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You may copy it, give it away or +re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included +with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org + + +Title: The Survivors of the Chancellor + +Author: Jules Verne + +Release Date: November 20, 2008 [EBook #1652] +Last Updated: October 13, 2016 + +Language: English + +Character set encoding: UTF-8 + +*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE SURVIVORS OF THE CHANCELLOR *** + + + + +Produced by An Anonymous Volunteer, and David Widger + + + + + +</pre> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <h1> + THE SURVIVORS OF THE CHANCELLOR. + </h1> + <h2> + DIARY OF J.R.KAZALLON, PASSENGER. + </h2> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <h2> + By Jules Verne + </h2> + <p> + <br /> <br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <br /> <br /> + </p> + <blockquote> + <p class="toc"> + <big><b>CONTENTS</b></big> + </p> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0001"> CHAPTER I. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0002"> CHAPTER II. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0003"> CHAPTER III. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0004"> CHAPTER IV. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0005"> CHAPTER V. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0006"> CHAPTER VI. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0007"> CHAPTER VII. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0008"> CHAPTER VIII. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0009"> CHAPTER IX. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0010"> CHAPTER X. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0011"> CHAPTER XI. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0012"> CHAPTER XII. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0013"> CHAPTER XIII. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0014"> CHAPTER XIV. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0015"> CHAPTER XV. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0016"> CHAPTER XVI. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0017"> CHAPTER XVII. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0018"> CHAPTER XVIII. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0019"> CHAPTER XIX. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0020"> CHAPTER XX. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0021"> CHAPTER XXI. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0022"> CHAPTER XXII. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0023"> CHAPTER XXIII. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0024"> CHAPTER XXIV. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0025"> CHAPTER XXV. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0026"> CHAPTER XXVI. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0027"> CHAPTER XXVII. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0028"> CHAPTER XXVIII. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0029"> CHAPTER XXIX. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0030"> CHAPTER XXX. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0031"> CHAPTER XXXI. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0032"> CHAPTER XXXII. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0033"> CHAPTER XXXIII. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0034"> CHAPTER XXXIV. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0035"> CHAPTER XXXV. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0036"> CHAPTER XXXVI. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0037"> CHAPTER XXXVII. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0038"> CHAPTER XXXVIII. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0039"> CHAPTER XXXIX. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0040"> CHAPTER XL. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0041"> CHAPTER XLI. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0042"> CHAPTER XLII. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0043"> CHAPTER XLIII. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0044"> CHAPTER XLIV. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0045"> CHAPTER XLV. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0046"> CHAPTER XLVI. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0047"> CHAPTER XLVII. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0048"> CHAPTER XLVIII. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0049"> CHAPTER XLIX. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0050"> CHAPTER L. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0051"> CHAPTER LI. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0052"> CHAPTER LII. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0053"> CHAPTER LIII. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0054"> CHAPTER LIV. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0055"> CHAPTER LV. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0056"> CHAPTER LVI. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0057"> CHAPTER LVII. </a> + </p> + <p> + <br /> <br /> + </p> + </blockquote> + <p> + <br /> <br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <br /> <br /> <a name="link2HCH0001" id="link2HCH0001"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <h2> + CHAPTER I. + </h2> + <p> + CHARLESTON, SEPTEMBER 27th, 1869.—It is high tide, and three o’clock + in the afternoon when we leave the Battery-quay; the ebb carries us off + shore, and as Captain Huntly has hoisted both main and top sails, the + northerly breeze drives the “Chancellor” briskly across the bay. Fort + Sumter ere long is doubled, the sweeping batteries of the mainland on our + left are soon passed, and by four o’clock the rapid current of the ebbing + tide has carried us through the harbour-mouth. + </p> + <p> + But as yet we have not reached the open sea; we have still to thread our + way through the narrow channels which the surge has hollowed out amongst + the sand-banks. The captain takes a south-west course, rounding the + lighthouse at the corner of the fort; the sails are closely trimmed; the + last sandy point is safely coasted, and at length, at seven o’clock in the + evening; we are out free upon the wide Atlantic. + </p> + <p> + The “Chancellor” is a fine square-rigged three-master, of 900 tons burden, + and belongs to the wealthy Liverpool firm of Laird Brothers. She is two + years old, is sheathed and secured with copper, her decks being of teak, + and the base of all her masts, except the mizzen, with all their fittings, + being of iron. She is registered first class A I, and is now on her third + voyage between Charleston and Liverpool. As she wended her way through the + channels of Charleston harbour, it was the British flag that was lowered + from her mast-head; but without colours at all, no sailor could have + hesitated for a moment in telling her nationality,—for English she + was, and nothing but English from her water-line upwards to the truck of + her masts. + </p> + <p> + I must now relate how it happens that I have taken my passage on board the + “Chancellor” on her return voyage to England. At present there is no + direct steamship service between South Carolina and Great Britain, and all + who wish to cross must go either northwards to New York or southwards to + New Orleans. It is quite true that if I had chosen to start from New York + I might have found plenty of vessels belonging to English, French, or + Hamburg lines, any of which would have conveyed me by a rapid voyage to my + destination; and it is equally true that if I had selected New Orleans for + my embarkation I could readily have reached Europe by one of the vessels + of the National Steam Navigation Company, which join the French + Transatlantic line of Colon and Aspinwall. But it was fated to be + otherwise. + </p> + <p> + One day, as I was loitering about the Charleston quays, my eye lighted + upon this vessel. There was something about the “Chancellor” that pleased + me, and a kind of involuntary impulse took me on board, where I found the + internal arrangements perfectly comfortable. Yielding to the idea that a + voyage in a sailing vessel had certain charms beyond the transit in a + steamer, and reckoning that with wind and wave in my favour there would be + little material difference in time; considering, moreover, that in these + low latitudes the weather in early autumn is fine and unbroken, I came to + my decision, and proceeded forthwith to secure my passage by this route to + Europe. + </p> + <p> + Have I done right or wrong? Whether I shall have reason to regret my + determination is a problem to be solved in the future. However, I will + begin to record the incidents of our daily experience, dubious as I feel + whether the lines of my chronicle will ever find a reader. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0002" id="link2HCH0002"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER II. + </h2> + <p> + SEPTEMBER 28th.—John Silas Huntly, the captain of the “Chancellor,” + has the reputation of being an experienced navigator of the Atlantic. He + is a Scotchman, a native of Dundee, and is about fifty years of age. He is + of middle height and slight build, and has a small head, which he has a + habit of holding a little over his left shoulder. I do not pretend to be + much of a physiognomist, but I am inclined to believe that my few hours’ + acquaintance with our captain has given me considerable insight into his + character. That he is a good seaman and thoroughly understands his duties + I could not for a moment venture to deny; but that he is a man of resolute + temperament, or that he possesses the amount of courage that would render + him, physically or morally, capable of coping with any great emergency, I + confess I cannot believe. I observe a certain heaviness and dejection + about his whole carriage. His wavering glances, the listless motions of + his hands, and his slow, unsteady gait, all seem to me to indicate a weak + and sluggish disposition. He does not appear as though he could be + energetic enough ever to be stubborn; he never frowns, sets his teeth, or + clenches his fist. There is something enigmatical about him; however, I + shall study him closely and do what I can to understand the man who, as + commander of a vessel, should be to those around him “second only to God.” + </p> + <p> + Unless I am greatly mistaken there is another man on board who, if + circumstances should require it, would take the more prominent position—I + mean the mate. I have hitherto, however, had such little opportunity of + observing his character, that I must defer saying more about him at + present. + </p> + <p> + Besides the captain and this mate, whose name is Robert Curtis, our crew + consists of Walter, the lieutenant, the boatswain, and fourteen sailors, + all English or Scotch, making eighteen altogether, a number quite + sufficient for working a vessel of 900 tons burden. Up to this time my + sole experience of their capabilities is, that under the command of the + mate, they brought us skillfully enough through the narrow channels of + Charleston; and I have no reason to doubt but that they are well up to + their work. + </p> + <p> + My list of the ship’s officials is incomplete unless I mention Hobart, the + steward, and Jynxstrop, the negro cook. + </p> + <p> + In addition to these, the “Chancellor” carries eight passengers, including + myself. Hitherto, the bustle of embarkation, the arrangement of cabins, + and all the variety of preparations inseparable from starting on a voyage + for at least twenty or five-and-twenty days have precluded the formation + of any acquaintanceships; but the monotony of the voyage, the close + proximity into which we must be thrown, and the natural curiosity to know + something of each other’s affairs, will doubtless lead us in due time to + an interchange of ideas. Two days have elapsed and I have not even seen + all the passengers. Probably sea-sickness has prevented some of them from + making their appearance at the common table. One thing, however, I do + know; namely, that there are two ladies occupying the stern-cabins, the + windows of which are in the aft-board of the vessel. + </p> + <p> + I have seen the ship’s list and subjoin a list of the passengers. They are + as follow:—Mr. and Mrs. Kear, Americans, of Buffalo. Miss Herbey, a + young English lady, companion to Mrs. Kear. M. Letourneur and his son + Andre, Frenchmen, of Havre. William Falsten, a Manchester engineer. John + Ruby, a Cardiff merchant; and myself, J. R. Kazallon, of London. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0003" id="link2HCH0003"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER III. + </h2> + <p> + SEPTEMBER 29th.—Captain Huntly’s bill of lading, that is to say, the + document that describes the “Chancellor’s” cargo and the conditions of + transport, is couched in the following terms:— + </p> + <p> + “BRONSFIELD AND CO., AGENTS, CHARLESTON. + </p> + <p> + “I, John Silas Huntly, of Dundee, Scotland, commander of the ship + ‘Chancellor,’ of about 900 tons burden, now at Charleston, do purpose, by + the blessing of God, at the earliest convenient season, and by the direct + route, to sail for the port of Liverpool, where I shall obtain my + discharge. I do hereby acknowledge that I have received from you, Messrs. + Bronsfield and Co., Commission Agents, Charleston, and have placed the + same under the gun-deck of the aforesaid ship, seventeen hundred bales of + cotton, of the estimated value of 26,000l., all in good condition, marked + and numbered as in the margin; which goods I do undertake to transport to + Liverpool, and there to deliver, free from injury (save only such injury + as shall have been caused by the chances of the sea), to Messrs. Laird + Brothers, or to their order, or to their representative, who shall on due + delivery of the said freight pay me the sum of 2000l. inclusive, according + to the charter-party and damages in addition, according to the usages and + customs of the sea. + </p> + <p> + “And for the fulfillment of the above covenant, I have pledged and do + pledge my person, my property, and my interest in the vessel aforesaid, + with all its appurtenances. In witness whereof, I have signed three + agreements, all of the same purport; on the condition that when the terms + of one are accomplished, the other two shall be absolutely null and void. + </p> + <p> + “Given at Charleston, September 13th, 1869, + </p> + <p> + “J. S. HUNTLY.” + </p> + <p> + From the foregoing document it will be understood that the “Chancellor” is + conveying 1700 bales of cotton to Liverpool; that the shippers are + Bronsfield, of Charleston, and the consignees are Laird Brothers, of + Liverpool. The ship was constructed with the especial design of carrying + cotton, and the entire hold, with the exception of a very limited space + reserved for passengers’ luggage, is closely packed with the bales, The + lading was performed with the utmost care, each bale being pressed into + its proper place by the aid of screw-jacks, so that the whole freight + forms one solid and compact mass; not an inch of space is wasted, and the + vessel is thus made capable of carrying her full complement of cargo. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0004" id="link2HCH0004"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER IV. + </h2> + <p> + SEPTEMBER 30th to OCTOBER 6th.—The “Chancellor” is a rapid sailer, + and more than a match for many a vessel of the same dimensions. She scuds + along merrily in the freshening breeze, leaving in her wake, far as the + eye can reach, a long white line of foam as well defined as a delicate + strip of lace stretched upon an azure ground. + </p> + <p> + The Atlantic is not visited by many gales, and I have every reason to + believe that the rolling and pitching of the vessel no longer incommode + any of the passengers, who are all more or less accustomed to the sea. A + vacant seat at our table is now very rare; we are beginning to know + something about each other, and our daily life, in consequence, is + becoming somewhat less monotonous. + </p> + <p> + M. Letourneur, our French fellow-passenger, often has a chat with me. He + is a fine tall man, about fifty years of age, with white hair and a + grizzly beard. To say the truth, he looks older than he really is: his + drooping head, his dejected manner, and his eye, ever and again suffused + with tears, indicate that he is haunted by some deep and abiding sorrow. + He never laughs; he rarely even smiles, and then only on his son: his + countenance ordinarily bearing a look of bitterness tempered by affection, + while his general expression is one of caressing tenderness. It excites an + involuntary commiseration to learn that M. Letourneur is consuming himself + by exaggerated reproaches on account of the infirmity of an afflicted son. + </p> + <p> + Andre Letourneur is about twenty years of age, with a gentle, interesting + countenance, but, to the irrepressible grief of his father, is a hopeless + cripple. His left leg is miserably deformed, and he is quite unable to + walk without the assistance of a stick. It is obvious that the father’s + life is bound up with that of his son; his devotion is unceasing; every + thought, every glance is for Andre; he seems to anticipate his most + trifling wish, watches his slightest movement, and his arm is ever ready + to support or otherwise assist the child whose sufferings he more than + shares. + </p> + <p> + M. Letourneur seems to have taken a peculiar fancy to myself, and + constantly talks about Andre. This morning, in the course of conversation, + I said,— + </p> + <p> + “You have a good son, M. Letourneur. I have just been talking to him. He + is a most intelligent young man.” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, Mr. Kazallon,” replied M. Letourneur, brightening up into a smile, + “his afflicted frame contains a noble mind. He is like his mother, who + died at his birth.” + </p> + <p> + “He is full of reverence and love for you, sir,” I remarked. + </p> + <p> + “Dear boy!” muttered the father half to himself. “Ah, Mr. Kazallon,” he + continued, “you do not know what it is to a father to have a son a + cripple, beyond hope of cure.” + </p> + <p> + “M. Letourneur,” I answered, “you take more than your share of the + affliction which has fallen upon you and your son. That M. Andre is + entitled to the very greatest commiseration no one can deny; but you + should remember, that after all a physical infirmity is not so hard to + bear as mental grief. Now, I have watched your son pretty closely, and + unless I am much mistaken there is nothing, that troubles him so much as + the sight of your own sorrow.” + </p> + <p> + “But I never let him see it,” he broke in hastily. “My sole thought is how + to divert him. I have discovered, that in spite of his physical weakness, + he delights in travelling; so for the last few years we have been + constantly on the move. We first went all over Europe, and are now + returning from visiting the principal places in the United States. I never + allowed my son to go to college, but instructed him entirely myself, and + these travels, I hope, will serve to complete his education. He is very + intelligent, and has a lively imagination, and I am sometimes tempted to + hope that in contemplating the wonders of nature he forgets his own + infirmity.” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, sir, of course he does,” I assented. + </p> + <p> + “But,” continued M. Letourneur, taking my hand, “although, perhaps, HE may + forget, I can never forget. Ah, sir, do you suppose that Andre can ever + forgive his parents for bringing him into the world a cripple?” + </p> + <p> + The remorse of the unhappy father was very distressing, and I was about to + say a few kind words of sympathy when Andre himself made his appearance. + M. Letourneur hastened toward him and assisted him up the few steep steps + that led to the poop. + </p> + <p> + As soon as Andre was comfortably seated on one of the benches, and his + father had taken his place by his side, I joined them, and we fell into + conversation upon ordinary topics, discussing the various points of the + “Chancellor,” the probable length of the passage, and the different + details of our life on board. I find that M. Letourneur’s estimate of + Captain Huntly’s character very much coincided with my own, and that, like + me, he is impressed with the man’s undecided manner and sluggish + appearance. Like me, too, he has formed a very favourable opinion of + Robert Curtis, the mate, a man of about thirty years of age, of great + muscular power, with a frame and a will that seem ever ready for action. + </p> + <p> + Whilst we were still talking of him, Curtis himself came on deck, and as I + watched his movements I could not help being struck with his physical + development; his erect and easy carriage, his fearless glance and slightly + contracted brow all betokened a man of energy, thoroughly endowed with the + calmness and courage that are indispensable to the true sailor. He seems a + kind-hearted fellow, too, and is always ready to assist and amuse young + Letourneur, who evidently enjoys his company. After he had scanned the + weather and examined the trim of the sails, he joined our party and + proceeded to give us some information about those of our fellow-passengers + with whom at present we have made but slight acquaintance. + </p> + <p> + Mr. Kear, the American, who is accompanied by his wife, has made a large + fortune in the petroleum springs in the United States. He is a man of + about fifty, a most uninteresting companion, being overwhelmed with a + sense of his own wealth and importance, and consequently supremely + indifferent to all around him. His hands are always in his pockets, and + the chink of money seems to follow him wherever he goes. Vain and + conceited, a fool as well as an egotist, he struts about like a peacock + showing its plumage, and to borrow the words of the physiognomist + Gratiolet, “il se flaire, il se savoure, il se goute.” Why he should have + taken his passage on board a mere merchant vessel instead of enjoying the + luxuries of a Transatlantic steamer, I am altogether at a loss to explain. + </p> + <p> + The wife is an insignificant, insipid woman, of about forty years of age. + She never reads, never talks, and I believe I am not wrong in saying, + never thinks. She seems to look without seeing, and listen without + hearing, and her sole occupation consists in giving her orders to her + companion, Miss Herbey, a young English girl of about twenty. + </p> + <p> + Miss Herbey is extremely pretty. Her complexion is fair and her eyes deep + blue, whilst her pleasing countenance is altogether free from that + insignificance of feature which is not unfrequently alleged to be + characteristic of English beauty. Her mouth would be charming if she ever + smiled, but exposed as she is to the ridiculous whims and fancies of a + capricious mistress, her lips rarely relax from their ordinary grave + expression. Yet humiliating as her position must be, she never utters a + word of open complaint, but quietly and gracefully performs her duties + accepting without a murmur the paltry salary which the bumptious + petroleum-merchant condescends to allow her. + </p> + <p> + The Manchester engineer, William Falsten, looks like a thorough + Englishman. He has the management of some extensive hydraulic works in + South Carolina, and is now on his way to Europe to obtain some improved + apparatus, and more especially to visit the mines worked by centrifugal + force, belonging to the firm of Messrs. Cail. He is forty-five years of + age, with all his interests so entirely absorbed by his machinery that he + seems to have neither a thought nor a care beyond his mechanical + calculations. Once let him engage you in conversation, and there is no + chance of escape; you have no help for it but to listen as patiently as + you can until he has completed the explanation of his designs. + </p> + <p> + The last of our fellow-passengers, Mr. Ruby, is the type of a vulgar + tradesman. Without any originality or magnanimity in his composition, he + has spent twenty years of his life in mere buying and selling, and as he + has generally contrived to do business at a profit, he has realized a + considerable fortune. What he is going to do with the money, he does not + seem able to say: his ideas do not go beyond retail trade, his mind having + been so long closed to all other impressions that it appears incapable of + thought or reflection on any subject besides. Pascal says, “L’homme est + visiblement fait pour penser. C’est toute sa dignite et tout-son merite;” + but to Mr. Ruby the phrase seems altogether inapplicable. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0005" id="link2HCH0005"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER V. + </h2> + <p> + OCTOBER 7th.—This is the tenth day since we left Charleston, and I + should think our progress has been very rapid. Robert Curtis, the mate, + with whom I continue to have many a friendly chat, informed me that we + could not be far off Cape Hatteras in the Bermudas; the ship’s bearings, + he said were lat. 32deg. 20min. N. and long. 64deg. 50min. W., so that he + had every reason to believe that we should sight St. George’s Island + before night. + </p> + <p> + “The Bermudas!” I exclaimed. “But how is it we are off the Bermudas? I + should have thought that a vessel sailing from Charleston to Liverpool, + would have kept northwards, and have followed the track of the Gulf + Stream.” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, indeed; sir,” replied Curtis, “that is the usual course; but you see + that this time the captain hasn’t chosen to take it.” + </p> + <p> + “But why not?” I persisted. + </p> + <p> + “That’s not for me to say, sir; he ordered us eastwards, and eastwards we + go.” + </p> + <p> + “Haven’t you called his attention to it?” I inquired. + </p> + <p> + Curtis acknowledged that he had already pointed out what an unusual route + they were taking, but that the captain had said that he was quite aware + what he was about. The mate made no further remark; but the knit of his + brow, as he passed his hand mechanically across his forehead, made me + fancy that he was inclined to speak out more strongly. + </p> + <p> + “All very well, Curtis,” I said, “but I don’t know what to think about + trying new routes. Here we are at the 7th of October, and if we are to + reach Europe before the bad weather sets in, I should suppose there is not + a day to be lost.” + </p> + <p> + “Right, sir, quite right; there is not a day to be lost.” + </p> + <p> + Struck by his manner, I ventured to add, “Do you mind, Mr. Curtis giving + me your honest opinion of Captain Huntly?” + </p> + <p> + He hesitated a moment, and then replied shortly, “He is my captain, sir.” + </p> + <p> + This evasive answer of course put an end to any further interrogation on + my part, but it only set me thinking the more. + </p> + <p> + Curtis was not mistaken. At about three o’clock the lookout man sung out + that there was land to windward, and descried what seemed as if it might + be a line of smoke in the north-east horizon. At six, I went on deck with + M. Letourneur and his son, and we could then distinctly make out the low + group of the Bermudas, encircled by their formidable chain of breakers. + </p> + <p> + “There,” said Andre Letourneur to me, as we stood gazing at the distant + land, “there lies the enchanted Archipelago, sung by your poet Moore. The + exile Waller, too, as long ago as 1643, wrote an enthusiastic panegyric on + the islands, and I have been told that at one time English ladies would + wear no other bonnets than such as were made of the leaves of the Bermuda + palm.” + </p> + <p> + “Yes,” I replied, “the Bermudas were all the rage in the seventeenth + century, although latterly they have fallen into comparative oblivion.” + </p> + <p> + “But let me tell you, M. Andre,” interposed Curtis, who had as usual + joined our party, “that although poets may rave, and be as enthusiastic as + they like about these islands, sailors will tell a different tale. The + hidden reefs that lie in a semicircle about two or three leagues from + shore make the attempt to land a very dangerous piece of business. And + another thing, I know. Let the natives boast as they will about their + splendid climate, they, are visited by the most frightful hurricanes. They + get the fag-end of the storms that rage over the Antilles; and the fag-end + of a storm is like the tail of a whale; it’s just the strongest bit of it. + I don’t think you’ll find a sailor listening much to your poets,—your + Moores, and your Wallers.” + </p> + <p> + “No, doubt you are right, Mr. Curtis,” said Andre, smiling, “but poets are + like proverbs; you can always find one to contradict another. Although + Waller and Moore have chosen to sing the praises of the Bermudas, it has + been supposed that Shakspeare was depicting them in the terrible scenes + that are found in ‘The Tempest.’” + </p> + <p> + The whole vicinity of these islands is beyond a question extremely + perilous to mariners. Situated between the Antilles and Nova Scotia, the + Bermudas have ever since their discovery belonged to the English, who have + mainly used them for a military station. But this little archipelago, + comprising some hundred and fifty different isles and islets, is destined + to increase, and that, perhaps, on a larger scale than has yet been + anticipated. Beneath the waves there are madrepores, in infinity of + number, silently but ceaselessly pursuing their labours; and with time, + that fundamental element in nature’s workings, who shall tell whether + these may not gradually build up island after island, which shall unite + and form another continent? + </p> + <p> + I may mention that there was not another of our fellow-passengers who took + the trouble to come on deck and give a glance at this strange cluster of + islands. Miss Herbey, it is true, was making an attempt to join us, but + she had barely reached the poop, when Mrs. Kear’s languid voice was heard + recalling her for some trifling service to her side. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0006" id="link2HCH0006"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER VI. + </h2> + <p> + OCTOBER 8th to OCTOBER 13th.—The wind is blowing hard from the + north-east; and the “Chancellor” under low-reefed top-sail and fore-sail, + and labouring against a heavy sea, has been obliged to be brought ahull. + The joists and girders all creak again until one’s teeth are set on edge. + I am the only passenger not remaining below; but I prefer being on deck + notwithstanding the driving rain, fine as dust, which penetrates to my + very skin. We have been driven along in this fashion for the best part of + two days; the “stiffish breeze” has gradually freshened into “a gale;” the + top-gallants have been lowered, and, as I write, the wind is blowing with + a velocity of fifty or sixty miles an hour. Although the “Chancellor” has + many good points, her drift is considerable, and we have been carried far + to the south we can only guess at our precise position, as the cloudy + atmosphere entirely precludes us from taking the sun’s altitude. + </p> + <p> + All along throughout this period, my fellow-passengers are totally + ignorant of the extraordinary course that we are taking England lies to + the NORTH-EAST, yet we are sailing directly SOUTH-EAST, and Robert Curtis + owns that he is quite bewildered; he cannot comprehend why the captain, + ever since this north-easterly gale has been blowing, should persist in + allowing the ship to drive to the south, instead of tacking to the + north-west until she gets into better quarters. + </p> + <p> + I was alone with Curtis to-day upon the poop, and could not help saying to + him “Curtis, is your captain mad?” + </p> + <p> + “Perhaps, sir, I might be allowed to ask what YOU think upon that matter,” + was his cautious reply. + </p> + <p> + “Well to say the truth,” I answered, “I can hardly tell; but I confess + there is every now and then a wandering in his eye, and an odd look on his + face that I do not like. Have you ever sailed with him before?” + </p> + <p> + “No; this is our first voyage together. Again last night I spoke to him + about the route we were taking, but he only said he knew all about it, and + that it was all right.” + </p> + <p> + “What do Lieutenant Walter and your boatswain think of it all?” I + inquired. + </p> + <p> + “Think; why they think just the same as I do,” replied the mate; “but if + the captain chooses to take the ship to China we should obey his orders.” + </p> + <p> + “But surely,” I exclaimed, “there must be some limit to your obedience! + Suppose the man is actually mad, what then?” + </p> + <p> + “If he should be mad enough, Mr. Kazallon, to bring the vessel into any + real danger, I shall know what to do.” + </p> + <p> + With this assurance I am forced to be content. Matters, however, have + taken a different turn to what I bargained for when I took my passage on + board the “Chancellor.” The weather has become worse and worse. As I have + already said, the ship under her large low-reefed top-sail and fore + stay-sail has been brought ahull, that is to say, she copes directly with + the wind, by presenting her broad bows to the sea; and so we go on still + drift, drift, continually to the south. + </p> + <p> + How southerly our course has been is very apparent; for upon the night of + the 11th we fairly entered upon that portion of the Atlantic which is + known as the Sargassos Sea. An extensive tract of water is this, enclosed + by the warm current of the Gulf Stream, and thickly covered with the + wrack, called by the Spaniards “sargasso,” the abundance of which so + seriously impeded the progress of Columbus’s vessels on his first voyage + across the ocean. + </p> + <p> + Each morning at daybreak the Atlantic has presented an aspect so + remarkable, that at my solicitation, M. Letourneur and his son have + ventured upon deck to witness the unusual spectacle. The squally gusts + make the metal shrouds vibrate like harp-strings; and unless we were on + our guard to keep our clothes wrapped tightly to us, they would have been + torn off our backs in shreds. The scene presented to our eyes is one of + strangest interest. The sea, carpeted thickly with masses of prolific + fucus, is a vast unbroken plain of vegetation, through which the vessel + makes her way as a plough. Long strips of seaweed caught up by the wind + become entangled in the rigging, and hang between the masts in festoons of + verdure; whilst others, varying from two to three hundred feet in length, + twine themselves up to the very mast-heads, from whence they float like + streaming pendants. For many hours now, the “Chancellor” has been + contending with this formidable accumulation of algae; her masts are + circled with hydrophytes; her rigging is wreathed everywhere with + creepers, fantastic as the untrammelled tendrils of a vine, and as she + works her arduous course, there are times when I can only compare her to + an animated grove of verdure making its mysterious way over some + illimitable prairie. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0007" id="link2HCH0007"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER VII. + </h2> + <p> + OCTOBER 14th.—At last we are free from the sea of vegetation, the + boisterous gale has moderated into a steady breeze, the sun is shining + brightly, the weather is warm and genial, and thus, two reefs in her + top-sails, briskly and merrily sails the “Chancellor.” + </p> + <p> + Under conditions so favourable, we have been able to take the ship’s + bearings: our latitude, we find, is 21deg. 33min. N., our longitude 50deg. + 17min. W. + </p> + <p> + Incomprehensible altogether is the conduct of Captain Huntly. Here we are, + already more than ten degrees south of the point from which, we started, + and yet still we are persistently following a south-easterly course! I + cannot bring myself to the conclusion that the man is mad. I have had + various conversations with him: he has always spoken rationally and + sensibly. He shows no tokens of insanity. Perhaps his case is one of those + in which insanity is partial, and where the mania is of a character which + extends only to the matters connected with his profession. Yet it is + unaccountable. + </p> + <p> + I can get nothing out of Curtis; he listens coldly whenever I allude to + the subject, and only repeats what he has said before, that nothing short + of an overt act of madness on the part of the captain could induce him to + supersede the captain’s authority and that the imminent peril of the ship + could alone justify him in taking so decided a measure. + </p> + <p> + Last evening I went to my cabin about eight o’clock, and after an hour’s + reading by the light of my cabin-lamp, I retired to my berth and was soon + asleep. Some hours later I was aroused by an unaccustomed noise on deck. + There were heavy footsteps hurrying to and fro, and the voices of the men + were loud and eager, as if the crew were agitated by some strange + disturbance. My first impression was, that some tacking had been ordered + which rendered it needful to fathom the yards; but the vessel continuing + to lie to starboard convinced me that this was not the origin of the + commotion, I was curious to know the truth, and made all haste I could to + go on deck; but before I was ready, the noise had ceased. I heard Captain + Huntly return to his cabin, and accordingly I retired again to my own + berth. Whatever may have been the meaning of the manoeuvre, I cannot tell; + it did not seem to have resulted in any improvement in the ship’s pace; + still it must be owned there was not much wind to speed us along. + </p> + <p> + At six o’clock this morning I mounted the poop and made as keen a scrutiny + as I could of everything on board. Everything appeared as usual. The + “Chancellor” was running on the larboard tack, and carried low-sails, + top-sails, and gallant-sails. Well braced she was; and under a fresh, but + not uneasy breeze, was making no less than eleven knots an hour. + </p> + <p> + Shortly afterwards M. Letourneur and Andre came an deck. The young man + enjoyed the early morning air, laden with its briny fragrance, and I + assisted him to mount the poop. In answer to my inquiry as to whether they + had been disturbed by any bustle in the night, Andre replied that he did + not wake at all, and had heard nothing. + </p> + <p> + “I am glad, my boy,” said his father, “that you have slept so soundly. I + heard the noise of which Mr. Kazallon speaks. It must have; been about + three o’clock this morning, and it seemed to me as though they were + shouting. I thought I heard them say, ‘Here, quick, look to the hatches!’ + but as nobody was called up, I presumed that nothing serious was the + matter.” + </p> + <p> + As he spoke I cast my eye at the panel-slides, which fore and aft of the + main-mast open into the hold. They seemed to be all close as usual, but I + now observed for the first time that they were covered with heavy + tarpauling. Wondering; in my own mind what could be the reason for these + extra precautions I did not say anything to M. Letourneur, but determined + to wait until the mate should come on watch, when he would doubtless give + me, I thought, an explanation of the mystery. + </p> + <p> + The sun rose gloriously, with every promise of a fine dry day. The waning + moon was yet above the western horizon, for as it still wants three days + to her last quarter she does not set until 10.57 am. On consulting my + almanac, I find that there will be a new moon on the 24th, and that on + that day, little as it may affect us here in mid ocean, the phenomenon of + the high sygyzian tides will take place on the shores of every continent + and island. + </p> + <p> + At the breakfast hour M. Letourneur and Andre went below for a cup of tea, + and I remained on the poop alone. As I expected, Curtis appeared, that he + might relieve Lieutenant Walter of the watch. I advanced to meet him, but + before he even wished me good morning, I saw him cast a quick and + searching glance upon the deck, and then, with a slightly contracted brow, + proceed to examine the state of the weather and the trim of the sails. + </p> + <p> + “Where is Captain Huntly?” he said to Walter. + </p> + <p> + “I have seen nothing of him,” answered the lieutenant “is there anything + fresh up?” + </p> + <p> + “Nothing, whatever,” was the curt reply. + </p> + <p> + They then conversed for a few moments in an undertone, and I could see + that Walter by his gesture gave a negative answer to some question which + the mate had asked him. “Send me the boatswain, Walter,” said Curtis aloud + as the lieutenant moved away. + </p> + <p> + The boatswain immediately appeared, and another conversation was carried + on in whispers. The man repeatedly shook his head as he replied to + Curtis’s inquiries, and then, in obedience to orders, called the men who + were on watch, and made them plentifully water the tarpauling that covered + the great hatchway. + </p> + <p> + Curious to fathom the mystery I went up to Curtis and began to talk to him + upon ordinary topics, hoping that he would himself introduce the subject + that was uppermost in my mind; finding, however, that he did not allude to + it; I asked him point blank. + </p> + <p> + “What was the matter in the night, Curtis?” + </p> + <p> + He looked at me steadily, but made no reply. + </p> + <p> + “What was it?” I repeated. “M. Letourneur and myself were both of us + disturbed by a very unusual commotion overhead.” + </p> + <p> + “Oh, a mere nothing,” he said at length; “the man at the helm had made a + false move, and we had to pipe hands to brace the ship a bit; but it was + soon all put to rights. It was nothing, nothing at all.” + </p> + <p> + I said no more; but I cannot resist the impression that Robert Curtis has + not acted with me in his usual straightforward manner. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0008" id="link2HCH0008"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER VIII. + </h2> + <p> + OCTOBER 15th to OCTOBER 18th.—The wind is still in the north-east. + There is no change in the “Chancellor’s” course, and to an unprejudiced + eye all would appear to be going on as usual. But I have an uneasy + consciousness that something is not quite right. Why should the hatchways + be so hermetically closed as though a mutinous crew was imprisoned between + decks? I cannot help thinking too that there is something in the sailors + so constantly standing in groups and breaking off their talk so suddenly + whenever we approach; and several times I have caught the word “hatches” + which arrested M. Letourneur’s attention on the night of the disturbance. + </p> + <p> + On the 15th, while I was walking on the forecastle, I overheard one of the + sailors, a man named Owen say to his mates,— + </p> + <p> + “Now I just give you all warning that I am not going to wait until the + last minute. Every one for himself, say I.” + </p> + <p> + “Why, what do you mean to do?” asked Jynxstrop, the cook. + </p> + <p> + “Pshaw!” said Owen, “do you suppose that longboats were only made for + porpoises?” + </p> + <p> + Something at that moment occurred to interrupt the conversation, and I + heard no more. It occurred to me whether there was not some conspiracy + among the crew, of which probably Curtis had already detected the + symptoms. I am quite aware that some sailors are most rebelliously + disposed, and require to be ruled with a rod of iron. + </p> + <p> + Yesterday and to-day I have observed Curtis remonstrating somewhat + vehemently with Captain Huntly, but there is no obvious result arising + from their interviews; the Captain apparently being bent upon some + purpose, of which it is only too manifest that the mate decidedly + disapproves. + </p> + <p> + Captain Huntly is undoubtedly labouring under strong nervous excitement; + and M. Letourneur has more than once remarked how silent he has become at + meal-times; for although Curtis continually endeavours to start some + subject of general interest, yet neither Mr. Falsten, Mr. Kear, nor Mr. + Ruby are the men to take it up, and consequently the conversation flags + hopelessly, and soon drops. The passengers too are now, with good cause, + beginning to murmur at the length of the voyage, and Mr. Kear, who + considers that the very elements ought to yield to his convenience, lets + the captain know by his consequential and haughty manner that he holds him + responsible for the delay. + </p> + <p> + During the course of yesterday the mate gave repeated orders for the deck + to be watered again and again, and although as a general rule this is a + business which is done, once for all, in the early morning, the crew did + not utter a word of complaint at the additional work thus imposed upon + them. The tarpaulins on the hatches have thus been kept continually wet, + so that their close and heavy texture is rendered quite impervious to the + air, The “Chancellor’s” pumps afford a copious supply of water, so that I + should not suppose that even the daintiest and most luxurious craft + belonging to an aristocratic yacht-club was ever subject to a more + thorough scouring. I tried to reconcile myself to the belief that it was + the high temperature of the tropical regions upon which we are entering, + that rendered such extra sousings a necessity, and recalled to my + recollection how, during the night of the 13th, I had found the atmosphere + below deck so stifling that in spite of the heavy swell I was obliged to + open the porthole of my cabin, on the starboard side, to get a breath of + air. + </p> + <p> + This morning at daybreak I went on deck. The sun had scarcely risen, and + the air was fresh and cool, in strange contrast to the heat which below + the poop had been quite oppressive. The sailors as usual were washing the + deck, A great sheet of water, supplied continuously by the pumps was + rolling in tiny wavelets, and escaping now to starboard, now to larboard + through the scupper-holes. After watching the men for a while as they ran + about bare-footed, I could not resist the desire to join them, so taking + off my shoes and stockings I proceeded to dabble in the flowing water. + </p> + <p> + Great was my amazement to find the deck perfectly hot to my feet! Curtis + heard my exclamation of surprise, and before I could put my thoughts into + words, said,— + </p> + <p> + “Yes! there is fire on board!” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0009" id="link2HCH0009"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER IX. + </h2> + <p> + OCTOBER 19th.—Everything, then, is clear. The uneasiness of the + crew, their frequent conferences, Owen’s mysterious words, the constant + scourings of the deck and the oppressive heat of the cabins which had been + noticed even by my fellow-passengers, all are explained. + </p> + <p> + After his grave communication, Curtis remained silent. I shivered with a + thrill of horror; a calamity the most terrible that can befall a voyager + stared me in the face, and it was some seconds before I could recover + sufficient composure to inquire when the fire was first discovered. + </p> + <p> + “Six days ago,” replied the mate. + </p> + <p> + “Six days ago!” I exclaimed; “why, then, it was that night.” + </p> + <p> + “Yes,” he said, interrupting me; “it was the night you heard the + disturbance upon deck. The men on watch noticed a slight smoke issuing + from the large hatchway and immediately called Captain Huntly and myself. + We found beyond all doubt, that the cargo was on fire, and what was worse, + that there was no possibility of getting at the seat of the combustion. + What could we do? Why; we took the only precaution that was practicable + under the circumstances, and resolved most carefully to exclude every + breath of air from penetrating into the hold, For some time I hoped that + we had been successful. I thought that the fire was stifled; but during + the last three days there is every reason to make us know that it has been + gaining strength. Do what we will, the deck gets hotter and hotter, and + unless it were kept constantly wet, it would be unbearable to the feet. + But I am glad, Mr. Kazallon,” he added; “that you have made the discovery. + It is better that you should know it.” + </p> + <p> + I listened in silence, I was now fully aroused to the gravity of the + situation and thoroughly comprehended how we were in the very face of a + calamity which it seemed that no human power could avert. + </p> + <p> + “Do you know what has caused the fire?” I presently inquired. + </p> + <p> + “It probably arose,” he answered, “from the spontaneous combustion of the + cotton. The case is rare, but it is far from unknown. Unless the cotton is + perfectly dry when it is shipped, its confinement in a damp or + ill-ventilated hold will sometimes cause it to ignite; and I have no doubt + it is this that has brought about our misfortune.” + </p> + <p> + “But after all,” I said, “the cause matters very little. Is there no + remedy? Is there nothing to be done?” + </p> + <p> + “Nothing; Mr. Kazallon,” he said. “As I told you before, we have adopted + the only possible measure within our power to check the fire. At one time + I thought of knocking a hole in the ship’s timbers just on her waterline, + and letting in just as much water as the pumps could afterwards get rid of + again; but we found the combustion was right in the middle of the cargo + and that we should be obliged to flood the entire hold before we could get + at the right place. That scheme consequently was no good. During the + night, I had the deck bored in various places and water poured down + through the holes; but that again seemed all of no use. There is only one + thing that can be done; we must persevere in excluding most carefully + every breath of outer air, so that perhaps the conflagration deprived of + oxygen may smoulder itself out. That is our only hope.” + </p> + <p> + “But, you say the fire is increasing?” + </p> + <p> + “Yes; and that shows that in spite of all our care there is some aperture + which we have not been able to discover, by which, somehow or other, air + gets into the hold.” + </p> + <p> + “Have you ever heard of a vessel surviving such circumstances?” I asked. + </p> + <p> + “Yes, Mr. Kazallon,” said Curtis; “it is not at all an unusual thing for + ships laden with cotton to arrive at Liverpool or Havre with a portion of + their cargo consumed; and I have myself known more than one captain run + into port with his deck scorching his very feet, and who, to save his + vessel and the remainder of his freight has been compelled to unload with + the utmost expedition. But, in such cases, of course the fire has been + more or less under control throughout the voyage; with us, it is + increasing day by day, and I tell you I am convinced there is an aperture + somewhere which has escaped our notice.” + </p> + <p> + “But would it not be advisable for us to retrace our course, and make for + the nearest land?” + </p> + <p> + “Perhaps it would,” he answered. “Walter and I, and the boatswain, are + going to talk the matter over seriously with the captain to-day. But, + between ourselves, I have taken the responsibility upon myself; I have + already changed the tack to the south-west; we are now straight before the + wind, and consequently we are sailing towards the coast.” + </p> + <p> + “I need hardly ask,” I added; “whether any of the other passengers are at + all aware of the imminent danger in which we are placed.” + </p> + <p> + “None of them,” he said; “not in the least; and I hope you will not + enlighten them. We don’t want terrified women and cowardly men to add to + our embarrassment; the crew are under orders to keep a strict silence on + the subject. Silence is indispensable.” + </p> + <p> + I promised to keep the matter a profound secret, as I fully entered into + Curtis’s views as to the absolute necessity for concealment. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0010" id="link2HCH0010"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER X. + </h2> + <p> + OCTOBER 20th AND 21st.—The “Chancellor” is now crowded with all the + canvas she can carry, and at times her top-masts threaten to snap with the + pressure. But Curtis is ever on the alert; he never leaves his post beside + the man at the helm, and without compromising the safety of the vessel, he + contrives by tacking to the breeze, to urge her on at her utmost speed. + </p> + <p> + All day long on the 20th, the passengers were assembled on the poop. + Evidently they found the heat of the cabins painfully oppressive, and most + of them lay stretched upon benches and quietly enjoyed the gentle rolling + of the vessel. The increasing heat of the deck did not reveal itself to + their well-shod feet and the constant scouring of the boards did not + excite any suspicion in their torpid minds. M. Letourneur, it is true, did + express his surprise that the crew of an ordinary merchant vessel should + be distinguished by such extraordinary cleanliness, but as I replied to + him in a very casual tone, he passed no further remark. I could not help + regretting that I had given Curtis my pledge of silence, and longed + intensely to communicate the melancholy secret to the energetic Frenchman; + for at times when I reflect upon the eight-and-twenty victims who may + probably, only too soon, be a prey to the relentless flames, my heart + seems ready to burst. + </p> + <p> + The important consultation between captain, mate, lieutenant, and + boatswain has taken place. Curtis has confided the result to me. He says + that Huntly, the captain, is completely demoralized; he has lost all power + and energy; and practically leaves the command of the ship to him. It is + now certain the fire is beyond control, and that sooner or later it will + burst out in full violence The temperature of the crew’s quarters has + already become almost unbearable. One solitary hope remained; it is that + we may reach the shore before the final catastrophe occurs. The Lesser + Antilles are the nearest land; and although they are some five or six + hundred miles away, if the wind remains north-east there is yet a chance + of reaching them in time. + </p> + <p> + Carrying royals and studding-sails, the “Chancellor” during the last + four-and-twenty hours has held a steady course. M. Letourneur is the only + one of all the passengers who has remarked the change of tack; Curtis + however, has set all speculation on his part to rest by telling him that + he wanted to get ahead of the wind, and that he was tacking to the west to + catch a favourable current. + </p> + <p> + To-day, the 21st, all has gone on as usual; and as far as the observation + of the passengers has reached, the ordinary routine has been undisturbed. + Curtis indulges the hope even yet that by excluding the air, the fire may + be stifled before it ignites the general cargo; he has hermetically closed + every accessible aperture, and has even taken the precaution of plugging + the orifices of the pumps, under the impression that their suction-tubes, + running as they do to the bottom of the hold, may possibly be channels for + conveying some molecules of air. Altogether, he considers it a good sign + that the combustion has not betrayed itself by some external issue of + smoke. + </p> + <p> + The day would have passed without any incident worth recording if I had + not chanced to overhear a fragment of a conversation which demonstrated + that our situation hitherto precarious enough, had now become most + appalling. + </p> + <p> + As I was sitting on the poop, two of my fellow-passengers, Falsten, the + engineer, and Ruby, the merchant whom I had observed to be often in + company, were engaged in conversation almost close to me. What they said + was evidently not intended for my hearing, but my attention was directed + towards them by some very emphatic gestures of dissatisfaction on the part + of Falsten, and I could not forbear listening to what followed. + </p> + <p> + “Preposterous! shameful!” exclaimed Falsten; “nothing could be more + imprudent.” + </p> + <p> + “Pooh! pooh!” replied Ruby; “it’s all right; it is not the first time I + have done it.” + </p> + <p> + “But don’t you know that any shock at any time might cause an explosion?” + </p> + <p> + “Oh, it’s all properly secured,” said Ruby, “tight enough; I have no fears + on that score, Mr. Falsten.” + </p> + <p> + “But why,” asked Falsten, “did you not inform the captain?” + </p> + <p> + “Just because if I had informed him, he would not have taken the case on + board.” + </p> + <p> + The wind dropped for a few seconds; and for a brief interval I could not + catch what passed; but I could see that Falsten continued to remonstrate, + whilst Ruby answered by shrugging his shoulders. At length I heard Falsten + say,— + </p> + <p> + “Well, at any rate the captain must be informed of this, and the package + shall be thrown overboard. I don’t want, to be blown up.” + </p> + <p> + I started. To what could the engineer be alluding? Evidently he had not + the remotest suspicion that the cargo was already on fire. In another + moment the words “picrate of potash” brought me to my feet? and with an + involuntary impulse I rushed up to Ruby, and seized him by the shoulder. + </p> + <p> + “Is there picrate of potash on board?” I almost shrieked. + </p> + <p> + “Yes,” said Falsten, “a case containing thirty pounds.” + </p> + <p> + “Where is it?” I cried. + </p> + <p> + “Down in the hold, with the cargo.” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0011" id="link2HCH0011"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XI. + </h2> + <p> + What my feelings were I cannot describe; but it was hardly in terror so + much as with a kind of resignation that I made my way to Curtis on the + forecastle, and made him aware that the alarming character of our + situation was now complete, as there was enough explosive matter on board + to blow up a mountain. Curtis received the information as coolly as it was + delivered, and after I had made him acquainted with all the particulars + said,— + </p> + <p> + “Not a word of this must be mentioned to any one else, Mr. Kazallon, where + is Ruby now?” + </p> + <p> + “On the poop,” I said. + </p> + <p> + “Will you then come with me, sir?” + </p> + <p> + Ruby and Falsten were sitting just as I had left them. Curtis walked + straight up to Ruby, and asked him whether what he had been told was true. + </p> + <p> + “Yes, quite true,” said Ruby, complacently, thinking that the worst that + could befall him would be that he might be convicted of a little + smuggling. + </p> + <p> + I observed that Curtis was obliged for a moment or two to clasp his hands + tightly together behind his back to prevent himself from seizing the + unfortunate passenger by the throat; but suppressing his indignation, he + proceeded quietly, though sternly, to interrogate him about the facts of + the case. Ruby only confirmed what I had already told him. With + characteristic Anglo-Saxon incautiousness he had brought on board with the + rest of his baggage, a case containing no less than thirty pounds of + picrate, and had allowed the explosive matter to be stowed in the hold + with as little compunction as a Frenchman would feel in smuggling a single + bottle of wine. He had not informed the captain of the dangerous nature of + the contents of the package, because he was perfectly aware that he would + have been refused permission to bring the package on board. + </p> + <p> + “Any way,” he said, with a shrug of his shoulders, “you can’t hang me for + it; and if the package gives you so much concern, you are quite at liberty + to throw it into the sea. My luggage is insured.” + </p> + <p> + I was beside myself with fury, and not being endowed with Curtis’s + reticence and self-control, before he could interfere to stop me, I cried + out,— + </p> + <p> + “You fool! don’t you know that there is fire on board?” + </p> + <p> + In an instant I regretted my words. Most earnestly I wished them + unuttered, But it was too late: their effect upon Ruby was electrical. He + was paralyzed with terror his limbs stiffened convulsively; his eye was + dilated; he gasped for breath, and was speechless. All of a sudden he + threw up his arms and, as though he momentarily expected an explosion, he + darted down from the poop, and paced frantically up and down the deck, + gesticulating like a madman, and shouting,— + </p> + <p> + “Fire on board! Fire! Fire!” + </p> + <p> + On hearing the outcry, all the crew, supposing that the fire had now in + reality broken out, rushed on deck; the rest of the passengers soon joined + them, and the scene that ensued was one of the utmost confusion. Mrs. Kear + fell down senseless on the deck, and her husband, occupied in looking + after himself, left her to the tender mercies of Miss Herbey. Curtis + endeavoured to silence Ruby’s ravings, whilst I, in as few words as I + could, made M. Letourneur aware of the extent to which the cargo was on + fire. The father’s first thought was for Andre but the young man preserved + an admirable composure, and begged his father not to be alarmed, as the + danger was not immediate. Meanwhile the sailors had loosened all the + tacklings of the long-boat; and were preparing to launch it, when Curtis’s + voice was heard peremptorily bidding them to desist; he assured them that + the fire had made no further progress; that Mr. Ruby had been unduly + excited and not conscious of what he had said; and he pledged his word + that when the right moment should arrive he would allow them all to leave + the ship; but that moment, he said, had not yet come. + </p> + <p> + At the sound of a voice which they had learned to honour and respect, the + crew paused in their operations, and the long-boat remained suspended in + its place. Fortunately, even Ruby himself in the midst of his ravings, had + not dropped a word about the picrate that had been deposited in the hold; + for although the mate had a power over the sailors that Captain Huntly had + never possessed, I feel certain that if the true state of the case had + been known, nothing on earth would have prevented some of them, in their + consternation, from effecting an escape. As it was, only Curtis, Falsten, + and myself were cognizant of the terrible secret. + </p> + <p> + As soon as order was restored, the mate and, I joined Falsten on the poop, + where he had remained throughout the panic, and where we found him with + folded arms, deep in thought, as it might be, solving some hard mechanical + problem. He promised, at my request, that he would reveal nothing of the + new danger to which we were exposed through Ruby’s imprudence. Curtis + himself took the responsibility of informing Captain Huntly of our + critical situation. + </p> + <p> + In order to insure complete secrecy, it was necessary to secure the person + of the unhappy Ruby, who, quite beside himself, continued to rave up and + down the deck with the incessant cry of “Fire! fire!” Accordingly Curtis + gave orders to some of his men to seize him and gag him; and before he + could make any resistance the miserable man was captured and safely lodged + in confinement in his own cabin. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0012" id="link2HCH0012"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XII. + </h2> + <p> + OCTOBER 22nd.—Curtis has told the captain everything; for he + persists in ostensibly recognizing him as his superior officer, and + refuses to conceal from him our true situation. Captain Huntly received + the communication in perfect silence, and merely passing his hand across + his forehead as though to, banish some distressing thought, re-entered his + cabin without a word. + </p> + <p> + Curtis, Lieutenant Walter, Falsten, and myself have been discussing the + chances of our safety, and I am surprised to find with how much composure + we can all survey our anxious predicament. + </p> + <p> + “There is no doubt” said Curtis, “that we must abandon all hope of + arresting the fire; the heat towards the bow has already become well-nigh + unbearable, and the time must come when the flames will find a vent + through the deck. If the sea is calm enough for us to make use of the + boats, well and good; we shall of course get quit of the ship as quietly + as we can; if on the other hand, the weather should be adverse, or the + wind be boisterous, we must stick to our place, and contend with the + flames to the very last; perhaps, after all, we shall fare better with the + fire as a declared enemy than as a hidden one.” + </p> + <p> + Falsten and I agreed with what he said, but I pointed out to him that he + had quite overlooked the fact of there being thirty pounds of combustible + matter in the hold. + </p> + <p> + “No” he gravely replied, “I have not forgotten it, but it is a + circumstance of which I do not trust myself to think I dare not run the + risk of admitting air into the hold by going down to search for the + powder, and yet I know not at what moment it may explode. No; it is a + matter that I cannot take at all into my reckoning, it must remain in + higher hands than mine.” + </p> + <p> + We bowed our heads in a silence which was solemn. In the present state of + the weather, immediate flight was, we knew, impossible. + </p> + <p> + After a considerable pause, Falsten, as calmly as though he were + delivering some philosophic dogma, observed,— + </p> + <p> + “The explosion, if I may use the formula of science, is not necessary, but + contingent.” + </p> + <p> + “But tell me, Mr. Falsten,” I asked, “is it possible for picrate of potash + to ignite without concussion?” + </p> + <p> + “Certainly it is,” replied the engineer. “Under-ordinary circumstances, + picrate of potash although not MORE inflammable than common powder, yet + possesses the same degree of inflammability.” + </p> + <p> + We now prepared to go on deck. As we left the saloon, in which we had been + sitting, Curtis seized my hand. + </p> + <p> + “Oh, Mr. Kazallon,” he exclaimed, “if you only knew the bitterness of the + agony I feel at seeing this fine vessel doomed to be devoured by flames, + and at being so powerless to save her.” Then quickly recovering himself, + he continued, “But I am forgetting myself; you, if no other, must know + what I am suffering. It is all over now,” he said more cheerfully. + </p> + <p> + “Is our condition quite desperate?” I asked. + </p> + <p> + “It is just this,” he answered deliberately “we are over a mine, and + already the match has been applied to the train. How long that train may + be, ‘tis not for me to say.” And with these words he left me. + </p> + <p> + The other passengers, in common with the crew, are still in entire + ignorance of the extremity of peril to which we are exposed, although they + are all aware that there is fire in the hold. As soon as the fact was + announced, Mr. Kear, after communicating to Curtis his instructions that + he thought he should have the fire immediately extinguished and intimating + that he held him responsible for all contingencies that might happen, + retired to his cabin, where he has remained ever since, fully occupied in + collecting and packing together the more cherished articles of his + property and without the semblance of a care or a thought for his + unfortunate wife, whose condition, in spite of her ludicrous complaints, + was truly pitiable. Miss Herbey, however, is unrelaxing in her attentions, + and the unremitted diligence with which she fulfills her offices of duty, + commands my highest admiration. + </p> + <p> + OCTOBER 23rd.—This morning, Captain Huntly sent for Curtis into his + cabin, and the mate has since made me acquainted with what passed between + them. + </p> + <p> + “Curtis,” began the captain, his haggard eye betraying only too plainly + some mental derangement, “I am a sailor, am I not?” + </p> + <p> + “Certainly, captain,” was the prompt acquiescence of the mate. + </p> + <p> + “I do not know how it is,” continued the captain, “but I seem bewildered; + I cannot recollect anything. Are we not bound for Liverpool? Ah! yes! of + course. And have we kept a north-easterly direction since we left?” + </p> + <p> + “No, sir, according to your orders we have been sailing south-east, and + here we are in the tropics.” + </p> + <p> + “And what is the name of the ship?” + </p> + <p> + “The ‘Chancellor,’ sir.” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, yes, the ‘Chancellor,’ so it is. Well, Curtis, I really can’t take + her back to the north. I hate the sea, the very sight of it makes me ill, + I would much rather not leave my cabin.” + </p> + <p> + Curtis went on to tell me how he had tried to persuade him that with a + little time and care he would soon recover his indisposition, and feel + himself again; but the captain had interrupted him by saying,— + </p> + <p> + “Well, well; we shall see by-and-by; but for the present you must take + this for my positive order; you must, from this time, at once take the + command of the ship, and act just as if I were not on board. Under present + circumstances, I can do nothing. My brain is all in a whirl, you cannot + tell what I am suffering;” and the unfortunate man pressed both his hands + convulsively against his forehead. + </p> + <p> + “I weighed the matter carefully for a moment,” added Curtis, “and seeing + what his condition too truly was, I acquiesced in all that he required and + withdrew, promising him that all his orders should be obeyed.” + </p> + <p> + After hearing these particulars, I could not help remarking how fortunate + it was that the captain had resigned of his own accord, for although he + might not be actually insane, it was very evident that his brain was in a + very morbid condition. + </p> + <p> + “I succeed him at a very critical moment;” said Curtis thoughtfully; “but + I shall endeavour to do my duty.” + </p> + <p> + A short time afterwards he sent for the boatswain, and ordered him to + assemble the crew at the foot of the main-mast. As soon as the men were + together, he addressed them very calmly, but very firmly. + </p> + <p> + “My men,” he said, “I have to tell you that Captain Huntly, on account of + the dangerous situation in which circumstances have placed us, and for + other reasons known to myself, has thought right to resign his command to + me. From this time forward, I am captain of this vessel.” + </p> + <p> + Thus quietly and simply the change was effected, and we have the + satisfaction of knowing that the “Chancellor” is now under the command of + a conscientious, energetic man, who will shirk nothing that he believes to + be for our common good. M. Letourneur, Andre, Mr. Falsten, and myself + immediately offered him our best wishes, in which Lieutenant Walter and + the boatswain most cordially joined. + </p> + <p> + The ship still holds her course south-west and Curtis crowds on all sail + and makes as speedily as possible for the nearest of the Lesser Antilles. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0013" id="link2HCH0013"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XIII. + </h2> + <p> + OCTOBER 24th to 29th.—For the last five days the sea has been very + heavy, and although the “Chancellor” sails with wind and wave in her + favour, yet her progress is considerably impeded. Here on board this + veritable fireship I cannot help contemplating with a longing eye this + vast ocean that surrounds us. The water supply should be all we need. + </p> + <p> + “Why not bore the deck?” I said to Curtis. “Why not admit the water by + tons into the hold? What could be the harm? The fire would be quenched; + and what would be easier than to pump the water out again?” + </p> + <p> + “I have already told you, Mr. Kazallon,” said Curtis, “that the very + moment we admit the air, the flames will rush forth to the very top of the + masts. No; we must have courage and patience; we must wait. There is + nothing whatever to be done, except to close every aperture.” + </p> + <p> + The fire continued to progress even more rapidly than we had hitherto + suspected. The heat gradually drove the passengers nearly all, on deck, + and the two stern cabins, lighted, as I said, by their windows in the + aft-board were the only quarters below that were inhabitable. Of these + Mrs. Kear occupied one, and Curtis reserved the other for Ruby, who, a + raving maniac, had to be kept rigidly under restraint. I went down + occasionally to see him, but invariably found him in a state of abject + terror, uttering horrible shrieks, as though possessed with the idea that + he was being scorched by the most excruciating heat. + </p> + <p> + Once or twice, too, I looked in upon the ex-captain. He was always calm + and spoke quite rationally upon any subject except his own profession; but + in connexion with that he prated away the merest nonsense. He suffered + greatly, but steadily declined all my offers of attention, and + pertinaciously refused to leave his cabin. + </p> + <p> + To-day, an acrid, nauseating smoke made its way through the panellings + that partition off the quarters of the crew. At once Curtis ordered the + partition to be enveloped in wet tarpaulin, but the fumes penetrated even + this, and filled the whole neighbourhood of the ship’s bows with a reeking + vapour that was positively stifling. As we listened, too, we could hear a + dull rumbling sound, but we were as mystified as ever to comprehend where + the air could have entered that was evidently fanning the flames. Only too + certainly, it was now becoming a question not of days nor even of hours + before we must be prepared for the final catastrophe. The sea was still + running high, and escape by the boats was plainly impossible. Fortunately, + as I have said, the main-mast and the mizzen are of iron; otherwise the + heat at their base would long ago have brought them down and our chances + of safety would have been much imperiled; but by crowding on sail the + “Chancellor” in the full north-east wind continued to make her way with + undiminished speed. + </p> + <p> + It is now a fortnight since the fire was first discovered, and the proper + working of the ship has gradually become a more and more difficult matter. + Even with thick shoes any attempt to walk upon deck up to the forecastle + was soon impracticable, and the poop, simply because its door is elevated + somewhat above the level of the hold, is now the only available + standing-place. Water began to lose its effect upon the scorched and + shrivelling planks; the resin oozed out from the knots in the wood, the + seams burst open, and the tar, melted by the heat, followed the rollings + of the vessel, and formed fantastic patterns about the deck. + </p> + <p> + Then to complete our perplexity, the wind shifted suddenly round to the + north-west, whence it blew a perfect hurricane. To no purpose did Curtis + do everything in his power to bring the ship ahull; every effort was vain; + the “Chancellor” could not bear her trysail, so there was nothing to be + done but to let her go with the wind, and drift further and further from + the land for which we are longing so eagerly. + </p> + <p> + To-day, the 29th, the tempest seemed to reach its height; the waves + appeared to us mountains high, and dashed the spray most violently across + the deck. A boat could not live for a moment in such a sea. + </p> + <p> + Our situation is terrible. We all wait in silence, some few on the + forecastle, the great proportion of us on the poop. As for the picrate, + for the time we have quite forgotten its existence; indeed it might almost + seem as though its explosion would come as a relief, for no catastrophe, + however terrible, could far exceed the torture of our suspense. + </p> + <p> + While he had still the remaining chance, Curtis rescued from the + store-room such few provisions as the heat of the compartment allowed him + to obtain; and a lot of cases of salt meat and biscuits, a cask of brandy, + some barrels of fresh water, together with some sails and wraps, a compass + and other instruments are now lying packed in a mass all ready for prompt + removal to the boats whenever we shall be obliged to leave the ship. + </p> + <p> + About eight o’clock in the evening, a noise is heard, distinct even above + the raging of the hurricane. The panels of the deck are upheaved, and + volumes of black smoke issue upwards as if from a safety-valve. An + universal consternation seizes one and all: we must leave the volcano + which is about to burst beneath our feet. The crew run to Curtis for + orders. He hesitates; looks first at the huge and threatening waves; looks + then at the boats. The long-boat is there, suspended right along the + centre of the deck; but it is impossible to approach it now; the yawl, + however, hoisted on the starboard side, and the whale-boat suspended aft, + are still available. The sailors make frantically for the yawl. + </p> + <p> + “Stop, stop,” shouts Curtis; “do you mean to cut off our last and only + chance of safety? Would you launch a boat in such a sea as this?” + </p> + <p> + A few of them, with Owen at their head, give no heed to what he says. + Rushing to the poop, and seizing a cutlass, Curtis shouts again,— + </p> + <p> + “Touch the tackling of the davit, one of you; only touch it, and I’ll + cleave your skull.” + </p> + <p> + Awed by his determined manner, the men retire, some clambering into the + shrouds, whilst others mount to the very top of the masts. + </p> + <p> + At eleven o’clock, several loud reports are heard, caused by the bursting + asunder of the partitions of the hold. Clouds of smoke issue from the + front, followed by a long tongue of lambent flame that seems to encircle + the mizzen-mast. The fire now reaches to the cabin occupied by Mrs. Kear, + who, shrieking wildly, is brought on deck by Miss Herbey. A moment more, + and Silas Huntly makes his appearance, his face all blackened with the + grimy smoke; he bows to Curtis, as he passes, and then proceeds in the + calmest manner to mount the aft-shrouds, and installs himself at the very + top of the mizzen. + </p> + <p> + The sight of Huntly recalls to my recollection the prisoner still below, + and my first impulse is to rush to the staircase and do what I can to set + him free. But the maniac has already eluded his confinement, and with + singed hair and his clothes already alight, rushes upon deck. Like a + salamander he passes across the burning deck with unscathed feet, and + glides through the stifling smoke with unchoked breath. Not a sound + escapes his lips. + </p> + <p> + Another loud report; the long-boat is shivered into fragments; the middle + panel bursts the tarpaulin that covered it, and a stream of fire, free at + length from the restraint that had held it, rises half-mast high. + </p> + <p> + “The picrate! the picrate!” shrieks the madman; “we shall all be blown up! + the picrate will blow us all up.” + </p> + <p> + And in an instant, before we can get near him, he has hurled himself, + through the open hatchway, down into the fiery furnace below. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0014" id="link2HCH0014"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XIV. + </h2> + <p> + OCTOBER 29th:—NIGHT.—The scene, as night came on, was terrible + indeed. Notwithstanding the desperateness of our situation, however, there + was not one of us so paralyzed by fear, but that we fully realized the + horror of it all. + </p> + <p> + Poor Ruby, indeed, is lost and gone, but his last words were productive of + serious consequences. The sailors caught his cry of “Picrate, picrate!” + and being thus for the first time made aware of the true nature of their + peril, they resolved at every hazard to accomplish their escape. Beside + themselves with terror, they either did not or would not, see that no boat + could brave the tremendous waves that were raging around, and accordingly + they made a frantic rush towards the yawl. Curtis again made a vigorous + endeavour to prevent them, but this time all in vain; Owen urged them on, + and already the tackling was loosened, so that the boat was swung over to + the ship’s side, For a moment it hung suspended in mid-air, and then, with + a final effort from the sailors, it was quickly lowered into the sea. But + scarcely had it touched the water, when it was caught by an enormous wave + which, recoiling with resistless violence, dashed it to atoms against the + “Chancellor’s” side. + </p> + <p> + The men stood aghast; they were dumbfoundered. Long-boat and yawl both + gone, there was nothing now remaining to us but a small whale-boat. Not a + word was spoken; not a sound was heard but the hoarse whistling of the + wind, and the mournful roaring of the flames. From the centre of the ship, + which was hollowed out like a furnace, there issued a column of sooty + vapour that ascended to the sky. All the passengers, and several of the + crew, took refuge in the aft-quarters of the poop. Mrs. Kear was lying + senseless on one of the hen-coops, with Miss Herbey sitting passively at + her side; M. Letourneur held his son tightly clasped to his bosom. I saw + Falsten calmly consult his watch, and note down the time in his + memorandum-book, but I was far from sharing his, composure, for I was + overcome by a nervous agitation that I could not suppress. + </p> + <p> + As far as we knew, Lieutenant Walter, the boatswain, and such of the crew + as were not with us, were safe in the bow; but it was impossible to tell + how they were faring because the sheet of fire intervened like a curtain, + and cut off all communication between stem and stern. + </p> + <p> + I broke the dismal silence, saying “All over now, Curtis.” + </p> + <p> + “No, sir, not yet,” he replied, “now that the panel is open we will set to + work, and pour water with all our might down into the furnace, and may be, + we shall put it out, even yet.” + </p> + <p> + “But how can you work your pumps while the deck is burning? and how can + you get at your men beyond that sheet of flame?” + </p> + <p> + He made no answer to my impetuous questions, and finding that he had + nothing more to say, I repeated that it was all over now. + </p> + <p> + After a pause, he said, “As long as a plank of the ship remains to stand + on, Mr. Kazallon, I shall not give up my hope.” + </p> + <p> + But the conflagration raged with redoubled fury, the sea around us was + lighted with a crimson glow, and the clouds above shone with a lurid + glare. Long jets of fire darted across the hatchways, and we were forced + to take refuge on the taffrail at the extreme end of the poop. Mrs. Kear + was laid in the whale-boat that hung from the stern, Miss Herbey + persisting to the last in retaining her post by her side. + </p> + <p> + No pen could adequately portray the horrors of this fearful night. The + “Chancellor” under bare poles, was driven, like a gigantic fire-ship with + frightful velocity across the raging ocean; her very speed as it were, + making common cause with the hurricane to fan the fire that was consuming + her. Soon there could be no alternative between throwing ourselves into + the sea, or perishing in the flames. + </p> + <p> + But where, all this time, was the picrate? perhaps, after all, Ruby had + deceived us and there was no volcano, such as we dreaded, below our feet. + </p> + <p> + At half-past eleven, when the tempest seems at its very height there is + heard a peculiar roar distinguishable even above the crash of the + elements. The sailors in an instant recognize its import. + </p> + <p> + “Breakers to starboard!” is the cry. + </p> + <p> + Curtis leaps on to the netting, casts a rapid glance at the snow-white + billows, and turning to the helmsman shouts with all his might “Starboard + the helm!” + </p> + <p> + But it is too late. There is a sudden shock; the ship is caught up by an + enormous wave; she rises upon her beam ends; several times she strikes the + ground; the mizzen-mast snaps short off level with the deck, falls into + the sea, and the “Chancellor” is motionless. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0015" id="link2HCH0015"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XV. + </h2> + <p> + THE NIGHT OF THE 29th CONTINUED.—It was not yet midnight; the + darkness was most profound, and we could see nothing. But was it probable + that we had stranded on the coast of America? + </p> + <p> + Very shortly after the ship had thus come to a standstill a clanking of + chains was heard proceeding from her bows. + </p> + <p> + “That is well,” said Curtis; “Walter and the boatswain have cast both the + anchors. Let us hope they will hold.” + </p> + <p> + Then, clinging to the netting, he clambered along the starboard side, on + which the ship had heeled, as far as the flames would allow him. He clung + to the holdfasts of the shrouds, and in spite of the heavy seas that + dashed against the vessel he maintained his position for a considerable + time, evidently listening to some sound that had caught his ear in the + midst of the tempest. In about a quarter of an hour he returned to the + poop. + </p> + <p> + “Heaven be praised!” he said, “the water is coming in, and perhaps may get + the better of the fire.” + </p> + <p> + “True,” said I, “but what then?” + </p> + <p> + “That,” he replied, “is a question for by-and-by. We can now only think of + the present.” + </p> + <p> + Already I fancied that the violence of the flames was somewhat abated, and + that the two opposing elements were in fierce contention. Some plank in + the ship’s side was evidently stove in, admitting free passage for the + waves. But how, when the water had mastered the fire, should we be able to + master the water? Our natural course would be to use the pumps, but these, + in the very midst of the conflagration, were quite unavailable. + </p> + <p> + For three long hours, in anxious suspense, we watched and watched, and + waited. Where we were we could not tell. One thing alone was certain: the + tide was ebbing beneath us, and the waves were relaxing in their violence. + Once let the fire be extinguished, and then, perhaps, there would be room + to hope that the next high tide would set us afloat. + </p> + <p> + Towards half-past four in the morning the curtain of fire and smoke, which + had shut off communication between the two extremities of the ship, became + less dense, and we could faintly distinguish that party of the crew who + had taken refuge in the forecastle; and before long, although it was + impracticable to step upon the deck, the lieutenant and the boatswain + contrived to clamber over the gunwale, along the rails, and joined Curtis + on the poop. + </p> + <p> + Here they held a consultation, to which I was admitted. They were all of + opinion that nothing could be done until daylight should give us something + of an idea of our actual position. If we then found that we were near the + shore, we would, weather permitting, endeavour to land, either in the boat + or upon a raft. If, on the other hand, no land were in sight, and the + “Chancellor” were ascertained to be stranded on some isolated reef, all we + could do would be to get her afloat, and put her into condition for + reaching the nearest coast. Curtis told us that it was long since he had + been able to take any observation of altitude, but there was no doubt the + north-west wind had driven us far to the south; and he thought, as he was + ignorant of the existence of any reef in this part of the Atlantic, that + it was just possible that we had been driven on to the coast of some + portion of South America. + </p> + <p> + I reminded him that we were in momentary expectation of an explosion, and + suggested that it would be advisable to abandon the ship and take refuge + on the reef. But he would not hear of such a proceeding, said that the + reef would probably be covered at high tide, and persisted in the original + resolution, that no decided action could be taken before the daylight + appeared. + </p> + <p> + I immediately reported this decision of the captain to my fellow + passengers. None of them seem to realize the new danger to which the + “Chancellor” may be exposed by being cast upon an unknown reef, hundreds + of miles it may be from land. All are for the time possessed with one + idea, one hope; and that is, that the fire may now be quenched and the + explosion averted. + </p> + <p> + And certainly their hopes seem in a fair way of being fulfilled. Already + the raging flames that poured forth from the hatches have given place to + dense black smoke, and although occasionally some fiery streaks dart + across the dusky fumes, yet they are instantly extinguished. The waves are + doing what pumps and buckets could never have effected; by their + inundation they are steadily stifling the fire which was as steadily + spreading to the whole bulk of the 1700 bales of cotton. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0016" id="link2HCH0016"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XVI. + </h2> + <p> + OCTOBER 30th.—At the first gleam of daylight we eagerly scanned the + southern and western horizons, but the morning mists limited our view. + Land was nowhere to be seen. The tide was now almost at its lowest ebb, + and the colour of the few peaks of rock that jutted up around us showed + that the reef on which we had stranded was of basaltic formation. There + were now only about six feet of water around the “Chancellor,” though with + a full freight she draws about fifteen. It was remarkable how far she had + been carried on to the shelf of rock, but the number of times that she had + touched the bottom before she finally ran aground left us no doubt that + she had been lifted up and borne along on the top of an enormous wave. She + now lies with her stern considerably higher than her bows, a position + which renders walking upon the deck anything but an easy matter; moreover + as the tide-receded she heeled over so much to larboard that at one time + Curtis feared she would altogether capsize; that fear, however, since the + tide has reached its lowest mark, has happily proved groundless. + </p> + <p> + At six o’clock some violent blows were felt against the ship’s side, and + at the same time a voice was distinguished, shouting loudly, “Curtis! + Curtis!” Following the direction of the cries we saw that the broken + mizzen-mast was being washed against the vessel, and in the dusky morning + twilight we could make out the figure of a man clinging to the rigging. + Curtis, at the peril of his life, hastened to bring the man on board, It + proved to be none other than Silas Huntly, who, after being carried + overboard with the mast, had thus, almost by a miracle, escaped a watery + grave. Without a word of thanks to his deliverer, the ex-captain, passive, + like an automaton, passed on and took his seat in the most secluded corner + of the poop. The broken mizzen may, perhaps, be of service to us at some + future time, and with that idea it has been rescued from the waves and + lashed securely to the stern. + </p> + <p> + By this time it was light enough to see for a distance of three miles + round; but as yet nothing could be discerned to make us think that we were + near a coast. The line of breakers ran for about a mile from south-west to + north-east, and two hundred fathoms to the north of the ship an irregular + mass of rocks formed a small islet. This islet rose about fifty feet above + the sea, and was consequently above the level of the highest tides; whilst + a sort of causeway, available at low water, would enable us to reach the + island, if necessity required. But there the reef ended; beyond it the sea + again resumed its sombre hue, betokening deep water. In all probability, + then, this was a solitary shoal, unattached to a shore, and the gloom of a + bitter disappointment began to weigh upon our spirits. + </p> + <p> + In another hour the mists had totally disappeared, and it was broad + daylight. I and M. Letourneur stood watching Curtis as he continued + eagerly to scan the western horizon. Astonishment was written on his + countenance; to him it appeared perfectly incredible that, after our + course for so long had been due south from the Bermudas, no land should be + in sight. But not a speck, however minute, broke the clearly-defined line + that joined sea and sky. After a time Curtis made his way along the + netting to the shrouds, and swung himself quickly up to the top of the + mainmast. For several minutes he remained there examining the open space + around, then seizing one of the backstays he glided down and rejoined us + on the poop. + </p> + <p> + “No land in sight,” he said, in answer to our eager looks of inquiry. + </p> + <p> + At this point Mr. Kear interposed, and in a gruff, ill-tempered tone, + asked Curtis where we were. Curtis replied that he did not know. + </p> + <p> + “You don’t know, sir? Then all I can say is that you ought to know!” + exclaimed the petroleum merchant. + </p> + <p> + “That may be, sir; but at present I am as ignorant of our whereabouts as + you are yourself,” said Curtis. + </p> + <p> + “Well,” said Mr. Kear, “just please to know that I don’t want to stay for + ever on your everlasting ship, so I beg you will make haste and start off + again.” + </p> + <p> + Curtis condescended to make no other reply than a shrug of the shoulders, + and turning away he informed M. Letourneur and myself that if the sun came + out he intended to take its altitude and find out to what part of the + ocean we had been driven. His next care was to distribute preserved meat + and biscuit amongst the passengers and crew already half fainting with + hunger and fatigue, and then he set to work to devise measures for setting + the ship afloat. + </p> + <p> + The conflagration was greatly abated; no flames now appeared, and although + some black smoke still issued from the interior, yet its volume was far + less than before. The first step was to discover how much water had + entered the hold. The deck was still too hot to walk upon; but after two + hours’ irrigation the boards became sufficiently cool for the boatswain to + proceed to take some soundings, and he shortly afterwards announced that + there were five feet of water below. This the captain determined should + not be pumped out at present, as he wanted it thoroughly to do its duty + before he got rid of it. + </p> + <p> + The next subject for consideration was whether it would be advisable to + abandon the vessel, and to take refuge on the reef. Curtis thought not; + and the lieutenant and the boatswain agreed with him. The chances of an + explosion were greatly diminished, as it had been ascertained that the + water had reached that part of the hold in which Ruby’s luggage had been + deposited; while, on the other hand, in the event of rough weather, our + position even upon the most elevated points of rock might be very + critical. It was accordingly resolved that both passengers and crew were + safest on board. + </p> + <p> + Acting upon this decision we proceeded to make a kind of encampment on the + poop, and the few mattresses that were rescued uninjured have been given + up for the use of the two ladies. Such of the crew as had saved their + hammocks have been told to place them under the forecastle where they + would have to stow themselves as best they could, their ordinary quarters + being absolutely uninhabitable. + </p> + <p> + Fortunately, although the store-room has been considerably exposed to the + heat, its contents are not very seriously damaged, and all the barrels of + water and the greater part of the provisions are quite intact. The stack + of spare sails, which had been packed away in front, is also free from + injury. The wind has dropped considerably since the early morning, and the + swell in the sea is far less heavy. On the whole our spirits are reviving, + and we begin to think we may yet find a way out of our troubles. + </p> + <p> + M. Letourneur, his son, and I, have just had a long conversation about the + ship’s officers. We consider their conduct, under the late trying + circumstances, to have been most exemplary, and their courage, energy, and + endurance to have been beyond all praise. Lieutenant Walter, the + boatswain, and Dowlas the carpenter have all alike distinguished + themselves, and made us feel that they are men to be relied on. As for + Curtis, words can scarcely be found to express our admiration of his + character; he is the same as he has ever been, the very life of his crew, + cheering them on by word or gesture; finding an expedient for every + difficulty, and always foremost in every action. + </p> + <p> + The tide turned at seven this morning, and by eleven all the rocks were + submerged, none of them being visible except the cluster of those which + formed the rim of a small and almost circular basin from 250 to 300 feet + in diameter, in the north angle of which the ship is lying. As the tide + rose the white breakers disappeared, and the sea, fortunately for the + “Chancellor,” was pretty calm; otherwise the dashing of the waves against + her sides, as she lies motionless, might have been attended by serious + consequences. + </p> + <p> + As might be supposed, the height of the water in the hold increased with + the tide from five feet to nine; but this was rather a matter for + congratulation, inasmuch as it sufficed to inundate another layer of + cotton. + </p> + <p> + At half-past eleven the sun, which had been behind the clouds since ten + o’clock, broke forth brightly. The captain, who had already in the morning + been able to calculate an horary angle, now prepared to take the meridian + altitude, and succeeded at midday in making his observation most + satisfactorily. After retiring for a short time to calculate the result; + he returned to the poop and announced that we are in lat; 18deg. 5min. N. + and long. 45deg. 53min. W., but that the reef on which we are aground is + not marked upon the charts. The only explanation that can be given for the + omission is that the islet must be of recent formation, and has been + caused by some subterranean volcanic disturbance. But whatever may be the + solution of the mystery, here we are 800 miles from land; for such, on + consulting the map, we find to be the actual distance to the coast of + Guiana, which is the nearest shore. Such is the position to which we have + been brought, in the first place, by Huntly’s senseless obstinacy, and, + secondly, by the furious north-west gale. + </p> + <p> + Yet, after all, the captain’s communication does not dishearten us. As I + said before, our spirits are reviving. We have escaped the peril of fire; + the fear of explosion is past and gone; and oblivious of the fact that the + ship with a hold full of water is only too likely to founder when she puts + out to sea, we feel a confidence in the future that forbids us to despond. + </p> + <p> + Meanwhile Curtis prepares to do all that common sense demands. He + proposes, when the fire is quite extinguished, to throw overboard the + whole, or the greater portion of the cargo, including of course, the + picrate; he will next plug up the leak, and then, with a lightened ship, + he will take advantage of the first high tide to quit the reef as speedily + as possible. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0017" id="link2HCH0017"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XVII. + </h2> + <p> + OCTOBER 30th.—Once again I talked to M. Letourneur about our + situation, and endeavoured to animate him with the hope that we should not + be detained for long in our present predicament; but he could not be + brought to take a very sanguine view of our prospects. + </p> + <p> + “But surely,” I protested, “it will not be difficult to throw overboard a + few hundred bales of cotton; two or three days at most will suffice for + that.” + </p> + <p> + “Likely enough,” he replied, “when the business is once begun; but you + must remember, Mr. Kazallon, that the very heart of the cargo is still + smouldering, and that it will still be several days before any one will be + able to venture into the hold. Then the leak, too, that has to be caulked; + and, unless it is stopped up very effectually, we shall be only doomed + most certainly to perish at sea. Don’t, then, be deceiving yourself; it + must be three weeks at least before you can expect to put out to sea. I + can only hope meanwhile that the weather will continue propitious; it + wouldn’t take many storms to knock the ‘Chancellor,’ shattered as she is, + completely into pieces.” + </p> + <p> + Here, then, was the suggestion of a new danger to which we were to be + exposed; the fire might be extinguished, the water might be got rid of by + the pumps, but, after all, we must be at the mercy of the wind and waves; + and, although the rocky island might afford a temporary refuge from the + tempest, what was to become of passengers and crew if the vessel should be + reduced to a total wreck? I made no remonstrance, however, to this view of + our case, but merely asked M. Letourneur if he had confidence in Robert + Curtis? + </p> + <p> + “Perfect confidence,” he answered; “and I acknowledge it most gratefully, + as a providential circumstance, that Captain Huntly had given him the + command in time. Whatever man can do I know that Curtis will not leave + undone to extricate us from our dilemma.” + </p> + <p> + Prompted by this conversation with M. Letourneur I took the first + opportunity of trying to ascertain from Curtis himself, how long he + reckoned we should be obliged to remain upon the reef; but he merely + replied, that it must depend upon circumstances, and that he hoped the + weather would continue favourable. Fortunately the barometer is rising + steadily, and there is every sign of a prolonged calm. + </p> + <p> + Meantime Curtis is taking active measures for totally extinguishing the + fire. He is at no great pains to spare the cargo, and as the bales that + lie just above the level of the water are still a-light he has resorted to + the expedient of thoroughly saturating the upper layers of the cotton, in + order that the combustion may be stifled between the moisture descending + from above and that ascending from below. This scheme has brought the + pumps once more into requisition. At present the crew are adequate to the + task of working them, but I and some of our fellow passengers are ready to + offer our assistance whenever it shall be necessary. + </p> + <p> + With no immediate demand upon our labour, we are thrown upon our own + resources for passing our time. Letourneur, Andre and myself, have + frequent conversations; I also devote an hour or two to my diary. Falsten + holds little communication with any of us, but remains absorbed in his + calculations, and amuses himself by tracing mechanical diagrams with + ground-plan, section, elevation, all complete. It would be a happy + inspiration if he could invent some mighty engine that could set us all + afloat again. Mr. and Mrs. Kear, too, hold themselves aloof from their + fellow passengers, and we are not sorry to be relieved from the necessity + of listening to their incessant grumbling; unfortunately, however, they + carry off Miss Herbey with them, so that we enjoy little or nothing of the + young lady’s society. As for Silas Huntly, he has become a complete + nonentity; he exists, it is true, but merely, it would seem, to vegetate. + </p> + <p> + Hobart, the steward, an obsequious, sly sort of fellow, goes through his + routine of duties just as though the vessel were pursuing her ordinary + course; and, as usual, is continually falling out with Jynxstrop, the + cook, an impudent, ill-favoured negro, who interferes with the other + sailors in a manner which, I think, ought not to be allowed. + </p> + <p> + Since it appears likely that we shall have abundance of time on our hands, + I have proposed to M. Letourneur and his son that we shall together + explore the reef on which we are stranded. It is not very probable that we + shall be able to discover much about the origin of this strange + accumulation of rock, yet the attempt will at least occupy us for some + hours, and will relieve us from the monotony of our confinement on board. + Besides, as the reef is not marked in any of the maps, I could not but + believe that it would be rendering a service to hydrography if we were to + take an accurate plan of the rocks, of which Curtis could afterwards + verify the true position by a second observation made with a closer + precision than the one he has already taken. + </p> + <p> + M. Letourneur agrees to my proposal, Curtis has promised to let us have + the boat and some sounding-lines, and to allow one of the sailors to + accompany us; so to-morrow morning, we hope to make our little voyage of + investigation. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0018" id="link2HCH0018"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XVIII. + </h2> + <p> + OCTOBER 31st to NOVEMBER 5th.—Our first proceeding on the morning of + the 31st was to make the proposed tour of the reef, which is about a + quarter of a mile long. With the aid of our sounding-lines we found that + the water was deep, right up to the very rocks, and that no shelving + shores prevented us coasting along them. There was not a shadow of doubt + as to the rock being of purely volcanic origin, upheaved by some mighty + subterranean convulsion. It is formed of blocks of basalt, arranged in + perfect order, of which the regular prisms give the whole mass the effect + of being one gigantic crystal; and the remarkable transparency of the sea + enabled us plainly to observe the curious shafts of the prismatic columns + that support the marvelous substructure. + </p> + <p> + “This is indeed a singular island,” said M. Letourneur; “evidently it is + of quite a recent origin.” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, father,” said Andre, “and I should think it has been caused by a + phenomenon similar to those which produced the Julia Island, off the coast + of Sicily, or the group of the Santorini, in the Grecian Archipelago. One + could almost fancy that it had been created expressly for the ‘Chancellor’ + to stand upon.” + </p> + <p> + “It is very certain,” I observed, “that some upheaving has lately taken + place. This is by no means an unfrequented part of the Atlantic, so that + it is not at all likely that it could have escaped the notice of sailors + if it had been always in existence; yet it is not marked even in the most + modern charts. We must try and explore it thoroughly and give future + navigators the benefit of our observations.” + </p> + <p> + “But, perhaps, it will disappear as it came,” said Andre. “You are no + doubt aware, Mr. Kazallon, that these volcanic islands sometimes have a + very transitory existence. Not impossibly, by the time it gets marked upon + the maps it may no longer be here.” + </p> + <p> + “Never mind, my boy,” answered his father, “it is better to give warning + of a danger that does not exist than overlook one that does. I daresay the + sailors will not grumble much, if they don’t find a reef where we have + marked one.” + </p> + <p> + “No, I daresay not, father,” said Andre “and after all this island is very + likely as firm as a continent. However, if it is to disappear, I expect + Captain Curtis would be glad to see it take its departure as soon as + possible after he has finished his repairs; it would save him a world of + trouble in getting his ship afloat.” + </p> + <p> + “Why, what a fellow you are Andre!” I said, laughing, “I believe you would + like to rule Nature with a magic wand; first of all, you would call up a + reef from the depth of the ocean to give the ‘Chancellor’ time to + extinguish her flames, and then you would make it disappear just that the + ship might be free again.” + </p> + <p> + Andre smiled; then, in a more serious tone, he expressed his gratitude for + the timely help that had been vouchsafed us in our hour of need. + </p> + <p> + The more we examined the rocks that formed the base of the little island, + the more we became convinced that its formation was quite recent, Not a + mollusk, not a tuft of seaweed was found clinging to the sides of the + rocks; not a germ had the wind carried to its surface, not a bird had + taken refuge amidst the crags upon its summits. To a lover of natural + history, the spot did not yield a single point of interest; the geologist + alone would find subject of study in the basaltic mass. + </p> + <p> + When we reached the southern point of the island I proposed that we should + disembark. My companions readily assented, young Letourneur jocosely + observing that if the little island was destined to vanish, it was quite + right that it should first be visited by human beings. The boat was + accordingly brought alongside, and we set, foot upon the reef, and began + to ascend the gradual slope that leads to its highest elevation. + </p> + <p> + The walking was not very rough, and as Andre could get along tolerably + well without the assistance of an arm, he led the way, his father and I + following close behind. A quarter of an hour sufficed to bring us to the + loftiest point in the islet, when we seated ourselves on the basaltic + prism that crowned its summit. + </p> + <p> + Andre took a sketch-book from his pocket, and proceeded to make a drawing + of the reef. Scarcely had he completed the outline when his father + exclaimed,— + </p> + <p> + “Why, Andre, you have drawn a ham!” + </p> + <p> + “Something uncommonly like it, I confess,” replied Andre. “I think we had + better ask Captain Curtis to let us call our island Ham Rock.” + </p> + <p> + “Good,” said I; “though sailors will need to keep it at a respectful + distance, for they will scarcely find that their teeth are strong enough + to tackle with it.” + </p> + <p> + M. Letourneur was quite correct; the outline of the reef as it stood + clearly defined against the deep green water resembled nothing so much, as + a fine York ham, of which the little creek, where the “Chancellor” had + been stranded, corresponded to the hollow place above the knuckle. The + tide at this time was low, and the ship now lay heeled over very much to + the starboard side, the few points of rock that emerged in the extreme + south of the reef plainly marking the narrow passage through which she had + been forced before she finally ran aground. + </p> + <p> + As soon as Andre had finished his sketch we descended by a slope as + gradual as that by which we had come up, and made our way towards the + west. We had not gone very far when a beautiful grotto, perfect as an + architectural structure, arrested our attention, M. Letourneur and Andre + who have visited the Hebrides, pronounced it to be a Fingal’s cave in + miniature; a Gothic chapel that might form a fit vestibule for the + cathedral cave of Staffa. The basaltic rocks had cooled down into the same + regular concentric prisms; there was the same dark canopied roof with its + interstices filled up with its yellow lutings; the same precision of + outline in the prismatic angles, sharp as though chiselled by a sculptor’s + hand; the same sonorous vibration of the air across the basaltic rocks, of + which the Gaelic poets have feigned that the harps of the Fingal + minstrelsy were made. But whereas at Staffa the floor of the cave is + always covered with a sheet of water, here the grotto was beyond the reach + of all but the highest waves, whilst the prismatic shafts themselves + formed quite a solid pavement. + </p> + <p> + After remaining nearly an hour in our newly-discovered grotto we returned + to the “Chancellor,” and communicated the result of our explorations to + Curtis, who entered the island upon his chart by the name that Andre + Letourneur had proposed. + </p> + <p> + Since its discovery we have not permitted a day to pass without spending + some time in our Ham Rock grotto. Curtis has taken an opportunity of + visiting it, but he is too preoccupied with other matters to have much + interest to spare for the wonders of nature. Falsten, too, came once and + examined the character of the rocks, knocking and chipping them about with + all the mercilessness of a geologist. Mr. Kear would not trouble himself + to leave the ship; and although I asked his wife to join us in one of our + excursions she declined, upon the plea that the fatigue, as well as the + inconvenience of embarking in the boat, would be more than she could bear. + </p> + <p> + Miss Herbey, only too thankful to escape even for an hour from her + capricious mistress, eagerly accepted M. Letourneur’s invitation to pay a + visit to the reef but to her great disappointment Mrs. Kear at first + refused point-blank to allow her to leave the ship. I felt intensely + annoyed, and resolved to intercede in Miss Herbey’s favour; and as I had + already rendered that self-indulgent lady sundry services which she + thought she might probably be glad again to accept, I gained my point, and + Miss Herbey has several times been permitted to accompany us across the + rocks, where the young girl’s delight at her freedom has been a pleasure + to behold. + </p> + <p> + Sometimes we fish along the shore, and, then enjoy a luncheon in the + grotto, whilst the basalt columns vibrate like harps to the breeze. This + arid reef, little as it is, compared with the cramped limits of the + “Chancellor’s” deck is like some vast domain; soon there will be scarcely + a stone with which we are not familiar, scarcely a portion of its surface + which we have not merrily trodden, and I am sure that when the hour of + departure arrives we shall leave it with regret. + </p> + <p> + In the course of conversation, Andre Letourneur one day happened to say + that he believed the island of Staffa belonged to the Macdonald family, + who let it for the small sum of 12 pounds a year. + </p> + <p> + “I suppose then,” said Miss Herbey, “that we should hardly get more than + half-a-crown a year for our pet little island.” + </p> + <p> + “I don’t think you would get a penny for it, Miss Herbey; but are you + thinking of taking a lease?” I said, laughing. + </p> + <p> + “Not at present,” she said; then added, with a half-suppressed sigh, “and + yet it is a place where I have seemed to know what it is to be really + happy.” + </p> + <p> + Andre murmured some expression of assent, and we all felt that there was + something touching in the words of the orphaned, friendless girl who had + found her long-lost sense of happiness on a lonely rock in the Atlantic. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0019" id="link2HCH0019"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XIX. + </h2> + <p> + NOVEMBER 6th to NOVEMBER 15th.—For the first five days after the + “Chancellor” had run aground, there was a dense black smoke continually + rising from the hold; but it gradually diminished until the 6th of + November, when we might consider that the fire was extinguished. Curtis, + nevertheless, deemed it prudent to persevere in working the pumps, which + he did until the entire hull of the ship, right up to the deck, had been + completely inundated. + </p> + <p> + The rapidity, however, with which the water, at every retreat of the tide, + drained off to the level of the sea, was an indication that the leak must + be of considerable magnitude; and such, on investigation, proved to be the + case. One of the sailors, named Flaypole, dived one day at low water to + examine the extent of the damage, and found that the hole was not much + less than four feet square, and was situated thirty feet fore of the helm, + and two feet above the rider of the keel; three planks had been stoved in + by a sharp point of rock, and it was only a wonder that the violence with + which the heavily-laden vessel had been thrown ashore did not result in + the smashing in of many parts besides. + </p> + <p> + As it would be a couple of days or more before the hold would be in a + condition for the bales of cotton to be removed for the carpenter to + examine the damage from the interior of the ship, Curtis employed the + interval in having the broken mizzen-mast repaired. Dowlas the carpenter, + with considerable skill, contrived to mortice it into its former stump, + and made the junction thoroughly secure by strong iron-belts and bolts. + The shrouds, the stays and backstays, were then carefully refitted, some + of the sails were changed, and the whole of the running rigging was + renewed. Injury, to some extent, had been done to the poop and to the + crew’s lockers, in the front; but time and labour were all that were + wanted to make them good; and with such a will, did every one set to work + that it was not long before all the cabins were again available for use. + </p> + <p> + On the 8th the unlading of the ship commenced. Pulleys and tackling were + put over the hatches, and passengers and crew together proceeded to haul + up the heavy bales which had been deluged so frequently by water that the + cotton was all but spoiled. One by one the sodden bales were placed in the + boat to be transported to the reef. After the first layer of cotton had + been removed it became necessary to drain off part of the water that + filled the hold. For this purpose the leak in the side had somehow or + other to be stopped, and this was an operation which was cleverly + accomplished by Dowlas and Flaypole, who contrived to dive at low tide and + nail a sheet of copper over the entire hole. This, however, of itself + would have been utterly inadequate to sustain the pressure that would + arise from the action of the pumps; so Curtis ordered that a number of the + bales should be piled up inside against the broken planks. The scheme + succeeded very well, and as the water got lower and lower in the hold the + men were enabled to resume their task of unlading. + </p> + <p> + Curtis thinks it quite probable that the leaks may be mended from the + interior. By far the best way of repairing the damage would be to careen + the ship, and to shift the planking, but the appliances are wanting for + such an undertaking; moreover, any bad weather which might occur while the + ship was on her flank would only too certainly be fatal to her altogether. + But the captain has very little doubt that by some device or other he + shall manage to patch up the hole in such a way as will insure our + reaching land in safety. + </p> + <p> + After two days’ toil the water was entirely reduced and without further + difficulty the unlading was completed. All of us, including even Andre + Letourneur, have been taking our turn at the pumps, for the work is so + extremely fatiguing that the crew require some occasional respite; arms + and back soon become strained and weary with the incessant swing of the + handles, and I can well understand the dislike which sailors always + express to the labour. + </p> + <p> + One thing there is which is much in our favour; the ship lies on a firm + and solid bottom, and we have the satisfaction of knowing that we are not + contending with a flood that encroaches faster than it can be resisted. + Heaven grant that we may not be called to make like efforts, and to make + them hopelessly, for a foundering ship! + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0020" id="link2HCH0020"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XX. + </h2> + <p> + NOVEMBER 15th to 20th.—The examination of the hold has at last been + made. Amongst the first things that were found was the case of picrate, + perfectly intact; having neither been injured by the water, nor of course + reached by the flames. Why it was not at once pitched into the sea I + cannot say; but it was merely conveyed to the extremity of the island, and + there it remains. + </p> + <p> + While they were below, Curtis and Dowlas made themselves acquainted with + the full extent of the mischief that had been done by the conflagration. + They found that the deck and the cross-beams that supported it had been + much less injured than they expected, and the thick, heavy planks had only + been scorched very superficially. But the action of the fire on the flanks + of the ship had been of a much more serious character; a long portion of + the inside boarding had been burnt away, and the very ribs of the vessel + were considerably damaged; the oakum caulkings had all started away from + the butt-ends and seams; so much so that it was little short of a miracle + that the whole ship had not long since gaped completely open. + </p> + <p> + The captain and the carpenter returned to the deck with anxious faces. + Curtis lost no time in assembling passengers and crew, and announcing to + them the facts of the case. + </p> + <p> + “My friends,” he said, “I am here to tell you that the ‘Chancellor’ has + sustained far greater injuries than we suspected, and that her hull is + very seriously damaged. If we had been stranded anywhere else than on a + barren reef, that may at any time be overwhelmed by a tempestuous sea I + should not have hesitated to take the ship to pieces, and construct a + smaller vessel that might have carried us safely to land; but I dare not + run the risk of remaining here. We are now 800 miles from the coast of + Paramaribo, the nearest portion of Dutch Guiana, and in ten or twelve + days, if the weather should be favourable, I believe we could reach the + shore. What I now propose to do is to stop the leak by the best means we + can command, and make at once for the nearest port.” + </p> + <p> + As no better plan seemed to suggest itself, Curtis’s proposal was + unanimously accepted Dowlas and his assistants immediately set to work to + repair the charred frame-work of the ribs, and to stop the leak; they took + care thoroughly to caulk from the outside all the seams that were above + low water mark; lower than that they were unable to work, and had to + content themselves with such repairs as they could effect in the interior. + But after all the pains there is no doubt the “Chancellor” is not fit for + a long voyage, and would be condemned as unseaworthy at any port at which + we might put in. + </p> + <p> + To-day, the 20th, Curtis having done all that human power could do to + repair his ship, determined to put her to sea. + </p> + <p> + Ever since the “Chancellor” had been relieved of her cargo, and of the + water in her hold, she had been able to float in the little natural basin + into which she had been driven. The basin was enclosed on either hand by + rocks that remained uncovered even at high water, but was sufficiently + wide to allow the vessel to turn quite round at its broadest part, and by + means of hawsers fastened on the reef to be brought with her bows towards + the south; while, to prevent her being carried back on to the reef, she + has been anchored fore and aft. + </p> + <p> + To all appearance, then, it seemed as though it would be an easy matter to + put the “Chancellor” to sea; if the wind were favourable the sails would + be hoisted, if otherwise, she would have to be towed through the narrow + passage. All seemed simple. But unlooked-for difficulties had yet to be + surmounted. + </p> + <p> + The mouth of the passage is guarded by a kind of ridge of basalt, which at + high tide we knew was barely covered with sufficient water to float the + “Chancellor,” even when entirely unfreighted. To be sure she had been + carried over the obstacle once before, but then, as I have already said, + she had been caught up by an enormous wave, and might have been said to be + LIFTED over the barrier into her present position. Besides, on that + ever-memorable night, there had not only been the ordinary spring-tide, + but an equinoctial tide, such a one as could not be expected to occur + again for many months. Waiting was out of the question; so Curtis + determined to run the risk, and to take advantage of the spring-tide, + which would occur to-day, to make an attempt to get the ship, lightened as + she was, over the bar; after which, he might ballast her sufficiently to + sail. + </p> + <p> + The wind was blowing from the north-west, and consequently right in the + direction of the passage. The captain, however, after a consultation, + preferred to tow the ship over the ridge, as he considered it was scarcely + safe to allow a vessel of doubtful stability at full sail to charge an + obstacle that would probably bring her to a dead lock. Before the + operation was commenced, Curtis took the precaution of having an anchor + ready in the stern, for, in the event of the attempt being unsuccessful, + it would be necessary to bring the ship back to her present moorings. Two + more anchors were next carried outside the passage, which was not more + than two hundred feet in length. The chains were attached to the windlass, + the sailors worked away at the handspikes, and at four o’clock in the + afternoon the “Chancellor” was in motion. + </p> + <p> + High tide would be at twenty minutes past four, and at ten minutes before + that time the ship had been hauled as far as her sea-range would allow; + her keel grazed the ridge, and her progress was arrested. When the lowest + part of her stern, however, just cleared the obstruction, Curtis deemed + that there was no longer any reason why the mechanical action of the wind + should not be brought to bear and contribute its assistance. Without + delay, all sails were unfurled and trimmed to the wind. The tide was + exactly at its height, passengers and crew together were at the windlass, + M. Letourneur, Andre, Falsten, and myself being at the starboard bar. + Curtis stood upon the poop, giving his chief attention to the sails; the + lieutenant was on the forecastle; the boatswain by the helm. The sea + seemed propitiously calm and, as it swelled gently to and fro, lifted the + ship several times. + </p> + <p> + “Now, my boys,” said Curtis in his calm clear voice, “all together! Off!” + </p> + <p> + Round went the windlass; click, click, clanked the chains as link by link + they were forced through the hawse-holes. + </p> + <p> + The breeze freshened, and the masts gave to the pressure of the sails, but + round and round we went, keeping time in regular monotony to the sing-song + tune hummed by one of the sailors. + </p> + <p> + We had gained about twenty feet, and were redoubling our efforts when the + ship grounded again. + </p> + <p> + And now no effort would avail; all was in vain; the tide began to turn; + and the “Chancellor” would not advance an inch. Was there time to go back? + She would inevitably go to pieces if left balanced upon the ridge. In an + instant the captain has ordered the sails to be furled, and the anchor + dropped from the stern. + </p> + <p> + One moment of terrible anxiety, and all is well. + </p> + <p> + The “Chancellor” tacks to stern, and glides back into the basin, which is + once more her prison. + </p> + <p> + “Well, captain,” says the boatswain, “what’s to be done now?” + </p> + <p> + “I don’t know” said Curtis, “but we shall get across somehow.” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0021" id="link2HCH0021"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XXI. + </h2> + <p> + NOVEMBER 21st to 24th.—There was assuredly no time to be lost before + we ought to leave Ham Rock reef. The barometer had been falling ever since + the morning, the sea was getting rougher, and there was every symptom that + the weather, hitherto so favourable, was on the point of breaking; and in + the event of a gale the “Chancellor” must inevitably be dashed to pieces + on the rocks. + </p> + <p> + In the evening, when the tide was quite low, and the rocks uncovered, + Curtis, the boatswain, and Dowlas went to examine the ridge which had + proved so serious an obstruction, Falsten and I accompanied them. We came + to the conclusion that the only way of effecting a passage was by cutting + away the rocks with pikes over a surface measuring ten feet by six. An + extra depth of nine or ten inches would give a sufficient gauge, and the + channel might be accurately marked out by buoys; in this way it was + conjectured the ship might be got over the ridge and so reach the deep + water beyond. + </p> + <p> + “But this basalt is as hard as granite,” said the boatswain; “besides, we + can only get at it at low water, and consequently could only work at it + for two hours out of the twenty-four.” + </p> + <p> + “All the more reason why we should begin at once, boatswain,” said Curtis. + </p> + <p> + “But if it is to take us a month, captain, perhaps by that time the ship + may be knocked to atoms. Couldn’t we manage to blow up the rock? we have + got some powder on board.” + </p> + <p> + “Not enough for that;” said the boatswain. + </p> + <p> + “You have something better than powder,” said Falsten. + </p> + <p> + “What’s that?” asked the captain. + </p> + <p> + “Picrate of potash,” was the reply. + </p> + <p> + And so the explosive substance with which poor Ruby had so grievously + imperilled the vessel was now to serve her in good stead, and I now saw + what a lucky thing it was that the case had been deposited safely on the + reef, instead of being thrown into the sea. + </p> + <p> + Picric acid is a crystalline bitter product extracted from coal-tar, and + forming, in combination with potash, a yellow salt known as picrate of + potash. The explosive power of this substance is inferior to that of + gun-cotton or of dynamite, but far greater than that of ordinary + gunpowder; one grain of picric powder producing an effect equal to that of + thirteen grains of common powder. Picrate is easily ignited by any sharp + or violent shock, and some gun-priming which we had in our possession + would answer the purpose of setting it alight. + </p> + <p> + The sailors went off at once for their pikes, and Dowlas and his + assistants, under the direction of Falsten, who, as an engineer, + understood such matters, proceeded to hollow out a mine wherein to deposit + the powder. At first we hoped that everything would be ready for the + blasting to take place on the following morning, but when daylight + appeared we found that the men, although they had laboured with a will, + had only been able to work for an hour at low water and that four tides + must ebb before the mine had been sunk to the required depth. + </p> + <p> + Not until eight o’clock on the morning of the 23rd was the work complete. + The hole was bored obliquely in the rock, and was large enough to contain + about ten pounds of explosive matter. Just as the picrate was being + introduced into the aperture, Falsten interposed:— + </p> + <p> + “Stop,” he said, “I think it will be best to mix the picrate with common + powder, as that will allow us to fire the mine with a match instead of the + gun-priming which would be necessary to produce a shock. Besides, it is an + understood thing that the addition of gunpowder renders picrate far more + effective in blasting such rocks as this, as then the violence of the + picrate prepares the way for the powder which, slower in its action, will + complete the disseverment of the basalt.” + </p> + <p> + Falsten is not a great talker, but what he does say is always very much to + the point. His good advice was immediately followed; the two substances + were mixed together, and after a match had been introduced the compound + was rammed closely into the hole. + </p> + <p> + Notwithstanding that the “Chancellor” was at a distance from the rocks + that insured her from any danger of being injured by the explosion, it was + thought advisable that the passengers and crew should take refuge in the + grotto at the extremity of the reef, and even Mr. Kear, in spite of his + many objections, was forced to leave the ship. Falsten, as soon as he had + set fire to the match, joined us in our retreat. + </p> + <p> + The train was to burn for ten minutes, and at the end of that time the + explosion took place; the report, on account of the depth of the mine, + being muffled, and much less noisy than we had expected. But the operation + had been perfectly successful. Before we reached the ridge we could see + that the basalt had been literally reduced to powder, and that a little + channel, already being filled by the rising tide, had been cut right + through the obstacle. A loud hurrah rang through the air; our prison-doors + were opened, and we were prisoners no more! + </p> + <p> + At high tide the “Chancellor” weighed anchor and floated out into the open + sea, but she was not in a condition to sail until she had been ballasted; + and for the next twenty-four hours the crew were busily employed in taking + up blocks of stone, and such of the bales of cotton as had sustained the + least amount of injury. + </p> + <p> + In the course of the day, M. Letourneur, Andre, Miss Herbey, and I took a + farewell walk round the reef, and Andre with artistic skill, carved on the + wall of the grotto the word “Chancellor,”—the designation Ham Rock, + which we had given to the reef,—and the date of our running aground. + Then we bade adieu to the scene of our three week’s sojourn, where we had + passed days that to some at least of our party will be reckoned as far + from being the least happy of their lives. + </p> + <p> + At high tide this morning, the 24th, with low, top, and gallant sails all + set, the “Chancellor” started on her onward way, and two hours later the + last peak of Ham Rock had vanished below the horizon. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0022" id="link2HCH0022"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XXII. + </h2> + <p> + NOVEMBER 24th to DECEMBER 1st.—Here we were then once more at sea, + and although on board a ship of which the stability was very questionable, + we had hopes, if the wind continued favourable, of reaching the coast of + Guiana in the course of a few days. + </p> + <p> + Our way was south-west and consequently with the wind, and although Curtis + would not crowd on all sail lest the extra speed should have a tendency to + spring the leak afresh, the “Chancellor” made a progress that was quite + satisfactory. Life on board began to fall back into its former routine; + the feeling of insecurity and the consciousness that we were merely + retracing our path doing much, however, to destroy the animated + intercourse that would otherwise go on between passenger and passenger. + </p> + <p> + The first few days passed without any incident worth recording, then on + the 29th, the wind shifted to the north, and it became necessary to brace + the yards, trim the sails, and take a starboard tack. This made the ship + lurch very much on one side, and as Curtis felt that she was labouring far + too heavily, he clued up the top-gallants, prudently reckoning that, under + the circumstances, caution was far more important than speed. + </p> + <p> + The night came on dark and foggy. The breeze freshened considerably, and, + unfortunately for us, hailed from the north-west. Although we carried no + top-sails at all, the ship seemed to heel over more than ever. Most of the + passengers had retired to their cabins, but all the crew remained on deck, + whilst Curtis never quitted his post upon the poop. + </p> + <p> + Towards two o’clock in the morning I was myself preparing to go to my + cabin, when Burke, one of the sailors who had been down into the hold, + came on deck with the ominous cry,— + </p> + <p> + “Two feet of water below.” + </p> + <p> + In an instant Curtis and the boatswain had descended the ladder. The + startling news was only too true; the sea-water was entering the hold, but + whether the leak had sprung afresh, or whether the caulking in some of the + seams was insufficient, it was then impossible to determine; all that + could be done was to let the ship go with the wind and wait for day. + </p> + <p> + At daybreak they sounded again:—“Three feet of water!” was the + report, I glanced at Curtis, his lips were white, but he had not lost his + self-possession. He quietly informed such of the passengers as were + already on deck of the new danger that threatened us; it was better that + they should know the worst, and the fact could not be long concealed. I + told M. Letourneur that I could not help hoping that there might yet be + time to reach the land before the last crisis came. Falsten was about to + give vent to an expression of despair, but he was soon silenced by Miss + Herbey asserting her confidence that all would yet be well. + </p> + <p> + Curtis at once divided the crew into two sets, and made them work + incessantly, turn and turn about at the pumps. The men applied themselves + to their task with resignation rather than with ardour; the labour was + hard and scarcely repaid them; the pumps were constantly getting out of + order, the valves being choked up by the ashes and bits of cotton that + were floating about in the hold, while every moment that was spent in + cleaning or repairing them was so much time lost. + </p> + <p> + Slowly, but surely, the water continued to rise, and on the following + morning the soundings gave five feet for its depth, I noticed that + Curtis’s brow contracted each time that the boatswain or the lieutenant + brought him their report. There was no doubt it was only a question of + time, and not for an instant must the efforts for keeping down the level + be relaxed. Already the ship had sunk a foot lower in the water, and as + her weight increased she no longer rose buoyantly with the waves, but + pitched and rolled considerably. + </p> + <p> + All yesterday, and last night, the pumping continued; but still the sea + gained upon us. The crew are weary and discouraged, but the second officer + and the boatswain set them a fine example of endurance, and the passengers + have now begun to take their turn at the pumps. + </p> + <p> + But all are conscious of toiling almost against hope; we are no longer + secured firmly to the solid soil of the Ham Rock reef, but we are floating + over an abyss which daily, nay hourly, threatens to swallow us into its + depths. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0023" id="link2HCH0023"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XXIII. + </h2> + <p> + DECEMBER 2nd and 3rd.—For four hours we have succeeded in keeping + the water in the hold to one level; now, however, it is very evident that + the time cannot be far distant when the pumps will be quite unequal to + their task. + </p> + <p> + Yesterday Curtis, who does not allow himself a minute’s rest, made a + personal inspection of the hold. I, with the boatswain and carpenter, + accompanied him. After dislodging some of the bales of cotton we could + hear a splashing, or rather gurgling sound; but whether the water was + entering at the original aperture, or whether it found its way in through + a general dislocation of the seams, we were unable to discover. But + whichever might be the case, Curtis determined to try a plan which, by + cutting off communication between the interior and exterior of the vessel, + might, if only for a few hours, render her hull more watertight. For this + purpose he had some strong, well-tarred sails drawn upwards by ropes from + below the keel, as high as the previous leaking-place, and then fastened + closely and securely to the side of the hull. The scheme was dubious, and + the operation difficult, but for a time it was effectual, and at the close + of the day the level of the water had actually been reduced by several + inches. The diminution was small enough, but the consciousness that more + water was escaping through the scupper-holes than was finding its way into + the hold gave us fresh courage to persevere with our work. + </p> + <p> + The night was dark, but the captain carried all the sail he could, eager + to take every possible advantage of the wind, which was freshening + considerably. If he could have sighted a ship he would have made signals + of distress, and would not have hesitated to transfer the passengers, and + even have allowed the crew to follow, if they were ready to forsake him; + for himself his mind was made up, he should remain on board the + “Chancellor” until she foundered beneath his feet. No sail, however, hove + in sight; consequently escape by such means was out of our power. + </p> + <p> + During the night the canvas covering yielded to the pressure of the waves, + and this morning, after taking the sounding, the boatswain could not + suppress an oath when he announced “Six feet of water in the hold!” + </p> + <p> + The ship, then, was filling once again, and already had sunk considerably + below her previous water-line. With aching arms and bleeding hands we + worked harder than ever at the pumps, and Curtis makes those who are not + pumping form a line and pass buckets, with all the speed they can, from + hand to hand. + </p> + <p> + But all in vain! At half-past eight more water is reported in the hold, + and some of the sailors, overcome by despair, refuse to work one minute + longer. + </p> + <p> + The first to abandon his post was Owen, a man whom I have mentioned + before, as exhibiting something of a mutinous spirit, He is about forty + years of age, and altogether unprepossessing in appearance; his face is + bare, with the exception of a reddish beard, which terminates in a point; + his forehead is furrowed with sinister-looking wrinkles, his lips curl + inwards, and his ears protrude, whilst his bleared and bloodshot eyes are + encircled with thick red rings. + </p> + <p> + Amongst the five or six other men who had struck work, I noticed Jynxstrop + the cook, who evidently shared all Owen’s ill feelings. + </p> + <p> + Twice did Curtis order the men back to the pumps, and twice did Owen, + acting as spokesman for the rest, refuse; and when Curtis made a step + forward as though to approach him, he said savagely,— + </p> + <p> + “I advise you not to touch me,” and walked away to the forecastle. + </p> + <p> + Curtis descended to his cabin, and almost immediately returned with a + loaded revolver in his hand. + </p> + <p> + For a moment Owen surveyed the captain with a frown of defiance; but at a + sign from Jynxstrop he seemed to recollect himself; and, with the + remainder of the men, he returned to his work. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0024" id="link2HCH0024"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XXIV. + </h2> + <p> + DECEMBER 4th.—The first attempt at mutiny being thus happily + suppressed, it is to be hoped that Curtis will succeed as well in future. + An insubordinate crew would render us powerless indeed. + </p> + <p> + Throughout the night the pumps were kept, without respite, steadily at + work, but without producing the least sensible benefit. The ship became so + water-logged and heavy that she hardly rose at all to the waves, which + consequently often washed over the deck and contributed their part towards + aggravating our case. Our situation was rapidly becoming as terrible as it + had been when the fire was raging in the midst of us; and the prospect of + being swallowed by the devouring billows was no less formidable than that + of perishing in the flames. + </p> + <p> + Curtis kept the men up to the mark, and, willing or unwilling, they had no + alternative but to work on as best they might; but, in spite of all their + efforts, the water perpetually rose, till, at length, the men in the hold + who were passing the buckets found themselves immersed up to their waists + and were obliged to come on deck. + </p> + <p> + This morning, after a somewhat protracted consultation with Walter and the + boatswain, Curtis resolved to abandon the ship. The only remaining boat + was far too small to hold us all, and it would therefore be necessary to + construct a raft that should carry those who could not find room in her. + Dowlas the carpenter, Mr. Falsten, and ten sailors were told off to put + the raft in hand, the rest of the crew being ordered to continue their + work assiduously at the pumps, until the time came and everything was + ready for embarkation. + </p> + <p> + Hatchet or saw in hand, the carpenter and his assistants made a beginning + without delay by cutting and trimming the spare yards and extra spars to a + proper length. These were then lowered into the sea, which was + propitiously calm, so as to favour the operation (which otherwise would + have been very difficult) of lashing them together into a firm framework, + about forty feet long and twenty-five feet wide, upon which the platform + was to be supported. + </p> + <p> + I kept my own place steadily at the pumps, and Andre Letourneur worked at + my side; I often noticed his father glance at him sorrowfully, as though + he wondered what would become of him if he had to struggle with waves to + which even the strongest man could hardly fail to succumb. But come what + may, his father will never forsake him, and I myself shall not be wanting + in rendering him whatever assistance I can. + </p> + <p> + Mrs. Kear, who had been for some time in a state of drowsy + unconsciousness, was not informed of the immediate danger, but when Miss + Herbey, looking somewhat pale with fatigue, paid one of her flying visits + to the deck, I warned her to take every precaution for herself and to be + ready for any emergency. + </p> + <p> + “Thank you, doctor, I am always ready,” she cheerfully replied, and + returned to her duties below. I saw Andre follow the young girl with his + eyes, and a look of melancholy interest passed over his countenance. + </p> + <p> + Towards eight o’clock in the evening the framework for the raft was almost + complete, and the men were lowering empty barrels, which had first been + securely bunged, and were lashing them to the wood-work to insure its + floating. + </p> + <p> + Two hours later and suddenly there arose the startling cry, “We are + sinking! we are sinking!” + </p> + <p> + Up to the poop rushed Mr. Kear, followed immediately by Falsten and Miss + Herbey, who were bearing the inanimate form of Mrs. Kear. Curtis ran to + his cabin, instantly returning with a chart; a sextant, and a compass in + his hand. + </p> + <p> + The scene that followed will ever be engraven in my memory; the cries of + distress, the general confusion, the frantic rush of the sailors towards + the raft that was not yet ready to support them, can never be forgotten. + The whole period of my life seemed to be concentrated into that terrible + moment when the planks bent below my feet and the ocean yawned beneath me. + </p> + <p> + Some of the sailors had taken their delusive refuge in the shrouds, and I + was preparing to follow them when a hand was laid upon my shoulder. + Turning round I beheld M. Letourneur, with tears in his eyes, pointing + towards his son. “Yes, my friend,” I said, pressing his hand, “we will + save him, if possible.” + </p> + <p> + But Curtis had already caught hold of the young man, and was hurrying him + to the main-mast shrouds, when the “Chancellor,” which had been scudding + along rapidly with the wind, stopped suddenly, with a violent shock, and + began to settle, The sea rose over my ankles and almost instinctively I + clutched at the nearest rope. All at once, when it seemed all over, the + ship ceased to sink, and hung motionless in mid-ocean. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0025" id="link2HCH0025"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XXV. + </h2> + <p> + NIGHT OF DECEMBER 4th.—Curtis caught young Letourneur again in his + arms, and running with him across the flooded deck deposited him safely in + the starboard shrouds, whither his father and I climbed up beside him. + </p> + <p> + I now had time to look about me. The night was not very dark, and I could + see that Curtis had returned to his post upon the poop; whilst in the + extreme aft near the taffrail, which was still above water, I could + distinguish the forms of Mr. and Mrs. Kear, Miss Herbey, and Mr. Falsten + The lieutenant and the boatswain were on the far end of the forecastle; + the remainder of the crew in the shrouds and top-masts. + </p> + <p> + By the assistance of his father, who carefully guided his feet up the + rigging, Andre was hoisted into the main-top. Mrs. Kear could not be + induced to join him in his elevated position, in spite of being told that + if the wind were to freshen she would inevitably be washed overboard by + the waves; nothing could induce her to listen to remonstrance, and she + insisted upon remaining on the poop, Miss Herbey, of course, staying by + her side. + </p> + <p> + As soon as the captain saw the “Chancellor” was no longer sinking, he set + to work to take down all the sails, yards and all, and the top-gallants, + in the hope that by removing everything that could compromise the + equilibrium of the ship he might diminish the chance of her capsizing + altogether. + </p> + <p> + “But may she not founder at any moment?” I said to Curtis, when I had + joined him for a while upon the poop. + </p> + <p> + “Everything depends upon the weather,” he replied, in his calmest manner; + “that, of course, may change at any hour. One thing, however, is certain, + the ‘Chancellor’ preserves her equilibrium for the present.” + </p> + <p> + “But do you mean to say,” I further asked, “that she can sail with two + feet of water over her deck?” + </p> + <p> + “No, Mr. Kazallon, she can’t sail, but she can drift with the wind, and if + the wind remains in its present quarter, in the course of a few days we + might possibly sight the coast. Besides, we shall have our raft as a last + resource; in a few hours it will be ready, and at daybreak we can embark.” + </p> + <p> + “You have not then,” I added, “abandoned all hope even yet?” I marvelled + at his composure. + </p> + <p> + “While there’s life there’s hope, you know Mr. Kazallon; out of a hundred + chances, ninety-nine may be against us, but perhaps the odd one may be in + our favour. Besides, I believe that our case is not without precedent. In + the year 1795 a three-master, the ‘Juno,’ was precisely in the same + half-sunk, water-logged condition as ourselves; and yet with her + passengers and crew clinging to her top-masts she drifted for twenty days, + until she came in sight of land, when those who had survived the + deprivation and fatigue were saved. So let us not despair; let us hold on + to the hope that the survivors of the ‘Chancellor’ may be equally + fortunate.” + </p> + <p> + I was only too conscious that there was not much to be said in support of + Curtis’s sanguine view of things, and that the force of reason pointed all + the other way; but I said nothing, deriving what comfort I could from the + fact that the captain did not yet despond of an ultimate rescue. + </p> + <p> + As it was necessary to be prepared to abandon the ship almost at a + moment’s notice, Dowlas was making every exertion to hurry on the + construction of the raft. A little before midnight he was on the point of + conveying some planks for this purpose, when, to his astonishment and + horror, he found that the framework had totally disappeared. The ropes + that had attached it to the vessel had snapped as she became vertically + displaced, and probably it had been adrift for more than an hour. + </p> + <p> + The crew were frantic at this new misfortune, and shouting “Overboard with + the masts!” they began to cut down the rigging preparatory to taking + possession of the masts for a new raft. + </p> + <p> + But here Curtis interposed:— + </p> + <p> + “Back to your places, my men; back to your places. The ship will not sink + yet, so don’t touch a rope until I give you leave.” + </p> + <p> + The firmness of the captain’s voice brought the men to their senses, and + although some of them could ill disguise their reluctance, all returned to + their posts. + </p> + <p> + When daylight had sufficiently advanced Curtis mounted the mast, and + looked around for the missing raft; but it was nowhere to be seen. The sea + was far too rough for the men to venture to take out the whaleboat in + search of it, and there was no choice but to set to work and to construct + a new raft immediately. + </p> + <p> + Since the sea has become so much rougher, Mrs. Kear has been induced to + leave the poop, and has managed to join M. Letourneur and his son on the + main-top, where she lies in a state of complete prostration. I need hardly + add that Miss Herbey continues in her unwearied attendance. The space to + which these four people are limited is necessarily very small, nowhere + measuring twelve feet across; to prevent them losing their balance some + spars have been lashed from shroud to shroud, and for the convenience of + the two ladies Curtis has contrived to make a temporary awning of a sail. + Mr. Kear has installed himself with Silas Huntly on the foretop. + </p> + <p> + A few cases of preserved meat and biscuit and some barrels of water, that + floated between the masts after the submersion of the deck, have been + hoisted to the top-masts and fastened firmly to the stays. These are now + our only provisions. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0026" id="link2HCH0026"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XXVI. + </h2> + <p> + DECEMBER 5th.—The day was very hot. December in latitude 16deg. N. + is a summer month, and unless a breeze should rise to temper the burning + sun, we might expect to suffer from an oppressive heat. + </p> + <p> + The sea still remained very rough, and as the heavy waves broke over the + ship as though she were a reef, the foam flew up to the very top-masts, + and our clothes were perpetually drenched by the spray. + </p> + <p> + The “Chancellor’s” hull is three-fourths immerged; besides the three masts + and the bowsprit, to which the whale-boat was suspended, the poop and the + forecastle are the only portions that now are visible; and as the + intervening section of the deck is quite below the water, these appear to + be connected only by the framework of the netting that runs along the + vessel’s sides. Communication between the top-masts is extremely + difficult, and would be absolutely precluded, were it not that the + sailors, with practised dexterity, manage to hoist themselves about by + means of the stays. For the passengers, cowering on their narrow and + unstable platform, the spectacle of the raging sea below was truly + terrific; every wave that dashed over the ship shook the masts till they + trembled again, and one could venture scarcely to look or to think lest he + should be tempted to cast himself into the vast abyss. + </p> + <p> + Meanwhile, the crew worked away with all their remaining vigour at the + second raft, for which the top-gallants and yards were all obliged to be + employed; the planks, too, which were continually being loosened and + broken away by the violence of the waves from the partitions of the ship, + were rescued before they had drifted out of reach, and were brought into + use. The symptoms of the ship foundering did not appear to be immediate; + so that Curtis insisted upon the raft being made with proper care to + insure its strength; we were still several hundred miles from the coast of + Guiana, and for so long a voyage it was indispensable to have a structure + of considerable solidity. The reasonableness of this was self-apparent, + and as the crew had recovered their assurance they spared no pains to + accomplish their work effectually. + </p> + <p> + Of all the number, there was but one, an Irishman, named O’Ready, who + seemed to question the utility of all their toil. He shook his head with + an oracular gravity. He is an oldish man, not less than sixty, with his + hair and beard bleached with the storms of many travels. As I was making + my way towards the poop, he came up to me and began talking. + </p> + <p> + “And why, bedad, I’d like to know, why is it that they’ll all be afther + lavin’ of the ship?” + </p> + <p> + He turned his quid with the most serene composure, and continued,— + </p> + <p> + “And isn’t it me myself that’s been wrecked nine times already? and sure, + poor fools are they that ever have put their trust in rafts or boats sure + and they found a wathery grave. Nay, nay; while the ould ship lasts, let’s + stick to her, says I.” + </p> + <p> + Having thus unburdened his mind he relapsed, into silence, and soon went + away. + </p> + <p> + About three o’clock I noticed that Mr. Kear and Silas Huntly were holding + an animated conversation in the fore top. The petroleum merchant had + evidently some difficulty in bringing the ex-captain round to his opinion, + for I, saw him several times shake his head as he gave long and + scrutinizing looks at the sea and sky. In less than an hour afterwards I + saw Huntly let himself down by the forestays and clamber along to the + forecastle where he joined the group of sailors, and I lost sight of him. + </p> + <p> + I attached little importance to the incident, and shortly afterwards + joined the party in the main-top, where we continued talking for some + hours. The heat was intense, and if it had not been for the shelter’ + afforded by the sail-tent, would have been unbearable. At five o’clock we + took as refreshment some dried meat and biscuit, each individual being + also allowed half a glass of water. Mrs. Kear, prostrate with fever, could + not touch a mouthful; and nothing could be done by Miss Herbey to relieve + her, beyond occasionally moistening her parched lips. The unfortunate lady + suffers greatly, and sometimes I am inclined to think that she will + succumb to the exposure and privation. Not once had her husband troubled + himself about her; but when shortly afterwards I heard him hail some of + the sailors on the forecastle and ask them to help him down from the + foretop, I began to think that the selfish fellow was coming to join his + wife. + </p> + <p> + At first the sailors took no notice of his request, but on his repeating + it with the promise of paying them handsomely for their services, two of + them, Burke and Sandon, swung themselves along the netting into the + shrouds, and were soon at his side. + </p> + <p> + A long discussion ensued. The men evidently were asking more than Mr. Kear + was inclined to give, and at one time if seemed as though the negotiation + would fall through altogether. But at length the bargain was struck, and I + saw Mr. Kear take a bundle of paper dollars from his waistcoat pocket, and + hand a number of them over to one of the men, The man counted them + carefully, and from the time it took him, I should think that he could not + have pocketed anything less than a hundred dollars. + </p> + <p> + The next business was to get Mr. Kear down from the foretop, and Burke and + Sandon proceeded to tie a rope round his waist, which they afterwards + fastened to the forestay; then, in a way which provoked shouts of laughter + from their mates, they gave the unfortunate man a shove, and sent him + rolling down like a bundle of dirty clothes on to the forecastle. + </p> + <p> + I was quite mistaken as to his object. Mr. Kear had no intention of + looking after his wife, but remained by the side of Silas Huntly until the + gathering darkness hid them both from view. + </p> + <p> + As night drew on, the wind grew calmer, but the sea remained very rough. + The moon had been up ever since four in the afternoon, though she only + appeared at rare intervals between the clouds. Some long lines of vapour + on the horizon were tinged with a rosy glare that foreboded a strong + breeze for the morrow, and all felt anxious to know from which quarter the + breeze would come, for any but a north-easter would bear the frail raft on + which we were to embark far away from land. + </p> + <p> + About eight o’clock in the evening Curtis mounted to the main-top but he + seemed preoccupied and anxious, and did not speak to any one. He remained + for a quarter of an hour, then after silently pressing my hand, he + returned to his old post. + </p> + <p> + I laid myself down in the narrow space at my disposal, and tried to sleep; + but my mind was filled with strange forebodings, and sleep was impossible. + The very calmness of the atmosphere was oppressive; scarcely a breath of + air vibrated through the metal rigging, and yet the sea rose with a heavy + swell as though it felt the warnings of a coming tempest. + </p> + <p> + All at once, at about eleven o’clock, the moon burst brightly forth + through a rift in the clouds, and the waves sparkled again as if illumined + by a submarine glimmer. I start up and look around me. Is it merely + imagination? or do I really see a black speck floating on the dazzling + whiteness of the waters, a speck that cannot be a rock; because it rises + and falls with the heaving motion of the billows? But the moon once again + becomes overclouded; the sea, is darkened, and I return to my uneasy couch + close to the larboard shrouds. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0027" id="link2HCH0027"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XXVII. + </h2> + <p> + DECEMBER 6th.—I must have fallen asleep for a few hours, when at + four o’clock in the morning, I was rudely aroused by the roaring of the + wind, and could distinguish Curtis’s voice as he shouted in the brief + intervals between the heavy gusts. + </p> + <p> + I got up, and holding tightly to the purlin—for the waves made the + masts tremble with their violence—I tried to look around and below + me. The sea was literally raging beneath, and great masses of + livid-looking foam were dashing between the masts, which were oscillating + terrifically. It was still dark, and I could only faintly distinguish two + figures on the stern, whom, by the sound of their voices, that I caught + occasionally above the tumult, I made out to be Curtis and the boatswain. + </p> + <p> + Just at that moment a sailor, who had mounted to the main-top to do + something to the rigging, passed close behind me. + </p> + <p> + “What’s the matter?” I asked, + </p> + <p> + “The wind has changed,” he answered, adding something which I could not + hear distinctly, but which sounded like “dead against us.” + </p> + <p> + Dead against us! then, thought I, the wind had shifted to the south-west, + and my last night’s forebodings had been correct. + </p> + <p> + When daylight at length appeared, I found the wind although not blowing + actually from the south-west, had veered round to the north-west, a change + which was equally disastrous to us, inasmuch as it was carrying us away + from land. Moreover, the ship had sunk considerably during the night, and + there were now five feet of water above deck; the side netting had + completely disappeared, and the forecastle and the poop were now all but + on a level with the sea, which washed over them incessantly. With all + possible expedition Curtis and his crew were labouring away at their raft, + but the violence of the swell materially impeded their operations, and it + became a matter of doubt as to whether the woodwork would not fall asunder + before it could be properly fastened together. + </p> + <p> + As I watched the men at their work M. Letourneur, with one arm supporting + his son, came and stood by my side. + </p> + <p> + “Don’t you think this main-top will soon give way?” he said, as the narrow + platform on which we stood creaked and groaned with the swaying of the + masts. + </p> + <p> + Miss Herbey heard his words, and pointing towards Mrs. Kear, who was lying + prostrate at her feet, asked what we thought ought to be done. + </p> + <p> + “We can do nothing but stay where we are,” I replied. + </p> + <p> + “No;” said Andre “this is our best refuge; I hope you are not afraid.” + </p> + <p> + “Not for myself,” said the young girl quietly “only for those to whom life + is precious.” + </p> + <p> + At a quarter to eight we heard the boatswain calling to the sailors in the + bows. + </p> + <p> + “Ay, ay, sir,” said one of the men—O’Ready, I think. + </p> + <p> + “Where’s the whale boat?” shouted the boatswain. + </p> + <p> + “I don’t know, sir. Not with us,” was the reply. + </p> + <p> + “She’s gone adrift, then!” + </p> + <p> + And sure enough the whale-boat was no longer hanging from the bowsprit; + and in a moment the discovery was made that Mr. Kear, Silas Huntly, and + three sailors,—a Scotchman and two Englishmen,—were missing. + Afraid that the “Chancellor” would founder before the completion of the + raft, Kear and Huntly had plotted together to effect their escape, and had + bribed the three sailors to seize the only remaining boat. + </p> + <p> + This, then, was the black speck that I had seen during the night. The + miserable husband had deserted his wife, the faithless captain had + abandoned the ship that had once been under his command. + </p> + <p> + “There are five saved, then,” said the boatswain. + </p> + <p> + “Faith, an it’s five lost ye’ll be maning,” said O’Ready; and the state of + the sea fully justified his opinion. + </p> + <p> + The crew were furious when they heard of the surreptitious flight, and + loaded the fugitives with all the invectives they could lay their tongues + to. So enraged were they at the dastardly trick of which they had been + made the dupes, that if chance should bring the deserters again on board I + should be sorry to answer for the consequences. + </p> + <p> + In accordance with my advice, Mrs. Kear has not been informed of her + husband’s disappearance. The unhappy lady is wasting away with a fever for + which we are powerless to supply a remedy, for the medicine chest was lost + when the ship began to sink. Nevertheless, I do not think we have anything + to regret on that score, feeling as I do, that in a case like Mrs. Kear’s, + drugs would be of no avail. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0028" id="link2HCH0028"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XXVIII. + </h2> + <p> + DECEMBER 6th CONTINUED.—The “Chancellor” no longer maintained her + equilibrium; we felt that she was gradually going down, and her hull was + probably breaking up. The main-top was already only ten feet above the + water, whilst the bowsprit, with the exception of the extreme end, that + rose obliquely from the waves, was entirely covered. + </p> + <p> + The “Chancellor’s” last day, we felt, had come. + </p> + <p> + Fortunately the raft was all but finished, and unless Curtis preferred to + wait till morning we should be able to embark in the evening. + </p> + <p> + The raft is a very solid structure. The spars that form the framework are + crossed one above another and lashed together with stout ropes, so that + the whole pile rises a couple of feet above the water. The upper platform + is constructed from the planks that were broken from the ship’s sides by + the violence of the waves, and which had not drifted away. The afternoon + has been employed in charging the raft with such provisions, sails, tools, + and instruments as we have been able to save. + </p> + <p> + And how can I attempt to give any idea of the feelings with which, one and + all, we now contemplated the fate before us? For my own part I was + possessed rather by a benumbed indifference than by any sense of genuine + resignation. M. Letourneur was entirely absorbed in his son, who, in his + turn, thought only of his father; at the same time exhibiting a calm + Christian fortitude, which was shown by no one else of the party except + Miss Herbey, who faced her danger with the same brave composure. + Incredible as it may seem, Falsten remained the same as ever, occupying + himself with writing down figures and memoranda in his pocket-book. Mrs. + Kear, in spite of all that Miss Herbey could do for her, was evidently + dying. + </p> + <p> + With regard to the sailors, two or three of them were calm enough, but the + rest had well-nigh lost their wits. Some of the more ill-disposed amongst + them seemed inclined to run into excesses; and their conduct, under the + bad influence of Owen and Jynxstrop, made it doubtful whether they would + submit to control when once we were limited to the narrow dimensions of + the raft. Lieutenant Walter, although his courage never failed him, was + worn out with bodily fatigue, and obliged to give up all active labour; + but Curtis and the boatswain were resolute, energetic and firm as ever. To + borrow an expression from the language of metallurgic art, they were men + “at the highest degree of hardness.” + </p> + <p> + At five o’clock one of our companions in misfortune was released from her + sufferings. Mrs. Kear, after a most distressing illness, through which her + young companion tended her with the most devoted care, has breathed her + last. A few deep sighs and all was over, and I doubt whether the sufferer + was ever conscious of the peril of, her situation. + </p> + <p> + The night passed on without further incident. Towards morning I touched + the dead woman’s hand, and it was cold and stiff. The corpse could not + remain any longer on the main-top, and after Miss Herbey and I had + carefully wrapped the garments about it, with a few short prayers the body + of the first victim of our miseries was committed to the deep. + </p> + <p> + As the sea closed over the body I heard one of the men in the shrouds say,— + </p> + <p> + “There goes a carcass that we shall be sorry we have thrown away!” + </p> + <p> + I looked round sharply. It was Owen who had spoken, But horrible as were + his words, the conviction was forced upon my mind that the day could not + be far distant when we must want for food. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0029" id="link2HCH0029"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XXIX. + </h2> + <p> + DECEMBER 7th.—The ship was sinking rapidly; the water had risen to + the fore-top; the poop and forecastle were completely submerged; the top + of the bowsprit had disappeared, and only the three mast-tops projected + from the waves. + </p> + <p> + But all was ready on the raft; an erection had been made on the fore to + hold a mast, which was supported by shrouds fastened to the sides of the + platform; this mast carried a large royal. + </p> + <p> + Perhaps, after all, these few frail planks will carry us to the shore + which the “Chancellor” has failed to reach; at any rate, we cannot yet + resign all hope. + </p> + <p> + We were just on the point of embarking at 7 a.m. when the “Chancellor” all + at once began to sink so rapidly that the carpenter and men who were on + the raft were obliged with all speed to cut the ropes that secured it to + the vessel to prevent it from being swallowed up in the eddying waters. + Anxiety, the most intense, took possession of us all. At the very moment + when the ship was descending into the fathomless abyss, the raft, our only + hope of safety, was drifting off before our eyes. Two of the sailors and + an apprentice, beside themselves with terror, threw themselves headlong + into the sea; but it was evident from the very first that they were quite + powerless to combat the winds and waves. Escape was impossible; they could + neither reach the raft, nor return to the ship. Curtis tied a rope round + his waist and tried to swim to their assistance; but long before he could + reach them the unfortunate men, after a vain struggle for life, sank below + the waves and were seen no more. Curtis, bruised and beaten with the surf + that raged about the mast-heads, was hauled back to the ship. + </p> + <p> + Meantime, Dowlas and his men, by means of some spars which they used as + oars, were exerting themselves to bring back the raft, which had drifted + about two cables-lengths away; but, in spite of all their efforts, it was + fully an hour,—an hour which seemed to us, waiting as we were with + the water up to the level of the top-masts, like an eternity—before + they succeeded in bringing the raft alongside, and lashing it once again + to the “Chancellor’s” main-mast. + </p> + <p> + Not a moment was then to be lost. The waves were eddying like a whirlpool + around the submerged vessel, and numbers of enormous air-bubbles were + rising to the surface of the water. + </p> + <p> + The time was come. At Curtis’s word “Embark!” we all hurried to the raft. + Andre who insisted upon seeing Miss Herbey go first, was helped safely on + to the platform, where his father immediately joined him. In a very few + minutes all except Curtis and old O’Ready had left the “Chancellor.” + </p> + <p> + Curtis remained standing on the main-top, deeming it not only his duty, + but his right, to be the last to leave the vessel he had loved so well, + and the loss of which he so much deplored. + </p> + <p> + “Now then, old fellow off of this!” cried the captain to the old Irishman, + who did not move. + </p> + <p> + “And is it quite sure ye are that she’s sinkin?” he said. + </p> + <p> + “Ay, ay! sure enough, my man; and you’d better look sharp.” + </p> + <p> + “Faith, then, and I think I will;” and not a moment too soon (for the + water was up to his waist) he jumped on to the raft. + </p> + <p> + Having cast one last, lingering look around him, Curtis then left the + ship; the rope was cut and we went slowly adrift. + </p> + <p> + All eyes were fixed upon the spot where the “Chancellor” lay foundering. + The top of the mizzen was the first to disappear, then followed the + main-top; and soon, of what had been a noble vessel, not a vestige was to + be seen. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0030" id="link2HCH0030"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XXX. + </h2> + <p> + Will this frail float, forty feet by twenty, bear us in safety? Sink it + cannot; the material of which it is composed is of a kind that must + surmount the waves. But it is questionable whether it will hold together. + The cords that bind it will have a tremendous strain to bear in resisting + the violence of the sea. The most sanguine amongst us trembles to face the + future; the most confident dares to think only of the present. After the + manifold perils of the last seventy-two days’ voyage all are too agitated + to look forward without dismay to what in all human probability must be a + time of the direst distress. + </p> + <p> + Vain as the task may seem, I will not pause in my work of registering the + events of our drama, as scene after scene they are unfolded before our + eyes. + </p> + <p> + Of the twenty-eight persons who left Charleston in the “Chancellor,” only + eighteen are left to huddle together upon this narrow raft; this number + includes the five passengers, namely M. Letourneur, Andre, Miss Herbey, + Falsten, and myself; the ship’s officers, Captain Curtis, Lieutenant + Walter, the boatswain, Hobart the steward, Jynxstrop the cook, and Dowlas + the carpenter; and seven sailors, Austin, Owen, Wilson, O’Ready, Burke, + Sandon, and Flaypole. + </p> + <p> + Such are the passengers on the raft; it is but a brief task to enumerate + their resources. + </p> + <p> + The greater part of the provisions in the store-room were destroyed at the + time when the ship’s deck was submerged, and the small quantity that + Curtis has been able to save will be very inadequate to supply the wants + of eighteen people, who too probably have many days to wait ere they sight + either land or a passing vessel. One cask of biscuit, another of preserved + meat, a small keg of brandy, and two barrels of water complete our store, + so that the utmost frugality in the distribution of our daily rations + becomes absolutely necessary. + </p> + <p> + Of spare clothes we have positively none; a few sails will serve for + shelter by day, and covering by night. Dowlas has his carpenter’s tools, + we have each a pocket-knife, and O’Ready an old tin pot; of which he takes + the most tender care; in addition to these, we are in possession of a + sextant, a compass, a chart, and a metal tea-kettle, everything else that + was placed on deck in readiness for the first raft having been lost in the + partial submersion of the vessel. + </p> + <p> + Such then is our situation; critical indeed, but after all perhaps not + desperate. We have one great fear; some there are amongst us whose + courage, moral as well as physical, may give way, and over failing spirits + such as these we may have no control. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0031" id="link2HCH0031"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XXXI. + </h2> + <p> + DECEMBER 7th CONTINUED.—Our first day on the raft has passed without + any special incident. At eight o’clock this morning Curtis asked our + attention for a moment. + </p> + <p> + “My friends,” he said, “listen to me. Here on this raft, just as when we + were on board the ‘Chancellor,’ I consider myself your captain; and as + your captain, I expect that all of you will strictly obey my orders. Let + me beg of you, one and all, to think solely of our common welfare; let us + work with one heart and with one soul, and may Heaven protect us!” + </p> + <p> + After delivering these few words with an emotion that evidenced their + earnestness, the captain consulted his compass, and found that the + freshening breeze was blowing from the north. This was fortunate for us, + and no time was to be lost in taking advantage of it to speed us on our + dubious way. Dowlas was occupied in fixing the mast into the socket that + had already been prepared for its reception, and in order to support it + more firmly he placed spurs of wood, forming arched buttresses, on either + side. While he was thus employed the boatswain and the other seamen were + stretching the large royal sail on the yard that had been reserved for + that purpose. + </p> + <p> + By half-past nine the mast was hoisted, and held firmly in its place by + some shrouds attached securely to the sides of the raft; then the sail was + run up and trimmed to the wind, and the raft began to make a perceptible + progress under the brisk breeze. + </p> + <p> + As soon as we had once started, the carpenter set to work to contrive some + sort of a rudder, that would enable us to maintain our desired direction. + Curtis and Falsten assisted him with some serviceable suggestions, and in + a couple of hours’ time he had made and fixed to the back of the raft a + kind of paddle, very similar to those used by the Malays. + </p> + <p> + At noon, after the necessary preliminary observations, Curtis took the + altitude of the sun. The result gave lat. 15deg. 7min. N. by long. 49deg. + 35min. W. as our position, which, on consulting the chart, proved to be + about 650 miles north-east of the coast of Paramaribo in Dutch Guiana. + </p> + <p> + Now even under the most favourable circumstances, with trade-winds and + weather always in our favour, we cannot by any chance hope to make more + than ten or twelve miles a day, so that the voyage cannot possibly be + performed under a period of two months. To be sure there is the hope to be + indulged that we may fall in with a passing vessel, but as the part of the + Atlantic into which we have been driven is intermediate between the tracks + of the French and English Transatlantic steamers either from the Antilles + or the Brazils, we cannot reckon at all upon such a contingency happening + in our favour; whilst if a calm should set in, or worse still, if the wind + were to blow from the east, not only two months, but twice, nay, three + times that length of time will be required to accomplish the passage. + </p> + <p> + At best, however, our provisions, even though used with the greatest care, + will barely last three months. Curtis has called us into consultation, and + as the working of the raft does not require such labour as to exhaust our + physical strength, all have agreed to submit to a regimen which, although + it will suffice to keep us alive, will certainly not fully satisfy the + cravings of hunger and thirst. + </p> + <p> + As far as we can estimate, we have somewhere about 500 lbs. of meat and + about the same quantity of biscuit. To make this last for three months we + ought not to consume very much more than 5 lbs. a day of each, which, when + divided among eighteen people, will make the daily ration 5 oz. of meat + and 5 oz. of biscuit for each person. Of water we have certainly not more + than 200 gallons, but by reducing each person’s allowance to a pint a day, + we hope to eke out that, too, over the space of three months. + </p> + <p> + It is arranged that the food shall be distributed under the boatswain’s + superintendence every morning at ten o’clock. Each person will then + receive his allowance of meat and biscuit, which may be eaten when and how + he pleases. The water will be given out twice a day—at ten in the + morning and six in the evening; but as the only drinking-vessels in our + possession are the tea-kettle and the old Irishman’s tin pot, the water + has to be consumed immediately on distribution. As for the brandy, of + which there are only five gallons, it will be doled out with the strictest + limitation, and no one will be allowed to touch it except with the + captain’s express permission. + </p> + <p> + I should not forget that there are two sources from which we may hope to + increase our store. First, any rain that may fall will add to our supply + of water, and two empty barrels have been placed ready to receive it; + secondly, we hope to do something in the way of fishing, and the sailors + have already begun to prepare some lines. + </p> + <p> + All have mutually agreed to abide by the rules that have been laid down, + for all are fully aware that by nothing but the most precise regimen can + we hope to avert the horrors of famine, and forewarned by the fate, of + many who in similar circumstances have miserably perished, we are + determined to do all that prudence can suggest for husbanding our stores. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0032" id="link2HCH0032"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XXXII. + </h2> + <p> + DECEMBER 8th to 17th.—When night came we wrapped ourselves in our + sails. For my own part, worn out with the fatigue of the long watch in the + top-mast, I slept for several hours; M. Letourneur and Andre did the same, + and Miss Herbey obtained sufficient rest to relieve the tired expression + that her countenance had lately been wearing. The night passed quietly. As + the raft was not very heavily laden the waves did not break over it at + all, and we were consequently able to keep ourselves perfectly dry. To say + the truth, it was far better for us that the sea should remain somewhat + boisterous, for any diminution in the swell of the waves would indicate + that; the wind had dropped, and it was with a feeling of regret that when + the morning came I had to note down “weather calm” in my journal. + </p> + <p> + In these low latitudes the heat in the day-time is so intense, and the sun + burns with such an incessant glare, that the entire atmosphere becomes + pervaded with a glowing vapour. The wind, too, blows only in fitful gusts + and through long intervals of perfect calm the sails flap idly and + uselessly against the mast. Curtis and the boatswain, however, are of + opinion that we are not entirely dependent on the wind. Certain + indications, which a sailor’s eye alone could detect, make them almost + sure that we are being carried along by a westerly current, that flows at + the rate of three or four miles an hour. If they are not mistaken, this is + a circumstance that may materially assist our progress, and at which we + can hardly fail to rejoice, for the high temperature often makes our + scanty allowance of water quite inadequate to allay our thirst. + </p> + <p> + But with all our hardships I must confess that our condition is far + preferable to what it was when we were still clinging to the “Chancellor.” + Here at least we have a comparatively solid platform beneath our feet, and + we are relieved from the incessant dread of being carried down with a + foundering vessel. In the day-time we can move about with a certain amount + of freedom, discuss the weather, watch the sea, and examine our + fishing-lines; whilst at night we can rest securely under the shelter of + our sails. + </p> + <p> + “I really think, Mr. Kazallon,” said Andre Letourneur to me a few days + after we had embarked, “that our time on board the raft passes as + pleasantly as it did upon Ham Rock; and the raft has one advantage even + over the reef, for it is capable of motion.” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, Andre,” replied, “as long as the wind continues favourable the raft + has decidedly the advantage; but supposing the wind shifts, what then?” + </p> + <p> + “Oh, we mustn’t think about that,” he said; “let us keep up our courage + while we can.” + </p> + <p> + I felt that he was right, and that the dangers we had escaped should make + us more hopeful for the future; and I think that nearly all of us are + inclined to share his opinion. + </p> + <p> + Whether the captain is equally sanguine I am unable to say. He holds + himself very much aloof, and as he evidently feels that he has the great + responsibility of saving other lives than his own, we are reluctant to + disturb his silent meditations. + </p> + <p> + Such of the crew as are not on watch spend the greater portion of their + time in dozing on the fore part of the raft. The aft, by the captain’s + orders, has been reserved for the use of us passengers, and by erecting + some uprights we have contrived to make a sort of tent, which affords some + shelter from the burning sun. On the whole our bill of health is tolerably + satisfactory. Lieutenant Walter is the only invalid, and he, in spite of + all our careful nursing, seems to get weaker every day. + </p> + <p> + Andre Letourneur is the life of our party, and I have never appreciated + the young man so well. His originality of perception makes his + conversation both lively and entertaining and as he talks, his wan and + suffering countenance lights up with an intelligent animation. His father + seems to become more devoted to him than ever, and I have seen him sit for + an hour at a time, with his hand resting on his son’s, listening eagerly + to his every word. + </p> + <p> + Miss Herbey occasionally joins in our conversation, but although we all do + our best to make her forget that she has lost those who should have been + her natural protectors, M. Letourneur is the only one amongst us to whom + she speaks without a certain reserve. To him, whose age gives him + something of the authority of a father, she has told the history of her + life—a life of patience and self-denial such as not unfrequently + falls to the lot of orphans. She had been, she said, two years with Mrs. + Kear, and although now left alone in the world, homeless and without + resources, hope for the future does not fail her. The young lady’s modest + deportment and energy of character command the respect of all on board, + and I do not think that even the coarsest of the sailors has either by + word or gesture acted towards her in a way that she could deem offensive. + </p> + <p> + The 12th, 13th, and 14th of December passed away without any change in our + condition. The wind continued to blow in irregular gusts, but always in + the same direction, and the helm, or rather the paddle at the back of the + raft has never once required shifting; and the watch, who are posted on + the fore, under orders to examine the sea with the most scrupulous + attention, have had no change of any kind to report. + </p> + <p> + At the end of a week we found ourselves growing accustomed to our limited + diet, and as we had no manual exertion, and no wear and tear of our + physical constitution, we managed very well. Our greatest deprivation was + the short supply of water, for, as I said before, the unmitigated heat + made our thirst at times very painful. + </p> + <p> + On the 15th we held high festival. A shoal of fish, of the sparus tribe, + swarmed round the raft, and although our tackle consisted merely of long + cords baited with morsels of dried meat stuck upon bent nails, the fish + were so voracious that in the course of a couple of days we had caught as + many as weighed almost 200lbs., some of which were grilled, and others + boiled in sea-water over a fire made on the fore part of the raft. This + marvelous haul was doubly welcome, inasmuch as it not only afforded us a + change of diet, but enabled us to economize our stores; if only some rain + had fallen at the same time we should have been more than satisfied. + </p> + <p> + Unfortunately the shoal of fish did not remain long in our vicinity. On + the 17th they all disappeared, and some sharks, not less than twelve or + fifteen feet long, belonging to the species of spotted dog-fish, took + their place. These horrible creatures have black backs and fins, covered + with white spots and stripes. Here, on our low raft, we seem almost on a + level with them, and more than once their tails have struck the spars with + terrible violence. The sailors manage to keep them at a distance by means + of handspikes, but I shall not be surprised if they persist in following + us, instinctively intelligent that we are destined to become their prey. + For myself, I confess that they give me a feeling of uneasiness; they seem + to me like monsters of ill-omen. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0033" id="link2HCH0033"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XXXIII. + </h2> + <p> + DECEMBER 18th to 20th.—On the 18th the wind freshened a little, but + as it blew from the same favourable quarter we did not complain, and only + took the precaution of putting an extra support to the mast, so that it + should not snap with the tension of the sail. This done, the raft was + carried along with something more than its ordinary speed, and left a long + line of foam in its wake. + </p> + <p> + In the afternoon the sky became slightly overclouded, and the heat + consequently somewhat less oppressive. The swell made it more difficult + for the raft to keep its balance, and we shipped two or three heavy seas; + but the carpenter managed to make with some planks a kind of wall about a + couple of feet high, which protected us from the direct action of the + waves. Our casks of food and water were secured to the raft with double + ropes, for we dared not run the risk of their being carried overboard, an + accident that would at once have reduced us to the direst distress. + </p> + <p> + In the course of the day the sailors gathered some of the marine plants + known by the name of sargassos, very similar to those we saw in such + profusion between the Bermudas and Ham Rock. I advised my companions to + chew the laminary tangles, which they would find contained a saccharine + juice, affording considerable relief to their parched lips and throats. + </p> + <p> + The remainder of the day passed without incident. I should not, however, + omit to mention that the frequent conferences held amongst the sailors, + especially between Owen, Burke, Flaypole, Wilson, and Jynxstrop, the + negro, aroused some uneasy suspicions in my mind. What was the subject of + their conversation I could not discover, for they became silent + immediately that a passenger or one of the officers approached them. When + I mentioned the matter to Curtis I found he had already noticed these + secret interviews, and that they had given him enough concern to make him + determined to keep a strict eye upon Jynxstrop and Owen, who, rascals as + they were themselves, were evidently trying to disaffect their mates. + </p> + <p> + On the 19th the heat was again excessive. The sky was cloudless, and as + there was not enough wind to fill the sail the raft lay motionless upon + the surface of the water. Some of the sailors found a transient + alleviation for their thirst by plunging into the sea, but as we were + fully aware that the water all round was infested with sharks, none of us + was rash enough to follow their example, though if, as seems likely, we + remain long becalmed, we shall probably in time overcome our fears, and + feel constrained to indulge ourselves with a bath. + </p> + <p> + The health of Lieutenant Walter continues to cause us grave anxiety, the + young man being weakened by attacks of intermittent fever. Except for the + loss of the medicine-chest we might have temporarily reduced this by + quinine; but it is only too evident that the poor fellow is consumptive, + and that that hopeless malady is making ravages upon him that no medicine + could permanently arrest. His sharp dry cough, his short breathing, his + profuse perspirations, more especially in the morning; the pinched-in + nose, the hollow cheeks, of which the general pallour is only relieved by + a hectic flush, the contracted lips, the too brilliant eye and wasted form—all + bear witness to a slow but sure decay. + </p> + <p> + To-day, the 20th, the temperature is as high as ever, and the raft still + motionless. The rays of the sun penetrate even through the shelter of our + tent, where we sit literally gasping with the heat. The impatience with + which we awaited the moment when the boatswain should dole out our meagre + allowance of water, and the eagerness with which those lukewarm drops were + swallowed, can only be realized by those who for themselves have endured + the agonies of thirst. + </p> + <p> + Lieutenant Walter suffers more than any of us from the scarcity of water, + and I noticed that Miss Herbey reserved almost the whole of her own share + for his use. Kind and compassionate as ever, the young girl does all that + lies in her power to relieve the poor fellow’s sufferings. + </p> + <p> + “Mr. Kazallon,” she said to me this morning, “that young man gets + manifestly weaker every day.” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, Miss Herbey,” I replied, “and how sorrowful it is that we can do + nothing for him, absolutely nothing.” + </p> + <p> + “Hush!” she said, with her wonted consideration, “perhaps he will hear + what we are saying.” + </p> + <p> + And then she sat down near the edge of the raft, where, with her head + resting on her hands, she remained lost in thought. + </p> + <p> + An incident sufficiently unpleasant occurred to-day. For nearly an hour + Owen, Flaypole, Burke, and Jynxstrop had been engaged in close + conversation and, although their voices were low, their gestures had + betrayed that they were animated by some strong excitement. At the + conclusion of the colloquy Owen got up and walked deliberately to the + quarter of the raft that has been reserved for the use of the passengers. + </p> + <p> + “Where are you off to now, Owen?” said the boatswain. + </p> + <p> + “That’s my business,” said the man insolently, and pursued his course. + </p> + <p> + The boatswain was about to stop him, but before he could interfere Curtis + was standing and looking Owen steadily in the face. + </p> + <p> + “Ah, captain, I’ve got a word from my mates to say to you,” he said, with + all the effrontery imaginable. + </p> + <p> + “Say on, then,” said the captain coolly. + </p> + <p> + “We should like to know about that little keg of brandy. Is it being kept + for the porpoises or the officers?” + </p> + <p> + Finding that he obtained no reply, he went on,— + </p> + <p> + “Look here, captain, what we want is to have our grog served out every + morning as usual.” + </p> + <p> + “Then you certainly will not,” said the captain. + </p> + <p> + “What! what!” exclaimed Owen, “don’t you mean to let us have our grog?” + </p> + <p> + “Once and for all, no.” + </p> + <p> + For a moment, with a malicious grin upon his lips, Owen stood confronting + the captain; then, as though thinking better of himself, he turned round + and rejoined his companions, who were still talking together in an + undertone. + </p> + <p> + When I was afterwards discussing the matter with Curtis I asked him + whether he was sure he had done right in refusing the brandy. + </p> + <p> + “Right!” he cried, “to be sure I have. Allow those men to have brandy! I + would throw it all overboard first.” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0034" id="link2HCH0034"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XXXIV. + </h2> + <p> + DECEMBER 21st.—No further disturbance has taken place amongst the + men. For a few hours the fish appeared again, and we caught a great many + of them, and stored them away in an empty barrel. This addition to our + stock of provisions makes us hope that food, at least, will not fail us. + </p> + <p> + Usually the nights in the tropics are cool, but to-day, as evening drew + on, the wonted freshness did not return, but the air remained stifling and + oppressive, whilst heavy masses of vapour hung over the water. + </p> + <p> + There was no moonlight; there would be a new moon at half-past one in the + morning, but the night was singularly dark, except for dazzling flashes of + summer lightning that from time to time illumined the horizon far and + wide. There was, however, no answering roll of thunder, and the silence of + the atmosphere seemed almost awful, For a couple of hours, in the vain + hope of catching a breath of air, Miss Herbey, Andre Letourneur, and I, + sat watching the imposing struggle of the electric vapours. The clouds + appeared like embattled turrets crested with flame, and the very sailors, + coarse-minded men as they were, seemed struck with the grandeur of the + spectacle, and regarded attentively, though with an anxious eye, the + preliminary tokens of a coming storm. Until midnight we kept our seats + upon the stern of the raft, whilst the lightning ever and again shed + around us a livid glare similar to that produced by adding salt to lighted + alcohol. + </p> + <p> + “Are you afraid of a storm, Miss Herbey?” said Andre to the girl. + </p> + <p> + “No, Mr. Andre, my feelings are always rather those of awe than of fear,” + she replied. “I consider a storm one of the sublimest phenomena that we + can behold—don’t you think so too?” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, and especially when the thunder is pealing,” he said; “that majestic + rolling, far different to the sharp crash of artillery, rises and falls + like the long-drawn notes of the grandest music, and I can safely say that + the tones of the most accomplished ARTISTE have never moved me like that + incomparable voice of nature.” + </p> + <p> + “Rather a deep bass, though,” I said, laughing. + </p> + <p> + “That may be,” he answered; “but I wish we might hear it now, for this + silent lightning is somewhat unexpressive.” + </p> + <p> + “Never mind that, Andre” I said; “enjoy a storm when it comes, if you + like, but pray don’t wish for it.” + </p> + <p> + “And why not?” said he; “a storm will bring us wind, you know.” + </p> + <p> + “And water, too,” added Miss Herbey, “the water of which we are so + seriously in need.” + </p> + <p> + The young people evidently wished to regard the storm from their own point + of view, and although I could have opposed plenty of common sense to their + poetical sentiments, I said no more, but let them talk on as they pleased + for fully an hour. + </p> + <p> + Meantime the sky was becoming quite overclouded, and after the zodiacal + constellations had disappeared in the mists that hung round the horizon, + one by one the stars above our heads were veiled in dark rolling masses of + vapour, from which every instant there issued forth sheets of electricity + that formed a vivid background to the dark grey fragments of cloud that + floated beneath. + </p> + <p> + As the reservoir of electricity was confined to the higher strata of the + atmosphere, the lightning was still unaccompanied by thunder; but the + dryness of the air made it a weak conductor. Evidently the fluid could + only escape by terrible shocks, and the storm must ere long burst forth + with fearful violence. + </p> + <p> + This was the opinion of Curtis and the boatswain. The boatswain is only + weather-wise from his experience as a sailor; but Curtis, in addition to + his experience, has some scientific knowledge, and he pointed out to me an + appearance in the sky known to meteorologists as a “cloud-ring,” and + scarcely ever seen beyond the regions of the torrid zone, which are + impregnated by damp vapours brought from all quarters of the ocean by the + action of the trade-winds. + </p> + <p> + “Yes, Mr. Kazallon,” said Curtis, “our raft has been driven into the + region of storms, of which it has been justly remarked that any one + endowed with very sensitive organs can at any moment distinguish the + growlings of thunder.” + </p> + <p> + “Hark!” I said, as I strained my ears to listen, “I think I can hear it + now.” + </p> + <p> + “You can,” he answered; “yet what you hear is but the first warning of the + storm which, in a couple of hours, will burst upon us with all its fury. + But never mind, we must be ready for it.” + </p> + <p> + Sleep, even if we wished it, would have been impossible in that stifling + temperature. The lightning increased in brilliancy, and appeared from all + quarters of the horizon, each flash covering large arcs, varying from + 100deg. to 150deg., leaving the atmosphere pervaded by one incessant + phosphorescent glow. + </p> + <p> + The thunder became at length more and more distinct, the reports, if I may + use the expression, being “round,” rather than rolling. It seemed almost + as though the sky were padded with heavy clouds of which the elasticity + muffled the sound of the electric bursts. + </p> + <p> + Hitherto, the sea had been calm, almost stagnant as a pond. Now, however, + long undulations took place, which the sailors recognized, all too well, + as being the rebound produced by a distant tempest. A ship, in such a + case, would have been instantly brought ahull, but no manoeuvring could be + applied to our raft, which could only drift before the blast. + </p> + <p> + At one o’clock in the morning one vivid flash, followed, after the + interval of a few seconds, by a loud report of thunder, announced that the + storm was rapidly approaching. Suddenly the horizon was enveloped in a + vapourous fog, and seemed to contract until it was close around us. At the + same instant the voice of one of the sailors was heard shouting,— + </p> + <p> + “A squall! a squall!” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0035" id="link2HCH0035"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XXXV. + </h2> + <p> + DECEMBER 21st, NIGHT.—The boatswain rushed to the halliards that + supported the sail, and instantly lowered the yard; and not a moment too + soon, for with the speed of an arrow the squall was upon us, and if it had + not been for the sailor’s timely warning we must all have been knocked + down and probably precipitated into the sea; as it was, our tent on the + back of the raft was carried away. + </p> + <p> + The raft itself, however, being so nearly level with the water, had little + peril to encounter from the actual wind; but from the mighty waves now + raised by the hurricane we had everything to dread. At first the waves had + been crushed and flattened as it were by the pressure of the air, but now, + as though strengthened by the reaction, they rose with the utmost fury. + The raft followed the motions of the increasing swell, and was tossed up + and down, to and fro, and from side to side with the most violent + oscillations “Lash yourselves tight,” cried the boatswain, as he threw us + some ropes; and in a few moments, with Curtis’s assistance, M. Letourneur, + Andre, Falsten, and myself were fastened so firmly to the raft, that + nothing but its total disruption could carry us away. Miss Herbey was + bound by a rope passed round her waist to one of the uprights that had + supported our tent, and by the glare of the lightning I could see that her + countenance was as serene and composed as ever. + </p> + <p> + Then the storm began to rage indeed. Flash followed flash, peal followed + peal in quick succession. Our eyes were blinded, our ears deafened, with + the roar and glare. The clouds above, the ocean beneath, seemed verily to + have taken fire, and several times I saw forked lightnings dart upwards + from the crest of the waves, and mingle with those that radiated from the + fiery vault above. A strong odour of sulphur pervaded the air, but though + thunderbolts fell thick around us, not one had touched our raft. + </p> + <p> + By two o’clock the storm had reached its height. The hurricane had + increased, and the heavy waves, heated to a strange heat by the general + temperature, dashed over us until we were drenched to the skin. Curtis, + Dowlas, the boatswain, and the sailors did what they could to strengthen + the raft with additional ropes. M. Letourneur placed himself in front of + Andre to shelter him from the waves. Miss Herbey stood upright and + motionless as a statue. + </p> + <p> + Soon dense masses of lurid clouds came rolling up, and a crackling, like + the rattle of musketry, resounded through the air. This was produced by a + series of electrical concussions, in which volleys of hailstones were + discharged from the cloud-batteries above. In fact, as the storm-sheet + came in contact with a current of cold air, hail was formed with great + rapidity, and hailstones, large as nuts, came pelting down, making the + platform of the raft re-echo with a metallic ring. + </p> + <p> + For about half an hour the meteoric shower continued to descend, and + during that time the wind slightly abated in violence; but after having + shifted from quarter to quarter, it once more blew with all its former + fury. The shrouds were broken, but happily the mast, already bending + almost double, was removed by the men from its socket before it should be + snapped short off. One gust caught away the tiller, which went adrift + beyond all power of recovery, and the same blast blew down several of the + planks that formed the low parapet on the larboard side, so that the waves + dashed in without hindrance through the breach. + </p> + <p> + The carpenter and his mates tried to repair the damage, but, tossed from + wave to wave, the raft was inclined to an angle of more than forty-five + degrees, making it impossible for them to keep their footing, and rolling + one over another, they were thrown down by the violent shocks. Why they + were not altogether carried away, why we were not all hurled into the sea, + was to me a mystery. Even if the cords that bound us should retain their + hold, it seemed perfectly incredible that the raft itself should not be + overturned, so that we should be carried down and stifled in the seething + waters. + </p> + <p> + At last, towards three in the morning, when the hurricane seemed to be + raging more fiercely than ever, the raft, caught up on the crest of an + enormous wave, stood literally perpendicularly on its edge. For an + instant, by the illumination of the lightning, we beheld ourselves raised + to an incomprehensible height above the foaming breakers. Cries of terror + escaped our lips. All must be over now! But no; another moment, and the + raft had resumed its horizontal position. Safe, indeed, we were, but the + tremendous upheaval was not without its melancholy consequences. The cords + that secured the cases of provisions had burst asunder. One case rolled + overboard, and the side of one of the water-barrels was staved in, so that + the water which it contained was rapidly escaping. Two of the sailors + rushed forward to rescue the case of preserved meat; but one of them + caught his foot between the planks of the platform, and, unable to + disengage it, the poor fellow stood uttering-cries of distress. + </p> + <p> + I tried to go to his assistance, and had already untied the cord that was + round me; but I was too late. Another heavy sea dashed over us, and by the + light of a dazzling flash I saw the unhappy man, although he had managed + without assistance to disengage his foot, washed overboard before it was + in my power to get near him. His companion had also disappeared. + </p> + <p> + The same ponderous wave laid me prostrate on the platform, and as my head + came in collision with the corner of a spar, for a time I lost all + consciousness. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0036" id="link2HCH0036"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XXXVI. + </h2> + <p> + DECEMBER 22nd.—Daylight came at length, and the sun broke through + and dispersed the clouds that the storm had left behind. The struggle of + the elements, while it lasted, had been terrific, but the swoon into which + I was thrown by my fall, prevented me from observing the final incidents + of the visitation. All that I know is, that shortly after we had shipped + the heavy sea that I have mentioned, a shower of rain had the effect of + calming the severity of the hurricane, and tended to diminish the electric + tension of the atmosphere. + </p> + <p> + Thanks to the kind care of M. Letourneur and Miss Herbey, I recovered + consciousness, but I believe that it is to Robert Curtis that I owe my + real deliverance, for he it was that prevented me from being carried away + by a second heavy wave. + </p> + <p> + The tempest, fierce as it was, did not last more than a few hours; but + even in that short space of time what an irreparable loss we have + sustained, and what a load of misery seems stored up for us in the future! + </p> + <p> + Of the two sailors who perished in the storm, one was Austin, a fine + active young man of about eight-and-twenty; the other was old O’Ready, the + survivor of so many ship wrecks. Our party is thus reduced to sixteen + souls, leaving a total barely exceeding half the number of those who + embarked on board the “Chancellor” at Charleston. + </p> + <p> + Curtis’s first care had been to take a strict account of the remnant of + our provisions. Of all the torrents of rain that fell in the night we were + unhappily unable to catch a single drop; but water will not fail us yet, + for about fourteen gallons still remain in the bottom of the broken + barrel, whilst the second barrel has not yet been touched. But of food we + have next to nothing. The cases containing the dried meat, and the fish + that we had preserved, have both been washed away, and all that now + remains to us is about sixty pounds of biscuit. Sixty pounds of biscuit + between sixteen persons! Eight days, with half a pound a day apiece, will + consume it all. + </p> + <p> + The day has passed away in silence. A general depression has fallen upon + all: the spectre of famine has appeared amongst us, and each has remained + wrapped in his own gloomy meditations, though each has doubtless but one + idea dominant in his mind. + </p> + <p> + Once, as I passed near the group of sailors lying on the fore part of the + raft, I heard Flaypole say with a sneer,— + </p> + <p> + “Those who are going to die had better make haste about it.” + </p> + <p> + “Yes,” said Owen, “leave their share of food to others.” + </p> + <p> + At the regular hour each person received his half-pound of biscuit. Some, + I noticed, swallowed it ravenously, others reserved it for another time. + Falsten divided his ration into several portions, corresponding, I + believe, to the number of meals to which he was ordinarily accustomed. + What prudence he shows! If any one survives this misery, I think it will + be he. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0037" id="link2HCH0037"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XXXVII. + </h2> + <p> + DECEMBER 23rd to 30th—After the storm the wind settled back into its + old quarter, blowing pretty briskly from the north-east. As the breeze was + all in our favour it was important to make the most of it, and after + Dowlas had carefully readjusted the mast, the sail was once more hoisted, + and we were carried along at the rate of two or two and a half knots an + hour. A new rudder, formed of a spar and a good-sized plank, has been + fitted in the place of the one we lost, but with the wind in its present + quarter it is in little requisition. The platform of the raft has been + repaired, the disjointed planks have been closed by means of ropes and + wedges, and that portion of the parapet that was washed away has been + replaced, so that we are no longer wetted by the waves. In fact, nothing + has been left undone to insure the solidity of our raft, and to render it + capable of resisting the wear and tear of the wind and waves. But the + dangers of wind and waves are not those which we have most to dread. + </p> + <p> + Together with the unclouded sky came a return of the tropical heat, which + during the preceding days had caused us such serious inconvenience; + fortunately on the 23rd the excessive warmth was somewhat tempered by the + breeze, and as the tent was once again put up, we were able to find + shelter under it by turns. + </p> + <p> + But the want of food was beginning to tell upon us sadly, and our sunken + cheeks and wasted forms were visible tokens of what we were enduring. With + most of us hunger seemed to attack the entire nervous system, and the + constriction of the stomach produced an acute sensation of pain. A + narcotic, such as opium or tobacco, might have availed to soothe, if not + to cure, the gnawing agony; but of sedatives we had none, so the pain must + be endured. + </p> + <p> + One alone there was amongst us who did not feel the pangs of hunger. + Lieutenant Walter seemed as it were to feed upon the fever that raged + within him; but then he was the victim of the most torturing thirst, Miss + Herbey, besides reserving for him a portion of her own insufficient + allowance, obtained from the captain a small extra supply of water, with + which every quarter of an hour she moistened the parched lips of the young + man, who almost too weak to speak, could only express his thanks by a + grateful smile. Poor fellow! all our care cannot avail to save him now; he + is doomed, most surely doomed to die. + </p> + <p> + On the 23rd he seemed to be conscious of his condition, for he made a sign + to me to sit down by his side, and then summoning up all his strength to + speak, he asked me in a few broken words how long I thought he had to + live? Slight as my hesitation was, Walter noticed it immediately. + </p> + <p> + “The truth,” he said; “tell me the plain truth.” + </p> + <p> + “My dear fellow, I am not a doctor, you know,” I began, “and I can + scarcely judge—” + </p> + <p> + “Never mind,” he interrupted, “tell me just what you think.” + </p> + <p> + I looked at him attentively for some moments, then laid my ear against his + chest. In the last few days his malady had made fearfully rapid strides, + and it was only too evident that one lung had already ceased to act, + whilst the other was scarcely capable of performing the work of + respiration. The young man was now suffering from the fever which is the + sure symptom of the approaching end in all tuberculous complaints. + </p> + <p> + The lieutenant kept his eye fixed upon me with a look of eager inquiry. I + knew not what to say, and sought to evade his question. + </p> + <p> + “My dear boy,” I said, “in our present circumstances not one of us can + tell how long he has to live. Not one of us knows what may happen in the + course of the next eight days.” + </p> + <p> + “The next eight days,” he murmured, as he looked eagerly into my face. + </p> + <p> + And then, turning away his head, he seemed to fall into a sort of doze. + </p> + <p> + The 24th, 25th, and 26th passed without any alteration in our + circumstances, and strange, nay, incredible as it may sound, we began to + get accustomed to our condition of starvation. Often, when reading the + histories of shipwrecks, I have suspected the accounts to be greatly + exaggerated; but now I fully realize their truth, and marvel when I find + on how little nutriment it is possible to exist for so long a time. To our + daily half-pound of biscuit the captain has thought to add a few drops of + brandy, and the stimulant helps considerably to sustain our strength. If + we had the same provisions for two months, or even for one, there might be + room for hope; but our supplies diminish rapidly, and the time is fast + approaching when of food and drink there will be none. + </p> + <p> + The sea had furnished us with food once, and, difficult as the task of + fishing had now become, at all hazards the attempt must be made again. + Accordingly the carpenter and the boatswain set to work and made lines out + of some untwisted hemp, to which they fixed some nails that they pulled + out of the flooring of the raft, and bent into proper shape. The boatswain + regarded his device with evident satisfaction. + </p> + <p> + “I don’t mean to say,” said he to me, “that these nails are first-rate + fish-hooks; but one thing I do know, and that is, with proper bait they + will act as well as the best. But this biscuit is no good at all. Let me + but just get hold of one fish, and I shall know fast enough how to use it + to catch some more.” + </p> + <p> + And the true difficulty was how to catch the first fish. It was evident + that fish were not abundant in these waters, nevertheless the lines were + cast. But the biscuit with which they were baited dissolved at once in the + water, and we did not get a single bite. For two days the attempt was made + in vain, and as it only involved what seemed a lavish waste of our only + means of subsistence, it was given up in despair. + </p> + <p> + To-day, the 30th, as a last resource, the boatswain tried what a piece of + coloured rag might do by way of attracting some voracious fish, and having + obtained from Miss Herbey a little piece of the red shawl she wears, he + fastened it to his hook. But still no success; for when, after several + hours, he examined his lines, the crimson shred was still hanging intact + as he had fixed it. The man was quite discouraged at his failure. + </p> + <p> + “But there will be plenty of bait before long,” he said to me in a solemn + undertone. + </p> + <p> + “What do you mean?” said I, struck by his significant manner. + </p> + <p> + “You’ll know soon enough,” he answered. + </p> + <p> + What did he insinuate? The words, coming from a man usually so reserved, + have haunted me all night. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0038" id="link2HCH0038"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XXXVIII. + </h2> + <p> + JANUARY 1st to 5th.—More than three months had elapsed since we left + Charleston in the “Chancellor,” and for no less than twenty days had we + now been borne along on our raft at the mercy of the wind and waves. + Whether we were approaching the American coast, or whether we were + drifting farther and farther to sea, it was now impossible to determine, + for, in addition to the other disasters caused by the hurricane, the + captain’s instruments had been hopelessly smashed, and Curtis had no + longer any compass by which to direct his course, nor a sextant by which + he might make an observation. + </p> + <p> + Desperate, however, as our condition might be judged, hope did not + entirely abandon our hearts, and day after day, hour after hour were our + eyes strained towards the horizon, and many and many a time did our + imagination shape out the distant land. But ever and again the illusion + vanished; a cloud, a mist, perhaps even a wave, was all that had deceived + us; no land, no sail ever broke the grey line that united sea and sky, and + our raft remained the centre of the wide and dreary waste. + </p> + <p> + On the 1st of January we swallowed our last morsel of biscuit. The 1st of + January! New Year’s Day! What a rush of sorrowful recollections + overwhelmed our minds! Had we not always associated the opening of another + year with new hopes, new plans, and coming joys? And now, where were we? + Could we dare to look at one another, and breathe a new year’s greeting? + </p> + <p> + The boatswain approached me with a peculiar look on his countenance. + </p> + <p> + “You are surely not going to wish me a happy new year?” I said. + </p> + <p> + “No indeed, sir,” he replied, “I was only going to wish you well through + the first day of it; and that is pretty good assurance on my part, for we + have not another crumb to eat.” + </p> + <p> + True as it was, we scarcely realized the fact of there being actually + nothing until on the following morning the hour came round for the + distribution of the scanty ration, and then, indeed, the truth was forced + upon us in a new and startling light. Towards evening I was seized with + violent pains in the stomach, accompanied by a constant desire to yawn and + gape that was most distressing; but in a couple of hours the extreme agony + passed away, and on the 3rd I was surprised to find that I did not suffer + more. I felt, it is true, that there was some great void within myself, + but the sensation was quite as much moral as physical. My head was so + heavy that I could not hold it up; it was swimming with giddiness, as + though I were looking over a precipice. + </p> + <p> + My symptoms were not shared by all my companions, some of whom endured the + most frightful tortures. Dowlas and the boatswain especially, who were + naturally large eaters, uttered involuntary cries of agony, and were + obliged to gird themselves tightly with ropes to subdue the excruciating + pain that was gnawing their very vitals. + </p> + <p> + And this was only the second day of our misery! what would we not have + given for half, nay, for a quarter of the meagre ration which a few days + back we had deemed so inadequate to supply our wants, and which now, eked + out crumb by crumb, might, perhaps, serve for several days? In the streets + of a besieged city, dire as the distress may be, some gutter, some + rubbish-heap, some corner may yet be found that will furnish a dry bone or + a scrap of refuse that may for a moment allay the pangs of hunger; but + these bare planks, so many times washed clean by the relentless waves, + offer nothing to our eager search, and after every fragment of food that + the wind carried into their interstices has been scraped out devoured, our + resources are literally at an end. + </p> + <p> + The nights seem even longer than the days. Sleep, when it comes, brings no + relief; it is rather a feverish stupour, broken and disturbed by frightful + nightmares. Last night, however, overcome by fatigue, I managed to rest + for several hours. + </p> + <p> + At six o’clock this morning I was roused by the sound of angry voices, + and, starting up, I saw Owen and Jynxstrop, with Flaypole, Wilson, Burke, + and Sandon, standing in a threatening attitude. They had taken possession + of the carpenter’s tools, and now, armed with hatchets, chisels, and + hammers, they were preparing to attack the captain, the boatswain, and + Dowlas. I attached myself in a moment to Curtis’s party. Falsten followed + my example, and although our knives were the only weapons at our disposal, + we were ready to defend ourselves to the very last extremity. + </p> + <p> + Owen and his men advanced towards us. The miserable wretches were all + drunk, for during the night they had knocked a hole in the brandy-barrel, + and had recklessly swallowed its contents. What they wanted they scarcely + seemed to know, but Owen and Jynxstrop, not quite so much intoxicated as + the rest; seemed to be urging them on to massacre the captain and the + officers. + </p> + <p> + “Down with the captain! Overboard with Curtis! Owen shall take the + command!” they shouted from time to time in their drunken fury; and, armed + as they were, they appeared completely masters of the situation. + </p> + <p> + “Now, then, down with your arms!” said Curtis sternly, as he advanced to + meet them. + </p> + <p> + “Overboard with the captain!” howled Owen, as by word and gesture he urged + on his accomplices. + </p> + <p> + Curtis’ pushed aside the excited rascals, and, walking straight up to + Owen, asked him what he wanted. + </p> + <p> + “What do we want? Why, we want no more captains; we are all equals now.” + </p> + <p> + Poor stupid fool! as though misery and privation had not already reduced + us all to the same level. + </p> + <p> + “Owen,” said the captain once, again, “down with your arms!” + </p> + <p> + “Come on, all of you,” shouted Owen to his companions, without giving the + slightest heed to Curtis’s words. + </p> + <p> + A regular struggle ensued. Owen and Wilson attacked Curtis, who defended + himself with a piece of a spar; Burke and Flaypole rushed upon Falsten and + the boatswain, whilst I was left to confront the negro Jynxstrop, who + attempted to strike me with the hammer which he brandished in his hand. I + endeavoured to paralyze his movements by pinioning his arms, but the + rascal was my superior in muscular strength. After wrestling for a few + moments, I felt that he was getting the mastery over me when all of a + sudden he rolled over on to the platform, dragging me with him. Andre + Letourneur had caught hold of one of his legs, and thus saved my life. + Jynxstrop dropped his weapon in his fall; I seized it instantly, and was + about to cleave the fellow’s skull, when I was myself arrested by Andre’s + hand upon my arm. + </p> + <p> + By this time the mutineers had been driven back to the forepart of the + raft, and Curtis, who had managed to parry the blows which had been aimed + at him, had caught hold of a hatchet, with which he was preparing to + strike at Owen. But Owen made a sidelong movement to avoid the blow, and + the weapon caught Wilson full in the chest. The unfortunate man rolled + over the side of the raft and instantly disappeared. + </p> + <p> + “Save him! save him!” shouted the boatswain. + </p> + <p> + “It’s too late; he’s dead!” said Dowlas. + </p> + <p> + “Ah, well! he’ll do for—” began the boatswain; but he did not finish + his sentence. + </p> + <p> + Wilson’s death, however, put an end to the fray. Flaypole and Burke were + lying prostrate in a drunken stupour, and Jynxstrop was soon overpowered, + and lashed tightly to the foot of the mast. The carpenter and the + boatswain seized hold of Owen. + </p> + <p> + “Now then,” said Curtis, as he raised his blood-stained hatchet, “make + your peace with God, for you have not a moment to live.” + </p> + <p> + “Oh, you want to eat me, do you?” sneered Owen, with the most hardened + effrontery. + </p> + <p> + But the audacious reply saved his life; Curtis turned as pale as death, + the hatchet dropped from his hand, and he went and seated himself moodily + on the farthest corner of the raft. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0039" id="link2HCH0039"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XXXIX. + </h2> + <p> + JANUARY 5th and 6th.—The whole scene made a deep impression on our + minds, and Owen’s speech coming as a sort of climax, brought before us our + misery with a force that was well-nigh overwhelming. + </p> + <p> + As soon as I recovered my composure, I did not forget to thank Andre + Letourneur for the act of intervention that had saved my life. + </p> + <p> + “Do you thank me for that; Mr. Kazallon?” he said; “it has only served to + prolong your misery.” + </p> + <p> + “Never mind, M. Letourneur,” said Miss Herbey; “you did your duty.” + </p> + <p> + Enfeebled and emaciated as the young girl is, her sense of duty never + deserts her, and although her torn and bedraggled garments float + dejectedly about her body, she never utters a word of complaint, and never + loses courage. + </p> + <p> + “Mr. Kazallon,” she said to me, “do you think we are fated to die of + hunger?” + </p> + <p> + “Yes; Miss Herbey, I do,” I replied in a hard, cold tone. + </p> + <p> + “How long do you suppose we have to live?” she asked again. + </p> + <p> + “I cannot say; perhaps we shall linger on longer than we imagine.” + </p> + <p> + “The strongest constitutions suffer the most, do they not?” she said. + </p> + <p> + “Yes; but they have one consolation; they die the soonest;” I replied + coldly. + </p> + <p> + Had every spark of humanity died out of my breast that I thus brought the + girl face to face with the terrible truth without a word of hope or + comfort? The eyes of Andre and his father, dilated with hunger, were fixed + upon me, and I saw reproach and astonishment written in their faces. + </p> + <p> + Afterwards, when we were quite alone, Miss Herbey asked me if I would + grant her a favour. + </p> + <p> + “Certainly, Miss Herbey; anything you like to ask,” I replied; and this + time my manner was kinder and more genial. + </p> + <p> + “Mr. Kazallon,” she said, “I am weaker than you, and shall probably die + first. Promise me that, if I do, you will throw my body into the sea.” + </p> + <p> + “Oh, Miss Herbey,” I began, “it was very wrong of me to speak to you as I + did!” + </p> + <p> + “No, no,” she replied, half smiling; “you were quite right. But it is a + weakness of mine; I don’t mind what they do with me as long as I am alive, + but when I am dead—” she stopped and shuddered. “Oh, promise me that + you will throw me into, the sea!” + </p> + <p> + I gave her the melancholy promise, which she acknowledged by pressing my + hand feebly with her emaciated fingers. + </p> + <p> + Another night passed away. At times my sufferings were so intense that + cries of agony involuntarily escaped my lips; then I became calmer, and + sank into a kind of lethargy. When I awoke, I was surprised to find my + companions still alive. + </p> + <p> + The one of our party who seems to bear his privations the best is Hobart + the steward, a man with whom hitherto I have had very little to do. He is + small, with a fawning expression remarkable for its indecision, and has a + smile which is incessantly playing round his lips; he goes about with his + eyes half-closed, as though he wished to conceal his thoughts, and there + is something altogether false and hypocritical about his whole demeanour. + I cannot say that he bears his privations without a murmur, for he sighs + and moans incessantly; but, with it all, I cannot but think that there is + a want of genuineness in his manner, and that the privation has not really + told upon him as much as it has upon the rest of us. I have my suspicions + about the man, and intend to watch him carefully. To-day, the 6th, M. + Letourneur drew me aside to the stern of the raft, saying that he had a + secret to communicate, but that he wished neither to be seen nor heard + speaking to me. I withdrew with him to the larboard corner of the raft; + and, as it was growing dusk, nobody observed what we were doing. + </p> + <p> + “Mr. Kazallon,” M. Letourneur began in a low voice, “Andre is dying of + hunger: he is growing weaker and weaker, and oh! I cannot, will not see + him die!” + </p> + <p> + He spoke passionately, almost fiercely, and I fully understood his + feelings. Taking his hand, I tried to reassure him. + </p> + <p> + “We will not despair yet,” I said, “perhaps some passing ship—” + </p> + <p> + “Ship!” he cried impatiently, “don’t try to console me with empty + commonplaces; you know as well as I do that there is no chance of falling + in with a passing ship.” Then, breaking off suddenly, he asked,—“How + long is it since my son and all of you have had anything to eat?” + </p> + <p> + Astonished at his question, I replied that it was now four days since the + biscuit had failed. + </p> + <p> + “Four days,” he repeated; “well, then, it is eight since I have tasted + anything. I have been saving my share for my son.” + </p> + <p> + Tears rushed to my eyes; for a few moments I was unable to speak, and + could only once more grasp his hand in silence. + </p> + <p> + “What do you want me to do?” I asked at length. + </p> + <p> + “Hush! not so loud; some one will hear us,” he said, lowering his voice, + “I want you to offer it to Andre as though it came from yourself. He would + not accept it from me; he would think I had been depriving myself for him. + Let me implore you to do me this service and for your trouble,” and here + he gently stroked my hand, “for your trouble you shall have a morsel for + yourself.” + </p> + <p> + I trembled like a child as I listened to the poor father’s words, and my + heart was ready to burst when I felt a tiny piece of biscuit slipped into + my hand. + </p> + <p> + “Give it him,” M. Letourneur went on under his breath, “give it him; but + do not let any one see you; the monsters would murder you if they knew it. + This is only for to-day; I will give you some more to-morrow.” + </p> + <p> + The poor fellow did not trust me, and well he might not, for I had the + greatest difficulty to withstand the temptation to carry the biscuit to my + mouth, But I resisted the impulse, and those alone who have suffered like + me can know what the effort was. + </p> + <p> + Night came on with the rapidity peculiar to these low latitudes, and I + glided gently up to Andre and slipped the piece of biscuit into his hand + as “a present from myself.” The young man clutched at it eagerly. + </p> + <p> + “But my father?” he said inquiringly. + </p> + <p> + I assured him that his father and I had each had our share, and that he + must eat this now, and, perhaps, I should be able to bring him some more + another time. Andre asked no more questions, and eagerly devoured the + morsel of food. + </p> + <p> + So this evening at least, notwithstanding M. Letourneur’s offer, I have + tasted nothing. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0040" id="link2HCH0040"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XL. + </h2> + <p> + JANUARY 7th.—During the last few days since the wind has freshened, + the salt water constantly dashing over the raft has terribly punished the + feet and legs of some of the sailors. Owen, whom the boatswain ever since + the revolt kept bound to the mast, is in a deplorable state, and at our + request has been released from his restraint. Sandon and Burke are also + suffering from the severe smarting caused in this way, and it is only + owing to our more sheltered position on the aft-part of the raft, that we + have not; all shared the same inconvenience. + </p> + <p> + Today the boatswain, maddened by starvation, laid hands upon everything + that met his voracious eyes, and I could hear the grating of his teeth as + he gnawed at fragments of sails and bits of wood, instinctively + endeavouring to fill his stomach by putting the mucus’ into circulation at + length, by dint of an eager search, he came upon a piece of leather + hanging to one of the spars that supported the platform. He snatched it + off and devoured it greedily, and as it was animal matter, it really + seemed as though the absorption of the substance afforded him some + temporary relief. Instantly we all followed his example; a leather hat, + the rims of caps, in short, anything that contained any animal matter at + all, were gnawed and sucked with the utmost avidity. Never shall I forget + the scene. We were no longer human, the impulses and instincts of brute + beasts seemed to actuate our every movement. + </p> + <p> + For a moment the pangs of hunger were somewhat allayed; but some of us + revolted against the loathsome food, and were seized either with violent + nausea or absolute sickness. I must be pardoned for giving these + distressing details, but how otherwise can I depict the misery, moral and + physical, which we are enduring? And with it all, I dare not venture to + hope that we have reached the climax of our sufferings. + </p> + <p> + The conduct of Hobart during the scene that I have just described has only + served to confirm my previous suspicions of him. He took no part in the + almost fiendish energy with which we gnawed at our scraps of leather, and + although by his conduct and perpetual groanings, he might be considered to + be dying of inanition, yet to me he has the appearance of being singularly + exempt from the tortures which we are all enduring. But whether the + hypocrite is being sustained, by some secret store of food, I have been + unable to discover. + </p> + <p> + Whenever the breeze drops the heat is overpowering; but although our + allowance of water is very meagre, at present the pangs of hunger far + exceed the pain of thirst. It has often been remarked that extreme thirst + is far less endurable than extreme hunger. Is it possible that still + greater agonies are in store for us? I cannot, dare not, believe it. + Fortunately, the broken barrel still contains a few pints of water, and + the other one has not yet been opened. But I am glad to say that + notwithstanding our diminished numbers, and in spite of some opposition, + the captain has thought right to reduce the daily allowance to half a pint + for each person. As for the brandy, of which there is only a quart now + left, it has been stowed away safely in the stern of the raft. + </p> + <p> + This evening has ended the sufferings of another of our companions, making + our number now only fourteen. My attentions and Miss Herbey’s nursing + could do nothing for Lieutenant Walter, and about half-past seven he + expired in my arms. + </p> + <p> + Before he died, in a few broken words he thanked Miss Herbey and myself + for the kindness we had shown him. A crumpled letter fell from his hand, + and in a voice that was scarcely audible from weakness, he said,— + </p> + <p> + “It is my mother’s letter: the last I had from her—she was expecting + me home; but she will never see me more. Oh, put it to my lips—let + me kiss it before I die. Mother! mother! Oh my God!” + </p> + <p> + I placed the letter in his cold hand, and raised it to his lips; his eye + lighted for a moment; we heard the faint sound of a kiss, and all was + over! + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0041" id="link2HCH0041"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XLI. + </h2> + <p> + JANUARY 8th.—All night I remained by the side of the poor fellow’s + corpse, and several times Miss Herbey joined me in my mournful watch. + </p> + <p> + Before daylight dawned the body was quite cold, and as I knew there must + be no delay in throwing it overboard, I asked Curtis to assist me in the + sad office. The body was frightfully emaciated, and I had every hope that + it would not float. + </p> + <p> + As soon as it was quite light, taking every precaution that no one should + see what we were about, Curtis and I proceeded to our melancholy task. We + took a few articles from the lieutenant’s pockets, which we purposed, if + either of us should survive, to remit to his mother. But as we wrapped him + in his tattered garments that would have to suffice for his winding-sheet, + I started back with a thrill of horror. The right foot had gone, leaving + the leg a bleeding stump! + </p> + <p> + No doubt that, overcome by fatigue, I must have fallen asleep for an + interval during the night, and some one had taken advantage of my slumber + to mutilate the corpse. But who could have been guilty of so foul a deed! + Curtis looked around with anger flashing In his eye; but all seemed as + usual, and the silence was only broken by a few groans of agony. + </p> + <p> + But there was no time to be lost; perhaps we were already observed, and + more horrible scenes might be likely to occur. Curtis said a few short + prayers, and we cast the body into the sea. It sank immediately. + </p> + <p> + “They are feeding the sharks well, and no mistake,” said a voice behind + me. + </p> + <p> + I turned round quickly, and found that it was Jynxstrop who had spoken. + </p> + <p> + As the boatswain now approached, I asked him whether he thought it + possible that any of the wretched men could have taken the dead man’s + foot. + </p> + <p> + “Oh yes, I dare say,” he replied, in a significant tone “and perhaps they + thought they were right.” + </p> + <p> + “Right! what do you mean?” I exclaimed. + </p> + <p> + “Well, sir,” he said coldly, “isn’t it better to eat a dead man than a + living one?” + </p> + <p> + I was at a loss to comprehend him, and, turning away, laid myself down at + the end of the raft. + </p> + <p> + Towards eleven o’clock, a most suspicious incident occurred. The + boatswain, who had cast his lines early in the morning, caught three large + cod, each more than thirty inches long, of the species which, when dried, + is known by the name of stock-fish. Scarcely had he hauled them on board, + when the sailors made a dash at them, and it was with the utmost + difficulty that Curtis, Falsten, and myself could restore order, so that + we might divide the fish into equal portions. Three cod were not much + amongst fourteen starving persons, but, small as the quantity was, it was + allotted in strictly equal shares. Most of us devoured the food raw, + almost I might say, alive; only Curtis, Andre and Miss Herbey having the + patience to wait until their allowance had been boiled at a fire which + they made with a few scraps of wood. For myself, I confess that I + swallowed my portion of fish just as it was,—raw and bleeding. M. + Letourneur followed my example; the poor man devoured his food like a + famished wolf, and it is only a wonder to me how, after his lengthened + fast, he came to be alive at all. + </p> + <p> + The boatswain’s delight at his success was, excessive, and amounted almost + to delirium. I went up to him, and encouraged him to repeat his attempt. + </p> + <p> + “Oh, yes,” he said; “I’ll try again. I’ll try again.” + </p> + <p> + “And why not try at once,” I asked. + </p> + <p> + “Not now,” he said evasively; “the night is the best time for catching + large fish. Besides, I must manage to get some bait, for we have been + improvident enough not to save a single scrap.” + </p> + <p> + “But you have succeeded once without bait; why may you not succeed again?” + </p> + <p> + “Oh! I had some very good bait last night,” he said. I stared at him in + amazement. He steadily returned my gaze, but said nothing. + </p> + <p> + “Have you none left?” at last I asked. + </p> + <p> + “Yes!” he almost whispered and left me without another word. + </p> + <p> + Our meal, meagre as it had been, served to rally our shattered energies; + our hopes were slightly raised; there was no reason why the boatswain + should not have the same good luck again. + </p> + <p> + One evidence of the degree to which our spirits were revived was that our + minds were no longer fixed upon the miserable present and hopeless future, + but we began to recall and discuss the past; and M. Letourneur, Andre Mr. + Falsten, and I held a long conversation with the captain about the various + incidents of our eventful voyage, speaking of our lost companions, of the + fire, of the stranding of the ship, of our sojourn on Ham Rock, of the + springing of the leak, of our terrible voyage in the top-masts, of the + construction of the raft, and of the storm. All these things seemed to + have happened so long ago, and yet we were living still. Living, did I + say? Ay, if such an existence as ours could be called a life, fourteen of + us were living still. Who would be the next to go? We should then be + thirteen. + </p> + <p> + “An unlucky number!” said Andre with a mournful smile. + </p> + <p> + During the night the boatswain cast his lines from the stern of the raft, + and, unwilling to trust them to any one else, remained watching them + himself. In the morning I went to ascertain what success had attended his + patience. It was scarcely light, and with eager eyes he was peering down + into the water. He had neither seen nor heard me coming. + </p> + <p> + “Well, boatswain!” I said, touching him on the shoulder. + </p> + <p> + He turned round quickly. + </p> + <p> + “Those villainous sharks have eaten every morsel of my bait,” he said, in + a desponding voice. + </p> + <p> + “And you have no more left?” I asked. + </p> + <p> + “No more,” he said. Then grasping my arm he added, “and that only shows me + that it is no good doing things by halves.” + </p> + <p> + The truth flashed upon me at once, and I laid my hand upon his mouth. Poor + Walter! + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0042" id="link2HCH0042"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XLII. + </h2> + <p> + JANUARY 9th and 10th.—On the 9th the wind dropped, and there was a + dead calm; not a ripple disturbed the surface of the long undulations as + they rose and fell beneath us; and if it were not for the slight current + which is carrying us we know not whither, the raft would be absolutely + stationary. + </p> + <p> + The heat was intolerable; our thirst more intolerable still; and now it + was that for the first time I fully realized how the insufficiency of + drink could cause torture more unendurable than the pangs of hunger. + Mouth, throat, pharynx, all alike were parched and dry, every gland + becoming hard as horn under the action of the hot air we breathed. At my + urgent solicitation the captain was for once induced to double our + allowance of water; and this relaxation of the ordinary rule enabled us to + attempt to slake our thirst four times in the day, instead of only twice. + I use the word “attempt” advisedly; for the water at the bottom of the + barrel, though kept covered by a sail, became so warm that it was + perfectly flat and unrefreshing. + </p> + <p> + It was a most trying day, and the sailors relapsed into a condition of + deep despondency. The moon was nearly full, but when she rose the breeze + did not return. Continuance of high temperature in daytime is a sure proof + that we have been carried far to the south, and here, on this illimitable + ocean, we have long ceased even to look for land; it might almost seem as + though this globe of ours had veritably become a liquid sphere! + </p> + <p> + To-day we are still becalmed, and the temperature is as high as ever. The + air is heated like a furnace, and the sun scorches like fire. The torments + of famine are all forgotten: our thoughts are concentrated with fevered + expectation upon the longed-for moment when Curtis shall dole out the + scanty measure of lukewarm water that makes up our ration. O for one good + draught, even if it should exhaust the whole supply! At least, it seems as + if we then could die in peace! + </p> + <p> + About noon we were startled by sharp cries of agony, and looking round I + saw Owen writhing in the most horrible convulsions. I went towards him, + for, detestable as his conduct had been, common humanity prompted me to + see whether I could afford him any relief. But before I reached him, a + shout from Flaypole arrested my attention. + </p> + <p> + The man was up in the mast, and with great excitement pointing to the + east. + </p> + <p> + “A ship! A ship!” he cried. + </p> + <p> + In an instant all were on their feet. Even Owen stopped his cries and + stood erect. It was quite true that in the direction indicated by Flaypole + there was a white speck visible upon the horizon. But did it move? Would + the sailors with their keen vision pronounce it to be a sail? A silence + the most profound fell upon us all. I glanced at Curtis as he stood with + folded arms intently gazing at the distant point. His brow was furrowed, + and he contracted every feature, as with half-closed eyes, he concentrated + his power of vision upon that one faint spot in the far-off horizon. + </p> + <p> + But at length he dropped his arms and shook his head. I looked again, but + the spot was no longer there. If it were a ship, that ship had + disappeared; but probably it had been a mere reflection, or, more likely + still, only the crest of some curling wave. + </p> + <p> + A deep dejection followed this phantom ray of hope. All returned to their + accustomed places. Curtis alone remained motionless, but his eye no longer + scanned the distant view. + </p> + <p> + Owen now began to shriek more wildly than ever. He presented truly a most + melancholy sight; he writhed with the most hideous contortions, and had + all the appearance of suffering from tetanus. His throat was contracted by + repeated spasms, his tongue was parched, his body swollen, and his pulse, + though feeble, was rapid and irregular. The poor wretch’s symptoms were + precisely such as to lead us to suspect that he had taken some corrosive + poison. Of course it was quite out of our power to administer any + antidote; all that we could devise was to make him swallow something that + might act as an emetic. I asked Curtis for a little of the lukewarm water. + As the contents of the broken barrel were now exhausted, the captain, in + order to comply with my request, was about to tap the other barrel, when + Owen started suddenly to his knees, and with a wild, unearthly shriek, + exclaimed,— + </p> + <p> + “No! no! no! of that water I will not touch a drop.” + </p> + <p> + I supposed he did not understand what we were going to do, and endeavoured + to explain; but all in vain; he persisted in refusing to taste the water + in the second barrel. I then tried to induce vomiting by tickling his + uvula, and he brought off some bluish secretion from his stomach, the + character of which confirmed our previous suspicions—that he had + been poisoned by oxide of copper. We now felt convinced that any efforts + on our part to save him would be of no avail. The vomiting, however, had + for the time relieved him, and he was able to speak. + </p> + <p> + Curtis and I both implored him to let us know what he had taken to bring + about consequences so serious. His reply fell upon us as a startling blow. + </p> + <p> + The ill fated wretch had stolen several pints of water from the barrel + that had been untouched, and that water had poisoned him! + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0043" id="link2HCH0043"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XLIII. + </h2> + <p> + JANUARY 11th to 14th.—Owen’s convulsions returned with increased + violence, and in the course of the night he expired in terrible agony. His + body was thrown overboard almost directly; it had decomposed so rapidly + that the flesh had not even consistency enough for any fragments of it to + be reserved for the boatswain to use to bait his lines. A plague the man + had been to us in his life; in his death he was now of no service! + </p> + <p> + And now, perhaps, still more than ever, did the horror of our situation + stare us in the face. There was no doubt that the poisoned barrel had at + some time or other contained copperas; but what strange fatality had + converted it into a water-cask, or what fatality, stranger still, had + caused it to be brought on board the raft, was a problem that none could + solve. Little, however, did it matter now: the fact was evident; the + barrel was poisoned, and of water we had not a drop. + </p> + <p> + One and all, we fell into the gloomiest silence. We were too irritable to + bear the sound of each other’s voices; and it did not require a word, a + mere look or gesture was enough, to provoke us to anger that was little + short of madness. How it was that we did not all become raving maniacs, I + cannot tell. + </p> + <p> + Throughout the 12th no drain of moisture crossed our lips, and not a cloud + arose to warrant the expectation of a passing shower; in the shade, if + shade it might be called, the thermometer would have registered at least + 100deg., and, perhaps, considerably more. + </p> + <p> + No change next day. The salt water began to chafe my legs, but although + the smarting was at times severe, it was an inconvenience to which I gave + little heed; others who had suffered from the same trouble had become no + worse. Oh! if this water that surrounds us could be reduced to vapour or + to ice! its particles of salt extracted, it would be available for drink. + But no! we have no appliances, and we must suffer on. + </p> + <p> + At the risk of being devoured by the sharks, the boatswain and two sailors + took a morning bath, and as their plunge seemed to refresh them, I and + three of my companions resolved to follow their example. We had never + learnt to swim, and had to be fastened to the end of a rope and lowered + into the water; while Curtis during the half-hour of our bath, kept a + sharp look-out to give warning of any danger from approaching sharks. No + recommendation, however, on our part, nor any representation of the + benefit we felt we had derived, could induce Miss Herbey to allay her + sufferings in the same way. + </p> + <p> + At about eleven o’clock, the captain came up to me, and whispered in my + ear,— + </p> + <p> + “Don’t say a word, Mr. Kazallon; I do not want to raise false hopes, but I + think I see a ship.” + </p> + <p> + It was as well that the captain had warned me; otherwise, I should have + raised an involuntary shout of joy; as it was, I had the greatest + difficulty in restraining my expressions of delight. + </p> + <p> + “Look behind to larboard,” he continued in an undertone. + </p> + <p> + Affecting an indifference which I was far from feeling, I cast an anxious + glance to that quarter of the horizon of which he spoke, and there, + although mine is not a nautical eye, I could plainly distinguish the + outline of a ship under sail. + </p> + <p> + Almost at the same moment the boatswain who happened to be looking in the + same direction, raised the cry, “Ship ahoy!” + </p> + <p> + Whether it was that no one believed it, or whether all energies were + exhausted, certain it is that the announcement produced none of the + effects that might have been expected. Not a soul exhibited the slightest + emotion, and it was only when the boatswain had several times sung out his + tidings that all eyes turned to the horizon. There, most undeniably, was + the ship, and the question rose at once to the minds of all, and to the + lips of many, “Would she see us?” + </p> + <p> + The sailors immediately began discussing the build of the vessel, and made + all sorts of conjectures as to the direction she was taking. Curtis was + far more deliberate in his judgment. After examining her attentively for + some time, he said, “She is a brig running close upon the wind, on the + starboard tack, If she keeps her course for a couple of hours, she will + come right athwart our track.” + </p> + <p> + A couple of hours! The words sounded to our ears like a couple of + centuries. The ship might change her course at any moment; closely trimmed + as she was, it was very probable that she was only tacking about to catch + the wind, in which case, as soon as she felt a breeze, she would resume + her larboard tack and make away again. On the other hand, if she were + really sailing with the wind, she would come nearer to us, and there would + be good ground for hope. + </p> + <p> + Meantime, no exertion must be spared, and no means left untried, to make + our position known. The brig was about twelve miles to the east of us, so + that it was out of the question to think of any cries of ours being + overheard; but Curtis gave directions that every possible signal should be + made. We had no fire-arms by which we could attract attention, and nothing + else occurred to us beyond hoisting a flag of distress. Miss Herbey’s red + shawl, as being of a colour most distinguishable against the background of + sea and sky, was run up to the mast-head, and was caught by the light + breeze that just then was ruffling the surface of the water. As a drowning + man clutches at a straw, so our hearts bounded with hope every time that + our poor flag fluttered in the wind. + </p> + <p> + For an hour our feelings alternated between hope and despair. The ship was + evidently making her way in the direction of the raft, but every now and + then she seemed to stop, and then our hearts would almost stand still with + agony lest she was going to put about. She carried all her canvas, even to + her royals and stay-sails, but her hull was only partially visible above + the horizon. + </p> + <p> + How slowly she advanced! The breeze was very, very feeble, and perhaps + soon it would drop altogether! We felt that we would give years of our + life to know the result of the coming hour! + </p> + <p> + At half-past twelve the captain and the boatswain considered that the brig + was about nine miles away; she had, therefore, gained only three miles in + an hour and a half, and it was doubtful whether the light breeze that had + been passing over our heads had reached her at all. I fancied, too, that + her sails were no longer filled, but were hanging loose against her masts. + Turning to the direction of the wind I tried to make out some chance of a + rising breeze; but no, the waves were calm and torpid, and the little puff + of air that had aroused our hopes had died away across the sea. + </p> + <p> + I stood aft with M. Letourneur, Andre and Miss Herbey, and our glances + perpetually wandered from the distant ship to our captain’s face. Curtis + stood leaning against the mast, with the boatswain by his side; their eyes + seemed never for a moment to cease to watch the brig, but their + countenances clearly expressed the varying emotions that passed through + their minds. Not a word was uttered, nor was the silence broken, until the + carpenter exclaimed, in accents of despair,— + </p> + <p> + “She’s putting about!” + </p> + <p> + All started up: some to their knees, others to their feet, The boatswain + dropped a frightful oath. The ship was still nine miles away, and at such + a distance it was impossible for our signal to be seen; our tiny raft, a + mere speck upon the waters, would be lost in the intense irradiation of + the sunbeams. If only we could be seen, no doubt all would be well; no + captain would have the barbarous inhumanity to leave us to our fate; but + there had been no chance; only too well we knew that we had not been + within the range of sight. + </p> + <p> + “My friends,” said Curtis, “we must make a fire; it is our last and only + chance.” + </p> + <p> + Some planks were quickly loosened and thrown into a heap upon the fore + part of the raft. They were damp and troublesome to light; but the very + dampness made the smoke more dense, and ere long a tall column of dusky + fumes was rising straight upwards in the air. If darkness should come on + before the brig was completely out of view, the flames we hoped might + still be visible. But the hours passed on; the fire died out; and yet no + signs of help. + </p> + <p> + The temper of resignation now deserted me entirely; faith, hope, + confidence—all vanished from my mind, and like the boatswain, I + swore long and loudly. A gentle hand was laid upon my arm, and turning + round I saw Miss Herbey with her finger pointing to the sky. I could stand + it no longer, but gliding underneath the tent I hid my face in my hands + and wept aloud. + </p> + <p> + Meanwhile the brig had altered her tack, and was moving slowly to the + east. Three hours later and the keenest eye could not have discerned her + top-sails above the horizon. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0044" id="link2HCH0044"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XLIV. + </h2> + <p> + JANUARY 15th.—After this further shattering of our excited hopes + death alone now stares us in the face; slow and lingering as that death + may be, sooner or later it must inevitably come. + </p> + <p> + To-day some clouds that rose in the west have brought us a few puffs of + wind; and in spite of our prostration, we appreciate the moderation, + slight as it is, in the temperature. To my parched throat the air seemed a + little less trying but it is now seven days since the boatswain took his + haul of fish, and during that period we have eaten nothing even Andre + Letourneur finished yesterday the last morsel of the biscuit which his + sorrowful and self-denying father had entrusted to my charge. + </p> + <p> + Jynxstrop the negro has broken loose from his confinement, but Curtis has + taken no measures for putting him again under restraint. It is not to be + apprehended that the miserable fellow and his accomplices, weakened as + they are by their protracted fast, will attempt to do us any mischief now. + </p> + <p> + Some huge sharks made their appearance to-day, cleaving the water rapidly + with their great black fins. The monsters came close up to the edge of the + raft, and Flaypole, who was leaning over, narrowly escaped having his arm + snapped off by one of them. I could not help regarding them as living + sepulchres, which ere long might swallow up our miserable carcasses; yet, + withal, I profess that my feelings were rather those of fascination than + of horror. + </p> + <p> + The boatswain, who stood with clenched teeth and dilated eye, regarded + these sharks from quite another point of view. He thought about devouring + the sharks, not about the sharks devouring him; and if he could succeed in + catching one, I doubt if one of us would reject the tough and untempting + flesh. He determined to make the attempt, and as he had no whirl which he + could fasten to his rope he set to work to find something that might serve + as a substitute. Curtis and Dowlas were consulted, and after a short + conversation, during which they kept throwing bits of rope and spars into + the water in order to entice the sharks to remain by the raft, Dowlas went + and fetched his carpenter’s tool, which is at once a hatchet and a hammer. + Of this he proposed to make the whirl of which they were in need, under + the hope that either the sharp edge of the adze or the pointed extremity + opposite would stick firmly into the jaws of any shark that might swallow + it. The wooden handle of the hammer was secured to the rope, which, in its + turn, was tightly fastened to the raft. + </p> + <p> + With eager, almost breathless, excitement we stood watching the + preparations, at the same time using every means in our power to attract + the attention of the sharks. As soon as the whirl was ready the boatswain + began to think about bait; and, talking rapidly to himself, ransacked + every corner of the raft, as though he expected to find some dead body + coming opportunely to sight. But his search ended in nothing; and the only + plan that suggested itself was again to have recourse to Miss Herbey’s red + shawl, of which a fragment was wrapped round the head of the hammer. After + testing the strength of his line, and reassuring-himself that it was + fastened firmly both to the hammer and to the raft, the boatswain lowered + it into the water. + </p> + <p> + The sea was quite transparent, and any object was clearly visible to a + depth of two hundred feet below the surface. Leaning over the low parapet + of the raft we looked on in breathless silence, as the scarlet rag, + distinct as it was against the blue mass of water, made its slow descent. + But one by one the sharks seemed to disappear, They could not, however, + have gone far away, and it was not likely that anything in the shape of + bait dropped near them would long escape their keen voracity. + </p> + <p> + Suddenly, without speaking, the boatswain raised his hand and pointed to a + dark mass skimming along the surface of the water, and making straight in + our direction. It was a shark, certainly not less than twelve feet long. + As soon as the creature was about four fathoms from the raft, the + boatswain gently drew in his line until the whirl was in such a position + that the shark must cross right over it; at the same time he shook the + line a little, that he might give the whirl the appearance, if he could, + of being something alive and moving. As the creature came near, my heart + beat violently; I could see its eyes flashing above the waves; and its + gaping jaws, as it turned half over on its back, exhibited long rows of + pointed teeth. + </p> + <p> + I know not who it was, but some one at that moment uttered an involuntary + cry of horror. The shark came to a standstill, turned about, and escaped + quite out of sight. The boatswain was pale with anger. + </p> + <p> + “The first man who speaks,” he said, “I will kill him on the spot.” + </p> + <p> + Again he applied himself to his task. The whirl again was lowered, this + time to the depth of twenty fathoms, but for half an hour or more not a + shark could be distinguished; but as the waters far below seemed somehow + to be troubled I could not help believing that some of the brutes at least + were still there. + </p> + <p> + All at once, with a violent jerk, the cord was wrested from the + boatswain’s hands; firmly attached, however, as it was to the raft, it was + not lost. The bait had been seized by a shark, and the iron had made good + its hold upon the creature’s flesh. + </p> + <p> + “Now, then, my lads,” cried the boatswain, “haul away!” + </p> + <p> + Passengers and sailors, one and all, put forth what strength they had to + drag the rope, but so violent were the creature’s struggles that it + required all our efforts (and it is needless to say that they were willing + enough) to bring it to the surface, At length, after exertions that almost + exhausted us, the water became agitated by the violent flappings of the + tail and fins; and looking down I saw the huge carcase of the shark + writhing convulsively amidst waves that were stained with blood. + </p> + <p> + “Steady! steady!” said the boatswain, as the head appeared above. + </p> + <p> + The whirl had passed right through the jaw into the middle of the throat; + so that no struggle on the part of the animal could possibly release it. + Dowlas seized his hatchet, ready to despatch the brute the moment if + should be landed on the raft. A short sharp snap was heard. The shark had + closed its jaws, and bitten through the wooden handle of the hammer. + Another moment and it had turned round and was completely gone. + </p> + <p> + A howl of despair burst from all our lips. All the labour and the + patience, all had been in vain. Dowlas made a few more unsuccessful + attempts, but as the whirl was lost, and they had no means of replacing + it, there was no further room for hope. They did, indeed, lower some cords + twisted into running knots, but (as might have been expected) these only + slipped over, without holding, the slimy bodies of the sharks. As a last + resource the boatswain allowed his naked leg to hang over the side of the + raft; the monsters, however, were proof even against this attraction. + </p> + <p> + Reduced once again to a gloomy despondency, all turned to their places, to + await the end that cannot now be long deferred. + </p> + <p> + Just as I moved away I heard the boatswain say to Curtis,— + </p> + <p> + “Captain, when shall we draw lots?” + </p> + <p> + The captain made no reply. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0045" id="link2HCH0045"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XLV. + </h2> + <p> + JANUARY 16th.—If the crew of any passing vessel had caught sight of + us as we lay still and inanimate upon our sail-cloth, they would scarcely, + at first sight, have hesitated to pronounce us dead. + </p> + <p> + My sufferings were terrible; tongue, lips, and throat were so parched and + swollen that if food had been at hand I question whether I could have + swallowed it. So exasperated were the feelings of us all, however, that we + glanced at each other with looks as savage as though we were about to + slaughter and without delay eat up one another. + </p> + <p> + The heat was aggravated by the atmosphere being somewhat stormy. Heavy + vapours gathered on the horizon, and there was a look as if it were + raining all around. Longing eyes and gasping mouths turned involuntarily + towards the clouds, and M. Letourneur, on bended knee, was raising his + hands, as it might be in supplication to the relentless skies. + </p> + <p> + It was eleven o’clock in the morning. I listened for distant rumblings + which might announce an approaching storm, but although the vapours had + obstructed the sun’s rays, they no longer presented the appearance of + being charged with electricity. Thus our prognostications ended in + disappointment; the clouds, which in the early morning had been marked by + the distinctness of their outline, had melted one into another and assumed + an uniform dull grey tint; in fact, we were enveloped in an ordinary fog. + But was it not still possible that this fog might turn to rain? + </p> + <p> + Happily this hope was destined to be realized; for in a very short time, + Dowlas, with a shout of delight, declared that rain was actually coming; + and sure enough, not half a mile from the raft, the dark parallel streaks + against the sky testified that there at least the rain was falling. I + fancied I could see the drops rebounding from the surface of the water. + The wind was fresh and bringing the cloud right on towards us, yet we + could not suppress our trepidation lest it; should exhaust itself before + it reached us. + </p> + <p> + But no: very soon large heavy drops began to fall, and the storm-cloud, + passing over our heads, was outpouring its contents upon us. The shower, + however, was very transient; already a bright streak of light along the + horizon marked the limit of the cloud and warned us that we must be quick + to make the most of what it had to give us. Curtis had placed the broken + barrel in the position that was most exposed, and every sail was spread + out to the fullest extent our dimensions would allow. + </p> + <p> + We all laid ourselves down flat upon our backs and kept our mouths wide + open. The rain splashed into my face, wetted my lips, and trickled down my + throat. Never can I describe the ecstasy with which I imbibed that + renovating moisture. The parched and swollen glands relaxed, I breathed + afresh, and my whole being seemed revived with a strange and requickened + life. + </p> + <p> + The rain lasted about twenty minutes, when the cloud, still only half + exhausted, passed quite away from over us. + </p> + <p> + We grasped each other’s hands as we rose from the platform on which we had + been lying, and mutual congratulations, mingled with gratitude, poured + forth from our long silent lips. Hope, however evanescent it might be, for + the moment had returned, and we yielded to the expectation that, ere long, + other and more abundant clouds might come and replenish our store. + </p> + <p> + The next consideration was how to preserve and economize what little had + been collected by the barrel, or imbibed by the outspread sails. It was + found that only a few pints of rain-water had fallen into the barrel to + this small quantity the sailors were about to add what they could by + wringing out the saturated sails, when Curtis made them desist from their + intention. + </p> + <p> + “Stop, stop!” he said, “we must wait a moment; we must see whether this + water from the sails is drinkable.” + </p> + <p> + I looked at him in amazement. Why should not this be as drinkable as the + other? He squeezed a few drops out of one of the folds of a sail into the + tin pot, and put it to his lips. To my surprise, he rejected it + immediately, and upon tasting it for myself I found it not merely + brackish, but briny as the sea itself. The fact was that the canvas had + been so long exposed to the action of the waves, that it had become + thoroughly impregnated by salt, which of course was taken up again by the + water that fell upon it. Disappointed we were; but with several pints of + water in our possession, we were not only contented for the present, but + sanguine in our prospect for the future. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0046" id="link2HCH0046"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XLVI. + </h2> + <p> + JANUARY 17th.—As a natural consequence of the alleviation of our + thirst, the pangs of hunger returned more violently than ever. Although we + had no bait, and even if we had we could not use it for want of a whirl, + we could not help asking whether no possible means could be devised for + securing one out of the many sharks that were still perpetually swarming + about the raft. Armed with knives, like the Indians in the pearl + fisheries, was it not practicable to attack the monsters in their own + element? Curtis expressed his willingness personally to make the attempt, + but so numerous were the sharks that we would not for one moment hear of + his risking his life in a venture of which the danger was as great as the + success was doubtful. + </p> + <p> + By plunging into the sea, or by gnawing at a piece of metal, we could + always, or at least often, do something that cheated us into believing + that we were mitigating the pains of thirst; but with hunger it was + different. The prospect, too, of rain seemed hopeful, whilst for getting + food there appeared no chance; and, as we knew that nothing could + compensate for the lack of nutritive matter, we were soon all cast down + again. Shocking to confess, it would be untrue to deny that we surveyed + each other with the eye of an eager longing; and I need hardly explain to + what a degree of savageness the one idea that haunted us had reduced our + feelings. + </p> + <p> + Ever since the storm-cloud brought us the too transient shower the sky has + been tolerably clear, and although at that time the wind had slightly + freshened, it has since dropped, and the sail hangs idly against our mast. + Except for the trifling relief it brings by modifying the temperature we + care little now for any breeze. Ignorant as we are as to what quarter of + the Atlantic we have been carried by the currents, it matters very little + to us from what direction the wind may blow if only it would bring, in + rain or dew, the moisture of which we are so dreadfully in need. + </p> + <p> + The moon was entering her last quarter, so that it was dark till nearly + midnight, and the stars were misty, not glowing with that lustre which is + so often characteristic of cool nights. Half frantic with that sense of + hunger which invariably returns with redoubled vigour at the close of + every day, I threw myself, in a kind of frenzy, upon a bundle of sails + that was lying on the starboard of the raft, and leaning over, I tried to + get some measure of relief by inhaling the moist coolness that rarely + fails to circulate just above the water. My brain was haunted by the most + horrible nightmares; not that I suppose I was in any way more distressed + than my companions, who were lying in their usual places, vainly + endeavouring to forget their sufferings in sleep. + </p> + <p> + After a time I fell into a restless, dreamy doze. I was neither asleep nor + awake. How long I remained in that state of stupor I could hardly say, but + at length a strange sensation half brought me to myself. Was I dreaming, + or was there not really some unaccustomed odour floating in the air? My + nostrils became distended, and I could scarcely suppress a cry of + astonishment; but some instinct kept me quiet, and I laid myself down + again with the puzzled sensation sometimes experienced when we have + forgotten a word or name. Only a few minutes, however, had elapsed before + another still more savoury puff induced me to take several long + inhalations. Suddenly, the truth seemed to dash across my mind. “Surely,” + I muttered to myself “this must be cooked meat that I can smell.” + </p> + <p> + Again and again I sniffed and became more convinced than ever that my + senses were not deceiving me. But from what part of the raft could the + smell proceed? I rose to my knees, and having satisfied myself that the + odour came from the front, I crept stealthily as a cat under the sails and + between the spars in that direction. Following the promptings of my scent, + rather than my vision, like a bloodhound in the track of his prey, I + searched everywhere I could, now finding, now losing, the smell according + to my change of position, or the dropping of the wind. At length I got the + true scent; once for all, so that I could go straight to the object for + which I was in search. + </p> + <p> + Approaching the starboard angle of the raft, I came to the conclusion that + the smell that had thus keenly excited my cravings was the smell of smoked + bacon; the membranes of my tongue almost bristled with the intenseness of + my longing. + </p> + <p> + Crawling along a little farther, under a thick roll of sail-cloth, I was + not long in securing my prize. Forcing my arm below the roll, I felt my + hand in contact with something wrapped up in paper. I clutched it up, and + carried it off to a place where I could examine it by the help of the + light of the moon that had now made its appearance above the horizon. I + almost shrieked for joy. It was a piece of bacon. True, it did not weigh + many ounces, but small as it was it would suffice to alleviate the pangs + of hunger for one day at least. I was just on the point of raising it to + my mouth, when a hand was laid upon my arm. It was only by a most + determined effort that I kept myself from screaming out one instant more, + and I found myself face to face with Hobart. + </p> + <p> + In a moment I understood all. Plainly this rascal Hobart had saved some + provision from the wreck, upon which he had been subsisting ever since. + The steward had provided for himself, whilst all around him were dying of + starvation. Detestable wretch! This accounts for the inconsistency of his + well-to-do looks and his pitiable groans. Vile hypocrite! + </p> + <p> + Yet why, it struck me, should I complain? Was not I reaping the benefit of + that secret store that he, for himself, had saved? + </p> + <p> + But Hobart had no idea of allowing me the peaceable possession of what he + held to be his own. He made a dash at the fragment of bacon, and seemed + determined to wrest it from my grasp. We struggled with each other, but + although our wrestling was very violent, it was very noiseless. We were + both of us aware that it was absolutely necessary that not one of those on + board should know anything at all about the prize for which we were + contending. Nor was my own determination lessened by hearing him groan out + that it was his last, his only morsel. “His!” I thought; “it shall be mine + now!” + </p> + <p> + And still careful that no noise of commotion should arise, I threw him on + his back, and grasping his throat so that it gurgled again, I held him + down until, in rapid mouthfuls, I had swallowed up the last scrap of the + food for which we had fought so hard. + </p> + <p> + I released my prisoner, and quietly crept back to my own quarters. + </p> + <p> + And not a soul is aware that I have broken my fast! + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0047" id="link2HCH0047"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XLVII. + </h2> + <p> + JANUARY 18th.—After this excitement I awaited the approach of day + with a strange anxiety. My conscience told me that Hobart had the right to + denounce me in the presence of all my fellow-passengers; yet my alarm was + vain. The idea of my proceedings being exposed by him was quite absurd; in + a moment he would himself be murdered without pity by the crew, if it + should be revealed that, unknown to them, he had been living on some + private store which, by clandestine cunning, he had reserved. But, in + spite of my anxiety, I had a longing for day to come. + </p> + <p> + The bit of food that I had thus stolen was very small; but small as it was + it had alleviated my hunger, and I was now tortured with remorse, because + I had not shared the meagre morsel with my fellow-sufferers. Miss Herbey, + Andre, his father, all had been forgotten, and from the bottom of my heart + I repented of my cruel selfishness. + </p> + <p> + Meantime the moon rose high in the heavens, and the first streaks of dawn + appeared. There is no twilight in these low latitudes, and the full + daylight came well nigh at once. I had not closed my eyes since my + encounter with the steward, and ever since the first blush of day I had + laboured under the impression that I could see some unusual dark mass half + way up the mast. But although it again and again caught my eye, it hardly + roused my curiosity, and I did not rise from the bundle of sails on which + I was lying to ascertain what it really was. But no sooner did the rays of + the sun fall full upon it than I saw at once that it was the body of a + man, attached to a rope, and swinging to and fro with the motion of the + raft. + </p> + <p> + A horrible presentiment carried me to the foot of the mast, and, just as I + had guessed, Hobart had hanged himself. I could not for a moment; doubt + that it was I myself that had impelled him to the suicide. A cry of horror + had scarcely escaped my lips, when my fellow-passengers were at my side, + and the rope was cut. Then came the sailors. And what was it that made the + group gather so eagerly around the body? Was it a humane desire to see + whether any spark of life remained? No, indeed; the corpse was cold, and + the limbs were rigid; there was no chance that animation should be + restored. What then was it that kept them lingering so close around? It + was only too apparent what they were about to do. + </p> + <p> + But I did not, could not, look. I refused to take part in the horrible + repast that was proposed. Neither would Miss Herbey, Andre nor his father, + consent to alleviate their pangs of hunger by such revolting means. I know + nothing for certain as to what Curtis did, and I did not venture to + inquire; but of the others,—Falsten, Dowlas, the boatswain, and all + the rest,—I know that, to assuage their cravings, they consented to + reduce themselves to the level of beasts of prey; they were transformed + from human beings into ravenous brutes. + </p> + <p> + The four of us who sickened at the idea of partaking of the horrid meal + withdrew to the seclusion of our tent; it was bad enough to hear; without + witnessing the appalling operation. But, in truth, I had the greatest + difficulty in the world in preventing Andre from rushing out upon the + cannibals, and snatching the odious food from their clutches. I + represented to him the hopelessness of his attempt, and tried to reconcile + him by telling him that if they liked the food they had a right to it. + Hobart had not been murdered; he had died by his own hand; and, after all, + as the boatswain had once remarked to me, “it was better to eat a dead man + than a live one.” + </p> + <p> + Do what I would, however, I could not quiet Andre’s feeling of abhorrence; + in his disgust and loathing he seemed for the time to have quite forgotten + his own sufferings. + </p> + <p> + Meanwhile, there was no concealing the truth that we were ourselves dying + of starvation, whilst our eight companions would probably, by their + loathsome diet, escape that frightful destiny. Owing to his secret hoard + of provisions Hobart had been by far the strongest amongst us; he had been + supported, so that no organic disease had affected his tissues, and really + might be said to be in good health when his chagrin drove him to his + desperate suicide. But what was I thinking of! whither were my meditations + carrying me away? was it not coming to pass that the cannibals were + rousing my envy instead of exciting my horror? + </p> + <p> + Very shortly after this I heard Dowlas talking about the possibility of + obtaining salt by evaporating sea-water in the sun; “and then,” he added, + “we can salt down the rest.” + </p> + <p> + The boatswain assented to what the carpenter had said, and probably the + suggestion was adopted. + </p> + <p> + Silence, the most profound, now reigns upon the raft. I presume that + nearly all have gone to sleep. One thing I do know, that they are no + longer hungry! + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0048" id="link2HCH0048"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XLVIII. + </h2> + <p> + JANUARY 19th.—All through the day the sky remained unclouded and the + heat intense; and night came on without bringing much sensible moderation + in the temperature. I was unable to get any sleep, and, towards morning, + was disturbed by hearing an angry clamour going on outside the tent; it + aroused M. Letourneur, Andre and Miss Herbey, as much as myself, and we + were anxious to ascertain the cause of the tumult. + </p> + <p> + The boatswain, Dowlas, and all the sailors were storming at each other in + frightful rage; and Curtis, who had come forward from the stern, was + vainly endeavouring to pacify them. + </p> + <p> + “But who has done it? we must know who has done it,” said Dowlas, scowling + with vindictive passion on the group around him. + </p> + <p> + “There’s a thief,” howled out the boatswain, “and he shall be found! Let’s + know who has taken it.” + </p> + <p> + “I haven’t taken it!” “Nor I!” “Nor I!” cried the sailors one after + another. + </p> + <p> + And then they set to work again to ransack every quarter of the raft; they + rolled every spar aside, they overturned everything on board, and only + grew more and more incensed with anger as their search proved fruitless. + </p> + <p> + “Can YOU tell us,” said the boatswain, coming up to me, “who is the + thief?” + </p> + <p> + “Thief!” I replied. “I don’t know what you mean.” + </p> + <p> + And while we were speaking the others all came up together, and told me + that they had looked everywhere else, and that they were going now to + search the tent. + </p> + <p> + “Shame!” I said. “You ought to allow those whom you know to be dying of + hunger at least to die in peace. There is not one of us who has left the + tent all night. Why suspect us?” + </p> + <p> + “Now just look here, Mr. Kazallon,” said the boatswain, in a voice which + he was endeavouring to calm down into moderation, “we are not accusing you + of anything; we know well enough you, and all the rest of you, had a right + to your shares as much as anybody; but that isn’t it. It’s all gone + somewhere, every bit.” + </p> + <p> + “Yes,” said Sandon gruffly; “it’s all gone somewheres, and we are a going + to search the tent.” + </p> + <p> + Resistance was useless, and Miss Herbey, M. Letourneur, and Andre were all + turned out. + </p> + <p> + I confess I was very fearful. I had a strong suspicion that for the sake + of his son, for whom he was ready to venture anything, M. Letourneur had + committed the theft; in that case I knew that nothing would have prevented + the infuriated men from tearing the devoted father to pieces. I beckoned + to Curtis for protection, and he came and stood beside me. He said + nothing, but waited with his hands in his pockets, and I think I am not + mistaken in my belief that there was some sort of a weapon in each. + </p> + <p> + To my great relief the search was ineffectual. There was no doubt that the + carcase of the suicide had been thrown overboard, and the rage of the + disappointed cannibals knew no bounds. + </p> + <p> + Yet who had ventured to do the deed! I looked at M. Letourneur and Miss + Herbey; but their countenances at once betrayed their ignorance. Andre + turned his face away, and his eyes did not meet my own. Probably it is he; + but, if it be, I wonder whether he has reckoned up the consequences of so + rash an act. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0049" id="link2HCH0049"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XLIX. + </h2> + <p> + JANUARY 20th to 22nd.—For the day or two after the horrible repast + of the 18th those who had partaken of it appeared to suffer comparatively + little either from hunger or thirst; but for the four of us who had tasted + nothing, the agony of suffering grew more and more intense. It was enough + to make us repine over the loss of the provision that had so mysteriously + gone; and if any one of us should die, I doubt whether the survivors would + a second time resist the temptation to assuage their pangs by tasting + human flesh. + </p> + <p> + Before long, all the cravings of hunger began to return to the sailors, + and I could see their eyes greedily glancing upon us, starved as they knew + us to be, as though they were reckoning our hours, and already were + preparing to consume us as their prey. + </p> + <p> + As is always the case with shipwrecked men, we were tormented by thirst + far more than by hunger; and if, in the height of our sufferings, we had + been offered our choice between a few drops of water and a few crumbs of + biscuit, I do not doubt that we should, without exception, have preferred + to take the water. + </p> + <p> + And what a mockery to our condition did it seem that all this while there + was water, water, nothing but water, everywhere around us! Again and + again, incapable of comprehending how powerless it was to relieve me, I + put a few drops within my lips, but only with the invariable result of + bringing on a most trying nausea, and rendering my thirst more unendurable + than before. + </p> + <p> + Forty-two days had passed since we quitted the sinking “Chancellor.” There + could be no hope now; all of us must die, and by the most deplorable of + deaths. I was quite conscious that a mist was gathering over my brain; I + felt my senses sinking into a condition of torpor; I made an effort, but + all in vain, to master the delirium that I was aware was taking possession + of my reason. It is out of my power to decide for how long I lost my + consciousness; but when I came to myself I found that Miss Herbey had + folded some wet bandages around my forehead. I am somewhat better; but I + am weakened, mind and body, and I am conscious that I have not long to + live. + </p> + <p> + A frightful fatality occurred to-day. The scene was terrible. Jynxstrop + the negro went raving mad. Curtis and several of the men tried their + utmost to control him, but in spite of everything he broke loose, and tore + up and down the raft, uttering fearful yells. He had gained possession of + a handspike, and rushed upon us all with the ferocity of an infuriated + tiger; how we contrived to escape mischief from his attacks, I know not. + All at once, by one of those unaccountable impulses of madness, his rage + turned against himself. With his teeth and nails he gnawed and tore away + at his own flesh; dashing the blood into our faces, he shrieked out with a + demoniacal grin, “Drink, drink!” and flinging us gory morsels, kept saying + “Eat, eat!” In the midst of his insane shrieks he made a sudden pause, + then dashing back again from the stern to the front, he made a bound and + disappeared beneath the waves. + </p> + <p> + Falsten, Dowlas, and the boatswain, made a rush that at least they might + secure the body; but it was too late; all that they could see was a + crimson circle in the water, and some huge sharks disporting themselves + around the spot. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0050" id="link2HCH0050"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER L. + </h2> + <p> + JANUARY 23rd.—Only eleven of us now remain; and the probability is + very great that every day must now carry off at least its one victim, and + perhaps more. The end of the tragedy is rapidly approaching, and save for + the chance, which is next to an impossibility, of our sighting land, or + being picked up by a passing vessel, ere another week has elapsed not a + single survivor of the “Chancellor” will remain. + </p> + <p> + The wind freshened considerably in the night, and it is now blowing pretty + briskly from the north-east. It has filled our sail, and the white foam in + our wake is an indication that we are making some progress. The captain + reckons that we must be advancing at the rate of about three miles an + hour. + </p> + <p> + Curtis and Falsten are certainly in the best condition amongst us, and in + spite of their extreme emaciation they bear up wonderfully under the + protracted hardships we have all endured. Words cannot describe the + melancholy state to which poor Miss Herbey bodily is reduced; her whole + being seems absorbed into her soul, but that soul is brave and resolute as + ever, living in heaven rather than on earth. The boatswain, strong, + energetic man that he was, has shrunk into a mere shadow of his former + self, and I doubt whether any one would recognize him to be the same man. + He keeps perpetually to one corner of the raft, his head dropped upon his + chest, and his long, bony hands lying upon knees that project sharply from + his worn-out trowsers. Unlike Miss Herbey, his spirit seems to have sunk + into apathy, and it is at times difficult to believe that he is living at + all, so motionless and statue-like does he sit. + </p> + <p> + Silence continues to reign upon the raft. Not a sound, not even a groan, + escapes our lips. We do not exchange ten words in the course of the day, + and the few syllables that our parched tongue and swollen lips can + pronounce are almost unintelligible. Wasted and bloodless, we are no + longer human beings; we are spectres. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0051" id="link2HCH0051"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER LI. + </h2> + <p> + JANUARY 24th.—I have inquired more than once of Curtis if he has the + faintest idea to what quarter of the Atlantic we have drifted, and each + time he has been unable to give me a decided answer, though from his + general observation of the direction of the wind and currents he imagines + that we have been carried westwards, that is to say, towards the land. + </p> + <p> + To-day the breeze has dropped entirely, but the heavy swell is still upon + the sea, and is an unquestionable sign that a tempest has been raging at + no great distance. The raft labours hard against the waves, and Curtis, + Falsten, and the boatswain, employ the little energy that remains to them + in strengthening the joints. Why do they give themselves such trouble? Why + not let the few frail planks part asunder, and allow the ocean to + terminate our miserable existence? Certain it seems that our sufferings + must have reached their utmost limit, and nothing could exceed the torture + that we are enduring. The sky pours down upon us a heat like that of + molten lead, and the sweat that saturates the tattered clothes that hang + about our bodies goes far to aggravate the agonies of our thirst. No words + of mine can describe this dire distress; these sufferings are beyond human + estimate. + </p> + <p> + Even bathing, the only means of refreshment that we possessed, has now + become impossible, for ever since Jynxstrop’s death the sharks have hung + about the raft in shoals. + </p> + <p> + To-day I tried to gain a few drops of fresh water by evaporation, but even + with the exercise of the greatest patience, it was with the utmost + difficulty that I obtained enough to moisten a little scrap of linen; and + the only kettle that we had was so old and battered, that it would not + bear the fire, so that I was obliged to give up the attempt in despair. + </p> + <p> + Falsten is now almost exhausted, and if he survives us at all, it can only + be for a few days. Whenever I raised my head I always failed to see him, + but he was probably lying sheltered somewhere beneath the sails. Curtis + was the only man who remained on his feet, but with indomitable pluck he + continued to stand on the front of the raft, waiting, watching, hoping. To + look at him, with his unflagging energy, almost tempted me to imagine that + he did well to hope, but I dared nor entertain one sanguine thought; and + there I lay, waiting, nay, longing for death. + </p> + <p> + How many hours passed away thus I cannot tell, but after a time a loud + peal of laughter burst upon my ear Some one else, then, was going mad, I + thought; but the idea did not rouse me in the least. The laughter was + repeated with greater vehemence, but I never raised my head. Presently I + caught a few incoherent words. + </p> + <p> + “Fields, fields, gardens and trees! Look, there’s an inn under the trees! + Quick, quick! brandy, gin, water! a guinea a drop! I’ll pay for it! I’ve + lots of money! lots! lots!” + </p> + <p> + Poor deluded wretch! I thought again; the wealth of a nation could not buy + a drop of water here. There was silence for a minute, when all of a sudden + I heard the shout of “Land! land!” + </p> + <p> + The words acted upon me like an electric shock, and, with a frantic + effort, I started to my feet. No land, indeed, was visible, but Flaypole, + laughing, singing, and gesticulating, was raging up and down the raft. + Sight, taste and hearing—all were gone; but the cerebral derangement + supplied their place, and in imagination the maniac was conversing with + absent friends, inviting them into the George Inn at Cardiff, offering + them gin, whisky, and, above all water! Stumbling at every step, and + singing in a cracked, discordant voice, he staggered about amongst us like + an intoxicated man. With the loss of his senses all his sufferings had + vanished, and his thirst was appeased. It was hard not to wish to be a + partaker of his hallucination. + </p> + <p> + Dowlas, Falsten, and the boatswain, seemed to think that the unfortunate + wretch would, like Jynxstrop, put an end to himself by leaping into the + sea; but, determined this time to preserve the body, that it might serve a + better purpose than merely feeding the sharks, they rose and followed the + madman everywhere he went, keeping a strict eye upon his every movement. + </p> + <p> + But the matter did not end as they expected. As though he were really + intoxicated by the stimulants of which he had been raving, Flaypole at + last sank down in a heap in a corner of the raft, where he lay lost in a + heavy slumber. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0052" id="link2HCH0052"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER LII. + </h2> + <p> + JANUARY 25th.—Last night was very misty, and for some unaccountable + reason, one of the hottest that can be imagined. The atmosphere was really + so stifling, that it seemed as if it only required a spark to set it + alight. The raft was not only quite stationary, but did not even rise and + fall with any motion of the waves. + </p> + <p> + During the night I tried to count how many there were now on board, but I + was utterly unable to collect my ideas sufficiently to make the + enumeration. Sometimes I counted ten, sometimes twelve, and although I + knew that eleven, since Jynxstrop was dead, was the correct number, I + could never bring my reckoning right. Of one thing I felt quite sure, and + that was that the number would very soon be ten. I was convinced that I + could myself last but very little longer. All the events and associations + of my life passed rapidly through my brain, My country, my friends, and my + family all appeared as it were in a vision, and seemed as though they had + come to bid me a last farewell. + </p> + <p> + Towards morning I woke from my sleep, if the languid stupour into which I + had fallen was worthy of that name. One fixed idea had taken possession of + my brain; I would put an end to myself, and I felt a sort of pleasure as I + gloated over the power that I had to terminate my sufferings. I told + Curtis, with the utmost composure, of my intention, and he received the + intelligence as calmly as it was delivered. + </p> + <p> + “Of course you will do as you please,” he said; “for, my own part, I shall + not abandon my post. It is my duty to remain here, and unless death comes + to carry me away, I shall stay where I am to the very last.” + </p> + <p> + The dull grey fog still hung heavily over the ocean, but the sun was + evidently shining above the mist, and would, in course of time, dispel the + vapour. Towards seven o’clock I fancied I heard the cries of birds above + my head. The sound was repeated three times, and as I went up to the + captain to ask him about it, I heard him mutter to himself,— + </p> + <p> + “Birds! why, that looks as if land were not far off.” + </p> + <p> + But although Curtis might still cling to the hope of reaching land, I knew + not what it was to have one sanguine thought. For me there was neither + continent nor island; the world was one fluid sphere, uniform, monotonous, + as in the most primitive period of its formation. Nevertheless it must be + owned that it was with a certain amount of impatience that I awaited the + rising of the mist, for I was anxious to shake off the phantom fallacies + that Curtis’s words had suggested to my mind. + </p> + <p> + Not till eleven o’clock did the fog begin to break, and as it rolled in + heavy folds along the surface of the water, I could every now and then + catch glimpses of a clear blue sky beyond. Fierce sunbeams pierced the + cloud-rifts, scorching and burning our bodies like red-hot iron; but it + was only above our heads that there was any sunlight to condense the + vapour; the horizon was still quite invisible. There was no wind, and for + half an hour longer the fog hung heavily round the raft; whilst Curtis, + leaning against the side, strove to penetrate the obscurity. At length the + sun burst forth in full power, and, sweeping the surface of the ocean, + dispelled the fog, and left the horizon opened to our eyes. + </p> + <p> + There, exactly as we had seen it for the last six weeks, was the circle + that bounded sea and sky, unbroken, definite, distinct as ever! Curtis + gazed with intensest scrutiny, but did not speak a word. I pitied him + sincerely, for he alone of us all felt that he had not the right to put an + end to his misery. For myself I had fully determined that if I lived till + the following day, I would die by my own hand. Whether my companions were + still alive, I hardly cared to know; it seemed as though days had passed + since I had seen them. + </p> + <p> + Night drew on, but I could not sleep for a moment. Towards two o’clock in + the morning my thirst was so intense that I was unable to suppress loud + cries of agony. Was there nothing that would serve to quench the fire that + was burning within me? What if instead of drinking the blood of others I + were to drink my own? It would be all unavailing, I was well aware, but + scarcely had the thought crossed my mind, than I proceeded to put it into + execution. I unclasped my knife, and, stripping my arm, with a steady + thrust I opened a small vein. The blood oozed out slowly, drop by drop, + and as I eagerly swallowed the source of my very life, I felt that for a + moment my torments were relieved, But only for a moment; all energy had + failed my pulses, and almost immediately the blood had ceased to flow. + </p> + <p> + How long it seemed before the morning dawned! and when that morning came + it brought another fog, heavy as before that again shut out the horizon. + The fog was hot as the burning steam that issues from a boiler. It was to + be my last day upon earth, and I felt that I would like to press the hand + of a friend before I died. Curtis was standing near, and crawling up to + him, I took his hand in my own. He seemed to know that I was taking my + farewell, and with one last lingering hope he endeavoured to restrain me. + But all in vain, my mind was finally made up. + </p> + <p> + I should have like to speak once again to M. Letourneur, Andre and Miss + Herbey, but my courage failed me. I knew that the young girl would read my + resolution in my eyes, and that she would speak to me of duty and of God, + and of eternity, and I dared not meet her gaze; and I would not run the + risk of being persuaded to wait until a lingering death should overtake + me. I returned to the back of the raft, and after making several efforts, + I managed to get on to my feet. I cast one long look at the pitiless ocean + and the unbroken horizon; if a sail or the outline of a coast bad broken + on my view, I believe that I should only have deemed myself the victim of + an illusion; but nothing of the kind appeared, and the sea was dreary as a + desert. + </p> + <p> + It was ten o’clock in the morning. The pangs of hunger and the torments of + thirst were racking me with redoubled vigour. All instinct of + self-preservation had left me, and I felt that the hour had come when I + must cease to suffer. Just as I was on the point of casting myself + headlong into the sea, a voice, which I recognized as Dowlas’s; broke upon + my ear. + </p> + <p> + “Captain,” he said, “we are going to draw lots.” + </p> + <p> + Involuntarily I paused; I did not take my plunge, but returned to my place + upon the raft. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0053" id="link2HCH0053"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER LIII. + </h2> + <p> + JANUARY 26th.—All heard and understood the proposition; in fact, it + had been in contemplation for several days, but no one had ventured to put + the idea into words. However, it was done now; lots were to be drawn, and + to each would be assigned his share of the body of the one ordained by + fate to be the victim. For my own part, I profess that I was quite + resigned for the lot to fall upon myself. I thought I heard Andre + Letourneur beg for an exception to be made in favour of Miss Herbey, but + the sailors raised a murmur of dissent. As there were eleven of us on + board, there were ten chances to one in each one’s favour, a proportion + which would be diminished if Miss Herbey were excluded, so that the young + lady was forced to take her chance among the rest. + </p> + <p> + It was then half-past ten, and the boatswain, who had been roused from his + lethargy by what the carpenter had said, insisted that the drawing should + take place immediately. There was no reason for postponing the fatal + lottery. There was not one of us that clung in the least to life, and we + knew that at the worst, whoever should be doomed to die, would only + precede the rest by a few days, or even hours. All that we desired was + just once to slake our raging thirst and moderate our gnawing hunger. + </p> + <p> + How all the names found their way to the bottom of a hat I cannot tell. + Very likely Falsten wrote them upon a leaf torn from his memorandum-book. + But be that as it may, the eleven names were there, and it was unanimously + agreed that the last name drawn should be the victim. + </p> + <p> + But who would draw the names? There was hesitation for a moment; then, “I + will,” said a voice behind me. Turning round, I beheld M. Letourneur + standing with outstretched hand, and with his long white hair falling over + his thin livid face that was almost sublime in its calmness. I divined at + once the reason of this voluntary offer; I knew that it was the father’s + devotion in self-sacrifice that led him to undertake the office. + </p> + <p> + “As soon as you please,” said the boatswain, and handed him the hat. + </p> + <p> + M. Letourneur proceeded to draw out the folded strips of paper one by one, + and after reading out aloud the name upon it, handed it to its owner. + </p> + <p> + The first name called was that of Burke, who uttered a cry of delight; + then followed Flaypole and the boatswain. What his name really was I never + could exactly learn. Then came Falsten, Curtis, Sandon. More than half had + now been called, and my name had not yet been drawn. I calculated my + remaining chance; it was still four to one in my favour. + </p> + <p> + M. Letourneur continued his painful task. Since Burke’s first exclamation + of joy not a sound had escaped our lips, but all were listening in + breathless silence. The seventh name was Miss Herbey’s, but the young girl + heard it without a start. Then came mine, yes, mine! and the ninth was + that of Letourneur. + </p> + <p> + “Which one?” asked the boatswain. + </p> + <p> + “Andre,” said M. Letourneur. + </p> + <p> + With one cry Andre fell back senseless. Only two names now remained in the + hat; those of Dowlas and of M. Letourneur himself. + </p> + <p> + “Go on,” almost roared the carpenter, surveying his partner in peril as + though he could devour him. M. Letourneur almost had a smile upon his + lips, as he drew forth the last paper but one, and with a firm, + unfaltering voice, marvelous for his age, unfolded it slowly, and read the + name of Dowlas. The carpenter gave a yell of relief as he heard the word. + </p> + <p> + M. Letourneur took the last bit of paper from the hat, and without looking + at it, tore it to pieces. But, unperceived by all but myself, one little + fragment flew into a corner of the raft. I crawled towards it and picked + it up. On one side of it was written Andr—; the rest of the word was + torn away. M. Letourneur saw what I had done, and rushing towards me, + snatched the paper from my hands, and flung it into the sea. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0054" id="link2HCH0054"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER LIV. + </h2> + <p> + JANUARY 26th.—I understood it all; the devoted father having nothing + more to give, had given his life for his son. + </p> + <p> + M. Letourneur was no longer a human being in the eyes of the famished + creatures who were now yearning to see him sacrificed to their cravings. + At the very sight of the victim thus provided, all the tortures of hunger + returned with redoubled violence. With lips distended, and teeth + displayed, they waited like a herd of carnivora until they could attack + their prey with brutal voracity; it seemed almost doubtful whether they + would not fall upon him while he was still alive. It seemed impossible + that any appeal to their humanity could, at such a moment, have any + weight; nevertheless, the appeal was made, and, incredible as it may seem, + prevailed. + </p> + <p> + Just as the boatswain was about to act the part of butcher, and Dowlas + stood, hatchet in hand, ready to complete the barbarous work, Miss Herbey + advanced, or rather crawled, towards them. + </p> + <p> + “My friends,” she pleaded, “will you not wait just one more day? If no + land or ship is in sight to-morrow, then I suppose our poor companion must + become your victim. But allow him one more day; in the name of mercy I + entreat, I implore you.” + </p> + <p> + My heart bounded as she made her pitiful appeal. It seemed to me as though + the noble girl had spoken with an inspiration on her lips, and I fancied + that, perhaps, in super-natural vision she had viewed the coast or the + ship of which she spoke; and one more day was not much to us who had + already suffered so long, and endured so much. + </p> + <p> + Curtis and Falsten agreed with me, and we all united to support Miss + Herbey’s merciful petition. The sailors did not utter a murmur, and the + boatswain in a smothered voice said,— + </p> + <p> + “Very well, we will wait till daybreak tomorrow,” and threw down his + hatchet. + </p> + <p> + To-morrow, then, unless land or a sail appear, the horrible sacrifice will + be accomplished. Stifling their sufferings by a strenuous effort, all + returned to their places. The sailors crouched beneath the sails, caring + nothing about scanning the ocean. Food was in store for them to-morrow, + and that was enough for them. + </p> + <p> + As soon as Andre Letourneur came to his senses, his first thought was for + his father, and I saw him count the passengers on the raft. He looked + puzzled; when he lost consciousness there had been only two names left in + the hat, those of his father and the carpenter; and yet M. Letourneur and + Dowlas were both there still. Miss Herbey went up to him and told him + quietly that the drawing of the lots had not yet been finished. Andre + asked no further question, but took his father’s hand. M. Letourneur’s + countenance was calm and serene; he seemed to be conscious of nothing + except that the life of his son was spared, and as the two sat conversing + in an undertone at the back of the raft, their whole existence seemed + bound up in each other. + </p> + <p> + Meantime, I could not disabuse my mind of the impression caused by Miss + Herbey’s intervention. Something told me that help was near at hand, and + that we were approaching the termination of our suspense and misery; the + chimeras that were floating through my brain resolved themselves into + realities, so that nothing appeared to me more certain than that either + land or sail, be they miles away, would be discovered somewhere to + leeward. + </p> + <p> + I imparted my convictions to M. Letourneur and his son. Andre was as + sanguine as myself; poor boy! he little thinks what a loss there is in + store for him tomorrow. His father listened gravely to all we said, and + whatever he might think in his own mind, he did not give us any + discouragement; Heaven, he said, he was sure would still spare the + survivors of the “Chancellor,” and then he lavished on his son caresses + which he deemed to be his last. + </p> + <p> + Some time afterwards, when I was alone with him, M. Letourneur whispered + in my ear,— + </p> + <p> + “Mr. Kazallon, I commend my boy to your care, and mark you, he must never + know—” + </p> + <p> + His voice was choked with tears, and he could not finish his sentence. + </p> + <p> + But I was full of hope, and, without a moment’s intermission, I kept my + eyes fixed upon the unbroken horizon, Curtis, Miss Herbey, Falsten, and + even the boatswain, were also eagerly scanning the broad expanse of sea. + </p> + <p> + Night has come on; but I have still a profound conviction that through the + darkness some ship will approach, and that at daybreak our raft will be + observed. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0055" id="link2HCH0055"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER LV. + </h2> + <p> + JANUARY 27th.—I did not close my eyes all night, and was keenly + alive to the faintest sounds, and every ripple of the water, and every + murmur of the waves, broke distinctly on my ear. One thing I noticed and + accepted as a happy omen; not a single shark now lingered-round the raft. + The waning moon rose at a quarter to one, and through the feeble glimmer + which she cast across the ocean, many and many a time I fancied I caught + sight of the longed-for sail, lying only a few cables’ lengths away. + </p> + <p> + But when morning came, the sun rose once again upon a desert ocean, and my + hopes began to fade. Neither ship nor shore had appeared, and as the + shocking hour of execution drew near, my dreams of deliverance melted + away; I shuddered in my very soul as I was brought face to face with the + stern reality. I dared not look upon the victim, and whenever his eyes, so + full of calmness and resignation, met my own, I turned away my head. I + felt choked with horror, and my brain reeled as though I were intoxicated. + </p> + <p> + It was now six o’clock, and all hope had vanished from my breast; my heart + beat rapidly, and a cold sweat of agony broke out all over me. Curtis and + the boatswain stood by the mast attentively scanning the horizon. The + boatswain’s countenance was terrible to look upon; one could see that + although he would not forestall the hour, he was determined not to wait a + moment after it arrived. As for the captain, it was impossible to tell + what really passed within his mind; his face was livid, and his whole + existence seemed concentrated in the exercise of his power of vision. The + sailors were crawling about the platform, with their eyes gleaming, like + wild beasts ready to pounce upon their devoted prey. + </p> + <p> + I could no longer keep my place, and glided along to the front of the + raft. The boatswain was still standing intent on his watch, but all of a + sudden, in a voice that made me start he shouted,— + </p> + <p> + “Now then, time’s up!” and followed by Dowlas, Burke, Flaypole, and + Sandon, ran to the back of the raft. As Dowlas seized the hatchet + convulsively, Miss Herbey could not suppress a cry of terror. Andre + started to his feet. + </p> + <p> + “What are you going to do to my father?” he asked in accents choked with + emotion. + </p> + <p> + “My boy,” said M. Letourneur, “the lot has fallen upon me, and I must + die!” + </p> + <p> + “Never!” shrieked Andre, throwing his arms about his father, “They shall + kill me first. It was I who threw Hobart’s body into the sea, and it is I + who ought to die!” + </p> + <p> + But the words of the unhappy youth had no other effect than to increase + the fury of the men who were so staunchly bent upon their bloody purpose. + </p> + <p> + “Come, come, no more fuss,” said Dowlas, as he tore the young man away + from his father’s embrace. + </p> + <p> + Andre fell upon his back, in which position two of the sailors held him + down so tightly that he could not move, whilst Burke and Sandon carried + off their victim to the front. + </p> + <p> + All this had taken place much more rapidly than I have been able to + describe it. I was transfixed with horror, and much as I wished to throw + myself between M. Letourneur and his executioners, I seemed to be rooted + to the spot where I was standing. + </p> + <p> + Meantime the sailors had been taking off some of M. Letourneur’s clothes, + and his neck and shoulders were already bare. + </p> + <p> + “Stop a moment!” he said in a tone in which was the ring of indomitable + courage. “Stop! I don’t want to deprive you of your ration; but I suppose + you will not require to eat the whole of me today.” + </p> + <p> + The sailors, taken aback by his suggestion, stared at him with amazement. + </p> + <p> + “There are ten of you,” he went on. “My two arms will give you each a + meal; cut them off for to-day, and to-morrow you shall have the rest of + me.” + </p> + <p> + “Agreed!” cried Dowlas; and as M. Letourneur held out his bare arms, quick + as lightning the carpenter raised his hatchet. + </p> + <p> + Curtis and I could bear this scene no longer; whilst we were alive to + prevent it, this butchery should not be permitted, and we rushed forwards + simultaneously to snatch the victim from his murderers. A furious struggle + ensued, and in the midst of the MELEE I was seized by one of the sailors, + and hurled violently into the sea. + </p> + <p> + Closing my lips, I tried to die of suffocation in the water; but in spite + of myself, my mouth opened, and a few drops trickled down my throat. + </p> + <p> + Merciful Heaven! the water was fresh! + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0056" id="link2HCH0056"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER LVI. + </h2> + <p> + JANUARY 27th CONTINUED.—A change came over me as if by miracle. No + longer had I any wish to die, and already Curtis, who had heard my cries, + was throwing me a rope. I seized it eagerly, and was hauled up on to the + raft, “Fresh water!” were the first words I uttered. + </p> + <p> + “Fresh water?” cried Curtis, “why then, my friends, we are not far from + land!” + </p> + <p> + It was not too late; the blow had not been struck, and so the victim had + not yet fallen. Curtis and Andre (who had regained his liberty) had fought + with the cannibals, and it was just as they were yielding to overpowering + numbers that my voice had made itself heard. + </p> + <p> + The struggle came to an end. As soon as the words “Fresh water” had + escaped my lips, I leaned over the side of the raft and swallowed the + life-giving liquid in greedy draughts. Miss Herbey was the first to follow + my example, but soon Curtis, Falsten, and all the rest were on their knees + and drinking eagerly, The rough sailors seemed as if by a magic touch + transformed back from ravenous beasts to human beings, and I saw several + of them raise their hands to heaven in silent gratitude, Andre and his + father were the last to drink. + </p> + <p> + “But where are we?” I asked at length. + </p> + <p> + “The land is there,” said Curtis pointing towards the west. + </p> + <p> + We all stared at the captain as though he were mocking us; no land was in + sight, and the raft, just as ever, was the centre of a watery waste. Yet + our senses had not deceived us the water we had been drinking was + perfectly fresh. + </p> + <p> + “Yes,” repeated the captain, “land is certainly there, not more than + twenty miles to leeward.” + </p> + <p> + “What land?” inquired the boatswain. + </p> + <p> + “South America,” answered Curtis, “and near the Amazon; no other river has + a current strong enough to freshen the ocean twenty miles from shore!” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0057" id="link2HCH0057"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER LVII. + </h2> + <p> + JANUARY 27th CONTINUED.—Curtis, no doubt was right The discharge + from the mouth of the Amazon is enormously large, but we had probably + drifted into the only spot in the Atlantic where we could find fresh water + so far from land. Yet land, undoubtedly was there, and the breeze was + carrying us onwards slowly but surely to our deliverance. + </p> + <p> + Miss Herbey’s voice was heard pouring out fervent praise to Heaven, and we + were all glad to unite our thanksgivings with hers. Then the whole of us + (with the exception of Andre and his father, who remained by themselves + together at the stern) clustered in a group, and kept our expectant gaze + upon the horizon. + </p> + <p> + We had not long to wait. Before an hour had passed Curtis, leaped in + ecstasy and raised the joyous shout of “Land ahoy!” + </p> + <p> + * * * * + </p> + <p> + My journal has come to a close. + </p> + <p> + I have only to relate, as briefly as possible, the circumstances that + finally brought us to our destination. + </p> + <p> + A few hours after we first sighted land the raft was off Cape Magoari, on + the Island of Marajo, and was observed by some fishermen who, with + kind-hearted alacrity picked us up, and tended us most carefully. They + conveyed us to Para, where we became the objects of unbounded sympathy. + </p> + <p> + The raft was brought to land in lat. 0deg. 12min. N., so that since we + abandoned the “Chancellor” we had drifted at least fifteen degrees to the + south-west. Except for the influence of the Gulf Stream we must have been + carried far, far to the south, and in that case we should never have + reached the mouth of the Amazon, and must inevitably have been lost. + </p> + <p> + Of the thirty-two souls—nine passengers, and twenty-three seamen—who + left Charleston on board the ship, only five passengers and six seamen + remain. Eleven of us alone survive. + </p> + <p> + An official account of our rescue was drawn up by the Brazilian + authorities. Those who signed were Miss Herbey, J. R. Kazallon, M. + Letourneur, Andre Letourneur, Mr. Falsten, the boatswain, Dowlas, Burke, + Flaypole, Sandon, and last, though not least, + </p> + <p> + “Robert Curtis, captain.” + </p> + <p> + At Para we soon found facilities for continuing our homeward route. A + vessel took us to Cayenne, where we secured a passage on board one of the + steamers of the French Transatlantic Aspinwall line, the “Ville de St. + Nazaire,” which conveyed us to Europe. + </p> + <p> + After all the dangers and privations which we have undergone together, it + is scarcely necessary to say that there has arisen between the surviving + passengers of the “Chancellor” a bond of friendship too indissoluble, I + believe, for either time or circumstance to destroy; Curtis must ever + remain the honoured and valued friend of those whose welfare he consulted + so faithfully in their misfortunes; his conduct was beyond all praise. + </p> + <p> + When we were fairly on our homeward way, Miss Herbey by chance intimated + to us her intention of retiring from the world and devoting the remainder + of her life to the care of the sick and suffering. + </p> + <p> + “Then why not come and look after my son?” said M. Letourneur, adding, “he + is an invalid, and he requires, as he deserves, the best of nursing.” + </p> + <p> + Miss Herbey, after some deliberation, consented to become a member of + their family, and finds in M. Letourneur a father, and in Andre a brother. + A brother, I say; but may we not hope that she may be united by a dearer + and a closer tie, and that the noble-hearted girl may experience the + happiness that so richly she deserves? + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + + + + + +End of Project Gutenberg’s The Survivors of the Chancellor, by Jules Verne + +*** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE SURVIVORS OF THE CHANCELLOR *** + +***** This file should be named 1652-h.htm or 1652-h.zip ***** +This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: + http://www.gutenberg.org/1/6/5/1652/ + +Produced by An Anonymous Volunteer, and David Widger + +Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions +will be renamed. + +Creating the works from public domain print editions means that no +one owns a United States copyright in these works, so the Foundation +(and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United States without +permission and without paying copyright royalties. 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