what he + supposed to be the east. But he was mistaken. During his brief interval of + unconsciousness a piece of iron had been deposited beneath the magnetic + needle, which by this means had been diverted thirty degrees to the right, + and, instead of pointing due north, inclined far towards north-east. + </p> + <p> + Consequently it came to pass that the "Pilgrim," supposed by her young + commander to be making good headway due east, was in reality, under the + brisk north-west breeze, speeding along towards the south-east. + </p> + <p> + <a name="XI" id="XI"></a> + </p> + <h4> + CHAPTER XI. + </h4> + <h4> + ROUGH WEATHER. + </h4> + <p> + During the ensuing week nothing particular occurred on board. The breeze + still freshened, and the "Pilgrim" made on the average 160 miles every + twenty-four hours. The speed was as great as could be expected from a + craft of her size. + </p> + <p> + Dick grew more and more sanguine in his anticipations that it could not be + long before the schooner would cross the track of the mail-packets plying + between the eastern and western hemispheres. He had made up his mind to + hail the first passing vessel, and either to transfer his passengers, or + what perhaps would be better still, to borrow a few sailors, and, it might + be, an officer to work the "Pilgrim" to shore. He could not help, + however, a growing sense of astonishment, when day after day passed, and + yet there was no ship to be signalled. He kept the most vigourous + look-out, but all to no purpose. Three voyages before had he made to the + whale-fisheries, and his experience made him sure that he ought now to be + sighting some English or American vessel on its way between the Equator + and Cape Horn. + </p> + <p> + Very different, however, was the true position of the "Pilgrim" from + what Dick supposed; not only had the ship been carried far out of her + direct course by currents, the force of which there were no means of + estimating, but from the moment when the compass had been tampered with by + Negoro, the steering itself had put the vessel all astray. + </p> + <p> + Unconscious of both these elements of disturbance, Dick Sands was + convinced that they were proceeding steadily eastwards, and was + perpetually encouraging Mrs. Weldon and himself by the assurance that they + must very soon arrive within view of the American coast; again and again + asserting that his sole concern was for his passengers, and that for his + own safety he had no anxiety. + </p> + <p> + "But think, Dick," said the lady, "what a position you would have + been in, if you had not had your passengers. You would have been alone + with that terrible Negoro; you would have been rather alarmed then." + </p> + <p> + "I should have taken good care to put it out of Negoro's power to do + me any mischief, and then I should have worked the ship by myself," + answered the lad stoutly. + </p> + <p> + His very pluck gave Mrs. Weldon renewed confidence. She was a woman with + wonderful powers of endurance, and it was only when she thought of her + little son that she had any feeling of despair; yet even this she + endeavoured to conceal, and Dick's undaunted courage helped her. + </p> + <p> + Although the youth of the apprentice did not allow him to pretend to any + advanced scientific knowledge, he had the proverbial "weather-eye" of + the sailor. He was not only very keen in noticing any change in the aspect + of the sky, but he had learnt from Captain Hull, who was a clever + meteorologist, to draw correct conclusions from the indications of the + barometer; the captain, indeed, having taken the trouble to make him learn + by heart the general rules which are laid down in Vorepierre's <i>Dictionnaire + Illustré</i>. + </p> + <p> + There are seven of these rules:- + </p> + <p> + 1. If after a long period of fine weather the barometer falls suddenly and + continuously, although the mercury may be descending for two or three days + before there is an apparent change in the atmosphere, there will + ultimately be rain; and the longer has been the time between the first + depression and the commencement of the rain, the longer the rain may be + expected to last. + </p> + <p> + 2. <i>Vice versâ</i>, if after a long period of wet weather the barometer + begins to rise slowly and steadily, fine weather will ensue; and the + longer the time between the first rising of the mercury and the + commencement of the fine weather, the longer the fine weather may be + expected to last. + </p> + <p> + 3. If immediately after the fall or rise of the mercury a change of + weather ensues, the change will be of no long continuance.[1] + </p> + <p> + 4. A gradual rise for two or three days during rain forecasts fine + weather; but if there be a fall immediately on the arrival of the fine + weather, it will not be for long. This rule holds also conversely. + </p> + <p> + 5. In spring and autumn a sudden fall indicates rain; in the summer, if + very hot, it foretells a storm. In the winter, after a period of steady + frost, a fall prognosticates a change of wind with rain and hail; whilst a + rise announces the approach of snow. + </p> + <p> + 6. Rapid oscillations of the mercury either way are not to be interpreted + as indicating either wet or dry weather of any duration; continuance of + either fair or foul weather is forecast only by a prolonged and steady + rise or fall beforehand. + </p> + <p> + 7. At the end of autumn, after a period of wind and rain, a rise may be + expected to be followed by north wind and frost. + </p> + <p> + Not merely had Dick got these rules by rote, but he had tested them by his + own observations, and had become singularly trustworthy in his forecasts + of the weather. He made a point of consulting the barometer several times + every day, and although to all appearances the sky indicated that the fine + weather was settled, it did not escape his observation that on the 20th + the mercury showed a tendency to fall. Dick knew that rain, if it came, + would be accompanied by wind; an opinion in which he was very soon + confirmed by the breeze freshening, till the air was displaced at the rate + of nearly sixty feet a second, or more + </p> + <p> + [Footnote 1: This and several of the other rules are concisely + concentrated in the couplet- + </p> + <p> + Long foretold, long last; Short notice, soon past. ] + </p> + <p> + than forty miles an hour; and he recognized the necessity of at once + shortening sail. He had already used the precaution to take in the royal, + the main-top-sail, and the flying jib, but he now at once resolved + likewise to take in the top-gallant, and to have a couple of reefs in the + foretop-sail. + </p> + <p> + To an inexperienced crew, the last operation was far from easy; but there + was no symptom of shrinking from it. Followed by Bat and Austin, Dick + mounted the rigging of the foremast, and with little trouble got to the + top-gallant. Had the weather been less unpromising he would have been + inclined to leave the two yards as they were, but anticipating the + ultimate necessity of being obliged to lower the mast, he unrigged them, + and let them down to the deck; he knew well enough that in the event of + the gale rising as he expected, the lowering of the mast as well as the + shortening of sail would contribute to diminish the strain and stress upon + the vessel. + </p> + <p> + It was the work of two hours to get this preliminary operation over. There + still remained the task of taking in the reefs in the top-sail. + </p> + <p> + The "Pilgrim" in one respect differed from most modern vessels. She + did not carry a double foretop, which would very much have diminished the + difficulty attending the reefing. It was consequently necessary to proceed + as before; to mount the rigging, by main force to haul in the flapping + canvas, and to make the fastening secure. But critical and dangerous as + the task was, it was successfully accomplished, and the three young men, + having descended safely to the deck, had the satisfaction of seeing the + schooner run easily before the wind, which had further increased till it + was blowing a stiff gale. + </p> + <p> + For three days the gale continued brisk and hard, yet without any + variation in its direction. But all along the barometer was falling; the + mercury sank to 28° without symptom of recovery. The sky was becoming + overcast; clouds, thick and lowering, obscured the sun, and it was + difficult to make out where it rose or where it set. Dick did his best to + keep up his courage, but he could not disguise + </p> + <p> + [Illustration: For half an hour Negoro stood motionless.] + </p> + <p> + from himself that there was cause for uneasiness. He took no more rest + than was absolutely necessary, and what repose he allowed himself he + always took on deck; he maintained a calm exterior, but he was really + tortured with anxiety. + </p> + <p> + Although the violence of the wind seemed to lull awhile, Dick did not + suffer himself to be betrayed into any false security; he knew only too + well what to expect, and after a brief interval of comparative quiet, the + gale returned and the waves began to run very high. + </p> + <p> + About four o'clock one afternoon, Negoro (a most unusual thing for him) + emerged from his kitchen, and skulked to the fore. Dingo was fast asleep, + and did not make his ordinary growl by way of greeting to his enemy. For + half an hour Negoro stood motionless, apparently surveying the horizon. + The heavy waves rolled past; they were higher than the condition of the + wind warranted; their magnitude witnessed to a storm passing in the west, + and there was every reason to suspect that the "Pilgrim" might be + caught by its violence. + </p> + <p> + Negoro looked long at the water; he then raised his eyes and scanned the + sky. Above and below he might have read threatening signs. The upper + stratum of cloud was travelling far more rapidly than that beneath, an + indication that ere long the masses of vapour would descend, and, coming + in contact with the inferior current, would change the gale into a + tempest, which probably would increase to a hurricane. + </p> + <p> + It might be from ignorance or it might be from indifference, but there was + no indication of alarm on the face of Negoro; on the other hand there + might be seen a sort of smile curling on his lip. After thus gazing above + him and around him, he clambered on to the bowsprit, and made his way by + degrees to the very gammonings; again he rested and looked about him as if + to explore the horizon; after a while he clambered back on deck, and soon + stealthily retreated to his own quarters. + </p> + <p> + No doubt there was much to cause concern in the general aspect of the + weather; but there was one point on which they never failed to + congratulate each other;-that the direction of the wind had never + changed, and consequently must be carrying them in the desired course. + Unless a storm should overtake them, they could continue their present + navigation without peril, and with every prospect of finding a port upon + the shore where they might put in. Such were their mutual and acknowledged + hopes; but Dick secretly felt the misgiving lest, without a pilot, he + might in his ignorance fail to find a harbour of refuge. Nevertheless, he + would not suffer himself to meet trouble half-way, and kept up his spirits + under the conviction that if difficulties came he should be strengthened + to grapple with them or make his escape. + </p> + <p> + Time passed on, and the 9th of March arrived without material change in + the condition of the atmosphere. The sky remained heavily burdened, and + the wind, which occasionally had abated for a few hours, had always + returned with at least its former violence. The occasional rising of the + mercury never encouraged Dick to anticipate a permanent improvement in the + weather, and he discerned only too plainly that brighter times at present + were not to be looked for. + </p> + <p> + A startling alarm had more than once been caused by the sudden breaking of + storms in which thunderbolts had seemed to fall within a few cables' + lengths of the schooner. On these occasions the torrents of rain had been + so heavy that the ship had appeared to be in the very midst of a whirlpool + of vapour, and it was impossible to see a yard ahead. + </p> + <p> + The "Pilgrim" pitched and rolled frightfully. Fortunately Mrs. Weldon + could bear the motion without much personal inconvenience, and + consequently was able to devote her attention to her little boy, who was a + miserable sufferer. Cousin Benedict was as undisturbed as the cockroaches + he was investigating; he hardly noticed the increasing madness of either + wind or wave, but went on with his studies as calmly as if he were in his + own comfortable museum at San Francisco. Moreover, it was fortunate that + the negroes did not suffer to any great degree from sea-sickness, and + consequently were able to assist their captain in his arduous task, Dick + was far too experienced a sailor himself to be inconvenienced by any + oscillations of the vessel, however violent. + </p> + <p> + The "Pilgrim" still made good headway, and Dick, although he was aware + that ultimately it would probably be necessary again to shorten sail, was + anxious to postpone making any alteration before he was absolutely + obliged. Surely, he reasoned with himself, the land could not now be far + away; he had calculated his speed; he had kept a diligent reckoning on the + chart; surely, the shore must be almost in sight. He would not trust his + crew to keep watch; he was aware how easily their inexperienced eyes would + be misled, and how they might mistake a distant cloud-bank for the land + they coveted to see; he kept watch for himself; his own gaze was ever + fixed upon the horizon; and in the eagerness of his expectation he would + repeatedly mount to the cross-trees to get a wider range of vision. + </p> + <p> + But land was not to be seen. + </p> + <p> + Next day as Dick was standing at the bow, alternately considering the + canvas which his ship carried and the aspect presented by the sky, Mrs. + Weldon approached him without his noticing her. She caught some muttered + expressions of bewilderment that fell from his lips, and asked him whether + he could see anything. + </p> + <p> + He lowered the telescope which he had been holding in his hand, and + answered,- + </p> + <p> + "No, Mrs. Weldon, I cannot see anything; and it is this Hiat perplexes + me so sorely. I cannot understand why we have not already come in sight of + land. It is nearly a month since we lost our poor dear captain. There has + been no delay in our progress; no stoppage in our rate of speed. I cannot + make it out." + </p> + <p> + "How far were we from land when we lost the captain?" + </p> + <p> + "I am sure I am not far out in saying that we were scarcely more than + 4500 miles from the shores of America." + </p> + <p> + "And at what rate have we been sailing?" + </p> + <p> + "Not much less than nine score knots a day." + </p> + <p> + "How long, then, do you reckon, Dick, we ought to be in arriving at the + coast?" + </p> + <p> + "Under six-and-twenty days," replied Dick. + </p> + <p> + He paused before he spoke again, then added,- + </p> + <p> + "But what mystifies me even more than our failing to sight the land is + this: we have not come across a single vessel; and yet vessels without + number are always traversing these seas." + </p> + <p> + "But do you not think," inquired Mrs. Weldon, "that you have made + some error in your reckoning? Is your speed really what you have + supposed?" + </p> + <p> + "Impossible, madam," replied Dick, with an air of dignity, + "impossible that I should have fallen into error. The log has been + consulted, without fail, every half-hour. I am about to have it lowered + now, and I will undertake to show you that we are at this present moment + making ten miles an hour, which would give considerably over 200 miles a + day." + </p> + <p> + He then called out to Tom,- + </p> + <p> + "Tom, lower the log!" + </p> + <p> + The old man was quite accustomed to the duty. The log was fastened to the + line and thrown overboard. It ran out regularly for about five-and-twenty + fathoms, when all at once the line slackened in Tom's hand. + </p> + <p> + "It is broken!" cried Tom; "the cord is broken!" + </p> + <p> + "Broken?" exclaimed Dick: "good heavens! we have lost the log!" + </p> + <p> + It was too true. The log was gone. + </p> + <p> + Tom drew in the rope. Dick took it up and examined it. It had not broken + at its point of union with the log; it had given way in the middle, at a + place where the strands in some unaccountable way had worn strangely thin. + </p> + <p> + Dick's agony of mind, in spite of his effort to be calm, was intensely + great. A suspicion of foul play involuntarily occurred to him. He knew + that the rope had been of first-rate make; he knew that it had been quite + sound when used before; but he could prove nothing; he could only mourn + over the loss which committed him to the sole remaining compass as his + only guide. + </p> + <p> + That compass, too, although he knew it not, was misleading him entirely! + </p> + <p> + Mrs. Weldon sighed as she witnessed the grief which the loss manifestly + caused poor Dick, but in purest sympathy she said nothing, and retired + thoughtfully to her cabin. + </p> + <p> + It was no longer possible to reckon the rate of progress, but there was no + doubt that the "Pilgrim" continued to maintain at least her previous + speed. + </p> + <p> + Before another four-and-twenty hours had passed the barometer had fallen + still lower, and the wind was threatening to rise to a velocity of sixty + miles. Resolved to be on the safe side, Dick determined not only to strike + the top-gallant and the main-top-mast, but to take in all the lower sails. + Indeed, he began to be aware that no time was to be lost. The operation + would not be done in a moment, and the storm was approaching. Dick made + Tom take the helm; he ascended the shrouds with Bat, Austin, and Actæon, + making Hercules stay on deck to slacken the halyards as required. + </p> + <p> + By dint of arduous exertion, and at no little risk of being thrown + overboard by the rolling of the ship, they succeeded in lowering the two + masts; the fore-top-sail was then reefed, and the fore-sail entirely + struck, so that the only canvas that the schooner carried was the reefed + fore-top and the one stay. These, however, made her run with a terrific + speed. + </p> + <p> + Early on the morning of the 12th, Dick noted with alarm that the barometer + had not ceased to fall, and now registered only 27.9°. The tempest had + continued to increase, till it was unsafe for the ship to carry any canvas + at all. The order was given for the top-sail to be taken in, but it was + too late; a violent gust carried the sail completely away, and Austin, who + had made his way to the fore-top-yard, was struck by the flying sheet; and + although he was not seriously hurt, he was obliged at once to return to + deck. + </p> + <p> + Dick Sands became more uneasy than ever; he was tortured by apprehensions + of reefs outlying the shore, to which he imagined he must now be close; + but he could discern no rocks to justify his fears, and returned to take + his place at the helm. + </p> + <p> + The next moment Negoro appeared on deck; he pointed mysteriously to the + far-off horizon, as though he discerned some object, as a mountain, there; + and looking round with a malevolent smile, immediately left the deck, and + went back to his cabin. + </p> + <p> + [Illustration: Under bare poles] + </p> + <p> + <a name="XII" id="XII"></a> + </p> + <h4> + CHAPTER XII. + </h4> + <h4> + HOPE REVIVED. + </h4> + <p> + The wind had now increased to a hurricane; it had veered to the + south-west, and had attained a velocity little short of ninety miles an + hour. On land, the most substantial of erections could with difficulty + have withstood its violence, and a vessel anchored in a roadstead must + have been torn from its moorings and cast ashore. The memorable storm that + had devastated the Island of Guadaloupe on the 25th of July, 1825, when + heavy cannon were lifted from their carriages, could scarcely have been + more furious, and it was only her mobility before the blast and the + solidity of her structure that gave the "Pilgrim" a hope of surviving + the tempest. + </p> + <p> + A few minutes after the topsail had been lost, the small jib was carried + away. Dick Sands contemplated the possibility of throwing out a storm-jib, + made of extra strong canvas, as a means of bringing the ship a little more + under his control, but abandoned the idea as useless. It was, therefore, + under bare poles that the "Pilgrim" was driven along; but in spite of + the lack of canvas, the hull, masts, and rigging, gave sufficient purchase + to the wind, and the progress of the schooner was prodigiously rapid; + sometimes, indeed, she seemed to be literally lifted from the water, and + scudded on, scarcely skimming its surface. The rolling was fearful. + Enormous waves followed in quick succession, and as they travelled faster + than the ship, there was the perpetual risk of one of them catching her + astern. Without sail, there were no means of escaping that peril by + increase of speed; the adroit management of the helm was the only chance + of avoiding the hazardous shocks, and even this repeatedly failed. + </p> + <p> + To prevent his being washed overboard Dick lashed himself to his place at + the wheel by a rope round his waist, and made Tom and Bat keep close at + hand, ready to give him assistance, in case of emergency. Hercules and + Actæon, clinging to the bitt, kept watch at the bow. Mrs. Weldon and her + party, at Dick's special request, remained inside the stern cabin, + although the lady, for her own part, would much rather have stayed on + deck; she had, however, yielded to the representation that she would thus + be exposing herself to unnecessary danger. + </p> + <p> + The hatchways were hermetically closed, and it was to be hoped that they + would withstand the heavy sea that was dashing over them; only let one of + them give way to the pressure, and the vessel must inevitably fill and + founder. It was a matter of congratulation that the stowage had been done + very carefully, so that notwithstanding all the lurchings of the ship, the + cargo did not shift in the least. + </p> + <p> + The heroic young commander had still further curtailed his periods of + rest, and it was only at the urgent entreaty of Mrs. Weldon, who feared + that he would exhaust himself by his vigilance, that he was induced to lie + down for a few hours' sleep on the night of the 13th. + </p> + <p> + After Tom and Bat had been left alone at the wheel they were, somewhat to + their surprise, joined by Negoro, who very rarely came aft. He seemed + inclined to enter into conversation, but found little encouragement to + talk on the part either of Tom or his son. All at once a violent roll of + the ship threw him off his feet, and he would have gone overboard if he + had not been saved by falling against the binnacle. + </p> + <p> + Old Tom was in a frantic state of alarm lest the compass should be broken. + He uttered a cry of consternation so loud that it roused Dick from the + light slumber into which he had fallen in the cabin, and he rushed to the + deck. By the time he had reached the stern, Negoro had not only regained + his feet, but had managed successfully to conceal + </p> + <p> + [Illustration: Quick as lightning, Dick Sands drew a revolver from his + pocket.] + </p> + <p> + the bit of iron which he had again extracted from beneath the binnacle + where he had himself laid it. Now that the wind had shifted to the + south-west, it suited his machinations that the magnetic needle should + indicate its true direction. + </p> + <p> + "How now?" asked Dick eagerly; "what is the meaning of all this + noise?" + </p> + <p> + Tom explained how the cook had fallen against the binnacle, and how he had + been terrified lest the compass should be injured. Dick's heart sank at + the thought of losing his sole remaining compass, and his anxiety betrayed + itself in his countenance as he knelt down to examine its condition; but + he breathed freely as he ascertained that the instrument had sustained no + damage; by the dim light he saw the needle resting on its two concentric + circles, and felt his fears at once relieved; of course, he was quite + unconscious of the fact that the removal of the bit of iron had made the + magnet change its pointing. The incident, however, excited his misgiving; + although he felt that Negoro could not be held responsible for an + accidental fall, the very presence of the man in such a place at such a + time perplexed him. + </p> + <p> + "And what brings you here, this hour of the night?" he asked. + </p> + <p> + "That's not your business," retorted Negoro insolently. + </p> + <p> + "It is my business," replied Dick resolutely; "and I mean to have an + answer; what brought you here?" + </p> + <p> + Negoro answered sullenly that he knew of no rule to prevent his going + where he liked and when he liked. + </p> + <p> + "No rule!" cried Dick; "then I make the rule now. From this time + forward, I make the rule that you shall never come astern. Do you + understand?" + </p> + <p> + Roused from his accustomed doggedness, the man seemed to make a + threatening movement. Quick as lightning, Dick Sands drew a revolver from + his pocket. + </p> + <p> + "Negoro, one act, one word of insubordination, and I blow out your + brains!" + </p> + <p> + Negoro had no time to reply; before he could speak he was bowed down + towards the deck by an irresistible weight. Hercules had grasped him by + the shoulder. + </p> + <p> + "Shall I put him overboard, captain? he will make a meal for the fishes; + they are not very particular what they eat," said the negro, with a grin + of contempt. + </p> + <p> + "Not yet," quietly answered Dick. + </p> + <p> + The giant removed his hand, and Negoro stood upright again, and began to + retreat to his own quarters, muttering, however, as he passed Hercules,- + </p> + <p> + "You cursed nigger! You shall pay for this!" + </p> + <p> + The discovery was now made that the wind apparently had taken a sudden + shift of no less than forty-five degrees; but what occasioned Dick the + greatest perplexity was that there was nothing in the condition of the sea + to correspond with the alteration in the current of the air; instead of + being directly astern, wind and waves were now beating on the larboard. + Progress in this way must necessarily be full of danger, and Dick was + obliged to bring his ship up at least four points before he got her + straight before the tempest. + </p> + <p> + The young captain felt that he must be more than ever on the alert; he + could not shake off the suspicion that Negoro had been concerned in the + loss of the first compass, and had some further designs upon the second. + Still he was utterly at a loss to imagine what possible motive the man + could have for so criminal an act of malevolence, as there was no + plausible reason to be assigned why he should not be as anxious as all the + rest to reach the coast of America. The suspicion continued, however, to + haunt him, and when he mentioned it to Mrs. Weldon he found that a similar + feeling of distrust had agitated her, although she, like himself, was + altogether unable to allege a likely motive why the cook should + contemplate so strange an act of mischief. It was determined that a strict + surveillance should be kept upon all the fellow's movements. + </p> + <p> + Negoro, however, manifested no inclination to disobey the captain's + peremptory order; he kept strictly to his own part of the ship; but as + Dingo was now regularly quartered on the stern, there was a tolerably sure + guarantee that the cook would not be found wandering much in that + direction. + </p> + <p> + A week passed, and still the tempest showed no signs of abating; the + barometer continued to fall, and not once did a period of calmer weather + afford an opportunity of carrying sail. The "Pilgrim" still made her + way northeast. Her speed could not be less than two hundred miles in + twenty-four hours. But no land appeared. Vast as was the range of the + American continent, extending for 120 degrees between the Atlantic and the + Pacific, it was nowhere to be discerned. Was he dreaming? was he mad? Dick + would perpetually ask himself: had he been sailing in a wrong direction? + had he failed to steer aright? + </p> + <p> + But no: he was convinced there was no error in his steering. Although he + could not actually see it for the mist, he knew that day after day the sun + rose before him, and that it set behind him. Yet he was constrained in + bewilderment to ask, what had become of those shores of America upon + which, when they came in sight, there was only too great a fear the ship + should be dashed? what had become of them? where were they? whither had + this incessant hurricane driven them? why did not the expected coast + appear? + </p> + <p> + To all these bewildering inquiries Dick could find no answer except to + imagine that his compass had misled him. Yet he was powerless to put his + own misgivings to the test; he deplored more than ever the destruction of + the duplicate instrument which would have checked his registers. He + studied his chart; but all in vain; the position in which he found himself + as the result of Negoro's treachery, seemed to baffle him the more, the + more he tried to solve the mystery. + </p> + <p> + The days were passing on in this chronic state of anxiety, when one + morning about eight o'clock, Hercules, who was on watch at the fore, + suddenly shouted,- + </p> + <p> + "Land!" + </p> + <p> + Dick Sands had little reliance upon the negro's inexperienced eye, but + hurried forward to the bow. + </p> + <p> + "Where's the land?" he cried; his voice being scarcely audible above + the howling of the tempest. + </p> + <p> + "There! look there!" said Hercules, nodding his head and pointing over + the larboard side, to the north-east. + </p> + <p> + Dick could see nothing. + </p> + <p> + Mrs. Weldon had heard the shout. Unable to restrain her interest, she had + left her cabin and was at Dick's side. He uttered an expression of + surprise at seeing her, but could not hear anything she said, as her voice + was unable to rise above the roaring of the elements; she stood, her whole + being as it were concentrated in the power of vision, and scanned the + horizon in the direction indicated by Hercules. But all to no purpose. + </p> + <p> + Suddenly, however, after a while, Dick raised his hand. + </p> + <p> + "Yes!" he said; "yes; sure enough, yonder is land." + </p> + <p> + He clung with excitement to the netting; and Mrs Weldon, supported by + Hercules, strained her eyes yet more vehemently to get a glimpse of a + shore which she had begun to despair of ever reaching. + </p> + <p> + Beyond a doubt an elevated peak was there. It must be about ten miles to + leeward. A break in the clouds soon left it more distinct. Some promontory + it must be upon the American coast. Without sails, of course, the + "Pilgrim" had no chance of bearing down direct upon it; but at least + there was every reason to believe that she would soon reach some other + portion of the shore; perhaps before noon, certainly in a few hours, they + must be close to land. + </p> + <p> + The pitching of the ship made it impossible for Mrs. Weldon to keep safe + footing on the deck; accordingly, at a sign from Dick, Hercules led her + back again to her cabin. + </p> + <p> + Dick did not remain long at the bow, but went thoughtfully back to the + wheel. + </p> + <p> + He had, indeed, a tremendous responsibility before him. Here was the land, + the land for which they had longed so eagerly; and now that their + anticipations were on the point of being realized, what was there, with a + hurricane driving them on towards it, to prevent that land being their + destruction? What measures could he take to prevent the schooner being + dashed to pieces against it? + </p> + <p> + [Illustration: "There! look there!"] + </p> + <p> + At the very moment when the promontory was just abreast of them, Negoro + appeared on deck; he nodded to the peak familiarly, as he might have + saluted a familiar friend, and retired as stealthily as he had come. + </p> + <p> + Two hours later, and the promontory was lying to the larboard wake. Dick + Sands had never relaxed his watchfulness, but he had failed to discover + any further indications of a coast-line. His perplexity could only + increase; the horizon was clear; the Andes ought to be distinct; they + would be conspicuous twenty miles or more away. Dick took up his telescope + again and again; he scrutinized the eastern horizon with minutest care; + but there was nothing to be seen; and as the afternoon waned away the last + glimpse had been taken of the promontory that had awakened their + expectation; it had vanished utterly from their gaze; no indication of + shore could be seen from the "Pilgrim's" deck. + </p> + <p> + Dick Sands uttered a sigh of mingled amazement and relief. He went into + Mrs. Weldon's cabin, where she was standing with her party. + </p> + <p> + "It was only an island!" he said; "only an island!" + </p> + <p> + "How? why? what island? what do you mean?" cried Mrs. Weldon + incredulously; "what island can it be?" + </p> + <p> + "The chart perhaps will tell us," replied Dick; and hurrying off to + his own cabin, he immediately returned with the chart in his hands. + </p> + <p> + After studying it attentively for a few minutes, he said,- + </p> + <p> + "There, Mrs. Weldon; the land we have just passed, I should suppose must + be that little speck in the midst of the Pacific. It must be Easter + Island. At least, there seems to be no other land which possibly it could + be." + </p> + <p> + "And do you say," inquired Mrs. Weldon, "that we have left it quite + behind us?" + </p> + <p> + "Yes, entirely; almost to windward." + </p> + <p> + Mrs. Weldon commenced a searching scrutiny of the map that was outspread + before her. + </p> + <p> + "How far is this," she said, after bending a considerable time over + the chart; "how far is this from the coast of America?" + </p> + <p> + "Thirty-five degrees," answered Dick; "somewhere about 2500 + miles." + </p> + <p> + "What ever do you mean?" rejoined the lady astonished; "if the + 'Pilgrim' is still 2500 miles from shore, she has positively made no + progress at all. Impossible!" + </p> + <p> + In thoughtful perplexity, Dick passed his hand across his brow. He did not + know what to say. After an interval of silence, he said,- + </p> + <p> + "I have no account to give for the strange delay. It is inexplicable to + myself, except upon that one hypothesis, which I cannot resist, that the + readings of the compass, somehow or other, have been wrong." + </p> + <p> + He relapsed into silence. Then, brightening up, he added,- + </p> + <p> + "But, thank God! at least we have now the satisfaction of knowing where + we really are; we are no longer lost upon the wide Pacific; if only this + hurricane will cease, long as the distance seems, we are on our proper + course to the shores of America." + </p> + <p> + The tone of confidence with which the youthful captain spoke had the + effect of inspiring new hope into all who heard him; their spirits rose, + and to their sanguine mood it seemed as if they were approaching to the + end of all their troubles, and had hardly more to do than to await the + turning of a tide to bring them into a glad proximity to port. + </p> + <p> + Easter Island, of which the true name is Vai-Hoo, was discovered by David + in 1686 and visited by Cook and Lapérouse. It lies in lat. 27° S., and + long. 112 E.; consequently, it was evident that during the raging of the + hurricane the schooner had been driven northwards no less than fifteen + degrees. Far away, however, as she was from shore, the wind could hardly + fail within ten days to carry her within sight of land; and then, if the + storm had worn itself out, (as probably it would,) the "Pilgrim" would + again hoist sail, and make her way into some port with safety. Anyhow, the + discovery of his true position restored a spirit of confidence to Dick + Sands, and he anticipated the time when he should no longer be drifting + helplessly before the storm. + </p> + <p> + To say the truth, the "Pilgrim" had suffered very little from the + prolonged fury of the weather. The damage she had sustained was limited to + the loss of the topsail and the small jib, which could be easily replaced. + The caulking of the seams remained thoroughly sound, and no drop of water + had found its way into the hold. The pumps, too, were perfectly free. Dick + Sands did not fear for the stability of his ship; his only anxiety was + lest the weather should not moderate in time. Only let the wind subside, + and the schooner once more would be under his control; but he never forgot + that the ordering of the winds and waves were in the hands of the Great + Disposer of all. + </p> + <p> + <a name="XIII" id="XIII"></a> + </p> + <h4> + CHAPTER XIII. + </h4> + <h4> + LAND AT LAST. + </h4> + <p> + It was not long before Dick's sanguine expectations were partially + realized, for on the very next day, which was the 27th, the barometer + began to rise, not rapidly, but steadily, indicating that its elevation + would probably continue. The sea remained exceedingly rough, but the + violence of the wind, which had veered slightly towards the west, had + perceptibly diminished. The tempest had passed its greatest fury, and was + beginning to wear itself out. + </p> + <p> + Not a sail, however, could yet be hoisted; the smallest show of canvas + would have been carried away in an instant; nevertheless Dick hoped that + before another twenty-four hours were over, the "Pilgrim" might be + able to carry a storm-jib. + </p> + <p> + In the course of the night the wind moderated still more and the pitching + of the ship had so far diminished that the passengers began to reappear on + deck. Mrs. Weldon was the first to leave her enforced imprisonment. She + was anxious to speak to Dick, whom she might have expected to find looking + pale and wan after his almost superhuman exertions and loss of sleep. But + she was mistaken; however much the lad might suffer from the strain in + after-years, at present he exhibited no symptoms of failing energy. + </p> + <p> + "Well, Captain Dick, how are you?" she said, as she advanced towards + him holding out her hand. + </p> + <p> + Dick smiled. + </p> + <p> + "You call me captain, Mrs. Weldon," he answered, "but you do not + seem disposed to submit implicitly to + </p> + <p> + [Illustration: "You have acquitted yourself like a man."] + </p> + <p> + captain's orders. Did I not direct you to keep to your cabin?" + </p> + <p> + "You did," replied the lady; "but observing how much the storm had + abated, I could not resist the temptation to disobey you." + </p> + <p> + "Yes, madam, the weather is far more promising; the barometer has not + fallen since yesterday morning, and I really trust the worst is over + now." + </p> + <p> + "Thank Heaven!" she replied, and after a few moments' silence, she + added.- + </p> + <p> + "But now, Dick, you must really take some rest; you may perhaps not know + how much you require it; but it is absolutely necessary." + </p> + <p> + "Rest!" the boy repeated; "rest! I want no rest. I have only done my + duty, and it will be time enough for me to concern myself about my own + rest, when I have seen my passengers in a place of safety." + </p> + <p> + "You have acquitted yourself like a man," said Mrs. Weldon; "and you + may be assured that my husband, like myself, will never forget the + services you have rendered me. I shall urge upon him the request which I + am sure he will not refuse, that you shall have your studies completed, so + that you may be made a captain for the firm." + </p> + <p> + Tears of gratitude rose to Dick's eyes. He deprecated the praise that + was lavished upon him, but rejoiced in the prospect that seemed opening + upon his future. Mrs. Weldon assured him that he was dear as a son to her, + and pressed a gentle kiss upon his forehead. The lad felt that he was + animated, if need be, to yet greater hardships in behalf of his + benefactors, and resolved to prove himself even more worthy of their + confidence. + </p> + <p> + By the 29th, the wind had so far moderated that Dick thought he might + increase the "Pilgrim's" speed by hoisting the foresail and topsail. + </p> + <p> + "Now, my men, I have some work for you to-day," he said to the negroes + when he came on deck at daybreak. + </p> + <p> + "All right, captain," answered Hercules, "we are growing rusty for + want of something to do." + </p> + <p> + "Why didn't you blow with your big mouth?" said little Jack; "you + could have beaten the wind all to nothing." + </p> + <p> + Dick laughed, and said, "Not a bad idea, Jack; if ever we get becalmed, + we must get Hercules to blow into the sails." + </p> + <p> + "I shall be most happy," retorted the giant, and he inflated his huge + checks till he was the very impersonation of Boreas himself. + </p> + <p> + "But now to work!" cried Dick; "we have lost our topsail, and we + must contrive to hoist another. Not an easy matter, I can tell you." + </p> + <p> + "I dare say we shall manage it," replied Actæon. + </p> + <p> + "We must do our best," said Tom. + </p> + <p> + "Can't I help?" inquired Jack. + </p> + <p> + "Of course you can," answered Dick; "run along to the wheel, and + assist Bat." + </p> + <p> + Jack strutted off, proud enough of his commission. + </p> + <p> + Under Dick's directions, the negroes commenced their somewhat difficult + task. The new topsail, rolled up, had first of all to be hoisted, and then + to be made fast to the yard; but so adroitly did the crew carry out their + orders, that in less than an hour the sail was properly set and flying + with a couple of reefs. The foresail and second jib, which had been taken + down before the tempest, were hoisted again, and before ten o'clock the + "Pilgrim" was running along under the three sails which Dick + considered were as much as it was prudent to carry. Even at her present + speed, the schooner, he reckoned, would be within sight of the American + shore in about ten days. It was an immense relief to him to find that she + was no longer at the mercy of the waves, and when he saw the sails + properly set he returned in good spirits to his post at the helm, not + forgetting to thank the temporary helmsman for his services, nor omitting + his acknowledgment to Master Jack, who received the compliment with + becoming gravity. + </p> + <p> + Although the clouds continued to travel all the next day with great + rapidity they were very much broken, and alternately the "Pilgrim" was + bathed in sunlight and enveloped in vapours, which rolled on towards the + east. As the weather cleared, the hatchways were opened in + </p> + <p> + [Illustration: They both examined the outspread chart.] + </p> + <p> + order to ventilate the ship, and the outer air was allowed again to + penetrate not only the hold, but the cabin and crew's quarters The wet + sails were hung out to dry, the deck was washed down, for Dick Sands was + anxious not to bring his ship into port without having "finished her + toilet," and he found that his crew could very well spare a few hours + daily to get her into proper trim. + </p> + <p> + Notwithstanding the loss of the log, Dick had sufficient experience to be + able to make an approximate estimate of the schooner's progress, and + after having pointed out to Mrs. Weldon what he imagined was the + "Pilgrim's" true position, he told her that it was his firm + impression that land would be sighted in little more than a week. + </p> + <p> + "And upon what part of South America do you reckon we are likely to find + ourselves?" she asked. + </p> + <p> + "That is more than I dare venture to promise," replied Dick; "but I + should think somewhere hereabouts." + </p> + <p> + He was pointing on the chart to the long shore-line of Chili and Peru. + </p> + <p> + They both examined the outspread chart with still closer attention. + </p> + <p> + "Here, you see," resumed Dick, "here is the island we have just + left; we left it in the west; the wind has not shifted; we must expect to + come in sight of land, pretty nearly due east of it. The coast has plenty + of harbours. From any one of them you will be able easily to get to San + Francisco. You know, I dare say, that the Pacific Navigation Company's + steamers touch at all the principal ports. From any of them you will be + sure to get direct passage to California." + </p> + <p> + "But do you mean," asked Mrs. Weldon, "that you are not going + yourself to take the schooner to San Francisco?" + </p> + <p> + "Not direct," replied the young captain; "I want to see you safe on + shore and satisfactorily on your homeward way. When that is done, I shall + hope to get competent officers to take the ship to Valparaiso, where she + will discharge her cargo, as Captain Hull intended; and afterwards I shall + work our way back to San Francisco." + </p> + <p> + "Ah, well; we will see all about that in due time." Mrs. Weldon said, + smiling; and, after a short pause, added, "At one time, Dick, you seemed + to have rather a dread of the shore." + </p> + <p> + "Quite true," answered Dick; "but now I am in hopes we may fall in + with some passing vessel; we want to have a confirmation as to our true + position. I cannot tell you how surprised I am that we have not come + across a single vessel. But when we near the land we shall be able to get + a pilot." + </p> + <p> + "But what will happen if we fail to get a pilot?" was Mrs. Weldon's + inquiry. She was anxious to learn how far the lad was prepared to meet any + emergency. + </p> + <p> + With unhesitating promptness Dick replied,- + </p> + <p> + "Why, then, unless the weather takes the control of the ship out of my + hands, I must patiently follow the coast until I come to a harbour of + refuge. But if the wind should freshen, I should have to adopt other + measures." + </p> + <p> + "What then, Dick, what then?" persisted Mrs. Weldon. + </p> + <p> + The boy's brow knitted itself together in resolution, and he said + deliberately,- + </p> + <p> + "I should run the ship aground." + </p> + <p> + Mrs. Weldon started. + </p> + <p> + "However," Dick continued, "there is no reason to apprehend this. + The weather has mended and is likely to mend. And why should we fear about + finding a pilot? Let us hope all will be well." + </p> + <p> + Mrs. Weldon at least had satisfied herself on one point. She had + ascertained that although Dick did not anticipate disaster, yet he was + prepared in the case of emergency to resort to measures from which any but + the most experienced seaman would shrink. + </p> + <p> + But although Dick's equanimity had been successful in allaying any + misgivings on Mrs. Weldon's part, it must be owned that the condition of + the atmosphere caused him very serious uneasiness. + </p> + <p> + The wind remained uncomfortably high, and the barometer gave very ominous + indications that it would ere long freshen still more. Dick dreaded that + the time was about to return in which once again he must reduce his vessel + to a state of bare poles; but so intense was his aversion to having his + ship so wrested as it were from his own management, that he determined to + carry the topsail till it was all but carried away by the force of the + blast. Concerned, moreover, for the safety of his masts, the loss of which + he acknowledged must be fatal, he had the shrouds well overhauled and the + backstays considerably tightened. + </p> + <p> + More than once another contingency occurred to his mind, and gave him some + anxiety. He could not overlook the possibility of the wind changing all + round. What should he do in such a case? He would of course endeavour by + all means to get the schooner on by incessant tacking; but was there not + the certainty of a most hazardous delay? and worse than this, was there + not a likelihood of the "Pilgrim" being once again driven far out to + sea? + </p> + <p> + Happily these forebodings were not realized. The wind, after chopping + about for several days, at one time blowing from the north, and at another + from the south, finally settled down into a stiffish gale from the west, + which did nothing worse than severely strain the masts. + </p> + <p> + In this weary but hopeful endurance time passed on. The 5th of April had + arrived. It was more than two months since the "Pilgrim" had quitted + New Zealand; it was true that during the first three weeks of her voyage + she had been impeded by protracted calms and contrary winds; but since + that time her speed had been rapid, the very tempests had driven her + forwards with unwonted velocity; she had never failed to have her bow + towards the land, and yet land seemed as remote as ever; the coast line + was retreating as they approached it. What could be the solution of the + mystery? + </p> + <p> + From the cross-trees one or other of the negroes was kept incessantly on + the watch. Dick Sands himself, telescope in hand, would repeatedly ascend + in the hope of beholding some lofty peak of the Andes emerging from the + mists that hung over the horizon. But all in vain. + </p> + <p> + False alarms were given more than once. Sometimes Tom, sometimes Hercules, + or one of the others would be sure that a distant speck they had descried + was assuredly a mountain ridge; but the vapours were continually gathering + in such fantastic forms that their unexperienced eyes were soon deceived, + and they seldom had to wait long before their fond delusion was all + dispelled. + </p> + <p> + At last, the expected longing was fulfilled. At eight o'clock one + morning the mists seemed broken up with unusual rapidity, and the horizon + was singularly clear. Dick had hardly gone aloft when his voice rung + out,- + </p> + <p> + "Land! Land ahead!" + </p> + <p> + As if summoned by a spell, every one was on deck in an instant: Mrs. + Weldon, sanguine of a speedy end to the general anxiety; little Jack, + gratified at a new object of curiosity; Cousin Benedict, already scenting + a new field for entomological investigation; old Nan; and the negroes, + eager to set foot upon American soil; all, with the exception of Negoro, + all were on deck; but the cook did not stir from his solitude, or betray + any sympathy with the general excitement. + </p> + <p> + Whatever hesitation there might be at first soon passed away; one after + another soon distinguished the shore they were approaching, and in half an + hour there was no room for the most sceptical to doubt that Dick was + right. There was land not far ahead. + </p> + <p> + A few miles to the east there was a long low-lying coast; the chain of the + Andes ought to be visible; but it was obscured, of course, by the + intervening clouds. + </p> + <p> + The "Pilgrim" bore down rapidly towards the land, and in a short time + its configuration could be plainly made out. Towards the north-east the + coast terminated in a headland of moderate height sheltering a kind of + roadstead; on the south-east it stretched out in a long and narrow tongue. + The Andes were still wanting to the scene; they must be somewhere in the + background; but at present, strange to say, there was only a succession of + low cliffs with some trees standing out against the sky. No human + habitation, no harbour, not even an indication of a river-mouth, could + anywhere be seen. + </p> + <p> + The wind remained brisk, and the schooner was driving directly towards the + land, with sails shortened as seemed desirable; but Dick realized to + himself the fact that he was utterly incapable of altering her course. + With eager eyes he scrutinized his situation. Straight ahead was a reef + over which the waves were curling, and around which the surf must be + tremendous. It could hardly be more than a mile away. The wind seemed + brisker than before. + </p> + <p> + After gazing awhile, Dick seemed to have come to a sudden resolution. He + went quickly aft and took the helm. He had seen a little cove, and had + made up his mind that he would try and make his way into it. He did not + speak a word; he knew the difficulty of the task he had undertaken; he was + aware from the white foam, that there was shallow water on either hand; + but he kept the secret of the peril to himself, and sought no counsel in + coming to his fixed resolve. + </p> + <p> + Dingo had been trotting up and down the deck. All at once he bounded to + the fore, and broke out into a piteous howl. It roused Dick from his + anxious cogitations. Was it possible that the animal recognized the coast? + It almost seemed as if it brought back some painful associations. + </p> + <p> + The howling of the dog had manifestly attracted Negoro's attention; the + man emerged from his cabin, and, regardless of the dog, stood close to the + netting; but although he gazed at the surf, it did not seem to occasion + him any alarm. Mrs. Weldon, who was watching him, fancied she saw a flush + rise to his face, which involuntarily suggested the thought to her mind + that Negoro had seen the place before. + </p> + <p> + Either she had no time or no wish to express what had struck her, for she + did not mention it to Dick, who, at that moment, left the helm, and came + and stood beside her. + </p> + <p> + Dick looked as if he were taking a lingering farewell of the cove past + which they were being carried beyond his power to help. + </p> + <p> + In a few moments he turned round to Mrs. Weldon, and said quietly,- + </p> + <p> + "Mrs. Weldon, I am disappointed. I hoped to get the schooner into yonder + cove; but there is no chance now; if nothing is done, in half an hour she + will be upon that reef. I have but one alternative left. I must run her + aground. It will be utter destruction to the ship, but there is no choice. + Your safety is the first and paramount consideration." + </p> + <p> + "Do you mean that there is no other course to be taken, Dick?" + </p> + <p> + "None whatever," said Dick decidedly. + </p> + <p> + "It must be as you will," she said. + </p> + <p> + Forthwith ensued the agitating preparations for stranding. Mrs. Weldon, + Jack, Cousin Benedict, and Nan were provided with life belts, while Dick + and the negroes made themselves ready for being dashed into the waves. + Every precaution that the emergency admitted was duly taken. Mrs. Weldon + was entrusted to the special charge of Hercules; Dick made himself + responsible for doing all he could for little Jack; Cousin Benedict, who + was tolerably calm, was handed over to Bat and Austin; while Actæon + promised to look after Nan. Negoro's nonchalance implied that he was + quite capable of shifting for himself. + </p> + <p> + Dick had the forethought also to order about a dozen barrels of their + cargo to be brought in front, so that when the "Pilgrim" struck, the + oil escaping and floating on the waves would temporarily lull their fury, + and make smoother water for the passage of the ship. + </p> + <p> + After satisfying himself that there was no other measure to be taken to + ameliorate the peril, Dick Sands returned to the helm. The schooner was + all but upon the reef, and only a few cables' length from the shore; her + starboard quarter indeed was already bathed in the seething foam, and any + instant the keel might be expected to grate upon the under-lying rock. + Presently a change of colour in the water was observed; it revealed a + passage between the rocks. Dick gave the wheel a turn; he saw the chance + of getting aground nearer to the shore than he had dared to hope, and he + made the most of it. He steered the schooner right into the narrow + channel; the sea was + </p> + <p> + [Illustration: The sea was furious, and dashed vehemently upon the crags + on either hand] + </p> + <p> + furious, and dashed vehemently upon the crags on either hand. + </p> + <p> + "Now, my lads!" he cried to his crew, "now's your time; out with + your oil! let it run!" + </p> + <p> + Ready for the order, the negroes poured out the oil, and the raging waters + were stilled as if by magic. A few moments more and perchance they would + rage more vehemently than ever. But for the instant they were lulled. + </p> + <p> + The "Pilgrim," meanwhile, had glided onwards, and made dead for the + adjacent shore. There was a sudden shock. Caught by an enormous wave the + schooner had been hurled aground; her masts had fallen, fortunately + without injury to any one on board. But the vessel had parted amidships, + and was foundering; the water was rushing irresistibly into the hold. + </p> + <p> + The shore, however, was not half a cable's length away; there was a low, + dark ridge of rocks that was united to the beach; it afforded ample means + of rescue, and in less than ten minutes the "Pilgrim's" captain, + crew, and passengers were all landed, with their lives, at the foot of the + overhanging cliff. + </p> + <p> + <a name="XIV" id="XIV"></a> + </p> + <h4> + CHAPTER XIV. + </h4> + <h4> + ASHORE. + </h4> + <p> + Thus, after a voyage of seventy-four days, the "Pilgrim" had stranded. + Mrs. Weldon and her fellow-voyagers joined in thanksgiving to the kind + Providence that had brought them ashore, not upon one of the solitary + islands of Polynesia, but upon a solid continent, from almost any part of + which there would be no difficulty in getting home. + </p> + <p> + The ship was totally lost. She was lying in the surf a hopeless wreck, and + few must be the hours that would elapse before she would be broken up in + scattered fragments; it was impossible to save her. Notwithstanding that + Dick Sands bewailed the loss of a valuable ship and her cargo to the + owner, he had the satisfaction of knowing that he had been instrumental in + saving what was far more precious, the lives of the owner's wife and + son. + </p> + <p> + It was impossible to do more than hazard a conjecture as to the part of + the South American coast on which the "Pilgrim" had been cast. Dick + imagined that it must be somewhere on the coast of Peru; after sighting + Easter Island, he knew that the united action of the equatorial current + and the brisk wind must have had the effect of driving the schooner far + northward, and he formed his conclusion accordingly. Be the true position, + however, what it might, it was all important that it should be accurately + ascertained as soon as possible. If it were really in Peru, he would not + be long in finding his way to one of the numerous ports and villages that + lie along the coast. + </p> + <p> + But the shore here was quite a desert. A narrow strip of beach, strewn + with boulders, was enclosed by a cliff of no great height, in which, at + irregular intervals, deep funnels appeared as chasms in the rock. Here and + there a gentle slope led to the top. + </p> + <p> + About a quarter of a mile to the north was the mouth of a little river + which had not been visible from the sea. Its banks were overhung by a + number of "rhizophora," a species of mangrove entirely distinct from + that indigenous to India. It was soon ascertained that the summit of the + cliff was clothed by a dense forest, extending far away in undulations of + verdure to the mountains in the background. Had Cousin Benedict been a + botanist, he could not have failed to find a new and interesting field for + his researches; there were lofty baobabs (to which an extraordinary + longevity has often been erroneously ascribed), with bark resembling + Egyptian syenite; there were white pines, tamarinds, pepper-plants of + peculiar species, and numerous other plants unfamiliar to the eye of a + native of the North; but, strange to say, there was not a single specimen + of the extensive family of palms, of which more than a thousand varieties + are scattered in profusion in so many quarters of the globe. + </p> + <p> + Above the shore hovered a large number of screeching birds, mostly of the + swallow tribe, their black plumage shot with steelly blue, and shading off + to a light brown at the top of the head. Now and then a few partridges of + a greyish colour rose on wing, their necks entirely bare of feathers: the + fearless manner in which the various birds all allowed themselves to be + approached made Mrs. Weldon and Dick both wonder if the shores upon which + they had been thrown were not so deserted that the sound of fire-arms was + not known. + </p> + <p> + On the edge of the reefs some pelicans (of the species known as <i>pelicanus + minor</i>) were busily filling their pouches with tiny fish, and some + gulls coming in from the open sea began to circle round the wreck: with + these exceptions not a living creature appeared in sight. Benedict, no + doubt, could have discovered many entomological novelties amongst the + foliage, but these could give no more information than the birds as to the + name of their habitat. Neither north, nor south, nor towards the forest, + was there trace of rising smoke, or any footprint or other sign to + indicate the presence of a human being. + </p> + <p> + Dick's surprise was very great. He knew that the proximity of a native + would have made Dingo bark aloud; but the dog gave no warning; he was + running backwards and forwards, his tail lowered and his nose close to the + ground; now and again he uttered a deep growl. + </p> + <p> + "Look at Dingo!" said Mrs. Weldon; "how strange he is! he seems to + be trying to discover a lost scent." + </p> + <p> + After watching the dog for a time, she spoke again:- + </p> + <p> + "Look, too, at Negoro! he and the dog seem to be on the same purpose!" + </p> + <p> + "As to Negoro," said Dick, "I cannot concern myself with him now; he + must do as he pleases; I have no further control over him; his service + expires with the loss of the ship." + </p> + <p> + Negoro was in fact walking to and fro, surveying the shore with the air of + a man who was trying to recall some past experience to his recollection. + His dogged taciturnity was too well known for any one to think of + questioning him; every one was accustomed to let him go his own way, and + when Dick noticed that he had gone towards the little river, and had + disappeared behind the cliff, he thought no more about him. Dingo likewise + had quite forgotten his enemy, and desisted from his growling. + </p> + <p> + The first necessity for the shipwrecked party was to find a temporary + shelter where they might take some refreshment. There was no lack of + provisions; independently of the resources of the land, the ebbing tide + had left upon the rocks the great bulk of the "Pilgrim's" stores, + and the negroes had already collected several kegs of biscuit, and a + number of cases of preserved meat, besides a variety of other supplies. + All that they rescued they carefully piled up above high-water mark. As + nothing appeared to be injured by the sea-water, the victualling of the + party all seemed to be satisfactorily secure for the interval which must + elapse (and they all believed it would not be long,) + </p> + <p> + [Illustration: Surveying the shore with the air of a man who was trying to + recall some past experience] + </p> + <p> + before they reached one of the villages which they presumed were close at + hand. Dick, moreover, took the precaution of sending Hercules to get a + small supply of fresh water from the river hard by, and the good-natured + fellow returned carrying a whole barrel-full on his shoulder. + </p> + <p> + Plenty of fuel was lying about, and whenever they wanted to light a fire + they were sure of having an abundance of dead wood and the roots of the + old mangroves. Old Tom, an inveterate smoker, always carried a tinder box + in his pocket; this had been too tightly fastened to be affected by the + moisture, and could always produce a spark upon occasion. + </p> + <p> + Still they must have a shelter. Without some rest it was impossible to + start upon a tour of exploration; accordingly, all interests were directed + towards ascertaining where the necessary repose could be obtained. + </p> + <p> + The honour of discovering where the desired retreat could be found fell to + the lot of little Jack. Trotting about at the foot of the cliff, he came + upon one of those grottoes which are constantly being found hollowed out + in the rock by the vehement action of the waves in times of tempest. + </p> + <p> + "Here, look here!" cried the child; "here's a place!" + </p> + <p> + "Well done, Jack!" answered his mother; "your lucky discovery is + just what we wanted. If we were going to stay here any time we should have + to do the same as the Swiss Family Robinson, and name the spot after + you!" + </p> + <p> + It was hardly more than twelve or fourteen feet square, and yet the grotto + seemed to Jack to be a gigantic cavern. But narrow as its limits were, it + was capacious enough to receive the entire party. It was a great + satisfaction to Mrs. Weldon to observe that it was perfectly dry, and as + the moon was just about her first quarter there was no likelihood of a + tide rising to the foot of the cliff. At any rate, it was resolved that + they might take up their quarters there for a few hours. + </p> + <p> + Shortly after one o'clock the whole party were seated upon a carpet of + seaweed round a repast consisting of preserved meat, biscuit, and water + flavoured with a few drops of rum, of which Bat had saved a quart bottle + from the wreck. Even Negoro had returned and joined the group; probably he + had not cared to venture alone along the bank of the stream into the + forest. He sat listening, as it seemed indifferently, to the various plans + for the future that were being discussed, and did not open his mouth + either by way of remonstrance or suggestion. + </p> + <p> + Dingo was not forgotten, and had his share of food duly given him outside + the grotto, where he was keeping guard. + </p> + <p> + When the meal was ended, Mrs. Weldon, passing her arms round Jack, who was + lounging half asleep with excitement and fatigue at her side, was the + first to speak. + </p> + <p> + "My dear Dick," she said, "in the name of us all, let me thank you + for the services you have rendered us in our tedious time of difficulty. + As you have been our captain at sea, let me beg you to be our guide upon + land. We shall have perfect confidence in your judgment, and await your + instructions as to what our next proceedings shall be." + </p> + <p> + All eyes were turned upon Dick. Even Negoro appeared to be roused to + curiosity, as if eager to know what he had to say. + </p> + <p> + Dick did not speak for some moments. He was manifestly pondering what step + he should advise. After a while he said,- + </p> + <p> + "My own impression, Mrs. Weldon, is that we have been cast ashore upon + one of the least-frequented parts of the coast of Peru, and that we are + near the borders of the Pampas. In that case I should conclude that we are + at a considerable distance from any village. Now, I should recommend that + we stay here altogether for the coming night. To-morrow morning, two of us + can start off on an exploring expedition. I entertain but little doubt + that natives will be met with within ten or a dozen miles." + </p> + <p> + Mrs. Weldon looked doubtful. Plainly she thought unfavourably of the + project of separating the party. She reflected for a considerable time, + and then asked,- + </p> + <p> + "And who is to undertake the task of exploring?" + </p> + <p> + Prompt was Dick's answer:- + </p> + <p> + "Tom and I." + </p> + <p> + "And leave us here?" suggested the lady. + </p> + <p> + "Yes; to take care of you, there will be Hercules, Bat, Actæon and + Austin. Negoro, too, I presume, means to remain here," said Dick, + glancing towards the cook. + </p> + <p> + "Perhaps," replied Negoro, sparing as ever of his words. + </p> + <p> + "We shall take Dingo," added Dick; "likely enough he may be + useful." + </p> + <p> + At the sound of his name the dog had entered the grotto. A short bark + seemed to testify his approval of Dick's proposal. + </p> + <p> + Mrs. Weldon was silent. She looked sad and thoughtful. It was hard to + reconcile herself to the division of the party. She was aware that the + separation would not be for long, but she could not suppress a certain + feeling of nervousness. Was it not possible that some natives, attracted + by the wreck, would assault them in hopes of plunder? + </p> + <p> + Every argument he could think of, Dick brought forward to reassure the + lady. He told her that the Indians were perfectly harmless, and entirely + different to the savage tribes of Africa and Polynesia; there was no + reason to apprehend any mischief, even if they should chance to encounter + them, which was itself extremely unlikely. No doubt the separation would + have its inconveniences, but they would be insignificant compared with the + difficulty of traversing the country <i>en masse</i>. Tom and he would + have far greater freedom if they went alone, and could make their + investigations much more thoroughly. Finally he promised that if within + two days they failed to discover human habitation, they would return to + the grotto forthwith. + </p> + <p> + "I confess, however," he added, "that I have little expectation of + being able to ascertain our true position, until I have penetrated some + distance into the country." + </p> + <p> + There was nothing in Dick's representations but what commanded Mrs. + Weldon's assent as reasonable. It was simply her own nervousness, she + acknowledged, that made her hesitate; but it was only with extreme + reluctance that she finally yielded to the proposition. + </p> + <p> + "And what, Mr. Benedict, is your opinion of my proposal?" said Dick, + turning to the entomologist. + </p> + <p> + "I?" answered Cousin Benedict, looking somewhat bewildered, "Oh, I + am agreeable to anything. I dare say I shall find some specimens. I think + I will go and look at once." + </p> + <p> + "Take my advice, and don't go far away," replied Dick. + </p> + <p> + "All right; I shall take care of myself." + </p> + <p> + "And don't be bringing back a lot of mosquitoes," said old Tom + mischievously. + </p> + <p> + With his box under his arm, the naturalist left the grotto. + </p> + <p> + Negoro followed almost immediately. He did not take the same direction as + Benedict up the cliff, but for the second time bent his steps towards the + river, and proceeded along its bank till he was out of sight. + </p> + <p> + It was not long before Jack's exertions told upon him, and he fell into + a sound sleep. Mrs. Weldon having gently laid him on Nan's lap, wandered + out and made her way to the water's edge. She was soon joined by Dick + and the negroes, who wanted to see whether it was possible to get to the + "Pilgrim," and secure any articles that might be serviceable for + future use. The reef on which the schooner had stranded was now quite dry, + and the carcase of the vessel which had been partially covered at high + water was lying in the midst of <i>debris</i> of the most promiscuous + character. The wide difference between high and low-water mark caused Dick + Sands no little surprise. He knew that the tides on the shores of the + Pacific were very inconsiderable; in his own mind, however, he came to the + conclusion that the phenomenon was to be explained by the unusually high + wind that had been blowing on the coast. + </p> + <p> + Not without emotion could Mrs. Weldon, or indeed any of them, behold the + unfortunate ship upon which they had spent so many eventful days, lying + dismasted on her side. But there was little time for sentiment. If they + wished to visit the hull before it finally went to pieces there must be no + delay. + </p> + <p> + Hoisting themselves by some loose rigging that was hanging from the deck, + Dick and several of the negroes + </p> + <p> + [Illustration: Not without emotion could Mrs. Weldon, or indeed any of + them, behold the unfortunate ship.] + </p> + <p> + contrived to make their way into the interior of the hull. Dick left his + men to gather together all they could in the way of food and drink from + the store-room, and himself went straight to the stern cabin, into which + the water had not penetrated. Here he found four excellent Purday's + Remington rifles and a hundred cartridges; with these he determined to arm + his party, in case they should be attacked by Indians. He also chose six + of the strongest of the cutlasses that are used for slicing up dead + whales; and did not forget the little toy gun which was Jack's special + property. Unexpectedly he found a pocket-compass, which he was only too + glad to appropriate. What a boon it would have been had he discovered it + earlier! The ship's charts in the fore-cabin were too much injured by + water to be of any further service. Nearly everything was either lost or + spoiled, but the misfortune was not felt very acutely because there was + ample provision for a few days, and it seemed useless to burden themselves + with more than was necessary. Dick hardly needed Mrs. Weldon's advice to + secure all the money that might be on board, but after the most diligent + search he failed to discover more than five hundred dollars. This was a + subject of perplexity. Mrs. Weldon herself had had a considerably larger + sum than this, and Captain Hull was known always to keep a good reserve in + hand. There was but one way to solve the mystery. Some one had been + beforehand to the wreck. It could not be any of the negroes, as not one of + them had for a moment left the grotto. Suspicion naturally fell upon + Negoro, who had been out alone upon the shore. Morose and cold-blooded as + the man was, Dick hardly knew why he should suspect him of the crime of + theft; nevertheless, he determined to cross-examine him, and, if need be, + to have him searched, as soon as he came back. + </p> + <p> + The day wore onwards to its close. The sun was approaching the vernal + equinox, and sank almost perpendicularly on to the horizon. Twilight was + very short, and the rapidity with which darkness came on confirmed Dick in + his belief that they had got ashore at some spot lying between the tropic + of Capricorn and the equator. + </p> + <p> + They all assembled in the grotto again for the purpose of getting some + sleep. + </p> + <p> + "Another rough night coming on!" said Tom, pointing to the heavy + clouds that hung over the horizon. + </p> + <p> + "No doubt, Tom!" answered Dick, "and I think we may congratulate + ourselves on being safe out of our poor ship." + </p> + <p> + As the night could not be otherwise than very dark, it was arranged that + the negroes should take their turns in keeping guard at the entrance of + the grotto. Dingo also would be upon the alert. + </p> + <p> + Benedict had not yet returned. Hercules shouted his name with the full + strength of his capacious lungs, and shortly afterwards the entomologist + was seen making his way down the face of the cliff at the imminent risk of + breaking his neck. He was in a great rage. He had not found a single + insect worth having, scorpions, scolopendra, and other myriapoda were in + the forest in abundance; but not one of these of course could be allowed a + place in his collection. + </p> + <p> + "Have I come six thousand miles for this?" he cried: "have I endured + storm and shipwreck only to be cast where not a hexapod is to be seen? The + country is detestable! I shall not stay in it another hour!" + </p> + <p> + Ever gentle to his eccentricities, Mrs. Weldon soothed him as she would a + child, she told him that he had better take some rest now, and most likely + he would have better luck to-morrow. + </p> + <p> + Cousin Benedict had hardly been pacified when Tom remarked that Negoro too + had not returned. + </p> + <p> + "Never mind!" said Bat, "his room is as good as his company." + </p> + <p> + "I cannot say that I altogether think so. The man is no favourite of + mine, but I like him better under my own eye," said Mrs. Weldon. + </p> + <p> + "Perhaps he has his own reasons for keeping away," said Dick, and + taking Mrs. Weldon aside, he communicated to her his suspicions of the + fellow's dishonesty. + </p> + <p> + He found that she coincided with him in her view of + </p> + <p> + [Illustration: The entomologist was seen making his way down the face of + the cliff at the imminent risk of breaking his neck.] + </p> + <p> + Negoro's conduct; but she did not agree with him in his proposal to have + him searched at once. If he returned, she should be convinced that he had + deposited the money in some secret spot; and as there would be no proof of + his guilt, it would be better to leave him, at least for a time, + uninterrogated. + </p> + <p> + Dick was convinced by her representations, and promised to act upon her + advice. + </p> + <p> + Before they resigned themselves to sleep, they had repeatedly summoned + Negoro back, but he either could not or would not hear. Mrs. Weldon and + Dick scarcely knew what to think; unless he had lost his way; it was + unaccountable why he should be wandering about alone on a dark night in a + strange country. + </p> + <p> + Presently Dingo was heard barking furiously. He had left the opening of + the grotto, and was evidently down at the water's edge. Imagining that + Negoro must be coming, Dick sent three of the negroes in the direction of + the river to meet him; but when they reached the bank not a soul could be + seen, and as Dingo was quiet again, they made their way back to the + grotto. + </p> + <p> + Excepting the man left on watch, they now all lay down, hoping to get some + repose. Mrs. Weldon, however, could not sleep. The land for which she had + sighed so ardently had been reached, but it had failed to give either the + security or the comfort which she had anticipated! + </p> + <p> + <a name="XV" id="XV"></a> + </p> + <h4> + CHAPTER XV. + </h4> + <h4> + A STRANGER. + </h4> + <p> + At daybreak, next morning, Austin, who happened to be on guard, heard + Dingo bark, and noticed that he started up and ran towards the river. + Arousing the inmates of the grotto, he announced to them that some one was + coming. + </p> + <p> + "It isn't Negoro," said Tom; "Dingo would bark louder than that if + Negoro were to be seen." + </p> + <p> + "Who, then, can it be?" asked Mrs. Weldon, with an inquiring glance + towards Dick. + </p> + <p> + "We must wait and see, madam," replied Dick quietly. + </p> + <p> + Bidding Bat, Austin, and Hercules follow his example, Dick Sands took up a + cutlass and a rifle, into the breach of which he slipped a cartridge. Thus + armed, the four young men made their way towards the river bank. Tom and + Actæon were left with Mrs. Weldon at the entrance of the grotto. + </p> + <p> + The sun was just rising. Its rays, intercepted by the lofty range of + mountains in the east, did not fall directly on the cliff; but the sea to + its western horizon was sparkling in the sunbeams as the party marched + along the shore. Dingo was motionless as a setter, but did not cease + barking. It soon proved not to be his old enemy who was disturbing him. A + man, who was not Negoro, appeared round the angle of the cliff, and + advancing cautiously along the bank of the stream, seemed by his gestures + to be endeavouring to pacify the dog, with which an encounter would + certainly have been by no means desirable. + </p> + <p> + "That's not Negoro!" said Hercules. + </p> + <p> + [Illustration: "Good morning, my young friend."] + </p> + <p> + "No loss for any of us," muttered Bat. + </p> + <p> + "You are right," replied Dick; "perhaps he is a native; let us hope + he may be able to tell us our whereabouts, and save us the trouble of + exploring." + </p> + <p> + With their rifles on their shoulders, they advanced steadily towards the + new arrival. The stranger, on becoming aware of their approach, manifested + great surprise; he was apparently puzzled as to how they had reached the + shore, for the "Pilgrim" had been entirely broken up during the night, + and the spars that were floating about had probably been too few and too + scattered to attract his attention. His first attitude seemed to betray + something of fear; and raising to his shoulder a gun that had been slung + to his belt, he began to retrace his steps; but conciliatory gestures on + the part of Dick quickly reassured him, and after a moment's hesitation, + he continued to advance. + </p> + <p> + He was a man of about forty years of age, strongly built, with a keen, + bright eye, grizzly hair and beard, and a complexion tanned as with + constant exposure to the forest air. He wore a broad-brimmed hat, a kind + of leather jerkin, or tunic, and long boots reaching nearly to his knees. + To his high heels was fastened a pair of wide-rowelled spurs, which + clanked as he moved. + </p> + <p> + Dick Sands in an instant saw that he was not looking upon one of the + roving Indians of the pampas, but upon one of those adventurers, often of + very doubtful character, who are not unfrequently to be met with in the + remotest quarters of the earth. Clearly this was neither an Indian nor a + Spaniard. His erect, not to say rigid deportment, and the reddish hue with + which his hair and beard were streaked, betokened him to be of Anglo-Saxon + origin, a conjecture which was at once confirmed when upon Dick's + wishing him "good morning," he replied in unmistakable English, with + hardly a trace of foreign accent,- + </p> + <p> + "Good morning, my young friend." + </p> + <p> + He stepped forward, and having shaken hands with Dick, nodded to all his + companions. + </p> + <p> + "Are you English?" he asked. + </p> + <p> + "No; we are Americans," replied Dick. + </p> + <p> + "North or South?" inquired the man. + </p> + <p> + "North," Dick answered. + </p> + <p> + The information seemed to afford the stranger no little satisfaction, and + he again wrung Dick's hand with all the enthusiasm of a + fellow-countryman. + </p> + <p> + "And may I ask what brings you here?" he continued. + </p> + <p> + Before, however, Dick had time to reply, the stranger had courteously + raised his hat, and, looking round, Dick saw that his bow was intended for + Mrs. Weldon, who had just reached the river-bank. She proceeded to tell + him the particulars of how they had been shipwrecked, and how the vessel + had gone to pieces on the reefs. + </p> + <p> + A look of pity crossed the man's face as he listened, and he cast his + eye, as it might be involuntarily, upon the sea, in order to discern some + vestige of the stranded ship. + </p> + <p> + "Ah! there is nothing to be seen of our poor schooner!" said Dick + mournfully; "the last of her was broken up in the storm last night." + </p> + <p> + "And now," interposed Mrs. Weldon, "can you tell us where we are?" + </p> + <p> + "Where?" exclaimed the man, with every indication of surprise at her + question; "why, on the coast of South America, of course!" + </p> + <p> + "But on what part? are we near Peru?" Dick inquired eagerly. + </p> + <p> + "No, my lad, no; you are more to the south; you are on the coast of + Bolivia; close to the borders of Chili." + </p> + <p> + "A good distance, I suppose, from Lima?" asked Dick. + </p> + <p> + "From Lima? yes, a long way; Lima is far to the north." + </p> + <p> + "And what is the name of that promontory?" Dick said, pointing to the + adjacent headland. + </p> + <p> + "That, I confess, is more than I am able to tell you," replied the + stranger; "for although I have travelled a great deal in the interior of + the country, I have never before visited this part of the coast." + </p> + <p> + Dick pondered in thoughtful silence over the information he had thus + received. He had no reason to doubt its accuracy; according to his own + reckoning he would have expected to come ashore somewhere between the + latitudes of 27° and 30°; and by this stranger's showing he had made + the latitude 25°; the discrepancy was not very great; it was not more + than might be accounted for by the action of the currents, which he knew + he had been unable to estimate; moreover, the deserted character of the + whole shore inclined him to believe more easily that he was in Lower + Bolivia. + </p> + <p> + Whilst this conversation was going on, Mrs. Weldon, whose suspicions had + been excited by Negoro's disappearance, had been scrutinizing the + stranger with the utmost attention; but she could detect nothing either in + his manner or in his words to give her any cause to doubt his good faith. + </p> + <p> + "Pardon me," she said presently; "but you do not seem to me to be a + native of Peru?" + </p> + <p> + "No; like yourself, I am an American, Mrs. --;" he paused, as if + waiting to be told her name. + </p> + <p> + The lady smiled, and gave her name; he thanked her, and continued,- + </p> + <p> + "My name is Harris. I was born in South Carolina; but it is now twenty + years since I left my home for the pampas of Bolivia; imagine, therefore, + how much pleasure it gives me to come across some countrymen of my own." + </p> + <p> + "Do you live in this part of the province, Mr. Harris?" Mrs. Weldon + asked. + </p> + <p> + "No, indeed; far away; I live down to the south, close to the borders of + Chili. At present I am taking a journey north-eastwards to Atacama." + </p> + <p> + "Atacama!" exclaimed Dick; "are we anywhere near the desert of + Atacama?" + </p> + <p> + "Yes, my young friend," rejoined Harris, "you are just on the edge + of it. It extends far beyond those mountains which you see on the horizon, + and is one of the most curious and least explored parts of the + continent." + </p> + <p> + "And are you travelling through it alone?" Mrs. Weldon inquired. + </p> + <p> + "Yes, quite alone; and it is not the first time I have performed the + journey. One of my brothers owns a large + </p> + <p> + [Illustration: "He is my little son."] + </p> + <p> + farm, the hacienda of San Felice, about 200 miles from here, and I have + occasion now and then to pay him business visits." + </p> + <p> + After a moment's hesitation, as if he were weighing a sudden thought, he + continued,- + </p> + <p> + "I am on my way there now, and if you will accompany me I can promise + you a hearty welcome, and my brother will be most happy to do his best to + provide you with means of conveyance to San Francisco." + </p> + <p> + Mrs. Weldon had hardly begun to express her thanks for the proposal when + he said abruptly,- + </p> + <p> + "Are these negroes your slaves?" + </p> + <p> + "Slaves! sir," replied Mrs. Weldon, drawing herself up proudly; "we + have no slaves in the United States. The south has now long followed the + example of the north. Slavery is abolished." + </p> + <p> + "I beg your pardon, madam. I had forgotten that the war of 1862 had + solved that question. But seeing these fellows with you, I thought perhaps + they might be in your service," he added, with a slight tone of irony. + </p> + <p> + "We are very proud to be of any service to Mrs. Weldon," Tom + interposed with dignity, "but we are no man's property. It is true I + was sold for a slave when I was six years old; but I have long since had + my freedom; and so has my son. Bat here, and all his friends, were born of + free parents." + </p> + <p> + "Ah! well then, I have to congratulate you," replied Harris, in a + manner that jarred very sensibly upon Mrs. Weldon's feelings; but she + said nothing. + </p> + <p> + Harris added,- + </p> + <p> + "I can assure you that you are as safe here in Bolivia as you would be + in New England." + </p> + <p> + He had not finished speaking, when Jack, followed by Nan, came out of the + grotto. The child was rubbing his eyes, having only just awakened from his + night's sleep. Catching sight of his mother, he darted towards her. + </p> + <p> + "What a charming little boy!" exclaimed Harris. + </p> + <p> + "He is my little son," said Mrs. Weldon, kissing the child by way of + morning greeting. + </p> + <p> + "Ah, madam, I am sure you must have suffered doubly on his account. Will + the little man let me kiss him too?" + </p> + <p> + But there was something in the stranger's appearance that did not take + Jack's fancy, and he shrank back timidly to his mother's side. + </p> + <p> + "You must excuse him, sir; he is very shy." + </p> + <p> + "Never mind," said Harris; "we shall be better acquainted by-and-by. + When we get to my brother's, he shall have a nice little pony to + ride." + </p> + <p> + But not even this tempting offer seemed to have any effect in coaxing Jack + into a more genial mood. He kept fast hold of his mother's hand, and + she, somewhat vexed at his behaviour, and anxious that no offence should + be given to a man who appeared so friendly in his intentions, hastened to + turn the conversation to another topic. + </p> + <p> + Meantime Dick Sands had been considering Harris's proposal. Upon the + whole, the plan of making their way to the hacienda of San Felice seemed + to commend itself to his judgment; but he could not conceal from himself + that a journey of 200 miles across plains and forests, without any means + of transport, would be extremely fatiguing. On expressing his doubts on + this point, he was met with the reply,- + </p> + <p> + "Oh, that can be managed well enough, young man; just round the corner + of the cliff there I have a horse, which is quite at the disposal of the + lady and her son; and by easy stages of ten miles or so a day, it will do + the rest of us no harm to travel on foot. Besides," he added, "when I + spoke of the journey being 200 miles, I was thinking of following, as I + usually do, the course of the river; but by taking a short cut across the + forest, we may reduce the distance by nearly eighty miles." + </p> + <p> + Mrs. Weldon was about to say how grateful she was, but Harris anticipated + her. + </p> + <p> + "Not a word, madam, I beg you. You cannot thank me better than by + accepting my offer. I confess I have never crossed this forest, but I am + so much accustomed to the pampas that I have little fear of losing my way. + The only difficulty is in the matter of provisions, as I have only + supplied myself with enough to carry me on to San Felice." + </p> + <p> + "As to provisions," replied Mrs. Weldon, "we have enough and to + spare; and we shall be more than willing to share everything with you." + </p> + <p> + "That is well," answered Harris; "then there can be no reason why we + should not start at once." + </p> + <p> + He was turning away with the intention of fetching his horse, when Dick + Sands detained him. True to his seaman's instincts, the young sailor + felt that he should be much more at his ease on the sea-shore than + traversing the heart of an unknown forest. + </p> + <p> + "Pardon me, Mr. Harris," he began, "but instead of taking so long a + journey across the desert of Atacama, would it not be far better for us to + follow the coast either northwards or southwards, until we reach the + nearest seaport?" + </p> + <p> + A frown passed over Harris's countenance. + </p> + <p> + "I know very little about the coast," he answered; "but I know + enough to assure you that there is no town to the north within 300 or 400 + miles." + </p> + <p> + "Then why should we not go south?" persisted Dick. + </p> + <p> + "You would then have to travel to Chili, which is almost as far; and, + under your circumstances, I should not advise you to skirt the pampas of + the Argentine Republic. For my own part, I could not accompany you." + </p> + <p> + "But do not the vessels which ply between Chili and Peru come within + sight of this coast?" interposed Mrs. Weldon. + </p> + <p> + "No, madam; they keep out so far to sea that there would not be the + faintest chance of your hailing one." + </p> + <p> + "You seem to have another question to ask Mr. Harris," Mrs. Weldon + continued, addressing Dick, who still looked rather doubtful. + </p> + <p> + Dick replied that he was about to inquire at what port he would be likely + to find a ship to convey their party to San Francisco. + </p> + <p> + "That I really cannot tell you, my young friend," rejoined Harris; + "I can only repeat my promise that we will furnish you with the means of + conveyance from San Felice to Atacama, where no doubt you will obtain all + the information you require." + </p> + <p> + "I hope you will not think that Dick is insensible to your kindness, Mr. + Harris," said Mrs. Weldon, apologetically. + </p> + <p> + "On the contrary," promptly observed Dick; "I fully appreciate it; I + only wish we had been cast ashore upon a spot where we should have had no + need to intrude upon his generosity." + </p> + <p> + "I assure you, madam, it gives me unbounded pleasure to serve you in any + way," said Harris; "it is, as I have told you, not often that I come + in contact with any of my own countrymen." + </p> + <p> + "Then we accept your offer as frankly as it is made," replied the + lady, adding; "but I cannot consent to deprive you of your horse. I am a + very good walker." + </p> + <p> + "So am I," said Harris, with a bow, "and consequently I intend you + and your little son to ride. I am used to long tramps through the pampas. + Besides, it is not at all unlikely that we shall come across some of the + workpeople belonging to the hacienda; if so, they will be able to give us + a mount." + </p> + <p> + Convinced that it would only be thwarting Mrs. Weldon's wishes to throw + any further impediment in the way, Dick Sands suppressed his desire to + raise fresh obstacles, and simply asked how soon they ought to start. + </p> + <p> + "This very day, at once," said Harris quickly. + </p> + <p> + "So soon?" asked Dick. + </p> + <p> + "Yes. The rainy season begins in April, and the sooner we are at San + Felice the better. The way through the forest is the safest as well as the + shortest, for we shall be less likely to meet any of the nomad Indians, + who are notorious robbers." + </p> + <p> + Without making any direct reply, Dick proceeded to instruct the negroes to + choose such of the provisions as were most easy of transport, and to make + them up into packages, that every one might carry a due share. Hercules + with his usual good nature professed himself willing to carry the entire + load; a proposal, however, to which Dick would not listen for a moment. + </p> + <p> + "You are a fine fellow, Hercules" said Harris, scrutinizing the giant + with the eye of a connoisseur; "you would be worth something in the + African market." + </p> + <p> + "Those who want me now must catch me first," retorted Hercules, with a + grin. + </p> + <p> + The services of all hands were enlisted, and in a comparatively short time + sufficient food was packed up to supply the party for about ten days' + march. + </p> + <p> + "You must allow us to show you what hospitality is in our power," said + Mrs. Weldon, addressing her new acquaintance; "our breakfast will be + ready in a quarter of an hour, and we shall be happy if you will join + us." + </p> + <p> + "It will give me much pleasure," answered Harris, gaily; "I will + employ the interval in fetching my horse, who has breakfasted already." + </p> + <p> + "I will accompany you," said Dick. + </p> + <p> + "By all means, my young friend; come with me, and I will show you the + lower part of the river." + </p> + <p> + While they were gone, Hercules was sent in search of Cousin Benedict, who + was wandering on the top of the cliff in quest of some wonderful insect, + which, of course, was not to be found. Without asking his permission, + Hercules unceremoniously brought him back to Mrs. Weldon, who explained + how they were about to start upon a ten days' march into the interior of + the country. The entomologist was quite satisfied with the arrangement, + and declared himself ready for a march across the entire continent, as + long as he was free to be adding to his collection on the way. + </p> + <p> + Thus assured of her cousin's acquiescence in her plans; Mrs. Weldon + proceeded to prepare such a substantial meal as she hoped would invigorate + them all for the approaching journey. + </p> + <p> + Harris and Dick Sands, meantime, had turned the corner of the cliff, and + walked about 300 paces along the shore until they came to a tree to which + a horse was tethered. The creature neighed as it recognized its master. It + was a strong-built animal, of a kind that Dick had not seen + </p> + <p> + [Illustration: They came to a tree to which a horse was tethered.] + </p> + <p> + before, although its long neck and crupper, short loins, flat shoulders + and arched forehead indicated that it was of Arabian breed. + </p> + <p> + "Plenty of strength here," Harris said, as after unfastening the + horse, he took it by the bridle and began to lead it along the shore. + </p> + <p> + Dick made no reply; he was casting a hasty glance at the forest which + enclosed them on either hand; it was an unattractive sight, but he + observed nothing to give him any particular ground for uneasiness. + </p> + <p> + Turning round, he said abruptly,- + </p> + <p> + "Did you meet a Portuguese last night, named Negoro?" + </p> + <p> + "Negoro? who is Negoro?" asked Harris, in a tone of surprise. + </p> + <p> + "He was our ship's cook; but he has disappeared." + </p> + <p> + "Drowned, probably," said Harris indifferently. + </p> + <p> + "No, he was not drowned; he was with us during the evening, but left + afterwards; I thought perhaps you might have met him along the river-side, + as you came that way." + </p> + <p> + "No," said Harris, "I saw no one; if your cook ventured alone into + the forest, most likely he has lost his way; it is possible we may pick + him up upon our road." + </p> + <p> + When they arrived at the grotto, they found breakfast duly prepared. Like + the supper of the previous evening it consisted mainly of corned beef and + biscuit. Harris did ample justice to the repast. + </p> + <p> + "There is no fear of our starving as we go," he observed to Mrs. + Weldon; "but I can hardly say so much for the unfortunate Portuguese, + your cook, of whom my young friend here has been speaking." + </p> + <p> + "Ah! has Dick been telling you about Negoro?" Mrs. Weldon said. + </p> + <p> + Dick explained that he had been inquiring whether Mr. Harris had happened + to meet him in the direction he had come. + </p> + <p> + "I saw nothing of him," Harris repeated; "and as he has deserted + you, you need not give yourselves any concern about him." And apparently + glad to turn the subject, he said, "Now, madam, I am at your service; + shall we start at once?" + </p> + <p> + It was agreed that there was no cause for delay. Each one took up the + package that had been assigned him. Mrs. Weldon, with Hercules' help, + mounted the horse, and Jack, with his miniature gun slung across his + shoulder, was placed astride in front of her. Without a thought of + acknowledging the kindness of the good-natured stranger in providing him + so enjoyable a ride, the heedless little fellow declared himself quite + capable of guiding the "gentleman's horse," and when to indulge him + the bridle was put into his hand, he looked as proud as though he had been + appointed leader of the whole caravan. + </p> + <p> + <a name="XVI" id="XVI"></a> + </p> + <h4> + CHAPTER XVI. + </h4> + <h4> + THROUGH THE FOREST. + </h4> + <p> + Although there was no obvious cause for apprehension, it cannot be denied + that it was with a certain degree of foreboding that Dick Sands first + entered that dense forest, through which for the next ten days they were + all to wend their toilsome way. + </p> + <p> + Mrs. Weldon, on the contrary, was full of confidence and hope. A woman and + a mother, she might have been expected to be conscious of anxiety at the + peril to which she might be exposing herself and her child; and doubtless + she would have been sensible of alarm if her mind had not been fully + satisfied upon two points; first, that the portion of the pampas they were + about to traverse was little infested either by natives or by dangerous + beasts; and secondly, that she was under the protection of a guide so + trustworthy as she believed Harris to be. + </p> + <p> + The entrance to the forest was hardly more than three hundred paces up the + river. An order of march had been arranged which was to be observed as + closely as possible throughout the journey. At the head of the troop were + Harris and Dick Sands, one armed with his long gun, the other with his + Remington; next came Bat and Austin, each carrying a gun and a cutlass, + then Mrs. Weldon and Jack, on horseback, closely followed by Tom and old + Nan, while Actæon with the fourth Remington, and Hercules with a huge + hatchet in his waist-belt, brought up the rear. Dingo had no especial + place in the procession, but wandered to and fro at his pleasure. Ever + since he had been cast ashore Dick had noticed a remarkable change in the + dog's behaviour; the animal was in a constant state of agitation, always + apparently on the search for some lost scent, and repeatedly giving vent + to a low growl, which seemed to proceed from grief rather than from rage. + </p> + <p> + As for Cousin Benedict, his movements were permitted to be nearly as + erratic as Dingo's; nothing but a leading-string could possibly have + kept him in the ranks. With his tin box under his arm, and his butterfly + net in his hand, and his huge magnifying-glass suspended from his neck, he + would be sometimes far ahead, sometimes a long way behind, and at the risk + of being attacked by some venomous snake, would make frantic dashes into + the tall grass whenever he espied some attractive orthoptera or other + insect which he thought might be honoured by a place in his collection. + </p> + <p> + In one hour after starting Mrs. Weldon had called to him a dozen times + without the slightest effect. At last she told him seriously that if he + would not give up chasing the insects at a distance, she should be obliged + to take possession of his tin box. + </p> + <p> + "Take away my box!" he cried, with as much horror as if she had + threatened to tear out his vitals. + </p> + <p> + "Yes, your box and your net too!" + </p> + <p> + "My box and my net! but surely not my spectacles!" almost shrieked the + excited entomologist. + </p> + <p> + "Yes, and your spectacles as well!" added Mrs. Weldon mercilessly; + "I am glad you have reminded me of another means of reducing you to + obedience!" + </p> + <p> + The triple penalty of which he was thus warned had the effect of keeping + him from wandering away for the best part of the next hour, but he was + soon once more missing from the ranks; he was manifestly incorrigible; the + deprivation of box, net, and spectacles would, it was acknowledged, be + utterly without avail to prevent him from rambling. Accordingly it was + thought better to let him have his own way, especially as Hercules + volunteered to keep his eye upon him, and to endeavour to guard the worthy + naturalist as carefully as he would himself protect some precious + </p> + <p> + [Illustration: The way across the forest could scarcely be called a path.] + </p> + <p> + specimen of a lepidoptera. Further anxiety on his account was thus put to + rest. + </p> + <p> + In spite of Harris's confident assertion that they were little likely to + be molested by any of the nomad Indians, the whole company rejoiced in + feeling that they were well armed, and they resolved to keep in a compact + body. The way across the forest could scarcely be called a path; it was, + in fact, little more than the track of animals, and progress along it was + necessarily very slow; indeed it seemed impossible, at the rate they + started, to accomplish more than five or six miles in the course of twelve + hours. + </p> + <p> + The weather was beautifully fine; the sun ascended nearly to the zenith, + and its rays, descending almost perpendicularly, caused a degree of heat + which, as Harris pointed out, would have been unendurable upon the open + plain, but was here pleasantly tempered by the shelter of the foliage. + </p> + <p> + Most of the trees were quite strange to them. To an experienced eye they + were such as were remarkable more for their character then for their size. + Here, on one side, was the bauhinia, or mountain ebony; there, on the + other, the molompi or pterocarpus, its trunk exuding large quantities of + resin, and of which the strong light wood makes excellent oars or paddles; + further on were fustics heavily charged with colouring matter, and + guaiacums, twelve feet in diameter, surpassing the ordinary kind in + magnitude, yet far inferior in quality. + </p> + <p> + Dick Sands kept perpetually asking Harris to tell him the names of all + these trees and plants. + </p> + <p> + "Have you never been on the coast of South America before?" replied + Harris, without giving the explicit information that was sought. + </p> + <p> + "Never," said Dick; "never before. Nor do I recollect ever having + seen any one who has." + </p> + <p> + "But surely you have explored the coasts of Columbia or Patagonia," + Harris continued. + </p> + <p> + Dick avowed that he had never had the chance. + </p> + <p> + "But has Mrs. Weldon never visited these parts? Our countrymen, I know, + are great travellers." + </p> + <p> + "No," answered Mrs. Weldon; "my husband's business called him + occasionally to New Zealand, but I have accompanied him nowhere else. With + this part of Lower Bolivia we are totally unacquainted." + </p> + <p> + "Then, madam, I can only assure you that you will see a most remarkable + country, in every way a very striking contrast to the regions of Peru, + Brazil, and the Argentine republic. Its animal and vegetable products + would fill a naturalist with unbounded wonder. May I not declare it a + lucky chance that has brought you here?" + </p> + <p> + "Do not say chance, Mr. Harris, if you please." + </p> + <p> + "Well, then, madam; providence, if you prefer it," said Harris, with + the air of a man incapable of recognizing the distinction. + </p> + <p> + After finding that there was no one amongst them who was acquainted in any + way with the country through which they were travelling, Harris seemed to + exhibit an evident pleasure in pointing out and describing by name the + various wonders of the forest. Had Cousin Benedict's attainments + included a knowledge of botany he would have found himself in a fine field + for researches, and might perchance have discovered novelties to which his + own name could be appended in the catalogues of science. But he was no + botanist; in fact, as a rule, he held all blossoms in aversion, on the + ground that they entrapped insects into their corollæ, and poisoned them + sometimes with venomous juices. New and rare insects, however, seemed + hereabouts to be wanting. + </p> + <p> + Occasionally the soil became marshy, and they all had to wend their way + over a perfect network of tiny rivulets that were affluents of the river + from which they had started. Sometimes these rivulets were so wide that + they could not be passed without a long search for some spot where they + could be forded; their banks were all very damp, and in many places + abounded with a kind of reed, which Harris called by its proper name of + papyrus. + </p> + <p> + As soon as the marshy district had been passed, the forest resumed its + original aspect, the footway becoming narrow as ever. Harris pointed out + some very fine ebony-trees, + </p> + <p> + [Illustration: Occasionally the soil became marshy.] + </p> + <p> + larger than the common sort, and yielding a wood darker and more durable + than what is ordinarily seen in the market. There were also more + mango-trees than might have been expected at this distance from the sea; a + beautiful white lichen enveloped their trunks like a fur; but in spite of + their luxuriant foliage and delicious fruit, Harris said that there was + not a native who would venture to propagate the species, as the + superstition of the country is that "whoever plants a mango, dies!" + </p> + <p> + At noon a halt was made for the purpose of rest and refreshment. During + the afternoon they arrived at some gently rising ground, not the first + slopes of hills, but an insulated plateau which appeared to unite + mountains and plains. Notwithstanding that the trees were far less crowded + and more inclined to grow in detached groups, the numbers of herbaceous + plants with which the soil was covered rendered progress no less difficult + than it was before. The general aspect of the scene was not unlike an East + Indian jungle. Less luxuriant indeed than in the lower valley of the + river, the vegetation was far more abundant than that of the temperate + zones either of the Old or New continents. Indigo grew in great profusion, + and, according to Harris's representation, was the most encroaching + plant in the whole country; no sooner, he said, was a field left untilled, + than it was overrun by this parasite, which sprang up with the rank growth + of thistles or nettles. + </p> + <p> + One tree which might have been expected to be common in this part of the + continent seemed entirely wanting. This was the caoutchouc. Of the various + trees from which India-rubber is procured, such as the Ficus prinoides, + the Castilioa elastica, the Cecropia peltata, the Callophora utilis, the + Cameraria latifolia, and especially the Siphonia elastica, all of which + abound in the provinces of South America, not a single specimen was to be + seen. Dick had promised to show Jack an India-rubber-tree, and the child, + who had conjured up visions of squeaking dolls, balls, and other toys + growing upon its branches, was loud and constant in his expressions of + disappointment. + </p> + <p> + "Never mind, my little man," said Harris; "have patience, and you + shall see hundreds of India-rubber-trees when you get to the hacienda." + </p> + <p> + "And will they be nice and elastic?" asked Jack, whose ideas upon the + subject were of the vaguest order. + </p> + <p> + "Oh, yes, they will stretch as long as you like," Harris answered, + laughing. "But here is something to amuse you," he added, and as he + spoke, he gathered a fruit that looked as tempting as a peach. + </p> + <p> + "You are quite sure that it is safe to give it him?" said Mrs. Weldon + anxiously. + </p> + <p> + "To satisfy you, madam, I will eat one first myself." + </p> + <p> + The example he set was soon followed by all the rest. The fruit was a + mango; that which had been so opportunely discovered was of the sort that + ripens in March or April; there is a later kind which ripens in September. + With his mouth full of juice, Jack pronounced that it was very nice, but + did not seem to be altogether diverted from his sense of disappointment at + not coming to an India-rubber-tree. Evidently the little man thought + himself rather injured. + </p> + <p> + "And Dick promised me some humming-birds too!" he murmured. + </p> + <p> + "Plenty of humming-birds for you, when you get to the farm; lots of them + where my brother lives," said Harris. + </p> + <p> + And to say the truth, there was nothing extravagant in the way the + child's anticipations had been raised, for in Bolivia humming-birds are + found in great abundance. The Indians, who weave their plumage into all + kinds of artistic designs, have bestowed the most poetical epithets upon + these gems of the feathered race. They call them "rays of the sun," + and "tresses of the day-star;" at one time they will describe them as + "king of flowers," at another as "blossoms of heaven kissing + blossoms of earth," or as "the jewel that reflects the sunbeam." In + fact their imagination seems to have shaped a suitable distinction for + almost every one of the 150 known species of this dazzling little beauty. + </p> + <p> + But however numerous humming-birds might be expected to be in the Bolivian + forest, they proved scarce enough at present, and Jack had to content + himself with Harris's representations that they did not like solitude, + but would be found plentifully at San Felice, where they would be heard + all day long humming like a spinning-wheel. Already Jack said he longed to + be there, a wish that was so unanimously echoed by all the rest, that they + resolved that no stoppage should be allowed beyond what was absolutely + indispensable. + </p> + <p> + After a time the forest began to alter its aspect. The trees were even + less crowded, opening now and then into wide glades. The soil, cropping up + above its carpet of verdure, exhibited veins of rose granite and syenite, + like plates of lapis lazuli; on some of the higher ground, the fleshy + tubers of the sarsaparilla plant, growing in a hopeless entanglement, made + progress a matter of still greater difficulty than in the narrow tracks of + the dense forest. + </p> + <p> + At sunset the travellers found that they had accomplished about eight + miles from their starting-point. They could not prognosticate what + hardships might be in store for them on future days, but it was certain + that the experiences of the first day had been neither eventful nor very + fatiguing. It was now unanimously agreed that they should make a halt for + the night, and as little was to be apprehended from the attacks either of + man or beast, it was considered unnecessary to form anything like a + regular encampment. One man on guard, to be relieved every few hours, was + presumed to be sufficient. Admirable shelter was offered by an enormous + mango, the spreading foliage of which formed a kind of natural verandah, + sweeping the ground so thoroughly that any one who chose could find + sleeping-quarters in its very branches. + </p> + <p> + Simultaneously with the halting of the party there was heard a deafening + tumult in the upper boughs. The mango was the roosting place of a colony + of grey parrots, a noisy, quarrelsome, and rapacious race, of whose true + characteristics the specimens seen in confinement in Europe give no true + conception. Their screeching and chattering were such a nuisance that Dick + Sands wanted to fire a shot into the middle of them, but Harris seriously + dissuaded him, urging that the report of firearms would only serve to + reveal their own presence, whilst their greatest safety lay in perfect + silence. + </p> + <p> + Supper was prepared. There was little need of cooking. The meal, as + before, consisted of preserved meat and biscuit. Fresh water, which they + flavoured with a few drops of rum, was obtained from an adjacent stream + which trickled through the grass. By way of dessert they had an abundance + of ripe mangoes, and the only drawback to their general enjoyment was the + discordant outcry which the parrots kept up, as it were in protest against + the invasion of what they held to be their own rightful domain. + </p> + <p> + It was nearly dark when supper was ended. The evening shade crept slowly + upwards to the tops of the trees, which soon stood out in sharp relief + against the lighter background of the sky, while the stars, one by one, + began to peep. The wind dropped, and ceased to murmur through the foliage; + to the general relief, the parrots desisted from their clatter; and as + Nature hushed herself to rest, she seemed to be inviting all her children + to follow her example. + </p> + <p> + "Had we not better light a good large fire?" asked Dick. + </p> + <p> + "By no means," said Harris; "the nights are not cold, and under this + wide-spreading mango the ground is not likely to be damp. Besides, as I + have told you before, our best security consists in our taking care to + attract no attention whatever from without." + </p> + <p> + Mrs. Weldon interposed,- + </p> + <p> + "It may be true enough that we have nothing to dread from the Indians, + but is it certain that there are no dangerous quadrupeds against which we + are bound to be upon our guard?" + </p> + <p> + Harris answered,- + </p> + <p> + "I can positively assure you, madam, that there are no animals here but + such as would be infinitely more afraid of you than you would be of + them." + </p> + <p> + "Are there any woods without wild beasts?" asked Jack. + </p> + <p> + "All woods are not alike, my boy," replied Harris; + </p> + <p> + "this wood is a great park. As the Indians say, 'Es como el Pariso;' + it is like Paradise." + </p> + <p> + Jack persisted,- + </p> + <p> + "There must be snakes, and lions, and tigers." + </p> + <p> + "Ask your mamma, my boy," said Harris, "whether she ever heard of + lions and tigers in America?" + </p> + <p> + Mrs. Weldon was endeavouring to put her little boy at his ease on this + point, when Cousin Benedict interposed, saying that although there were no + lions or tigers, there were plenty of jaguars and panthers in the New + World. + </p> + <p> + "And won't they kill us?" demanded Jack eagerly, his apprehensions + once more aroused. + </p> + <p> + "Kill you?" laughed Harris; "why, your friend Hercules here could + strangle them, two at a time, one in each hand!" + </p> + <p> + "But, please, don't let the panthers come near me!" pleaded Jack, + evidently alarmed. + </p> + <p> + "No, no, Master Jack, they shall not come near you. I will give them a + good grip first," and the giant displayed his two rows of huge white + teeth. + </p> + <p> + Dick Sands proposed that it should be the four younger negroes who should + be assigned the task of keeping watch during the night, in attendance upon + himself; but Actæon insisted so strongly upon the necessity of Dick's + having his full share of rest, that the others were soon brought to the + same conviction, and Dick was obliged to yield. + </p> + <p> + Jack valiantly announced his intention of taking one watch, but his sleepy + eyelids made it only too plain that he did not know the extent of his own + fatigue. + </p> + <p> + "I am sure there are wolves here," he said. + </p> + <p> + "Only such wolves as Dingo would swallow at a mouthful," said Harris. + </p> + <p> + "But I am sure there are wolves," he insisted, repeating the word + "wolves" again and again, until he tumbled off to sleep against the + side of old Nan. Mrs. Weldon gave her little son a silent kiss; it was her + loving "good night." + </p> + <p> + Cousin Benedict was missing. Some little time before, he had slipped away + in search of "cocuyos," or fire-flies, which he had heard were common + in South America. + </p> + <p> + Those singular insects emit a bright bluish light from two spots on the + side of the thorax, and their colours are so brilliant that they are used + as ornaments for ladies' headdresses. Hoping to secure some specimens + for his box, Benedict would have wandered to an unlimited distance; but + Hercules, faithful to his undertaking, soon discovered him, and heedless + of the naturalist's protestations and vociferations, promptly escorted + him back to the general rendezvous. + </p> + <p> + Hercules himself was the first to keep watch, but with this exception, the + whole party, in another hour, were wrapped in peaceful slumber. + </p> + <p> + [Illustration: Hercules himself was the first to keep watch.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="XVII" id="XVII"></a> + </p> + <h4> + CHAPTER XVII + </h4> + <h4> + MISGIVINGS. + </h4> + <p> + Most travellers who have passed a night in a South American forest have + been roused from their slumbers by a <i>matinée musicale</i> more + fantastic than melodious, performed by monkeys, as their ordinary greeting + of the dawn. The yelling, chattering, screeching, howling, all unite to + form a chorus almost unearthly in its hideousness. + </p> + <p> + Amongst the various specimens of the numerous family of the quadrumana + ought to be recognized the little marikina; the sagouin, with its + parti-coloured face; the grey mora, the skin of which is used by the + Indians for covering their gun-locks; the sapajou, with its singular tuft + over the forehead, and, most remarkable of all, the guariba (<i>Simia + Beelzebul</i>) with its prehensile tail and diabolical countenance. + </p> + <p> + At the first streak of daylight the senior member, as choragus, will start + the key-note in a sonorous barytone, the younger monkeys join in tenor and + alto, and the concert begins. But this morning there was no concert at + all. There was nothing of the wonted serenade to break the silence of the + forest. The shrill notes resulting from the rapid vibration of the hyoid + bones of the throat were not to be heard. Indians would have been + disappointed and perplexed; they are very fond of the flesh of the guariba + when smoked and dried, and they would certainly have missed the chant of + the monkey "paternosters;" but Dick Sands and his companions were + unfamiliar with any of these things, and accordingly the singular quietude + was to them a matter of no surprise. + </p> + <p> + They all awoke much refreshed by their night's rest, which there had + been nothing to disturb. Jack was by no means the latest in opening his + eyes, and his first words were addressed to Hercules, asking him whether + he had caught a wolf with his teeth. Hercules had to acknowledge that he + had tasted nothing all night, and declared himself quite ready for + breakfast. The whole party were unanimous in this respect, and after a + brief morning prayer, breakfast was expeditiously served by old Nan. The + meal was but a repetition of the last evening's supper, but with their + appetites sharpened by the fresh forest air, and anxious to fortify + themselves for a good day's march, they did not fail to do ample justice + to their simple fare. Even Cousin Benedict, for once in his life at least, + partook of his food as if it were not utterly a matter of indifference to + him; but he grumbled very much at the restraint to which he considered + himself subjected; he could not see the good of coming to such a country + as this, if he were to be obliged to walk about with his hands in his + pockets; and he protested that if Hercules did not leave him alone and + permit him to catch fire-flies, there would be a bone to pick between + them. Hercules did not look very much alarmed at the threat. Mrs. Weldon, + however, took him aside, and telling him that she did not wish to deprive + the enthusiast entirely of his favourite occupation, instructed him to + allow her cousin as much liberty as possible, provided he did not lose + sight of him. + </p> + <p> + The morning meal was over, and it was only seven o'clock when the + travellers were once more on their way towards the east, preserving the + same marching-order as on the day before. + </p> + <p> + The path was still through luxuriant forest. The vegetable kingdom reigned + supreme. As the plateau was immediately adjacent to tropical latitudes, + the sun's rays during the summer months descended perpendicularly upon + the virgin soil, and the vast amount of heat thus obtained combined with + the abundant moisture retained in the subsoil, caused vegetation to assume + a character which was truly magnificent. + </p> + <p> + Dick Sands could not overcome a certain sense of mystification. Here they + were, as Harris told them, in the region of the pampas, a word which he + knew in the Quichna dialect signifies "a plain;" but he had always + read that these plains were characterized by a deficiency alike of water, + of trees, and rocks; he had always understood that during the rainy + season, thistles spring up in great abundance and grow until they form + thickets that are well-nigh impenetrable; he had imagined that the few + dwarf trees and prickly shrubs that exist during the summer only stamp the + general scene with an aspect of yet more thorough bareness and desolation. + But how different was everything to all this! The forest never ceased to + stretch away interminably to the horizon. There were no tokens of the + rough nakedness that he had expected. Dick seemed to be driven to the + conclusion that Harris was right in describing this plateau of Atacama, + which he had for his part most firmly believed to be a vast desert between + the Andes and the Pacific, as a region that was quite exceptional in its + natural features. + </p> + <p> + It was not in Dick's character to keep his reflections to himself. In + the course of the morning he expressed his extreme surprise at finding the + pampas answer so little to his preconceived ideas. + </p> + <p> + "Have I not understood correctly," he said, "that the pampas is + similar to the North American savannahs, only less marshy?" + </p> + <p> + Harris replied that such was indeed a correct description of the pampas of + Rio Colorado, and the Ilanos of Venezuela and the Orinoco. + </p> + <p> + "But," he continued, "I own I am as much astonished as yourself at + the character of this region; I have never crossed the plateau before, and + I must confess it is altogether different to what you find beyond the + Andes towards the Atlantic." + </p> + <p> + "You don't mean that we are going to cross the Andes?" said Dick, in + sudden alarm. + </p> + <p> + Harris smiled. + </p> + <p> + "No, no, indeed. With our limited means of transport such an undertaking + would have been rash in the extreme. We had better have kept to the coast + for ever rather than incur such a risk. Our destination, San Felice, is on + this side of the range, and in order to reach it, we shall not have to + leave the plateau, of which the greatest elevation is but little over 1500 + feet." + </p> + <p> + "And you say," Dick persisted, "that you have really no fear of + losing your way in a forest such as this, a forest into which you have + never set foot before?" + </p> + <p> + "No fear whatever," Harris answered; "so accustomed am I to + travelling of this kind, that I can steer my way by a thousand signs + revealing themselves in the growth of the trees, and in the composition of + the soil, which would never present themselves to your notice. I assure + you that I anticipate no difficulties." + </p> + <p> + This conversation was not heard by any of the rest of the party. Harris + seemed to speak as frankly as he did fearlessly, and Dick felt that there + might be, after all, no just grounds for any of his own misgivings. + </p> + <p> + Five days passed by, and the 12th of April arrived without any special + incident. Nine miles had been the average distance accomplished in a day; + regular periods of rest had been taken, and, except that Jack's spirits + had somewhat flagged, the fatigue did not seem to have interfered with the + general good health of the travellers. + </p> + <p> + First disappointed of his India-rubber-tree, and then of his humming + birds, Jack had inquired about the beautiful parrots which he had been led + to expect he should see in this wonderful forest. Where were the bright + green macaws? where were the gaudy aras with their bare white cheeks and + pointed tails, which seem never to light upon the ground? and where, too, + were all the brilliant parroquets, with their feathered faces, and indeed + the whole variety of those forest chatterers of which the Indians affirm + that they speak the language of nations long extinct? + </p> + <p> + It is true that there was no lack of the common grey parrots with crimson + tails, but these were no novelty; Jack + </p> + <p> + [Illustration: "Don't Fire!"] + </p> + <p> + had seen plenty of them before, for owing to their reputation of being the + most clever in mimickry of the Psittacidæ, they have been domesticated + everywhere in both the Old and New worlds. + </p> + <p> + But Jack's dissatisfaction was nothing compared to Cousin Benedict's. + In spite of being allowed to wander away from the rank, he had failed to + discover a single insect which was worth the pursuit; not even a fire-fly + danced at night; nature seemed to be mocking him, and his ill-humour + increased accordingly. + </p> + <p> + In this way the journey was continued for four days longer, and on the + 16th it was estimated that they must have travelled between eighty and + ninety miles north-eastwards from the coast. Harris positively asserted + that they could not be much more than twenty miles from San Felice, and + that by pushing forwards they might expect in eight-and-forty hours to + find themselves lodged in comfortable quarters. + </p> + <p> + But although they had thus succeeded in traversing this vast table-land, + they had not seen one human inhabitant. Dick was more than ever perplexed, + and it was a subject of bitter regret to him that they had not stranded + upon some more frequented part of the shore, near some village or + plantation where Mrs. Weldon might long since have found a suitable + refuge. + </p> + <p> + Deserted, however, as the country apparently was by man, it had latterly + shown itself much more abundantly tenanted by animals. Many a time a long, + plaintive cry was heard, which Harris attributed to the tardigrades or + sloths often found in wooded districts, and known by the name of + "ais;" and in the middle of the dinner-halt on this day, a loud + hissing suddenly broke upon the air which made Mrs. Weldon start to her + feet in alarm. + </p> + <p> + "A serpent!" cried Dick, catching up his loaded gun. + </p> + <p> + The negroes, following Dick's example, were in a moment on the alert. + </p> + <p> + "Don't fire!" cried Harris. + </p> + <p> + There was indeed nothing improbable in the supposition that a + "sucuru," a species of boa, sometimes measuring forty feet in length, + had just moved itself in the long grass at their side, but Harris affirmed + that the "sucuru" never hisses, and declared that the noise had really + come from animals of an entirely inoffensive character. + </p> + <p> + "What animals?" asked Dick, always eager for information, which it + must be granted Harris seemed always equally anxious to give. + </p> + <p> + "Antelopes," replied Harris; "but, hush! not a sound, or you will + frighten them away." + </p> + <p> + "Antelopes!" cried Dick; "I must see them; I must get close to + them." + </p> + <p> + "More easily said than done," answered Harris, shaking his head; but + Dick was not to be diverted from his purpose, and, gun in hand, crept into + the grass. He had not advanced many yards before a herd of about a dozen + gazelles, graceful in body, with short, pointed horns, dashed past him + like a glowing cloud, and disappeared in the underwood without giving him + time to take a shot. + </p> + <p> + "I told you beforehand what you would have to expect," said Harris, as + Dick, with a considerable sense of disappointment, returned to the party. + </p> + <p> + Impossible, however, as it had been fairly to scrutinize the antelopes, + such was hardly the case with another herd of animals, the identification + of which led to a somewhat singular discussion between Harris and the + rest. + </p> + <p> + About four o'clock on the afternoon of the same day, the travellers were + halting for a few moments near an opening in the forest, when three or + four large animals emerged from a thicket about a hundred paces ahead, and + scampered off at full speed. In spite of what Harris had urged, Dick put + his gun to his shoulder, and was on the very point of firing, when Harris + knocked the rifle quickly aside. + </p> + <p> + "They were giraffes!" shouted Dick. + </p> + <p> + The announcement awakened the curiosity of Jack, who quickly scrambled to + his feet upon the saddle on which he was lounging. + </p> + <p> + "My dear Dick," said Mrs. Weldon, "there are no giraffes in + America!" + </p> + <p> + [Illustration: A herd of gazelles dashed past him like a glowing cloud.] + </p> + <p> + "Certainly not," cried Harris; "they were not giraffes, they were + ostriches which you saw!" + </p> + <p> + "Ostriches with four legs! that will never do! what do you say. Mrs. + Weldon?" + </p> + <p> + Mrs. Weldon replied that she had certainly taken the animals for + quadrupeds, and all the negroes were under the same impression. + </p> + <p> + Laughing heartily, Harris said it was far from an uncommon thing for an + inexperienced eye to mistake a large ostrich for a small giraffe; the + shape of both was so similar, that it often quite escaped observation as + to whether the long necks terminated in a beak or a muzzle; besides, what + need of discussion could there be when the fact was established that + giraffes are unknown in the New World? The reasoning was plausible enough, + and Mrs Weldon and the negroes were soon convinced. But Dick was far from + satisfied. + </p> + <p> + "I did not know that there was an American ostrich!" he again + objected. + </p> + <p> + "Oh, yes," replied Harris promptly, "there is a species called the + nandu, which is very well known here; we shall probably see some more of + them." + </p> + <p> + The statement was correct; the nandu is common in the plains of South + America, and is distinguished from the African ostrich by having three + toes, all furnished with claws. It is a fine bird, sometimes exceeding six + feet in height; it has a short beak, and its wings are furnished with + blue-grey plumes. Harris appeared well acquainted with the bird, and + proceeded to give a very precise account of its habits. In concluding his + remarks, he again pressed upon Dick his most urgent request that he should + abstain from firing upon any animal whatever. It was of the utmost + consequence. + </p> + <p> + Dick made no reply. He was silent and thoughtful. Grave doubts had arisen + in his mind, and he could neither explain nor dispel them. + </p> + <p> + When the march was resumed on the following day, Harris asserted his + conviction that another four-and-twenty hours would bring them to the + hacienda. + </p> + <p> + "And there, madam," he said, addressing Mrs. Weldon, "we can offer + you every essential comfort, though you may not find the luxuries of your + own home in San Francisco." + </p> + <p> + Mrs. Weldon repeated her expression of gratitude for the proffered + hospitality, owning that she should now be exceedingly glad to reach the + farm, as she was anxious about her little son, who appeared to be + threatened with the symptoms of incipient fever. + </p> + <p> + Harris could not deny that although the climate was usually very healthy, + it nevertheless did occasionally produce a kind of intermittent fever + during March and April. + </p> + <p> + "But nature has provided the proper remedy," said Dick; and perceiving + that Harris did not comprehend his meaning, he continued, "Are we not in + the region of the quinquinas, the bark of which is notoriously the + medicine with which attacks of fever are usually treated? for my part, I + am amazed that we have not seen numbers of them already." + </p> + <p> + "Ah! yes, yes; I know what you mean," answered Harris, after a + moment's hesitation; "they are trees, however, not always easy to + find; they rarely grow in groups, and in spite of their large leaves and + fragrant red blossom, the Indians themselves often have a difficulty in + recognizing them; the feature that distinguishes them most is their + evergreen foliage" + </p> + <p> + At Mrs. Weldon's request, Harris promised to point out the tree if he + should see one, but added that when she reached the hacienda, she would be + able to obtain some sulphate of quinine, which was much more efficacious + than the unprepared bark. + </p> + <p> + [Footnote: This bark was formerly, reduced to powder, known as "Pulvis + Jesuiticus," because in the year 1649 the Jesuits in Rome imported a + large quantity of it from their missionaries in South America.] + </p> + <p> + The day passed without further incident. No rain had fallen at present, + though the warm mist that rose from the soil betokened an approaching + change of weather; the rainy season was certainly not far distant, but to + travellers + </p> + <p> + [Illustration: A halt was made for the night beneath a grove of lofty + trees. ] + </p> + <p> + who indulged the expectation of being in a few hours in a place of + shelter, this was not a matter of great concern. + </p> + <p> + Evening came, and a halt was made for the night beneath a grove of lofty + trees. If Harris had not miscalculated, they could hardly be more than + about six miles from their destination; so confirmed, however, was Dick + Sands in his strange suspicions, that nothing could induce him to relax + any of the usual precautions, and he particularly insisted upon the + negroes, turn by turn, keeping up the accustomed watch. + </p> + <p> + Worn out by fatigue, the little party were glad to lie down, but they had + scarcely dropped off to sleep when they were aroused by a sharp cry. + </p> + <p> + "Who's that? who's there? what's the matter?" exclaimed Dick, + the first to rise to his feet. + </p> + <p> + "It is I," answered Benedict's voice; "I am bitten. Something has + bitten me." + </p> + <p> + "A snake!" exclaimed Mrs. Weldon in alarm. + </p> + <p> + "No, no, cousin, better than that! it was not a snake; I believe it was + an orthoptera; I have it all right," he shouted triumphantly. + </p> + <p> + "Then kill it quickly, sir; and let us go to sleep again in peace," + said Harris. + </p> + <p> + "Kill it! not for the world! I must have a light, and look at it!" + </p> + <p> + Dick Sands indulged him, for reasons of his own, in getting a light. The + entomologist carefully opened his hand and displayed an insect somewhat + smaller than a bee, of a dull colour, streaked with yellow on the under + portion of the body. He looked radiant with delight. + </p> + <p> + "A diptera!" he exclaimed, half beside himself with joy, "a most + famous diptera!" + </p> + <p> + "Is it venomous?" asked Mrs. Weldon. + </p> + <p> + "Not at all to men; it only hurts elephants and buffaloes." + </p> + <p> + "But tell us its name! what is it?" cried Dick impetuously. + </p> + <p> + The naturalist began to speak in a slow, oracular tone. + </p> + <p> + "This insect is here a prodigy; it is an insect totally unknown in this + country,-in America." + </p> + <p> + "Tell us its name!" roared Dick. + </p> + <p> + "It is a tzetzy, sir, a true tzetzy." + </p> + <p> + Dick's heart sank like a stone. He was speechless. He did not, dared + not, ask more. Only too well he knew where the tzetzy could alone be + found. He did not close his eyes again that night. + </p> + <p> + <a name="XVIII" id="XVIII"></a> + </p> + <h4> + CHAPTER XVIII. + </h4> + <h4> + A TERRIBLE DISCOVERY. + </h4> + <p> + The morning of the 18th dawned, the day on which, according to Harris's + prediction, the travellers were to be safely housed at San Felice. Mrs. + Weldon was really much relieved at the prospect, for she was aware that + her strength must prove inadequate to the strain of a more protracted + journey. The condition of her little boy, who was alternately flushed with + fever, and pale with exhaustion, had begun to cause her great anxiety, and + unwilling to resign the care of the child even to Nan his faithful nurse, + she insisted upon carrying him in her own arms. Twelve days and nights, + passed in the open air, had done much to try her powers of endurance, and + the charge of a sick child in addition would soon break down her strength + entirely. + </p> + <p> + Dick Sands, Nan, and the negroes had all borne the march very fairly. + Their stock of provisions, though of course considerably diminished, was + still far from small. As for Harris, he had shown himself pre-eminently + adapted for forest-life, and capable of bearing any amount of fatigue. + Yet, strange to say, as he approached the end of the journey, his manner + underwent a remarkable change; instead of conversing in his ordinary frank + and easy way, he became silent and preoccupied, as if engrossed in his own + thoughts. Perhaps he had an instinctive consciousness that "his young + friend," as he was in the habit of addressing Dick, was entertaining + hard suspicions about him. + </p> + <p> + The march was resumed. The trees once again ceased to be crowded in + impenetrable masses, but stood in clusters at considerable distances + apart. Now, Dick tried to argue with himself, they must be coming to the + true pampas, or the man must be designedly misleading them; and yet what + motive could he have? + </p> + <p> + Although during the earlier part of the day there occurred nothing that + could be said absolutely to justify Dick's increasing uneasiness, two + circumstances transpired which did not escape his observation, and which, + he felt, might be significant. The first of these was a sudden change in + Dingo's behaviour. The dog, throughout the march, had uniformly run + along with his nose upon the ground, smelling the grass and shrubs, and + occasionally uttering a sad low whine; but to-day he seemed all agitation; + he scampered about with bristling coat, with his head erect, and ever and + again burst into one of those furious fits of barking, with which he had + formerly been accustomed to greet Negoro's appearance upon the deck of + the "Pilgrim." + </p> + <p> + The idea that flitted across Dick's mind was shared by Tom. + </p> + <p> + "Look, Mr. Dick, look at Dingo; he is at his old ways again," said he; + "it is just as if Negoro...." + </p> + <p> + "Hush!" said Dick to the old man, who continued in a lower voice,- + </p> + <p> + "It is just as if Negoro had followed us; do you think it is likely?" + </p> + <p> + "It might perhaps be to his advantage to follow us, if he doesn't know + the country; but if he does know the country, why then...." + </p> + <p> + Dick did not finish his sentence, but whistled to Dingo. The dog + reluctantly obeyed the call. + </p> + <p> + As soon as the dog was at his side, Dick patted him, repeating,- + </p> + <p> + "Good dog! good Dingo! where's Negoro?" + </p> + <p> + The sound of Negoro's name had its usual effect; it seemed to irritate + the animal exceedingly, and he barked furiously, and apparently wanted to + dash into the thicket. + </p> + <p> + Harris had been an interested spectator of the scene, and now approached + with a peculiar expression on his countenance, and inquired what they were + saying to Dingo. + </p> + <p> + "Oh, nothing much," replied Tom; "we were only asking him for news + of a lost acquaintance." + </p> + <p> + "Ah, I suppose you mean that Portuguese cook of yours." + </p> + <p> + "Yes," answered Tom; "we fancied from Dingo's behaviour, that + Negoro must be somewhere close at hand." + </p> + <p> + "Why don't you send and search the underwood? perhaps the poor wretch + is in distress." + </p> + <p> + "No need of that, Mr. Harris; Negoro, I have no doubt, is quite capable + of taking care of himself." + </p> + <p> + "Well, just as you please, my young friend," said Harris, with an air + of indifference. + </p> + <p> + Dick turned away; he continued his endeavours to pacify Dingo, and the + conversation dropped. + </p> + <p> + The other thing that had arrested Dick's attention was the behaviour of + the horse. If they had been as near the hacienda as Harris described, + would not the animal have pricked up its ears, sniffed the air, and with + dilated nostril, exhibited some sign of satisfaction, as being upon + familiar ground? + </p> + <p> + But nothing of the kind was to be observed; the horse plodded along as + unconcernedly as if a stable were as far away as ever. + </p> + <p> + Even Mrs. Weldon was not so engrossed with her child, but what she was + fain to express her wonder at the deserted aspect of the country. No trace + of a farm-labourer was anywhere to be seen! She cast her eye at Harris, + who was in his usual place in front, and observing how he was looking + first to the left, and then to the right, with the air of a man who was + uncertain of his path, she asked herself whether it was possible their + guide might have lost his way. She dared not entertain the idea, and + averted her eyes, that she might not be harassed by his movements. + </p> + <p> + After crossing an open plain about a mile in width, the travellers once + again entered the forest, which resumed something of the same denseness + that had characterized it farther to the west. In the course of the + afternoon, they came to a spot which was marked very distinctly by the + vestiges of some enormous animals, which must have passed quite recently. + As Dick looked carefully about him, he observed that the branches were all + torn off or broken to a considerable height, and that the foot-tracks in + the trampled grass were much too large to be those either of jaguars or + panthers. Even if it were possible that the prints on the ground had been + made by ais or other taidigrades, this would fail to account in the least + for the trees being broken to such a height. Elephants alone were capable + of working such destruction in the underwood, but elephants were unknown + in America. Dick was puzzled, but controlled himself so that he would not + apply to Harris for any enlightenment; his intuition made him aware that a + man who had once tried to make him believe that giraffes were ostriches, + would not hesitate a second time to impose upon his credulity. + </p> + <p> + More than ever was Dick becoming convinced that Harris was a traitor, and + he was secretly prompted to tax him with his treachery. Still he was + obliged to own that he could not assign any motive for the man acting in + such a manner with the survivors of the "Pilgrim," and consequently + hesitated before he actually condemned him for conduct so base and + heartless. What could be done? he repeatedly asked himself. On board ship + the boy captain might perchance have been able to devise some plan for the + safety of those so strangely committed to his charge, but here on an + unknown shore, he could only suffer from the burden of this responsibility + the more, because he was so utterly powerless to act. + </p> + <p> + He made up his mind on one point. He determined not to alarm the poor + anxious mother a moment before he was actually compelled. It was his + carrying out this determination that explained why on subsequently + arriving at a considerable stream, where he saw some huge heads, swollen + muzzles, long tusks and unwieldy bodies rising from amidst the rank wet + grass, he uttered no word and gave no gesture of surprise; but only too + well he knew, at a glance, that he must be looking at a herd of + hippopotamuses. + </p> + <p> + [Illustration: "Look here! here are hands, men's hands."] + </p> + <p> + It was a weary march that day; a general feeling of depression spread + involuntarily from one to another; hardly conscious to herself of her + weariness, Mrs. Weldon was exhibiting manifest symptoms of lassitude; and + it was only Dick's moral energy and sense of duty that kept him from + succumbing to the prevailing dejection. + </p> + <p> + About four o'clock, Tom noticed something lying in the grass, and + stooping down he picked up a kind of knife; it was of peculiar shape, + being very wide and flat in the blade, while its handle, which was of + ivory, was ornamented with a good deal of clumsy carving. He carried it at + once to Dick, who, when he had scrutinized it, held it up to Harris, with + the remark,- + </p> + <p> + "There must be natives not far off." + </p> + <p> + "Quite right, my young friend; the hacienda must be a very few miles + away,-but yet, but yet...." + </p> + <p> + He hesitated. + </p> + <p> + "You don't mean that you are not sure of your way," said Dick + sharply." + </p> + <p> + "Not exactly that," replied Harris; "yet in taking this short cut + across the forest, I am inclined to think I am a mile or so out of the + way. Perhaps I had better walk on a little way, and look about me." + </p> + <p> + "No; you do not leave us here," cried Dick firmly. + </p> + <p> + "Not against your will; but remember, I do not undertake to guide you in + the dark." + </p> + <p> + "We must spare you the necessity for that. I can answer for it that Mrs. + Weldon will raise no objection to spending another night in the open air. + We can start off to-morrow morning as early as we like, and if the + distance be only what you represent, a few hours will easily accomplish + it." + </p> + <p> + "As you please," answered Harris with cold civility. + </p> + <p> + Just then, Dingo again burst out into a vehement fit of barking, and it + required no small amount of coaxing on Dick's part to make him cease + from his noise. + </p> + <p> + It was decided that the halt should be made at once. Mrs. Weldon, as it + had been anticipated, urged nothing against it, being preoccupied by her + immediate attentions to Jack, who was lying in her arms, suffering from a + decided attack of fever. The shelter of a large thicket had just been + selected by Dick as a suitable resting-place for the night, when Tom, who + was assisting in the necessary preparations, suddenly gave a cry of + horror. + </p> + <p> + "What is it, Tom?" asked Dick very calmly. + </p> + <p> + "Look! look at these trees! they are spattered with blood! and look + here! here are hands, men's hands, cut off and lying on the ground!" + </p> + <p> + "What?" cried Dick, and in an instant was at his side. + </p> + <p> + His presence of mind did not fail him; he whispered,- + </p> + <p> + "Hush! Tom! hush! not a word!" + </p> + <p> + But it was with a shudder that ran through his veins that he witnessed for + himself the mutilated fragments of several human bodies, and saw, lying + beside them, some broken forks, and some bits of iron chain. + </p> + <p> + The sight of the gory remains made Dingo bark ferociously, and Dick, who + was most anxious that Mrs. Weldon's attention should not be called to + the discovery, had the greatest difficulty in driving him back; but + fortunately the lady's mind was so engrossed with her patient, that she + did not observe the commotion. Harris stood aloof; there was no one to + notice the change that passed over his countenance, but the expression was + almost diabolical in its malignity. + </p> + <p> + Poor old Tom himself seemed perfectly spell-bound. With his hands + clenched, his eyes dilated, and his breast heaving with emotion, he kept + repeating without anything like coherence, the words,- + </p> + <p> + "Forks! chains! forks! ... long ago ... remember ... too well ... + chains!" + </p> + <p> + "For Mrs. Weldon's sake, Tom, hold your tongue!" Dick implored him. + </p> + <p> + Tom, however, was full with some remembrance of the past; he continued to + repeat,- + </p> + <p> + "Long ago ... forks ... chains!" until Dick led him out of hearing. + </p> + <p> + A fresh halting-place was chosen a short distance further on, and supper + was prepared. But the meal was left almost untasted; not so much that + hunger had been overcome by + </p> + <p> + [Illustration: The man was gone, and his horse with him.] + </p> + <p> + fatigue, but because the indefinable feeling of uneasiness, that had taken + possession of them all, had entirely destroyed all appetite. + </p> + <p> + Gradually the night became very dark. The sky was covered with heavy + storm-clouds, and on the western horizon flashes of summer lightning now + and then glimmered through the trees. The air was perfectly still; not a + leaf stirred, and the atmosphere seemed so charged with electricity as to + be incapable of transmitting sound of any kind. + </p> + <p> + Dick, himself, with Austin and Bat in attendance, remained on guard, all + of them eagerly straining both eye and ear to catch any light or sound + that might disturb the silence and obscurity. Old Tom, with his head sunk + upon his breast, sat motionless, as in a trance; he was gloomily revolving + the awakened memories of the past. Mrs. Weldon was engaged with her sick + child. Scarcely one of the party was really asleep, except indeed it might + be Cousin Benedict, whose reasoning faculties were not of an order to + carry him forwards into any future contingencies. + </p> + <p> + Midnight was still an hour in advance, when the dull air seemed filled + with a deep and prolonged roar, mingled with a peculiar kind of vibration. + </p> + <p> + Tom started to his feet. A fresh recollection of his early days had struck + him. + </p> + <p> + "A lion! a lion!" he shouted. + </p> + <p> + In vain Dick tried to repress him; but he repeated,- + </p> + <p> + "A lion! a lion!" + </p> + <p> + Dick Sands seized his cutlass, and, unable any longer to control his + wrath, he rushed to the spot where he had left Harris lying. + </p> + <p> + The man was gone, and his horse with him! + </p> + <p> + All the suspicions that had been so long pent up within Dick's mind now + shaped themselves into actual reality. A flood of light had broken in upon + him. Now he was convinced, only too certainly, that it was not the coast + of America at all upon which the schooner had been cast ashore! it was not + Easter Island that had been sighted far away in the west! the compass had + completely deceived him; he was satisfied now that the strong currents had + carried them quite round Cape Horn, and that they had really entered the + Atlantic. No wonder that quinquinas, caoutchouc, and other South American + products, had failed to be seen. This was neither the Bolivian pampas nor + the plateau of Atacama. They were giraffes, not ostriches, that had + vanished down the glade; they were elephants that had trodden down the + underwood; they were hippopotamuses that were lurking by the river; it was + indeed the dreaded tzetsy that Cousin Benedict had so triumphantly + discovered; and, last of all, it was a lion's roar that had disturbed + the silence of the forest. That chain, that knife, those forks, were + unquestionably the instruments of slave-dealers; and what could those + mutilated hands be, except the relics of their ill-fated victims? + </p> + <p> + Harris and Negoro must be in a conspiracy! + </p> + <p> + It was with terrible anguish that Dick gnashed his teeth and muttered,- + </p> + <p> + "Yes, it is too true; we are in Africa! in equatorial Africa! in the + land of slavery! in the very haunt of slave-drivers!" + </p> + <h4> + END OF FIRST PART. + </h4> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="PART_II" id="PART_II"></a> + </p> + <h4> + PART THE SECOND + </h4> + <p> + [Illustration: WEST COAST OF CENTRAL AFRICA.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="BI" id="BI"></a> + </p> + <h4> + CHAPTER I. + </h4> + <h4> + THE DARK CONTINENT. + </h4> + <p> + The "slave-trade" is an expression that ought never to have found its + way into any human language. After being long practised at a large profit + by such European nations as had possessions beyond the seas, this + abominable traffic has now for many years been ostensibly forbidden; yet + even in the enlightenment of this nineteenth century, it is still largely + carried on, especially in Central Africa, inasmuch as there are several + states, professedly Christian, whose signatures have never been affixed to + the deed of abolition. + </p> + <p> + Incredible as it should seem, this barter of human beings still exists, + and for the due comprehension of the second part of Dick Sands' story it + must be borne in mind, that for the purpose of supplying certain colonies + with slaves, there continue to be prosecuted such barbarous + "man-hunts" as threaten almost to lay waste an entire continent with + blood, fire, and pillage. + </p> + <p> + The nefarious traffic as far as regards negroes does not appear to have + arisen until the fifteenth century. The following are said to be the + circumstances under which it had its origin. After being banished from + Spain, the Mussulmans crossed the straits of Gibraltar and took refuge + upon the shores of Africa, but the Portuguese who then occupied that + portion of the coast persecuted the fugitives with the utmost severity, + and having captured them in large numbers, sent them as prisoners into + Portugal. They were thus the first nucleus of any African slaves that + entered Western Europe since the commencement of the Christian era. The + majority, however, of these Mussulmans were members of wealthy families, + who were prepared to pay almost any amount of money for their release; but + no ransom was exorbitant enough to tempt the Portuguese to surrender them; + more precious than gold were the strong arms that should work the + resources of their young and rising colonies. Thus baulked in their + purpose of effecting a direct ransom of their captured relatives, the + Mussulman families next submitted a proposition for exchanging them for a + larger number of African negroes, whom it would be quite easy to procure. + The Portuguese, to whom the proposal was in every way advantageous, + eagerly accepted the offer; and in this way the slave-trade was originated + in Europe. + </p> + <p> + By the end of the sixteenth century this odious traffic had become + permanently established; in principle it contained nothing repugnant to + the semi-barbarous thought and customs then existing; all the great states + recognized it as the most effectual means of colonizing the islands of the + New World, especially as slaves of negro blood, well acclimatized to + tropical heat, were able to survive where white men must have perished by + thousands. The transport of slaves to the American colonies was + consequently regularly effected by vessels specially built for that + purpose, and large dépôts for this branch of commerce were established + at various points of the African coast. The "goods" cost comparatively + little in production, and the profits were enormous. + </p> + <p> + Yet, after all, however indispensable it might be to complete the + foundation of the trans-atlantic colonies, there was nothing to justify + this shameful barter of human flesh and blood, and the voice of + philanthropy began to be heard in protestation, calling upon all European + governments, in the name of mercy and common humanity, to decree the + abolition of the trade at once. + </p> + <p> + In 1751, the Quakers put themselves at the head of the abolitionist + movement in North America, that very land where, a hundred years later, + the war of secession burst forth, in which the question of slavery bore + the most conspicuous part. Several of the Northern States, Virginia, + Connecticut, Massachusetts, and Pennsylvania prohibited the trade, + liberating the slaves, in spite of the cost, who had been imported into + their territories. + </p> + <p> + The campaign, thus commenced, was not limited to a few provinces of the + New World; on this side of the Atlantic, too, the partisans of slavery + were subject to a vigourous attack. England and France led the van, and + energetically beat up recruits to serve the righteous cause. "Let us + lose our colonies rather than sacrifice our principles," was the + magnanimous watchword that resounded throughout Europe, and + notwithstanding the vast political and commercial interests involved in + the question, it did not go forth in vain. A living impulse had been + communicated to the liberation-movement. In 1807, England formally + prohibited the slave-trade in her colonies; France following her example + in 1814. The two great nations then entered upon a treaty on the subject, + which was confirmed by Napoleon during the Hundred Days. + </p> + <p> + Hitherto, however, the declaration was purely theoretical. Slave-ships + continued to ply their illicit trade, discharging their living cargo at + many a colonial port. It was evident that more resolute and practical + measures must be taken to impress the enormity. Accordingly the United + States in 1820, and Great Britain in 1824, declared the slave-trade to be + an act of piracy and its perpetrators to be punishable with death. France + soon gave in her adherence to the new treaty, but the Southern States of + America, and the Spanish and Portuguese, not having signed the act of + abolition, continued the importation of slaves at a great profit, and this + in defiance of the recognized reciprocal right of visitation to verify the + flags of suspected ships. + </p> + <p> + But although the slave-trade by these measures was in a considerable + measure reduced, it continued to exist; new slaves were not allowed, but + the old ones did not recover their liberty. England was now the first to + set a noble example. On the 14th of May, 1833, an Act of Parliament, by a + munificent vote of millions of pounds, emancipated all the negroes in the + British Colonies, and in August, 1838, 670,000 slaves were declared free + men. Ten years later, in 1848, the French Republic liberated the slaves in + her colonies to the number of 260,000, and in 1859 the war which broke out + between the Federals and Confederates in the United States finished the + work of emancipation by extending it to the whole of North America. + </p> + <p> + Thus, three great powers have accomplished their task of humanity, and at + the present time the slave-trade is carried on only for the advantage of + the Spanish and Portuguese colonies, or to supply the requirements of the + Turkish or Arab populations of the East. Brazil, although she has not + emancipated her former slaves, does not receive any new, and all negro + children are pronounced free-born. + </p> + <p> + In contrast, however, to all this, it is not to be concealed that, in the + interior of Africa, as the result of wars between chieftains waged for the + sole object of making captives, entire tribes are often reduced to + slavery, and are carried off in caravans in two opposite directions, some + westwards to the Portuguese colony of Angola, others eastwards to + Mozambique. Of these miserable creatures, of whom a very small proportion + ever reach their destination, some are despatched to Cuba or Madagascar, + others to the Arab or Turkish provinces of Asia, to Mecca or Muscat. The + French and English cruisers have practically very little power to control + the iniquitous proceedings, because the extent of coast to be watched is + so large that a strict and adequate surveillance cannot be maintained. The + extent of the odious export is very considerable; no less than 24,000 + slaves annually reach the coast, a number that hardly represents a tenth + part of those who are massacred or otherwise perish by a deplorable end. + After the frightful butcheries, the fields lie devastated, the smouldering + villages are void of inhabitants, the rivers reek with bleeding corpses, + and wild beasts take undisputed possession of the soil. Livingstone, upon + returning to a district, immediately after one of these ruthless raids, + said that he could never have recognized it for the same that he had + visited only a few months previously; and all other travellers, Grant, + Speke, Burton, Cameron, Stanley, describe the wooded plateau of Central + Africa as the principal theatre of the barbarous warfare between chief and + chief. In the region of the great lakes, throughout the vast district + which feeds the market of Zanzibar, in Bornu and Fezzan, further south on + the banks of the Nyassa and Zambesi, further west in the districts of the + Upper Zaire, just traversed by the intrepid Stanley, everywhere there is + the recurrence of the same scenes of ruin, slaughter, and devastation. + Ever and again the question seems to be forced upon the mind whether + slavery is not to end in the entire annihilation of the negro race, so + that, like the Australian tribes of South Holland, it will become extinct. + Who can doubt that the day must dawn which will herald the closing of the + markets in the Spanish and Portuguese colonies, a day when civilized + nations shall no longer tolerate the perpetration of this barbarous wrong? + </p> + <p> + It is hardly too much to say that another year ought to witness the + emancipation of every slave in the possession of Christian states. It + seems only too likely that for years to come the Mussulman nations will + continue to depopulate the continent of Africa; to them is due the chief + emigration of the natives, who, torn from their provinces, are sent to the + eastern coast in numbers that exceed 40,000 annually. Long before the + Egyptian expedition the natives of Sennaar were sold to the natives of + Darfur and <i>vice versa</i>; and even Napoleon Buonaparte purchased a + considerable number of negroes, whom he organized into regiments after the + fashion of the mamelukes. Altogether it may be affirmed, that although + four-fifths of the present century have passed away, slave-traffic in + Africa has been increased rather than diminished. + </p> + <p> + The truth is that Islamism really nurtures the slave-trade. In Mussulman + provinces, the black slave has taken the place of the white slave of + former times; dealers of the most questionable character bear their part + in the execrable business, bringing a supplementary population to races + which, unregenerated by their own labour, would otherwise diminish and + ultimately disappear. + </p> + <p> + As in the time of Buonaparte, these slaves often become soldiers; on the + Upper Niger, for instance, they still form half the army of certain + chieftains, under circumstances in which their lot is hardly, if at all, + inferior to that of free men. Elsewhere, where the slave is not a soldier, + he counts merely as current coin; and in Bornu and even in Egypt, we are + told by William Lejean, an eye-witness, that officers and other + functionaries have received their pay in this form. + </p> + <p> + Such, then, appears to be the present actual condition of the slave-trade; + and it is stern justice that compels the additional statement that there + are representatives of certain great European powers who still favour the + unholy traffic with an indulgent connivance, and whilst cruisers are + watching the coasts of the Atlantic and of the Indian Ocean, kidnapping + goes on regularly in the interior, caravans pass along under the very eyes + of certain officials, and massacres are perpetrated in which frequently + ten negroes are sacrificed in the capture of a single slave. + </p> + <p> + It was the knowledge, more or less complete, of all this, that wrung from + Dick Sands his bitter and heart-rending cry:- + </p> + <p> + "We are in Africa! in the very haunt of slave-drivers!" + </p> + <p> + Too true it was that he found himself and his companions in a land fraught + with such frightful peril. He could only tremble when he wondered on what + part of the fatal continent the "Pilgrim" had stranded. Evidently it + was at some point of the west coast, and he had every reason to fear that + it was on the shores of Angola, the rendezvous for all the caravans that + journey in that portion of Africa. + </p> + <p> + His conjecture was correct; he really was in the very country that a few + years later and with gigantic effort was to be traversed by Cameron in the + south and Stanley in the north. Of the vast territory, with its three + provinces, Congo, Angola, and Benguela, little was then known except the + coast. It extends from the Zaire on the north to the Nourse on the south, + and its chief towns are the ports of Benguela and of St. Paul de Loanda, + the capital of the colony, which is a dependency of the kingdom of + Portugal. The interior of the country had been almost entirely unexplored. + Very few were the travellers who had cared to venture far inland, for an + unhealthy climate, a hot, damp soil conducive to fever, a permanent + warfare between the native tribes, some of which are cannibals, and the + ill-feeling of the slave-dealers against any stranger who might endeavour + to discover the secrets of their infamous craft, all combine to render the + region one of the most hazardous in the whole of Equatorial Africa. + </p> + <p> + It was in 1816 that Tuckey ascended the Congo as far as the Yellala Falls, + a distance not exceeding 203 miles; but the journey was too short to give + an accurate idea of the interior of the country, and moreover cost the + lives of nearly all the officers and scientific men connected with the + expedition. + </p> + <p> + Thirty-seven years afterwards, Dr. Livingstone had advanced from the Cape + of Good Hope to the Upper Zambesi; thence, with a fearlessness hitherto + unrivalled, he crossed the Coango, an affluent of the Congo, and after + having traversed the continent from the extreme south to the east he + reached St. Paul de Loanda on the 31st of May, 1854, the first explorer of + the unknown portions of the great Portuguese colony. + </p> + <p> + Eighteen years elapsed, and two other bold travellers crossed the entire + continent from east to west, and after encountering unparalleled + difficulties, emerged, the one to the south, the other to the north of + Angola. + </p> + <p> + The first of these was Verney Lovett Cameron, a lieutenant in the British + navy. In 1872, when serious doubts were entertained as to the safety of + the expedition sent out under Stanley to the relief of Livingstone in the + great lake district, Lieutenant Cameron volunteered to go out in search of + the noble missionary explorer. His offer was accepted, and accompanied by + Dr. Dillon, Lieutenant Cecil Murphy, and Robert Moffat, a nephew of + Livingstone, he started from Zanzibar. Having passed through Ugogo, he met + Livingstone's corpse, which was being borne to the eastern coast by his + faithful followers. Unshaken in his resolve to make his way right across + the continent, Cameron still pushed onwards to the west. He passed through + Unyanyembe and Uganda, and reached Kawele, where he secured all + Livingstone's papers. After exploring Lake Tanganyika he crossed the + mountains of Bambarre, and finding himself unable to descend the course of + the Lualaba, he traversed the provinces devastated and depopulated by war + and the slave-trade, Kilemba, Urua, the sources of the Lomami, Ulanda, and + Lovalé, and having crossed the Coanza, he sighted the Atlantic and + reached the port of St. Philip de Benguela, after a journey that had + occupied three years and five months. Cameron's two companions, Dr. + Dillon and Robert Moffat, both succumbed to the hardships of the + expedition. + </p> + <p> + The intrepid Englishman was soon to be followed into the field by an + American, Mr. Henry Moreland Stanley. It is universally known how the + undaunted correspondent of the <i>New York Herald</i>, having been + despatched in search of Livingstone, found the veteran missionary at + Ujiji, on the borders of Lake Tanganyika, on the 31st of October, 1871. + But what he had undertaken in the course of humanity Stanley longed to + continue in the interests of science, his prime object being to make a + thorough investigation of the Lualaba, of which, in his first expedition, + he had only been able to get a partial and imperfect survey. Accordingly, + whilst Cameron was still deep in the provinces of Central Africa, Stanley + started from Bagamoyo in November, 1874. Twenty-one months later he + quitted Ujiji, which had been decimated by small-pox, and in seventy-four + days accomplished the passage of the lake and reached Nyangwe, a great + slave-market previously visited both by Livingstone and Cameron. He was + also present at some of the horrible razzias, perpetrated by the officers + of the Sultan of Zanzibar in the districts of the Marunzu and Manyuema. + </p> + <p> + In order to be in a position to descend the Lualaba to its very mouth, + Stanley engaged at Nyangwe 140 porters and nineteen boats. Difficulties + arose from the very outset, and not only had he to contend with the + cannibals of Ugusu, but, in order to avoid many unnavigable cataracts, he + had to convey his boats many miles by land. Near the equator, just at the + point where the Lualaba turns north-north-west, Stanley's little convoy + was attacked by a fleet of boats, manned by several hundred natives, whom, + however, he succeeded in putting to flight. Nothing daunted, the resolute + American pushed on to lat. 20° N. and ascertained, beyond room for doubt, + that the Lualaba was really the Upper Zaire or Congo, and that, by + following its course, he should come directly to the sea. + </p> + <p> + Beset with many perils was the way. Stanley was in almost daily collision + with the various tribes upon the river-banks; on the 3rd of June, 1877, he + lost one of his companions, Frank Pocock, at the passage of the cataracts + of Massassa, and on the 18th of July he was himself carried in his boat + into the Mbelo Falls, and escaped by little short of a miracle. + </p> + <p> + On the 6th of August the daring adventurer arrived at the village of Ni + Sanda, only four days from the sea; two days later he received a supply of + provisions that had been sent by two Emboma merchants to Banza M'buko, + the little coast-town where, after a journey of two years and nine months, + fraught with every kind of hardship and privation, he completed his + transit of the mighty continent. His toil told, at least temporarily, upon + his years, but he had the grand satisfaction of knowing that he had traced + the whole course of the Lualaba, and had ascertained, beyond reach of + question, that as the Nile is the great artery of the north, and the + Zambesi of the east, so Africa possesses in the west a third great river, + which in a course of no less than 2900 miles, under the names of the + Lualaba, Zaire, and Congo, unites the lake district with the Atlantic + Ocean. + </p> + <p> + In 1873, however, the date at which the "Pilgrim" foundered upon the + coast, very little was known of the province of Angola, except that it was + the scene of the western slave-trade, of which the markets of Bihé, + Cassanga, and Kazunde were the chief centres. This was the country in + which Dick Sands now found himself, a hundred miles from shore, in charge + of a lady exhausted with fatigue and anxiety, a half-dying child, and a + band of negroes who would be a most tempting bait to the slave-driver. + </p> + <p> + His last illusion was completely dispelled. He had no longer the faintest + hope that he was in America, that land where little was to be dreaded from + either native, wild beast, or climate; he could no more cherish the fond + impression that he might be in the pleasant region between the Cordilleras + and the coast, where villages are numerous and missions afford hospitable + shelter to every traveller. Far, far away were those provinces of Bolivia + and Peru, to which (unless a criminal hand had interposed) the + "Pilgrim" would certainly have sped her way. No: too truly this was + the terrible province of Angola; and worse than all, not the district near + the coast, under the surveillance of the Portuguese authorities, but the + interior of the country, traversed only by slave caravans, driven under + the lash of the havildars. + </p> + <p> + Limited, in one sense, was the knowledge that Dick Sands possessed of this + land of horrors; but he had read the accounts that had been given by the + missionaries of the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries, by the Portuguese + traders who frequented the route from St. Paul de Loanda, by San Salvador + to the Zaire, as well as by Dr. Livingstone in his travels in 1853, and + consequently he knew enough to awaken immediate and complete despair in + any spirit less indomitable than his own. + </p> + <p> + Anyhow, his position was truly appalling. + </p> + <p> + [Illustration: They were seated at the foot of an enormous banyan-tree.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="BII" id="BII"></a> + </p> + <h4> + CHAPTER II. + </h4> + <h4> + ACCOMPLICES. + </h4> + <p> + On the day following that on which Dick Sands and his party had made their + last halt in the forest, two men met by appointment at a spot about three + miles distant. + </p> + <p> + The two men were Harris and Negoro, the one lately landed from New + Zealand, the other pursuing his wonted occupation of slave-dealer in the + province of Angola. They were seated at the foot of an enormous + banyan-tree, on the banks of a rushing torrent that streamed between tall + borders of papyrus. + </p> + <p> + After the conversation had turned awhile upon the events of the last few + hours, Negoro said abruptly,- + </p> + <p> + "Couldn't you manage to get that young fifteen-year-old any farther + into the interior?" + </p> + <p> + "No, indeed; it was a hard matter enough to bring him thus far; for the + last few days his suspicions have been wide awake." + </p> + <p> + "But just another hundred miles, you know," continued Negoro, "would + have finished the business off well, and those black fellows would have + been ours to a dead certainty." + </p> + <p> + "Don't I tell you, my dear fellow, that it was more than time for me + to give them the slip?" replied Harris, shrugging his shoulders. "Only + too well I knew that our young friend was longing to put a shot into my + body, and that was a sugar-plum I might not be able to digest." + </p> + <p> + The Portuguese gave a grunt of assent, and Harris went on,- + </p> + <p> + "For several days I succeeded well enough. I managed to palm off the + country as the forest of Atacama, which you may recollect I once visited; + but when the youngster began to ask for gutta-percha and humming-birds, + and his mother wanted quinquina-trees, and when that old fool of a cousin + was bent on finding cocuyos, I was rather nonplussed. One day I had to + swear that giraffes were ostriches, but the young captain did not seem to + swallow the dose at all easily. Then we saw traces of elephants and + hippopotamuses, which of course are as often seen in America as an honest + man in a Benguela penitentiary; then that old nigger Tom discovered a lot + of forks and chains left by some runaway slaves at the foot of a tree; but + when, last of all, a lion roared,-and the noise, you know, is rather + louder than the mewing of a cat,-I thought it was time to take my horse + and decamp." + </p> + <p> + Negoro repeated his expression of regret that the whole party had not been + carried another hundred miles into the province. + </p> + <p> + "It really cannot be helped," rejoined the American; "I have done + the best I could; and I think, mate," he added confidentially, "that + you have done wisely in following the caravan at a good distance; that dog + of theirs evidently owes you a grudge, and might prove an ugly + customer." + </p> + <p> + "I shall put a bullet into that beast's head before long," growled + Negoro. + </p> + <p> + "Take care you don't get one through your own first," laughed + Harris; "that young Sands, I warn you, is a first-rate shot, and between + ourselves, is rather a fine fellow of his kind." + </p> + <p> + "Fine fellow, indeed!" sneered Negoro; "whatever he is, he is a + young upstart, and I have a long score to wipe off against him;" and, as + he spoke, an expression of the utmost malignity passed over his + countenance. + </p> + <p> + Harris smiled. + </p> + <p> + "Well, mate," he said; "your travels have not improved your temper, + I see. But come now, tell me what you have been doing all this time. When + I found you just after the wreck, at the mouth of the Longa, you had only + time to ask me to get this party, somehow or other, up into the country. + But it is just upon two years since you left Cassange with that caravan of + slaves for our old master Alvez. What have you been doing since? The last + I heard of you was that you had run foul of an English cruiser, and that + you were condemned to be hanged." + </p> + <p> + "So I was very nearly," muttered Negoro. + </p> + <p> + "Ah, well, that will come sooner or later," rejoined the American with + philosophic indifference; "men of our trade can't expect to die + quietly in our beds, you know. But were you caught by the English?" + </p> + <p> + "No, by the Portuguese." + </p> + <p> + "Before you had got rid of your cargo?" + </p> + <p> + Negoro hesitated a moment before replying. + </p> + <p> + "No," he said, presently, and added, "The Portuguese have changed + their game: for a long time they carried on the trade themselves, but now + they have got wonderfully particular; so I was caught, and condemned to + end my days in the penitentiary at St. Paul de Loanda." + </p> + <p> + "Confound it!" exclaimed Harris, "a hundred times better be + hanged!" + </p> + <p> + "I'm not so sure of that," the Portuguese replied, "for when I had + been at the galleys about a fortnight I managed to escape, and got into + the hold of an English steamer bound for New Zealand. I wedged myself in + between a cask of water and a case of preserved meat, and so managed to + exist for a month. It was close quarters, I can tell you, but I preferred + to travel incognito rather than run the risk of being handed over again to + the authorities at Loanda." + </p> + <p> + "Well done!" exclaimed the American, "and so you had a free passage + to the land of the Maoris. But you didn't come back in the same + fashion?" + </p> + <p> + "No; I always had a hankering to be here again at my old trade; but for + a year and a half...." + </p> + <p> + He stopped abruptly, and grasped Harris by the arm. + </p> + <p> + "Hush," he whispered, "didn't you hear a rustling in that clump of + papyrus?" + </p> + <p> + In a moment Harris had caught up his loaded gun; and both men, starting to + their feet, looked anxiously around them. + </p> + <p> + "It was nothing," said Harris presently; "the stream is swollen by + the storm, that is all; your two years' travelling has made you forget + the sounds of the forest, mate. Sit down again, and go on with your story. + When I know the past, I shall be better able to talk about the future." + </p> + <p> + They reseated themselves, and Negoro went on,- + </p> + <p> + "For a whole year and a half I vegetated at Auckland. I left the hold of + the steamer without a dollar in my pocket, and had to turn my hand to + every trade imaginable in order to get a living." + </p> + <p> + "Poor fellow! I daresay you even tried the trade of being an honest + man," put in the American. + </p> + <p> + "Just so," said Negoro, "and in course of time the 'Pilgrim,' + the vessel by which I came here, put in at Auckland. While she was waiting + to take Mrs. Weldon and her party on board, I applied to the captain for a + post, for I was once mate on board a slaver, and know something of + seamanship. The 'Pilgrim's' crew was complete, but fortunately the + ship's cook had just deserted; I offered to supply his place; in default + of better my services were accepted, and in a few days we were out of + sight of New Zealand." + </p> + <p> + "I have heard something about the voyage from young Sands," said + Harris, "but even now I can't understand how you reached here." + </p> + <p> + "Neither does he," said Negoro, with a malicious grin. "I will tell + you now, and you may repeat the story to your young friend if you like." + </p> + <p> + "Well, go on," said Harris. + </p> + <p> + "When we started," continued Negoro, "it was my intention to sail + only as far as Chili: that would have brought me nearly half way to + Angola; but three weeks after leaving Auckland, Captain Hull and all his + crew were lost in chasing a whale, and I and the apprentice were the only + seamen left on board." + </p> + <p> + "Then why in the name of peace didn't you take command of the ship?" + exclaimed Harris. + </p> + <p> + [Illustration: Both men, starting to their feet, looked anxiously around + them.] + </p> + <p> + "Because there were five strong niggers who didn't trust me; so, on + second thoughts, I determined to keep my old post as cook." + </p> + <p> + "Then do you mean to say that it was mere accident that brought you to + the coast of Africa?" + </p> + <p> + "Not a bit of it; the only accident,-and a very lucky one it was-was + meeting you on the very spot where we stranded. But it was my doing that + we got so far. Young Sands understood nothing more of navigation than the + use of the log and compass. Well, one fine day, you understand, the log + remained at the bottom of the sea, and one night the compass was tampered + with, so that the 'Pilgrim,' scudding along before a tempest, was + carried altogether out of her course. You may imagine the young captain + was puzzled at the length of the voyage; it would have bewildered a more + experienced head than his. Before he was aware of it, we had rounded Cape + Horn; I recognized it through the mist. Then at once I put the compass to + rights again, and the 'Pilgrim ' was carried north-eastwards by a + tremendous hurricane to the very place I wanted. The island Dick Sands + took for Easter Island was really Tristan d'Acunha." + </p> + <p> + "Good!" said Harris; "I think I understand now how our friends have + been persuaded to take Angola for Bolivia. But they are undeceived now, + you know," he added. + </p> + <p> + "I know all about that," replied the Portuguese. + </p> + <p> + "Then what do you intend to do?" said Harris. + </p> + <p> + "You will see," answered Negoro significantly; "but first of all + tell me something about our employer, old Alvez; how is he?" + </p> + <p> + "Oh, the old rascal is well enough, and will be delighted to see you + again," replied Harris. + </p> + <p> + "Is he at the market at Bihé?" + </p> + <p> + "No, he has been at his place at Kazonndé for a year or more." + </p> + <p> + "And how does business go on?" + </p> + <p> + "Badly enough, on this coast," said Harris; "plenty of slaves are + waiting to be shipped to the Spanish colonies, but the difficulty is how + to get them embarked. The Portuguese authorities on the one hand, and the + English cruisers on the other, almost put a stop to exportation + altogether; down to the south, near Mossamedes, is the only part where it + can be attempted with any chance of success. To pass a caravan through + Benguela or Loande is an utter impossibility; neither the governors nor + the chefés + </p> + <p> + [Footnote 1: Subordinate Portuguese governors at secondary stations.] will + listen to a word of reason. Old Alvez is therefore thinking of going in + the other direction towards Nyangwe and Lake Tanganyika; he can there + exchange his goods for slaves and ivory, and is sure to do a good business + with Upper Egypt and the coast of Mozambique, which supplies Madagascar. + But I tell you, Negoro," he added gravely, "I believe the time is + coming when the slave-trade will come to an end altogether. The English + missionaries are advancing into the interior. That fellow Livingstone, + confound him! has finished his tour of the lakes, and is now working his + way towards Angola; then there is another man named Cameron who is talking + about crossing the continent from east to west, and it is feared that + Stanley the American will do the same. All this exploration, you know, is + ruinous to our business, and it is to our interest that not one of these + travellers should be allowed to return to tell tales of us in Europe." + </p> + <p> + Harris spoke like a merchant embarrassed by a temporary commercial crisis. + The atrocious scenes to which the slave-dealers are accustomed seems to + render them impervious to all sense of justice or humanity, and they learn + to regard their living merchandize with as small concern as though they + were dealing with chests of tea or hogsheads of sugar. + </p> + <p> + But Harris was right when he asserted that civilization must follow the + wake of the intrepid pioneers of African discovery. Livingstone first, and + after him, Grant, Speke, Burton, Cameron, Stanley, are the heroes whose + names will ever be linked with the first dawnings of a brighter age upon + the dark wilds of Equatorial Africa. + </p> + <p> + Having ascertained that his accomplice had returned unscrupulous and + daring as ever, and fully prepared to pursue his former calling as an + agent of old Alvez the slave dealer, Harris inquired what he proposed + doing with the survivors of the "Pilgrim" now that they were in his + hands. + </p> + <p> + "Divide them into two lots," answered Negoro, without a moment's + hesitation, "one for the market, the other...." + </p> + <p> + He did not finish his sentence, but the expression of his countenance was + an index to the malignity of his purpose. + </p> + <p> + "Which shall you sell?" asked the American. + </p> + <p> + "The niggers, of course. The old one is not worth much, but the other + four ought to fetch a good price at Kazonndé." + </p> + <p> + "Yes, you are right," said Harris; "American-born slaves, with + plenty of work in them, are rare articles, and very different to the + miserable wretches we get up the country. But you never told me," he + added, suddenly changing the subject, "whether you found any money on + board the 'Pilgrim'!" + </p> + <p> + "Oh, I rescued a few hundred dollars from the wreck, that was all," + said the Portuguese carelessly; "but I am expecting...." he stopped + short. + </p> + <p> + "What are you expecting?" inquired Harris eagerly. + </p> + <p> + "Oh, nothing, nothing," said Negoro, apparently annoyed that he had + said so much, and immediately began talking of the means of securing the + living prey which he had been taking so many pains to entrap. Harris + informed him that on the Coanza, about ten miles distant, there was at the + present time encamped a slave caravan, under the control of an Arab named + Ibn Hamish; plenty of native soldiers were there on guard, and if Dick + Sands and his people could only be induced to travel in that direction, + their capture would be a matter of very little difficulty. He said that of + course Dick Sands' first thought would naturally be how to get back to + the coast; it was not likely that he would venture a second time through + the forest, but would in all probability try to make his way to the + nearest river, and descend its course on a raft to the sea. The nearest + river was undoubtedly the Coanza, so that he and Negoro might feel quite + sure of meeting "their friends" upon its banks. + </p> + <p> + "If you really think so," said Negoro, "there is not much time to be + lost; whatever young Sands determines to do, he will do at once: he never + lets the grass grow under his feet." + </p> + <p> + "Let us start, then, this very moment, mate," was Harris's reply. + </p> + <p> + Both rose to their feet, when they were startled by the same rustling in + the papyrus which had previously aroused Negoro's fears. Presently a low + growl was heard, and a large dog, showing his teeth, emerged from the + bushes, evidently prepared for an attack. + </p> + <p> + "It's Dingo!" exclaimed Harris. + </p> + <p> + "Confound the brute! he shall not escape me this time," said Negoro. + </p> + <p> + He caught up Harris's gun, and raising it to his shoulder, he fired just + as the dog was in the act of springing at his throat. A long whine of pain + followed the report, and Dingo disappeared again amongst the bushes that + fringed the stream. Negoro was instantly upon his track, but could + discover nothing beyond a few blood-stains upon the stalks of the papyrus, + and a long crimson trail upon the pebbles on the bank. + </p> + <p> + "I think I have done for the beast now," was Negoro's remark as he + returned from his fruitless search. + </p> + <p> + Harris, who had been a silent spectator of the whole scene, now asked + coolly,- + </p> + <p> + "What makes that animal have such an inveterate dislike to you?" + </p> + <p> + "Oh, there is an old score to settle between us," replied the + Portuguese. + </p> + <p> + "What about?" inquired the American. + </p> + <p> + Negoro made no reply, and finding him evidently disinclined to be + communicative on the subject, Harris did not press the matter any further. + </p> + <p> + A few moments later the two men were descending the stream, and making + their way through the forest towards the Coanza. + </p> + <p> + [Illustration: Dingo disappeared again amongst the bushes] + </p> + <p> + <a name="BIII" id="BIII"></a> + </p> + <h4> + CHAPTER III. + </h4> + <h4> + ON THE MARCH AGAIN. + </h4> + <p> + "Africa! Africa!" was the terrible word that echoed and re-echoed in + the mind of Dick Sands. As he pondered over the events of the preceding + weeks he could now understand why, notwithstanding the rapid progress of + the ship, the land seemed ever to be receding, and why the voyage had been + prolonged to twice its anticipated length. It remained, however, a mystery + inexplicable as before, how and when they had rounded Cape Horn and passed + into another ocean. Suddenly the idea flashed upon him that the compass + must have been tampered with; and he remembered the fall of the first + compass; he recalled the night when he had been roused by Tom's cry of + alarm that Negoro had fallen against the binnacle. As he recollected these + circumstances he became more and more convinced that it was Negoro who was + the mainspring of all the mischief; that it was he who had contrived the + loss of the "Pilgrim," and compromised the safety of all on board. + </p> + <p> + What had been the career, what could be the motives of a man who was + capable of such vile machinations? + </p> + <p> + But shrouded in mystery as were the events of the past, the present + offered a prospect equally obscure. + </p> + <p> + Beyond the fact that he was in Africa and a hundred miles from the coast, + Dick knew absolutely nothing. He could only conjecture that he was in the + fatal province of Angola, and assured as he was that Harris had acted the + traitor, he was led to the conclusion that he and Negoro had been playing + into each other's hands. The result of the collision, he feared, might + be very disastrous to the survivors of the "Pilgrim." Yet, in what + manner would the odious stratagem be accomplished? Dick could well + understand that the negroes would be sold for slaves; he could only too + easily imagine that upon himself Negoro would wreak the vengeance he had + so obviously been contemplating; but for Mrs. Weldon and the other + helpless members of the party what fate could be in store? + </p> + <p> + The situation was terrible, but yet Dick did not flinch; he had been + appointed captain, and captain he would remain; Mrs. Weldon and her little + son had been committed to his charge, and he was resolved to carry out his + trust faithfully to the end. + </p> + <p> + For several hours he remained wrapped in thought, pondering over the + present and the future, weighing the evil chances against the good, only + to be convinced that the evil much preponderated. At length he rose, firm, + resolute, calm. The first glimmer of dawn was breaking upon the forest. + All the rest of the party, except Tom, were fast asleep. Dick Sands crept + softly up to the old negro, and whispered:- + </p> + <p> + "Tom, you know now where we are!" + </p> + <p> + "Yes, yes, Mr. Dick, only too well I know it. We are in Africa!" + </p> + <p> + The old man sighed mournfully. + </p> + <p> + "Tom," said Dick, in the same low voice, "you must keep this a + secret; you must not say a word to let Mrs. Weldon or any of the others + know " + </p> + <p> + The old man murmured his assent, and Dick continued:- + </p> + <p> + "It will be quite enough for them to learn that we have been betrayed by + Harris, and that we must consequently practise extra care and + watchfulness; they will merely think we are taking precautions against + being surprised by nomad Indians. I trust to your good sense, Tom, to + assist me in this." + </p> + <p> + "You may depend upon me, Mr. Dick; and I can promise you that we will + all do our best to prove our courage, and to show our devotion to your + service." + </p> + <p> + [Illustration: "You must keep this a secret"] + </p> + <p> + Thus assured of Tom's co-operation, Dick proceeded to deliberate upon + his future line of action. He had every reason to believe that the + treacherous American, startled by the traces of the slaves and the + unexpected roaring of the lion, had taken flight before he had conducted + his victims to the spot where they were to be attacked, and that + consequently some hours might elapse before he would be joined by Negoro, + who (to judge from Dingo's strange behaviour) had undoubtedly for the + last few days been somewhere on their track. + </p> + <p> + Here was a delay that might be turned to good account, and no time was to + be lost in taking advantage of it to commence their return journey to the + coast. If, as Dick had every reason to suppose, he was in Angola, he hoped + to find, either north or south, some Portuguese settlement whence he could + obtain the means of transporting his party to their several homes. + </p> + <p> + But how was this return journey to be accomplished? It would be difficult, + not to say imprudent, to retrace their footsteps through the forest; it + would merely bring them to their starting-point, and would, moreover, + afford an easy track for Negoro or his accomplices to follow. The safest + and most secret means of reaching the coast would assuredly be by + descending the course of some river. This would have to be effected by + constructing a strong raft, from which the little party, well armed, might + defend themselves alike from attacks either of the natives or of wild + beasts, and which would likewise afford a comfortable means of transport + for Mrs. Weldon and her little boy, who were now deprived of the use of + Harris's horse. The negroes, it is true, would be only too pleased to + carry the lady on a litter of branches, but this would be to occupy the + services of two out of five, and under the circumstances it was manifestly + advisable that all hands should be free to act on the defensive. Another + great inducement towards the plan was that Dick Sands felt himself much + more at home in travelling by water than by land, and was longing to be + once again upon what to him was, as it were, his native element. He little + dreamt that he was devising for himself the very plan that Harris, in his + speculations, had laid down for him! + </p> + <p> + The most urgent matter was now to find such a stream as would suit their + purpose. Dick had several reasons for feeling sure that one existed in the + neighbourhood. He knew that the little river, which fell into the Atlantic + near the spot where the "Pilgrim" stranded, could not extend very far + either to the north or east, because the horizon was bounded in both + directions by the chain of mountains which he had taken for the + Cordilleras. If the stream did not rise in those hills it must incline to + the south, so that in either case Dick was convinced he could not be long + in discovering it or one of its affluents. Another sign, which he + recognized as hopeful, was that during the last few miles of the march the + soil had become moist and level, whilst here and there the appearance of + tiny rivulets indicated that an aqueous network existed in the subsoil. On + the previous day, too, the caravan had skirted a rushing torrent, of which + the waters were tinged with oxide of iron from its sloping banks. + </p> + <p> + Dick's scheme was to make his way back as far as this stream, which + though not navigable itself would in all probability empty itself into + some affluent of greater importance. The idea, which he imparted to Tom, + met with the old negro's entire approval. + </p> + <p> + As the day dawned the sleepers, one by one, awoke. Mrs. Weldon laid little + Jack in Nan's arms. The child was still dozing; the fever had abated, + but he looked painfully white and exhausted after the attack. + </p> + <p> + "Dick," said Mrs. Weldon, after looking round her, "where is Mr. + Harris? I cannot see him." + </p> + <p> + "Harris has left us," answered Dick very quietly. + </p> + <p> + "Do you mean that he has gone on ahead?" + </p> + <p> + "No, madam, I mean that he has left us, and gone away entirely: he is in + league with Negoro." + </p> + <p> + "In league with Negoro!" cried Mrs. Weldon, "Ah, I have had a fancy + lately that there has been something wrong: but why? what can be their + motive?" + </p> + <p> + "Indeed I am unable to tell you," replied Dick; "I only + </p> + <p> + [Illustration: "Harris has left us" + </p> + <p> + know that we have no alternative but to return to the coast immediately if + we would escape the two rascals." + </p> + <p> + "I only wish I could catch them," said Hercules, who had overheard the + conversation; "I would soon knock their heads together;" and he shook + his two fists in giving emphasis to his words. + </p> + <p> + "But what will become of my boy?" cried Mrs. Weldon, in tones of + despondency; "I have been so sanguine in procuring him the comforts of + San Felice." + </p> + <p> + "Master Jack will be all right enough, madam, when we get into a more + healthy situation near the coast," said Tom. + </p> + <p> + "But is there no farm anywhere near? no village? no shelter?" she + pleaded. + </p> + <p> + "None whatever, madam; I can only repeat that it is absolutely necessary + that we make the best of our way back to the sea-shore." + </p> + <p> + "Are you quite sure, Dick, that Mr. Harris has deceived us?" + </p> + <p> + Dirk felt that he should be glad to avoid any discussion on the subject, + but with a warning glance at Tom, he proceeded to say that on the previous + night he and Tom had discovered the American's treachery, and that if he + had not instantly taken to his horse and fled he would have answered for + his guilt with his life. Without, however, dwelling for a moment more than + he could avoid upon the past, he hurried on to detail the means by which + he now proposed to reach the sea, concluding by the assertion that he + hoped a very few miles' march would bring them to a stream on which they + might be able to embark. + </p> + <p> + Mrs. Weldon, thoroughly ignoring her own weakness, professed her readiness + not only to walk, but to carry Jack too. Bat and Austin at once + volunteered to carry her in a litter; of this the lady would not hear, and + bravely repeated her intention of travelling on foot, announcing her + willingness to start without further delay. Dick Sands was only too glad + to assent to her wish. + </p> + <p> + "Let me take Master Jack," said Hercules; "I shall be out of my + element if I have nothing to carry." + </p> + <p> + The giant, without waiting for a reply, took the child from Nan's arms + so gently that he did not even rouse him from his slumber. + </p> + <p> + The weapons were next carefully examined, and the provisions, having been + repacked into one parcel, were consigned to the charge of Actæon, who + undertook to carry them on his back. + </p> + <p> + Cousin Benedict, whose wiry limbs seemed capable of bearing any amount of + fatigue, was quite ready to start. It was doubtful whether he had noticed + Harris's disappearance; he was suffering from a loss which to him was of + far greater importance. He had mislaid his spectacles and + magnifying-glass. It had happened that Bat had picked them up in the long + grass, close to the spot where the amateur naturalist had been lying, but + acting on a hint from Dick Sands, he said nothing about them; in this way + the entomologist, who, without his glasses could scarcely see a yard + beyond his face, might be expected to be kept without trouble in the + limits of the ranks, and having been placed between Actæon and Austin + with strict injunctions not to leave their side, he followed them as + submissively as a blind man in leading-strings. + </p> + <p> + The start was made. But scarcely had the little troop advanced fifty yards + upon their way, when Tom suddenly cried out,- + </p> + <p> + "Where's Dingo?" + </p> + <p> + With all the force of his tremendous lungs, Hercules gave a series of + reverberating shouts:- + </p> + <p> + "Dingo! Dingo! Dingo!" + </p> + <p> + Not a bark could be distinguished in reply + </p> + <p> + "Dingo! Dingo! Dingo!" again echoed in the air. + </p> + <p> + But all was silence. + </p> + <p> + Dick was intensely annoyed at the non-appearance of the dog; his presence + would have been an additional safeguard in the event of any sudden + surprise. + </p> + <p> + "Perhaps he has followed Harris," suggested Tom. + </p> + <p> + "Far more likely he is on the track of Negoro," rejoined Dick. + </p> + <p> + "Then Negoro, to a dead certainty," said Hercules, "will put a + bullet into his head." + </p> + <p> + "It is to be hoped," replied Bat, "that Dingo will strangle him + first." + </p> + <p> + Dick Sands, disguising his vexation, said, + </p> + <p> + "At any rate, we have no time to wait for the animal now: if he is + alive, he will not fail to find us out. Move on, my lads! move on!" + </p> + <p> + The weather was very hot; ever since daybreak heavy clouds had been + gathering upon the horizon, and it seemed hardly likely that the day would + pass without a storm. Fortunately the woods were sufficiently light to + ensure a certain amount of freshness to the surface of the soil. Here and + there were large patches of tall, rank grass enclosed by clumps of forest + trees. In some places, fossilized trunks, lying on the ground, betokened + the existence of one of the coal districts that are common upon the + continent of Africa. Along the glades the carpet of verdure was relieved + by crimson stems and a variety of flowers; ginger-blossoms, blue and + yellow, pale lobelias, and red orchids fertilized by the numerous insects + that incessantly hovered about them. The trees did not grow in + impenetrable masses of one species, but exhibited themselves in infinite + variety. There was also a species of palm producing an oil locally much + valued; there were cotton-plants growing in bushes eight or ten feet high, + the cotton attached in long shreds to the ligneous stalks; and there were + copals from which, pierced by the proboscis of certain insects, exudes an + odorous resin that flows on to the ground and is collected by the natives. + Then there were citrons and wild pomegranates and a score of other + arborescent plants, all testifying to the fertility of this plateau of + Central Africa. In many places, too, the air was fragrant with the odour + of vanilla, though it was not possible to discover the shrub from which + the perfume emanated. + </p> + <p> + In spite of it being the dry season, so that the soil had only been + moistened by occasional storms, all trees and plants were flourishing in + great luxuriance. It was the time of year for fever, but, according to Dr. + Livingstone's observation, the disorder may generally be cured by + quitting the locality where it has been contracted. Dick expressed his + hope that, in little Jack's case, the words of the great traveller would + be verified, and in encouragement of this sanguine view, pointed out to + Mrs. Weldon that although it was past the time for the periodical return + of the fever, the child was still slumbering quietly in Hercules' arms + </p> + <p> + The march was continued with as much rapidity as was consistent with + caution. Occasionally, where the bushes and brushwood had been broken down + by the recent passage of men or beasts, progress was comparatively easy; + but much more frequently, greatly to Dick's annoyance, obstacles of + various sorts impeded their advance. Climbing plants grew in such + inextricable confusion that they could only be compared to a ship's + rigging involved in hopeless entanglement; there were creepers resembling + curved scimitars, thickly covered with sharp thorns; there were likewise + strange growths, like vegetable serpents, fifty or sixty feet long, which + seemed to have a cruel faculty for torturing every passenger with their + prickly spines. Axe in hand, the negroes had repeatedly to cut their road + through these bewildering obstructions that clothed the trees from their + summit to their base. + </p> + <p> + Animal life was no less remarkable in its way than the vegetation. Birds + in great variety flitted about in the ample foliage, secure from any stray + shot from the little band, whose chief object it was to preserve its + incognito. Guinea-fowls were seen in considerable numbers, francolins in + several varieties, and a few specimens of the bird to which the Americans, + in imitation of their note, have given the name of "whip-poor-will." + If Dick had not had too much evidence in other ways to the contrary, he + might almost have imagined himself in a province of the New World. + </p> + <p> + Hitherto they had been unmolested by any dangerous wild beasts. During the + present stage of their march a herd of giraffes, startled by their + unexpected approach, rushed fleetly past; this time, however, without + being represented as ostriches. Occasionally a dense cloud of dust on the + edge of the prairie, accompanied by a sound like the roll + </p> + <p> + [Illustration: The march was continued with as much rapidity as was + consistent with caution.] + </p> + <p> + of heavily-laden chariots, betokened the flight of a herd of buffaloes; + but with these exceptions no animal of any magnitude appeared in view. + </p> + <p> + For about two miles Dick followed the course of the rivulet, in the hope + that it would emerge into a more important stream, which would convey them + without much difficulty or danger direct to the sea. + </p> + <p> + Towards noon about three miles had been accomplished, and a halt was made + for rest. Neither Negoro nor Harris had been seen, nor had Dingo + reappeared. The encampment for the midday refreshment was made under the + shelter of a clump of bamboos, which effectually concealed them all. Few + words were spoken during the meal. Mrs. Weldon could eat nothing; she had + again taken her little boy into her arms, and seemed wholly absorbed in + watching him. Again and again Dick begged her to take some nourishment, + urging upon her the necessity of keeping up her strength. + </p> + <p> + "We shall not be long in finding a good current to carry us to the + coast," said the lad brightly. + </p> + <p> + Mrs. Weldon raised her eyes to his animated features. With so sanguine and + resolute a leader, with such devoted servants as the five negroes in + attendance, she felt that she ought not utterly to despair. Was she not, + after all, on friendly soil? what great harm could Harris perpetrate + against her or her belongings? She would hope still, hope for the best. + </p> + <p> + Rejoiced as he was to see something of its former brightness return to her + countenance, Dick nevertheless had scarcely courage steadily to return her + searching gaze. Had she known the whole truth, he knew that her heart must + fail her utterly. + </p> + <p> + <a name="BIV" id="BIV"></a> + </p> + <h4> + CHAPTER IV. + </h4> + <h4> + ROUGH TRAVELLING. + </h4> + <p> + Just at this moment Jack woke up and put his arms round his mother's + neck. His eyes were brighter, and there was manifestly no return of fever. + </p> + <p> + "You are better, darling!" said Mrs. Weldon, pressing him tenderly to + her. + </p> + <p> + "Yes, mamma, I am better; but I am very thirsty." + </p> + <p> + Some cold water was soon procured, which the child drank eagerly, and then + began to look about him. His first inquiry was for his old friends, Dick + and Hercules, both of whom approached at his summons and greeted him + affectionately. + </p> + <p> + "Where is the horse?" was the next question. + </p> + <p> + "Gone away, Master Jack; I am your horse now," said Hercules. + </p> + <p> + "But you have no bridle for me to hold," said Jack, looking rather + disappointed. + </p> + <p> + "You may put a bit in my mouth if you like, master Jack," replied + Hercules, extending his jaws, "and then you may pull as hard as you + please." + </p> + <p> + "O, I shall not pull very hard," said Jack; "but haven't we nearly + come to Mr. Harris's farm?" + </p> + <p> + Mrs. Weldon assured the child that they should soon be where they wanted + to be, and Dick, finding that the conversation was approaching dangerous + ground, proposed that the journey should be now resumed. Mrs. Weldon + assented; the encampment was forthwith broken up and the march continued + as before. + </p> + <p> + [Illustration: It was a scene only too common in Central Africa] + </p> + <p> + In order not to lose sight of the watercourse, it was necessary to cut a + way right through the underwood: progress was consequently very slow; and + a little over a mile was all that was accomplished in about three hours. + Footpaths had evidently once existed, but they had all become what the + natives term "dead," that is, they had become entirely overgrown with + brushwood and brambles. The negroes worked away with a will; Hercules, in + particular, who temporarily resigned his charge to Nan, wielded his axe + with marvellous effect, all the time giving vent to stentorian groans and + grunts, and succeeded in opening the woods before him as if they were + being consumed by a devouring fire. + </p> + <p> + Fortunately this heavy labour was not of very long duration. + </p> + <p> + After about a mile, an opening of moderate width, converging towards the + stream and following its bank, was discovered in the underwood. It was a + passage formed by elephants, which apparently by hundreds must be in the + habit of traversing this part of the forest. The spongy soil, soaked by + the downpour of the rainy season, was everywhere indented with the + enormous impressions of their feet. + </p> + <p> + But it soon became evident that elephants were not the only living + creatures that had used this track. Human bones gnawed by beasts of prey, + whole human skeletons, still wearing the iron fetters of slavery, + everywhere strewed the ground. It was a scene only too common in Central + Africa, where like cattle driven to the slaughter, poor miserable men are + dragged in caravans for hundreds of weary miles, to perish on the road in + countless numbers beneath the trader's lash, to succumb to the mingled + horrors of fatigue, privation, and disease, or, if provisions fail, to be + butchered, without pity or remorse, by sword and gun. + </p> + <p> + That slave-caravans had passed that way was too obvious to permit a doubt. + For at least a mile, at almost every step Dick came in contact with the + scattered bones; while ever and again huge goat suckers, disturbed by the + approach of the travellers, rose with flapping wings, and circled round + their heads. + </p> + <p> + The youth's heart sank with secret dismay lest Mrs. Weldon should divine + the meaning of this ghastly scene, and appeal to him for explanation, but + fortunately she had again insisted on carrying her little patient, and + although the child was fast asleep, he absorbed her whole attention. Nan + was by her side, almost equally engrossed. Old Tom alone was fully alive + to the significance of his surroundings, and with downcast eyes he + mournfully pursued his march. Full of amazement, the other negroes looked + right and left upon what might appear to them as the upheaval of some vast + cemetery, but they uttered no word of inquiry or surprise. + </p> + <p> + Meantime the bed of the stream had increased both in breadth and depth, + and the rivulet had in a degree lost its character of a rushing torrent. + This was a change which Dick Sands observed hopefully, interpreting it as + an indication that it might itself become navigable, or would empty itself + into some more important tributary of the Atlantic. His resolve was fixed: + he would follow its course at all hazards. As soon, therefore, as he found + that the elephant's track was quitting the water's edge, he made up + his mind to abandon it, and had no hesitation in again resorting to the + use of the axe. Once more, then, commenced the labour of cutting a way + through the entanglement of bushes and creepers that were thick upon the + soil. It was no longer forest through which they were wending their + arduous path; trees were comparatively rare; only tall clumps of bamboos + rose above the grass, so high, however, that even Hercules could not see + above them, and the passage of the little troop could only have been + discovered by the rustling in the stalks. + </p> + <p> + In the course of the afternoon, the soil became soft and marshy. It was + evident that the travellers were crossing plains that in a long rainy + season must be inundated. The ground was carpeted with luxuriant mosses + and graceful ferns, and the continual appearance of brown hematite + wherever there was a rise in the soil, betokened the existence of a rich + vein of metal beneath. + </p> + <p> + Remembering what he had read in Dr. Livingstone's account of these + treacherous swamps, Dick bade his companions take their footing warily. He + himself led the way. Tom expressed his surprise that the ground should be + so soaked when there had been no rain for some time. + </p> + <p> + "I think we shall have a storm soon," said Bat, + </p> + <p> + "All the more reason, then," replied Dick, "why we should get away + from these marshes as quickly as possible. Carry Jack again, Hercules; and + you, Bat and Austin, keep close to Mrs. Weldon, so as to be able to assist + her if she wants your help. But take care, take care, Mr. Benedict!" he + cried out in sudden alarm; "what are you doing, sir?" + </p> + <p> + "I'm slipping in," was poor Benedict's helpless reply. He had + trodden upon a kind of quagmire and, as though a trap had been opened + beneath his feet, was fast disappearing into the slough. Assistance was + immediately rendered, and the unfortunate naturalist was dragged out, + covered with mud almost to his waist, but thoroughly satisfied because his + precious box of specimens had suffered no injury. Actæon undertook for + the future to keep close to his side, and endeavour to avoid a repetition + of the mishap. + </p> + <p> + The accident could not be said to be altogether free from unpleasant + consequences. Air-bubbles in great numbers had risen to the surface of the + mire from which Benedict had been extricated, and as they burst they + disseminated an odious stench that was well-nigh intolerable. The passage + of these pestilential districts is not unfrequently very dangerous, and + Livingstone, who on several occasions waded through them in mud that + reached to his breast, compares them to great sponges composed of black + porous earth, in which every footstep causes streams of moisture to ooze + out. + </p> + <p> + For well nigh half a mile they had now to wend their cautious way across + this spongy soil. Mrs. Weldon, ankle-deep in the soft mud, was at last + compelled to come to a stand-still; and Hercules, Bat, and Austin, all + resolved that she should be spared further discomfort, and insisted upon + weaving some bamboos into a litter, upon which, after much reluctance to + become such a burden, she was induced, with Jack beside her, to take her + place. + </p> + <p> + After the delay thus caused, the procession again started on its perilous + route. Dick Sands continued to walk at the head, in order to test the + stability of the footing; Action followed, holding Cousin Benedict firmly + by the arm; Tom took charge of old Nan, who without his support would + certainly have fallen into the quagmire; and the three other negroes + carried the litter in the rear. It was a matter of the greatest difficulty + to find a path that was sufficiently firm; the method they adopted was to + pick their way as much as possible on the long rank grass that on the + margin of the swamps was tolerably tough; but in spite of the greatest + precaution, there was not one of them who escaped occasionally sinking up + to his knees in slush. + </p> + <p> + At about five o'clock they were relieved by finding themselves on ground + of a more clayey character; it was still soft and porous below, but its + surface was hard enough to give a secure foothold. There were watery pores + that percolated the subsoil, and these gave evident witness to the + proximity of a river-district. + </p> + <p> + The heat would have been intolerably oppressive if it had not been + tempered by some heavy storm-clouds which obstructed the direct influence + of the sun's rays. Lightning was observed to be playing faintly about + the sky, and there was now and again the low growl of distant thunder. The + indications of a gathering storm were too manifest to be disregarded, and + Dick could not help being very uneasy. He had heard of the extreme + violence of African storms, and knew that torrents of rain, hurricanes + that no tree could resist, and thunderbolt after thunderbolt were the + usual accompaniment of these tempests. And here in this lowland desert, + which too surely would be completely inundated, there would not be a tree + to which they could resort for shelter, while it would likewise be utterly + vain to hope to obtain a refuge by excavation, as water would be found + only two feet below the surface. + </p> + <p> + [Illustration: Another brilliant flash brought the camp once again into + relief.] + </p> + <p> + After scrutinizing the landscape, however, he noticed some low elevations + on the north that seemed to form the boundary of the marshy plain. A few + trees were scattered along their summits; if his party could get no other + shelter here, he hoped they would be able to find themselves free from any + danger caused by the rising flood. + </p> + <p> + "Push on, friends, push on!" he cried; "three miles more, and we + shall be out of this treacherous lowland." + </p> + <p> + His words served to inspire a fresh confidence, and in spite of all the + previous fatigue, every energy was brought into play with renewed vigour. + Hercules, in particular, seemed ready to carry the whole party, if it had + been in his power. + </p> + <p> + The storm was not long in beginning. The rising ground was still two miles + away. Although the sun was above the horizon, the darkness was almost + complete; the overhanging volumes of vapour sank lower and lower towards + the earth, but happily the full force of the deluge which must ultimately + come did not descend as yet. Lightning, red and blue, flashed on every + side and appeared to cover the ground with a network of flame. + </p> + <p> + Ever and again the little knot of travellers were in peril of being struck + by the thunderbolts which, on that treeless plain, had no other object of + attraction. Poor little Jack, who had been awakened by the perpetual + crashes, buried his face in terror in Hercules' breast, anxious, + however, not to distress his mother by any outward exhibition of alarm. + The good-natured negro endeavoured to pacify him by promises that the + lightning should not touch him, and the child, ever confident in the + protection of his huge friend, lost something of his nervousness. + </p> + <p> + But it could not be long before the clouds would burst and discharge the + threatened down-pour. + </p> + <p> + "What are we to do, Tom?" asked Dick, drawing up close to the + negro's side. + </p> + <p> + "We must make a rush for it; push on with all the speed we can." + </p> + <p> + "But where?" cried Dick. + </p> + <p> + "Straight on," was the prompt reply; "if the rain catches us here on + the plain we shall all be drowned." + </p> + <p> + "But where are we to go?" repeated Dick, in despair; "if only there + were a hut! But look, look there!" + </p> + <p> + A vivid flash of lightning had lit up the country, and Dick declared that + he could see a camp which could hardly be more than a quarter of a mile + ahead. + </p> + <p> + The negro looked doubtful. + </p> + <p> + "I saw it too," he assented: "but if it be a camp at all it would be + a camp of natives; and to fall into that would involve us in a worse fate + than the rain." + </p> + <p> + Another brilliant flash brought the camp once again into relief; it + appeared to be made up of about a hundred conical tents, arranged very + symmetrically, each of them being from twelve to fifteen feet in height. + It had the appearance, from a distance, of being deserted; if it were + really so, it would afford just the shelter that was needed; otherwise, at + all hazards, it must be most carefully avoided. + </p> + <p> + "I will go in advance," said Dick, after a moment's reflection, + "and reconnoitre it." + </p> + <p> + "Let one of us, at least, go with you," replied Tom. + </p> + <p> + "No, stay where you are; I shall be much less likely to be discovered if + I go alone." + </p> + <p> + Without another word, he darted off, and was soon lost in the sombre + darkness that was only broken by the frequent lightning. + </p> + <p> + Large drops of rain were now beginning to fall. + </p> + <p> + Tom and Dick had been walking some little distance in advance of the rest + of the party, who consequently had not overheard their conversation. A + halt being made, Mrs. Weldon inquired what was the matter. Tom explained + that a camp or village had been noticed a little way in front, and that + the captain had gone forward to investigate it. Mrs. Weldon asked no + further questions, but quietly waited the result. It was only a few + minutes before Dick returned. + </p> + <p> + "You may come on," he cried. + </p> + <p> + "Is the camp deserted?" asked Tom. + </p> + <p> + "It is not a camp at all; it is a lot of ant-hills!" + </p> + <p> + "Ant-hills!" echoed Benedict, suddenly aroused into a state of + excitement. + </p> + <p> + [Illustration: One after another, the whole party made their way inside] + </p> + <p> + "No doubt of it, Mr. Benedict." replied Dick; "they are ant-hills + twelve feet high at least: and I hope we shall be able to get into + them." + </p> + <p> + "Twelve feet!" the naturalist repeated; "they must be those of the + termites, the white ants; there is no other insect that could make them. + Wonderful architects are the termites." + </p> + <p> + "Termites, or whatever they are, they will have to turn out for us," + said Dick. + </p> + <p> + "But they will eat us up!" objected Benedict. + </p> + <p> + "I can't help that," retorted Dick; "go we must, and go at + once." + </p> + <p> + "But stop a moment," continued the provoking naturalist; "stop, and + tell me: I can't be wrong: I always thought that white ants could never + be found elsewhere than in Africa." + </p> + <p> + "Come along, sir, I say; come along, quick!" shouted Dick, terrified + lest Mrs. Weldon should have overheard him. + </p> + <p> + They hurried on. A wind had risen; large spattering drops were now + beginning to fall more heavily on the ground and in a few minutes it would + be impossible to stand against the advancing tempest. The nearest of the + accumulation of ant-hills was reached in time, and however dangerous their + occupants might be, it was decided either to expel them, or to share their + quarters. Each cone was formed of a kind of reddish clay, and had a single + opening at its base. Hercules took his hatchet, and quickly enlarged the + aperture till it would admit his own huge body. Not an ant made its + appearance. Cousin Benedict expressed his extreme surprise. But the + structure unquestionably was empty, and one after another the whole party + made their way inside. + </p> + <p> + The rain by this time was descending in terrific torrents, strong enough + to extinguish, one would think, the most violent explosions of the + electric fluid. But the travellers were secure in their shelter, and had + nothing to fear for the present; their tenement was of greater stability + than a tent or a native hut. It was one of those marvellous structures + erected by little insects, which to Cameron appeared even more wonderful + than the upraising of the Egyptian pyramids by human hands. To use his own + comparison, it might be likened to the construction of a Mount Everest, + the loftiest of the Himalayan peaks, by the united labour of a nation. + </p> + <p> + <a name="BV" id="BV"></a> + </p> + <h4> + CHAPTER V. + </h4> + <h4> + WHITE ANTS. + </h4> + <p> + The storm had now burst in full fury, and fortunate it was that a refuge + had been found. The rain did not fall in separate drops as in temperate + zones, but descended like the waters of a cataract, in one solid and + compact mass, in a way that could only suggest the outpour of some vast + aerial basin containing the waters of an entire ocean. Contrary, too, to + the storms of higher latitudes, of which the duration seems ordinarily to + be in inverse ratio to their violence, these African tempests, whatever + their magnitude, often last for whole days, furrowing the soil into deep + ravines, changing plains to lakes and brooks to torrents, and causing + rivers to overflow and cover vast districts with their inundations. It is + hard to understand whence such volumes of vapour and electric fluid can + accumulate. The earth, upon these occasions, might almost seem to be + carried back to the remote period which has been called "the diluvian + age." + </p> + <p> + Happily, the walls of the ant-hill were very thick; no beaver-hut formed + of pounded earth could be more perfectly water-tight, and a torrent might + have passed over it without a particle of moisture making its way through + its substance. + </p> + <p> + As soon as the party had taken possession of the tenement, a lantern was + lighted, and they proceeded to examine the interior. The cone, which was + about twelve feet high inside, was eleven feet wide at the base, gradually + narrowing to a sugar-loaf top. The walls and partitions between the tiers + of cells were nowhere less than a foot thick throughout. + </p> + <p> + These wonderful erections, the result of the combined labour of + innumerable insects, are by no means uncommon in the heart of Africa. + Smeathman, a Dutch traveller of the last century, has recorded how he and + four companions all at one time occupied the summit of one of them in + Loundé. Livingstone noticed some made of red clay, of which the height + varied from fifteen to twenty feet; and in Nyangwé, Cameron several times + mistook one of these colonies for a native camp pitched upon the plain. He + described some of these strange edifices as being flanked with small + spires, giving them the appearance of a cathedral-dome. + </p> + <p> + The reddish clay of which the ant-hill was composed could leave no doubt + upon the mind of a naturalist that it had been formed by the species known + as "termes bellicosus;" had it been made of grey or black alluvial + soil, it might have been attributed to the "termes mordax" or + "termes atrox," formidable names that must awaken anything but + pleasure in the minds of all but enthusiast entomologists. + </p> + <p> + In the centre was an open space, surrounded by roomy compartments, ranged + one upon another, like the berths of a ship's cabin, and lined with the + millions of cells that had been occupied by the ants. This central space + was inadequate to hold the whole party that had now made their hurried + resort to it, but as each of the compartments was sufficiently capacious + to admit one person to occupy it in a sitting posture, Mrs. Weldon, Jack, + Nan, and Cousin Benedict were exalted to the upper tier, Austin, Bat, and + Actæon occupied the next story, whilst Tom and Hercules, and Dick Sands + himself remained below. + </p> + <p> + Dick soon found that the soil beneath his feet was beginning to get damp, + and insisted upon having some of the dry clay spread over it from the base + of the cone. + </p> + <p> + "It is a long time," he said, "since we have slept with a roof over + our heads; and I am anxious to make our refuge as secure as possible. It + may be that we shall have to + </p> + <p> + [Illustration: Cousin Benedict's curiosity was awakened.] + </p> + <p> + stay here for a whole day or more; on the first opportunity I shall go and + explore; it may turn out that we are near the stream we are seeking; and + perhaps we shall have to build a raft before we start again." + </p> + <p> + Under his direction, therefore, Hercules took his hatchet, and proceeded + to break down the lowest range of cells and to spread the dry, brittle + clay of which they were composed a good foot thick over the damp floor, + taking care not in any way to block up the aperture by which the fresh air + penetrated into the interior. + </p> + <p> + It was indeed fortunate that the termites had abandoned their home; had it + swarmed with its multitudes of voracious Neuroptera, the ant-hill would + have been utterly untenable for human beings. Cousin Benedict's + curiosity was awakened, and he was intensely interested in the question of + the evacuation, so that he proceeded at once to investigate, if he could, + whether the emigration had been recent or otherwise. He took the lantern, + and as the result of his scrutiny he soon discovered in a recess what he + described as the termites' "storehouse," or the place where the + indefatigable insects keep their provisions. It was a large cavity, not + far from the royal cell, which, together with the cells for the reception + of the young larvae, had been destroyed by Hercules in the course of his + flooring operations. Out of this receptacle Benedict drew a considerable + quantity of gum and vegetable juices, all in a state so liquid as to + demonstrate that they had been deposited there quite recently. + </p> + <p> + "They have only just gone," he exclaimed, with an air of authority, as + if he imagined that some one was about to challenge his assertion. + </p> + <p> + "We are not going to dispute your word, Mr. Benedict," said Dick; + "here we are; we have taken their place, and shall be quite content for + them to keep out of the way, without caring when they went, or where they + have gone." + </p> + <p> + "But we must care," retorted Benedict testily; "why they have gone + concerns us a good deal; these juices make it evident, from the liquid + state in which we find them, that the ants were here this morning, they + have not only gone, but they have carried off their young larvae with + them; they have been sagacious enough to take warning of some impending + danger." + </p> + <p> + "Perhaps they heard that we were coming," said Hercules, laughing. + </p> + <p> + A look of withering scorn was the only answer that the entomologist + deigned to give. + </p> + <p> + "Yes, I say," repeated Hercules, "perhaps they heard that we were + coming." + </p> + <p> + "Pshaw!" said Benedict contemptuously; "do you imagine they would be + afraid of you? they would reduce your carcase to a skeleton in no time, if + they found it across their path." + </p> + <p> + "No doubt, if I were dead," replied Hercules, "they could pick my + bones pretty clean; but while I had the use of my limbs I think I could + crush them by thousands." + </p> + <p> + "Thousands!" ejaculated Benedict, with increasing warmth; "you think + you could demolish thousands; but what if they were hundreds of thousands, + millions, hundreds of millions? Alive as much as dead, I tell you, they + wouldn't be long in consuming every morsel of you." + </p> + <p> + During this brisk little discussion Dick Sands had been pondering over + what Benedict had said. There was no doubt that the amateur naturalist was + well acquainted with the habits of white ants, and if, as he affirmed, the + insects had instinctively quitted their abode on account of some + approaching danger, Dick asked himself whether it was safe or prudent for + his party to remain. But the fury of the storm was still so great that all + possibility of removing from the shelter seemed precluded for the present, + and, without inquiring farther into the mystery, he merely said, + </p> + <p> + "Although the ants, Mr. Benedict, have left us their provisions, we must + not forget that we have brought our own. We will have our supper now, and + to-morrow, when the storm is over, we will see what is to be done." + </p> + <p> + Fatigue had not taken away the appetite of the energetic travellers, and + they gladly set about the preparation of their meal. The provisions, of + which they had enough for + </p> + <p> + [Illustration: The naturalist now fairly mounted on a favourite hobby.] + </p> + <p> + another two days, had not been injured by the rain. For some minutes the + crunching of hard biscuit was the only sound to be heard; Hercules, in + particular, seemed to pound away with his huge jaws as with a pair of + millstones. + </p> + <p> + Mrs. Weldon was the only one of the party who ate little; and that little + was only taken at Dick's earnest solicitation; he could not help + noticing, with much concern, that although Jack seemed to be + satisfactorily recovering, and, without sign of fever, was sleeping calmly + enough on a bed made up of clothes spread out in one of the cells, yet his + mother had lost much of her courage, and seemed preoccupied and depressed. + </p> + <p> + Cousin Benedict did due honour to the simple evening repast; not on + account of its quantity or quality, but because it gave him an opportunity + of holding forth upon the subject of termites. He was much vexed that he + had been unable to discover a single specimen in the deserted anthill with + which he might illustrate his lecture, but notwithstanding this deficiency + he continued to talk, heedless whether any one was listening. + </p> + <p> + "They are wonderful insects," he said; "they belong to the order of + the Neuroptera, which have the antennae longer than the head; their + mandibles are well-developed, and the inferior pair of wings is generally + as large as the superior. There are five families of them; the Panorpide, + the Myrmellonide, the Hemerobiide, the Termitine, and the Perlide. I need + hardly say that what we are now occupying is a dwelling of the + Termitine." + </p> + <p> + At this point Dick became all attention; he was anxious to ascertain + whether this discovery of white ants had aroused any suspicion in + Benedict's mind that they must be on African soil. The naturalist, now + fairly mounted on a favourite hobby, went on with his discourse. + </p> + <p> + "I am sorry not to have a specimen to show you, but these Termitine have + four joints in the tarsi, and strong horny mandibles. The family includes, + as genera, the Mantispa, the Raphidia, and the Termes, the last commonly + known as white ants, amongst which are 'Termes fatalis, Termes + lucifugans, Termes mordax,' and several others more or less rare." + </p> + <p> + "And which of them built this ant-hill?" inquired Dick. + </p> + <p> + "The bellicosi!" replied Benedict, pronouncing the name with as much + pride as if he were eulogizing the Macedonians or some warlike nation of + antiquity. "Bellicosi," he continued, "are to be found of every + size. There is as much difference between the largest and the smallest of + them as there is between Hercules and a dwarf; the workers are about + one-fifth of an inch long; the soldiers, or fighting-ants, are half an + inch; whilst the males and females measure four fifths of an inch. There + is another curious species, called 'sirafoos,' which are about half an + inch long, and have pincers instead of mandibles, and heads larger than + their bodies, like sharks. In fact, if sharks and sirafoos were placed in + competition, I should be inclined to back the sharks." + </p> + <p> + "And where are these sirafoos most generally to be found?" said Dick + cautiously. + </p> + <p> + "In Africa, in the southern and central provinces. Africa may truly be + termed the land of ants. Livingstone, in the notes brought home by + Stanley, describes a battle which he was fortunate enough to witness + between an army of black ants and an army of red. The black ants, or + drivers, which are what the natives call sirafoos, got the best of it; and + the red ants, or 'tchoongoos,' after a very resolute defence, were + obliged to retire defeated, carrying their eggs and young ones with them. + Livingstone avows that he never saw the warlike instinct so strongly + developed as in these sirafoos; the stoutest man, the largest animal, a + lion or an elephant, quails before the grip of their mandibles: no + obstacle impedes their progress; no tree is too lofty for them to scale, + and they contrive to cross wide streams by forming their own bodies into a + kind of suspension bridge. Equally amazing are their numbers; Du Chaillu, + another African traveller, relates how it took more than twelve hours for + a column of ants to file pass him, without a moment's pause in their + march. These numbers, however cease to be so surprising when it is + explained that their fecundity is such that a single female of the + termites bellicosi has been estimated to produce as many as sixty thousand + eggs a day. These Neuroptera furnish the natives with a favourite food, + grilled ants being considered a great delicacy." + </p> + <p> + "Have you ever tasted them?" asked Hercules, with a grin. + </p> + <p> + "Never," answered the naturalist; "but I am in hopes I shall have a + chance of doing so very soon." + </p> + <p> + "Surely you don't imagine yourself in Africa!" said Tom suddenly. + </p> + <p> + "Africa! no; why should I?" replied Benedict; "but, as I have + already seen a tzetsy in America, I do not despair of having the + satisfaction of discovering white ants there too. You do not know the + sensation I shall make in Europe when I publish my folio volume and its + illustrations." + </p> + <p> + It was evident that no inkling of the truth had yet entered poor + Benedict's brain, and it seemed likely that it would require + demonstration far more striking than any natural phenomena to undeceive + the minds of such of the party as were not already in possession of the + fatal secret. + </p> + <p> + Although it was nine o'clock, Cousin Benedict went on talking + incessantly, regardless of the fact that one by one his audience were + falling to sleep in their separate cells. Dick Sands did not sleep, but + neither did he interrupt the entomologist by farther questions; Hercules + kept up his attention longer than the rest, but at length he too succumbed + to weariness, and his eyes and ears were closed to all external sights and + sounds. + </p> + <p> + But endurance has limits, and at last Cousin Benedict, having worn himself + out, clambered up to the topmost cell of the cone, which he had chosen for + his dormitory, and fell into a peaceful slumber. + </p> + <p> + The lantern had been already extinguished. All was darkness and silence + within, whilst the storm without still raged with a violence that gave no + sign of abatement. + </p> + <p> + Dick Sands himself was the only one of the party who was not partaking in + the repose that was so indispensable to them all; but he could not sleep; + his every thought was absorbed in the responsibility that rested on him to + rescue those under his charge from the dangers that threatened them. Again + and again he recalled every incident that had occurred since the loss of + Captain Hull and his crew; he remembered the occasion when he had stood + with his pistol pointed at Negoro's head; why, oh why, had his hand + faltered then? why had he not at that moment hurled the miserable wretch + overboard, and thus relieved himself and his partners in trouble from the + catastrophe that had since befallen them? Peril was still staring them in + the face, and his sole drop of consolation in the bitter cup of + despondency was that Mrs. Weldon was still ignorant of their real + situation. + </p> + <p> + At that moment, just in the fever of his agony, he felt a light breath + upon his forehead; a hand was laid upon his shoulder, and a gentle voice + murmured in his ear,- + </p> + <p> + "My poor boy, I know everything. God will help us! His will be done!" + </p> + <p> + [Illustration: "My poor boy, I know everything."] + </p> + <p> + <a name="BVI" id="BVI"></a> + </p> + <h4> + CHAPTER VI. + </h4> + <h4> + A DIVING-BELL. + </h4> + <p> + This sudden revelation that Mrs. Weldon was acquainted with the true state + of things left Dick speechless. Even had he been capable of replying, she + gave him no opportunity, but immediately retired to the side of her son. + The various incidents of the march had all gradually enlightened her, and + perhaps the exclamation of Cousin Benedict on the preceding evening had + crowned them all; anyhow the brave lady now knew the worst. Dick felt, + however, that she did not despair; neither would he. + </p> + <p> + He lay and longed for the dawn, when he hoped to explore the situation + better, and perchance to find the watercourse which he was convinced could + not be far distant. Moreover, he was extremely anxious to be out of the + reach of the natives whom, it was only too likely, Negoro and Harris might + be putting on their track. + </p> + <p> + But as yet no glimmer of daylight penetrated the aperture of the cone, + whilst the heavy rumblings, deadened as they were by the thickness of the + walls, made it certain that the storm was still raging with undiminished + fury. Attentively Dick listened, and he could distinctly hear the rain + beating around the base of the ant-hill; the heavy drops splashed again as + they fell, in a way altogether different to what they would upon solid + ground, so that he felt sure that the adjacent land was by this time + completely flooded. He was getting very drowsy when it suddenly occurred + to him that it was not unlikely the aperture was getting blocked up with + damp clay; in that case he knew that the breath of the inmates would + quickly vitiate the internal atmosphere. He crept along the ground and had + the satisfaction of finding that the clay embankment was still perfectly + dry; the orifice was quite unobstructed, allowing not only a free passage + to the air, but admitting the glare of the occasional flashes of + lightning, which the descending volumes of water did not seem to stay. + </p> + <p> + Having thus far satisfied himself that all was well, and that there was no + immediate danger, Dick thought that he might now resign himself to sleep + as well as the rest: he took the precaution, however, of stretching + himself upon the embankment within easy reach of the opening, and with his + head supported against the wall, after a while dozed off. + </p> + <p> + How long his light slumber had lasted he could not say, when he was + aroused by a sensation of cold. He started up, and to his horror + discovered that the water had entered the ant-hill and was rising rapidly; + it could not be long, he saw, before it reached the cells which were + occupied by Hercules and Tom. He woke them at once, and told them what he + had observed. The lantern was soon lighted, and they set to work to + ascertain what progress the water was making It rose for about five feet, + when it was found to remain stationary. + </p> + <p> + "What is the matter, Dick?" inquired Mrs. Weldon, disturbed by the + movements of the men. + </p> + <p> + "Nothing very alarming," answered Dick promptly; "only some water + has found its way into the lower part of the place; it will not reach your + upper cells; probably some river has overflowed its boundaries." + </p> + <p> + "The very river, perhaps," suggested Hercules assuringly, "that is + to carry us to the coast." + </p> + <p> + Mrs. Weldon made no reply. + </p> + <p> + Cousin Benedict was still sleeping as soundly as if he were himself a + white ant; the negroes were peering down on to the sheet of water which + reflected back the rays of the lantern, ready to carry out any orders + given by Dick, who was quietly gauging the inundation, and removing the + provisions and fire-arms out of its reach. + </p> + <p> + [Illustration: They set to work to ascertain what progress the water was + making.] + </p> + <p> + "Did the water get in at the opening, Mr. Dick?" asked Tom. + </p> + <p> + "Yes, Tom, and consequently we are coming to the end of our stock of + fresh air," was Dick's reply. + </p> + <p> + "But why should we not make another opening above the water level?" + Tom inquired. + </p> + <p> + "A thing to be thought about," said Dick; "but we have to remember + that if we have five feet of water here inside, there is probably a depth + of six or seven outside. In rising here the flood has compressed the air, + and made it an obstacle to further progress, but if we allow the air to + escape, we may perhaps only be letting the water rise too high for our + safety. We are just as if we were in a diving-bell." + </p> + <p> + "Then what is to be done?" asked the old negro. + </p> + <p> + "No doubt," replied Dick, "we must proceed very cautiously. An + inconsiderate step will jeopardize our lives." Dick Sands was quite + correct in comparing the cone to an immersed diving-bell. In that + mechanical contrivance, however, the air can always be renewed by means of + pumps, so that it can be occupied without inconvenience beyond what is + entailed by a somewhat confined atmosphere; but here the interior space + had already been reduced by a third part through the encroachment of the + water, and there was no method of communicating with the outer air except + by opening a new aperture, an operation in which there was manifest + danger. + </p> + <p> + Dick did not entertain the slightest apprehension that the ant-hill would + be carried away bodily by the inundation; he knew that it would adhere to + its base as firmly as a beaver-hut; what he really dreaded was that the + storm would last so long that the flood would rise high above the plain, + perhaps submerging the ant-hill entirely, so that ultimately all air would + be expelled by the persistent pressure. + </p> + <p> + The more he pondered the more he felt himself driven to the conviction + that the inundation would be wide and deep. It could not be, he felt sure, + entirely owing to the downpour from the clouds that the rapid flood was + rising; there must have been the sudden overflowing of some stream to + cause such a deluge over the low-lying plain. It could not be proved that + the ant hill was not already under water, so that escape might be no + longer possible, even from its highest point. + </p> + <p> + With all Dick's courage, it was yet evident that he was very uneasy; he + did not know what to do, and asked himself again and again whether patient + waiting or decisive action would be his more prudent course. + </p> + <p> + It was now about three o'clock in the morning. All within the ant-hill + were silent and motionless, listening to the incessant turmoil which told + that the strife of the elements had not yet ceased. + </p> + <p> + Presently, old Tom pointed out that the height of the water was gradually + increasing, but only by very slow ascent. Dick could only say that if the + flood continued to rise, however slowly, it must inevitably drive out the + air. + </p> + <p> + As if struck by a sudden thought, Bat called out,- + </p> + <p> + "Let me try and get outside. Perhaps I might dive and get through the + opening." + </p> + <p> + "I think I had better make that experiment myself," answered Dick. + </p> + <p> + "That you never shall," interposed Tom peremptorily; "you must let + Bat go. It may not be possible to get back, and your presence is + indispensable here. Think, sir, think of Mrs. Weldon, and Master Jack," + he added in a lower tone. + </p> + <p> + "Well, well," Dick assented, "if it must be so, Bat shall go." + </p> + <p> + And turning to Bat, he continued, + </p> + <p> + "Do not try to come back again; we will try, if we can, to follow you + the same way; but if the top of the cone is still above water, knock hard + on it with your hatchet, and we shall take it as a signal that we may + break our way out. Do you understand?" + </p> + <p> + "All right!" he said, "all right, sir." + </p> + <p> + And after wringing his father's hand, he drew a long breath, and plunged + into the water that filled the lower section of the ant-hill. + </p> + <p> + It was an exploit that required considerable agility; the diver would have + to find the orifice, make his way through it, and, without loss of a + moment, let himself rise to the surface outside. Full half a minute + elapsed, and Dick was making sure that the negro had been successful in + his effort, when his black head emerged from the water. There was a + general exclamation of surprise. + </p> + <p> + "It is blocked up," gasped Bat, as soon as he had recovered breath + enough to speak. + </p> + <p> + "Blocked up?" cried Tom. + </p> + <p> + "Yes," Bat affirmed; "I have felt all round the wall very carefully + with my hand, and I am sure there is no hole left; I suppose the water has + dissolved the clay." + </p> + <p> + "If you cannot find a hole," exclaimed Hercules, "I can very soon + make one;" and he was just about to plunge his hatchet into the side of + the ant-hill, when Dick prevented him. + </p> + <p> + "Stop, stop! you must not be in such a hurry!" + </p> + <p> + He reflected for a few moments, and went on,- + </p> + <p> + "We must be cautious; an impetuous step may be destruction; perhaps the + water is over the top; if it is allowed to enter, then at once is an end + of all." + </p> + <p> + "But whatever we do," urged Tom, "must be done at once; there is no + time to lose." + </p> + <p> + He was right; the water had risen till it was quite six feet deep; none + but Mrs. Weldon, Jack, Nan, and Cousin Benedict, who were lodged in the + upper cells, were fairly above its surface. + </p> + <p> + Dick now came to his determination. At about a foot above the water-level, + that is, about seven feet from the ground, he resolved to bore a hole + through the clay. If he should find himself in communication with the open + air, he would have the proof he desired that the top of the cone was still + uncovered; if, on the other hand, he should ascertain that he had pierced + the wall below the surface of the external water, he would be prepared to + plug up the hole instantaneously, and repeat the experiment higher up. It + was true that the inundation might have risen even fifteen feet above the + plain; in that case the worst had come, and there was no alternative but + that they must all die of asphyxia. + </p> + <p> + Carefully considering the chances of his undertaking, Dick calmly and + steadily set about his task. The best instrument that suggested itself for + his purpose was the ramrod of a gun, which, having a sort of corkscrew at + the end for extracting the wadding, would serve as an auger. The hole + would be very small, but yet large enough for the requisite test. Hercules + showed him all the light he could by holding up the lantern. There were + several candles left, so that they were not in fear of being altogether in + darkness. + </p> + <p> + The operation hardly took a minute; the ramrod passed through the clay + without difficulty; a muffled sound was distinguished as of air-bubbles + rushing through a column of water. As the air escaped, the water in the + cone rose perceptibly. The hole had been pierced too low. A handful of + clay was immediately forced into the orifice, which was thus effectually + plugged; and Dick turned round quietly, and said,- + </p> + <p> + "We must try again." + </p> + <p> + The water had again become stationary, but its last rise had diminished + the amount of breathing space by more than eight inches. The supply of + oxygen was beginning to fail, respiration was becoming difficult, and the + flame of the candle burned red and dim. + </p> + <p> + About a foot higher than the first hole, Dick now set about boring a + second. The experiment might again prove a failure, and the water rise yet + higher in the cone; but the risk must be run. + </p> + <p> + Just as the auger was being inserted, a loud exclamation of delight was + heard proceeding from Cousin Benedict's cell. Dick paused, and Hercules + turned the lantern towards the excited naturalist, who seemed beaming with + satisfaction. + </p> + <p> + "Yes, yes; I see it all well enough," he cried; "I know now why the + termites left their home; they were wide-awake; they were more clever than + we are; they knew that the storm was coming!" + </p> + <p> + Finding that this was all the worthy entomologist had + </p> + <p> + [Illustration: All fired simultaneously at the nearest boat.] + </p> + <p> + to communicate, Dick, without comment, turned back again to his operation. + Again the gurgling noise! again the water's upward rush! For the second + time he had failed to effect an aperture to the outer air! + </p> + <p> + The situation was to the last degree alarming. The water had all but + reached Mrs. Weldon, and she was obliged to take her boy into her arms. + Every one felt nearly stifled. A loud singing was heard in the ears, and + the lantern showed barely any light at all. A few minutes more and the air + would be incapable of supporting life. One chance alone remained. They + must bore another hole at the very summit of the cone. Not that they were + unaware of the imminent danger of this measure, for if the ant-hill were + really submerged the water from below would immediately expel the + remaining air and death must be instantaneous. A few brief words from Dick + explained the emergency of the crisis. Mrs. Weldon recognized the + necessity,- + </p> + <p> + "Yes, Dick, do it; there is nothing else to be done." + </p> + <p> + While she was speaking the light flickered out, and they were in total + darkness. + </p> + <p> + Mounted on the shoulders of Hercules, who was crouching in one of the + side-cells, his head only just above water, Dick proceeded to force the + ramrod into the clay, which at the vertex of the ant-hill was considerably + harder and thicker than elsewhere. + </p> + <p> + A strange mingling of hope and fear thrilled through Dick Sands as he + applied his hand to make the opening which was to admit life and air, or + the flood of death! + </p> + <p> + The silence of the general expectation was broken by the noise of a sharp + hissing; the water rose for eight inches, but all at once it ceased to + rise; it had found its level. No need this time to close the orifice; the + top of the ant-hill was higher than the top of the flood; and for the + present, at least, they could all rejoice that their lives were spared! + </p> + <p> + A general cheer, led by the stentorian voice of Hercules, involuntarily + broke from the party; cutlasses were brought into action, and the clay + crumbled away beneath the vigorous assault that was made upon it. The + welcome air was admitted through the new-made aperture, bringing with it + the first rays of the rising sun. The summit of the ant-hill once removed, + it would be quite easy to clamber to the top, whence it was hoped they + would soon get away to some high ground out of reach of the flood. + </p> + <p> + Dick was the first to mount the summit; but a cry of dismay burst from his + lips! + </p> + <p> + A sound only too well known to travellers in Africa broke upon his ear; + that sound was the whizzing of arrows. + </p> + <p> + Hardly a hundred yards away was a large encampment; whilst, in the water, + quite close to the ant-hill where he stood, he saw some long boats full of + natives. From one of these had come the volley of arrows which had greeted + his appearance above the opening of the cone. + </p> + <p> + To tell his people what had happened was the work of a moment. He seized + his gun, and made Hercules, Bat, and Actæon take theirs, and all fired + simultaneously at the nearest boat. Several of the natives were seen to + fall; but shouts of defiance were raised, and shots were fired in return. + </p> + <p> + Resistance was manifestly useless. What could they do against a hundred + natives? they were assailed on every hand. In accordance with what seemed + a preconcerted plan, they were carried off from the ant-hill with brutal + violence, in two parties, without the chance of a farewell word or sign. + </p> + <p> + Dick Sands saw that Mrs. Weldon, Jack, and Cousin Benedict were placed on + board one boat, and were conveyed towards the camp, whilst he himself, + with the five negroes and old Nan, was forced into another, and taken in a + different direction. Twenty natives formed a body-guard around them, and + five boats followed in their rear. + </p> + <p> + Useless though it were, Dick and the negroes made one desperate attempt to + maintain their freedom; they wounded several of their antagonists, and + would doubtless have paid their lives as a penalty for their daring, if + there had not been special orders given that they should be taken alive. + </p> + <p> + The passage of the flood was soon accomplished. The boat had barely + touched the shore, when Hercules with a + </p> + <p> + [Illustration: The giant clave their skulls with the butt end of his gun.] + </p> + <p> + tremendous bound sprang on to the land. Instantly two natives rushed upon + him. The giant clave their skulls with the butt end of his gun, and made + off. Followed though he was by a storm of bullets, he escaped in safety, + and disappeared beneath the cover of the woods. + </p> + <p> + Dick Sands and the others were guarded to the shore, and fettered like + slaves. + </p> + <p> + <a name="BVII" id="BVII"></a> + </p> + <h4> + CHAPTER VII. + </h4> + <h4> + A SLAVE CARAVAN. + </h4> + <p> + The storm of the previous night, by swelling the tributaries of the + Coanza, had caused the main river to overflow its banks. The inundation + had entirely changed the aspect of the country, transforming the plain + into a lake, where the peaks of a number of ant-hills were the sole + objects that emerged above the watery expanse. + </p> + <p> + The Coanza, which is one of the principal rivers of Angola, falls into the + Atlantic about a hundred miles from the spot at which the "Pilgrim" + was stranded. The stream, which a few years later was crossed by Cameron + on his way to Benguela, seems destined to become the chief highway of + traffic between Angola and the interior; steamers already ply upon its + lower waters, and probably ten years will not elapse before they perform + regular service along its entire course. + </p> + <p> + Dick Sands had been quite right in searching northwards for the navigable + stream he had been so anxious to find; the rivulet he had been following + fell into the Coanza scarce a mile away, and had it not been for this + unexpected attack he and his friends might reasonably have hoped to + descend the river upon a raft, until they reached one of the Portuguese + forts where steam vessels put in. But their fate was ordered otherwise. + </p> + <p> + The camp which Dick had descried from the ant-hill was pitched upon an + eminence crowned by an enormous sycamore-fig, one of those giant trees + occasionally found in Central Africa, of which the spreading foliage will + shelter some five hundred men. Some of the non-fruit-bearing kind of + banyan-trees formed the background of the landscape. + </p> + <p> + Beneath the shelter of the sycamore, the caravan which had been referred + to in the conversation between Negoro and Harris had just made a halt. + Torn from their villages by the agents of the slave-dealer Alvez, the + large troop of natives was on its way to the market of Kazonndé, thence + to be sent as occasion required either to the west coast, or to Nyangwé, + in the great lake district, to be dispersed into Upper Egypt or Zanzibar. + </p> + <p> + Immediately on reaching the camp, the four negroes and old Nan were placed + under precisely the same treatment as the rest of the captives. In spite + of a desperate resistance, they were deprived of their weapons, and + fastened two and two, one behind another, by means of a pole about six + feet long, forked at each end, and attached to their necks by an iron + bolt. Their arms were left free, that they might carry any burdens, and in + order to prevent an attempt to escape a heavy chain was passed round their + waists. It was thus in single file, unable to turn either right or left, + they would have to march hundreds of miles, goaded along their toilsome + road by the havildar's whip. The lot of Hercules seemed preferable, + exposed though undoubtedly he would be in his flight to hunger, and to the + attacks of wild beasts, and to all the perils of that dreary country. But + solitude, with its worst privations, was a thing to be envied in + comparison to being in the hands of those pitiless drivers, who did not + speak a word of the language of their victims, but communicated with them + only by threatening gestures or by actual violence. + </p> + <p> + As a white man, Dick was not attached to any other captive. The drivers + were probably afraid to subject him to the same treatment as the negroes, + and he was left unfettered, but placed under the strict surveillance of a + havildar. At first he felt considerable surprise at not seeing Harris or + Negoro in the camp, as he could not entertain a doubt that it was at their + instigation the attack had been made upon their retreat; but when he came + to reflect that Mrs. Weldon, Jack, and Cousin Benedict had not been + allowed to come with them, but had been carried off in some other + direction, he began to think it probable that the two rascals had some + scheme to carry out with regard to them elsewhere. + </p> + <p> + The caravan consisted of nearly eight hundred, including about five + hundred slaves of both sexes, two hundred soldiers and freebooters, and a + considerable number of havildars and drivers, over whom the agents acted + as superior officers. + </p> + <p> + These agents are usually of Portuguese or Arab extraction; and the + cruelties they inflict upon the miserable captives are almost beyond + conception; they beat them continually, and if any unfortunate slave sinks + from exhaustion, or in any way becomes unfit for the market, he is + forthwith either stabbed or shot. As the result of this brutality it + rarely happens that fifty per cent of the slaves reach their destination; + some few may contrive to escape, and many are left as skeletons along the + line of route. + </p> + <p> + Such of the agents as are Portuguese are (as it may well be imagined) of + the very lowest dregs of society, outlaws, escaped criminals, and men of + the most desperate character; of this stamp were the associates of Negoro + and Harris, now in the employ of José Antonio Alvez, one of the most + notorious of all the slave-dealers of Central Africa, and of whom + Commander Cameron has given some curious information. + </p> + <p> + Most frequently the soldiers who escort the captives are natives hired by + the dealers, but they do not possess the entire monopoly of the forays + made for the purpose of securing slaves; the native negro kings make war + upon each other with this express design, and sell their vanquished + antagonists, men, women, and children, to the traders for calico, guns, + gunpowder and red beads; or in times of famine, according to Livingstone, + even for a few grains of maize. + </p> + <p> + The escort of old Alvez' caravan was an average specimen of these + African soldiers. It was simply a horde of half-naked banditti, carrying + old flint-locked muskets, the barrels of which were decorated with copper + rings. The agents are very often put to their wits' end to know how to + manage them; their orders are called in question, halts are continually + demanded, and in order to avert desertion they are frequently obliged to + yield to the obstreperous will of their undisciplined force. + </p> + <p> + Although the slaves, both male and female, are compelled to carry burdens + whilst on their march, a certain number of porters, called <i>pagazis</i>, + is specially engaged to carry the more valuable merchandize, and + principally the ivory. Tusks occasionally weigh as much as 160 lbs., and + require two men to carry them to the dépôts, whence they are sent to the + markets of Khartoom, Natal, and Zanzibar. On their arrival the <i>pagazis</i> + are paid by the dealers according to contract, which is generally either + by about twenty yards of the cotton stuff known as <i>merikani</i>, or by + a little powder, by a handful or two of cowries, by some beads, or if all + these be scarce, they are paid by being allotted some of the slaves who + are otherwise unsalable. + </p> + <p> + Among the five hundred slaves in the caravan, very few were at all + advanced in years. The explanation of this circumstance was that whenever + a raid is made, and a village is set on fire, every inhabitant above the + age of forty is mercilessly massacred or hung upon the neighbouring trees; + only the children and young adults of both sexes are reserved for the + market, and as these constitute only a small proportion of the vanquished, + some idea may be formed of the frightful depopulation which these vast + districts of Equinoctial Africa are undergoing. + </p> + <p> + Nothing could be more pitiable than the condition of this miserable herd. + All alike were destitute of clothing, having nothing on them but a few + strips of the stuff known as <i>mbuza</i>, made from the bark of trees; + many of the women were covered with bleeding wounds from the drivers' + lashes, and had their feet lacerated by the constant friction of the road, + but in addition to other burdens were compelled to carry their own + emaciated children; young men, too, there were who had lost their voices + from exhaustion, and who, to use Livingstone's expression, had been + reduced to "ebony skeletons" by toiling under the yoke of the fork, + which is far more galling than the galley-chain. It was a sight that might + have moved the most stony-hearted, but yet there was no symptom of + compassion on the part of those Arab and Portuguese drivers whom Cameron + pronounces "worse than brutes." [Footnote: Cameron says, "In order + to obtain the fifty women of whom Alvez is the owner, ten villages, + containing altogether a population of not less than 1500, were totally + destroyed. A few of the inhabitants contrived to escape, but the majority + either perished in the flames, were slain in defending their families, or + were killed by hunger or wild beasts in the jungle.... The crimes which + are perpetuated in Africa, by men who call themselves Christians, seem + incredible to the inhabitants of civilized countries. It is impossible + that the government at Lisbon can be aware of the atrocities committed by + those who boast of being subject to her flag." <i>Tour du Monde</i>. + </p> + <p> + N.B.-Against these assertions of Cameron, loud protestations have been + made in Portugal.] + </p> + <p> + The guard over the prisoners was so strict that Dick Sands felt it would + be utterly useless for him to make any attempt to seek for Mrs. Weldon. + She and her son had doubtless been carried off by Negoro, and his heart + sank when he thought of the dangers to which too probably she would be + exposed. Again and again he repeated his reproaches on himself that he had + ever allowed either Negoro or Harris to escape his hands. Neither Mrs. + Weldon nor Jack could expect the least assistance from Cousin Benedict; + the good man was barely able to consult for himself. All three of them + would, he conjectured, be conveyed to some remote district of Angola; the + poor mother, like some miserable slave, would insist upon carrying her own + sick son until her strength failed her, and, exhausted by her endurances, + she sank down helpless on the way. + </p> + <p> + A prisoner, and powerless to help! the very thought was itself a torture + to poor Dick. Even Dingo was gone! It would have been a satisfaction to + have had the dog to send off upon the track of the lost ones. One only + hope remained. Hercules still was free. All that human strength could + attempt in Mrs. Weldon's behalf, Hercules would not fail to try. + Perhaps, too, under cover of the night, it was not altogether improbable + that the stalwart negro would mingle with the crowd of negroes (amongst + whom his dark skin would enable him to pass unnoticed), and make his way + to Dick himself; then might not the two together elude the vigilance of + the watch? might they not follow after and overtake Mrs. Weldon in the + forest? would they not perchance be able either by stealth or by force to + liberate her, and once free they would effect an escape to the river, and + finally accomplish the undertaking in which they had been so lamentably + frustrated. Such were the sanguine visions in which Dick permitted himself + to indulge; his temperament overcame all tendency to despair, and kept him + alive to the faintest chance of deliverance. + </p> + <p> + The next thing of importance was to ascertain the destination of the + caravan. It was a matter of the most serious moment whether the convoy of + slaves were going to be carried to one of the dépôts of Angola, or + whether they were to be sent hundreds of miles into the interior to + Nyangwe, in the heart of the great lake district that Livingstone was then + exploring. To reach the latter spot would occupy some months, and to + return thence to the coast, even if they should be fortunate enough to + regain their liberty, would be a work of insuperable difficulty. + </p> + <p> + He was not long left in suspense. Although he could not understand the + half-African, half-Arab dialect that was used by the leaders of the + caravan, he noticed that the word Kazonndé occurred very frequently, and + knowing it as the name of an important market in the province, he + naturally concluded that it was there the slaves were to be disposed of; + whether for the advantage of the king of the district, or of one of the + rich traders, he had no means of telling. Unless his geographical + knowledge was at fault, he was aware that Kazonndé must be about 400 + miles from S. Paul de Loanda, and consequently that it could hardly be + more than 250 miles from the part of the Coanza where they were now + encamped. Under favourable circumstances it was a journey that could not + be accomplished in less than twelve or fourteen days, but allowing for the + retarded progress of a caravan already exhausted by a lengthened march, + Dick was convinced that they could not reach the place for at least three + weeks. + </p> + <p> + He was most anxious to communicate to his companions in adversity his + impression that they were not to be carried into the heart of the country, + and began to cogitate whether some plan could not be devised for + exchanging a few words with them. + </p> + <p> + Forked together, as it has been said, two and two, the four negroes were + at the right-hand extremity of the camp; Bat attached to his father, + Austin to Actæon. A havildar, with twelve soldiers, formed their guard. + Dick, at first, was about fifty yards away from the group, but being left + free to move about, contrived gradually to diminish the distance between + himself and them. Tom seemed to apprehend his intention, and whispered a + word to his companions that they should be on the look-out. Without moving + they were all on their guard in a moment. Dick, careful to conceal his + design, strolled backward with a feigned indifference, and succeeded in + getting so near that he might have called out and informed Tom that they + were going to Kazonndé. But he was desirous of accomplishing more than + this; he wanted to get an opportunity of having some conversation as to + their future plans, and he ventured to approach still nearer. His heart + beat high as he believed he was on the point of attaining his object, when + all at once the havildar, becoming aware of his design, rushed upon him + like a madman, summoned some soldiers, and with considerable violence sent + him back to the front. Tom and the others were quickly removed to another + part of the encampment. + </p> + <p> + Exasperated by the rough attack that was made upon him, Dick had seized + the havildar's gun and broken it, almost wrenching it from his hands, + when several soldiers simultaneously assailed him, and would have struck + him down and killed him upon the spot, had not one of the chiefs, an Arab + of huge stature and ferocious countenance, interfered to stop them. + </p> + <p> + This Arab was the Ibn Hamish of whom Harris had spoken to Negoro. He said + a few words which Dick could not understand, and the soldiers, with + manifest reluctance, relaxed their hold and retired. It was evident that + although Dick was not to be permitted to hold any communication + </p> + <p> + [Illustration: The start was made.] + </p> + <p> + with the rest of his party, orders had been given that his life was to be + protected. + </p> + <p> + It was now nine o'clock, and the beating of drums and the blowing of + coodoo [Footnote: Coodoo, a ruminant common in Africa.] horns gave the + signal that the morning march was to be continued. Instantly chiefs, + soldiers, porters, and slaves were upon their feet, and arranged + themselves in their various groups with a havildar bearing a + bright-coloured banner at their head. + </p> + <p> + The order was given; the start was made. A strange song was heard rising + in the air. It was a song, not of the victors, but of the vanquished. The + slaves were chanting an imprecation on their oppressors; and the burden of + the chorus was that captured, tortured, slain-after death they would + return and avenge their wrongs upon their murderers! + </p> + <p> + <a name="BVIII" id="BVIII"></a> + </p> + <h4> + CHAPTER VIII. + </h4> + <h4> + NOTES BY THE WAY. + </h4> + <p> + The storm of the preceding evening had now passed away, but the sky was + still cloudy and the weather far from settled. It was the 19th of April, + the time of the <i>masika</i>, or second period of the rainy season, so + that for the next two or three weeks the nights might be expected to be + wet. + </p> + <p> + On leaving the banks of the Coanza the caravan proceeded due east. + Soldiers marched at the head and in the rear, as well as upon the flanks + of the troop; any escape of the prisoners, therefore, even if they had not + been loaded with their fetters, would have been utterly impossible. They + were all driven along without any attempt at order, the havildars using + their whips unsparingly upon them whenever they showed signs of flagging. + Some poor mothers could be seen carrying two infants, one on each arm, + whilst others led by the hand naked children, whose feet were sorely cut + by the rough ground over which they had trod. + </p> + <p> + Ibn Hamish, the Arab who had interfered between Dick and the havildar, + acted as commander to the caravan, and was here, there, and everywhere; + not moved in the least by the sufferings of the captives, but obliged to + be attentive to the importunities of the soldiers and porters, who were + perpetually clamouring for extra rations, or demanding an immediate halt. + Loud were the discussions that arose, and the uproar became positively + deafening when the quarrelsome voices rose above the shrieks of the + slaves, + </p> + <p> + [Illustration: If ever the havildar strolled a few yards away, Bat took + the opportunity of murmuring a few words of encouragement to this poor old + father.] + </p> + <p> + many of whom found themselves treading upon soil already stained by the + blood of the ranks in front. + </p> + <p> + No chance again opened for Dick to get any communication with his friends, + who had been sent to the van of the procession. Urged on by the whip they + continued to march in single file, their heads in the heavy forks. If ever + the havildar strolled a few yards away, Bat took the opportunity of + murmuring a few words of encouragement to his poor old father, while he + tried to pick out the easiest path for him, and to relax the pace to suit + his enfeebled limbs. Large tears rolled down old Tom's cheeks when he + found that his son's efforts only resulted in bringing down upon his + back some sharp cuts of the havildar's whip. Actæon and Austin, subject + to hardly less brutality, followed a few steps behind, but all four could + not help feeling envious at the luck of Hercules, who might have dangers + to encounter, but at least had his liberty. + </p> + <p> + Immediately upon their capture, Tom had revealed to his companions the + fact that they were in Africa, and informing them how they had been + betrayed by Harris, made them understand that they had no mercy to expect. + </p> + <p> + Old Nan had been placed amongst a group of women in the central ranks. She + was chained to a young mother with two children, the one at the breast, + the other only three years old, and scarcely able to walk. Moved by + compassion, Nan took the little one into her own arms, thus not only + saving it from fatigue, but from the blows it would very likely have + received for lagging behind. The mother shed tears of gratitude, but the + weight was almost too much for Nan's strength, and she felt as if she + must break down under her self-imposed burden. She thought fondly of + little Jack, and imagining him borne along in the arms of his weary + mother, could not help asking herself whether she should ever see him or + her kind mistress again. + </p> + <p> + Far in the rear, Dick could not see the head of the caravan except + occasionally, when the ground was rather on the rise. The voices of the + agents and drivers, harsh and excited as they were, scarcely roused him + from his melancholy reflections. His thoughts were not of himself nor of + his own sufferings; his whole attention was absorbed in looking for some + traces of Mrs. Weldon's progress; if she, too, was being taken to + Kazonndé, her route must also lie this way. But he could discover no + trace of her having been conducted by this line of march, and could only + hope that she was being spared the cruelties which he was himself + witnessing. + </p> + <p> + The forest extended for about twenty miles to the east of the Coanza, but + whether it was that the trees had been destroyed by the ravages of + insects, or broken down before they had made their growth by being + trampled on by elephants, they were growing much less thickly than in the + immediate vicinity of the river. There were numbers of cotton-trees, seven + or eight feet high, from which are manufactured the black-and-white + striped stuffs that are worn in the interior of the province; but, upon + the whole, progress was not much impeded either by shrubs or underwood. + Occasionally the caravan plunged into jungles of reeds like bamboos, their + stalks an inch in diameter, so tall that only an elephant or giraffe could + have reared above them, and through which none excepting such as had a + very intimate knowledge of the country could possibly have made their way. + </p> + <p> + Starting every morning at daybreak they marched till noon, when an + hour's halt was made. Packets of manioc were then unfastened, and doled + out in sparing quantities among the slaves; sometimes, when the soldiers + had plundered some village, a little goat's flesh or some sweet potatoes + were added to the meal; but generally the fatigue, aggravated by + inadequate rest, took away the appetite, and when meal-time arrived many + of the slaves could hardly eat at all. During the first eight days' + march from the Coanza no less than twenty unfortunate wretches had fallen + upon the road, and had been left behind, a prey to the lions, panthers, + and leopards that prowled in the wake. As Dick heard their roars in the + stillness of the night, he trembled as he thought of Hercules. + Nevertheless, had the opportunity offered itself, he would not for a + moment have hesitated in making his own escape to the wilderness. + </p> + <p> + [Illustration: The caravan had been attacked on the flank by a dozen or + more crocodiles.] + </p> + <p> + The two hundred and fifty miles between the river and Kazonndé were + accomplished in what the traders call marches of ten miles each, including + the halts at night and midday. The journey cannot be better described than + by a few rough notes that Dick Sands made upon his way. + </p> + <p> + <i>April 25th</i>.-Saw a village surrounded with bamboo palisading, + eight or nine feet high. Fields round planted with maize, beans, and + sorghum. Two negroes captured, fifteen killed, rest took to flight. + </p> + <p> + <i>26th</i>.-Crossed a torrent 150 yards wide. Bridge formed of trunks + of trees and creepers. Piles nearly gave way; two women fastened to a + fork; one of them, carrying a baby, fell into the water. Water quickly + tinged with blood; crocodiles seen under bridge; risk of stepping into + their very jaws. + </p> + <p> + <i>28th</i>.-Crossed a forest of bauhinias; great trees, the iron-wood + of the Portuguese. Heavy rain; ground sodden; marching difficult. Caught + sight of Nan in the middle of caravan; she was toiling along with a black + child in her arms; the woman with her limping, and blood trickling from + her shoulder. + </p> + <p> + <i>29th</i>.-Camp at night under a huge baobab, with white flowers and + light green leaves. Lions and leopards roaring all night. A soldier fired + at a panther. What has become of Hercules? + </p> + <p> + <i>30th</i>.-Rainy season said to be over till November. First touch of + African winter. Dew very heavy. Plains all flooded. Easterly winds: + difficulty of respiration; susceptibility to fever. No trace of Mrs. + Weldon; cannot tell whether she is ahead. Fear Jack may have a return of + fever. + </p> + <p> + <i>May 5th</i>.-Forced to march several stages across flooded plains, + water up to the waist; many leeches sticking to the skin. Lotus and + papyrus upon higher ground. Great heavy leaves, like cabbages, beneath the + water, make many stumble as they walk. Saw large numbers of little fish, + silurus-species; these are caught by the natives, and sold to the + caravans. + </p> + <p> + <i>7th</i>.-Plain still inundated. Last night, no halting-place to be + found. Marched on through the darkness. Great misery. Except for Mrs. + Weldon, life not worth having; for her sake must hold out. Loud cries + heard. Saw, by the lightning, soldiers breaking large boughs from the + resinous trees that emerged from the water. The caravan had been attacked + on the flank by a dozen or more crocodiles; women and children seized and + carried off to what Livingstone calls their "pasture-lands," the holes + where they deposit their prey until it is decomposed. Myself grazed by the + scales of one of them. A slave close beside me torn out of the fork, which + was snapped in half. How the poor fellow's cry of agony rings in my ear! + This morning, twenty missing. Tom and the others, thank God! are still + alive. They are on in front. Once Bat made a sharp turn, and Tom caught + sight of me. Nothing to be seen of Nan; was she, poor creature, one of + those that the crocodiles had got? + </p> + <p> + <i>8th</i>.-After twenty-four hours in the water we have crossed the + plain. We have halted on a hill. The sun helps to dry us. Nothing to eat + except a little manioc and a few handfuls of maize. Only muddy water to + drink. Impossible for Mrs. Weldon to survive these hardships; I hope from + my heart that she has been taken some other way. Small-pox has broken out + in the caravan; those that have it are to be left behind. + </p> + <p> + <i>9th</i>.-Started at dawn. No stragglers allowed; sick and weary must + be kept together by havildars' whip; the losses were considerable. + Living skeletons all round. Rejoiced once more to catch sight of Nan. She + was not carrying the child any longer; she was alone; the chain was round + her waist, but she had the loose end thrown over her shoulder. I got close + to her; suppose I am altered, as she did not know me. After I had called + her by name several times she stared at me, and at last said, "Ah, Mr. + Dick, is it you? you will not see me here much longer" Her cadaverous + look pained my very soul, but I tried to speak hopefully. Poor Nan shook + her head. "I shall never see my dear mistress again; no, nor master + Jack; I + </p> + <p> + [Illustration: [**no caption, or it is cut off]] + </p> + <p> + shall soon die. "Anxious to help her, I would gladly have carried the + end of the chain which she had been obliged to bear because her + fellow-prisoner was dead. A rough hand was soon upon my shoulder; a cruel + lash had made Nan retreat to the general crowd, whilst, at the bidding of + an Arab chief, I was hustled back to the very hindmost rank of the + procession. I overheard the word Negoro, in a way that convinced me that + it is under the direction of the Portuguese that I am subject to this hard + indignity. + </p> + <p> + <i>11th</i>.-Last night encamped under some large trees on the skirts of + a forest. Several escaped prisoners recaptured; their punishment + barbarously cruel. Loud roaring of lions and hyenas heard at nightfall, + also snorting of hippopotamuses; probably some lake or water-course not + far off. Tired, but could not sleep; heard a rustling in the grass; felt + sure that something was going to attack me; what could I do? I had no gun. + For Mrs. Weldon's sake, must, if possible, preserve my life. The night + was dark; no moon; two eyes gleamed upon me; I was about to utter a cry of + alarm; fortunately, I suppressed it; the creature that had sprung to my + feet was Dingo! The dog licked my hands all over, persisting in rubbing + his neck against them, evidently to make me feel there; found a reed + fastened to the well-known collar upon which the initials S.V. had so + often awakened our curiosity; breaking open the reed, I took a note from + inside; it was too dark for me to see to read it. I tried, by caressing + Dingo, to detain him; but the dog appeared to know that his mission with + me was at an end; he licked my hands affectionately, made a sudden bound, + and disappeared in the long grass as mysteriously as he had come. The + howling of the wild beasts increased. How I dreaded that the faithful + creature would become their prey! No more sleep this night for me. It + seemed that daylight would never dawn; at length it broke with the + suddenness that marks a tropical morn. I was able cautiously to read my + note; the handwriting, I knew at a glance, was that of Hercules; there + were but a few lines in pencil:- + </p> + <p> + "Mrs. Weldon and Jack carried away in a kitanda. + </p> + <p> + Harris and Negoro both with them. Mr. Benedict too. Only a few marches + ahead, but cannot be communicated with at present. Found Dingo wounded by + a gun-shot. Dear Mr. Dick, do not despair; keep up your courage. I may + help you yet. + </p> + <p> + "Your ever true and faithful + </p> + <p> + "HERCULES." + </p> + <p> + As far as it went, this intelligence was satisfactory. A kitanda, I know, + is a kind of litter made of dry grass, protected by a curtain, and carried + on the shoulders of two men by a long bamboo. What a relief to know that + Mrs. Weldon and Jack have been spared the miseries of this dreadful march! + May I not indulge the hope of seeing them at Kazonndé? + </p> + <p> + <i>12th</i>.-The prisoners getting more and more weary and worn out. + Blood-stains on the way still more conspicuous. Many poor wretches are a + mass of wounds. One poor woman for two days has carried her dead child, + from which she refuses to be parted. + </p> + <p> + <i>l6th</i>.-Small-pox raging; the road strewn with corpses. Still ten + days before we reach Kazonndé. Just passed a tree from which slaves who + had died from hunger were hanging by the neck. + </p> + <p> + <i>18th</i>.-Must not give in, but I am almost exhausted. Rains have + ceased. We are to make what the dealers call <i>trikesa</i>, extra marches + in the after-part of the day. Road very steep; runs through <i>nyassi</i>, + tall grass of which the stalks scratch my face, and the seeds get under my + tattered clothes and make my skin smart painfully. My boots fortunately + are thick, and have not worn out. More slaves sick and abandoned to take + their chance. Provisions running very short; soldiers and pagazis must be + satisfied, otherwise they desert; consequently the slaves are all but + starved. "They can eat each other," say the agents. A young slave, + apparently in good health, dropped down dead. It made me think of + Livingstone's description of how free-born men, reduced to slavery, will + suddenly press their hand on their side, and die of a broken heart. + </p> + <p> + [Illustration: More slaves sick, and abandoned to take their chance.] + </p> + <p> + <i>24th</i>.-Twenty captives, incapable any longer of keeping pace with + the rest, put to death by the havildars, the Arab chief offering no + opposition. Poor old Nan one of the victims of this horrible butchery. My + foot struck her corpse as I passed, but I was not permitted to give her a + decent burial. Poor old Nan! the first of the survivors of the + "Pilgrim" to go to her long rest! Poor old Nan! + </p> + <p> + Every night I watch for Dingo; but he never comes. Has Hercules nothing + more to communicate? or has any mishap befallen him? If he is alive he + will do what mortal strength can do to aid us. + </p> + <p> + <a name="BIX" id="BVIX"></a> + </p> + <h4> + CHAPTER IX. + </h4> + <h4> + KAZONNDÉ. + </h4> + <p> + By the 26th of May, when the caravan reached Kazonndé the number of the + slaves had diminished by more than half, so numerous had been the + casualties along the road. But the dealers were quite prepared to make a + market of their loss; the demand for slaves was very great, and the price + must be raised accordingly. + </p> + <p> + Angola at that time was the scene of a large negro-traffic, and as the + caravans principally wended their way towards the interior, the Portuguese + authorities at Loanda and Benguela had practically no power to prevent it. + The barracks on the shore were crowded to overflowing with prisoners, the + few slave-ships that managed to elude the cruisers being quite inadequate + to embark the whole number for the Spanish colonies to America. + </p> + <p> + Kazonndé, the point whence the caravans diverge to the various parts of + the lake district, is situated three miles from the mouth of the Coanza, + and is one of the most important <i>lakonis</i>, or markets of the + province. The open marketplace where the slaves are exposed for sale is + called the <i>chitoka</i>. + </p> + <p> + All the larger towns of Central Africa are divided into two distinct + parts; one occupied by the Arab, Portuguese, or native merchants, and + containing their slave-barracks; the other being the residence of the + negro king, often a fierce drunken potentate, whose rule is a reign of + terror, and who lives by subsidies allowed him by the traders. + </p> + <p style="FONT-WEIGHT: bold; FONT-STYLE: italic"> + The commercial quarter of Kazonndé now belonged to + </p> + <p> + [Illustration: Adjoining the commercial quarter was the royal residence.] + </p> + <p> + José Antonio Alvez. It was his largest dépôt, although he had another + at Bihé, and a third at Cassangé, where Cameron subsequently met him. It + consisted of one long street, on each side of which were groups of + flat-roofed houses called <i>tembés</i>, built of rough earth, and + provided with square yards for cattle. The end of it opened into the <i>chitoka</i>, + which was surrounded by the barracks. Above the houses some fine + banyan-trees waved their branches, surmounted here and there by the crests + of graceful palms. There was at least a score of birds of prey that + hovered about the streets, and came down to perform the office of public + scavengers. At no great distance flowed the Loohi, a river not yet + explored, but which is supposed to be an affluent or sub-affluent of the + Congo. + </p> + <p> + Adjoining the commercial quarter was the royal residence, nothing more nor + less than a collection of dirty huts, extending over an area of nearly a + square mile. + </p> + <p> + Some of these huts were unenclosed; others were surrounded by a palisade + of reeds, or by a hedge of bushy figs. + </p> + <p> + In an enclosure within a papyrus fence were about thirty huts appropriated + to the king's slaves, another group for his wives, and in the middle, + almost hidden by a plantation of manioc, a <i>tembé</i> larger and + loftier than the rest, the abode of the monarch himself. + </p> + <p> + He had sorely declined from the dignity and importance of his + predecessors, and his army, which by the early Portuguese traders had been + estimated at 20,000, now numbered less than 4000 men; no longer could he + afford, as in the good old time, to order a sacrifice of twenty-five or + thirty slaves at one offering. + </p> + <p> + His name was Moené Loonga. Little over fifty, he was prematurely aged by + drink and debauchery, and scarcely better than a maniac. His subjects, + officers, and ministers, were all liable to be mutilated at his pleasure, + and noses and ears, feet and hands, were cut off unsparingly whenever his + caprice so willed it. His death would have been a cause of regret to no + one, with the exception, perhaps, of Alvez, who was on very good terms + with him. Alvez, moreover, feared that in the event of the present + king's death, the succession of his chief wife, Queen Moena, might be + disputed, and that his dominions would be invaded by a younger and more + active neighbour, one of the kings of Ukusu, who had already seized upon + some villages dependent on the government of Kazonndé, and who was in + alliance with a rival trader named Tipo-Tipo, a man of pure Arab + extraction, from whom Cameron afterwards received a visit at Nyangwé. + </p> + <p> + To all intents and purposes Alvez was the real sovereign of the district, + having fostered the vices of the brutalized king till he had him + completely in his power. He was a man considerably advanced in years; he + was not (as his name might imply) a white man, but had merely assumed his + Portuguese title for purposes of business; his true name was Kendélé, + and he was a pure negro by birth, being a native of Dondo on the Coanza. + He had commenced life as a slave-dealer's agent, and was now on his way + towards becoming a first-class trader; that is to say, he was a consummate + rascal under the guise of an honest man. He it was whom Cameron met at the + end of 1874 at Kilemba, the capital of Urua, of which Kasongo is chief, + and with whose caravan he travelled to Bihé, a distance of seven hundred + miles. + </p> + <p> + It was midday when the caravan entered Kazonndé. The journey from the + Coanza had lasted thirty-eight days, more than five weeks of misery as + great as was within human power to endure. Amidst the noise of drums and + coodoo-horns the slaves were conducted to the marketplace. The soldiers of + the caravan discharged their guns into the air, and old Alvez' resident + retinue responded with a similar salute. The bandits, than which the + soldiers were nothing better, were delighted to meet again, and would + celebrate their return by a season of riot and excess. + </p> + <p> + The slaves, reduced to a total of about two hundred and fifty, were many + of them almost dead from exhaustion; the forks were removed from their + necks, though the chains were still retained, and the whole of them were + driven into barracks that were unfit even for cattle, to await (in company + with 1200 to 1500 other captives already there) the great market which + would be held two days hence. + </p> + <p> + The <i>pagazis</i>, after delivering their loads of ivory, would only stay + to receive their payment of a few yards of calico or other stuff, and + would then depart at once to join some other caravan. + </p> + <p> + On being relieved from the forks which they had carried for so many weary + days, Tom and his companions heartily wrung each other's hands, but they + could not venture to utter one word of mutual encouragement. The three + younger men, more full of life and vigour, had resisted the effects of the + fatigue, but poor old Tom was nearly exhausted, and had the march been + protracted for a few more days he must have shared Nan's fate and been + left behind, a prey to the wild beasts. + </p> + <p> + Upon their arrival all four were packed into a narrow cell, where some + food was provided, and the door was immediately locked upon them. + </p> + <p> + The <i>chitoka</i> was now almost deserted, and Dick Sands was left there + under the special charge of a havildar: he lost no opportunity of peering + into every hut in the hope of catching a glimpse of Mrs. Weldon, who, if + Hercules had not misinformed him, had come on hither just in front. + </p> + <p> + But he was very much perplexed. He could well understand that Mrs. Weldon, + if still a prisoner, would be kept out of sight, but why Negoro and Harris + did not appear to triumph over him in his humiliation was quite a mystery + to him. It was likely enough that the presence of either one or the other + of them would be the signal for himself to be exposed to fresh indignity, + or even to torture, but Dick would have welcomed the sight of them at + Kazonndé, were it only as an indication that Mrs. Weldon and Jack were + there also. + </p> + <p> + It disappointed him, too, that Dingo did not come back. Ever since the dog + had brought him the first note, he had kept an answer written ready to + send to Hercules, imploring him to look after Mrs. Weldon, and to keep him + informed of everything. He began to fear that the faithful creature must + be dead, perhaps perished in some attempt to reach himself; it was, + however, quite possible that Hercules had taken the dog in some other + direction, hoping to gain somedépôt in the interior. + </p> + <p> + But so thoroughly had Dick persuaded himself that Mrs. Weldon had preceded + him to Kazonndé that his disappointment became more and more keen when he + failed to discover her. For a while he seemed to yield to despair, and sat + down sorrowful and sick at heart. + </p> + <p> + Suddenly a chorus of voices and trumpets broke upon his ear; he was + startled into taking a new interest in what was going on. + </p> + <p> + "Alvez! Alvez!" was the cry again and again repeated by the crowd. + </p> + <p> + Here, then, was the great man himself about to appear. Was it not likely + that Harris or Negoro might be with him? + </p> + <p> + Dick stood erect and resolute, his eye vivid with expectation; he felt all + eagerness to stand face to face with his betrayers; boy as he was, he was + equal to cope with them both. + </p> + <p> + The <i>kitanda</i>, which came in sight at the end of the street, was + nothing more than a kind of hammock covered by a faded and ragged curtain. + An old negro stepped out of it. His attendants greeted him with noisy + acclamations. + </p> + <p> + This, then, was the great trader, José Antonio Alvez. + </p> + <p> + Immediately following him was his friend Coïmbra, son of the chief + Coïmbra of Bihé, and, according to Cameron, the greatest blackguard in + the province. This sworn ally of Alvez, this organizer of his slave-raids, + this commander, worthy of his own horde of bandits, was utterly loathsome + in his appearance, his flesh was filthily dirty, his eyes were bloodshot, + his skin yellow, and his long hair all dishevelled. He had no other attire + than a tattered shirt, a tunic made of grass, and a battered straw hat, + under which his countenance appeared like that of some old hag. + </p> + <p> + Alvez himself, whose clothes were like those of an old Turk the day after + a carnival, was one degree more respectable in appearance than his + satellite, not that his looks spoke much for the very highest class of + African slave-dealers. To Dick's great disappointment, neither Harris + nor Negoro was among his retinue. + </p> + <p> + Both Alvez and Coïmbra shook hands with Ibn Hamish, the leader of the + caravan, and congratulated him on the success of the expedition. Alvez + made a grimace on being told that half the slaves had died on the way, but + on the whole he seemed satisfied; he could meet the demand that at present + existed, and would lose no time in bartering the new arrival for ivory or + <i>hannas</i>, copper in the shape of a St. Andrew's cross, the form in + which the metal is exported in Central Africa. + </p> + <p> + After complimenting the havildars upon the way in which they had done + their work, the trader gave orders that the porters should be paid and + dismissed. The conversations were carried on in a mixture of Portuguese + and native idioms, in which the African element abounded so largely that a + native of Lisbon would have been at a loss to understand them. Dick, of + course, could not comprehend what was said, and it was only when he saw a + havildar go towards the cell in which Tom and the others were confined, + that he realized that the talk was about himself and his party. + </p> + <p> + When the negroes were brought out, Dick came close up, being anxious to + learn as much as he could of what was in contemplation. The old trader's + eyes seemed to brighten as he glanced upon the three strapping young men + who, he knew, would soon be restored to their full strength by rest and + proper food. They at least would get a good price; as for poor old Tom, he + was manifestly so broken down by infirmity and age, that he would have no + value in the market. + </p> + <p> + In a few words of broken English, which Alvez had picked up from some of + his agents, he ironically gave them all a welcome. + </p> + <p> + "Glad to see you!" he said, with a diabolical grin. + </p> + <p> + Tom knew what he meant, and drew himself up proudly. + </p> + <p> + "We are free men!" he protested, "free citizens of the United + States!" + </p> + <p> + "Yes, yes!" replied Alvez, grinning, "you are Americans; very glad + to see you!" + </p> + <p> + "Very glad to see you!" echoed Coïmbra, and walking up to Austin he + felt his chest and shoulders, and then proceeded to open his mouth in + order to examine his teeth. + </p> + <p> + A blow from Austin's powerful fist sent the satellite staggering + backwards. + </p> + <p> + Some soldiers made a dash and seized the young negro, evidently ready to + make him pay dearly for his temerity; but Alvez was by no means willing to + have any injury done to his newly-acquired property, and called them off. + He hardly attempted to conceal his amusement at Coïmbra's discomfiture, + although the blow had cost him one of his front teeth. + </p> + <p> + After he had recovered somewhat from the shock, Coïmbra stood scowling at + Austin, as if mentally vowing vengeance on some future occasion. + </p> + <p> + Dick Sands was now himself brought forward in the custody of a havildar. + It was clear that Alvez had been told all about him, for after scanning + him for a moment, he stammered out in his broken English,- + </p> + <p> + "Ah! ah! the little Yankee!" + </p> + <p> + "Yes," replied Dick; "I see you know who I am. What are you going to + do with me and my friends?" + </p> + <p> + "Yankee! little Yankee!" repeated the trader, who either did not or + would not comprehend the meaning of Dick's question. + </p> + <p> + Dick turned to Coïmbra and made the same inquiry of him; in spite of his + degraded features, now still farther disfigured by being swollen from the + blow, it was easy to recognize that he was not of native origin. He + refused to answer a word, and only stared again with the vicious glare of + malevolence. + </p> + <p> + Meanwhile, Alvez had begun to talk to Ibn Hamish. Dick felt sure that they + intended to separate him from the negroes, and accordingly took the + opportunity of whispering a few words to them. + </p> + <p style="FONT-WEIGHT: bold; FONT-STYLE: italic"> + "My friends, I have heard from Hercules. Dingo + </p> + <p> + [Illustration: With a yell and a curse, the American fell dead at his + feet.] + </p> + <p> + brought me a note from him, tied round his neck. He says Harris and Negoro + have carried off Mrs. Weldon, Jack, and Mr. Benedict. He did not know + where. Have patience, and we will find them yet." + </p> + <p> + "And where's Nan?" muttered Tom, in a low voice. + </p> + <p> + "Dead," replied Dick, and was about to add more, when a hand was laid + upon his shoulder, and a voice that he knew too well exclaimed,- + </p> + <p> + "Well, my young friend, how are you? I am glad to see you again." + </p> + <p> + He turned round quickly. Harris stood before him. + </p> + <p> + "Where is Mrs. Weldon?" asked Dick impetuously. + </p> + <p> + "Ah, poor thing!" answered Harris, with an air of deep commiseration. + </p> + <p> + "What! is she dead?" Dick almost shrieked; "where is her child?" + </p> + <p> + "Poor little fellow!" said Harris, in the same mournful tone. + </p> + <p> + These insinuations, that those in whose welfare he was so deeply + interested had succumbed to the hardships of the journey, awoke in + Dick's mind a sudden and irresistible desire for vengeance. Darting + forwards he seized the cutlass that Harris wore in his belt, and plunged + it into his heart. + </p> + <p> + With a yell and a curse, the American fell dead at his feet. + </p> + <p> + <a name="BX" id="BX"></a> + </p> + <h4> + CHAPTER X. + </h4> + <h4> + MARKET-DAY. + </h4> + <p> + So sudden was Dick's action that it had been impossible to parry his + blow. Several of the natives rushed on him, and in all likelihood would + have struck him down upon the spot had not Negoro arrived at that very + moment. At a sign from him the natives drew back, and proceeded to raise + and carry away Harris's corpse. + </p> + <p> + Alvez and Coïmbra were urgent in their demand that Dick should forthwith + be punished by death, but Negoro whispered to them that they would + assuredly be the gainers by delay, and they accordingly contented + themselves with ordering the youth to be placed under strict supervision. + </p> + <p> + This was the first time that Dick had set eyes upon Negoro since he had + left the coast; nevertheless, so heartbroken was he at the intelligence he + had just received, that he did not deign to address a word to the man whom + he knew to be the real author of all his misery. He cared not now what + became of him. + </p> + <p> + Loaded with chains, he was placed in the dungeon where Alvez was + accustomed to confine slaves who had been condemned to death for mutiny or + violence. That he had no communication with the outer world gave him no + concern; he had avenged the death of those for whose safety he had felt + himself responsible, and could now calmly await the fate which he could + not doubt was in store for him; he did not dare to suppose that he had + been temporarily spared otherwise than that he might + </p> + <p> + [Illustration: Accompanied by Coïmbra, Alvez himself was one of the first + arrivals.] + </p> + <p> + suffer the cruellest tortures that native ingenuity could devise. That the + "Pilgrim's" cook now held in his power the boy captain he so + thoroughly hated was warrant enough that the sternest possible measure of + vengeance would be exacted. + </p> + <p> + Two days later, the great market, the <i>lakoni</i>, commenced. Although + many of the principal traders were there from the interior, it was by no + means exclusively a slave-mart; a considerable proportion of the natives + from the neighbouring provinces assembled to dispose of the various + products of the country. + </p> + <p> + Quite early the great <i>chitoka</i> of Kazonndé was all alive with a + bustling concourse of little under five thousand people, including the + slaves of old Alvez, amongst whom were Tom and his three partners in + adversity-an item by no means inconsiderable in the dealer's stock. + </p> + <p> + Accompanied by Coïmbra, Alvez himself was one of the first arrivals. He + was going to sell his slaves in lots to be conveyed in caravans into the + interior. The dealers for the most part consisted of half-breeds from + Ujiji, the principal market on Lake Tanganyika, whilst some of a superior + class were manifestly Arabs. + </p> + <p> + The natives that were assembled were of both sexes, and of every variety + of age, the women in particular displaying an aptitude in making bargains + that is shared by their sisters elsewhere of a lighter hue; and it may be + said that no market of the most civilized region could be characterized by + greater excitement or animation, for amongst the savages of Africa the + customer makes his offer in equally noisy terms as the vendor. + </p> + <p> + The <i>lakoni</i> was always considered a kind of fète-day; consequently + the natives of both sexes, though their clothing was scanty in extent, + made a point of appearing in a most lavish display of ornaments. Their + head-gear was most remarkable. The men had their hair arranged in every + variety of eccentric device; some had it divided into four parts, rolled + over cushions and fastened into a chignon, or mounted in front into a + bunch of tails adorned with red feathers; others plastered it thickly with + a mixture of red mud and oil similar to that used for greasing machinery, + and formed it into cones or lumps, into which they inserted a medley of + iron pins and ivory skewers; whilst the greatest dandies had a glass bead + threaded upon every single hair, the whole being fastened together by a + tattooing-knife driven through the glittering mass. + </p> + <p> + As a general rule, the women preferred dressing their hair in little tufts + about the size of a cherry, arranging it into the shape of a cap, with + corkscrew ringlets on each side of the face. Some wore it simply hanging + down their backs, others in French fashion, with a fringe across the + forehead; but every <i>coiffure</i>, without exception, was daubed and + caked either with the mixture of mud and grease, or with a bright red + extract of sandal-wood called <i>nkola</i>. + </p> + <p> + But it was not only on their heads that they made this extraordinary + display of ornaments; the lobes of their ears were loaded till they + reached their shoulders with a profusion of wooden pegs, open-work copper + rings, grains of maize, or little gourds, which served the purpose of + snuff-boxes; their necks, arms, wrists, legs, and ankles were a perfect + mass of brass and copper rings, or sometimes were covered with a lot of + bright buttons. Rows of red beads, called <i>sames-sames</i>, or <i>talakas</i>, + seemed also very popular. As they had no pockets, they attached their + knives, pipes and other articles to various parts of their body; so that + altogether, in their holiday attire, the rich men of the district might + not inappropriately be compared to walking shrines. + </p> + <p> + With their teeth they had all played the strangest of vagaries; the upper + and lower incisors had generally been extracted, and the others had been + filed to points or carved into hooks, like the fangs of a rattle-snake. + Their fingernails were allowed to grow to such an immoderate length as to + render the hands well-nigh useless, and their swarthy skins were tattooed + with figures of trees, birds, crescents and discs, or, not unfrequently, + with those zigzag lines which Livingstone thinks he recognizes as + resembling those observed in ancient Egyptian drawings. The tattooing is + effected by means of a blue substance inserted into incisions previously + made in the skin. Every child is tattooed in precisely the same pattern as + his father before him, and thus it may always be ascertained to what + family he belongs. Instead of carrying his armorial bearings upon his + plate or upon the panels of his carriage, the African magnate wears them + emblazoned on his own bosom! + </p> + <p> + The garments that were usually worn were simply aprons of antelope-skins + descending to the knees, but occasionally a short petticoat might be seen + made of woven grass and dyed with bright colours. The ladies not + unfrequently wore girdles of beads attached to green skirts embroidered + with silk and ornamented with bits of glass or cowries, or sometimes the + skirts were made of the grass cloth called <i>lambda</i>, which, in blue, + yellow, or black, is so much valued by the people of Zanzibar. + </p> + <p> + Garments of these pretensions, however, always indicated that the wearers + belonged to the upper classes; the lower orders, such as the smaller + dealers, as well as the slaves, had hardly any clothes at all. + </p> + <p> + The women commonly acted as porters, and arrived at the market with huge + baskets on their backs, which they secured by means of straps passed + across the forehead. Having deposited their loads upon the chitoka, they + turned out their goods, and then seated themselves inside the empty + baskets. + </p> + <p> + As the result of the extreme fertility of the country all the articles + offered for sale were of a first-rate quality. There were large stores of + rice, which had been grown at a profit a hundred times as great as the + cost, and maize which, producing three crops in eight months, yielded a + profit as large again as the rice. There were also sesame, Urua pepper + stronger than Cayenne, manioc, nutmegs, salt, and palm-oil. In the market, + too, were hundreds of goats, pigs and sheep, evidently of a Tartar breed, + with hair instead of wool; and there was a good supply of fish and + poultry. Besides all these there was an attractive display of + bright-coloured pottery, the designs of which were very symmetrical. + </p> + <p> + In shrill, squeaky voices, children were crying several varieties of + native drinks; banana-wine, <i>pombé</i>, which, whatever it was, seemed + to be in great demand; <i>malofoo</i>, a kind of beer compounded of + bananas, and mead, a mixture of honey and water, fermented with malt. + </p> + <p> + But the most prominent feature in the whole market was the traffic in + stuffs and ivory. The pieces could be counted by thousands of the + unbleached <i>mcrikani</i> from Salem in Massachusetts, of the blue + cotton, <i>kaniki</i>, thirty-four inches wide, and of the checked <i>sohari</i>, + blue and black with its scarlet border. More expensive than these were + lots of silk <i>diulis</i>, with red, green, or yellow grounds, which are + sold in lengths of three yards, at prices varying from seven dollars to + eighty, when they are interwoven with gold. + </p> + <p> + The ivory had come from well-nigh every part of Central Africa, and was + destined for Khartoom, Zanzibar, and Natal, many of the merchants dealing + in this commodity exclusively. + </p> + <p> + How vast a number of elephants must be slaughtered to supply this ivory + may be imagined when it is remembered that over 200 tons, that is, + 1,125,000 lbs., are exported annually to Europe. Of this, much the larger + share goes to England, where the Sheffield cutlery consumes about 382,500 + lbs. From the West Coast of Africa alone the produce is nearly 140 tons. + </p> + <p> + The average weight of a pair of tusks is 28 lbs., and the ordinary value + of these in 1874 would be about 60<i>l</i>.; but here in Kazonndé were + some weighing no less than 165 lbs., of that soft, translucent quality + which retains its whiteness far better than the ivory from other sources. + </p> + <p> + As already mentioned, slaves are not unfrequently used as current money + amongst the African traders, but the natives themselves usually pay for + their goods with Venetian glass beads, of which the chalk-white are called + <i>catchokolos</i>, the black <i>bubulus</i>, and the red <i>sikunderetches</i>. + Strung in ten rows, or <i>khetés</i>, these beads are twisted twice round + the neck, forming what is called a <i>foondo</i>, which is always reckoned + of considerable value. + </p> + <p> + The usual measure by which they are sold is the <i>frasilah</i>, + containing a weight of about 70 lbs. Livingstone, Cameron and Stanley + always took care to be well provided with this kind of currency. In + default of beads, the picé, a Zanzibar coin worth something more than a + farthing, and <i>vioon-gooas,</i> shells peculiar to the East Coast, are + recognized as a medium of exchange in the market. Amongst the cannibal + tribes a certain value is attached to human teeth, and at the lakoni some + natives might be seen wearing strings of teeth, the owners of which they + had probably, at some previous time, devoured. This species of currency, + however, was falling rapidly into disuse. + </p> + <p> + Towards the middle of the day the excitement of the market reached its + highest pitch, and the uproar became perfectly deafening. The voices of + the eager sellers mingled with those of indignant and overcharged + customers; fights were numerous, and as there was an utter absence of any + kind of police, no effort was made to restore peace or order amongst the + unruly crowd. + </p> + <p> + It was just noon when Alvez gave orders that the slaves he wished to + dispose of should be placed on view. Thereupon nearly two thousand + unfortunates were brought forward, many of whom had been confined in the + dealer's barracks for several months. Most of the stock, however, had + been so carefully attended to that they were in good condition, and it was + only the last batch that looked as if they would be improved by another + month's rest; but as the demand upon the East Coast was now very large, + Alvez hoped to get a good price for all, and determined to part with even + the last arrivals for whatever sum he could obtain. + </p> + <p> + Amongst these latter, whom the havildars drove like a herd of cattle into + the middle of the chitoka, were Tom and his three friends. They were + closely chained, and rage and shame were depicted in their countenances. + </p> + <p> + Bat passed a quick and scrutinizing gaze around him, and said to the + others,- + </p> + <p> + "I do not see Mr. Dick." + </p> + <p> + Tom answered mournfully,- + </p> + <p> + "Mr. Dick will be killed, if he is not dead already. Our only hope is + that we may now all be bought in one lot; it will be a consolation to us + if we can be all together." + </p> + <p> + Tears rose to Bat's eyes as he thought of how his poor old father was + likely to be sold, and carried away to wear out his days as a common + slave. + </p> + <p> + The sale now commenced. The agents of Alvez proceeded to divide the + slaves, men, women and children, into lots, treating them in no respect + better than beasts in a cattle-market. Tom and the others were paraded + about from customer to customer, an agent accompanying them to proclaim + the price demanded. Strong, intelligent-looking Americans, quite different + to the miserable creatures brought from the banks of the Zambesi and + Lualaba, they at once attracted the observation of the Arab and half-breed + dealers. Just as though they were examining a horse, the buyers felt their + limbs, turned them round and round, looked at their teeth, and finally + tested their paces by throwing a stick to a distance and making them run + to fetch it. + </p> + <p> + All the slaves were subjected to similar humiliations; and ail alike, + except the very young children, seemed deeply sensible of their + degradation. The cruelty exhibited towards them was very vile. Coïmbra, + who was half drunk, treated them with the utmost brutality; not that they + had any reason to expect any gentler dealings at the hands of the new + masters who might purchase them for ivory or any other commodity. Children + were torn away from their parents, husbands from their wives, brothers + from sisters, and without even the indulgence of a parting word, were + separated never to meet again. + </p> + <p> + The scenes that occur at such markets as this at Kazonndé are too + heartrending to be described in detail. + </p> + <p> + It is one of the peculiar requirements of the slave-trade that the two + sexes should have an entirely different destination. In fact, the dealers + who purchase men never purchase women. The women, who are required to + supply the Mussulman harems, are sent principally to Arab districts to be + exchanged for ivory; whilst the men, who are to be put to hard labour, are + despatched to the coast, East and West, whence they are exported to the + Spanish colonies, or to the markets of Muscat or Madagascar. + </p> + <p> + To Tom and his friends the prospect of being transported to a slave colony + was far better than that of being retained in some Central African + province, where they could have no chance of regaining their liberty; and + the moment, to them, was accordingly one of great suspense. + </p> + <p> + Altogether, things turned out for them better than they dared anticipate. + They had at least the satisfaction of finding that as yet they were not to + be separated. Alvez, of course, had taken good care to conceal the origin + of this exceptional lot, and their own ignorance of the language + thoroughly prevented them from communicating it; but the anxiety to secure + so valuable a property rendered the competition for it very keen; the + bidding rose higher and higher, until at length the four men were knocked + down to a rich Arab dealer, who purposed in the course of a few days to + take them to Lake Tanganyika, and thence to one of the deptôs of + Zanzibar. + </p> + <p> + This journey, it is true, would be for 1500 miles across the most + unhealthy parts of Central Africa, through districts harassed by internal + wars; and it seemed improbable that Tom could survive the hardships he + must meet; like poor old Nan, he would succumb to fatigue; but the brave + fellows did not suffer themselves to fear the future, they were only too + happy to be still together; and the chain that bound them one to another + was felt to be easier and lighter to bear. + </p> + <p> + Their new master knew that it was for his own interest that his purchase + should be well taken care of; he looked to make a substantial profit at + Zanzibar, and sent them off at once to his own private barracks; + consequently they saw no more of what transpired at Kazonndé. + </p> + <p> + <a name="BXI" id="BXI"></a> + </p> + <h4> + CHAPTER XI. + </h4> + <h4> + A BOWL OF PUNCH. + </h4> + <p> + The afternoon was passing away, and it was now past four o'clock, when + the sound of drums, cymbals, and a variety of native instruments was heard + at the end of the main thoroughfare. The market was still going on with + the same animation as before; half a day's screeching and fighting + seemed neither to have wearied the voices nor broken the limbs of the + demoniacal traffickers; there was a considerable number of slaves still to + be disposed of, and the dealers were haggling over the remaining lots with + an excitement of which a sudden panic on the London Stock Exchange could + give a very inadequate conception. + </p> + <p> + But the discordant concert which suddenly broke upon the ear was the + signal for business to be at once suspended. The crowd might cease its + uproar, and recover its breath. The King of Kazonndé, Moené Loonga, was + about to honour the <i>lakoni</i> with a visit. + </p> + <p> + Attended by a large retinue of wives, officers, soldiers, and slaves, the + monarch was conveyed to the middle of the market-place in an old + palanquin, from which he was obliged to have five or six people to help + him to descend. Alvez and the other traders advanced to meet him with the + most exaggerated gestures of reverence, all of which he received as his + rightful homage. + </p> + <p> + He was a man of fifty years of age, but might easily have passed for + eighty. He looked like an old, decrepit monkey. On his head was a kind of + tiara, adorned with leopards' claws dyed red, and tufts of greyish-white + hair; + </p> + <p> + [Illustration: The potentate beneath whose sway the country trembled for a + hundred miles round] + </p> + <p> + this was the usual crown of the sovereigns of Kazonndé. From his waist + hung two skirts of coodoo-hide, stiff as blacksmiths' aprons, and + embroidered with pearls. The tattooings on his breast were so numerous + that his pedigree, which they declared, might seem to reach back to time + immemorial. His wrists and arms were encased in copper bracelets, thickly + encrusted with beads; he wore a pair of top-boots, a present from Alvez + some twenty years ago; in his left hand he carried a great stick + surmounted by a silver knob; in his right a fly-flapper with a handle + studded with pearls; over his head was carried an old umbrella with as + many patches as a Harlequin's coat, whilst from his neck hung Cousin + Benedict's magnifying-glass, and on his nose were the spectacles which + had been stolen from Bat's pocket. + </p> + <p> + Such was the appearance of the potentate beneath whose sway the country + trembled for a hundred miles round. + </p> + <p> + By virtue of his sovereignty Moené Loonga claimed to be of celestial + origin; and any subject who should have the audacity to raise a question + on this point would have been despatched forthwith to another world. All + his actions, his eating and drinking, were supposed to be performed by + divine impulse. He certainly drank like no other mortal; his officers and + ministers, confirmed tipplers as they were, appeared sober men in + comparison with himself, and he seemed never to be doing anything but + imbibing strong pombé, and over-proof spirit with which Alvez kept him + liberally supplied. + </p> + <p> + In his harem Moené Loonga had wives of all ages from forty to fourteen, + most of whom accompanied him on his visit to the <i>lakoni</i>. Moena, the + chief wife, who was called the queen, was the eldest of them all, and, + like the rest, was of royal blood. She was a vixenish-looking woman, very + gaily attired; she wore a kind of bright tartan over a skirt of woven + grass, embroidered with pearls; round her throat was a profusion of + necklaces, and her hair was mounted up in tiers that toppled high above + her head, making her resemble some hideous monster. The younger wives, all + of them sisters or cousins of the king, were less elaborately dressed. + They walked behind her, ready at the slightest sign to perform the most + menial services. Did his Majesty wish to sit down, two of them would + immediately stoop to the ground and form a seat with their bodies, whilst + others would have to lie down and support his feet upon their backs: a + throne and footstool of living ebony. + </p> + <p> + Amidst the staggering, half-tipsy crowd of ministers, officers, and + magicians that composed Moené Loonga's suite, there was hardly a man to + be seen who had not lost either an eye, an ear, or hand, or nose. Death + and mutilation were the only two punishments practised in Kazonndé, and + the slightest offence involved the instant amputation of some member of + the body. The loss of the ear was considered the severest penalty, as it + prevented the possibility of wearing earrings! + </p> + <p> + The governors of districts, or <i>kilolos</i>, whether hereditary or + appointed for four years, were distinguished by red waistcoats and + zebra-skin caps; in their hands they brandished long rattans, coated at + one extremity with a varnish of magic drugs. + </p> + <p> + The weapons carried by the soldiers consisted of wooden bows adorned with + fringes and provided with a spare bowstring, knives filed into the shape + of serpents' tongues, long, broad lances, and shields of palm wood, + ornamented with arabesques. In the matter of uniform, the royal army had + no demands to make upon the royal treasury. + </p> + <p> + Amongst the attendants of the king there was a considerable number of + sorcerers and musicians. The sorcerers, or <i>mganga</i>, were practically + the physicians of the court, the savages having the most implicit faith in + divinations and incantations of every kind, and employing fetishes, clay + or wooden figures, representing sometimes ordinary human beings and + sometimes fantastic animals. Like the rest of the retinue, these magicians + were, for the most part, more or less mutilated, an indication that some + of their prescriptions on behalf of the king had failed of success. + </p> + <p style="FONT-WEIGHT: bold; FONT-STYLE: italic"> + The musicians were of both sexes, some performing on + </p> + <p> + [Illustration: Alvez advanced and presented the king with some fresh + tobacco.] + </p> + <p> + shrill rattles, some on huge drums, whilst others played on instruments + called <i>marimbas</i>, a kind of dulcimer made of two rows of + different-sized gourds fastened in a frame, and struck by sticks with + india-rubber balls at the end. To any but native ears the music was + perfectly deafening. + </p> + <p> + Several flags and banners were carried m the procession, and amongst these + was mixed up a number of long pikes, upon which were stuck the skulls of + the various chiefs that Moené Loonga had conquered in battle. + </p> + <p> + As the king as helped out of his palanquin, the acclamations rose higher + and higher from every quarter of the market place The soldiers attached to + the caravans fired off their old guns, though the reports were almost too + feeble to be heard above the noisy vociferations of the crowd; and the + havildars rubbed their black noses with cinnabar powder, which they + carried in bags, and prostrated themselves. Alvez advanced and presented + the king with some fresh tobacco, "the appeasing herb," as it is + called in the native dialect; and certainly Moené Loonga seemed to + require some appeasing, as, for some unknown reason, he was in a + thoroughly bad temper. + </p> + <p> + Coïmbra, Ibn Hamish and the dealers all came forward to pay their court + to the monarch, the Arabs greeting him with the cry of <i>marhaba</i>, or + welcome; others clapped their hands and bowed to the very ground; while + some even smeared themselves with mud, in token of their most servile + subjection. + </p> + <p> + But Moené Loonga scarcely took notice of any of them; he went staggering + along, rolling like a ship upon a stormy sea, and made his way past the + crowds of slaves, each of whom, no less than their masters, trembled lest + he should think fit to claim them for his own. + </p> + <p> + Negoro, who kept close at Alvez' side, did not fail to render his homage + along with the rest. Alvez and the king were carrying on a conversation in + the native language, if that could be called a conversation in which + Moené Loonga merely jerked out a few monosyllables from his inflamed and + swollen lips. He was asking Alvez to replenish his stock of brandy. + </p> + <p> + "We are proud to welcome your majesty at the market of Kazonndé," + Alvez was saying. + </p> + <p> + "Get me brandy," was all the drunken king's reply. + </p> + <p> + "Will it please your majesty to take part in the business of the <i>lakoni</i>?" + Alvez tried to ask. + </p> + <p> + "Drink!" blurted out the king impatiently. + </p> + <p> + Alvez continued,- + </p> + <p> + "My friend Negoro here is anxious to greet your majesty after his long + absence." + </p> + <p> + "Drink!" roared the monarch again. + </p> + <p> + "Will the king take pombé or mead?" asked Alvez, at last obliged to + take notice of the demand. + </p> + <p> + "Brandy! give me fire-water!" yelled the king, in a fury. "For every + drop you shall have ..." + </p> + <p> + "A drop of a white man's blood!" suggested Negoro, glancing at + Alvez. + </p> + <p> + "Yes, yes; kill a white man," assented Moené Loonga, his ferocious + instincts all aroused by the proposition. + </p> + <p> + "There is a white man here," said Alvez, "who has killed my agent. + He must be punished for his act." + </p> + <p> + "Send him to King Masongo!" cried the king; "Masongo and the Assuas + will cut him up and eat him alive." + </p> + <p> + Only too true it is that cannibalism is still openly practised in certain + provinces of Central Africa. Livingstone records that the Manyuemas not + only eat men killed in war, but even buy slaves for that purpose; it is + said to be the avowal of these Manyuemas that "human flesh is slightly + salt, and requires no seasoning." Cameron relates how in the dominions + of Moené Booga dead bodies were soaked for a few days in running water as + a preparation for their being devoured; and Stanley found traces of a + widely-spread cannibalism amongst the inhabitants of Ukusu. + </p> + <p> + But however horrible might be the manner of death proposed by Moené + Loonga, it did not at all suit Negoro's purpose to let Dick Sands out of + his clutches. + </p> + <p> + "The white man is here," he said to the king; "it is here he has + committed his offence, and here he should be punished." + </p> + <p> + "If you will," replied Moené Loonga; "only I must have fire-water; + a drop of fire-water for every drop of the white man's blood." + </p> + <p> + "Yes, you shall have the fire-water," assented Alvez, "and what is + more, you shall have it all alight. We will give your majesty a bowl of + blazing punch." + </p> + <p> + The thought had struck Alvez, and he was himself delighted with the idea, + that he would set the spirit in flames. Moené Loonga had complained that + the "fire-water" did not justify its name as it ought, and Alvez hoped + that perhaps, administered in this new form, it might revivify the + deadened membranes of the palate of the king. + </p> + <p> + Moené Loonga did not conceal his satisfaction. Wives and courtiers alike + were full of anticipation. They had all drunk brandy, but they had not + drunk brandy alight. And not only was their thirst for alcohol to be + satisfied; their thirst for blood was likewise to be indulged; and when it + is remembered how, even amongst the civilized, drunkenness reduces a man + below the level of a brute, it may be imagined to what barbarous cruelties + Dick Sands was likely to be exposed. The idea of torturing a white man was + not altogether repugnant to the coloured blood of either Alvez or + Coïmbra, while with Negoro the spirit of vengeance had completely + overpowered all feeling of compunction. + </p> + <p> + Night, without any intervening twilight, was soon drawing on, and the + contemplated display could hardly fail to be effective. The programme for + the evening consisted of two parts; first, the blazing punch-bowl; then + the torture, culminating in an execution. + </p> + <p> + The destined victim was still closely confined in his dark and dreary + dungeon; all the slaves, whether sold or not, had been driven back to the + barracks, and the chitoka was cleared of every one except the + slave-dealers, the havildars, and the soldiers, who hoped, by favour of + the king, to have a share of the flaming punch. + </p> + <p> + Alvez did not long delay the proceedings. He ordered a huge caldron, + capable of containing more than twenty gallons, to be placed in the centre + of the market-place. Into this were emptied several casks of + highly-rectified spirit, of a very inferior quality, to which was added a + supply of cinnamon and other spices, no ingredient being omitted which was + likely to give a pungency to suit the savage palate. + </p> + <p> + The whole royal retinue formed a circle round the king. Fascinated by the + sight of the spirit, Moené Loonga came reeling up to the edge of the + punch-bowl, and seemed ready to plunge himself head foremost into it. + Alvez held him back, at the same time placing a lucifer in his hand. + </p> + <p> + "Set it alight!" cried the slave-dealer, grinning slily as he spoke. + </p> + <p> + The king applied the match to the surface of the spirit. The effect was + instantaneous. High above the edge of the bowl the blue flame rose and + curled. To give intensity to the process Alvez had added a sprinkling of + salt to the mixture, and this caused the fire to cast upon the faces of + all around that lurid glare which is generally associated with apparitions + of ghosts and phantoms. Half intoxicated already, the negroes yelled and + gesticulated; and joining hands, they performed a fiendish dance around + their monarch. Alvez stood and stirred the spirit with an enormous metal + ladle, attached to a pole, and as the flames rose yet higher and higher + they seemed to throw a more and more unearthly glamour over the ape-like + forms that circled in their wild career. + </p> + <p> + Moené Loonga, in his eagerness, soon seized the ladle from the + slave-dealer's hands, plunged it deep into the bowl, and bringing it up + again full of the blazing punch, raised it to his lips. + </p> + <p> + A horrible shriek brought the dancers to a sudden standstill. By a kind of + spontaneous combustion, the king had taken fire internally; though it was + a fire that emitted little heat, it was none the less intense and + consuming. In an instant one of the ministers in attendance ran to the + king's assistance, but he, almost as much alcoholized as his master, + caught fire as well, and soon both monarch and minister lay writhing on + the ground in unutterable agony. Not a soul was able to lend a helping + hand. Alvez and Negoro were at a loss what to do; the courtiers dared not + expose themselves to so terrible a fate; the women had all + </p> + <p> + [Illustration: The king had taken fire internally.] + </p> + <p> + fled in alarm, and Coïmbra, awakened to the conviction of the + inflammability of his own condition, had rapidly decamped. + </p> + <p> + To say the truth, it was impossible to do anything; water would have + proved unavailing to quench the pale blue flame that hovered over the + prostrate forms, every tissue of which was so thoroughly impregnated with + spirit, that combustion, though outwardly extinguished, would continue its + work internally. + </p> + <p> + In a few minutes life was extinct, but the bodies continued long + afterwards to burn; until, upon the spot where they had fallen, a few + light ashes, some fragments of the spinal column, some fingers and some + toes, covered with a thin layer of stinking soot, were all that remained + of the King of Kazonndé and his ill fated minister. + </p> + <p> + <a name="BXII" id="BXII"></a> + </p> + <h4> + CHAPTER XII. + </h4> + <h4> + ROYAL OBSEQUIES. + </h4> + <p> + On the following morning the town of Kazonndé presented an aspect of + unwonted desolation. Awe-struck at the event of the previous evening, the + natives had all shut themselves up in their huts. That a monarch who was + to be assumed as of divine origin should perish with one of his ministers + by so horrible a death was a thing wholly unparalleled in their + experience. Some of the elder part of the community remembered having + taken part in certain cannibal preparations, and were aware that the + cremation of a human body is no easy matter, yet here was a case in which + two men had been all but utterly consumed without any extraneous + application. Here was a mystery that baffled all their comprehension. + </p> + <p> + Old Alvez had also retired to the seclusion of his own residence; having + been warned by Negoro that he would probably be held responsible for the + occurrence, he deemed it prudent to keep in retirement. Meanwhile Negoro + industriously circulated the report that the king's death had been + brought about by supernatural means reserved by the great Manitoo solely + for his elect, and that it was sacred fire that had proceeded from his + body. The superstitious natives readily received this version of the + affair, and at once proceeded to honour Moené Loonga with funeral rites + worthy of one thus conspicuously elevated to the rank of the gods. The + ceremony (which entailed an expenditure of human blood incredible except + that it is authenticated by Cameron and other African travellers) was just + the opportunity that Negoro required for carrying out his designs against + Dick, whom he intended to take a prominent part in it. + </p> + <p> + The natural successor to the king was the queen Moena. By inaugurating the + funeral without delay and thus assuming the semblance of authority, she + forestalled the king of Ukusu or any other rival who might venture to + dispute her sovereignty; and moreover, by taking the reins of government + into her hands she avoided the fate reserved for the other wives who, had + they been allowed to live, might prove somewhat troublesome to the shrew. + Accordingly, with the sound of coodoo horns and marimbas, she caused a + proclamation to be made in the various quarters of the town, that the + obsequies of the deceased monarch would be celebrated on the next evening + with all due solemnity. + </p> + <p> + The announcement met with no opposition either from the officials about + the court or from the public at large. Alvez and the traders generally + were quite satisfied with Moena's assumption of the supremacy, knowing + that by a few presents and a little flattery they could make her + sufficiently considerate for their own interests. + </p> + <p> + Preparations began at once. At the end of the chief thoroughfare flowed a + deep and rapid brook, an affluent of the Coango, in the dry bed of which + the royal grave was to be formed. Natives were immediately set to work to + construct a dam by means of which the water should be diverted, until the + burial was over, into a temporary channel across the plain; the last act + in the ceremonial being to undam the stream and allow it to resume its + proper course. + </p> + <p> + Negoro had formed the resolution that Dick Sands should be one of the + victims to be sacrificed upon the king's tomb. Thoroughly aware as he + was that the indignation which had caused the death of Harris extended in + at least an equal degree to himself, the cowardly rascal would not have + ventured to approach Dick under similar circumstances at the risk of + meeting a similar fate; but knowing him to be a prisoner bound hand and + foot, from whom there could be nothing to fear, he resolved to go to him + in his dungeon-* + </p> + <p> + Not only did he delight in torturing his victims, but he derived an + especial gratification from witnessing the torture. + </p> + <p> + About the middle of the day, accordingly, he made his way to the cell + where Dick was detained under the strict watch of a havildar. There, bound + with fetters that penetrated his very flesh, lay the poor boy; for the + last four and twenty hours he had not been allowed a morsel of food, and + would gladly have faced the most painful death as a welcome relief to his + miseries. + </p> + <p> + But at the sight of Negoro all his energy revived; instinctively he made + an effort to burst his bonds, and to get a hold upon his persecutor; but + the strength of a giant would have been utterly unavailing for such a + design. Dick felt that the struggle he had to make was of another kind, + and forcing himself to an apparent composure, he determined to look Negoro + straight in the face, but to vouchsafe no reply to anything he might say. + </p> + <p> + "I felt bound," Negoro began, "to come and pay my respects to my + young captain, and to tell him how sorry I am that he has not the same + authority here that he had on board the 'Pilgrim.' " + </p> + <p> + Finding that Dick returned no answer, he continued,- + </p> + <p> + "You remember your old cook, captain: I have come to know what you would + like to order for your breakfast." + </p> + <p> + Here he paused to give a brutal kick at Dick's foot, and went on,- + </p> + <p> + "I have also another question to ask you, captain; can you tell me how + it was that you landed here in Angola instead of upon the coast of + America?" + </p> + <p> + The way in which the question was put more than ever confirmed Dick's + impression that the "Pilgrim's" course had been altered by Negoro, + but he persevered in maintaining a contemptuous silence. + </p> + <p> + "It was a lucky thing for you, captain," resumed the vindictive + Portuguese, "that you had a good seaman on board, otherwise the ship + would have run aground on some reef in the tempest, instead of coming + ashore here in a friendly port." + </p> + <p> + [Illustration: "Your life is in my hands!"] + </p> + <p> + Whilst he was speaking, Negoro had gradually drawn nearer to the prisoner, + until their faces were almost in contact. Exasperated by Dick's + calmness, his countenance assumed an expression of the utmost ferocity, + and at last he burst forth in a paroxysm of rage. + </p> + <p> + "It is my turn now! I am master now! I am captain here! You are in my + power now! Your life is in my hands!" + </p> + <p> + "Take it, then," said Dick quietly; "death has no terrors for me, + and your wickedness will soon be avenged." + </p> + <p> + "Avenged!" roared Negoro; "do you suppose there is a single soul to + care about you? Avenged! who will concern himself with what befalls you? + except Alvez and me, there is no one with a shadow of authority here; if + you think you are going to get any help from old Tom or any of those + niggers, let me tell you that they are every one of them sold and have + been sent off to Zanzibar." + </p> + <p> + "Hercules is free," said Dick. + </p> + <p> + "Hercules!" sneered Negoro; "he has been food for lions and panthers + long ago, I am only sorry that I did not get the chance of disposing of + him myself." + </p> + <p> + "And there is Dingo," calmly persisted Dick; "sure as fate, he will + find you out some day." + </p> + <p> + "Dingo is dead!" retorted Negoro with malicious glee: "I shot the + brute myself, and I should be glad if every survivor of the 'Pilgrim' + had shared his fate." + </p> + <p> + "But remember," said Dick, "you have to follow them all yourself;" + and he fixed a sharp gaze upon his persecutor's eye. + </p> + <p> + The Portuguese villain was stung to the quick; he made a dash towards the + youth, and would have strangled him upon the spot, but remembering that + any such sudden action would be to liberate him from the torture he was + determined he should undergo, he controlled his rage, and after giving + strict orders to the havildar, who had been a passive spectator of the + scene, to keep a careful watch upon his charge, he left the dungeon. + </p> + <p> + So far from depressing Dick's spirits, the interview had altogether a + contrary effect; his feelings had undergone a reaction, so that all his + energies were restored. Possibly Negoro in his sudden assault had + unintentionally loosened his fetters, for he certainly seemed to have + greater play for his limbs, and fancied that by a slight effort he might + succeed in disengaging his arms. Even that amount of freedom, however, he + knew could be of no real avail to him; he was a closely-guarded prisoner, + without hope of succour from without; and now he had no other wish than + cheerfully to meet the death that should unite him to the friends who had + gone before. + </p> + <p> + The hours passed on. The gleams of daylight that penetrated the thatched + roof of the prison gradually faded into darkness; the few sounds on the + chitoka, a great contrast to the hubbub of the day, became hushed into + silence, and night fell upon the town of Kazonndé. + </p> + <p> + Dick Sands slept soundly for about a couple of hours, and woke up + considerably refreshed. One of his arms, which was somewhat less swollen + than the other, he was able to withdraw from its bonds; it was at any rate + a relief to stretch it at his pleasure. + </p> + <p> + The havildar, grasping the neck of a brandy-bottle which he had just + drained, had sunk into a heavy slumber, and Dick Sands was contemplating + the possibility of getting posssession of his gaoler's weapons when his + attention was arrested by a scratching at the bottom of the door. By the + help of his liberated arm he contrived to crawl noiselessly to the + threshold, where the scratching increased in violence. For a moment he was + in doubt whether the noise proceeded from the movements of a man or an + animal. He gave a glance at the havildar, who was sound asleep, and + placing his lips against the door murmured "Hercules!" + </p> + <p> + A low whining was the sole reply. + </p> + <p> + "It must be Dingo," muttered Dick to himself; "Negoro may have told + me a lie; perhaps, after all, the dog is not dead." + </p> + <p> + As though in answer to his thoughts, a dog's paw was pushed below the + door. Dick seized it eagerly; he had no doubt it was Dingo's; but if the + dog brought a message, it was sure to be tied to his neck, and there + seemed to be no + </p> + <p> + [Illustration: All his energies were restored.] + </p> + <p> + means of getting at it, except the hole underneath could be made large + enough to admit the animal's head. Dick determined to try and scrape + away the soil at the threshold, and commenced digging with his nails. But + he had scarcely set himself to his task when loud barkings, other than + Dingo's, were heard in the distance. The faithful creature had been + scented out by the native dogs, and instinct dictated an immediate flight. + Alarm had evidently been taken, as several gun-shots were fired; the + havildar half roused himself from his slumber, and Dick was fain to roll + himself once more into his corner, there to await the dawn of the day + which was intended to be his last. + </p> + <p> + Throughout that day, the grave-digging was carried on with unremitted + activity. A large number of the natives, under the superintendence of the + queen's prime minister, were set to work, and according to the decree of + Moena, who seemed resolved to continue the rigorous sway of her departed + husband, were bound, under penalty of mutilation, to accomplish their task + within the proscribed time. + </p> + <p> + As soon as the stream had been diverted into its temporary channel, there + was hollowed out in the dry river bed a pit, fifty feet long, ten feet + wide, and ten feet deep. This, towards the close of the day, was lined + throughout with living women, selected from Moené Loonga's slaves; in + ordinary cases it would have been their fate to be buried alive beside + their master; but in recognition of his miraculous death it was ordained + that they should be drowned beside his remains. [Footnote: The horrible + hecatombs that commemorate the death of any powerful chief in Central + Africa defy all description. Cameron relates that more than a hundred + victims were sacrificed at the obsequies of the father of the King of + Kassongo.] + </p> + <p> + Generally, the royal corpse is arrayed in its richest vestments before + being consigned to the tomb, but in this case, when the remains consisted + only of a few charred bones, another plan was adopted. An image of the + king, perhaps rather flattering to the original, was made of wicker-work; + inside this were placed the fragments of bones and skin, and the effigy + itself was then arrayed in the robes of state, which, as already + mentioned, were not of a very costly description. + </p> + <p> + Cousin Benedict's spectacles were not forgotten, but were firmly affixed + to the countenance of the image. The masquerade had its ludicrous as well + as its terrible side. + </p> + <p> + When the evening arrived, a long procession was seen wending its way to + the place of interment; the uproar was perfectly deafening; shouts, yells, + the boisterous incantations of the musicians, the clang of musical + instruments, and the reports of many old muskets, mingled in wild + confusion. + </p> + <p> + The ceremony was to take place by torch-light, and the whole population of + Kazonndé, native and otherwise, was bound to be present. Alvez, Coïmbra, + Negoro, the Arab dealers and their havildars all helped to swell the + numbers, the queen having given express orders that no one who had been at + the lakoni should leave the town, and it was not deemed prudent to disobey + her commands. + </p> + <p> + The remains of the king were carried in a palanquin in the rear of the + cortége, surrounded by the wives of the second class, some of whom were + doomed to follow their master beyond the tomb. Queen Moena, in state + array, marched behind the catafalque. + </p> + <p> + Night was well advanced when the entire procession reached the banks of + the brook, but the resin-torches, waved on high by their bearers, shed a + ruddy glare upon the teeming crowd. The grave, with its lining of living + women, bound to its side by chains, was plainly visible; fifty slaves, + some resigned and mute, others uttering loud and piteous cries, were there + awaiting the moment when the rushing torrent should be opened upon them. + </p> + <p> + The wives who were destined to perish had been selected by the queen + herself and were all in holiday-attire. One of the victims, who bore the + title of second wife, was forced down upon her hands and knees in the + grave, in order to form a resting-place for the effigy, as she had been + accustomed to do for the living sovereign; the third wife had to sustain + the image in an upright position, and the fourth lay down at its feet to + make a footstool. + </p> + <p> + In front of the effigy, at the end of the grave, a huge stake, painted + red, was planted firmly in the earth. Bound to this stake, his body half + naked, exhibiting marks of the + </p> + <p> + [Illustration: Friendless and hopeless.] + </p> + <p> + tortures which by Negoro's orders he had already undergone, friendless + and hopeless, was Dick Sands! + </p> + <p> + The time, however, for opening the flood-gate had not yet arrived. First + of all, at a sign from the queen, the fourth wife, forming the royal + footstool had her throat cut by an executioner, her blood streaming into + the grave. This barbarous deed was the commencement of a most frightful + butchery. One after another, fifty slaves fell beneath the slaughterous + knife, until the river-bed was a very cataract of blood. For half an hour + the shrieks of the victims mingled with the imprecations of their + murderers, without evoking one single expression of horror or sympathy + from the gazing crowd around. + </p> + <p> + At a second signal from the queen, the barrier, which retained the water + above, was opened. By a refinement of cruelty the torrent was not admitted + suddenly to the grave, but allowed to trickle gradually in. + </p> + <p> + The first to be drowned were the slaves that carpeted the bottom of the + trench, their frightful struggles bearing witness to the slow death that + was overpowering them. Dick was immersed to his knees, but he could be + seen making what might seem one last frantic effort to burst his bonds. + </p> + <p> + Steadily rose the water; the stream resumed its proper course; the last + head disappeared beneath its surface, and soon there remained nothing to + indicate that in the depth below there was a tomb where a hundred victims + had been sacrificed to the memory 0f the King of Kazonndé. + </p> + <p> + Painful as they are to describe, it is impossible to ignore the reality of + such scenes. + </p> + <p> + <a name="BXIII" id="BXIII"></a> + </p> + <h4> + CHAPTER XIII. + </h4> + <h4> + IN CAPTIVITY. + </h4> + <p> + So far from Mrs. Weldon and Jack having succumbed to the hardships to + which they had been exposed, they were both alive, and together with + Cousin Benedict were now in Kazonndé. After the assault upon the ant-hill + they had all three been conveyed beyond the encampment to a spot where a + rude palanquin was in readiness for Mrs. Weldon and her son. The journey + hence to Kazonndé was consequently accomplished without much difficulty; + Cousin Benedict, who performed it on foot, was allowed to entomologize as + much as he pleased upon the road, so that to him the distance was a matter + of no concern. The party reached their destination a week sooner than Ibn + Hamish's caravan, and the prisoners were lodged in Alvez' quarters. + </p> + <p> + Jack was much better. After leaving the marshy districts he had no return + of fever, and as a certain amount of indulgence had been allowed them on + their journey, both he and his mother, as far as their health was + concerned, might be said to be in a satisfactory condition. + </p> + <p> + Of the rest of her former companions Mrs. Weldon could hear nothing. She + had herself been a witness of the escape of Hercules, but of course knew + nothing further of his fate; as for Dick Sands, she entertained a sanguine + hope that his white skin would protect him from any severe treatment; but + for Nan and the other poor negroes, here upon African soil, she feared the + very worst. + </p> + <p> + Being entirely shut off from communication with the outer world, she was + quite unaware of the arrival of the caravan; even if she had heard the + noisy commotion of the market she would not have known what it meant, and + she was in ignorance alike of the death of Harris, of the sale of Tom and + his companions, of the dreadful end of the king, and of the royal + obsequies in which poor Dick had been assigned so melancholy a share. + During the journey from the Coanza to Kazonndé, Harris and Negoro had + held no conversation with her, and since her arrival she had not been + allowed to pass the inclosure of the establishment, so that, as far as she + knew, she was quite alone, and being in Negoro's power, was in a + position from which it seemed only too likely nothing but death could + release her. + </p> + <p> + From Cousin Benedict, it is needless to repeat, she could expect no + assistance; his own personal pursuits engrossed him, and he had no care + nor leisure to bestow upon external circumstances. His first feeling, on + being made to understand that he was not in America, was one of deep + disappointment that the wonderful things he had seen were no discoveries + at all; they were simply African insects common on African soil. This + vexation, however, soon passed away, and he began to believe that "the + land of the Pharaohs" might possess as much entomological wealth as + "the land of the Incas." + </p> + <p> + "Ah," he would exclaim to Mrs. Weldon, heedless that she gave him + little or no attention, "this is the country of the manticoræ, and + wonderful coleoptera they are, with their long hairy legs, their sharp + elytra and their big mandibles; the most remarkable of them all is the + tuberous manticora. And isn't this, too, the land of the golden-tipped + calosomi? and of the prickly-legged goliaths of Guinea and Gabon? Here, + too, we ought to find the spotted anthidia, which lay their eggs in empty + snail-shells; and the sacred atenchus, which the old Egyptians used to + venerate as divine." + </p> + <p> + "Yes, yes;" he would say at another time, "this is the proper + habitat of those death's-head sphinxes which are now so common + everywhere; and this is the place for those 'Idias Bigoti,' so + formidable to the natives of Senegal. + </p> + <p> + There must be wonderful discoveries to be made here if only those good + people will let me." + </p> + <p> + The "good people" referred to were Negoro and Harris, who had restored + him much of the liberty of which Dick Sands had found it necessary to + deprive him. With freedom to roam and in possession of his tin box, + Benedict would have been amongst the most contented of men, had it not + been for the loss of his spectacles and magnifying-glass, now buried with + the King of Kazonndé. Reduced to the necessity of poking every insect + almost into his eyes before he could discover its characteristics, he + would have sacrificed much to recover or replace his glasses, but as such + articles were not to be procured at any price, he contented himself with + the permission to go where he pleased within the limits of the palisade. + His keepers knew him well enough to be satisfied that he would make no + attempt to escape, and as the enclosure was nearly a mile in + circumference, containing many shrubs and trees and huts with thatched + roofs, besides being intersected by a running stream, it afforded him a + very fair scope for his researches, and who should say that he would not + discover some novel specimen to which, in the records of entomological + science, his own name might be assigned? + </p> + <p> + If thus the domain of Antonio Alvez was sufficient to satisfy Benedict, to + little Jack it might well seem immense. But though allowed to ramble over + the whole place as he liked, the child rarely cared to leave his mother; + he would be continually inquiring about his father, whom he had now so + long been expecting to see: he would ask why Nan and Hercules and Dingo + had gone away and left him; and perpetually he would be expressing his + wonder where Dick could be, and wishing he would come back again. Mrs. + Weldon could only hide her tears and answer him by caresses. + </p> + <p> + Nothing, however, transpired to give the least intimation that any of the + prisoners were to be treated otherwise than they had been upon the journey + from the Coanza. Excepting such as were retained for old Alvez' personal + service, all the slaves had been sold, and the storehouses were now + </p> + <p> + [Illustration: He contented himself with the permission to go where he + pleased within the limits of the palisade.] + </p> + <p> + full of stuffs and ivory, the stuffs destined to be sent into the central + provinces and the ivory to be exported. The establishment was thus no + longer crowded as it had been, and Mrs. Weldon and Jack were lodged in a + different hut to Cousin Benedict. All three, however, took their meals + together and were allowed a sufficient diet of mutton or goats'-flesh, + vegetables, manioc, sorghum and native fruits. With the traders' + servants they held no communication, but Halima, a young slave who had + been told off to attend to Mrs. Weldon, evinced for her new mistress an + attachment which, though rough, was evidently sincere. + </p> + <p> + Old Alvez, who occupied the principal house in thedépôt, was rarely + seen; whilst the non-appearance of either Harris or Negoro caused Mrs. + Weldon much surprise and perplexity. In the midst of all her troubles, + too, she was haunted by the thought of the anxiety her husband must be + suffering on her account. Unaware of her having embarked on board the + "Pilgrim," at first he would have wondered at steamer after steamer + arriving at San Francisco without her. After a while the "Pilgrim" + would have been registered amongst the number of missing ships; and it was + certain the intelligence would be forwarded to him by his correspondents, + that the vessel had sailed from Auckland with his wife and child on board. + What was he to imagine? he might refuse to believe that they had perished + at sea, but he would never dream of their having been carried to Africa, + and would certainly institute a search in no other direction than on the + coast of America, or amongst the isles of the Pacific. She had not the + faintest hope of her whereabouts being discovered, and involuntarily her + thoughts turned to the possibility of making an escape. She might well + feel her heart sink within her at the bare idea; even if she should + succeed in eluding the vigilance of the watch, there were two hundred + miles of dense forest to be traversed before the coast could be reached; + nevertheless, it revealed itself to her as her last chance, and failing + all else, she resolved to hazard it. + </p> + <p> + But, first of all, she determined, if it were possible, to discover the + ultimate design of Negoro. She was not kept long in suspense. On the 6th + of June, just a week after the royal funeral, the Portuguese entered the + depót, in which he had not set foot since his return, and made his way + straight to the hut in which he knew he should find the prisoner. Benedict + was out insect-hunting; Jack, under Halima's charge, was being taken for + a walk. Mrs. Weldon was alone. + </p> + <p> + Negoro pushed open the door, and said abruptly,- + </p> + <p> + "Mrs. Weldon, I have come to tell you, that Tom and his lot have been + sold for the Ujiji market; Nan died on her way here; and Dick Sands is + dead too." + </p> + <p> + Mrs. Weldon uttered a cry of horror. + </p> + <p> + "Yes, Mrs. Weldon," he continued; "he has got what he deserved; he + shot Harris, and has been executed for the murder. And here you are alone! + mark this! alone and in my power!" + </p> + <p> + What Negoro said was true; Tom, Bat, Actæon, and Austin had all been sent + off that morning on their way to Ujiji. + </p> + <p> + Mrs. Weldon groaned bitterly. + </p> + <p> + Negoro went on. + </p> + <p> + "If I chose, I could still further avenge upon you the ill-treatment I + got on board that ship; but it does not suit my purpose to kill you. You + and that boy of yours, and that idiot of a fly-catcher, all have a certain + value in the market. I mean to sell you." + </p> + <p> + "You dare not!" said Mrs. Weldon firmly; "you know you are making an + idle threat; who do you suppose would purchase people of white blood?" + </p> + <p> + "I know a customer who will give me the price I mean to ask," replied + Negoro with a brutal grin. + </p> + <p> + She bent down her head; only too well she knew that such things were + possible in this horrid land. + </p> + <p> + "Tell me who he is!" she said; "tell the name of the man who ..." + </p> + <p> + "James Weldon," he answered slowly. + </p> + <p> + "My husband!" she cried; "what do you mean?" + </p> + <p> + "I mean what I say. I mean to make your husband buy you back at my + price; and if he likes to pay for them, he shall have his son and his + cousin too." + </p> + <p> + [Illustration: "I suppose Weldon will not mind coming to fetch you?"] + </p> + <p> + "And when, and how, may I ask, do you propose to manage this?" replied + Mrs. Weldon. forcing herself to be calm. + </p> + <p> + "Here, and soon too. I suppose Weldon will not mind coming to fetch + you." + </p> + <p> + "He would not hesitate to come; but how could he know we are here?" + </p> + <p> + "I will go to him. I have money that will take me to San Francisco." + </p> + <p> + "What you stole from the 'Pilgrim'?" said Mrs. Weldon. + </p> + <p> + "Just so," replied Negoro; "and I have plenty more I suppose when + Weldon hears that you are a prisoner in Central Africa, he will not think + much of a hundred thousand dollars." + </p> + <p> + "But how is he to know the truth of your statement?" + </p> + <p> + "I shall take him a letter from you. You shall represent me as your + faithful servant, just escaped from the hands of savages." + </p> + <p> + "A letter such as that I will never write; never," said Mrs. Weldon + decisively. + </p> + <p> + "What? what? you refuse?" + </p> + <p> + "I refuse." + </p> + <p> + She had all the natural cravings of a woman and a wife, but so thoroughly + was she aware of the treachery of the man she had to deal with, that she + dreaded lest, as soon as he had touched the ransom, he would dispose of + her husband altogether. + </p> + <p> + There was a short silence. + </p> + <p> + "You will write that letter," said Negoro. + </p> + <p> + "Never!" repeated Mrs. Weldon. + </p> + <p> + "Remember your child!" + </p> + <p> + Mrs. Weldon's heart beat violently, but she did not answer a word. + </p> + <p> + "I will give you a week to think over this," hissed out Negoro. + </p> + <p> + Mrs. Weldon was still silent. + </p> + <p> + "A week! I will come again in a week; you will do as I wish, or it will + be the worse for you." + </p> + <p> + He gnashed his teeth, turned on his heel, and left the hut. + </p> + <p> + <a name="BXIV" id="BXIV"></a> + </p> + <h4> + CHAPTER XIV. + </h4> + <h4> + A RAY OF HOPE. + </h4> + <p> + Mrs. Weldon's first feeling on being left alone was a sense of relief at + having a week's respite. She had no trust in Negoro's honesty, but she + knew well enough that their "marketable value" would secure them from + any personal danger, and she had time to consider whether some compromise + might be effected by which her husband might be spared the necessity of + coming to Kazonndé. Upon the receipt of a letter from herself, he would + not hesitate for a moment in undertaking the journey, but she entertained + no little fear that after all perhaps her own departure might not be + permitted; the slightest caprice on the part of Queen Moena would detain + her as a captive, whilst as to Negoro, if once he should get the ransom he + wanted, he would take no further pains in the matter. + </p> + <p> + Accordingly, she resolved to make the proposition that she should be + conveyed to some point upon the coast, where the bargain could be + concluded without Mr. Weldon's coming up the country. + </p> + <p> + She had to weigh all the consequences that would follow any refusal on her + part to fall in with Negoro's demands. Of course, he would spend the + interval in preparing for his start to America, and when he should come + back and find her still hesitating, was it not likely that he would find + scope for his revenge in suggesting that she must be separated from her + child. + </p> + <p> + The very thought sent a pang through her heart, and she clasped her little + boy tenderly to her side. + </p> + <p> + "What makes you so sad, mamma?" asked Jack. + </p> + <p> + "I was thinking of your father, my child," she answered; "would you + not like to see him?" + </p> + <p> + "Yes, yes; is he coming here?" + </p> + <p> + "No, my boy, he must not come here." + </p> + <p> + "Then let us take Dick, and Tom, and Hercules, and go to him." + </p> + <p> + Mrs. Weldon tried to conceal her tears. + </p> + <p> + "Have you heard from papa?" + </p> + <p> + "No." + </p> + <p> + "Then why do you not write to him?" + </p> + <p> + "Write to him?" repeated his mother, "that is the very thing I was + thinking about." + </p> + <p> + The child little knew the agitation that was troubling her mind. + </p> + <p> + Meanwhile Mrs. Weldon had another inducement which she hardly ventured to + own to herself for postponing her final decision. Was it absolutely + impossible that her liberation should be effected by some different means + altogether? + </p> + <p> + A few days previously she had overheard a conversation outside her hut, + and over this she had found herself continually pondering. + </p> + <p> + Alvez and one of the Ujiji dealers, discussing the future prospects of + their business, mutually agreed in denouncing the efforts that were being + made for the suppression of the slave-traffic, not only by the cruisers on + the coast, but by the intrusion of travellers and missionaries into the + interior. + </p> + <p> + Alvez averred that all these troublesome visitors ought to be exterminated + forthwith. + </p> + <p> + "But kill one, and another crops up," replied the dealer. + </p> + <p> + "Yes, their exaggerated reports bring up a swarm of them," said Alvez. + </p> + <p> + It seemed a subject of bitter complaint that the markets of Nyangwé, + Zanzibar, and the lake-district had been invaded by Speke and Grant and + others, and although they congratulated each other that the western + provinces had not yet been much persecuted, they confessed that now that + the travelling epidemic had begun to rage, there was no telling how soon a + lot of European and American busy-bodies might be among them. Thedépôts + at Cassange and Bihe had both been visited, and although Kazonndé had + hitherto been left quiet, there were rumours enough that the continent was + to be tramped over from east to west. [Footnote: This extraordinary feat + was, it is universally known, subsequently accomplished by Cameron.] + </p> + <p> + "And it may be," continued Alvez, "that that missionary fellow, + Livingstone, is already on his way to us; if he comes there can be but one + result; there must be freedom for all the slaves in Kazonndé." + </p> + <p> + "Freedom for the slaves in Kazonndé!" These were the words which in + connexion with Dr. Livingstone's name had arrested Mrs. Weldon's + attention, and who can wonder that she pondered them over and over again, + and ventured to associate them with her own prospects? + </p> + <p> + Here was a ray of hope! + </p> + <p> + The mere mention of Livingstone's name in association with this story + seems to demand a brief survey of his career. + </p> + <p> + Born on the 19th of March, 1813, David Livingstone was the second of six + children of a tradesman in the village of Blantyre, in Lanarkshire. After + two years' training in medicine and theology, he was sent out by the + London Missionary Society, and landed at the Cape of Good Hope in 1840, + with the intention of joining Moffat in South Africa. After exploring the + country of the Bechuanas, he returned to Kuruman, and, having married + Moffat's daughter, proceeded in 1843 to found a mission in the Mabotsa + valley. + </p> + <p> + After four years he removed to Kolobeng in the Bechuana district, 225 + miles north of Kuruman, whence, in 1849, starting off with his wife, three + children, and two friends, Mr. Oswell and Mr. Murray, he discovered Lake + Ngami, and returned by descending the course of the Zouga. + </p> + <p> + The opposition of the natives had prevented his proceeding beyond Lake + Ngami at his first visit, and he made + </p> + <p> + [Illustration: Dr. Livingstone. <i>Page</i> 408.] + </p> + <p> + a second with no better success. In a third attempt, however, he wended + his way northwards with his family and Mr. Oswell along the Chobé, an + affluent of the Zambesi, and after a difficult journey at length reached + the district of the Makalolos, of whom the chief, named Sebituané, joined + him at Linyanté. The Zambesi itself was discovered at the end of June, + 1851, and the doctor returned to the Cape for the purpose of sending his + family to England. + </p> + <p> + His next project was to cross the continent obliquely from south to west, + but in this expedition he had resolved that he would risk no life but his + own. Accompanied, therefore, by only a few natives, he started in the + following June, and skirting the Kalahari desert entered Litoubarouba on + the last day of the year; here he found the Bechuana district much ravaged + by the Boers, the original Dutch colonists, who had formed the population + of the Cape before it came into the possession of the English. After a + fortnight's stay, he proceeded into the heart of the district of the + Bamangonatos, and travelled continuously until the 23rd of May, when he + arrived at Linyanté, and was received with much honour by Sekeletoo, who + had recently become sovereign of the Makalolos. A severe attack of fever + detained the traveller here for a period, but he made good use of the + enforced rest by studying the manners of the country, and became for the + first time sensible of its terrible sufferings in consequence of the + slave-trade. + </p> + <p> + Descending the course of the Chobé to the Zambesi, he next entered + Naniele, and after visiting Katonga and Libonta, advanced to the point of + confluence of the Leeba with the Zambesi, where he determined upon + ascending the former as far as the Portuguese possessions in the west; it + was an undertaking, however, that required considerable preparation, so + that it was necessary for him to return to Linyanté. + </p> + <p> + On the 11th of November he again started. He was accompanied by + twenty-seven Makalolos, and ascended the Leeba till, in the territory of + the Balonda, he reached a spot where it received the waters of its + tributary the Makondo. + </p> + <p> + It was the first time a white man had ever penetrated so far. + </p> + <p> + Proceeding on their way, they arrived at the residence of Shinté, the + most powerful of the chieftains of the Balonda, by whom they were well + received, and having met with equal kindness from Kateema, a ruler on the + other side of the Leeba, they encamped, on the 20th of February, 1853, on + the banks of Lake Dilolo. + </p> + <p> + Here it was that the real difficulty commenced; the arduous travelling, + the attacks of the natives, and their exorbitant demands, the conspiracies + of his own attendants and their desertions, would soon have caused any one + of less energy to abandon his enterprise; but David Livingstone was not a + man to be daunted; resolutely he persevered, and on the 4th of April + reached the banks of the Coango, the stream that forms the frontier of the + Portuguese possessions, and joins the Zaire on the north. + </p> + <p> + Six days later he passed through Cassangé. Here it was that Alvez had + seen him. On the 31st of May he arrived at St. Paul de Loanda, having + traversed the continent in about two years. + </p> + <p> + It was not long, however, before he was off again. Following the banks of + the Coanza, the river which was to bring such trying experiences to Dick + Sands and his party, he reached the Lombé, and having met numbers of + slave-caravans on his way, again passed through Cassange, crossed the + Coango, and reached the Zambesi at Kewawa. By the 8th of the following + June he was again at Lake Dilolo, and descending the river, he re-entered + Linyanté. Here he stayed till the 3rd of November, when he commenced his + second great journey, which was to carry him completely across Africa from + west to east. + </p> + <p> + After visiting the famed Victoria Falls, the intrepid explorer quitted the + Zambesi, and took a north-easterly route. The transit of the territory of + the Batokas, a people brutalized by the inhalation of hemp; a visit to + Semalemboni the powerful chief of the district; the passage of the Kafoni; + a visit to king Mbourouma; an inspection of the ruins of Zumbo, an old + Portuguese town; a meeting with + </p> + <p> + [Illustration: With none to guide him except a few natives.] + </p> + <p> + the chief Mpendé, at that time at war with the Portuguese, these were the + principal events of this journey, and on the 22nd of April, Livingstone + left Teté, and having descended the river as far as its delta, reached + Quilimané, just four years after his last departure from the Cape. On the + 12th of July he embarked for the Mauritius, and on the 22nd of December, + 1856, he landed in England after an absence of sixteen years. + </p> + <p> + Loaded with honours by the Geographical Societies of London and Paris, + brilliantly entertained by all ranks, it would have been no matter of + surprise if he had surrendered himself to a well-earned repose; but no + thought of permanent rest occurred to him, and on the 1st of March, 1858, + accompanied by his brother Charles, Captain Bedingfield, Dr. Kirk, Dr. + Miller, Mr. Thornton, and Mr. Baines, he started again, with the intention + of exploring the basin of the Zambesi, and arrived in due time at the + coast of Mozambique. + </p> + <p> + The party ascended the great river by the Kongone mouth; they were on + board a small steamer named the "Ma-Robert," and reached Teté on the + 8th of September. + </p> + <p> + During the following year they investigated the lower course of the + Zambesi, and its left affluent the Shiré, and having visited Lake Shirwa, + they explored the territory of the Manganjas, and discovered Lake Nyassa. + In August, 1860, they returned to the Victoria Falls. + </p> + <p> + Early in the following year, Bishop Mackenzie and his missionary staff + arrived at the mouth of the Zambesi. + </p> + <p> + In March an exploration of the Rovouma was made on board the + "Pioneer," the exploring party returning afterwards to Lake Nyassa, + where they remained a considerable time. The 30th of January, 1862, was + signalized by the arrival of Mrs. Livingstone, and by the addition of + another steamer, the "Lady Nyassa;" but the happiness of reunion was + very transient; it was but a short time before the enthusiastic Bishop + Mackenzie succumbed to the unhealthiness of the climate, and on the 27th + of April Mrs. Livingstone expired in her husband's arms. + </p> + <p> + A second investigation of the Rovouma soon followed and at the end of + November the doctor returned to the Zambesi, and reascended the Shire. In + the spring of 1803 he lost his companion Mr. Thornton, and as his brother + and Dr. Kirk were both much debilitated, he insisted upon their return to + Europe, while he himself returned for the third time to Lake Nyassa, and + completed the hydrographical survey which already he had begun. + </p> + <p> + A few months later found him once more at the mouth of the Zambesi; thence + he crossed over to Zanzibar, and after five years' absence arrived in + London, where he published his work, "The exploration of the Zambesi and + its affluents." + </p> + <p> + Still unwearied and insatiable in his longings, he was back again in + Zanzibar at the commencement of 1866, ready to begin his fourth journey, + this time attended only by a few sepoys and negroes. Witnessing on his way + some horrible scenes which were perpetrated as the result of the + prosecution of the slave-trade, he proceeded to Mokalaosé on the shores + of Lake Nyassa, where nearly all his attendants deserted him, and returned + to Zanzibar with the report that he was dead. + </p> + <p> + Dr. Livingstone meanwhile was not only alive, but undaunted in his + determination to visit the country between the two lakes Nyassa and + Tanganyika. With none to guide him except a few natives, he crossed the + Loangona, and in the following April discovered Lake Liemmba. Here he lay + for a whole month hovering between life and death, but rallying a little + he pushed on to the north shore of Lake Moero. Taking up his quarters at + Cazembé for six weeks, he made two separate explorations of the lake, and + then started farther northwards, intending to reach Ujiji, an important + town upon Lake Tanganyika; overtaken, however, by floods, and again + abandoned by his servants, he was obliged to retrace his steps. Six weeks + afterwards he had made his way southwards to the great lake Bangweolo, + whence once more he started towards Tanganyika. + </p> + <p> + This last effort was most trying, and the doctor had grown so weak that he + was obliged to be carried, but he reached Ujiji, where he was gratified by + finding some + </p> + <p> + [Illustration: "You are Dr. Livingstone, I presume?"] + </p> + <p> + supplies that had been thoughtfully forwarded to him by the Oriental + Society at Calcutta. + </p> + <p> + His great aim now was to ascend the lake, and reach the sources of the + Nile. On the 21st of September he was at Bambarré, in the country of the + cannibal Manyuema, upon the Lualaba, the river afterwards ascertained by + Stanley to be the Upper Zaire or Congo. At Mamobela the doctor was ill for + twenty-four days, tended only by three followers who continued faithful; + but in July he made a vigorous effort, and although he was reduced to a + skeleton, made his way back to Ujiji. + </p> + <p> + During this long time no tidings of Livingstone reached Europe, and many + were the misgivings lest the rumours of his death were only too true. He + was himself, too, almost despairing as to receiving any help. But help was + closer at hand than he thought. On the 3rd of November, only eleven days + after his return to Ujiji, some gun shots were heard within half a mile of + the lake. The doctor went out to ascertain whence they proceeded, and had + not gone far before a white man stood before him. + </p> + <p> + "You are Dr. Livingstone, I presume," said the stranger, raising his + cap. + </p> + <p> + "Yes, sir, I am Dr. Livingstone, and am happy to see you," answered + the doctor, smiling kindly. + </p> + <p> + The two shook each other warmly by the hand. + </p> + <p> + The new arrival was Henry Stanley, the correspondent of the <i>New York + Herald</i>, who had been sent out by Mr. Bennett, the editor, in search of + the great African explorer. On receiving his orders in October, 1870, + without a day's unnecessary delay he had embarked at Bombay for + Zanzibar, and, after a journey involving considerable peril, had arrived + safely at Ujiji. + </p> + <p> + Very soon the two travellers found themselves on the best of terms, and + set out together on an excursion to the north of Tanganyika. They + proceeded as far as Cape Magala, and decided that the chief outlet of the + lake must be an affluent of the Lualaba, a conclusion that was + subsequently confirmed by Cameron. + </p> + <p> + Towards the end of the year Stanley began to prepare to return. + Livingstone accompanied him as far as Kwihara, and on the 3rd of the + following March they parted. + </p> + <p> + "You have done for me what few men would venture to do; I am truly + grateful," said Livingstone. + </p> + <p> + Stanley could scarcely repress his tears as he expressed his hope that the + doctor might be spared to return to his friends safe and well. + </p> + <p> + "Good-bye!" said Stanley, choked with emotion. + </p> + <p> + "Good-bye!" answered the veteran feebly. + </p> + <p> + Thus they parted, and in July, 1872, Stanley landed at Marseilles. + </p> + <p> + Again David Livingstone resumed his researches in the interior. + </p> + <p> + After remaining five months at Kwihara he gathered together a retinue + consisting of his faithful followers Suzi, Chumah, Amoda, and Jacob + Wainwright, and fifty-six men sent to him by Stanley, and lost no time in + proceeding towards the south of Tanganyika. In the course of the ensuing + month the caravan encountered some frightful storms, but succeeded in + reaching Moura. There had previously been an extreme drought, which was + now followed by the rainy season, which entailed the loss of many of the + beasts of burden, in consequence of the bites of the tzetsy. + </p> + <p> + On the 24th of January they were at Chitounkwé, and in April, after + rounding the east of Lake Bangweolo, they made their way towards the + village of Chitambo. At this point it was that Livingstone had parted + company with certain slave-dealers, who had carried the information to old + Alvez that the missionary traveller would very likely proceed by way of + Loanda to Kazonndé. + </p> + <p> + But on the 13th of June, the very day before Negoro reckoned on obtaining + from Mrs. Weldon the letter which should be the means of securing him a + hundred thousand dollars, tidings were circulated in the district that on + the 1st of May Dr. Livingstone had breathed his last. + </p> + <p> + The report proved perfectly true. On the 29th of April the caravan had + reached the village of Chitambo, the doctor so unwell that he was carried + on a litter. The following night he was in great pain, and after + repeatedly murmuring in a low voice, "Oh dear, oh dear!" he fell into + a kind of stupor. A short time afterwards he called up Suzi, and having + asked for some medicine, told his attendant that he should not require + anything more. + </p> + <p> + "You can go now." + </p> + <p> + About four o'clock next morning, when an anxious visit was made to his + room, the doctor was found kneeling by the bed-side, his head in his + hands, in the attitude of prayer. Suzi touched him, but his forehead was + icy with the coldness of death. He had died in the night. + </p> + <p> + His body was carried by those who loved him, and in spite of many + obstacles was brought to Zanzibar, whence, nine months after his death, it + was conveyed to England. On the 12th of April, 1874, it was interred in + Westminster Abbey, counted worthy to be deposited amongst those whom the + country most delights to honour. + </p> + <p> + <a name="BXV" id="BXV"></a> + </p> + <h4> + CHAPTER XV. + </h4> + <h4> + AN EXCITING CHASE. + </h4> + <p> + To say the truth, it was the very vaguest of hopes to which Mrs. Weldon + had been clinging, yet it was not without some thrill of disappointment + that she heard from the lips of old Alvez himself that Dr. Livingstone had + died at a little village on Lake Bangweolo. There had appeared to be a + sort of a link binding her to the civilized world, but it was now abruptly + snapped, and nothing remained for her but to make what terms she could + with the base and heartless Negoro. + </p> + <p> + On the 14th, the day appointed for the interview, he made his appearance + at the hut, firmly resolved to make no abatement in the terms that he had + proposed, Mrs. Weldon, on her part, being equally determined not to yield + to the demand. + </p> + <p> + "There is only one condition," she avowed, "upon which I will + acquiesce. My husband shall not be required to come up the country + here." + </p> + <p> + Negoro hesitated; at length he said that he would agree to her husband + being taken by ship to Mossamedes, a small port in the south of Angola, + much frequented by slavers, whither also, at a date hereafter to be fixed, + Alvez should send herself with Jack and Benedict; the stipulation was + confirmed that the ransom should be 100,000 dollars, and it was further + made part of the contract that Negoro should be allowed to depart as an + honest man. + </p> + <p> + Mrs. Weldon felt she had gained an important point in thus sparing her + husband the necessity of a journey to Kazonndé, and had no apprehensions + about herself on her way to Mossamedes, knowing that it was to the + interest of Alvez and Negoro alike to attend carefully to her wants. + </p> + <p> + Upon the terms of the covenant being thus arranged, Mrs. Weldon wrote such + a letter to her husband as she knew would bring him with all speed to + Mossamedes, but she left it entirely to Negoro to represent himself in + whatever light he chose. Once in possession of the document, Negoro lost + no time in starting on his errand. The very next morning, taking with him + about twenty negroes, he set off towards the north, alleging to Alvez as + his motive for taking that direction, that he was not only going to embark + somewhere at the mouth of the Congo, but that he was anxious to keep as + far as possible from the prison-houses of the Portuguese, with which + already he had been involuntarily only too familiar. + </p> + <p> + After his departure, Mrs. Weldon resolved to make the best of her period + of imprisonment, aware that it could hardly be less than four months + before he would return. She had no desire to go beyond the precincts + assigned her, even had the privilege been allowed her; but warned by + Negoro that Hercules was still free, and might at any time attempt a + rescue, Alvez had no thought of permitting her any unnecessary liberty. + Her life therefore soon resumed its previous monotony. + </p> + <p> + The daily routine went on within the enclosure pretty much as in other + parts of the town, the women all being employed in various labours for the + benefit of their husbands and masters. The rice was pounded with wooden + pestles; the maize was peeled and winnowed, previously to extracting the + granulous substance for the drink which they call <i>mtyellé</i>; the + sorghum had to be gathered in, the season of its ripening being marked by + festive observances; there was a fragrant oil to be expressed from a kind + of olive named the <i>mpafoo</i>; the cotton had to be spun on spindles, + which were hardly less than a foot and a half in length; there was the + bark of trees to be woven into textures for wearing; the manioc had to be + dug up, and the cassava procured from its roots; and besides all this, + there was the preparation of the soil for its future plantings, the usual + productions of the country being the <i>moritsané</i> beans, growing in + pods fifteen inches long upon stems twenty feet high, the <i>arachides</i>, + from which they procure a serviceable oil, the <i>chilobé</i> pea, the + blossoms of which are used to give a flavour to the insipid sorghum, + cucumbers, of which the seeds are roasted as chestnuts, as well as the + common crops of coffee, sugar, onions, guavas, and sesame. + </p> + <p> + To the women's lot, too, falls the manipulation of all the fermented + drinks, the <i>malafoo</i>, made from bananas, the <i>pombé</i>, and + various other liquors. Nor should the care of all the domestic animals be + forgotten; the cows that will not allow themselves to be milked unless + they can see their calf, or a stuffed representative of it; the + short-horned heifers that not unfrequently have a hump; the goats that, + like slaves, form part of the currency of the country; the pigs, the + sheep, and the poultry. + </p> + <p> + The men, meanwhile, smoke their hemp or tobacco, hunt buffaloes or + elephants, or are hired by the dealers to join in the slave-raids; the + harvest of slaves, in fact, being a thing of as regular and periodic + recurrence as the ingathering of the maize. + </p> + <p> + In her daily strolls, Mrs. Weldon would occasionally pause to watch the + women, but they only responded to her notice by a long stare or by a + hideous grimace; a kind of natural instinct made them hate a white skin, + and they had no spark of commiseration for the stranger who had been + brought among them; Halima, however, was a marked exception, she grew more + and more devoted to her mistress, and by degrees, the two became able to + exchange many sentences in the native dialect. + </p> + <p> + Jack generally accompanied his mother. Naturally enough he longed to get + outside the enclosure, but still he found considerable amusement in + watching the birds that built in a huge baobab that grew within; there + were maraboos making their nests with twigs; there were scarlet-throated + <i>souimangas</i> with nests like weaver-birds; widow birds that helped + themselves liberally to the thatch of the + </p> + <p> + [Illustration: The insufferable heat had driven all the residents within + the depót indoors.] + </p> + <p> + huts; <i>calaos</i> with their tuneful song; grey parrots, with bright red + tails, called <i>roufs</i> by the Manyuema, who apply the same name to + their reigning chiefs; and insect-eating <i>drongos</i>, like grey linnets + with large red beaks. Hundreds of butterflies flitted about, especially in + the neighbourhood of the brooks; but these were more to the taste of + Cousin Benedict than of little Jack; over and over again the child + expressed his regret that he could not see over the walls, and more than + ever he seemed to miss his friend Dick, who had taught him to climb a + mast, and who he was sure would have fine fun with him in the branches of + the trees, which were growing sometimes to the height of a hundred feet. + </p> + <p> + So long as the supply of insects did not fail, Benedict would have been + contented to stay on without a murmur in his present quarters. True, + without his glasses he worked at a disadvantage; but he had had the good + fortune to discover a minute bee that forms its cells in the holes of + worm-eaten wood, and a "sphex" that practises the craft of the cuckoo, + and deposits its eggs in an abode not prepared by itself. Mosquitos + abounded in swarms, and the worthy naturalist was so covered by their + stings as to be hardly recognizable; but when Mrs. Weldon remonstrated + with him for exposing himself so unnecessarily, he merely scratched the + irritated places on his skin, and said- + </p> + <p> + "It is their instinct, you know; it is their instinct." + </p> + <p> + On the 17th of June an adventure happened to him which was attended with + unexpected consequences. It was about eleven o'clock in the morning. The + insufferable heat had driven all the residents within the dépôt indoors, + and not a native was to be seen in the streets of Kazonndé. Mrs. Weldon + was dozing; Jack was fast asleep. Benedict himself, sorely against his + will, for he heard the hum of many an insect in the sunshine, had been + driven to the seclusion of his cabin, and was falling into an involuntary + siesta. + </p> + <p> + Suddenly a buzz was heard, an insect's wing vibrating some fifteen + thousand beats a second! + </p> + <p> + "A hexapod!" cried Benedict, sitting up. + </p> + <p> + Short-sighted though he was, his hearing was acute, and his perception + made him thoroughly convinced that he was in proximity to some giant + specimen of its kind. Without moving from his seat he did his utmost to + ascertain what it was; he was determined not to flinch from the sharpest + of stings if only he could get the chance of capturing it. Presently he + made out a large black speck flitting about in the few rays of daylight + that were allowed to penetrate the hut. With bated breath he waited in + eager expectation. The insect, after long hovering above him, finally + settled on his head. A smile of satisfaction played about his lips as he + felt it crawling lightly through his hair. Equally fearful of missing or + injuring it, he restrained his first impulse to grasp it in his hand. + </p> + <p> + "I will wait a minute," he thought; "perhaps it may creep down my + nose; by squinting a little perhaps I shall be able to see it." + </p> + <p> + For some moments hope alternated with fear. There sat Benedict with what + he persuaded himself was some new African hexapod perched upon his head, + and agitated by doubts as to the direction in which it would move. Instead + of travelling in the way he reckoned along his nose, might it not crawl + behind his ears or down his neck, or, worse than all, resume its flight in + the air? + </p> + <p> + Fortune seemed inclined to favour him. After threading the entanglement of + the naturalist's hair the insect was felt to be descending his forehead. + With a fortitude not unworthy of the Spartan who suffered his breast to be + gnawed by a fox, nor of the Roman hero who plunged his hand into the + red-hot coals, Benedict endured the tickling of the six small feet, and + made not a motion that might frighten the creature into taking wing. After + making repeated circuits of his forehead, it passed just between his + eyebrows; there was a moment of deep suspense lest it should once more go + upwards; but it soon began to move again; neither to the right nor to the + left did it turn, but kept straight on over the furrows made by the + constant rubbing of the spectacles, right along the arch of the cartilage + till it + </p> + <p> + [Illustration: Before long the old black speck was again flitting just + above his head. <i>Page</i> 432.] + </p> + <p> + reached the extreme tip of the nose. Like a couple of movable lenses, + Benedict's two eyes steadily turned themselves inwards till they were + directed to the proper point. + </p> + <p> + "Good!" he whispered to himself. + </p> + <p> + He was exulting at the discovery that what he had been waiting for so + patiently was a rare specimen of the tribe of the Cicindelidæ, peculiar + to the districts of Southern Africa. + </p> + <p> + "A tuberous manticora!" he exclaimed. + </p> + <p> + The insect began to move again, and as it crawled down to the entrance of + the nostrils the tickling sensation became too much for endurance, and + Benedict sneezed. He made a sudden clutch, but of course he only caught + his own nose. His vexation was very great, but he did not lose his + composure; he knew that the manticora rarely flies very high, and that + more frequently than not it simply crawls. Accordingly he groped about a + long time on his hands and knees, and at last he found it basking in a ray + of sunshine within a foot of him. His resolution was soon taken. He would + not run the risk of crushing it by trying to catch it, but would make his + observations on it as it crawled; and so with his nose close to the + ground, like a dog upon the scent, he followed it on all fours, admiring + it and examining it as it moved. Regardless of the heat he not only left + the doorway of his hut, but continued creeping along till he reached the + enclosing palisade. + </p> + <p> + At the foot of the fence the manticora, according to the habits of its + kind, began to seek a subterranean retreat, and coming to the opening of a + mole-track entered it at once. Benedict quite thought he had now lost + sight of his prize altogether, but his surprise was very great when he + found that the aperture was at least two feet wide, and that it led into a + gallery which would admit his whole body. His momentary feeling of + astonishment, however, gave way to his eagerness to follow up the hexapod, + and he continued burrowing like a ferret. + </p> + <p> + Without knowing it, he actually passed under the palisading, and was now + beyond it;-the mole-track, in fact, was a communication that had been + made between the interior and exterior of the enclosure. Benedict had + obtained his freedom, but so far from caring in the least for his liberty + he continued totally absorbed in the pursuit upon which he had started. He + watched with unflagging vigilance, and it was only when the hexapod + expanded its wings as if for flight that he prepared to imprison it in the + hollow of his hand. + </p> + <p> + All at once, however, he was taken by surprise; a whizz and a whirr and + the prize was gone! + </p> + <p> + Disappointed rather than despairing, Benedict raised himself up, and + looked about him. Before long the old black speck was again flitting just + above his head. There was every reason to hope that it would ultimately + settle once more upon the ground, but on this side of the palisade there + was a large forest a little way to the north, and if the manticora were to + get into its mass of foliage all hope of keeping it in view would be lost, + and there would be an end of the proud expectation of storing it in the + tin box, to be preserved among the rest of the entomological wonders. + </p> + <p> + After a while the insect descended to the earth; it did not rest at all, + nor crawl as it had done previously, but made its advance by a series of + rapid hops. This made the chase for the near-sighted naturalist a matter + of great difficulty; he put his face as close to the ground as possible, + and kept starting off and stopping and starting off again with his arms + extended like a swimming frog, continually making frantic clutches to find + as continually that his grasp had been eluded. + </p> + <p> + After running till he was out of breath, and scratching his hands against + the brushwood and the foliage till they bled, he had the mortification of + feeling the insect dash past his ear with what might be a defiant buzz, + and finding that it was out of sight for ever. + </p> + <p> + "Ungrateful hexapod!" he cried in dismay, "I intended to honour you + with the best place in my collection." + </p> + <p> + He knew not what to do, and could not reconcile himself to the loss; he + reproached himself for not having secured the manticora at the first; he + gazed at the forest till he + </p> + <p> + [Illustration: For that day at least Cousin Benedict had lost his chance + of being the happiest of entomologists. <i>Page 435.</i>] + </p> + <p> + persuaded himself he could see the coveted insect in the distance, and, + seized with a frantic impulse, exclaimed,- + </p> + <p> + "I will have you yet!" + </p> + <p> + He did not even yet realize the fact that he had gained his liberty, but + heedless of everything except his own burning disappointment, and at the + risk of being attacked by natives or beset by wild beasts, he was just on + the very point of dashing into the heart of the wood when suddenly a giant + form confronted him, as suddenly a giant hand seized him by the nape of + his neck, and, lifting him up, carried him off with apparently as little + exertion as he could himself have carried off his hexapod! + </p> + <p> + For that day at least Cousin Benedict had lost his chance of being the + happiest of entomologists. + </p> + <p> + <a name="BXVI" id="BXVI"></a> + </p> + <h4> + CHAPTER XVI. + </h4> + <h4> + A MAGICIAN. + </h4> + <p> + On finding that Cousin Benedict did not return to his quarters at the + proper hour, Mrs. Weldon began to feel uneasy. She could not imagine what + had become of him; his tin box with its contents were safe in his hut, and + even if a chance of escape had been offered him, she knew that nothing + would have induced him voluntarily to abandon his treasures. She enlisted + the services of Halima, and spent the remainder of the day in searching + for him, until at last she felt herself driven to the conviction that he + must have been confined by the orders of Alvez himself; for what reason + she could not divine, as Benedict had undoubtedly been included in the + number of prisoners to be delivered to Mr. Weldon for the stipulated + ransom. + </p> + <p> + But the rage of the trader when he heard of the escape of the captive was + an ample proof that he had had no hand in his disappearance. A rigorous + search was instituted in every direction, which resulted in the discovery + of the mole-track. Here beyond a question was the passage through which + the fly-catcher had found his way. + </p> + <p> + "Idiot! fool! rascal!" muttered Alvez, full of rage at the prospect of + losing a portion of the redemption-money; "if ever I get hold of him, he + shall pay dearly for this freak." + </p> + <p> + The opening was at once blocked up, the woods were scoured all round for a + considerable distance, but no trace of Benedict was to be found. Mrs. + Weldon was bitterly grieved and much overcome, but she had no alternative + except to resign herself as best she could to the loss of her unfortunate + relation; there was a tinge of bitterness in her anxiety, for she could + not help being irritated at the recklessness with which he had withdrawn + himself from the reach of her protection. + </p> + <p> + Meanwhile the weather for the time of year underwent a very unusual + change. Although the rainy season is ordinarily reckoned to terminate + about the end of April, the sky had suddenly become overcast in the middle + of June, rain had recommenced falling, and the downpour had been so heavy + and continuous that all the ground was thoroughly sodden. To Mrs. Weldon + personally this incessant rainfall brought no other inconvenience beyond + depriving her of her daily exercise, but to the natives in general it was + a very serious calamity. + </p> + <p> + The ripening crops in the low-lying districts were completely flooded, and + the inhabitants feared that they would be reduced to the greatest + extremities; all agricultural pursuits had come to a standstill, and + neither the queen nor her ministers could devise any expedient to avert or + mitigate the misfortune. They resolved at last to have recourse to the + magicians, not those who are called in request to heal diseases or to + procure good luck, but to the <i>mganga</i>, sorcerers of a superior + order, who are credited with the faculty of invoking or dispelling rain. + </p> + <p> + But it was all to no purpose. It was in vain that the <i>mganga</i> + monotoned their incantations, flourished their rattles, jingled their + bells, and exhibited their amulets; it was equally without avail that they + rolled up their balls of dirt and spat in the faces of all the courtiers: + the pitiless rain continued to descend, and the malign influences that + were ruling the clouds refused to be propitiated. + </p> + <p> + The prospect seemed to become more and more hopeless, when the report was + brought to Moena that there was a most wonderful <i>mganga</i> resident in + the north of Angola. He had never been seen in this part of the country, + but fame declared him to be a magician of the very highest order. + Application, without delay, should be made to him; he surely would be able + to stay the rain. + </p> + <p> + Early in the morning of the 25th a great tinkling of bells announced the + magician's arrival at Kazonndé. The natives poured out to meet him on + his way to the <i>chitoka</i>, their minds being already predisposed in + his favour by a moderation of the downpour, and by sundry indications of a + coming change of wind. + </p> + <p> + The ordinary practice of the professors of the magical art is to + perambulate the villages in parties of three or four, accompanied by a + considerable number of acolytes and assistants. In this case the <i>mganga</i> + came entirely alone. He was a pure negro of most imposing stature, more + than six feet high, and broad in proportion. All over his chest was a + fantastic pattern traced in pipe-clay, the lower portion of his body being + covered with a flowing skirt of woven grass, so long that it made a train. + Round his neck hung a string of birds' skulls, upon his head he wore a + leathern helmet ornamented with pearls and plumes, and about his waist was + a copper girdle, to which was attached bells that tinkled like the harness + of a Spanish mule. The only instrument indicating his art was a basket he + carried made of a calabash containing shells, amulets, little wooden idols + and other fetishes, together with what was more important than all, a + large number of those balls of dung, without which no African ceremony of + divination could ever be complete. + </p> + <p> + One peculiarity was soon discovered by the crowd; the <i>mganga</i> was + dumb, and could utter only one low, guttural sound, which was quite + unintelligible; this was a circumstance, however, that seemed only to + augment their faith in his powers. + </p> + <p> + With a stately strut that brought all his tinkling paraphernalia into full + play, the magician proceeded to make the circuit of the market-place. The + natives followed in a troop behind, endeavouring, like monkeys, to imitate + his every movement. He turned into the main thoroughfare, and began to + make his way direct to the royal residence, whence, as soon as the queen + heard of his approach, she advanced to meet him. On seeing her, the <i>mganga</i> + bowed to the very dust; then, rearing himself to his full height, he + </p> + <p> + [Illustration: The entire crowd joined in. <i>Page</i> 441.] + </p> + <p> + pointed aloft, and by the significance of his animated gestures indicated + that, although the fleeting clouds were now going to the west, they would + soon return eastwards with a rotatory motion irresistibly strong. + </p> + <p> + All at once, to the surprise of the beholders, he stooped and took the + hand of the mighty sovereign of Kazonndé. + </p> + <p> + The courtiers hurried forward to check the unprecedented breach of + etiquette, but the foremost was driven back with so staggering a blow that + the others deemed it prudent to retire. + </p> + <p> + The queen herself appeared not to take the least offence at the + familiarity; she bestowed a hideous grimace, which was meant for a smile, + upon her illustrious visitor, who, still keeping his hold upon her hand, + started off walking at a rapid pace, the crowd following in the rear. He + directed his steps towards the residence of Alvez, and finding the door + closed, applied his strong shoulder to it with such effect, that it fell + bodily to the ground, and the passive sovereign stood within the limits of + the enclosure. The trader was about to summon his slaves and soldiers to + repel the unceremonious invasion of his premises, but on beholding the + queen all stepped back with respectful reverence. + </p> + <p> + Before Alvez had time to ask the sovereign to what cause he was indebted + for the honour of her visit, the magician had cleared a wide space around + him, and had once again commenced his performances. Brandishing his arms + wildly he pointed to the clouds as though he were arresting them in their + course; he inflated his huge cheeks and blew with all his strength, as if + resolved to disperse the heavy masses, and then stretching himself to his + full height, he appeared to clutch them in his giant grasp. + </p> + <p> + Deeply impressed, the superstitious Moena was half beside herself with + excitement; she uttered loud cries and involuntarily began herself to + imitate every one of the <i>mganga's</i> gestures. The entire crowd + joined in, and very soon the low guttural note of the sorcerer was lost, + totally drowned in the turmoil of howls, shrieks, and discordant songs. + </p> + <p> + To the chagrin, however, both of the queen and her subjects, there was not + the slightest intimation that the clouds above were going to permit a rift + by which the rays of the tropical sun could find a passage. On the + contrary, the tokens of improvement in the weather, which had been + observed in the early morning, had all disappeared, the atmosphere was + darker than ever, and heavy storm-drops began to patter down. + </p> + <p> + A reaction was beginning to take place in the enthusiasm of the crowd. + After all, then, it would seem that this famous <i>mganga</i> from whom so + much had been expected, had no power above the rest. Disappointment every + moment grew more keen, and soon there was a positive display of + irritation. The natives pressed around him with closed fists and + threatening gestures. A frown gathered on Moena's face, and her lips + opened with muttered words clear enough to make the magician understand + that his ears were in jeopardy. His position was evidently becoming + critical. + </p> + <p> + An unexpected incident suddenly altered the aspect of affairs. + </p> + <p> + The <i>mganga</i> was quite tall enough to see over the heads of the + crowd, and all at once pausing in the midst of his incantations, he + pointed to a distant corner of the enclosure. All eyes were instantly + turned in that direction. Mrs. Weldon and Jack had just come out of their + hut, and catching sight of them, the <i>mganga</i> stood with his left + hand pointing towards them and his right upstretched towards the heavens. + </p> + <p> + Intuitively the multitude comprehended his meaning. Here was the + explanation of the mystery. It was this white woman with her child that + had been the cause of all their misery, it was owing to them that the + clouds had poured down this desolating rain. With yells of execration the + whole mob made a dash towards the unfortunate lady who, pale with fright + and rigid as a statue, stood clasping her boy to her side. The <i>mganga</i>, + however, anticipated them. Having pushed his way through the infuriated + throng, he seized the child and held him high in the air, as though about + to hurl him to the ground, a peace-offering to the offended gods. + </p> + <p> + [Illustration: "Here they are, captain! both of them!!"] + </p> + <p> + Mrs. Weldon gave a piercing shriek, and fell senseless to the earth. + </p> + <p> + Lifting her up, and making a sign to the queen that all would now be + right, the <i>mganga</i> retreated carrying both mother and child through + the crowd, who retreated before him and made an open passage. + </p> + <p> + Alvez now felt that it was time to interfere. Already one of his prisoners + had eluded his vigilance, and was he now to see two more carried off + before his eyes? was he to lose the whole of the expected ransom? no, + rather would he see Kazonndé destroyed by a deluge, than resign his + chance of securing so good a prize. Darting forwards he attempted to + obstruct the magician's progress; but public opinion was against him; at + a sign from the queen, he was seized by the guards, and he was aware well + enough of what would be the immediate consequence of resistance. He deemed + it prudent to desist from his obstruction, but in his heart he bitterly + cursed the stupid credulity of the natives for supposing that the blood of + the white woman or the child could avail to put an end to the disasters + they were suffering. + </p> + <p> + Making the natives understand that they were not to follow him, the + magician carried off his burden as easily as a lion would carry a couple + of kids. The lady was still unconscious, and Jack was all but paralyzed + with fright. Once free of the enclosure the <i>mganga</i> crossed the + town, entered the forest, and after a march of three miles, during which + he did not slacken his pace for a moment, reached the bank of a river + which was flowing towards the north. + </p> + <p> + Here in the cavity of a rock, concealed by drooping foliage, a canoe was + moored, covered with a kind of thatched roof; on this the magician + deposited his burden, and sending the light craft into mid-stream with a + vigorous kick, exclaimed in a cheery voice,- + </p> + <p> + "Here they are, captain! both of them! Mrs. Weldon and Master Jack, + both! We will be off now! I hope those idiots of Kazonndé will have + plenty more rain yet! Off we go!" + </p> + <p> + <a name="BXVII" id="BXVII"></a> + </p> + <h4> + CHAPTER XVII. + </h4> + <h4> + DRIFTING DOWN THE STREAM. + </h4> + <p> + "Off we go!" It was the voice of Hercules addressing Dick Sands, who, + frightfully debilitated by recent sufferings, was leaning against Cousin + Benedict for support. Dingo was lying at his feet. + </p> + <p> + Mrs. Weldon gradually recovered her consciousness. Looking around her in + amazement she caught sight of Dick. + </p> + <p> + "Dick, is it you?" she muttered feebly. + </p> + <p> + The lad with some difficulty arose, and took her hand in his, while Jack + overwhelmed him with kisses. + </p> + <p> + "And who would have thought it was you, Hercules, that carried us + away?" said the child; "I did not know you a bit; you were so + dreadfully ugly." + </p> + <p> + "I was a sort of a devil, you know, Master Jack," Hercules answered; + "and the devil is not particularly handsome;" and he began rubbing his + chest vigorously to get rid of the white pattern with which he had adorned + it. + </p> + <p> + Mrs. Weldon held out her hand to him with a grateful smile. + </p> + <p> + "Yes, Mrs. Weldon, he has saved you, and although he does not own it, he + has saved me too," said Dick. + </p> + <p> + "Saved!" repeated Hercules, "you must not talk about safety, for you + are not saved yet." + </p> + <p> + And pointing to Benedict, he continued,- + </p> + <p> + "That's where your thanks are due; unless he had come and informed me + all about you and where you were, I should have known nothing, and should + have been powerless to aid you." + </p> + <p> + It was now five days since he had fallen in with the entomologist as he + was chasing the manticora, and unceremoniously had carried him off. + </p> + <p> + As the canoe drifted rapidly along the stream, Hercules briefly related + his adventures since his escape from the encampment on the Coanza. He + described how he had followed the kitanda which was conveying Mrs. Weldon; + how in the course of his march he had found Dingo badly wounded; how he + and the dog together had reached the neighbourhood of Kazonndé, and how + he had contrived to send a note to Dick, intending to inform him of Mrs. + Weldon's destination. Then he went on to say that since his unexpected + <i>rencontre</i> with Cousin Benedict he had watched very closely for a + chance to get into the guardeddépôt, but until now had entirely failed. + A celebrated <i>mganga</i> had been passing on his way through the forest, + and he had resolved upon impersonating him as a means of gaining the + admittance he wanted. His strength made the undertaking sufficiently easy; + and having stripped the magician of his paraphernalia, and bound him + securely to a tree, he painted his own body with a pattern like that which + he observed on his victim's chest, and having attired himself with the + magical garments was quite equipped to impose upon the credulous natives. + The result of his stratagem they had all that day witnessed. + </p> + <p> + He had hardly finished his account of himself when Mrs. Weldon, smiling at + his success, turned to Dick. + </p> + <p> + "And how, all this time, my dear boy, has it fared with you?" she + asked. + </p> + <p> + Dick said,- + </p> + <p> + "I remember very little to tell you. I recollect being fastened to a + stake in the river-bed and the water rising and rising till it was above + my head. My last thoughts were about yourself and Jack. Then everything + became a blank, and I knew nothing more until I found myself amongst the + papyrus on the river-bank, with Hercules tending me like a nurse." + </p> + <p> + "You see I am the right sort of <i>mganga</i>" interposed Hercules; + "I am a doctor as well as a conjurer." + </p> + <p> + "But tell me, Hercules, how did you save him?" + </p> + <p> + "Oh, it was not a difficult matter by any means," answered Hercules + modestly; "it was dark, you know, so that at the proper moment it was + quite possible to wade in amongst the poor wretches at the bottom of the + trench, and to wrench the stake from its socket. Anybody could have done + it. Cousin Benedict could have done it. Dingo, too, might have done it. + Perhaps, after all, it was Dingo that did it." + </p> + <p> + "No, no, Hercules, that won't do," cried Jack; "besides, look, + Dingo is shaking his head; he is telling you he didn't do it." + </p> + <p> + "Dingo must not tell tales, Master Jack," said Hercules, laughing. + </p> + <p> + But, nevertheless, although the brave fellow's modesty prompted him to + conceal it, it was clear that he had accomplished a daring feat, of which + few would have ventured to incur the risk. + </p> + <p> + Inquiry was next made after Tom, Bat, Actæon, and Austin. His countenance + fell, and large tears gathered in his eyes as Hercules told how he had + seen them pass through the forest in a slave-caravan. They were gone; he + feared they were gone for ever. + </p> + <p> + Mrs. Weldon tried to console him with the hope that they might still be + spared to meet again some day; but he shook his head mournfully. She then + communicated to Dick the terms of the compact that had been entered into + for her own release, and observed that under the circumstances it might + really have been more prudent for her to remain in Kazonndé. + </p> + <p> + "Then I have made a mistake; I have been an idiot, in bringing you + away," said Hercules, ever ready to depreciate his own actions. + </p> + <p> + "No," said Dick; "you have made no mistake; you could not have done + better; those rascals, ten chances to one, will only get Mr. Weldon into + some trap. We must get to Mossamedes before Negoro arrives; once there, we + shall find that the Portuguese authorities will lend us their protection, + and when old Alvez arrives to claim his 100,000 dollars-" + </p> + <p> + "He shall receive a good thrashing for his pains," said Hercules, + finishing Dick's sentence, and chuckling heartily at the prospect. + </p> + <p> + It was agreed on all hands that it was most important that Negoro's + arrival at Mossamedes should be forestalled. The plan which Dick had so + long contemplated of reaching the coast by descending some river seemed + now in a fair way of being accomplished, and from the northerly direction + in which they were proceeding it was quite probable that they would + ultimately reach the Zaire, and in that case not actually arrive at S. + Paul de Loanda; but that would be immaterial, as they would be sure of + finding help anywhere in the colonies of Lower Guinea. + </p> + <p> + On finding himself on the river-bank, Dick's first thought had been to + embark upon one of the floating islands that are continually to be seen + upon the surface of the African streams, but it happened that Hercules + during one of his rambles found a native boat that had run adrift. It was + just the discovery that suited their need. It was one of the long, narrow + canoes, thirty feet in length by three or four in breadth, that with a + large number of paddles can be driven with immense velocity, but by the + aid of a single scull can be safely guided down the current of a stream. + </p> + <p> + Dick was somewhat afraid that, to elude observation, it would be necessary + to proceed only by night, but as the loss of twelve hours out of the + twenty-four would double the length of the voyage, he devised the plan of + covering the canoe with a roof of long grass, supported by a horizontal + pole from stem to stern, and this not only afforded a shelter from the + sun, but so effectually concealed the craft, rudder-scull and all, that + the very birds mistook it for one of the natural islets, and red-beaked + gulls, black <i>arringhas</i> and grey and white kingfishers would + frequently alight upon it in search of food. + </p> + <p> + Though comparatively free from fatigue, the voyage must necessarily be + long, and by no means free from danger, and the daily supply of provisions + was not easy to procure. If fishing failed, Dick had the one gun which + Hercules had carried away with him from the ant-hill, and as he was by no + means a bad shot, he hoped to find plenty of game, either along the banks + or by firing through a loophole in the thatch. + </p> + <p> + The rate of the current, as far as he could tell, was about two miles an + hour, enough to carry them about fifty miles a day; it was a speed, + however, that made it necessary for them to keep a sharp look-out for any + rocks or submerged trunks of trees, as well as to be on their guard + against rapids and cataracts. + </p> + <p> + Dick's strength and spirits all revived at the delight of having Mrs. + Weldon and Jack restored to him, and he assumed his post at the bow of the + canoe, directing Hercules how to use the scull at the stern. A litter of + soft grass was made for Mrs. Weldon, who spent most of her time lying + thoughtfully in the shade. Cousin Benedict was very taciturn; he had not + recovered the loss of the manticora, and frowned ever and again at + Hercules, as if he had not yet forgiven him for stopping him in the chase. + Jack, who had been told that he must not be noisy, amused himself by + playing with Dingo. + </p> + <p> + The first two days passed without any special incident. The stock of + provisions was quite enough for that time, so that there was no need to + disembark, and Dick merely lay to for a few hours in the night to take a + little necessary repose. + </p> + <p> + The stream nowhere exceeded 150 feet in breadth. The floating islands + moved at the same pace as the canoe, and except from some unforeseen + circumstance, there could be no apprehension of a collision. The banks + were destitute of human inhabitants, but were richly clothed with wild + plants, of which the blossoms were of the most gorgeous colours; the + asclepiae, the gladiolus, the clematis, lilies, aloes, umbelliferae, + arborescent ferns and fragrant shrubs, combining on either hand to make a + border of surpassing beauty. Here and there the forest extended to the + very + </p> + <p> + [Illustration: Hercules could leave the boat without much fear of + detection.] + </p> + <p> + shore, and copal-trees, acacias with their stiff foliage, bauhinias + clothed with lichen, fig-trees with their masses of pendant roots, and + other trees of splendid growth rose to the height of a hundred feet, + forming a shade which the rays of the sun utterly failed to penetrate. + </p> + <p> + Occasionally a wreath of creepers would form an arch from shore to shore, + and on the 27th, to Jack's great delight, a group of monkeys was seen + crossing one of these natural bridges, holding on most carefully by their + tails, lest the aerial pathway should snap beneath their weight. These + monkeys, belonging to a smaller kind of chimpanzee, which are known in + Central Africa by the name of <i>sokos</i>, were hideous creatures with + low foreheads, bright yellow faces, and long, upright ears; they herd in + troops of about ten, bark like dogs, and are much dreaded by the natives + on account of their alleged propensity to carry off young children; there + is no telling what predatory designs they might have formed against Master + Jack if they had spied him out, but Dick's artifice effectually screened + him from their observation. + </p> + <p> + Twenty miles further on the canoe came to a sudden standstill. + </p> + <p> + "What's the matter now, captain?" cried Hercules from the stern. + </p> + <p> + "We have drifted on to a grass barrier, and there is no hope for it, we + shall have to cut our way through," answered Dick. + </p> + <p> + "All right, I dare say we shall manage it," promptly replied Hercules, + leaving his rudder to come in front. + </p> + <p> + The obstruction was formed by the interlacing of masses of the tough, + glossy grass known by the name of <i>tikatika</i>, which, when compressed, + affords a surface so compact and resisting that travellers have been known + by means of it to cross rivers dry-footed. Splendid specimens of lotus + plants had taken root amongst the vegetation. + </p> + <p> + As it was nearly dark, Hercules could leave the boat without much fear of + detection, and so effectually did he wield his hatchet that, in two hours + after the stoppage, the barrier was hewn asunder, and the light craft + resumed the channel. + </p> + <p> + It must be owned that it was with a sense of reluctance that Benedict felt + the boat was again beginning to move forward; the whole voyage appeared to + him to be perfectly uninteresting and unnecessary; not a single insect had + he observed since he left Kazonndé, and his most ardent wish was that he + could return there and regain possession of his invaluable tin box. But an + unlooked for gratification was in store for him. + </p> + <p> + Hercules, who had been his pupil long enough to have an eye for the kind + of creature Benedict was ever trying to secure, on coming back from his + exertions on the grass-barrier, brought a horrible-looking animal, and + submitted it to the sullen entomologist. + </p> + <p> + "Is this of any use to you?" + </p> + <p> + The amateur lifted it up carefully, and having almost poked it into his + near-sighted eyes, uttered a cry of delight,- + </p> + <p> + "Bravo, Hercules! you are making amends for your past mischief; it is + splendid! it is unique!" + </p> + <p> + "Is it really very curious?" said Mrs. Weldon. + </p> + <p> + "Yes, indeed," answered the enraptured naturalist; "it is really + unique; it belongs to neither of the ten orders; it can be classed neither + with the coleoptera, neuroptera, nor to the hymenoptera: if it had eight + legs I should know how to classify it; I should place it amongst the + second section of the arachnida; but it is a hexapod, a genuine hexapod; a + spider with six legs; a grand discovery; it must be entered on the + catalogue as 'Hexapodes Benedictus.' " Once again mounted on his + hobby, the worthy enthusiast continued to discourse with an unwonted + vivacity to his indulgent ii* not over attentive audience. + </p> + <p> + Meanwhile the canoe was steadily threading its way over the dark waters, + the silence of the night broken only by the rattle of the scales of some + crocodiles, or by the snorting of hippopotamuses in the neighbourhood. + Once the travellers were startled by a loud noise, such as might + </p> + <p> + [Illustration: It was caused by a troop of a hundred or more elephants.] + </p> + <p> + proceed from some ponderous machinery in motion: it was caused by a troop + of a hundred or more elephants that, after feasting through the day on the + roots of the forest, had come to quench their thirst at the river-side. + </p> + <p> + But no danger was to be apprehended; lighted by the pale moon that rose + over the tall trees, the canoe throughout the night pursued in safety its + solitary voyage. + </p> + <p> + <a name="BXVIII" id="BXVIII"></a> + </p> + <h4> + CHAPTER XVIII. + </h4> + <h4> + AN ANXIOUS VOYAGE. + </h4> + <p> + Thus the canoe drifted on for a week, the forests that for many miles had + skirted the river ultimately giving place to extensive jungles that + stretched far away to the horizon. Destitute, fortunately for the + travellers, of human inhabitants, the district abounded in a large variety + of animal life; zebras, elands, caamas, sported on the bank, disappearing + at night-fall before howling leopards and roaring lions. + </p> + <p> + It was Dick's general custom, as he lay to for a while in the afternoon, + to go ashore in search of food, and as the manioc, maize, and sorghum that + were to be found were of a wild growth and consequently not fit for + consumption, he was obliged to run the risk of using his gun. On the 4th + of July he succeeded by a single shot in killing <i>pokoo</i>, a kind of + antelope about five feet long, with annulated horns, a tawny skin dappled + with bright spots, and a white belly. The venison proved excellent, and + was roasted over a fire procured by the primitive method, practised, it is + said, even by gorillas, of rubbing two sticks together. + </p> + <p> + In spite of these halts, and the time taken for the night's rest, the + distance accomplished by the 8th could not be estimated at less than a + hundred miles. The river, augmented by only a few insignificant + tributaries, had not materially increased in volume; its direction, + however, had slightly changed more to the north-west. It afforded a very + fair supply of fish, which were caught by lines made of the long stems of + creepers furnished with thorns instead + </p> + <p> + [Illustration: He stood face to face with his foe.] + </p> + <p> + of fish-hooks, a considerable proportion being the delicate <i>sandjtkas</i>, + which when dried may be transported to any climate; besides these there + were the black <i>usakas</i>, the wide-headed <i>monndés</i>, and + occasionally the little <i>dagalas</i>, resembling Thames whitebait. + </p> + <p> + Next day, Dick met with an adventure that put all his courage and + composure to the test. He had noticed the horns of a caama projecting + above the brushwood, and went ashore alone with the intention of securing + it. He succeeded in getting tolerably close to it and fired, but he was + terribly startled when a formidable creature bounded along some thirty + paces ahead, and took possession of the prey he had just wounded. + </p> + <p> + It was a majestic lion, at least five feet in height, of the kind called + <i>káramoo</i>, in distinction to the maneless species known as the <i>Nyassi-lion</i>. + Before Dick had time to reload, the huge brute had caught sight of him, + and without relaxing its hold upon the writhing antelope beneath its + claws, glared upon him fiercely. Dick's presence of mind did not forsake + him; flight he knew was not to be thought of; his only chance he felt + intuitively would be by keeping perfectly still; and aware that the beast + would be unlikely to give up a struggling prey for another that was + motionless, he stood face to face with his foe, not venturing to move an + eyelid. In a few minutes the lion's patience seemed to be exhausted; + with a grand stateliness, it picked up the caama as easily as a dog would + lift a hare, turned round, and lashing the bushes with its tail, + disappeared in the jungle. + </p> + <p> + It took Dick some little time to recover himself sufficiently to return to + the canoe. On arriving, he said nothing of the peril to which he had been + exposed, but heartily congratulated himself that they had means of + transport without making their way through jungles and forests. + </p> + <p> + As they advanced, they repeatedly came across evidences that the country + had not been always, as now it was, utterly devoid oi population; more + than once, they observed traces which betokened the former existence of + villages; either some ruined palisades or the <i>débris</i> of some + thatched huts, or some solitary sacred tree within an enclosure would + indicate that the death of a chief had, according to custom, made a native + tribe migrate to new quarters. + </p> + <p> + If natives were still dwelling in the district, as was just probable, they + must have been living underground, only emerging at night like beasts of + prey, from which they were only a grade removed. + </p> + <p> + Dick Sands had every reason to feel convinced that cannibalism had been + practised in the neighbourhood, Three times, as he was wandering in the + forest, he had come upon piles of ashes and half-charred human bones, the + remnants, no doubt, of a ghastly meal, and although he mentioned nothing + of what he had seen to Mrs. Weldon, he made up his mind to go ashore as + seldom as possible, and as often as he found it absolutely necessary to + go, he gave Hercules strict directions to push off into mid-stream at the + very first intimation of danger. + </p> + <p> + A new cause of anxiety arose on the following evening, and made it + necessary for them to take the most guarded measures of precaution. The + river-bed had widened out into a kind of lagoon, and on the right side of + this, built upon piles in the water, not only was there a collection of + about thirty huts, but the fires gleaming under the thatch, made it + evident that they were all inhabited. Unfortunately the only channel of + the stream flowed close under the huts, the river elsewhere being so + obstructed with rocks that navigation of any kind was impossible. Nothing + was more probable than that the natives would have set their nets all + across the piles, and if so, the canoe would be sure to be obstructed, and + an alarm must inevitably be raised. Every caution seemed to be unavailing, + because the canoe must follow the stream; however, in the lowest of + whispers Dick ordered Hercules to keep clear as much as he could of the + worm-eaten timber. The night was not very dark, which was equally an + advantage and a disadvantage, as while it permitted those on board to + steer as they wanted, it did not prevent them from being seen. + </p> + <p> + The situation became more and more critical. About a hundred feet ahead, + the channel was very contracted; two natives, gesticulating violently, + were seen squatting on the pilework; a few moments more and their voices + could be heard; it was obvious that they had seen the floating mass; + apprehending that it was going to destroy their nets, they yelled aloud + and shouted for assistance; instantly five or six negroes scrambled down + the piles, and perched themselves upon the cross-beams. + </p> + <p> + On board the canoe the profoundest silence was maintained. Dick only + signalled his directions to Hercules, without uttering a word, while Jack + performed his part by holding Dingo's mouth tightly closed, to stop the + low growlings which the faithful watch-dog seemed resolved to make; but + fortunately every sound was overpowered by the rushing of the stream and + the clamour of the negroes, as they hurriedly drew in their nets. If they + should raise them in time, all might be well, but if, on the other hand, + the canoe should get entangled, the consequences could hardly fail to be + disastrous. The current in its narrow channel was so strong that Dick was + powerless either to modify his course or to slacken it. + </p> + <p> + Half a minute more, and the canoe was right under the woodwork, but the + efforts of the natives had already elevated the nets so that the + anticipated danger was happily escaped; but it chanced that in making its + way through the obstacle, a large piece of the grass-thatch got detached. + One of the negroes raised a sudden shout of alarm, and it seemed only too + probable that he had caught a sight of the travellers below and was + informing his companions. This apprehension, too, was only momentary; the + current had changed almost to a rapid, and carried the canoe along with + such velocity that the lacustrine village was quickly out of sight. + </p> + <p> + "Steer to the left!" cried Dick, finding that the riverbed had again + become clear. + </p> + <p> + A stiff pull at the tiller made the craft fly in that direction. + </p> + <p> + Dick went to the stern, and scanned the moonlit waters. All was perfectly + still, no canoe was in pursuit; perhaps the natives had not one to use; + but certain it was that + </p> + <p> + [Illustration: Instantly five or six negroes scrambled down the piles.] + </p> + <p> + when daylight dawned no vestige of an inhabitant was to be seen. + Nevertheless Dick thought it prudent for a while to steer close under the + shelter of the left-hand shore. + </p> + <p> + By the end of the next four days the aspect of the country had undergone a + remarkable change, the jungle having given place to a desert as dreary as + the Kalahari itself. The river appeared interminable, and it became a + matter of serious consideration how to get a sufficiency of food. Fish was + scarce, or at least hard to catch, and the arid soil provided no means of + sustenance for antelopes, so that nothing was to be gained from the chase. + Carnivorous animals also had quite disappeared, and the silence of the + night was broken, not by the roar of wild beasts, but by the croaking of + frogs in a discordant chorus, which Cameron has compared to the clanking + of hammers and the grating of files in a ship-builder's yard. + </p> + <p> + Far away both to the east and west the outlines of hills could be faintly + discerned, but the shores on either hand were perfectly flat and devoid of + trees. Euphorbias, it is true, grew in considerable numbers, but as they + were only of the oil-producing species, and not the kind from which + cassava or manioc is procured, they were useless in an alimentary point of + view. + </p> + <p> + Dick was becoming more and more perplexed, when Hercules happened to + mention that the natives often eat young fern-fronds and the pith of the + papyrus, and that before now he had himself been reduced to the necessity + of subsisting on nothing better. + </p> + <p> + "We must try them," said Dick. + </p> + <p> + Both ferns and papyrus abounded on the banks, and a meal was prepared, the + sweet soft pith of the papyrus being found very palatable. Jack in + particular appeared to enjoy it extremely, but it was not in any way a + satisfying diet. + </p> + <p> + Thanks to Cousin Benedict, a fresh variety in the matter of food was found + on the following day. Since the discovery of the "Hexapodes + Benedictus" he had recovered his spirits, and, having fastened his prize + safely inside his hat, he wandered about, as often as he had a chance, in + his favourite pursuit of insect-hunting. As he was rummaging in the long + grass, he put up a bird which flew but a very short distance. Benedict + recognized it by its peculiar note, and, seeing Dick take his gun to aim + at it, exclaimed,- + </p> + <p> + "Don't fire, don't fire! that bird will be worth nothing for food + among five of us." + </p> + <p> + "It will be dinner enough for Jack," said Dick, who, finding that the + bird did not seem in a hurry to make its escape, delayed his shot for a + moment, without intending to be diverted from his purpose of securing it. + </p> + <p> + "You mustn't fire," insisted Benedict, "it is an indicator; it + will show you where there are lots of honey." + </p> + <p> + Aware that a few pounds of honey would really be of more value than a + little bird, Dick lowered his gun, and in company with the entomologist + set off to follow the indicator, which seemed, by alternately flying and + stopping, to be inviting them to come on, and they had but a little way to + go before they observed several swarms of bees buzzing around some old + stems hidden amongst the euphorbias. Notwithstanding Benedict's + remonstrances against depriving the bees of the fruits of their industry, + Dick instantly set to work, and without remorse suffocated them by burning + dry grass underneath. Having secured a good amount of honey, he left the + comb to the indicator as its share of the booty, and went back with his + companion to the canoe. + </p> + <p> + The honey was acceptable, but it did not do much to alleviate the cravings + of hunger. + </p> + <p> + Next day it happened that they had just stopped for their accustomed rest, + when they observed that an enormous swarm of grasshoppers had settled at + the mouth of a creek close by. Two or three deep they covered the soil, + myriads and myriads of them adhering to every shrub. + </p> + <p> + "The natives eat those grasshoppers," said Benedict, "and like them + too." + </p> + <p> + The remark produced an instant effect; all hands were busied in collecting + them, and a large supply was quickly gathered: the canoe might have been + filled ten times over. + </p> + <p> + Grilled over a slow fire, they were found to be very palatable eating, + and, spite of his qualms of conscience, Benedict himself made a hearty + meal. + </p> + <p> + But although the gnawings of absolute hunger were thus assuaged, all the + travellers began to long most anxiously for the voyage to come to an end. + The mode of transit indeed might be less exhausting to the bodily powers + than a land march would have been, but the excessive heat by day, the damp + mists at night, and the incessant attacks of mosquitoes, all combined to + render the passage extremely trying. There was no telling how long it + would last, and Dick was equally uncertain whether it might end in a few + days, or be protracted for a month. The direction which the stream was + taking was itself a subject of perplexity. + </p> + <p> + A fresh surprise was now in store. + </p> + <p> + As Jack, a few mornings afterwards, was standing at the bow peering + through an aperture in the grass canopy above him, he suddenly turned + round and cried,- + </p> + <p> + "The sea! the sea!" + </p> + <p> + Dick started forwards, and looked eagerly in the same direction. + </p> + <p> + A large expanse of water was visible in the horizon, but after having + surveyed it for a moment or two, he said,- + </p> + <p> + "No, Jack, it is not the sea, it is a great river; it is running west, + and I suppose this river runs into it. Perhaps it is the Zaire." + </p> + <p> + "Let us hope it is," said Mrs. Weldon earnestly. + </p> + <p> + Most cordially did Dick Sands re-echo her words, being well aware that at + the mouth of that river were Portuguese villages, where a refuge might + assuredly be found. + </p> + <p> + For several succeeding days the canoe, still concealed by its covering, + floated on the silvery surface of this new-found stream. On either side + the banks became less arid, and there seemed everything to encourage the + few survivors of the "Pilgrim" to believe that they would soon see the + last of the perils and toils of their journey. + </p> + <p> + They were too sanguine. Towards three o'clock on the morning of the + 18th, Dick, who was at his usual post at the bow, fancied he heard a dull + rumbling towards the west. Mrs. Weldon, Jack, and Benedict were all + asleep. Calling Hercules to him, he asked him whether he could not hear a + strange noise. The night was perfectly calm, and not a breath of air was + stirring. The negro listened attentively, and suddenly, his eyes sparkling + with delight, exclaimed,- + </p> + <p> + "Yes, captain, I hear the sea!" + </p> + <p> + Dick shook his head and answered,- + </p> + <p> + "It is not the sea, Hercules." + </p> + <p> + "Not the sea!" cried the negro, "then what can it be?" + </p> + <p> + "We must wait till daybreak," replied Dick, "and meanwhile we shall + have to keep a sharp look-out." + </p> + <p> + Hercules returned to his place, but only to continue listening with + ever-increasing curiosity. The rumbling perceptibly increased till it + became a continued roar. + </p> + <p> + With scarcely any intervening twilight night passed into day. Just in + front, scarcely more than half a mile ahead, a great mist was hanging over + the river; it was not an ordinary fog, and when the sun rose, the light of + the dawn caused a brilliant rainbow to arch itself from shore to shore. + </p> + <p> + In a voice so loud that it awoke Mrs. Weldon, Dick gave his order to + Hercules to steer for the bank:- + </p> + <p> + "Quick, quick, Hercules! ashore! ashore! there are cataracts close + ahead!" + </p> + <p> + And so it was. Within little more than a quarter of a mile the bed of the + river sank abruptly some hundred feet, and the foaming waters rushed down + in a magnificent fall with irresistible velocity. A few minutes more and + the canoe must have been swallowed in the deep abyss. + </p> + <p> + <a name="BXIX" id="BXIX"></a> + </p> + <h4> + CHAPTER XIX. + </h4> + <h4> + AN ATTACK. + </h4> + <p> + The canoe inclined to the west readily enough; the fall in the river-bed + was so sudden that the current remained quite unaffected by the cataract + at a distance of three hundred yards. + </p> + <p> + On the bank were woods so dense that sunlight could not penetrate the + shade. Dick was conscious of a sad misgiving when he looked at the + character of the territory through which they must necessarily pass. It + did not seem practicable by any means to convey the canoe below the falls. + </p> + <p> + As they neared the shore, Dingo became intensely agitated. At first Dick + suspected that a wild beast or a native might be lurking in the papyrus, + but it soon became obvious that the dog was excited by grief rather than + by rage. + </p> + <p> + "Dingo is crying," said Jack; "poor Dingo!" and the child laid his + arms over the creature's neck. + </p> + <p> + The dog, however, was too impatient to be caressed; bounding away, he + sprang into the water, swam across the twenty feet that intervened between + the shore, and disappeared in the grass. + </p> + <p> + In a few moments the boat had glided on to a carpet of confervas and other + aquatic plants, starting a few kingfishers and some snow-white herons. + Hercules moored it to the stump of a tree, and the travellers went ashore. + </p> + <p style="FONT-WEIGHT: bold; FONT-STYLE: italic"> + There was no pathway through the forest, only the + </p> + <p> + [Illustration: Upon the smooth wood were two great letters in dingy red.] + </p> + <p> + trampled moss showed that the place had been recently visited either by + animals or men. + </p> + <p> + Dick took his gun and Hercules his hatchet, and they set out to search for + Dingo. They had not far to go before they saw him with his nose close to + the ground, manifestly following a scent; the animal raised his head for a + moment, as if beckoning them to follow, and kept on till he reached an old + sycamore-stump. Having called out to the rest of the party to join them, + Dick made his way farther into the wood till he got up to Dingo, who was + whining piteously at the entrance of a dilapidated hut. + </p> + <p> + The rest were not long in following, and they all entered the hut + together. The floor was strewn with bones whitened by exposure. + </p> + <p> + "Some one has died here," said Mrs. Weldon. + </p> + <p> + "Perhaps," added Dick, as if struck by a sudden thought, "it was + Dingo's old master. Look at him! he is pointing with his paw." + </p> + <p> + The portion of the sycamore-trunk which formed the farther side of the hut + had been stripped of its bark, and upon the smooth wood were two great + letters in dingy red almost effaced by time, but yet plain enough to be + distinguished. + </p> + <p> + "S. V.," cried Dick, as he looked where the dog's paw rested; "the + same initials that Dingo has upon his collar. There can be no mistake. S. + V." + </p> + <p> + A small copper box, green with verdigris, caught his eye, and he picked it + up. It was open, but contained a scrap of discoloured paper. The writing + upon this consisted of a few sentences, of which only detached words could + be made out, but they revealed the sad truth only too plainly. + </p> + <p> + "Robbed by Negoro-murdered-Dingo-help-Negoro guide-l20 miles + from coast-December 3rd, l871-write no more. + </p> + <p> + "S. VERNON." + </p> + <p> + Here was the clue to a melancholy story. Samuel Vernon, under the guidance + of Negoro, and taking with him his dog Dingo, had set out on an + exploration of a district of Central Africa; he had taken a considerable + quantity of money to procure the necessary supplies on the way, and this + had excited the cupidity of his guide, who seized the opportunity, whilst + they were encamping on the banks of the Congo, to assassinate his + employer, and get possession of his property. Negoro, however, had not + escaped; he had fallen into the hands of the Portuguese, by whom he was + recognized as an agent of the slave-dealer Alvez, and condemned to spend + the rest of his days in prison. He contrived after a while to make his + escape, and, as has been already mentioned, found his way to New Zealand, + whence he had returned by securing an engagement on board the + "Pilgrim." Between the time when he was attacked by Negoro and the + moment of his death, Vernon had managed to write the few brief lines of + which the fragments still survived, and to deposit the document in the box + from which the money had been stolen, and by a last effort had traced out + his initials in blood upon the naked wood which formed the wall of the + hut. For many days Dingo watched beside his master, and throughout that + time his eyes were resting so perpetually upon the two crimson letters in + front of him, that mere instinct seemed to fasten them indelibly on his + memory. Quitting his watch one day, perhaps to pacify his hunger, the dog + wandered to the coast, where he was picked up by the captain of the + "Waldeck," afterwards to be transferred to the very ship on which his + owner's murderer had been engaged as cook. + </p> + <p> + All throughout this time poor Vernon's bones had been bleaching in the + African forest, and the first resolution of Dick and Mrs. Weldon was to + give the residue of his remains some semblance of a decent burial. They + were just proceeding to their task when Dingo gave a furious growl, and + dashed out of the hut; another moment, and a terrible shriek made it + evident that he was in conflict with some dread antagonist. + </p> + <p> + Hercules was quickly in pursuit, and the whole party followed in time to + witness the giant hurl himself upon a man with whom already Dingo was in + mortal combat. + </p> + <p> + [Illustration: The dog was griping the man by the throat] + </p> + <p> + The dog was griping the man by the throat, the man was lifting his cutlass + high above the head of the dog. + </p> + <p> + That man was Negoro. The rascal, on getting his letter at Kazonndé, + instead of embarking at once for America, had left his native escort for a + while, and returned to the scene of his crime to secure the treasure which + he had left buried at a little distance in a spot that he had marked. At + this very moment he was in the act of digging up the gold he had + concealed; some glistening coins scattered here and there betrayed his + purpose; but in the midst of his labours he had been startled by the + dashing forward of a dog; another instant, and the dog had fixed itself + upon his throat, whilst he, in an agony of desperation, had drawn his + cutlass and plunged it deep into the creature's side. + </p> + <p> + Hercules came up at the very climax of the death-struggle. + </p> + <p> + "You villain! you accursed villain! I have you now!" he cried, about + to seize hold of his victim. + </p> + <p> + But vengeance was already accomplished. Negoro gave no sign of life; death + had overtaken him on the very scene of his guilt. Dingo, too, had received + a mortal wound; he dragged himself back to the hut, lay down beside the + remains of his master, and expired. + </p> + <p> + The sad task of burying Vernon's bones, and laying his faithful dog + beside them having been accomplished, the whole party was obliged to turn + their thoughts to their own safety. Although Negoro was dead, it as very + likely that the natives that he had taken with him were at no great + distance, and would come to search for him. + </p> + <p> + A hurried conference was held as to what steps had best be taken. The few + words traceable on the paper made them aware that they were on the banks + of the Congo, and that they were still 120 miles from the coast. The fall + just ahead was probably the cataract of Memo, but whatever it was, no + doubt it effectually barred their farther progress by water. There seemed + no alternative but that they should make their way by one bank or the + other a mile or two below the waterfall, and there construct a raft on + which once again they could drift down the stream. The question that + pressed for immediate settlement was which bank it should be. Here, on the + left bank, would be the greater risk of encountering the negro escort of + Negoro, while as to the farther shore they could not tell what obstacles + it might present. + </p> + <p> + Altogether Mrs. Weldon advocated trying the other side, but Dick insisted + upon crossing first by himself to ascertain whether an advance by that + route were really practicable. + </p> + <p> + "The river is only about 100 yards wide," he urged; "I can soon get + across. I shall leave Hercules to look after you all." + </p> + <p> + Mrs. Weldon demurred for a while, but Dick seemed resolute, and as he + promised to take his gun and not to attempt to land if he saw the least + symptom of danger, she at last consented, but with so much reluctance that + even after he had entered the canoe she said,- + </p> + <p> + "I think, Dick, it would be really better for us all to go together." + </p> + <p> + "No, Mrs. Weldon, indeed, no; I am sure it is best for me to go alone; I + shall be back in an hour." + </p> + <p> + "If it must be so, it must," said the lady. + </p> + <p> + "Keep a sharp look-out, Hercules!" cried the youth cheerily, as he + pushed off from the land. + </p> + <p> + The strength of the current was by no means violent, but quite enough to + make the direction of Dick's course somewhat oblique. The roar of the + cataract reverberated in his ears, and the spray, wafted by the westerly + wind, brushed lightly past his face, and he shuddered as he felt how near + they must have been to destruction if he had relaxed his watch throughout + the night. + </p> + <p> + It took him hardly a quarter of an hour to reach the opposite bank, and he + was just preparing to land when there arose a tremendous shout from about + a dozen natives, who, rushing forward, began to tear away the canopy of + grass with which the canoe was covered. + </p> + <p> + Dick's horror was great. It would have been greater still if he had + known that they were cannibals. They were the natives settled at the + lacustrine village higher up the river. When the piece of thatch had been + knocked off in passing the piles a glimpse had been caught of the + passengers below, and aware that the cataract ahead must ultimately bring + them to a standstill, the eager barbarians had followed them persistently + day by day for the last eight days. + </p> + <p> + Now they thought they had secured their prize, but loud was their yell of + disappointment when on stripping off the thatch they found only one + person, and that a mere boy, standing beneath it. + </p> + <p> + Dick stood as calmly as he could at the bow, and pointed his gun towards + the savages, who were sufficiently acquainted with the nature of fire-arms + to make them afraid to attack him. + </p> + <p> + Mrs. Weldon with the others, in their eagerness to watch Dick's + movements, had remained standing upon the shore of the river, and at this + instant were caught sight of by one of the natives, who pointed them out + to his companions. A sudden impulse seized the whole of them, and they + sprang into the canoe; there seemed to be a practised hand amongst them, + which caught hold of the rudder-oar, and the little craft was quickly on + its way back. + </p> + <p> + Although he gave up all as now well-nigh lost, Dick neither moved nor + spoke. He had one lingering hope yet left. Was it not possible even now + that by sacrificing his own life he could save the lives of those that + were entrusted to him? + </p> + <p> + When the canoe had come near enough to the shore for his voice to be + heard, he shouted with all his might,- + </p> + <p> + "Fly, Mrs. Weldon; fly, all of you; fly for your lives!" + </p> + <p> + But neither Mrs. Weldon nor Hercules stirred; they seemed rooted to the + ground. + </p> + <p> + "Fly, fly, fly!" he continued shouting. + </p> + <p> + But though he knew they must hear him, yet he saw them make no effort to + escape. He understood their meaning; of what avail was flight when the + savages would be upon their track in a few minutes after? + </p> + <p> + A sudden thought crossed his mind. He raised his gun and fired at the man + who was steering; the bullet shattered the rudder-scull into fragments. + </p> + <p> + The cannibals uttered a yell of terror. Deprived of guidance, the canoe + was at the mercy of the current, and, borne along with increasing speed, + was soon within a hundred feet of the cataract. + </p> + <p> + The anxious watchers on the bank instantly discerned Dick's purpose, and + understood that in order to save them he had formed the resolution of + precipitating himself with the savages into the seething waters + </p> + <p> + Nothing could avail to arrest the swift descent. Mrs Weldon in an agony of + despair waved her hands in a last sad farewell, Jack and Benedict seemed + paralyzed, whilst Hercules involuntarily extended his great strong arm + that was powerless to aid. + </p> + <p> + Suddenly the natives, impelled by a last frantic effort to reach the + shore, plunged into the water, but then movement capsized the boat. + </p> + <p> + Face to face with death, Dick lost nothing of his indomitable presence of + mind. Might not that light canoe, floating bottom upwards, be made the + means for yet another grasp at life? The danger that threatened him was + twofold, there was the risk of suffocation as well as the peril of being + drowned; could not the inverted canoe be used for a kind of float at once + to keep his head above water and to serve as a screen from the rushing + air? He had some faint recollection of how it had been proved possible + under some such conditions to descend in safety the falls of Niagara. + </p> + <p> + Quick as lightning he seized hold of the cross-bench of the canoe, and + with his head out of water beneath the upturned keel, he was dashed down + the furious and well-nigh perpendicular fall. + </p> + <p> + The craft sank deep into the abyss, but rose quickly again to the surface. + Here was Dick's chance, he was a good swimmer, and his life depended now + upon his strength of arm. + </p> + <p> + It was a hard struggle, but he succeeded. In a quarter of an hour he had + landed on the left hand bank, where he + </p> + <p> + [Illustration: The bullet shattered the rudder scull into fragments] + </p> + <p> + was greeted with the joyful congratulations of his friends, who had + hurried to the foot of the fall to assure themselves of his fate. + </p> + <p> + The cannibals had all disappeared in the surging waters. Unprotected in + their fall, they had doubtless ceased to breathe before reaching the + lowest depths of the cataract where their lifeless bodies would soon be + dashed to pieces against the sharp rocks that were scattered along the + lower course of the stream. + </p> + <p> + <a name="BXX" id="BXX"></a> + </p> + <h4> + CHAPTER XX. + </h4> + <h4> + A HAPPY REUNION. + </h4> + <p> + Two days after Dick's marvellous deliverance the party had the good + fortune to fall in with a caravan of honest Portuguese ivory-traders on + their way to Emboma, at the mouth of the Congo. They rendered the + fugitives every assistance, and thus enabled them to reach the coast + without further discomfort. + </p> + <p> + This meeting with the caravan was a most fortunate occurrence, as any + project of launching a raft upon the Zaire would have been quite + impracticable, the river between the Ntemo and Yellala Falls being a + continuous series of cataracts. Stanley counted as many as sixty-two, and + it was hereabouts that that brave traveller sustained the last of + thirty-one conflicts with the natives, escaping almost by a miracle from + the Mbelo cataract. + </p> + <p> + Before the middle of August the party arrived at Emboma, where they were + hospitably received by M. Motta Viega and Mr. Harrison. A steamer was just + on the point of starting for the Isthmus of Panama; in this they took + their passage, and in due time set foot once more upon American soil. + </p> + <p> + Forthwith a message was despatched to Mr. Weldon, apprising him of the + return of the wife and child over whose loss he had mourned so long On the + 25th the railroad deposited the travellers at San Francisco, the only + thing to mar their happiness being the recollection that Tom and his + partners were not with them to share their joy. + </p> + <p> + Mr. Weldon had every reason to congratulate himself that Negoro had failed + to reach him. No doubt he would have been ready to sacrifice the bulk of + his fortune, and without a moment's hesitation would have set out for + the coast of Africa, but who could question that he would there have been + exposed to the vilest treachery? He felt that to Dick Sands and to + Hercules he owed a debt of gratitude that it would be impossible to repay; + Dick assumed more than ever the place of an adopted son, whilst the brave + negro was regarded as a true and faithful friend. + </p> + <p> + Cousin Benedict, it must be owned, failed to share for long the general + joy. After giving Mr. Weldon a hasty shake of the hand, he hurried off to + his private room, and resumed his studies almost as if they had never been + interrupted. He set himself vigorously to work with the design of + producing an elaborate treatise upon the "Hexapodes Benedictus" + hitherto unknown to entomological research. Here in his private chamber + spectacles and magnifying-glass were ready for his use, and he was now + able for the first time with the aid of proper appliances to examine the + unique production of Central Africa. + </p> + <p> + A shriek of horror and disappointment escaped his lips. The Hexapodes + Benedictus was not a hexapod at all. It was a common spider. Hercules, in + catching it, had unfortunately broken off its two front legs, and + Benedict, almost blind as he was, had failed to detect the accident. His + chagrin was most pitiable, the wonderful discovery that was to have + exalted his name high in the annals of science belonged simply to the + common order of the arachnidæ The blow to his aspirations was very heavy; + it brought on a fit of illness from which it took him some time to + recover. + </p> + <p> + For the next three years Dick was entrusted with the education of little + Jack during the intervals he could spare from the prosecution of his own + studies, into which he threw himself with an energy quickened by a kind of + remorse. + </p> + <p> + "If only I had known what a seaman ought to know when I was left to + myself on board the 'Pilgrim,' " he would continually say, "what + misery and suffering we might have been spared!" + </p> + <p> + So diligently did he apply himself to the technical branches of his + profession that at the age of eighteen he received a special certificate + of honour, and was at once raised to the rank of a captain in Mr. + Weldon's firm. + </p> + <p> + Thus by his industry and good conduct did the poor foundling of Sandy Hook + rise to a post of distinction. In spite of his youth, he commanded + universal respect; his native modesty and straightforwardness never failed + him, and for his own part, he seemed to be unconscious of those fine + traits in his character which had impelled him to deeds that made him + little short of a hero. + </p> + <p> + His leisure moments, however, were often troubled by one source of + sadness; he could never forget the four negroes for whose misfortunes he + held himself by his own inexperience to be in a way responsible. Mrs. + Weldon thoroughly shared his regret, and would have made many sacrifices + to discover what had become of them. This anxiety was at length relieved. + </p> + <p> + Owing to the large correspondence of Mr. Weldon in almost every quarter of + the world, it was discovered that the whole of them had been sold in one + lot, and that they were now in Madagascar. Without listening for a moment + to Dick's proposal to apply all his savings to effect their liberation, + Mr. Weldon set his own agents to negotiate for their freedom, and on the + 15th of November, 1877, Tom, Bat, Actæon, and Austin awaited their + welcome at the merchant's door. It is needless to say how warm were the + greetings they received. + </p> + <p> + Out of all the survivors of the "Pilgrim" that had been cast upon the + fatal coast of Africa, old Nan alone was wanting to complete the number. + Considering what they had all undergone, and the perils to which they had + been exposed, it seemed little short of a miracle that she and poor Dingo + should be the only victims. + </p> + <p> + High was the festivity that night in the house of the Californian + merchant, and the toast, proposed at Mrs. Weldon's request, that was + received with the loudest acclamation was + </p> + <p> + "DICK SANDS, THE BOY CAPTAIN!" + </p> + <p> + THE END. + </p> + <h4> + End of the Voyage Extraordinaire + </h4> + +<div style='display:block; margin-top:4em'>*** END OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK DICK SANDS THE BOY CAPTAIN ***</div> +<div style='text-align:left'> + +<div style='display:block; margin:1em 0'> +Updated editions will replace the previous one—the old editions will +be renamed. +</div> + +<div style='display:block; margin:1em 0'> +Creating the works from print editions not protected by U.S. copyright +law means that no one owns a United States copyright in these works, +so the Foundation (and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United +States without permission and without paying copyright +royalties. 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