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diff --git a/1948-h/1948-h.htm b/1948-h/1948-h.htm new file mode 100644 index 0000000..2a9df14 --- /dev/null +++ b/1948-h/1948-h.htm @@ -0,0 +1,7515 @@ +<?xml version="1.0" encoding="utf-8"?> + +<!DOCTYPE html + PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Strict//EN" + "http://www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-strict.dtd" > + +<html xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml" lang="en"> + <head> + <title> + The Story of a Bad Boy, by Thomas Bailey Aldrich + </title> + <style type="text/css" xml:space="preserve"> + + body { margin:5%; background:#faebd0; text-align:justify} + P { text-indent: 1em; margin-top: .25em; margin-bottom: .25em; } + H1,H2,H3,H4,H5,H6 { text-align: center; margin-left: 15%; margin-right: 15%; } + hr { width: 50%; text-align: center;} + .foot { margin-left: 20%; margin-right: 20%; text-align: justify; text-indent: -3em; font-size: 90%; } + blockquote {font-size: 97%; font-style: italic; margin-left: 10%; margin-right: 10%;} + .mynote {background-color: #DDE; color: #000; padding: .5em; margin-left: 10%; margin-right: 10%; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 95%;} + .toc { margin-left: 10%; margin-bottom: .75em;} + .toc2 { margin-left: 20%;} + div.fig { display:block; margin:0 auto; text-align:center; } + div.middle { margin-left: 20%; margin-right: 20%; text-align: justify; } + .figleft {float: left; margin-left: 0%; margin-right: 1%;} + .figright {float: right; margin-right: 0%; margin-left: 1%;} + .pagenum {display:inline; font-size: 70%; font-style:normal; + margin: 0; padding: 0; position: absolute; right: 1%; + text-align: right;} + pre { font-style: italic; font-size: 90%; margin-left: 10%;} + +</style> + </head> + <body> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + +Project Gutenberg's The Story of a Bad Boy, by Thomas Bailey Aldrich + +This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with +almost no restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or +re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included +with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org + + +Title: The Story of a Bad Boy + +Author: Thomas Bailey Aldrich + +Release Date: February 25, 2006 [EBook #1948] +Last Updated: March 3, 2018 + +Language: English + +Character set encoding: UTF-8 + +*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE STORY OF A BAD BOY *** + + + + +Produced by An Anonymous Volunteer and David Widger + + + + + +</pre> + <p> + <br /> <br /> + </p> + <h1> + THE STORY OF A BAD BOY + </h1> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <h2> + by Thomas Bailey Aldrich + </h2> + <p> + <br /> <br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <br /> <br /> + </p> + <blockquote> + <p class="toc"> + <big><b>CONTENTS</b></big> + </p> + <p> + <br /> <a href="#link2HCH0001"> Chapter One </a> In Which I + Introduce Myself <br /><br /> <a href="#link2HCH0002"> Chapter Two</a> In + Which I Entertain Peculiar Views <br /><br /> <a href="#link2HCH0003"> + Chapter Three</a> On Board the Typhoon <br /><br /> <a + href="#link2HCH0004"> Chapter Four</a> Rivermouth <br /><br /> + <a href="#link2HCH0005"> Chapter Five</a> The Nutter House + and the Nutter Family <br /><br /> <a href="#link2HCH0006"> Chapter Six</a> Lights + and Shadows <br /><br /> <a href="#link2HCH0007"> Chapter Seven</a> One + Memorable Night <br /><br /> <a href="#link2HCH0008"> Chapter Eight</a> The + Adventures of a Fourth <br /><br /> <a href="#link2HCH0009"> Chapter Nine</a> I + Become an R. M. C. <br /><br /> <a href="#link2HCH0010"> Chapter Ten</a> I + Fight Conway <br /><br /> <a href="#link2HCH0011"> Chapter Eleven</a> All + About Gypsy <br /><br /> <a href="#link2HCH0012"> Chapter Twelve</a> Winter + at Rivermouth <br /><br /> <a href="#link2HCH0013"> Chapter Thirteen</a> The + Snow Fort on Slatter's Hill <br /><br /> <a href="#link2HCH0014"> Chapter + Fourteen</a> The Cruise of the Dolphin <br /><br /> <a + href="#link2HCH0015"> Chapter Fifteen</a> An Old Acquaintance + Turns Up <br /><br /> <a href="#link2HCH0016"> Chapter Sixteen</a> In + Which Sailor Ben Spins a Yarn <br /><br /> <a href="#link2HCH0017"> + Chapter Seventeen</a> How We Astonished the Rivermouthians + <br /><br /> <a href="#link2HCH0018"> Chapter Eighteen</a> A + Frog He Would A-Wooing Go <br /><br /> <a href="#link2HCH0019"> Chapter + Nineteen</a> I Become A Blighted Being <br /><br /> <a + href="#link2HCH0020"> Chapter Twenty</a> I Prove Myself To Be + the Grandson of My Grandfather <br /><br /> <a href="#link2HCH0021"> + Chapter Twenty-One</a> In Which I Leave Rivermouth <br /><br /> + <a href="#link2HCH0022"> Chapter Twenty-Two</a> Exeunt + Omnes + </p> + </blockquote> + <p> + <br /> <br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0001" id="link2HCH0001"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> <br /> <br /> + </p> + <h2> + Chapter One—In Which I Introduce Myself + </h2> + <p> + This is the story of a bad boy. Well, not such a very bad, but a pretty + bad boy; and I ought to know, for I am, or rather I was, that boy myself. + </p> + <p> + Lest the title should mislead the reader, I hasten to assure him here that + I have no dark confessions to make. I call my story the story of a bad + boy, partly to distinguish myself from those faultless young gentlemen who + generally figure in narratives of this kind, and partly because I really + was not a cherub. I may truthfully say I was an amiable, impulsive lad, + blessed with fine digestive powers, and no hypocrite. I didn't want to be + an angel and with the angels stand; I didn't think the missionary tracts + presented to me by the Rev. Wibird Hawkins were half so nice as Robinson + Crusoe; and I didn't send my little pocket-money to the natives of the + Feejee Islands, but spent it royally in peppermint-drops and taffy candy. + In short, I was a real human boy, such as you may meet anywhere in New + England, and no more like the impossible boy in a storybook than a sound + orange is like one that has been sucked dry. But let us begin at the + beginning. + </p> + <p> + Whenever a new scholar came to our school, I used to confront him at + recess with the following words: “My name's Tom Bailey; what's your name?” + If the name struck me favorably, I shook hands with the new pupil + cordially; but if it didn't, I would turn on my heel, for I was particular + on this point. Such names as Higgins, Wiggins, and Spriggins were deadly + affronts to my ear; while Langdon, Wallace, Blake, and the like, were + passwords to my confidence and esteem. + </p> + <p> + Ah me! some of those dear fellows are rather elderly boys by this time—lawyers, + merchants, sea-captains, soldiers, authors, what not? Phil Adams (a + special good name that Adams) is consul at Shanghai, where I picture him + to myself with his head closely shaved—he never had too much hair—and + a long pigtail banging down behind. He is married, I hear; and I hope he + and she that was Miss Wang Wang are very happy together, sitting + cross-legged over their diminutive cups of tea in a skyblue tower hung + with bells. It is so I think of him; to me he is henceforth a jewelled + mandarin, talking nothing but broken China. Whitcomb is a judge, sedate + and wise, with spectacles balanced on the bridge of that remarkable nose + which, in former days, was so plentifully sprinkled with freckles that the + boys christened him Pepper Whitcomb. Just to think of little Pepper + Whitcomb being a judge! What would he do to me now, I wonder, if I were to + sing out “Pepper!” some day in court? Fred Langdon is in California, in + the native-wine business—he used to make the best licorice-water I + ever tasted! Binny Wallace sleeps in the Old South Burying-Ground; and + Jack Harris, too, is dead—Harris, who commanded us boys, of old, in + the famous snow-ball battles of Slatter's Hill. Was it yesterday I saw him + at the head of his regiment on its way to join the shattered Army of the + Potomac? Not yesterday, but six years ago. It was at the battle of the + Seven Pines. Gallant Jack Harris, that never drew rein until he had dashed + into the Rebel battery! So they found him—lying across the enemy's + guns. + </p> + <p> + How we have parted, and wandered, and married, and died! I wonder what has + become of all the boys who went to the Temple Grammar School at Rivermouth + when I was a youngster? “All, all are gone, the old familiar faces!” + </p> + <p> + It is with no ungentle hand I summon them back, for a moment, from that + Past which has closed upon them and upon me. How pleasantly they live + again in my memory! Happy, magical Past, in whose fairy atmosphere even + Conway, mine ancient foe, stands forth transfigured, with a sort of dreamy + glory encircling his bright red hair! + </p> + <p> + With the old school formula I commence these sketches of my boyhood. My + name is Tom Bailey; what is yours, gentle reader? I take for granted it is + neither Wiggins nor Spriggins, and that we shall get on famously together, + and be capital friends forever. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0002" id="link2HCH0002"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + Chapter Two—In Which I Entertain Peculiar Views + </h2> + <p> + I was born at Rivermouth, but, before I had a chance to become very well + acquainted with that pretty New England town, my parents removed to New + Orleans, where my father invested his money so securely in the banking + business that he was never able to get any of it out again. But of this + hereafter. + </p> + <p> + I was only eighteen months old at the time of the removal, and it didn't + make much difference to me where I was, because I was so small; but + several years later, when my father proposed to take me North to be + educated, I had my own peculiar views on the subject. I instantly kicked + over the little Negro boy who happened to be standing by me at the moment, + and, stamping my foot violently on the floor of the piazza, declared that + I would not be taken away to live among a lot of Yankees! + </p> + <p> + You see I was what is called “a Northern man with Southern principles.” I + had no recollection of New England: my earliest memories were connected + with the South, with Aunt Chloe, my old Negro nurse, and with the great + ill-kept garden in the centre of which stood our house—a whitewashed + stone house it was, with wide verandas—shut out from the street by + lines of orange, fig, and magnolia trees. I knew I was born at the North, + but hoped nobody would find it out. I looked upon the misfortune as + something so shrouded by time and distance that maybe nobody remembered + it. I never told my schoolmates I was a Yankee, because they talked about + the Yankees in such a scornful way it made me feel that it was quite a + disgrace not to be born in Louisiana, or at least in one of the Border + States. And this impression was strengthened by Aunt Chloe, who said, “dar + wasn't no gentl'men in the Norf no way,” and on one occasion terrified me + beyond measure by declaring that, “if any of dem mean whites tried to git + her away from marster, she was jes'gwine to knock 'em on de head wid a + gourd!” + </p> + <p> + The way this poor creature's eyes flashed, and the tragic air with which + she struck at an imaginary “mean white,” are among the most vivid things + in my memory of those days. + </p> + <p> + To be frank, my idea of the North was about as accurate as that + entertained by the well-educated Englishmen of the present day concerning + America. I supposed the inhabitants were divided into two classes—Indians + and white people; that the Indians occasionally dashed down on New York, + and scalped any woman or child (giving the preference to children) whom + they caught lingering in the outskirts after nightfall; that the white men + were either hunters or schoolmasters, and that it was winter pretty much + all the year round. The prevailing style of architecture I took to be + log-cabins. + </p> + <p> + With this delightful picture of Northern civilization in my eye, the + reader will easily understand my terror at the bare thought of being + transported to Rivermouth to school, and possibly will forgive me for + kicking over little black Sam, and otherwise misconducting myself, when my + father announced his determination to me. As for kicking little Sam—I + always did that, more or less gently, when anything went wrong with me. + </p> + <p> + My father was greatly perplexed and troubled by this unusually violent + outbreak, and especially by the real consternation which he saw written in + every line of my countenance. As little black Sam picked himself up, my + father took my hand in his and led me thoughtfully to the library. + </p> + <p> + I can see him now as he leaned back in the bamboo chair and questioned me. + He appeared strangely agitated on learning the nature of my objections to + going North, and proceeded at once to knock down all my pine log houses, + and scatter all the Indian tribes with which I had populated the greater + portion of the Eastern and Middle States. + </p> + <p> + “Who on earth, Tom, has filled your brain with such silly stories?” asked + my father, wiping the tears from his eyes. + </p> + <p> + “Aunt Chloe, sir; she told me.” + </p> + <p> + “And you really thought your grandfather wore a blanket embroidered with + beads, and ornamented his leggins with the scalps of his enemies?” + </p> + <p> + “Well, sir, I didn't think that exactly.” + </p> + <p> + “Didn't think that exactly? Tom, you will be the death of me.” + </p> + <p> + He hid his face in his handkerchief, and, when he looked up, he seemed to + have been suffering acutely. I was deeply moved myself, though I did not + clearly understand what I had said or done to cause him to feel so badly. + Perhaps I had hurt his feelings by thinking it even possible that + Grandfather Nutter was an Indian warrior. + </p> + <p> + My father devoted that evening and several subsequent evenings to giving + me a clear and succinct account of New England; its early struggles, its + progress, and its present condition—faint and confused glimmerings + of all which I had obtained at school, where history had never been a + favorite pursuit of mine. + </p> + <p> + I was no longer unwilling to go North; on the contrary, the proposed + journey to a new world full of wonders kept me awake nights. I promised + myself all sorts of fun and adventures, though I was not entirely at rest + in my mind touching the savages, and secretly resolved to go on board the + ship—the journey was to be made by sea—with a certain little + brass pistol in my trousers-pocket, in case of any difficulty with the + tribes when we landed at Boston. + </p> + <p> + I couldn't get the Indian out of my head. Only a short time previously the + Cherokees—or was it the Camanches?—had been removed from their + hunting-grounds in Arkansas; and in the wilds of the Southwest the red men + were still a source of terror to the border settlers. “Trouble with the + Indians” was the staple news from Florida published in the New Orleans + papers. We were constantly hearing of travellers being attacked and + murdered in the interior of that State. If these things were done in + Florida, why not in Massachusetts? + </p> + <p> + Yet long before the sailing day arrived I was eager to be off. My + impatience was increased by the fact that my father had purchased for me a + fine little Mustang pony, and shipped it to Rivermouth a fortnight + previous to the date set for our own departure—for both my parents + were to accompany me. The pony (which nearly kicked me out of bed one + night in a dream), and my father's promise that he and my mother would + come to Rivermouth every other summer, completely resigned me to the + situation. The pony's name was Gitana, which is the Spanish for gypsy; so + I always called her—she was a lady pony—Gypsy. + </p> + <p> + At length the time came to leave the vine-covered mansion among the + orange-trees, to say goodby to little black Sam (I am convinced he was + heartily glad to get rid of me), and to part with simple Aunt Chloe, who, + in the confusion of her grief, kissed an eyelash into my eye, and then + buried her face in the bright bandana turban which she had mounted that + morning in honor of our departure. + </p> + <p> + I fancy them standing by the open garden gate; the tears are rolling down + Aunt Chloe's cheeks; Sam's six front teeth are glistening like pearls; I + wave my hand to him manfully then I call out “goodby” in a muffled voice + to Aunt Chloe; they and the old home fade away. I am never to see them + again! + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0003" id="link2HCH0003"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + Chapter Three—On Board the Typhoon + </h2> + <p> + I do not remember much about the voyage to Boston, for after the first few + hours at sea I was dreadfully unwell. + </p> + <p> + The name of our ship was the “A No. 1, fast-sailing packet Typhoon.” I + learned afterwards that she sailed fast only in the newspaper + advertisements. My father owned one quarter of the Typhoon, and that is + why we happened to go in her. I tried to guess which quarter of the ship + he owned, and finally concluded it must be the hind quarter—the + cabin, in which we had the cosiest of state-rooms, with one round window + in the roof, and two shelves or boxes nailed up against the wall to sleep + in. + </p> + <p> + There was a good deal of confusion on deck while we were getting under + way. The captain shouted orders (to which nobody seemed to pay any + attention) through a battered tin trumpet, and grew so red in the face + that he reminded me of a scooped-out pumpkin with a lighted candle inside. + He swore right and left at the sailors without the slightest regard for + their feelings. They didn't mind it a bit, however, but went on singing— + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + “Heave ho! + With the rum below, + And hurrah for the Spanish Main O!” + </pre> + <p> + I will not be positive about “the Spanish Main,” but it was hurrah for + something O. I considered them very jolly fellows, and so indeed they + were. One weather-beaten tar in particular struck my fancy—a + thick-set, jovial man, about fifty years of age, with twinkling blue eyes + and a fringe of gray hair circling his head like a crown. As he took off + his tarpaulin I observed that the top of his head was quite smooth and + flat, as if somebody had sat down on him when he was very young. + </p> + <p> + There was something noticeably hearty in this man's bronzed face, a + heartiness that seemed to extend to his loosely knotted neckerchief. But + what completely won my good-will was a picture of enviable loveliness + painted on his left arm. It was the head of a woman with the body of a + fish. Her flowing hair was of livid green, and she held a pink comb in one + hand. I never saw anything so beautiful. I determined to know that man. I + think I would have given my brass pistol to have had such a picture + painted on my arm. + </p> + <p> + While I stood admiring this work of art, a fat wheezy steamtug, with the + word AJAX in staring black letters on the paddlebox, came puffing up + alongside the Typhoon. It was ridiculously small and conceited, compared + with our stately ship. I speculated as to what it was going to do. In a + few minutes we were lashed to the little monster, which gave a snort and a + shriek, and commenced backing us out from the levee (wharf) with the + greatest ease. + </p> + <p> + I once saw an ant running away with a piece of cheese eight or ten times + larger than itself. I could not help thinking of it, when I found the + chubby, smoky-nosed tug-boat towing the Typhoon out into the Mississippi + River. + </p> + <p> + In the middle of the stream we swung round, the current caught us, and + away we flew like a great winged bird. Only it didn't seem as if we were + moving. The shore, with the countless steamboats, the tangled rigging of + the ships, and the long lines of warehouses, appeared to be gliding away + from us. + </p> + <p> + It was grand sport to stand on the quarter-deck and watch all this. Before + long there was nothing to be seen on other side but stretches of low + swampy land, covered with stunted cypress trees, from which drooped + delicate streamers of Spanish moss—a fine place for alligators and + Congo snakes. Here and there we passed a yellow sand-bar, and here and + there a snag lifted its nose out of the water like a shark. + </p> + <p> + “This is your last chance to see the city, To see the city, Tom,” said my + father, as we swept round a bend of the river. + </p> + <p> + I turned and looked. New Orleans was just a colorless mass of something in + the distance, and the dome of the St. Charles Hotel, upon which the sun + shimmered for a moment, was no bigger than the top of old Aunt Chloe's + thimble. + </p> + <p> + What do I remember next? The gray sky and the fretful blue waters of the + Gulf. The steam-tug had long since let slip her hawsers and gone panting + away with a derisive scream, as much as to say, “I've done my duty, now + look out for yourself, old Typhoon!” + </p> + <p> + The ship seemed quite proud of being left to take care of itself, and, + with its huge white sails bulged out, strutted off like a vain turkey. I + had been standing by my father near the wheel-house all this while, + observing things with that nicety of perception which belongs only to + children; but now the dew began falling, and we went below to have supper. + </p> + <p> + The fresh fruit and milk, and the slices of cold chicken, looked very + nice; yet somehow I had no appetite There was a general smell of tar about + everything. Then the ship gave sudden lurches that made it a matter of + uncertainty whether one was going to put his fork to his mouth or into his + eye. The tumblers and wineglasses, stuck in a rack over the table, kept + clinking and clinking; and the cabin lamp, suspended by four gilt chains + from the ceiling, swayed to and fro crazily. Now the floor seemed to rise, + and now it seemed to sink under one's feet like a feather-bed. + </p> + <p> + There were not more than a dozen passengers on board, including ourselves; + and all of these, excepting a bald-headed old gentleman—a retired + sea-captain—disappeared into their staterooms at an early hour of + the evening. + </p> + <p> + After supper was cleared away, my father and the elderly gentleman, whose + name was Captain Truck, played at checkers; and I amused myself for a + while by watching the trouble they had in keeping the men in the proper + places. Just at the most exciting point of the game, the ship would + careen, and down would go the white checkers pell-mell among the black. + Then my father laughed, but Captain Truck would grow very angry, and vow + that he would have won the game in a move or two more, if the confounded + old chicken-coop—that's what he called the ship—hadn't + lurched. + </p> + <p> + “I—I think I will go to bed now, please,” I said, laying my band on + my father's knee, and feeling exceedingly queer. + </p> + <p> + It was high time, for the Typhoon was plunging about in the most alarming + fashion. I was speedily tucked away in the upper berth, where I felt a + trifle more easy at first. My clothes were placed on a narrow shelf at my + feet, and it was a great comfort to me to know that my pistol was so + handy, for I made no doubt we should fall in with Pirates before many + hours. This is the last thing I remember with any distinctness. At + midnight, as I was afterwards told, we were struck by a gale which never + left us until we came in sight of the Massachusetts coast. + </p> + <p> + For days and days I had no sensible idea of what was going on around me. + That we were being hurled somewhere upside-down, and that I didn't like + it, was about all I knew. I have, indeed, a vague impression that my + father used to climb up to the berth and call me his “Ancient Mariner,” + bidding me cheer up. But the Ancient Mariner was far from cheering up, if + I recollect rightly; and I don't believe that venerable navigator would + have cared much if it had been announced to him, through a + speaking-trumpet, that “a low, black, suspicious craft, with raking masts, + was rapidly bearing down upon us!” + </p> + <p> + In fact, one morning, I thought that such was the case, for bang! went the + big cannon I had noticed in the bow of the ship when we came on board, and + which had suggested to me the idea of Pirates. Bang! went the gun again in + a few seconds. I made a feeble effort to get at my trousers-pocket! But + the Typhoon was only saluting Cape Cod—the first land sighted by + vessels approaching the coast from a southerly direction. + </p> + <p> + The vessel had ceased to roll, and my sea-sickness passed away as rapidly + as it came. I was all right now, “only a little shaky in my timbers and a + little blue about the gills,” as Captain Truck remarked to my mother, who, + like myself, had been confined to the state-room during the passage. + </p> + <p> + At Cape Cod the wind parted company with us without saying as much as + “Excuse me”; so we were nearly two days in making the run which in + favorable weather is usually accomplished in seven hours. That's what the + pilot said. + </p> + <p> + I was able to go about the ship now, and I lost no time in cultivating the + acquaintance of the sailor with the green-haired lady on his arm. I found + him in the forecastle—a sort of cellar in the front part of the + vessel. He was an agreeable sailor, as I had expected, and we became the + best of friends in five minutes. + </p> + <p> + He had been all over the world two or three times, and knew no end of + stories. According to his own account, he must have been shipwrecked at + least twice a year ever since his birth. He had served under Decatur when + that gallant officer peppered the Algerines and made them promise not to + sell their prisoners of war into slavery; he had worked a gun at the + bombardment of Vera Cruz in the Mexican War, and he had been on Alexander + Selkirk's Island more than once. There were very few things he hadn't done + in a seafaring way. + </p> + <p> + “I suppose, sir,” I remarked, “that your name isn't Typhoon?” + </p> + <p> + “Why, Lord love ye, lad, my name's Benjamin Watson, of Nantucket. But I'm + a true blue Typhooner,” he added, which increased my respect for him; I + don't know why, and I didn't know then whether Typhoon was the name of a + vegetable or a profession. + </p> + <p> + Not wishing to be outdone in frankness, I disclosed to him that my name + was Tom Bailey, upon which he said he was very glad to hear it. + </p> + <p> + When we got more intimate, I discovered that Sailor Ben, as he wished me + to call him, was a perfect walking picturebook. He had two anchors, a + star, and a frigate in full sail on his right arm; a pair of lovely blue + hands clasped on his breast, and I've no doubt that other parts of his + body were illustrated in the same agreeable manner. I imagine he was fond + of drawings, and took this means of gratifying his artistic taste. It was + certainly very ingenious and convenient. A portfolio might be misplaced, + or dropped overboard; but Sailor Ben had his pictures wherever he went, + just as that eminent person in the poem, + </p> + <p> + “With rings on her fingers and bells on her toes”—was accompanied by + music on all occasions. + </p> + <p> + The two bands on his breast, he informed me, were a tribute to the memory + of a dead messmate from whom he had parted years ago—and surely a + more touching tribute was never engraved on a tombstone. This caused me to + think of my parting with old Aunt Chloe, and I told him I should take it + as a great favor indeed if he would paint a pink hand and a black hand on + my chest. He said the colors were pricked into the skin with needles, and + that the operation was somewhat painful. I assured him, in an off-hand + manner, that I didn't mind pain, and begged him to set to work at once. + </p> + <p> + The simple-hearted fellow, who was probably not a little vain of his + skill, took me into the forecastle, and was on the point of complying with + my request, when my father happened to own the gangway—a + circumstance that rather interfered with the decorative art. + </p> + <p> + I didn't have another opportunity of conferring alone with Sailor Ben, for + the next morning, bright and early, we came in sight of the cupola of the + Boston State House. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0004" id="link2HCH0004"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + Chapter Four—Rivermouth + </h2> + <p> + It was a beautiful May morning when the Typhoon hauled up at Long Wharf. + Whether the Indians were not early risers, or whether they were away just + then on a war-path, I couldn't determine; but they did not appear in any + great force—in fact, did not appear at all. + </p> + <p> + In the remarkable geography which I never hurt myself with studying at New + Orleans, was a picture representing the landing of the Pilgrim Fathers at + Plymouth. The Pilgrim Fathers, in rather odd hats and coats, are seen + approaching the savages; the savages, in no coats or hats to speak of, are + evidently undecided whether to shake hands with the Pilgrim Fathers or to + make one grand rush and scalp the entire party. Now this scene had so + stamped itself on my mind, that, in spite of all my father had said, I was + prepared for some such greeting from the aborigines. Nevertheless, I was + not sorry to have my expectations unfulfilled. By the way, speaking of the + Pilgrim Fathers, I often used to wonder why there was no mention made of + the Pilgrim Mothers. + </p> + <p> + While our trunks were being hoisted from the hold of the ship, I mounted + on the roof of the cabin, and took a critical view of Boston. As we came + up the harbor, I had noticed that the houses were huddled together on an + immense bill, at the top of which was a large building, the State House, + towering proudly above the rest, like an amiable mother-hen surrounded by + her brood of many-colored chickens. A closer inspection did not impress me + very favorably. The city was not nearly so imposing as New Orleans, which + stretches out for miles and miles, in the shape of a crescent, along the + banks of the majestic river. + </p> + <p> + I soon grew tired of looking at the masses of houses, rising above one + another in irregular tiers, and was glad my father did not propose to + remain long in Boston. As I leaned over the rail in this mood, a + measly-looking little boy with no shoes said that if I would come down on + the wharf he'd lick me for two cents—not an exorbitant price. But I + didn't go down. I climbed into the rigging, and stared at him. This, as I + was rejoiced to observe, so exasperated him that he stood on his head on a + pile of boards, in order to pacify himself. + </p> + <p> + The first train for Rivermouth left at noon. After a late breakfast on + board the Typhoon, our trunks were piled upon a baggage-wagon, and + ourselves stowed away in a coach, which must have turned at least one + hundred corners before it set us down at the railway station. + </p> + <p> + In less time than it takes to tell it, we were shooting across the country + at a fearful rate—now clattering over a bridge, now screaming + through a tunnel; here we cut a flourishing village in two, like a knife, + and here we dived into the shadow of a pine forest. Sometimes we glided + along the edge of the ocean, and could see the sails of ships twinkling + like bits of silver against the horizon; sometimes we dashed across rocky + pasture-lands where stupid-eyed cattle were loafing. It was fun to scare + lazy-looking cows that lay round in groups under the newly budded trees + near the railroad track. + </p> + <p> + We did not pause at any of the little brown stations on the route (they + looked just like overgrown black-walnut clocks), though at every one of + them a man popped out as if he were worked by machinery, and waved a red + flag, and appeared as though he would like to have us stop. But we were an + express train, and made no stoppages, excepting once or twice to give the + engine a drink. It is strange how the memory clings to some things. It is + over twenty years since I took that first ride to Rivermouth, and yet, + oddly enough, I remember as if it were yesterday, that, as we passed + slowly through the village of Hampton, we saw two boys fighting behind a + red barn. There was also a shaggy yellow dog, who looked as if he had + commenced to unravel, barking himself all up into a knot with excitement. + We had only a hurried glimpse of the battle—long enough, however, to + see that the combatants were equally matched and very much in earnest. I + am ashamed to say how many times since I have speculated as to which boy + got licked. Maybe both the small rascals are dead now (not in consequence + of the set-to, let us hope), or maybe they are married, and have + pugnacious urchins of their own; yet to this day I sometimes find myself + wondering how that fight turned out. + </p> + <p> + We had been riding perhaps two hours and a half, when we shot by a tall + factory with a chimney resembling a church steeple; then the locomotive + gave a scream, the engineer rang his bell, and we plunged into the + twilight of a long wooden building, open at both ends. Here we stopped, + and the conductor, thrusting his head in at the car door, cried out, + “Passengers for Rivermouth!” + </p> + <p> + At last we had reached our journey's end. On the platform my father shook + hands with a straight, brisk old gentleman whose face was very serene and + rosy. He had on a white hat and a long swallow-tailed coat, the collar of + which came clear up above his cars. He didn't look unlike a Pilgrim + Father. This, of course, was Grandfather Nutter, at whose house I was + born. My mother kissed him a great many times; and I was glad to see him + myself, though I naturally did not feel very intimate with a person whom I + had not seen since I was eighteen months old. + </p> + <p> + While we were getting into the double-seated wagon which Grandfather + Nutter had provided, I took the opportunity of asking after the health of + the pony. The pony had arrived all right ten days before, and was in the + stable at home, quite anxious to see me. + </p> + <p> + As we drove through the quiet old town, I thought Rivermouth the prettiest + place in the world; and I think so still. The streets are long and wide, + shaded by gigantic American elms, whose drooping branches, interlacing + here and there, span the avenues with arches graceful enough to be the + handiwork of fairies. Many of the houses have small flower-gardens in + front, gay in the season with china-asters, and are substantially built, + with massive chimney-stacks and protruding eaves. A beautiful river goes + rippling by the town, and, after turning and twisting among a lot of tiny + islands, empties itself into the sea. + </p> + <p> + The harbor is so fine that the largest ships can sail directly up to the + wharves and drop anchor. Only they don't. Years ago it was a famous + seaport. Princely fortunes were made in the West India trade; and in 1812, + when we were at war with Great Britain, any number of privateers were + fitted out at Rivermouth to prey upon the merchant vessels of the enemy. + Certain people grew suddenly and mysteriously rich. A great many of “the + first families” of today do not care to trace their pedigree back to the + time when their grandsires owned shares in the Matilda Jane, twenty-four + guns. Well, well! + </p> + <p> + Few ships come to Rivermouth now. Commerce drifted into other ports. The + phantom fleet sailed off one day, and never came back again. The crazy old + warehouses are empty; and barnacles and eel-grass cling to the piles of + the crumbling wharves, where the sunshine lies lovingly, bringing out the + faint spicy odor that haunts the place—the ghost of the old dead + West India trade! During our ride from the station, I was struck, of + course, only by the general neatness of the houses and the beauty of the + elm-trees lining the streets. I describe Rivermouth now as I came to know + it afterwards. + </p> + <p> + Rivermouth is a very ancient town. In my day there existed a tradition + among the boys that it was here Christopher Columbus made his first + landing on this continent. I remember having the exact spot pointed out to + me by Pepper Whitcomb! One thing is certain, Captain John Smith, who + afterwards, according to the legend, married Pocahontas—whereby he + got Powhatan for a father-in-law-explored the river in 1614, and was much + charmed by the beauty of Rivermouth, which at that time was covered with + wild strawberry-vines. + </p> + <p> + Rivermouth figures prominently in all the colonial histories. Every other + house in the place has its tradition more or less grim and entertaining. + If ghosts could flourish anywhere, there are certain streets in Rivermouth + that would be full of them. I don't know of a town with so many old + houses. Let us linger, for a moment, in front of the one which the Oldest + Inhabitant is always sure to point out to the curious stranger. + </p> + <p> + It is a square wooden edifice, with gambrel roof and deep-set + window-frames. Over the windows and doors there used to be heavy carvings—oak-leaves + and acorns, and angels' heads with wings spreading from the ears, oddly + jumbled together; but these ornaments and other outward signs of grandeur + have long since disappeared. A peculiar interest attaches itself to this + house, not because of its age, for it has not been standing quite a + century; nor on account of its architecture, which is not striking—but + because of the illustrious men who at various periods have occupied its + spacious chambers. + </p> + <p> + In 1770 it was an aristocratic hotel. At the left side of the entrance + stood a high post, from which swung the sign of the Earl of Halifax. The + landlord was a stanch loyalist—that is to say, he believed in the + king, and when the overtaxed colonies determined to throw off the British + yoke, the adherents to the Crown held private meetings in one of the back + rooms of the tavern. This irritated the rebels, as they were called; and + one night they made an attack on the Earl of Halifax, tore down the + signboard, broke in the window-sashes, and gave the landlord hardly time + to make himself invisible over a fence in the rear. + </p> + <p> + For several months the shattered tavern remained deserted. At last the + exiled innkeeper, on promising to do better, was allowed to return; a new + sign, bearing the name of William Pitt, the friend of America, swung + proudly from the door-post, and the patriots were appeased. Here it was + that the mail-coach from Boston twice a week, for many a year, set down + its load of travelers and gossip. For some of the details in this sketch, + I am indebted to a recently published chronicle of those times. + </p> + <p> + It is 1782. The French fleet is lying in the harbor of Rivermouth, and + eight of the principal officers, in white uniforms trimmed with gold lace, + have taken up their quarters at the sign of the William Pitt. Who is this + young and handsome officer now entering the door of the tavern? It is no + less a personage than the Marquis Lafayette, who has come all the way from + Providence to visit the French gentlemen boarding there. What a + gallant-looking cavalier he is, with his quick eyes and coal black hair! + Forty years later he visited the spot again; his locks were gray and his + step was feeble, but his heart held its young love for Liberty. + </p> + <p> + Who is this finely dressed traveler alighting from his coach-and-four, + attended by servants in livery? Do you know that sounding name, written in + big valorous letters on the Declaration of Independence—written as + if by the hand of a giant? Can you not see it now? JOHN HANCOCK. This is + he. + </p> + <p> + Three young men, with their valet, are standing on the doorstep of the + William Pitt, bowing politely, and inquiring in the most courteous terms + in the world if they can be accommodated. It is the time of the French + Revolution, and these are three sons of the Duke of Orleans—Louis + Philippe and his two brothers. Louis Philippe never forgot his visit to + Rivermouth. Years afterwards, when he was seated on the throne of France, + he asked an American lady, who chanced to be at his court, if the pleasant + old mansion were still standing. + </p> + <p> + But a greater and a better man than the king of the French has honored + this roof. Here, in 1789, came George Washington, the President of the + United States, to pay his final complimentary visit to the State + dignitaries. The wainscoted chamber where he slept, and the dining-hall + where he entertained his guests, have a certain dignity and sanctity which + even the present Irish tenants cannot wholly destroy. + </p> + <p> + During the period of my reign at Rivermouth, an ancient lady, Dame Jocelyn + by name, lived in one of the upper rooms of this notable building. She was + a dashing young belle at the time of Washington's first visit to the town, + and must have been exceedingly coquettish and pretty, judging from a + certain portrait on ivory still in the possession of the family. According + to Dame Jocelyn, George Washington flirted with her just a little bit—in + what a stately and highly finished manner can be imagined. + </p> + <p> + There was a mirror with a deep filigreed frame hanging over the + mantel-piece in this room. The glass was cracked and the quicksilver + rubbed off or discolored in many places. When it reflected your face you + had the singular pleasure of not recognizing yourself. It gave your + features the appearance of having been run through a mince-meat machine. + But what rendered the looking-glass a thing of enchantment to me was a + faded green feather, tipped with scarlet, which drooped from the top of + the tarnished gilt mouldings. This feather Washington took from the plume + of his three-cornered hat, and presented with his own hand to the + worshipful Mistress Jocelyn the day he left Rivermouth forever. I wish I + could describe the mincing genteel air, and the ill-concealed + self-complacency, with which the dear old lady related the incident. + </p> + <p> + Many a Saturday afternoon have I climbed up the rickety staircase to that + dingy room, which always had a flavor of snuff about it, to sit on a + stiff-backed chair and listen for hours together to Dame Jocelyn's stories + of the olden time. How she would prattle! She was bedridden—poor + creature!—and had not been out of the chamber for fourteen years. + Meanwhile the world had shot ahead of Dame Jocelyn. The changes that had + taken place under her very nose were unknown to this faded, crooning old + gentlewoman, whom the eighteenth century had neglected to take away with + the rest of its odd traps. She had no patience with newfangled notions. + The old ways and the old times were good enough for her. She had never + seen a steam engine, though she had heard “the dratted thing” screech in + the distance. In her day, when gentlefolk traveled, they went in their own + coaches. She didn't see how respectable people could bring themselves down + to “riding in a car with rag-tag and bobtail and Lord-knows-who.” Poor old + aristocrat The landlord charged her no rent for the room, and the + neighbors took turns in supplying her with meals. Towards the close of her + life—she lived to be ninety-nine—she grew very fretful and + capricious about her food. If she didn't chance to fancy what was sent + her, she had no hesitation in sending it back to the giver with “Miss + Jocelyn's respectful compliments.” + </p> + <p> + But I have been gossiping too long—and yet not too long if I have + impressed upon the reader an idea of what a rusty, delightful old town it + was to which I had come to spend the next three or four years of my + boyhood. + </p> + <p> + A drive of twenty minutes from the station brought us to the door-step of + Grandfather Nutter's house. What kind of house it was, and what sort of + people lived in it, shall be told in another chapter. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0005" id="link2HCH0005"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + Chapter Five—The Nutter House and the Nutter Family + </h2> + <p> + The Nutter House—all the more prominent dwellings in Rivermouth are + named after somebody; for instance, there is the Walford House, the Venner + House, the Trefethen House, etc., though it by no means follows that they + are inhabited by the people whose names they bear—the Nutter House, + to resume, has been in our family nearly a hundred years, and is an honor + to the builder (an ancestor of ours, I believe), supposing durability to + be a merit. If our ancestor was a carpenter, he knew his trade. I wish I + knew mine as well. Such timber and such workmanship don't often come + together in houses built nowadays. + </p> + <p> + Imagine a low-studded structure, with a wide hall running through the + middle. At your right band, as you enter, stands a tall black mahogany + clock, looking like an Egyptian mummy set up on end. On each side of the + hall are doors (whose knobs, it must be confessed, do not turn very + easily), opening into large rooms wainscoted and rich in wood-carvings + about the mantel-pieces and cornices. The walls are covered with pictured + paper, representing landscapes and sea-views. In the parlor, for example, + this enlivening figure is repeated all over the room. A group of English + peasants, wearing Italian hats, are dancing on a lawn that abruptly + resolves itself into a sea-beach, upon which stands a flabby fisherman + (nationality unknown), quietly hauling in what appears to be a small + whale, and totally regardless of the dreadful naval combat going on just + beyond the end of his fishing-rod. On the other side of the ships is the + main-land again, with the same peasants dancing. Our ancestors were very + worthy people, but their wall-papers were abominable. + </p> + <p> + There are neither grates nor stoves in these quaint chambers, but splendid + open chimney-places, with room enough for the corpulent back-log to turn + over comfortably on the polished andirons. A wide staircase leads from the + hall to the second story, which is arranged much like the first. Over this + is the garret. I needn't tell a New England boy what—a museum of + curiosities is the garret of a well-regulated New England house of fifty + or sixty years' standing. Here meet together, as if by some preconcerted + arrangement, all the broken-down chairs of the household, all the spavined + tables, all the seedy hats, all the intoxicated-looking boots, all the + split walking-sticks that have retired from business, “weary with the + march of life.” The pots, the pans, the trunks, the bottles—who may + hope to make an inventory of the numberless odds and ends collected in + this bewildering lumber-room? But what a place it is to sit of an + afternoon with the rain pattering on the roof! What a place in which to + read Gulliver's Travels, or the famous adventures of Rinaldo Rinaldini! + </p> + <p> + My grandfather's house stood a little back from the main street, in the + shadow of two handsome elms, whose overgrown boughs would dash themselves + against the gables whenever the wind blew hard. In the rear was a pleasant + garden, covering perhaps a quarter of an acre, full of plum-trees and + gooseberry bushes. These trees were old settlers, and are all dead now, + excepting one, which bears a purple plum as big as an egg. This tree, as I + remark, is still standing, and a more beautiful tree to tumble out of + never grew anywhere. In the northwestern corner of the garden were the + stables and carriage-house opening upon a narrow lane. You may imagine + that I made an early visit to that locality to inspect Gypsy. Indeed, I + paid her a visit every half-hour during the first day of my arrival. At + the twenty-fourth visit she trod on my foot rather heavily, as a reminder, + probably, that I was wearing out my welcome. She was a knowing little + pony, that Gypsy, and I shall have much to say of her in the course of + these pages. + </p> + <p> + Gypsy's quarters were all that could be wished, but nothing among my new + surroundings gave me more satisfaction than the cosey sleeping apartment + that had been prepared for myself. It was the hall room over the front + door. + </p> + <p> + I had never had a chamber all to myself before, and this one, about twice + the size of our state-room on board the Typhoon, was a marvel of neatness + and comfort. Pretty chintz curtains hung at the window, and a patch quilt + of more colors than were in Joseph's coat covered the little truckle-bed. + The pattern of the wall-paper left nothing to be desired in that line. On + a gray background were small bunches of leaves, unlike any that ever grew + in this world; and on every other bunch perched a yellow-bird, pitted with + crimson spots, as if it had just recovered from a severe attack of the + small-pox. That no such bird ever existed did not detract from my + admiration of each one. There were two hundred and sixty-eight of these + birds in all, not counting those split in two where the paper was badly + joined. I counted them once when I was laid up with a fine black eye, and + falling asleep immediately dreamed that the whole flock suddenly took wing + and flew out of the window. From that time I was never able to regard them + as merely inanimate objects. + </p> + <p> + A wash-stand in the corner, a chest of carved mahogany drawers, a + looking-glass in a filigreed frame, and a high-backed chair studded with + brass nails like a coffin, constituted the furniture. Over the head of the + bed were two oak shelves, holding perhaps a dozen books—among which + were Theodore, or The Peruvians; Robinson Crusoe; an odd volume of + Tristram Shandy; Baxter's Saints' Rest, and a fine English edition of the + Arabian Nights, with six hundred wood-cuts by Harvey. + </p> + <p> + Shall I ever forget the hour when I first overhauled these books? I do not + allude especially to Baxter's Saints' Rest, which is far from being a + lively work for the young, but to the Arabian Nights, and particularly + Robinson Crusoe. The thrill that ran into my fingers' ends then has not + run out yet. Many a time did I steal up to this nest of a room, and, + taking the dog's-eared volume from its shelf, glide off into an enchanted + realm, where there were no lessons to get and no boys to smash my kite. In + a lidless trunk in the garret I subsequently unearthed another motley + collection of novels and romances, embracing the adventures of Baron + Trenck, Jack Sheppard, Don Quixote, Gil Blas, and Charlotte Temple—all + of which I fed upon like a bookworm. + </p> + <p> + I never come across a copy of any of those works without feeling a certain + tenderness for the yellow-haired little rascal who used to lean above the + magic pages hour after hour, religiously believing every word he read, and + no more doubting the reality of Sindbad the Sailor, or the Knight of the + Sorrowful Countenance, than he did the existence of his own grandfather. + </p> + <p> + Against the wall at the foot of the bed hung a single-barrel shot-gun—placed + there by Grandfather Nutter, who knew what a boy loved, if ever a + grandfather did. As the trigger of the gun had been accidentally twisted + off, it was not, perhaps, the most dangerous weapon that could be placed + in the hands of youth. In this maimed condition its “bump of + destructiveness” was much less than that of my small brass pocket-pistol, + which I at once proceeded to suspend from one of the nails supporting the + fowling-piece, for my vagaries concerning the red man had been entirely + dispelled. + </p> + <p> + Having introduced the reader to the Nutter House, a presentation to the + Nutter family naturally follows. The family consisted of my grandfather; + his sister, Miss Abigail Nutter; and Kitty Collins, the maid-of-all-work. + </p> + <p> + Grandfather Nutter was a hale, cheery old gentleman, as straight and as + bald as an arrow. He had been a sailor in early life; that is to say, at + the age of ten years he fled from the multiplication-table, and ran away + to sea. A single voyage satisfied him. There never was but one of our + family who didn't run away to sea, and this one died at his birth. My + grandfather had also been a soldier—a captain of militia in 1812. If + I owe the British nation anything, I owe thanks to that particular British + soldier who put a musket-ball into the fleshy part of Captain Nutter's + leg, causing that noble warrior a slight permanent limp, but offsetting + the injury by furnishing him with the material for a story which the old + gentleman was never weary of telling and I never weary of listening to. + The story, in brief, was as follows. + </p> + <p> + At the breaking out of the war, an English frigate lay for several days + off the coast near Rivermouth. A strong fort defended the harbor, and a + regiment of minute-men, scattered at various points along-shore, stood + ready to repel the boats, should the enemy try to effect a landing. + Captain Nutter had charge of a slight earthwork just outside the mouth of + the river. Late one thick night the sound of oars was heard; the sentinel + tried to fire off his gun at half-cock, and couldn't, when Captain Nutter + sprung upon the parapet in the pitch darkness, and shouted, “Boat ahoyl” A + musket-shot immediately embedded itself in the calf of his leg. The + Captain tumbled into the fort and the boat, which had probably come in + search of water, pulled back to the frigate. + </p> + <p> + This was my grandfather's only exploit during the war. That his prompt and + bold conduct was instrumental in teaching the enemy the hopelessness of + attempting to conquer such a people was among the firm beliefs of my + boyhood. + </p> + <p> + At the time I came to Rivermouth my grandfather had retired from active + pursuits, and was living at ease on his money, invested principally in + shipping. He had been a widower many years; a maiden sister, the aforesaid + Miss Abigail, managing his household. Miss Abigail also managed her + brother, and her brother's servant, and the visitor at her brother's gate—not + in a tyrannical spirit, but from a philanthropic desire to be useful to + everybody. In person she was tall and angular; she had a gray complexion, + gray eyes, gray eyebrows, and generally wore a gray dress. Her strongest + weak point was a belief in the efficacy of “hot-drops” as a cure for all + known diseases. + </p> + <p> + If there were ever two people who seemed to dislike each other, Miss + Abigail and Kitty Collins were those people. If ever two people really + loved each other, Miss Abigail and Kitty Collins were those people also. + They were always either skirmishing or having a cup of tea lovingly + together. + </p> + <p> + Miss Abigail was very fond of me, and so was Kitty; and in the course of + their disagreements each let me into the private history of the other. + </p> + <p> + According to Kitty, it was not originally my grandfather's intention to + have Miss Abigail at the head of his domestic establishment. She had + swooped down on him (Kitty's own words), with a band-box in one hand and a + faded blue cotton umbrella, still in existence, in the other. Clad in this + singular garb—I do not remember that Kitty alluded to—any + additional peculiarity of dress—Miss Abigail had made her appearance + at the door of the Nutter House on the morning of my grandmother's + funeral. The small amount of baggage which the lady brought with her would + have led the superficial observer to infer that Miss Abigail's visit was + limited to a few days. I run ahead of my story in saying she remained + seventeen years! How much longer she would have remained can never be + definitely known now, as she died at the expiration of that period. + </p> + <p> + Whether or not my grandfather was quite pleased by this unlooked-for + addition to his family is a problem. He was very kind always to Miss + Abigail, and seldom opposed her; though I think she must have tried his + patience sometimes, especially when she interfered with Kitty. + </p> + <p> + Kitty Collins, or Mrs. Catherine, as she preferred to be called, was + descended in a direct line from an extensive family of kings who formerly + ruled over Ireland. In consequence of various calamities, among which the + failure of the potato-crop may be mentioned, Miss Kitty Collins, in + company with several hundred of her countrymen and countrywomen—also + descended from kings—came over to America in an emigrant ship, in + the year eighteen hundred and something. + </p> + <p> + I don't know what freak of fortune caused the royal exile to turn up at + Rivermouth; but turn up she did, a few months after arriving in this + country, and was hired by my grandmother to do “general housework” for the + sum of four shillings and six-pence a week. + </p> + <p> + Kitty had been living about seven years in my grandfather's family when + she unburdened her heart of a secret which had been weighing upon it all + that time. It may be said of people, as it is said of nations, “Happy are + they that have no history.” Kitty had a history, and a pathetic one, I + think. + </p> + <p> + On board the emigrant ship that brought her to America, she became + acquainted with a sailor, who, being touched by Kitty's forlorn condition, + was very good to her. Long before the end of the voyage, which had been + tedious and perilous, she was heartbroken at the thought of separating + from her kindly protector; but they were not to part just yet, for the + sailor returned Kitty's affection, and the two were married on their + arrival at port. Kitty's husband—she would never mention his name, + but kept it locked in her bosom like some precious relic—had a + considerable sum of money when the crew were paid off; and the young + couple—for Kitty was young then—lived very happily in a + lodging-house on South Street, near the docks. This was in New York. + </p> + <p> + The days flew by like hours, and the stocking in which the little bride + kept the funds shrunk and shrunk, until at last there were only three or + four dollars left in the toe of it. Then Kitty was troubled; for she knew + her sailor would have to go to sea again unless he could get employment on + shore. This he endeavored to do, but not with much success. One morning as + usual he kissed her good day, and set out in search of work. + </p> + <p> + “Kissed me goodby, and called me his little Irish lass,” sobbed Kitty, + telling the story, “kissed me goodby, and, Heaven help me, I niver set oi + on him nor on the likes of him again!” + </p> + <p> + He never came back. Day after day dragged on, night after night, and then + the weary weeks. What had become of him? Had he been murdered? Had he + fallen into the docks? Had he—deserted her? No! She could not + believe that; he was too brave and tender and true. She couldn't believe + that. He was dead, dead, or he'd come back to her. + </p> + <p> + Meanwhile the landlord of the lodging-house turned Kitty into the streets, + now that “her man” was gone, and the payment of the rent doubtful. She got + a place as a servant. The family she lived with shortly moved to Boston, + and she accompanied them; then they went abroad, but Kitty would not leave + America. Somehow she drifted to Rivermouth, and for seven long years never + gave speech to her sorrow, until the kindness of strangers, who had become + friends to her, unsealed the heroic lips. + </p> + <p> + Kitty's story, you may be sure, made my grandparents treat her more kindly + than ever. In time she grew to be regarded less as a servant than as a + friend in the home circle, sharing its joys and sorrows—a faithful + nurse, a willing slave, a happy spirit in spite of all. I fancy I hear her + singing over her work in the kitchen, pausing from time to time to make + some witty reply to Miss Abigail—for Kitty, like all her race, had a + vein of unconscious humor. Her bright honest face comes to me out from the + past, the light and life of the Nutter House when I was a boy at + Rivermouth. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0006" id="link2HCH0006"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + Chapter Six—Lights and Shadows + </h2> + <p> + The first shadow that fell upon me in my new home was caused by the return + of my parents to New Orleans. Their visit was cut short by business which + required my father's presence in Natchez, where he was establishing a + branch of the bankinghouse. When they had gone, a sense of loneliness such + as I had never dreamed of filled my young breast. I crept away to the + stable, and, throwing my arms about Gypsy's neck, sobbed aloud. She too + had come from the sunny South, and was now a stranger in a strange land. + </p> + <p> + The little mare seemed to realize our situation, and gave me all the + sympathy I could ask, repeatedly rubbing her soft nose over my face and + lapping up my salt tears with evident relish. + </p> + <p> + When night came, I felt still more lonesome. My grandfather sat in his + arm-chair the greater part of the evening, reading the Rivermouth Bamacle, + the local newspaper. There was no gas in those days, and the Captain read + by the aid of a small block-tin lamp, which he held in one hand. I + observed that he had a habit of dropping off into a doze every three or + four minutes, and I forgot my homesickness at intervals in watching him. + Two or three times, to my vast amusement, he scorched the edges of the + newspaper with the wick of the lamp; and at about half past eight o'clock + I had the satisfactions—I am sorry to confess it was a satisfaction—of + seeing the Rivermouth Barnacle in flames. + </p> + <p> + My grandfather leisurely extinguished the fire with his hands, and Miss + Abigail, who sat near a low table, knitting by the light of an astral + lamp, did not even look up. She was quite used to this catastrophe. + </p> + <p> + There was little or no conversation during the evening. In fact, I do not + remember that anyone spoke at all, excepting once, when the Captain + remarked, in a meditative manner, that my parents “must have reached New + York by this time”; at which supposition I nearly strangled myself in + attempting to intercept a sob. + </p> + <p> + The monotonous “click click” of Miss Abigail's needles made me nervous + after a while, and finally drove me out of the sitting-room into the + kitchen, where Kitty caused me to laugh by saying Miss Abigail thought + that what I needed was “a good dose of hot-drops,” a remedy she was + forever ready to administer in all emergencies. If a boy broke his leg, or + lost his mother, I believe Miss Abigail would have given him hot-drops. + </p> + <p> + Kitty laid herself out to be entertaining. She told me several funny Irish + stories, and described some of the odd people living in the town; but, in + the midst of her comicalities, the tears would involuntarily ooze out of + my eyes, though I was not a lad much addicted to weeping. Then Kitty would + put her arms around me, and tell me not to mind it—that it wasn't as + if I had been left alone in a foreign land with no one to care for me, + like a poor girl whom she had once known. I brightened up before long, and + told Kitty all about the Typhoon and the old seaman, whose name I tried in + vain to recall, and was obliged to fall back on plain Sailor Ben. + </p> + <p> + I was glad when ten o'clock came, the bedtime for young folks, and old + folks too, at the Nutter House. Alone in the hallchamber I had my cry out, + once for all, moistening the pillow to such an extent that I was obliged + to turn it over to find a dry spot to go to sleep on. + </p> + <p> + My grandfather wisely concluded to put me to school at once. If I had been + permitted to go mooning about the house and stables, I should have kept my + discontent alive for months. The next morning, accordingly, he took me by + the hand, and we set forth for the academy, which was located at the + farther end of the town. + </p> + <p> + The Temple School was a two-story brick building, standing in the centre + of a great square piece of land, surrounded by a high picket fence. There + were three or four sickly trees, but no grass, in this enclosure, which + had been worn smooth and hard by the tread of multitudinous feet. I + noticed here and there small holes scooped in the ground, indicating that + it was the season for marbles. A better playground for baseball couldn't + have been devised. + </p> + <p> + On reaching the schoolhouse door, the Captain inquired for Mr. Grimshaw. + The boy who answered our knock ushered us into a side-room, and in a few + minutes—during which my eye took in forty-two caps hung on forty-two + wooden pegs—Mr. Grimshaw made his appearance. He was a slender man, + with white, fragile hands, and eyes that glanced half a dozen different + ways at once—a habit probably acquired from watching the boys. + </p> + <p> + After a brief consultation, my grandfather patted me on the head and left + me in charge of this gentleman, who seated himself in front of me and + proceeded to sound the depth, or, more properly speaking, the shallowness, + of my attainments. I suspect my historical information rather startled + him. I recollect I gave him to understand that Richard III was the last + king of England. + </p> + <p> + This ordeal over, Mr. Grimshaw rose and bade me follow him. A door opened, + and I stood in the blaze of forty-two pairs of upturned eyes. I was a cool + hand for my age, but I lacked the boldness to face this battery without + wincing. In a sort of dazed way I stumbled after Mr. Grimshaw down a + narrow aisle between two rows of desks, and shyly took the seat pointed + out to me. + </p> + <p> + The faint buzz that had floated over the school-room at our entrance died + away, and the interrupted lessons were resumed. By degrees I recovered my + coolness, and ventured to look around me. + </p> + <p> + The owners of the forty-two caps were seated at small green desks like the + one assigned to me. The desks were arranged in six rows, with spaces + between just wide enough to prevent the boys' whispering. A blackboard set + into the wall extended clear across the end of the room; on a raised + platform near the door stood the master's table; and directly in front of + this was a recitation-bench capable of seating fifteen or twenty pupils. A + pair of globes, tattooed with dragons and winged horses, occupied a shelf + between two windows, which were so high from the floor that nothing but a + giraffe could have looked out of them. + </p> + <p> + Having possessed myself of these details, I scrutinized my new + acquaintances with unconcealed curiosity, instinctively selecting my + friends and picking out my enemies—and in only two cases did I + mistake my man. + </p> + <p> + A sallow boy with bright red hair, sitting in the fourth row, shook his + fist at me furtively several times during the morning. I had a + presentiment I should have trouble with that boy some day—a + presentiment subsequently realized. + </p> + <p> + On my left was a chubby little fellow with a great many freckles (this was + Pepper Whitcomb), who made some mysterious motions to me. I didn't + understand them, but, as they were clearly of a pacific nature, I winked + my eye at him. This appeared to be satisfactory, for he then went on with + his studies. At recess he gave me the core of his apple, though there were + several applicants for it. + </p> + <p> + Presently a boy in a loose olive-green jacket with two rows of brass + buttons held up a folded paper behind his slate, intimating that it was + intended for me. The paper was passed skillfully from desk to desk until + it reached my hands. On opening the scrap, I found that it contained a + small piece of molasses candy in an extremely humid state. This was + certainly kind. I nodded my acknowledgments and hastily slipped the + delicacy into my mouth. In a second I felt my tongue grow red-hot with + cayenne pepper. + </p> + <p> + My face must have assumed a comical expression, for the boy in the + olive-green jacket gave an hysterical laugh, for which he was instantly + punished by Mr. Grimshaw. I swallowed the fiery candy, though it brought + the water to my eyes, and managed to look so unconcerned that I was the + only pupil in the form who escaped questioning as to the cause of Marden's + misdemeanor. C. Marden was his name. + </p> + <p> + Nothing else occurred that morning to interrupt the exercises, excepting + that a boy in the reading class threw us all into convulsions by calling + Absalom A-bol'-som “Abolsom, O my son Abolsom!” I laughed as loud as + anyone, but I am not so sure that I shouldn't have pronounced it Abolsom + myself. + </p> + <p> + At recess several of the scholars came to my desk and shook hands with me, + Mr. Grimshaw having previously introduced me to Phil Adams, charging him + to see that I got into no trouble. My new acquaintances suggested that we + should go to the playground. We were no sooner out-of-doors than the boy + with the red hair thrust his way through the crowd and placed himself at + my side. + </p> + <p> + “I say, youngster, if you're comin' to this school you've got to toe the + mark.” + </p> + <p> + I didn't see any mark to toe, and didn't understand what he meant; but I + replied politely, that, if it was the custom of the school, I should be + happy to toe the mark, if he would point it out to me. + </p> + <p> + “I don't want any of your sarse,” said the boy, scowling. + </p> + <p> + “Look here, Conway!” cried a clear voice from the other side of the + playground. “You let young Bailey alone. He's a stranger here, and might + be afraid of you, and thrash you. Why do you always throw yourself in the + way of getting thrashed?” + </p> + <p> + I turned to the speaker, who by this time had reached the spot where we + stood. Conway slunk off, favoring me with a parting scowl of defiance. I + gave my hand to the boy who had befriended me—his name was Jack + Harris—and thanked him for his good-will. + </p> + <p> + “I tell you what it is, Bailey,” he said, returning my pressure + good-naturedly, “you'll have to fight Conway before the quarter ends, or + you'll have no rest. That fellow is always hankering after a licking, and + of course you'll give him one by and by; but what's the use of hurrying up + an unpleasant job? Let's have some baseball. By the way, Bailey, you were + a good kid not to let on to Grimshaw about the candy. Charley Marden would + have caught it twice as heavy. He's sorry he played the joke on you, and + told me to tell you so. Hallo, Blake! Where are the bats?” + </p> + <p> + This was addressed to a handsome, frank-looking lad of about my own age, + who was engaged just then in cutting his initials on the bark of a tree + near the schoolhouse. Blake shut up his penknife and went off to get the + bats. + </p> + <p> + During the game which ensued I made the acquaintance of Charley Marden, + Binny Wallace, Pepper Whitcomb, Harry Blake, and Fred Langdon. These boys, + none of them more than a year or two older than I (Binny Wallace was + younger), were ever after my chosen comrades. Phil Adams and Jack Harris + were considerably our seniors, and, though they always treated us “kids” + very kindly, they generally went with another set. Of course, before long + I knew all the Temple boys more or less intimately, but the five I have + named were my constant companions. + </p> + <p> + My first day at the Temple Grammar School was on the whole satisfactory. I + had made several warm friends and only two permanent enemies—Conway + and his echo, Seth Rodgers; for these two always went together like a + deranged stomach and a headache. + </p> + <p> + Before the end of the week I had my studies well in hand. I was a little + ashamed at finding myself at the foot of the various classes, and secretly + determined to deserve promotion. The school was an admirable one. I might + make this part of my story more entertaining by picturing Mr. Grimshaw as + a tyrant with a red nose and a large stick; but unfortunately for the + purposes of sensational narrative, Mr. Grimshaw was a quiet, kindhearted + gentleman. Though a rigid disciplinarian, he had a keen sense of justice, + was a good reader of character, and the boys respected him. There were two + other teachers—a French tutor and a writing-master, who visited the + school twice a week. On Wednesdays and Saturdays we were dismissed at + noon, and these half-holidays were the brightest epochs of my existence. + </p> + <p> + Daily contact with boys who had not been brought up as gently as I worked + an immediate, and, in some respects, a beneficial change in my character. + I had the nonsense taken out of me, as the saying is—some of the + nonsense, at least. I became more manly and self-reliant. I discovered + that the world was not created exclusively on my account. In New Orleans I + labored under the delusion that it was. Having neither brother nor sister + to give up to at home, and being, moreover, the largest pupil at school + there, my will had seldom been opposed. At Rivermouth matters were + different, and I was not long in adapting myself to the altered + circumstances. Of course I got many severe rubs, often unconsciously + given; but I had the sense to see that I was all the better for them. + </p> + <p> + My social relations with my new schoolfellows were the pleasantest + possible. There was always some exciting excursion on foot—a ramble + through the pine woods, a visit to the Devil's Pulpit, a high cliff in the + neighborhood—or a surreptitious low on the river, involving an + exploration of a group of diminutive islands, upon one of which we pitched + a tent and played we were the Spanish sailors who got wrecked there years + ago. But the endless pine forest that skirted the town was our favorite + haunt. There was a great green pond hidden somewhere in its depths, + inhabited by a monstrous colony of turtles. Harry Blake, who had an + eccentric passion for carving his name on everything, never let a captured + turtle slip through his fingers without leaving his mark engraved on its + shell. He must have lettered about two thousand from first to last. We + used to call them Harry Blake's sheep. + </p> + <p> + These turtles were of a discontented and migratory turn of mind, and we + frequently encountered two or three of them on the cross-roads several + miles from their ancestral mud. Unspeakable was our delight whenever we + discovered one soberly walking off with Harry Blake's initials! I've no + doubt there are, at this moment, fat ancient turtles wandering about that + gummy woodland with H.B. neatly cut on their venerable backs. + </p> + <p> + It soon became a custom among my playmates to make our barn their + rendezvous. Gypsy proved a strong attraction. Captain Nutter bought me a + little two-wheeled cart, which she drew quite nicely, after kicking out + the dasher and breaking the shafts once or twice. With our lunch-baskets + and fishing-tackle stowed away under the seat, we used to start off early + in the afternoon for the sea-shore, where there were countless marvels in + the shape of shells, mosses, and kelp. Gypsy enjoyed the sport as keenly + as any of us, even going so far, one day, as to trot down the beach into + the sea where we were bathing. As she took the cart with her, our + provisions were not much improved. I shall never forget how squash-pie + tastes after being soused in the Atlantic Ocean. Soda-crackers dipped in + salt water are palatable, but not squash-pie. + </p> + <p> + There was a good deal of wet weather during those first six weeks at + Rivermouth, and we set ourselves at work to find some indoor amusement for + our half-holidays. It was all very well for Amadis de Gaul and Don Quixote + not to mind the rain; they had iron overcoats, and were not, from all we + can learn, subject to croup and the guidance of their grandfathers. Our + case was different. + </p> + <p> + “Now, boys, what shall we do?” I asked, addressing a thoughtful conclave + of seven, assembled in our barn one dismal rainy afternoon. + </p> + <p> + “Let's have a theatre,” suggested Binny Wallace. + </p> + <p> + The very thing! But where? The loft of the stable was ready to burst with + hay provided for Gypsy, but the long room over the carriage-house was + unoccupied. The place of all places! My managerial eye saw at a glance its + capabilities for a theatre. I had been to the play a great many times in + New Orleans, and was wise in matters pertaining to the drama. So here, in + due time, was set up some extraordinary scenery of my own painting. The + curtain, I recollect, though it worked smoothly enough on other occasions, + invariably hitched during the performances; and it often required the + united energies of the Prince of Denmark, the King, and the Grave-digger, + with an occasional band from “the fair Ophelia” (Pepper Whitcomb in a + low-necked dress), to hoist that bit of green cambric. + </p> + <p> + The theatre, however, was a success, as far as it went. I retired from the + business with no fewer than fifteen hundred pins, after deducting the + headless, the pointless, and the crooked pins with which our doorkeeper + frequently got “stuck.” From first to last we took in a great deal of this + counterfeit money. The price of admission to the “Rivermouth Theatre” was + twenty pins. I played all the principal parts myself—not that I was + a finer actor than the other boys, but because I owned the establishment. + </p> + <p> + At the tenth representation, my dramatic career was brought to a close by + an unfortunate circumstance. We were playing the drama of “William Tell, + the Hero of Switzerland.” Of course I was William Tell, in spite of Fred + Langdon, who wanted to act that character himself. I wouldn't let him, so + he withdrew from the company, taking the only bow and arrow we had. I made + a cross-bow out of a piece of whalebone, and did very well without him. We + had reached that exciting scene where Gessler, the Austrian tyrant, + commands Tell to shoot the apple from his son's head. Pepper Whitcomb, who + played all the juvenile and women parts, was my son. To guard against + mischance, a piece of pasteboard was fastened by a handkerchief over the + upper portion of Whitcomb's face, while the arrow to be used was sewed up + in a strip of flannel. I was a capital marksman, and the big apple, only + two yards distant, turned its russet cheek fairly towards me. + </p> + <p> + I can see poor little Pepper now, as he stood without flinching, waiting + for me to perform my great feat. I raised the crossbow amid the breathless + silence of the crowded audience consisting of seven boys and three girls, + exclusive of Kitty Collins, who insisted on paying her way in with a + clothes-pin. I raised the cross-bow, I repeat. Twang! went the whipcord; + but, alas! instead of hitting the apple, the arrow flew right into Pepper + Whitcomb's mouth, which happened to be open at the time, and destroyed my + aim. + </p> + <p> + I shall never be able to banish that awful moment from my memory. Pepper's + roar, expressive of astonishment, indignation, and pain, is still ringing + in my cars. I looked upon him as a corpse, and, glancing not far into the + dreary future, pictured myself led forth to execution in the presence of + the very same spectators then assembled. + </p> + <p> + Luckily poor Pepper was not seriously hurt; but Grandfather Nutter, + appearing in the midst of the confusion (attracted by the howls of young + Tell), issued an injunction against all theatricals thereafter, and the + place was closed; not, however, without a farewell speech from me, in + which I said that this would have been the proudest moment of my life if I + hadn't hit Pepper Whitcomb in the mouth. Whereupon the audience (assisted, + I am glad to state, by Pepper) cried “Hear! Hear!” I then attributed the + accident to Pepper himself, whose mouth, being open at the instant I + fired, acted upon the arrow much after the fashion of a whirlpool, and + drew in the fatal shaft. I was about to explain how a comparatively small + maelstrom could suck in the largest ship, when the curtain fell of its own + accord, amid the shouts of the audience. + </p> + <p> + This was my last appearance on any stage. It was some time, though, before + I heard the end of the William Tell business. Malicious little boys who + had not been allowed to buy tickets to my theatre used to cry out after me + in the street, + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + “'Who killed Cock Robin?' + 'I,' said the sparrer, + 'With my bow and arrer, + I killed Cock Robin!'” + </pre> + <p> + The sarcasm of this verse was more than I could stand. And it made Pepper + Whitcomb pretty mad to be called Cock Robin, I can tell you! + </p> + <p> + So the days glided on, with fewer clouds and more sunshine than fall to + the lot of most boys. Conway was certainly a cloud. Within school-bounds + he seldom ventured to be aggressive; but whenever we met about town he + never failed to brush against me, or pull my cap over my eyes, or drive me + distracted by inquiring after my family in New Orleans, always alluding to + them as highly respectable colored people. + </p> + <p> + Jack Harris was right when he said Conway would give me no rest until I + fought him. I felt it was ordained ages before our birth that we should + meet on this planet and fight. With the view of not running counter to + destiny, I quietly prepared myself for the impending conflict. The scene + of my dramatic triumphs was turned into a gymnasium for this purpose, + though I did not openly avow the fact to the boys. By persistently + standing on my head, raising heavy weights, and going hand over hand up a + ladder, I developed my muscle until my little body was as tough as a + hickory knot and as supple as tripe. I also took occasional lessons in the + noble art of self-defence, under the tuition of Phil Adams. + </p> + <p> + I brooded over the matter until the idea of fighting Conway became a part + of me. I fought him in imagination during school-hours; I dreamed of + fighting with him at night, when he would suddenly expand into a giant + twelve feet high, and then as suddenly shrink into a pygmy so small that I + couldn't hit him. In this latter shape he would get into my hair, or pop + into my waistcoat-pocket, treating me with as little ceremony as the + Liliputians showed Captain Lemuel Gulliver—all of which was not + pleasant, to be sure. On the whole, Conway was a cloud. + </p> + <p> + And then I had a cloud at home. It was not Grandfather Nutter, nor Miss + Abigail, nor Kitty Collins, though they all helped to compose it. It was a + vague, funereal, impalpable something which no amount of gymnastic + training would enable me to knock over. It was Sunday. If ever I have a + boy to bring up in the way he should go, I intend to make Sunday a + cheerful day to him. Sunday was not a cheerful day at the Nutter House. + You shall judge for yourself. + </p> + <p> + It is Sunday morning. I should premise by saying that the deep gloom which + has settled over everything set in like a heavy fog early on Saturday + evening. + </p> + <p> + At seven o'clock my grandfather comes smilelessly downstairs. He is + dressed in black, and looks as if he had lost all his friends during the + night. Miss Abigail, also in black, looks as if she were prepared to bury + them, and not indisposed to enjoy the ceremony. Even Kitty Collins has + caught the contagious gloom, as I perceive when she brings in the + coffee-urn—a solemn and sculpturesque urn at any time, but + monumental now—and sets it down in front of Miss Abigail. Miss + Abigail gazes at the urn as if it held the ashes of her ancestors, instead + of a generous quantity of fine old Java coffee. The meal progresses in + silence. + </p> + <p> + Our parlor is by no means thrown open every day. It is open this June + morning, and is pervaded by a strong smell of centretable. The furniture + of the room, and the little China ornaments on the mantel-piece, have a + constrained, unfamiliar look. My grandfather sits in a mahogany chair, + reading a large Bible covered with green baize. Miss Abigail occupies one + end of the sofa, and has her hands crossed stiffly in her lap. I sit in + the corner, crushed. Robinson Crusoe and Gil Blas are in close + confinement. Baron Trenck, who managed to escape from the fortress of + Clatz, can't for the life of him get out of our sitting-room closet. Even + the Rivermouth Barnacle is suppressed until Monday. Genial converse, + harmless books, smiles, lightsome hearts, all are banished. If I want to + read anything, I can read Baxter's Saints' Rest. I would die first. So I + sit there kicking my heels, thinking about New Orleans, and watching a + morbid blue-bottle fly that attempts to commit suicide by butting his head + against the window-pane. Listen!—no, yes—it is—it is the + robins singing in the garden—the grateful, joyous robins singing + away like mad, just as if it wasn't Sunday. Their audacity tickles me. + </p> + <p> + My grandfather looks up, and inquires in a sepulchral voice if I am ready + for Sabbath school. It is time to go. I like the Sabbath school; there are + bright young faces there, at all events. When I get out into the sunshine + alone, I draw a long breath; I would turn a somersault up against Neighbor + Penhallow's newly painted fence if I hadn't my best trousers on, so glad + am I to escape from the oppressive atmosphere of the Nutter House. + </p> + <p> + Sabbath school over, I go to meeting, joining my grandfather, who doesn't + appear to be any relation to me this day, and Miss Abigail, in the porch. + Our minister holds out very little hope to any of us of being saved. + Convinced that I am a lost creature, in common with the human family, I + return home behind my guardians at a snail's pace. We have a dead cold + dinner. I saw it laid out yesterday. + </p> + <p> + There is a long interval between this repast and the second service, and a + still longer interval between the beginning and the end of that service; + for the Rev. Wibird Hawkins's sermons are none of the shortest, whatever + else they may be. + </p> + <p> + After meeting, my grandfather and I take a walk. We visit appropriately + enough—a neighboring graveyard. I am by this time in a condition of + mind to become a willing inmate of the place. The usual evening + prayer-meeting is postponed for some reason. At half past eight I go to + bed. + </p> + <p> + This is the way Sunday was observed in the Nutter House, and pretty + generally throughout the town, twenty years ago.(1) People who were + prosperous and natural and happy on Saturday became the most rueful of + human beings in the brief space of twelve hours. I don't think there was + any hypocrisy in this. It was merely the old Puritan austerity cropping + out once a week. Many of these people were pure Christians every day in + the seven—excepting the seventh. Then they were decorous and solemn + to the verge of moroseness. I should not like to be misunderstood on this + point. Sunday is a blessed day, and therefore it should not be made a + gloomy one. It is the Lord's day, and I do believe that cheerful hearts + and faces are not unpleasant in His sight. + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + “O day of rest! How beautiful, how fair, + How welcome to the weary and the old! + Day of the Lord! and truce to earthly cares! + Day of the Lord, as all our days should be! + Ah, why will man by his austerities + Shut out the blessed sunshine and the light, + And make of thee a dungeon of despair!” + </pre> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + (1) About 1850. +</pre> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0007" id="link2HCH0007"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + Chapter Seven—One Memorable Night + </h2> + <p> + Two months had elapsed since my arrival at Rivermouth, when the approach + of an important celebration produced the greatest excitement among the + juvenile population of the town. + </p> + <p> + There was very little hard study done in the Temple Grammar School the + week preceding the Fourth of July. For my part, my heart and brain were so + full of fire-crackers, Roman candles, rockets, pin-wheels, squibs, and + gunpowder in various seductive forms, that I wonder I didn't explode under + Mr. Grimshaw's very nose. I couldn't do a sum to save me; I couldn't tell, + for love or money, whether Tallahassee was the capital of Tennessee or of + Florida; the present and the pluperfect tenses were inextricably mixed in + my memory, and I didn't know a verb from an adjective when I met one. This + was not alone my condition, but that of every boy in the school. + </p> + <p> + Mr. Grimshaw considerately made allowances for our temporary distraction, + and sought to fix our interest on the lessons by connecting them directly + or indirectly with the coming Event. The class in arithmetic, for + instance, was requested to state how many boxes of fire-crackers, each box + measuring sixteen inches square, could be stored in a room of such and + such dimensions. He gave us the Declaration of Independence for a parsing + exercise, and in geography confined his questions almost exclusively to + localities rendered famous in the Revolutionary War. + </p> + <p> + “What did the people of Boston do with the tea on board the English + vessels?” asked our wily instructor. + </p> + <p> + “Threw it into the river!” shrieked the smaller boys, with an impetuosity + that made Mr. Grimshaw smile in spite of himself. One luckless urchin + said, “Chucked it,” for which happy expression he was kept in at recess. + </p> + <p> + Notwithstanding these clever stratagems, there was not much solid work + done by anybody. The trail of the serpent (an inexpensive but dangerous + fire-toy) was over us all. We went round deformed by quantities of Chinese + crackers artlessly concealed in our trousers-pockets; and if a boy whipped + out his handkerchief without proper precaution, he was sure to let off two + or three torpedoes. + </p> + <p> + Even Mr. Grimshaw was made a sort of accessory to the universal + demoralization. In calling the school to order, he always rapped on the + table with a heavy ruler. Under the green baize table-cloth, on the exact + spot where he usually struck, certain boy, whose name I withhold, placed a + fat torpedo. The result was a loud explosion, which caused Mr. Grimshaw to + look queer. Charley Marden was at the water-pail, at the time, and + directed general attention to himself by strangling for several seconds + and then squirting a slender thread of water over the blackboard. + </p> + <p> + Mr. Grimshaw fixed his eyes reproachfully on Charley, but said nothing. + The real culprit (it wasn't Charley Marden, but the boy whose name I + withhold) instantly regretted his badness, and after school confessed the + whole thing to Mr. Grimshaw, who heaped coals of fire upon the nameless + boy's head giving him five cents for the Fourth of July. If Mr. Grimshaw + had caned this unknown youth, the punishment would not have been half so + severe. + </p> + <p> + On the last day of June the Captain received a letter from my father, + enclosing five dollars “for my son Tom,” which enabled that young + gentleman to make regal preparations for the celebration of our national + independence. A portion of this money, two dollars, I hastened to invest + in fireworks; the balance I put by for contingencies. In placing the fund + in my possession, the Captain imposed one condition that dampened my ardor + considerably—I was to buy no gunpowder. I might have all the + snapping-crackers and torpedoes I wanted; but gunpowder was out of the + question. + </p> + <p> + I thought this rather hard, for all my young friends were provided with + pistols of various sizes. Pepper Whitcomb had a horse-pistol nearly as + large as himself, and Jack Harris, though he, to be sure, was a big boy, + was going to have a real oldfashioned flintlock musket. However, I didn't + mean to let this drawback destroy my happiness. I had one charge of powder + stowed away in the little brass pistol which I brought from New Orleans, + and was bound to make a noise in the world once, if I never did again. + </p> + <p> + It was a custom observed from time immemorial for the towns-boys to have a + bonfire on the Square on the midnight before the Fourth. I didn't ask the + Captain's leave to attend this ceremony, for I had a general idea that he + wouldn't give it. If the Captain, I reasoned, doesn't forbid me, I break + no orders by going. Now this was a specious line of argument, and the + mishaps that befell me in consequence of adopting it were richly deserved. + </p> + <p> + On the evening of the 3d I retired to bed very early, in order to disarm + suspicion. I didn't sleep a wink, waiting for eleven o'clock to come + round; and I thought it never would come round, as I lay counting from + time to time the slow strokes of the ponderous bell in the steeple of the + Old North Church. At length the laggard hour arrived. While the clock was + striking I jumped out of bed and began dressing. + </p> + <p> + My grandfather and Miss Abigail were heavy sleepers, and I might have + stolen downstairs and out at the front door undetected; but such a + commonplace proceeding did not suit my adventurous disposition. I fastened + one end of a rope (it was a few yards cut from Kitty Collins's + clothes-line) to the bedpost nearest the window, and cautiously climbed + out on the wide pediment over the hall door. I had neglected to knot the + rope; the result was, that, the moment I swung clear of the pediment, I + descended like a flash of lightning, and warmed both my hands smartly. The + rope, moreover, was four or five feet too short; so I got a fall that + would have proved serious had I not tumbled into the middle of one of the + big rose-bushes growing on either side of the steps. + </p> + <p> + I scrambled out of that without delay, and was congratulating myself on my + good luck, when I saw by the light of the setting moon the form of a man + leaning over the garden gate. It was one of the town watch, who had + probably been observing my operations with curiosity. Seeing no chance of + escape, I put a bold face on the matter and walked directly up to him. + </p> + <p> + “What on airth air you a doin'?” asked the man, grasping the collar of my + jacket. + </p> + <p> + “I live here, sir, if you please,” I replied, “and am going to the + bonfire. I didn't want to wake up the old folks, that's all.” + </p> + <p> + The man cocked his eye at me in the most amiable manner, and released his + hold. + </p> + <p> + “Boys is boys,” he muttered. He didn't attempt to stop me as I slipped + through the gate. + </p> + <p> + Once beyond his clutches, I took to my heels and soon reached the Square, + where I found forty or fifty fellows assembled, engaged in building a + pyramid of tar-barrels. The palms of my hands still tingled so that I + couldn't join in the sport. I stood in the doorway of the Nautilus Bank, + watching the workers, among whom I recognized lots of my schoolmates. They + looked like a legion of imps, coming and going in the twilight, busy in + raising some infernal edifice. What a Babel of voices it was, everybody + directing everybody else, and everybody doing everything wrong! + </p> + <p> + When all was prepared, someone applied a match to the sombre pile. A fiery + tongue thrust itself out here and there, then suddenly the whole fabric + burst into flames, blazing and crackling beautifully. This was a signal + for the boys to join hands and dance around the burning barrels, which + they did shouting like mad creatures. When the fire had burnt down a + little, fresh staves were brought and heaped on the pyre. In the + excitement of the moment I forgot my tingling palms, and found myself in + the thick of the carousal. + </p> + <p> + Before we were half ready, our combustible material was expended, and a + disheartening kind of darkness settled down upon us. The boys collected + together here and there in knots, consulting as to what should be done. It + yet lacked four or five hours of daybreak, and none of us were in the + humor to return to bed. I approached one of the groups standing near the + town pump, and discovered in the uncertain light of the dying brands the + figures of Jack Harris, Phil Adams, Harry Blake, and Pepper Whitcomb, + their faces streaked with perspiration and tar, and, their whole + appearance suggestive of New Zealand chiefs. + </p> + <p> + “Hullo! Here's Tom Bailey!” shouted Pepper Whitcomb. “He'll join in!” + </p> + <p> + Of course he would. The sting had gone out of my hands, and I was ripe for + anything—none the less ripe for not knowing what was on the tapis. + After whispering together for a moment the boys motioned me to follow + them. + </p> + <p> + We glided out from the crowd and silently wended our way through a + neighboring alley, at the head of which stood a tumble-down old barn, + owned by one Ezra Wingate. In former days this was the stable of the + mail-coach that ran between Rivermouth and Boston. When the railroad + superseded that primitive mode of travel, the lumbering vehicle was rolled + in the barn, and there it stayed. The stage-driver, after prophesying the + immediate downfall of the nation, died of grief and apoplexy, and the old + coach followed in his wake as fast as could by quietly dropping to pieces. + The barn had the reputation of being haunted, and I think we all kept very + close together when we found ourselves standing in the black shadow cast + by the tall gable. Here, in a low voice, Jack Harris laid bare his plan, + which was to burn the ancient stage-coach. + </p> + <p> + “The old trundle-cart isn't worth twenty-five cents,” said Jack Harris, + “and Ezra Wingate ought to thank us for getting the rubbish out of the + way. But if any fellow here doesn't want to have a hand in it, let him cut + and run, and keep a quiet tongue in his head ever after.” + </p> + <p> + With this he pulled out the staples that held the lock, and the big barn + door swung slowly open. The interior of the stable was pitch-dark, of + course. As we made a movement to enter, a sudden scrambling, and the sound + of heavy bodies leaping in all directions, caused us to start back in + terror. + </p> + <p> + “Rats!” cried Phil Adams. + </p> + <p> + “Bats!” exclaimed Harry Blake. + </p> + <p> + “Cats!” suggested Jack Harris. “Who's afraid?” + </p> + <p> + Well, the truth is, we were all afraid; and if the pole of the stage had + not been lying close to the threshold, I don't believe anything on earth + would have induced us to cross it. We seized hold of the pole-straps and + succeeded with great trouble in dragging the coach out. The two fore + wheels had rusted to the axle-tree, and refused to revolve. It was the + merest skeleton of a coach. The cushions had long since been removed, and + the leather hangings, where they had not crumbled away, dangled in shreds + from the worm-eaten frame. A load of ghosts and a span of phantom horses + to drag them would have made the ghastly thing complete. + </p> + <p> + Luckily for our undertaking, the stable stood at the top of a very steep + hill. With three boys to push behind, and two in front to steer, we + started the old coach on its last trip with little or no difficulty. Our + speed increased every moment, and, the fore wheels becoming unlocked as we + arrived at the foot of the declivity, we charged upon the crowd like a + regiment of cavalry, scattering the people right and left. Before reaching + the bonfire, to which someone had added several bushels of shavings, Jack + Harris and Phil Adams, who were steering, dropped on the ground, and + allowed the vehicle to pass over them, which it did without injuring them; + but the boys who were clinging for dear life to the trunk-rack behind fell + over the prostrate steersman, and there we all lay in a heap, two or three + of us quite picturesque with the nose-bleed. + </p> + <p> + The coach, with an intuitive perception of what was expected of it, + plunged into the centre of the kindling shavings, and stopped. The flames + sprung up and clung to the rotten woodwork, which burned like tinder. At + this moment a figure was seen leaping wildly from the inside of the + blazing coach. The figure made three bounds towards us, and tripped over + Harry Blake. It was Pepper Whitcomb, with his hair somewhat singed, and + his eyebrows completely scorched off! + </p> + <p> + Pepper had slyly ensconced himself on the back seat before we started, + intending to have a neat little ride down hill, and a laugh at us + afterwards. But the laugh, as it happened, was on our side, or would have + been, if half a dozen watchmen had not suddenly pounced down upon us, as + we lay scrambling on the ground, weak with mirth over Pepper's misfortune. + We were collared and marched off before we well knew what had happened. + </p> + <p> + The abrupt transition from the noise and light of the Square to the + silent, gloomy brick room in the rear of the Meat Market seemed like the + work of enchantment. We stared at each other, aghast. + </p> + <p> + “Well,” remarked Jack Harris, with a sickly smile, “this is a go!” + </p> + <p> + “No go, I should say,” whimpered Harry Blake, glancing at the bare brick + walls and the heavy ironplated door. + </p> + <p> + “Never say die,” muttered Phil Adams, dolefully. + </p> + <p> + The bridewell was a small low-studded chamber built up against the rear + end of the Meat Market, and approached from the Square by a narrow + passage-way. A portion of the rooms partitioned off into eight cells, + numbered, each capable of holding two persons. The cells were full at the + time, as we presently discovered by seeing several hideous faces leering + out at us through the gratings of the doors. + </p> + <p> + A smoky oil-lamp in a lantern suspended from the ceiling threw a + flickering light over the apartment, which contained no furniture + excepting a couple of stout wooden benches. It was a dismal place by + night, and only little less dismal by day, tall houses surrounding “the + lock-up” prevented the faintest ray of sunshine from penetrating the + ventilator over the door—long narrow window opening inward and + propped up by a piece of lath. + </p> + <p> + As we seated ourselves in a row on one of the benches, I imagine that our + aspect was anything but cheerful. Adams and Harris looked very anxious, + and Harry Blake, whose nose had just stopped bleeding, was mournfully + carving his name, by sheer force of habit, on the prison bench. I don't + think I ever saw a more “wrecked” expression on any human countenance than + Pepper Whitcomb's presented. His look of natural astonishment at finding + himself incarcerated in a jail was considerably heightened by his lack of + eyebrows. + </p> + <p> + As for me, it was only by thinking how the late Baron Trenck would have + conducted himself under similar circumstances that I was able to restrain + my tears. + </p> + <p> + None of us were inclined to conversation. A deep silence, broken now and + then by a startling snore from the cells, reigned throughout the chamber. + By and by Pepper Whitcomb glanced nervously towards Phil Adams and said, + “Phil, do you think they will—hang us?” + </p> + <p> + “Hang your grandmother!” returned Adams, impatiently. “What I'm afraid of + is that they'll keep us locked up until the Fourth is over.” + </p> + <p> + “You ain't smart ef they do!” cried a voice from one of the cells. It was + a deep bass voice that sent a chill through me. + </p> + <p> + “Who are you?” said Jack Harris, addressing the cells in general; for the + echoing qualities of the room made it difficult to locate the voice. + </p> + <p> + “That don't matter,” replied the speaker, putting his face close up to the + gratings of No. 3, “but ef I was a youngster like you, free an' easy + outside there, this spot wouldn't hold me long.” + </p> + <p> + “That's so!” chimed several of the prison-birds, wagging their heads + behind the iron lattices. + </p> + <p> + “Hush!” whispered Jack Harris, rising from his seat and walking on tip-toe + to the door of cell No. 3. “What would you do?” + </p> + <p> + “Do? Why, I'd pile them 'ere benches up agin that 'ere door, an' crawl out + of that 'erc winder in no time. That's my adwice.” + </p> + <p> + “And werry good adwice it is, Jim,” said the occupant of No. 5, + approvingly. + </p> + <p> + Jack Harris seemed to be of the same opinion, for he hastily placed the + benches one on the top of another under the ventilator, and, climbing up + on the highest bench, peeped out into the passage-way. + </p> + <p> + “If any gent happens to have a ninepence about him,” said the man in cell + No. 3, “there's a sufferin' family here as could make use of it. Smallest + favors gratefully received, an' no questions axed.” + </p> + <p> + This appeal touched a new silver quarter of a dollar in my + trousers-pocket; I fished out the coin from a mass of fireworks, and gave + it to the prisoner. He appeared to be so good-natured a fellow that I + ventured to ask what he had done to get into jail. + </p> + <p> + “Intirely innocent. I was clapped in here by a rascally nevew as wishes to + enjoy my wealth afore I'm dead.' + </p> + <p> + “Your name, Sir?' I inquired, with a view of reporting the outrage to my + grandfather and having the injured person re instated in society. + </p> + <p> + “Git out, you insolent young reptyle!” shouted the man, in a passion. + </p> + <p> + I retreated precipitately, amid a roar of laughter from the other cells. + </p> + <p> + “Can't you keep still?” exclaimed Harris, withdrawing his head from the + window. + </p> + <p> + A portly watchman usually sat on a stool outside the door day and night; + but on this particular occasion, his services being required elsewhere, + the bridewell had been left to guard itself. + </p> + <p> + “All clear,” whispered Jack Harris, as he vanished through the aperture + and dropped softly on the ground outside. We all followed him + expeditiously—Pepper Whitcomb and myself getting stuck in the window + for a moment in our frantic efforts not to be last. + </p> + <p> + “Now, boys, everybody for himself!” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0008" id="link2HCH0008"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + Chapter Eight—The Adventures of a Fourth + </h2> + <p> + The sun cast a broad column of quivering gold across the river at the foot + of our street, just as I reached the doorstep of the Nutter House. Kitty + Collins, with her dress tucked about her so that she looked as if she had + on a pair of calico trousers, was washing off the sidewalk. + </p> + <p> + “Arrah you bad boy!” cried Kitty, leaning on the mop handle. “The Capen + has jist been askin' for you. He's gone up town, now. It's a nate thing + you done with my clothes-line, and, it's me you may thank for gettin' it + out of the way before the Capen come down.” + </p> + <p> + The kind creature had hauled in the rope, and my escapade had not been + discovered by the family; but I knew very well that the burning of the + stage-coach, and the arrest of the boys concerned in the mischief, were + sure to reach my grandfathers ears sooner or later. + </p> + <p> + “Well, Thomas,” said the old gentleman, an hour or so afterwards, beaming + upon me benevolently across the breakfast table, “you didn't wait to be + called this morning.” + </p> + <p> + “No, sir,” I replied, growing very warm, “I took a little run up town to + see what was going on.” + </p> + <p> + I didn't say anything about the little run I took home again! “They had + quite a time on the Square last night,” remarked Captain Nutter, looking + up from the Rivermouth Barnacle, which was always placed beside his + coffee-cup at breakfast. + </p> + <p> + I felt that my hair was preparing to stand on end. + </p> + <p> + “Quite a time,” continued my grandfather. “Some boys broke into Ezra + Wingate's barn and carried off the old stagecoach. The young rascals! I do + believe they'd burn up the whole town if they had their way.” + </p> + <p> + With this he resumed the paper. After a long silence he exclaimed, + “Hullo!” upon which I nearly fell off the chair. + </p> + <p> + “'Miscreants unknown,'” read my grandfather, following the paragraph with + his forefinger; “'escaped from the bridewell, leaving no clew to their + identity, except the letter H, cut on one of the benches.' 'Five dollars + reward offered for the apprehension of the perpetrators.' Sho! I hope + Wingate will catch them.” + </p> + <p> + I don't see how I continued to live, for on hearing this the breath went + entirely out of my body. I beat a retreat from the room as soon as I + could, and flew to the stable with a misty intention of mounting Gypsy and + escaping from the place. I was pondering what steps to take, when Jack + Harris and Charley Marden entered the yard. + </p> + <p> + “I say,” said Harris, as blithe as a lark, “has old Wingate been here?” + </p> + <p> + “Been here?” I cried, “I should hope not!” + </p> + <p> + “The whole thing's out, you know,” said Harris, pulling Gypsy's forelock + over her eyes and blowing playfully into her nostrils. + </p> + <p> + “You don't mean it!” I gasped. + </p> + <p> + “Yes, I do, and we are to pay Wingate three dollars apiece. He'll make + rather a good spec out of it.” + </p> + <p> + “But how did he discover that we were the—the miscreants?” I asked, + quoting mechanically from the Rivermouth Bamacle. + </p> + <p> + “Why, he saw us take the old ark, confound him! He's been trying to sell + it any time these ten years. Now he has sold it to us. When he found that + we had slipped out of the Meat Market, he went right off and wrote the + advertisement offering five dollars reward; though he knew well enough who + had taken the coach, for he came round to my father's house before the + paper was printed to talk the matter over. Wasn't the governor mad, + though! But it's all settled, I tell you. We're to pay Wingate fifteen + dollars for the old go-cart, which he wanted to sell the other day for + seventy-five cents, and couldn't. It's a downright swindle. But the funny + part of it is to come.” + </p> + <p> + “O, there's a funny part to it, is there?” I remarked bitterly. + </p> + <p> + “Yes. The moment Bill Conway saw the advertisement, he knew it was Harry + Blake who cut that letter H on the bench; so off he rushes up to Wingate—kind + of him, wasn't it?—and claims the reward. 'Too late, young man,' + says old Wingate, 'the culprits has been discovered.' You see Sly-boots + hadn't any intention of paying that five dollars.” + </p> + <p> + Jack Harris's statement lifted a weight from my bosom. The article in the + Rivermouth Barnacle had placed the affair before me in a new light. I had + thoughtlessly committed a grave offence. Though the property in question + was valueless, we were clearly wrong in destroying it. At the same time + Mr. Wingate had tacitly sanctioned the act by not preventing it when he + might easily have done so. He had allowed his property to be destroyed in + order that he might realize a large profit. + </p> + <p> + Without waiting to hear more, I went straight to Captain Nutter, and, + laying my remaining three dollars on his knee, confessed my share in the + previous night's transaction. + </p> + <p> + The Captain heard me through in profound silence, pocketed the bank-notes, + and walked off without speaking a word. He had punished me in his own + whimsical fashion at the breakfast table, for, at the very moment he was + harrowing up my soul by reading the extracts from the Rivermouth Barnacle, + he not only knew all about the bonfire, but had paid Ezra Wingate his + three dollars. Such was the duplicity of that aged impostor. + </p> + <p> + I think Captain Nutter was justified in retaining my pocketmoney, as + additional punishment, though the possession of it later in the day would + have got me out of a difficult position, as the reader will see further + on. I returned with a light heart and a large piece of punk to my friends + in the stable-yard, where we celebrated the termination of our trouble by + setting off two packs of fire-crackers in an empty wine-cask. They made a + prodigious racket, but failed somehow to fully express my feelings. The + little brass pistol in my bedroom suddenly occurred to me. It had been + loaded I don't know how many months, long before I left New Orleans, and + now was the time, if ever, to fire it off. Muskets, blunderbusses, and + pistols were banging away lively all over town, and the smell of + gunpowder, floating on the air, set me wild to add something respectable + to the universal din. + </p> + <p> + When the pistol was produced, Jack Harris examined the rusty cap and + prophesied that it would not explode. + </p> + <p> + “Never mind,” said I, “let's try it.” + </p> + <p> + I had fired the pistol once, secretly, in New Orleans, and, remembering + the noise it gave birth to on that occasion, I shut both eyes tight as I + pulled the trigger. The hammer clicked on the cap with a dull, dead sound. + Then Harris tried it; then Charley Marden; then I took it again, and after + three or four trials was on the point of giving it up as a bad job, when + the obstinate thing went off with a tremendous explosion, nearly jerking + my arm from the socket. The smoke cleared away, and there I stood with the + stock of the pistol clutched convulsively in my hand—the barrel, + lock, trigger, and ramrod having vanished into thin air. + </p> + <p> + “Are you hurt?” cried the boys, in one breath. + </p> + <p> + “N—no,” I replied, dubiously, for the concussion had bewildered me a + little. + </p> + <p> + When I realized the nature of the calamity, my grief was excessive. I + can't imagine what led me to do so ridiculous a thing, but I gravely + buried the remains of my beloved pistol in our back garden, and erected + over the mound a slate tablet to the effect that “Mr. Barker formerly of + new Orleans, was killed accidentally on the Fourth of July, 18— in + the 2nd year of his Age.” Binny Wallace, arriving on the spot just after + the disaster, and Charley Marden (who enjoyed the obsequies immensely), + acted with me as chief mourners. I, for my part, was a very sincere one. + </p> + <p> + As I turned away in a disconsolate mood from the garden, Charley Marden + remarked that he shouldn't be surprised if the pistol-butt took root and + grew into a mahogany-tree or something. He said he once planted an old + musket-stock, and shortly afterwards a lot of shoots sprung up! Jack + Harris laughed; but neither I nor Binny Wallace saw Charley's wicked joke. + </p> + <p> + We were now joined by Pepper Whitcomb, Fred Langdon, and several other + desperate characters, on their way to the Square, which was always a busy + place when public festivities were going on. Feeling that I was still in + disgrace with the Captain, I thought it politic to ask his consent before + accompanying the boys. + </p> + <p> + He gave it with some hesitation, advising me to be careful not to get in + front of the firearms. Once he put his fingers mechanically into his + vest-pocket and half drew forth some dollar bills, then slowly thrust them + back again as his sense of justice overcame his genial disposition. I + guess it cut the old gentleman to the heart to be obliged to keep me out + of my pocket-money. I know it did me. However, as I was passing through + the hall, Miss Abigail, with a very severe cast of countenance, slipped a + brand-new quarter into my hand. We had silver currency in those days, + thank Heaven! + </p> + <p> + Great were the bustle and confusion on the Square. By the way, I don't + know why they called this large open space a square, unless because it was + an oval—an oval formed by the confluence of half a dozen streets, + now thronged by crowds of smartly dressed towns-people and country folks; + for Rivermouth on the Fourth was the centre of attraction to the + inhabitants of the neighboring villages. + </p> + <p> + On one side of the Square were twenty or thirty booths arranged in a + semi-circle, gay with little flags and seductive with lemonade, + ginger-beer, and seedcakes. Here and there were tables at which could be + purchased the smaller sort of fireworks, such as pin-wheels, serpents, + double-headers, and punk warranted not to go out. Many of the adjacent + houses made a pretty display of bunting, and across each of the streets + opening on the Square was an arch of spruce and evergreen, blossoming all + over with patriotic mottoes and paper roses. + </p> + <p> + It was a noisy, merry, bewildering scene as we came upon the ground. The + incessant rattle of small arms, the booming of the twelve-pounder firing + on the Mill Dam, and the silvery clangor of the church-bells ringing + simultaneously—not to mention an ambitious brass-band that was + blowing itself to pieces on a balcony—were enough to drive one + distracted. We amused ourselves for an hour or two, darting in and out + among the crowd and setting off our crackers. At one o'clock the Hon. + Hezekiah Elkins mounted a platform in the middle of the Square and + delivered an oration, to which his “feller-citizens” didn't pay much + attention, having all they could do to dodge the squibs that were set + loose upon them by mischievous boys stationed on the surrounding + housetops. + </p> + <p> + Our little party which had picked up recruits here and there, not being + swayed by eloquence, withdrew to a booth on the outskirts of the crowd, + where we regaled ourselves with root beer at two cents a glass. I + recollect being much struck by the placard surmounting this tent: + </p> + <p> + ROOT BEER SOLD HERE + </p> + <p> + It seemed to me the perfection of pith and poetry. What could be more + terse? Not a word to spare, and yet everything fully expressed. Rhyme and + rhythm faultless. It was a delightful poet who made those verses. As for + the beer itself—that, I think, must have been made from the root of + all evil! A single glass of it insured an uninterrupted pain for + twenty-four hours. + </p> + <p> + The influence of my liberality working on Charley Marden—for it was + I who paid for the beer—he presently invited us all to take an + ice-cream with him at Pettingil's saloon. Pettingil was the Delmonico of + Rivermouth. He furnished ices and confectionery for aristocratic balls and + parties, and didn't disdain to officiate as leader of the orchestra at the + same; for Pettingil played on the violin, as Pepper Whitcomb described it, + “like Old Scratch.” + </p> + <p> + Pettingil's confectionery store was on the corner of Willow and High + Streets. The saloon, separated from the shop by a flight of three steps + leading to a door hung with faded red drapery, had about it an air of + mystery and seclusion quite delightful. Four windows, also draped, faced + the side-street, affording an unobstructed view of Marm Hatch's back yard, + where a number of inexplicable garments on a clothes-line were always to + be seen careering in the wind. + </p> + <p> + There was a lull just then in the ice-cream business, it being + dinner-time, and we found the saloon unoccupied. When we had seated + ourselves around the largest marble-topped table, Charley Marden in a + manly voice ordered twelve sixpenny icecreams, “strawberry and verneller + mixed.” + </p> + <p> + It was a magnificent sight, those twelve chilly glasses entering the room + on a waiter, the red and white custard rising from each glass like a + church-steeple, and the spoon-handle shooting up from the apex like a + spire. I doubt if a person of the nicest palate could have distinguished, + with his eyes shut, which was the vanilla and which the strawberry; but if + I could at this moment obtain a cream tasting as that did, I would give + five dollars for a very small quantity. + </p> + <p> + We fell to with a will, and so evenly balanced were our capabilities that + we finished our creams together, the spoons clinking in the glasses like + one spoon. + </p> + <p> + “Let's have some more!” cried Charley Marden, with the air of Aladdin + ordering up a fresh hogshead of pearls and rubies. “Tom Bailey, tell + Pettingil to send in another round.” + </p> + <p> + Could I credit my ears? I looked at him to see if he were in earnest. He + meant it. In a moment more I was leaning over the counter giving + directions for a second supply. Thinking it would make no difference to + such a gorgeous young sybarite as Marden, I took the liberty of ordering + ninepenny creams this time. + </p> + <p> + On returning to the saloon, what was my horror at finding it empty! + </p> + <p> + There were the twelve cloudy glasses, standing in a circle on the sticky + marble slab, and not a boy to be seen. A pair of hands letting go their + hold on the window-sill outside explained matters. I had been made a + victim. + </p> + <p> + I couldn't stay and face Pettingil, whose peppery temper was well known + among the boys. I hadn't a cent in the world to appease him. What should I + do? I heard the clink of approaching glasses—the ninepenny creams. I + rushed to the nearest window. It was only five feet to the ground. I threw + myself out as if I had been an old hat. + </p> + <p> + Landing on my feet, I fled breathlessly down High Street, through Willow, + and was turning into Brierwood Place when the sound of several voices, + calling to me in distress, stopped my progress. + </p> + <p> + “Look out, you fool! The mine! The mine!” yelled the warning voices. + </p> + <p> + Several men and boys were standing at the head of the street, making + insane gestures to me to avoid something. But I saw no mine, only in the + middle of the road in front of me was a common flour-barrel, which, as I + gazed at it, suddenly rose into the air with a terrific explosion. I felt + myself thrown violently off my feet. I remember nothing else, excepting + that, as I went up, I caught a momentary glimpse of Ezra Wingate leering + through is shop window like an avenging spirit. + </p> + <p> + The mine that had wrought me woe was not properly a mine at all, but + merely a few ounces of powder placed under an empty keg or barrel and + fired with a slow-match. Boys who didn't happen to have pistols or cannon + generally burnt their powder in this fashion. + </p> + <p> + For an account of what followed I am indebted to hearsay, for I was + insensible when the people picked me up and carried me home on a shutter + borrowed from the proprietor of Pettingil's saloon. I was supposed to be + killed, but happily (happily for me at least) I was merely stunned. I lay + in a semi-unconscious state until eight o'clock that night, when I + attempted to speak. Miss Abigail, who watched by the bedside, put her ear + down to my lips and was saluted with these remarkable words: “Strawberry + and verneller mixed!” + </p> + <p> + “Mercy on us! What is the boy saying?” cried Miss Abigail. + </p> + <p> + “ROOTBEERSOLDHERE!” + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + This inscription is copied from a triangular-shaped + piece of slate, still preserved in the garret of the Nutter + House, together with the pistol butt itself, which was + subsequently dug up for a postmortem examination. +</pre> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0009" id="link2HCH0009"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + Chapter Nine—I Become an R. M. C. + </h2> + <p> + In the course of ten days I recovered sufficiently from my injuries to + attend school, where, for a little while, I was looked upon as a hero, on + account of having been blown up. What don't we make a hero of? The + distraction which prevailed in the classes the week preceding the Fourth + had subsided, and nothing remained to indicate the recent festivities, + excepting a noticeable want of eyebrows on the part of Pepper Whitcomb and + myself. + </p> + <p> + In August we had two weeks' vacation. It was about this time that I became + a member of the Rivermouth Centipedes, a secret society composed of twelve + of the Temple Grammar School boys. This was an honor to which I had long + aspired, but, being a new boy, I was not admitted to the fraternity until + my character had fully developed itself. + </p> + <p> + It was a very select society, the object of which I never fathomed, though + I was an active member of the body during the remainder of my residence at + Rivermouth, and at one time held the onerous position of F. C., First + Centipede. Each of the elect wore a copper cent (some occult association + being established between a cent apiece and a centipedes suspended by a + string round his neck). The medals were worn next the skin, and it was + while bathing one day at Grave Point, with Jack Harris and Fred Langdon, + that I had my curiosity roused to the highest pitch by a sight of these + singular emblems. As soon as I ascertained the existence of a boys' club, + of course I was ready to die to join it. And eventually I was allowed to + join. + </p> + <p> + The initiation ceremony took place in Fred Langdon's barn, where I was + submitted to a series of trials not calculated to soothe the nerves of a + timorous boy. Before being led to the Grotto of Enchantment—such was + the modest title given to the loft over my friend's wood-house—my + hands were securely pinioned, and my eyes covered with a thick silk + handkerchief. At the head of the stairs I was told in an unrecognizable, + husky voice, that it was not yet too late to retreat if I felt myself + physically too weak to undergo the necessary tortures. I replied that I + was not too weak, in a tone which I intended to be resolute, but which, in + spite of me, seemed to come from the pit of my stomach. + </p> + <p> + “It is well!” said the husky voice. + </p> + <p> + I did not feel so sure about that; but, having made up my mind to be a + Centipede, a Centipede I was bound to be. Other boys had passed through + the ordeal and lived, why should not I? + </p> + <p> + A prolonged silence followed this preliminary examination and I was + wondering what would come next, when a pistol fired off close by my car + deafened me for a moment. The unknown voice then directed me to take ten + steps forward and stop at the word halt. I took ten steps, and halted. + </p> + <p> + “Stricken mortal,” said a second husky voice, more husky, if possible, + than the first, “if you had advanced another inch, you would have + disappeared down an abyss three thousand feet deep!” + </p> + <p> + I naturally shrunk back at this friendly piece of information. A prick + from some two-pronged instrument, evidently a pitchfork, gently checked my + retreat. I was then conducted to the brink of several other precipices, + and ordered to step over many dangerous chasms, where the result would + have been instant death if I had committed the least mistake. I have + neglected to say that my movements were accompanied by dismal groans from + different parts of the grotto. + </p> + <p> + Finally, I was led up a steep plank to what appeared to me an incalculable + height. Here I stood breathless while the bylaws were read aloud. A more + extraordinary code of laws never came from the brain of man. The penalties + attached to the abject being who should reveal any of the secrets of the + society were enough to make the blood run cold. A second pistol-shot was + heard, the something I stood on sunk with a crash beneath my feet and I + fell two miles, as nearly as I could compute it. At the same instant the + handkerchief was whisked from my eyes, and I found myself standing in an + empty hogshead surrounded by twelve masked figures fantastically dressed. + One of the conspirators was really appalling with a tin sauce-pan on his + head, and a tiger-skin sleigh-robe thrown over his shoulders. I scarcely + need say that there were no vestiges to be seen of the fearful gulfs over + which I had passed so cautiously. My ascent had been to the top of the + hogshead, and my descent to the bottom thereof. Holding one another by the + hand, and chanting a low dirge, the Mystic Twelve revolved about me. This + concluded the ceremony. With a merry shout the boys threw off their masks, + and I was declared a regularly installed member of the R. M. C. + </p> + <p> + I afterwards had a good deal of sport out of the club, for these + initiations, as you may imagine, were sometimes very comical spectacles, + especially when the aspirant for centipedal honors happened to be of a + timid disposition. If he showed the slightest terror, he was certain to be + tricked unmercifully. One of our subsequent devices—a humble + invention of my own—was to request the blindfolded candidate to put + out his tongue, whereupon the First Centipede would say, in a low tone, as + if not intended for the ear of the victim, “Diabolus, fetch me the red-hot + iron!” The expedition with which that tongue would disappear was simply + ridiculous. + </p> + <p> + Our meetings were held in various barns, at no stated periods, but as + circumstances suggested. Any member had a right to call a meeting. Each + boy who failed to report himself was fined one cent. Whenever a member had + reasons for thinking that another member would be unable to attend, he + called a meeting. For instance, immediately on learning the death of Harry + Blake's great-grandfather, I issued a call. By these simple and ingenious + measures we kept our treasury in a flourishing condition, sometimes having + on hand as much as a dollar and a quarter. + </p> + <p> + I have said that the society had no special object. It is true, there was + a tacit understanding among us that the Centipedes were to stand by one + another on all occasions, though I don't remember that they did; but + further than this we had no purpose, unless it was to accomplish as a body + the same amount of mischief which we were sure to do as individuals. To + mystify the staid and slow-going Rivermouthians was our frequent pleasure. + Several of our pranks won us such a reputation among the townsfolk, that + we were credited with having a large finger in whatever went amiss in the + place. + </p> + <p> + One morning, about a week after my admission into the secret order, the + quiet citizens awoke to find that the signboards of all the principal + streets had changed places during the night. People who went trustfully to + sleep in Currant Square opened their eyes in Honeysuckle Terrace. Jones's + Avenue at the north end had suddenly become Walnut Street, and Peanut + Street was nowhere to be found. Confusion reigned. The town authorities + took the matter in hand without delay, and six of the Temple Grammar + School boys were summoned to appear before justice Clapbam. + </p> + <p> + Having tearfully disclaimed to my grandfather all knowledge of the + transaction, I disappeared from the family circle, and was not apprehended + until late in the afternoon, when the Captain dragged me ignominiously + from the haymow and conducted me, more dead than alive, to the office of + justice Clapham. Here I encountered five other pallid culprits, who had + been fished out of divers coal-bins, garrets, and chicken-coops, to answer + the demands of the outraged laws. (Charley Marden had hidden himself in a + pile of gravel behind his father's house, and looked like a recently + exhumed mummy.) + </p> + <p> + There was not the least evidence against us; and, indeed, we were wholly + innocent of the offence. The trick, as was afterwards proved, had been + played by a party of soldiers stationed at the fort in the harbor. We were + indebted for our arrest to Master Conway, who had slyly dropped a hint, + within the hearing of Selectman Mudge, to the effect that “young Bailey + and his five cronies could tell something about them signs.” When he was + called upon to make good his assertion, he was considerably more terrified + than the Centipedes, though they were ready to sink into their shoes. + </p> + <p> + At our next meeting it was unanimously resolved that Conway's animosity + should not be quietly submitted to. He had sought to inform against us in + the stagecoach business; he had volunteered to carry Pettingil's “little + bill” for twenty-four icecreams to Charley Marden's father; and now he had + caused us to be arraigned before justice Clapham on a charge equally + groundless and painful. After much noisy discussion, a plan of retaliation + was agreed upon. + </p> + <p> + There was a certain slim, mild apothecary in the town, by the name of + Meeks. It was generally given out that Mr. Meeks had a vague desire to get + married, but, being a shy and timorous youth, lacked the moral courage to + do so. It was also well known that the Widow Conway had not buried her + heart with the late lamented. As to her shyness, that was not so clear. + Indeed, her attentions to Mr. Meeks, whose mother she might have been, + were of a nature not to be misunderstood, and were not misunderstood by + anyone but Mr. Meeks himself. + </p> + <p> + The widow carried on a dress-making establishment at her residence on the + corner opposite Meeks's drug-store, and kept a wary eye on all the young + ladies from Miss Dorothy Gibbs's Female Institute who patronized the shop + for soda-water, acid-drops, and slate-pencils. In the afternoon the widow + was usually seen seated, smartly dressed, at her window upstairs, casting + destructive glances across the street—the artificial roses in her + cap and her whole languishing manner saying as plainly as a label on a + prescription, “To be Taken Immediately!” But Mr. Meeks didn't take. + </p> + <p> + The lady's fondness, and the gentleman's blindness, were topics ably + handled at every sewing-circle in the town. It was through these two + luckless individuals that we proposed to strike a blow at the common + enemy. To kill less than three birds with one stone did not suit our + sanguinary purpose. We disliked the widow not so much for her + sentimentality as for being the mother of Bill Conway; we disliked Mr. + Meeks, not because he was insipid, like his own syrups, but because the + widow loved him. Bill Conway we hated for himself. + </p> + <p> + Late one dark Saturday night in September we carried our plan into effect. + On the following morning, as the orderly citizens wended their way to + church past the widow's abode, their sober faces relaxed at beholding over + her front door the well known gilt Mortar and Pestle which usually stood + on the top of a pole on the opposite corner; while the passers on that + side of the street were equally amused and scandalized at seeing a placard + bearing the following announcement tacked to the druggist's + window-shutters: + </p> + <p> + Wanted, a Sempstress! + </p> + <p> + The naughty cleverness of the joke (which I should be sorry to defend) was + recognized at once. It spread like wildfire over the town, and, though the + mortar and the placard were speedily removed, our triumph was complete. + The whole community was on the broad grin, and our participation in the + affair seemingly unsuspected. + </p> + <p> + It was those wicked soldiers at the fort! + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0010" id="link2HCH0010"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + Chapter Ten—I Fight Conway + </h2> + <p> + There was one person, however, who cherished a strong suspicion that the + Centipedes had had a hand in the business; and that person was Conway. His + red hair seemed to change to a livelier red, and his sallow cheeks to a + deeper sallow, as we glanced at him stealthily over the tops of our slates + the next day in school. He knew we were watching him, and made sundry + mouths and scowled in the most threatening way over his sums. + </p> + <p> + Conway had an accomplishment peculiarly his own—that of throwing his + thumbs out of joint at will. Sometimes while absorbed in study, or on + becoming nervous at recitation, he performed the feat unconsciously. + Throughout this entire morning his thumbs were observed to be in a chronic + state of dislocation, indicating great mental agitation on the part of the + owner. We fully expected an outbreak from him at recess; but the + intermission passed off tranquilly, somewhat to our disappointment. + </p> + <p> + At the close of the afternoon session it happened that Binny Wallace and + myself, having got swamped in our Latin exercise, were detained in school + for the purpose of refreshing our memories with a page of Mr. Andrews's + perplexing irregular verbs. Binny Wallace finishing his task first, was + dismissed. I followed shortly after, and, on stepping into the playground, + saw my little friend plastered, as it were, up against the fence, and + Conway standing in front of him ready to deliver a blow on the upturned, + unprotected face, whose gentleness would have stayed any arm but a + coward's. + </p> + <p> + Seth Rodgers, with both hands in his pockets, was leaning against the pump + lazily enjoying the sport; but on seeing me sweep across the yard, + whirling my strap of books in the air like a sling, he called out lustily, + “Lay low, Conway! Here's young Bailey!” + </p> + <p> + Conway turned just in time to catch on his shoulder the blow intended for + his head. He reached forward one of his long arms—he had arms like a + windmill, that boy—and, grasping me by the hair, tore out quite a + respectable handful. The tears flew to my eyes, but they were not the + tears of defeat; they were merely the involuntary tribute which nature + paid to the departed tresses. + </p> + <p> + In a second my little jacket lay on the ground, and I stood on guard, + resting lightly on my right leg and keeping my eye fixed steadily on + Conway's—in all of which I was faithfully following the instructions + of Phil Adams, whose father subscribed to a sporting journal. + </p> + <p> + Conway also threw himself into a defensive attitude, and there we were, + glaring at each other motionless, neither of us disposed to risk an + attack, but both on the alert to resist one. There is no telling how long + we might have remained in that absurd position, had we not been + interrupted. + </p> + <p> + It was a custom with the larger pupils to return to the playground after + school, and play baseball until sundown. The town authorities had + prohibited ball-playing on the Square, and, there being no other available + place, the boys fell back perforce on the school-yard. Just at this crisis + a dozen or so of the Templars entered the gate, and, seeing at a glance + the belligerent status of Conway and myself, dropped bat and ball, and + rushed to the spot where we stood. + </p> + <p> + “Is it a fight?” asked Phil Adams, who saw by our freshness that we had + not yet got to work. + </p> + <p> + “Yes, it's a fight,” I answered, “unless Conway will ask Wallace's pardon, + promise never to hector me in future—and put back my hair!” + </p> + <p> + This last condition was rather a staggerer. + </p> + <p> + “I sha'n't do nothing of the sort,” said Conway, sulkily. + </p> + <p> + “Then the thing must go on,” said Adams, with dignity. “Rodgers, as I + understand it, is your second, Conway? Bailey, come here. What's the row + about?” + </p> + <p> + “He was thrashing Binny Wallace.” + </p> + <p> + “No, I wasn't,” interrupted Conway; “but I was going to because he knows + who put Meeks's mortar over our door. And I know well enough who did it; + it was that sneaking little mulatter!” pointing at me. + </p> + <p> + “O, by George!” I cried, reddening at the insult. + </p> + <p> + “Cool is the word,” said Adams, as he bound a handkerchief round my head, + and carefully tucked away the long straggling locks that offered a + tempting advantage to the enemy. “Who ever heard of a fellow with such a + head of hair going into action!” muttered Phil, twitching the handkerchief + to ascertain if it were securely tied. He then loosened my gallowses + (braces), and buckled them tightly above my hips. “Now, then, bantam, + never say die!” + </p> + <p> + Conway regarded these business-like preparations with evident misgiving, + for he called Rodgers to his side, and had himself arrayed in a similar + manner, though his hair was cropped so close that you couldn't have taken + hold of it with a pair of tweezers. + </p> + <p> + “Is your man ready?” asked Phil Adams, addressing Rodgers. + </p> + <p> + “Ready!” + </p> + <p> + “Keep your back to the gate, Tom,” whispered Phil in my car, “and you'll + have the sun in his eyes.” + </p> + <p> + Behold us once more face to face, like David and the Philistine. Look at + us as long as you may; for this is all you shall see of the combat. + According to my thinking, the hospital teaches a better lesson than the + battle-field. I will tell you about my black eye, and my swollen lip, if + you will; but not a word of the fight. + </p> + <p> + You'll get no description of it from me, simply because I think it would + prove very poor reading, and not because I consider my revolt against + Conway's tyranny unjustifiable. + </p> + <p> + I had borne Conway's persecutions for many months with lamb-like patience. + I might have shielded myself by appealing to Mr. Grimshaw; but no boy in + the Temple Grammar School could do that without losing caste. Whether this + was just or not doesn't matter a pin, since it was so—a traditionary + law of the place. The personal inconvenience I suffered from my tormentor + was nothing to the pain he inflicted on me indirectly by his persistent + cruelty to little Binny Wallace. I should have lacked the spirit of a hen + if I had not resented it finally. I am glad that I faced Conway, and asked + no favors, and got rid of him forever. I am glad that Phil Adams taught me + to box, and I say to all youngsters: Learn to box, to ride, to pull an + oar, and to swim. The occasion may come round, when a decent proficiency + in one or the rest of these accomplishments will be of service to you. + </p> + <p> + In one of the best books (1) ever written for boys are these words: + </p> + <p> + “Learn to box, then, as you learn to play cricket and football. Not one of + you will be the worse, but very much the better, for learning to box well. + Should you never have to use it in earnest there's no exercise in the + world so good for the temper, and for the muscles of the back and legs. + </p> + <p> + “As for fighting, keep out of it, if you can, by all means. When the time + comes, if ever it should, that you have to say 'Yes' or 'No' to a + challenge to fight, say 'No' if you can—only take care you make it + plain to yourself why you say 'No.' It's a proof of the highest courage, + if done from true Christian motives. It's quite right and justifiable, if + done from a simple aversion to physical pain and danger. But don't say + 'No' because you fear a licking and say or think it's because you fear + God, for that's neither Christian nor honest. And if you do fight, fight + it out; and don't give in while you can stand and see.” + </p> + <p> + And don't give in when you can't! see! For I could stand very little, and + see not at all (having pommelled the school pump for the last twenty + seconds), when Conway retired from the field. As Phil Adams stepped up to + shake hands with me, he received a telling blow in the stomach; for all + the fight was not out of me yet, and I mistook him for a new adversary. + </p> + <p> + Convinced of my error, I accepted his congratulations, with those of the + other boys, blandly and blindly. I remember that Binny Wallace wanted to + give me his silver pencil-case. The gentle soul had stood throughout the + contest with his face turned to the fence, suffering untold agony. + </p> + <p> + A good wash at the pump, and a cold key applied to my eye, refreshed me + amazingly. Escorted by two or three of the schoolfellows, I walked home + through the pleasant autumn twilight, battered but triumphant. As I went + along, my cap cocked on one side to keep the chilly air from my eye, I + felt that I was not only following my nose, but following it so closely, + that I was in some danger of treading on it. I seemed to have nose enough + for the whole party. My left cheek, also, was puffed out like a dumpling. + I couldn't help saying to myself, “If this is victory, how about that + other fellow?” + </p> + <p> + “Tom,” said Harry Blake, hesitating. + </p> + <p> + “Well?” + </p> + <p> + “Did you see Mr. Grimshaw looking out of the recitation-room window just + as we left the yard?” + </p> + <p> + “No was he, though?” + </p> + <p> + “I am sure of it.” + </p> + <p> + “Then he must have seen all the row.” + </p> + <p> + “Shouldn't wonder.” + </p> + <p> + “No, he didn't,” broke in Adams, “or he would have stopped it short metre; + but I guess be saw you pitching into the pump which you did uncommonly + strong—and of course be smelt mischief directly.” + </p> + <p> + “Well, it can't be helped now,” I reflected. + </p> + <p> + “—As the monkey said when he fell out of the cocoanut tree,” added + Charley Marden, trying to make me laugh. + </p> + <p> + It was early candle-light when we reached the house. Miss Abigail, opening + the front door, started back at my hilarious appearance. I tried to smile + upon her sweetly, but the smile, rippling over my swollen cheek, and dying + away like a spent wave on my nose, produced an expression of which Miss + Abigail declared she had never seen the like excepting on the face of a + Chinese idol. + </p> + <p> + She hustled me unceremoniously into the presence of my grandfather in the + sitting-room. Captain Nutter, as the recognized professional warrior of + our family, could not consistently take me to task for fighting Conway; + nor was he disposed to do so; for the Captain was well aware of the + long-continued provocation I had endured. + </p> + <p> + “Ah, you rascal!” cried the old gentleman, after hearing my story. “Just + like me when I was young—always in one kind of trouble or another. I + believe it runs in the family.” + </p> + <p> + “I think,” said Miss Abigail, without the faintest expression on her + countenance, “that a table-spoonful of hot-dro—” The Captain + interrupted Miss Abigail peremptorily, directing her to make a shade out + of cardboard and black silk to tie over my eye. Miss Abigail must have + been possessed with the idea that I had taken up pugilism as a profession, + for she turned out no fewer than six of these blinders. + </p> + <p> + “They'll be handy to have in the house,” says Miss Abigail, grimly. + </p> + <p> + Of course, so great a breach of discipline was not to be passed over by + Mr. Grimshaw. He had, as we suspected, witnessed the closing scene of the + fight from the school-room window, and the next morning, after prayers, I + was not wholly unprepared when Master Conway and myself were called up to + the desk for examination. Conway, with a piece of court-plaster in the + shape of a Maltese cross on his right cheek, and I with the silk patch + over my left eye, caused a general titter through the room. + </p> + <p> + “Silence!” said Mr. Grimshaw, sharply. + </p> + <p> + As the reader is already familiar with the leading points in the case of + Bailey versus Conway, I shall not report the trial further than to say + that Adams, Marden, and several other pupils testified to the fact that + Conway had imposed on me ever since my first day at the Temple School. + Their evidence also went to show that Conway was a quarrelsome character + generally. Bad for Conway. Seth Rodgers, on the part of his friend, proved + that I had struck the first blow. That was bad for me. + </p> + <p> + “If you please, sir,” said Binny Wallace, holding up his hand for + permission to speak, “Bailey didn't fight on his own account; he fought on + my account, and, if you please, sir, I am the boy to be blamed, for I was + the cause of the trouble.” + </p> + <p> + This drew out the story of Conway's harsh treatment of the smaller boys. + As Binny related the wrongs of his playfellows, saying very little of his + own grievances, I noticed that Mr. Grimshaw's hand, unknown to himself + perhaps, rested lightly from time to time on Wallace's sunny hair. The + examination finished, Mr. Grimshaw leaned on the desk thoughtfully for a + moment and then said: + </p> + <p> + “Every boy in this school knows that it is against the rules to fight. If + one boy maltreats another, within school-bounds, or within school-hours, + that is a matter for me to settle. The case should be laid before me. I + disapprove of tale-bearing, I never encourage it in the slightest degree; + but when one pupil systematically persecutes a schoolmate, it is the duty + of some head-boy to inform me. No pupil has a right to take the law into + his own hands. If there is any fighting to be done, I am the person to be + consulted. I disapprove of boys' fighting; it is unnecessary and + unchristian. In the present instance, I consider every large boy in this + school at fault, but as the offence is one of omission rather than + commission, my punishment must rest only on the two boys convicted of + misdemeanor. Conway loses his recess for a month, and Bailey has a page + added to his Latin lessons for the next four recitations. I now request + Bailey and Conway to shake hands in the presence of the school, and + acknowledge their regret at what has occurred.” + </p> + <p> + Conway and I approached each other slowly and cautiously, as if we were + bent upon another hostile collision. We clasped hands in the tamest manner + imaginable, and Conway mumbled, “I'm sorry I fought with you.” + </p> + <p> + “I think you are,” I replied, drily, “and I'm sorry I had to thrash you.” + </p> + <p> + “You can go to your seats,” said Mr. Grimshaw, turning his face aside to + hide a smile. I am sure my apology was a very good one. + </p> + <p> + I never had any more trouble with Conway. He and his shadow, Seth Rodgers, + gave me a wide berth for many months. Nor was Binny Wallace subjected to + further molestation. Miss Abigail's sanitary stores, including a bottle of + opodeldoc, were never called into requisition. The six black silk patches, + with their elastic strings, are still dangling from a beam in the garret + of the Nutter House, waiting for me to get into fresh difficulties. + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + (1)"Tom Brown's School Days at Rugby” + </pre> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0011" id="link2HCH0011"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + Chapter Eleven—All About Gypsy + </h2> + <p> + This record of my life at Rivermouth would be strangely incomplete did I + not devote an entire chapter to Gypsy. I had other pets, of course; for + what healthy boy could long exist without numerous friends in the animal + kingdom? I had two white mice that were forever gnawing their way out of a + pasteboard chateau, and crawling over my face when I lay asleep. I used to + keep the pink-eyed little beggars in my bedroom, greatly to the annoyance + of Miss Abigail, who was constantly fancying that one of the mice had + secreted itself somewhere about her person. + </p> + <p> + I also owned a dog, a terrier, who managed in some inscrutable way to pick + a quarrel with the moon, and on bright nights kept up such a ki-yi-ing in + our back garden, that we were finally forced to dispose of him at private + sale. He was purchased by Mr. Oxford, the butcher. I protested against the + arrangement and ever afterwards, when we had sausages from Mr. Oxford's + shop, I made believe I detected in them certain evidences that Cato had + been foully dealt with. + </p> + <p> + Of birds I had no end, robins, purple-martins, wrens, bulfinches, + bobolinks, ringdoves, and pigeons. At one time I took solid comfort in the + iniquitous society of a dissipated old parrot, who talked so terribly, + that the Rev. Wibird Hawkins, happening to get a sample of Poll's + vituperative powers, pronounced him “a benighted heathen,” and advised the + Captain to get rid of him. A brace of turtles supplanted the parrot in my + affections; the turtles gave way to rabbits; and the rabbits in turn + yielded to the superior charms of a small monkey, which the Captain bought + of a sailor lately from the coast of Africa. + </p> + <p> + But Gypsy was the prime favorite, in spite of many rivals. I never grew + weary of her. She was the most knowing little thing in the world. Her + proper sphere in life—and the one to which she ultimately attained—was + the saw-dust arena of a travelling circus. There was nothing short of the + three R's, reading, 'riting, and 'rithmetic, that Gypsy couldn't be + taught. The gift of speech was not hers, but the faculty of thought was. + </p> + <p> + My little friend, to be sure, was not exempt from certain graceful + weaknesses, inseparable, perhaps, from the female character. She was very + pretty, and she knew it. She was also passionately fond of dress—by + which I mean her best harness. When she had this on, her curvetings and + prancings were laughable, though in ordinary tackle she went along + demurely enough. There was something in the enamelled leather and the + silver-washed mountings that chimed with her artistic sense. To have her + mane braided, and a rose or a pansy stuck into her forelock, was to make + her too conceited for anything. + </p> + <p> + She had another trait not rare among her sex. She liked the attentions of + young gentlemen, while the society of girls bored her. She would drag + them, sulkily, in the cart; but as for permitting one of them in the + saddle, the idea was preposterous. Once when Pepper Whitcomb's sister, in + spite of our remonstrances, ventured to mount her, Gypsy gave a little + indignant neigh, and tossed the gentle Emma heels over head in no time. + But with any of the boys the mare was as docile as a lamb. + </p> + <p> + Her treatment of the several members of the family was comical. For the + Captain she entertained a wholesome respect, and was always on her good + behavior when he was around. As to Miss Abigail, Gypsy simply laughed at + her—literally laughed, contracting her upper lip and displaying all + her snow-white teeth, as if something about Miss Abigail struck her, + Gypsy, as being extremely ridiculous. + </p> + <p> + Kitty Collins, for some reason or another, was afraid of the pony, or + pretended to be. The sagacious little animal knew it, of course, and + frequently, when Kitty was banging out clothes near the stable, the mare + being loose in the yard, would make short plunges at her. Once Gypsy + seized the basket of clothespins with her teeth, and rising on her hind + legs, pawing the air with her fore feet followed Kitty clear up to the + scullery steps. + </p> + <p> + That part of the yard was shut off from the rest by a gate; but no gate + was proof against Gypsy's ingenuity. She could let down bars, lift up + latches, draw bolts, and turn all sorts of buttons. This accomplishment + rendered it hazardous for Miss Abigail or Kitty to leave any eatables on + the kitchen table near the window. On one occasion Gypsy put in her head + and lapped up six custard pies that had been placed by the casement to + cool. + </p> + <p> + An account of my young lady's various pranks would fill a thick volume. A + favorite trick of hers, on being requested to “walk like Miss Abigail,” + was to assume a little skittish gait so true to nature that Miss Abigail + herself was obliged to admit the cleverness of the imitation. + </p> + <p> + The idea of putting Gypsy through a systematic course of instruction was + suggested to me by a visit to the circus which gave an annual performance + in Rivermouth. This show embraced among its attractions a number of + trained Shetland ponies, and I determined that Gypsy should likewise have + the benefit of a liberal education. I succeeded in teaching her to waltz, + to fire a pistol by tugging at a string tied to the trigger, to lie down + dead, to wink one eye, and to execute many other feats of a difficult + nature. She took to her studies admirably, and enjoyed the whole thing as + much as anyone. + </p> + <p> + The monkey was a perpetual marvel to Gypsy. They became bosom-friends in + an incredibly brief period, and were never easy out of each other's sight. + Prince Zany—that's what Pepper Whitcomb and I christened him one + day, much to the disgust of the monkey, who bit a piece out of Pepper's + nose—resided in the stable, and went to roost every night on the + pony's back, where I usually found him in the morning. Whenever I rode + out, I was obliged to secure his Highness the Prince with a stout cord to + the fence, he chattering all the time like a madman. + </p> + <p> + One afternoon as I was cantering through the crowded part of the town, I + noticed that the people in the street stopped, stared at me, and fell to + laughing. I turned round in the saddle, and there was Zany, with a great + burdock leaf in his paw, perched up behind me on the crupper, as solemn as + a judge. + </p> + <p> + After a few months, poor Zany sickened mysteriously, and died. The dark + thought occurred to me then, and comes back to me now with redoubled + force, that Miss Abigail must have given him some hot-drops. Zany left a + large circle of sorrowing friends, if not relatives. Gypsy, I think, never + entirely recovered from the shock occasioned by his early demise. She + became fonder of me, though; and one of her cunningest demonstrations was + to escape from the stable-yard, and trot up to the door of the Temple + Grammar School, where I would discover her at recess patiently waiting for + me, with her fore feet on the second step, and wisps of straw standing out + all over her, like quills upon the fretful porcupine. + </p> + <p> + I should fail if I tried to tell you how dear the pony was to me. Even + hard, unloving men become attached to the horses they take care of; so I, + who was neither unloving nor hard, grew to love every glossy hair of the + pretty little creature that depended on me for her soft straw bed and her + daily modicum of oats. In my prayer at night I never forgot to mention + Gypsy with the rest of the family—generally setting forth her claims + first. + </p> + <p> + Whatever relates to Gypsy belongs properly to this narrative; therefore I + offer no apology for rescuing from oblivion, and boldly printing here a + short composition which I wrote in the early part of my first quarter at + the Temple Grammar School. It is my maiden effort in a difficult art, and + is, perhaps, lacking in those graces of thought and style which are + reached only after the severest practice. + </p> + <p> + Every Wednesday morning, on entering school, each pupil was expected to + lay his exercise on Mr. Grimshaw's desk; the subject was usually selected + by Mr. Grimshaw himself, the Monday previous. With a humor characteristic + of him, our teacher had instituted two prizes, one for the best and the + other for the worst composition of the month. The first prize consisted of + a penknife, or a pencil-case, or some such article dear to the heart of + youth; the second prize entitled the winner to wear for an hour or two a + sort of conical paper cap, on the front of which was written, in tall + letters, this modest admission: I AM A DUNCE! The competitor who took + prize No. 2. wasn't generally an object of envy. + </p> + <p> + My pulse beat high with pride and expectation that Wednesday morning, as I + laid my essay, neatly folded, on the master's table. I firmly decline to + say which prize I won; but here's the composition to speak for itself. + </p> + <p> + It is no small-author vanity that induces me to publish this stray leaf of + natural history. I lay it before our young folks, not for their + admiration, but for their criticism. Let each reader take his lead-pencil + and remorselessly correct the orthography, the capitalization, and the + punctuation of the essay. I shall not feel hurt at seeing my treatise cut + all to pieces; though I think highly of the production, not on account of + its literary excellence, which I candidly admit is not overpowering, but + because it was written years and years ago about Gypsy, by a little fellow + who, when I strive to recall him, appears to me like a reduced ghost of my + present self. + </p> + <p> + I am confident that any reader who has ever had pets, birds or animals, + will forgive me for this brief digression. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0012" id="link2HCH0012"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + Chapter Twelve—Winter at Rivermouth + </h2> + <p> + “I guess we're going to have a regular old-fashioned snowstorm,” said + Captain Nutter, one bleak December morning, casting a peculiarly nautical + glance skyward. + </p> + <p> + The Captain was always hazarding prophecies about the weather, which + somehow never turned out according to his prediction. The vanes on the + church-steeples seemed to take fiendish pleasure in humiliating the dear + old gentleman. If he said it was going to be a clear day, a dense sea-fog + was pretty certain to set in before noon. Once he caused a protracted + drought by assuring us every morning, for six consecutive weeks, that it + would rain in a few hours. But, sure enough, that afternoon it began + snowing. + </p> + <p> + Now I had not seen a snow-storm since I was eighteen months old, and of + course remembered nothing about it. A boy familiar from his infancy with + the rigors of our New England winters can form no idea of the impression + made on me by this natural phenomenon. My delight and surprise were as + boundless as if the heavy gray sky had let down a shower of pond lilies + and white roses, instead of snow-flakes. It happened to be a half-holiday, + so I had nothing to do but watch the feathery crystals whirling hither and + thither through the air. I stood by the sitting-room window gazing at the + wonder until twilight shut out the novel scene. + </p> + <p> + We had had several slight flurries of hail and snow before, but this was a + regular nor'easter. + </p> + <p> + Several inches of snow had already fallen. The rose-bushes at the door + drooped with the weight of their magical blossoms, and the two posts that + held the garden gate were transformed into stately Turks, with white turbans, + guarding the entrance to the Nutter House. + </p> + <p> + The storm increased at sundown, and continued with unabated violence + through the night. The next morning, when I jumped out of bed, the sun was + shining brightly, the cloudless heavens wore the tender azure of June, and + the whole earth lay muffled up to the eyes, as it were, in a thick mantle + of milk-white down. + </p> + <p> + It was a very deep snow. The Oldest Inhabitant (what would become of a New + England town or village without its oldest Inhabitant?) overhauled his + almanacs, and pronounced it the deepest snow we had had for twenty years. + It couldn't have been much deeper without smothering us all. Our street + was a sight to be seen, or, rather, it was a sight not to be seen; for + very little street was visible. One huge drift completely banked up our + front door and half covered my bedroom window. + </p> + <p> + There was no school that day, for all the thoroughfares were impassable. + By twelve o'clock, however, the great snowploughs, each drawn by four + yokes of oxen, broke a wagon-path through the principal streets; but the + foot-passengers had a hard time of it floundering in the arctic drifts. + </p> + <p> + The Captain and I cut a tunnel, three feet wide and six feet high, from + our front door to the sidewalk opposite. It was a beautiful cavern, with + its walls and roof inlaid with mother-of-pearl and diamonds. I am sure the + ice palace of the Russian Empress, in Cowper's poem, was not a more superb + piece of architecture. + </p> + <p> + The thermometer began falling shortly before sunset and we had the + bitterest cold night I ever experienced. This brought out the Oldest + Inhabitant again the next day—and what a gay old boy he was for + deciding everything! Our tunnel was turned into solid ice. A crust thick + enough to bear men and horses had formed over the snow everywhere, and the + air was alive with merry sleigh-bells. Icy stalactites, a yard long, bung + from the eaves of the house, and the Turkish sentinels at the gate looked + as if they had given up all hopes of ever being relieved from duty. + </p> + <p> + So the winter set in cold and glittering. Everything out-of-doors was + sheathed in silver mail. To quote from Charley Marden, it was “cold enough + to freeze the tail off a brass monkey,”—an observation which seemed + to me extremely happy, though I knew little or nothing concerning the + endurance of brass monkeys, having never seen one. + </p> + <p> + I had looked forward to the advent of the season with grave apprehensions, + nerving myself to meet dreary nights and monotonous days; but summer + itself was not more jolly than winter at Rivermouth. Snow-balling at + school, skating on the Mill Pond, coasting by moonlight, long rides behind + Gypsy in a brand-new little sleigh built expressly for her, were sports no + less exhilarating than those which belonged to the sunny months. And then + Thanksgiving! The nose of Memory—why shouldn't Memory have a nose?—dilates + with pleasure over the rich perfume of Miss Abigail's forty mince-pies, + each one more delightful than the other, like the Sultan's forty wives. + Christmas was another red-letter day, though it was not so generally + observed in New England as it is now. + </p> + <p> + The great wood-fire in the tiled chimney-place made our sitting-room very + cheerful of winter nights. When the north-wind howled about the eaves, and + the sharp fingers of the sleet tapped against the window-panes, it was + nice to be so warmly sheltered from the storm. A dish of apples and a + pitcher of chilly cider were always served during the evening. The Captain + had a funny way of leaning back in the chair, and eating his apple with + his eyes closed. Sometimes I played dominos with him, and sometimes Miss + Abigail read aloud to us, pronouncing “to” toe, and sounding all the eds. + </p> + <p> + In a former chapter I alluded to Miss Abigail's managing propensities. She + had affected many changes in the Nutter House before I came there to live; + but there was one thing against which she had long contended without being + able to overcome. This was the Captain's pipe. On first taking command of + the household, she prohibited smoking in the sitting-room, where it had + been the old gentleman's custom to take a whiff or two of the fragrant + weed after meals. The edict went forth—and so did the pipe. An + excellent move, no doubt; but then the house was his, and if he saw fit to + keep a tub of tobacco burning in the middle of the parlor floor, he had a + perfect right to do so. However, he humored her in this as in other + matters, and smoked by stealth, like a guilty creature, in the barn, or + about the gardens. That was practicable in summer, but in winter the + Captain was hard put to it. When he couldn't stand it longer, he retreated + to his bedroom and barricaded the door. Such was the position of affairs + at the time of which I write. + </p> + <p> + One morning, a few days after the great snow, as Miss Abigail was dusting + the chronometer in the ball, she beheld Captain Nutter slowly descending + the staircase, with a long clay pipe in his mouth. Miss Abigail could + hardly credit her own eyes. + </p> + <p> + “Dan'el!” she gasped, retiring heavily on the hat-rack. + </p> + <p> + The tone of reproach with which this word was uttered failed to produce + the slightest effect on the Captain, who merely removed the pipe from his + lips for an instant, and blew a cloud into the chilly air. The thermometer + stood at two degrees below zero in our hall. + </p> + <p> + “Dan'el!” cried Miss Abigail, hysterically—“Dan'el, don't come near + me!” Whereupon she fainted away; for the smell of tobacco-smoke always + made her deadly sick. + </p> + <p> + Kitty Collins rushed from the kitchen with a basin of water, and set to + work bathing Miss Abigail's temples and chafing her hands. I thought my + grandfather rather cruel, as he stood there with a half-smile on his + countenance, complacently watching Miss Abigail's sufferings. When she was + “brought to,” the Captain sat down beside her, and, with a lovely twinkle + in his eye, said softly: + </p> + <p> + “Abigail, my dear, there wasn't any tobacco in that Pipe! It was a new + pipe. I fetched it down for Tom to blow soap-bubbles with.” + </p> + <p> + At these words Kitty Collins hurried away, her features-working strangely. + Several minutes later I came upon her in the scullery with the greater + portion of a crash towel stuffed into her mouth. “Miss Abygil smelt the + terbacca with her oi!” cried Kitty, partially removing the cloth, and then + immediately stopping herself up again. + </p> + <p> + The Captain's joke furnished us—that is, Kitty and me—with + mirth for many a day; as to Miss Abigail, I think she never wholly + pardoned him. After this, Captain Nutter gradually gave up smoking, which + is an untidy, injurious, disgraceful, and highly pleasant habit. + </p> + <p> + A boy's life in a secluded New England town in winter does not afford many + points for illustration. Of course he gets his ears or toes frost-bitten; + of course he smashes his sled against another boy's; of course be bangs + his bead on the ice; and he's a lad of no enterprise whatever, if he + doesn't manage to skate into an eel-hole, and be brought home half + drowned. All these things happened to me; but, as they lack novelty, I + pass them over, to tell you about the famous snow-fort which we built on + Slatter's Hill. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0013" id="link2HCH0013"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + Chapter Thirteen—The Snow Fort on Slatter's Hill + </h2> + <p> + The memory of man, even that of the Oldest Inhabitant, runneth not back to + the time when there did not exist a feud between the North End and the + South End boys of Rivermouth. + </p> + <p> + The origin of the feud is involved in mystery; it is impossible to say + which party was the first aggressor in the far-off anterevolutionary ages; + but the fact remains that the youngsters of those antipodal sections + entertained a mortal hatred for each other, and that this hatred had been + handed down from generation to generation, like Miles Standish's + punch-bowl. + </p> + <p> + I know not what laws, natural or unnatural, regulated the warmth of the + quarrel; but at some seasons it raged more violently than at others. This + winter both parties were unusually lively and antagonistic. Great was the + wrath of the South-Enders, when they discovered that the North-Enders had + thrown up a fort on the crown of Slatter's Hill. + </p> + <p> + Slatter's Hill, or No-man's-land, as it was generally called, was a rise + of ground covering, perhaps, an acre and a quarter, situated on an + imaginary line, marking the boundary between the two districts. An immense + stratum of granite, which here and there thrust out a wrinkled boulder, + prevented the site from being used for building purposes. The street ran + on either side of the hill, from one part of which a quantity of rock had + been removed to form the underpinning of the new jail. This excavation + made the approach from that point all but impossible, especially when the + ragged ledges were a-glitter with ice. You see what a spot it was for a + snow-fort. + </p> + <p> + One evening twenty or thirty of the North-Enders quietly took possession + of Slatter's Hill, and threw up a strong line of breastworks, something + after this shape: + </p> + <p> + (Ft Slatter graphic) + </p> + <p> + The rear of the entrenchment, being protected by the quarry, was left + open. The walls were four feet high, and twenty-two inches thick, + strengthened at the angles by stakes driven firmly into the ground. + </p> + <p> + Fancy the rage of the South-Enders the next day, when they spied our snowy + citadel, with Jack Harris's red silk pocket handkerchief floating + defiantly from the flag-staff. + </p> + <p> + In less than an hour it was known all over town, in military circles at + least, that the “Puddle-dockers” and the “River-rats” (these were the + derisive sub-titles bestowed on our South-End foes) intended to attack the + fort that Saturday afternoon. + </p> + <p> + At two o'clock all the fighting boys of the Temple Grammar School, and as + many recruits as we could muster, lay behind the walls of Fort Slatter, + with three hundred compact snowballs piled up in pyramids, awaiting the + approach of the enemy. The enemy was not slow in making his approach—fifty + strong, headed by one Mat Ames. Our forces were under the command of + General J. Harris. + </p> + <p> + Before the action commenced, a meeting was arranged between the rival + commanders, who drew up and signed certain rules and regulations + respecting the conduct of the battle. As it was impossible for the + North-Enders to occupy the fort permanently, it was stipulated that the + South-Enders should assault it only on Wednesday and Saturday afternoons + between the hours of two and six. For them to take possession of the place + at any other time was not to constitute a capture, but on the contrary was + to be considered a dishonorable and cowardly act. + </p> + <p> + The North-Enders, on the other hand, agreed to give up the fort whenever + ten of the storming party succeeded in obtaining at one time a footing on + the parapet, and were able to hold the same for the space of two minutes. + Both sides were to abstain from putting pebbles into their snow-balls, nor + was it permissible to use frozen ammunition. A snow-ball soaked in water + and left out to cool was a projectile which in previous years had been + resorted to with disastrous results. + </p> + <p> + These preliminaries settled, the commanders retired to their respective + corps. The interview had taken place on the hillside between the opposing + lines. + </p> + <p> + General Harris divided his men into two bodies; the first comprised the + most skilful marksmen, or gunners; the second, the reserve force, was + composed of the strongest boys, whose duty it was to repel the scaling + parties, and to make occasional sallies for the purpose of capturing + prisoners, who were bound by the articles of treaty to faithfully serve + under our flag until they were exchanged at the close of the day. + </p> + <p> + The repellers were called light infantry; but when they carried on + operations beyond the fort they became cavalry. It was also their duty, + when not otherwise engaged, to manufacture snow-balls. The General's staff + consisted of five Templars (I among the number, with the rank of Major), + who carried the General's orders and looked after the wounded. + </p> + <p> + General Mat Ames, a veteran commander, was no less wide-awake in the + disposition of his army. Five companies, each numbering but six men, in + order not to present too big a target to our sharpshooters, were to charge + the fort from different points, their advance being covered by a heavy + fire from the gunners posted in the rear. Each scaler was provided with + only two rounds of ammunition, which were not to be used until he had + mounted the breastwork and could deliver his shots on our heads. + </p> + <p> + The drawing below represents the interior of the fort just previous to the + assault. Nothing on earth could represent the state of things after the + first volley. + </p> + <p> + (Fort Slatter detail graphic) + </p> + <p> + The thrilling moment had now arrived. If I had been going into a real + engagement I could not have been more deeply impressed by the importance + of the occasion. + </p> + <p> + The fort opened fire first—a single ball from the dexterous band of + General Harris taking General Ames in the very pit of his stomach. A cheer + went up from Fort Slatter. In an instant the air was thick with flying + missiles, in the midst of which we dimly descried the storming parties + sweeping up the hill, shoulder to shoulder. The shouts of the leaders, and + the snowballs bursting like shells about our ears, made it very lively. + </p> + <p> + Not more than a dozen of the enemy succeeded in reaching the crest of the + hill; five of these clambered upon the icy walls, where they were + instantly grabbed by the legs and jerked into the fort. The rest retired + confused and blinded by our well-directed fire. + </p> + <p> + When General Harris (with his right eye bunged up) said, “Soldiers, I am + proud of you!” my heart swelled in my bosom. + </p> + <p> + The victory, however, had not been without its price. Six North-Enders, + having rushed out to harass the discomfited enemy, were gallantly cut off + by General Ames and captured. Among these were Lieutenant P. Whitcomb (who + had no business to join in the charge, being weak in the knees), and + Captain Fred Langdon, of General Harris's staff. Whitcomb was one of the + most notable shots on our side, though he was not much to boast of in a + rough-and-tumble fight, owing to the weakness before mentioned. General + Ames put him among the gunners, and we were quickly made aware of the loss + we had sustained, by receiving a frequent artful ball which seemed to + light with unerring instinct on any nose that was the least bit exposed. I + have known one of Pepper's snow-balls, fired pointblank, to turn a corner + and hit a boy who considered himself absolutely safe. + </p> + <p> + But we had no time for vain regrets. The battle raged. Already there were + two bad cases of black eye, and one of nosebleed, in the hospital. + </p> + <p> + It was glorious excitement, those pell-mell onslaughts and hand-to-hand + struggles. Twice we were within an ace of being driven from our + stronghold, when General Harris and his staff leaped recklessly upon the + ramparts and hurled the besiegers heels over head down hill. + </p> + <p> + At sunset, the garrison of Fort Slatter was still unconquered, and the + South-Enders, in a solid phalanx, marched off whistling “Yankee Doodle,” + while we cheered and jeered them until they were out of hearing. + </p> + <p> + General Ames remained behind to effect an exchange of prisoners. We held + thirteen of his men, and he eleven of ours. General Ames proposed to call + it an even thing, since many of his eleven prisoners were officers, while + nearly all our thirteen captives were privates. A dispute arising on this + point, the two noble generals came to fisticuffs, and in the fracas our + brave commander got his remaining well eye badly damaged. This didn't + prevent him from writing a general order the next day, on a slate, in + which he complimented the troops on their heroic behavior. + </p> + <p> + On the following Wednesday the siege was renewed. I forget whether it was + on that afternoon or the next that we lost Fort Slatter; but lose it we + did, with much valuable ammunition and several men. After a series of + desperate assaults, we forced General Ames to capitulate; and he, in turn, + made the place too hot to hold us. So from day to day the tide of battle + surged to and fro, sometimes favoring our arms, and sometimes those of the + enemy. + </p> + <p> + General Ames handled his men with great skill; his deadliest foe could not + deny that. Once he outgeneralled our commander in the following manner: He + massed his gunners on our left and opened a brisk fire, under cover of + which a single company (six men) advanced on that angle of the fort. Our + reserves on the right rushed over to defend the threatened point. + Meanwhile, four companies of the enemy's scalers made a detour round the + foot of the hill, and dashed into Fort Slatter without opposition. At the + same moment General Ames's gunners closed in on our left, and there we + were between two fires. Of course we had to vacate the fort. A cloud + rested on General Harris's military reputation until his superior tactics + enabled him to dispossess the enemy. + </p> + <p> + As the winter wore on, the war-spirit waxed fiercer and fiercer. At length + the provision against using heavy substances in the snow-balls was + disregarded. A ball stuck full of sand-bird shot came tearing into Fort + Slatter. In retaliation, General Harris ordered a broadside of shells; i. + e. snow-balls containing marbles. After this, both sides never failed to + freeze their ammunition. + </p> + <p> + It was no longer child's play to march up to the walls of Fort Slatter, + nor was the position of the besieged less perilous. At every assault three + or four boys on each side were disabled. It was not an infrequent + occurrence for the combatants to hold up a flag of truce while they + removed some insensible comrade. + </p> + <p> + Matters grew worse and worse. Seven North-Enders had been seriously + wounded, and a dozen South-Enders were reported on the sick list. The + selectmen of the town awoke to the fact of what was going on, and detailed + a posse of police to prevent further disturbance. The boys at the foot of + the hill, South-Enders as it happened, finding themselves assailed in the + rear and on the flank, turned round and attempted to beat off the + watchmen. In this they were sustained by numerous volunteers from the + fort, who looked upon the interference as tyrannical. + </p> + <p> + The watch were determined fellows, and charged the boys valiantly, driving + them all into the fort, where we made common cause, fighting side by side + like the best of friends. In vain the four guardians of the peace rushed + up the hill, flourishing their clubs and calling upon us to surrender. + They could not get within ten yards of the fort, our fire was so + destructive. In one of the onsets a man named Mugridge, more valorous than + his peers, threw himself upon the parapet, when he was seized by twenty + pairs of hands, and dragged inside the breastwork, where fifteen boys sat + down on him to keep him quiet. + </p> + <p> + Perceiving that it was impossible with their small number to dislodge us, + the watch sent for reinforcements. Their call was responded to, not only + by the whole constabulary force (eight men), but by a numerous body of + citizens, who had become alarmed at the prospect of a riot. This + formidable array brought us to our senses: we began to think that maybe + discretion was the better part of valor. General Harris and General Ames, + with their respective staffs, held a council of war in the hospital, and a + backward movement was decided on. So, after one grand farewell volley, we + fled, sliding, jumping, rolling, tumbling down the quarry at the rear of + the fort, and escaped without losing a man. + </p> + <p> + But we lost Fort Slatter forever. Those battle-scarred ramparts were razed + to the ground, and humiliating ashes sprinkled over the historic spot, + near which a solitary lynx-eyed policeman was seen prowling from time to + time during the rest of the winter. + </p> + <p> + The event passed into a legend, and afterwards, when later instances of + pluck and endurance were spoken of, the boys would say, “By golly! You + ought to have been at the fights on Slatter's Hill!” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0014" id="link2HCH0014"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + Chapter Fourteen—The Cruise of the Dolphin + </h2> + <p> + It was spring again. The snow had faded away like a dream, and we were + awakened, so to speak, by the sudden chirping of robins in our back + garden. Marvellous transformation of snowdrifts into lilacs, wondrous + miracle of the unfolding leaf! We read in the Holy Book how our Saviour, + at the marriage-feast, changed the water into wine; we pause and wonder; + but every hour a greater miracle is wrought at our very feet, if we have + but eyes to see it. + </p> + <p> + I had now been a year at Rivermouth. If you do not know what sort of boy I + was, it is not because I haven't been frank with you. Of my progress at + school I say little; for this is a story, pure and simple, and not a + treatise on education. Behold me, however, well up in most of the classes. + I have worn my Latin grammar into tatters, and am in the first book of + Virgil. I interlard my conversation at home with easy quotations from that + poet, and impress Captain Nutter with a lofty notion of my learning. I am + likewise translating Les Aventures de Telemaque from the French, and shall + tackle Blair's Lectures the next term. I am ashamed of my crude + composition about The Horse, and can do better now. Sometimes my head + almost aches with the variety of my knowledge. I consider Mr. Grimshaw the + greatest scholar that ever lived, and I don't know which I would rather be—a + learned man like him, or a circus rider. + </p> + <p> + My thoughts revert to this particular spring more frequently than to any + other period of my boyhood, for it was marked by an event that left an + indelible impression on my memory. As I pen these pages, I feel that I am + writing of something which happened yesterday, so vividly it all comes + back to me. + </p> + <p> + Every Rivermouth boy looks upon the sea as being in some way mixed up with + his destiny. While he is yet a baby lying in his cradle, he hears the + dull, far-off boom of the breakers; when he is older, he wanders by the + sandy shore, watching the waves that come plunging up the beach like + white-maned seahorses, as Thoreau calls them; his eye follows the + lessening sail as it fades into the blue horizon, and he burns for the + time when he shall stand on the quarter-deck of his own ship, and go + sailing proudly across that mysterious waste of waters. + </p> + <p> + Then the town itself is full of hints and flavors of the sea. The gables + and roofs of the houses facing eastward are covered with red rust, like + the flukes of old anchors; a salty smell pervades the air, and dense gray + fogs, the very breath of Ocean, periodically creep up into the quiet + streets and envelop everything. The terrific storms that lash the coast; + the kelp and spars, and sometimes the bodies of drowned men, tossed on + shore by the scornful waves; the shipyards, the wharves, and the tawny + fleet of fishing-smacks yearly fitted out at Rivermouth—these + things, and a hundred other, feed the imagination and fill the brain of + every healthy boy with dreams of adventure. He learns to swim almost as + soon as he can walk; he draws in with his mother's milk the art of + handling an oar: he is born a sailor, whatever he may turn out to be + afterwards. + </p> + <p> + To own the whole or a portion of a row-boat is his earliest ambition. No + wonder that I, born to this life, and coming back to it with freshest + sympathies, should have caught the prevailing infection. No wonder I + longed to buy a part of the trim little sailboat Dolphin, which chanced + just then to be in the market. This was in the latter part of May. + </p> + <p> + Three shares, at five or six dollars each, I forget which, had already + been taken by Phil Adams, Fred Langdon, and Binny Wallace. The fourth and + remaining share hung fire. Unless a purchaser could be found for this, the + bargain was to fall through. + </p> + <p> + I am afraid I required but slight urging to join in the investment. I had + four dollars and fifty cents on hand, and the treasurer of the Centipedes + advanced me the balance, receiving my silver pencil-case as ample + security. It was a proud moment when I stood on the wharf with my + partners, inspecting the Dolphin, moored at the foot of a very slippery + flight of steps. She was painted white with a green stripe outside, and on + the stern a yellow dolphin, with its scarlet mouth wide open, stared with + a surprised expression at its own reflection in the water. The boat was a + great bargain. + </p> + <p> + I whirled my cap in the air, and ran to the stairs leading down from the + wharf, when a hand was laid gently on my shoulder. I turned and faced + Captain Nutter. I never saw such an old sharp-eye as he was in those days. + </p> + <p> + I knew he wouldn't be angry with me for buying a rowboat; but I also knew + that the little bowsprit suggesting a jib, and the tapering mast ready for + its few square feet of canvas, were trifles not likely to meet his + approval. As far as rowing on the river, among the wharves, was concerned, + the Captain had long since withdrawn his decided objections, having + convinced himself, by going out with me several times, that I could manage + a pair of sculls as well as anybody. + </p> + <p> + I was right in my surmises. He commanded me, in the most emphatic terms, + never to go out in the Dolphin without leaving the mast in the boat-house. + This curtailed my anticipated sport, but the pleasure of having a pull + whenever I wanted it remained. I never disobeyed the Captain's orders + touching the sail, though I sometimes extended my row beyond the points he + had indicated. + </p> + <p> + The river was dangerous for sailboats. Squalls, without the slightest + warning, were of frequent occurrence; scarcely a year passed that six or + seven persons were not drowned under the very windows of the town, and + these, oddly enough, were generally sea-captains, who either did not + understand the river, or lacked the skill to handle a small craft. + </p> + <p> + A knowledge of such disasters, one of which I witnessed, consoled me + somewhat when I saw Phil Adams skimming over the water in a spanking + breeze with every stitch of canvas set. There were few better yachtsmen + than Phil Adams. He usually went sailing alone, for both Fred Langdon and + Binny Wallace were under the same restrictions I was. + </p> + <p> + Not long after the purchase of the boat, we planned an excursion to + Sandpeep Island, the last of the islands in the harbor. We proposed to + start early in the morning, and return with the tide in the moonlight. Our + only difficulty was to obtain a whole day's exemption from school, the + customary half-holiday not being long enough for our picnic. Somehow, we + couldn't work it; but fortune arranged it for us. I may say here, that, + whatever else I did, I never played truant (“hookey” we called it) in my + life. + </p> + <p> + One afternoon the four owners of the Dolphin exchanged significant glances + when Mr. Grimshaw announced from the desk that there would be no school + the following day, he having just received intelligence of the death of + his uncle in Boston I was sincerely attached to Mr. Grimshaw, but I am + afraid that the death of his uncle did not affect me as it ought to have + done. + </p> + <p> + We were up before sunrise the next morning, in order to take advantage of + the flood tide, which waits for no man. Our preparations for the cruise + were made the previous evening. In the way of eatables and drinkables, we + had stored in the stem of the Dolphin a generous bag of hard-tack (for the + chowder), a piece of pork to fry the cunners in, three gigantic apple-pies + (bought at Pettingil's), half a dozen lemons, and a keg of spring-water—the + last-named article we slung over the side, to keep it cool, as soon as we + got under way. The crockery and the bricks for our camp-stove we placed in + the bows, with the groceries, which included sugar, pepper, salt, and a + bottle of pickles. Phil Adams contributed to the outfit a small tent of + unbleached cotton cloth, under which we intended to take our nooning. + </p> + <p> + We unshipped the mast, threw in an extra oar, and were ready to embark. I + do not believe that Christopher Columbus, when he started on his rather + successful voyage of discovery, felt half the responsibility and + importance that weighed upon me as I sat on the middle seat of the + Dolphin, with my oar resting in the row-lock. I wonder if Christopher + Columbus quietly slipped out of the house without letting his estimable + family know what he was up to? + </p> + <p> + Charley Marden, whose father had promised to cane him if he ever stepped + foot on sail or rowboat, came down to the wharf in a sour-grape humor, to + see us off. Nothing would tempt him to go out on the river in such a crazy + clam-shell of a boat. He pretended that he did not expect to behold us + alive again, and tried to throw a wet blanket over the expedition. + </p> + <p> + “Guess you'll have a squally time of it,” said Charley, casting off the + painter. “I'll drop in at old Newbury's” (Newbury was the parish + undertaker) “and leave word, as I go along!” + </p> + <p> + “Bosh!” muttered Phil Adams, sticking the boat-hook into the string-piece + of the wharf, and sending the Dolphin half a dozen yards towards the + current. + </p> + <p> + How calm and lovely the river was! Not a ripple stirred on the glassy + surface, broken only by the sharp cutwater of our tiny craft. The sun, as + round and red as an August moon, was by this time peering above the + water-line. + </p> + <p> + The town had drifted behind us, and we were entering among the group of + islands. Sometimes we could almost touch with our boat-hook the shelving + banks on either side. As we neared the mouth of the harbor a little breeze + now and then wrinkled the blue water, shook the spangles from the foliage, + and gently lifted the spiral mist-wreaths that still clung along shore. + The measured dip of our oars and the drowsy twitterings of the birds + seemed to mingle with, rather than break, the enchanted silence that + reigned about us. + </p> + <p> + The scent of the new clover comes back to me now, as I recall that + delicious morning when we floated away in a fairy boat down a river like a + dream! + </p> + <p> + The sun was well up when the nose of the Dolphin nestled against the + snow-white bosom of Sandpeep Island. This island, as I have said before, + was the last of the cluster, one side of it being washed by the sea. We + landed on the river-side, the sloping sands and quiet water affording us a + good place to moor the boat. + </p> + <p> + It took us an hour or two to transport our stores to the spot selected for + the encampment. Having pitched our tent, using the five oars to support + the canvas, we got out our lines, and went down the rocks seaward to fish. + It was early for cunners, but we were lucky enough to catch as nice a mess + as ever you saw. A cod for the chowder was not so easily secured. At last + Binny Wallace hauled in a plump little fellow crusted all over with flaky + silver. + </p> + <p> + To skin the fish, build our fireplace, and cook the chowder kept us busy + the next two hours. The fresh air and the exercise had given us the + appetites of wolves, and we were about famished by the time the savory + mixture was ready for our clamshell saucers. + </p> + <p> + I shall not insult the rising generation on the seaboard by telling them + how delectable is a chowder compounded and eaten in this Robinson Crusoe + fashion. As for the boys who live inland, and know naught of such marine + feasts, my heart is full of pity for them. What wasted lives! Not to know + the delights of a clam-bake, not to love chowder, to be ignorant of + lob-scouse! + </p> + <p> + How happy we were, we four, sitting crosslegged in the crisp salt grass, + with the invigorating sea-breeze blowing gratefully through our hair! What + a joyous thing was life, and how far off seemed death—death, that + lurks in all pleasant places, and was so near! + </p> + <p> + The banquet finished, Phil Adams drew from his pocket a handful of + sweet-fern cigars; but as none of the party could indulge without imminent + risk of becoming sick, we all, on one pretext or another, declined, and + Phil smoked by himself. + </p> + <p> + The wind had freshened by this, and we found it comfortable to put on the + jackets which had been thrown aside in the heat of the day. We strolled + along the beach and gathered large quantities of the fairy-woven Iceland + moss, which, at certain seasons, is washed to these shores; then we played + at ducks and drakes, and then, the sun being sufficiently low, we went in + bathing. + </p> + <p> + Before our bath was ended a slight change had come over the sky and sea; + fleecy-white clouds scudded here and there, and a muffled moan from the + breakers caught our ears from time to time. While we were dressing, a few + hurried drops of rain came lisping down, and we adjourned to the tent to + await the passing of the squall. + </p> + <p> + “We're all right, anyhow,” said Phil Adams. “It won't be much of a blow, + and we'll be as snug as a bug in a rug, here in the tent, particularly if + we have that lemonade which some of you fellows were going to make.” + </p> + <p> + By an oversight, the lemons had been left in the boat. Binny Wallace + volunteered to go for them. + </p> + <p> + “Put an extra stone on the painter, Binny,” said Adams, calling after him; + “it would be awkward to have the Dolphin give us the slip and return to + port minus her passengers.” + </p> + <p> + “That it would,” answered Binny, scrambling down the rocks. + </p> + <p> + Sandpeep Island is diamond-shaped—one point running out into the + sea, and the other looking towards the town. Our tent was on the + river-side. Though the Dolphin was also on the same side, it lay out of + sight by the beach at the farther extremity of the island. + </p> + <p> + Binny Wallace had been absent five or six minutes, when we heard him + calling our several names in tones that indicated distress or surprise, we + could not tell which. Our first thought was, “The boat has broken adrift!” + </p> + <p> + We sprung to our feet and hastened down to the beach. On turning the bluff + which hid the mooring-place from our view, we found the conjecture + correct. Not only was the Dolphin afloat, but poor little Binny Wallace + was standing in the bows with his arms stretched helplessly towards us—drifting + out to sea! + </p> + <p> + “Head the boat in shore!” shouted Phil Adams. + </p> + <p> + Wallace ran to the tiller; but the slight cockle-shell merely swung round + and drifted broadside on. O, if we had but left a single scull in the + Dolphin! + </p> + <p> + “Can you swim it?” cried Adams, desperately, using his hand as a + speaking-trumpet, for the distance between the boat and the island widened + momentarily. + </p> + <p> + Binny Wallace looked down at the sea, which was covered with white caps, + and made a despairing gesture. He knew, and we knew, that the stoutest + swimmer could not live forty seconds in those angry waters. + </p> + <p> + A wild, insane light came into Phil Adams's eyes, as he stood knee-deep in + the boiling surf, and for an instant I think he meditated plunging into + the ocean after the receding boat. + </p> + <p> + The sky darkened, and an ugly look stole rapidly over the broken surface + of the sea. + </p> + <p> + Binny Wallace half rose from his seat in the stem, and waved his hand to + us in token of farewell. In spite of the distance, increasing every + instant we could see his face plainly. The anxious expression it wore at + first had passed. It was pale and meek now, and I love to think there was + a kind of halo about it, like that which painters place around the + forehead of a saint. So he drifted away. + </p> + <p> + The sky grew darker and darker. It was only by straining our eyes through + the unnatural twilight that we could keep the Dolphin in sight. The figure + of Binny Wallace was no longer visible, for the boat itself had dwindled + to a mere white dot on the black water. Now we lost it, and our hearts + stopped throbbing; and now the speck appeared again, for an instant, on + the crest of a high wave. + </p> + <p> + Finally, it went out like a spark, and we saw it no more. Then we gazed at + each other, and dared not speak. + </p> + <p> + Absorbed in following the course of the boat, we had scarcely noticed the + huddled inky clouds that sagged down all around us. From these threatening + masses, seamed at intervals with pale lightning, there now burst a heavy + peal of thunder that shook the ground under our feet. A sudden squall + struck the sea, ploughing deep white furrows into it, and at the same + instant a single piercing shriek rose above the tempest—the + frightened cry of a gull swooping over the island. How it startled us! + </p> + <p> + It was impossible any longer to keep our footing on the beach. The wind + and the breakers would have swept us into the ocean if we had not clung to + each other with the desperation of drowning men. Taking advantage of a + momentary lull, we crawled up the sands on our hands and knees, and, + pausing in the lee of the granite ledge to gain breath, returned to the + camp, where we found that the gale had snapped all the fastenings of the + tent but one. Held by this, the puffed-out canvas swayed in the wind like + a balloon. It was a task of some difficulty to secure it, which we did by + beating down the canvas with the oars. + </p> + <p> + After several trials, we succeeded in setting up the tent on the leeward + side of the ledge. Blinded by the vivid flashes of lightning, and drenched + by the rain, which fell in torrents, we crept, half dead with fear and + anguish, under our flimsy shelter. Neither the anguish nor the fear was on + our own account, for we were comparatively safe, but for poor little Binny + Wallace, driven out to sea in the merciless gale. We shuddered to think of + him in that frail shell, drifting on and on to his grave, the sky rent + with lightning over his head, and the green abysses yawning beneath him. + We fell to crying, the three of us, and cried I know not how long. + </p> + <p> + Meanwhile the storm raged with augmented fury. We were obliged to hold on + to the ropes of the tent to prevent it blowing away. The spray from the + river leaped several yards up the rocks and clutched at us malignantly. + The very island trembled with the concussions of the sea beating upon it, + and at times I fancied that it had broken loose from its foundation, and + was floating off with us. The breakers, streaked with angry phosphorus, + were fearful to look at. + </p> + <p> + The wind rose higher and higher, cutting long slits in the tent, through + which the rain poured incessantly. To complete the sum of our miseries, + the night was at hand. It came down suddenly, at last, like a curtain, + shutting in Sandpeep island from all the world. + </p> + <p> + It was a dirty night, as the sailors say. The darkness was something that + could be felt as well as seen—it pressed down upon one with a cold, + clammy touch. Gazing into the hollow blackness, all sorts of imaginable + shapes seemed to start forth from vacancy—brilliant colors, stars, + prisms, and dancing lights. What boy, lying awake at night, has not amused + or terrified himself by peopling the spaces around his bed with these + phenomena of his own eyes? + </p> + <p> + “I say,” whispered Fred Langdon, at length, clutching my hand, “don't you + see things—out there—in the dark?” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, yes—Binny Wallace's face!” + </p> + <p> + I added to my own nervousness by making this avowal; though for the last + ten minutes I had seen little besides that star-pale face with its angelic + hair and brows. First a slim yellow circle, like the nimbus round the + moon, took shape and grew sharp against the darkness; then this faded + gradually, and there was the Face, wearing the same sad, sweet look it + wore when he waved his hand to us across the awful water. This optical + illusion kept repeating itself. + </p> + <p> + “And I too,” said Adams. “I see it every now and then, outside there. What + wouldn't I give if it really was poor little Wallace looking in at us! O + boys, how shall we dare to go back to the town without him? I've wished a + hundred times, since we've been sitting here, that I was in his place, + alive or dead!” + </p> + <p> + We dreaded the approach of morning as much as we longed for it. The + morning would tell us all. Was it possible for the Dolphin to outride such + a storm? There was a light-house on Mackerel Reef, which lay directly in + the course the boat had taken, when it disappeared. If the Dolphin had + caught on this reef, perhaps Binny Wallace was safe. Perhaps his cries had + been heard by the keeper of the light. The man owned a lifeboat, and had + rescued several people. Who could tell? + </p> + <p> + Such were the questions we asked ourselves again and again, as we lay in + each other's arms waiting for daybreak. What an endless night it was! I + have known months that did not seem so long. + </p> + <p> + Our position was irksome rather than perilous; for the day was certain to + bring us relief from the town, where our prolonged absence, together with + the storm, had no doubt excited the liveliest alarm for our safety. But + the cold, the darkness, and the suspense were hard to bear. + </p> + <p> + Our soaked jackets had chilled us to the bone. To keep warm, we lay + huddled together so closely that we could bear our hearts beat above the + tumult of sea and sky. + </p> + <p> + After a while we grew very hungry, not having broken our fast since early + in the day. The rain had turned the hard-tack into a sort of dough; but it + was better than nothing. + </p> + <p> + We used to laugh at Fred Langdon for always carrying in his pocket a small + vial of essence of peppermint or sassafras, a few drops of which, + sprinkled on a lump of loaf-sugar, he seemed to consider a great luxury. I + don't know what would have become of us at this crisis, if it hadn't been + for that omnipresent bottle of hot stuff. We poured the stinging liquid + over our sugar, which had kept dry in a sardine-box, and warmed ourselves + with frequent doses. + </p> + <p> + After four or five hours the rain ceased, the wind died away to a moan, + and the sea—no longer raging like a maniac—sobbed and sobbed + with a piteous human voice all along the coast. And well it might, after + that night's work. Twelve sail of the Gloucester fishing fleet had gone + down with every soul on board, just outside of Whale's-back Light. Think + of the wide grief that follows in the wake of one wreck; then think of the + despairing women who wrung their hands and wept, the next morning, in the + streets of Gloucester, Marblehead, and Newcastle! + </p> + <p> + Though our strength was nearly spent, we were too cold to sleep. Once I + sunk into a troubled doze, when I seemed to bear Charley Marden's parting + words, only it was the Sea that said them. After that I threw off the + drowsiness whenever it threatened to overcome me. + </p> + <p> + Fred Langdon was the earliest to discover a filmy, luminous streak in the + sky, the first glimmering of sunrise. + </p> + <p> + “Look, it is nearly daybreak!” + </p> + <p> + While we were following the direction of his finger, a sound of distant + oars fell on our ears. + </p> + <p> + We listened breathlessly, and as the dip of the blades became more + audible, we discerned two foggy lights, like will-o'the-wisps, floating on + the river. + </p> + <p> + Running down to the water's edge, we hailed the boats with all our might. + The call was heard, for the oars rested a moment in the row-locks, and + then pulled in towards the island. + </p> + <p> + It was two boats from the town, in the foremost of which we could now make + out the figures of Captain Nutter and Binny Wallace's father. We shrunk + back on seeing him. + </p> + <p> + “Thank God!” cried Mr. Wallace, fervently, as he leaped from the wherry + without waiting for the bow to touch the beach. + </p> + <p> + But when he saw only three boys standing on the sands, his eye wandered + restlessly about in quest of the fourth; then a deadly pallor overspread + his features. + </p> + <p> + Our story was soon told. A solemn silence fell upon the crowd of rough + boatmen gathered round, interrupted only by a stifled sob from one poor + old man, who stood apart from the rest. + </p> + <p> + The sea was still running too high for any small boat to venture out; so + it was arranged that the wherry should take us back to town, leaving the + yawl, with a picked crew, to hug the island until daybreak, and then set + forth in search of the Dolphin. + </p> + <p> + Though it was barely sunrise when we reached town, there were a great many + people assembled at the landing eager for intelligence from missing boats. + Two picnic parties had started down river the day before, just previous to + the gale, and nothing had been beard of them. It turned out that the + pleasure-seekers saw their danger in time, and ran ashore on one of the + least exposed islands, where they passed the night. Shortly after our own + arrival they appeared off Rivermouth, much to the joy of their friends, in + two shattered, dismasted boats. + </p> + <p> + The excitement over, I was in a forlorn state, physically and mentally. + Captain Nutter put me to bed between hot blankets, and sent Kitty Collins + for the doctor. I was wandering in my mind, and fancied myself still on + Sandpeep Island: now we were building our brick-stove to cook the chowder, + and, in my delirium, I laughed aloud and shouted to my comrades; now the + sky darkened, and the squall struck the island: now I gave orders to + Wallace how to manage the boat, and now I cried because the rain was + pouring in on me through the holes in the tent. Towards evening a high + fever set in, and it was many days before my grandfather deemed it prudent + to tell me that the Dolphin had been found, floating keel upwards, four + miles southeast of Mackerel Reef. + </p> + <p> + Poor little Binny Wallace! How strange it seemed, when I went to school + again, to see that empty seat in the fifth row! How gloomy the playground + was, lacking the sunshine of his gentle, sensitive face! One day a folded + sheet slipped from my algebra; it was the last note he ever wrote me. I + couldn't read it for the tears. + </p> + <p> + What a pang shot across my heart the afternoon it was whispered through + the town that a body had been washed ashore at Grave Point—the place + where we bathed. We bathed there no more! How well I remember the funeral, + and what a piteous sight it was afterwards to see his familiar name on a + small headstone in the Old South Burying Ground! + </p> + <p> + Poor little Binny Wallace! Always the same to me. The rest of us have + grown up into hard, worldly men, fighting the fight of life; but you are + forever young, and gentle, and pure; a part of my own childhood that time + cannot wither; always a little boy, always poor little Binny Wallace! + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0015" id="link2HCH0015"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + Chapter Fifteen—An Old Acquaintance Turns Up + </h2> + <p> + A year had stolen by since the death of Binny Wallace—a year of + which I have nothing important to record. + </p> + <p> + The loss of our little playmate threw a shadow over our young lives for + many and many a month. The Dolphin rose and fell with the tide at the foot + of the slippery steps, unused, the rest of the summer. At the close of + November we hauled her sadly into the boat-house for the winter; but when + spring came round we launched the Dolphin again, and often went down to + the wharf and looked at her lying in the tangled eel-grass, without much + inclination to take a row. The associations connected with the boat were + too painful as yet; but time, which wears the sharp edge from everything, + softened this feeling, and one afternoon we brought out the cobwebbed + oars. + </p> + <p> + The ice once broken, brief trips along the wharves—we seldom cared + to go out into the river now—became one of our chief amusements. + Meanwhile Gypsy was not forgotten. Every clear morning I was in the saddle + before breakfast, and there are few roads or lanes within ten miles of + Rivermouth that have not borne the print of her vagrant hoof. + </p> + <p> + I studied like a good fellow this quarter, carrying off a couple of first + prizes. The Captain expressed his gratification by presenting me with a + new silver dollar. If a dollar in his eyes was smaller than a cart-wheel, + it wasn't so very much smaller. I redeemed my pencil-case from the + treasurer of the Centipedes, and felt that I was getting on in the world. + </p> + <p> + It was at this time I was greatly cast down by a letter from my father + saying that he should be unable to visit Rivermouth until the following + year. With that letter came another to Captain Nutter, which he did not + read aloud to the family, as usual. It was on business, he said, folding + it up in his wallet. He received several of these business letters from + time to time, and I noticed that they always made him silent and moody. + </p> + <p> + The fact is, my father's banking-house was not thriving. The unlooked-for + failure of a firm largely indebted to him had crippled “the house.” When + the Captain imparted this information to me I didn't trouble myself over + the matter. I supposed—if I supposed anything—that all + grown-up people had more or less money, when they wanted it. Whether they + inherited it, or whether government supplied them, was not clear to me. A + loose idea that my father had a private gold-mine somewhere or other + relieved me of all uneasiness. + </p> + <p> + I was not far from right. Every man has within himself a gold-mine whose + riches are limited only by his own industry. It is true, it sometimes + happens that industry does not avail, if a man lacks that something which, + for want of a better name, we call Luck. My father was a person of + untiring energy and ability; but he had no luck. To use a Rivermouth + saying, he was always catching sculpins when everyone else with the same + bait was catching mackerel. + </p> + <p> + It was more than two years since I had seen my parents. I felt that I + could not bear a longer separation. Every letter from New Orleans—we + got two or three a month—gave me a fit of homesickness; and when it + was definitely settled that my father and mother were to remain in the + South another twelvemonth, I resolved to go to them. + </p> + <p> + Since Binny Wallace's death, Pepper Whitcomb had been my fidus Achates; we + occupied desks near each other at school, and were always together in play + hours. We rigged a twine telegraph from his garret window to the scuttle + of the Nutter House, and sent messages to each other in a match-box. We + shared our pocket-money and our secrets—those amazing secrets which + boys have. We met in lonely places by stealth, and parted like + conspirators; we couldn't buy a jackknife or build a kite without throwing + an air of mystery and guilt over the transaction. + </p> + <p> + I naturally hastened to lay my New Orleans project before Pepper Whitcomb, + having dragged him for that purpose to a secluded spot in the dark pine + woods outside the town. Pepper listened to me with a gravity which he will + not be able to surpass when he becomes Chief Justice, and strongly advised + me to go. + </p> + <p> + “The summer vacation,” said Pepper, “lasts six weeks; that will give you a + fortnight to spend in New Orleans, allowing two weeks each way for the + journey.” + </p> + <p> + I wrung his hand and begged him to accompany me, offering to defray all + the expenses. I wasn't anything if I wasn't princely in those days. After + considerable urging, he consented to go on terms so liberal. The whole + thing was arranged; there was nothing to do now but to advise Captain + Nutter of my plan, which I did the next day. + </p> + <p> + The possibility that he might oppose the tour never entered my head. I was + therefore totally unprepared for the vigorous negative which met my + proposal. I was deeply mortified, moreover, for there was Pepper Whitcomb + on the wharf, at the foot of the street, waiting for me to come and let + him know what day we were to start. + </p> + <p> + “Go to New Orleans? Go to Jericho!” exclaimed Captain Nutter. “You'd look + pretty, you two, philandering off, like the babes in the wood, twenty-five + hundred miles, 'with all the world before you where to choose!'” + </p> + <p> + And the Captain's features, which had worn an indignant air as he began + the sentence, relaxed into a broad smile. Whether it was at the felicity + of his own quotation, or at the mental picture he drew of Pepper and + myself on our travels. + </p> + <p> + I couldn't tell, and I didn't care. I was heart-broken. How could I face + my chum after all the dazzling inducements I had held out to him? + </p> + <p> + My grandfather, seeing that I took the matter seriously, pointed out the + difficulties of such a journey and the great expense involved. He entered + into the details of my father's money troubles, and succeeded in making it + plain to me that my wishes, under the circumstances, were somewhat + unreasonable. It was in no cheerful mood that I joined Pepper at the end + of the wharf. + </p> + <p> + I found that young gentleman leaning against the bulkhead gazing intently + towards the islands in the harbor. He had formed a telescope of his hands, + and was so occupied with his observations as to be oblivious of my + approach. + </p> + <p> + “Hullo!” cried Pepper, dropping his hands. “Look there! Isn't that a bark + coming up the Narrows?” + </p> + <p> + “Where?” + </p> + <p> + “Just at the left of Fishcrate Island. Don't you see the foremast peeping + above the old derrick?” + </p> + <p> + Sure enough it was a vessel of considerable size, slowly beating up to + town. In a few moments more the other two masts were visible above the + green hillocks. + </p> + <p> + “Fore-topmasts blown away,” said Pepper. “Putting in for repairs, I + guess.” + </p> + <p> + As the bark lazily crept from behind the last of the islands, she let go + her anchors and swung round with the tide. Then the gleeful chant of the + sailors at the capstan came to us pleasantly across the water. The vessel + lay within three quarters of a mile of us, and we could plainly see the + men at the davits lowering the starboard long-boat. It no sooner touched + the stream than a dozen of the crew scrambled like mice over the side of + the merchantman. + </p> + <p> + In a neglected seaport like Rivermouth the arrival of a large ship is an + event of moment. The prospect of having twenty or thirty jolly tars let + loose on the peaceful town excites divers emotions among the inhabitants. + The small shopkeepers along the wharves anticipate a thriving trade; the + proprietors of the two rival boarding-houses—the “Wee Drop” and the + “Mariner's Home”—hasten down to the landing to secure lodgers; and + the female population of Anchor Lane turn out to a woman, for a ship fresh + from sea is always full of possible husbands and long-lost prodigal sons. + </p> + <p> + But aside from this there is scant welcome given to a ship's crew in + Rivermouth. The toil-worn mariner is a sad fellow ashore, judging him by a + severe moral standard. + </p> + <p> + Once, I remember, a United States frigate came into port for repairs after + a storm. She lay in the river a fortnight or more, and every day sent us a + gang of sixty or seventy of our country's gallant defenders, who spread + themselves over the town, doing all sorts of mad things. They were + good-natured enough, but full of old Sancho. The “Wee Drop” proved a drop + too much for many of them. They went singing through the streets at + midnight, wringing off door-knockers, shinning up water-spouts, and + frightening the Oldest Inhabitant nearly to death by popping their heads + into his second-story window, and shouting “Fire!” One morning a + blue-jacket was discovered in a perilous plight, half-way up the steeple + of the South Church, clinging to the lightning-rod. How he got there + nobody could tell, not even blue-jacket himself. All he knew was, that the + leg of his trousers had caught on a nail, and there he stuck, unable to + move either way. It cost the town twenty dollars to get him down again. He + directed the workmen how to splice the ladders brought to his assistance, + and called his rescuers “butter-fingered land-lubbers” with delicious + coolness. + </p> + <p> + But those were man-of-war's men: The sedate-looking craft now lying off + Fishcrate Island wasn't likely to carry any such cargo. Nevertheless, we + watched the coming in of the long-boat with considerable interest. + </p> + <p> + As it drew near, the figure of the man pulling the bow-oar seemed oddly + familiar to me. Where could I have seen him before? When and where? His + back was towards me, but there was something about that closely cropped + head that I recognized instantly. + </p> + <p> + “Way enough!” cried the steersman, and all the oars stood upright in the + air. The man in the bow seized the boat-hook, and, turning round quickly, + showed me the honest face of Sailor Ben of the Typhoon. + </p> + <p> + “It's Sailor Ben!” I cried, nearly pushing Pepper Whitcomb overboard in my + excitement. + </p> + <p> + Sailor Ben, with the wonderful pink lady on his arm, and the ships and + stars and anchors tattooed all over him, was a well-known hero among my + playmates. And there he was, like something in a dream come true! + </p> + <p> + I didn't wait for my old acquaintance to get firmly on the wharf, before I + grasped his hand in both of mine. + </p> + <p> + “Sailor Ben, don't you remember me?” + </p> + <p> + He evidently did not. He shifted his quid from one cheek to the other, and + looked at me meditatively. + </p> + <p> + “Lord love ye, lad, I don't know you. I was never here afore in my life.” + </p> + <p> + “What!” I cried, enjoying his perplexity. “Have you forgotten the voyage + from New Orleans in the Typhoon, two years ago, you lovely old + picture-book?” + </p> + <p> + Ah! then he knew me, and in token of the recollection gave my hand such a + squeeze that I am sure an unpleasant change came over my countenance. + </p> + <p> + “Bless my eyes, but you have growed so. I shouldn't have knowed you if I + had met you in Singapore!” + </p> + <p> + Without stopping to inquire, as I was tempted to do, why he was more + likely to recognize me in Singapore than anywhere else, I invited him to + come at once up to the Nutter House, where I insured him a warm welcome + from the Captain. + </p> + <p> + “Hold steady, Master Tom,” said Sailor Ben, slipping the painter through + the ringbolt and tying the loveliest knot you ever saw; “hold steady till + I see if the mate can let me off. If you please, sir,” he continued, + addressing the steersman, a very red-faced, bow-legged person, “this here + is a little shipmate o' mine as wants to talk over back times along of me, + if so it's convenient.” + </p> + <p> + “All right, Ben,” returned the mate; “sha'n't want you for an hour.” + </p> + <p> + Leaving one man in charge of the boat, the mate and the rest of the crew + went off together. In the meanwhile Pepper Whitcomb had got out his + cunner-line, and was quietly fishing at the end of the wharf, as if to + give me the idea that he wasn't so very much impressed by my intimacy with + so renowned a character as Sailor Ben. Perhaps Pepper was a little + jealous. At any rate, he refused to go with us to the house. + </p> + <p> + Captain Nutter was at home reading the Rivermouth Barnacle. He was a + reader to do an editor's heart good; he never skipped over an + advertisement, even if he had read it fifty times before. Then the paper + went the rounds of the neighborhood, among the poor people, like the + single portable eye which the three blind crones passed to each other in + the legend of King Acrisius. The Captain, I repeat, was wandering in the + labyrinths of the Rivermouth Barnacle when I led Sailor Ben into the + sitting-room. + </p> + <p> + My grandfather, whose inborn courtesy knew no distinctions, received my + nautical friend as if he had been an admiral instead of a common + forecastle-hand. Sailor Ben pulled an imaginary tuft of hair on his + forehead, and bowed clumsily. Sailors have a way of using their forelock + as a sort of handle to bow with. + </p> + <p> + The old tar had probably never been in so handsome an apartment in all his + days, and nothing could induce him to take the inviting mahogany chair + which the Captain wheeled out from the corner. + </p> + <p> + The abashed mariner stood up against the wall, twirling his tarpaulin in + his two hands and looking extremely silly. He made a poor show in a + gentleman's drawing-room, but what a fellow he had been in his day, when + the gale blew great guns and the topsails wanted reefing! I thought of him + with the Mexican squadron off Vera Cruz, where, + </p> + <p> + 'The rushing battle-bolt sung from the three-decker out of the foam,' + </p> + <p> + and he didn't seem awkward or ignoble to me, for all his shyness. + </p> + <p> + As Sailor Ben declined to sit down, the Captain did not resume his seat; + so we three stood in a constrained manner until my grandfather went to the + door and called to Kitty to bring in a decanter of Madeira and two + glasses. + </p> + <p> + “My grandson, here, has talked so much about you,” said the Captain, + pleasantly, “that you seem quite like an old acquaintance to me.” + </p> + <p> + “Thankee, sir, thankee,” returned Sailor Ben, looking as guilty as if he + had been detected in picking a pocket. + </p> + <p> + “And I'm very glad to see you, Mr.—Mr.—” + </p> + <p> + “Sailor Ben,” suggested that worthy. + </p> + <p> + “Mr. Sailor Ben,” added the Captain, smiling. “Tom, open the door, there's + Kitty with the glasses.” + </p> + <p> + I opened the door, and Kitty entered the room bringing the things on a + waiter, which she was about to set on the table, when suddenly she uttered + a loud shriek; the decanter and glasses fell with a crash to the floor, + and Kitty, as white as a sheet, was seen flying through the hall. + </p> + <p> + “It's his wraith! It's his wraith!”' we heard Kitty shrieking in the + kitchen. + </p> + <p> + My grandfather and I turned with amazement to Sailor Ben. His eyes were + standing out of his head like a lobster's. + </p> + <p> + “It's my own little Irish lass!” shouted the sailor, and he darted into + the hall after her. + </p> + <p> + Even then we scarcely caught the meaning of his words, but when we saw + Sailor Ben and Kitty sobbing on each other's shoulder in the kitchen, we + understood it all. + </p> + <p> + “I begs your honor's parden, sir,” said Sailor Ben, lifting his + tear-stained face above Kitty's tumbled hair; “I begs your honor's parden + for kicking up a rumpus in the house, but it's my own little Irish lass as + I lost so long ago!” + </p> + <p> + “Heaven preserve us!” cried the Captain, blowing his nose violently—a + transparent ruse to hide his emotion. + </p> + <p> + Miss Abigail was in an upper chamber, sweeping; but on hearing the unusual + racket below, she scented an accident and came ambling downstairs with a + bottle of the infallible hot-drops in her hand. Nothing but the firmness + of my grandfather prevented her from giving Sailor Ben a table-spoonful on + the spot. But when she learned what had come about—that this was + Kitty's husband, that Kitty Collins wasn't Kitty Collins now, but Mrs. + Benjamin Watson of Nantucket—the good soul sat down on the + meal-chest and sobbed as if—to quote from Captain Nutter—as if + a husband of her own had turned up! + </p> + <p> + A happier set of people than we were never met together in a dingy kitchen + or anywhere else. The Captain ordered a fresh decanter of Madeira, and + made all hands, excepting myself, drink a cup to the return of “the + prodigal sea-son,” as he persisted in calling Sailor Ben. + </p> + <p> + After the first flush of joy and surprise was over Kitty grew silent and + constrained. Now and then she fixed her eyes thoughtfully on her husband. + Why had he deserted her all these years? What right had he to look for a + welcome from one he had treated so cruelly? She had been true to him, but + had he been true to her? Sailor Ben must have guessed what was passing in + her mind, for presently he took her hand and said—“Well, lass, it's + a long yarn, but you shall have it all in good time. It was my hard luck + as made us part company, an' no will of mine, for I loved you dear.” + </p> + <p> + Kitty brightened up immediately, needing no other assurance of Sailor + Ben's faithfulness. + </p> + <p> + When his hour had expired, we walked with him down to the wharf, where the + Captain held a consultation with the mate, which resulted in an extension + of Mr. Watson's leave of absence, and afterwards in his discharge from his + ship. We then went to the “Mariner's Home” to engage a room for him, as he + wouldn't hear of accepting the hospitalities of the Nutter House. + </p> + <p> + “You see, I'm only an uneddicated man,” he remarked to my grandfather, by + way of explanation. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0016" id="link2HCH0016"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + Chapter Sixteen—In Which Sailor Ben Spins a Yarn + </h2> + <p> + Of course we were all very curious to learn what had befallen Sailor Ben + that morning long ago, when he bade his little bride goodby and + disappeared so mysteriously. + </p> + <p> + After tea, that same evening, we assembled around the table in the kitchen—the + only place where Sailor Ben felt at home—to hear what he had to say + for himself. + </p> + <p> + The candles were snuffed, and a pitcher of foaming nut-brown ale was set + at the elbow of the speaker, who was evidently embarrassed by the + respectability of his audience, consisting of Captain Nutter, Miss + Abigail, myself, and Kitty, whose face shone with happiness like one of + the polished tin platters on the dresser. + </p> + <p> + “Well, my hearties,” commenced Sailor Ben—then he stopped short and + turned very red, as it struck him that maybe this was not quite the proper + way to address a dignitary like the Captain and a severe elderly lady like + Miss Abigail Nutter, who sat bolt upright staring at him as she would have + stared at the Tycoon of Japan himself. + </p> + <p> + “I ain't much of a hand at spinnin' a yarn,” remarked Sailor Ben, + apologetically, “'specially when the yarn is all about a man as has made a + fool of hisself, an' 'specially when that man's name is Benjamin Watson.” + </p> + <p> + “Bravo!” cried Captain Nutter, rapping on the table encouragingly. + </p> + <p> + “Thankee, sir, thankee. I go back to the time when Kitty an' me was livin' + in lodgin's by the dock in New York. We was as happy, sir, as two + porpusses, which they toil not neither do they spin. But when I seed the + money gittin' low in the locker—Kitty's starboard stockin', savin' + your presence, marm—I got down-hearted like, seem' as I should be + obleeged to ship agin, for it didn't seem as I could do much ashore. An' + then the sea was my nat'ral spear of action. I wasn't exactly born on it, + look you, but I fell into it the fust time I was let out arter my birth. + My mother slipped her cable for a heavenly port afore I was old enough to + hail her; so I larnt to look on the ocean for a sort of step-mother—an' + a precious hard one she has been to me. + </p> + <p> + “The idee of leavin' Kitty so soon arter our marriage went agin my grain + considerable. I cruised along the docks for somethin' to do in the way of + stevedore: an' though I picked up a stray job here and there, I didn't arn + enough to buy ship-bisket for a rat; let alone feedin' two human mouths. + There wasn't nothin' honest I wouldn't have turned a hand to; but the + 'longshoremen gobbled up all the work, an' a outsider like me didn't stand + a show. + </p> + <p> + “Things got from bad to worse; the month's rent took all our cash except a + dollar or so, an' the sky looked kind o' squally fore an' aft. Well, I set + out one mornin'—that identical unlucky mornin'—determined to + come back an' toss some pay into Kitty's lap, if I had to sell my jacket + for it. I spied a brig unloadin' coal at pier No. 47—how well I + remembers it! I hailed the mate, an' offered myself for a coal-heaver. But + I wasn't wanted, as he told me civilly enough, which was better treatment + than usual. As I turned off rather glum I was signalled by one of them + sleek, smooth-spoken rascals with a white hat an' a weed on it, as is + always goin' about the piers a-seekin' who they may devower. + </p> + <p> + “We sailors know 'em for rascals from stem to starn, but somehow every + fresh one fleeces us jest as his mate did afore him. We don't larn nothin' + by exper'ence; we're jest no better than a lot of babys with no brains. + </p> + <p> + “'Good mornin', my man,' sez the chap, as iley as you please. + </p> + <p> + “'Mornin', sir,' sez I. + </p> + <p> + “'Lookin' for a job?' sez he. + </p> + <p> + “'Through the big end of a telescope,' sez I—meanin' that the + chances for a job looked very small from my pint of view. + </p> + <p> + “'You're the man for my money,' sez the sharper, smilin' as innocent as a + cherubim; 'jest step in here, till we talk it over.' + </p> + <p> + “So I goes with him like a nat'ral-born idiot, into a little grocery-shop + near by, where we sets down at a table with a bottle atween us. Then it + comes out as there is a New Bedford whaler about to start for the fishin' + grounds, an' jest one able-bodied sailor like me is wanted to make up the + crew. Would I go? Yes, I wouldn't on no terms. + </p> + <p> + “'I'll bet you fifty dollars,' sez he, 'that you'll come back fust mate.' + </p> + <p> + “'I'll bet you a hundred,' sez I, 'that I don't, for I've signed papers as + keeps me ashore, an' the parson has witnessed the deed.' + </p> + <p> + “So we sat there, he urgin' me to ship, an' I chaffin' him cheerful over + the bottle. + </p> + <p> + “Arter a while I begun to feel a little queer; things got foggy in my + upper works, an' I remembers, faint-like, of signin' a paper; then I + remembers bein' in a small boat; an' then I remembers nothin' until I + heard the mate's whistle pipin' all hands on deck. I tumbled up with the + rest; an' there I was—on board of a whaler outward bound for a three + years' cruise, an' my dear little lass ashore awaitin' for me.” + </p> + <p> + “Miserable wretch!” said Miss Abigail, in a voice that vibrated among the + tin platters on the dresser. This was Miss Abigail's way of testifying her + sympathy. + </p> + <p> + “Thankee, marm,” returned Sailor Ben, doubtfully. + </p> + <p> + “No talking to the man at the wheel,” cried the Captain. Upon which we all + laughed. “Spin!” added my grandfather. + </p> + <p> + Sailor Ben resumed: + </p> + <p> + “I leave you to guess the wretchedness as fell upon me, for I've not got + the gift to tell you. There I was down on the ship's books for a three + years' viage, an' no help for it. I feel nigh to six hundred years old + when I think how long that viage was. There isn't no hour-glass as runs + slow enough to keep a tally of the slowness of them fust hours. But I done + my duty like a man, seem' there wasn't no way of gettin' out of it. I told + my shipmates of the trick as had been played on me, an they tried to cheer + me up a bit; but I was sore sorrowful for a long spell. Many a night on + watch I put my face in my hands and sobbed for thinkin' of the little + woman left among the land-sharks, an' no man to have an eye on her, God + bless her!” + </p> + <p> + Here Kitty softly drew her chair nearer to Sailor Ben, and rested one hand + on his arm. + </p> + <p> + “Our adventures among the whales, I take it, doesn't consarn the present + company here assembled. So I give that the go by. There's an end to + everythin', even to a whalin' viage. My heart all but choked me the day we + put into New Bedford with our cargo of ile. I got my three years' pay in a + lump, an' made for New York like a flash of lightnin'. The people hove to + and looked at me, as I rushed through the streets like a madman, until I + came to the spot where the lodgin'-house stood on West Street. But, Lord + love ye, there wasn't no sech lodgin'-house there, but a great new brick + shop. + </p> + <p> + “I made bold to go in an' ask arter the old place, but nobody knowed + nothin' about it, save as it had been torn down two years or more. I was + adrift now, for I had reckoned all them days and nights on gittin' word of + Kitty from Dan Shackford, the man as kept the lodgin'. + </p> + <p> + “As I stood there with all the wind knocked out of my sails, the idee of + runnin' alongside the perlice-station popped into my head. The perlice was + likely to know the latitude of a man like Dan Shackford, who wasn't over + an' above respecktible. They did know—he had died in the Tombs jail + that day twelvemonth. A coincydunce, wasn't it? I was ready to drop when + they told me this; howsomever, I bore up an' give the chief a notion of + the fix I was in. He writ a notice which I put into the newspapers every + day for three months; but nothin' come of it. I cruised over the city week + in and week out I went to every sort of place where they hired women + hands; I didn't leave a think undone that a uneddicated man could do. But + nothin' come of it. I don't believe there was a wretcheder soul in that + big city of wretchedness than me. Sometimes I wanted to lay down in the + sheets and die. + </p> + <p> + “Driftin' disconsolate one day among the shippin', who should I overhaul + but the identical smooth-spoken chap with a white hat an' a weed on it! I + didn't know if there was any spent left in me, till I clapped eye on his + very onpleasant countenance. 'You villain!' sez I, 'where's my little + Irish lass as you dragged me away from?' an' I lighted on him, hat and + all, like that!” + </p> + <p> + Here Sailor Ben brought his fist down on the deal table with the force of + a sledge-hammer. Miss Abigail gave a start, and the ale leaped up in the + pitcher like a miniature fountain. + </p> + <p> + “I begs your parden, ladies and gentlemen all; but the thought of that + feller with his ring an' his watch-chain an' his walrus face, is alus too + many for me. I was for pitchin' him into the North River, when a + perliceman prevented me from benefitin' the human family. I had to pay + five dollars for hittin' the chap (they said it was salt and buttery), an' + that's what I call a neat, genteel luxury. It was worth double the money + jest to see that white hat, with a weed on it, layin' on the wharf like a + busted accordiun. + </p> + <p> + “Arter months of useless sarch, I went to sea agin. I never got into a + foren port but I kept a watch out for Kitty. Once I thought I seed her in + Liverpool, but it was only a gal as looked like her. The numbers of women + in different parts of the world as looked like her was amazin'. So a good + many years crawled by, an' I wandered from place to place, never givin' up + the sarch. I might have been chief mate scores of times, maybe master; but + I hadn't no ambition. I seed many strange things in them years—outlandish + people an' cities, storms, shipwracks, an' battles. I seed many a true + mate go down, an' sometimes I envied them what went to their rest. But + these things is neither here nor there. + </p> + <p> + “About a year ago I shipped on board the Belphœbe yonder, an' of all + the strange winds as ever blowed, the strangest an' the best was the wind + as blowed me to this here blessed spot. I can't be too thankful. That I'm + as thankful as it is possible for an uneddicated man to be, He knows as + reads the heart of all.” + </p> + <p> + Here ended Sailor Ben's yarn, which I have written down in his own homely + words as nearly as I can recall them. After he had finished, the Captain + shook hands with him and served out the ale. + </p> + <p> + As Kitty was about to drink, she paused, rested the cup on her knee, and + asked what day of the month it was. + </p> + <p> + “The twenty-seventh,” said the Captain, wondering what she was driving at. + </p> + <p> + “Then,” cried Kitty, “it's ten years this night sence—” + </p> + <p> + “Since what?” asked my grandfather. + </p> + <p> + “Sence the little lass and I got spliced!” roared Sailor Ben. “There's + another coincydunce for you!” + </p> + <p> + On hearing this we all clapped hands, and the Captain, with a degree of + ceremony that was almost painful, drank a bumper to the health and + happiness of the bride and bridegroom. + </p> + <p> + It was a pleasant sight to see the two old lovers sitting side by side, in + spite of all, drinking from the same little cup—a battered zinc + dipper which Sailor Ben had unslung from a strap round his waist. I think + I never saw him without this dipper and a sheath-knife suspended just back + of his hip, ready for any convivial occasion. + </p> + <p> + We had a merry time of it. The Captain was in great force this evening, + and not only related his famous exploit in the War of 1812, but regaled + the company with a dashing sea-song from Mr. Shakespeare's play of The + Tempest. He had a mellow tenor voice (not Shakespeare, but the Captain), + and rolled out the verse with a will: + </p> + <p> + “The master, the swabber, the boatswain, and I, The gunner, and his mate, + Lov'd Mall, Meg, and Marian, and Margery, But none of us car'd for Kate.” + </p> + <p> + “A very good song, and very well sung,” says Sailor Ben; “but some of us + does care for Kate. Is this Mr. Shawkspear a seafarin' man, sir?” + </p> + <p> + “Not at present,” replied the Captain, with a monstrous twinkle in his + eye. + </p> + <p> + The clock was striking ten when the party broke up. The Captain walked to + the “Mariner's Home” with his guest, in order to question him regarding + his future movements. + </p> + <p> + “Well, sir,” said he, “I ain't as young as I was, an' I don't cal'ulate to + go to sea no more. I proposes to drop anchor here, an' hug the land until + the old hulk goes to pieces. I've got two or three thousand dollars in the + locker, an' expects to get on uncommon comfortable without askin' no odds + from the Assylum for Decayed Mariners.” + </p> + <p> + My grandfather indorsed the plan warmly, and Sailor Ben did drop anchor in + Rivermouth, where he speedily became one of the institutions of the town. + </p> + <p> + His first step was to buy a small one-story cottage located at the head of + the wharf, within gun-shot of the Nutter House. To the great amusement of + my grandfather, Sailor Ben painted the cottage a light sky-blue, and ran a + broad black stripe around it just under the eaves. In this stripe he + painted white port-holes, at regular distances, making his residence look + as much like a man-of-war as possible. With a short flag-staff projecting + over the door like a bowsprit, the effect was quite magical. My + description of the exterior of this palatial residence is complete when I + add that the proprietor nailed a horseshoe against the front door to keep + off the witches—a very necessary precaution in these latitudes. + </p> + <p> + The inside of Sailor Ben's abode was not less striking than the outside. + The cottage contained two rooms; the one opening on the wharf he called + his cabin; here he ate and slept. His few tumblers and a frugal collection + of crockery were set in a rack suspended over the table, which had a cleat + of wood nailed round the edge to prevent the dishes from sliding off in + case of a heavy sea. Hanging against the walls were three or four highly + colored prints of celebrated frigates, and a lithograph picture of a rosy + young woman insufficiently clad in the American flag. This was labelled + “Kitty,” though I'm sure it looked no more like her than I did. A + walrus-tooth with an Esquimaux engraved on it, a shark's jaw, and the + blade of a sword-fish were among the enviable decorations of this + apartment. In one corner stood his bunk, or bed, and in the other his + well-worn sea-chest, a perfect Pandora's box of mysteries. You would have + thought yourself in the cabin of a real ship. + </p> + <p> + The little room aft, separated from the cabin by a sliding door, was the + caboose. It held a cooking-stove, pots, pans, and groceries; also a lot of + fishing-lines and coils of tarred twine, which made the place smell like a + forecastle, and a delightful smell it is—to those who fancy it. + </p> + <p> + Kitty didn't leave our service, but played housekeeper for both + establishments, returning at night to Sailor Ben's. He shortly added a + wherry to his worldly goods, and in the fishing season made a very + handsome income. During the winter he employed himself manufacturing + crab-nets, for which he found no lack of customers. + </p> + <p> + His popularity among the boys was immense. A jackknife in his expert hand + was a whole chest of tools. He could whittle out anything from a wooden + chain to a Chinese pagoda, or a full-rigged seventy-four a foot long. To + own a ship of Sailor Ben's building was to be exalted above your + fellow-creatures. He didn't carve many, and those he refused to sell, + choosing to present them to his young friends, of whom Tom Bailey, you may + be sure, was one. + </p> + <p> + How delightful it was of winter nights to sit in his cosey cabin, close to + the ship's stove (he wouldn't hear of having a fireplace), and listen to + Sailor Ben's yarns! In the early summer twilights, when he sat on the + door-step splicing a rope or mending a net, he always had a bevy of + blooming young faces alongside. + </p> + <p> + The dear old fellow! How tenderly the years touched him after this—all + the more tenderly, it seemed, for having roughed him so cruelly in other + days! + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0017" id="link2HCH0017"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + Chapter Seventeen—How We Astonished the Rivermouthians + </h2> + <p> + Sailor Ben's arrival partly drove the New Orleans project from my brain. + Besides, there was just then a certain movement on foot by the Centipede + Club which helped to engross my attention. + </p> + <p> + Pepper Whitcomb took the Captain's veto philosophically, observing that he + thought from the first the governor wouldn't let me go. I don't think + Pepper was quite honest in that. + </p> + <p> + But to the subject in hand. + </p> + <p> + Among the few changes that have taken place in Rivermouth during the past + twenty years there is one which I regret. I lament the removal of all + those varnished iron cannon which used to do duty as posts at the corners + of streets leading from the river. They were quaintly ornamental, each set + upon end with a solid shot soldered into its mouth, and gave to that part + of the town a picturesqueness very poorly atoned for by the conventional + wooden stakes that have deposed them. + </p> + <p> + These guns (“old sogers” the boys called them) had their story, like + everything else in Rivermouth. When that everlasting last war—the + War of 1812, I mean—came to an end, all the brigs, schooners, and + barks fitted out at this port as privateers were as eager to get rid of + their useless twelve-pounders and swivels as they had previously been to + obtain them. Many of the pieces had cost large sums, and now they were + little better than so much crude iron—not so good, in fact, for they + were clumsy things to break up and melt over. The government didn't want + them; private citizens didn't want them; they were a drug in the market. + </p> + <p> + But there was one man, ridiculous beyond his generation, who got it into + his head that a fortune was to be made out of these same guns. To buy them + all, to hold on to them until war was declared again (as he had no doubt + it would be in a few months), and then sell out at fabulous prices—this + was the daring idea that addled the pate of Silas Trefethen, “Dealer in E. + & W. I. Goods and Groceries,” as the faded sign over his shop-door + informed the public. + </p> + <p> + Silas went shrewdly to work, buying up every old cannon he could lay hands + on. His back-yard was soon crowded with broken-down gun-carriages, and his + barn with guns, like an arsenal. When Silas's purpose got wind it was + astonishing how valuable that thing became which just now was worth + nothing at all. + </p> + <p> + “Ha, ha!” thought Silas. “Somebody else is tryin' hi git control of the + market. But I guess I've got the start of him.” + </p> + <p> + So he went on buying and buying, oftentimes paying double the original + price of the article. People in the neighboring towns collected all the + worthless ordnance they could find, and sent it by the cart-load to + Rivermouth. + </p> + <p> + When his barn was full, Silas began piling the rubbish in his cellar, then + in his parlor. He mortgaged the stock of his grocery store, mortgaged his + house, his barn, his horse, and would have mortgaged himself, if anyone + would have taken him as security, in order to carry on the grand + speculation. He was a ruined man, and as happy as a lark. + </p> + <p> + Surely poor Silas was cracked, like the majority of his own cannon. More + or less crazy he must have been always. Years before this he purchased an + elegant rosewood coffin, and kept it in one of the spare rooms in his + residence. He even had his name engraved on the silver-plate, leaving a + blank after the word “Died.” + </p> + <p> + The blank was filled up in due time, and well it was for Silas that he + secured so stylish a coffin in his opulent days, for when he died his + worldly wealth would not have bought him a pine box, to say nothing of + rosewood. He never gave up expecting a war with Great Britain. Hopeful and + radiant to the last, his dying words were, England—war—few + days—great profits! + </p> + <p> + It was that sweet old lady, Dame Jocelyn, who told me the story of Silas + Trefethen; for these things happened long before my day. Silas died in + 1817. + </p> + <p> + At Trefethen's death his unique collection came under the auctioneer's + hammer. Some of the larger guns were sold to the town, and planted at the + corners of divers streets; others went off to the iron-foundry; the + balance, numbering twelve, were dumped down on a deserted wharf at the + foot of Anchor Lane, where, summer after summer, they rested at their ease + in the grass and fungi, pelted in autumn by the rain and annually buried + by the winter snow. It is with these twelve guns that our story has to + deal. + </p> + <p> + The wharf where they reposed was shut off from the street by a high fence—a + silent dreamy old wharf, covered with strange weeds and mosses. On account + of its seclusion and the good fishing it afforded, it was much frequented + by us boys. + </p> + <p> + There we met many an afternoon to throw out our lines, or play leap-frog + among the rusty cannon. They were famous fellows in our eyes. What a + racket they had made in the heyday of their unchastened youth! What + stories they might tell now, if their puffy metallic lips could only + speak! Once they were lively talkers enough; but there the grim sea-dogs + lay, silent and forlorn in spite of all their former growlings. + </p> + <p> + They always seemed to me like a lot of venerable disabled tars, stretched + out on a lawn in front of a hospital, gazing seaward, and mutely lamenting + their lost youth. + </p> + <p> + But once more they were destined to lift up their dolorous voices—once + more ere they keeled over and lay speechless for all time. And this is how + it befell. + </p> + <p> + Jack Harris, Charley Marden, Harry Blake, and myself were fishing off the + wharf one afternoon, when a thought flashed upon me like an inspiration. + </p> + <p> + “I say, boys!” I cried, hauling in my line hand over hand, “I've got + something!” + </p> + <p> + “What does it pull like, youngster?” asked Harris, looking down at the + taut line and expecting to see a big perch at least. + </p> + <p> + “O, nothing in the fish way,” I returned, laughing; “it's about the old + guns.” + </p> + <p> + “What about them?” + </p> + <p> + “I was thinking what jolly fun it would be to set one of the old sogers on + his legs and serve him out a ration of gunpowder.” + </p> + <p> + Up came the three lines in a jiffy. An enterprise better suited to the + disposition of my companions could not have been proposed. + </p> + <p> + In a short time we had one of the smaller cannon over on its back and were + busy scraping the green rust from the touch-hole. The mould had spiked the + gun so effectually, that for a while we fancied we should have to give up + our attempt to resuscitate the old soger. + </p> + <p> + “A long gimlet would clear it out,” said Charley Marden, “if we only had + one.” + </p> + <p> + I looked to see if Sailor Ben's flag was flying at the cabin door, for he + always took in the colors when he went off fishing. + </p> + <p> + “When you want to know if the Admiral's aboard, jest cast an eye to the + buntin', my hearties,” says Sailor Ben. + </p> + <p> + Sometimes in a jocose mood he called himself the Admiral, and I am sure he + deserved to be one. The Admiral's flag was flying, and I soon procured a + gimlet from his carefully kept tool-chest. + </p> + <p> + Before long we had the gun in working order. A newspaper lashed to the end + of a lath served as a swab to dust out the bore. Jack Harris blew through + the touch-hole and pronounced all clear. + </p> + <p> + Seeing our task accomplished so easily, we turned our attention to the + other guns, which lay in all sorts of postures in the rank grass. + Borrowing a rope from Sailor Ben, we managed with immense labor to drag + the heavy pieces into position and place a brick under each muzzle to give + it the proper elevation. When we beheld them all in a row, like a regular + battery, we simultaneously conceived an idea, the magnitude of which + struck us dumb for a moment. + </p> + <p> + Our first intention was to load and fire a single gun. How feeble and + insignificant was such a plan compared to that which now sent the light + dancing into our eyes! + </p> + <p> + “What could we have been thinking of?” cried Jack Harris. “We'll give 'em + a broadside, to be sure, if we die for it!” + </p> + <p> + We turned to with a will, and before nightfall had nearly half the battery + overhauled and ready for service. To keep the artillery dry we stuffed + wads of loose hemp into the muzzles, and fitted wooden pegs to the + touch-holes. + </p> + <p> + At recess the next noon the Centipedes met in a corner of the school-yard + to talk over the proposed lark. The original projectors, though they would + have liked to keep the thing secret, were obliged to make a club matter of + it, inasmuch as funds were required for ammunition. There had been no + recent drain on the treasury, and the society could well afford to spend a + few dollars in so notable an undertaking. + </p> + <p> + It was unanimously agreed that the plan should be carried out in the + handsomest manner, and a subscription to that end was taken on the spot. + Several of the Centipedes hadn't a cent, excepting the one strung around + their necks; others, however, were richer. I chanced to have a dollar, and + it went into the cap quicker than lightning. When the club, in view of my + munificence, voted to name the guns Bailey's Battery I was prouder than I + have ever been since over anything. + </p> + <p> + The money thus raised, added to that already in the treasury, amounted to + nine dollars—a fortune in those days; but not more than we had use + for. This sum was divided into twelve parts, for it would not do for one + boy to buy all the powder, nor even for us all to make our purchases at + the same place. That would excite suspicion at any time, particularly at a + period so remote from the Fourth of July. + </p> + <p> + There were only three stores in town licensed to sell powder; that gave + each store four customers. Not to run the slightest risk of remark, one + boy bought his powder on Monday, the next boy on Tuesday, and so on until + the requisite quantity was in our possession. This we put into a keg and + carefully hid in a dry spot on the wharf. + </p> + <p> + Our next step was to finish cleaning the guns, which occupied two + afternoons, for several of the old sogers were in a very congested state + indeed. Having completed the task, we came upon a difficulty. To set off + the battery by daylight was out of the question; it must be done at night; + it must be done with fuses, for no doubt the neighbors would turn out + after the first two or three shots, and it would not pay to be caught in + the vicinity. + </p> + <p> + Who knew anything about fuses? Who could arrange it so the guns would go + off one after the other, with an interval of a minute or so between? + </p> + <p> + Theoretically we knew that a minute fuse lasted a minute; double the + quantity, two minutes; but practically we were at a stand-still. There was + but one person who could help us in this extremity—Sailor Ben. To me + was assigned the duty of obtaining what information I could from the + ex-gunner, it being left to my discretion whether or not to intrust him + with our secret. + </p> + <p> + So one evening I dropped into the cabin and artfully turned the + conversation to fuses in general, and then to particular fuses, but + without getting much out of the old boy, who was busy making a twine + hammock. Finally, I was forced to divulge the whole plot. + </p> + <p> + The Admiral had a sailor's love for a joke, and entered at once and + heartily into our scheme. He volunteered to prepare the fuses himself, and + I left the labor in his hands, having bound him by several extraordinary + oaths—such as “Hope-I-may-die” and “Shiver-my-timbers”—not to + betray us, come what would. + </p> + <p> + This was Monday evening. On Wednesday the fuses were ready. That night we + were to unmuzzle Bailey's Battery. Mr. Grimshaw saw that something was + wrong somewhere, for we were restless and absent-minded in the classes, + and the best of us came to grief before the morning session was over. When + Mr. Grimshaw announced “Guy Fawkes” as the subject for our next + composition, you might have knocked down the Mystic Twelve with a feather. + </p> + <p> + The coincidence was certainly curious, but when a man has committed, or is + about to commit an offence, a hundred trifles, which would pass unnoticed + at another time, seem to point at him with convicting fingers. No doubt + Guy Fawkes himself received many a start after he had got his wicked kegs + of gunpowder neatly piled up under the House of Lords. + </p> + <p> + Wednesday, as I have mentioned, was a half-holiday, and the Centipedes + assembled in my barn to decide on the final arrangements. These were as + simple as could be. As the fuses were connected, it needed but one person + to fire the train. Hereupon arose a discussion as to who was the proper + person. Some argued that I ought to apply the match, the battery being + christened after me, and the main idea, moreover, being mine. Others + advocated the claim of Phil Adams as the oldest boy. At last we drew lots + for the post of honor. + </p> + <p> + Twelve slips of folded paper, upon one of which was written “Thou art the + man,” were placed in a quart measure, and thoroughly shaken; then each + member stepped up and lifted out his destiny. At a given signal we opened + our billets. “Thou art the man,” said the slip of paper trembling in my + fingers. The sweets and anxieties of a leader were mine the rest of the + afternoon. + </p> + <p> + Directly after twilight set in Phil Adams stole down to the wharf and + fixed the fuses to the guns, laying a train of powder from the principal + fuse to the fence, through a chink of which I was to drop the match at + midnight. + </p> + <p> + At ten o'clock Rivermouth goes to bed. At eleven o'clock Rivermouth is as + quiet as a country churchyard. At twelve o'clock there is nothing left + with which to compare the stillness that broods over the little seaport. + </p> + <p> + In the midst of this stillness I arose and glided out of the house like a + phantom bent on an evil errand; like a phantom. I flitted through the + silent street, hardly drawing breath until I knelt down beside the fence + at the appointed place. + </p> + <p> + Pausing a moment for my heart to stop thumping, I lighted the match and + shielded it with both hands until it was well under way, and then dropped + the blazing splinter on the slender thread of gunpowder. + </p> + <p> + A noiseless flash instantly followed, and all was dark again. I peeped + through the crevice in the fence, and saw the main fuse spitting out + sparks like a conjurer. Assured that the train had not failed, I took to + my heels, fearful lest the fuse might burn more rapidly than we + calculated, and cause an explosion before I could get home. This, luckily, + did not happen. There's a special Providence that watches over idiots, + drunken men, and boys. + </p> + <p> + I dodged the ceremony of undressing by plunging into bed, jacket, boots, + and all. I am not sure I took off my cap; but I know that I had hardly + pulled the coverlid over me, when “BOOM!” sounded the first gun of + Bailey's Battery. + </p> + <p> + I lay as still as a mouse. In less than two minutes there was another + burst of thunder, and then another. The third gun was a tremendous fellow + and fairly shook the house. + </p> + <p> + The town was waking up. Windows were thrown open here and there and people + called to each other across the streets asking what that firing was for. + </p> + <p> + “BOOM!” went gun number four. + </p> + <p> + I sprung out of bed and tore off my jacket, for I heard the Captain + feeling his way along the wall to my chamber. I was half undressed by the + time he found the knob of the door. + </p> + <p> + “I say, sir,” I cried, “do you hear those guns?” + </p> + <p> + “Not being deaf, I do,” said the Captain, a little tartly—any + reflection on his hearing always nettled him; “but what on earth they are + for I can't conceive. You had better get up and dress yourself.” + </p> + <p> + “I'm nearly dressed, sir.” + </p> + <p> + “BOOM! BOOM!”—two of the guns had gone off together. + </p> + <p> + The door of Miss Abigail's bedroom opened hastily, and that pink of + maidenly propriety stepped out into the hail in her night-gown—the + only indecorous thing I ever knew her to do. She held a lighted candle in + her hand and looked like a very aged Lady Macbeth. + </p> + <p> + “O Dan'el, this is dreadful! What do you suppose it means?” + </p> + <p> + “I really can't suppose,” said the Captain, rubbing his ear; “but I guess + it's over now.” + </p> + <p> + “BOOM!” said Bailey's Battery. + </p> + <p> + Rivermouth was wide awake now, and half the male population were in the + streets, running different ways, for the firing seemed to proceed from + opposite points of the town. Everybody waylaid everybody else with + questions; but as no one knew what was the occasion of the tumult, people + who were not usually nervous began to be oppressed by the mystery. + </p> + <p> + Some thought the town was being bombarded; some thought the world was + coming to an end, as the pious and ingenious Mr. Miller had predicted it + would; but those who couldn't form any theory whatever were the most + perplexed. + </p> + <p> + In the meanwhile Bailey's Battery bellowed away at regular intervals. The + greatest confusion reigned everywhere by this time. People with lanterns + rushed hither and thither. The town watch had turned out to a man, and + marched off, in admirable order, in the wrong direction. Discovering their + mistake, they retraced their steps, and got down to the wharf just as the + last cannon belched forth its lightning. + </p> + <p> + A dense cloud of sulphurous smoke floated over Anchor Lane, obscuring the + starlight. Two or three hundred people, in various stages of excitement, + crowded about the upper end of the wharf, not liking to advance farther + until they were satisfied that the explosions were over. A board was here + and there blown from the fence, and through the openings thus afforded a + few of the more daring spirits at length ventured to crawl. + </p> + <p> + The cause of the racket soon transpired. A suspicion that they had been + sold gradually dawned on the Rivermouthians. Many were exceedingly + indignant, and declared that no penalty was severe enough for those + concerned in such a prank; others—and these were the very people who + had been terrified nearly out of their wits—had the assurance to + laugh, saying that they knew all along it was only a trick. + </p> + <p> + The town watch boldly took possession of the ground, and the crowd began + to disperse. Knots of gossips lingered here and there near the place, + indulging in vain surmises as to who the invisible gunners could be. + </p> + <p> + There was no more noise that night, but many a timid person lay awake + expecting a renewal of the mysterious cannonading. The Oldest Inhabitant + refused to go to bed on any terms, but persisted in sitting up in a + rocking-chair, with his hat and mittens on, until daybreak. + </p> + <p> + I thought I should never get to sleep. The moment I drifted off in a doze + I fell to laughing and woke myself up. But towards morning slumber + overtook me, and I had a series of disagreeable dreams, in one of which I + was waited upon by the ghost of Silas Trefethen with an exorbitant bill + for the use of his guns. In another, I was dragged before a court-martial + and sentenced by Sailor Ben, in a frizzled wig and three-cornered cocked + hat, to be shot to death by Bailey's Battery—a sentence which Sailor + Ben was about to execute with his own hand, when I suddenly opened my eyes + and found the sunshine lying pleasantly across my face. I tell you I was + glad! + </p> + <p> + That unaccountable fascination which leads the guilty to hover about the + spot where his crime was committed drew me down to the wharf as soon as I + was dressed. Phil Adams, Jack Harris, and others of the conspirators were + already there, examining with a mingled feeling of curiosity and + apprehension the havoc accomplished by the battery. + </p> + <p> + The fence was badly shattered and the ground ploughed up for several yards + round the place where the guns formerly lay—formerly lay, for now + they were scattered every which way. There was scarcely a gun that hadn't + burst. Here was one ripped open from muzzle to breech, and there was + another with its mouth blown into the shape of a trumpet. Three of the + guns had disappeared bodily, but on looking over the edge of the wharf we + saw them standing on end in the tide-mud. They had popped overboard in + their excitement. + </p> + <p> + “I tell you what, fellows,” whispered Phil Adams, “it is lucky we didn't + try to touch 'em off with punk. They'd have blown us all to flinders.” + </p> + <p> + The destruction of Bailey's Battery was not, unfortunately, the only + catastrophe. A fragment of one of the cannon had earned away the chimney + of Sailor Ben's cabin. He was very mad at first, but having prepared the + fuse himself he didn't dare complain openly. + </p> + <p> + “I'd have taken a reef in the blessed stove-pipe,” said the Admiral, + gazing ruefully at the smashed chimney, “if I had known as how the + Flagship was agoin' to be under fire.” + </p> + <p> + The next day he rigged out an iron funnel, which, being in sections, could + be detached and taken in at a moment's notice. On the whole, I think he + was resigned to the demolition of his brick chimney. The stove-pipe was a + great deal more shipshape. + </p> + <p> + The town was not so easily appeased. The selectmen determined to make an + example of the guilty parties, and offered a reward for their arrest, + holding out a promise of pardon to anyone of the offenders who would + furnish information against the rest. But there were no faint hearts among + the Centipedes. Suspicion rested for a while on several persons—on + the soldiers at the fort; on a crazy fellow, known about town as + “Bottle-Nose”; and at last on Sailor Ben. + </p> + <p> + “Shiver my timbers!” cries that deeply injured individual. “Do you + suppose, sir, as I have lived to sixty year, an' ain't got no more sense + than to go for to blaze away at my own upper riggin'? It doesn't stand to + reason.” + </p> + <p> + It certainly did not seem probable that Mr. Watson would maliciously knock + over his own chimney, and Lawyer Hackett, who had the case in hand, 'bowed + himself out of the Admiral's cabin convinced that the right man had not + been discovered. + </p> + <p> + People living by the sea are always more or less superstitious. Stories of + spectre ships and mysterious beacons, that lure vessels out of their + course and wreck them on unknown reefs, were among the stock legends of + Rivermouth; and not a few people in the town were ready to attribute the + firing of those guns to some supernatural agency. The Oldest Inhabitant + remembered that when he was a boy a dim-looking sort of schooner hove to + in the offing one foggy afternoon, fired off a single gun that didn't make + any report, and then crumbled to nothing, spar, mast, and hulk, like a + piece of burnt paper. + </p> + <p> + The authorities, however, were of the opinion that human hands had + something to do with the explosions, and they resorted to deep-laid + stratagems to get hold of the said hands. One of their traps came very + near catching us. They artfully caused an old brass fieldpiece to be left + on a wharf near the scene of our late operations. Nothing in the world but + the lack of money to buy powder saved us from falling into the clutches of + the two watchmen who lay secreted for a week in a neighboring sail-loft. + </p> + <p> + It was many a day before the midnight bombardment ceased to be the + town-talk. The trick was so audacious and on so grand a scale that nobody + thought for an instant of connecting us lads with it. Suspicion at length + grew weary of lighting on the wrong person, and as conjecture—like + the physicians in the epitaph—was in vain, the Rivermouthians gave + up the idea of finding out who had astonished them. + </p> + <p> + They never did find out, and never will, unless they read this veracious + history. If the selectmen are still disposed to punish the malefactors, I + can supply Lawyer Hackett with evidence enough to convict Pepper Whitcomb, + Phil Adams, Charley Marden, and the other honorable members of the + Centipede Club. But really I don't think it would pay now. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0018" id="link2HCH0018"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + Chapter Eighteen—A Frog He Would A-Wooing Go + </h2> + <p> + If the reader supposes that I lived all this while in Rivermouth without + falling a victim to one or more of the young ladies attending Miss Dorothy + Gibbs's Female Institute, why, then, all I have to say is the reader + exhibits his ignorance of human nature. + </p> + <p> + Miss Gibbs's seminary was located within a few minutes' walk of the Temple + Grammar School, and numbered about thirty-five pupils, the majority of + whom boarded at the Hall—Primrose Hall, as Miss Dorothy prettily + called it. The Prim-roses, as we called them, ranged from seven years of + age to sweet seventeen, and a prettier group of sirens never got together + even in Rivermouth, for Rivermouth, you should know, is famous for its + pretty girls. + </p> + <p> + There were tall girls and short girls, rosy girls and pale girls, and + girls as brown as berries; girls like Amazons, slender girls, weird and + winning like Undine, girls with black tresses, girls with auburn ringlets, + girls with every tinge of golden hair. To behold Miss Dorothy's young + ladies of a Sunday morning walking to church two by two, the smallest + toddling at the end of the procession, like the bobs at the tail of a + kite, was a spectacle to fill with tender emotion the least susceptible + heart. To see Miss Dorothy marching grimly at the head of her light + infantry, was to feel the hopelessness of making an attack on any part of + the column. + </p> + <p> + She was a perfect dragon of watchfulness. The most unguarded lifting of an + eyelash in the fluttering battalion was sufficient to put her on the + lookout. She had had experiences with the male sex, this Miss Dorothy so + prim and grim. It was whispered that her heart was a tattered album + scrawled over with love-lines, but that she had shut up the volume long + ago. + </p> + <p> + There was a tradition that she had been crossed in love; but it was the + faintest of traditions. A gay young lieutenant of marines had flirted with + her at a country ball (A.D. 1811), and then marched carelessly away at the + head of his company to the shrill music of the fife, without so much as a + sigh for the girl he left behind him. The years rolled on, the gallant gay + Lothario—which wasn't his name—married, became a father, and + then a grandfather; and at the period of which I am speaking his + grandchild was actually one of Miss Dorothy's young ladies. So, at least, + ran the story. + </p> + <p> + The lieutenant himself was dead these many years; but Miss Dorothy never + got over his duplicity. She was convinced that the sole aim of mankind was + to win the unguarded affection of maidens, and then march off + treacherously with flying colors to the heartless music of the drum and + fife. To shield the inmates of Primrose Hall from the bitter influences + that had blighted her own early affections was Miss Dorothy's mission in + life. + </p> + <p> + “No wolves prowling about my lambs, if you please,” said + </p> + <p> + Miss Dorothy. “I will not allow it.” + </p> + <p> + She was as good as her word. I don't think the boy lives who ever set foot + within the limits of Primrose Hall while the seminary was under her + charge. Perhaps if Miss Dorothy had given her young ladies a little more + liberty, they would not have thought it “such fun” to make eyes over the + white lattice fence at the young gentlemen of the Temple Grammar School. I + say perhaps; for it is one thing to manage thirty-five young ladies and + quite another thing to talk about it. + </p> + <p> + But all Miss Dorothy's vigilance could not prevent the young folks from + meeting in the town now and then, nor could her utmost ingenuity interrupt + postal arrangements. There was no end of notes passing between the + students and the Primroses. Notes tied to the heads of arrows were shot + into dormitory windows; notes were tucked under fences, and hidden in the + trunks of decayed trees. Every thick place in the boxwood hedge that + surrounded the seminary was a possible post-office. + </p> + <p> + It was a terrible shock to Miss Dorothy the day she unearthed a nest of + letters in one of the huge wooden urns surmounting the gateway that led to + her dovecot. It was a bitter moment to Miss Phoebe and Miss Candace and + Miss Hesba, when they had their locks of hair grimly handed back to them + by Miss Gibbs in the presence of the whole school. Girls whose locks of + hair had run the blockade in safety were particularly severe on the + offenders. But it didn't stop other notes and other tresses, and I would + like to know what can stop them while the earth holds together. + </p> + <p> + Now when I first came to Rivermouth I looked upon girls as rather tame + company; I hadn't a spark of sentiment concerning them; but seeing my + comrades sending and receiving mysterious epistles, wearing bits of ribbon + in their button-holes and leaving packages of confectionery (generally + lemon-drops) in the hollow trunks of trees—why, I felt that this was + the proper thing to do. I resolved, as a matter of duty, to fall in love + with somebody, and I didn't care in the least who it was. In much the same + mood that Don Quixote selected the Dulcinea del Toboso for his lady-love, + I singled out one of Miss Dorothy's incomparable young ladies for mine. + </p> + <p> + I debated a long while whether I should not select two, but at last + settled down on one—a pale little girl with blue eyes, named Alice. + I shall not make a long story of this, for Alice made short work of me. + She was secretly in love with Pepper Whitcomb. This occasioned a temporary + coolness between Pepper and myself. + </p> + <p> + Not disheartened, however, I placed Laura Rice—I believe it was + Laura Rice—in the vacant niche. The new idol was more cruel than the + old. The former frankly sent me to the right about, but the latter was a + deceitful lot. She wore my nosegay in her dress at the evening service + (the Primroses were marched to church three times every Sunday), she + penned me the daintiest of notes, she sent me the glossiest of ringlets + (cut, as I afterwards found out, from the stupid head of Miss Gibbs's + chamber-maid), and at the same time was holding me and my pony up to + ridicule in a series of letters written to Jack Harris. It was Harris + himself who kindly opened my eyes. + </p> + <p> + “I tell you what, Bailey,” said that young gentleman, “Laura is an old + veteran, and carries too many guns for a youngster. She can't resist a + flirtation; I believe she'd flirt with an infant in arms. There's hardly a + fellow in the school that hasn't worn her colors and some of her hair. She + doesn't give out any more of her own hair now. It's been pretty well used + up. The demand was greater than the supply, you see. It's all very well to + correspond with Laura, but as to looking for anything serious from her, + the knowing ones don't. Hope I haven't hurt your feelings, old boy,” (that + was a soothing stroke of flattery to call me “old boy,”) “but it was my + duty as a friend and a Centipede to let you know who you were dealing + with.” + </p> + <p> + Such was the advice given me by that time-stricken, careworn, and + embittered man of the world, who was sixteen years old if he was a day. + </p> + <p> + I dropped Laura. In the course of the next twelve months I had perhaps + three or four similar experiences, and the conclusion was forced upon me + that I was not a boy likely to distinguish myself in this branch of + business. + </p> + <p> + I fought shy of Primrose Hall from that moment. Smiles were smiled over + the boxwood hedge, and little hands were occasionally kissed to me; but I + only winked my eye patronizingly, and passed on. I never renewed tender + relations with Miss Gibbs's young ladies. All this occurred during my + first year and a half at Rivermouth. + </p> + <p> + Between my studies at school, my out-door recreations, and the hurts my + vanity received, I managed to escape for the time being any very serious + attack of that love fever which, like the measles, is almost certain to + seize upon a boy sooner or later. I was not to be an exception. I was + merely biding my time. The incidents I have now to relate took place + shortly after the events described in the last chapter. + </p> + <p> + In a life so tranquil and circumscribed as ours in the Nutter House, a + visitor was a novelty of no little importance. The whole household awoke + from its quietude one morning when the Captain announced that a young + niece of his from New York was to spend a few weeks with us. + </p> + <p> + The blue-chintz room, into which a ray of sun was never allowed to + penetrate, was thrown open and dusted, and its mouldy air made sweet with + a bouquet of pot-roses placed on the old-fashioned bureau. Kitty was busy + all the forenoon washing off the sidewalk and sand-papering the great + brass knocker on our front-door; and Miss Abigail was up to her elbows in + a pigeon-pie. + </p> + <p> + I felt sure it was for no ordinary person that all these preparations were + in progress; and I was right. Miss Nelly Glentworth was no ordinary + person. I shall never believe she was. There may have been lovelier women, + though I have never seen them; there may have been more brilliant women, + though it has not been my fortune to meet them; but that there was ever a + more charming one than Nelly Glentworth is a proposition against which I + contend. + </p> + <p> + I don't love her now. I don't think of her once in five years; and yet it + would give me a turn if in the course of my daily walk I should suddenly + come upon her eldest boy. I may say that her eldest boy was not playing a + prominent part in this life when I first made her acquaintance. + </p> + <p> + It was a drizzling, cheerless afternoon towards the end of summer that a + hack drew up at the door of the Nutter House. The Captain and Miss Abigail + hastened into the hall on hearing the carriage stop. In a moment more Miss + Nelly Glentworth was seated in our sitting-room undergoing a critical + examination at the hands of a small boy who lounged uncomfortably on a + settee between the windows. + </p> + <p> + The small boy considered himself a judge of girls, and he rapidly came to + the following conclusions: That Miss Nelly was about nineteen; that she + had not given away much of her back hair, which hung in two massive + chestnut braids over her shoulders; that she was a shade too pale and a + trifle too tall; that her hands were nicely shaped and her feet much too + diminutive for daily use. He furthermore observed that her voice was + musical, and that her face lighted up with an indescribable brightness + when she smiled. + </p> + <p> + On the whole, the small boy liked her well enough; and, satisfied that she + was not a person to be afraid of, but, on the contrary, one who might be + made quite agreeable, he departed to keep an appointment with his friend + Sir Pepper Whitcomb. + </p> + <p> + But the next morning when Miss Glentworth came down to breakfast in a + purple dress, her face as fresh as one of the moss-roses on the bureau + upstairs, and her laugh as contagious as the merriment of a robin, the + small boy experienced a strange sensation, and mentally compared her with + the loveliest of Miss Gibbs's young ladies, and found those young ladies + wanting in the balance. + </p> + <p> + A night's rest had wrought a wonderful change in Miss Nelly. The pallor + and weariness of the journey had passed away. I looked at her through the + toast-rack and thought I had never seen anything more winning than her + smile. + </p> + <p> + After breakfast she went out with me to the stable to see Gypsy, and the + three of us became friends then and there. Nelly was the only girl that + Gypsy ever took the slightest notice of. + </p> + <p> + It chanced to be a half-holiday, and a baseball match of unusual interest + was to come off on the school ground that afternoon; but, somehow, I + didn't go. I hung about the house abstractedly. The Captain went up town, + and Miss Abigail was busy in the kitchen making immortal gingerbread. I + drifted into the sitting-room, and had our guest all to myself for I don't + know how many hours. It was twilight, I recollect, when the Captain + returned with letters for Miss Nelly. + </p> + <p> + Many a time after that I sat with her through the dreamy September + afternoons. If I had played baseball it would have been much better for + me. + </p> + <p> + Those first days of Miss Nelly's visit are very misty in my remembrance. I + try in vain to remember just when I began to fall in love with her. + 'Whether the spell worked upon me gradually or fell upon me all at once, I + don't know. I only know that it seemed to me as if I had always loved her. + Things that took place before she came were dim to me, like events that + had occurred in the Middle Ages. + </p> + <p> + Nelly was at least five years my senior. But what of that? Adam is the + only man I ever heard of who didn't in early youth fall in love with a + woman older than himself, and I am convinced that he would have done so if + he had had the opportunity. + </p> + <p> + I wonder if girls from fifteen to twenty are aware of the glamour they + cast over the straggling, awkward boys whom they regard and treat as mere + children? I wonder, now. Young women are so keen in such matters. I wonder + if Miss Nelly Glentworth never suspected until the very last night of her + visit at Rivermouth that I was over ears in love with her pretty self, and + was suffering pangs as poignant as if I had been ten feet high and as old + as Methuselah? For, indeed, I was miserable throughout all those five + weeks. I went down in the Latin class at the rate of three boys a day. Her + fresh young eyes came between me and my book, and there was an end of + Virgil. + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + “O love, love, love! + Love is like a dizziness, + It winna let a body + Gang aboot his business.” + </pre> + <p> + I was wretched away from her, and only less wretched in her presence. The + special cause of my woe was this: I was simply a little boy to Miss + Glentworth. I knew it. I bewailed it. I ground my teeth and wept in secret + over the fact. If I had been aught else in her eyes would she have + smoothed my hair so carelessly, sending an electric shock through my whole + system? Would she have walked with me, hand in hand, for hours in the old + garden, and once when I lay on the sofa, my head aching with love and + mortification, would she have stooped down and kissed me if I hadn't been + a little boy? How I despised little boys! How I hated one particular + little boy—too little to be loved! + </p> + <p> + I smile over this very grimly even now. My sorrow was genuine and bitter. + It is a great mistake on the part of elderly people, male and female, to + tell a child that he is seeing his happiest days. Don't you believe a word + of it, my little friend. The burdens of childhood are as hard to bear as + the crosses that weigh us down later in life, while the happinesses of + childhood are tame compared with those of our maturer years. And even if + this were not so, it is rank cruelty to throw shadows over the young heart + by croaking, “Be merry, for to-morrow you die!” + </p> + <p> + As the last days of Nelly's visit drew near, I fell into a very unhealthy + state of mind. To have her so frank and unconsciously coquettish with me + was a daily torment; to be looked upon and treated as a child was bitter + almonds; but the thought of losing her altogether was distraction. + </p> + <p> + The summer was at an end. The days were perceptibly shorter, and now and + then came an evening when it was chilly enough to have a wood-fire in our + sitting-room. The leaves were beginning to take hectic tints, and the wind + was practising the minor pathetic notes of its autumnal dirge. Nature and + myself appeared to be approaching our dissolution simultaneously— + </p> + <p> + One evening, the evening previous to the day set for Nelly's departure—how + well I remember it—I found her sitting alone by the wide + chimney-piece looking musingly at the crackling back log. There were no + candles in the room. On her face and hands, and on the small golden cross + at her throat, fell the flickering firelight—that ruddy, mellow + firelight in which one's grandmother would look poetical. + </p> + <p> + I drew a low stool from the corner and placed it by the side of her chair. + She reached out her hand to me, as was her pretty fashion, and so we sat + for several moments silently in the changing glow of the burning logs. At + length I moved back the stool so that I could see her face in profile + without being seen by her. I lost her hand by this movement, but I + couldn't have spoken with the listless touch of her fingers on mine. After + two or three attempts I said “Nelly” a good deal louder than I intended. + </p> + <p> + Perhaps the effort it cost me was evident in my voice. She raised herself + quickly in the chair and half turned towards me. + </p> + <p> + “Well, Tom?” + </p> + <p> + “I—I am very sorry you are going away.” + </p> + <p> + “So am I. I have enjoyed every hour of my visit.” + </p> + <p> + “Do you think you will ever come back here?” + </p> + <p> + “Perhaps,” said Nelly, and her eyes wandered off into the fitful + firelight. + </p> + <p> + “I suppose you will forget us all very quickly.” + </p> + <p> + “Indeed I shall not. I shall always have the pleasantest memories of + Rivermouth.” + </p> + <p> + Here the conversation died a natural death. Nelly sank into a sort of + dream, and I meditated. Fearing every moment to be interrupted by some + member of the family, I nerved myself to make a bold dash. + </p> + <p> + “Nelly.” + </p> + <p> + “Well.” + </p> + <p> + “Do you—” I hesitated. + </p> + <p> + “Do I what?” + </p> + <p> + “Love anyone very much?” + </p> + <p> + “Why, of course I do,” said Nelly, scattering her revery with a merry + laugh. “I love Uncle Nutter, and Aunt Nutter, and you—and Towser.” + </p> + <p> + Towser, our new dog! I couldn't stand that. I pushed back the stool + impatiently and stood in front of her. + </p> + <p> + “That's not what I mean,” I said angrily. + </p> + <p> + “Well, what do you mean?” + </p> + <p> + “Do you love anyone to marry him?” + </p> + <p> + “The idea of it,” cried Nelly, laughing. + </p> + <p> + “But you must tell me.” + </p> + <p> + “Must, Tom?” + </p> + <p> + “Indeed you must, Nelly.” + </p> + <p> + She had risen from the chair with an amused, perplexed look in her eyes. I + held her an instant by the dress. + </p> + <p> + “Please tell me.” + </p> + <p> + “O you silly boy!” cried Nelly. Then she rumpled my hair all over my + forehead and ran laughing out of the room. + </p> + <p> + Suppose Cinderella had rumpled the prince's hair all over his forehead, + how would he have liked it? Suppose the Sleeping Beauty, when the king's + son with a kiss set her and all the old clocks agoing in the spell-bound + castle—suppose the young minx had looked up and coolly laughed in + his eye, I guess the king's son wouldn't have been greatly pleased. + </p> + <p> + I hesitated a second or two and then rushed after Nelly just in time to + run against Miss Abigail, who entered the room with a couple of lighted + candles. + </p> + <p> + “Goodness gracious, Tom!” exclaimed Miss Abigail. “Are you possessed?” + </p> + <p> + I left her scraping the warm spermaceti from one of her thumbs. + </p> + <p> + Nelly was in the kitchen talking quite unconcernedly with Kitty Collins. + There she remained until supper-time. Supper over, we all adjourned to the + sitting-room. I planned and plotted, but could manage in no way to get + Nelly alone. She and the Captain played cribbage all the evening. + </p> + <p> + The next morning my lady did not make her appearance until we were seated + at the breakfast-table. I had got up at daylight myself. Immediately after + breakfast the carriage arrived to take her to the railway station. A + gentleman stepped from this carriage, and greatly to my surprise was + warmly welcomed by the Captain and Miss Abigail, and by Miss Nelly + herself, who seemed unnecessarily glad to see him. From the hasty + conversation that followed I learned that the gentleman had come somewhat + unexpectedly to conduct Miss Nelly to Boston. But how did he know that she + was to leave that morning? Nelly bade farewell to the Captain and Miss + Abigail, made a little rush and kissed me on the nose, and was gone. + </p> + <p> + As the wheels of the hack rolled up the street and over my finer feelings, + I turned to the Captain. + </p> + <p> + “Who was that gentleman, sir?” + </p> + <p> + “That was Mr. Waldron.” + </p> + <p> + “A relation of yours, sir?” I asked craftily. + </p> + <p> + “No relation of mine—a relation of Nelly's,” said the Captain, + smiling. + </p> + <p> + “A cousin,” I suggested, feeling a strange hatred spring up in my bosom + for the unknown. + </p> + <p> + “Well, I suppose you might call him a cousin for the present. He's going + to marry little Nelly next summer.” + </p> + <p> + In one of Peter Parley's valuable historical works is a description of an + earthquake at Lisbon. “At the first shock the inhabitants rushed into the + streets; the earth yawned at their feet and the houses tottered and fell + on every side.” I staggered past the Captain into the street; a giddiness + came over me; the earth yawned at my feet, and the houses threatened to + fall in on every side of me. How distinctly I remember that momentary + sense of confusion when everything in the world seemed toppling over into + ruins. + </p> + <p> + As I have remarked, my love for Nelly is a thing of the past. I had not + thought of her for years until I sat down to write this chapter, and yet, + now that all is said and done, I shouldn't care particularly to come + across Mrs. Waldron's eldest boy in my afternoon's walk. He must be + fourteen or fifteen years old by this time—the young villain! + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0019" id="link2HCH0019"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + Chapter Nineteen—I Become A Blighted Being + </h2> + <p> + When a young boy gets to be an old boy, when the hair is growing rather + thin on the top of the old boy's head, and he has been tamed sufficiently + to take a sort of chastened pleasure in allowing the baby to play with his + watch-seals—when, I say, an old boy has reached this stage in the + journey of life, he is sometimes apt to indulge in sportive remarks + concerning his first love. + </p> + <p> + Now, though I bless my stars that it wasn't in my power to marry Miss + Nelly, I am not going to deny my boyish regard for her nor laugh at it. As + long as it lasted it was a very sincere and unselfish love, and rendered + me proportionately wretched. I say as long as it lasted, for one's first + love doesn't last forever. + </p> + <p> + I am ready, however, to laugh at the amusing figure I cut after I had + really ceased to have any deep feeling in the matter. It was then I took + it into my head to be a Blighted Being. This was about two weeks after the + spectral appearance of Mr. Waldron. + </p> + <p> + For a boy of a naturally vivacious disposition the part of a blighted + being presented difficulties. I had an excellent appetite, I liked + society, I liked out-of-door sports, I was fond of handsome clothes. Now + all these things were incompatible with the doleful character I was to + assume, and I proceeded to cast them from me. I neglected my hair. I + avoided my playmates. I frowned abstractedly. I didn't eat as much as was + good for me. I took lonely walks. I brooded in solitude. I not only + committed to memory the more turgid poems of the late Lord Byron—“Fare + thee well, and if forever,” &c.—but I became a despondent poet + on my own account, and composed a string of “Stanzas to One who will + understand them.” I think I was a trifle too hopeful on that point; for I + came across the verses several years afterwards, and was quite unable to + understand them myself. + </p> + <p> + It was a great comfort to be so perfectly miserable and yet not suffer + any. I used to look in the glass and gloat over the amount and variety of + mournful expression I could throw into my features. If I caught myself + smiling at anything, I cut the smile short with a sigh. The oddest thing + about all this is, I never once suspected that I was not unhappy. No one, + not even Pepper Whitcomb, was more deceived than I. + </p> + <p> + Among the minor pleasures of being blighted were the interest and + perplexity I excited in the simple souls that were thrown in daily contact + with me. Pepper especially. I nearly drove him into a corresponding state + of mind. + </p> + <p> + I had from time to time given Pepper slight but impressive hints of my + admiration for Some One (this was in the early part of Miss Glentworth's + visit); I had also led him to infer that my admiration was not altogether + in vain. He was therefore unable to explain the cause of my strange + behavior, for I had carefully refrained from mentioning to Pepper the fact + that Some One had turned out to be Another's. + </p> + <p> + I treated Pepper shabbily. I couldn't resist playing on his tenderer + feelings. He was a boy bubbling over with sympathy for anyone in any kind + of trouble. Our intimacy since Binny Wallace's death had been + uninterrupted; but now I moved in a sphere apart, not to be profaned by + the step of an outsider. + </p> + <p> + I no longer joined the boys on the playground at recess. I stayed at my + desk reading some lugubrious volume—usually The Mysteries of + Udolpho, by the amiable Mrs. Radcliffe. A translation of The Sorrows of + Werter fell into my hands at this period, and if I could have committed + suicide without killing myself, I should certainly have done so. + </p> + <p> + On half-holidays, instead of fraternizing with Pepper and the rest of our + clique, I would wander off alone to Grave Point. + </p> + <p> + Grave Point—the place where Binny Wallace's body came ashore—was + a narrow strip of land running out into the river. A line of Lombardy + poplars, stiff and severe, like a row of grenadiers, mounted guard on the + water-side. On the extreme end of the peninsula was an old disused + graveyard, tenanted principally by the early settlers who had been scalped + by the Indians. In a remote corner of the cemetery, set apart from the + other mounds, was the grave of a woman who had been hanged in the old + colonial times for the murder of her infant. Goodwife Polly Haines had + denied the crime to the last, and after her death there had arisen strong + doubts as to her actual guilt. It was a belief current among the lads of + the town, that if you went to this grave at nightfall on the 10th of + November—the anniversary of her execution—and asked, “For what + did the magistrates hang you?” a voice would reply, “Nothing.” + </p> + <p> + Many a Rivermouth boy has tremblingly put this question in the dark, and, + sure enough, Polly Haines invariably answered nothing! + </p> + <p> + A low red-brick wall, broken down in many places and frosted over with + silvery moss, surrounded this burial-ground of our Pilgrim Fathers and + their immediate descendants. The latest date on any of the headstones was + 1780. A crop of very funny epitaphs sprung up here and there among the + overgrown thistles and burdocks, and almost every tablet had a + death's-head with cross-bones engraved upon it, or else a puffy round face + with a pair of wings stretching out from the ears, like this: + </p> + <p> + Cherub Graphic + </p> + <p> + These mortuary emblems furnished me with congenial food for reflection. I + used to lie in the long grass, and speculate on the advantages and + disadvantages of being a cherub. + </p> + <p> + I forget what I thought the advantages were, but I remember distinctly of + getting into an inextricable tangle on two points: How could a cherub, + being all head and wings, manage to sit down when he was tired? To have to + sit down on the back of his head struck me as an awkward alternative. + Again: Where did a cherub carry those indispensable articles (such as + jack-knives, marbles, and pieces of twine) which boys in an earthly state + of existence usually stow away in their trousers-pockets? + </p> + <p> + These were knotty questions, and I was never able to dispose of them + satisfactorily. + </p> + <p> + Meanwhile Pepper Whitcomb would scour the whole town in search of me. He + finally discovered my retreat, and dropped in on me abruptly one + afternoon, while I was deep in the cherub problem. + </p> + <p> + “Look here, Tom Bailey!” said Pepper, shying a piece of clam-shell + indignantly at the file jacet on a neighboring gravestone. “You are just + going to the dogs! Can't you tell a fellow what in thunder ails you, + instead of prowling round among the tombs like a jolly old vampire?” + </p> + <p> + “Pepper,” I replied, solemnly, “don't ask me. All is not well here”—touching + my breast mysteriously. If I had touched my head instead, I should have + been nearer the mark. + </p> + <p> + Pepper stared at me. + </p> + <p> + “Earthly happiness,” I continued, “is a delusion and a snare. You will + never be happy, Pepper, until you are a cherub.” + </p> + <p> + Pepper, by the by, would have made an excellent cherub, he was so chubby. + Having delivered myself of these gloomy remarks, I arose languidly from + the grass and moved away, leaving Pepper staring after me in mute + astonishment. I was Hamlet and Werter and the late Lord Byron all in one. + </p> + <p> + You will ask what my purpose was in cultivating this factitious + despondency. None whatever. Blighted beings never have any purpose in life + excepting to be as blighted as possible. + </p> + <p> + Of course my present line of business could not long escape the eye of + Captain Nutter. I don't know if the Captain suspected my attachment for + Miss Glentworth. He never alluded to it; but he watched me. Miss Abigail + watched me, Kitty Collins watched me, and Sailor Ben watched me. + </p> + <p> + “I can't make out his signals,” I overheard the Admiral remark to my + grandfather one day. “I hope he ain't got no kind of sickness aboard.” + </p> + <p> + There was something singularly agreeable in being an object of so great + interest. Sometimes I had all I could do to preserve my dejected aspect, + it was so pleasant to be miserable. I incline to the opinion that people + who are melancholy without any particular reason, such as poets, artists, + and young musicians with long hair, have rather an enviable time of it. In + a quiet way I never enjoyed myself better in my life than when I was a + Blighted Being. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0020" id="link2HCH0020"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + Chapter Twenty—I Prove Myself To Be the Grandson of My Grandfather + </h2> + <p> + It was not possible for a boy of my temperament to be a blighted being + longer than three consecutive weeks. + </p> + <p> + I was gradually emerging from my self-imposed cloud when events took place + that greatly assisted in restoring me to a more natural frame of mind. I + awoke from an imaginary trouble to face a real one. + </p> + <p> + I suppose you don't know what a financial crisis is? I will give you an + illustration. + </p> + <p> + You are deeply in debt—say to the amount of a quarter of a dollar—to + the little knicknack shop round the corner, where they sell + picture-papers, spruce-gum, needles, and Malaga raisins. A boy owes you a + quarter of a dollar, which he promises to pay at a certain time. You are + depending on this quarter to settle accounts with the small shop-keeper. + The time arrives—and the quarter doesn't. That's a financial crisis, + in one sense—twenty-five senses, if I may say so. + </p> + <p> + When this same thing happens, on a grander scale, in the mercantile world, + it produces what is called a panic. One man's inability to pay his debts + ruins another man, who, in turn, ruins someone else, and so on, until + failure after failure makes even the richest capitalists tremble. Public + confidence is suspended, and the smaller fry of merchants are knocked over + like tenpins. + </p> + <p> + These commercial panics occur periodically, after the fashion of comets + and earthquakes and other disagreeable things. + </p> + <p> + Such a panic took place in New Orleans in the year 18—, and my + father's banking-house went to pieces in the crash. + </p> + <p> + Of a comparatively large fortune nothing remained after paying his debts + excepting a few thousand dollars, with which he proposed to return North + and embark in some less hazardous enterprise. In the meantime it was + necessary for him to stay in New Orleans to wind up the business. + </p> + <p> + My grandfather was in some way involved in this failure, and lost, I + fancy, a considerable sum of money; but he never talked much on the + subject. He was an unflinching believer in the spilt-milk proverb. + </p> + <p> + “It can't be gathered up,” he would say, “and it's no use crying over it. + Pitch into the cow and get some more milk, is my motto.” + </p> + <p> + The suspension of the banking-house was bad enough, but there was an + attending circumstance that gave us, at Rivermouth, a great deal more + anxiety. The cholera, which someone predicted would visit the country that + year, and which, indeed, had made its appearance in a mild form at several + points along the Mississippi River, had broken out with much violence at + New Orleans. + </p> + <p> + The report that first reached us through the newspapers was meagre and + contradictory; many people discredited it; but a letter from my mother + left us no room for doubt. The sickness was in the city. The hospitals + were filling up, and hundreds of the citizens were flying from the + stricken place by every steamboat. The unsettled state of my father's + affairs made it imperative for him to remain at his post; his desertion at + that moment would have been at the sacrifice of all he had saved from the + general wreck. + </p> + <p> + As he would be detained in New Orleans at least three months, my mother + declined to come North without him. + </p> + <p> + After this we awaited with feverish impatience the weekly news that came + to us from the South. The next letter advised us that my parents were + well, and that the sickness, so far, had not penetrated to the faubourg, + or district, where they lived. The following week brought less cheering + tidings. My father's business, in consequence of the flight of the other + partners, would keep him in the city beyond the period he had mentioned. + The family had moved to Pass Christian, a favorite watering-place on Lake + Pontchartrain, near New Orleans, where he was able to spend part of each + week. So the return North was postponed indefinitely. + </p> + <p> + It was now that the old longing to see my parents came back to me with + irresistible force. I knew my grandfather would not listen to the idea of + my going to New Orleans at such a dangerous time, since he had opposed the + journey so strongly when the same objection did not exist. But I + determined to go nevertheless. + </p> + <p> + I think I have mentioned the fact that all the male members of our family, + on my father's side—as far back as the Middle Ages—have + exhibited in early youth a decided talent for running away. It was an + hereditary talent. It ran in the blood to run away. I do not pretend to + explain the peculiarity. I simply admit it. + </p> + <p> + It was not my fate to change the prescribed order of things. I, too, was + to run away, thereby proving, if any proof were needed, that I was the + grandson of my grandfather. I do not hold myself responsible for the step + any more than I do for the shape of my nose, which is said to be a + facsimile of Captain Nutter's. + </p> + <p> + I have frequently noticed how circumstances conspire to help a man, or a + boy, when he has thoroughly resolved on doing a thing. That very week the + Rivermouth Barnacle printed an advertisement that seemed to have been + written on purpose for me. It read as follows: + </p> + <p> + WANTED. A Few Able-bodied Seamen and a Cabin-Boy, for the ship Rawlings, + now loading for New Orleans at Johnson's Wharf, Boston. Apply in person, + within four days, at the office of Messrs.—& Co., or on board + the Ship. + </p> + <p> + How I was to get to New Orleans with only $4.62 was a question that had + been bothering me. This advertisement made it as clear as day. I would go + as cabin-boy. + </p> + <p> + I had taken Pepper into my confidence again; I had told him the story of + my love for Miss Glentworth, with all its harrowing details; and now + conceived it judicious to confide in him the change about to take place in + my life, so that, if the Rawlings went down in a gale, my friends might + have the limited satisfaction of knowing what had become of me. + </p> + <p> + Pepper shook his head discouragingly, and sought in every way to dissuade + me from the step. He drew a disenchanting picture of the existence of a + cabin-boy, whose constant duty (according to Pepper) was to have dishes + broken over his head whenever the captain or the mate chanced to be out of + humor, which was mostly all the time. But nothing Pepper said could turn + me a hair's-breadth from my purpose. + </p> + <p> + I had little time to spare, for the advertisement stated explicitly that + applications were to be made in person within four days. I trembled to + think of the bare possibility of some other boy snapping up that desirable + situation. + </p> + <p> + It was on Monday that I stumbled upon the advertisement. On Tuesday my + preparations were completed. My baggage—consisting of four shirts, + half a dozen collars, a piece of shoemaker's wax, (Heaven knows what for!) + and seven stockings, wrapped in a silk handkerchief—lay hidden under + a loose plank of the stable floor. This was my point of departure. + </p> + <p> + My plan was to take the last train for Boston, in order to prevent the + possibility of immediate pursuit, if any should be attempted. The train + left at 4 P.M. + </p> + <p> + I ate no breakfast and little dinner that day. I avoided the Captain's + eye, and wouldn't have looked Miss Abigail or Kitty in the face for the + wealth of the Indies. + </p> + <p> + When it was time to start for the station I retired quietly to the stable + and uncovered my bundle. I lingered a moment to kiss the white star on + Gypsy's forehead, and was nearly unmanned when the little animal returned + the caress by lapping my cheek. Twice I went back and patted her. + </p> + <p> + On reaching the station I purchased my ticket with a bravado air that + ought to have aroused the suspicion of the ticket-master, and hurried to + the car, where I sat fidgeting until the train shot out into the broad + daylight. + </p> + <p> + Then I drew a long breath and looked about me. The first object that + saluted my sight was Sailor Ben, four or five seats behind me, reading the + Rivermouth Barnacle! + </p> + <p> + Reading was not an easy art to Sailor Ben; he grappled with the sense of a + paragraph as if it were a polar-bear, and generally got the worst of it. + On the present occasion he was having a hard struggle, judging by the way + he worked his mouth and rolled his eyes. He had evidently not seen me. But + what was he doing on the Boston train? + </p> + <p> + Without lingering to solve the question, I stole gently from my seat and + passed into the forward car. + </p> + <p> + This was very awkward, having the Admiral on board. I couldn't understand + it at all. Could it be possible that the old boy had got tired of land and + was running away to sea himself? That was too absurd. I glanced nervously + towards the car door now and then, half expecting to see him come after + me. + </p> + <p> + We had passed one or two way-stations, and I had quieted down a good deal, + when I began to feel as if somebody was looking steadily at the back of my + head. I turned round involuntarily, and there was Sailor Ben again, at the + farther end of the car, wrestling with the Rivermouth Barnacle as before. + </p> + <p> + I began to grow very uncomfortable indeed. Was it by design or chance that + he thus dogged my steps? If he was aware of my presence, why didn't he + speak to me at once? 'Why did he steal round, making no sign, like a + particularly unpleasant phantom? Maybe it wasn't Sailor Ben. I peeped at + him slyly. There was no mistaking that tanned, genial phiz of his. Very + odd he didn't see me! + </p> + <p> + Literature, even in the mild form of a country newspaper, always had the + effect of poppies on the Admiral. 'When I stole another glance in his + direction his hat was tilted over his right eye in the most dissolute + style, and the Rivermouth Barnacle lay in a confused heap beside him. He + had succumbed. He was fast asleep. If he would only keep asleep until we + reached our destination! + </p> + <p> + By and by I discovered that the rear car had been detached from the train + at the last stopping-place. This accounted satisfactorily for Sailor Ben's + singular movements, and considerably calmed my fears. Nevertheless, I did + not like the aspect of things. + </p> + <p> + The Admiral continued to snooze like a good fellow, and was snoring + melodiously as we glided at a slackened pace over a bridge and into + Boston. + </p> + <p> + I grasped my pilgrim's bundle, and, hurrying out of the car, dashed up the + first street that presented itself. + </p> + <p> + It was a narrow, noisy, zigzag street, crowded with trucks and obstructed + with bales and boxes of merchandise. I didn't pause to breathe until I had + placed a respectable distance between me and the railway station. By this + time it was nearly twilight. + </p> + <p> + I had got into the region of dwelling-houses, and was about to seat myself + on a doorstep to rest, when, lo! there was the Admiral trundling along on + the opposite sidewalk, under a full spread of canvas, as he would have + expressed it. + </p> + <p> + I was off again in an instant at a rapid pace; but in spite of all I could + do he held his own without any perceptible exertion. He had a very ugly + gait to get away from, the Admiral. I didn't dare to run, for fear of + being mistaken for a thief, a suspicion which my bundle would naturally + lend color to. + </p> + <p> + I pushed ahead, however, at a brisk trot, and must have got over one or + two miles—my pursuer neither gaining nor losing ground—when I + concluded to surrender at discretion. I saw that Sailor Ben was determined + to have me, and, knowing my man, I knew that escape was highly improbable. + </p> + <p> + So I turned round and waited for him to catch up with me, which he did in + a few seconds, looking rather sheepish at first. + </p> + <p> + “Sailor Ben,” said I, severely, “do I understand that you are dogging my + steps?” + </p> + <p> + “'Well, little mess-mate,” replied the Admiral, rubbing his nose, which he + always did when he was disconcerted, “I am kind o' followin' in your + wake.” + </p> + <p> + “Under orders?” + </p> + <p> + “Under orders.” + </p> + <p> + “Under the Captain's orders?” + </p> + <p> + “Surely.” + </p> + <p> + “In other words, my grandfather has sent you to fetch me back to + Rivermouth?” + </p> + <p> + “That's about it,” said the Admiral, with a burst of frankness. + </p> + <p> + “And I must go with you whether I want to or not?” + </p> + <p> + “The Capen's very identical words!” + </p> + <p> + There was nothing to be done. I bit my lips with suppressed anger, and + signified that I was at his disposal, since I couldn't help it. The + impression was very strong in my mind that the Admiral wouldn't hesitate + to put me in irons if I showed signs of mutiny. + </p> + <p> + It was too late to return to Rivermouth that night—a fact which I + communicated to the old boy sullenly, inquiring at the same time what he + proposed to do about it. + </p> + <p> + He said we would cruise about for some rations, and then make a night of + it. I didn't condescend to reply, though I hailed the suggestion of + something to eat with inward enthusiasm, for I had not taken enough food + that day to keep life in a canary. + </p> + <p> + 'We wandered back to the railway station, in the waiting room of which was + a kind of restaurant presided over by a severe-looking young lady. Here we + had a cup of coffee apiece, several tough doughnuts, and some blocks of + venerable spongecake. The young lady who attended on us, whatever her age + was then, must have been a mere child when that sponge-cake was made. + </p> + <p> + The Admiral's acquaintance with Boston hotels was slight; but he knew of a + quiet lodging-house near by, much patronized by sea-captains, and kept by + a former friend of his. + </p> + <p> + In this house, which had seen its best days, we were accommodated with a + mouldy chamber containing two cot-beds, two chairs, and a cracked pitcher + on a washstand. The mantel-shelf was ornamented with three big pink + conch-shells, resembling pieces of petrified liver; and over these hung a + cheap lurid print, in which a United States sloop-of-war was giving a + British frigate particular fits. It is very strange how our own ships + never seem to suffer any in these terrible engagements. It shows what a + nation we are. + </p> + <p> + An oil-lamp on a deal-table cast a dismal glare over the apartment, which + was cheerless in the extreme. I thought of our sitting-room at home, with + its flowery wall-paper and gay curtains and soft lounges; I saw Major + Elkanah Nutter (my grandfather's father) in powdered wig and Federal + uniform, looking down benevolently from his gilt frame between the + bookcases; I pictured the Captain and Miss Abigail sitting at the cosey + round table in the moon-like glow of the astral lamp; and then I fell to + wondering how they would receive me when I came back. I wondered if the + Prodigal Son had any idea that his father was going to kill the fatted + calf for him, and how he felt about it, on the whole. + </p> + <p> + Though I was very low in spirits, I put on a bold front to Sailor Ben, you + will understand. To be caught and caged in this manner was a frightful + shock to my vanity. He tried to draw me into conversation; but I answered + in icy monosyllables. He again suggested we should make a night of it, and + hinted broadly that he was game for any amount of riotous dissipation, + even to the extent of going to see a play if I wanted to. I declined + haughtily. I was dying to go. + </p> + <p> + He then threw out a feeler on the subject of dominos and checkers, and + observed in a general way that “seven up” was a capital game; but I + repulsed him at every point. + </p> + <p> + I saw that the Admiral was beginning to feel hurt by my systematic + coldness. 'We had always been such hearty friends until now. It was too + bad of me to fret that tender, honest old heart even for an hour. I really + did love the ancient boy, and when, in a disconsolate way, he ordered up a + pitcher of beer, I unbent so far as to partake of some in a teacup. He + recovered his spirits instantly, and took out his cuddy clay pipe for a + smoke. + </p> + <p> + Between the beer and the soothing fragrance of the navy-plug, I fell into + a pleasanter mood myself, and, it being too late now to go to the theatre, + I condescended to say—addressing the northwest corner of the ceiling—that + “seven up” was a capital game. Upon this hint the Admiral disappeared, and + returned shortly with a very dirty pack of cards. + </p> + <p> + As we played, with varying fortunes, by the flickering flame of the lamp, + he sipped his beer and became communicative. He seemed immensely tickled + by the fact that I had come to Boston. It leaked out presently that he and + the Captain had had a wager on the subject. + </p> + <p> + The discovery of my plans and who had discovered them were points on which + the Admiral refused to throw any light. They had been discovered, however, + and the Captain had laughed at the idea of my running away. Sailor Ben, on + the contrary, had stoutly contended that I meant to slip cable and be off. + Whereupon the Captain offered to bet him a dollar that I wouldn't go. And + it was partly on account of this wager that Sailor Ben refrained from + capturing me when he might have done so at the start. + </p> + <p> + Now, as the fare to and from Boston, with the lodging expenses, would cost + him at least five dollars, I didn't see what he gained by winning the + wager. The Admiral rubbed his nose violently when this view of the case + presented itself. + </p> + <p> + I asked him why he didn't take me from the train at the first + stopping-place and return to Rivermouth by the down train at 4.30. He + explained having purchased a ticket for Boston, he considered himself + bound to the owners (the stockholders of the road) to fulfil his part of + the contract! To use his own words, he had “shipped for the viage.” + </p> + <p> + This struck me as being so deliciously funny, that after I was in bed and + the light was out, I couldn't help laughing aloud once or twice. I suppose + the Admiral must have thought I was meditating another escape, for he made + periodical visits to my bed throughout the night, satisfying himself by + kneading me all over that I hadn't evaporated. + </p> + <p> + I was all there the next morning, when Sailor Ben half awakened me by + shouting merrily, “All hands on deck!” The words rang in my ears like a + part of my own dream, for I was at that instant climbing up the side of + the Rawlings to offer myself as cabin-boy. + </p> + <p> + The Admiral was obliged to shake me roughly two or three times before he + could detach me from the dream. I opened my eyes with effort, and stared + stupidly round the room. Bit by bit my real situation dawned on me. 'What + a sickening sensation that is, when one is in trouble, to wake up feeling + free for a moment, and then to find yesterday's sorrow all ready to go on + again! + </p> + <p> + “'Well, little messmate, how fares it?” + </p> + <p> + I was too much depressed to reply. The thought of returning to Rivermouth + chilled me. How could I face Captain Nutter, to say nothing of Miss + Abigail and Kitty? How the Temple Grammar School boys would look at me! + How Conway and Seth Rodgers would exult over my mortification! And what if + the Rev. Wibird Hawkins should allude to me in his next Sunday's sermon? + </p> + <p> + Sailor Ben was wise in keeping an eye on me, for after these thoughts took + possession of my mind, I wanted only the opportunity to give him the slip. + </p> + <p> + The keeper of the lodgings did not supply meals to his guests; so we + breakfasted at a small chophouse in a crooked street on our way to the + cars. The city was not astir yet, and looked glum and careworn in the damp + morning atmosphere. + </p> + <p> + Here and there as we passed along was a sharp-faced shop-boy taking down + shutters; and now and then we met a seedy man who had evidently spent the + night in a doorway. Such early birds and a few laborers with their tin + kettles were the only signs of life to be seen until we came to the + station, where I insisted on paying for my own ticket. I didn't relish + being conveyed from place to place, like a felon changing prisons, at + somebody else's expense. + </p> + <p> + On entering the car I sunk into a seat next the window, and Sailor Ben + deposited himself beside me, cutting off all chance of escape. + </p> + <p> + The car filled up soon after this, and I wondered if there was anything in + my mien that would lead the other passengers to suspect I was a boy who + had run away and was being brought back. + </p> + <p> + A man in front of us—he was near-sighted, as I discovered later by + his reading a guide-book with his nose—brought the blood to my + cheeks by turning round and peering at me steadily. I rubbed a clear spot + on the cloudy window-glass at my elbow, and looked out to avoid him. + </p> + <p> + There, in the travellers' room, was the severe-looking young lady piling + up her blocks of sponge-cake in alluring pyramids and industriously + intrenching herself behind a breastwork of squash-pie. I saw with cynical + pleasure numerous victims walk up to the counter and recklessly sow the + seeds of death in their constitutions by eating her doughnuts. I had got + quite interested in her, when the whistle sounded and the train began to + move. + </p> + <p> + The Admiral and I did not talk much on the journey. I stared out of the + window most of the time, speculating as to the probable nature of the + reception in store for me at the terminus of the road. + </p> + <p> + 'What would the Captain say? and Mr. Grimshaw, what would he do about it? + Then I thought of Pepper Whitcomb. Dire was the vengeance I meant to wreak + on Pepper, for who but he had betrayed me? Pepper alone had been the + repository of my secret—perfidious Pepper! + </p> + <p> + As we left station after station behind us, I felt less and less like + encountering the members of our family. Sailor Ben fathomed what was + passing in my mind, for he leaned over and said: + </p> + <p> + “I don't think as the Capen will bear down very hard on you.” + </p> + <p> + But it wasn't that. It wasn't the fear of any physical punishment that + might be inflicted; it was a sense of my own folly that was creeping over + me; for during the long, silent ride I had examined my conduct from every + stand-point, and there was no view I could take of myself in which I did + not look like a very foolish person indeed. + </p> + <p> + As we came within sight of the spires of Rivermouth, I wouldn't have cared + if the up train, which met us outside the town, had run into us and ended + me. + </p> + <p> + Contrary to my expectation and dread, the Captain was not visible when we + stepped from the cars. Sailor Ben glanced among the crowd of faces, + apparently looking for him too. Conway was there—he was always + hanging about the station—and if he had intimated in any way that he + knew of my disgrace and enjoyed it, I should have walked into him, I am + certain. + </p> + <p> + But this defiant feeling entirely deserted me by the time we reached the + Nutter House. The Captain himself opened the door. + </p> + <p> + “Come on board, sir,” said Sailor Ben, scraping his left foot and touching + his hat sea-fashion. + </p> + <p> + My grandfather nodded to Sailor Ben, somewhat coldly I thought, and much + to my astonishment kindly took me by the hand. + </p> + <p> + I was unprepared for this, and the tears, which no amount of severity + would have wrung from me, welled up to my eyes. + </p> + <p> + The expression of my grandfather's face, as I glanced at it hastily, was + grave and gentle; there was nothing in it of anger or reproof. I followed + him into the sitting-room, and, obeying a motion of his hand, seated + myself on the sofa. He remained standing by the round table for a moment, + lost in thought, then leaned over and picked up a letter. + </p> + <p> + It was a letter with a great black seal. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0021" id="link2HCH0021"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + Chapter Twenty-One—In Which I Leave Rivermouth + </h2> + <p> + A letter with a great black seal! + </p> + <p> + I knew then what had happened as well as I know it now. But which was it, + father or mother? I do not like to look back to the agony and suspense of + that moment. + </p> + <p> + My father had died at New Orleans during one of his weekly visits to the + city. The letter bearing these tidings had reached Rivermouth the evening + of my flight—had passed me on the road by the down train. + </p> + <p> + I must turn back for a moment to that eventful evening. When I failed to + make my appearance at supper, the Captain began to suspect that I had + really started on my wild tour southward—a conjecture which Sailor + Ben's absence helped to confirm. I had evidently got off by the train and + Sailor Ben had followed me. + </p> + <p> + There was no telegraphic communication between Boston and Rivermouth in + those days; so my grandfather could do nothing but await the result. Even + if there had been another mail to Boston, he could not have availed + himself of it, not knowing how to address a message to the fugitives. The + post-office was naturally the last place either I or the Admiral would + think of visiting. + </p> + <p> + My grandfather, however, was too full of trouble to allow this to add to + his distress. He knew that the faithful old sailor would not let me come + to any harm, and even if I had managed for the time being to elude him, + was sure to bring me back sooner or later. + </p> + <p> + Our return, therefore, by the first train on the following day did not + surprise him. + </p> + <p> + I was greatly puzzled, as I have said, by the gentle manner of his + reception; but when we were alone together in the sitting-room, and he + began slowly to unfold the letter, I understood it all. I caught a sight + of my mother's handwriting in the superscription, and there was nothing + left to tell me. + </p> + <p> + My grandfather held the letter a few seconds irresolutely, and then + commenced reading it aloud; but he could get no further than the date. + </p> + <p> + “I can't read it, Tom,” said the old gentleman, breaking down. “I thought + I could.” + </p> + <p> + He handed it to me. I took the letter mechanically, and hurried away with + it to my little room, where I had passed so many happy hours. + </p> + <p> + The week that followed the receipt of this letter is nearly a blank in my + memory. I remember that the days appeared endless; that at times I could + not realize the misfortune that had befallen us, and my heart upbraided me + for not feeling a deeper grief; that a full sense of my loss would now and + then sweep over me like an inspiration, and I would steal away to my + chamber or wander forlornly about the gardens. I remember this, but little + more. + </p> + <p> + As the days went by my first grief subsided, and in its place grew up a + want which I have experienced at every step in life from boyhood to + manhood. Often, even now, after all these years, when I see a lad of + twelve or fourteen walking by his father's side, and glancing merrily up + at his face, I turn and look after them, and am conscious that I have + missed companionship most sweet and sacred. + </p> + <p> + I shall not dwell on this portion of my story. There were many tranquil, + pleasant hours in store for me at that period, and I prefer to turn to + them. + </p> + <p> + One evening the Captain came smiling into the sitting-room with an open + letter in his hand. My mother had arrived at New York, and would be with + us the next day. For the first time in weeks—years, it seemed to me—something + of the old cheerfulness mingled with our conversation round the evening + lamp. I was to go to Boston with the Captain to meet her and bring her + home. I need not describe that meeting. With my mother's hand in mine once + more, all the long years we had been parted appeared like a dream. Very + dear to me was the sight of that slender, pale woman passing from room to + room, and lending a patient grace and beauty to the saddened life of the + old house. + </p> + <p> + Everything was changed with us now. There were consultations with lawyers, + and signing of papers, and correspondence; for my father's affairs had + been left in great confusion. And when these were settled, the evenings + were not long enough for us to hear all my mother had to tell of the + scenes she had passed through in the ill-fated city. + </p> + <p> + Then there were old times to talk over, full of reminiscences of Aunt + Chloe and little Black Sam. Little Black Sam, by the by, had been taken by + his master from my father's service ten months previously, and put on a + sugar-plantation near Baton Rouge. Not relishing the change, Sam had run + away, and by some mysterious agency got into Canada, from which place he + had sent back several indecorous messages to his late owner. Aunt Chloe + was still in New Orleans, employed as nurse in one of the cholera hospital + wards, and the Desmoulins, near neighbors of ours, had purchased the + pretty stone house among the orange-trees. + </p> + <p> + How all these simple details interested me will be readily understood by + any boy who has been long absent from home. + </p> + <p> + I was sorry when it became necessary to discuss questions more nearly + affecting myself. I had been removed from school temporarily, but it was + decided, after much consideration, that I should not return, the decision + being left, in a manner, in my own hands. + </p> + <p> + The Captain wished to carry out his son's intention and send me to + college, for which I was nearly fitted; but our means did not admit of + this. The Captain, too, could ill afford to bear the expense, for his + losses by the failure of the New Orleans business had been heavy. Yet he + insisted on the plan, not seeing clearly what other disposal to make of + me. + </p> + <p> + In the midst of our discussions a letter came from my Uncle Snow, a + merchant in New York, generously offering me a place in his + counting-house. The case resolved itself into this: If I went to college, + I should have to be dependent on Captain Nutter for several years, and at + the end of the collegiate course would have no settled profession. If I + accepted my uncle's offer, I might hope to work my way to independence + without loss of time. It was hard to give up the long-cherished dream of + being a Harvard boy; but I gave it up. + </p> + <p> + The decision once made, it was Uncle Snow's wish that I should enter his + counting-house immediately. The cause of my good uncle's haste was this—he + was afraid that I would turn out to be a poet before he could make a + merchant of me. His fears were based upon the fact that I had published in + the Rivermouth Barnacle some verses addressed in a familiar manner “To the + Moon.” Now, the idea of a boy, with his living to get, placing himself in + communication with the Moon, struck the mercantile mind as monstrous. It + was not only a bad investment, it was lunacy. + </p> + <p> + 'We adopted Uncle Snow's views so far as to accede to his proposition + forthwith. My mother, I neglected to say, was also to reside in New York. + </p> + <p> + I shall not draw a picture of Pepper Whitcomb's disgust when the news was + imparted to him, nor attempt to paint Sailor Ben's distress at the + prospect of losing his little messmate. + </p> + <p> + In the excitement of preparing for the journey I didn't feel any very deep + regret myself. But when the moment came for leaving, and I saw my small + trunk lashed up behind the carriage, then the pleasantness of the old life + and a vague dread of the new came over me, and a mist filled my eyes, + shutting out the group of schoolfellows, including all the members of the + Centipede Club, who had come down to the house to see me off. + </p> + <p> + As the carriage swept round the corner, I leaned out of the window to take + a last look at Sailor Ben's cottage, and there was the Admiral's flag + flying at half-mast. + </p> + <p> + So I left Rivermouth, little dreaming that I was not to see the old place + again for many and many a year. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0022" id="link2HCH0022"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + Chapter Twenty-Two—Exeunt Omnes + </h2> + <p> + With the close of my school-days at Rivermouth this modest chronicle ends. + </p> + <p> + The new life upon which I entered, the new friends and foes I encountered + on the road, and what I did and what I did not, are matters that do not + come within the scope of these pages. But before I write Finis to the + record as it stands, before I leave it—feeling as if I were once + more going away from my boyhood—I have a word or two to say + concerning a few of the personages who have figured in the story, if you + will allow me to call Gypsy a personage. + </p> + <p> + I am sure that the reader who has followed me thus far will be willing to + hear what became of her, and Sailor Ben and Miss Abigail and the Captain. + </p> + <p> + First about Gypsy. A month after my departure from Rivermouth the Captain + informed me by letter that he had parted with the little mare, according + to agreement. She had been sold to the ring-master of a travelling circus + (I had stipulated on this disposal of her), and was about to set out on + her travels. She did not disappoint my glowing anticipations, but became + quite a celebrity in her way—by dancing the polka to slow music on a + pine-board ball-room constructed for the purpose. + </p> + <p> + I chanced once, a long while afterwards, to be in a country town where her + troupe was giving exhibitions; I even read the gaudily illumined + show-bill, setting forth the accomplishments of Zuleika, the famed Arabian + Trick Pony—but I failed to recognize my dear little Mustang girl + behind those high-sounding titles, and so, alas, did not attend the + performance! I hope all the praises she received and all the spangled + trappings she wore did not spoil her; but I am afraid they did, for she + was always over much given to the vanities of this world! + </p> + <p> + Miss Abigail regulated the domestic destinies of my grandfather's + household until the day of her death, which Dr. Theophilus Tredick + solemnly averred was hastened by the inveterate habit she had contracted + of swallowing unknown quantities of hot-drops whenever she fancied herself + out of sorts. Eighty-seven empty phials were found in a bonnet-box on a + shelf in her bedroom closet. + </p> + <p> + The old house became very lonely when the family got reduced to Captain + Nutter and Kitty; and when Kitty passed away, my grandfather divided his + time between Rivermouth and New York. + </p> + <p> + Sailor Ben did not long survive his little Irish lass, as he always fondly + called her. At his demise, which took place about six years since, he left + his property in trust to the managers of a “Home for Aged Mariners.” In + his will, which was a very whimsical document—written by himself, + and worded with much shrewdness, too—he warned the Trustees that + when he got “aloft” he intended to keep his “weather eye” on them, and + should send “a speritual shot across their bows” and bring them to, if + they didn't treat the Aged Mariners handsomely. + </p> + <p> + He also expressed a wish to have his body stitched up in a shotted hammock + and dropped into the harbor; but as he did not strenuously insist on this, + and as it was not in accordance with my grandfather's preconceived notions + of Christian burial, the Admiral was laid to rest beside Kitty, in the Old + South Burying Ground, with an anchor that would have delighted him neatly + carved on his headstone. + </p> + <p> + I am sorry the fire has gone out in the old ship's stove in that sky-blue + cottage at the head of the wharf; I am sorry they have taken down the + flag-staff and painted over the funny port-holes; for I loved the old + cabin as it was. They might have let it alone! + </p> + <p> + For several months after leaving Rivermouth I carried on a voluminous + correspondence with Pepper Whitcomb; but it gradually dwindled down to a + single letter a month, and then to none at all. But while he remained at + the Temple Grammar School he kept me advised of the current gossip of the + town and the doings of the Centipedes. + </p> + <p> + As one by one the boys left the academy—Adams, Harris, Marden, + Blake, and Langdon—to seek their fortunes elsewhere, there was less + to interest me in the old seaport; and when Pepper himself went to + Philadelphia to read law, I had no one to give me an inkling of what was + going on. + </p> + <p> + There wasn't much to go on, to be sure. Great events no longer considered + it worth their while to honor so quiet a place. + </p> + <p> + One Fourth of July the Temple Grammar School burnt down—set on fire, + it was supposed, by an eccentric squib that was seen to bolt into an upper + window—and Mr. Grimshaw retired from public life, married, “and + lived happily ever after,” as the story-books say. + </p> + <p> + The Widow Conway, I am able to state, did not succeed in enslaving Mr. + Meeks, the apothecary, who united himself clandestinely to one of Miss + Dorothy Gibbs's young ladies, and lost the patronage of Primrose Hall in + consequence. + </p> + <p> + Young Conway went into the grocery business with his ancient chum, Rodgers—RODGERS + & CONWAY! I read the sign only last summer when I was down in + Rivermouth, and had half a mind to pop into the shop and shake hands with + him, and ask him if he wanted to fight. I contented myself, however, with + flattening my nose against his dingy shop-window, and beheld Conway, in + red whiskers and blue overalls, weighing out sugar for a customer—giving + him short weight, I'll bet anything! + </p> + <p> + I have reserved my pleasantest word for the last. It is touching the + Captain. The Captain is still hale and rosy, and if he doesn't relate his + exploit in the War of 1812 as spiritedly as he used to, he makes up by + relating it more frequently and telling it differently every time! He + passes his winters in New York and his summers in the Nutter House, which + threatens to prove a hard nut for the destructive gentleman with the + scythe and the hour-glass, for the seaward gable has not yielded a + clapboard to the eastwind these twenty years. The Captain has now become + the Oldest Inhabitant in Rivermouth, and so I don't laugh at the Oldest + Inhabitant any more, but pray in my heart that he may occupy the post of + honor for half a century to come! + </p> + <p> + So ends the Story of a Bad Boy—but not such a very bad boy, as I + told you to begin with. <br /> <br /> + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + + + + + +End of Project Gutenberg's The Story of a Bad Boy, by Thomas Bailey Aldrich + +*** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE STORY OF A BAD BOY *** + +***** This file should be named 1948-h.htm or 1948-h.zip ***** +This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: + http://www.gutenberg.org/1/9/4/1948/ + +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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