CHAPTER VI
SOME NEW EXPERIENCES
'All hands stow canvas!' Mr. Sennit sang out.
With a young ordinary seaman Jack helped to furl the fore royal. And, that being neatly accomplished, he then slid down to the topgallant yard, where two extra men had already arrived. But instead of remaining near the mast he was sent out to the yardarm, where, of course, the work was much lighter than at the 'bunt,' or centre part of the sail.
The upper and lower topsails were also stowed, and then the whole port watch 'lay down' to the fore yard, Jack being still shifted outside of the men. With a cheery—
'Yoh, ho, we'll all sling duff at the cook,'
the big sail was rolled up snugly on the yard, and the men were soon on deck.
With the furling of all the canvas the yards were correctly squared in their lifts and braces, the ropes were coiled on the belaying-pins, and a general 'knock off of work' followed the safe completion of the voyage.
Jack's attention was immediately directed toward the appearance of the country in which he had just arrived, and many emigrants also peered landward.
Moreton Bay was of considerable size, deep water and good anchorage being readily found anywhere, but of signs of habitations not a trace existed, and many people openly discussed the means of existence in such an apparently desolate spot.
The land all round seemed of a uniform flatness, and thickly covered with trees and undergrowth, while of the River Brisbane, or the city of that name beside which it was supposed to flow, not the slightest sign was visible.
But it was not long before black smoke was seen rising above the 'bush' some distance beyond the inner end of the bay, while out of the foliage there a small steamer suddenly emerged, and speedily made fast alongside the clipper.
She had brought down a quantity of fresh provisions, and, in the delight of soon enjoying them, all hands momentarily forgot about Queensland, or the likelihood of starvation in an uninhabited country.
Jack always believed that the supper of mutton chops, 'soft tack,' and good tea, partaken of that night was the sweetest he ever had, and much chatter went on between the three youngsters in their room.
'I say, Clewlin,' Wilton sang out, 'this is all right, you know; but do you like the sea?'
'Like it?' Jack cried, with mouth full of chop; 'why, there is nothing like it anywhere!'
'I hate it,' Wilton returned, 'and mean to give it up. It isn't anything so pleasant as I thought.'
'What's the matter with it?'
'Everything,' Wilton replied. 'First of all, there are those dreadful night watches—enough to kill anyone.'
'But you were no worse off than the others,' George Archer returned. 'Did you think the anchor would be dropped, and all hands turn in till daylight?'
'I certainly never expected that I should have to haul at the ropes just like the common men, and have my arms almost dragged out for no earthly reason that I could see. It's toil, toil all the time, and no amusements of any kind. I tell you I'm sick of the life, and shall leave it when a favourable chance comes.'
'The very best thing you could do,' Archer replied.
'And look at the food,' Wilton added; 'salt horse and pork so fat that only an Icelander would eat it. Why couldn't they give us something better?'
At that point of the discussion Jack was called aft, and received two letters and several newspapers directed to himself.
As he returned to the room the steamer, laden with most of the saloon passengers, sheered off, and in her Captain Thorne also went ashore.
Jack was soon eagerly reading his father's long letters, while an article in a Stonewell paper presently attracted his notice.
'I say, you fellows,' he sang out, 'here is a description of our departure from Stonewell Harbour. It's just splendid. The writer says that the "Silver Crown" was the handsomest ship that ever entered Stonewell Harbour. Oh, my! Why, he has put my name into print. Just listen, boys! The only son of our worthy fellow-townsman, Captain Clewlin, has had the good fortune to make his first voyage in the clipper, and to Master Jack we tender our hearty congratulations and best wishes for his steady advancement.'
The other two boys also received letters from home.
'What has become of Sorter?' Jack presently inquired. 'I haven't seen him since supper.'
'He's gone off in the steamer,' Archer whispered. 'Would you believe, boys, that just before he went he openly boasted to me of having stolen all that food from our house, and sold it to the people in the steerage? He must have been the most disreputable young scoundrel alive. He showed me a good deal of money. We are well rid of such a character.'
'And he told me to tell you, Clewlin,' Charlie Wilton added, 'that if ever he met you on shore he would give you a licking.'
'I'd like to see him try it,' Jack laughed. 'He thought that because I wished to keep a promise to my father, I must be a coward; but he would find out his mistake.'
After dark a lamp was hung on the fore stay; watchmen patrolled the 'tween deck, and the three boys were soon enjoying the delights of an 'all night below.'
At six o'clock next morning the crew set to work washing the deck, and shortly after breakfast the little steamer returned.
She was speedily filled with emigrants, and for nearly a week the work of disembarkation continued.
At last the clipper was cleared of her living freight.
All the sails were sent down from aloft and stowed away, while the fittings of every cabin in the 'tween deck and steerage were carefully removed and sent ashore, and fetched good prices at auction.
Then the ship was thoroughly cleaned both inside and out, and the yards, masts, and hull were painted.
Jack Clewlin sent home a full description of his voyage, and the delights of sea life. One week later, during which the 'Merrie England' arrived, he experienced his first trip on an Australian river.
In one of the lifeboats, and accompanied by Readyman and a strong crew from the starboard watch, he speedily reached the inner end of the bay and the mouth of the Brisbane.
The twenty miles of somewhat narrow waterway—the river being low at the time—proved peculiarly fascinating, especially to men long confined on shipboard, and the winding course of the stream presently found them wholly land-locked amidst the most beautiful verdure, that sprang directly from the water, and grew in such wild luxuriance that not even the smallest particle of ground could be seen. Great tropical plants and large broad-leaved, glass-smooth fern-palms flourished beneath trees that never shed their leaves, but from which long strips of bark depended in fantastic profusion.
'It's wonderful pretty, Master Jack,' Readyman observed. 'The real handiwork of the Creator. And yet, I suppose, within a few years it will all have gone before the axe, and the enterprising advance of the settler?'
'It would be a pity to touch a leaf,' Jack replied.
After a long and steady pull up stream the boat came in sight of the first signs of civilisation.
On the left bank of the river a barn-like structure, which proved to be the general dépôt for all unmarried women landed from the ships, appeared.
On a hill behind it the new settlement of Brisbane was situated, while close at hand a large square-nosed ferry-boat, which was hauled to and fro across the stream by means of a chain cable, gave access to the opposite and apparently uninhabited bank of the river.
Leaving the lifeboat in charge of the ferry-man her crew soon reached the summit of the hill. With the exception of a few houses clustered round some Government buildings, a modest church and half a dozen dwellings standing on commanding positions, the embryo capital of Queensland appeared to be chiefly composed of roads and streets marked out for future occupation.
From many of their late emigrant friends the men received the heartiest welcome, and Jack speedily discovered that some of the people had already removed farther up-country, or had taken over possession of the plots of land apportioned by the Government to those paying their full passage money.
From the members of a former Stonewell family, with whom Jack was well acquainted, the lad received much kindness. Mr. H—— had already purchased some land on what would presently be the principal street, and while building operations continued the family lived in a small bark hut.
Through their assistance Readyman was enabled to secure excellent accommodation for himself and his young charge, and each found much to interest and amuse during their brief visit.
The older settlers never ceased inquiries about 'the old country,' as England was styled.
The most striking spectacle was a small band of about thirty wretched and dirty-looking 'black fellows,' or natives of the immense continent, who had recently arrived at the settlement. They had brought with them a solitary British seaman, who for upwards of twelve years had been wandering all over the country with the savages, and had, of course, become well acquainted with the habits and strange customs of his aboriginal companions. The man appeared in fairly good condition, but had almost forgotten his mother-tongue, and even such words as he still remembered were uttered in such a guttural manner as to be almost unrecognisable.
It appeared that while attempting the passage of Torres Strait his vessel had been wrecked, and out of a full company of twenty hands he alone had survived.
Neither he nor the natives could explain what had become of the others; but those competent to form an opinion believed that they had been speared and eaten by the cannibals.
Jack enjoyed a splendid night's rest, the first he had had between white linen sheets since leaving home, and after breakfast next morning the 'liberty' men prepared to return to their ship. The stream was now in their favour, and the 'Silver Crown' was reached in less than half the time occupied on the upward journey.
Charlie Wilton and the remaining half of the starboard watch next went ashore. From what he had already said, Jack was not surprised to find that Charlie did not return, and he was not again seen. Of the four apprentices who had left Stonewell, two, Archer and Clewlin, alone remained, and even they were soon parted.
The clipper received orders to proceed to Bombay for a homeward freight of cotton. All the canvas was immediately 'bent,' and tacks, sheets, bunt-lines, and reef-tackles were rove off.
When those sailing preparations were completed a wholly unexpected turn of affairs suddenly placed young Jack in considerable difficulty, and occasioned him much anxiety.
Captain Thorne had been medically advised not to visit India, since, only two voyages before, he had contracted a dangerous illness at Bombay.
After long deliberation with his two officers, all three men had agreed to exchange places with the master and mates of a smaller vessel, belonging to the same firm, then in the bay.
She was only half the size of the clipper, and had come out with cargo, but she was nearly ready to sail for Newcastle, N.S.W., there to load coal for Java.
At last Jack decided to consult his old friend Readyman.
'I want to follow Captain Thorne,' he said.
'Well, my son,' the quarter-master replied, 'I certainly believe you are on the right tack. The skipper you know is better than the one you've had no dealings with. Putting that aside, sonny, you'd have a far better chance of learning your business in a small craft. In this clipper there are men enough to turn her inside out, so to say, and youngsters must stand aside, or teach themselves as best they may. You've had three months' experience, and can see that no one here takes much notice of others. Barring what I've tried to do, lad, there isn't another man to show you how to splice a rope-yarn. I believe your father spoke to Thorne, and he would naturally feel more interested than any stranger. Yes, lad, I should try to palaver the old man as soon as may be, and if you go I'll not be far astern.'
'Humph!' the captain grunted, on hearing Jack's tale. 'I do not see why you should leave so fine a vessel for one not half her size. But if you would really sooner come with me there is nothing to keep you away, only you must clearly understand, boy, that in a craft of that kind there are few hands, and you will have to take an ordinary seaman's place, and work as he would.'
'I don't mind that, sir,' Jack promptly replied. 'I wish to learn all I can before returning home.'
'Very good. Can you box the compass?'
'Yes, sir, and knot and splice ropes, too,' Jack proudly said.
'Who taught you?'
'Readyman, sir; he knew and sailed with my father.'
'Get your gear shifted immediately. I told your father I'd make either a lubber or a sailor of his boy.'
Jack needed no further incentive. 'I say, Archer,' he cried, on entering the deck-house, 'I'm off to the new vessel. Are you coming?'
'What! Into a cockle-shell like her? Not likely.'
Jack soon joined the new craft, which was a barque of nine hundred tons, named the 'Alert,' and into her Readyman also exchanged; but Archer, the elder apprentice, remained on the clipper.
For a few days Jack found himself cramped for 'elbow-room,' but his new quarters were far superior to those lately occupied, since he now lived aft in the fore cabin with the two officers and the steward.
A week later both vessels left Moreton Bay together, but although the 'Alert' was by no means a slow craft she could not keep pace with her larger consort, which raced away at great speed and soon disappeared. And that was the last Jack Clewlin ever saw of her.
Without noteworthy incident the barque arrived safely at Newcastle, which is situated near the mouth of the Hunter River, New South Wales, some sixty miles from Sydney. There she immediately proceeded to load coal for Batavia.
So busily employed were all hands that little opportunity for visiting the town was afforded. Some of the crew received a sound 'ducking' while attempting to walk the stout spars that kept the vessel clear of the river bank, so Jack wisely decided to remain on board.
The hold being filled, and the coal dust washed away, the sails were sent aloft and 'bent,' or fastened to the yards; at that work Jack took his place, his light weight being most suitable for the royal yards, while Readyman had shown him how the canvas should be secured. Indeed, what with his knowledge of splicing and knotting the ropes, and other valuable information imparted by his old friend, the mates soon perceived his eagerness to learn, and afforded him much more opportunity of speedy advance than would ever have occurred on the clipper.
Accompanied by a large brig and a full-rigged ship, the 'Alert' put to sea, all three vessels being bound to Java.
The 'Alert' soon made a good offing, and to Jack's extreme satisfaction Captain Thorne ordered him to relieve the helmsman, whose greater strength was needed to cat-head and secure the anchor. Under the watchful eye of the master himself, the young helmsman attained such proficiency in the art of steering, that when one of the crew presently fell ill the lad was able to take his place.
Of that advance no one felt prouder than Readyman. 'It's all through learning the compass, lad,' he said. 'You've moved into the best vessel to learn your business, and the old man means that you shall.'
'The mate says we are going through Torres Strait,' Jack said.
'A mighty rough spot, Master Jack,' Readyman replied. 'I've never been there, but a mate of mine once sailed that way, and was no more seen. It's full of coral reefs and islands, and some cannibals, I'm told, and woe betide the craft that runs ashore.'
'I hope we shall have better luck,' Jack returned.
That afternoon some signalling passed between the 'Alert' and the brig which had come out with her from the river, and it was then arranged that both should keep together while passing through Torres Strait, the ninety miles wide channel lying between Cape York in Australia and the shores of New Guinea.
Of the ship they took no notice, partly because she was a German, and partly owing to her keeping a more off-shore course.
The weather continued delightful, and for many days the two vessels sailed along the mainland, passed Moreton Bay, and the new settlement farther north known as Rockhampton. At last they were abreast of the southern end of that wonderful marine formation named the Great Barrier Reef, which, an almost unbroken line of coral, extends southward from Cape York for a distance of fourteen hundred miles.
This remarkable structure varies considerably in its distance from the mainland. At places toward the north it is not more than ten or twelve miles off, but farther south, and especially toward its end, it is as much as one hundred miles away, while the channel between it and the shore can be navigated with ease. Its seaward face rises almost perpendicularly from the ocean, and in some places narrow passages admit small craft.
For Jack Clewlin the new life on which he had ventured was daily becoming more and more interesting, and he and Readyman never regretted the change.
Day by day both vessels kept well together, the brig sometimes forging far ahead in the light winds, while on other occasions the barque easily passed her in strong breezes. At last they reached the northern end of the Great Reef, it and the main coast being visible; and, having left some islands astern, the entrance of the dreaded strait was found.
The utmost vigilance was now maintained. To the vast delight of all hands, a splendid fair wind began to freshen, just as the dawn of a beautiful morning showed eastward.
The captain came on deck, in hope of running through the most dangerous portion of the coral-obstructed waterway before dark. Every inch of canvas was immediately set, and to assist the lookout at the bow Jack Clewlin was sent to the masthead.
Until then he had had little experience of coral reefs, but would now speedily find himself well-nigh beset by them. Yet in point of danger those awash, and consequently visible, were as nothing in comparison with others hidden a few feet beneath the surface, and steadily pushed upward by their minute builders.
He had just made himself comfortable on the fore topgallant-yard, when, far ahead and slightly off the port bow, a small black object, with the faint but curious tracery of what looked like the masts and rigging of a vessel, appeared.
As no canvas could be seen, Jack naturally concluded that she was at anchor, and he immediately reported the discovery.
'Ay, ay,' Mr. Statten sang out. 'How far off?'
'About ten miles, sir,' Jack replied.
The officer was soon beside him in the crosstrees, and through his glasses peered at the stranger. Then he began to laugh.
'Oh yes, she's "anchored," sure enough, and likely to remain there a spell,' he said. 'It's the big German, Clewlin, hard and fast on a reef. She has evidently been trying to make a fast passage, and come to grief in the dark.'
'Is there anyone on board, sir?'
'I cannot tell just yet. Anyhow, her colours are at the gaff-end, but she lies very badly.'
Telling Jack to remain where he was, the mate hastened on deck, and signalling the brig, which was farther astern, the 'Alert' bore down to make inquiry.
CHAPTER VII
THE DANGERS OF TORRES STRAIT
'Fore crosstrees, there! Stand by to stow the royal.'
'Ay, ay, sir,' Jack sang out.
Within a few minutes the starboard studding-sails fluttered to the deck, and the topgallant sails and royals were clewed up, while coming up astern the brig also shortened sail, and cautiously approaching the wreck both vessels hove-to half a mile to windward.
The big German ship was abandoned, and must have been ashore several days.
However, having furled the fore royal Jack turned his attention toward the busy scene passing on the deck below, and keenly regretted that duty prevented a personal visit to the wreck. The hands were clearing away one of the boats, which was on the point of being lowered, when Captain Thorne himself hailed the masthead. 'Lay down from aloft,' he sang out. 'Look sharp!'
Jack seized the back-stay and slid to the deck, where, to his delight, he was ordered to join the boat, and immediately sat beside Mr. Statten.
A strong pull soon took them close to the wreck, which lay on a submerged reef some two fathoms below the surface, her decks sharply inclined at an angle of about fifty degrees, and the masts and yards still standing thrust out far beyond the hull, over which waves occasionally broke in jets of spray.
On closer approach Jack perceived that the entire surface of the reef was covered with coal, which had fallen through great holes in the lee-bilge of the vessel. On passing to leeward round her stern numerous casks of salted provisions and other floatable gear were drifting away before the wind. She was indeed a pitiable spectacle.
On getting alongside the mizen chains, the puzzling difficulty of how to reach her saloon immediately arose, for the deck stood like a huge wall, up which not even a sailor could climb, and Mr. Statten had been directed to search the cabin for any document likely to indicate what had become of the missing crew.
'I think I could reach it, sir!' Jack eagerly exclaimed.
'Well, bear a hand,' the mate replied. 'Those drifting casks are valuable, and might be saved.'
Seizing a favourable opportunity Jack sprang into the lee rigging, and nimbly climbing up its inner side presently succeeded in reaching the mizen top, crossed to windward, and with a wave of his cap to the 'Alert' he promptly descended the weather shrouds, and sliding down the steep deck reached the saloon skylight.
A few moments later he had swung himself into the cabin below, where nothing seemed disturbed. Nailed to the table was a piece of paper, which in good English stated that the whole crew had decided to attempt the passage of the strait in their boats, and if possible reach Turtle Island, at the opposite end, where it was known that British war-vessels frequently left provisions for those in distress. With that information Jack promptly returned to his companions.
'A mighty risky procedure,' Mr. Statten exclaimed, on perusal of the document. 'Suppose they are becalmed near any of the islands, and are seen by the savages? Those, however, might be passed during the night, and the boats could easily clear sunken reefs which larger vessels would strike.'
The boat pushed off, and Captain Thorne was informed of the note.
'We might save a lot of good gear, sir,' the mate added.
'No, no,' the old man replied. 'Our lives are much more important. I shan't lose a good wind for such rubbish. Hook on the boat-falls.'
So the boat was hoisted 'two blocks' in the davits, and again setting every inch of canvas that would draw, and quickly followed by the brig, away sped the barque, in a brave attempt to pass the most dangerous portion of the strait during daylight.
The decks being cleared up Jack enjoyed a substantial breakfast, and was then supplied with a quantity of biscuit for use during the day. Accompanied by Mr. Statten he returned to his former position at the masthead, with strict orders to keep watch and report all reefs in sight.
The position afforded an extensive range of vision, and it was not long before several streaks of white water under the port bow indicated coral just awash, while others were visible on the starboard beam. Between them, however, and as far as could be seen, the deep blue fairway remained unbroken; but when Jack 'shinned' up to the topgallant yard, he immediately perceived and reported the loom of land ahead.
'That's Thursday Island,' the mate replied. 'Keep close lookout for another, named Prince of Wales.'
Under her big press of sail the' Alert' raced along in grand style, but the brig was slowly dropping astern.
However, as plenty of good daylight would remain for several hours, not much notice was taken of her, and Jack became keenly interested in the beautiful scene spread out before him. Thursday Island was fast losing its cloud-like appearance, every portion of it being covered with trees and scrub, but no sign of habitation or natives was apparent.
The canvas of the barque swelled out splendidly in the fresh fair wind, mounds of foam rolled away from beneath the bow, while over all was an unclouded sky of brilliant blue.
Prince of Wales Island also hove in sight, and when the barque was nearly abreast of it Jack saw a white signal being energetically waved by someone ashore, and he immediately warned his companion.
'It might be a sign from the missing crew,' Mr. Statten said. He hailed the deck.
Captain Thorne promptly altered his course and stood in nearer to the island, where three white specks that lay up on a yellow beach proved to be European-built boats.
The barque's crew became excited respecting the fate of the Germans, since only the bearer of the signal could be seen. Suddenly the report of sharp musketry firing from behind some thick scrub was heard.
Almost immediately several men were seen slowly retreating towards the boats. They were followed by many naked savages, hurling long spears and short pieces of bent wood.
'The whites are fighting for their lives!' Captain Thorne sang out. 'We must save them.'
The islanders were striving to surround their victims, and the firing almost ceased, as if the ammunition were failing.
The crisp, short orders of the captain rang fore and aft. 'Port watch for'a'd, starboard watch aft,' he cried. 'In with the stu'n's'ls, sir. Clear away the anchor and chain. Bear a hand, now. Lead-line into the main chains. Let fly all royal and topgallant halyards. Have both quarter-boats ready for lowering. Fore crosstrees, there! Lay down from aloft! Stand by the braces, men.'
Mr. Sennit hastened forward, and soon had the anchor and cable ready to let go, the studding-sails came down smartly, the royal and topgallant halyards were let fly, and under easy canvas the 'Alert' drew nearer shore.
All that while the Germans near the beach—for they proved to be the missing crew—were making desperate exertions to reach the boats, and having exhausted nearly all their cartridges, took to hurling stones, or anything they could find, at the yelling savages, who still maintained a stubborn front, and caused several casualties by spear and club.
'What water have you now?' the captain cried.
'A quarter less five!' the leadsman sang out.
'Let go the anchor for'a'd!'
Through the hawse-pipe coil after coil of cable flew, and the barque swung head to wind. Before she had lost all way, both boats were lowered, manned by strong armed crews, and, braving all subsequent rebuke, Jack Clewlin promptly took a seat beside the second mate.
'You should not have come, boy,' the latter said.
'I can mind the boat, sir,' Jack returned.
With right goodwill the men lay back on their oars, and cheers greeted the almost surrounded Germans. Directly the boats struck the beach all hands jumped ashore, and immediately arranged themselves into watches under the respective leaders.
Mr. Sennit dashed toward the right wing of the foe, and with his men the second mate rushed toward the opposite extremity, both parties firing as rapidly as their weapons could be reloaded. The yelling cannibals speedily wavered, and sought cover among the adjacent scrub and trees. But the Germans were still vigorously assailed by a centre knot of the foe, whereupon both British watches united, and pouring in an almost continuous volley of lead speedily relieved the situation. The savages suddenly retreated, but not before they had carried off the whole of their dead and wounded.
So closely had Jack Clewlin followed the fortunes of his friends on shore that the approach of further assistance was not noticed. For the brig, on seeing her consort shorten sail and bear up for the island, immediately followed, and sent men to the rescue.
Perhaps it was their timely arrival which ended the fray. At anyrate, the savages were not again seen, but several of their spears were secured as trophies of the struggle.
On hasty examination it was discovered that the Germans had suffered serious loss. Four of them were found dead among the scrub, while six others had been more or less severely wounded. What the uninjured had dreaded more than the spears were the short pieces of bent and blackened wood, known as 'boomerangs,' for when those were thrown with force the result was astonishing. They could easily kill any small animal or bird without losing momentum, and would return to the point of discharge. Two of the men had been killed by them, but in those cases the weapons lost further power on striking such heavy obstacles.
A recall signal on the 'Alert' attracted attention.
'All aboard!' Mr. Sennit sang out. 'We can do no more, and must not lose the fair wind.'
The boats on the beach were refloated. The wounded and dead were placed in them, and all hands proceeded to rejoin their vessels, not one of the rescuers having been injured.
The anchors of both vessels were promptly cat-headed. The German boats were sunk, and the dead were buried at sea, so that they should not fall into the hands of the cannibals.
The cause of all the trouble was not far to seek. The wrecked crew, finding their supply of water running short, and unaware of the savage character of the islanders, had gone ashore to fill their casks, with the result described.
On reaching the 'Alert' Jack Clewlin expected nothing less than a severe reprimand from his captain. Of such, however, there was no sign, and the lad felt relieved. On the other hand, Readyman expressed strong approval of his conduct.
'You did quite right, my son,' he said. 'Act so, and never hang back from any duty. Make it a firm resolve always to be on the spot, or at the yardarm, when required, and even should you not know exactly how the work ought to be done, you will mostly find a good man alongside to show you.'
'I hope the captain is not angry,' Jack observed.
'Not he, lad. You needn't trouble about that. When you go wrong, he'll pretty soon pull you up all astanding.'
'The natives lost a number of men, Readyman; I saw several of them fall at the edge of the bush.'
'Sarve them right, Master Jack. They will know better next time. They couldn't have seen our vessels coming along, and so thought they had the game to themselves.'
Accompanied by the second mate, Jack presently regained his old place at the fore topmast head, and shortly after clearing the island he perceived a milky-hued patch of water right ahead.
'A submerged and uncharted reef!' Mr. Statten exclaimed. Through his glasses he peered at the obstacle, and then perceiving how the deep blue channel should be followed, gave the true course to the captain from a small compass which he carried.
'Steady at that, sir,' he sang out, as the barque swung away on her new course. 'All clear ahead. No more off.'
The 'Alert' raced along in grand style, and as there were no more reefs to trouble them Jack and his companion enjoyed a good meal of biscuit and salt pork.
Away astern the brig was hard pressed to hold her own, and the islands speedily disappeared. The barque was soon abreast of the sea-covered reef, which looked to be about three fathoms below the surface, and she passed so close along one side that the line of deep and shallow water was distinctly defined, the whole structure appearing like a huge white wall rising in the blue water.
'And every portion of it is built by minute insects,' Mr. Statten observed. 'Year after year the work proceeds without cessation, till, on contact with the air, the builders die. Then drifting débris lodges and rots in the crevices, birds resting there drop seeds, which take root and flourish, and in that way most of the Pacific islands were formed.'
'And that reef will be one some day,' Jack replied.
'Yes, and probably inhabited by such savages as we fought just now,' the mate added. 'They quarrel among themselves, and the weakest goes to some new place.'
'Look, sir,' Jack cried, and pointed ahead, 'there are more reefs just awash.'
Mr. Statten peered through his glasses. 'Why,' he said, 'we seem to be sailing into a nest of them. Shin up to the topgallant-yard, and tell me where the channel lies.'
Jack was soon seated on his old perch, and thus elevated, could see for several miles past the obstructions. A good clear 'lead' through them was also visible, and as the vessel still decreased her distance, the foaming ridges seemed to widen out considerably, so that what at first appeared a particularly dangerous channel presently proved to be quite safe, and through it the 'Alert' passed without the slightest difficulty.
'The brig will have to hurry up,' Mr. Statten said. 'The afternoon is slipping away, and she's a long way astern.'
'But the moon's at the full, sir,' Jack observed.
'Why, you're becoming a regular old shellback,' the mate laughed. 'I expect it's bred in the bone.'
'That is what my father said when I wished to go to sea,' Jack exclaimed. 'What does it mean?'
'That you are a sailor born and bred, and the son of one.'
They remained aloft throughout the afternoon, while the captain kept close watch on the steering, and just after sundown a small island appeared off the starboard bow.
'We are safe now,' the captain sang out. 'One hundred and ten miles since daylight. It's first-rate. Lay down from aloft.'
Jack and the mate enjoyed a good supper that night, and the barque was hove-to till daylight, so as to discover what had happened to the brig.
The night passed uneventfully. In the grey of coming dawn the brig was seen making desperate endeavour to overhaul her companion, and presently reported an almost miraculous escape from destruction while sailing through the last series of reefs.
CHAPTER VIII
IN THE JAVA SEA
The 'Alert,' with studding-sails and all square canvas set, soon passed the brig, and throughout the following day only a few reefs, and those at considerable distances, were seen. The weather remained beautifully fine, but the wind fell so light that the smaller vessel, drawing much less water, soon forged ahead and disappeared. They were now drawing well away from the dangerous strait, and, with a clear course, shaped directly for Batavia.
Every day Jack Clewlin felt increasing pleasure from his exchange of ships; and the wider scope for acquiring knowledge of his profession also added to that feeling. Beside that, Readyman had by no means dropped his voluntary advice and tutorship, and many an evening dog-watch was still usefully passed.
'I wish you would borrow the hand lead-line from Mr. Statten,' he once observed. 'I could show you how to use it.'
Jack immediately obtained the line, and another lesson began.
'Of course,' the quarter-master continued, 'you already know that on board ship everything is measured in feet and fathoms, and that a fathom is six feet, or two yards in length. Every vessel carries one hand and one deep-sea lead-line. The shorter and lighter one is only used in shallow water. Now then, lad, listen to me. At two fathoms, you see, there is a bit of leather; at three fathoms the mark is the same, but the leather tag is split; at five fathoms the mark is white rag; at seven fathoms there is a red one; at ten fathoms it is a piece of leather with a hole in it; at fifteen fathoms it is a blue rag; at seventeen, it is the same as at seven, and at twenty fathoms there is a bit of cord with two knots in it.'
'How is the hand line used?' Jack inquired.
'You stand in the main chains, grip the line about six feet from the sinker, swing it over your head, and let it fly as far for'a'd as possible. The deep-sea lead is too heavy for that, so it is carried to the forecastle-head, while the line is passed outside of everything to windward, and, when fastened to the sinker, is thrown overboard.'
'I never thought there was so much to learn about ships.'
'Much!' Readyman exclaimed, 'why, sonny, you don't know anything yet. What about the cutting and the fitting of rigging, masting and dismasting, stowage of cargoes, and a hundred other matters? It will need your four years' apprenticeship to know but a little; and as an officer you must be a good navigator. Ay, Master Jack, and talking like that reminds me that you should learn sail-making. It comes in very handy to use a palm.'
He produced a small band of leather, in the centre of which the head of a strong sewing thimble appeared, with some canvas and twine. 'There you are,' he said. 'Put the palm on your right hand, and push the needle through the cloth. You could not do that with your fingers.'
Jack set to work forming correct stitches, and soon made good progress, and in that way many pleasant hours were passed. Neither of the friends forgot their Bible-classes, while, now that everyone had settled down in their places, Captain Thorne himself read prayers each Sunday in the cabin.
One morning, shortly before reaching Batavia, the watch on deck witnessed a most remarkable and interesting spectacle. At four o'clock Mr. Statten and the starboard watch relieved the deck. Even at that early hour it was almost broad daylight, its exquisite softness and purity being noticeably striking. Save a number of small puff-like clouds ranged along the western horizon nothing was visible. Just after five o'clock, however, the lookout reported an island slowly rising off the starboard bow.
Mr. Statten expressed considerable surprise, and immediately ran forward.
By that time the object had become much more distinct, and seemed to be thickly covered with trees from its triangular summit down to the water's edge. But the most perplexing fact was, that although the barque was not moving faster than three knots an hour, the island approached at four times that rate.
'I cannot understand how it can be so near,' the mate said. 'There is nothing marked on the chart within forty miles of us.'
'And five minutes ago, sir, there wasn't the least trace of it,' a sailor replied.
'Run aft and call the captain, Jack,' Mr. Statten said.
'Island!' the old man sang out from his room. 'You and the mate must be asleep and dreaming.'
'It is quite distinct, and about twelve miles off, sir,' Jack replied.
The skipper was astonished on perceiving the island, while, to the still greater surprise of all spectators, it suddenly vanished as mysteriously as it had appeared.
'A mirage!' the captain laughingly exclaimed. 'At anyrate, it was the most remarkable I've ever seen. All others were inverted on the clouds, but that one looked perfectly natural. At first I believed my reckoning, or the chronometer, was wrong. The longer one lives the more one learns.'
Without further incident the 'Alert' arrived at Batavia. There the brig, which had forged far ahead in the light winds, was already discharging her cargo in the roadstead.
The rescued German crew was immediately sent ashore, and some of them went to hospital to have their spear wounds dressed.
The 'Alert' immediately prepared to discharge her coals, and during several weeks Jack Clewlin experienced the most arduous toil of his life. From early morning till darkness set in he took his place at the winch, by which the cargo was raised from the hold, or used a shovel down below as stoutly as anyone on board.
'I like it,' he said to his old friend. 'It doesn't need rocking to put me to sleep at night.'
Captain Thorne and the mates kept watchful eyes on him, but when the work was done, and he was not allowed to visit the capital with any of the men, the disappointed lad became thoroughly disheartened and suspicious. Was the skipper punishing him for having left the barque without permission when she touched at the island in Torres Strait? He failed to perceive any other cause for such apparent neglect, and would have preferred a summary 'drum-head' court-martial to thus remaining neglected by those whom he had always endeavoured to serve faithfully. One morning he was called aft.
'Put up a shirt, collars, and a tooth-brush,' the skipper said.
'Am I to put on my best gear, sir,' Jack inquired.
'Why, of course,' the captain said. 'You're going ashore.'
In 'spick-and-span' trim Jack presently stood beside the gangway; but, truth to say, his brass-buttoned uniform was fast becoming too small for its owner, who had now been nearly twelve months at sea, and was fast filling out in breadth of shoulder and length of limb.
The captain's 'clew-to-earing' glance, as sailors say, proved satisfactory, and tumbling over the side with his small bundle Jack presently found himself passing along a narrow canal, beloved of the Dutch who govern the island.
In the early part of the sixteenth century the Portuguese discovered the country, and some seventy years later it was occupied by the Dutch, after considerable opposition. Later on they were driven out by the French, who, in their turn, surrendered to the English, and the latter finally exchanged the possession with the Hollanders for other islands in those seas.
The Island of Java is six hundred miles long, by from twenty to forty-five miles wide, and is considered the 'Paradise of the East.' Batavia, the capital, was built by the Dutch not far from Sunda Strait, which lies between it and the opposite coast of Sumatra.
The climate generally is healthy, if somewhat oppressive for Europeans; but the elevated country of the interior enjoys a cool temperature, and there most of the officials reside. The soil is extraordinarily fertile, and all the fruits and commercial exports indigenous to the Far East are freely raised. The natives are highly intelligent, friendly, and gentle-mannered, but they were not permitted to acquire the Dutch language, and were compelled to sell their produce at fixed rates to their masters. Competition with outsiders was rigorously prohibited. Strangers might procure passports when visiting the country, yet their presence was not sought, nor by any means desired.
Captain Thorne and his young companion presently reached the principal hotel, and there Jack was temporarily left to study the manners and customs of the people.
The houses were not lofty, but that was owing to the fear of sudden collapse, since the whole of Java is peculiarly subject to violent volcanic disturbances. Many Europeans appeared about the town, and their strange and decidedly 'airy' attire during the first part of each day much astonished young Jack. The gentlemen strolled about in straw hats, pyjamas, and grass slippers, while the ladies appeared, even in the streets, without stockings, and wearing only a light kind of blouse, with a light dress of native material and simple design.
'I am glad they are all foreigners,' Jack mused. 'I cannot recognise an English face among the crowd.'
At noon the customary 'rice-table' was announced, and beside Captain Thorne Jack took his place. Each of the guests was supplied with a large soup-plate containing a quantity of cooked rice. From dishes handed round by servants, portions of fish, fowl, meat, and several kinds of vegetables, were selected and placed on the rice. Over all curry, chutney, and other condiments were poured, the combination being then well mixed and consumed.
To the watchful and imitative youngster such a meal seemed more than sufficient; but when a second course of roast meat, vegetables, and quantities of delicious fruit were washed down by excellent coffee, he concluded that Dutch men and women were blessed with enormous appetites. He was not greatly surprised to find that all of them soon retired to enjoy a nap; but Captain Thorne hastened off to visit his agent.
Jack strolled out to see something of the capital, which stood on low ground, and he found a barrack filled with European troops. The soldiers greeted him cheerily, but not being able to speak their language all efforts to make themselves understood failed. The natives were all of a light-brown complexion, and although small and slight of build their movements were graceful.
At five o'clock that evening Captain Thorne returned to the hotel, and Jack could scarcely believe that the stylishly-dressed people beginning to appear were those whom he had seen in such careless, if comfortable, attire earlier in the day. But such was the fact. All of them were decked out in the latest home fashion, and having finished their coffee they all drove out to enjoy the cool evening breeze, or leave cards on friends.
At nine o'clock dinner was served. At its conclusion Jack believed that his short spell of 'liberty' had ended.
'Fetch your gear, Clewlin,' the old man said. 'Bear a hand.'
On returning to the vestibule he found a Java car and three ponies standing before the door.
'Come here, boy,' the skipper exclaimed, and then, turning toward a friend, added, 'This is the lad I spoke of, Sergeant. Do you see any resemblance?'
The gentleman thus addressed took Jack's hand, and by the strong light from the hotel peered in his face.
'Yes, very considerable,' he replied. 'I am glad to make your acquaintance, Jack,' he continued. 'Of course, you do not know me. Well, my son, years ago I sailed in a barque as her supercargo, and your father was her first mate. I only escaped drowning by the merest accident. I left her the voyage before she was lost in the China Sea.'
'Was that the "Isabella," sir?' Jack inquired.
'Yes,' replied Mr. Sergeant, who was the barque's agent. 'Did your father tell you about it?'
'No, sir; but there is a man on the "Alert" whom he saved at that time.'
'Indeed! What is his name?'
'Readyman. He told me all about the wreck.'
'And that is why you two have always been such friends,' Captain Thorne laughed. 'He is a good and steady man.'
'Well, Jack,' Mr. Sergeant continued, 'I am taking the captain and you for a drive up-country. If you don't enjoy it, do not put the blame on me. All aboard!'
They were soon seated in the car. Mr. Sergeant took the reins, and away at top speed went the ponies, each apparently bent on having 'a good time,' as their master said, and thoroughly enjoying the beautiful cool breeze. That drive was long remembered by the youngest of the party. The night and the breeze were delightful. Numberless stars twinkled brilliantly, the outlook was wonderfully clear, and the lights of Batavia soon disappeared.
For a while the flat and dusty road proved somewhat monotonous. Gradually, however, they began to ascend to higher levels, and the flat and unhealthy neighbourhood of Batavia loomed dimly far below them, till wholly obscured in the night gloom. The country soon became more thickly timbered, and trees lined the well-kept road for considerable distances. Myriads of fire-flies flitted about the foliage, and with the accurate knowledge of the highway possessed by the driver, rapid progress was made. Here and there Mr. Sergeant pointed out the residences of certain wealthy Dutch planters, and he also supplied the strangely-sounding names of villages passed through.
Shortly after two o'clock next morning he pulled up before a house owned by a cheery-faced but exceedingly rotund little Dutchman, and by him the party was most kindly welcomed.
They had evidently been expected. Light refreshment was served, and almost asleep Jack Clewlin finally tumbled into a home-like bed, and remembered no more of his first night drive in Java.
Shortly after six o'clock he was aroused. In the bathroom, which was really a screened-off portion of an open scullery, he found a small basin of water and a large wooden spoon awaiting his convenience. Such a primitive arrangement provoked a laugh, but the 'sprinkle' was nevertheless enjoyed, and he speedily joined his friends. He felt prodigiously hungry, but presently discovered that nothing like a solid English breakfast was forthcoming, and that only a cup of coffee with some fruit was served. As a matter of fact, the European residents never partook of any real meal before the usual twelve o'clock 'rice-table.'
With their host the gentlemen visited his sugarcane and coffee plantations, and there found numbers of native men and women engaged in light work.
The ponies being again ready for the road Mr. Sergeant took leave of his Dutch friend, and during the drive he thoughtfully supplied both Captain Thorne and young Jack with biscuits and lemonade. 'You are not accustomed to our meal hours,' he said.
Just before noon they again halted at a neat little inn kept by a native, and there the 'rice-table' was again discussed. The ponies were there exchanged for others, and during the afternoon much ground was covered.
Ever since leaving Batavia they had been gradually ascending and getting deeper into the real country. Immense peaks began to rise round them, and pointing in a certain direction Mr. Sergeant explained that not very far distant the finest botanical garden in the world was situated.
'It is at a place called Buitenzorg,' he said, 'and the governor-general resides there. The Dutchmen almost worship the spot, and I really do not blame them. Although it is only eight hundred feet above sea level, the climate is cool and healthy. Botanists from all parts of the world visit the gardens, where you may see candles, and even bread, growing in profusion.'
'And perhaps clothes?' Captain Thorne laughingly added.
'Yes; in the same sense that yours grew on sheep,' Mr. Sergeant replied. 'The tappa cloth of the Pacific islanders is made from the inner bark and fine fibres of certain palms, so I may truly say that clothes grow there also. There is a famous avenue of trees there, and thousands of blossoms growing on the trunks instead of on the branches of different trees. I greatly wish we could have gone there this trip. At anyrate, Jack, I shall endeavour to show you something quite as interesting, and assuredly far more ancient.'
That afternoon they reached a certain spot from which a magnificent view was obtainable, and the ponies were brought to a stand. Some thirty miles away, in a southerly direction, the placid and sparkling Java Sea lay spread out below them, small blue clouds here and there dotting the horizon and denoting islands, while toward the south-east mountains rose twelve and thirteen thousand feet. From two of them Jack perceived faint traces of smoke rising.
'Volcanoes, sir!' he cried.
'Yes,' Mr. Sergeant replied, 'and there are many of them throughout the island. I know of four which stand round an immense desert of sand, itself the bottom of an extinct crater, and others near Soerabaya are always active. Eighty years ago one named Papandajan suddenly became active, one side of it was blown out, and four thousand people were instantly destroyed. Thirty years later the island of Sombava, three hundred miles off, was almost obliterated by an earthquake, and only after a violent volcanic eruption did the fearful disturbance cease, and many thousands of natives lost their lives then; the shock was severely felt for one thousand miles round, and vast quantities of lava dust fell on this island. Indeed, although everything looks peaceful now, no one knows when a similar outburst may happen.'
As a matter of fact, scarcely twenty years later the Sunda Strait was entirely altered by earthquake, and a volcanic eruption destroyed the island of Krakatoa. Java itself was also severely smitten, and some thirty thousand people killed; while even in England, thousands of miles away, the magnificent sunsets visible about that time were accounted for by the impalpable lava dust held in suspension and slowly spreading all over the world.
Jack listened to the story, and that night saw flames issuing from the two craters, and immediately determined to send his father a long account of his most interesting adventures, and also described how kind Captain Thorne and Mr. Sergeant had been.
After several days of most interesting experiences the party arrived at the end of their outward journey, and at a village of some size found suitable accommodation.
Next morning they again set out for a short drive, and presently reached a plain of considerable extent, where, almost in its centre, Jack Clewlin beheld a most wonderful spectacle.
Before him, and in terrace after terrace of pinnacles, spires, and domes, there rose to a height of about one hundred and fifty feet a most extraordinary combination of temples, shrines, and bas-reliefs of the life and manners of people long dead and forgotten, but who, in their eagerness to perpetuate their religion, had executed this marvellous work in honour of their heathen deity, Buddha.
'What do you think of it, captain?' Mr. Sergeant inquired.
'Think!' the old man exclaimed; 'why, it is simply astonishing. I have heard of it, but thought it was quite a small affair. It must be four or five miles round.'
'It is three miles in circumference. I have spent weeks at a time in examining its marvellous wonders, one of the most magnificent creations in the world. It covers nine acres; the great central dome which you see rising over all is fifty feet in diameter. There are no less than four hundred and forty-one images of Buddha, nearly all of them being seated within separate shrines of beautiful stone lattice work, and over fifteen hundred bas-relief pictures representing the life and manners of that distant period.'
'When was it done?' the captain inquired.
'The actual date is not known,' Mr. Sergeant replied; 'but from the most reliable sources it appears to have been executed somewhere about the eighth or ninth century of the Christian era.'
'More than a thousand years ago,' the skipper said. 'It is indeed a wonderful piece of work, and must have employed vast numbers of people.'
'And yet not many visitors come to see it,' Mr. Sergeant added. 'Of course, that is wholly owing to the Dutch dislike of having strangers roaming about, and writing of what they have seen or heard.'
CHAPTER IX
TOWARD SINGAPORE
For nearly three days the party remained on the spot, closely examining the ancient Buddhist temples of Boro Boedoer, all three of them being fascinated by the extraordinary monument of bygone times, and, indeed, Mr. Sergeant could with difficulty bring himself to leave the neighbourhood.
'As I have told you,' he said, 'I have spent much leisure time here, and each visit finds something fresh to attract attention. There is something strange and mysterious about it all, and beside that I am a bit of an archæologist.'
With much regret Jack Clewlin packed his spare gear, and with the ponies homeward-bound soon left all trace of the temples far behind.
Considerable progress was made. At the old halting-places the animals were changed, and without further incident Mr. Sergeant and his guests arrived at Batavia, a memorable excursion of slightly over three weeks' duration thus coming to a close.
'I do not know how to thank you sufficiently, sir,' Jack exclaimed, as his host took final leave of him; 'but I never enjoyed anything so splendid.'
'You are heartily welcome, my boy,' Mr. Sergeant replied. 'I only wish the trip could have been prolonged, but business is business, you understand, and I expect that your sailing orders have by this time arrived. When you see your father, mention me. Years ago, Jack, he did me a great service that can never be forgotten, and I should be only too pleased to see you again, whenever you visit these parts.'
'Thank you, sir,' Jack replied.
'Just one word more before we part,' Mr. Sergeant continued. 'Wherever you go, and whatever you undertake, be careful to act with straightforward zeal on behalf of those you serve. Never hurt any man, and never forget to hold strong control over yourself, since that will give strength to command others. You are young now, and may at times be tempted by less honourable associates. Shun them as you would avoid poison, since once you lose your own self-respect you are sure to fail. Good-bye, Jack; fear God always, and keep your honour safe. Don't forget my respects to your father.'
'No, sir,' Jack replied. 'And I shall endeavour to act up to your advice.'
Mr. Statten was particularly pleased to find the lad once again on board, and prepared for duty, while the chief officer gave him a smile on crossing the gangway. As for Readyman, he immediately made inquiry as to how Jack had enjoyed his long 'liberty' on shore.
'Oh, man, I have seen such wonderful things!' Jack exclaimed; 'flies that sail round of nights with lights to guide them, not red and green ones like ours, but white. I saw smoking——'
'Dutchies!' Readyman exclaimed. 'They do that all day, and most of the night, I believe.'
'Volcanoes,' Jack continued. 'And those fellows ashore eat more at one meal than would serve the starboard side of our fo'c's'le for one whole day. Mr. Sergeant—— By the way, Readyman, he said he knew you, and was supercargo of the "Isabella."'
'Ay, ay, sonny, I mind him well. He and your dad were always very thick; and he only escaped drowning by the skin of his teeth, as we say.'
'Well, it was he who gave us that splendid outing, and I shall never forget those temples. You should have seen them, Readyman. Mr. Sergeant said they are more than a thousand years old.'
'I'm glad you've had such a good time, my son, and can now stick your toes into the work aboard,' the quarter-master replied.
When Captain Thorne returned on board that night the news soon spread fore and aft that orders to proceed to Singapore had been received, and that the 'Alert' would probably sail from there either to Calcutta or Hong Kong.
First thing next morning Mr. Sennit, the chief officer, came along singing out, 'All hands bend sails!' and throughout that day the work went with a swing.
As for Jack Clewlin, he had already become so accustomed to the task that both royals were secured to their yards in record time, and from them he slid down to the topgallant and lower yards, reeving bunt lines and reef-tackles, and, in short, striving to show how thankful he was for that magnificent spell ashore. After that work was completed the anchor gear, cat and fish falls were rove.
To the surprise of all hands, the lately landed Germans came off begging a passage to Singapore, since their skipper had gone home, and no employment could be obtained among the few ships in the roadstead.
Captain Thorne considered the matter, and finally granted their request, and that kindness subsequently proved of the utmost importance to everyone on board.
The boat being hoisted in and secured in its davits, all hands manned the windlass, and to the cheery chanty:
'As I went awalking one morning in May,
Ho, rio,
I met a fair maiden, and to her did say,
We are bound to the Rio Grande.
Away rio, ho, rio.
Sing fare you well,
My bonnie young girls,
We are bound to the Rio Grande.'
Up and down went the levers, and the pawls clicked cheerily till the cable was hove short. Every stitch of canvas fore and aft was sheeted home and mastheaded, and with the tripping of the anchor the 'Alert' canted her head seaward, and careening to the breeze in ballast trim speedily left Batavia far astern.
With a light five-knot wind she proceeded northward through the Java Sea, and for a few days all went well.
Immediately after she had passed through Billiton Passage, which separates the island of that name from the southern coast of Borneo, the hitherto magnificent weather underwent a considerable change, the outlook presaging an approaching gale, and the barometer fell with steady persistency.
'We're in for a sharp blow, Master Jack,' Readyman observed. 'It will be short, but lively, as usual in these seas, and you will face the first really stiff breeze since leaving home.'
'Well, I've had a long run of luck in that way,' Jack replied, 'and would have preferred more sea room. Mr. Statten let me see his chart, and we seem to be surrounded by small islands.'
'She'll be all right, my son; but I'd get my oilskins on as soon as possible,' Readyman advised.
Throughout the afternoon the wind steadily strengthened, and the barque, close-hauled, lay down to it pretty freely, while both royals and the flying jib and gaff-topsail were stowed.
With approaching night the weather stiffened considerably; rain fell heavily, and at eight bells, eight o'clock, the two topgallant-sails were furled, while the outer jib came in on its boom. As by that time the wind had increased to gale force, with every indication of 'dirtier' weather to follow, out went the order, 'All hands reef topsails!'
The mainsail was hauled up, and all the reef-tackles were hauled out. From Mr. Statten a couple of men received the reef-earings, or lengths of light rope by which the head corners, or 'cringles,' as they are termed, of the sails are fastened to the yards, and away aloft through stinging rain and whistling wind the men hastened to execute the orders.
Mindful of Readyman's former advice to 'be always on the spot when needed,' Jack Clewlin worked his way out to the weather yardarm, and, securing good foothold, assisted in reefing the canvas. Yet he soon discovered that all his work was cut out to keep pace with the nimble movements of his stronger and more experienced companion, since, of course, the men nearer the mast had to wait until the work outside was done.
That being completed, down wind went the cry, 'Haul out to lee'ard!'
The men passed the 'news' along. Mr. Statten at the mast shouted, 'Taut band! Tie up!' And having fastened the reef-points, all hands slid to the deck, seized the topsail halyards, and to the lively chanty:
'Up aloft that yard must go,
Whisky, Johnny,'
the main topsail was reset 'taut leach,' while the fore topsail was also reefed, and the mainsail was stowed.
'That will do, starboard watch,' the old man, who never left the deck during that night, sang out, and, glad of a respite, Jack turned in.
But half his watch below had been spent on the yards, and on resuming duty the foresail had to be reefed; but the inner jib and the spanker had been stowed and reefed.
The gale showed no sign of abatement, nor the barometer any inclination to rise, while the barque, owing to her height above water, drifted to leeward somewhat faster than was deemed safe in such confined seas. She was, therefore, 'wore round' on the port tack.
Dawn was breaking just as the port watch went below, but the heavy rain and flying spume cut from the wave-tops by the wind, rendered it impossible to see any distance.
For a couple of hours nothing of moment occurred. Shortly after seven o'clock that morning, and during a sudden 'lifting' of the surrounding gloom, the lookout reported the loom of land right ahead.
Captain Thorne dropped his coffee-cup and rushed on deck, just in time to perceive the danger, and without a moment's hesitation he ordered the helm to be eased.
'I knew it was not far off,' he said; 'but we have drifted faster than I had allowed for. That may be due to a tide or a current. We can't knock about here in such weather, and will find shelter until the gale passes.'
He sent a hand with the lead-line into the main chains.
Under her easy canvas the 'Alert' forged ahead. The island, which seemed uninhabited and thickly covered with timber, soon became quite distinct, and well sheltered from the wind under its lee the barque dropped her anchor in four fathoms.
All the canvas, excepting the fore topmast staysail and the spanker, which helped to keep the vessel quiet at her cable, was stowed, but even from aloft no sign of habitation could be seen.
Toward noon that day the barometer rose rapidly, and within a few hours the gale had passed as quickly as it arose, and the water under the lee shore became as smooth as if nothing had occurred. By four o'clock there was such a calm that the 'Alert' could not leave her anchorage.
Captain Thorne felt a little anxious, yet he determined to visit the island, and discover if it was really unoccupied.
'There won't be any wind before to-morrow morning,' he observed to Mr. Statten; 'and if you get a boat ready we'll go ashore.'
That was soon done, and Jack Clewlin took the bow oar.
They presently passed a low point, and on its farther side discovered a narrow creek that seemed to run some distance inland.
'We'll follow it up,' the captain said. 'At the same time, men,' he added thoughtfully, 'keep your eyes wide open, so as not to fall into any trap. Although the Dutch own most of the land hereabouts, their Malay subjects are the most notorious pirates on earth.'
'Ay, ay, sir,' the crew returned.
The creek narrowed down to no more than a couple of fathoms across, and seemed to terminate in dense foliage. But on reaching that the men could perceive a large lake-like stretch of water beyond. There was no difficulty in pushing the boat through the leafy screen. Then, taking to the oars, the men pulled ahead, until a native village of some size suddenly appeared.
The houses were erected on platforms several feet over the water, and those on shore were similarly built. People moved about the beach, women being apparently the chief workers, and for some seconds the boat remained unseen.
'Backwater all,' the captain whispered. 'We've struck a hornets' nest, and haven't even a revolver handy.'
The next moment, however, much shouting ashore announced the discovery of the intruders, and many dusky figures hastened to the water's edge.
The captain, believing that a hasty retreat might arouse the suspicions or the contempt of the natives, ordered a stoppage. As long as no canoes came alongside, the people might suppose the visitors were armed.
Most of the islanders were nearly naked. Some of them, however, wore shirts, and others tight-fitting pantaloons, while one of apparent importance was dressed in loose dirty-looking Eastern robes. He stood apart, and beckoned to the captain to approach, and also hailed him in the Dutch language, which, of course, no one in the boat understood.