A Boy's Adventures Round the World

CHAPTER XIV

THE YELLOW PERIL

In spite of all their efforts not much injury was done to the stockade; but in loud tones the leader of the mutiny urged on his followers to yet another attempt to destroy the barrier. Scores of strong hands seized and wrenched at it, until the structure seemed on the point of parting from its stout bolts, and a fiendish cry of satisfaction arose. Several shots were also fired at the crew, but no one was hurt. Mr. Sennit became alarmed, yet, although the protection seemed about to collapse, Captain Thorne would not permit a shot to be discharged.

'We must wait a little longer,' he said. 'I think there is some sign of exhaustion, and they may become weary of the foolish struggle.'

'They'll have the bars about our ears directly,' the mate replied. 'You are too lenient.'

'Perhaps. I do not wish to give an order that will prove disastrous to them,' was the calm reply.

It was not long before even his cool judgment was compelled to acknowledge that further forbearance be taken by the foe as a sign of weakness, or, perhaps, cowardice, and they were becoming bolder.

At last the order to fire was given.

The result proved serious, but a corresponding volley from the enemy inflicted no injuries among the sailors, since the Chinamen had slight knowledge of their weapons, and either could not or would not face the European fire, and all their bullets, being discharged over the heads of those in front, flew high among the after spars and canvas.

The tottering stockade was almost torn down. The leader of the mutiny yelled his delight, and forcing his way aft he called for a final assault. His burly form rose head and shoulders above all others. The moment he appeared, however, several rifles took steady aim, but it was the man Walker, who had given the proof of marksmanship when lying at the Malay island, that got in the first shot. In an instant the instigator of all the trouble lay a lifeless mass among the feet of his misguided followers.

A terrible cry of mingled regret, vengeance, and savage lust of blood followed the death of the Chinaman, and the pressure on the stockade immediately ceased. Bereft of their leader, the mutineers became less formidable, and as darkness quickly succeeded the disappearance of the sun, their efforts to gain the upper hand diminished. The numbers of dead and wounded had reached serious proportions.

The 'cease fire' was called, and Captain Thorne promptly offered assistance to those who needed it, also offering to end the fight; yet the infuriated survivors stubbornly refused to submit, or even allow one of their wounded to be touched by white hands.

The heavy loss of life was deeply regretted by the skipper, but he knew that by no other means could the safety of the vessel and the lives of his men have been secured.

The stolid, unheeding Chinamen made no attempt to leave the deck. In the deepening gloom half their numbers seemed to have fallen, but they still remained facing the stockade, and only awaited the cheering voice of some new leader before making a final attempt to reach their opponents. Such a move was, however, not immediately undertaken. They seemed quite aware that any advance would certainly add to the heap of bodies lying across the front of the barrier.

Those abaft the latter paced from side to side of the deck, ready to fire on the slightest provocation, and eager to avenge the deaths of their unfortunate comrades surprised in the forecastle. Indeed, had it not been for the watchful anxiety of the captain, not one Chinaman would have survived that terrible mutiny.

It was not long before a serious disagreement arose among the remaining emigrants. Many of them, possibly alarmed by the result of their late action, separated from their companions, and after what appeared a long and highly-excited discussion they suddenly set to work removing the dead and wounded, but treated all alike. Within a few minutes scarcely a trace of what had happened in front of the stockade remained. Then the deck was washed down, and all returned to the bow.

Captain Thorne immediately took steps to secure the almost useless stockade, and during that operation one hand at a time went to the cabin for refreshment.

Now, almost from the beginning of the desperate struggle a light breeze, unnoticed by anyone save the skipper, had set in, and Jack Clewlin was sent to the wheel. From that position he had breathlessly followed the progress of the mutiny, and he was pleased to see that none of his shipmates, save Clark, received any injury. Of course, the wounded sailor received prompt attention, and soon recovered his usual health. Nearly two watches, eight hours, had passed since the trouble began. All that while the 'Alert' had been slipping along before a nice fair wind. The loss of nearly half the crew necessitated an alteration of the course, and Captain Thorne now determined to steer directly toward the nearest of the Sandwich Islands, where assistance might be obtained. The ill-fated barque, however, never reached any port.

The dead sailors in the forecastle were buried quietly that night.

Another heated argument among the mutineers presently arose, and about half of them again came aft, and thrusting their arms between the bars of the stockade begged for some food.

'Not a morsel till you surrender,' the skipper sternly replied.

'We no wanchee fight,' a man replied. 'Noder Chinaman him no good. Plenty shoot. Savvee?'

'I think you might let them through the gate, sir,' Mr. Sennit said. 'They seem to have had enough of it.'

'Not so fast, man,' the captain sang out. 'This may be some dodge to seize all hands. Let us find out what is meant.'

The applicants were suddenly assailed by the still mutinous portion of their countrymen, and a desperate encounter ensued. Captain Thorne would not interfere, but after a prolonged struggle the attackers were finally defeated and driven to the 'tween deck. Then hastening to the stockade those left on deck again asked for help, and promised to behave well in future.

'I now believe they are sincere,' the captain said. 'Let them pass through, Sennit.'

When grouped at the stern and supplied with biscuit and water the men expressed their gratitude. Some of them made extraordinary signs, apparently directed toward those down below, and the surrender proved genuine.

The men numbered thirty-eight all told, and seemed surprised by the kindness bestowed. They continued to direct attention to the 'tween deck, and had the captain correctly understood what was intended, much subsequent trouble might have been avoided. He could not be expected to waste more time over such considerations, and no one took any notice of the well-intentioned warnings.

Armed sentinels were placed over each of the hatchways. Then the remaining hands set to work clearing up the forecastle, where everything movable had been knocked about and the sea-chests ransacked, and it even appeared that some attempt had been made to set the place on fire.

All that while no sound of voice or footstep could be heard in the 'tween deck, and it was surmised that all the men there had gone to sleep. The silence, when subsequently recalled, proved beyond doubt that the mutinous Chinamen were quite differently engaged.

The forecastle having been set straight, Mr. Sennit turned his attention to setting up another galley; and when that had been arranged, one of the hands helped the steward to get the fire lit and some coffee served out.

At last Jack Clewlin's long spell at the wheel ended, and in the cabin he found Captain Thorne who commended his conduct, and ordered a substantial supper.

For some time nothing of importance was noted, but just after four o'clock that morning a strong smell of smoke became noticeable fore and aft, and instantly aroused much alarm among the crew.

'They are firing the barque!' Captain Thorne exclaimed, in great anxiety. 'Arm yourselves, all hands, and follow me!'

As he and Mr. Sennit stepped on the main 'tween-deck ladder it gave way under the strain, and both men were precipitated into the midst of a howling mob below.

By the use of their revolvers, however, both men succeeded in keeping the enemy at bay, while without hesitation the crew leaped after their leaders, and with cutlass and rifle speedily cleared a space round the endangered officers.

By that time the smoke in the hold had become so dense that it was impossible to follow the mutineers, but by repeated volleys the latter became so cowed that no further annoyance came from that quarter. The crew promptly endeavoured to discover the seat of the fire. That it had originated somewhere in the bow there was no doubt; yet to reach that place became almost impossible, so thick were the volumes of smoke filling the 'tween deck, and all hands were consequently compelled to return to the open.

The main hatch ladder, which had been cut from its fastenings by the mutineers, was speedily reshipped in its place, and such of the emigrants as could be found were dragged on deck, while the fore hatch grating was removed. The head pump was rigged and its hose attached, and then lowered into the 'tween deck.

Both mates, with large oakum respirators fastened over their mouths and nostrils, descended into the hold, and presently reported that the outbreak had been started in the bo's'n's locker, immediately beneath the forecastle, which was stocked with bales of rope, oakum, spun-yarn, old canvas, and other highly-inflammable gear.

As though such material was not considered sufficiently dangerous, the desperate-minded Chinamen had removed all the light wood from their own bunks, and forcing the bulkhead had thrown the pieces on the fire.

Without delay a copious stream of water was directed on the flames. The conflagration had now become very dangerous. The smoke was so suffocating, that in spite of all their gallantry both officers were compelled to retire, and when hauled on deck fell exhausted. Their places were, however, immediately filled by others, while every available emigrant was also pressed into the service, and by means of buckets an endless stream of water was added to that pouring through the hose.

To give them their due, the Chinamen, knowing full well that by their extra labour the vessel could alone be saved, and that if anything happened to her their chances of reaching San Francisco would be slight, worked splendidly, and did everything in their power to carry out the orders of the captain.

Hour after hour, without a moment's cessation; all hands struggled desperately to subdue the flames, many men being constantly overcome by heat and smoke; yet no sooner had they recovered the effects of semi-suffocation and exhaustion than each again tackled the outbreak with determination.

In spite of their heroism, however, it was no easy matter to cope with such an outbreak. Under ordinary conditions the locker was not readily reached, and for many hours it seemed that all the water poured on the fire had no effect, while everyone felt that such a serious attack on the bow of the barque would render it difficult to resist the outward pressure of water.

Although the 'well' was constantly sounded, no great quantity of water had as yet leaked through the sides, showing that they were still sound.

The immense volumes of smoke rolling from the hold seemed to become less dense; but Captain Thorne, wishing to be prepared for any emergency, ordered Readyman, Jack Clewlin, and the steward to clear away and provision both quarter boats.

All that morning, and throughout the rest of the day, the desperate battle continued without cessation. Somewhere about five o'clock in the evening unmistakable proof that the fire had been subdued sent a thrill of joyous satisfaction fore and aft.

'We've succeeded, sir,' Mr. Sennit exclaimed on coming from below, his beard scorched and face and hands blackened; 'but I'm much afraid that the injury to the bow is almost irreparable. In fact, captain, it seems to have been nearly burned through.'

'I am not surprised,' the old man replied; 'if we can only succeed in getting her ashore on the nearest island, we may consider ourselves more than fortunate. Could any repairs be done so that she might remain afloat even for a few days?'

'Well, at present, sir,' the mate returned, 'I should not like to touch a single rib or timber, they seem so badly burned; yet if we can manage to lay some gear against them, so as to resist the outward pressure, she might just succeed in getting on the coral.'

'Let go the royal and top-gallant halyards fore and aft,' the skipper ordered. 'Lay aloft there, men, and stow the canvas. That will at least lessen the strain.'

When that work was completed the men tackled the pumps, and soon discovered that the barque was beginning to leak badly, since the fierce heat of the fire had melted all the pitch in the bow seams, and probably also destroyed most of the oakum caulking.

The available Chinamen were immediately divided into two watches, and in regular relief took their share of work at the pumps, and the crew were allowed some hours of repose after their late arduous labour.

So, under her topsails, fore and maincourses, spanker and head canvas, the 'Alert' stood away for the nearest island, which was only one hundred and fifty miles off. Most fortunately the breeze held fairly strong and steady, but without her upper canvas or even studding-sails to help the rate of sailing was slow, and never exceeded four knots an hour.

Captain Thorne was very anxious throughout those trying times, yet as soon as the hands had had some sleep and good meals, they promptly set to work getting the long-boat over the side. Although at first she leaked even worse than the barque, a few hours in the water closed the seams, and she subsequently proved of considerable use.

The quarter-boats were also ready for lowering at a moment's notice, and as the pumps still managed to keep down the flow of the sea into the hold everyone believed that the badly-damaged barque would continue to remain afloat.

With the disappearance of the smoke from the 'tween deck some of the hands were sent there, to discover what had become of the Chinamen who made such a dastardly attempt to kill the captain and Mr. Sennit, and in a heap right aft all of them were found suffocated.

Fifteen of them thus suffered death for participation in the mutiny, and from what their countrymen stated there could be no doubt that they were the murderers of the whites in the forecastle, and the chief instigators of the whole lamentable affair.

During that first night under reduced sail the 'Alert' leaked so badly that even a constant working of the pumps could not abate the rise of water in the well, and much anxiety was consequently aroused.

'I think it is owing to the stronger breeze,' the old man sang out. 'Haul up and stow the mainsail.'

That was speedily accomplished, and, sure enough, the inflow immediately decreased.

'At daylight we must endeavour to strengthen the bow either inside or out,' the captain added. 'Otherwise I don't see how we can reach any island.'

Throughout that night matters remained somewhat hopeful, and as the vessel sailed very slowly the water below was kept under control.

An inspection of the damaged bow next morning disclosed such serious defects that Captain Thorne could not conceal his anxiety.

'It is worse than I had supposed,' he exclaimed. 'The entire bow seems almost gone. Clewlin!' he added, 'run on deck and tell Mr. Statten to haul down and stow the whole of the head canvas. We must use the utmost caution.'

In several places the planking had been three parts eaten away, some of the ribs were burned right through, the forecastle deck overhead was gone, and but for the outer copper sheathing it was certain that the 'Alert' could not have remained two hours above water.

'I would abandon her now,' the skipper said, 'had it not been my desire to save all the stores. The island we are shaping for is, I believe, uninhabited, and how long we may be compelled to remain there before assistance arrives depends on luck! There are the Chinamen to feed, and so we must endeavour to put her on the coral.'

'A thrummed sail secured outside the bow might stop the leak, sir,' Mr. Sennit observed.

'Yes, that may be tried,' the old man replied; 'but the bow is so seriously injured that I'm afraid nothing can be of much use.'

CHAPTER XV

THE 'ALERT'S' LAST BERTH

'What is a thrummed sail, Readyman?' Jack inquired.

'Well, my son,' the quarter-master explained, 'the selected piece of canvas is worked into narrow pleats, and those are pierced with holes and filled by short ends of teazed oakum. In other words, it is a big mat placed against the injured spot, so that the material can work into the seams from outside. Our metal sheathing is nearly awash, and unless it has got strained by fire the mat won't be of much use.'

All the same, it was placed in position, and the water casks in the forehold were shifted farther aft, so as to raise the bow slightly above the surface of the sea.

One great advantage always remained with them, the sea kept perfectly smooth and the wind moderate. Of course, the pumps were always on the move, and the Chinamen worked with a will.

After an anxious four days Jack Clewlin from aloft sang out, 'Land, O!'

It presently became visible from the deck, and the old man decided to run to leeward.

It was a small but lofty island, perhaps twenty miles long by about eight or ten miles across, and it seemed to be covered with thickly-growing timber and dense undergrowth. The coast-line was bold and steep, but no reefs could be seen.

Within a couple of hours the 'Alert' had drawn well abreast of a precipitous headland, and was still striving to pass it, when suddenly everything aloft was taken flat aback by baffling winds from the shore. The sudden strain thus cast on all the head stays proved more than the good old barque could resist, and in a moment large quantities of water poured into the hold.

'She's done for, sir!' Mr. Sennit shouted from the forecastle-head. 'The bow has almost caved in.'

Captain Thorne remained perfectly calm.

'All hands loose everything,' he sang out. 'Get the Chinamen at the pumps. Bear a hand! Set the stu'n's'ls for'a'd. Carpenter and steward stand by to lower quarter-boats. We'll put her hard and fast yet, Sennit.'

The men raced aloft faster than ever in their lives. The Chinamen worked the pumps for all they were worth. Every stitch of canvas was set in less than ten minutes, and passing the point the steadily settling vessel ran toward a clear and level bit of sandy beach under her lee, which, however, she never reached.

The vessel was driven direct for a spot where she might rest in safety, and she certainly did her best to reach it. When some attention could be directed shoreward it was seen that she had entered a spacious bay, about four miles across, and deep water seemed to run right up to the sandy beach. From the latter she was still some distance away, and, of course, as the hull was forced deeper in the water the more did the leakage increase. At last the chain-plates were awash, and it became a matter of doubt if the shore could be reached.

'I don't think she'll do it, lad,' Readyman observed to his young friend. 'Anyhow, my son, we may not have far to swim. You must remain close to me, and we'll see it——'

A sudden striking of the hull on submerged rocks almost capsized Jack and his protector. The damaged foremast, with all attached, went over the bow. Mr. Sennit was pitched clean off the forecastle-head into the water, and thus was undoubtedly saved from being crushed to death beneath the falling spars. Most of the after masts were also snapped off by the force of the blow, but no one was injured. The hull was lifted clear of obstruction, and with a long downward glide finally took the ground in three fathoms of water.

Mr. Sennit was immediately assisted on board, none the worse of his unexpected dip, and Captain Thorne congratulated him on his fortunate escape.

The 'Alert,' with slight 'list' or inclination to port, was hard and fast fore and aft. Readyman and Jack Clewlin had no necessity to swim ashore. The main deck of the wreck remained clear of the water, and no inconvenience was occasioned to anyone on board.

'Well done, old girl!' the quarter-master exclaimed. 'You're fixed now, and did us a real good turn.'

'But it is hard lines, after being together so long,' Jack said.

'We may not part company yet,' Readyman added. 'I'd sooner live here than ashore. The old man managed that last scoot in a surprising way, Master Jack. Many another would have lost his head, and smothered all hands. I never saw a neater bit of seamanship. Part company? Well, sonny, when we lose sight of this island, I reckon it will be about time to talk of that, but not before. How can anyone tell that this place isn't swarming with niggers ready to bake us for breakfast? I'll stick to the old craft yet.'

'Do you know, Readyman, that we are just two years out?'

'Ay, ay, and when leaving Stonewell you or the dad never expected that through following the skipper you'd see so many parts of the world, and in the end become a second Robinson Crusoe, so to speak.'

'That's true,' Jack said; 'but now that I have been shipwrecked it does not feel half so exciting or splendid as reading of such things in a book. Indeed, Readyman, if my father could only know that I am alive and well, I should feel quite contented.'

'Well, lad, I don't see there's any use in looking at the affair like that. We might be rescued to-morrow, for all that any of us can tell. Even supposing we have to bunk it out here for a spell, it might just as well be done with a light as a heavy heart. Meeting trouble half-way ain't my motto at all; keep your heart up, sonny, and we'll pull through all right.'

As a matter of fact, Jack was not greatly distressed by the loss of the barque. What had impressed him much more seriously was the terrible end of the men with whom he had been so long associated, and whose cold-blooded murders had made such a lasting impression on his mind, since among a small body of men, cooped up together on board ship, the loss of a single life is keenly regretted long after his belongings have been put up to auction.

An examination of the wreck showed that the sea did not quite reach the deck, and as it remained dry and cool the Chinamen were housed forward, and as the forecastle had been almost destroyed by the fire the crew was permitted to live aft. None of the hands seemed to think the position worthy of much remark, and settled down comfortably in their new quarters, as though nothing particularly exciting had occurred.

The long-boat, which was towing astern when the barque took the ground, received no injury, and as she was in good condition all necessary stores could be speedily removed. The two quarter-boats were also lowered and secured alongside.

After supper, lots were drawn for the night watching, and about eight o'clock the others turned in.

Next morning the work of salving the stores began. The three boats were in constant movement between the wreck and the beach, while under the orders of Mr. Statten the Chinamen set to work erecting tents, by means of the spars and sails landed.

'We dare not trust the old barque,' Captain Thorne said. 'If a gale from the westward arose, she would be soon broken up.'

Jack was placed in charge of one boat, and for some days he was busily employed.

All the rifles and ammunition were sent ashore, even before any of the provisions, for although the island appeared uninhabited, the skipper deemed it advisable to be prepared for all contingencies, until a thorough investigation proved that no anxiety need be entertained.

When the second mate had selected a good camping-ground he and the emigrants soon rigged up very respectable tents, the Chinamen being accommodated in one set apart for their exclusive use.

The stores that were stowed in the cabin of the barque were in good condition; but most unfortunately all the beef and pork casks had been so securely stowed in the hold that they could neither float to the surface nor be reached by the crew. On the other hand, the two 'harness-casks,' in which a fortnight's supply of meat was kept on deck, happened to be full, and they were put ashore. The big water-tank had not been injured by the grounding of the vessel, and it was three parts full. There was also a spring of excellent drinking water discovered on the island.

For about a week Captain Thorne and a few men remained on the wreck, but the others always slept in the tents ashore.

Bright and early next morning all hands were astir. The fires were replenished, and kettles were soon 'singing' away in merry tune; and as the 'Alert' could no longer be set on fire the Chinamen were allowed to cook their own food, and right well they did it, too. They never made the slightest disturbance, and apparently took the whole affair as a big relief from the monotony of life afloat, nor did any of them express the least dislike to detention on the lonely island.

The labour of salvage continued until everything worth removal had been sent ashore, and only the hull and lower masts of the 'Alert' remained above water. Then Captain Thorne took up his residence among his men, and a survey of the island was arranged.

'I shall take a few men with me and work across country,' he said. 'You might take the long-boat, Sennit, and by keeping along the shore endeavour to join me on the opposite side, and thus discover if there are natives about. I have no accurate knowledge of the place.'

'Ay, ay, sir,' the mate replied. 'I do not think you should travel unarmed.'

'Of course not,' the old man returned; 'there may be cannibals watching us now. We must strive to support each other if attacked.'

Having selected their men both leaders set off on their separate adventures.

Mr. Statten, Readyman, Jack Clewlin, and two of the crew remained behind to look after the camp and the Chinamen.

After dinner, and with the consent of the second mate, Readyman and his young friend set out on an expedition in search of fresh water. They took an opposite course to that of the skipper, and kept a good lookout for natives. Both carried rifles and ammunition. It was not long before Jack saw something like a path, apparently made by natives, trending off through the timber and scrub toward the centre of the island. He immediately warned his companion.

'There are people here, after all,' he said. 'Let us tell Mr. Statten.'

'Hold hard, sonny,' Readyman exclaimed. 'No need for alarm before you're sure that the danger does exist. Examine the marks closer, lad. Do you see anything at all resembling a human footprint?'

Jack stooped lower and examined the trail.

'No,' he said. 'There certainly is no appearance of such marks. Who made the track, Readyman?'

'That's exactly what I want you to find out for yourself. Suppose you had been cast ashore without shipmates, and had to discover everything for future guidance? Use your eyes, lad.'

Here and there Jack discovered that, on looking still closer at the trail, it seemed to be recently disturbed. Many little pieces of compressed and decaying leaves looked as if they had been just cut asunder, and the disturbed earth seemed freshly trodden. Then he perceived among the leaves what looked like a long coarse hair. A few yards farther along the track he reached a circular clearance of the short scrub, while numerous marks showed the recent presence of many four-footed and cloven-hoofed animals.

'Did you ever see anything like them before?' the quarter-master inquired.

'Cows' feet,' Jack said; 'but these are much smaller.'

'What's that hair you picked up?'

A swift gleam of intelligence was followed by a hearty laugh.

'I know, I know!' Jack cried. 'This hair is a bristle, and the marks have been made by wild pigs.

'Exactly, lad; and if I'm not much mistaken they've had a big fight amongst themselves hereabouts.'

'Let us try to shoot some of them, Readyman.'

'I'd like to, my son, but don't forget that the boars are always savage, and regular demons to fight. Let me go first.'

In silence, and with great caution against sudden attack by cannibals, both friends continued to follow the track that led them deeper and deeper into the forest. The light still remained fairly good, while the track held an upward course. At last they came suddenly on a great wall of rock rising almost perpendicularly before them. At the same moment Readyman pulled up so abruptly that Jack, walking close behind, stumbled against him.

Without speaking the quarter-master pointed toward a spot at the base of the cliff, and following the direction Jack immediately perceived a large number of small pigs fast asleep in their comfortable quarters, apparently unaware of impending danger.

'Stand behind a tree, and take your choice of a good fat one,' Readyman whispered. 'Mind you don't waste a shot. I'll get under cover also, and see if we can bring home a couple of good porkers. Should you see a boar look wild, mind you get out of his road as quickly as possible. If I'm attacked, I'll shin up one of the trees.'

Each sportsman took his chosen position. The happily snoring pigs never stirred until suddenly a stronger whiff of wind from Jack's direction set a savage-looking but somewhat diminutive boar on its feet. A sharp squeal of warning aroused the rest of the animals. The boar snorted angrily, and with head bent close to the ground flew directly toward the tree behind which Jack stood, with rifle ready to let fly as soon as he felt certain of hitting the animal. All that while some thirty or forty pigs of various sizes and ages stood motionless, awaiting the result of their leader's onslaught.

From behind one tree a deafening noise arose, a cloud of smoke partly obscured the outlook, but before it had time to clear off a similar noise came from another tree. One of their fattest and most cheery comrades lay stiff in their midst, while the leader, in whom the utmost confidence had always been placed, limped badly on three legs, and from another blood flowed. Nevertheless, he was still full of fight, and made desperate attempts to inflict serious if not fatal injuries on Jack Clewlin. Round the foot of the tree Jack dodged his deadly foe, and on one occasion he got in a stunning blow of the rifle stock on the hard head of the boar. The next moment he was beyond reach of the sharp and gleaming tusks, which would have ripped up his leg like paper; but the gun had been dropped.

All that while Readyman was waiting his opportunity to deal a fatal blow, and when he fired the infuriated pig dropped dead without a squeal.

'Climb down, my son,' the quarter-master whispered. 'You got well out of that scrape. Let us have another shot at the crowd before they clear out.'

The pigs, apparently fascinated, remained motionless. Jack speedily recovered, and re-charged his rifle, and within a couple of seconds as many more pigs fell to the shots of the sportsmen. Thus brought to a sense of their own imminent danger, the remaining animals dashed off into the thick woods and disappeared.

With their spoils of the fight both men returned to camp. Mr. Statten had heard the firing, yet felt that as no one sang out for assistance nothing need be feared; but he mustered all the Chinamen, and made ready to repel a possible native attack.

All hands were agreeably surprised by the arrival of so much fresh food, and with the tough old boar, as their share of the meat the pigtails hastened back to their quarters to enjoy a good meal.

It was almost dark before Mr. Sennit with the long-boat returned to camp; but of Captain Thorne and his party no information was forthcoming.

'I've seen nothing of them all day,' the mate said. 'Perhaps there are natives on the island,' Mr. Statten observed. 'The captain may have been lured into some trap.'

'Well, I thought he had returned,' the mate replied. 'We cannot leave him adrift all night. Come along, some of you, and let us discover the truth. Don't forget your guns, boys.'

Everyone in camp wished to join him, but taking Readyman, Jack Clewlin, and one hand, he immediately set out on the trail of the missing men. By the time that they had covered a quarter of a mile the darkness rendered progress difficult. In spite of that, however, Mr. Sennit led the way, and the almost invisible track began to ascend. Still advancing, they came out suddenly on the summit of a high ridge, and in the opposite valley heard the discharge of a rifle.

'That comes from the captain!' Mr. Sennit exclaimed. 'We'll soon find out what may be wrong.'

He discharged his piece to announce the proximity of friends, and then casting about for some trace of the path, discovered that it took a sharp easterly turn, and finally went downward over the ridge.

'It seems almost madness to follow it in the dark,' the mate said. 'Anyhow, where they went safely we can chance a slight fall. Let us rope ourselves together, and Clewlin, being the lightest, must take the lead.'

Down they went without accident, and within half an hour Captain Thorne and his party were found.

'One of my men has broken his leg,' the skipper explained. 'We have had to carry him all the afternoon.'

'We only heard your signal after reaching the top of the hill, sir,' Mr. Sennit said.

'Did you discover anything in the long-boat, Sennit?'

'No, sir. The place seems uninhabited.'

'Except for wild pigs, of which there are many,' Captain Thorne returned. 'From certain signs, however, I'm led to think that not long ago the place must have been somewhat thickly dotted with villages. They have all been burned.'

'Probably by native enemies, sir,' the mate said.

'No, Sennit, but by "black-birders" who have stolen the people.'

CHAPTER XVI

'ALL HANDS ON DECK!'

The night proved so dark and the track so difficult to follow, that, hampered by the injured seaman, the captain and his party found the return no easy matter. Everyone, however, worked so cheerfully that just as dawn showed eastward next morning the camp was reached without further adventure or accident.

After breakfast the captain called a general muster before his tent, and explained his opinions on the situation.

'The island is uninhabited,' he said. 'We must try to leave it as soon as possible. The stock of provisions cannot last beyond a month, and as I have the Chinamen to feed we must get them to Honolulu. Our three boats are in good condition, and might easily make the trip.'

'I could reach there in the long-boat, sir,' Mr. Sennit observed, 'and hire a larger craft to take you off.'

'Well, of course that could be done,' the skipper replied; 'but I believe that by a little close stowage all hands might sail together. Such a course would save a lot of time, trouble, and expense, to say nothing of being able to stick together for assistance, should foul weather set in.'

'Yes, that would be the best way out of the fix,' the mate said; 'and I have no doubt we'll do it, too.'

The boats were immediately got ready for service. Everyone became anxious that a start southward should be made. The Chinamen were informed of what was about to take place, and they made no objection.

On the morning of the contemplated departure, however, a change of weather set in, and within a few hours a tremendous gale and high sea were sweeping directly into the bay. Captain Thorne immediately gave orders for the boats to be hauled above high-water mark; but, although the two smaller ones were quickly unloaded and saved, the heavy long-boat was not so easily handled.

'All hands on deck!' the skipper shouted, through blinding rain, stinging spume, and screaming wind, 'Save the stores!'

So heavy was the surf on the beach that scarcely anything in the big boat was secured, and she was finally tossed ashore in a hopelessly shattered condition.

All the tents were blown down. Much of the stores there deposited were also carried away into the woods, and the Chinamen became so frightened that all of them disappeared, and were subsequently discovered two miles inland.

The storm increased with such rapidity that in spite of their most active efforts many men were blown off their feet. The immense waves presently caught and broke up the quarter-boats, and the beach was strewn with wreckage.

For some hours the outlook remained so thick that nothing of the 'Alert' could be seen; but some of her spars were noticed coming ashore.

As nothing more could be done along the beach Captain Thorne turned his attention toward saving as much of the tent gear as was possible, and most of it was secured.

Toward the evening the storm abated, and a sudden clearance of the atmosphere was immediately followed by the general cry, 'The barque's gone!' Of her not a trace, save the shattered wreckage ebbing and flowing with every 'send' of the high sea, remained, and all hands perceived that no hope of leaving the island by their own efforts was possible.

'Well, we're in God's hands!' the captain said. 'Had we left here and been caught outside in the storm, none could have lived two hours. Let us be thankful for that mercy.'

So rapidly did the wind fall that before sundown two tents were rigged up amongst the trees near the beach, a fire was lighted, a kettle was found, and filled with water taken from a cask which the gale could only shift a few yards, and all hands settled down for the night.

Next morning not a trace of the late trouble appeared. Indeed, the sun shone with increased brilliancy, and the clearness of the atmosphere was wonderful.

A good fire soon had the kettle steaming cheerily for breakfast, while, 'smiling all over their pigtail faces,' as Readyman said, two of the missing Chinamen strolled into camp seeking food.

'What you do with pigee me give yesterday?' Mr. Statten inquired. 'S'pose you go catchee him.'

'Win' allee same blow him San Francisco,' the man replied. 'Him no good. Wanchee too muchee chow-chow. Savvee?'

Captain Thorne laughed very heartily. 'They can't have enjoyed that old boar,' he said. 'Give them some bread, steward.'

The fellows went off smiling more serenely than ever, and the remainder of their companions soon trotted in for further supplies.

'See here, Sennit,' the old man observed, 'when on my tramp we saw several apparently cultivated patches of ground. There may be things there worth having, as the owners did not turn up. These Chinamen cause me much anxiety. I must land them in California.'

'I'll take a couple of hands and try to cross the island,' the mate replied. 'There's no time to lose.'

Three of the hands, with Readyman and Jack Clewlin, immediately volunteered for service. Each of them was supplied with a rifle and ammunition and rations sufficient for three days. Headed by the mate, all set off on the expedition, and good progress was made.

They followed the old track, and soon perceived that some easier route than that precipitous descent into the opposite valley must be found, as otherwise they would lose much valuable time in getting the crops up the rocks and into camp.

'We must separate and find another path,' the mate said. 'Should any of you discover one, fire your rifle.'

'Ay, ay, sir.'

Jack and Readyman went off together. They had some difficulty in forcing a passage through the thick undergrowth, and the quarter-master presently declared that no road in that direction would be found. 'I thought the pigs might have given us a clue, lad,' he said; 'but they have never strolled up here.'

Just then Jack, who was in advance, suddenly reached a sharp bend of the ridge, and emerged on a good clearance. From there the ground began to fall away gently toward the valley, and in an instant his eye caught slight of a pig-track.

'Then we've been the first to make a discovery!' Readyman exclaimed.

He immediately discharged his rifle, and the other men speedily arrived. The track was followed, and, after about a mile of steady tramping in single file, all hands walked straight into the midst of several rudely constructed huts that stood at the foot of a great tree; but no natives could be seen.

'They've only just cleared out,' Readyman said. 'Look! The fires are still alight.'

'Keep quiet,' Mr. Sennit whispered. 'The unfortunate people probably mistake us for "blackbirders." Captain Thorne's suggestion was correct. The place has been raided by scoundrels who carry off the men for trade.'

Close by a large patch of ground was well cultivated, and many large pumpkins, yams, and sweet potatoes were flourishing. Suddenly Jack saw a woman approaching, and held up his arms, as a sign that nothing need be feared. Then many other females, some of them accompanied by children, approached the huts; but not one man appeared. By that time the white party had hidden their weapons away, and as the mate made friendly signs the women slowly returned to their homes.

Much chattering among the half-frightened, half friendly-disposed women ensued; but in a wonderful manner Mr. Sennit explained the real nature of his visit, and how his vessel had been wrecked on the island.

Considerable satisfaction was immediately apparent among the people, and without hesitation they led him toward another and until then unseen patch of cultivated ground, which they signified he could make use of.

With deep lamentations they also indicated that quite recently a small vessel had arrived on the coast, and after some friendly palaver suddenly seized all the men, and with them left the island. Indeed, it soon became clear that such practices had been common of late, and that in that way the beautiful spot had been denuded of all its able-bodied inhabitants.

A good stock of vegetables was secured for the camp; but when the white men attempted to load themselves up for the return journey the women immediately volunteered their services, and dividing the loads into somewhat smaller quantities set out to guide the visitors home.

Their route differed considerably from that taken by the mate; for a while it seemed as though the party were pursuing a circuitous road, but on being assured that all was correct the mate ceased his advice, and in the end he was conducted straight back to camp in much less time than could have been deemed possible.

'Well, well, Sennit,' the old man sang out, 'you've been making hay while the sun shone, and no mistake.'

'Hay, sir!' the mate cried, 'it's good pumpkin, yams, and sweet spuds, this time. There is any amount of fruit as well, but I didn't like to be too greedy first time of asking.'

'Where did you find the women?'

'Quite by accident. All their men-folk have been carried off by some ruffianly "black-birders."'

The women feared only the Chinamen; and when returning home each was given a couple of biscuits.

On the following day several women returned with quantities of excellent vegetables and fruit, for which they eagerly accepted ship bread; and as the meat supply in camp was running short Captain Thorne signified his needs of more.

The women immediately offered to become guides for a shooting party, and under their directions Mr. Sennit and five hands set off on the trail.

The accurate knowledge of the animals' habits possessed by the natives proved highly advantageous, and the expedition was also fruitful of results.

On reaching a certain spot about four miles from the camp, all the white men were advised to remain in hiding, and keep a good lookout. Then the women disappeared.

An hour of inactivity ensued. Then suddenly a faint rustling among the scrub along the pig-track ahead was speedily followed by the appearance of many small and grunting animals in rapid movement, In fact, the entire track seemed to become filled with them, and the sportsmen grew excited.

As the pigs dashed forward rifles snapped out their missiles, and every shot went home.

Six fat porkers fell to the guns, and three more were killed by revolver fire. The beaters soon appeared, and as their share of the day's sport three pigs were handed over, while with the remaining spoils slung over their weapons the men returned home. A great feast was enjoyed by all hands that evening, and the Chinamen seemed perfectly contented with the new life, and by no means anxious to reach San Francisco.

However, during the next forenoon three frightened-looking and extremely agitated women hastened into camp, and by rapid signs informed the captain that the vessel had returned to the island in search of more male natives.

'Arm yourselves, all hands,' he promptly sang out. 'We shall endeavour to protect these poor people. If I can only put my hands on the scoundrels, they'll not soon forget it.'

He then told the women that they need fear nothing, and that as long as he remained on the spot they should have his assistance.

The party soon reached the opposite side of the island, and in a sheltered little bay found the vessel, a schooner of fifty tons, at anchor. None of her crew had as yet landed. The old man hastily laid a trap for their arrest, and then awaited events.

It was not long before a boat full of cowardly foreigners came on shore, and with revolvers concealed in their clothing began to separate, in quest of some new spot likely to prove successful for their purpose. By the directions of Captain Thorne some of the women now began to show themselves, and the landing party immediately followed them.

The moment the ruffians had got well in-shore the skipper and his men surrounded them. A few shots proved so effectual that within half an hour the entire gang were made prisoners and disarmed. The schooner was also taken, and, to the intense astonishment and delight of the women, she was found to be almost filled with their sons, husbands, or brothers, captured only a few weeks previously.

All the unhappy men were promptly put on shore, and the schooner made sail for Camp Bay, where the 'Alert' had been wrecked; and before sundown she anchored there. The prisoners were landed, and thus another day of adventure on the island closed.

First thing next morning the carpenter set to work fitting up a stout partition in the schooner's hold, so that the Chinamen might be kept apart from the 'black-birders'; and on its completion the latter were again placed on board.

Meanwhile, all hands had been busily collecting stores for shipment, water from a good spring was filled into every available cask, a fresh stock of pork was killed, and, to mark their sense of gratitude, the islanders presented an enormous stock of vegetables and fruit.

At length the schooner set all her canvas, and amidst the regrets of the natives left Camp Bay.

CHAPTER XVII

A FORTUNATE ESCAPE

'After all, Sennit,' the old man exclaimed, as the vessel cleared the island on her passage to Honolulu, 'it has turned out most fortunate that our boats were broken up by that gale. We have been allowed to help those unfortunate people.'

'Yes, sir,' the mate replied; 'and help to choke the rascals down below, I hope.'

The little schooner proved to be a smart sailer, and ripped along in such splendid style that without further adventure she arrived at her destination, where all the prisoners went to gaol to await trial.

Captain Thorne, however, presently discovered that unless he was prepared to incur considerable expense in taking his men to San Francisco by steam, there was nothing left for him to do but to sail there in the captured vessel. He decided to take the latter course.

The Chinamen at first made complaint of their cramped quarters, but on finding that the entire hold was now at their service they agreed to remain. Whereupon more fresh stores and water were shipped, and exactly ten days after entering Honolulu harbour they again sailed for their original port of discharge.

With a rattling breeze and all sail set, out went the vessel on her voyage toward San Francisco.

Of that trip nothing need be said. A splendid breeze carried them safely across the last portion of the Pacific, and, as though fortune seemed determined to make up for all previous trials and difficulties, nothing worthy of the name of gale delayed their progress.

On passing through the entrance of the magnificent bay, under a full press of canvas, the schooner raced along on inclined bilge, until at last the anchor was dropped in two fathoms near the city, and there awaited the appearance of the health officer, to allow the surviving emigrants to land.

'Well, captain,' the doctor exclaimed, as he stepped on board, 'you are a good while overdue. Surely you have not come all across the Pacific in a cockle-shell like this?'

Captain Thorne laughed. 'Not exactly,' he said; 'yet small as she is she has brought us here much more quickly than was expected. I have not more than forty of my emigrants shipped at Hong Kong remaining.'

'By the way, captain, did not the "Alert" belong to a certain Liverpool firm?'

'Yes, sir, and I only joined her at Brisbane.'

'Well, then, I do not think you'll be long out of employment. In short, captain, one of your company's ships is here now loading grain for the United Kingdom, but, most unfortunately, her master met with a fatal accident—fell into the hold—last week, and died yesterday. You should see the agent, and secure the vacant position.'

'Is not her chief officer in charge?' the skipper inquired. 'He will likely take her home.'

'He is not qualified to do so,' the doctor returned. 'Lose no time, captain.'

Leaving the schooner in charge of the mate, the old man immediately acted on the advice; and on explaining how the 'Alert' was lost, and his connection with the firm owning the captainless ship, he was directed to take charge of her, and get ready for sea as quickly as possible.

'I must tell you, sir,' the agent added, 'that another vessel is on the point of sailing for England. She is a well-known clipper, and as your predecessor challenged her for a great race home, much excitement has been aroused here, and everyone hopes that you will do your utmost to win the prize of five thousand dollars for the first arrival at Stonewell, where both ships call for orders.'

'Well, sir,' the captain cheerily replied, 'since you are intrusting me with such a pleasing and exciting task, all I can say is, that every fathom of speed to be got out of our vessel shall be strictly reeled-off. Leave the matter with me.'

He immediately returned to the schooner, packed what clothing had been saved from the wreck of the 'Alert,' and in charge of Jack Clewlin he also sent his chronometers, charts, and other navigating gear on board the new ship.

When Jack there learned that she was bound to Stonewell for orders his joy knew no bounds. But parting from Readyman and all those with whom he had been so long associated would prove a painful matter, since, of course, he knew that he must follow Captain Thorne. But even those troubles were speedily dispelled.

Nearly half the crew of the 'Ocean Glory,' as the ship was named, had been induced to desert, for the sake of high wages ashore; their places were, however, immediately filled by his old comrades, while the mate and Mr. Statten accepted passages home as third and fourth officers. Thus all the friends were enabled to meet again on the new craft, which was a splendid clipper of nineteen hundred tons, and in every respect likely to prove both comfortable and speedy. She was as finely modelled and more loftily sparred than the 'Silver Crown,' and Jack looked knowingly at her three standing skysail and main moonsail yards, above the royals. With so strong a crew ready to 'put her through' on the run home, it soon became evident that she would more than hold her own, and her supporters became correspondingly jubilant of success.

To be quite fair, however, there was no doubt that her rival would prove a formidable foe. She was also beautifully designed, was slightly larger and longer than her opponent, with wedge-like bow, clean run, and she also carried several sails above the royals. Both ships were 'like spick and span pins,' as sailors say, and each had all her canvas 'bent.'

'Well, she looks a clipper every inch, Sennit,' the skipper observed. 'All the same, though, if you and I cannot put our charge through several days ahead, things must have changed since we met.'

'That's so, sir,' the mate replied. 'Some believe we have no chance, but that's all bluff. The others, however, know their ship, and we've to discover everything for ourselves.'

'We'll smash her, Sennit'

For a couple of days both vessels were busily employed in shipping the last of their stores; and during that interval Jack received a long letter from home, in which his father hoped he was well, but said that some anxiety was aroused by the lengthened voyage of the 'Alert.' An explanatory letter was immediately despatched.

The rival clipper, 'Flying Scud' sailed first, and with canvas mounting from the rails to the moonsail yard made a fine show. The long black hull was relieved by a strip of painted ports, and careening gracefully she sped quickly out of the bay.

'Mark her time to the offing, Sennit!' the old man exclaimed; 'that will give us a fair idea of her speed. I take notice that they haven't sent a rope-yarn of stu'n's'l gear aloft yet. Perhaps she doesn't carry any. The younger skippers say it doesn't compensate for the cost and trouble.'

'We'll show them that this voyage, sir,' the mate said. 'I begin to think we have a good chance of getting the prize.'

'Chance! I'll smash her, Sennit.'

Owing to some mistake about the nationality of the 'black-birding' schooner, the 'Ocean Glory' was detained till nearly sundown, but when the chief officer sang out to man the windlass all hands rushed to the levers. The cable came in with a rattle, and across the beautiful bay went the chanty:

'The breeze is from the east-south-east,
And she can sail ten knots at least.
Our officers we will obey,
So now to grog, my lads, I say.
For we are homeward-bound, my boys,
We are homeward-bound.'

'Cable's hove short, sir,' Mr. Fortune, the mate, sang out.

The youngsters at the main capstan 'pawled' it. The hands, knowing what would follow, left the forecastle-head.

'Loose all canvas fore and aft,' the skipper sang out.

'We'll race the after-guards for it!' a man cried in defiance, as he sprang up the main rigging.

'And we'll take you,' Jack Clewlin returned, as, smartly mustering all his younger associates of the half-deck, he had them skipping from yard to yard on the mizen mast, casting off the gaskets, and overhauling the running gear. Then, sliding down to the quarter-deck he forced the steward, carpenter, sailmaker, and boys to man the halyards. Up went the topsail and other yards with a leap, and before those forward had realised the fact every stitch of sail aft was set.

'Well done, Clewlin!' the skipper exclaimed. 'You've fairly beaten your opponents.'

As the anchor was broken out the 'Ocean Glory' canted her head seaward, and under all sail, and with bunting flowing bravely in the breeze, away toward the offing she glided with ever-increasing movement. A hearty cheer followed her from the shore. Not a moment was lost in getting more canvas spread. The studding-sail booms were dragged off the skids and sent aloft, that gear was promptly rove by experienced and nimble hands, and before sundown the clipper had reached well out beyond the Golden Gates, and the time taken by the old man proved that she had covered the distance much more quickly than her rival.

With a light five-knot breeze steady progress was made throughout the night, the anchors were secured on the forecastle-head, watches were 'picked' by the officers, and Jack Clewlin and his 'side' turned in till midnight.

The ship proved to be somewhat heavily laden, but of that no notice was taken, since long before Cape Horn was reached, the daily consumption of food and water would have made some difference in her trim, while the cargo of grain would also have settled down firmly in its place, and thus enable the captain to observe any slight peculiarity of trim.

Nothing whatever could be seen of the 'Flying Scud'; every day a bright lookout for her was maintained by men engaged at work aloft, and still the wind remained fair and moderately strong.

Ten days after leaving port the first vessel was seen, and proved to be, not the 'Flying Scud,' as was at first supposed, but a San Francisco-bound ship, one hundred and twenty days out from the Mersey, and she signalled need of a few fresh provisions. Captain Thorne immediately drew closer, and having sent what food could be spared to the stranger, he inquired if she had seen anything of his rival.

'A big painted-port craft, eh?' the other master inquired. 'Yes, we fell in with her three hours ago. Yet, in spite of my crippled condition and want of grub, she would not pay the slightest heed, but continued her voyage. She's nearly abreast of you now, but several miles farther west.'

'Then we have beaten her already,' Captain Thorne sang out. 'Thank you, sir, and a speedy arrival in port. I'm sorry I can afford no better assistance.'

'So long, captain. I'll tell them at 'Frisco that you're miles ahead. By the way, that other craft is not carrying stu'n's'ls. It's the new fashion, I believe.'

The 'Ocean Glory' continued her voyage, crossed the equator in good style, and after a delay of only one day she struck the first of the south-east trade winds, and in one long close-hauled board stood away about south-west-by-south, still keeping a sharp watch for the slightest sign of her opponent, and making rapid progress toward the bleak and stormy latitudes of Cape Horn.

Early one morning, in latitude 57°, 48' south, a hand aloft reported the 'Flying Scud' standing as themselves, some fifteen miles to the westward, and great excitement prevailed.

'I don't believe it can be that vessel!' the old man exclaimed. 'Clewlin, you have sharp eyes; here, take my glasses, and find out if she is really our rival.'

Within a few seconds Jack had perched himself snugly on the royal yard. He had some difficulty in picking up the vessel, yet, once he got her fairly focused she was not again lost sight of, but was certainly steering much 'freer' than themselves.

'It isn't the clipper, sir,' Jack presently sang out. 'She is all black fore and aft, and only carries royals.'

'I thought so,' the old man said. 'She's either a Sidney or a Melbourne packet, and is, of course, going easier.'

The stranger knew nothing of the 'Flying Scud.' As she drew up nearly abreast Captain Thorne eased his helm, and with yards slightly checked in the 'Ocean Glory' almost kept her place, despite the fact that the other was flying light with wool and passengers.

'Set our starboard topmast stu'n's'l,' the skipper sang out.

Mr. Fortune, unaccustomed to such 'carrying on,' eyed him nervously, but soon had the canvas set. It added half a knot, and made up the even ten knots an hour. Neither vessel now gained any advantage, and the old man smiled cheerfully.

Darkness soon hid both vessels. During the night the wind began to draw more aft, and although it was blowing 'pretty fresh' Captain Thorne immediately came on deck, and ordered the mate to set the lower and port topmast stu'n's'ls.

'I won't be passed even by a wool ship, if I can help it,' he added.

'I scarcely think she can stand them,' Mr. Fortune observed.

'Then call Sennit, sir,' was the sharp reply.

His own old mate was promptly to the fore. The extra canvas was 'bent' and also set. The strain on all the gear was tremendous, and in rising anxiety the watch alternately eyed it and the captain; but everything stood splendidly, and the skysails and main moonsail were stowed for the night.

Next morning the Australian was just visible astern, and she had nothing above a main top-gallant-sail set. Anyhow, she soon began to 'wake up' and set more canvas.

'What are we doing now, Fortune?' the skipper inquired.

A couple of hands were called aft, and the log was hove. The captain himself took the sandglass and awaited the order to 'Turn!'

The line flew out astern, the reel rattled and shook as it had never done before, and the old man shouted, 'Stop!'

'Fourteen and a half knots, sir,' Mr. Fortune said. 'I've been in her two voyages, but never saw anything like this.'

'But we've got to make up the even fifteen,' Captain Thorne replied; 'set the royals and skysails.'

The mate went forward wagging his head, and the watch began to talk; but the skipper got his fifteen knots, and the wool ship disappeared.

All that day the vessel flew before the wind; but toward evening the flying kites again came in.