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You may copy it, give it away or +re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included +with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org + + +Title: Jack Tier or The Florida Reef + +Author: James Fenimore Cooper + +Release Date: December, 2003 [EBook #4796] +Last Updated: March 11, 2018 + +Language: English + +Character set encoding: UTF-8 + +*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK JACK TIER OR THE FLORIDA REEF *** + + + + +Produced by Charles Aldarondo and David Widger + + + + + +</pre> + <div style="height: 8em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h1> + JACK TIER; + </h1> + <h3> + OR + </h3> + <h2> + THE FLORIDA REEF + </h2> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <h2> + By James Fenimore Cooper + </h2> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <blockquote> + <p> + By The Author Of “The Pilot,” “Red Rover,” “Two Admirals,” “Wing And + Wing,” “Miles Wallingford,” Etc. + </p> + </blockquote> + <p> + <br /> <br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <br /> <br /> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <big><b>CONTENTS</b></big> + </p> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_PREF"> PREFACE. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0002"> <big><b>VOLUME I.</b></big> </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0001"> CHAPTER I. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0002"> CHAPTER II. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0003"> CHAPTER III. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0004"> CHAPTER IV. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0005"> CHAPTER V </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0006"> CHAPTER VI </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0007"> CHAPTER VII. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0008"> CHAPTER VIII. </a> + </p> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0011"> <big><b>VOLUME II.</b></big> </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0009"> CHAPTER I. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0010"> CHAPTER II. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0011"> CHAPTER III. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0012"> CHAPTER IV. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0013"> CHAPTER V. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0014"> CHAPTER VI. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0015"> CHAPTER VII. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0016"> CHAPTER VIII. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0017"> CHAPTER IX. </a> + </p> + <p> + <br /> <br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <br /> <br /> <a name="link2H_PREF" id="link2H_PREF"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + PREFACE. + </h2> + <p> + This work has already appeared in Graham's Magazine, under the title of + “Rose Budd.” The change of name is solely the act of the author, and + arises from a conviction that the appellation given in this publication is + more appropriate than the one laid aside. The necessity of writing to a + name, instead of getting it from the incidents of the book itself, has + been the cause of this departure from the ordinary rules. + </p> + <p> + When this book was commenced, it was generally supposed that the Mexican + war would end, after a few months of hostilities. Such was never the + opinion of the writer. He has ever looked forward to a protracted + struggle; and, now that Congress has begun to interfere, sees as little + probability of its termination, as on the day it commenced. Whence + honourable gentlemen have derived their notions of the constitution, when + they advance the doctrine that Congress is an American Aulic council, + empowered to encumber the movements of armies, and, as old Blucher + expressed it in reference to the diplomacy of Europe, “to spoil with the + pen the work achieved by the sword,” it is difficult to say more than + this, that they do not get them from the constitution itself. It has + generally been supposed that the present executive was created in order to + avoid the very evils of a distracted and divided council, which this new + construction has a direct tendency to revive. But a presidential election + has ever proved, and probably will ever prove, stronger than any written + fundamental law. + </p> + <p> + We have had occasion to refer often to Mexico in these pages. It has been + our aim to do so in a kind spirit; for, while we have never doubted that + the factions which have possessed themselves of the government in that + country have done us great wrong, wrong that would have justified a much + earlier appeal to arms, we have always regarded the class of Mexicans who + alone can properly be termed the 'people,' as mild, amiable, and disposed + to be on friendly terms with us. Providence, however, directs all to the + completion of its own wise ends. If the crust which has so long encircled + that nation, enclosing it in bigotry and ignorance, shall now be + irretrievably broken, letting in light, even Mexico herself may have cause + hereafter to rejoice in her present disasters. It was in this way that + Italy has been, in a manner, regenerated; the conquests of the French + carrying in their train the means and agencies which have, at length, + aroused that glorious portion of the earth to some of its ancient spirit. + Mexico, in certain senses, is the Italy of this continent; and war, + however ruthless and much to be deplored, may yet confer on her the + inestimable blessings of real liberty, and a religion released from “feux + d'artifice,” as well as all other artifices. + </p> + <p> + A word on the facts of our legend. The attentive observer of men and + things has many occasions to note the manner in which ordinary lookers on + deceive themselves, as well as others. The species of treason portrayed in + these pages is no uncommon occurrence; and it will often be found that the + traitor is the loudest in his protestations of patriotism. It is a pretty + safe rule to suspect the man of hypocrisy who makes a parade of his + religion, and the partisan of corruption and selfishness, who is clamorous + about the rights of the people. Captain Spike was altogether above the + first vice; though fairly on level, as respects the second, with divers + patriots who live by their deity. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0002" id="link2H_4_0002"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + VOLUME I. + </h2> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0001" id="link2HCH0001"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER I. + </h2> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + Pros. + + Why, that's my spirit! + But was not this nigh shore? + + Ariel. + + Close by, my master. + + Pros. + + But are they, Ariel, safe? + + Ariel. + + Not a hair perished: + + Tempest. +</pre> + <p> + “D'ye here there, Mr. Mulford?” called out Capt. Stephen Spike, of the + half-rigged, brigantine Swash, or Molly Swash, as was her registered name, + to his mate—“we shall be dropping out as soon as the tide makes, and + I intend to get through the Gate, at least, on the next flood. Waiting for + a wind in port is lubberly seamanship, for he that wants one should go + outside and look for it.” + </p> + <p> + This call was uttered from a wharf of the renowned city of Manhattan, to + one who was in the trunk-cabin of a clipper-looking craft, of the name + mentioned, and on the deck of which not a soul was visible. Nor was the + wharf, though one of those wooden piers that line the arm of the sea that + is called the East River, such a spot as ordinarily presents itself to the + mind of the reader, or listener, when an allusion is made to a wharf of + that town which it is the fashion of the times to call the Commercial + Emporium of America—as if there might very well be an emporium of + any other character. The wharf in question had not a single vessel of any + sort lying at, or indeed very near it, with the exception of the Molly + Swash. As it actually stood on the eastern side of the town, it is + scarcely necessary to say that such a wharf could only be found high up, + and at a considerable distance from the usual haunts of commerce. The brig + lay more than a mile above the Hook (Corlaer's, of course, is meant—not + Sandy Hook) and quite near to the old Alms House—far above the + ship-yards, in fact. It was a solitary place for a vessel, in the midst of + a crowd. The grum top-chain voice of Captain Spike had nothing there to + mingle with, or interrupt its harsh tones, and it instantly brought on + deck Harry Mulford, the mate in question, apparently eager to receive his + orders. + </p> + <p> + “Did you hail, Captain Spike?” called out the mate, a tight, well-grown, + straight-built, handsome sailor-lad of two or three-and-twenty—one + full of health, strength and manliness. + </p> + <p> + “Hail! If you call straining a man's throat until he's hoarse, hailing, I + believe I did. I flatter myself, there is not a man north of Hatteras that + can make himself heard further in gale of wind than a certain gentleman + who is to be found within a foot of the spot where I stand. Yet, sir, I've + been hailing the Swash these five minutes, and thankful am I to find some + one at last who is on board to answer me.” + </p> + <p> + “What are your orders, Capt. Spike?” + </p> + <p> + “To see all clear for a start as soon as the flood makes. I shall go + through the Gate on the next young flood, and I hope you'll have all the + hands aboard in time. I see two or three of them up at that Dutch + beer-house, this moment, and can tell'em; in plain language, if they come + here with their beer aboard them, they'll have to go ashore again.” + </p> + <p> + “You have an uncommonly sober crew, Capt. Spike,” answered the young man, + with great calmness. “During the whole time I have been with them, I have + not seen a man among them the least in the wind.” + </p> + <p> + “Well, I hope it will turn out that I've an uncommonly sober mate in the + bargain. Drunkenness I abominate, Mr. Mulford, and I can tell you, short + metre, that I will not stand it.” + </p> + <p> + “May I inquire if you ever saw me, the least in the world, under the + influence of liquor, Capt. Spike?” demanded the mate, rather than asked, + with a very fixed meaning in his manner. + </p> + <p> + “I keep no log-book of trifles, Mr. Mulford, and cannot say. No man is the + worse for bowsing out his jib when off duty, though a drunkard's a thing I + despise. Well, well—remember, sir, that the Molly Swash casts off on + the young flood, and that Rose Budd and the good lady, her aunt, take + passage in her, this v'y'ge.” + </p> + <p> + “Is it possible that you have persuaded them into that, at last!” + exclaimed the handsome mate. + </p> + <p> + “Persuaded! It takes no great persuasion, sir, to get the ladies to try + their luck in that brig. Lady Washington herself, if she was alive and + disposed to a sea-v'y'ge, might be glad of the chance. We've a ladies' + cabin, you know, and it's suitable that it should have some one to occupy + it. Old Mrs. Budd is a sensible woman, and takes time by the forelock. + Rose is ailin'—pulmonary they call it, I believe, and her aunt + wishes to try the sea for her constitution—” + </p> + <p> + “Rose Budd has no more of a pulmonary constitution than I have myself,” + interrupted the mate. + </p> + <p> + “Well, that's as people fancy. You must know, Mr. Mulford, they've got all + sorts of diseases now-a-days, and all sorts of cures for'em. One sort of a + cure for consumption is what they tarm the Hyder-Ally—” + </p> + <p> + “I think you must mean hydropathy, sir—” + </p> + <p> + “Well it's something of the sort, no matter what—but cold water is + at the bottom of it, and they do say it's a good remedy. Now Rose's aunt + thinks if cold water is what is wanted, there is no place where it can be + so plenty as out on the ocean. Sea-air is good, too, and by taking a + v'y'ge her niece will get both requisites together, and cheap.” + </p> + <p> + “Does Rose Budd think herself consumptive, Capt. Spike?” asked Mulford, + with interest. + </p> + <p> + “Not she—you know it will never do to alarm a pulmonary, so Mrs. + Budd has held her tongue carefully on the subject before the young woman. + Rose fancies that her aunt is out of sorts, and that the v'y'ge is tried + on her account—but the aunt, the cunning thing, knows all about it.” + </p> + <p> + Mulford almost nauseated the expression of his commander's countenance + while Spike uttered the last words. At no time was that countenance very + inviting, the features being coarse and vulgar, while the color of the + entire face was of an ambiguous red, in which liquor and the seasons would + seem to be blended in very equal quantities. Such a countenance, lighted + up by a gleam of successful management, not to say with hopes and wishes + that it will hardly do to dwell on, could not but be revolting to a youth + of Harry Mulford's generous feelings, and most of all to one who + entertained the sentiments which he was quite conscious of entertaining + for Rose Budd. The young man made no reply, but turned his face toward the + water, in order to conceal the expression of disgust that he was sensible + must be strongly depicted on it. + </p> + <p> + The river, as the well-known arm of the sea in which the Swash was lying + is erroneously termed, was just at that moment unusually clear of craft, + and not a sail, larger than that of a boat, was to be seen between the end + of Blackwell's Island and Corlaer's Hook, a distance of about a league. + This stagnation in the movement of the port, at that particular point, was + owing to the state of wind and tide. Of the first, there was little more + than a southerly air, while the last was about two-thirds ebb. Nearly + everything that was expected on that tide, coast-wise, and by the way of + the Sound, had already arrived, and nothing could go eastward, with that + light breeze and under canvas, until the flood made. Of course it was + different with the steamers, who were paddling about like so many ducks, + steering in all directions, though mostly crossing and re-crossing at the + ferries. Just as Mulford turned away from his commander, however, a large + vessel of that class shoved her bows into the view, doubling the Hook, and + going eastward. The first glance at this vessel sufficed to drive even + Rose Budd momentarily out of the minds of both master and mate, and to + give a new current to their thoughts. Spike had been on the point of + walking up the wharf, but he now so far changed his purpose as actually to + jump on board of the brig and spring up alongside of his mate, on the + taffrail, in order to get a better look at the steamer. Mulford, who + loathed so much in his commander, was actually glad of this, Spike's rare + merit as a seaman forming a sort of attraction that held him, as it might + be against his own will, bound to his service. + </p> + <p> + “What will they do next, Harry?” exclaimed the master, his manner and + voice actually humanized, in air and sound at least, by this unexpected + view of something new in his calling—“What will they do next?” + </p> + <p> + “I see no wheels, sir, nor any movement in the water astern, as if she + were a propeller,” returned the young man. + </p> + <p> + “She's an out-of-the-way sort of a hussy! She's a man-of-war, too—one + of Uncle Sam's new efforts.” + </p> + <p> + “That can hardly be, sir. Uncle Sam has but three steamers, of any size or + force, now the Missouri is burned; and yonder is one of them, lying at the + Navy Yard, while another is, or was lately, laid up at Boston. The third + is in the Gulf. This must be an entirely new vessel, if she belong to + Uncle Sam.” + </p> + <p> + “New! She's as new as a Governor, and they tell me they've got so now that + they choose five or six of them, up at Albany, every fall. That craft is + sea-going, Mr. Mulford, as any one can tell at a glance. She's none of + your passenger-hoys.” + </p> + <p> + “That's plain enough, sir—and she's armed. Perhaps she's English, + and they've brought her here into this open spot to try some new + machinery. Ay, ay! she's about to set her ensign to the navy men at the + yard, and we shall see to whom she belongs.” + </p> + <p> + A long, low, expressive whistle from Spike succeeded this remark, the + colours of the steamer going up to the end of a gaff on the sternmost of + her schooner-rigged masts, just as Mulford ceased speaking. There was just + air enough, aided by the steamer's motion, to open the bunting, and let + the spectators see the design. There were the stars and stripes, as usual, + but the last ran perpendicularly, instead of in a horizontal direction. + </p> + <p> + “Revenue, by George!” exclaimed the master, as soon as his breath was + exhausted in the whistle. “Who would have believed they could screw + themselves up to doing such a thing in that bloody service?” + </p> + <p> + “I now remember to have heard that Uncle Sam was building some large + steamers for the revenue service, and, if I mistake not, with some new + invention to get along with, that is neither wheel nor propeller. This + must be one of these new craft, brought out here, into open water, just to + try her, sir.” + </p> + <p> + “You're right, sir, you're right. As to the natur' of the beast, you see + her buntin', and no honest man can want more. If there's anything I do + hate, it is that flag, with its unnat'ral stripes, up and down, instead of + running in the true old way. I have heard a lawyer say, that the revenue + flag of this country is onconstitutional, and that a vessel carrying it on + the high seas might be sent in for piracy.” + </p> + <p> + Although Harry Mulford was neither Puffendorf, nor Grotius, he had too + much common sense, and too little prejudice in favour of even his own + vocation, to swallow such a theory, had fifty Cherry Street lawyers sworn + to its justice. A smile crossed his fine, firm-looking mouth, and + something very like a reflection of that smile, if smiles can be reflected + in one's own countenance, gleamed in his fine, large, dark eye. + </p> + <p> + “It would be somewhat singular, Capt, Spike,” he said, “if a vessel + belonging to any nation should be seized as a pirate. The fact that she is + national in character would clear her.” + </p> + <p> + “Then let her carry a national flag, and be d—d to her,” answered + Spike fiercely. “I can show you law for what I say, Mr. Mulford. The + American flag has its stripes fore and aft by law, and this chap carries + his stripes parpendic'lar. If I commanded a cruiser, and fell in with one + of these up and down gentry, blast me if I wouldn't just send him into + port, and try the question in the old Alms-House.” + </p> + <p> + Mulford probably did not think it worth while to argue the point any + further, understanding the dogmatism and stolidity of his commander too + well to deem it necessary. He preferred to turn to the consideration of + the qualities of the steamer in sight, a subject on which, as seamen, they + might better sympathize. + </p> + <p> + “That's a droll-looking revenue cutter, after all, Capt. Spike,” he said—“a + craft better fitted to go in a fleet, as a look-out vessel, than to chase + a smuggler in-shore.” + </p> + <p> + “And no goer in the bargain! I do not see how she gets along, for she + keeps all snug under water; but, unless she can travel faster than she + does just now, the Molly Swash would soon lend her the Mother Carey's + Chickens of her own wake to amuse her.” + </p> + <p> + “She has the tide against her, just here, sir; no doubt she would do + better in still water.” + </p> + <p> + Spike muttered something between his teeth, and jumped down on deck, + seemingly dismissing the subject of the revenue entirely from his mind. + His old, coarse, authoritative manner returned, and he again spoke to his + mate about Rose Budd, her aunt, the “ladies' cabin,” the “young flood,” + and “casting off,” as soon as the last made. Mulford listened + respectfully, though with a manifest distaste for the instructions he was + receiving. He knew his man, and a feeling of dark distrust came over him, + as he listened to his orders concerning the famous accommodations he + intended to give to Rose Budd and that “capital old lady, her aunt;” his + opinion of “the immense deal of good sea-air and a v'y'ge would do Rose,” + and how “comfortable they both would be on board the Molly Swash.” + </p> + <p> + “I honour and respect, Mrs. Budd, as my captain's lady, you see, Mr. + Mulford, and intend to treat her accordin'ly. She knows it—and Rose + knows it—and they both declare they'd rather sail with me, since + sail they must, than with any other ship-master out of America.” + </p> + <p> + “You sailed once with Capt. Budd yourself, I think I have heard you say, + sir?” + </p> + <p> + “The old fellow brought me up. I was with him from my tenth to my + twentieth year, and then broke adrift to see fashions. We all do that, you + know, Mr. Mulford, when we are young and ambitious, and my turn came as + well as another's.” + </p> + <p> + “Capt. Budd must have been a good deal older than his wife, sir, if you + sailed with him when a boy,” Mulford observed a little drily. + </p> + <p> + “Yes; I own to forty-eight, though no one would think me more than five or + six-and-thirty, to look at me. There was a great difference between old + Dick Budd and his wife, as you say, he being about fifty, when he married, + and she less than twenty. Fifty is a good age for matrimony, in a man, + Mulford; as is twenty in a young woman.” + </p> + <p> + “Rose Budd is not yet nineteen, I have heard her say,” returned the mate, + with emphasis. + </p> + <p> + “Youngish, I will own, but that's a fault a liberal-minded man can + overlook. Every day, too, will lessen it. Well, look to the cabins, and + see all clear for a start. Josh will be down presently with a cart-load of + stores, and you'll take 'em aboard without delay.” + </p> + <p> + As Spike uttered this order, his foot was on the plank-sheer of the + bulwarks, in the act of passing to the wharf again. On reaching the shore, + he turned and looked intently at the revenue steamer, and his lips moved, + as if he were secretly uttering maledictions on her. We say maledictions, + as the expression of his fierce ill-favoured countenance too plainly + showed that they could not be blessings. As for Mulford, there was still + something on his mind, and he followed to the gangway ladder and ascended + it, waiting for a moment when the mind of his commander might be less + occupied to speak. The opportunity soon occurred, Spike having satisfied + himself with the second look at the steamer. + </p> + <p> + “I hope you don't mean to sail again without a second mate, Capt. Spike?” + he said. + </p> + <p> + “I do though, I can tell you. I hate Dickies—they are always in the + way, and the captain has to keep just as much of a watch with one as + without one.” + </p> + <p> + “That will depend on his quality. You and I have both been Dickies in our + time, sir; and my time was not long ago.” + </p> + <p> + “Ay—ay—I know all about it—but you didn't stick to it + long enough to get spoiled. I would have no man aboard the Swash who made + more than two v'y'ges as second officer. As I want no spies aboard my + craft, I'll try it once more without a Dicky.” + </p> + <p> + Saying this in a sufficiently positive manner, Capt. Stephen Spike rolled + up the wharf, much as a ship goes off before the wind, now inclining to + the right, and then again to the left. The gait of the man would have + proclaimed him a sea-dog, to any one acquainted with that animal, as far + as he could be seen. The short squab figure, the arms bent nearly at right + angles at the elbow, and working like two fins with each roll of the body, + the stumpy, solid legs, with the feet looking in the line of his course + and kept wide apart, would all have contributed to the making up of such + an opinion. Accustomed as he was to this beautiful sight, Harry Mulford + kept his eyes riveted on the retiring person of his commander, until it + disappeared behind a pile of lumber, waddling always in the direction of + the more thickly peopled parts of the town. Then he turned and gazed at + the steamer, which, by this time, had fairly passed the brig, and seemed + to be actually bound through the Gate. That steamer was certainly a + noble-looking craft, but our young man fancied she struggled along through + the water heavily. She might be quick at need, but she did not promise as + much by her present rate of moving. Still, she was a noble-looking craft, + and, as Mulford descended to the deck again, he almost regretted he did + not belong to her; or, at least, to anything but the Molly Swash. + </p> + <p> + Two hours produced a sensible change in and around that brigantine. Her + people had all come back to duty, and what was very remarkable among + seafaring folk, sober to a man. But, as has been said, Spike was a + temperance man, as respects all under his orders at least, if not strictly + so in practice himself. The crew of the Swash was large for a half-rigged + brig of only two hundred tons, but, as her spars were very square, and all + her gear as well as her mould seemed constructed for speed, it was + probable more hands than common were necessary to work her with facility + and expedition. After all, there were not many persons to be enumerated + among the “people of the Molly Swash,” as they called themselves; not more + than a dozen, including those aft, as well as those forward. A peculiar + feature of this crew, however, was the circumstance that they were all + middle-aged men, with the exception of the mate, and all thorough-bred + sea-dogs. Even Josh, the cabin-boy, as he was called, was an old, + wrinkled, gray-headed negro, of near sixty. If the crew wanted a little in + the elasticity of youth, it possessed the steadiness and experience of + their time of life, every man appearing to know exactly what to do, and + when to do it. This, indeed, composed their great merit; an advantage that + Spike well knew how to appreciate. + </p> + <p> + The stores had been brought alongside of the brig in a cart, and were + already showed in their places. Josh had brushed and swept, until the + ladies' cabin could be made no neater. This ladies' cabin was a small + apartment beneath a trunk, which was, ingeniously enough, separated from + the main cabin by pantries and double doors. The arrangement was unusual, + and Spike had several times hinted that there was a history connected with + that cabin; though what the history was Mulford never could induce him to + relate. The latter knew that the brig had been used for a forced trade on + the Spanish Main, and had heard something of her deeds in bringing off + specie, and proscribed persons, at different epochs in the revolutions of + that part of the world, and he had always understood that her present + commander and owner had sailed in her, as mate, for many years before he + had risen to his present station. Now, all was regular in the way of + records, bills of sale, and other documents; Stephen Spike appearing in + both the capacities just named. The register proved that the brig had been + built as far back as the last English war, as a private cruiser, but + recent and extensive repairs had made her “better than new,” as her owner + insisted, and there was no question as to her sea-worthiness. It is true + the insurance offices blew upon her, and would have nothing to do with a + craft that had seen her two score years and ten; but this gave none who + belonged to her any concern, inasmuch as they could scarcely have been + underwritten in their trade, let the age of the vessel be what it might. + It was enough for them that the brig was safe and exceedingly fast, + insurances never saving the lives of the people, whatever else might be + their advantages. With Mulford it was an additional recommendation, that + the Swash was usually thought to be of uncommonly just proportions. + </p> + <p> + By half-past two, P. M., everything was ready for getting the brigantine + under way. Her fore-topsail—or foretawsail as Spike called it—was + loose, the fasts were singled, and a spring had been carried to a post in + the wharf, that was well forward of the starboard bow, and the brig's head + turned to the southwest, or down the stream, and consequently facing the + young flood. Nothing seemed to connect the vessel with the land but a + broad gangway plank, to which Mulford had attached life-lines, with more + care than it is usual to meet with on board of vessels employed in short + voyages. The men stood about the decks with their arms thrust into the + bosoms of their shirts, and the whole picture was one of silent, and + possibly of somewhat uneasy expectation. Nothing was said, however; + Mulford walking the quarter-deck alone, occasionally looking up the still + little tenanted streets of that quarter of the suburbs, as if to search + for a carriage. As for the revenue-steamer, she had long before gone + through the southern passage of Blackwell's, steering for the Gate. + </p> + <p> + “Dat's dem, Mr. Mulford,” Josh at length cried, from the look-out he had + taken in a stern-port, where he could see over the low bulwarks of the + vessel. “Yes, dat's dem, sir. I know dat old gray horse dat carries his + head so low and sorrowful like, as a horse has a right to do dat has to + drag a cab about this big town. My eye! what a horse it is, sir!” + </p> + <p> + Josh was right, not only as to the gray horse that carried his head + “sorrowful like,” but as to the cab and its contents. The vehicle was soon + on the wharf, and in its door soon appeared the short, sturdy figure of + Capt. Spike, backing out, much as a bear descends a tree. On top of the + vehicle were several light articles of female appliances, in the shape of + bandboxes, bags, &c., the trunks having previously arrived in a cart. + Well might that over-driven gray horse appear sorrowful, and travel with a + lowered head. The cab, when it gave up its contents, discovered a load of + no less than four persons besides the driver, all of weight, and of + dimensions in proportion, with the exception of the pretty and youthful + Rose Budd. Even she was plump, and of a well-rounded person; though still + light and slender. But her aunt was a fair picture of a ship-master's + widow; solid, comfortable and buxom. Neither was she old, nor ugly. On the + contrary, her years did not exceed forty, and being well preserved, in + consequence of never having been a mother, she might even have passed for + thirty-five. The great objection to her appearance was the somewhat + indefinite character of her shape, which seemed to blend too many of its + charms into one. The fourth person, in the fare, was Biddy Noon, the Irish + servant and factotum of Mrs. Budd, who was a pock-marked, red-faced, and + red-armed single woman, about her mistress's own age and weight, though + less stout to the eye. + </p> + <p> + Of Rose we shall not stop to say much here. Her deep-blue eye, which was + equally spirited and gentle, if one can use such contradictory terms, + seemed alive with interest and curiosity, running over the brig, the + wharf, the arm of the sea, the two islands, and all near her, including + the Alms-House, with such a devouring rapidity as might be expected in a + town-bred girl, who was setting out on her travels for the first time. Let + us be understood; we say town-bred, because such was the fact; for Rose + Budd had been both born and educated in Manhattan, though we are far from + wishing to be understood that she was either very well-born, or highly + educated. Her station in life may be inferred from that of her aunt, and + her education from her station. Of the two, the last was, perhaps, a + trifle the highest. + </p> + <p> + We have said that the fine blue eye of Rose passed swiftly over the + various objects near her, as she alighted from the cab, and it naturally + took in the form of Harry Mulford, as he stood in the gangway, offering + his arm to aid her aunt and herself in passing the brig's side. A smile of + recognition was exchanged between the young people, as their eyes met, and + the colour, which formed so bright a charm in Rose's sweet face, deepened, + in a way to prove that that colour spoke with a tongue and eloquence of + its own. Nor was Mulford's cheek mute on the occasion, though he helped + the hesitating, half-doubting, half-bold girl along the plank with a + steady hand and rigid muscles. As for the aunt, as a captain's widow, she + had not felt it necessary to betray any extraordinary emotions in + ascending the plank, unless, indeed, it might be those of delight on + finding her foot once more on the deck of a vessel! + </p> + <p> + Something of the same feeling governed Biddy, too, for, as Mulford civilly + extended his hand to her also, she exclaimed—“No fear of me, Mr. + Mate—I came from Ireland by wather, and knows all about ships and + brigs, I do. If you could have seen the times we had, and the saas we + crossed, you'd not think it nadeful to say much to the likes iv me.” + </p> + <p> + Spike had tact enough to understand he would be out of his element in + assisting females along that plank, and he was busy in sending what he + called “the old lady's dunnage” on board, and in discharging the cabman. + As soon as this was done, he sprang into the main-channels, and thence vid + the bulwarks, on deck, ordering the plank to be hauled aboard. A solitary + labourer was paid a quarter to throw off the fasts from the ring-bolts and + posts, and everything was instantly in motion to cast the brig loose. Work + went on as if the vessel were in haste, and it consequently went on with + activity. Spike bestirred himself, giving his orders in a way to denote he + had been long accustomed to exercise authority on the deck of a vessel, + and knew his calling to its minutiæ. The only ostensible difference + between his deportment to-day and on any ordinary occasion, perhaps, was + in the circumstance that he now seemed anxious to get clear of the wharf, + and that in a way which might have attracted notice in any suspicious and + attentive observer. It is possible that such a one was not very distant, + and that Spike was aware of his presence, for a respectable-looking, + well-dressed, middle-aged man had come down one of the adjacent streets, + to a spot within a hundred yards of the wharf, and stood silently watching + the movements of the brig, as he leaned against a fence. The want of + houses in that quarter enabled any person to see this stranger from the + deck of the Swash, but no one on board her seemed to regard him at all, + unless it might be the master. + </p> + <p> + “Come, bear a hand, my hearty, and toss that bow-fast clear,” cried the + captain, whose impatience to be off seemed to increase as the time to do + so approached nearer and nearer. “Off with it, at once, and let her go.” + </p> + <p> + The man on the wharf threw the turns of the hawser clear of the post, and + the Swash was released forward. A smaller line, for a spring, had been run + some distance along the wharves, ahead of the vessel, and brought in aft. + Her people clapped on this, and gave way to their craft, which, being + comparatively light, was easily moved, and was very manageable. As this + was done, the distant spectator who had been leaning on the fence moved + toward the wharf with a step a little quicker than common. Almost at the + same instant, a short, stout, sailor-like looking little person, waddled + down the nearest street, seeming to be in somewhat of a hurry, and + presently he joined the other stranger, and appeared to enter into + conversation with him; pointing toward the Swash as he did so. All this + time, both continued to advance toward the wharf. + </p> + <p> + In the meanwhile, Spike and his people were not idle. The tide did not run + very strong near the wharves and in the sort of a bight in which the + vessel had lain; but, such as it was, it soon took the brig on her inner + bow, and began to cast her head off shore. The people at the spring pulled + away with all their force, and got sufficient motion on their vessel to + overcome the tide, and to give the rudder an influence. The latter was put + hard a-starboard, and helped to cast the brig's head to the southward. + </p> + <p> + Down to this moment, the only sail that was loose on board the Swash was + the fore-topsail, as mentioned. This still hung in the gear, but a hand + had been sent aloft to overhaul the buntlines and clewlines, and men were + also at the sheets. In a minute the sail was ready for hoisting. The Swash + carried a wapper of a fore-and-aft mainsail, and, what is more, it was + fitted with a standing gaff, for appearance in port. At sea, Spike knew + better than to trust to this arrangement; but in fine weather, and close + in with the land, he found it convenient to have this sail haul out and + brail like a ship's spanker. As the gaff was now aloft, it was only + necessary to let go the brails to loosen this broad sheet of canvas, and + to clap on the out-hauler, to set it. This was probably the reason why the + brig was so unceremoniously cast into the stream, without showing more of + her cloth. The jib and flying-jibs, however, did at that moment drop + beneath their booms, ready for hoisting. + </p> + <p> + Such was the state of things as the two strangers came first upon the + wharf. Spike was on the taffrail, overhauling the main-sheet, and Mulford + was near him, casting the foretopsail braces from the pins, preparatory to + clapping on the halyards. + </p> + <p> + “I say, Mr. Mulford,” asked the captain, “did you ever see either of them + chaps afore? These jokers on the wharf, I mean.” + </p> + <p> + “Not to my recollection, sir,” answered the mate, looking over the + taffrail to examine the parties. “The little one is a burster! The + funniest-looking little fat old fellow I've seen in many a day.” + </p> + <p> + “Ay, ay, them fat little bursters, as you call 'em, are sometimes full of + the devil. I do n't like either of the chaps, and am right glad we are + well cast, before they got here.” + </p> + <p> + “I do not think either would be likely to do us much harm, Capt. Spike.” + </p> + <p> + “There's no knowing sir. The biggest fellow looks as if he might lug out a + silver oar at any moment.” + </p> + <p> + “I believe the silver oar is no longer used, in this country at least,” + answered Mulford, smiling. “And if it were, what have we to fear from it? + I fancy the brig has paid her reckoning.” + </p> + <p> + “She do n't owe a cent, nor ever shall for twenty-four hours after the + bill is made out, while I own her. They call me ready-money Stephen, round + among the ship-chandlers and caulkers. But I do n't like them chaps, and + what I do n't relish I never swallow, you know.” + </p> + <p> + “They 'll hardly try to get aboard us, sir; you see we are quite clear of + the wharf, and the mainsail will take now, if we set it.” + </p> + <p> + Spike ordered the mate to clap on the outhauler, and spread that broad + sheet of canvas at once to the little breeze there was. This was almost + immediately done, when the sail filled, and began to be felt on the + movement of the vessel. Still, that movement was very slow, the wind being + so light, and the vis inertioe of so large a body remaining to be + overcome. The brig receded from the wharf, almost in a line at right + angles to its face, inch by inch, as it might be, dropping slowly up with + the tide at the same time. Mulford now passed forward to set the jibs, and + to get the topsail on the craft, leaving Spike on the taffrail, keenly + eyeing the strangers, who, by this time, had got down nearly to the end of + the wharf, at the berth so lately occupied by the Swash. That the captain + was uneasy was evident enough, that feeling being exhibited in his + countenance, blended with a malignant ferocity. + </p> + <p> + “Has that brig any pilot?” asked the larger and better-looking of the two + strangers. + </p> + <p> + “What's that to you, friend?” demanded Spike, in return. “Have you a + Hell-Gate branch?” + </p> + <p> + “I may have one, or I may not. It is not usual for so large a craft to run + the Gate without a pilot.” + </p> + <p> + “Oh! my gentleman's below, brushing up his logarithms. We shall have him + on deck to take his departure before long, when I'll let him know your + kind inquiries after his health.” + </p> + <p> + The man on the wharf seemed to be familiar with this sort of sea-wit, and + he made no answer, but continued that close scrutiny of the brig, by + turning his eyes in all directions, now looking below, and now aloft, + which had in truth occasioned Spike's principal cause for uneasiness. + </p> + <p> + “Is not that Capt. Stephen Spike, of the brigantine Molly Swash?” called + out the little, dumpling-looking person, in a cracked, dwarfish sort of a + voice, that was admirably adapted to his appearance. Our captain fairly + started; turned full toward the speaker; regarded him intently for a + moment; and gulped the words he was about to utter, like one confounded. + As he gazed, however, at little dumpy, examining his bow-legs, red broad + cheeks, and coarse snub nose, he seemed to regain his self-command, as if + satisfied the dead had not really returned to life. + </p> + <p> + “Are you acquainted with the gentleman you have named?” he asked, by way + of answer. “You speak of him like one who ought to know him.” + </p> + <p> + “A body is apt to know a shipmate. Stephen Spike and I sailed together + twenty years since, and I hope to live to sail with him again.” + </p> + <p> + “You sail with Stephen Spike? when and where, may I ask, and in what + v'y'ge, pray?” + </p> + <p> + “The last time was twenty years since. Have you forgotten little Jack + Tier, Capt. Spike?” + </p> + <p> + Spike looked astonished, and well he might, for he had supposed Jack to be + dead fully fifteen years. Time and hard service had greatly altered him, + but the general resemblance in figure, stature, and waddle, certainly + remained. Notwithstanding, the Jack Tier that Spike remembered was quite a + different person from this Jack Tier. That Jack had worn his intensely + black hair clubbed and curled, whereas this Jack had cut his locks into + short bristles, which time had turned into an intense gray. That Jack was + short and thick, but he was flat and square; whereas this Jack was just as + short, a good deal thicker, and as round as a dumpling. In one thing, + however, the likeness still remained perfect. Both Jacks chewed tobacco, + to a degree that became a distinct feature in their appearance. + </p> + <p> + Spike had many reasons for wishing Jack Tier were not resuscitated in this + extraordinary manner, and some for being glad to see him. The fellow had + once been largely in his confidence, and knew more than was quite safe for + any one to remember but himself, while he might be of great use to him in + his future, operations. It is always convenient to have one at your elbow + who thoroughly understands you, and Spike would have lowered a boat and + sent it to the wharf to bring Jack off, were it not for the gentleman who + was so inquisitive about pilots. Under the circumstances, he determined to + forego the advantages of Jack's presence, reserving the right to hunt him + up on his return. + </p> + <p> + The reader will readily enough comprehend, that the Molly Swash was not + absolutely standing still while the dialogue related was going on, and the + thoughts we have recorded were passing through her master's mind. On the + contrary, she was not only in motion, but that motion was gradually + increasing, and by the time all was said that has been related, it had + become necessary for those who spoke to raise their voices to an + inconvenient pitch in order to be heard. This circumstance alone would + soon have put an end to the conversation, had not Spike's pausing to + reflect brought about the same result, as mentioned. + </p> + <p> + In the mean time, Mulford had got the canvas spread. Forward, the Swash + showed all the cloth of a full-rigged brig, even to royals and flying jib; + while aft, her mast was the raking, tall, naked pole of an American + schooner. There was a taunt topmast, too, to which a gaff-topsail was set, + and the gear proved that she could also show, at need, a staysail in this + part of her, if necessary. As the Gate was before them, however, the + people had set none but the plain, manageable canvas. + </p> + <p> + The Molly Swash kept close on a wind, luffing athwar the broad reach she + was in, until far enough to weather Blackwell's, when she edged off to her + course, and went through the southern passage. Although the wind remained + light, and a little baffling, the brig was so easily impelled, and was so + very handy, that there was no difficulty in keeping her perfectly in + command. The tide, too, was fast increasing in strength and volocity, and + the movement from this cause alone was getting to be sufficiently rapid. + </p> + <p> + As for the passengers, of whom we have lost sight in order to get the brig + under way, they were now on deck again. At first, they had all gone below, + under the care of Josh, a somewhat rough groom of the chambers, to take + possession of their apartment, a sufficiently neat, and exceedingly + comfortable cabin, supplied with everything that could be wanted at sea, + and, what was more, lined on two of its sides with state-rooms. It is + true, all these apartments were small, and the state-rooms were very low, + but no fault could be found with their neatness and general arrangements, + when it was recollected that one was on board a vessel. + </p> + <p> + “Here ebbery t'ing heart can wish,” said Josh, exultingly, who, being an + old-school black, did not disdain to use some of the old-school dialect of + his caste. “Yes, ladies, ebbery t'ing. Let Cap'n Spike alone for dat! He + won'erful at accommodation! Not a bed-bug aft—know better dan come + here; jest like de people, in dat respects, and keep deir place forrard. + You nebber see a pig come on de quarter-deck, nudder.” + </p> + <p> + “You must maintain excellent discipline, Josh,” cried Rose, in one of the + sweetest voices in the world, which was easily attuned to merriment—“and + we are delighted to learn what you tell us. How do you manage to keep up + these distinctions, and make such creatures know their places so well?” + </p> + <p> + “Nuttin easier, if you begin right, miss. As for de pig, I teach dem wid + scaldin' water. Wheneber I sees a pig come aft, I gets a little water from + de copper, and just scald him wid it. You can't t'ink, miss, how dat mend + his manners, and make him squeel fuss, and t'ink arter. In dat fashion I + soon get de ole ones in good trainin', and den I has no more trouble with + dem as comes fresh aboard; for de ole hog tell de young one, and 'em + won'erful cunnin', and know how to take care of 'emself.” + </p> + <p> + Rose Budd's sweet eyes were full of fun and expectation, and she could no + more repress her laugh than youth and spirits can always be discreet. + </p> + <p> + “Yes, with the pigs,” she cried, “that might do very well; but how is it + with those—other creatures?” + </p> + <p> + “Rosy, dear,” interrupted the aunt, “I wish you would say no more about + such shocking things. It's enough for us that Capt. Spike has ordered them + all to stay forward among the men, which is always done on board well + disciplined vessels. I've heard your uncle say, a hundred times, that the + quarter-deck was sacred, and that might be enough to keep such animals off + it.” + </p> + <p> + It was barely necessary to look at Mrs. Budd in the face to get a very + accurate general notion of her character. She was one of those inane, + uncultivated beings who seem to be protected by a benevolent Providence in + their pilgrimage on earth, for they do not seem to possess the power to + protect themselves. Her very countenance expressed imbecility and mental + dependence, credulity and a love of gossip. Notwithstanding these radical + weaknesses, the good woman had some of the better instincts of her sex, + and was never guilty of anything that could properly convey reproach. + </p> + <p> + She was no monitress for Rose, however, the niece much oftener influencing + the aunt, than the aunt influencing the niece. The latter had been + fortunate in having had an excellent instructress, who, though incapable + of teaching her much in the way of accomplishments, had imparted a great + deal that was respectable and useful. Rose had character, and strong + character, too, as the course of our narrative will show; but her worthy + aunt was a pure picture of as much mental imbecility as at all comported + with the privileges of self-government. + </p> + <p> + The conversation about “those other creatures” was effectually checked by + Mrs. Budd's horror of the “animals,” and Josh was called on deck so + shortly after as to prevent its being renewed. The females staid below a + few minutes, to take possession, and then they re-appeared on deck, to + gaze at the horrors of the Hell Gate passage. Rose was all eyes, wonder + and admiration of everything she saw. This was actually the first time she + had ever been on the water, in any sort of craft, though born and brought + up in sight of one of the most thronged havens in the world. But there + must be a beginning to everything, and this was Rose Budd's beginning on + the water. It is true the brigantine was a very beautiful, as well as an + exceedingly swift vessel; but all this was lost on Rose, who would have + admired a horse-jockey bound to the West Indies, in this the incipient + state of her nautical knowledge. Perhaps the exquisite neatness that + Mulford maintained about everything that came under his care, and that + included everything on deck, or above-board, and about which neatness + Spike occasionally muttered an oath, as so much senseless trouble, + contributed somewhat to Rose's pleasure; but her admiration would scarcely + have been less with anything that had sails, and seemed to move through + the water with a power approaching that of volition. + </p> + <p> + It was very different with Mrs. Budd, She, good woman, had actually made + one voyage with her late husband, and she fancied that she knew all about + a vessel. It was her delight to talk on nautical subjects, and never did + she really feel her great superiority over her niece, so very + unequivocally, as when the subject of the ocean was introduced, about + which she did know something, and touching which Rose was profoundly + ignorant, or as ignorant as a girl of lively imagination could remain with + the information gleaned from others. + </p> + <p> + “I am not surprised you are astonished at the sight of the vessel, Rosy,” + observed the self-complacent aunt at one of her niece's exclamations of + admiration. “A vessel is a very wonderful thing, and we are told what + extr'orny beings they are that 'go down to the sea in ships.' But you are + to know this is not a ship at all, but only a half-jigger rigged, which is + altogether a different thing.” + </p> + <p> + “Was my uncle's vessel, The Rose In Bloom, then, very different from the + Swash?” + </p> + <p> + “Very different indeed, child! Why, The Rose In Bloom was a full-jiggered + ship, and had twelve masts—and this is only a half-jiggered brig, + and has but two masts. See, you may count them—one—two!” + </p> + <p> + Harry Mulford was coiling away a top-gallant-brace, directly in front of + Mrs. Budd and Rose, and, at hearing this account of the wonderful + equipment of The Rose In Bloom, he suddenly looked up, with a lurking + expression about his eye that the niece very well comprehended, while he + exclaimed, without much reflection, under the impulse of surprise—“Twelve + masts! Did I understand you to say, ma'am, that Capt. Budd's ship had + twelve masts?” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, sir, twelve! and I can tell you all their names, for I learnt them + by heart—it appearing to me proper that a ship-master's wife should + know the names of all the masts in her husband's vessel. Do you wish to + hear their names, Mr. Mulford?” + </p> + <p> + Harry Mulford would have enjoyed this conversation to the top of his bent, + had it not been for Rose. She well knew her aunt's general weakness of + intellect, and especially its weakness on this particular subject, but she + would suffer no one to manifest contempt for either, if in her power to + prevent it. It is seldom one so young, so mirthful, so ingenuous and + innocent in the expression of her countenance, assumed so significant and + rebuking a frown as did pretty Rose Budd when she heard the mate's + involuntary exclamation about the “twelve masts.” Harry, who was not + easily checked by his equals, or any of his own sex, submitted to that + rebuking frown with the meekness of a child, and stammered out, in answer + to the well-meaning, but weak-minded widow's question—“If you + please, Mrs. Budd—just as you please, ma'am—only twelve is a + good many masts—” Rose frowned again—“that is—more than + I'm used to seeing—that's all.” + </p> + <p> + “I dare say, Mr. Mulford—for you sail in only a half-jigger; but + Capt. Budd always sailed in a full-jigger—and his full-jiggered ship + had just twelve masts, and, to prove it to you, I'll give you the names—first + then, there were the fore, main, and mizen masts—” + </p> + <p> + “Yes—yes—ma'am,” stammered Harry, who wished the twelve masts + and The Rose In Bloom at the bottom of the ocean, since her owner's niece + still continued to look coldly displeased—“that's right, I can + swear!” + </p> + <p> + “Very true, sir, and you'll find I am right as to all the rest. Then, + there were the fore, main, and mizen top-masts—they make six, if I + can count, Mr. Mulford?” + </p> + <p> + “Ah!” exclaimed the mate, laughing, in spite of Rose's frowns, as the + manner in which the old sea-dog had quizzed his wife became apparent to + him. “I see how it is—you are quite right, ma'am—I dare say + The Rose In Bloom had all these masts, and some to spare.” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, sir—I knew you would be satisfied. The fore, main and mizen + top-gallant-masts make nine—and the fore, main and mizen royals make + just twelve. Oh, I'm never wrong in anything about a vessel, especially if + she is a full-jiggered ship.” + </p> + <p> + Mulford had some difficulty in restraining his smiles each time the + full-jigger was mentioned, but Rose's expression of countenance kept him + in excellent order—and she, innocent creature, saw nothing + ridiculous in the term, though the twelve masts had given her a little + alarm. Delighted that the old lady had got through her enumeration of the + spars with so much success, Rose cried, in the exuberance of her spirits—“Well, + aunty, for my part, I find a half-jigger vessel, so very, very beautiful, + that I do not know how I should behave were I to go on board a + full-jigger.” + </p> + <p> + Mulford turned abruptly away, the circumstance of Rose's making herself + ridiculous giving him sudden pain, though he could have laughed at her + aunt by the hour. + </p> + <p> + “Ah, my dear, that is on account of your youth and inexperience—but + you will learn better in time. I was just so, myself, when I was of your + age, and thought the fore-rafters were as handsome as the squared-jiggers, + but soon after I married Capt. Budd I felt the necessity of knowing more + than I did about ships, and I got him to teach me. He did n't like the + business, at first, and pretended I would never learn; but, at last, it + came all at once like, and then he used to be delighted to hear me 'talk + ship,' as he called it. I've known him laugh, with his cronies, as if + ready to die, at my expertness in sea-terms, for half an hour together—and + then he would swear—that was the worst fault your uncle had, Rosy—he + would swear, sometimes, in a way that frightened me, I do declare!” + </p> + <p> + “But he never swore at you, aunty?” + </p> + <p> + “I can't say that he did exactly do that, but he would swear all round me, + even if he did n't actually touch me, when things went wrong—but it + would have done your heart good to hear him laugh! he had a most excellent + heart, just like your own, Rosy dear; but, for that matter, all the Budds + have excellent hearts, and one of the commonest ways your uncle had of + showing it was to laugh, particularly when we were together and talking. + Oh, he used to delight in hearing me converse, especially about vessels, + and never failed to get me at it when he had company. I see his + good-natured, excellent-hearted countenance at this moment, with the tears + running down his fat, manly cheeks, as he shook his very sides with + laughter. I may live a hundred years, Rosy, before I meet again with your + uncle's equal.” + </p> + <p> + This was a subject that invariably silenced Rose. She remembered her + uncle, herself, and remembered his affectionate manner of laughing at her + aunt, and she always wished the latter to get through her eulogiums on her + married happiness, as soon as possible, whenever the subject was + introduced. + </p> + <p> + All this time the Molly Swash kept in motion. Spike never took a pilot + when he could avoid it, and his mind was too much occupied with his duty, + in that critical navigation, to share at all in the conversation of his + passengers, though he did endeavour to make himself agreeable to Rose, by + an occasional remark, when a favourable opportunity offered. + </p> + <p> + As soon as he had worked his brig over into the south or weather passage + of Blackwell's, however, there remained little for him to do, until she + had drifted through it, a distance of a mile or more; and this gave him + leisure to do the honours. He pointed out the castellated edifice on + Blackwell's as the new penitentiary, and the hamlet of villas, on the + other shore, as Ravenswood, though there is neither wood nor ravens to + authorize the name. But the “Sunswick,” which satisfied the Delafields and + Gibbses of the olden, time, and which distinguished their lofty halls and + broad lawns, was not elegant enough for the cockney tastes of these latter + days, so “wood” must be made to usurp the place of cherries and apples, + and “ravens” that of gulls, in order to satisfy its cravings. But all this + was lost on Spike. He remembered the shore as it had been twenty years + before, and he saw what it was now, but little did he care for the change. + On the whole, he rather preferred the Grecian Temples, over which the + ravens would have been compelled to fly, had there been any ravens in that + neighbourhood, to the old-fashioned and highly respectable residence that + once alone occupied the spot. The point he did understand, however, and on + the merits of which he had something to say, was a little farther ahead. + That, too, had been re-christened—the Hallet's Cove of the mariner + being converted into Astoria—not that bloody-minded place at the + mouth of the Oregon, which has come so near bringing us to blows with our + “ancestors in England,” as the worthy denizens of that quarter choose to + consider themselves still, if one can judge by their language. This + Astoria was a very different place, and is one of the many suburban + villages that are shooting up, like mushrooms in a night, around the great + Commercial Emporium. This spot Spike understood perfectly, and it was not + likely that he should pass it without communicating a portion of his + knowledge to Rose. + </p> + <p> + “There, Miss Rose,” he said, with a didactic sort of air, pointing with + his short, thick finger at the little bay which was just opening to their + view; “there's as neat a cove as a craft need bring up in. That used to be + a capital place to lie in, to wait for a wind to pass the Gate; but it has + got to be most too public for my taste. I'm rural, I tell Mulford, and + love to get in out-of-the-way berths with my brig, where she can see + salt-meadows, and smell the clover. You never catch me down in any of the + crowded slips, around the markets, or anywhere in that part of the town, + for I do love country air. That's Hallet's Cove, Miss Rose, and a pretty + anchorage it would be for us, if the wind and tide didn't sarve to take us + through the Gate.” + </p> + <p> + “Are we near the Gate, Capt. Spike?” asked Rose, the fine bloom on her + cheek lessening a little, under the apprehension that formidable name is + apt to awaken in the breasts of the inexperienced. + </p> + <p> + “Half a mile, or so. It begins just at the other end of this island on our + larboard hand, and will be all over in about another half mile, or so. + It's no such bad place, a'ter all, is Hell-Gate, to them that's used to + it. I call myself a pilot in Hell-Gate, though I have no branch.” + </p> + <p> + “I wish, Capt. Spike, I could teach you to give that place its proper and + polite name. We call it Whirl-Gate altogether now,” said the relict. + </p> + <p> + “Well, that's new to me,” cried Spike. “I have heard some chicken-mouthed + folk say Hurl-Gate, but this is the first time I ever heard it called + Whirl-Gate—they'll get it to Whirligig-Gate next. I do n't think + that my old commander, Capt. Budd, called the passage anything but honest + up and down Hell-Gate.” + </p> + <p> + “That he did—that he did—and all my arguments and reading + could not teach him any better. I proved to him that it was Whirl-Gate, as + any one can see that it ought to be. It is full of whirlpools, they say, + and that shows what Nature meant the name to be.” + </p> + <p> + “But, aunty,” put in Rose, half reluctantly, half anxious to speak, “what + has gate to do with whirlpools? You will remember it is called a gate—the + gate to that wicked place I suppose is meant.” + </p> + <p> + “Rose, you amaze me! How can you, a young woman of only nineteen, stand up + for so vulgar a name as Hell-Gate!” + </p> + <p> + “Do you think it as vulgar as Hurl-Gate, aunty?” To me it always seems the + most vulgar to be straining at gnats.” + </p> + <p> + “Yes,” said Spike sentimentally, “I'm quite of Miss Rose's way of thinking—straining + at gnats is very ill-manners, especially at table. I once knew a man who + strained in this way, until I thought he would have choked, though it was + with a fly to be sure; but gnats are nothing but small flies, you know, + Miss Rose. Yes, I'm quite of your way of thinking, Miss Rose; it is very + vulgar to be straining at gnats and flies, more particularly at table. But + you'll find no flies or gnats aboard here, to be straining at, or brushing + away, or to annoy you. Stand by there, my hearties, and see all clear to + run through Hell-Gate. Do n't let me catch you straining at anything, + though it should be the fin of a whale!” + </p> + <p> + The people forward looked at each other, as they listened to this novel + admonition, though they called out the customary “ay, ay, sir,” as they + went to the sheets, braces and bowlines. To them the passage of no + Hell-Gate conveyed the idea of any particular terror, and with the one + they were about to enter, they were much too familiar to care anything + about it. + </p> + <p> + The brig was now floating fast, with the tide, up abreast of the east end + of Blackwell's, and in two or three more minutes she would be fairly in + the Gate. Spike was aft, where he could command a view of everything + forward, and Mulford stood on the quarter-deck, to look after the + head-braces. An old and trustworthy seaman, who acted as a sort of + boatswain, had the charge on the forecastle, and was to tend the sheets + and tack. His name was Rove. + </p> + <p> + “See all clear,” called out Spike. “D'ye hear there, for'ard! I shall make + a half-board in the Gate, if the wind favour us, and the tide prove strong + enough to hawse us to wind'ard sufficiently to clear the Pot—so mind + your—” + </p> + <p> + The captain breaking off in the middle of this harangue, Mulford turned + his head, in order to see what might be the matter. There was Spike, + levelling a spy-glass at a boat that was pulling swiftly out of the north + channel, and shooting like an arrow directly athwart the brig's bows into + the main passage of the Gate. He stepped to the captain's elbow. + </p> + <p> + “Just take a look at them chaps, Mr. Mulford,” said Spike, handing his + mate the glass. + </p> + <p> + “They seem in a hurry,” answered Harry, as he adjusted the glass to his + eye, “and will go through the Gate in less time than it will take to + mention the circumstance.” + </p> + <p> + “What do you make of them, sir?” + </p> + <p> + “The little man who called himself Jack Tier is in the stern-sheets of the + boat, for one,” answered Mulford. + </p> + <p> + “And the other, Harry—what do you make of the other?” + </p> + <p> + “It seems to be the chap who hailed to know if we had a pilot. He means to + board us at Riker's Island, and make us pay pilotage, whether we want his + services or not.” + </p> + <p> + “Blast him and his pilotage too! Give me the glass”—taking another + long look at the boat, which by this time was glancing, rather than + pulling, nearly at right angles across his bows. “I want no such pilot + aboard here, Mr. Mulford. Take another look at him—here, you can see + him, away on our weather bow, already.” + </p> + <p> + Mulford did take another look at him, and this time his examination was + longer and more scrutinizing than before. + </p> + <p> + “It is not easy to cover him with the glass,” observed the young man—“the + boat seems fairly to fly.” + </p> + <p> + “We're forereaching too near the Hog's Back, Capt. Spike,” roared the + boatswain, from forward. + </p> + <p> + “Ready about—hard a lee,” shouted Spike. “Let all fly, for'ard—help + her round, boys, all you can, and wait for no orders! Bestir yourselves—bestir + yourselves.” + </p> + <p> + It was time the crew should be in earnest. While Spike's attention had + been thus diverted by the boat, the brig had got into the strongest of the + current, which, by setting her fast to windward, had trebled the power of + the air, and this was shooting her over toward one of the greatest dangers + of the passage on a flood tide. As everybody bestirred themselves, + however, she was got round and filled on the opposite tack, just in time + to clear the rocks. Spike breathed again, but his head was still full of + the boat. The danger he had just escaped as Scylla met him as Charybdis. + The boatswain again roared to go about. The order was given as the vessel + began to pitch in a heavy swell. At the next instant she rolled until the + water came on deck, whirled with her stern down the tide, and her bows + rose as if she were about to leap out of water. The Swash had hit the Pot + Rock. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0002" id="link2HCH0002"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER II. + </h2> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + “Watch. If we know him to be a thief, shall we not lay hands + on him? + + Dogb. Truly, by your office, you may; but I think they that + touch pitch will be defiled; the most peaceable way for you, + if you do take a thief, is, to let him show himself what he + is, and steal out of your company.” + + Much Ado About Nothing. +</pre> + <p> + We left the brigantine of Capt. Spike in a very critical situation, and + the master himself in great confusion of mind. + </p> + <p> + A thorough seaman, this accident would never have happened, but for the + sudden appearance of the boat and its passengers; one of whom appeared to + be a source of great uneasiness to him. As might be expected, the + circumstance of striking a place as dangerous as the Pot Rock in + Hell-Gate, produced a great sensation on board the vessel. This sensation + betrayed itself in various ways, and according to the characters, habits, + and native firmness of the parties. As for the ship-master's relict, she + seized hold of the main-mast, and screamed so loud and perseveringly, as + to cause the sensation to extend itself into the adjacent and thriving + village of Astoria, where it was distinctly heard by divers of those who + dwelt near the water. Biddy Noon had her share in this clamour, lying down + on the deck in order to prevent rolling over, and possibly to scream more + at her leisure, while Rose had sufficient self-command to be silent, + though her cheeks lost their colour. + </p> + <p> + Nor was there anything extraordinary in females betraying this alarm, when + one remembers the somewhat astounding signs of danger by which these + persons were surrounded. There is always something imposing in the swift + movement of a considerable body of water. When this movement is aided by + whirlpools and the other similar accessories of an interrupted current, it + frequently becomes startling, more especially to those who happen to be on + the element itself. This is peculiarly the case with the Pot Rock, where, + not only does the water roll and roar as if agitated by a mighty wind, but + where it even breaks, the foam seeming to glance up stream, in the rapid + succession of wave to wave. Had the Swash remained in her terrific berth + more than a second or two, she would have proved what is termed a “total + loss;” but she did not. Happily, the Pot Rock lies so low that it is not + apt to fetch up anything of a light draught of water, and the brigantine's + fore-foot had just settled on its summit, long enough to cause the vessel + to whirl round and make her obeisance to the place, when a succeeding + swell lifted her clear, and away she went down stream, rolling as if + scudding in a gale, and, for a moment, under no command whatever. There + lay another danger ahead, or it would be better to say astern, for the + brig was drifting stern foremost; and that was in an eddy under a bluff, + which bluff lies at an angle in the reach, where it is no uncommon thing + for craft to be cast ashore, after they have passed all the more imposing + and more visible dangers above. It was in escaping this danger, and in + recovering the command of his vessel, that Spike now manifested the sort + of stuff of which he was really made, in emergencies of this sort. The + yards were all sharp up when the accident occurred, and springing to the + lee braces, just as a man winks when his eye is menaced, he seized the + weather fore-brace with his own hands, and began to round in the yard, + shouting out to the man at the wheel to “port his helm” at the same time. + Some of the people flew to his assistance, and the yards were not only + squared, but braced a little up on the other tack, in much less time than + we have taken to relate the evolution. Mulford attended to the main-sheet, + and succeeded in getting the boom out in the right direction. Although the + wind was in truth very light, the velocity of the drift filled the canvas, + and taking the arrow-like current on her lee bow, the Swash, like a + frantic steed that is alarmed with the wreck made by his own madness, came + under command, and sheered out into the stream again, where she could + drift clear of the apprehended danger astern. + </p> + <p> + “Sound the pumps!” called out Spike to Mulford, the instant he saw he had + regained his seat in the saddle. Harry sprang amidships to obey, and the + eye of every mariner in that vessel was on the young man, as, in the midst + of a death-like silence, he performed this all-important duty. It was like + the physician's feeling the pulse of his patient before he pronounces on + the degree of his danger. + </p> + <p> + “Well, sir?” cried out Spike, impatiently, as the rod reappeared. + </p> + <p> + “All right, sir,” answered Harry, cheerfully—“the well is nearly + empty.” + </p> + <p> + “Hold on a moment longer, and give the water time to find its way + amidships, if there be any.” + </p> + <p> + The mate remained perched up on the pump, in order to comply, while Spike + and his people, who now breathed more freely again, improved the leisure + to brace up and haul aft, to the new course. + </p> + <p> + “Biddy,” said Mrs. Budd considerately, during this pause in the incidents, + “you need n't scream any longer. The danger seems to be past, and you may + get up off the deck now. See, I have let go of the mast. The pumps have + been sounded, and are found tight.” + </p> + <p> + Biddy, like an obedient and respectful servant, did as directed, quite + satisfied if the pumps were tight. It was some little time, to be sure, + before she was perfectly certain whether she were alive or not—but, + once certain of this circumstance, her alarm very sensibly abated, and she + became reasonable. As for Mulford, he dropped the sounding rod again, and + had the same cheering report to make. + </p> + <p> + “The brig is as tight as a bottle, sir.” + </p> + <p> + “So much the better,” answered Spike. “I never had such a whirl in her + before in my life, and I thought she was going to stop and pass the night + there. That's the very spot on which 'The Hussar' frigate was wrecked.” + </p> + <p> + “So I have heard, sir. But she drew so much water that she hit slap + against the rock, and started a butt. We merely touched on its top with + our fore-foot, and slid off.” + </p> + <p> + This was the simple explanation of the Swash's escape, and, everybody + being now well assured that no harm had been done, things fell into their + old and regular train again. As for Spike, his gallantry, notwithstanding, + was upset for some hours, and glad enough was he when he saw all three of + his passengers quit the deck to go below. Mrs. Budd's spirits had been so + much agitated that she told Rose she would go down into the cabin and rest + a few minutes on its sofa. We say sofa, for that article of furniture, + now-a-days, is far more common in vessels than it was thirty years ago in + the dwellings of the country. + </p> + <p> + “There, Mulford,” growled Spike, pointing ahead of the brig, to an object + on the water that was about half a mile ahead of them, “there's that + bloody boat—d'ye see? I should like of all things to give it the + slip. There's a chap in that boat I do n't like.” + </p> + <p> + “I do n't see how that can be very well done, sir, unless we anchor, + repass the Gate at the turn of the tide, and go to sea by the way of Sandy + Hook.” + </p> + <p> + “That will never do. I've no wish to be parading the brig before the town. + You see, Mulford, nothing can be more innocent and proper than the Molly + Swash, as you know from having sailed in her these twelve months. You'll + give her that character, I'll be sworn?” + </p> + <p> + “I know no harm of her, Capt. Spike, and hope I never shall.” + </p> + <p> + “No, sir—you know no harm of her, nor does any one else. A nursing + infant is not more innocent than the Molly Swash, or could have a clearer + character if nothing but truth was said of her. But the world is so much + given to lying, that one of the old saints, of whom we read in the good + book, such as Calvin and John Rogers, would be vilified if he lived in + these times. Then, it must be owned, Mr. Mulford, whatever may be the raal + innocence of the brig, she has a most desperate wicked look.” + </p> + <p> + “Why, yes, sir—it must be owned she is what we sailors call a + wicked-looking craft. But some of Uncle Sam's cruisers have that + appearance, also.” + </p> + <p> + “I know it—I know it, sir, and think nothing of looks myself. Men + are often deceived in me, by my looks, which have none of your long-shore + softness about 'em, perhaps; but my mother used to say I was one of the + most tender-hearted boys she had ever heard spoken of—like one of + the babes in the woods, as it might be. But mankind go so much by + appearances that I do n't like to trust the brig too much afore their + eyes. Now, should we be seen in the lower bay, waiting for a wind, or for + the ebb tide to make, to carry us over the bar, ten to one but some + philotropic or other would be off with a complaint to the District + Attorney that we looked like a slaver, and have us all fetched up to be + tried for our lives as pirates. No, no—I like to keep the brig in + out-of-the-way places, where she can give no offence to your 'tropics, + whether they be philos, or of any other sort.” + </p> + <p> + “Well, sir, we are to the eastward of the Gate, and all's safe. That boat + cannot bring us up.” + </p> + <p> + “You forget, Mr. Mulford, the revenue-craft that steamed up, on the ebb. + That vessel must be off Sands' Point by this time, and she may hear + something to our disparagement from the feller in the boat, and take it + into her smoky head to walk us back to town. I wish we were well to the + eastward of that steamer! But there's no use in lamentations. If there is + really any danger, it's some distance ahead yet, thank Heaven!” + </p> + <p> + “You have no fears of the man who calls himself Jack Tier, Capt. Spike?” + </p> + <p> + “None in the world. That feller, as I remember him, was a little bustlin' + chap that I kept in the cabin, as a sort of steward's mate. There was + neither good nor harm in him, to the best of my recollection. But Josh can + tell us all about him—just give Josh a call.” + </p> + <p> + The best thing in the known history of Spike was the fact that his steward + had sailed with him for more than twenty years. Where he had picked up + Josh no one could say, but Josh and himself, and neither chose to be very + communicative on the subject. But Josh had certainly been with him as long + as he had sailed the Swash, and that was from a time actually anterior to + the birth of Mulford. The mate soon had the negro in the council. + </p> + <p> + “I say, Josh,” asked Spike, “do you happen to remember such a hand aboard + here as one Jack Tier?” + </p> + <p> + “Lor' bless you, yes sir—'members he as well as I do the pea soup + that was burnt, and which you t'rowed all over him, to scald him for + punishment.” + </p> + <p> + “I've had to do that so often, to one careless fellow or other, that the + circumstance does n't recall the man. I remember him—but not as + clear as I could wish. How long did he sail with us?” + </p> + <p> + “Sebberal v'y'ge, sir, and got left ashore down on the main, one night, + when'e boat were obliged to shove off in a hurry. Yes, 'members little + Jack, right well I does.” + </p> + <p> + “Did you see the man that spoke us from the wharf, and hailed for this + very Jack Tier?” + </p> + <p> + “I see'd a man, sir, dat was won'erful Jack Tier built like, sir, but I + did n't hear the conwersation, habbin' the ladies to 'tend to. But Jack + was oncommon short in his floor timbers, sir, and had no length of keel at + all. His beam was won'erful for his length, altogedder—what you call + jolly-boat, or bum-boat build, and was only good afore'e wind, Cap'n + Spike.” + </p> + <p> + “Was he good for anything aboard ship, Josh? Worth heaving-to for, should + he try to get aboard of us again?” + </p> + <p> + “Why, sir, can't say much for him in dat fashion. Jack was handy in the + cabin, and capital feller to carry soup from the gally, aft. You see, sir, + he was so low-rigged that the brig's lurchin' and pitchin' could n't get + him off his pins, and he stood up like a church in the heaviest wea'der. + Yes, sir, Jack was right good for dat.” + </p> + <p> + Spike mused a moment—then he rolled the tobacco over in his mouth, + and added, in the way a man speaks when his mind is made up—“Ay ay! + I see into the fellow. He'll make a handy lady's maid, and we want such a + chap just now. It's better to have an old friend aboard, than to be + pickin' up strangers, 'long shore. So, should this Jack Tier come off to + us, from any of the islands or points ahead, Mr. Mulford, you'll round to + and take him aboard. As for the steamer, if she will only pass out into + the Sound where there's room, it shall go hard with us but I get to the + eastward of her, without speaking. On the other hand, should she anchor + this side of the fort, I'll not attempt to pass her. There is deep water + inside of most of the islands, I know, and we'll try and dodge her in that + way, if no better offer. I've no more reason than another craft to fear a + government vessel, but the sight of one of them makes me oncomfortable; + that's all.” + </p> + <p> + Mulford shrugged his shoulders and remained silent, perceiving that his + commander was not disposed to pursue the subject any further. In the mean + time, the brig had passed beyond the influence of the bluff, and was + beginning to feel a stronger breeze, that was coming down the wide opening + of Flushing Bay. As the tide still continued strong in her favour, and her + motion through the water was getting to be four or five knots, there was + every prospect of her soon reaching Whitestone, the point where the tides + meet, and where it would become necessary to anchor; unless, indeed, the + wind, which was now getting to the southward and eastward, should come + round more to the south. All this Spike and his mate discussed together, + while the people were clearing the decks, and making the preparations that + are customary on board a vessel before she gets into rough water. + </p> + <p> + By this time it was ascertained that the brig had received no damage by + her salute of the Pot Rock, and every trace of uneasiness on that account + was removed. But Spike kept harping on the boat, and “the pilot-looking + chap who was in her.” As they passed Riker's Island, all hands expected a + boat would put off with a pilot, or to demand pilotage; but none came, and + the Swash now seemed released from all her present dangers, unless some + might still be connected with the revenue steamer. To retard her advance, + however, the wind came out a smart working breeze from the southward and + eastward, compelling her to make “long legs and short ones” on her way + towards Whitestone. + </p> + <p> + “This is beating the wind, Rosy dear,” said Mrs. Budd, complacently, she + and her niece having returned to the deck a few minutes after this change + had taken place. “Your respected uncle did a great deal of this in his + time, and was very successful in it. I have heard him say, that in one of + his voyages between Liverpool and New York, he beat the wind by a whole + fortnight, everybody talking of it in the insurance offices, as if it was + a miracle.” + </p> + <p> + “Ay, ay, Madam Budd,” put in Spike, “I'll answer for that. They're + desperate talkers in and about them there insurance offices in Wall + street. Great gossips be they, and they think they know everything. Now + just because this brig is a little old or so, and was built for a + privateer in the last war, they'd refuse to rate her as even B, No. 2, and + my blessing on 'em.” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, B, No. 2, that's just what your dear uncle used to call me, Rosy—his + charming B, No. 2, or Betsy, No. 2; particularly when he was in a loving + mood. Captain Spike, did you ever beat the wind in a long voyage?” + </p> + <p> + “I can't say I ever did, Mrs. Budd,” answered Spike, looking grimly + around, to ascertain if any one dared to smile at his passenger's mistake; + “especially for so long a pull as from New York to Liverpool.” + </p> + <p> + “Then your uncle used to boast of the Rose In Bloom's wearing and + attacking. She would attack anything that came in her way, no matter who, + and as for wearing, I think he once told me she would wear just what she + had a mind to, like any human being.” + </p> + <p> + Rose was a little mystified, but she looked vexed at the same time, as if + she distrusted all was not right. + </p> + <p> + “I remember all my sea education,” continued the unsuspecting widow, “as + if it had been learnt yesterday. Beating the wind and attacking ship, my + poor Mr. Budd used to say, were nice manoeuvres, and required most of his + tactics, especially in heavy weather. Did you know, Rosy dear, that + sailors weigh the weather, and know when it is heavy and when it is + light?” + </p> + <p> + “I did not, aunt; nor do I understand now how it can very well be done.” + </p> + <p> + “Oh! child, before you have been at sea a week, you will learn so many + things that are new, and get so many ideas of which you never had any + notion before, that you'll not be the same person. My captain had an + instrument he called a thermometer, and with that he used to weigh the + weather, and then he would write down in the log-book 'today, heavy + weather, or to-morrow, light weather,' just as it happened, and that + helped him mightily along in his voyages.” + </p> + <p> + “Mrs. Budd has merely mistaken the name of the instrument—the + 'barometer' is what she wished to say,” put in Mulford, opportunely. + </p> + <p> + Rose looked grateful, as well as relieved. Though profoundly ignorant on + these subjects herself, she had always suspected her aunt's knowledge. It + was, consequently, grateful to her to ascertain that, in this instance, + the old lady's mistake had been so trifling. + </p> + <p> + “Well, it may have been the barometer, for I know he had them both,” + resumed the aunt. “Barometer, or thermometer, it do n't make any great + difference; or quadrant, or sextant. They are all instruments, and + sometimes he used one, and sometimes another. Sailors take on board the + sun, too, and have an instrument for that, as well as one to weigh the + weather with. Sometimes they take on board the stars, and the moon, and + 'fill their ships with the heavenly bodies,' as I've heard my dear husband + say, again and again! But the most curious thing at sea, as all sailors + tell me, is crossing the line, and I do hope we shall cross the line, + Rosy, that you and I may see it.” + </p> + <p> + “What is the line, aunty, and how do vessels cross it.” + </p> + <p> + “The line, my dear, is a place in the ocean where the earth is divided + into two parts, one part being called the North Pole, and the other part + the South Pole. Neptune lives near this line, and he allows no vessel to + go out of one pole into the other, without paying it a visit. Never! + never!—he would as soon think of living on dry land as think of + letting even a canoe pass, without visiting it.” + </p> + <p> + “Do you suppose there is such a being, really, as Neptune, aunty?” + </p> + <p> + “To be sure I do; he is king of the sea. Why should n't there be? The sea + must have a king, as well as the land.” + </p> + <p> + “The sea may be a republic, aunty, like this country; then, no king is + necessary. I have always supposed Neptune to be an imaginary being.” + </p> + <p> + “Oh that's impossible—the sea is no republic; there are but two + republics, America and Texas. I've heard that the sea is a highway, it is + true—the 'highway of nations,' I believe it is called, and that must + mean something particular. But my poor Mr. Budd always told me that + Neptune was king of the seas, and he was always so accurate, you might + depend on everything he said. Why, he called his last Newfoundland dog + Neptune; and do you think, Rosy, that your dear uncle would call his dog + after an imaginary being?—and he a man to beat the wind, and attack + ship, and take the sun, moon and stars aboard! No, no, child; fanciful + folk may see imaginary beings, but solid folk see solid beings.” + </p> + <p> + Even Spike was dumfounded at this, and there is no knowing what he might + have said, had not an old sea-dog, who had just come out of the + fore-topmast cross-trees, come aft, and, hitching up his trowsers with one + hand while he touched his hat with the other, said with immoveable + gravity, + </p> + <p> + “The revenue-steamer has brought up just under the fort, Capt. Spike.” + </p> + <p> + “How do you know that, Bill?” demanded the captain, with a rapidity that + showed how completely Mrs. Budd and all her absurdities were momentarily + forgotten. + </p> + <p> + “I was up on the fore-topgallant yard, sir, a bit ago, just to look to the + strap of the jewel-block, which wants some sarvice on it, and I see'd her + over the land, blowin' off steam and takin' in her kites. Afore I got out + of the cross-trees, she was head to wind under bare-poles, and if she had + n't anchored, she was about to do so. I'm sartin 't was she, sir, and that + she was about to bring up.” + </p> + <p> + Spike gave a long, low whistle, after his fashion, and he walked away from + the females, with the air of a man who wanted room to think in. Half a + minute later, he called out—“Stand by to shorten sail, boys. Man + fore-clew-garnets, flying jib down haul, topgallant sheets, and + gaff-topsail gear. In with 'em all, my lads—in with everything, with + a will.” + </p> + <p> + An order to deal with the canvas in any way, on board ship, immediately + commands the whole attention of all whose duty it is to attend to such + matters, and there was an end of all discourse while the Swash was + shortening sail. Everybody understood, too, that it was to gain time, and + prevent the brig from reaching Throg's Neck sooner than was desirable. + </p> + <p> + “Keep the brig off,” called out Spike, “and let her ware—we're too + busy to tack just now.” + </p> + <p> + The man at the wheel knew very well what was wanted, and he put his helm + up, instead of putting it down, as he might have done without this + injunction. As this change brought the brig before the wind, and Spike was + in no hurry to luff up on the other tack, the Swash soon ran over a mile + of the distance she had already made, putting her back that much on her + way to the Neck. It is out of our power to say what the people of the + different craft in sight thought of all this, but an opportunity soon + offered of putting them on a wrong scent. A large coasting schooner, + carrying everything that would draw on a wind, came sweeping under the + stern of the Swash, and hailed. + </p> + <p> + “Has anything happened, on board that brig?” demanded her master. + </p> + <p> + “Man overboard,” answered Spike—“you hav'nt seen his hat, have you?” + </p> + <p> + “No—no,” came back, just as the schooner, in her onward course, + swept beyond the reach of the voice. Her people collected together, and + one or two ran up the rigging a short distance, stretching their necks, on + the look-out for the “poor fellow,” but they were soon called down to + “'bout ship.” In less than five minutes, another vessel, a rakish coasting + sloop, came within hail. + </p> + <p> + “Did n't that brig strike the Pot Rock, in passing the Gate?” demanded her + captain. + </p> + <p> + “Ay, ay!—and a devil of a rap she got, too.” + </p> + <p> + This satisfied him; there being nothing remarkable in a vessel's acting + strangely that had hit the Pot Rock in passing Hell Gate. + </p> + <p> + “I think we may get in our mainsail on the strength of this, Mr. Mulford,” + said Spike. “There can be nothing oncommon in a craft's shortening sail, + that has a man overboard, and which has hit the Pot Rock. I wonder I never + thought of all this before.” + </p> + <p> + 'Here is a skiff trying to get alongside of us, Capt. Spike,” called out + the boatswain. + </p> + <p> + “Skiff be d—d! I want no skiff here.” + </p> + <p> + “The man that called himself Jack Tier is in her, sir.” + </p> + <p> + “The d—l he is!” cried Spike, springing over to the opposite side of + the deck to take a look for himself. To his infinite satisfaction he + perceived that Tier was alone in the skiff, with the exception of a negro, + who pulled its sculls, and that this was a very different boat from that + which had glanced through Hell Gate, like an arrow darting from its bow. + </p> + <p> + “Luff, and shake your topsail,” called out Spike. “Get a rope there to + throw to this skiff.” + </p> + <p> + The orders were obeyed, and Jack Tier, with his clothes-bag, was soon on + the deck of the Swash. As for the skiff and the negro, they were cast + adrift the instant the latter had received his quarter. The meeting + between Spike and his quondam steward's mate was a little remarkable. Each + stood looking intently at the other, as if to note the changes which time + had made. We cannot say that Spike's hard, red, selfish countenance + betrayed any great feeling, though such was not the case with Jack Tier's. + The last, a lymphatic, puffy sort of a person at the best, seemed really a + little touched, and he either actually brushed a tear from his eye, or he + affected so to do. + </p> + <p> + “So, you are my old shipmate, Jack Tier, are ye?” exclaimed Spike, in a + half-patronizing, half-hesitating way—“and you want to try the old + craft ag'in. Give us a leaf of your log, and let me know where you have + been this many a day, and what you have been about? Keep the brig off, Mr. + Mulford. We are in no particular hurry to reach Throg's, you'll remember, + sir.” + </p> + <p> + Tier gave an account of his proceedings, which could have no interest with + the reader. His narrative was anything but very clear, and it was + delivered in a cracked, octave sort of a voice, such as little dapper + people not unfrequently enjoy—tones between those of a man and a + boy. The substance of the whole story was this. Tier had been left ashore, + as sometimes happens to sailors, and, by necessary connection, was left to + shift for himself. After making some vain endeavours to rejoin his brig, + he had shipped in one vessel after another, until he accidentally found + himself in the port of New York, at the same time as the Swash. He know'd + he never should be truly happy ag'in until he could once more get aboard + the old hussy, and had hurried up to the wharf, where he understood the + brig was lying. As he came in sight, he saw she was about to cast off, + and, dropping his clothes-bag, he had made the best of his way to the + wharf, where the conversation passed that has been related. + </p> + <p> + “The gentleman on the wharf was about to take boat, to go through the + Gate,” concluded Tier, “and so I begs a passage of him. He was + good-natured enough to wait until I could find my bag, and as soon + a'terwards as the men could get their grog we shoved off. The Molly was + just getting in behind Blackwell's as we left the wharf, and, having four + good oars, and the shortest road, we come out into the Gate just ahead on + you. My eye! what a place that is to go through in a boat, and on a strong + flood! The gentleman, who watched the brig as a cat watches a mouse, says + you struck on the Pot, as he called it, but I says 'no,' for the Molly + Swash was never know'd to hit rock or shoal in my time aboard her.” + </p> + <p> + “And where did you quit that gentleman, and what has become of him?” asked + Spike. + </p> + <p> + “He put me ashore on that point above us, where I see'd a nigger with his + skiff, who I thought would be willin' to 'arn his quarter by giving me a + cast alongside. So here I am, and a long pull I've had to get here.” + </p> + <p> + As this was said, Jack removed his hat and wiped his brow with a + handkerchief, which, if it had never seen better days, had doubtless been + cleaner. After this, he looked about him, with an air not entirely free + from exultation. + </p> + <p> + This conversation had taken place in the gangway, a somewhat public place, + and Spike beckoned to his recruit to walk aft, where he might be + questioned without being overheard. + </p> + <p> + “What became of the gentleman in the boat, as you call him?” demanded + Spike. + </p> + <p> + “He pulled ahead, seeming to be in a hurry.” + </p> + <p> + “Do you know who he was?” + </p> + <p> + “Not a bit of it. I never saw the man before, and he did n't tell me his + business, sir.” + </p> + <p> + “Had he anything like a silver oar about him.” + </p> + <p> + “I saw nothing of the sort, Capt. Spike, and knows nothing consarning + him.” + </p> + <p> + “What sort of a boat was he in, and where did he get it?” + </p> + <p> + “Well, as to the boat, sir, I can say a word, seein' it was so much to my + mind, and pulled so wonderful smart. It was a light ship's yawl, with four + oars, and came round the Hook just a'ter you had got the brig's head round + to the eastward. You must have seen it, I should think, though it kept + close in with the wharves, as if it wished to be snug.” + </p> + <p> + “Then the gentleman, as you call him, expected that very boat to come and + take him off?” + </p> + <p> + “I suppose so, sir, because it did come and take him off. That's all I + knows about it.” + </p> + <p> + “Had you no jaw with the gentleman? You was n't mnm the whole time you was + in the boat with him?” + </p> + <p> + “Not a bit of it, sir. Silence and I does n't agree together long, and so + we talked most of the time.” + </p> + <p> + “And what did the stranger say of the brig?” + </p> + <p> + “Lord, sir, he catechised me like as if I had been a child at + Sunday-school. He asked me how long I had sailed in her; what ports we'd + visited, and what trade we'd been in. You can't think the sight of + questions he put, and how cur'ous he was for the answers.” + </p> + <p> + “And what did you tell him in your answers? You said nothin' about our + call down on the Spanish Main, the time you were left ashore, I hope, + Jack?” + </p> + <p> + “Not I, sir. I played him off surprisin'ly. He got nothin' to count upon + out of me. Though I do owe the Molly Swash a grudge, I'm not goin' to + betray her.” + </p> + <p> + “You owe the Molly Swash a grudge! Have I taken an enemy on board her, + then?” + </p> + <p> + Jack started, and seemed sorry he had said so much; while Spike eyed him + keenly. But the answer set all right. It was not given, however, without a + moment for recollection. + </p> + <p> + “Oh, you knows what I mean, sir. I owe the old hussy a grudge for having + desarted me like; but it's only a love quarrel atween us. The old Molly + will never come to harm by my means.” + </p> + <p> + “I hope not, Jack. The man that wrongs the craft he sails in can never be + a true-hearted sailor. Stick by your ship in all weathers is my rule, and + a good rule it is to go by. But what did you tell the stranger?” + </p> + <p> + “Oh! I told him I'd been six v'y'ges in the brig. The first was to + Madagascar—” + </p> + <p> + “The d—l you did? Was he soft enough to believe that?” + </p> + <p> + “That's more than I knows, sir. I can only tell you what I said; I do n't + pretend to know how much he believed.” + </p> + <p> + “Heave ahead—what next?” + </p> + <p> + “Then I told him we went to Kamschatka for gold dust and ivory.” + </p> + <p> + “Whe-e-ew! What did the man say to that?” + </p> + <p> + “Why, he smiled a bit, and a'ter that he seemed more cur'ous than ever to + hear all about it. I told him my third v'y'ge was to Canton, with a cargo + of broom-corn, where we took in salmon and dun-fish for home. A'ter that + we went to Norway with ice, and brought back silks and money. Our next run + was to the Havana, with salt and 'nips—” + </p> + <p> + “'Nips! what the devil be they?” + </p> + <p> + “Turnips, you knows, sir. We always calls 'em 'nips in cargo. At the + Havana I told him we took in leather and jerked beef, and came home. Oh! + he got nothin' from me, Capt. Spike, that'll ever do the brig a morsel of + harm!” + </p> + <p> + “I am glad of that, Jack. You must know enough of the seas to understand + that a close mouth is sometimes better for a vessel than a clean bill of + health. Was there nothing said about the revenue-steamer?” + </p> + <p> + “Now you name her, sir, I believe there was—ay, ay, sir, the + gentleman did say, if the steamer fetched up to the westward of the fort, + that he should overhaul her without difficulty, on this flood. + </p> + <p> + “That'll do, Jack; that'll do, my honest fellow. Go below, and tell Josh + to take you into the cabin again, as steward's mate. You're rather too + Dutch built, in your old age, to do much aloft.” + </p> + <p> + One can hardly say whether Jack received this remark as complimentary, or + not. He looked a little glum, for a man may be as round as a barrel, and + wish to be thought genteel and slender; but he went below, in quest of + Josh, without making any reply. + </p> + <p> + The succeeding movements of Spike appeared to be much influenced by what + he had just heard. He kept the brig under short canvas for near two hours, + sheering about in the same place, taking care to tell everything which + spoke him that he had lost a man overboard. In this way, not only the + tide, but the day itself, was nearly spent. About the time the former + began to lose its strength, however, the fore-course and the main-sail + were got on the brigantine, with the intention of working her up toward + Whitestone, where the tides meet, and near which the revenue-steamer was + known to be anchored. We say near, though it was, in fact, a mile or two + more to the eastward, and close to the extremity of the Point. + </p> + <p> + Notwithstanding these demonstrations of a wish to work to windward, Spike + was really in no hurry. He had made up his mind to pass the steamer in the + dark, if possible, and the night promised to favour him; but, in order to + do this, it might be necessary not to come in sight of her at all; or, at + least, not until the obscurity should in some measure conceal his rig and + character. In consequence of this plan, the Swash made no great progress, + even after she had got sail on her, on her old course. The wind lessened, + too, after the sun went down, though it still hung to the eastward, or + nearly ahead. As the tide gradually lost its force, moreover, the set to + windward became less and less, until it finally disappeared altogether. + </p> + <p> + There is necessarily a short reach in this passage, where it is always + slack water, so far as current is concerned. This is precisely where the + tides meet, or, as has been intimated, at Whitestone, which is somewhat + more than a mile to the westward of Throgmorton's Neck, near the point of + which stands Fort Schuyler, one of the works recently erected for the + defence of New York. Off the pitch of the point, nearly mid-channel, had + the steamer anchored, a fact of which Spike had made certain, by going + aloft himself, and reconnoitering her over the land, before it had got to + be too dark to do so. He entertained no manner of doubt that this vessel + was in waiting for him, and he well knew there was good reason for it; but + he would not return and attempt the passage to sea by way of Sandy Hook. + His manner of regarding the whole matter was cool and judicious. The + distance to the Hook was too great to be made in such short nights ere the + return of day, and he had no manner of doubt he was watched for in that + direction, as well as in this. Then he was particularly unwilling to show + his craft at all in front of the town, even in the night. Moreover, he had + ways of his own for effecting his purposes, and this was the very spot and + time to put them in execution. + </p> + <p> + While these things were floating in his mind, Mrs. Budd and her handsome + niece were making preparations for passing the night, aided by Biddy Noon. + The old lady was factotum, or factota, as it might be most classical to + call her, though we are entirely without authorities on the subject, and + was just as self-complacent and ambitious of seawomanship below decks, as + she had been above board. The effect, however, gave Spike great + satisfaction, since it kept her out of sight, and left him more at liberty + to carry out his own plans. About nine, however, the good woman came on + deck, intending to take a look at the weather, like a skilful marineress + as she was, before she turned in. Not a little was she astonished at what + she then and there beheld, as she whispered to Rose and Biddy, both of + whom stuck close to her side, feeling the want of good pilotage, no doubt, + in strange waters. + </p> + <p> + The Molly Swash was still under her canvas, though very little sufficed + for her present purposes. She was directly off Whitestone, and was making + easy stretches across the passage, or river, as it is called, having + nothing set but her huge fore-and-aft mainsail and the jib. Under this + sail she worked like a top, and Spike sometimes fancied she travelled too + fast for his purposes, the night air having thickened the canvas as usual, + until it “held the wind as a bottle holds water.” There was nothing in + this, however, to attract the particular attention of the ship-master's + widow, a sail, more or less, being connected with observation much too + critical for her schooling, nice as the last had been. She was surprised + to find the men stripping the brig forward, and converting her into a + schooner. Nor was this done in a loose and slovenly manner, under favour + of the obscurity. On the contrary, it was so well executed that it might + have deceived even a seaman under a noon-day sun, provided the vessel were + a mile or two distant. The manner in which the metamorphosis was made was + as follows: the studding-sail booms had been taken off the topsail-yard, + in order to shorten it to the eye, and the yard itself was swayed up about + half-mast, to give it the appearance of a schooner's fore-yard. The brig's + real lower yard was lowered on the bulwarks, while her royal yard was sent + down altogether, and the topgallant-mast was lowered until the heel rested + on the topsail yard, all of which, in the night, gave the gear forward + very much the appearance of that of a fore-topsail schooner, instead of + that of a half-rigged brig, as the craft really was. As the vessel carried + a try-sail on her foremast, it answered very well, in the dark, to + represent a schooner's foresail. Several other little dispositions of this + nature were made, about which it might weary the uninitiated to read, but + which will readily suggest themselves to the mind of a sailor. + </p> + <p> + These alterations were far advanced when the females re-appeared on deck. + They at once attracted their attention, and the captain's widow felt the + imperative necessity, as connected with her professional character, of + proving the same. She soon found Spike, who was bustling around the deck, + now looking around to see that his brig was kept in the channel, now and + then issuing an order to complete her disguise. + </p> + <p> + “Captain Spike, what can be the meaning of all these changes? The tamper + of your vessel is so much altered that I declare I should not have known + her!” + </p> + <p> + “Is it, by George! Then she is just in the state I want her to be in.” + </p> + <p> + “But why have you done it—and what does it all mean?” + </p> + <p> + “Oh, Molly's going to bed for the night, and she's only undressing herself—that's + all.” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, Rosy dear, Captain Spike is right. I remember that my poor Mr. Budd + used to talk about The Rose In Bloom having her clothes on, and her + clothes off, just as if she was a born woman! But do n't you mean to + navigate at all in the night, Captain Spike? Or will the brig navigate + without sails?” + </p> + <p> + “That's it—she's just as good in the dark, under one sort of canvas, + as under another. So, Mr. Mulford, we'll take a reef in that mainsail; it + will bring it nearer to the size of our new foresail, and seem more + ship-shape and Brister fashion—then I think she'll do, as the night + is getting to be rather darkish.” + </p> + <p> + “Captain Spike,” said the boatswain, who had been set to look-out for that + particular change—“the brig begins to feel the new tide, and sets to + windward.” + </p> + <p> + “Let her go, then—now is as good a time as another. We've got to run + the gantlet, and the sooner it is done the better.” + </p> + <p> + As the moment seemed propitious, not only Mulford, but all the people, + heard this order with satisfaction. The night was star-light, though not + very clear at that. Objects on the water, however, were more visible than + those on the land, while those on the last could be seen well enough, even + from the brig, though in confused and somewhat shapeless piles. When the + Swash was brought close by the wind, she had just got into the last reach + of the “river,” or that which runs parallel with the Neck for near a mile, + doubling where the Sound expands itself, gradually, to a breadth of many + leagues. Still the navigation at the entrance of this end of the Sound was + intricate and somewhat dangerous, rendering it indispensable for a vessel + of any size to make a crooked course. The wind stood at south-east, and + was very scant to lay through the reach with, while the tide was so slack + as barely to possess a visible current at that place. The steamer lay + directly off the Point, mid-channel, as mentioned, showing lights, to mark + her position to anything which might be passing in or out. The great thing + was to get by her without exciting her suspicion. As all on board, the + females excepted, knew what their captain was at, the attempt was made + amid an anxious and profound silence; or, if any one spoke at all, it was + only to give an order in a low tone, or its answer in a simple + monosyllable. + </p> + <p> + Although her aunt assured her that everything which had been done already, + and which was now doing, was quite in rule, the quick-eyed and + quick-witted Rose noted these unusual proceedings, and had an opinion of + her own on the subject. Spike had gone forward, and posted himself on the + weather-side of the forecastle, where he could get the clearest look + ahead, and there he remained most of the time, leaving Mulford on the + quarter-deck, to work the vessel, Perceiving this, she managed to get near + the mate, without attracting her aunt's attention, and at the same time + out of ear-shot. + </p> + <p> + “Why is everybody so still and seemingly so anxious, Harry Mulford?” she + asked, speaking in a low tone herself, as if desirous of conforming to a + common necessity. “Is there any new danger here? I thought the Gate had + been passed altogether, some hours ago?” + </p> + <p> + “So it has. D'ye see that large dark mass on the water, off the Point, + which seems almost as huge as the fort, with lights above it? That is a + revenue-steamer which came out of York a few hours before us. We wish to + get past her without being troubled by any of her questions.” + </p> + <p> + “And what do any in this brig care about her questions? They can be + answered, surely.” + </p> + <p> + “Ay, ay, Rose—they may be answered, as you say, but the answers + sometimes are unsatisfactory. Captain Spike, for some reason or other, is + uneasy, and would rather not have anything to say to her. He has the + greatest aversion to speaking the smallest craft when on a coast.” + </p> + <p> + “And that's the reason he has undressed his Molly, as he calls her, that + he might not be known.” + </p> + <p> + Mulford turned his head quickly toward his companion, as if surprised by + her quickness of apprehension, but he had too just a sense of his duty to + make any reply. Instead of pursuing the discourse, he adroitly contrived + to change it, by pointing out to Rose the manner in which they were + getting on, which seemed to be very successfully. + </p> + <p> + Although the Swash was under much reduced canvas, she glided along with + great ease and with considerable rapidity of motion. The heavy night air + kept her canvas distended, and the weatherly set of the tide, trifling as + it yet was, pressed her up against the breeze, so as to turn all to + account. It was apparent enough, by the manner in which objects on the + land were passed, that the crisis was fast approaching. Rose rejoined her + aunt, in order to await the result, in nearly breathless expectation. At + that moment, she would have given the world to be safe on shore. This wish + was not the consequence of any constitutional timidity, for Rose was much + the reverse from timid, but it was the fruit of a newly-awakened and + painful, though still vague, suspicion. Happy, thrice happy was it for one + of her naturally confiding and guileless nature, that distrust was thus + opportunely awakened, for she was without a guardian competent to advise + and guide her youth, as circumstances required. + </p> + <p> + The brig was not long in reaching the passage that opened to the Sound. It + is probable she did this so much the sooner because Spike kept her a + little off the wind, with a view of not passing too near the steamer. At + this point, the direction of the passage changes at nearly a right angle, + the revenue-steamer lying on a line with the Neck, and leaving a sort of + bay, in the angle, for the Swash to enter. The land was somewhat low in + all directions but one, and that was by drawing a straight line from the + Point, through the steamer, to the Long Island shore. On the latter, and + in that quarter, rose a bluff of considerable elevation, with deep water + quite near it; and, under the shadows of that bluff, Spike intended to + perform his nicest evolutions. He saw that the revenue vessel had let her + fires go down, and that she was entirely without steam. Under canvas, he + had no doubt of beating her hand over hand, could he once fairly get to + windward; and then she was at anchor, and would lose some time in getting + under way, should she even commence a pursuit. It was all important, + therefore, to gain as much to windward as possible, before the people of + the government vessel took the alarm. + </p> + <p> + There can be no doubt that the alterations made on board the Swash served + her a very good turn on this occasion. Although the night could not be + called positively dark, there was sufficient obscurity to render her hull + confused and indistinct at any distance, and this so much the more when + seen from the steamer outside, or between her and the land. All this Spike + very well understood, and largely calculated on. In effect he was not + deceived; the look-outs on board the revenue craft could trace little of + the vessel that was approaching beyond the spars and sails which rose + above the shores, and these seemed to be the spars and sails of a common + foretopsail schooner. As this was not the sort of craft for which they + were on the watch, no suspicion was awakened, nor did any reports go from + the quarter-deck to the cabin. The steamer had her quarter watches, and + officers of the deck, like a vessel of war, the discipline of which was + fairly enough imitated, but even a man-of-war may be overreached on an + occasion. + </p> + <p> + Spike was only great in a crisis, and then merely as a seaman. He + understood his calling to its minutiæ, and he understood the Molly Swash + better than he understood any other craft that floated. For more than + twenty years had he sailed her, and the careful parent does not better + understand the humours of the child, than he understood exactly what might + be expected from his brig. His satisfaction sensibly increased, therefore, + as she stole along the land, toward the angle mentioned, without a sound + audible but the gentle gurgling of the water, stirred by the stem, and + which sounded like the ripple of the gentlest wave, as it washes the + shingle of some placid beach. + </p> + <p> + As the brig drew nearer to the bluff, the latter brought the wind more + ahead, as respected the desired course. This was unfavourable, but it did + not disconcert her watchful commander. + </p> + <p> + “Let her come round, Mr. Mulford,” said this pilot-captain, in a low voice—“we + are as near in as we ought to go.” + </p> + <p> + The helm was put down, the head sheets started, and away into the wind + shot the Molly Swash, fore-reaching famously in stays, and, of course, + gaining so much on her true course. In a minute she was round, and filled + on the other tack. Spike was now so near the land, that he could perceive + the tide was beginning to aid him, and that his weatherly set was getting + to be considerable. Delighted at this, he walked aft, and told Mulford to + go about again as soon as the vessel had sufficient way to make sure of + her in stays. The mate inquired if he did not think the revenue people + might suspect something, unless they stood further out toward mid-channel, + but Spike reminded him that they would be apt to think the schooner was + working up under the southern shore, because the ebb first made there. + This reason satisfied Mulford, and, as soon as they were half-way between + the bluff and the steamer, the Swash was again tacked, with her head to + the former. This manoeuvre was executed when the brig was about two + hundred yards from the steamer, a distance that was sufficient to + preserve, under all the circumstances, the disguise she had assumed. + </p> + <p> + “They do not suspect us, Harry!” whispered Spike to his mate. “We shall + get to windward of 'em, as sartain as the breeze stands. That boatin' + gentleman might as well have staid at home, as for any good his hurry done + him or his employers!” + </p> + <p> + “Whom do you suppose him to be, Captain Spike?” + </p> + <p> + “Who,—a feller that lives by his own wicked deeds. No matter who he + is. An informer, perhaps. At any rate, he is not the man to outwit the + Molly Swash, and her old, stupid, foolish master and owner, Stephen Spike. + Luff, Mr. Mulford, luff. Now's the time to make the most of your leg—Luff + her up and shake her. She is setting to windward fast, the ebb is sucking + along that bluff like a boy at a molasses hogshead. All she can drift on + this tack is clear gain; there is no hurry, so long as they are asleep + aboard the steamer. That's it—make a half-board at once, but take + care and not come round. As soon as we are fairly clear of the bluff, and + open the bay that makes up behind it, we shall get the wind more to the + southward, and have a fine long leg for the next stretch.” + </p> + <p> + Of course Mulford obeyed, throwing the brig up into the wind, and allowing + her to set to windward, but filling again on the same tack, as ordered. + This, of course, delayed her progress toward the land, and protracted the + agony, but it carried the vessel in the direction she most wished to go, + while it kept her not only end on to the steamer, but in a line with the + bluff, and consequently in the position most favourable to conceal her + true character. Presently, the bay mentioned, which was several miles + deep, opened darkly toward the south, and the wind came directly out of + it, or more to the southward. At this moment the Swash was near a quarter + of a mile from the steamer, and all that distance dead to windward of her, + as the breeze came out of the bay. Spike tacked his vessel himself now, + and got her head up so high that she brought the steamer on her lee + quarter, and looked away toward the island which lies northwardly from the + Point, and quite near to which all vessels of any draught of water are + compelled to pass, even with the fairest winds. + </p> + <p> + “Shake the reef out of the mainsail, Mr. Mulford,” said Spike, when the + Swash was fairly in motion again on this advantageous tack. “We shall pass + well to windward of the steamer, and may as well begin to open our cloth + again.” + </p> + <p> + “Is it not a little too soon, sir?” Mulford ventured to remonstrate; “the + reef is a large one, and will make a great difference in the size of the + sail.” + </p> + <p> + “They'll not see it at this distance. No, no, sir, shake out the reef, and + sway away on the topgallant-mast rope; I'm for bringing the Molly Swash + into her old shape again, and make her look handsome once more.” + </p> + <p> + “Do you dress the brig, as well as undress her, o'mights; Captain Spike?” + inquired the ship-master's reliet, a little puzzled with this fickleness + of purpose. “I do not believe my poor Mr. Budd ever did that.” + </p> + <p> + “Fashions change, madam, with the times—ay, ay, sir—shake out + the reef, and sway away on that mast-rope, boys, as soon as you have + manned it. We'll convart our schooner into a brig again.” + </p> + <p> + As these orders were obeyed, of course, a general bustle now took place. + Mulford soon had the reef out, and the sail distended to the utmost, while + the topgallant-mast was soon up and fidded. The next thing was to sway + upon the fore-yard, and get that into its place. The people were busied at + this duty, when a hoarse hail came across the water on the heavy night + air. + </p> + <p> + “Brig ahoy!” was the call. + </p> + <p> + “Sway upon that fore-yard,” said Spike, unmoved by this summons—“start + it, start it at once.” + </p> + <p> + “The steamer hails us, sir,” said the mate. + </p> + <p> + “Not she. She is hailing a brig; we are a schooner yet.” + </p> + <p> + A moment of active exertion succeeded, during which the fore-yard went + into its place. Then came a second hail. + </p> + <p> + “Schooner, ahoy!” was the summons this time. + </p> + <p> + “The steamer hails us again, Captain Spike.” + </p> + <p> + “The devil a bit. We're a brig now, and she hails a schooner. Come boys, + bestir yourselves, and get the canvas on Molly for'ard. Loose the + fore-course before you quit the yard there, then up aloft and loosen + everything you can find.” + </p> + <p> + All was done as ordered, and done rapidly, as is ever the case on board a + well-ordered vessel when there is occasion for exertion. That occasion now + appeared to exist in earnest, for while the men were sheeting home the + topsail, a flash of light illuminated the scene, when the roar of a gun + came booming across the water, succeeded by the very distinct whistling of + its shot. We regret that the relict of the late Captain Budd did not + behave exactly as became a shipmaster's widow, under fire. Instead of + remaining silent and passive, even while frightened, as was the case with + Rose, she screamed quite as loud as she had previously done that very day + in Hell-Gate. It appeared to Spike, indeed, that practice was making her + perfect; and, as for Biddy, the spirit of emulation became so powerful in + her bosom, that, if anything, she actually outshrieked her mistress. + Hearing this, the widow made a second effort, and fairly recovered the + ground some might have fancied she had lost. + </p> + <p> + “Oh! Captain Spike,” exclaimed the agitated widow, “do not—do not, + if you love me, do not let them fire again!” + </p> + <p> + “How am I to help it!” asked the captain, a good deal to the point, though + he overlooked the essential fact, that, by heaving-to, and waiting for the + steamer's boat to board him, he might have prevented a second shot, as + completely as if he had the ordering of the whole affair. No second shot + was fired, however. As it afterward appeared, the screams of Mrs. Budd and + Biddy were heard on board the steamer, the captain of which, naturally + enough, supposing that the slaughter must be terrible where such cries had + arisen, was satisfied with the mischief he had already done, and directed + his people to secure their gun and go to the capstan-bars, in order to + help lift the anchor. In a word, the revenue vessel was getting under way, + man-of-war fashion, which means somewhat expeditiously. + </p> + <p> + Spike understood the sounds that reached him, among which was the call of + the boatswain, and he bestirred himself accordingly. Experienced as he was + in chases and all sorts of nautical artifices, he very well knew that his + situation was sufficiently critical. It would have been so, with a steamer + at his heels, in the open ocean; but, situated as he was, he was compelled + to steer but one course, and to accept the wind on that course as it might + offer. If he varied at all in his direction it was only in a trifling way, + though he did make some of these variations. Every moment was now + precious, however, and he endeavoured to improve the time to the utmost. + He knew that he could greatly outsail the revenue vessel, under canvas, + and some time would be necessary to enable her to get up her steam; half + an hour at the very least. On that half hour, then, depended the fate of + the Molly Swash. + </p> + <p> + “Send the booms on the yards, and set stun'sails at once, Mr. Mulford,” + said Spike, the instant the more regular canvas was spread forward. “This + wind will be free enough for all but the lower stun'sail, and we must + drive the brig on.” + </p> + <p> + “Are we not looking up too high, Captain Spike? The Stepping-Stones are + ahead of us, sir.” + </p> + <p> + “I know that very well, Mulford. But it's nearly high water, and the + brig's in light trim, and we may rub and go. By making a short cut here, + we shall gain a full mile on the steamer; that mile may save us.” + </p> + <p> + “Do you really think it possible to get away from that craft, which can + always make a fair wind of it, in these narrow waters, Captain Spike?” + </p> + <p> + “One don't know, sir. Nothin' is done without tryin', and by tryin' more + is often done than was hoped for. I have a scheme in my head, and + Providence may favour me in bringing it about.” + </p> + <p> + Providence! The religionist quarrels with the philosopher if the latter + happen to remove this interposition of a higher power, even so triflingly + as by the intervention of secondary agencies, while the biggest rascal + dignifies even his success by such phrases as Providential aid! But it is + not surprising men should misunderstand terms, when they make such sad + confusion in the acts which these terms are merely meant to represent. + Spike had his Providence as well as a priest, and we dare say he often + counted on its succour, with quite as rational grounds of dependence as + many of the pharisees who are constantly exclaiming, “The Temple of the + Lord, the Temple of the Lord are these.” + </p> + <p> + Sail was made on board the Swash with great rapidity, and the brig made a + bold push at the Stepping-Stones. Spike was a capital pilot. He insisted + if he could once gain sight of the spar that was moored on those rocks for + a buoy, he should run with great confidence. The two lights were of great + assistance, of course; but the revenue vessel could see these lights as + well as the brig, and she, doubtless, had an excellent pilot on board. By + the time the studding-sails were set on board the Swash, the steamer was + aweigh, and her long line of peculiar sails became visible. Unfortunately + for men who were in a hurry, she lay so much within the bluff as to get + the wind scant, and her commander thought it necessary to make a stretch + over to the southern shore, before he attempted to lay his course. When he + was ready to tack, an operation of some time with a vessel of her great + length, the Swash was barely visible in the obscurity, gliding off upon a + slack bowline, at a rate which nothing but the damp night air, the + ballast-trim of the vessel, united to her excellent sailing qualities, + could have produced with so light a breeze. + </p> + <p> + The first half hour took the Swash completely out of sight of the steamer. + In that time, in truth, by actual superiority in sailing, by her greater + state of preparation, and by the distance saved by a bold navigation, she + had gained fully a league on her pursuer. But, while the steamer had lost + sight of the Swash, the latter kept the former in view, and that by means + of a signal that was very portentous. She saw the light of the steamer's + chimneys, and could form some opinion of her distance and position. + </p> + <p> + It was about eleven o'clock when the Swash passed the light at Sands' + Point, close in with the land. The wind stood much as it had been. If + there was a change at all, it was half a point more to the southward, and + it was a little fresher. Such as it was, Spike saw he was getting, in that + smooth water, quite eight knots out of his craft, and he made his + calculations thereon. As yet, and possibly for half an hour longer, he was + gaining, and might hope to continue to gain on the steamer. Then her turn + would come. Though no great traveller, it was not to be expected that, + favoured by smooth water and the breeze, her speed would be less than ten + knots, while there was no hope of increasing his own without an increase + of the wind. He might be five miles in advance, or six at the most; these + six miles would be overcome in three hours of steaming, to a dead + certainty, and they might possibly be overcome much sooner. It was + obviously necessary to resort to some other experiment than that of dead + sailing, if an escape was to be effected. + </p> + <p> + The Sound was now several miles in width, and Spike, at first, proposed to + his mate, to keep off dead before the wind, and by crossing over to the + north shore, let the steamer pass ahead, and continue a bootless chase to + the eastward. Several vessels, however, were visible in the middle of the + passage, at distances varying from one to three miles, and Mulford pointed + out the hopelessness of attempting to cross the sheet of open water, and + expect to go unseen by the watchful eyes of the revenue people. + </p> + <p> + “What you say is true enough, Mr. Mulford,” answered Spike, after a moment + of profound reflection, “and every foot that they come nearer, the less + will be our chance. But here is Hempstead Harbour a few leagues ahead; if + we can reach that before the blackguards close, we may do well enough. It + is a deep bay, and has high land to darken the view. I don't think the + brig could be seen at midnight by anything outside; if she was once fairly + up that water a mile or two.” + </p> + <p> + “That is our chance, sir!” exclaimed Mulford cheerfully. “Ay, ay, I know + the spot; and everything is favourable—try that, Captain Spike; I'll + answer for it that we go clear.” + </p> + <p> + Spike did try it. For a considerable time longer he stood on, keeping as + close to the land as he thought it safe to run, and carrying everything + that would draw. But the steamer was on his heels, evidently gaining fast. + Her chimneys gave out flames, and there was every sign that her people + were in earnest. To those on board the Swash these flames seemed to draw + nearer each instant, as indeed was the fact, and just as the breeze came + fresher out of the opening in the hills, or the low mountains, which + surround the place of refuge in which they designed to enter, Mulford + announced that by aid of the night-glass he could distinguish both sails + and hull of their pursuer. Spike took a look, and throwing down the + instrument, in a way to endanger it, he ordered the studding-sails taken + in. The men went aloft like cats, and worked as if they could stand in + air. In a minute or two the Swash was under what Mrs. Budd might have + called her “attacking” canvas, and was close by the wind, looking on a + good leg well up the harbour. The brig seemed to be conscious of the + emergency, and glided ahead at capital speed. In five minutes she had shut + in the flaming chimneys of the steamer. In five minutes more Spike tacked, + to keep under the western side of the harbour, and out of sight as long as + possible, and because he thought the breeze drew down fresher where he was + than more out in the bay. + </p> + <p> + All now depended on the single fact whether the brig had been seen from + the steamer or not, before she hauled into the bay. If seen, she had + probably been watched; if not seen, there were strong grounds for hoping + that she might still escape. About a quarter of an hour after Spike hauled + up, the burning chimneys came again into view. The brig was then half a + league within the bay, with a fine dark background of hills to throw her + into shadow. Spike ordered everything taken in but the trysail, under + which the brig was left to set slowly over toward the western side of the + harbour. He now rubbed his hands with delight, and pointed out to Mulford + the circumstance that the steamer kept on her course directly athwart the + harbour's mouth! Had she seen the Swash, no doubt she would have turned + into the bay also. Nevertheless, an anxious ten minutes succeeded, during + which the revenue vessel steamed fairly past, and shut in her flaming + chimneys again by the eastern headlands of the estuary. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0003" id="link2HCH0003"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER III. + </h2> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + The western wave was all a flame, + The day was well nigh done, + Almost upon the western wave + Rested the broad bright sun; + When that strange ship drove suddenly + Betwixt us and the sun. + + The Ancient Mariner. +</pre> + <p> + At that hour, on the succeeding morning, when the light of day is just + beginning to chase away the shadows of night, the Molly Swash became + visible within the gloom of the high land which surrounds so much of the + bay of Hempstead, under easy sail, backing and filling, in order to keep + within her hiding-place, until a look could be had at the state of things + without. Half an hour later, she was so near the entrance of the estuary, + as to enable the look-outs aloft to ascertain that the coast was clear, + when Spike ordered the helm to be put up, and the brig to be kept away to + her course. At this precise moment, Rose appeared on deck, refreshed by + the sleep of a quiet night; and with cheeks tinged with a colour even more + delicate than that which was now glowing in the eastern sky, and which was + almost as brilliant. + </p> + <p> + “We stopped in this bit of a harbour for the night, Miss Rose, that is + all;” said Spike, observing that his fair passenger was looking about her, + in some little surprise, at finding the vessel so near the land, and + seemingly so much out of her proper position. “Yes, we always do that, + when we first start on a v'y'ge, and before the brig gets used to + travelling—do n't we, Mr. Mulford?” + </p> + <p> + Mr. Mulford, who knew how hopeless was the attempt to mystify Rose, as one + might mystify her credulous and weak-minded aunt, and who had no + disposition to deal any way but fairly by the beautiful, and in one sense + now helpless young creature before him, did not see fit to make any reply. + Offend Spike he did not dare to do, more especially under present + circumstances; and mislead Rose he would not do. He affected not to hear + the question, therefore, but issuing an order about the head-sails, he + walked forward as if to see it executed. Rose herself was not under as + much restraint as the young mate. + </p> + <p> + “It is convenient, Captain Spike,” she coolly answered for Mulford, “to + have stopping-places, for vessels that are wearied, and I remember the + time when my uncle used to tell me of such matters, very much in the same + vein; but, it was before I was twelve years old.” + </p> + <p> + Spike hemmed, and he looked a little foolish, but Clench, the boatswain, + coming aft to say something to him in confidence, just at that moment, he + was enabled to avoid the awkwardness of attempting to explain. This man + Clench, or Clinch, as the name was pronounced, was deep in the captain's + secrets; far more so than was his mate, and would have been filling + Mulford's station at that very time, had he not been hopelessly ignorant + of navigation. On the present occasion, his business was to point out to + the captain, two or three lines of smoke, that were visible above the + water of the Sound, in the eastern board; one of which he was apprehensive + might turn out to be the smoke of the revenue craft, from which they had + so recently escaped. + </p> + <p> + “Steamers are no rarities in Long Island Sound, Clench,” observed the + captain, levelling his glass at the most suspected of the smokes. “That + must be a Providence, or Stonington chap, coming west with the Boston + train.” + </p> + <p> + “Either of them would have been further west, by this time, Captain + Spike,” returned the doubting, but watchful boatswain. “It's a large + smoke, and I fear it is the revenue fellow coming back, after having had a + look well to the eastward, and satisfying himself that we are not to be + had in that quarter.” + </p> + <p> + Spike growled out his assent to the possibility of such a conjecture, and + promised vigilance. This satisfied his subordinate for the moment, and he + walked forward, or to the place where he belonged. In the mean time, the + widow came on deck, smiling, and snuffing the salt air, and ready to be + delighted with anything that was maritime. + </p> + <p> + “Good morning, Captain Spike,” she cried—“Are we in the offing, yet?—you + know I desired to be told when we are in the offing, for I intend to write + a letter to my poor Mr. Budd's sister, Mrs. Sprague, as soon as we get to + the offing.” + </p> + <p> + “What is the offing, aunt?” inquired the handsome niece. + </p> + <p> + “Why you have hardly been at sea long enough to understand me, child, + should I attempt to explain. The offing, however, is the place where the + last letters are always written to the owners, and to friends ashore. The + term comes, I suppose, from the circumstance that the vessel is about to + be off, and it is natural to think of those we leave behind, at such a + moment. I intend to write to your aunt Sprague, my dear, the instant I + hear we are in the offing; and what is more, I intend to make you my + amanuensis.” + </p> + <p> + “But how will the letter be sent, aunty?—I have no more objections + to writing than any one else, but I do not see how the letter is to be + sent. Really, the sea is a curious region, with its stopping-places for + the night, and its offings to write letters at!” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, it's all as you say, Rose—a most remarkable region is the sea! + You'll admire it, as I admire it, when you come to know it better; and as + your poor uncle admired it, and as Captain Spike admires it, too. As for + the letters, they can be sent ashore by the pilot, as letters are always + sent.” + </p> + <p> + “But, aunty, there is no pilot in the Swash—for Captain Spike + refused to take one on board.” + </p> + <p> + “Rose!—you don't understand what you are talking about! No vessel + ever yet sailed without a pilot, if indeed any can. It's opposed to the + law, not to have a pilot; and now I remember to have heard your dear uncle + say it wasn't a voyage if a vessel didn't take away a pilot.” + </p> + <p> + “But if they take them away, aunty, how can they send the letters ashore + by them?” + </p> + <p> + “Poh! poh! child; you don't know what you're saying; but you'll overlook + it, I hope, Captain Spike, for Rose is quick, and will soon learn to know + better. As if letters couldn't be sent ashore by the pilot, though he was + a hundred thousand miles from land! But, Captain Spike, you must let me + know when we are about to get off the Sound, for I know that the pilot is + always sent ashore with his letters, before the vessel gets off the + Sound.” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, yes,” returned the captain, a little mystified by the widow, though + he knew her so well, and understood her so well—“you shall know, + ma'am, when we get off soundings, for I suppose that is what you mean.” + </p> + <p> + “What is the difference? Off the Sound, or off the soundings, of course, + must mean the same thing. But, Rosy, we will go below and write to your + aunt at once, for I see a light-house yonder, and light-houses are always + put just off the soundings.” + </p> + <p> + Rose, who always suspected her aunt's nautical talk, though she did not + know how to correct it, and was not sorry to put an end to it, now, by + going below, and spreading her own writing materials, in readiness to + write, as the other dictated. Biddy Noon was present, sewing on some of + her own finery. + </p> + <p> + “Now write, as I tell you, Rose,” commenced the widow—“My dear + sister Sprague—Here we are, at last, just off the soundings, with + light-houses all round us, and so many capes and islands in sight, that it + does seem as if the vessel never could find its way through them all. Some + of these islands must be the West Indies”—“Aunty, that can never + be!” exclaimed Rose—“we left New York only yesterday.” + </p> + <p> + “What of that? Had it been old times, I grant you several days might be + necessary to get a sight of the West Indies, but, now, when a letter can + be written to a friend in Boston, and an answer received in half an hour, + it requires no such time to go to the West Indies. Besides, what other + islands are there in this part of the world?—they can't be England—” + </p> + <p> + “No—no,”—said Rose, at once seeing it would be preferable to + admit they were the West Indies; so the letter went on:—“Some of + these islands must be the West Indies, and it is high time we saw some of + them, for we are nearly off the Sound, and the light-houses are getting to + be quite numerous. I think we have already seen four since we left the + wharf. But, my dear sister Sprague, you will be delighted to hear how much + better Rose's health is already becoming—” + </p> + <p> + “My health, aunty! Why, I never knew an ill day in my life!” + </p> + <p> + “Don't tell me that, my darling; I know too well what all these deceptive + appearances of health amount to. I would not alarm you for the world, Rosy + dear, but a careful parent—and I'm your parent in affection, if not + by nature—but a careful parent's eye is not to be deceived. I know + you look well, but you are ill, my child; though, Heaven be praised, the + sea air and hydropathy are already doing you a monstrous deal of good.” + </p> + <p> + As Mrs. Budd concluded, she wiped her eyes, and appeared really glad that + her niece had a less consumptive look than when she embarked. Rose sat, + gazing at her aunt, in mute astonishment. She knew how much and truly she + was beloved, and that induced her to be more tolerant of her connection's + foibles than even duty demanded. Feeling was blended with her respect, but + it was almost too much for her, to learn that this long, and in some + respects painful voyage, was undertaken on her account, and without the + smallest necessity for it. The vexation, however, would have been largely + increased, but for certain free communications that had occasionally + occurred between her and the handsome mate, since the moment of her coming + on board the brig. Rose knew that Harry Mulford loved her, too, for he had + told her as much with a seaman's frankness; and though she had never let + him know that his partiality was returned, her woman's heart was fast + inclining toward him, with all her sex's tenderness. This made the mistake + of her aunt tolerable, though Rose was exceedingly vexed it should ever + have occurred. + </p> + <p> + “Why, my dearest aunt,” she cried, “they told me it was on your account + that this voyage was undertaken!” + </p> + <p> + “I know they did, poor, dear Rosy, and that was in order not to alarm you. + Some persons of delicate constitutions—” + </p> + <p> + “But my constitution is not in the least delicate, aunt; on the contrary, + it is as good as possible; a blessing for which, I trust, I am truly + grateful, I did not know but you might be suffering, though you do look so + well, for they all agreed in telling me you had need of a sea-voyage.” + </p> + <p> + “I, a subject for hydropathy! Why, child, water is no more necessary to me + than it is to a cat.” + </p> + <p> + “But going to sea, aunty, is not hydropathy—” + </p> + <p> + “Don't say that, Rosy; do not say that, my dear. It is hydropathy on a + large scale, as Captain Spike says; and when he gets us into blue water, + he has promised that you shall have all the benefits of the treatment.” + </p> + <p> + Rose was silent and thoughtful; after which she spoke quickly, like one to + whom an important thought had suddenly occurred. + </p> + <p> + “And Captain Spike, then, was consulted in my case?” she asked. + </p> + <p> + “He was, my dear, and you have every reason to be grateful to him. He was + the first to discover a change in your appearance, and to suggest a sea + voyage. Marine Hydropathy, he said, he was sure would get you up again; + for Captain Spike thinks your constitution good at the bottom, though the + high colour you have proves too high a state of habitual excitement.” + </p> + <p> + “Was Dr. Monson consulted at all, aunt?” + </p> + <p> + “Not at all. You know the doctors are all against hydropathy, and + mesmerism, and the magnetic telegraph, and everything that is new; so we + thought it best not to consult him.” + </p> + <p> + “And my aunt Sprague?” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, she was consulted after everything was settled, and when I knew her + notions could not undo what had been already done. But she is a seaman's + widow, as well as myself, and has a great notion of the virtue of sea + air.” + </p> + <p> + “Then it would seem that Doctor Spike was the principal adviser in my + case!” + </p> + <p> + “I own that he was, Rosy dear. Captain Spike was brought up by your uncle, + who has often told me what a thorough seaman he was. 'There's Spike, now,' + he said to me one day, 'he can almost make his brig talk'—this very + brig too, your uncle meant, Rosy, and, of course, one of the best vessels + in the world to take hydropathy in.” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, aunty,” returned Rose, playing with the pen, while her air proved + how little her mind was in her words. “Well, what shall I say next to my + aunt Sprague?” + </p> + <p> + “Rose's health is already becoming confirmed,” resumed the widow, who + thought it best to encourage her niece by as strong terms as she could + employ, “and I shall extol hydropathy to the skies, as long as I live. As + soon as we reach our port of destination, my dear sister Sprague, I shall + write you a line to let you know it, by the magnetic telegraph—” + </p> + <p> + “But there is no magnetic telegraph on the sea, aunty,” interrupted Rose, + looking up from the paper, with her clear, serene, blue eyes, expressing + even her surprise, at this touch of the relict's ignorance. + </p> + <p> + “Don't tell me that, Rosy, child, when everybody says the sparks will fly + round the whole earth, just as soon as they will fly from New York to + Philadelphia.” + </p> + <p> + “But they must have something to fly on, aunty; and the ocean will not + sustain wires, or posts.” + </p> + <p> + “Well, there is no need of being so particular; if there is no telegraph, + the letter must come by mail. You can say telegraph, here, and when your + aunt gets the letter, the postmark will tell her how it came. It looks + better to talk about telegraphic communications, child.” + </p> + <p> + Rose resumed her pen, and wrote at her aunt's dictation, as follows:—“By + the magnetic telegraph, when I hope to be able to tell you that our dear + Rose is well. As yet, we both enjoy the ocean exceedingly; but when we get + off the Sound, into blue water, and have sent the pilot ashore, or + discharged him, I ought to say, which puts me in mind of telling you that + a cannon was discharged at us only last night, and that the ball whistled + so near me, that I heard it as plain as ever you heard Rose's piano.” + </p> + <p> + “Had I not better first tell my aunt Sprague what is to be done when the + pilot is discharged?” + </p> + <p> + “No; tell her about the cannon that was discharged, first, and about the + ball that I heard. I had almost forgot that adventure, which was a very + remarkable one, was it not, Biddy?” + </p> + <p> + “Indeed, Missus, and it was! and Miss Rose might put in the letter how we + both screamed at that cannon, and might have been heard as plainly, every + bit of it, as the ball.” + </p> + <p> + “Say nothing on the subject, Rose, or we shall never hear the last of it. + So, darling, you may conclude in your own way, for I believe I have told + your aunt all that comes to mind.” + </p> + <p> + Rose did as desired, finishing the epistle in a very few words, for, + rightly enough, she had taken it into her head there was no pilot to be + discharged, and consequently that the letter would never be sent. Her + short but frequent conferences with Mulford were fast opening her eyes, + not to say her heart, and she was beginning to see Captain Spike in his + true character, which was that of a great scoundrel. It is true, that the + mate had not long judged his commander quite so harshly; but had rather + seen his beautiful brig, and her rare qualities, in her owner and + commander, than the man himself; but jealousy had quickened his + observation of late, and Stephen Spike had lost ground sensibly with Harry + Mulford, within the last week. Two or three times before, the young man + had thought of seeking another berth, on account of certain distrusts of + Spike's occupations; but he was poor, and so long as he remained in the + Swash, Harry's opportunities of meeting Rose were greatly increased. This + circumstance, indeed, was the secret of his still being in the “Molly,” as + Spike usually called his craft; the last voyage having excited suspicions + that were rather of a delicate nature. Then the young man really loved the + brig, which, if she could not be literally made to talk, could be made to + do almost everything else. A vessel, and a small vessel, too, is rather + contracted as to space, but those who wish to converse can contrive to + speak together often, even in such narrow limits. Such had been the fact + with Rose Budd and the handsome mate. Twenty times since they sailed, + short as that time was, had Mulford contrived to get so near to Rose, as + to talk with her, unheard by others. It is true, that he seldom ventured + to do this, so long as the captain was in sight, but Spike was often + below, and opportunities were constantly occurring. It was in the course + of these frequent but brief conversations, that Harry had made certain + dark hints touching the character of his commander, and the known + recklessness of his proceedings. Rose had taken the alarm, and fully + comprehending her aunt's mental imbecility, her situation was already + giving her great uneasiness. She had some undefined hopes from the revenue + steamer; though, strangely enough as it appeared to her, her youngest and + most approved suitor betrayed a strong desire to escape from that craft, + at the very moment he was expressing his apprehensions on account of her + presence in the brig. This contradiction arose from a certain esprit de + corps, which seldom fails, more or less, to identify the mariner with his + ship. + </p> + <p> + But the writing was finished, and the letter sealed with wax, Mrs. Budd + being quite as particular in that ceremony as Lord Nelson, when the + females again repaired on deck. They found Spike and his mate sweeping the + eastern part of the Sound with their glasses, with a view to look out for + enemies; or, what to them, just then, was much the same thing, government + craft. In this occupation, Rose was a little vexed to see that Mulford was + almost as much interested as Spike himself, the love of his vessel + seemingly overcoming his love for her, if not his love of the right—she + knew of no reason, however, why the captain should dread any other vessel, + and felt sufficiently provoked to question him a little on the subject, if + it were only to let him see that the niece was not as completely his dupe + as the aunt. She had not been on deck five minutes, therefore, during + which time several expressions had escaped the two sailors touching their + apprehensions of vessels seen in the distance, ere she commenced her + inquiries. + </p> + <p> + “And why should we fear meeting with other vessels?” Rose plainly demanded—“here + in Long Island Sound, and within the power of the laws of the country?” + </p> + <p> + “Fear?” exclaimed Spike, a little startled, and a good deal surprised at + this straight-forward question—“Fear, Miss Rose! You do not think we + are afraid, though there are many reasons why we do not wish to be spoken + by certain craft that are hovering about. In the first place, you know it + is war time—I suppose you know, Madam Budd, that America is at war + with Mexico?” + </p> + <p> + “Certainly,” answered the widow, with dignity—“and that is a + sufficient reason, Rose, why one vessel should chase, and another should + run. If you had heard your poor uncle relate, as I have done, all his + chasings and runnings away, in the war times, child, you would understand + these things better. Why, I've heard your uncle say that, in some of his + long voyages, he has run thousands and thousands of miles, with sails set + on both sides, and all over his ship!” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, aunty, and so have I, but that was 'running before the wind,' as he + used to call it.” + </p> + <p> + “I s'pose, however, Miss Rose,” put in Spike, who saw that the niece would + soon get the better of the aunt;—“I s'pose, Miss Rose, that you'll + acknowledge that America is at war with Mexico?” + </p> + <p> + “I am sorry to say that such is the fact, but I remember to have heard you + say, yourself, Captain Spike, when my aunt was induced to undertake this + voyage, that you did not consider there was the smallest danger from any + Mexicans.” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, you did, Captain Spike,” added the aunt—“you did say there was + no danger from Mexicans.” + </p> + <p> + “Nor is there a bit, Madam Budd, if Miss Rose, and your honoured self, + will only hear me. There is no danger, because the brig has the heels of + anything Mexico can send to sea. She has sold her steamers, and, as for + anything else under her flag, I would not care a straw.” + </p> + <p> + “The steamer from which we ran, last evening, and which actually fired off + a cannon at us, was not Mexican, but American,” said Rose, with a pointed + manner that put Spike to his trumps. + </p> + <p> + “Oh! that steamer—” he stammered—“that was a race—only a + race, Miss Rose, and I wouldn't let her come near me, for the world. I + should never hear the last of it, in the insurance offices, and on + 'change, did I let her overhaul us. You see, Miss Rose—you see, + Madam Budd—” Spike ever found it most convenient to address his + mystifying discourse to the aunt, in preference to addressing it to the + niece—“You see, Madam Budd, the master of that craft and I are old + cronies—sailed together when boys, and set great store by each + other. We met only last evening, just a'ter I had left your own agreeable + mansion, Madam Budd, and says he, 'Spike, when do you sail?' 'To-morrow's + flood, Jones,' says I—his name is Jones;—Peter Jones, and as + good a fellow as ever lived. 'Do you go by the Hook, or by Hell-Gate—'” + </p> + <p> + “Hurl-Gate, Captain Spike, if you please—or Whirl-Gate, which some + people think is the true sound; but the other way of saying it is awful.” + </p> + <p> + “Well, the captain, my old master, always called it Hell-Gate, and I + learned the trick from him—” + </p> + <p> + “I know he did, and so do all sailors; but genteel people, now-a-days, say + nothing but Hurl-Gate, or Whirl-Gate.” + </p> + <p> + Rose smiled at this; as did Mulford; but neither said anything, the + subject having once before been up between them. As for ourselves, we are + still so old-fashioned as to say, and write, Hell-Gate, and intend so to + do, in spite of all the Yankees that have yet passed through it, or who + ever shall pass through it, and that is saying a great deal. We do not + like changing names to suit their uneasy spirits. + </p> + <p> + “Call the place Hurl-Gate, and go on with your story,” said the widow, + complacently. + </p> + <p> + “Yes, Madam Budd—'Do you go by the Hook, or by Whirl-Gate?' said + Jones. 'By Whirl-a-Gig-Gate,' says I. 'Well,' says he, 'I shall go through + the Gate myself, in the course of the morning. We may meet somewhere to + the eastward, and, if we do, I'll bet you a beaver,' says he, 'that I show + you my stern.' 'Agreed,' says I, and we shook hands upon it. That's the + whole history of our giving the steamer the slip, last night, and of my + not wishing to let her speak me.” + </p> + <p> + “But you went into a bay, and let her go past you,” said Rose, coolly + enough as to manner, but with great point as to substance. “Was not that a + singular way of winning a race?” + </p> + <p> + “It does seem so, Miss Rose, but it's all plain enough, when understood. I + found that steam was too much for sails, and I stood up into the bay to + let them run past us, in hopes they would never find out the trick. I care + as little for a hat as any man, but I do care a good deal about having it + reported on 'change that the Molly was beat, by even a steamer.” + </p> + <p> + This ended the discourse for the moment, Clench again having something to + say to his captain in private. + </p> + <p> + “How much of that explanation am I to believe, and how much disbelieve?” + asked Rose, the instant she was left alone with Harry. “If it be all + invention, it was a ready and ingenious story.” + </p> + <p> + “No part of it is true. He no more expected that the steamer would pass + through Hell-Gate, than I expected it myself. There was no bet, or race, + therefore; but it was our wish to avoid Uncle Sam's cruiser, that was + all.” + </p> + <p> + “And why should you wish any such thing?” + </p> + <p> + “On my honour, I can give you no better reason, so far as I am concerned, + than the fact that, wishing to keep clear of her, I do not like to be + overhauled. Nor can I tell you why Spike is so much in earnest in holding + the revenue vessel at arm's length; I know he dislikes all such craft, as + a matter of course, but I can see no particular reason for it just now. A + more innocent cargo was never stuck into a vessel's hold.” + </p> + <p> + “What is it?” + </p> + <p> + “Flour; and no great matter of that. The brig is not half full, being just + in beautiful ballast trim, as if ready for a race. I can see no sufficient + reason, beyond native antipathy, why Captain Spike should wish to avoid + any craft, for it is humbug his dread of a Mexican, and least of all, + here, in Long Island Sound. All that story about Jones is a tub for + whales.” + </p> + <p> + “Thank you for the allusion; my aunt and myself being the whales.” + </p> + <p> + “You know I do mean—can mean nothing, Rose, that is disrespectful to + either yourself or your aunt.” + </p> + <p> + Rose looked up, and she looked pleased. Then she mused in silence, for + some time, when she again spoke. + </p> + <p> + “Why have you remained another voyage with such a man, Harry?” she asked, + earnestly. + </p> + <p> + “Because, as his first officer, I have had access to your house, when I + could not have had it otherwise; and because I have apprehended that he + might persuade Mrs. Budd, as he had boasted to me it was his intention to + do, to make this voyage.” + </p> + <p> + Rose now looked grateful; and deeply grateful did she feel, and had reason + to feel. Harry had concealed no portion of his history from her. Like + herself, he was a shipmaster's child, but one better educated and better + connected than was customary for the class. His father had paid a good + deal of attention to the youth's early years, but had made a seaman of + him, out of choice. The father had lost his all, however, with his life, + in a shipwreck; and Harry was thrown upon his own resources, at the early + age of twenty. He had made one or two voyages as a second mate, when + chance threw him in Spike's way, who, pleased with some evidences of + coolness and skill, that he had shown in a foreign port, on the occasion + of another loss, took him as his first officer; in which situation he had + remained ever since, partly from choice and partly from necessity. On the + other hand, Rose had a fortune; by no means a large one, but several + thousands in possession, from her own father, and as many more in + reversion from her uncle. It was this money, taken in connection with the + credulous imbecility of the aunt, that had awakened the cupidity, and + excited the hopes of Spike. After a life of lawless adventure, one that + had been chequered by every shade of luck, he found himself growing old, + with his brig growing old with him, and little left beside his vessel and + the sort of half cargo that was in her hold. Want of means, indeed, was + the reason that the flour-barrels were not more numerous. + </p> + <p> + Rose heard Mulford's explanation favourably, as indeed she heard most of + that which came from him, but did not renew the discourse, Spike's + conference with the boatswain just then terminating. The captain now came + aft, and began to speak of the performances of his vessel in a way to show + that he took great pride in them. + </p> + <p> + “We are travelling at the rate of ten knots, Madam Budd,” he said + exultingly, “and that will take us clear of the land, before night shuts + in ag'in. Montauk is a good place for an offing; I ask for no better.” + </p> + <p> + “Shall we then have two offings, this voyage, Captain Spike?” asked Rose, + a little sarcastically. “If we are in the offing now, and are to be in the + offing when we reach Montauk, there must be two such places.” + </p> + <p> + “Rosy, dear, you amaze me!” put in the aunt. “There is no offing until the + pilot is discharged, and when he's discharged there is nothing but offing. + It's all offing. On the Sound, is the first great change that befalls a + vessel as she goes to sea; then comes the offing; next the pilot is + discharged—then—then—what comes next, Captain Spike?” + </p> + <p> + “Then the vessel takes her departure—an old navigator like yourself, + Madam Budd, ought not to forget the departure.” + </p> + <p> + “Quite true, sir. The departure is a very important portion of a seaman's + life. Often and often have I heard my poor dear Mr. Budd talk about his + departures. His departures, and his offings and his—” + </p> + <p> + “Land-falls,” added Spike, perceiving that the shipmaster's relict was a + little at fault. + </p> + <p> + “Thank you, sir; the hint is quite welcome. His landfalls, also, were + often in his mouth.” + </p> + <p> + “What is a land-fall, aunty?” inquired Rose—“It appears a strange + term to be used by one who lives on the water.” + </p> + <p> + “Oh! there is no end to the curiosities of sailors! A 'land-fall,' my + dear, means a shipwreck, of course. To fall on the land, and a very + unpleasant fall it is, when a vessel should keep on the water. I've heard + of dreadful land-falls in my day, in which hundreds of souls have been + swept into eternity, in an instant.” + </p> + <p> + “Yes; yes, Madam Budd—there are such accidents truly, and serious + things be they to encounter,” answered Spike, hemming a little to clear + his throat, as was much his practice whenever the widow ran into any + unusually extravagant blunder; “yes, serious things to encounter. But the + land-fall that I mean is a different sort of thing; being, as you well + know, what we say when we come in sight of land, a'ter a v'y'ge; or, + meaning the land we may happen first to see. The departure is the + beginning of our calculation when we lose sight of the last cape or + headland, and the land-fall closes it, by letting us know where we are, at + the other end of our journey, as you probably remember.” + </p> + <p> + “Is there not such a thing as clearing out in navigation?” asked Rose, + quickly, willing to cover a little confusion that was manifest in her + aunt's manner. + </p> + <p> + “Not exactly in navigation, Miss Rose, but clearing out, with honest folk, + ought to come first, and navigation a'terwards. Clearing out means going + through the Custom-House, accordin' to law.” + </p> + <p> + “And the Molly Swash has cleared out, I hope?” + </p> + <p> + “Sartain—a more lawful clearance was never given in Wall Street; + it's for Key West and a market. I did think of making it Havana and a + market, but port-charges are lightest at Key West.” + </p> + <p> + “Then Key West is the place to which we are bound?” + </p> + <p> + “It ought to be, agreeable to papers; though vessels sometimes miss the + ports for which they clear.” + </p> + <p> + Rose put no more questions; and her aunt, being conscious that she had not + appeared to advantage in the affair of the “land-fall,” was also disposed + to be silent. Spike and Mulford had their attention drawn to the vessel, + and the conversation dropped. + </p> + <p> + The reader can readily suppose that the Molly Swash had not been standing + still all this time. So far from this, she was running “down Sound,” with + the wind on her quarter, or at south-west, making great head-way, as she + was close under the south shore, or on the island side of the water she + was in. The vessel had no other motion than that of her speed, and the + females escaped everything like sea-sickness, for the time being. This + enabled them to attend to making certain arrangements necessary to their + comforts below, previously to getting into rough water. In acquitting + herself of this task, Rose received much useful advice from Josh, though + his new assistant, Jack Tier, turned out to be a prize indeed, in the + cabins. The first was only a steward; but the last proved himself not only + a handy person of his calling, but one full of resources—a genius, + in his way. Josh soon became so sensible of his own inferiority, in + contributing to the comforts of females, that he yielded the entire + management of the “ladies' cabin,” as a little place that might have been + ten feet square, was called, to his uncouth-looking, but really expert + deputy. Jack waddled about below, as if born and brought up in such a + place, and seemed every way fitted for his office. In height, and in build + generally, there was a surprising conformity between the widow and the + steward's deputy, a circumstance which might induce one to think they must + often have been in each other's way, in a space so small; though, in point + of fact, Jack never ran foul of any one. He seemed to avoid this + inconvenience by a species of nautical instinct. + </p> + <p> + Towards the turn of the day, Rose had everything arranged, and was + surprised to find how much room she had made for her aunt and herself, by + means of Jack's hints, and how much more comfortable it was possible to + be, in that small cabin, than she had at first supposed. + </p> + <p> + After dinner, Spike took his siesta. He slept in a little state-room that + stood on the starboard side of the quarter-deck, quite aft; as Mulford did + in one on the larboard. These two state-rooms were fixtures; but a light + deck overhead, which connected them, shipped and unshipped, forming a + shelter for the man at the wheel, when in its place, as well as for the + officer of the watch, should he see fit to use it, in bad weather. This + sort of cuddy, Spike termed his “coach-house.” + </p> + <p> + The captain had no sooner gone into his state-room, and closed its window, + movements that were understood by Mulford, than the latter took occasion + to intimate to Rose, by means of Jack Tier, the state of things on deck, + when the young man was favoured with the young lady's company. + </p> + <p> + “He has turned in for his afternoon's nap, and will sleep for just one + hour, blow high, or blow low,” said the mate, placing himself at Rose's + side on the trunk, which formed the usual seat for those who could presume + to take the liberty of sitting down on the quarter-deck. “It's a habit + with him, and we can count on it, with perfect security.” + </p> + <p> + “His doing so, now, is a sign that he has no immediate fears of the + revenue steamer?” + </p> + <p> + “The coast is quite clear of her. We have taken good looks at every smoke, + but can see nothing that appears like our late companion. She has + doubtless gone to the eastward, on duty, and merely chased us, on her + road.” + </p> + <p> + “But why should she chase us, at all?” + </p> + <p> + “Because we ran. Let a dog run, or a man run, or a cat run, ten to one but + something starts in chase. It is human nature, I believe, to give chase; + though I will admit there was something suspicious about that steamer's + movements—her anchoring off the Fort, for instance. But let her go, + for the present; are you getting things right, and to your mind, below + decks?” + </p> + <p> + “Very much so. The cabin is small, and the two state-rooms the merest + drawers that ever were used, but, by putting everything in its place, we + have made sufficient room, and no doubt shall be comfortable.” + </p> + <p> + “I am sorry you did not call on me for assistance. The mate has a + prescriptive right to help stow away.” + </p> + <p> + “We made out without your services,” returned Rose, slightly blushing—“Jack + Tier, as he is called, Josh's assistant, is a very useful person, and has + been our adviser and manager. I want no better for such services.” + </p> + <p> + “He is a queer fellow, all round. Take him altogether, I hardly ever saw + so droll a being! As thick as he's long, with a waddle like a duck, a + voice that is cracked, hair like bristles, and knee high; the man might + make a fortune as a show. Tom Thumb is scarcely a greater curiosity.” + </p> + <p> + “He is singular in 'build,' as you call it,” returned Rose, laughing, + “but, I can assure you that he is a most excellent fellow in his way—worth + a dozen of Josh. Do you know, Harry, that I suspect he has strong feelings + towards Captain Spike; though whether of like or dislike, friendship or + enmity, I am at a loss to say.” + </p> + <p> + “And why do you think that he has any feeling at all? I have heard Spike + say he left the fellow ashore, somewhere down on the Spanish Main, or in + the Islands, quite twenty years since; but a sailor would scarce carry a + grudge so long a time, for such a thing as that.” + </p> + <p> + “I do not know—but feeling there is, and much of it, too; though, + whether hostile or friendly, I will not undertake to say.” + </p> + <p> + “I'll look to the chap, now you tell me this. It is a little odd, the + manner in which he got on board us, taken in connection with the company + he was in, and a discovery may be made. Here he is, however; and, as I + keep the keys of the magazine, he can do us no great harm, unless he + scuttles the brig.” + </p> + <p> + “Magazine! Is there such a thing here?” + </p> + <p> + “To be sure there is, and ammunition enough in it to keep eight carronades + in lively conversation for a couple of hours.” + </p> + <p> + “A carronade is what you call a gun, is it not?” + </p> + <p> + “A piece of a one—being somewhat short, like your friend, Jack Tier, + who is shaped a good deal like a carronade.” + </p> + <p> + Rose smiled—nay, half laughed, for Harry's pleasantries almost took + the character of wit in her eyes, but she did not the less pursue her + inquiries. + </p> + <p> + “Guns! And where are they, if they be on this vessel?” + </p> + <p> + “Do not use such a lubberly expression, my dear Rose, if you respect your + father's profession. On a vessel, is a new-fangled Americanism, that is + neither fish, flesh, nor red-herring, as we sailors say—neither + English nor Greek.” + </p> + <p> + “What should I say, then? My wish is not to parade sea-talk, but to use it + correctly, when I use it at all.” + </p> + <p> + “The expression is hardly 'sea-talk,' as you call it, but every-day + English—that is, when rightly used. On a vessel is no more English + than it is nautical—no sailor ever used such an expression.” + </p> + <p> + “Tell me what I ought to say, and you will find me a willing, if not an + apt scholar. I am certain of having often read it, in the newspapers, and + that quite lately.” + </p> + <p> + “I'll answer for that, and it's another proof of its being wrong. In a + vessel is as correct as in a coach, and on a vessel as wrong as can be; + but you can say on board a vessel, though not 'on the boards of a vessel;' + as Mrs. Budd has it.” + </p> + <p> + “Mr. Mulford!” + </p> + <p> + “I beg a thousand pardons, Rose, and will offend no more—though she + does make some very queer mistakes!” + </p> + <p> + “My aunt thinks it an honour to my uncle's memory, to be able to use the + language of his professional life, and if she does sometimes make mistakes + that are absurd, it is with motives so respectable that no sailor should + deride them.” + </p> + <p> + “I am rebuked for ever. Mrs. Budd may call the anchor a silver spoon, + hereafter, without my even smiling. But if the aunt has this kind + remembrance of a seaman's life, why cannot the niece think equally well of + it?” + </p> + <p> + “Perhaps she does,” returned Rose, smiling again—“seeing all its + attractions through the claims of Captain Spike.” + </p> + <p> + “I think half the danger from him gone, now that you seem so much on your + guard. What an odious piece of deception, to persuade Mrs. Budd that you + were fast falling into a decline!” + </p> + <p> + “One so odious that I shall surely quit the brig at the first port we + enter, or even in the first suitable vessel that we may speak.” + </p> + <p> + “And Mrs. Budd—could you persuade her to such a course?” + </p> + <p> + “You scarce know us, Harry Mulford. My aunt commands, when there is no + serious duty to perform, but we change places when there is. I can + persuade her to anything that is right, in ten minutes.” + </p> + <p> + “You might persuade a world!” cried Harry, with strong admiration + expressed in his countenance; after which he began to converse with Rose, + on a subject so interesting to themselves, that we do not think it prudent + to relate any more of the discourse, forgetting all about the guns. + </p> + <p> + About four o'clock, of a fine summer's afternoon, the Swash went through + the Race, on the best of the ebb, and with a staggering south-west wind. + Her movement by the land, just at that point, could not have been less + than at the rate of fifteen miles in the hour. Spike was in high spirits, + for his brig had got on famously that day, and there was nothing in sight + to the eastward. He made no doubt, as he had told his mate, that the + steamer had gone into the Vineyard Sound, and that she was bound over the + shoals. + </p> + <p> + “They want to make political capital out of her,” he added, using one of + the slang phrases, that the “business habits” of the American people are + so rapidly incorporating with the common language of the country—“They + want to make political capital out of her, Harry, and must show her off to + the Boston folk, who are full of notions. Well, let them turn her to as + much account in that way as they please, so long as they keep her clear of + the Molly. Your sarvant, Madam Budd”—addressing the widow, who just + at that moment came on deck—“a fine a'ternoon, and likely to be a + clear night to run off the coast in.” + </p> + <p> + “Clear nights are desirable, and most of all at sea, Captain Spike,” + returned the relict, in her best, complacent manner, “whether it be to run + off a coast, or to run on a coast. In either case, a clear night, or a + bright moon must be useful.” + </p> + <p> + Captain Spike rolled his tobacco over in his mouth, and cast a furtive + glance at the mate, but he did not presume to hazard any further + manifestations of his disposition to laugh. + </p> + <p> + “Yes, Madam Budd,” he answered, “it is quite as you say, and I am only + surprised where you have picked up so much of what I call useful nautical + knowledge.” + </p> + <p> + “We live and learn, sir. You will recollect that this is not my first + voyage, having made one before, and that I passed a happy, happy, thirty + years, in the society of my poor, dear husband, Rose's uncle. One must + have been dull, indeed, not to have picked up, from such a companion, much + of a calling that was so dear to him, and the particulars of which were so + very dear to him. He actually gave me lessons in the 'sea dialect,' as he + called it, which probably is the true reason I am so accurate and general + in my acquisitions.” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, Madam Budd—yes—hem—you are—yes, you are + wonderful in that way. We shall soon get an offing, now, Madam Budd—yes, + soon get an offing, now.” + </p> + <p> + “And take in our departure, Captain Spike—” added the widow, with a + very intelligent smile. + </p> + <p> + “Yes, take our departure. Montauk is yonder, just coming in sight; only + some three hours' run from this spot. When we get there, the open ocean + will lie before us; and give me the open sea, and I'll not call the king + my uncle.” + </p> + <p> + “Was he your uncle, Captain Spike?” + </p> + <p> + “Only in a philanthropic way, Madam Budd. Yes, let us get a good offing, + and a rapping to'gallant breeze, and I do not think I should care much for + two of Uncle Sam's new-fashioned revenue craft, one on each side of me.” + </p> + <p> + “How delightful do I find such conversation, Rose! It's as much like your + poor, dear uncle's, as one pea is like another. 'Yes,' he used to say, + too, 'let me only have one on each side of me, and a wrapper round the + topgallant sail to hold the breeze, and I'd not call the king my uncle.' + Now I think of it, he used to talk about the king as his uncle, too.” + </p> + <p> + “It was all talk, aunty. He had no uncle, and, what is more, he had no + king.” + </p> + <p> + “That's quite true, Miss Rose,” rejoined Spike, attempting a bow, which + ended in a sort of jerk. “It is not very becoming in us republicans to be + talking of kings, but a habit is a habit. Our forefathers had kings, and + we drop into their ways without thinking of what we are doing. + Fore-topgallant yard, there?” + </p> + <p> + “Sir.” + </p> + <p> + “Keep a bright look-out, ahead. Let me know the instant you make anything + in the neighbourhood of Montauk.” + </p> + <p> + “Ay, ay, sir.” + </p> + <p> + “As I was saying, Madam Budd, we seamen drop into our forefathers' ways. + Now, when I was a youngster, I remember, one day, that we fell in with a + ketch—you know, Miss Rose, what a ketch is, I suppose?” + </p> + <p> + “I have not the least notion of it, sir.” + </p> + <p> + “Rosy, you amaze me!” exclaimed the aunt—“and you a ship-master's + niece, and a ship-master's daughter! A catch is a trick that sailors have, + when they quiz landsmen.” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, Madam Budd, yes; we have them sort of catches, too; but I now mean + the vessel with a peculiar rig, which we call a ketch, you know.” + </p> + <p> + “Is it the full-jigger, or the half-jigger sort, that you mean?” + </p> + <p> + Spike could hardly stand this, and he had to hail the topgallant-yard + again, in order to keep the command of his muscles, for he saw by the + pretty frown that was gathering on the brow of Rose, that she was + regarding the matter a little seriously. Luckily, the answer of the man on + the yard diverted the mind of the widow from the subject, and prevented + the necessity of any reply. + </p> + <p> + “There's a light, of course, sir, on Montauk, is there not, Captain + Spike?” demanded the seaman who was aloft. + </p> + <p> + “To be sure there is—every head-land, hereabouts, has its light; and + some have two.” + </p> + <p> + “Ay, ay, sir—it's that which puzzles me; I think I see one + light-house, and I'm not certain but I see two.” + </p> + <p> + “If there is anything like a second, it must be a sail. Montauk has but + one light.” + </p> + <p> + Mulford sprang into the fore-rigging, and in a minute was on the yard. He + soon came down, and reported the lighthouse in sight, with the afternoon's + sun shining on it, but no sail near. + </p> + <p> + “My poor, dear Mr. Budd used to tell a story of his being cast away on a + light-house, in the East Indies,” put in the relict, as soon as the mate + had ended his report, “which always affected me. It seems there were three + ships of them together, in an awful tempest directly off the land—” + </p> + <p> + “That was comfortable, any how,” cried Spike;—“if it must blow hard, + let it come off the land, say I.” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, sir, it was directly off the land, as my poor husband always said, + which made it so much the worse you must know, Rosy; though Captain + Spike's gallant spirit would rather encounter danger than not. It blew + what they call a Hyson, in the Chinese seas—” + </p> + <p> + “A what, aunty?—Hyson is the name of a tea, you know.” + </p> + <p> + “A Hyson, I'm pretty sure it was; and I suppose the wind is named after + the tea, or the tea after the wind.” + </p> + <p> + “The ladies do get in a gale, sometimes, over their tea,” said Spike + gallantly. “But I rather think Madam Budd must mean a Typhoon.” + </p> + <p> + “That's it—a Typhoon, or a Hyson—there is not much difference + between them, you see. Well, it blew a Typhoon, and they are always mortal + to somebody. This my poor Mr. Budd well knew, and he had set his + chronometer for that Typhoon—” + </p> + <p> + “Excuse me, aunty, it was the barometer that he was watching—the + chronometer was his watch.” + </p> + <p> + “So it was—his watch on deck was his chronometer, I declare. I am + forgetting a part of my education. Do you know the use of a chronometer, + now, Rose? You have seen your uncle's often, but do you know how he used + it?” + </p> + <p> + “Not in the least, aunty. My uncle often tried to explain it, but I never + could understand him.” + </p> + <p> + “It must have been, then, because Captain Budd did not try to make himself + comprehended,” said Mulford, “for I feel certain nothing would be easier + than to make you understand the uses of the chronometer.” + </p> + <p> + “I should like to learn it from you, Mr. Mulford,” answered the charming + girl, with an emphasis so slight on the 'you,' that no one observed it but + the mate, but which was clear enough to him, and caused every nerve to + thrill. + </p> + <p> + “I can attempt it,” answered the young man, “if it be agreeable to Mrs. + Budd, who would probably like to hear it herself.” + </p> + <p> + “Certainly, Mr. Mulford; though I fancy you can say little on such a + subject that I have not often heard already, from my poor, dear Mr. Budd.” + </p> + <p> + “This was not very encouraging, truly; but Rose continuing to look + interested, the mate proceeded. + </p> + <p> + “The use of the chronometer is to ascertain the longitude,” said Harry, + “and the manner of doing it is, simply this: A chronometer is nothing more + nor less than a watch, made with more care than usual, so as to keep the + most accurate time. They are of all sizes, from that of a clock, down to + this which I wear in my fob, and which is a watch in size and appearance. + Now, the nautical almanacs are all calculated to some particular meridian—” + </p> + <p> + “Yes,” interrupted the relict, “Mr. Budd had a great deal to say about + meridians.” + </p> + <p> + “That of London, or Greenwich, being the meridian used by those who use + the English Almanacs, and those of Paris or St. Petersburg, by the French + and Russians. Each of these places has an observatory, and chronometers + that are kept carefully regulated, the year round. Every chronometer is + set by the regulator of the particular observatory or place to which the + almanac used is calculated.” + </p> + <p> + “How wonderfully like my poor, dear Mr. Budd, all this is, Rosy! + Meridians, and calculated, and almanacs! I could almost think I heard your + uncle entertaining me with one of his nautical discussions, I declare!” + </p> + <p> + “Now the sun rises earlier in places east, than in places west of us.” + </p> + <p> + “It rises earlier in the summer, but later in the winter, everywhere, Mr. + Mulford.” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, my dear Madam; but the sun rises earlier every day, in London, than + it does in New York.” + </p> + <p> + “That is impossible,” said the widow, dogmatically—“Why should not + the sun rise at the same time in England and America?” + </p> + <p> + “Because England is east of America, aunty. The sun does not move, you + know, but only appears to us to move, because the earth turns round from + west to east, which causes those who are farthest east to see it first. + That is what Mr. Mulford means.” + </p> + <p> + “Rose has explained it perfectly well,” continued the mate. “Now the earth + is divided into 360 degrees, and the day is divided into 24 hours. If 360 + be divided by 24, the quotient will be 15. If follows that, for each + fifteen degrees of longitude, there is a difference of just one hour in + the rising of the sun, all over the earth, where it rises at all. New York + is near five times 15 degrees west of Greenwich, and the sun consequently + rises five hours later at New York than at London.” + </p> + <p> + “There must be a mistake in this, Rosy,” said the relict, in a tone of + desperate resignation, in which the desire to break out in dissent, was + struggling oddly enough with an assumed dignity of deportment. “I've + always heard that the people of London are some of the latest in the + world. Then, I've been in London, and know that the sun rises in New York, + in December, a good deal earlier than it does in London, by the clock—yes, + by the clock.” + </p> + <p> + “True enough, by the clock, Mrs. Budd, for London is more than ten degrees + north of New York, and the farther north you go, the later the sun rises + in winter, and the earlier in summer.” + </p> + <p> + The relict merely shrugged her shoulders, as much as to say that she knew + no such thing; but Rose, who had been well taught, raised her serene eyes + to her aunt's face, and mildly said—“All true, aunty, and that is + owing to the fact that the earth is smaller at each end than in the + middle.” + </p> + <p> + “Fiddle faddle with your middles and ends, Rose—I've been in London, + dear, and know that the sun rises later there than in New York, in the + month of December, and that I know by the clock, I tell you.” + </p> + <p> + “The reason of which is,” resumed Mulford, “because the clocks of each + place keep the time of that place. Now, it is different with the + chronometers; they are set in the observatory of Greenwich, and keep the + time of Greenwich. This watch chronometer was set there, only six months + since; and this time, as you see, is near nine o'clock, when in truth it + is only about four o'clock here, where we are.” + </p> + <p> + “I wonder you keep such a watch, Mr. Mulford!” + </p> + <p> + “I keep it,” returned the mate, smiling, “because I know it to keep good + time. It has the Greenwich time; and, as your watch has the New York time, + by comparing them together, it is quite easy to find the longitude of New + York.” + </p> + <p> + “Do you, then, keep watches to compare with your chronometers?” asked + Rose, with interest. + </p> + <p> + “Certainly not; as that would require a watch for every separate part of + the ocean, and then we should only get known longitudes. It would be + impracticable, and load a ship with nothing but watches. What we do is + this: We set our chronometers at Greenwich, and thus keep the Greenwich + true time wherever we go. The greatest attention is paid to the + chronometers, to see that they receive no injuries; and usually there are + two, and often more of them, to compare one with another, in order to see + that they go well. When in the middle of the ocean, for instance, we find + the true time of the day at that spot, by ascertaining the height of the + sun. This we do by means of our quadrants, or sextants; for, as the sun is + always in the zenith at twelve o'clock, nothing is easier than to do this, + when the sun can be seen, and an arc of the heavens measured. At the + instant the height of the sun is ascertained by one observer, he calls to + another, who notes the time on the chronometer. The difference in these + two times, or that of the chronometer and that of the sun, gives the + distance in degrees and minutes, between the longitude of Greenwich and + that of the place on the ocean where the observer is; and that gives him + his longitude. If the difference is three hours and twenty minutes, in + time, the distance from Greenwich is fifty degrees of longitude, because + the sun rises three hours and twenty minutes sooner in London, than in the + fiftieth degree of west longitude.” + </p> + <p> + “A watch is a watch, Rosy,” put in the aunt, doggedly—“and time is + time.—When it's four o'clock at our house, it's four o'clock at your + aunt Sprague's, and it's so all over the world. The world may turn round—I'll + not deny it, for your uncle often said as much as that, but it cannot turn + in the way Mr. Mulford says, or we should all fall off it, at night, when + it was bottom upwards. No, sir, no; you've started wrong. My poor, dear, + late Mr. Budd, always admitted that the world turned round, as the books + say; but when I suggested to him the difficulty of keeping things in their + places, with the earth upside down, he acknowledged candidly—for he + was all candour, I must say that for him—and owned that he had made + a discovery by means of his barometer, which showed that the world did not + turn round in the way you describe, or by rolling over, but by whirling + about, as one turns in a dance. You must remember your uncle's telling me + this, Rose?” + </p> + <p> + Rose did remember her uncle's telling her aunt this, as well as a great + many other similar prodigies. Captain Budd had married his silly wife on + account of her pretty face, and when the novelty of that was over, he + often amused himself by inventing all sorts of absurdities, to amuse both + her and himself. Among other things, Rose well remembered his quieting her + aunt's scruples about falling off the earth, by laying down the theory + that the world did not “roll over,” but “whirl round.” But Rose did not + answer the question. + </p> + <p> + “Objects are kept in their places on the earth by means of attraction,” + Mulford ventured to say, with a great deal of humility of manner. “I + believe it is thought there is no up or down, except as we go from or + towards the earth; and that would make the position of the last a matter + of indifference, as respects objects keeping on it.” + </p> + <p> + “Attractions are great advantages, I will own, sir, especially to our sex. + I think it will be acknowledged there has been no want of them in our + family, any more than there has been of sense and information. Sense and + information we pride ourselves on; attractions being gifts from God, we + try to think less of them. But all the attractions in the world could not + keep Rosy, here, from falling off the earth, did it ever come bottom + upwards. And, mercy on me, where would she fall to!” + </p> + <p> + Mulford saw that argument was useless, and he confined his remarks, during + the rest of the conversation, to showing Rose the manner in which the + longitude of a place might be ascertained, with the aid of the + chronometer, and by means of observations to get the true time of day, at + the particular place itself. Rose was so quick-witted, and already so well + instructed, as easily to comprehend the principles; the details being + matters of no great moment to one of her sex and habits. But Mrs. Budd + remained antagonist to the last. She obstinately maintained that twelve + o'clock was twelve o'clock; or, if there was any difference, “London hours + were notoriously later than those of New York.” + </p> + <p> + Against such assertions arguments were obviously useless, and Mulford, + perceiving that Rose began to fidget, had sufficient tact to change the + conversation altogether. + </p> + <p> + And still the Molly Swash kept in swift motion. Montauk was by this time + abeam, and the little brigantine began to rise and fall, on the long + swells of the Atlantic, which now opened before her, in one vast sheet of + green and rolling waters. On her right lay the termination of Long Island; + a low, rocky cape, with its light, and a few fields in tillage, for the + uses of those who tended it. It was the “land's end” of New York, while + the island that was heaving up out of the sea, at a distance of about + twenty miles to the eastward, was the property of Rhode Island, being + called Blok Island. Between the two, the Swash shaped her course for the + ocean. + </p> + <p> + Spike had betrayed uneasiness, as his brig came up with Montauk; but the + coast seemed clear, with not even a distant sail in sight, and he came + aft, rubbing his hands with delight, speaking cheerfully. + </p> + <p> + “All right, Mr. Mulford,” he cried—“everything ship-shape and + brister-fashion—not even a smack fishing here-away, which is a + little remarkable. Ha!—what are you staring at, over the quarter, + there?” + </p> + <p> + “Look here, sir, directly in the wake of the setting sun, which we are now + opening from the land—is not that a sail?” + </p> + <p> + “Sail! Impossible, sir. What should a sail be doing in there, so near + Montauk—no man ever saw a sail there in his life. It's a spot in the + sun, Madam Budd, that my mate has got a glimpse at, and, sailor-like, he + mistakes it for a sail! Ha—ha—ha—yes, Harry, it's a spot + in the sun.” + </p> + <p> + “It is a spot on the sun, as you say, but it's a spot made by a vessel—and + here is a boat pulling towards her, might and main; going from the light, + as if carrying news.” + </p> + <p> + It was no longer possible for Spike's hopes to deceive him. There was a + vessel, sure enough; though, when first seen, it was so directly in a line + with the fiery orb of the setting sun, as to escape common observation. As + the brig went foaming on towards the ocean, however, the black speck was + soon brought out of the range of the orb of day, and Spike's glass was + instantly levelled at it. + </p> + <p> + “Just as one might expect, Mr. Mulford,” cried the captain, lowering his + glass, and looking aloft to see what could be done to help his craft + along; “a bloody revenue cutter, as I'm a wicked sinner! There she lies, + sir, within musket shot of the shore, hid behind the point, as it might be + in waiting for us, with her head to the southward, her helm hard down, + topsail aback, and foresail brailed; as wicked looking a thing as Free + Trade and Sailor's Rights ever ran from. My life on it, sir, she's been + put in that precise spot, in waiting for the Molly to arrive. You see, as + we stand on, it places her as handsomely to windward of us, as the heart + of man could desire.” + </p> + <p> + “It is a revenue cutter, sir; now she's out of the sun's wake, that is + plain enough. And that is her boat, which has been sent to the light to + keep a look-out for us. Well, sir, she's to windward; but we have + everything set for our course, and as we are fairly abeam, she must be a + great traveller to overhaul us.” + </p> + <p> + “I thought these bloody cutters were all down in the Gulf,” growled the + captain, casting his eyes aloft again, to see that everything drew. “I'm + sure the newspapers have mentioned as many as twenty that are down there, + and here is one, lying behind Montauk, like a snake in the grass!” + </p> + <p> + “At any rate, by the time he gets his boat up we shall get the start of + him—ay, there he fills and falls off, to go and meet her. He'll soon + be after us, Captain Spike, at racing speed.” + </p> + <p> + Everything occurred as those two mariners had foreseen. The revenue + cutter, one of the usual fore-top-sail schooners that are employed in that + service, up and down the coast, had no sooner hoisted up her boat, than + she made sail, a little off the wind, on a line to close with the Swash. + As for the brig, she had hauled up to an easy bowline, as she came round + Montauk, and was now standing off south southeast, still having the wind + at south-west. The weatherly position of the cutter enabled her to steer + rather more than one point freer. At the commencement of this chase, the + vessels were about a mile and a half apart, a distance too great to enable + the cutter to render the light guns she carried available, and it was + obvious from the first, that everything depended on speed. And speed it + was, truly; both vessels fairly flying; the Molly Swash having at last met + with something very like her match. Half an hour satisfied both Spike and + Mulford that, by giving the cutter the advantage of one point in a freer + wind, she would certainly get alongside of them, and the alternative was + therefore to keep off. + </p> + <p> + “A starn chase is a long chase, all the world over,” cried Spike—“edge + away, sir; edge away, sir, and bring the cutter well on our quarter.” + </p> + <p> + This order was obeyed; but to the surprise of those in the Swash, the + cutter did not exactly follow, though she kept off a little more. Her + object seemed to be to maintain her weatherly position, and in this manner + the two vessels ran on for an hour longer, until the Swash had made most + of the distance between Montauk and Blok Island. Objects were even + becoming dimly visible on the last, and the light on the point was just + becoming visible, a lone star above a waste of desert, the sun having been + down now fully a quarter of an hour, and twilight beginning to draw the + curtain of night over the waters. + </p> + <p> + “A craft under Blok,” shouted the look-out, that was still kept aloft as a + necessary precaution. + </p> + <p> + “What sort of a craft?” demanded Spike, fiercely; for the very mention of + a sail, at that moment, aroused all his ire. “Arn't you making a frigate + out of an apple-orchard?” + </p> + <p> + “It's the steamer, sir. I can now see her smoke. She's just clearing the + land, on the south side of the island, and seems to be coming round to + meet us.” + </p> + <p> + A long, low, eloquent whistle from the captain, succeeded this + announcement. The man aloft was right. It was the steamer, sure enough; + and she had been lying hid behind Blok Island, exactly as her consort had + been placed behind Montauk, in waiting for their chase to arrive. The + result was, to put the Molly Swash in exceeding jeopardy, and the reason + why the cutter kept so well to windward was fully explained. To pass out + to sea between these two craft was hopeless. There remained but a single + alternative from capture by one or by the other,—and that Spike + adopted instantly. He kept his brig dead away, setting studding-sails on + both sides. This change of course brought the cutter nearly aft, or + somewhat on the other quarter, and laid the brig's head in a direction to + carry her close to the northern coast of the island. But the principal + advantage was gained over the steamer, which could not keep off, without + first standing a mile or two, or even more, to the westward, in order to + clear the land. This was so much clear gain to the Swash, which was + running off at racing speed, on a north-east course, while her most + dangerous enemy was still heading to the westward. As for the cutter, she + kept away; but it was soon apparent that the brig had the heels of her, + dead before the wind. + </p> + <p> + Darkness now began to close around the three vessels; the brig and the + schooner soon becoming visible to each other principally by means of their + night-glasses; though the steamer's position could be easily distinguished + by means of her flaming chimney. This latter vessel stood to the westward + for a quarter of an hour, when her commander appeared to become suddenly + conscious of the ground he was losing, and he wore short round, and went + off before the wind, under steam and canvas; intending to meet the chase + off the northern side of the island. The very person who had hailed the + Swash, as she was leaving the wharf, who had passed her in Hell-Gate, with + Jack Tier in his boat, and who had joined her off Throgmorton's, was now + on her deck, urging her commander by every consideration not to let the + brig escape. It was at his suggestion that the course was changed. + Nervous, and eager to seize the brig, he prevailed on the commander of the + steamer to alter his course. Had he done no more than this, all might have + been well; but so exaggerated were his notions of the Swash's sailing, + that, instead of suffering the steamer to keep close along the eastern + side of the island, he persuaded her commander of the necessity of + standing off a long distance to the northward and eastward, with a view to + get ahead of the chase. This was not bad advice, were there any certainly + that Spike would stand on, of which, however, he had no intention. + </p> + <p> + The night set in dark and cloudy; and, the instant that Spike saw, by + means of the flaming chimney, that the steamer had wore, and was going to + the eastward of Blok, his plan was laid. Calling to Mulford, he + communicated it to him, and was glad to find that his intelligent mate was + of his own way of thinking. The necessary orders were given, accordingly, + and everything was got ready for its execution. + </p> + <p> + In the meantime, the two revenue craft were much in earnest. The schooner + was one of the fastest in the service, and had been placed under Montauk, + as described, in the confident expectation of her being able to compete + with even the Molly Swash successfully, more especially if brought upon a + bowline. Her commander watched the receding form of the brig with the + closest attention, until it was entirely swallowed up in the darkness, + under the land, towards which he then sheered himself, in order to prevent + the Swash from hauling up, and turning to windward, close in under the + shadow of the island. Against this manoeuvre, however, the cutter had now + taken an effectual precaution, and her people were satisfied that escape + in that way was impossible. + </p> + <p> + On the other hand, the steamer was doing very well. Driven by the breeze, + and propelled by her wheels, away she went, edging further and further + from the island, as the person from the Custom-House succeeded, as it + might be, inch by inch, in persuading the captain of the necessity of his + so doing. At length a sail was dimly seen ahead, and then no doubt was + entertained that the brig had got to the northward and eastward of them. + Half an hour brought the steamer alongside of this sail, which turned out + to be a brig that had come over the shoals, and was beating into the + ocean, on her way to one of the southern ports. Her captain said there had + nothing passed to the eastward. + </p> + <p> + Round went the steamer, and in went all her canvas. Ten minutes later the + look-out saw a sail to the westward, standing before the wind. Odd as it + might seem, the steamer's people now fancied they were sure of the Swash. + There she was, coming directly for them, with squared yards! The distance + was short, or a vessel could not have been seen by that light, and the two + craft were soon near each other. A gun was actually cleared on board the + steamer, ere it was ascertained that the stranger was the schooner! It was + now midnight, and nothing was in sight but the coasting brig. Reluctantly, + the revenue people gave the matter up; the Molly Swash having again eluded + them, though by means unknown. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0004" id="link2HCH0004"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER IV. + </h2> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + “Leander dived for love, Leucadia's cliff + The Lesbian Sappho leap'd from in a miff, + To punish Phaon; Icarus went dead, + Because the wax did not continue stiff; + And, had he minded what his father said, + He had not given a name unto his watery bed.” + + Sands. +</pre> + <p> + We must now advance the time several days, and change the scene to a + distant part of the ocean; within the tropics indeed. The females had + suffered slight attacks of sea-sickness, and recovered from them, and the + brig was safe from all her pursuers. The manner of Spike's escape was + simple enough, and without any necromancy. While the steamer, on the one + hand, was standing away to the northward and eastward, in order to head + him off, and the schooner was edging in with the island, in order to + prevent his beating up to windward of it, within its shadows, the brig had + run close round the northern margin of the land, and hauled up to leeward + of the island, passing between it and the steamer. All this time, her + movements were concealed from the schooner by the island itself, and from + the steamer, by its shadow and dark back-ground, aided by the distance. By + making short tacks, this expedient answered perfectly well; and, at the + very moment when the two revenue vessels met, at midnight, about three + leagues to leeward of Blok Island, the brigantine, Molly Swash, was just + clearing its most weatherly point, on the larboard tack, and coming out + exactly at the spot where the steamer was when first seen that afternoon. + Spike stood to the westward, until he was certain of having the island + fairly between him and his pursuers, when he went about, and filled away + on his course, running out to sea again on an easy bowline. At sunrise the + next day he was fifty miles to the southward and eastward of Montauk; the + schooner was going into New London, her officers and people quite + chop-fallen; and the steamer was paddling up the Sound, her captain being + fully persuaded that the runaways had returned in the direction from which + they had come, and might yet be picked up in that quarter. + </p> + <p> + The weather was light, just a week after the events related in the close + of the last chapter. By this time the brig had got within the influence of + the trades; and, it being the intention of Spike to pass to the southward + of Cuba, he had so far profited by the westerly winds, as to get well to + the eastward of the Mona Passage, the strait through which he intended to + shape his course on making the islands. Early on that morning Mrs. Budd + had taken her seat on the trunk of the cabin, with a complacent air, and + arranged her netting, some slight passages of gallantry, on the part of + the captain, having induced her to propose netting him a purse. Biddy was + going to and fro, in quest of silks and needles, her mistress having + become slightly capricious in her tastes of late, and giving her, on all + such occasions, at least a double allowance of occupation. As for Rose, + she sat reading beneath the shade of the coach-house deck, while the + handsome young mate was within three feet of her, working up his + logarithms, but within the sanctuary of his own state-room; the open door + and window of which, however, gave him every facility he could desire to + relieve his mathematics, by gazing at the sweet countenance of his + charming neighbor. Jack Tier and Josh were both passing to and fro, as is + the wont of stewards, between the camboose and the cabin, the breakfast + table being just then in the course of preparation. In all other respects, + always excepting the man at the wheel, who stood within a fathom of Rose, + Spike had the quarter-deck to himself, and did not fail to pace its + weather-side with an air that denoted the master and owner. After + exhibiting his sturdy, but short, person in this manner, to the admiring + eyes of all beholders, for some time, the captain suddenly took a seat at + the side of the relict, and dropped into the following discourse. + </p> + <p> + “The weather is moderate, Madam Budd; quite moderate,” observed Spike, a + sentimental turn coming over him at the moment. “What I call moderate and + agreeable.” + </p> + <p> + “So much the better for us; the ladies are fond of moderation, sir.” + </p> + <p> + “Not in admiration, Madam Budd—ha! ha! ha! no, not in admiration. + Immoderation is what they like when it comes to that. I'm a single man, + but I know that the ladies like admiration—mind where you're + sheering to,” the captain said, interrupting himself a little fiercely, + considering the nature of the subject, in consequence of Jack Tier's + having trodden on his toe in passing—“or I'll teach you the + navigation of the quarter-deck, Mr. Burgoo!” + </p> + <p> + “Moderation—moderation, my good captain,” said the simpering relict. + “As to admiration, I confess that it is agreeable to us ladies; more + especially when it comes from gentlemen of sense, and intelligence, and + experience.” + </p> + <p> + Rose fidgeted, having heard every word that was said, and her face + flushed; for she doubted not that Harry's ears were as good as her own. As + for the man at the wheel, he turned the tobacco over in his mouth, hitched + up his trousers, and appeared interested, though somewhat mystified—the + conversation was what he would have termed “talking dictionary,” and he + had some curiosity to learn how the captain would work his way out of it. + It is probable that Spike himself had some similar gleamings of the + difficulties of his position, for he looked a little troubled, though + still resolute. It was the first time he had ever lain yard-arm and + yard-arm with a widow, and he had long entertained a fancy that such a + situation was trying to the best of men. + </p> + <p> + “Yes, Madam Budd, yes,” he said, “exper'ence and sense carry weight with + 'em, wherever they go. I'm glad to find that you entertain these just + notions of us gentlemen, and make a difference between boys and them + that's seen and known exper'ence. For my part, I count youngsters under + forty as so much lumber about decks, as to any comfort and calculations in + keepin' a family, as a family ought to be kept.” + </p> + <p> + Mrs. Budd looked interested, but she remained silent on hearing this + remark, as became her sex. + </p> + <p> + “Every man ought to settle in life, some time or other, Madam Budd, + accordin' to my notion, though no man ought to be in a boyish haste about + it,” continued the captain. “Now, in my own case, I've been so busy all my + youth—not that I'm very old now, but I'm no boy—but all my + younger days have been passed in trying to make things meet, in a way to + put any lady who might take a fancy to me—” + </p> + <p> + “Oh! captain—that is too strong! The ladies do not take fancies for + gentlemen, but the gentlemen take fancies for ladies!” + </p> + <p> + “Well, well, you know what I mean, Madam Budd; and so long as the parties + understand each other, a word dropped, or a word put into a charter-party, + makes it neither stronger nor weaker. There's a time, howsomever, in every + man's life, when he begins to think of settling down, and of considerin' + himself as a sort of mooring-chain, for children and the likes of them to + make fast to. Such is my natur', I will own; and ever since I've got to be + intimate in your family, Madam Budd, that sentiment has grown stronger and + stronger in me, till it has got to be uppermost in all my idees. Bone of + my bone, and flesh of my flesh, as a body might say.” + </p> + <p> + Mrs. Budd now looked more than interested, for she looked a little + confused, and Rose began to tremble for her aunt. It was evident that the + parties most conspicuous in this scene were not at all conscious that they + were overheard, the intensity of their attention being too much + concentrated on what was passing to allow of any observation without their + own narrow circle. What may be thought still more extraordinary, but what + in truth was the most natural of all, each of the parties was so intently + bent on his, or her, own train of thought, that neither in the least + suspected any mistake. + </p> + <p> + “Grown with your growth, and strengthened with your strength,” rejoined + the relict, smiling kindly enough on the captain to have encouraged a much + more modest man than he happened to be. + </p> + <p> + “Yes, Madam Budd—very just that remark; grown with my strength, and + strengthened with my growth, as one might say; though I've not done much + at growing for a good many years. Your late husband, Captain Budd, often + remarked how very early I got my growth; and rated me as an 'able-bodied' + hand, when most lads think it an honour to be placed among the + 'or'naries.'” + </p> + <p> + The relict looked grave; and she wondered at any man's being so singular + as to allude to a first husband, at the very moment he was thinking of + offering himself for a second. As for herself, she had not uttered as many + words in the last four years, as she had uttered in that very + conversation, without making some allusion to her “poor dear Mr. Budd.” + The reader is not to do injustice to the captain's widow, however, by + supposing for a moment that she was actually so weak as to feel any + tenderness for a man like Spike, which would be doing a great wrong to + both her taste and her judgment, as Rose well knew, even while most + annoyed by the conversation she could not but overhear. All that + influenced the good relict was that besetting weakness of her sex, which + renders admiration so universally acceptable; and predisposes a female, as + it might be, to listen to a suitor with indulgence, and some little show + of kindness, even when resolute to reject him. As for Rose, to own the + truth, her aunt did not give her a thought, as yet, notwithstanding Spike + was getting to be so sentimental. + </p> + <p> + “Yes, your late excellent and honourable consort always said that I got my + growth sooner than any youngster he ever fell in with,” resumed the + captain, after a short pause; exciting fresh wonder in his companion, that + he would persist in lugging in the “dear departed” so very unseasonably. + “I am a great admirer of all the Budd family, my good lady, and only wish + my connection with it had never tarminated; if tarminated it can be + called.” + </p> + <p> + “It need not be terminated, Captain Spike, so long as friendship exists in + the human heart.” + </p> + <p> + “Ay, so it is always with you ladies; when a man is bent on suthin' closer + and more interestin' like, you're for putting it off on friendship. Now + friendship is good enough in its way, Madam Budd, but friendship is n't + love.” + </p> + <p> + “Love!” echoed the widow, fairly starting, though she looked down at her + netting, and looked as confused as she knew how. “That is a very decided + word, Captain Spike, and should never be mentioned to a woman's ear + lightly.” + </p> + <p> + So the captain now appeared to think, too, for no sooner had he delivered + himself of the important monosyllable, than he left the widow's side, and + began to pace the deck, as it might be to moderate his own ardour. As for + Rose, she blushed, if her more practised aunt did not; while Harry Mulford + laughed heartily, taking good care, however, not to be heard. The man at + the wheel turned the tobacco again, gave his trousers another hitch, and + wondered anew whither the skipper was bound. But the drollest + manifestation of surprise came from Josh, the steward, who was passing + along the lee-side of the quarter-deck, with a tea-pot in his hand, when + the energetic manner of the captain sent the words “friendship is n't + love” to his ears. This induced him to stop for a single instant, and to + cast a wondering glance behind him; after which he moved on toward the + galley, mumbling as he went—“Lub! what he want of lub, or what lub + want of him! Well, I do t'ink Captain Spike bowse his jib out pretty 'arly + dis mornin'.” + </p> + <p> + Captain Spike soon got over the effects of his effort, and the confusion + of the relict did not last any material length of time. As the former had + gone so far, however, he thought the present an occasion as good as + another to bring matters to a crisis. + </p> + <p> + “Our sentiments sometimes get to be so strong, Madam Budd,” resumed the + lover, as he took his seat again on the trunk, “that they run away with + us. Men is liable to be run away with as well as ladies. I once had a ship + run away with me, and a pretty time we had of it. Did you ever hear of a + ship's running away with her people, Madam Budd, just as your horse ran + away with your buggy?” + </p> + <p> + “I suppose I must have heard of such things, sir, my education having been + so maritime, though just at this moment I cannot recall an instance. When + my horse ran away, the buggy was cap-asided. Did your vessel cap-aside on + the occasion you mention?” + </p> + <p> + “No, Madam Budd, no. The ship was off the wind at the time I mean, and + vessels do not capsize when off the wind. I'll tell you how it happened. + We was a scuddin' under a goose-wing foresail—” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, yes,” interrupted the relict, eagerly. “I've often heard of that + sail, which is small, and used only in tempests.” + </p> + <p> + “Heavy weather, Madam Budd—only in heavy weather.” + </p> + <p> + “It is amazing to me, captain, how you seamen manage to weigh the weather. + I have often heard of light weather and heavy weather, but never fairly + understood the manner of weighing it.” + </p> + <p> + “Why we do make out to ascertain the difference,” replied the captain, a + little puzzled for an answer; “and I suppose it must be by means of the + barometer, which goes up and down like a pair of scales. But the time I + mean, we was a scuddin' under a goose-wing foresail—” + </p> + <p> + “A sail made of goose's wings, and a beautiful object it must be; like + some of the caps and cloaks that come from the islands, which are all of + feathers, and charming objects are they. I beg pardon—you had your + goose's wings spread—” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, Madam Budd, yes; we was steering for a Mediterranean port, intending + to clear a mole-head, when a sea took us under the larboard-quarter, gave + us such a sheer to-port as sent our cat-head ag'in a spile, and raked away + the chain-plates of the top-mast back-stays, bringing down all the forrard + hamper about our ears.” + </p> + <p> + This description produced such a confusion in the mind of the widow, that + she was glad when it came to an end. As for the captain, fearful that the + “goose's wings” might be touched upon again, he thought it wisest to + attempt another flight on those of Cupid. + </p> + <p> + “As I was sayin', Madam Budd, friendship is n't love; no, not a bit of it! + Friendship is a common sort of feelin': but love, as you must know by + exper'ence, Madam Budd, is an uncommon sort of feelin'.” + </p> + <p> + “Fie, Captain Spike, gentlemen should never allude to ladies knowing any + thing about love. Ladies respect, and admire, and esteem, and have a + regard for gentlemen; but it is almost too strong to talk about their + love.” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, Madam Budd, yes; I dare say it is so, and ought to be so; and I ask + pardon for having said as much as I did. But my love for your niece is of + so animated and lastin' a natur', that I scarce know what I did say.” + </p> + <p> + “Captain Spike, you amaze me! I declare I can hardly breathe for + astonishment. My niece! Surely you do not mean Rosy!” + </p> + <p> + “Who else should I mean? My love for Miss Rose is so very decided and + animated, I tell you, Madam Budd, that I will not answer for the + consequences, should you not consent to her marryin' me.” + </p> + <p> + “I can scarce believe my ears! You, Stephen Spike, and an old friend of + her uncle's, wishing to marry his niece!” + </p> + <p> + “Just so, Madam Budd; that's it, to a shavin'. The regard I have for the + whole family is so great, that nothin' less than the hand of Miss Rose in + marriage can, what I call, mitigate my feelin's.” + </p> + <p> + Now the relict had not one spark of tenderness herself in behalf of Spike; + while she did love Rose better than any human being, her own self + excepted. But she had viewed all the sentiment of that morning, and all + the fine speeches of the captain, very differently from what the present + state of things told her she ought to have viewed them; and she felt the + mortification natural to her situation. The captain was so much bent on + the attainment of his own object, that he saw nothing else, and was even + unconscious that his extraordinary and somewhat loud discourse had been + overheard. Least of all did he suspect that his admiration had been + mistaken; and that in what he called “courtin'” the niece, he had been all + the while “courtin'” the aunt. But little apt as she was to discover any + thing, Mrs. Budd had enough of her sex's discernment in a matter of this + sort, to perceive that she had fallen into an awkward mistake, and enough + of her sex's pride to resent it. Taking her work in her hand, she left her + seat, and descended to the cabin, with quite as much dignity in her manner + as it was in the power of one of her height and “build” to express. What + is the most extraordinary, neither she nor Spike ever ascertained that + their whole dialogue had been overheard. Spike continued to pace the + quarter-deck for several minutes, scarce knowing what to think of the + relict's manner, when his attention was suddenly drawn to other matters by + the familiar cry of “sail-ho!” + </p> + <p> + This was positively the first vessel with which the Molly Swash had fallen + in since she lost sight of two or three craft that had passed her in the + distance, as she left the American coast. As usual, this cry brought all + hands on deck, and Mulford out of his state-room. + </p> + <p> + It has been stated already that the brig was just beginning to feel the + trades, and it might have been added, to see the mountains of San Domingo. + The winds had been variable for the last day or two, and they still + continued light, and disposed to be unsteady, ranging from north-east to + south-east, with a preponderance in favour of the first point. At the cry + of “sail-ho!” everybody looked in the indicated direction, which was west, + a little northerly, but for a long time without success. The cry had come + from aloft, and Mulford went up as high as the fore-top before he got any + glimpse of the stranger at all. He had slung a glass, and Spike was + unusually anxious to know the result of his examination. + </p> + <p> + “Well, Mr. Mulford, what do you make of her?” he called out as soon as the + mate announced that he saw the strange vessel. + </p> + <p> + “Wait a moment, sir, till I get a look,—she's a long way off, and + hardly visible.” + </p> + <p> + “Well, sir, well?” + </p> + <p> + “I can only see the heads of her top-gallant sails. She seems a ship + steering to the southward, with as many kites flying as an Indiaman in the + trades. She looks as if she were carrying royal stun'-sails, sir.” + </p> + <p> + “The devil she does! Such a chap must not only be in a hurry, but he must + be strong-handed to give himself all this trouble in such light and + var'able winds. Are his yards square?—Is he man-of-war-ish?” + </p> + <p> + “There's no telling, sir, at this distance; though I rather think its + stun'-sails that I see. Go down and get your breakfast, and in half an + hour I'll give a better account of him.” + </p> + <p> + This was done, Mrs. Budd appearing at the table with great dignity in her + manner. Although she had so naturally supposed that Spike's attentions had + been intended for herself, she was rather mortified than hurt on + discovering her mistake. Her appetite, consequently, was not impaired, + though her stomach might have been said to be very full. The meal passed + off without any scene, notwithstanding, and Spike soon re-appeared on + deck, still masticating the last mouthful like a man in a hurry, and a + good deal, l'Amricaine. Mulford saw his arrival, and immediately levelled + his glass again. + </p> + <p> + “Well, what news now, sir?” called out the captain. “You must have a + better chance at him by this time, for I can see the chap from off the + coach-house here.” + </p> + <p> + “Ay, ay, sir; he's a bit nearer, certainly. I should say that craft is a + ship under stun'-sails, looking to the eastward of south, and that there + are caps with gold bands on her quarter-deck.” + </p> + <p> + “How low down can you see her?” demanded Spike, in a voice of thunder. + </p> + <p> + So emphatic and remarkable was the captain's manner in putting this + question, that the mate cast a look of surprise beneath him ere he + answered it. A look with the glass succeeded, when the reply was given. + </p> + <p> + “Ay, ay, sir; there can be no mistake—it's a cruiser, you may depend + on it. I can see the heads of her topsails now, and they are so square and + symmetrical, that gold bands are below beyond all doubt.” + </p> + <p> + “Perhaps he's a Frenchman—Johnny Crapaud keeps cruisers in these + seas as well as the rest on'em.” + </p> + <p> + “Johnny Crapaud's craft don't spread such arms, sir. The ship is either + English or American; and he's heading for the Mona Passage as well as + ourselves.” + </p> + <p> + “Come down, sir, come down—there's work to be done as soon as you + have breakfasted.” + </p> + <p> + Mulford did come down, and he was soon seated at the table, with both Josh + and Jack Tier for attendants. The aunt and the niece were in their own + cabin, a few yards distant, with the door open. + </p> + <p> + “What a fuss'e cap'in make 'bout dat sail,” grumbled Josh, who had been in + the brig so long that he sometimes took liberties with even Spike himself. + “What good he t'ink t'will do to measure him inch by inch? Bye'm by he get + alongside, and den 'e ladies even can tell all about him.” + </p> + <p> + “He nat'rally wishes to know who gets alongside,” put in Tier, somewhat + apologetically. + </p> + <p> + “What matter dat. All sort of folk get alongside of Molly Swash; and what + good it do 'em? Yoh! yoh! yoh! I do remem'er sich times vid'e ole hussy!” + </p> + <p> + “What old hussy do you mean?” demanded Jack Tier a little fiercely, and in + a way to draw Mulford's eyes from the profile of Rose's face to the + visages of his two attendants. + </p> + <p> + “Come, come, gentlemen, if you please; recollect where you are,” + interrupted the mate authoritatively. “You are not now squabbling in your + galley, but are in the cabin. What is it to you, Tier, if Josh does call + the brig an old hussy; she is old, as we all know, and years are + respectable; and as for her being a 'hussy,' that is a term of endearment + sometimes. I've heard the captain himself call the Molly a 'hussy,' fifty + times, and he loves her as he does the apple of his eye.” + </p> + <p> + This interference put an end to the gathering storm as a matter of course, + and the two disputants shortly after passed on deck. No sooner was the + coast clear than Rose stood in the door of her own cabin. + </p> + <p> + “Do you think the strange vessel is an American?” she asked eagerly. + </p> + <p> + “It is impossible to say—English or American I make no doubt. But + why do you inquire?” + </p> + <p> + “But my aunt and myself desire to quit the brig, and if the stranger + should prove to be an American vessel of war, might not the occasion be + favourable?” + </p> + <p> + “And what reason can you give for desiring to do so?” + </p> + <p> + “What signifies a reason,” answered Rose with spirit. “Spike is not our + master, and we can come and go as we may see fit.” + </p> + <p> + “But a reason must be given to satisfy the commander of the vessel of war. + Craft of that character are very particular about the passengers they + receive; nor would it be altogether wise in two unprotected females to go + on board a cruiser, unless in a case of the most obvious necessity.” + </p> + <p> + “Will not what has passed this morning be thought a sufficient reason,” + added Rose, drawing nearer to the mate, and dropping her voice so as not + to be heard by her aunt. + </p> + <p> + Mulford smiled as he gazed at the earnest but attractive countenance of + his charming companion. + </p> + <p> + “And who could tell it, or how could it be told? Would the commander of a + vessel of war incur the risk of receiving such a person as yourself on + board his vessel, for the reason that the master of the craft she was in + when he fell in with her desired to marry her?” + </p> + <p> + Rose appeared vexed, but she was at once made sensible that it was not + quite as easy to change her vessel at sea, as to step into a strange door + in a town. She drew slowly back into her own cabin silent and thoughtful; + her aunt pursuing her netting the whole time with an air of dignified + industry. + </p> + <p> + “Well, Mr. Mulford, well,” called out Spike at the head of the cabin + stairs, “what news from the coffee?” + </p> + <p> + “All ready, sir,” answered the mate, exchanging significant glances with + Rose. “I shall be up in a moment.” + </p> + <p> + That moment soon came, and Mulford was ready for duty. While below, Spike + had caused certain purchases to be got aloft, and the main-hatch was open + and the men collected around it, in readiness to proceed with the work. + Harry asked no questions, for the preparations told him what was about to + be done, but passing below, he took charge of the duty there, while the + captain superintended the part that was conducted on deck. In the course + of the next hour eight twelve-pound carronades were sent up out of the + hold, and mounted in as many of the ports which lined the bulwarks of the + brigantine. The men seemed to be accustomed to the sort of work in which + they were now engaged, and soon had their light batteries in order, and + ready for service. In the mean time the two vessels kept on their + respective courses, and by the time the guns were mounted, there was a + sensible difference in their relative positions. The stranger had drawn so + near the brigantine as to be very obvious from the latter's deck, while + the brigantine had drawn so much nearer to the islands of San Domingo and + Porto Rico, as to render the opening between them, the well-known Mona + Passage, distinctly visible. + </p> + <p> + Of all this Spike appeared to be fully aware, for he quitted the work + several times before it was finished, in order to take a look at the + stranger, and at the land. When the batteries were arranged, he and + Mulford, each provided with a glass, gave a few minutes to a more + deliberate examination of the first. + </p> + <p> + “That's the Mona ahead of us,” said the captain; “of that there can be no + question, and a very pretty land-fall you've made of it, Harry. I'll allow + you to be as good a navigator as floats.” + </p> + <p> + “Nevertheless, sir, you have not seen fit to let me know whither the brig + is really bound this voyage.” + </p> + <p> + “No matter for that, young man—no matter, as yet. All in good time. + When I tell you to lay your course for the Mona, you can lay your course + for the Mona; and, as soon as we are through the passage, I'll let you + know what is wanted next—if that bloody chap, who is nearing us, + will let me.” + </p> + <p> + “And why should any vessel wish to molest us on our passage, Captain + Spike?” + </p> + <p> + “Why, sure enough! It's war-times, you know, and war-times always bring + trouble to the trader—though it sometimes brings profit, too.” + </p> + <p> + As Spike concluded, he gave his mate a knowing wink, which the other + understood to mean that he expected himself some of the unusual profit to + which he alluded. Mulford did not relish this secret communication, for + the past had induced him to suspect the character of the trade in which + his commander was accustomed to engage. Without making any sort of reply, + or encouraging the confidence by even a smile, he levelled his glass at + the stranger, as did Spike, the instant he ceased to grin. + </p> + <p> + “That's one of Uncle Sam's fellows!” exclaimed the captain, dropping the + glass. “I'd swear to the chap in any admiralty court on 'arth.” + </p> + <p> + “'T is a vessel of war, out of all doubt,” returned the mate, “and under a + cloud of canvas. I can make out the heads of her courses now, and see that + she is carrying hard, for a craft that is almost close-hauled.” + </p> + <p> + “Ay, ay; no merchantmen keeps his light stun'-sails set, as near the wind + as that fellow's going. He's a big chap, too—a frigate, at least, by + his canvas.” + </p> + <p> + “I do not know, sir—they build such heavy corvettes now-a-days, that + I should rather take her for one of them. They tell me ships are now sent + to sea which mount only two-and-twenty guns, but which measure quite a + thousand tons.” + </p> + <p> + “With thunderin' batteries, of course.” + </p> + <p> + “With short thirty-twos and a few rapping sixty-eight Paixhans—or + Columbiads, as they ought in justice to be called.” + </p> + <p> + “And you think this chap likely to be a craft of that sort?” + </p> + <p> + “Nothing is more probable, sir. Government has several, and, since this + war has commenced, it has been sending off cruiser after cruiser into the + Gulf. The Mexicans dare not send a vessel of war to sea, which would be + sending them to Norfolk, or New York, at once; but no one can say when + they may begin to make a prey of our commerce.” + </p> + <p> + “They have taken nothing as yet, Mr. Mulford, and, to tell you the truth, + I'd much rather fall in with one of Don Montezuma's craft than one of + Uncle Sam's.” + </p> + <p> + “That is a singular taste, for an American, Captain Spike, unless you + think, now our guns are mounted, we can handle a Mexican,” returned + Mulford coldly. “At all events, it is some answer to those who ask 'What + is the navy about?' that months of war have gone by, and not an American + has been captured. Take away that navy, and the insurance offices in + Wall-street would tumble like a New York party-wall in a fire.” + </p> + <p> + “Nevertheless, I'd rather take my chance, just now, with Don Montezuma + than with Uncle Sam.” + </p> + <p> + Mulford did not reply, though the earnest manner in which Spike expressed + himself, helped to increase his distrust touching the nature of the + voyage. With him the captain had no further conference, but it was + different as respects the boatswain. That worthy was called aft, and for + half an hour he and Spike were conversing apart, keeping their eyes + fastened on the strange vessel most of the time. + </p> + <p> + It was noon before all uncertainly touching the character of the stranger + ceased. By that time, however, both vessels were entering the Mona + Passage; the brig well to windward, on the Porto Rico side; while the ship + was so far to leeward as to be compelled to keep everything close-hauled, + in order to weather the island. The hull of the last could now be seen, + and no doubt was entertained about her being a cruiser, and one of some + size, too. Spike thought she was a frigate; but Mulford still inclined to + the opinion that she was one of the new ships; perhaps a real corvette, or + with a light spar-deck over her batteries. Two or three of the new vessels + were known to be thus fitted, and this might be one. At length all doubt + on the subject ceased, the stranger setting an American ensign, and + getting so near as to make it apparent that she had but a single line of + guns. Still she was a large ship, and the manner that she ploughed through + the brine, close-hauled as she was, extorted admiration even from Spike. + </p> + <p> + “We had better begin to shorten sail, Mr. Mulford,” the captain at length + most reluctantly remarked. “We might give the chap the slip, perhaps, by + keeping close in under Porto Rico, but he would give us a long chase, and + might drive us away to windward, when I wish to keep off between Cuba and + Jamaica. He's a traveller; look, how he stands up to it under that could + of canvas!” + </p> + <p> + Mulford was slow to commence on the studding-sails, and the cruiser was + getting nearer and nearer. At length a gun was fired, and a heavy shot + fell about two hundred yards short of the brig, and a little out of line + with her. On this hint, Spike turned the hands up, and began to shorten + sail. In ten minutes the Swash was under her topsail, mainsail and jib, + with her light sails hanging in the gear, and all the steering canvas in. + In ten minutes more the cruiser was so near as to admit of the faces of + the three or four men whose heads were above the hammock-cloths being + visible, when she too began to fold her wings. In went her royals, + topgallant-sails, and various kites, as it might be by some common + muscular agency; and up went her courses. Everything was done at once. By + this time she was crossing the brig's wake, looking exceedingly beautiful, + with her topsails lifting, her light sails blowing out, and even her heavy + courses fluttering in the breeze. There flew the glorious stars and + stripes also; of brief existence, but full of recollections! The moment + she had room, her helm went up, her bows fell off, and down she came, on + the weather quarter of the Swash, so near as to render a trumpet nearly + useless. + </p> + <p> + On board the brig everybody was on deck; even the relict having forgotten + her mortification in curiosity. On board the cruiser no one was visible, + with the exception of a few men in each top, and a group of gold-banded + caps on the poop. Among these officers stood the captain, a red-faced, + middle-aged man, with the usual signs of his rank about him; and at his + side was his lynx-eyed first lieutenant. The surgeon and purser were also + there, though they stood a little apart from the more nautical + dignitaries. The hail that followed came out of a trumpet that was thrust + through the mizzen-rigging; the officer who used it taking his cue from + the poop. + </p> + <p> + “What brig is that?” commenced the discourse. + </p> + <p> + “The Molly Swash, of New York, Stephen Spike, master.” + </p> + <p> + “Where from, and whither bound?” + </p> + <p> + “From New York, and bound to Key West and a market.” + </p> + <p> + A pause succeeded this answer, during which the officers on the poop of + the cruiser held some discourse with him of the trumpet. During the + interval the cruiser ranged fairly up abeam. + </p> + <p> + “You are well to windward of your port, sir,” observed he of the trumpet + significantly. + </p> + <p> + “I know it; but it's war times, and I didn't know but there might be + piccaroons hovering about the Havanna.” + </p> + <p> + “The coast is clear, and our cruisers will keep it so. I see you have a + battery, sir!” + </p> + <p> + “Ay, ay; some old guns that I've had aboard these ten years: they're + useful, sometimes, in these seas.” + </p> + <p> + “Very true. I'll range ahead of you, and as soon as you've room, I'll + thank you to heave-to. I wish to send a boat on board you.” + </p> + <p> + Spike was sullen enough on receiving this order, but there was no help for + it. He was now in the jaws of the lion, and his wisest course was to + submit to the penalties of his position with the best grace he could. The + necessary orders were consequently given, and the brig no sooner got room + than she came by the wind and backed her topsail. The cruiser went about, + and passing to windward, backed her main-topsail just forward of the + Swash's beam. Then the latter lowered a boat, and sent it, with a + lieutenant and a midshipman in its stern-sheets, on board the brigantine. + As the cutter approached, Spike went to the gangway to receive the + strangers. + </p> + <p> + Although there will be frequent occasion to mention this cruiser, the + circumstances are of so recent occurrence, that we do not choose to give + either her name, or that of any one belonging to her. We shall, + consequently, tell the curious, who may be disposed to turn to their + navy-lists and blue-books, that the search will be of no use, as all the + names we shall use, in reference to this cruiser, will be fictitious. As + much of the rest of our story as the reader please may be taken for + gospel; but we tell him frankly, that we have thought it most expedient to + adopt assumed names, in connection with this vessel and all her officers. + There are good reasons for so doing; and, among others, is that of + abstaining from arming a clique to calumniate her commander, (who, by the + way, like another commander in the Gulf that might be named, and who has + actually been exposed to the sort of tracasserie to which there is + allusion, is one of the very ablest men in the service,) in order to put + another in his place. + </p> + <p> + The officer who now came over the side of the Swash we shall call Wallace; + he was the second lieutenant of the vessel of war. He was about thirty, + and the midshipman who followed him was a well-grown lad of nineteen. Both + had a decided man-of-war look, and both looked a little curiously at the + vessel they had boarded. + </p> + <p> + “Your servant, sir,” said Wallace, touching his cap in reply to Spike's + somewhat awkward bow. “Your brig is the Molly Swash, Stephen Spike, bound + from New York to Key West and a market.” + </p> + <p> + “You've got it all as straight, lieutenant, as if you was a readin' it + from the log.” + </p> + <p> + “The next thing, sir, is to know of what your cargo is composed?” + </p> + <p> + “Flour; eight hundred barrels of flour.” + </p> + <p> + “Flour! Would you not do better to carry that to Liverpool? The + Mississippi must be almost turned into paste by the quantity of flour it + floats to market.” + </p> + <p> + “Notwithstanding that, lieutenant, I know Uncle Sam's economy so well, as + to believe I shall part with every barrel of my flour to his contractors, + at a handsome profit.” + </p> + <p> + “You read Whig newspapers principally, I rather think, Mr. Spike,” + answered Wallace, in his cool, deliberate way, smiling, however, as he + spoke. + </p> + <p> + We may just as well say here, that nature intended this gentleman for a + second lieutenant, the very place he filled. He was a capital second + lieutenant, while he would not have earned his rations as first. So well + was he assured of this peculiarity in his moral composition, that he did + not wish to be the first lieutenant of anything in which he sailed. A + respectable seaman, a well-read and intelligent man, a capital deck + officer, or watch officer, he was too indolent to desire to be anything + more, and was as happy as the day was long, in the easy berth he filled. + The first lieutenant had been his messmate as a midshipman, and ranked him + but two on the list in his present commission; but he did not envy him in + the least. On the contrary, one of his greatest pleasures was to get. + “Working Willy,” as he called his senior, over a glass of wine, or a + tumbler of “hot stuff,” and make him recount the labours of the day. On + such occasions, Wallace never failed to compare the situation of “Working + Willy” with his own gentlemanlike ease and independence. As second + lieutenant, his rank raised him above most of the unpleasant duty of the + ship, while it did not raise him high enough to plunge him into the + never-ending labours of his senior. He delighted to call himself the + “ship's gentleman,” a sobriquet he well deserved, on more accounts than + one. + </p> + <p> + “You read Whig newspapers principally, I rather think, Mr. Spike,” + answered the lieutenant, as has been just mentioned, “while we on board + the Poughkeepsie indulge in looking over the columns of the Union, as well + as over those of the Intelligencer, when by good luck we can lay our hands + on a stray number.” + </p> + <p> + “That ship, then, is called the Poughkeepsie, is she, sir?” inquired + Spike. + </p> + <p> + “Such is her name, thanks to a most beneficent and sage provision of + Congress, which has extended its parental care over the navy so far as to + imagine that a man chosen by the people to exercise so many of the + functions of a sovereign, is not fit to name a ship. All our two and three + deckers are to be called after states; the frigates after rivers; and the + sloops after towns. Thus it is that our craft has the honour to be called + the United States ship the 'Poughkeepsie,' instead of the 'Arrow,' or the + 'Wasp,' or the 'Curlew,' or the 'Petrel,' as might otherwise have been the + case. But the wisdom of Congress is manifest, for the plan teaches us + sailors geography.” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, sir, yes, one can pick up a bit of l'arnin' in that way cheap. The + Poughkeepsie, Captain—?” + </p> + <p> + “The United States' ship Poughkeepsie, 20, Captain Adam Mull, at your + service. But, Mr. Spike, you will allow me to look at your papers. It is a + duty I like, for it can be performed quietly, and without any fuss.” + </p> + <p> + Spike looked distrustfully at his new acquaintance, but went for his + vessel's papers without any very apparent hesitation. Every thing was en + regle, and Wallace soon got through with the clearance, manifest, &c. + Indeed the cargo, on paper at least, was of the simplest and least + complicated character, being composed of nothing but eight hundred barrels + of flour. + </p> + <p> + “It all looks very well on paper, Mr. Spike,” added the boarding officer. + “With your permission, we will next see how it looks in sober reality. I + perceive your main hatch is open, and I suppose it will be no difficult + matter just to take a glance at your hold.” + </p> + <p> + “Here is a ladder, sir, that will take us at once to the half-deck, for I + have no proper 'twixt decks in this craft; she's too small for that sort + of outfit.” + </p> + <p> + “No matter, she has a hold, I suppose, and that can contain cargo. Take me + to it by the shortest road, Mr. Spike, for I am no great admirer of + trouble.” + </p> + <p> + Spike now led the way below, Wallace following, leaving the midshipman on + deck, who had fallen into conversation with the relict and her pretty + niece. The half-deck of the brigantine contained spare sails, provisions, + and water, as usual, while quantities of old canvas lay scattered over the + cargo; more especially in the wake of the hatches, of which there were two + besides that which led from the quarter-deck. + </p> + <p> + “Flour to the number of eight hundred barrels,” said Wallace, striking his + foot against a barrel that lay within his reach. “The cargo is somewhat + singular to come from New York, going to Key West, my dear Spike?” + </p> + <p> + “I suppose you know what sort of a place Key West is, sir; a bit of an + island in which there is scarce so much as a potatoe grows.” + </p> + <p> + “Ay, ay, sir; I know Key West very well, having been in and out a dozen + times. All eatables are imported, turtle excepted. But flour can be + brought down the Mississippi so much cheaper than it can be brought from + New York.” + </p> + <p> + “Have you any idee, lieutenant, what Uncle Sam's men are paying for it at + New Orleens, just to keep soul and bodies together among the so'gers?” + </p> + <p> + “That may be true, sir—quite true, I dare say, Mr. Spike. Have n't + you a bit of a chair that a fellow can sit down on—this half-deck of + your's is none of the most comfortable places to stand in. Thank you, sir—thank + you with all my heart. What lots of old sails you have scattered about the + hold, especially in the wake of the hatches!” + </p> + <p> + “Why, the craft being little more than in good ballast trim, I keep the + hatches off to air her; and the spray might spit down upon the flour at + odd times but for them 'ere sails.” + </p> + <p> + “Ay, a prudent caution. So you think Uncle Sam's people will be after this + flour as soon as they learn you have got it snug in at Key West?” + </p> + <p> + “What more likely, sir? You know how it is with our government—always + wrong, whatever it does! and I can show you paragraphs in letters written + from New Orleens, which tell us that Uncle Sam is paying seventy-five and + eighty per cent. more for flour than anybody else.” + </p> + <p> + “He must be a flush old chap to be able to do that, Spike.” + </p> + <p> + “Flush! I rather think he is. Do you know that he is spendin', accordin' + to approved accounts, at this blessed moment, as much as half a million a + day? I own a wish to be pickin' up some of the coppers while they are + scattered about so plentifully.” + </p> + <p> + “Half a million a day! why that is only at the rate of $187,000,000 per + annum; a mere trifle, Spike, that is scarce worth mentioning among us + mariners.” + </p> + <p> + “It's so in the newspapers, I can swear, lieutenant.” + </p> + <p> + “Ay, ay, and the newspapers will swear to it, too, and they that gave the + newspapers their cue. But no matter, our business is with this flour. Will + you sell us a barrel or two for our mess? I heard the caterer say we + should want flour in the course of a week or so.” + </p> + <p> + Spike seemed embarrassed, though not to a degree to awaken suspicion in + his companion. + </p> + <p> + “I never sold cargo at sea, long as I've sailed and owned a craft,” he + answered, as if uncertain what to do. “If you'll pay the price I expect to + get in the Gulf, and will take ten barrels, I do n't know but we may make + a trade on't. I shall only ask expected prices.” + </p> + <p> + “Which will be—?” + </p> + <p> + “Ten dollars a barrel. For one hundred silver dollars I will put into your + boat ten barrels of the very best brand known in the western country.” + </p> + <p> + “This is dealing rather more extensively than I anticipated, but we will + reflect on it.” + </p> + <p> + Wallance now indolently arose and ascended to the quarter-deck, followed + by Spike, who continued to press the flour on him, as if anxious to make + money. But the lieutenant hesitated about paying a price as high as ten + dollars, or to take a quantity as large as ten barrels. + </p> + <p> + “Our mess is no great matter after all,” he said carelessly. “Four + lieutenants, the purser, two doctors, the master, and a marine officer, + and you get us all. Nine men could never eat ten barrels of flour, my dear + Spike, you will see for yourself, with the quantity of excellent bread we + carry. You forget the bread.” + </p> + <p> + “Not a bit of it, Mr. Wallace, since that is your name. But such flour as + this of mine has not been seen in the Gulf this many a day. I ought in + reason to ask twelve dollars for it, and insist on such a ship as your'n's + taking twenty instead of the ten barrels.” + </p> + <p> + “I thank you, sir, the ten will more than suffice; unless, indeed, the + captain wants some for the cabin. How is it with your steerage messes, Mr. + Archer—do you want any flour?” + </p> + <p> + “We draw a little from the ship, according to rule, sir, but we can't go + as many puddings latterly as we could before we touched last at the + Havanna,” answered the laughing midshipman. “There is n't a fellow among + us, sir, that could pay a shore-boat for landing him, should we go in + again before the end of another month. I never knew such a place as + Havanna. They say midshipmen's money melts there twice as soon as + lieutenants' money.” + </p> + <p> + “It's clear, then, you'll not take any of the ten. I am afraid after all, + Mr. Spike, we cannot trade, unless you will consent to let me have two + barrels. I'll venture on two at ten dollars, high as the price is.” + </p> + <p> + “I should n't forgive myself in six months for making so had a bargain, + lieutenant, so we'll say no more about it if you please.” + </p> + <p> + “Here is a lady that wishes to say a word to you, Mr. Wallace, before we + go back to the ship, if you are at leisure to hear her, or them—for + there are two of them,” put in Archer. + </p> + <p> + At this moment Mrs. Budd was approaching with a dignified step, while Rose + followed timidly a little in the rear. Wallace was a good deal surprised + at this application, and Spike was quite as much provoked. As for Mulford, + he watched the interview from a distance, a great deal more interested in + its result than he cared to have known, more especially to his commanding + officer. Its object was to get a passage in the vessel of war. + </p> + <p> + “You are an officer of that Uncle Sam vessel,” commenced Mrs. Budd, who + thought that she would so much the more command the respect and attention + of her listener, by showing him early how familiar she was with even the + slang dialect of the seas. + </p> + <p> + “I have the honour, ma'am, to belong to that Uncle Sam craft,” answered + Wallace gravely, though he bowed politely at the same time, looking + intently at the beautiful girl in the back-ground as he so did. + </p> + <p> + “So I've been told, sir. She's a beautiful vessel, lieutenant, and is full + jiggered, I perceive.” + </p> + <p> + For the first time in his life, or at least for the first time since his + first cruise, Wallace wore a mystified look, being absolutely at a loss to + imagine what “full jiggered” could mean. He only looked, therefore, for he + did not answer. + </p> + <p> + “Mrs. Budd means that you've a full rigged craft,” put in Spike, anxious + to have a voice in the conference, “this vessel being only a half-rigged + brig.” + </p> + <p> + “Oh! ay; yes, yes—the lady is quite right. We are full jiggered from + our dead-eyes to our eye-bolts.” + </p> + <p> + “I thought as much, sir, from your ground hamper and top-tackles,” added + the relict smiling. “For my part there is nothing in nature that I so much + admire as a full jiggered ship, with her canvas out of the bolt-ropes, and + her clew-lines and clew-garnets braced sharp, and her yards all abroad.” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, ma'am, it is just as you say, a very charming spectacle. Our baby + was born full grown, and with all her hamper aloft just as you see her. + Some persons refer vessels to art, but I think you are quite right in + referring them to nature.” + </p> + <p> + “Nothing can be more natural to me, lieutenant, than a fine ship standing + on her canvas. It's an object to improve the heart and to soften the + understanding.” + </p> + <p> + “So I should think, ma'am,” returned Wallace, a little quizzically, + “judging from the effect on yourself.” + </p> + <p> + This speech, unfortunately timed as it was, wrought a complete change in + Rose's feelings, and she no longer wished to exchange the Swash for the + Poughkeepsie. She saw that her aunt was laughed at in secret, and that was + a circumstance that never failed to grate on every nerve in her system. + She had been prepared to second and sustain the intended application—she + was now determined to oppose it. + </p> + <p> + “Yes, sir,” resumed the unconscious relict, “and to soften the + understanding. Lieutenant, did you ever cross the Capricorn?” + </p> + <p> + “No less than six times; three going and three returning, you know.” + </p> + <p> + “And did Neptune come on board you, and were you shaved?” + </p> + <p> + “Everything was done secundem artem, ma'am. The razor was quite an example + of what are called in poetry 'thoughts too deep for tears.' ” + </p> + <p> + “That must have been delightful. As for me, I'm quite a devotee of + Neptune's; but I'm losing time, for no doubt your ship is all ready to + pull away and carry on sail—” + </p> + <p> + “Aunt, may I say a word to you before you go any further,” put in Rose in + her quiet but very controlling way. + </p> + <p> + The aunt complied, and Wallace, as soon as left alone, felt like a man who + was released from a quick-sand, into which every effort to extricate + himself only plunged him so much the deeper. At this moment the ship + hailed, and the lieutenant took a hasty leave of Spike, motioned to the + midshipman to precede him, and followed the latter into his boat. Spike + saw his visiter off in person, tending the side and offering the man-ropes + with his own hands. For this civility Wallace thanked him, calling out as + his boat pulled him from the brig's side—“If we 'pull away,'” + accenting the “pull” in secret derision of the relict's mistake, “you can + pull away; our filling the topsail being a sign for you to do the same.” + </p> + <p> + “There you go, and joy go with you,” muttered Spike, as he descended from + the gangway. “A pretty kettle of fish would there have been cooked had I + let him have his two barrels of flour.” + </p> + <p> + The man-of-war's cutter was soon under the lee of the ship, where it + discharged its freight, when it was immediately run up. During the whole + time Wallace had been absent, Captain Mull and his officers remained on + the poop, principally occupied in examining and discussing the merits of + the Swash. No sooner had their officer returned, however, than an order + was given to fill away, it being supposed that the Poughkeepsie had no + further concern with the brigantine. As for Wallace, he ascended to the + poop and made the customary report. + </p> + <p> + “It's a queer cargo to be carrying to Key West from the Atlantic coast,” + observed the captain in a deliberating sort of manner, as if the + circumstance excited suspicion; “Yet the Mexicans can hardly be in want of + any such supplies.” + </p> + <p> + “Did you see the flour, Wallace?” inquired the first lieutenant, who was + well aware of his messmate's indolence. + </p> + <p> + “Yes, sir, and felt it too. The lower hold of the brig is full of flour, + and of nothing else.” + </p> + <p> + “Ware round, sir—ware round and pass athwart the brig's wake,” + interrupted the captain. “There's plenty of room now, and I wish to pass + as near that craft as we can.” + </p> + <p> + This manoeuvre was executed. The sloop-of-war no sooner filled her + maintop-sail than she drew ahead, leaving plenty of room for the + brigantine to make sail on her course. Spike did not profit by this + opening, however, but he sent several men aloft forward, where they + appeared to be getting ready to send down the upper yards and the + topgallant-mast. No sooner was the sloop-of-war's helm put up than that + vessel passed close along the brigantine's weather side, and kept off + across her stern on her course. As she did this the canvas was fluttering + aboard her, in the process of making sail, and Mull held a short discourse + with Spike. + </p> + <p> + “Is anything the matter aloft?” demanded the man-of-war's man. + </p> + <p> + “Ay, ay; I've sprung my topgallant-mast, and think this a good occasion to + get another up in its place.” + </p> + <p> + “Shall I lend you a carpenter or two, Mr. Spike?” + </p> + <p> + “Thank'ee, sir, thank'ee with all my heart; but we can do without them. + It's an old stick, and it's high time a better stood where it does. Who + knows but I may be chased and feel the want of reliable spars.” + </p> + <p> + Captain Mull smiled and raised his cap in the way of an adieu, when the + conversation ended; the Poughkeepsie sliding off rapidly with a free wind, + leaving the Swash nearly stationary. In ten minutes the two vessels were + more than a mile apart; in twenty, beyond the reach of shot. + </p> + <p> + Notwithstanding the natural and common-place manner in which this + separation took place, there was much distrust on board each vessel, and a + good deal of consummate management on the part of Spike. The latter knew + that every foot the sloop-of-war went on her course, carried her just so + far to leeward, placing his own brig, in-so-much, dead to windward of her. + As the Swash's best point of sailing, relatively considered, was + close-hauled, this was giving to Spike a great security against any change + of purpose on the part of the vessel of war. Although his people were + aloft and actually sent down the topgallant-mast, it was only to send it + up again, the spar being of admirable toughness, and as sound as the day + it was cut. + </p> + <p> + “I don't think, Mr. Mulford,” said the captain sarcastically, “that Uncle + Sam's glasses are good enough to tell the difference in wood at two + leagues' distance, so we'll trust to the old stick a little longer. Ay, + ay, let 'em run off before it, we'll find another road by which to reach + our port.” + </p> + <p> + “The sloop-of-war is going round the south side of Cuba, Captain Spike,” + answered the mate, “and I have understood you to say that you intended to + go by the same passage.” + </p> + <p> + “A body may change his mind, and no murder. Only consider, Harry, how + common it is for folks to change their minds. I did intend to pass between + Cuba and Jamaica, but I intend it no longer. Our run from Montauk has been + oncommon short, and I've time enough to spare to go to the southward of + Jamaica too, if the notion takes me.” + </p> + <p> + “That would greatly prolong the passage, Captain Spike,—a week at + least.” + </p> + <p> + “What if it does—I've a week to spare; we're nine days afore our + time.” + </p> + <p> + “Our time for what, sir? Is there any particular time set for a vessel's + going into Key West?” + </p> + <p> + “Don't be womanish and over-cur'ous, Mulford. I sail with sealed orders, + and when we get well to windward of Jamaica, 't will be time enough to + open them.” + </p> + <p> + Spike was as good as his word. As soon as he thought the sloop-of-war was + far enough to leeward, or when she was hull down, he filled away and made + sail on the wind to get nearer to Porto Rico. Long ere it was dark he had + lost sight of the sloop-of-war, when he altered his course to + south-westerly, which was carrying him in the direction he named, or to + windward of Jamaica. + </p> + <p> + While this artifice was being practised on board the Molly Swash, the + officers of the Poughkeepsie were not quite satisfied with their own mode + of proceeding with the brigantine. The more they reasoned on the matter, + the more unlikely it seemed to them that Spike could be really carrying a + cargo of flour from New York to Key West, in the expectation of disposing + of it to the United States' contractors, and the more out of the way did + he seem to be in running through the Mona Passage. + </p> + <p> + “His true course should have been by the Hole in the Wall, and so down + along the north side of Cuba, before the wind,” observed the first + lieutenant. “I wonder that never struck you, Wallace; you, who so little + like trouble.” + </p> + <p> + “Certainly I knew it, but we lazy people like running off before the wind, + and I did not know but such were Mr. Spike's tastes,” answered the “ship's + gentleman.” “In my judgment, the reluctance he showed to letting us have + any of his flour, is much the most suspicious circumstance in the whole + affair.” + </p> + <p> + These two speeches were made on the poop, in the presence of the captain, + but in a sort of an aside that admitted of some of the ward-room + familiarity exhibited. Captain Mull was not supposed to hear what passed, + though hear it he in fact did, as was seen by his own remarks, which + immediately succeeded. + </p> + <p> + “I understood you to say, Mr. Wallace,” observed the captain, a little + drily, “that you saw the flour yourself?” + </p> + <p> + “I saw the flour-barrels, sir; and as regularly built were they as any + barrels that ever were branded. But a flour-barrel may have contained + something beside flour.” + </p> + <p> + “Flour usually makes itself visible in the handling; were these barrels + quite clean?” + </p> + <p> + “Far from it, sir. They showed flour on their staves, like any other + cargo. After all, the man may have more sense than we give him credit for, + and find a high market for his cargo.” + </p> + <p> + Captain Mull seemed to muse, which was a hint for his juniors not to + continue the conversation, but rather to seem to muse, too. After a short + pause, the captain quietly remarked—“Well, gentlemen, he will be + coming down after us, I suppose, as soon as he gets his new + topgallant-mast on-end, and then we can keep a bright look-out for him. We + shall cruise off Cape St. Antonio for a day or two, and no doubt shall get + another look at him. I should like to have one baking from his flour.” + </p> + <p> + But Spike had no intention to give the Poughkeepsie the desired + opportunity. As has been stated, he stood off to the southward on a wind, + and completely doubled the eastern end of Jamaica, when he put his helm + up, and went, with favouring wind and current, toward the northward and + westward. The consequence was, that he did not fall in with the + Poughkeepsie at all, which vessel was keeping a sharp look-out for him in + the neighbourhood of Cape St. Antonio and the Isle of Pines, at the very + moment he was running down the coast of Yucatan. Of all the large maritime + countries of the world, Mexico, on the Atlantic, is that which is the most + easily blockaded, by a superior naval power. By maintaining a proper force + between Key West and the Havanna, and another squadron between Cape St. + Antonio and Loggerhead Key, the whole country, the Bay of Honduras + excepted, is shut up, as it might be in a band-box. It is true the Gulf + would be left open to the Mexicans, were not squadrons kept nearer in; + but, as for anything getting out into the broad Atlantic, it would be next + to hopeless. The distance to be watched between the Havanna and Key West + is only about sixty miles, while that in the other direction is not much + greater. + </p> + <p> + While the Swash was making the circuit of Jamaica, as described, her + captain had little communication with his passengers. The misunderstanding + with the relict embarrassed him as much as it embarrassed her; and he was + quite willing to let time mitigate her resentment. Rose would be just as + much in his power a fortnight hence as she was today. This cessation in + the captain's attentions gave the females greater liberty, and they + improved it, singularly enough as it seemed to Mulford, by cultivating a + strange sort of intimacy with Jack Tier. The very day that succeeded the + delicate conversation with Mrs. Budd, to a part of which Jack had been an + auditor, the uncouth-looking steward's assistant was seen in close + conference with the pretty Rose; the subject of their conversation being, + apparently, of a most engrossing nature. From that hour, Jack got to be + not only a confidant, but a favourite, to Mulford's great surprise. A less + inviting subject for tête-à-tête and confidential dialogues, thought the + young man, could not well exist; but so it was; woman's caprices are + inexplicable; and not only Rose and her aunt, but even the captious and + somewhat distrustful Biddy, manifested on all occasions not only + friendship, but kindness and consideration for Jack. + </p> + <p> + “You quite put my nose out o' joint, you Jack Tier, with 'e lady,” + grumbled Josh, the steward de jure, if not now de facto, of the craft, + “and I neber see nuttin' like it! I s'pose you expect ten dollar, at + least, from dem passenger, when we gets in. But I'd have you to know, + Misser Jack, if you please, dat a steward be a steward, and he do n't like + to hab trick played wid him, afore he own face.” + </p> + <p> + “Poh! poh! Joshua,” answered Jack good-naturedly, “do n't distress + yourself on a consail. In the first place, you've got no nose to be put + out of joint; or, if you have really a nose, it has no joint. It's nat'ral + for folks to like their own colour, and the ladies prefar me, because I'm + white.” + </p> + <p> + “No so werry white as all dat, nudder,” grumbled Josh. “I see great many + whiter dan you. But, if dem lady like you so much as to gib you ten + dollar, as I expects, when we gets in, I presumes you'll hand over half, + or six dollar, of dat money to your superior officer, as is law in de + case.” + </p> + <p> + “Do you call six the half of ten, Joshua, my scholar, eh?” + </p> + <p> + “Well, den, seven, if you like dat better. I wants just half, and just + half I means to git.” + </p> + <p> + “And half you shall have, maty. I only wish you would just tell me where + we shall be, when we gets in.” + </p> + <p> + “How I know, white man? Dat belong to skipper, and better ask him. If he + do n't gib you lick in de chop, p'rhaps he tell you.” + </p> + <p> + As Jack Tier had no taste for “licks in the chops,” he did not follow + Josh's advice. But his agreeing to give half of the ten dollars to the + steward kept peace in the cabins. He was even so scrupulous of his word, + as to hand to Josh a half-eagle that very day; money he had received from + Rose; saying he would trust to Providence for his own half of the expected + douceur. This concession placed Jack Tier on high grounds with his + “superior officer,” and from that time the former was left to do the whole + of the customary service of the ladies' cabin. + </p> + <p> + As respects the vessel, nothing worthy of notice occurred until she had + passed Loggerhead Key, and was fairly launched in the Gulf of Mexico. + Then, indeed, Spike took a step that greatly surprised his mate. The + latter was directed to bring all his instruments, charts, &c., and + place them in the captain's state-room, where it was understood they were + to remain until the brig got into port. Spike was but an indifferent + navigator, while Mulford was one of a higher order than common. So much + had the former been accustomed to rely on the latter, indeed, as they + approached a strange coast, that he could not possibly have taken any + step, that was not positively criminal, which would have given his mate + more uneasiness than this. + </p> + <p> + At first, Mulford naturally enough suspected that Spike intended to push + for some Mexican port, by thus blinding his eyes as to the position of the + vessel. The direction steered, however, soon relieved the mate from this + apprehension. From the eastern extremity of Yucatan, the Mexican coast + trends to the westward, and even to the south of west, for a long + distance, whereas the course steered by Spike was north, easterly. This + was diverging from the enemy's coast instead of approaching it, and the + circumstance greatly relieved the apprehensions of Mulford. + </p> + <p> + Nor was the sequestration of the mate's instruments the only suspicious + act of Spike. He caused the brig's paint to be entirely altered, and even + went so far toward disguising her, as to make some changes aloft. All this + was done as the vessel passed swiftly on her course, and everything had + been effected, apparently to the captain's satisfaction, when the cry of + “land-ho!” was once more heard. The land proved to be a cluster of low, + small islands, part coral, part sand, that might have been eight or ten in + number, and the largest of which did not possess a surface of more than a + very few acres. Many were the merest islets imaginable, and on one of the + largest of the cluster rose a tall, gaunt light-house, having the + customary dwelling of its keeper at its base. Nothing else was visible; + the broad expanse of the blue waters of the Gulf excepted. All the land in + sight would not probably have made one field of twenty acres in extent, + and that seemed cut off from the rest of the world, by a broad barrier of + water. It was a spot of such singular situation and accessories, that + Mulford gazed at it with a burning desire to know where he was, as the + brig steered through a channel between two of the islets, into a capacious + and perfectly safe basin, formed by the group, and dropped her anchor in + its centre. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0005" id="link2HCH0005"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER V + </h2> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + “He sleeps; but dreams of massy gold, + And heaps of pearl. He stretch'd his hands— + He hears a voice— + + “Ill man withhold!' + A pale one near him stands.” + + Dana. +</pre> + <p> + It was near night-fall when the Swash anchored among the low and small + islets mentioned. Rose had been on deck, as the vessel approached this + singular and solitary haven, watching the movements of those on board, as + well as the appearance of objects on the land, with the interest her + situation would be-likely to awaken. She saw the light and manageable + craft glide through the narrow and crooked passages that led into the + port, the process of anchoring, and the scene of tranquil solitude that + succeeded; each following the other as by a law of nature. The light-house + next attracted her attention, and, as soon as the sun disappeared, her + eyes were fastened on the lantern, in expectation of beholding the + watchful and warning fires gleaming there, to give the mariner notice of + the position of the dangers that surrounded the place. Minute went by + after minute, however, and the customary illumination seemed to be + forgotten. + </p> + <p> + “Why is not this light shining?” Rose asked of Mulford, as the young man + came near her, after having discharged his duty in helping to moor the + vessel, and in clearing the decks. “All the light-houses we have passed, + and they have been fifty, have shown bright lights at this hour, but + this.” + </p> + <p> + “I cannot explain it; nor have I the smallest notion where we are. I have + been aloft, and there was nothing in sight but this cluster of low islets, + far or near. I did fancy, for a moment, I saw a speck like a distant sail, + off here, to the northward and eastward, but I rather think it was a gull, + or some other sea-bird glancing upward on the wing. I mentioned it to the + captain when I came down, and he appeared to believe it a mistake. I have + watched that light-house closely, too, ever since we came in, and I have + not seen the smallest sign of life about it. It is altogether an + extraordinary place!” + </p> + <p> + “One suited to acts of villany, I fear, Harry!” + </p> + <p> + “Of that we shall be better judges to-morrow. You, at least, have one + vigilant friend, who will die sooner than harm shall come to you. I + believe Spike to be thoroughly unprincipled; still he knows he can go so + far and no further, and has a wholesome dread of the law. But the + circumstance that there should be such a port as this, with a regular + light-house, and no person near the last, is so much out of the common + way, that I do not know what to make of it.” + </p> + <p> + “Perhaps the light-house keeper is afraid to show himself, in the presence + of the Swash?” + </p> + <p> + “That can hardly be, for vessels must often enter the port, if port it can + be called. But Spike is as much concerned at the circumstance that the + lamps are not lighted, as any of us can be. Look, he is about to visit the + building in the boat, accompanied by two of his oldest sea-dogs.” + </p> + <p> + “Why might we not raise the anchor, and sail out of this place, leaving + Spike ashore?” suggested Rose, with more decision and spirit than + discretion. + </p> + <p> + “For the simple reason that the act would be piracy, even if I could get + the rest of the people to obey my orders, as certainly I could not. No, + Rose: you, and your aunt, and Biddy, however, might land at these + buildings, and refuse to return, Spike having no authority over his + passengers.” + </p> + <p> + “Still he would have the power to make us come back to his brig. Look, he + has left the vessel's side, and is going directly toward the light-house.” + </p> + <p> + Mulford made no immediate answer, but remained at Rose's side, watching + the movements of the captain. The last pulled directly to the islet with + the buildings, a distance of only a few hundred feet, the light-house + being constructed on a rocky island that was nearly in the centre of the + cluster, most probably to protect it from the ravages of the waves. The + fact, however, proved, as Mulford did not fail to suggest to his + companion, that the beacon had been erected less to guide vessels into the + haven, than to warn mariners at a distance, of the position of the whole + group. + </p> + <p> + In less than five minutes after he had landed, Spike himself was seen in + the lantern, in the act of lighting its lamps. In a very short time the + place was in a brilliant blaze, reflectors and all the other parts of the + machinery of the place performing their duties as regularly as if tended + by the usual keeper. Soon after Spike returned on board, and the + anchor-watch was set. Then everybody sought the rest that it was customary + to take at that hour. + </p> + <p> + Mulford was on deck with the appearance of the sun; but he found that + Spike had preceded him, had gone ashore again, had extinguished the lamps, + and was coming alongside of the brig on his return. A minute later the + captain came over the side. + </p> + <p> + “You were right about your sail, last night, a'ter all, Mr. Mulford,” said + Spike, on coming aft. “There she is, sure enough; and we shall have her + alongside to strike cargo out and in, by the time the people have got + their breakfasts.” + </p> + <p> + As Spike pointed toward the light-house while speaking, the mate changed + his position a little, and saw that a schooner was coming down toward the + islets before the wind. Mulford now began to understand the motives of the + captain's proceedings, though a good deal yet remained veiled in mystery. + He could not tell where the brig was, nor did he know precisely why so + many expedients were adopted to conceal the transfer of a cargo as simple + as that of flour. But he who was in the secret left but little time for + reflection; for swallowing a hasty breakfast on deck, he issued orders + enough to his mate to give him quite as much duty as he could perform, + when he again entered the yawl, and pulled toward the stranger. + </p> + <p> + Rose soon appeared on deck, and she naturally began to question Harry + concerning their position and prospects. He was confessing his ignorance, + as well as lamenting it, when his companion's sweet face suddenly flushed. + She advanced a step eagerly toward the open window of Spike's state-room, + then compressed her full, rich under-lip with the ivory of her upper + teeth, and stood a single instant, a beautiful statue of irresolution + instigated by spirit. The last quality prevailed; and Mulford was really + startled when he saw Rose advance quite to the window, thrust in an arm, + and turn toward him with his own sextant in her hand. During the course of + the passage out, the young man had taught Rose to assist him in observing + the longitude; and she was now ready to repeat the practice. Not a moment + was lost in executing her intention. Sights were had, and the instrument + was returned to its place without attracting the attention of the men, who + were all busy in getting up purchases, and in making the other necessary + dispositions for discharging the flour. The observations answered the + purpose, though somewhat imperfectly made. Mulford had a tolerable notion + of their latitude, having kept the brig's run in his head since quitting + Yutacan; and he now found that their longitude was about 83 o west from + Greenwich. After ascertaining this fact, a glance at the open chart, which + lay on Spike's desk, satisfied him that the vessel was anchored within the + group of the Dry Tortugas, or at the western termination of the + well-known, formidable, and extensive Florida Reef. He had never been in + that part of the world before, but had heard enough in sea-gossip, and had + read enough in books, to be at once apprised of the true character of + their situation. The islets were American; the light-house was American; + and the haven in which the Swash lay was the very spot in the + contemplation of government for an outer man-of-war harbour, where fleets + might rendezvous in the future wars of that portion of the world. He now + saw plainly enough the signs of the existence of a vast reef, a short + distance to the southward of the vessel, that formed a species of + sea-wall, or mole, to protect the port against the waves of the gulf in + that direction. This reef he knew to be miles in width. + </p> + <p> + There was little time for speculation, Spike soon bringing the strange + schooner directly alongside of the brig. The two vessels immediately + became a scene of activity, one discharging, and the other receiving the + flour as fast as it could be struck out of the hold of the Swash and + lowered upon the deck of the schooner. Mulford, however, had practised a + little artifice, as the stranger entered the haven, which drew down upon + him an anathema or two from Spike, as soon as they were alone. The mate + had set the brig's ensign, and this compelled the stranger to be markedly + rude, or to answer the compliment. Accordingly he had shown the ancient + flag of Spain. For thus extorting a national symbol from the schooner, the + mate was sharply rebuked at a suitable moment, though nothing could have + been more forbearing than the deportment of his commander when they first + met. + </p> + <p> + When Spike returned to his own vessel, he was accompanied by a + dark-looking, well-dressed, and decidedly gentleman-like personage, whom + he addressed indifferently, in his very imperfect Spanish, as Don Wan, + (Don Juan, or John,) or Se¤or Montefalderon. By the latter appellation he + even saw fit to introduce the very respectable-looking stranger to his + mate. This stranger spoke English well, though with an accent. + </p> + <p> + “Don Wan has taken all the flour, Mr. Mulford, and intends shoving it over + into Cuba, without troubling the custom-house, I believe; but that is not + a matter to give us any concern, you know.” + </p> + <p> + The wink, and the knowing look by which this speech was accompanied, + seemed particularly disagreeable to Don Juan, who now paid his compliments + to Rose, with no little surprise betrayed in his countenance, but with the + ease and reserve of a gentleman. Mulford thought it strange that a + smuggler of flour should be so polished a personage, though his duty did + not admit of his bestowing much attention on the little trifling of the + interview that succeeded. + </p> + <p> + For about an hour the work went steadily and rapidly on. During that time + Mulford was several times on board the schooner, as, indeed, was Josh, + Jack Tier, and others belonging to the Swash. The Spanish vessel was + Baltimore, or clipper built, with a trunk-cabin, and had every appearance + of sailing fast. Mulford was struck with her model, and, while on board of + her, he passed both forward and aft to examine it. This was so natural in + a seaman, that Spike, while he noted the proceeding, took it in good part. + He even called out to his mate, from his own quarter-deck, to admire this + or that point in the schooner's construction. As is customary with the + vessels of southern nations, this stranger was full of men, but they + continued at their work, some half dozen of brawny negroes among them, + shouting their songs as they swayed at the falls, no one appearing to + manifest jealousy or concern. At length Tier came near the mate, and said, + </p> + <p> + “Uncle Sam will not be pleased when he hears the reason that the keeper is + not in his light-house.” + </p> + <p> + “And what is that reason, Jack? If you know it, tell it to me.” + </p> + <p> + “Go aft and look down the companion-way, maty, and see it for yourself.” + </p> + <p> + Mulford did go aft, and he made an occasion to look down into the + schooner's cabin, where he caught a glimpse of the persons of a man and a + boy, whom he at once supposed had been taken from the light-house. This + one fact of itself doubled his distrust of the character of Spike's + proceedings. There was no sufficient apparent reason why a mere smuggler + should care about the presence of an individual more or less in a foreign + port. Everything that had occurred, looked like pre-concert between the + brig and the schooner; and the mate was just beginning to entertain the + strongest distrust that their vessel was holding treasonable communication + with the enemy, when an accident removed all doubt on the subject, from + his own mind at least. Spike had, once or twice, given his opinion that + the weather was treacherous, and urged the people of both crafts to + extraordinary exertions, in order that the vessels might get clear of each + other as soon as possible. This appeal had set various expedients in + motion to second the more regular work of the purchases. Among other + things, planks had been laid from one vessel to the other, and barrels + were rolled along them with very little attention to the speed or the + direction. Several had fallen on the schooner's deck with rude shocks, but + no damage was done, until one, of which the hoops had not been properly + secured, met with a fall, and burst nearly at Mulford's feet. It was at + the precise moment when the mate was returning, from taking his glance + into the cabin, toward the side of the Swash. A white cloud arose, and + half a dozen of the schooner's people sprang for buckets, kids, or dishes, + in order to secure enough of the contents of the broken barrel to furnish + them with a meal. At first nothing was visible but the white cloud that + succeeded the fall, and the scrambling sailors in its midst. No sooner, + however, had the air got to be a little clear, than Mulford saw an object + lying in centre of the wreck, that he at once recognised for a keg of the + gunpowder! The captain of the schooner seized this keg, gave a knowing + look at Mulford, and disappeared in the hold of his own vessel, carrying + with him, what was out of all question, a most material part of the true + cargo of the Swash. + </p> + <p> + At the moment when the flour-barrel burst, Spike was below, in close + conference with his Spanish, or Mexican guest; and the wreck being so soon + cleared away, it is probable that he never heard of the accident. As for + the two crews, they laughed a little among themselves at the revelation + which had been made, as well as at the manner; but to old sea-dogs like + them, it was a matter of very little moment, whether the cargo was, in + reality, flour or gunpowder. In a few minutes the affair seemed to be + forgotten. In the course of another hour the Swash was light, having + nothing in her but some pig-lead, which she used for ballast, while the + schooner was loaded to her hatches, and full. Spike now sent a boat, with + orders to drop a kedge about a hundred yards from the place where his own + brig lay. The schooner warped up to this kedge, and dropped an anchor of + her own, leaving a very short range of cable out, it being a flat calm. + Ordinarily, the trades prevail at the Dry Tortugas, and all along the + Florida Reef. Sometimes, indeed, this breeze sweeps across the whole width + of the Gulf of Mexico, blowing home, as it is called—reaching even + to the coast of Texas. It is subject, however, to occasional interruptions + everywhere, varying many points in its direction, and occasionally ceasing + entirely. The latter was the condition of the weather about noon on this + day, or when the schooner hauled off from the brig, and was secured at her + own anchor. + </p> + <p> + “Mr. Mulford,” said Spike, “I do not like the state of the atmosphere. + D'ye see that fiery streak along the western horizon—well, sir, as + the sun gets nearer to that streak, there'll be trouble, or I'm no judge + of weather.” + </p> + <p> + “You surely do not imagine, Captain Spike, that the sun will be any nearer + to that fiery streak, as you call it, when he is about to set, than he is + at this moment?” answered the mate, smiling. + </p> + <p> + “I'm sure of one thing, young man, and that is, that old heads are better + than young ones. What a man has once seen, he may expect to see again, if + the same leading signs offer. Man the boat, sir, and carry out the kedge, + which is still in it, and lay it off here, about three p'ints on our + larboard bow.” + </p> + <p> + Mulford had a profound respect for Spike's seamanship, whatever he might + think of his principles. The order was consequently obeyed. The mate was + then directed to send down various articles out of the top, and to get the + top-gallant and royal yards on deck. Spike carried his precautions so far, + as to have the mainsail lowered, it ordinarily brailing at that season of + the year, with a standing gaff. With this disposition completed, the + captain seemed more at his ease, and went below to join Se¤or + Montefalderon in a siesta. The Mexican, for such, in truth, was the + national character of the owner of the schooner, had preceded him in this + indulgence; and most of the people of the brig having laid themselves down + to sleep under the heat of the hour, Mulford soon enjoyed another + favourable opportunity for a private conference with Rose. + </p> + <p> + “Harry,” commenced the latter, as soon as they were alone; “I have much to + tell you. While you have been absent I have overheard a conversation + between this Spanish gentleman and Spike, that shows the last is in treaty + with the other for the sale of the brig. Spike extolled his vessel to the + skies, while Don Wan, as he calls him, complains that the brig is old, and + cannot last long; to which Spike answered 'to be sure she is old, Se¤or + Montefalderon, but she will last as long as your war, and under a bold + captain might be made to return her cost a hundred fold!' What war can he + mean, and to what does such a discourse tend?” + </p> + <p> + “The war alludes to the war now existing between America and Mexico, and + the money to be made is to be plundered at sea, from our own + merchant-vessels. If Don Juan Montefalderon is really in treaty for the + purchase of the brig, it is to convert her into a Mexican cruiser, either + public or private.” + </p> + <p> + “But this would be treason on the part of Spike!” + </p> + <p> + “Not more so than supplying the enemy with gunpowder, as he has just been + doing. I have ascertained the reason he was so unwilling to be overhauled + by the revenue steamer, as well as the reason why the revenue steamer + wished so earnestly to overhaul us. Each barrel of flour contains another + of gunpowder, and that has been sold to this Se¤or Montefalderon, who is + doubtless an officer of the Mexican government, and no smuggler.” + </p> + <p> + “He has been at New York, this very summer, I know,” continued Rose, “for + he spoke of his visit, and made such other remarks, as leaves no doubt + that Spike expected to find him here, on this very day of the month. He + also paid Spike a large sum of money in doubloons, and took back the bag + to his schooner, when he had done so, after showing the captain enough was + left to pay for the brig could they only agree on the terms of their + bargain.” + </p> + <p> + “Ay, ay; it is all plain enough now, Spike has determined on a desperate + push for fortune, and foreseeing it might not soon be in his power to + return to New York in safety, he has included his designs on you and your + fortune, in the plot.” + </p> + <p> + “My fortune! the trifle I possess can scarcely be called a fortune, + Harry!” + </p> + <p> + “It would be a fortune to Spike, Rose; and I shall be honest enough to own + it would be a fortune to me. I say this frankly, for I do believe you + think too well of me to suppose that I seek you for any other reason than + the ardent love I bear your person and character; but a fact is not to be + denied because it may lead certain persons to distrust our motives. Spike + is poor, like myself; and the brig is not only getting to be very old, but + she has been losing money for the last twelve months.” + </p> + <p> + Mulford and Rose now conversed long and confidentially, on their situation + and prospects. The mate neither magnified nor concealed the dangers of + both; but freely pointed out the risk to himself, in being on board a + vessel that was aiding and comforting the enemy. It was determined between + there that both would quit the brig the moment an opportunity offered; and + the mate even went so far as to propose an attempt to escape in one of the + boats, although he might incur the hazards of a double accusation, those + of mutiny and larceny, for making the experiment. Unfortunately, neither + Rose, nor her aunt, nor Biddy, nor Jack Tier had seen the barrel of + powder, and neither could testify as to the true character of Spike's + connection with the schooner. It was manifestly necessary, therefore, + independently of the risks that might be run by “bearding the lion in his + den,” to proceed with great intelligence and caution. + </p> + <p> + This dialogue between Harry and Rose, occurred just after the turn in the + day, and lasted fully an hour. Each had been too much interested to + observe the heavens, but, as they were on the point of separating, Rose + pointed out to her companion the unusual and most menacing aspect of the + sky in the western horizon. It appeared as if a fiery heat was glowing + there, behind a curtain of black vapour; and what rendered it more + remarkable, was the circumstance that an extraordinary degree of placidity + prevailed in all other parts of the heavens. Mulford scarce knew what to + make of it; his experience not going so far as to enable him to explain + the novel and alarming appearance. He stepped on a gun, and gazed around + him for a moment. There lay the schooner, without a being visible on board + of her, and there stood the light-house, gloomy in its desertion and + solitude. The birds alone seemed to be alive and conscious of what was + approaching. They were all on the wing, wheeling wildly in the air, and + screaming discordantly, as belonged to their habits. The young man leaped + off the gun, gave a loud call to Spike, at the companion-way, and sprang + forward to call all hands. + </p> + <p> + One minute only was lost, when every seaman on board the Swash, from the + captain to Jack Tier, was on deck. Mulford met Spike at the cabin door, + and pointed toward the fiery column, that was booming down upon the + anchorage, with a velocity and direction that would now admit of no + misinterpretation. For one instant that sturdy old seaman stood aghast; + gazing at the enemy as one conscious of his impotency might have been + supposed to quail before an assault that he foresaw must prove + irresistible. Then his native spirit, and most of all the effects of + training, began to show themselves in him, and he became at once, not only + the man again, but the resolute, practised, and ready commander. + </p> + <p> + “Come aft to the spring, men—” he shouted—“clap on the spring, + Mr. Mulford, and bring the brig head to wind.” + </p> + <p> + This order was obeyed as seamen best obey, in cases of sudden and extreme + emergency; or with intelligence, aptitude and power. The brig had swung + nearly round, in the desired direction, when the tornado struck her. It + will be difficult, we do not know but it is impossible, to give a clear + and accurate account of what followed. As most of our readers have + doubtless felt how great is the power of the wind, whiffling and pressing + different ways, in sudden and passing gusts, they have only to imagine + this power increased many, many fold, and the baffling currents made + furious, as it might be, by meeting with resistance, to form some notion + of the appalling strength and frightful inconstancy with which it blew for + about a minute. + </p> + <p> + Notwithstanding the circumstance of Spike's precaution had greatly + lessened the danger, every man on the deck of the Swash believed the brig + was gone when the gust struck her. Over she went, in fact, until the water + came pouring in above her half-ports, like so many little cascades, and + spouting up through her scupper-holes, resembling the blowing of young + whales. It was the whiffling energy of the tornado that alone saved her. + As if disappointed in not destroying its intended victim at one swoop, the + tornado “let up” in its pressure, like a dexterous wrestler, making a + fresh and desperate effort to overturn the vessel, by a slight variation + in its course. That change saved the Swash. She righted, and even rolled + in the other direction, or what might be called to windward, with her + decks full of water. For a minute longer these baffling, changing gusts + continued, each causing the brig to bow like a reed to their power, one + lifting as another pressed her down, and then the weight, or the more + dangerous part of the tornado was passed, though it continued to blow + heavily, always in whiffling blasts, several minutes longer. + </p> + <p> + During the weight of the gust, no one had leisure, or indeed inclination + to look to aught beyond its effect on the brig. Had one been otherwise + disposed, the attempt would have been useless, for the wind had filled the + air with spray, and near the islets even with sand. The lurid but fiery + tinge, too, interposed a veil that no human eye could penetrate. As the + tornado passed onward, however, and the winds lulled, the air again became + clear, and in five minutes after the moment when the Swash lay nearly on + her side, with her lower yard-arm actually within a few feet of the water, + all was still and placid around her, as one is accustomed to see the ocean + in a calm, of a summer's afternoon. Then it was that those who had been in + such extreme jeopardy could breathe freely and look about them. On board + the Swash all was well—not a rope-yarn had parted, or an eyebolt + drawn. The timely precautions of Spike had saved his brig, and great was + his joy thereat. + </p> + <p> + In the midst of the infernal din of the tornado, screams had ascended from + the cabin, and the instant he could quit the deck with propriety, Mulford + sprang below, in order to ascertain their cause. He apprehended that some + of the females had been driven to leeward when the brig went over, and + that part of the luggage or furniture had fallen on them. In the main + cabin, the mate found Se¤or Montefalderon just quitting his berth, + composed, gentleman-like, and collected. Josh was braced in a corner + nearly grey with fear, while Jack Tier still lay on the cabin floor, at + the last point to which he had rolled. One word sufficed to let Don Juan + know that the gust had passed, and the brig was safe, when Mulford tapped + at the deor of the inner cabin. Rose appeared, pale, but calm and unhurt. + </p> + <p> + “Is any one injured?” asked the young man, his mind relieved at once, as + soon as he saw that she who most occupied his thoughts was safe; “we heard + screams from this cabin.” + </p> + <p> + “My aunt and Biddy have been frightened,” answered Rose, “but neither has + been hurt. Oh, Harry, what terrible thing has happened to us? I heard the + roaring of—” + </p> + <p> + “ 'T was a tornado,” interrupted Mulford eagerly, “but 't is over. 'T was + one of those sudden and tremendous gusts that sometimes occur within the + tropics, in which the danger is usually in the first shock. If no one is + injured in this cabin, no one is injured at all.” + </p> + <p> + “Oh, Mr. Mulford—dear Mr. Mulford!” exclaimed the relict, from the + corner into which she had been followed and jammed by Biddy, “Oh, Mr. + Mulford, are we foundered or not?” + </p> + <p> + “Heaven be praised, not, my dear ma'am, though we came nearer to it than I + ever was before.” + </p> + <p> + “Are we cap-asided?” + </p> + <p> + “Nor that, Mrs. Budd; the brig is as upright as a church.” + </p> + <p> + “Upright!” repeated Biddy, in her customary accent,—“is it as a + church? Sure, then, Mr. Mate, 't is a Presbyterian church that you mane, + and that is always totterin'.” + </p> + <p> + “Catholic, or Dutch—no church in York is more completely up and down + than the brig at this moment.” + </p> + <p> + “Get off of me—get off of me, Biddy, and let me rise,” said the + widow, with dignity. “The danger is over I see, and, as we return our + thanks for it, we have the consolation of knowing that we have done our + duty. It is incumbent on all, at such moments, to be at their posts, and + to set examples of decision and prudence.” + </p> + <p> + As Mulford saw all was well in the cabin, he hastened on deck, followed by + Se¤or Montefalderon. Just as they emerged from the companion-way, Spike + was hailing the forecastle. + </p> + <p> + “Forecastle, there,” he cried, standing on the trunk himself as he did so, + and moving from side to side, as if to catch a glimpse of some object + ahead. + </p> + <p> + “Sir,” came back from an old salt, who was coiling up rigging in that seat + of seamanship. + </p> + <p> + “Where-away is the schooner? She ought to be dead ahead of us, as we tend + now—but blast me if I can see as much as her mast-heads.” + </p> + <p> + At this suggestion, a dozen men sprang upon guns or other objects, to look + for the vessel in question. The old salt forward, however, had much the + best chance, for he stepped on the heel of the bowsprit, and walked as far + out as the knight-heads, to command the whole view ahead of the brig. + There he stood half a minute, looking first on one side of the head-gear, + then the other, when he gave his trousers a hitch, put a fresh quid in his + mouth, and called out in a voice almost as hoarse as the tempest, that had + just gone by, + </p> + <p> + “The schooner has gone down at her anchor, sir. There's her buoy watching + still, as if nothing had happened; but as for the craft itself, there's + not so much as a bloody yard-arm, or mast-head of her to be seen!” + </p> + <p> + This news produced a sensation in the brig at once, as may be supposed. + Even Se¤or Montefalderon, a quiet, gentleman-like person, altogether + superior in deportment to the bustle and fuss that usually marks the + manners of persons in trade, was disturbed; for to him the blow was heavy + indeed. Whether he were acting for himself, or was an agent of the Mexican + government, the loss was much the same. + </p> + <p> + “Tom is right enough,” put in Spike, rather coolly for the circumstances—“that + there schooner of yourn has foundered, Don Wan, as any one can see. She + must have cap-sized and filled, for I obsarved they had left the hatches + off, meaning, no doubt, to make an end of the storage as soon as they had + done sleeping.” + </p> + <p> + “And what has become of all her men, Don Esteban?” for so the Mexican + politely called his companion. “Have all my poor countrymen perished in + this disaster?” + </p> + <p> + “I fear they have, Don Wan; for I see no head, as of any one swimming. The + vessel lay so near that island next to it, that a poor swimmer would have + no difficulty in reaching the place; but there is no living thing to be + seen. But man the boat, men; we will go to the spot, Se¤or, and examine + for ourselves.” + </p> + <p> + There were two boats in the water, and along-side of the brig. One was the + Swash's yawl, a small but convenient craft, while the other was much + larger, fitted with a sail, and had all the appearance of having been + built to withstand breezes and seas. Mulford felt perfectly satisfied, the + moment he saw this boat, which had come into the haven in tow of the + schooner, that it had been originally in the service of the light-house + keeper. As there was a very general desire among those on the quarter-deck + to go to the assistance of the schooner, Spike ordered both boats manned, + jumping into the yawl himself, accompanied by Don Juan Montefalderon, and + telling Mulford to follow with the larger craft, bringing with him as many + of the females as might choose to accompany him. As Mrs. Budd thought it + incumbent on her to be active in such a scene, all did go, including + Biddy, though with great reluctance on the part of Rose. + </p> + <p> + With the buoy for a guide, Spike had no difficulty in finding the spot + where the schooner lay. She had scarcely shifted her berth in the least, + there having been no time for her even to swing to the gust, but she had + probably cap-sized at the first blast, filled, and gone down instantly. + The water was nearly as clear as the calm, mild atmosphere of the tropics; + and it was almost as easy to discern the vessel, and all her hamper, as if + she lay on a beach. She had sunk as she filled, or on her side, and still + continued in that position. As the water was little more than three + fathoms deep, the upper side was submerged but a few inches, and her + yard-arms would have been out of the water, but for the circumstance that + the yards had canted under the pressure. + </p> + <p> + At first, no sign was seen of any of those who had been on board this + ill-fated schooner when she went down. It was known that twenty-one souls + were in her, including the man and the boy who had belonged to the + light-house. As the boat moved slowly over this sad ruin, however, a + horrible and startling spectacle came in view. Two bodies were seen, + within a few feet of the surface of the water, one grasped in the arms of + the other, in the gripe of despair. The man held in the grasp, was kept + beneath the water solely by the death-lock of his companion, who was + himself held where he floated, by the circumstance that one of his feet + was entangled in a rope. The struggle could not have been long over, for + the two bodies were slowly settling toward the bottom when first seen. It + is probable that both these men had more than once risen to the surface in + their dreadful struggle. Spike seized a boat-hook, and made an effort to + catch the clothes of the nearest body, but ineffectually, both sinking to + the sands beneath, lifeless, and without motion. There being no sharks in + sight, Mulford volunteered to dive and fasten a line to one of these + unfortunate men, whom Don Juan declared at once was the schooner's + captain. Some little time was lost in procuring a lead-line from the brig, + when the lead was dropped alongside of the drowned. Provided with another + piece of the same sort of line, which had a small running bowline around + that which was fastened to the lead, the mate made his plunge, and went + down with great vigour of arm. It required resolution and steadiness to + descend so far into salt water; but Harry succeeded, and rose with the + bodies, which came up with the slightest impulse. All were immediately got + into the boat, and away the latter went toward the light-house, which was + nearer and more easy of access than the brig. + </p> + <p> + It is probable that one of these unfortunate men might have been revived + under judicious treatment; but he was not fated to receive it. Spike, who + knew nothing of such matters, undertook to direct everything, and, instead + of having recourse to warmth and gentle treatment, he ordered the bodies + to be rolled on a cask, suspended them by the heels, and resorted to a + sort of practice that might have destroyed well men, instead of + resuscitating those in whom the vital spark was dormant, if not actually + extinct. + </p> + <p> + Two hours later, Rose, seated in her own cabin, unavoidably overheard the + following dialogue, which passed in English, a language that Se¤or + Montefalderon spoke perfectly well, as has been said. + </p> + <p> + “Well, Se¤or,” said Spike, “I hope this little accident will not prevent + our final trade. You will want the brig now, to take the schooner's + place.” + </p> + <p> + “And how am I to pay you for the brig, Se¤or Spike, even if I buy her?” + </p> + <p> + “I'll ventur' to guess there is plenty of money in Mexico. Though they do + say the government is so backward about paying, I have always found you + punctual, and am not afraid to put faith in you ag'in.” + </p> + <p> + “But I have no longer any money to pay you half in hand, as I did for the + powder, when last in New York.” + </p> + <p> + “The bag was pretty well lined with doubloons when I saw it last, Se¤or.” + </p> + <p> + “And do you know where that bag is; and where there is another that holds + the same sum?” + </p> + <p> + Spike started, and he mused in silence some little time, ere he again + spoke. + </p> + <p> + “I had forgotten,” he at length answered. “The gold must have all gone + down in the schooner, along with the powder!” + </p> + <p> + “And the poor men!” + </p> + <p> + “Why, as for the men, Se¤or, more may be had for the asking; but powder + and doubloons will be hard to find, when most wanted. Then the men were + poor men, accordin' to my idees of what an able seaman should be, or they + never would have let their schooner turn turtle with them as she did.” + </p> + <p> + “We will talk of the money, Don Esteban, if you please,” said the Mexican, + with reserve. + </p> + <p> + “With all my heart, Don Wan—nothing is more agreeable to me than + money. How many of them doubloons shall fall to my share, if I raise the + schooner and put you in possession of your craft again?” + </p> + <p> + “Can that be done, Se¤or?” demanded Don Juan earnestly. + </p> + <p> + “A seaman can do almost anything, in that way, Don Wan, if you will give + him time and means. For one-half the doubloons I can find in the wrack, + the job shall be done.” + </p> + <p> + “You can have them,” answered Don Juan, quietly, a good deal surprised + that Spike should deem it necessary to offer him any part of the sum he + might find. “As for the powder, I suppose that is lost to my country.” + </p> + <p> + “Not at all, Don Wan. The flour is well packed around it, and I don't + expect it would take any harm in a month. I shall not only turn over the + flour to you, just as if nothing had happened, but I shall put four + first-rate hands aboard your schooner, who will take her into port for + you, with a good deal more sartainty than forty of the men you had. My + mate is a prime navigator.” + </p> + <p> + This concluded the bargain, every word of which was heard by Rose, and + every word of which she did not fail to communicate to Mulford, the moment + there was an opportunity. The young man heard it with great interest, + telling Rose that he should do all he could to assist in raising the + schooner, in the hope that something might turn up to enable him to escape + in her, taking off Rose and her aunt. As for his carrying her into a + Mexican port, let them trust him for that! Agreeably to the arrangement, + orders were given that afternoon to commence the necessary preparations + for the work, and considerable progress was made in them by the time the + Swash's people were ordered to knock off work for the night. + </p> + <p> + After the sun had set, the reaction in the currents again commenced, and + it blew for a few hours heavily, during the night. Toward morning, + however, it moderated, and when the sun re-appeared it scarcely ever + diffused its rays over a more peaceful or quiet day. Spike caused all + hands to be called, and immediately set about the important business he + had before him. + </p> + <p> + In order that the vessel might be as free as possible, Jack Tier was + directed to skull the females ashore, in the brig's yawl; Se¤or + Montefalderon, a man of polished manners, as we maintain is very apt to be + the case with Mexican gentlemen, whatever may be the opinion of this good + republic on the subject just at this moment, asked permission to be of the + party. Mulford found an opportunity to beg Rose, if they landed at the + light, to reconnoitre the place well, with a view to ascertain what + facilities it could afford in an attempt to escape. They did land at the + light, and glad enough were Mrs. Budd, Rose and Biddy to place their feet + on terra firma after so long a confinement to the narrow limits of a + vessel. + </p> + <p> + “Well,” said Jack Tier, as they walked up to the spot where the buildings + stood, “this is a rum place for a light'us, Miss Rose, and I don't wonder + the keeper and his mess-mates has cleared out.” + </p> + <p> + “I am very sorry to say,” observed Se¤or Montefalderon, whose countenance + expressed the concern he really felt, “that the keeper and his only + companion, a boy, were on board the schooner, and have perished in her, in + common with so many of my poor countrymen. There are the graves of two + whom we buried here last evening, after vain efforts to restore them to + life!” + </p> + <p> + “What a dreadful catastrophe it has been, Se¤or,” said Rose, whose sweet + countenance eloquently expressed the horror and regret she so naturally + felt—“Twenty fellow-beings hurried into eternity without even an + instant for prayer!” + </p> + <p> + “You feel for them, Se¤orita—it is natural you should, and it is + natural that I, their countryman and leader, should feel for them, also. I + do not know what God has in reserve for my unfortunate country! We may + have cruel and unscrupulous men among us, Se¤orita, but we have thousands + who are just, and brave, and honourable.” + </p> + <p> + “So Mr. Mulford tells me, Se¤or; and he has been much in your ports, on + the west coast.” + </p> + <p> + “I like that young man, and wonder not a little at his and your situation + in this brig—” rejoined the Mexican, dropping his voice so as not to + be heard by their companions, as they walked a little ahead of Mrs. Budd + and Biddy. “The Se¤or Spike is scarcely worthy to be his commander or your + guardian.” + </p> + <p> + “Yet you find him worthy of your intercourse and trust, Don Juan?” + </p> + <p> + The Mexican shrugged his shoulders, and smiled equivocally; still, in a + melancholy manner. It would seem he did not deem it wise to push this + branch of the subject further, since he turned to another. + </p> + <p> + “I like the Se¤or Mulford,” he resumed, “for his general deportment and + principles, so far as I can judge of him on so short an acquaintance.” + </p> + <p> + “Excuse me, Se¤or,” interrupted Rose, hurriedly—“but you never saw + him until you met him here.” + </p> + <p> + “Never—I understand you, Se¤orita, and can do full justice to the + young man's character. I am willing to think he did not know the errand of + his vessel, or I should not have seen him now. But what I most like him + for, is this: Last night, during the gale, he and I walked the deck + together, for an hour. We talked of Mexico, and of this war, so + unfortunate for my country already, and which may become still more so, + when he uttered this noble sentiment—'My country is more powerful + than yours, Se¤or Montefalderon,' he said, 'and in this it has been more + favoured by God. You have suffered from ambitious rulers, and from + military rule, while we have been advancing under the arts of peace, + favoured by a most beneficent Providence. As for this war, I know but + little about it, though I dare say the Mexican government may have been + wrong in some things that it might have controlled and some that it might + not—but let right be where it will, I am sorry to see a nation that + has taken so firm a stand in favour of popular government, pressed upon so + hard by another that is supposed to be the great support of such + principles. America and Mexico are neighbours, and ought to be friends; + and while I do not, cannot blame my own country for pursuing the war with + vigour, nothing would please me more than to hear peace proclaimed.'” + </p> + <p> + “That is just like Harry Mulford,” said Rose, thoughtfully, as soon as her + companion ceased to speak. “I do wish, Se¤or, that there could be no use + for this powder, that is now buried in the sea.” + </p> + <p> + Don Juan Montefalderon smiled, and seemed a little surprised that the fair + young thing at his side should have known of the treacherous contents of + the flour-barrels. No doubt he found it inexplicable, that persons like + Rose and Mulford should, seemingly, be united with one like Spike; but he + was too well bred, and, indeed, too effectually mystified, to push the + subject further than might be discreet. + </p> + <p> + By this time they were near the entrance of the lighthouse, into which the + whole party entered, in a sort of mute awe at its silence and solitude. At + Se¤or Montefalderon's invitation, they ascended to the lantern, whence + they could command a wide and fair view of the surrounding waters. The + reef was much more apparent from that elevation than from below; and Rose + could see that numbers of its rocks were bare, while on other parts of it + there was the appearance of many feet of water. Rose gazed at it with + longing eyes, for, from a few remarks that had fallen from Mulford, she + suspected he had hopes of escaping among its channels and coral. + </p> + <p> + As they descended and walked through the buildings, Rose also took good + heed of the supplies the place afforded. There were flour, and beef, and + pork, and many other of the common articles of food, as well as water in a + cistern, that caught it as it flowed from the roof of the dwelling. Water + was also to be found in casks—nothing like a spring or a well + existing among those islets. All these things Rose noted, putting them + aside in her memory for ready reference hereafter. + </p> + <p> + In the mean time the mariners were not idle. Spike moved his brig, and + moored her, head and stern, alongside of the wreck, before the people got + their breakfasts. As soon as that meal was ended, both captain and mate + set about their duty in earnest. Mulford carried out an anchor on the + off-side of the Swash, and dropped it at a distance of about eighty + fathoms from the vessel's beam. Purchases were brought from both + mast-heads of the brig to the chain of this anchor, and were hove upon + until the vessel was given a heel of more than a streak, and the cable was + tolerably taut. Other purchases were got up opposite, and overhauled down, + in readiness to take hold of the schooner's masts. The anchor of the + schooner was weighed by its buoy-rope, and the chain, after being rove + through the upper or opposite hawse-hole, brought in on board the Swash. + Another chain was dropped astern, in such a way, that when the schooner + came upright, it would be sure to pass beneath her keel, some six or eight + feet from the rudder. Slings were then sunk over the mast-heads, and the + purchases were hooked on. Hours were consumed in these preliminary + labours, and the people went to dinner as soon as they were completed. + </p> + <p> + When the men had dined, Spike brought one of his purchases to the + windlass, and the other to the capstan, though not until each was bowsed + taut by hand; a few minutes having brought the strain so far on + everything, as to enable a seaman, like Spike, to form some judgment of + the likelihood that his preventers and purchases would stand. Some changes + were found necessary to equalize the strain, but, on the whole, the + captain was satisfied with his work, and the crew were soon ordered to + “heave-away; the windlass best.” + </p> + <p> + In the course of half an hour the hull of the vessel, which lay on its + bilge, began to turn on its keel, and the heads of the spars to rise above + the water. This was the easiest part of the process, all that was required + of the purchases being to turn over a mass which rested on the sands of + the bay. Aided by the long levers afforded by the spars, the work advanced + so rapidly, that, in just one hour's time after his people had begun to + heave, Spike had the pleasure to see the schooner standing upright, + alongside of his own brig, though still sunk to the bottom. The wreck was + secured in this position, by means of guys and preventers, in order that + it might not again cant, when the order was issued to hook on the slings + that were to raise it to the surface. These slings were the chains of the + schooner, one of which went under her keel, while for the other the + captain trusted to the strength of the two hawse-holes, having passed the + cable out of one and in at the other, in a way to serve his purposes, as + has just been stated. + </p> + <p> + When all was ready, Spike mustered his crew, and made a speech. He told + the men that he was about a job that was out of the usual line of their + duty, and that he knew they had a right to expect extra pay for such extra + work. The schooner contained money, and his object was to get at it. If he + succeeded, their reward would be a doubloon a man, which would be earning + more than a month's wages by twenty-four hours' work. This was enough. The + men wanted to hear no more; but they cheered their commander, and set + about their task in the happiest disposition possible. + </p> + <p> + The reader will understand that the object to be first achieved, was to + raise a vessel, with a hold filled with flour and gunpowder, from off the + bottom of the bay to its surface. As she stood, the deck of this vessel + was about six feet under water, and every one will understand that her + weight, so long as it was submerged in a fluid as dense as that of the + sea, would be much more manageable than if suspended in air. The barrels, + for instance, were not much heavier than the water they displaced, and the + wood work of the vessel itself, was, on the whole, positively lighter than + the element in which it had sunk. As for the water in the hold, that was + of the same weight as the water on the outside of the craft, and there had + not been much to carry the schooner down, beside her iron, the spars that + were out of water, and her ballast. This last, some ten or twelve tons in + weight, was in fact the principal difficulty, and alone induced Spike to + have any doubts about his eventual success. There was no foreseeing the + result until he had made a trial, however; and the order was again given + to “heave away.” + </p> + <p> + To the infinite satisfaction of the Swash's crew, the weight was found + quite manageable, so long as the hull remained beneath the water. Mulford, + with three or four assistants, was kept on board the schooner lightening + her, by getting the other anchor off her bows, and throwing the different + objects overboard, or on the decks of the brig. By the time the bulwarks + reached the surface, as much was gained in this way, as was lost by having + so much of the lighter woodwork rise above the water. As a matter of + course, however, the weight increased as the vessel rose, and more + especially as the lower portion of the spars, the bowsprit, boom, &c., + from being buoyant assistants, became so much dead weight to be lifted. + </p> + <p> + Spike kept a watchful eye on his spars, and the extra supports he had + given them. He was moving, the whole time, from point to point, feeling + shrouds and back-stays, and preventers, in order to ascertain the degree + of strain on each, or examining how the purchases stood. As for the crew, + they cheered at their toil, incessantly, passing from capstan bars to the + handspikes, and vice versa. They, too, felt that their task was increasing + in resistance as it advanced, and now found it more difficult to gain an + inch, than it had been at first to gain a foot. They seemed, indeed, to be + heaving their own vessel out, instead of heaving the other craft up, and + it was not long before they had the Swash heeling over toward the wreck + several streaks. The strain, moreover, on everything, became not only + severe, but somewhat menacing. Every shroud, back-stay, and preventer was + as taut as a bar of iron, and the chain-cable that led to the anchor + planted off abeam, was as straight as if the brig were riding by it in a + gale of wind. One or two ominous surges aloft, too, had been heard, and, + though no more than straps and slings settling into their places under + hard strains, they served to remind the crew that danger might come from + that quarter. Such was the state of things, when Spike called out to + “heave and pall,” that he might take a look at the condition of the wreck. + </p> + <p> + Although a great deal remained to be done, in order to get the schooner to + float, a great deal had already been done. Her precise condition was as + follows: Having no cabin windows, the water had entered her, when she + capsized, by the only four apertures her construction possessed. These + were the companion-way, or cabin-doors; the sky-light; the main-hatch, or + the large inlet amid-ships, by which cargo went up and down; and the + booby-hatch, which was the counterpart of the companion-way, forward; + being intended to admit of ingress to the forecastle, the apartment of the + crew. Each of these hatch-ways, or orifices, had the usual defences of + “coamings,” strong frame-work around their margins. These coamings rose + six or eight inches above the deck, and answered the double purpose of + strengthening the vessel, in a part, that without them would be weaker han + common, and of preventing any water that might be washing about the decks + from running below. As soon, therefore, as these three apertures, or their + coamings, could be raised above the level of the water of the basin, all + danger of the vessel's receiving any further tribute of that sort from the + ocean would be over. It was to this end, consequently, that Spike's + efforts had been latterly directed, though they had only in part + succeeded. The schooner possessed a good deal of sheer, as it is termed; + or, her two extremities rose nearly a foot above her centre, when on an + even keel. This had brought her extremities first to the surface, and it + was the additional weight which had consequently been brought into the air + that had so much increased the strain, and induced Spike to pause. The + deck forward, as far aft as the foremast, and aft as far forward as the + centre of the trunk, or to the sky-light, was above the water, or at least + awash; while all the rest of it was covered. In the vicinity of the + main-hatch there were several inches of water; enough indeed to leave the + upper edge of the coamings submerged by about an inch. To raise the keel + that inch by means of the purchases, Spike well knew would cost him more + labour, and would incur more risk than all that had been done previously, + and he paused before he would attempt it. + </p> + <p> + The men were now called from the brig and ordered to come on board the + schooner. Spike ascertained by actual measurement how much was wanted to + bring the coamings of the main-hatch above the water, until which, he + knew, pumping and bailing would be useless. He found it was quite an inch, + and was at a great loss to know how that inch should be obtained. Mulford + advised another trial with the handspikes and bars, but to this Spike + would not consent. He believed that the masts of the brig had already as + much pressure on them as they would bear. The mate next proposed getting + the main boom off the vessel, and to lighten the craft by cutting away her + bowsprit and masts. The captain was well enough disposed to do this, but + he doubted whether it would meet with the approbation of “Don Wan,” who + was still ashore with Rose and her aunt, and who probably looked forward + to recovering his gunpowder by means of those very spars. At length the + carpenter hit upon a plan that was adopted. + </p> + <p> + This plan was very simple, though it had its own ingenuity. It will be + remembered that water could now only enter the vessel's hold at the + main-hatch, all the other hatchways having their coamings above the + element. The carpenter proposed, therefore, that the main-hatches, which + had been off when the tornado occurred, but which had been found on deck + when the vessel righted, should now be put on, oakum being first laid + along in their rabbetings, and that the cracks should be stuffed with + additional oakum, to exclude as much water as possible. He thought that + two or three men, by using caulking irons for ten minutes, would make the + hatch-way so tight that very little water would penetrate. While this was + doing, he himself would bore as many holes forward and aft as he could, + with a two inch auger, out of which the water then in the vessel would be + certain to run. Spike was delighted with this project, and gave the + necessary orders on the spot. + </p> + <p> + This much must be said of the crew of the Molly Swash—whatever they + did in their own profession, they did intelligently and well. On the + present occasion they maintained their claim to this character, and were + both active and expert. The hatches were soon on, and, in an imperfect + manner, caulked. While this was doing, the carpenter got into a boat, and + going under the schooner's bows, where a whole plank was out of water, he + chose a spot between two of the timbers, and bored a hole as near the + surface of the water as he dared to do. Not satisfied with one hole, + however, he bored many—choosing both sides of the vessel to make + them, and putting some aft as well as forward. In a word, in the course of + twenty minutes the schooner was tapped in at least a dozen places, and + jets of water, two inches in diameter, were spouting from her on each bow, + and under each quarter. + </p> + <p> + Spike and Mulford noted the effect. Some water, doubtless, still worked + itself into the vessel about the main-hatch, but that more flowed from her + by means of the outlets just named, was quite apparent. After close + watching at the outlets for some time, Spike was convinced that the + schooner was slowly rising, the intense strain that still came from the + brig producing that effect as the vessel gradually became lighter. By the + end of half an hour, there could be no longer any doubt, the holes, which + had been bored within an inch of the water, being now fully two inches + above it. The auger was applied anew, still nearer to the surface of the + sea, and as fresh outlets were made, those that began to manifest a + dulness in their streams were carefully plugged. + </p> + <p> + Spike now thought it was time to take a look at the state of things on + deck. Here, to his joy, he ascertained that the coamings had actually + risen a little above the water. The reader is not to suppose by this + rising of the vessel, that she had become sufficiently buoyant, in + consequence of the water that had run out of her, to float of herself. + This was far from being the case; but the constant upward pressure from + the brig, which, on mechanical principles, tended constantly to bring that + craft upright, had the effect to lift the schooner as the latter was + gradually relieved from the weight that pressed her toward the bottom. + </p> + <p> + The hatches were next removed, when it was found that the water in the + schooner's hold had so far lowered, as to leave a vacant space of quite a + foot between the lowest part of the deck and its surface. Toward the two + extremities of the vessel this space necessarily was much increased, in + consequence of the sheer. Men were now sent into the hatchway with orders + to hook on to the flour-barrels—a whip having been rigged in + readiness to hoist them on deck. At the same time gangs were sent to the + pumps, though Spike still depended for getting rid of the water somewhat + on the auger—the carpenter continuing to bore and plug his holes as + new opportunities offered, and the old outlets became useless. It was true + this expedient would soon cease, for the water having found its level in + the vessel's hold, was very nearly on a level also with that on the + outside. Bailing also was commenced, both forward and aft. + </p> + <p> + Spike's next material advantage was obtained by means of the cargo. By the + time the sun had set, fully two hundred barrels had been rolled into the + hatchway, and passed on deck, whence about half of them were sent in the + lighthouse boat to the nearest islet, and the remainder were transferred + to the deck of the brig. These last were placed on the off side of the + Swash, and aided in bringing her nearer upright. A great deal was gained + in getting rid of these barrels. The water in the schooner lowered just as + much as the space they had occupied,-and the vessel was relieved at once + of twenty tons in weight. + </p> + <p> + Just after the sun had set, Se¤or Don Juan Montefalderon and his party + returned on board. They had staid on the island to the last moment, at + Rose's request, for she had taken as close an observation of everything as + possible, in order to ascertain if any means of concealment existed, in + the event of her aunt, Biddy, and herself quitting the brig. The islets + were all too naked and too small, however; and she was compelled to return + to the Swash, without any hopes derived from this quarter. + </p> + <p> + Spike had just directed the people to get their suppers as the Mexican + came on board. Together they descended to the schooner's deck, where they + had a long but secret conference. Se¤or Montefalderon was a calm, quiet + and reasonable man, and while he felt as one would be apt to feel who had + recently seen so many associates swept suddenly out of existence, the late + catastrophe did not in the least unman him. It is too much the habit of + the American people to receive their impressions from newspapers, which + throw off their articles unreflectingly, and often ignorantly, as crones + in petticoats utter their gossip. In a word, the opinions thus obtained + are very much on a level, in value, with the thoughts of those who are + said to think aloud, and who give utterance to all the crudities and + trivial rumours that may happen to reach their ears. In this manner, we + apprehend, very false notions of our neighbours of Mexico have become + circulated among us. That nation is a mixed race, and has necessarily the + various characteristics of such an origin, and it is unfortunately little + influenced by the diffusion of intelligence which certainly exists here. + Although an enemy, it ought to be acknowledged, however, that even Mexico + has her redeeming points. Anglo-Saxons as we are, we have no desire + unnecessarily to illustrate that very marked feature in the Anglo-Saxon + character, which prompts the mother stock to calumniate all who oppose it, + but would rather adopt some of that chivalrous courtesy of which so much + that is lofty and commendable is to be found among the descendants of Old + Spain. + </p> + <p> + The Se¤or Montefalderon was earnestly engaged in what he conceived to be + the cause of his country. It was scarcely possible to bring together two + men impelled by motives more distinct than Spike and this gentleman. The + first was acting under impulses of the lowest and most grovelling nature; + while the last was influenced by motives of the highest. However much + Mexico may, and has, weakened her cause by her own punic faith, + instability, military oppression, and political revolutions, giving to the + Texans in particular ample justification for their revolt, it was not + probable that Don Juan Montefalderon saw the force of all the arguments + that a casuist of ordinary ingenuity could certainly adduce against his + country; for it is a most unusual thing to find a man anywhere, who is + willing to admit that the positions of an opponent are good. He saw in the + events of the day, a province wrested from his nation; and, in his + reasoning on the subject, entirely overlooking the numerous occasions on + which his own fluctuating government had given sufficient justification, + not to say motives, to their powerful neighbours to take the law into + their own hands, and redress themselves, he fancied all that has occurred + was previously planned; instead of regarding it, as it truly is, as merely + the result of political events that no man could have foreseen, that no + man had originally imagined, or that any man could control. + </p> + <p> + Don Juan understood Spike completely, and quite justly appreciated not + only his character, but his capabilities. Their acquaintance was not of a + day, though it had ever been marked by that singular combination of + caution and reliance that is apt to characterize the intercourse between + the knave and the honest man, when circumstances compel not only + communication, but, to a certain extent, confidence. They now paced the + deck of the schooner, side by side, for fully an hour, during which time + the price of the vessel, the means, and the mode of payment and transfer, + were fully settled between them. + </p> + <p> + “But what will you do with your passengers, Don Esteban?” asked the + Mexican pleasantly, when the more material points were adjusted. “I feel a + great interest in the young lady in particular, who is a charming + se¤orita, and who tells me that her aunt brought her this voyage on + account of her health. She looks much too blooming to be out of health, + and if she were, this is a singular voyage for an invalid to make!” + </p> + <p> + “You don't understand human natur' yet, altogether, I see, Don Wan,” + answered Spike, chuckling and winking. “As you and I are not only good + friends, but what a body may call old friends, I'll let you into a secret + in this affair, well knowing that you'll not betray it. It's quite true + that the old woman thinks her niece is a pulmonary, as they call it, and + that this v'y'ge is recommended for her, but the gal is as healthy as + she's handsom'.” + </p> + <p> + “Her constitution, then, must be very excellent, for it is seldom I have + seen so charming a young woman. But if the aunt is misled in this matter, + how has it been with the niece?” + </p> + <p> + Spike did not answer in words, but he leered upon his companion, and he + winked. + </p> + <p> + “You mean to be understood that you are in intelligence with each other, I + suppose, Don Esteban,” returned the Se¤or Montefalderon, who did not like + the captain's manner, and was willing to drop the discourse. + </p> + <p> + Spike then informed his companion, in confidence, that he and Rose were + affianced, though without the aunt's knowledge,—that he intended to + marry the niece the moment he reached a Mexican port with the brig, and + that it was their joint intention to settle in the country. He added that + the affair required management, as his intended had property, and expected + more, and he begged Don Juan to aid him, as things drew near to a crisis. + The Mexican evaded an answer, and the discourse dropped. + </p> + <p> + The moon was now shining, and would continue to throw its pale light over + the scene for two or three hours longer. Spike profited by the + circumstance to continue the work of lightening the schooner. One of the + first things done next was to get up the dead, and to remove them to the + boat. This melancholy office occupied an hour, the bodies being landed on + the islet, near the powder, and there interred in the sands. Don Juan + Montefalderon attended on this occasion, and repeated some prayers over + the graves, as he had done in the morning, in the cases of the two who had + been buried near the light-house. + </p> + <p> + While this melancholy duty was in the course of performance, that of + pumping and bailing was continued, under the immediate personal + superintendence of Mulford. It would not be easy to define, with perfect + clearness, the conflicting feelings by which the mate of the Swash was now + impelled. He had no longer any doubt on the subject of Spike's treason, + and had it not been for Rose, he would not have hesitated a moment about + making off in the light-house boat for Key West, in order to report all + that had passed to the authorities. But not only Rose was there, and to be + cared for, but what was far more difficult to get along with, her aunt was + with her. It is true, Mrs. Budd was no longer Spike's dupe; but under any + circumstances she was a difficult subject to manage, and most especially + so in all matters that related to the sea. Then the young man submitted, + more or less, to the strange influence which a fine craft almost + invariably obtains over those that belong to her. He did not like the idea + of deserting the Swash, at the very moment he would not have hesitated + about punishing her owner for his many misdeeds. In a word, Harry was too + much of a tar not to feel a deep reluctance to turn against his cruise, or + his voyage, however much either might be condemned by his judgment, or + even by his principles. + </p> + <p> + It was quite nine o'clock when the Se¤or Montefalderon and Spike returned + from burying the dead. No sooner did the last put his foot on the deck of + his own vessel, than he felt the fall of one of the purchases which had + been employed in raising the schooner. It was so far slack as to satisfy + him that the latter now floated by her own buoyancy, though it might be + well to let all stand until morning, for the purposes of security. Thus + apprised of the condition of the two vessels, he gave the welcome order to + “knock off for the night.” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0006" id="link2HCH0006"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER VI + </h2> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + “At the piping of all hands, + When the judgment signal's spread— + When the islands and the land, + And the seas give up their dead, + And the south and the north shall come; + When the sinner is dismayed, + And the just man is afraid, + Then heaven be thy aid, + Poor Tom.” + + Brainard. +</pre> + <p> + The people had now a cessation from their toil. Of all the labour known to + sea-faring men, that of pumping is usually thought to be the most severe. + Those who work at it have to be relieved every minute, and it is only by + having gangs to succeed each other, that the duty can be done at all with + anything like steadiness. In the present instance, it is true, that the + people of the Swash were sustained by the love of gold, but glad enough + were they when Mulford called out to them to “knock off, and turn in for + the night.” It was high time this summons should be made, for not only + were the people excessively wearied, but the customary hours of labour + were so far spent, that the light of the moon had some time before begun + to blend with the little left by the parting sun. Glad enough were all + hands to quit the toil; and two minutes were scarcely elapsed ere most of + the crew had thrown themselves down, and were buried in deep sleep. Even + Spike and Mulford took the rest they needed, the cook alone being left to + look out for the changes in the weather. In a word, everybody but this + idler was exhausted with pumping and bailing, and even gold had lost its + power to charm, until nature was recruited by rest. + </p> + <p> + The excitement produced by the scenes through which they had so lately + passed, caused the females to sleep soundly, too. The death-like stillness + which pervaded the vessel contributed to their rest, and Rose never woke, + from the first few minutes after her head was on her pillow, until near + four in the morning. The deep quiet seemed ominous to one who had so + lately witnessed the calm which precedes the tornado, and she arose. In + that low latitude and warm season, few clothes were necessary, and our + heroine was on deck in a very few minutes. Here she found the same + grave-like sleep pervading everything. There was not a breath of air, and + the ocean seemed to be in one of its profoundest slumbers. The + hard-breathing of Spike could be heard through the open windows of his + state-room, and this was positively the only sound that was audible. The + common men, who lay scattered about the decks, more especially from the + mainmast forward, seemed to be so many logs, and from Mulford no breathing + was heard. + </p> + <p> + The morning was neither very dark nor very light, it being easy to + distinguish objects that were near, while those at a distance were + necessarily lost in obscurity. Availing herself of the circumstance, Rose + went as far as the gangway, to ascertain if the cook were at his post. She + saw him lying near his galley, in as profound a sleep as any of the crew. + This she felt to be wrong, and she felt alarmed, though she knew not why. + Perhaps it was the consciousness of being the only person up and awake at + that hour of deepest night, in a vessel so situated as the Swash, and in a + climate in which hurricanes seem to be the natural offspring of the air. + Some one must be aroused, and her tastes, feelings, and judgment, all + pointed to Harry Mulford as the person she ought to awaken. He slept + habitually in his clothes—the lightest summer dress of the tropics; + and the window of his little state-room was always open for air. Moving + lightly to the place, Rose laid her own little, soft hand on the arm of + the young man, when the latter was on his feet in an instant. A single + moment only was necessary to regain his consciousness, when Mulford left + the state-room and joined Rose on the quarter-deck. + </p> + <p> + “Why am I called, Rose,” the young man asked, attempering his voice to the + calm that reigned around him; “and why am I called by you?” + </p> + <p> + Rose explained the state of the brig, and the feeling which induced her to + awaken him. With woman's gentleness she now expressed her regret for + having robbed Harry of his rest; had she reflected a moment, she might + have kept watch herself, and allowed him to obtain the sleep he must + surely so much require. + </p> + <p> + But Mulford laughed at this; protested he had never been awakened at a + more favourable moment, and would have sworn, had it been proper, that a + minute's further sleep would have been too much for him. After these first + explanations, Mulford walked round the decks, carefully felt how much + strain there was on the purchases, and rejoined Rose to report that all + was right, and that he did not consider it necessary to call even the + cook. The black was an idler in no sense but that of keeping watch, and he + had toiled the past day as much as any of the men, though it was not + exactly at the pumps. + </p> + <p> + A long and semi-confidential conversation now occurred between Harry and + Rose. They talked of Spike, the brig, and her cargo, and of the delusion + of the captain's widow. It was scarcely possible that powder should be so + much wanted at the Havanna as to render smuggling, at so much cost, a + profitable adventure; and Mulford admitted his convictions that the + pretended flour was originally intended for Mexico. Rose related the tenor + of the conversation she had overheard between the two parties, Don Juan + and Don Esteban, and the mate no longer doubted that it was Spike's + intention to sell the brig to the enemy. She also alluded to what had + passed between herself and the stranger. + </p> + <p> + Mulford took this occasion to introduce the subject of Jack Tier's + intimacy and favour with Rose. He even professed to feel some jealousy on + account of it, little as there might be to alarm most men in the rivalry + of such a competitor. Rose laughed, as girls will laugh when there is + question of their power over the other sex, and she fairly shook her rich + tresses as she declared her determination to continue to smile on Jack to + the close of the voyage. Then, as if she had said more than she intended, + she added with woman's generosity and tenderness,—“After all, Harry, + you know how much I promised to you even before we sailed, and how much + more since, and have no just cause to dread even Jack. There is another + reason, however, that ought to set your mind entirely at case on his + account. Jack is married, and has a partner living at this very moment, as + he does not scruple to avow himself.” + </p> + <p> + A hissing noise, a bright light, and a slight explosion, interrupted the + half-laughing girl, and Mulford, turning on his heel, quick as thought, + saw that a rocket had shot into the air, from a point close under the bows + of the brig. He was still in the act of moving toward the forecastle, + when, at the distance of several leagues, he saw the explosion of another + rocket high in the air. He knew enough of the practices of vessels of war, + to feel certain that these were a signal and its answer from some one in + the service of government. Not at all sorry to have the career of the + Swash arrested, before she could pass into hostile hands, or before evil + could befall Rose, Mulford reached the forecastle just in time to answer + the inquiry that was immediately put to him, in the way of a hail. A gig, + pulling four oars only, with two officers in its stern-sheets, was fairly + under the vessel's bows, and the mate could almost distinguish the + countenance of the officer who questioned him, the instant he showed his + head and shoulders above the bulwarks. + </p> + <p> + “What vessels are these?” demanded the stranger, speaking in the + authoritative manner of one who acted for the state, but not speaking much + above the usual conversational tone. + </p> + <p> + “American and Spanish,” was the answer. “This brig is American—the + schooner alongside is a Spaniard, that turned turtle in a tornado, about + six-and-thirty hours since, and on which we have been hard at work trying + to raise her, since the gale which succeeded the tornado has blown its + pipe out.” + </p> + <p> + “Ay, ay, that's the story, is it? I did not know what to make of you, + lying cheek by jowl, in this fashion. Was anybody lost on board the + schooner?” + </p> + <p> + “All hands, including every soul aft and forward, the supercargo excepted, + who happened to be aboard here. We buried seventeen bodies this afternoon + on the smallest of the Keys that you see near at hand, and two this + morning alongside of the light. But what boat is that, and where are you + from, and whom are you signalling?” + </p> + <p> + “The boat is a gig,” answered the stranger, deliberately, “and she belongs + to a cruiser of Uncle Sam's, that is off the reef, a short bit to the + eastward, and we signalled our captain. But I'll come on board you, sir, + if you please.” + </p> + <p> + Mulford walked aft to meet the stranger at the gangway, and was relieved, + rather than otherwise, at finding that Spike was already on the + quarter-deck. Should the vessel of war seize the brig, he could rejoice at + it, but so strong were his professional ideas of duty to the craft he + sailed in, that he did not find it in his heart to say aught against her. + Were any mishap to befall it, or were justice to be done, he preferred + that it might be done under Spike's own supervision, rather than under + his. + </p> + <p> + “Call all hands, Mr. Mulford,” said Spike, as they met. “I see a streak of + day coming yonder in the east—let all hands be called at once. What + strange boat is this we have alongside?” + </p> + <p> + This question was put to the strangers, Spike standing on his + gangway-ladder to ask it, while the mate was summoning the crew. The + officer saw that a new person was to be dealt with, and in his quiet, easy + way, he answered, while stretching out his hands to take the man-rope—“Your + servant, sir—we are man-of-war's men, belonging to one of Uncle + Sam's craft, outside, and have just come in to pay you a visit of + ceremony. I told one, whom I suppose was your mate, that I would just step + on board of you.” + </p> + <p> + “Ay, ay—one at a time, if you please. It's war-time, and I cannot + suffer armed boat's crews to board me at night, without knowing something + about them. Come up yourself, if you please, but order your people to stay + in the boat. Here, muster about this gangway, half a dozen of you, and + keep an eye on the crew of this strange boat.” + </p> + <p> + These orders had no effect on the cool and deliberate lieutenant, who + ascended the brig's side, and immediately stood on her deck. No sooner had + he and Spike confronted each other, than each gave a little start, like + that of recognition, and the lieutenant spoke. + </p> + <p> + “Ay, ay—I believe I know this vessel now. It is the Molly Swash, of + New York, bound to Key West, and a market; and I have the honour to see + Captain Stephen Spike again.” + </p> + <p> + It was Mr. Wallace, the second lieutenant of the sloop-of-war that had + boarded the brig in the Mona Passage, and to avoid whom Spike had gone to + the southward of Jamaica. The meeting was very mal-â-propos, but it would + not do to betray that the captain and owner of the vessel thought as much + as this; on the contrary, Wallace was warmly welcomed, and received, not + only as an old acquaintance, but as a very agreeable visiter. To have seen + the two, as they walked aft together, one might have supposed that the + meeting was conducive of nothing but a very mutual satisfaction, it was so + much like that which happens between those who keep up a hearty + acquaintance. + </p> + <p> + “Well, I'm glad to see you again, Captain Spike,” cried Wallace, after the + greetings were passed, “if it be only to ask where you flew to, the day we + left you in the Mona Passage? We looked out for you with all our eyes, + expecting you would be down between San Domingo and Jamaica, but I hardly + think you got by us in the night. Our master thinks you must have dove, + and gone past loon-fashion. Do you ever perform that manoeuvre?” + </p> + <p> + “No, we've kept above water the whole time, lieutenant,” answered Spike, + heartily; “and that is more than can be said of the poor fellow alongside + of us. I was so much afraid of the Isle of Pines, that I went round + Jamaica.” + </p> + <p> + “You might have given the Isle of Pines a berth, and still have passed to + the northward of the Englishmen,” said Wallace, a little drily. “However, + that island is somewhat of a scarecrow, and we have been to take a look at + it ourselves. All's right there, just now. But you seem light; what have + you done with your flour?” + </p> + <p> + “Parted with every barrel of it. You may remember I was bound to Key West, + and a market. Well, I found my market here, in American waters.” + </p> + <p> + “You have been lucky, sir. This 'emporium' does not seem to be exactly a + commercial emporium.” + </p> + <p> + “The fact is, the flour is intended for the Havanna; and I fancy it is to + be shipped for slavers. But I am to know nothing of all that, you'll + understand, lieutenant. If I sell my flour in American waters, at two + prices, it's no concern of mine what becomes of it a'terwards.” + </p> + <p> + “Unless it happen to pass into enemy's hands, certainly not; and you are + too patriotic to deal with Mexico, just now, I'm sure. Pray, did that + flour go down when the schooner turned turtle?” + </p> + <p> + “Every barrel of it; but Don Wan, below there, thinks that most of it may + yet be saved, by landing it on one of those Keys to dry. Flour, well + packed, wets in slowly. You see we have some of it on deck.” + </p> + <p> + “And who may Don Wan be, sir, pray? We are sent here to look after Dons + and Donas, you know.” + </p> + <p> + “Don Wan is a Cuban merchant, and deals in such articles as he wants. I + fell in with him among the reefs here, where he was rummaging about in + hopes of meeting with a wrack, he tells me, and thinking to purchase + something profitable in that way; but finding I had flour, he agreed to + take it out of me at this anchorage, and send me away in ballast at once. + I have found Don Wan Montefalderon ready pay, and very honourable.” + </p> + <p> + Wallace then requested an explanation of the disaster, to the details of + which he listened with a sailor's interest. He asked a great many + questions, all of which bore on the more nautical features of the event; + and, day having now fairly appeared, he examined the purchases and + backings of the Swash with professional nicety. The schooner was no lower + in the water than when the men had knocked off work the previous night; + and Spike set the people at the pumps and their bailing again, as the most + effectual method of preventing their making any indiscreet communications + to the man-of-war's men. + </p> + <p> + About this time the relict appeared on deck, when Spike gallantly + introduced the lieutenant anew to his passengers. It is true he knew no + name to use, but that was of little moment, as he called the officer “the + lieutenant,” and nothing else. + </p> + <p> + Mrs. Budd was delighted with this occasion to show-off, and she soon broke + out on the easy, indolent, but waggish Wallace, in a strain to surprise + him, notwithstanding the specimen of the lady's skill from which he had + formerly escaped. + </p> + <p> + “Captain Spike is of opinion, lieutenant, that our cast-anchor here is + excellent, and I know the value of a good cast-anchor place; for my poor + Mr. Budd was a sea-faring man, and taught me almost as much of your noble + profession as he knew himself.” + </p> + <p> + “And he taught you, ma'am,” said Wallace, fairly opening his eyes, under + the influence of astonishment, “to be very particular about cast-anchor + places!” + </p> + <p> + “Indeed he did. He used to say, that roads-instead were never as good, for + such purposes, as land that's locked havens, for the anchors would return + home, as he called it, in roads-instead.” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, ma'am,” answered Wallace, looking very queer at first, as if + disposed to laugh outright, then catching a glance of Rose, and changing + his mind; “I perceive that Mr. Budd knew what he was about, and preferred + an anchorage where he was well land-locked, and where there was no danger + of his anchors coming home, as so often happens in your open roadsteads.” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, that's just it! That was just his notion! You cannot feel how + delightful it is, Rose, to converse with one that thoroughly understands + such subjects! My poor Mr. Budd did, indeed, denounce roads-instead, at + all times calling them 'savage.'” + </p> + <p> + “Savage, aunt,” put in Rose, hoping to stop the good relict by her own + interposition—“that is a strange word to apply to an anchorage!” + </p> + <p> + “Not at all, young lady,” said Wallace gravely. “They are often wild + berths, and wild berths are not essentially different from wild beasts. + Each is savage, as a matter of course.” + </p> + <p> + “I knew I was right!” exclaimed the widow. “Savage cast-anchors come of + wild births, as do savage Indians. Oh! the language of the ocean, as my + poor Mr. Budd used to say, is eloquence tempered by common sense!” + </p> + <p> + Wallace stared again, but his attention was called to other things, just + at that moment. The appearance of Don Juan Montefalderon y Castro on deck, + reminded him of his duty, and approaching that gentleman he condoled with + him on the grave loss he had sustained. After a few civil expressions on + both sides, Wallace made a delicate allusion to the character of the + schooner. + </p> + <p> + “Under other circumstances,” he said, “it might be my duty to inquire a + little particularly as to the nationality of your vessel, Se¤or, for we + are at war with the Mexicans, as you doubtless know.” + </p> + <p> + “Certainly,” answered Don Juan, with an unmoved air and great politeness + of manner, “though it would be out of my power to satisfy you. Everything + was lost in the schooner, and I have not a paper of any sort to show you. + If it be your pleasure to make a prize of a vessel in this situation, + certainly it is in your power to do it. A few barrels of wet flour are + scarce worth disputing about.” + </p> + <p> + Wallace now seemed a little ashamed, the sang froid of the other throwing + dust in his eyes, and he was in a hurry to change the subject. Se¤or Don + Juan was very civilly condoled with again, and he was made to repeat the + incidents of the loss, as if his auditor took a deep interest in what he + said, but no further hint was given touching the nationality of the + vessel. The lieutenant's tact let him see that Se¤or Montefalderon was a + person of a very different calibre from Spike, as well as of different + habits; and he did not choose to indulge in the quiet irony that formed so + large an ingredient in his own character, with this new acquaintance. He + spoke Spanish himself, with tolerable fluency, and a conversation now + occurred between the two, which was maintained for some time with spirit + and a very manifest courtesy. + </p> + <p> + This dialogue between Wallace and the Spaniard gave Spike a little leisure + for reflection. As the day advanced the cruiser came more and more plainly + in view, and his first business was to take a good survey of her. She + might have been three leagues distant, but approaching with a very light + breeze, at the rate of something less than two knots in the hour. Unless + there was some one on board her who was acquainted with the channels of + the Dry Tortugas, Spike felt little apprehension of the ship's getting + very near to him; but he very well understood that, with the sort of + artillery that was in modern use among vessels of war, he would hardly be + safe could the cruiser get within a league. That near Uncle Sam's craft + might certainly come without encountering the hazards of the channels, and + within that distance she would be likely to get in the course of the + morning, should he have the complaisance to wait for her. He determined, + therefore, not to be guilty of that act of folly. + </p> + <p> + All this time the business of lightening the schooner proceeded. Although + Mulford earnestly wished that the man-of-war might get an accurate notion + of the true character and objects of the brig, he could not prevail on + himself to become an informer. In order to avoid the temptation so to do, + he exerted himself in keeping the men at their tasks, and never before had + pumping and bailing been carried on with more spirit. The schooner soon + floated of herself, and the purchases which led to the Swash were removed. + Near a hundred more barrels of the flour had been taken out of the hold of + the Spanish craft, and had been struck on the deck of the brig, or sent to + the Key by means of the boats. This made a material change in the buoyancy + of the vessel, and enabled the bailing to go on with greater facility. The + pumps were never idle, but two small streams of water were running the + whole time toward the scuppers, and through them into the sea. + </p> + <p> + At length the men were ordered to knock off, and to get their breakfasts. + This appeared to arouse Wallace, who had been chatting, quite agreeably to + himself, with Rose, and seemed reluctant to depart, but who now became + sensible that he was neglecting his duty. He called away his boat's crew, + and took a civil leave of the passengers; after which he went over the + side. The gig was some little distance from the Swash, when Wallace rose + and asked to see Spike, with whom he had a word to say at parting. + </p> + <p> + “I will soon return,” he said, “and bring you forty or fifty fresh men, + who will make light work with your wreck. I am certain our commander will + consent to my doing so, and will gladly send on board you two or three + boat's crews.” + </p> + <p> + “If I let him,” muttered Spike between his teeth, “I shall be a poor, + miserable cast-anchor devil, that's all.” + </p> + <p> + To Wallace, however, he expressed his hearty acknowledgments; begged him + not to be in a hurry, as the worst was now over, and the row was still a + long one. If he got back toward evening it would be all in good time. + Wallace waved his hand, and the gig glided away. As for Spike, he sat down + on the plank-sheer where he had stood, and remained there ruminating + intently for two or three minutes. When he descended to the deck his mind + was fully made up. His first act was to give some private orders to the + boatswain, after which he withdrew to the cabin, whither he summoned Tier, + without delay. + </p> + <p> + “Jack,” commenced the captain, using very little circumlocution in opening + his mind, “you and I are old shipmates, and ought to be old friends, + though I think your natur' has undergone some changes since we last met. + Twenty years ago there was no man in the ship on whom I could so certainly + depend as on Jack Tier; now, you seem given up altogether to the women. + Your mind has changed even more than your body.” + </p> + <p> + “Time does that for all of us, Captain Spike,” returned Tier coolly. “I am + not what I used to be, I'll own, nor are you yourself, for that matter. + When I saw you last, noble captain, you were a handsome man of forty, and + could go aloft with any youngster in the brig; but, now, you're heavy, and + not over-active.” + </p> + <p> + “I!—Not a bit of change has taken place in me for the last thirty + years. I defy any man to show the contrary. But that's neither here nor + there; you are no young woman, Jack, that I need be boasting of my health + and beauty before you. I want a bit of real sarvice from you, and want it + done in old-times fashion; and I mean to pay for it in old-times fashion, + too.” + </p> + <p> + As Spike concluded, he put into Tier's hand one of the doubloons that he + had received from Se¤or Montefalderon, in payment for the powder. The + doubloons, for which so much pumping and bailing were then in process, + were still beneath the waters of the gulf. + </p> + <p> + “Ay, ay, sir,” returned Jack, smiling and pocketing the gold, with a wink + of the eye, and a knowing look; “this does resemble old times sum'at. I + now begin to know Captain Spike, my old commander again, and see that he's + more like himself than I had just thought him. What am I to do for this, + sir? speak plain, that I may be sartain to steer the true course.” + </p> + <p> + “Oh, just a trifle, Jack—nothing that will break up the ground-tier + of your wits, my old shipmate. You see the state of the brig, and know + that she is in no condition for ladies.” + </p> + <p> + “'T would have been better all round, sir, had they never come aboard at + all,” answered Jack, looking dark. + </p> + <p> + Spike was surprised, but he was too much bent on his projects to heed + trifles. + </p> + <p> + “You know what sort of flour they're whipping out of the schooner, and + must understand that the brig will soon be in a pretty litter. I do not + intend to let them send a single barrel of it beneath my hatches again, + but the deck and the islands must take it all. Now I wish to relieve my + passengers from the confinement this will occasion, and I have ordered the + boatswain to pitch a tent for them on the largest of these here Tortugas; + and what I want of you, is to muster food and water, and other women's + knicknacks, and go ashore with them, and make them as comfortable as you + can for a few days, or until we can get this schooner loaded and off.” + </p> + <p> + Jack Tier looked at his commander as if he would penetrate his most secret + thoughts. A short pause succeeded, during which the steward's mate was + intently musing, then his countenance suddenly brightened; he gave the + doubloon a fillip, and caught it on the palm of his hand as it descended, + and he uttered the customary “Ay, ay, sir,” with apparent cheerfulness. + Nothing more passed between these two worthies, who now parted, Jack to + make his arrangements, and Spike to “tell his yarn,” as he termed the + operation in his own mind, to Mrs. Budd, Rose, and Biddy. The widow + listened complacently, though she seemed half doubting, half ready to + comply. As for Rose, she received the proposal with delight—The + confinement of the vessel having become irksome to her. The principal + obstacle was in overcoming the difficulties made by the aunt, Biddy + appearing to like the notion quite as much as “Miss Rosy.” As for the + light-house, Mrs. Budd had declared nothing would induce her to go there; + for she did not doubt that the place would soon be, if it were not + already, haunted. In this opinion she was sustained by Biddy; and it was + the knowledge of this opinion that induced Spike to propose the tent. + </p> + <p> + “Are you sure, Captain Spike, it is not a desert island?” asked the widow; + “I remember that my poor Mr. Budd always spoke of desert islands as horrid + places, and spots that every one should avoid.” + </p> + <p> + “What if it is, aunty,” said Rose eagerly, “while we have the brig here, + close at hand. We shall suffer none of the wants of such a place, so long + as our friends can supply us.” + </p> + <p> + “And such friends, Miss Rose,” exclaimed Spike, a little sentimentally for + him, “friends that would undergo hunger and thirst themselves, before you + should want for any comforts.” + </p> + <p> + “Do, now, Madam Budd,” put in Biddy in her hearty way, “it's an island, + ye'll remimber: and sure that's just what ould Ireland has ever been, God + bless it! Islands make the pleasantest risidences.” + </p> + <p> + “Well I'll venture to oblige you and Biddy, Rosy, dear,” returned the + aunt, still half reluctant to yield; “but you'll remember, that if I find + it at all a desert island, I'll not pass the night on it on any account + whatever.” + </p> + <p> + With this understanding the party was transferred to the shore. The + boatswain had already erected a sort of a tent, on a favourable spot, + using some of the old sails that had covered the flour-barrels, not only + for the walls, but for a carpet of some extent also. This tent was + ingeniously enough contrived. In addition to the little room that was + entirely enclosed, there was a sort of piazza, or open verandah, which + would enable its tenants to enjoy the shade in the open air. Beneath this + verandah, a barrel of fresh water was placed, as well as three or four + ship's stools, all of which had been sent ashore with the materials for + constructing the tent. The boat had been going and coming for some time, + and the distance being short, the “desert island” was soon a desert no + longer. It is true that the supplies necessary to support three women for + as many days, were no great matter, and were soon landed, but Jack Tier + had made a provision somewhat more ample. A capital caterer, he had + forgotten nothing within the compass of his means, that could contribute + to the comfort of those who had been put especially under his care. Long + before the people “knocked off” for their dinners, the arrangements were + completed, and the boatswain was ready to take his leave. + </p> + <p> + “Well, ladies,” said that grum old salt, “I can do no more for you, as I + can see. This here island is now almost as comfortable as a ship that has + been in blue water for a month, and I do n't know how it can be made more + comfortabler.” + </p> + <p> + This was only according to the boatswain's notion of comfort; but Rose + thanked him for his care in her winning way, while her aunt admitted that, + “for a place that was almost a desert island, things did look somewhat + promising.” In a few minutes the men were all gone, and the islet was left + to the sole possession of the three females, and their constant companion, + Jack Tier. Rose was pleased with the novelty of her situation, though the + islet certainly did deserve the opprobrium of being a “desert island.” + There was no shade but that of the tent, and its verandah-like covering, + though the last, in particular, was quite extensive. There was no water, + that in the barrel and that of the ocean excepted. Of herbage there was + very little on this islet, and that was of the most meagre and coarse + character, being a long wiry grass, with here and there a few stunted + bushes. The sand was reasonably firm, however, more especially round the + shore, and the walking was far from unpleasant. Little did Rose know it, + but a week earlier, the spot would have been next to intolerable to her, + on account of the musquitoes, gallinippers, and other similar insects of + the family of tormentors; but everything of the sort had temporarily + disappeared in the currents of the tornado. To do Spike justice, he was + aware of this circumstance, or he might have hesitated about exposing + females to the ordinary annoyances of one of these spots. Not a musquito, + or anything of the sort was left, however, all having gone to leeward, in + the vortex which had come so near sweeping off the Mexican schooner. + </p> + <p> + “This place will do very well, aunty, for a day or two,” cried Rose + cheerfully, as she returned from a short excursion, and threw aside her + hat, one made to shade her face from the sun of a warm climate, leaving + the sea-breeze that was just beginning to blow, to fan her blooming and + sunny cheeks. “It is better than the brig. The worst piece of land is + better than the brig.” + </p> + <p> + “Do not say that, Rose—not if it's a desert island, dear; and this + is desperately like a desert island; I am almost sorry I ventured on it.” + </p> + <p> + “It will not be deserted by us, aunty, until we shall see occasion to do + so. Why not endeavour to get on board of yonder ship, and return to New + York in her; or at least induce her captain to put us ashore somewhere + near this, and go home by land. Your health never seemed better than it is + at this moment; and as for mine, I do assure you, aunty, dear, I am as + perfectly well as I ever was in my life.” + </p> + <p> + “All from this voyage. I knew it would set you up, and am delighted to + hear you say as much. Biddy and I were talking of you this very morning, + my child, and we both agreed that you were getting to be yourself again. + Oh, ships, and brigs, and schooners, full-jigger or half-jigger, for + pulmonary complaints, say I! My poor Mr. Budd always maintained that the + ocean was the cure for all diseases, and I determined that to sea you + should go, the moment I became alarmed for your health.” + </p> + <p> + The good widow loved Rose most tenderly, and she was obliged to use her + handkerchief to dry the tears from her eyes as she concluded. Those tears + sprung equally from a past feeling of apprehension, and a present feeling + of gratitude. Rose saw this, and she took a seat at her aunt's side, + touched herself, as she never failed to be on similar occasions with this + proof of her relative's affection. At that moment even Harry Mulford would + have lost a good deal in her kind feelings toward him, had he so much as + smiled at one of the widow's nautical absurdities. At such times, Rose + seemed to be her aunt's guardian and protectress, instead of reversing the + relations, and she entirely forgot herself the many reasons which existed + for wishing that she had been placed in childhood, under the care of one + better qualified than the well-meaning relict of her uncle, for the + performance of her duties. + </p> + <p> + “Thank you, aunty—thank'ee, dear aunty,” said Rose, kissing the + widow affectionately. “I know that you mean the best for me, though you + are a little mistaken in supposing me ill. I do assure you, dear,” patting + her aunt's cheek, as if she herself had been merely a playful child, “I + never was better; and if I have been pulmonary, I am entirely cured, and + am now ready to return home.” + </p> + <p> + “God be praised for this, Rosy. Under His divine providence, it is all + owing to the sea. If you really feel so much restored, however, I do not + wish to keep you a moment longer on a ship's board than is necessary. We + owe something to Captain Spike's care, and cannot quit him too + unceremoniously; but as soon as he is at liberty to go into a harbour, I + will engage him to do so, and we can return home by land—unless, + indeed, the brig intends to make the home voyage herself.” + </p> + <p> + “I do not like this brig, aunty, and now we are out of her, I wish we + could keep out of her. Nor do I like your Captain Spike, who seems to me + anything but an agreeable gentleman.” + </p> + <p> + “That's because you arn't accustomed to the sea. My poor Mr. Budd had his + ways, like all the rest of them; it takes time to get acquainted with + them. All sailors are so.” + </p> + <p> + Rose bent her face involuntarily, but so low as to conceal the increasing + brightness of her native bloom, as she answered, + </p> + <p> + “Harry Mulford is not so, aunty, dear—and he is every inch a + sailor.” + </p> + <p> + “Well, there is a difference, I must acknowledge, though I dare say Harry + will grow every day more and more like all the rest of them. In the end, + he will resemble Captain Spike.” + </p> + <p> + “Never,” said Rose, firmly. + </p> + <p> + “You can't tell, child. I never saw your uncle when he was Harry's age, + for I was n't born till he was thirty, but often and often has he pointed + out to me some slender, genteel youth, and say, 'just such a lad was I at + twenty,' though nothing could be less alike, at the moment he was + speaking, than they two. We all change with our years. Now I was once as + slender, and almost—not quite, Rosy, for few there are that be—but + almost as handsome as you yourself.” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, aunty, I've heard that before,” said Rose, springing up, in order to + change the discourse; “but Harry Mulford will never become like Stephen + Spike. I wish we had never known the man, dearest aunty.” + </p> + <p> + “It was all your own doings, child. He's a cousin of your most intimate + friend, and she brought him to the house; and one could n't offend Mary + Mulford, by telling her we did n't like her cousin.” + </p> + <p> + Rose seemed vexed, and she kept her little foot in motion, patting the + sail that formed the carpet, as girls will pat the ground with their feet + when vexed. This gleam of displeasure was soon over, however, and her + countenance became as placid as the clear, blue sky that formed the vault + of the heavens above her head. As if to atone for the passing rebellion of + her feelings, she threw her arms around her aunt's neck; after which she + walked away, along the beach, ruminating on her present situation, and of + the best means of extricating their party from the power of Spike. + </p> + <p> + It requires great familiarity with vessels and the seas, for one to think, + read, and pursue the customary train of reasoning on board a ship that one + has practised ashore. Rose had felt this embarrassment during the past + month, for the whole of which time she had scarcely been in a condition to + act up to her true character, suffering her energies, and in some measure + her faculties, to be drawn into the vortex produced by the bustle, + novelties, and scenes of the vessel and the ocean. But, now she was once + more on the land, diminutive and naked as was the islet that composed her + present world, and she found leisure and solitude for reflection and + decision. She was not ignorant of the nature of a vessel of war, or of the + impropriety of unprotected females placing themselves on board of one; but + gentlemen of character, like the officers of the ship in sight, could + hardly be wanting in the feelings of their caste; and anything was better + than to return voluntarily within the power of Spike. She determined + within her own mind that voluntarily she would not. We shall leave this + young girl, slowly wandering along the beach of her islet, musing on + matters like these, while we return to the vessels and the mariners. + </p> + <p> + A good breeze had come in over the reef from the Gulf, throwing the + sloop-of-war dead to leeward of the brigantine's anchorage. This was the + reason that the former had closed so slowly. Still the distance between + the vessels was so small, that a swift cruiser, like the ship of war, + would soon have been alongside of the wreckers, but for the intervening + islets and the intricacies of their channels. She had made sail on the + wind, however, and was evidently disposed to come as near to the danger as + her lead showed would be safe, even if she did not venture among them. + </p> + <p> + Spike noted all these movements, and he took his measures accordingly. The + pumping and bailing had been going on since the appearance of light, and + the flour had been quite half removed from the schooner's hold. That + vessel consequently floated with sufficient buoyancy, and no further + anxiety was felt on account of her sinking. Still, a great deal of water + remained in her, the cabin itself being nearly half full. Spike's object + was to reduce this water sufficiently to enable him to descend into the + state-room which Se¤or Montefalderon had occupied, and bring away the + doubloons that alone kept him in the vicinity of so ticklish a neighbour + as the Poughkeepsie. Escape was easy enough to one who knew the passages + of the reef and islets; more especially since the wind had so fortunately + brought the cruiser to leeward. Spike most apprehended a movement upon him + in the boats, and he had almost made up his mind, should such an + enterprise be attempted, to try his hand in beating it off with his guns. + A good deal of uncertainty on the subject of Mulford's consenting to + resist the recognised authorities of the country, as well as some doubts + of a similar nature in reference to two or three of the best of the + foremast hands, alone left him at all in doubt as to the expediency of + such a course. As no boats were lowered from the cruiser, however, the + necessity of resorting to so desperate a measure, did not occur, and the + duty of lightening the schooner had proceeded without interruption. As + soon as the boatswain came off from the islet, he and the men with him + were directed to take the hands and lift the anchors, of which it will be + remembered the Swash had several down. Even Mulford was shortly after set + at work on the same duty; and these expert and ready seamen soon had the + brig clear of the ground. As the schooner was anchored, and floated + without assistance, the Swash rode by her. + </p> + <p> + Such was the state of things when the men turned to, after having had + their dinners. By this time, the sloop-of-war was within half a league of + the bay, her progress having been materially retarded by the set of the + current, which was directly against her. Spike saw that a collision of + some sort or other must speedily occur, and he determined to take the + boatswain with him, and descend into the cabin of the schooner in quest of + the gold. The boatswain was summoned, and Se¤or Montefalderon repeated in + this man's presence the instructions that he thought it necessary for the + adventurers to follow, in order to secure the prize. Knowing how little + locks would avail on board a vessel, were the men disposed to rob him, + that gentleman had trusted more to secreting his treasure, than to + securing it in the more ordinary way. When the story had again been told, + Spike and his boatswain went on board the schooner, and, undressing, they + prepared to descend into the cabin. The captain paused a single instant to + take a look at the sloop-of-war, and to examine the state of the weather. + It is probable some new impression was made on him by this inquiry, for, + hailing Mulford, he ordered him to loosen the sails, and to sheet home, + and hoist the foretopsail. In a word, to “see all ready to cast off, and + make sail on the brig at the shortest notice.” With this command he + disappeared by the schooner's companion-way. + </p> + <p> + Spike and his companion found the water in the cabin very much deeper than + they had supposed. With a view to comfort, the cabin-floor had been sunk + much lower than is usual on board American vessels, and this brought the + water up nearly to the arm-pits of two men as short as our captain and his + sturdy little boatswain. The former grumbled a good deal, when he + ascertained the fact, and said something about the mate's being better + fitted to make a search in such a place, but concluding with the remark, + that “the man who wants ticklish duty well done, must see to it himself.” + </p> + <p> + The gold-hunters groped their way cautiously about the cabin for some + time, feeling for a drawer, in which they had been told they should find + the key of Se¤or Montefalderon's state-room door. In this Spike himself + finally succeeded, he being much better acquainted with cabins and their + fixtures, than the boatswain. + </p> + <p> + “Here it is, Ben,” said the captain, “now for a dive among the Don's + val'ables. Should you pick up anything worth speaking of, you can condemn + it for salvage, as I mean to cast off, and quit the wrack the moment we've + made sure of the doubloons.” + </p> + <p> + “And what will become of all the black flour that is lying about, sir?” + asked the boatswain with a grin. + </p> + <p> + “It may take care of itself. My agreement will be up as soon as the + doubloons are found. If the Don will come down handsomely with his share + of what will be left, I may be bought to put the kegs we have in the brig + ashore for him somewhere in Mexico; but my wish is to get out of the + neighbourhood of that bloody sloop-of-war, as soon as possible.” + </p> + <p> + “She makes but slow headway ag'in the current, sir; but a body would think + she might send in her boats.” + </p> + <p> + “The boats might be glad to get back again,” muttered Spike. “Ay, here is + the door unlocked, and we can now fish for the money.” + </p> + <p> + Some object had rolled against the state-room door, when the vessel was + capsized, and there was a good deal of difficulty in forcing it open. They + succeeded at last, and Spike led the way by wading into the small + apartment. Here they began to feel about beneath the water, and by a very + insufficient light, in quest of the hidden treasure. Spike and his + boatswain differed as to the place which had just been described to them, + as men will differ even in the account of events that pass directly before + their eyes. While thus employed, the report of a heavy gun came through + the doors of the cabin, penetrating to the recess in which they were thus + employed. + </p> + <p> + “Ay, that's the beginning of it!” exclaimed Spike. “I wonder that the fool + has put it off so long.” + </p> + <p> + “That gun was a heavy fellow, Captain Spike,” returned the boatswain; “and + it sounded in my ears as if't was shotted.” + </p> + <p> + “Ay, ay, I dare say you're right enough in both opinions. They put such + guns on board their sloops-of-war, now-adays, as a fellow used to find in + the lower batteries of a two-decker only in old times; and as for shot, + why Uncle Sam pays, and they think it cheaper to fire one out of a gun, + than to take the trouble of drawing it.” + </p> + <p> + “I believe here's one of the bags, Captain Spike,” said the boatswain, + making a dip, and coming up with one-half of the desired treasure in his + fist. “By George, I've grabbed him, sir; and the other bag can't be far + off.” + </p> + <p> + “Hand that over to me,” said the captain, a little authoritatively, “and + take a dive for the next.” + </p> + <p> + As the boatswain was obeying this order, a second gun was heard, and Spike + thought that the noise made by the near passage of a large shot was + audible also. He called out to Ben to “bear a hand, as the ship seems in + 'arnest.” But the head of the boatswain being under water at the time, the + admonition was thrown away. The fellow soon came up, however, puffing like + a porpoise that has risen to the surface to blow. + </p> + <p> + “Hand it over to me at once,” said Spike, stretching out his unoccupied + hand to receive the prize; “we have little time to lose.” + </p> + <p> + “That's sooner said than done, sir,” answered the boat-swain; “a box has + driven down upon the bag, and there's a tight jam. I got hold of the neck + of the bag, and pulled like a horse, but it wouldn't come no how.” + </p> + <p> + “Show me the place, and let me have a drag at it. There goes another of + his bloody guns!” + </p> + <p> + Down went Spike, and the length of time he was under water, proved how + much he was in earnest. Up he came at length, and with no better luck than + his companion. He had got hold of the bag, satisfied himself by feeling + its outside that it contained the doubloons, and hauled with all his + strength, but it would not come. The boatswain now proposed to take a + jamming hitch with a rope around the neck of the bag, which was long + enough to admit of such a fastening, and then to apply their united force. + Spike assented, and the boatswain rummaged about for a piece of small rope + to suit his purpose. At this moment Mulford appeared at the companion-way + to announce the movements on the part of the sloop-of-war. He had been + purposely tardy, in order to give the ship as much time as possible; but + he saw by the looks of the men that a longer delay might excite suspicion. + </p> + <p> + “Below there!” called out the mate. + </p> + <p> + “What's wanting, sir?—what's wanting, sir?” answered Spike; “let's + know at once.” + </p> + <p> + “Have you heard the guns, Captain Spike?” + </p> + <p> + “Ay, ay, every grumbler of them. They've done no mischief, I trust, Mr. + Mulford?” + </p> + <p> + “None as yet, sir; though the last shot, and it was a heavy fellow, passed + just above the schooner's deck. I've the topsail sheeted home and hoisted, + and it's that which has set them at work. If I clewed up again, I dare say + they'd not fire another gun.” + </p> + <p> + “Clew up nothing, sir, but see all clear for casting off and making sail + through the South Pass. What do you say, Ben, are you ready for a drag?” + </p> + <p> + “All ready, sir,” answered the boatswain, once more coming up to breathe. + “Now for it, sir; a steady pull, and a pull all together.” + </p> + <p> + They did pull, but the hitch slipped, and both went down beneath the + water. In a moment they were up again, puffing a little and swearing a + great deal. Just then another gun, and a clatter above their heads, + brought them to a stand. + </p> + <p> + “What means that, Mr. Mulford?” demanded Spike, a good deal startled. + </p> + <p> + “It means that the sloop-of-war has shot away the head of this schooner's + foremast, sir, and that the shot has chipp'd a small piece out of the heel + of our maintop-mast—that's all.” + </p> + <p> + Though excessively provoked at the mate's cool manner of replying, Spike + saw that he might lose all by being too tenacious about securing the + remainder of the doubloons. Pronouncing in very energetic terms on Uncle + Sam, and all his cruisers, an anathema that we do not care to repeat, he + gave a surly order to Ben to “knock-off,” and abandoned his late design. + In a minute he was on deck and dressed. + </p> + <p> + “Cast off, lads,” cried the captain, as soon as on the deck of his own + brig again, “and four of you man that boat. We have got half of your + treasure, Se¤or Wan, but have been driven from the rest of it, as you see. + There is the bag; when at leisure we'll divide it, and give the people + their share. Mr. Mulford, keep the brig in motion, hauling up toward the + South Pass, while I go ashore for the ladies. I'll meet you just in the + throat of the passage.” + </p> + <p> + This said, Spike tumbled into his boat, and was pulled ashore. As for + Mulford, though he cast many an anxious glance toward the islet, he obeyed + his orders, keeping the brig standing off and on, under easy canvas, but + working her up toward the indicated passage. + </p> + <p> + Spike was met by Jack Tier on the beach of the little island. + </p> + <p> + “Muster the women at once,” ordered the captain, “we have no time to lose, + for that fellow will soon be firing broad-sides, and his shot now range + half a mile beyond us.” + </p> + <p> + “You'll no more move the widow and her maid, than you'll move the island,” + answered Jack, laconically. + </p> + <p> + “Why should I not move them? Do they wish to stay here and starve?” + </p> + <p> + “It's little that they think of that. The sloop-of-war no sooner begun to + fire than down went Mrs. Budd on the canvas floor of the tent, and set up + just such a screaming as you may remember she tried her hand at the night + the revenue craft fired into us. Biddy lay down alongside of her mistress, + and at every gun, they just scream as loud as they can, as if they fancied + they might frighten off Uncle Sam's men from their duty.” + </p> + <p> + “Duty!—You little scamp, do you call tormenting honest traders in + this fashion the duty of any man?” + </p> + <p> + “Well, captain, I'm no ways partic'lar about a word or two. Their 'ways,' + if you like that better than duty, sir.” + </p> + <p> + “Where's Rose? Is she down too, screaming and squalling?” + </p> + <p> + “No, Captain Spike, no. Miss Rose is endeavouring, like a handsome young + Christian lady as she is, to pacify and mollify her aunt and Biddy; and + right down sensible talk does she give them.” + </p> + <p> + “Then she at least can go aboard the brig,” exclaimed Spike, with a sudden + animation, and an expression of countenance that Jack did not at all like. + </p> + <p> + “I ray-y-ther think she'll wish to hold on to the old lady,” observed the + steward's-mate, a little emphatically. + </p> + <p> + “You be d—d,” cried Spike, fiercely; “when your opinion is wanted, + I'll ask for it. If I find you've been setting that young woman's mind + ag'in me, I'll toss you overboard, as I would the offals of a shark.” + </p> + <p> + “Young women's minds, when they are only nineteen, get set ag'in boys of + fifty-six without much assistance.” + </p> + <p> + “Fifty-six yourself.” + </p> + <p> + “I'm fifty-three—that I'll own without making faces at it,” returned + Jack, meekly; “and, Stephen Spike, you logged fifty-six your last + birthday, or a false entry was made.” + </p> + <p> + This conversation did not take place in the presence of the boat's crew, + but as the two walked together toward the tent. They were now in the + verandah, as we have called the shaded opening in front, and actually + within sound of the sweet voice of Rose, as she exhorted her aunt, in + tones a little louder than usual for her to use, to manifest more + fortitude. Under such circumstances Spike did not deem it expedient to + utter that which was uppermost in his mind, but, turning short upon Tier, + he directed a tremendous blow directly between his eyes. Jack saw the + danger and dodged, falling backward to avoid a concussion which he knew + would otherwise be fearful, coming as it would from one of the best + forecastle boxers of his time. The full force of the blow was avoided, + though Jack got enough of it to knock him down, and to give him a pair of + black eyes. Spike did not stop to pick the assistant steward up, for + another gun was fired at that very instant, and Mrs. Budd and Biddy + renewed their screams. Instead of pausing to kick the prostrate Tier, as + had just before been his intention, the captain entered the tent. + </p> + <p> + A scene that was sufficiently absurd met the view of Spike, when he found + himself in the presence of the females. The widow had thrown herself on + the ground, and was grasping the cloth of the sail on which the tent had + been erected with both her hands, and was screaming at the top of her + voice. Biddy's imitation was not exactly literal, for she had taken a + comfortable seat at the side of her mistress, but in the way of cries, she + rather outdid her principal. + </p> + <p> + “We must be off,” cried Spike, somewhat unceremoniously. “The man-of-war + is blazing away, as if she was a firin' minute-guns over our destruction, + and I can wait no longer.” + </p> + <p> + “I'll not stir,” answered the widow—“I can't stir—I shall be + shot if I go out. No, no, no—I'll not stir an inch.” + </p> + <p> + “We'll be kilt!—we'll be kilt!” echoed Biddy, “and a wicket + murther't will be in that same man, war or no war.” + </p> + <p> + The captain perceived the uselessness of remonstrance at such a moment, + and perhaps he was secretly rejoiced thereat; but it is certain that he + whipped Rose up under his arm, and walked away with her, as if she had + been a child of two or three years of age. Rose did not scream, but she + struggled and protested vehemently. It was in vain. Already the captain + had carried her half the distance between the tent and the boat, in the + last of which, a minute more would have deposited his victim, when a + severe blow on the back of his head caused Spike to stumble, and he + permitted Rose to escape from his grasp, in the effort to save himself + from a fall. Turning fiercely toward his assailant, whom he suspected to + be one of his boat's crew, he saw Tier standing within a few yards, + levelling a pistol at him. + </p> + <p> + “Advance a step, and you're a dead man, villain!” screamed Jack, his voice + almost cracked with rage, and the effort he made to menace. + </p> + <p> + Spike muttered an oath too revolting for our pages; but it was such a + curse as none but an old salt could give vent to, and that in the + bitterness of his fiercest wrath. At that critical moment, while Rose was + swelling with indignation and wounded maiden pride, almost within reach of + his arms, looking more lovely than ever, as the flush of anger deepened + the colour in her cheeks, a fresh and deep report from one of the guns of + the sloop-of-war drew all eyes in her direction. The belching of that gun + seemed to be of double the power of those which had preceded it, and jets + of water, that were twenty feet in height, marked the course of the + formidable missile that was projected from the piece. The ship had, + indeed, discharged one of those monster-cannons that bear the name of a + distinguished French engineer, but which should more properly be called by + the name of the ingenious officer who is at the head of our own ordnance, + as they came originally from his inventive faculties, though somewhat + improved by their European adopter. Spike suspected the truth, for he had + heard of these “Pazans,” as he called them, and he watched the booming, + leaping progress of the eight-inch shell that this gun threw, with the + apprehension that unknown danger is apt to excite. As jet succeeded jet, + each rising nearer and nearer to his brig, the interval of time between + them seeming fearfully to diminish, he muttered oath upon oath. The last + leap that the shell made on the water was at about a quarter of a mile's + distance of the islet on which his people had deposited at least a hundred + and fifty barrels of his spurious flour:-thence it flew, as it might be + without an effort, with a grand and stately bound into the very centre of + the barrels, exploding at the moment it struck. All saw the scattering of + flour, which was instantly succeeded by the heavy though slightly + straggling explosion of all the powder on the island. A hundred kegs were + lighted, as it might be, in a common flash, and a cloud of white smoke + poured out and concealed the whole islet, and all near it. + </p> + <p> + Rose stood confounded, nor was Jack Tier in a much better state of mind, + though he still kept the pistol levelled, and menaced Spike. But the last + was no longer dangerous to any there. He recollected that piles of the + barrels encumbered the decks of his vessel, and he rushed to the boat, + nearly frantic with haste, ordering the men to pull for their lives. In + less than five minutes he was alongside, and on the deck of the Swash—his + first order being to—“Tumble every barrel of this bloody powder into + the sea, men. Over with it, Mr. Mulford, clear away the midship ports, and + launch as much as you can through them.” + </p> + <p> + Remonstrance on the part of Se¤or Montefalderon would have been useless, + had he been disposed to make it; but, sooth to say, he was as ready to get + rid of the powder as any there, after the specimen he had just witnessed + of the power of a Paixhan gun. + </p> + <p> + Thus it is ever with men. Had two or three of those shells been first + thrown without effect, as might very well have happened under the + circumstances, none there would have cared for the risk they were running; + but the chance explosion which had occurred, presented so vivid a picture + of the danger, dormant and remote as it really was, as to throw the entire + crew of the Swash into a frenzy of exertion. + </p> + <p> + Nor was the vessel at all free from danger. On the contrary, she ran very + serious risk of being destroyed, and in some degree, in the very manner + apprehended. Perceiving that Spike was luffing up through one of the + passages nearest the reef, which would carry him clear of the group, a + long distance to windward of the point where he could only effect the same + object, the commander of the sloop-of-war opened his fire in good earnest, + hoping to shoot away something material on board the Swash, before she + could get beyond the reach of his shot. The courses steered by the two + vessels, just at that moment, favoured such an attempt, though they made + it necessarily very short-lived. While the Swash was near the wind, the + sloop-of-war was obliged to run off to avoid islets ahead of her, a + circumstance which, while it brought the brig square with the ship's + broadside, compelled the latter to steer on a diverging line to the course + of her chase. It was in consequence of these facts, that the sloop-of-war + now opened in earnest, and was soon canopied in the smoke of her own fire. + </p> + <p> + Great and important changes, as has been already mentioned, have been made + in the armaments of all the smaller cruisers within the last few years. + Half a generation since, a ship of the rate—we do not say of the + size—of the vessel which was in chase of Spike and his craft, would + not have had it in her power to molest an enemy at the distance these two + vessels were now apart. But recent improvements have made ships of this + nominal force formidable at nearly a league's distance; more especially by + means of their Paixhans and their shells. + </p> + <p> + For some little time the range carried the shot directly over the islet of + the tent; Jack Tier and Rose, both of whom were watching all that passed + with intense interest, standing in the open air the whole time, seemingly + with no concern for themselves, so absorbed was each, notwithstanding all + that had passed, in the safety of the brig. As for Rose, she thought only + of Harry Mulford, and of the danger he was in by those fearful explosions + of the shells. Her quick intellect comprehended the peculiar nature of the + risk that was incurred by having the flour-barrels on deck, and she could + not but see the manner in which Spike and his men were tumbling them into + the water, as the quickest manner of getting rid of them. After what had + just passed between Jack Tier and his commander, it might not be so easy + to account for his manifest, nay, intense interest in the escape of the + Swash. This was apparent by his troubled countenance, by his exclamations, + and occasionally by his openly expressed wishes for her safety. Perhaps it + was no more than the interest the seaman is so apt to feel in the craft in + which he has so long sailed, and which to him has been a home, and of + which Mulford exhibited so much, in his struggles between feeling and + conscience—between a true and a false duty. + </p> + <p> + As for Spike and his people, we have already mentioned their efforts to + get rid of the powder. Shell after shell exploded, though none very near + the brig, the ship working her guns as if in action. At length the + officers of the sloop-of-war detected a source of error in their aim, that + is of very common occurrence in sea-gunnery. Their shot had been thrown to + ricochet, quartering a low, but very regular succession of little waves. + Each shot striking the water at an acute angle to its agitated surface, + was deflected from a straight line, and described a regular curve toward + the end of its career; or, it might be truer to say, an irregular + curvature, for the deflection increased as the momentum of the missile + diminished. + </p> + <p> + No sooner did the commanding officer of the sloop-of-war discover this + fact, and it was easy to trace the course of the shots by the jets of + water they cast into the air, and to see as well as to hear the explosions + of the shells, than he ordered the guns pointed more to windward, as a + means of counteracting the departure from the straight lines. This + expedient succeeded in part, the solid shot falling much nearer to the + brig the moment the practice was resorted to. No shell was fired for some + little time after the new order was issued, and Spike and his people began + to hope these terrific missiles had ceased their annoyance. The men + cheered, finding their voices for the first time since the danger had + seemed so imminent, and Spike was heard animating them to their duty. As + for Mulford, he was on the coach-house deck, working the brig, the captain + having confided to him that delicate duty, the highest proof he could + furnish of confidence in his seamanship. The handsome young mate had just + made a half-board, in the neatest manner, shoving the brig by its means + through a most difficult part of the passage, and had got her handsomely + filled again on the same tack, looking right out into open water, by a + channel through which she could now stand on a very easy bowline. + Everything seemed propitious, and the sloop-of-war's solid shot began to + drop into the water, a hundred yards short of the brig. In this state of + things one of the Paixhans belched forth its angry flame and sullen roar + again. There was no mistaking the gun. Then came its mass of iron, a globe + that would have weighed just sixty-eight pounds, had not sufficient metal + been left out of its interior to leave a cavity to contain a single pound + of powder. Its course, as usual, was to be marked by its path along the + sea, as it bounded, half a mile at a time, from wave to wave. Spike saw by + its undeviating course that this shell was booming terrifically toward his + brig, and a cry to “look out for the shell,” caused the work to be + suspended. That shell struck the water for the last time, within two + hundred yards of the brig, rose dark and menacing in its furious leap, but + exploded at the next instant. The fragments of the iron were scattered on + each side, and ahead. Of the last, three or four fell into the water so + near the vessel as to cast their spray on her decks. + </p> + <p> + “Overboard with the rest of the powder!” shouted Spike. “Keep the brig off + a little, Mr. Mulford—keep her off, sir; you luff too much, sir.” + </p> + <p> + “Ay, ay, sir,” answered the mate. “Keep her off, it is.” + </p> + <p> + “There comes the other shell!” cried Ben, but the men did not quit their + toil to gaze this time. Each seaman worked as if life and death depended + on his single exertions. Spike alone watched the course of the missile. On + it came, booming and hurtling through the air, tossing high the jets, at + each leap it made from the surface, striking the water for its last bound, + seemingly in a line with the shell that had just preceded it. From that + spot it made its final leap. Every hand in the brig was stayed and every + eye was raised as the rushing tempest was heard advancing. The mass went + muttering directly between the masts of the Swash. It had scarcely seemed + to go by when the fierce flash of fire and the sharp explosion followed. + Happily for those in the brig, the projectile force given by the gun + carried the fragments from them, as in the other instance it had brought + them forward; else would few have escaped mutilation, or death, among + their crew. + </p> + <p> + The flashing of fire so near the barrels of powder that still remained on + their deck, caused the frantic efforts to be renewed, and barrel after + barrel was tumbled overboard, amid the shouts that were now raised to + animate the people to their duty. + </p> + <p> + “Luff, Mr. Mulford—luff you may, sir,” cried Spike. No answer was + given. + </p> + <p> + “D'ye hear there, Mr. Mulford?—it is luff you may, sir.” + </p> + <p> + “Mr. Mulford is not aft, sir,” called out the man at the helm—“but + luff it is, sir.” + </p> + <p> + “Mr. Mulford not aft! Where's the mate, man? Tell him he is wanted.” + </p> + <p> + No Mulford was to be found! A call passed round the decks, was sent below, + and echoed through the entire brig, but no sign or tidings could be had of + the handsome mate. At that exciting moment the sloop-of-war seemed to + cease her firing, and appeared to be securing her guns. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0007" id="link2HCH0007"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER VII. + </h2> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + Thou art the same, eternal sea! + The earth has many shapes and forms, + Of hill and valley, flower and tree; + Fields that the fervid noontide warms, + Or winter's rugged grasp deforms, + Or bright with autumn's golden store; + Thou coverest up thy face with storms, + Or smilest serene,—but still thy roar + And dashing foam go up to vex the sea-beat shore: + + Lunt. +</pre> + <p> + We shall now advance the time eight-and-forty hours. The baffling winds + and calms that succeeded the tornado had gone, and the trades blew in + their stead. Both vessels had disappeared, the brig leading, doubling the + western extremity of the reef, and going off before both wind and current, + with flowing sheets, fully three hours before the sloop-of-war could beat + up against the latter, to a point that enabled her to do the same thing. + By that time, the Swash was five-and-twenty miles to the eastward, and + consequently but just discernible in her loftiest sails, from the ship's + royal yards. Still, the latter continued the chase; and that evening both + vessels were beating down along the southern margin of the Florida Reef, + against the trades, but favoured by a three or four knot current, the brig + out of sight to windward. Our narrative leads us to lose sight of both + these vessels, for a time, in order to return to the islets of the Gulf. + Eight-and-forty hours had made some changes in and around the haven of the + Dry Tortugas. The tent still stood, and a small fire that was boiling its + pot and its kettle, at no great distance from it, proved that the tent was + still inhabited. The schooner also rode at her anchors, very much as she + had been abandoned by Spike. The bag of doubloons, however, had been + found, and there it lay, tied but totally unguarded, in the canvas + verandah of Rose Budd's habitation. Jack Tier passed and repassed it with + apparent indifference, as he went to and fro, between his pantry and + kitchen, busy as a bee in preparing his noontide meal for the day. This + man seemed to have the islet all to himself, however, no one else being + visible on any part of it. He sang his song, in a cracked, contre alto + voice, and appeared to be happy in his solitude. Occasionally he talked to + himself aloud, most probably because he had no one else to speak to. We + shall record one of his recitatives, which came in between the strains of + a very inharmonious air, the words of which treated of the seas, while the + steward's assistant was stirring an exceedingly savoury mess that he had + concocted of the ingredients to be found in the united larders of the + Swash and the Mexican schooner. + </p> + <p> + “Stephen Spike is a capital willian!” exclaimed Jack, smelling at a ladle + filled with his soup—“a capital willian, I call him. To think, at + his time of life, of such a handsome and pleasant young thing as this Rose + Budd; and then to try to get her by underhand means, and by making a fool + of her silly old aunt. It 's wonderful what fools some old aunts be! Quite + wonderful! If I was as great a simpleton as this Mrs. Budd, I'd never + cross my threshhold. Yes, Stephen Spike is a prodigious willian, as his + best friend must own! Well, I gave him a thump on the head that he'll not + forget this v'y'ge. To think of carryin' off that pretty Rose Budd in his + very arms, in so indecent a manner! Yet, the man has his good p'ints, if a + body could only forget his bad ones. He's a first-rate seaman. How he + worked the brig till he doubled the reef, a'ter she got into open water; + and how he made her walk off afore the wind, with stun'sails alow and + aloft, as soon as ever he could make 'em draw! My life for it, he 'll tire + the legs of Uncle Sam's man, afore he can fetch up with him. For running + away, when hard chased, Stephen Spike has n't his equal on 'arth. But, + he's a great willian—a prodigious willian! I cannot say I actually + wish him hanged; but I would rather have him hanged than see him get + pretty Rose in his power. What has he to do with girls of nineteen? If the + rascal is one year old, he's fifty-six. I hope the sloop-of-war will find + her match, and I think she will. The Molly's a great traveller, and not to + be outdone easily. 'T would be a thousand pities so lovely a craft should + be cut off in the flower of her days, as it might be, and I do hope she'll + lead that bloody sloop on some sunken rock. + </p> + <p> + “Well, there's the other bag of doubloons. It seems Stephen could not get + it. That's odd, too, for he's great at grabbin' gold. The man bears his + age well; but he's a willian! I wonder whether he or Mulford made that + half-board in the narrow channel. It was well done, and Stephen is a + perfect sailor; but he says Mulford is the same. Nice young man, that + Mulford; just fit for Rose, and Rose for him. Pity to part them. Can find + no great fault with him, except that he has too much conscience. There's + such a thing as having too much, as well as too little conscience. Mulford + has too much, and Spike has too little. For him to think of carryin' off a + gal of nineteen! I say he's fifty-six, if he's a day. How fond he used to + be of this very soup! If I've seen him eat a quart of it, I've seen him + eat a puncheon full of it, in my time. What an appetite the man has when + he's had a hard day's duty on 't! There 's a great deal to admire, and a + great deal to like in Stephen Spike, but he's a reg'lar willian. I dare + say he fancies himself a smart, jaunty youth ag'in, as I can remember him; + a lad of twenty, which was about his years when I first saw him, by the + sign that I was very little turned of fifteen myself. Spike was comely + then, though I acknowledge he's a willian. I can see him now, with his + deep blue roundabout, his bell-mouthed trowsers, both of fine cloth—too + fine for such a willian—but fine it was, and much did it become + him.” + </p> + <p> + Here Jack made a long pause, during which, though he may have thought + much, he said nothing. Nevertheless, he was n't idle the while. On the + contrary, he passed no less than three several times from the fire to the + tent, and returned. Each time, in going and coming, he looked intently at + the bag of doubloons, though he did not stop at it or touch it. Some + associations connected with Spike's fruitless attempts to obtain it must + have formed its principal interest with this singular being, as he + muttered his captain's name each time in passing, though he said no more + audibly. The concerns of the dinner carried him back and forth; and in his + last visit to the tent, he began to set a small table—one that had + been brought for the convenience of Mrs. Budd and her niece, from the + brig, and which of course still remained on the islet. It was while thus + occupied, that Jack Tier recommenced his soliloquy. + </p> + <p> + “I hope that money may do some worthy fellow good yet. It's Mexican gold, + and that's inemy's gold, and might be condemned by law, I do suppose. + Stephen had a hankerin' a'ter it, but he did not get it. It come easy + enough to the next man that tried. That Spike 's a willian, and the gold + was too good for him. He has no conscience at all to think of a gal of + nineteen! And one fit for his betters, in the bargain. The time has been + when Stephen Spike might have pretended to Rose Budd's equal. That much + I'll ever maintain, but that time's gone; and, what is more, it will never + come again. I should like Mulford better if he had a little less + conscience. Conscience may do for Uncle Sam's ships, but it is sometimes + in the way aboard a trading craft. What can a fellow do with a conscience + when dollars is to be smuggled off, or tobacco smuggled ashore? I do + suppose I've about as much conscience as it is useful to have, and I've + got ashore in my day twenty thousand dollars' worth of stuff, of one sort + or another, if I've got ashore the valie of ten dollars. But Spike carries + on business on too large a scale, and many's the time I've told him so. I + could have forgiven him anything but this attempt on Rose Budd; and he's + altogether too old for that, to say nothing of other people's rights. He's + an up-and-down willian, and a body can make no more, nor any less of him. + That soup must be near done, and I'll hoist the signal for grub.” + </p> + <p> + This signal was a blue-peter of which one had been brought ashore to + signal the brig; and with which Jack now signalled the schooner. If the + reader will turn his eyes toward the last named vessel, he will find the + guests whom Tier expected to surround his table. Rose, her aunt, and Biddy + were all seated, under an awning made by a sail, on the deck of the + schooner, which now floated so buoyantly as to show that she had + materially lightened since last seen. Such indeed was the fact, and he who + had been the instrument of producing this change, appeared on deck in the + person of Mulford, as soon as he was told that the blue-peter of Jack Tier + was flying. + </p> + <p> + The boat of the light-house, that in which Spike had landed in quest of + Rose, was lying alongside of the schooner, and sufficiently explained the + manner in which the mate had left the brig. This boat, in fact, had been + fastened astern, in the hurry of getting from under the sloop-of-war's + fire, and Mulford had taken the opportunity of the consternation and + frantic efforts produced by the explosion of the last shell thrown, to + descend from his station on the coach-house into this boat, to cut the + painter, and to let the Swash glide away from him. This the vessel had + done with great rapidity, leaving him unseen under the cover of her stern. + As soon as in the boat, the mate had seized an oar, and sculled to an + islet that was within fifty yards, concealing the boat behind a low + hummock that formed a tiny bay. All this was done so rapidly, that united + to the confusion on board the Swash, no one discovered the mate or the + boat. Had he been seen, however, it is very little probable that Spike + would have lost a moment of time, in the attempt to recover either. But he + was not seen, and it was the general opinion on board the Swash, for quite + an hour, that her handsome mate had been knocked overboard and killed, by + a fragment of the shell that had seemed to explode almost in the ears of + her people. When the reef was doubled, however, and Spike made his + preparations for meeting the rough water, he hove to, and ordered his own + yawl, which was also towing astern, to be hauled up alongside, in order to + be hoisted in. Then, indeed, some glimmerings of the truth were shed on + the crew, who missed the light-house boat. Though many contended that its + painter must also have been cut by a fragment of the shell, and that the + mate had died loyal to roguery and treason. Mulford was much liked by the + crew, and he was highly valued by Spike, on account of his seamanship and + integrity, this latter being a quality that is just as necessary for one + of the captain's character to meet with in those he trusts as to any other + man. But Spike thought differently of the cause of Mulford's + disappearance, from his crew. He ascribed it altogether to love for Rose, + when, in truth, it ought in justice to have been quite as much imputed to + a determination to sail no longer with a man who was clearly guilty of + treason. Of smuggling, Mulford had long suspected Spike, though he had no + direct proof of the fact; but now he could not doubt that he was not only + engaged in supplying the enemy with the munitions of war, but was actually + bargaining to sell his brig for a hostile cruiser, and possibly to + transfer himself and crew along with her. + </p> + <p> + It is scarcely necessary to speak of the welcome Mulford received when he + reached the islet of the tent. He and Rose had a long private conference, + the result of which was to let the handsome mate into the secret of his + pretty companion's true feelings toward himself. She had received him with + tears, and a betrayal of emotion that gave him every encouragement, and + now she did not deny her preference. In that interview the young people + plighted to each other their troth. Rose never doubted of obtaining her + aunt's consent in due time, all her prejudices being in favour of the sea + and sailors; and should she not, she would soon be her own mistress, and + at liberty to dispose of herself and her pretty little fortune as she + might choose. But a cypher as she was, in all questions of real moment, + Mrs. Budd was not a person likely to throw any real obstacle in the way of + the young people's wishes; the true grounds of whose present apprehensions + were all to be referred to Spike, his intentions, and his well-known + perseverance. Mulford was convinced that the brig would be back in quest + of the remaining doubloons, as soon as she could get clear of the + sloop-of-war, though he was not altogether without a hope that the latter, + when she found it impossible to overhaul her chase, might also return in + order to ascertain what discoveries could be made in and about the + schooner. The explosion of the powder, on the islet, must have put the + man-of-war's men in possession of the secret of the real quality of the + flour that had composed her cargo, and it doubtless had awakened all their + distrust on the subject of the Swash's real business in the Gulf. Under + all the circumstances, therefore, it did appear quite as probable that one + of the parties should reappear at the scene of their recent interview as + the other. + </p> + <p> + Bearing all these things in mind, Mulford had lost no time in completing + his own arrangements. He felt that he had some atonement to make to the + country, for the part he had seemingly taken in the late events, and it + occurred to him, could he put the schooner in a state to be moved, then + place her in the hands of the authorities, his own peace would be made, + and his character cleared. Rose no sooner understood his plans and + motives, than she entered into them with all the ardour and self-devotion + of her sex; for the single hour of confidential and frank communication + which had just passed, doubled the interest she felt in Mulford and in all + that belonged to him. Jack Tier was useful on board a vessel, though his + want of stature and force rendered him less so than was common with + sea-faring men. His proper sphere certainly had been the cabins, where his + usefulness was beyond all cavil; but he was now very serviceable to + Mulford on the deck of the schooner. The first two days, Mrs. Budd had + been left on the islet, to look to the concerns of the kitchen, while + Mulford, accompanied by Rose, Biddy and Jack Tier, had gone off to the + schooner, and set her pumps in motion again. It was little that Rose could + do, or indeed attempt to do, at this toil, but the pumps being small and + easily worked, Biddy and Jack were of great service. By the end of the + second day the pumps sucked; the cargo that remained in the schooner, as + well as the form of her bottom, contributing greatly to lessen the + quantity of the water that was to be got out of her. + </p> + <p> + Then it was that the doubloons fell into Mulford's hands, along with + everything else that remained below decks. It was perhaps fortunate that + the vessel was thoroughly purified by her immersion, and the articles that + were brought on deck to be dried were found in a condition to give no + great offence to those who removed them. By leaving the hatches off, and + the cabin doors open, the warm winds of the trades effectually dried the + interior of the schooner in the course of a single night; and when Mulford + repaired on board of her, on the morning of the third day, he found her in + a condition to be fitted for his purposes. On this occasion Mrs. Budd had + expressed a wish to go off to look at her future accommodations, and Jack + was left on the islet to cook the dinner, which will explain the actual + state of things as described in the opening of this chapter. + </p> + <p> + As those who toil usually have a relish for their food, the appearance of + the blue-peter was far from being unwelcome to those on board of the + schooner. They got into the boat, and were sculled ashore by Mulford, who, + seaman-like, used only one hand in performing this service. In a very few + minutes they were all seated at the little table, which was brought out + into the tent-verandah for the enjoyment of the breeze. + </p> + <p> + “So far, well,” said Mulford, after his appetite was mainly appeased; Rose + picking crumbs, and affecting to eat, merely to have the air of keeping + him company; one of the minor proofs of the little attentions that spring + from the affections. “So far, well. The sails are bent, and though they + might be never and better, they can be made to answer. It was fortunate to + find anything like a second suit on board a Mexican craft of that size at + all. As it is, we have foresail, mainsail, and jib, and with that canvas I + think we might beat the schooner down to Key West in the course of a day + and a night. If I dared to venture outside of the reef, it might be done + sooner even, for they tell me there is a four-knot current sometimes in + that track; but I do not like to venture outside, so short-handed. The + current inside must serve our turn, and we shall get smooth water by + keeping under the lee of the rocks. I only hope we shall not get into an + eddy as we go further from the end of the reef, and into the bight of the + coast.” + </p> + <p> + “Is there danger of that?” demanded Rose, whose quick intellect had taught + her many of these things, since her acquaintance with vessels. + </p> + <p> + “There may be, looking at the formation of the reef and islands, though I + know nothing of the fact by actual observation. This is my first visit in + this quarter.” + </p> + <p> + “Eddies are serious matters,” put in Mrs. Budd, “and my poor husband could + not abide them. Tides are good things; but eddies are very disagreeable.” + </p> + <p> + “Well, aunty, I should think eddies might sometimes be as welcome as + tides. It must depend, however, very much on the way one wishes to go.” + </p> + <p> + “Rose, you surprise me! All that you have read, and all that you have + heard, must have shown you the difference. Do they not say 'a man is + floating with the tide,' when things are prosperous with him—and + don't ships drop down with the tide, and beat the wind with the tide? And + don't vessels sometimes 'tide it up to town,' as it is called, and is n't + it thought an advantage to have the tide with you?” + </p> + <p> + “All very true, aunty; but I do not see how that makes eddies any the + worse.” + </p> + <p> + “Because eddies are the opposite of tides, child. When the tide goes one + way, the eddy goes another—is n't it so, Harry Mulford? You never + heard of one's floating in an eddy.” + </p> + <p> + “That's what we mean by an eddy, Mrs. Budd,” answered the handsome mate, + delighted to hear Rose's aunt call him by an appellation so kind and + familiar,—a thing she had never done previously to the intercourse + which had been the consequence of their present situation. “Though I agree + with Rose in thinking an eddy may be a good or a bad thing, and very much + like a tide, as one wishes to steer.” + </p> + <p> + “You amaze me, both of you! Tides are always spoken of favourably, but + eddies never. If a ship gets ashore, the tide can float her off; that I've + heard a thousand times. Then, what do the newspapers say of President—, + and Governor—, and Congressman—? Why, that they all 'float in + the tide of public opinion,' and that must mean something particularly + good, as they are always in office. No, no, Harry; I'll acknowledge that + you do know something about ships; a good deal, considering how young you + are; but you have something to learn about eddies. Never trust one as long + as you live.” + </p> + <p> + Mulford was silent, and Rose took the occasion to change the discourse. + </p> + <p> + “I hope we shall soon be able to quit this place,” she said; “for I + confess to some dread of Captain Spike's return.” + </p> + <p> + “Captain Stephen Spike has greatly disappointed me,” observed the aunt, + gravely. “I do not know that I was ever before deceived in judging a + person. I could have sworn he was an honest, frank, well-meaning sailor—a + character, of all others, that I love; but it has turned out otherwise.” + </p> + <p> + “He's a willian!” mutttered Jack Tier. + </p> + <p> + Mulford smiled; at which speech we must leave to conjecture; but he + answered Rose, as he ever did, promptly and with pleasure. + </p> + <p> + “The schooner is ready, and this must be our last meal ashore,” he said. + “Our outfit will be no great matter; but if it will carry us down to Key + West, I shall ask no more of it. As for the return of the Swash, I look + upon it as certain. She could easily get clear of the sloop-of-war, with + the start she had, and Spike is a man that never yet abandoned a doubloon, + when he knew where one was to be found.” + </p> + <p> + “Stephen Spike is like all his fellow-creatures,” put in Jack Tier, + pointedly. “He has his faults, and he has his virtues.” + </p> + <p> + “Virtue is a term I should never think of applying to such a man,” + returned Mulford, a little surprised at the fellow's earnestness. “The + word is a big one, and belongs to quite another class of persons.” Jack + muttered a few syllables that were unintelligible, when again the + conversation changed. + </p> + <p> + Rose now inquired of Mulford as to their prospects of getting to Key West. + He told her that the distance was about sixty miles; their route lying + along the north or inner side of the Florida Reef. The whole distance was + to be made against the trade-wind, which was then blowing about an + eight-knot breeze, though, bating eddies, they might expect to be favoured + with the current, which was less strong inside than outside of the reef. + As for handling the schooner, Mulford saw no great difficulty in that. She + was not large, and was both lightly sparred and lightly rigged. All her + top-hamper had been taken down by Spike, and nothing remained but the + plainest and most readily-managed gear. A fore-and-aft vessel, sailing + close by the wind, is not difficult to steer; will almost steer herself, + indeed, in smooth water. Jack Tier could take his trick at the helm, in + any weather, even in running before the wind, the time when it is most + difficult to guide a craft, and Rose might be made to understand the use + of the tiller, and taught to govern the motions of a vessel so small and + so simply rigged, when on a wind and in smooth water. On the score of + managing the schooner, therefore, Mulford thought there would be little + cause for apprehension. Should the weather continue settled, he had little + doubt of safely landing the whole party at Key West, in the course of the + next four-and-twenty hours. Short sail he should be obliged to carry, as + well on account of the greater facility of managing it, as on account of + the circumstance that the schooner was now in light ballast trim, and + would not bear much canvas. He thought that the sooner they left the + islets the better, as it could not be long ere the brig would be seen + hovering around the spot. All these matters were discussed as the party + still sat at table; and when they left it, which was a few minutes later, + it was to remove the effects they intended to carry away to the boat. This + was soon done, both Jack Tier and Biddy proving very serviceable, while + Rose tripped backward and forward, with a step elastic as a gazelle's, + carrying light burdens. In half an hour the boat was ready. “Here lies the + bag of doubloons still,” said Mulford, smiling. “Is it to be left, or + shall we give it up to the admiralty court at Key West, and put in a claim + for salvage?” + </p> + <p> + “Better leave it for Spike,” said Jack unexpectedly. “Should he come back, + and find the doubloons, he may be satisfied, and not look for the + schooner. On the other hand, when the vessel is missing, he will think + that the money is in her. Better leave it for old Stephen.” + </p> + <p> + “I do not agree with you, Tier,” said Rose, though she looked as amicably + at the steward's assistant, as she thus opposed his opinion, as if anxious + to persuade rather than coerce. “I do not quite agree with you. This money + belongs to the Spanish merchant; and, as we take away with us his vessel, + to give it up to the authorities at Key West, I do not think we have a + right to put his gold on the shore and abandon it.” + </p> + <p> + This disposed of the question. Mulford took the bag, and carried it to the + boat, without waiting to ascertain if Jack had any objection; while the + whole party followed. In a few minutes everybody and everything in the + boat were transferred to the deck of the schooner. As for the tent, the + old sails of which it was made, the furniture it contained, and such + articles of provisions as were not wanted, they were left on the islet, + without regret. The schooner had several casks of fresh water, which were + found in her hold, and she had also a cask or two of salted meats, besides + several articles of food more delicate, that had been provided by Se¤or + Montefalderon for his own use, and which had not been damaged by the + water. A keg of Boston crackers were among these eatables, quite half of + which were still in a state to be eaten. They were Biddy's delight; and it + was seldom that she could be seen when not nibbling at one of them. The + bread of the crew was hopelessly damaged. But Jack had made an ample + provision of bread when sent ashore, and there was still a hundred barrels + of the flour in the schooner's hold. One of these had been hoisted on deck + by Mulford, and opened. The injured flour was easily removed, leaving a + considerable quantity fit for the uses of the kitchen. As for the keg of + gunpowder, it was incontinently committed to the deep. + </p> + <p> + Thus provided for, Mulford decided that the time had arrived when he ought + to quit his anchorage. He had been employed most of that morning in + getting the schooner's anchor, a work of great toil to him, though + everybody had assisted. He had succeeded, and the vessel now rode by a + kedge, that he could easily weigh by means of a deck tackle. It remained + now, therefore, to lift this kedge and to stand out of the bay of the + islets. No sooner was the boat secured astern, and its freight disposed + of, than the mate began to make sail. In order to hoist the mainsail well + up, he was obliged to carry the halyards to the windlass. Thus aided, he + succeeded without much difficulty. He and Jack Tier and Biddy got the jib + hoisted by hand; and as for the fore-sail, that would almost set itself. + Of course, it was not touched until the kedge was aweigh. Mulford found + little difficulty in lifting the last, and he soon had the satisfaction of + finding his craft clear of the ground. As Jack Tier was every way + competent to take charge of the forecastle, Mulford now sprang aft, and + took his own station at the helm; Rose acting as his pretty assistant on + the quarter-deck. + </p> + <p> + There is little mystery in getting a fore-and-aft vessel under way. Her + sails fill almost as a matter of course, and motion follows as a necessary + law. Thus did it prove with the Mexican schooner, which turned out to be a + fast-sailing and an easily-worked craft. She was, indeed, an American + bottom, as it is termed, having been originally built for the Chesapeake; + and, though not absolutely what is understood by a Baltimore clipper, so + nearly of that mould and nature as to possess some of the more essential + qualities. As usually happens, however, when a foreigner gets hold of an + American schooner, the Mexicans had shortened her masts and lessened her + canvas. This circumstance was rather an advantage to Mulford, who would + probably have had more to attend to than he wished under the original rig + of the craft. + </p> + <p> + Everybody, even to the fastidious Mrs. Budd, was delighted with the easy + and swift movement of the schooner. Mulford, now he had got her under + canvas, handled her without any difficulty, letting her stand toward the + channel through which he intended to pass, with her sheets just taken in, + though compelled to keep a little off, in order to enter between the + islets. No difficulty occurred, however, and in less than ten minutes the + vessel was clear of the channels, and in open water. The sheets were now + flattened in, and the schooner brought close by the wind. A trial of the + vessel on this mode of sailing was no sooner made, than Mulford was + induced to regret he had taken so many precautions against any increasing + power of the wind. To meet emergencies, and under the notion he should + have his craft more under command, the young man had reefed his mainsail, + and taken the bonnets off of the foresail and jib. As the schooner stood + up better than he had anticipated, the mate felt as all seamen are so apt + to feel, when they see that their vessels might be made to perform more + than is actually got out of them. As the breeze was fresh, however, he + determined not to let out the reef; and the labour of lacing on the + bonnets again was too great to be thought of just at that moment. + </p> + <p> + We all find relief on getting in motion, when pressed by circumstances. + Mulford had been in great apprehension of the re-appearance of the Swash + all that day; for it was about the time when Spike would be apt to return, + in the event of his escaping from the sloop-of-war, and he dreaded Rose's + again falling into the hands of a man so desperate. Nor is it imputing + more than a very natural care to the young man, to say that he had some + misgivings concerning himself. Spike, by this time, must be convinced that + his business in the Gulf was known; and one who had openly thrown off his + service, as his mate had done, would unquestionably be regarded as a + traitor to his interests, whatever might be the relation in which he would + stand to the laws of the country. It was probable such an alleged offender + would not be allowed to appear before the tribunals of the land, to + justify himself and to accuse the truly guilty, if it were in the power of + the last to prevent it. Great, therefore, was the satisfaction of our + handsome young mate when he found himself again fairly in motion, with a + craft under him, that glided ahead in a way to prove that she might give + even the Swash some trouble to catch her, in the event of a trial of + speed. + </p> + <p> + Everybody entered into the feelings of Mulford, as the schooner passed + gallantly out from between the islets, and entered the open water. Fathom + by fathom did her wake rapidly increase, until it could no longer be + traced back as far as the sandy beaches that had just been left. In a + quarter of an hour more, the vessel had drawn so far from the land, that + some of the smaller and lowest of the islets were getting to be + indistinct. At that instant everybody had come aft, the females taking + their seats on the trunk, which, in this vessel as in the Swash herself, + gave space and height to the cabin. + </p> + <p> + “Well,” exclaimed Mrs. Budd, who found the freshness of the sea air + invigorating, as well as their speed exciting, “this is what I call + maritime, Rosy, dear. This is what is meant by the Maritime States, about + which we read so much, and which are commonly thought to be so important. + We are now in a Maritime State, and I feel perfectly happy after all our + dangers and adventures!” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, aunty, and I am delighted that you are happy,” answered Rose, with + frank affection. “We are now rid of that infamous Spike, and may hope + never to see his face more.” + </p> + <p> + “Stephen Spike has his good p'ints as well as another,” said Jack Tier, + abruptly. + </p> + <p> + “I know that he is an old shipmate of yours, Tier, and that you cannot + forget how he once stood connected with you, and am sorry I have said so + much against him,” answered Rose, expressing her concern even more by her + looks and tones, than by her words. + </p> + <p> + Jack was mollified by this, and he let his feeling be seen, though he said + no more than to mutter, “He's a willian!” words that had frequently issued + from his lips within the last day or two. + </p> + <p> + “Stephen Spike is a capital seaman, and that is something in any man,” + observed the relict of Captain Budd. “He learned his trade from one who + was every way qualified to teach him, and it's no wonder he should be + expert. Do you expect, Mr. Mulford, to beat the wind the whole distance to + Key West?” + </p> + <p> + It was not possible for any one to look more grave than the mate did + habitually, while the widow was floundering through her sea-terms. Rose + had taught him that respect for her aunt was to be one of the conditions + of her own regard, though Rose had never opened her lips to him on the + subject. + </p> + <p> + “Yes, ma'am,” answered the mate, respectfully, “we are in the trades, and + shall have to turn to windward, every inch of the way to Key West.” + </p> + <p> + “Of what lock is this place the key, Rosy?” asked the aunt, innocently + enough. “I know that forts and towns are sometimes called keys, but they + always have locks of some sort or other. Now, Gibraltar is the key of the + Mediterranean, as your uncle has told me fifty times; and I have been + there, and can understand why it should be,—but I do not know of + what lock this West is the key.” + </p> + <p> + “It is not that sort of key which is meant, aunty, at all—but quite + a different thing. The key meant is an island.” + </p> + <p> + “And why should any one be so silly as to call an island a key?” + </p> + <p> + “The place where vessels unload is sometimes called a key,” answered + Mulford;—“the French calling it a quai, and the Dutch kaye. I + suppose our English word is derived from these. Now, a low, sandy island, + looking somewhat like keys, or wharves, seamen have given them this name. + Key West is merely a low island.” + </p> + <p> + “Then there is no lock to it, or anything to be unfastened,” said the + widow, in her most simple manner. + </p> + <p> + “It may turn out to be the key to the Gulf of Mexico, one of these days, + ma'am. Uncle Sam is surveying the reef, and intends to do something here, + I believe. When Uncle Sam is really in earnest, he is capable of + performing great things.” + </p> + <p> + Mrs. Budd was satisfied with this explanation, though she told Biddy that + evening, that “locks and keys go together, and that the person who + christened the island to which they were going, must have been very weak + in his upper story.” But these reflections on the intellects of her + fellow-creatures were by no means uncommon with the worthy relict; and we + cannot say that her remarks made any particular impression on her Irish + maid. + </p> + <p> + In the mean time, the Mexican schooner behaved quite to Mulford's + satisfaction. He thought her a little tender in the squalls, of which they + had several that afternoon; but he remarked to Rose, who expressed her + uneasiness at the manner in which the vessel lay over in one of them, that + “she comes down quite easy to her bearings, but it is hard forcing her + beyond them. The vessel needs more cargo to ballast her, though, on the + whole, I find her as stiff as one could expect. I am now glad that I + reefed, and reduced the head sails, though I was sorry at having done so + when we first came out. At this rate of sailing, we ought to be up with + Key West by morning.” + </p> + <p> + But that rate of sailing did not continue. Toward evening, the breeze + lessened almost to a calm again, the late tornado appearing to have quite + deranged the ordinary stability of the trades. When the sun set, and it + went down into the broad waters of the Gulf a flood of flame, there was + barely a two-knot breeze, and Mulford had no longer any anxiety on the + subject of keeping his vessel on her legs. His solicitude, now, was + confined to the probability of falling in with the Swash. As yet, nothing + was visible, either in the shape of land or in that of a sail. Between the + islets of the Dry Tortugas and the next nearest visible keys, there is a + space of open water, of some forty miles in width. The reef extends across + it, of course; but nowhere does the rock protrude itself above the surface + of the sea. The depth of water on this reef varies essentially. In some + places, a ship of size might pass on to it, if not across it; while in + others a man could wade for miles. There is one deep and safe channel—safe + to those who are acquainted with it—through the centre of this open + space, and which is sometimes used by vessels that wish to pass from one + side to the other; but it is ever better for those whose business does not + call them in that direction, to give the rocks a good berth, more + especially in the night. + </p> + <p> + Mulford had gleaned many of the leading facts connected with the channels, + and the navigation of those waters, from Spike and the older seamen of the + brig, during the time they had been lying at the Tortugas. Such questions + and answers are common enough on board ships, and, as they are usually put + and given with intelligence, one of our mate's general knowledge of his + profession, was likely to carry away much useful information. By + conversations of this nature, and by consulting the charts, which Spike + did not affect to conceal after the name of his port became known, the + young man, in fact, had so far made himself master of the subject, as to + have tolerably accurate notions of the courses, distances, and general + peculiarities of the reef. When the sun went down, he supposed himself to + be about half-way across the space of open water, and some five-and-twenty + miles dead to windward of his port of departure. This was doing very well + for the circumstances, and Mulford believed himself and his companions + clear of spike, when, as night drew its veil over the tranquil sea, + nothing was in sight. + </p> + <p> + A very judicious arrangement was made for the watches on board the Mexican + schooner, on this important night. Mrs. Budd had a great fancy to keep a + watch, for once in her life, and, after the party had supped, and the + subject came up in the natural course of things, a dialogue like this + occurred: + </p> + <p> + “Harry must be fatigued,” said Rose, kindly, “and must want sleep. The + wind is so light, and the weather appears to be so settled, that I think + it would be better for him to 'turn in,' as he calls it;”—here Rose + laughed so prettily that the handsome mate wished she would repeat the + words,—“better that he should 'turn in' now, and we can call him, + should there be need of his advice or assistance. I dare say Jack Tier and + I can take very good care of the schooner until daylight.” + </p> + <p> + Mrs. Budd thought it would be no more than proper for one of her + experience and years to rebuke this levity, as well as to enlighten the + ignorance her niece had betrayed. + </p> + <p> + “You should be cautious, my child, how you propose anything to be done on + a ship's board,” observed the aunt. “It requires great experience and a + suitable knowledge of rigging to give maritime advice. Now, as might have + been expected, considering your years, and the short time you have been at + sea, you have made several serious mistakes in what you have proposed. In + the first place, there should always be a mate on the deck, as I have + heard your dear departed uncle say, again and again; and how can there be + a mate on the deck if Mr. Mulford 'turns in,' as you propose, seeing that + he's the only mate we have. Then you should never laugh at any maritime + expression, for each and all are, as a body might say, solemnized by + storms and dangers. That Harry is fatigued I think is very probable; and + he must set our watches, as they call it, when he can make his + arrangements for the night, and take his rest as is usual. Here is my + watch to begin with; and I'll engage he does not find it two minutes out + of the way, though yours, Rosy dear, like most girl's time-pieces, is, + I'll venture to say, dreadfully wrong. Where is your chronometer, Mr. + Mulford? let us see how this excellent watch of mine, which was once my + poor departed Mr. Budd's, will agree with that piece of your's, which I + have heard you say is excellent.” + </p> + <p> + Here was a flight in science and nautical language that poor Mulford could + not have anticipated, even in the captain's relict! That Mrs. Budd should + mistake “setting the watch” for “setting our watches,” was not so very + violent a blunder that one ought to be much astonished at it in her; but + that she should expect to find a chronometer that was intended to keep the + time of Greenwich, agreeing with a watch that was set for the time of New + York, betrayed a degree of ignorance that the handsome mate was afraid + Rose would resent on him, when the mistake was made to appear. As the + widow held out her own watch for the comparison, however, he could not + refuse to produce his own. By Mrs. Budd's watch it was past seven o'clock, + while by his own, or the Greenwich-set chronometer, it was a little past + twelve. + </p> + <p> + “How very wrong your watch is, Mr. Mulford,” cried the good lady, + “notwithstanding all you have said in its favour. It's quite five hours + too fast, I do declare; and now, Rosy dear, you see the importance of + setting watches on a ship's board, as is done every evening, my departed + husband has often told me.” + </p> + <p> + “Harry's must be what he calls a dog-watch, aunty,” said Rose, laughing, + though she scarce knew at what. + </p> + <p> + “The watch goes, too,” added the widow, raising the chronometer to her + ear, “though it is so very wrong. Well, set it, Mr. Mulford; then we will + set Rose's, which I'll engage is half an hour out of the way, though it + can never be as wrong as yours.” + </p> + <p> + Mulford was a good deal embarrassed, but he gained courage by looking at + Rose, who appeared to him to be quite as much mystified as her aunt. For + once he hoped Rose was ignorant; for nothing would be so likely to + diminish the feeling produced by the exposure of the aunt's mistake, as to + include the niece in the same category. + </p> + <p> + “My watch is a chronometer, you will recollect, Mrs. Budd,” said the young + man. + </p> + <p> + “I know it; and they ought to keep the very best time—that I've + always heard. My poor Mr. Budd had two, and they were as large as + compasses, and sold for hundreds after his lamented decease.” + </p> + <p> + “They were ship's chronometers, but mine was made for the pocket. It is + true, chronometers are intended to keep the most accurate time, and + usually they do; this of mine, in particular, would not lose ten seconds + in a twelvemonth, did I not carry it on my person.” + </p> + <p> + “No, no, it does not seem to lose any, Harry; it only gains,” cried Rose, + laughing. + </p> + <p> + Mulford was now satisfied, notwithstanding all that had passed on a + previous occasion, that the laughing, bright-eyed, and quick-witted girl + at his elbow, knew no more of the uses of a chronometer than her unusually + dull and ignorant aunt; and he felt himself relieved from all + embarrassment at once. Though he dared not even seem to distrust Mrs. + Budd's intellect or knowledge before Rose, he did not scruple to laugh at + Rose herself, to Rose. With her there was no jealousy on the score of + capacity, her quickness being almost as obvious to all who approached her + as her beauty. + </p> + <p> + “Rose Budd, you do not understand the uses of a chronometer, I see,” said + the mate, firmly, “notwithstanding all I have told you concerning them.” + </p> + <p> + “It is to keep time, Harry Mulford, is it not?” + </p> + <p> + “True, to keep time—but to keep the time of a particular meridian; + you know what meridian means, I hope?” + </p> + <p> + Rose looked intently at her lover, and she looked singularly lovely, for + she blushed slightly, though her smile was as open and amicable as + ingenuousness and affection could make it. + </p> + <p> + “A meridian means a point over our heads—the spot where the sun is + at noon,” said Rose, doubtingly. + </p> + <p> + “Quite right; but it also means longitude, in one sense. If you draw a + line from one pole to the other, all the places it crosses are on the same + meridian. As the sun first appears in the east, it follows that he rises + sooner in places that are east, than in places that are further west. Thus + it is, that at Greenwich, in England, where there is an observatory made + for nautical purposes, the sun rises about five hours sooner than it does + here. All this difference is subject to rules, and we know exactly how to + measure it.” + </p> + <p> + “How can that be, Harry? You told me this but the other day, yet have I + forgotten it.” + </p> + <p> + “Quite easily. As the earth turns round in just twenty-four hours, and its + circumference is divided into three hundred and sixty equal parts, called + degrees, we have only to divide 360 by 24, to know how many of these + degrees are included in the difference produced by one hour of time. There + are just fifteen of them, as you will find by multiplying 24 by 15. It + follows that the sun rises just one hour later, each fifteen degrees of + longitude, as you go west, or one hour earlier each fifteen degrees of + longitude as you go east. Having ascertained the difference by the hour, + it is easy enough to calculate for the minutes and seconds.” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, yes,” said Rose, eagerly, “I see all that—go on.” + </p> + <p> + “Now a chronometer is nothing but a watch, made with great care, so as not + to lose or gain more than a few seconds in a twelvemonth. Its whole merit + is in keeping time accurately.” + </p> + <p> + “Still I do not see how that can be anything more than a very good watch.” + </p> + <p> + “You will see in a minute, Rose. For purposes that you will presently + understand, books are calculated for certain meridians, or longitudes, as + at Greenwich and Paris, and those who use the books calculated for + Greenwich, get their chronometers set at Greenwich, and those who use the + Paris, get their chronometers set to Paris time. When I was last in + England, I took this watch to Greenwich, and had it set at the Observatory + by the true solar time. Ever since it has been running by that time, and + what you see here is the true Greenwich time, after allowing for a second + or two that it may have lost or gained.” + </p> + <p> + “All that is plain enough,” said the much interested Rose—“but of + what use is it all?” + </p> + <p> + “To help mariners to find their longitude at sea, and thus know where they + are. As the sun passes so far north, and so far south of the equator each + year, it is easy enough to find the latitude, by observing his position at + noon-day; but for a long time seamen had great difficulty in ascertaining + their longitudes. That, too, is done by observing the different heavenly + bodies, and with greater accuracy than by any other process; but this + thought of measuring the time is very simple, and so easily put in + practice, that we all run by it now.” + </p> + <p> + “Still I cannot understand it,” said Rose, looking so intently, so + eagerly, and so intelligently into the handsome mate's eyes, that he found + it was pleasant to teach her other things besides how to love. + </p> + <p> + “I will explain it. Having the Greenwich time in the watch, we observe the + sun, in order to ascertain the true time, wherever we may happen to be. It + is a simple thing to ascertain the true time of day by an observation of + the sun, which marks the hours in his track; and when we get our + observation, we have some one to note the time at a particular instant on + the chronometer. By noting the hour, minutes, and seconds, at Greenwich, + at the very instant we observe here, when we have calculated from that + observation the time here, we have only to add, or subtract, the time here + from that of Greenwich, to know precisely how far east or west we are from + Greenwich, which gives us our longitude.” + </p> + <p> + “I begin to comprehend it again,” exclaimed Rose, delighted at the + acquisition in knowledge she had just made. “How beautiful it is, yet how + simple—but why do I forget it?” + </p> + <p> + “Perfectly simple, and perfectly sure, too, when the chronometer is + accurate, and the observations are nicely made. It is seldom we are more + than eight or ten miles out of the way, and for them we keep a look-out. + It is only to ascertain the time where you are, by means that are easily + used, then look at your watch to learn the time of day at Greenwich, or + any other meridian you may have selected, and to calculate your distance, + east or west, from that meridian, by the difference in the two times.” + </p> + <p> + Rose could have listened all night, for her quick mind readily + comprehended the principle which lies at the bottom of this useful + process, though still ignorant of some of the details. This time she was + determined to secure her acquisition, though it is quite probable that, + woman-like, they were once more lost, almost as easily as made. Mulford, + however, was obliged to leave her, to look at the vessel, before he + stretched himself on the deck, in an old sail; it having been previously + determined that he should sleep first, while the wind was light, and that + Jack Tier, assisted by the females, should keep the first watch. Rose + would not detain the mate, therefore, but let him go his way, in order to + see that all was right before he took his rest. + </p> + <p> + Mrs. Budd had listened to Mulford's second explanation of the common mode + of ascertaining the longitude, with all the attention of which she was + capable; but it far exceeded the powers of her mind to comprehend it. + There are persons who accustom themselves to think so superficially, that + it becomes a painful process to attempt to dive into any of the arcana of + nature, and who ever turn from such investigations wearied and disgusted. + Many of these persons, perhaps most of them, need only a little patience + and perseverance to comprehend all the more familiar phenomena, but they + cannot command even that much of the two qualities named to obtain the + knowledge they would fain wish to possess. Mrs. Budd did not belong to a + division as high in the intellectual scale as even this vapid class. Her + intellect was unequal to embracing anything of an abstracted character, + and only received the most obvious impressions, and those quite half the + time it received wrong. The mate's reasoning, therefore, was not only + inexplicable to her, but it sounded absurd and impossible. + </p> + <p> + “Rosy, dear,” said the worthy relict, as soon as she saw Mulford stretch + his fine frame on his bed of canvas, speaking at the same time in a low, + confidential tone to her niece, “what was it that Harry was telling you a + little while ago? It sounded to me like rank nonsense; and men will talk + nonsense to young girls, as I have so often warned you, child. You must + never listen to their nonsense, Rosy; but remember your catechism and + confirmation vow, and be a good girl.” + </p> + <p> + To how many of the feeble-minded and erring do those offices of the church + prove a stay and support, when their own ordinary powers of resistance + would fail them! Rose, however, viewed the matter just as it was, and + answered accordingly. + </p> + <p> + “But this was nothing of that nature, aunty,” she said, “and only an + account of the mode of finding out where a ship is, when out of sight of + land, in the middle of the ocean. We had the same subject up the other + day.” + </p> + <p> + “And how did Harry tell you, this time, that was done, my dear?” + </p> + <p> + “By finding the difference in the time of day between two places—just + as he did before.” + </p> + <p> + “But there is no difference in the time of day, child, when the clocks go + well.” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, there is, aunty dear, as the sun rises in one place before it does + in another.” + </p> + <p> + “Rose you've been listening to nonsense now! Remember what I have so often + told you about young men, and their way of talking. I admit Harry Mulford + is a respectable youth, and has respectable connections, and since you + like one another, you may have him, with all my heart, as soon as he gets + a full-jiggered ship, for I am resolved no niece of my poor dear husband's + shall ever marry a mate, or a captain even, unless he has a full-jiggered + ship under his feet. But do not talk nonsense with him. Nonsense is + nonsense, though a sensible man talks it. As for all this stuff about the + time of day, you can see it is nonsense, as the sun rises but once in + twenty-four hours, and of course there cannot be two times, as you call + it.” + </p> + <p> + “But, aunty dear, it is not always noon at London when it is noon at New + York.” + </p> + <p> + “Fiddle-faddle, child; noon is noon, and there are no more two noons than + two suns, or two times. Distrust what young men tell you, Rosy, if you + would be safe, though they should tell you you are handsome.” + </p> + <p> + Poor Rose sighed, and gave up the explanation in despair. Then a smile + played around her pretty mouth. It was not at her aunt that she smiled; + this she never permitted herself to do, weak as was that person, and weak + as she saw her to be; she smiled at the recollection how often Mulford had + hinted at her good looks—for Rose was a female, and had her own + weaknesses, as well as another. But the necessity of acting soon drove + these thoughts from her mind, and Rose sought Jack Tier, to confer with + him on the subject of their new duties. + </p> + <p> + As for Harry Mulford, his head was no sooner laid on its bunch of sail + than he fell into a profound sleep. There he lay, slumbering as the seaman + slumbers, with no sense of surrounding things. The immense fatigues of + that and of the two preceding days,—for he had toiled at the pumps + even long after night had come, until the vessel was clear,—weighed + him down, and nature was now claiming her influence, and taking a respite + from exertion. Had he been left to himself, it is probable the mate would + not have arisen until the sun had reappeared some hours. + </p> + <p> + It is now necessary to explain more minutely the precise condition, as + well as the situation of the schooner. On quitting his port, Mulford had + made a stretch of some two leagues in length, toward the northward and + eastward, when he tacked and stood to the southward. There was enough of + southing in the wind, to make his last course nearly due south. As he + neared the reef, he found that he fell in some miles to the eastward of + the islets,—proof that he was doing very well, and that there was no + current to do him any material harm, if, indeed, there were not actually a + current in his favour. He next tacked to the northward again, and stood in + that direction until near night, when he once more went about. The wind + was now so light that he saw little prospect of getting in with the reef + again, until the return of day; but as he had left orders with Jack Tier + to be called at twelve o'clock, at all events, this gave him no + uneasiness. At the time when the mate lay down to take his rest, + therefore, the schooner was quite five-and-twenty miles to windward of the + Dry Tortugas, and some twenty miles to the northward of the Florida Reef, + with the wind quite light at east-south-east. Such, then, was the position + or situation of the schooner. + </p> + <p> + As respects her condition, it is easily described. She had but the three + sails bent,—mainsail, foresail, and jib. Her topmasts had been + struck, and all the hamper that belonged to them was below. The mainsail + was single reefed, and the foresail and jib were without their bonnets, as + has already been mentioned. This was somewhat short canvas, but Mulford + knew that it would render his craft more manageable in the event of a + blow. Usually, at that season and in that region, the east trades + prevailed with great steadiness, sometimes diverging a little south of + east, as at present, and generally blowing fresh. But, for a short time + previously to, and ever since the tornado, the wind had been unsettled, + the old currents appearing to regain their ascendancy by fits, and then + losing it, in squalls, contrary currents, and even by short calms. + </p> + <p> + The conference between Jack Tier and Rose was frank and confidential. + </p> + <p> + “We must depend mainly on you,” said the latter, turning to look toward + the spot where Mulford lay, buried in the deepest sleep that had ever + gained power over him. “Harry is so fatigued! It would be shameful to + awaken him a moment sooner than is necessary.” + </p> + <p> + “Ay, ay; so it is always with young women, when they lets a young man gain + their ears,” answered Jack, without the least circumlocution; “so it is, + and so it always will be, I'm afeard. Nevertheless, men is willians.” + </p> + <p> + Rose was not affronted at this plain allusion to the power that Mulford + had obtained over her feelings. It would seem that Jack had got to be so + intimate in the cabins, that his sex was, in a measure, forgotten; and it + is certain that his recent services were not. Without a question, but for + his interference, the pretty Rose Budd would, at that moment, have been + the prisoner of Spike, and most probably the victim of his design to + compel her to marry him. + </p> + <p> + “All men are not Stephen Spikes,” said Rose, earnestly, “and least of all + is Harry Mulford to be reckoned as one of his sort. But, we must manage to + take care of the schooner the whole night, and let Harry get his rest. He + wished to be called at twelve, but we can easily let the hour go by, and + not awaken him.” + </p> + <p> + “The commanding officer ought not to be sarved so, Miss Rose. What he says + is to be done.” + </p> + <p> + “I know it, Jack, as to ordinary matters; but Harry left these orders that + we might have our share of rest, and for no other reason at all. And what + is to prevent our having it? We are four, and can divide ourselves into + two watches; one watch can sleep while the other keeps a look-out.” + </p> + <p> + “Ay, ay, and pretty watches they would be! There's Madam Budd, now; why, + she's quite a navigator, and knows all about weerin' and haulin', and I + dares to say could put the schooner about, to keep her off the reef, on a + pinch; though which way the craft would come round, could best be told + a'ter it has been done. It's as much as I'd undertake myself, Miss Rose, + to take care of the schooner, should it come on to blow; and as for you, + Madam Budd, and that squalling Irishwoman, you'd be no better than so many + housewives ashore.” + </p> + <p> + “We have strength, and we have courage, and we can pull, as you have seen. + I know very well which way to put the helm now, and Biddy is as strong as + you are yourself, and could help me all I wished. Then we could always + call you, at need, and have your assistance. Nay, Harry himself can be + called, if there should be a real necessity for it, and I do wish he may + not be disturbed until there is that necessity.” + </p> + <p> + It was with a good deal of reluctance that Jack allowed himself to be + persuaded into this scheme. He insisted, for a long time, that an officer + should be called at the hour mentioned by himself, and declared he had + never known such an order neglected, “marchant-man, privateer, or + man-of-war.” Rose prevailed over his scruples, however, and there was a + meeting of the three females to make the final arrangements. Mrs. Budd, a + kind-hearted woman, at the worst, gave her assent most cheerfully, though + Rose was a little startled with the nature of the reasoning, with which it + was accompanied. + </p> + <p> + “You are quite right, Rosy dear,” said the aunt, “and the thing is very + easily done. I've long wanted to keep one watch, at sea; just one watch; + to complete my maritime education. Your poor uncle used to say, 'Give my + wife but one night-watch, and you'd have as good a seaman in her as heart + could wish.' I'm sure I've had night-watches enough with him and his + ailings; but it seems that they were not the sort of watches he meant. + Indeed, I did n't know till this evening there were so many watches in the + world, at all. But this is just what I want, and just what I'm resolved to + have. Tier shall command one watch and I'll command the other. Jack's + shall be the 'dog-watch,' as they call it, and mine shall be the + 'middle-watch,' and last till morning. You shall be in Jack's watch, Rose, + and Biddy shall be in mine. You know a good deal that Jack do n't know, + and Biddy can do a good deal I'm rather too stout to do. I do n't like + pulling ropes, but as for ordering, I'll turn my back on no captain's + widow out of York.” + </p> + <p> + Rose had her own misgivings on the subject of her aunt's issuing orders on + such a subject to any one, but she made the best of necessity, and + completed the arrangements without further discussion. Her great anxiety + was to secure a good night's rest for Harry, already feeling a woman's + care in the comfort and ease of the man she loved. And Rose did love Harry + Mulford warmly and sincerely. If the very decided preference with which + she regarded him before they sailed, had not absolutely amounted to + passion, it had come so very near it as to render that access of feeling + certain, under the influence of the association and events which + succeeded. We have not thought it necessary to relate a tithe of the + interviews and intercourse that had taken place between the handsome mate + and the pretty Rose Budd, during the month they had now been shipmates, + having left the reader to imagine the natural course of things, under such + circumstances. Nevertheless, the plighted troth had not been actually + given until Harry joined her on the islet, at a moment when she fancied + herself abandoned to a fate almost as serious as death. Rose had seen + Mulford quit the brig, had watched the mode and manner of his escape, and + in almost breathless amazement, and felt how dear to her he had become, by + the glow of delight which warmed her heart, when assured that he could + not, would not, forsake her, even though he remained at the risk of life. + She was now, true to the instinct of her sex, mostly occupied in making + such a return for an attachment so devoted as became her tenderness and + the habits of her mind. + </p> + <p> + As Mrs. Budd chose what she was pleased to term the 'middle-watch,' giving + to Jack Tier and Rose her 'dog-watch,' the two last were first on duty. It + is scarcely necessary to say, the captain's widow got the names of the + watches all wrong, as she got the names of everything else about a vessel; + but the plan was to divide the night equally between these quasi mariners, + giving the first half to those who were first on the look-out, and the + remainder to their successors. It soon became so calm, that Jack left the + helm, and came and sat by Rose, on the trunk, where they conversed + confidentially for a long time. Although the reader will, hereafter, be + enabled to form some plausible conjectures on the subject of this + dialogue, we shall give him no part of it here. All that need now be said, + is to add, that Jack did most of the talking, that his past life was the + principal theme, and that the terrible Stephen Spike, he from whom they + were now so desirous of escaping, was largely mixed up with the adventures + recounted. Jack found in his companion a deeply interested listener, + although this was by no means the first time they had gone over together + the same story and discussed the same events. The conversation lasted + until Tier, who watched the glass, seeing that its sands had run out for + the last time, announced the hour of midnight. This was the moment when + Mulford should have been called, but when Mrs. Budd and Biddy Noon were + actually awakened in his stead. + </p> + <p> + “Now, dear aunty,” said Rose, as she parted from the new watch to go and + catch a little sleep herself, “remember you are not to awaken Harry first, + but to call Tier and myself. It would have done your heart good to have + seen how sweetly he has been sleeping all this time. I do not think he has + stirred once since his head was laid on that bunch of sails, and there he + is, at this moment, sleeping like an infant!” + </p> + <p> + “Yes,” returned the relict, “it is always so with your true maritime + people. I have been sleeping a great deal more soundly, the whole of the + dog-watch, than I ever slept at home, in my own excellent bed. But it's + your watch below, Rosy, and contrary to rule for you to stay on the deck, + after you've been relieved. I've heard this a thousand times.” + </p> + <p> + Rose was not sorry to lie down; and her head was scarcely on its pillow, + in the cabin, before she was fast asleep. As for Jack, he found a place + among Mulford's sails, and was quickly in the same state. + </p> + <p> + To own the truth, Mrs. Budd was not quite as much at ease, in her new + station, for the first half hour, as she had fancied to herself might + prove to be the case. It was a flat calm, it is true; but the widow felt + oppressed with responsibility and the novelty of her situation. Time and + again had she said, and even imagined, she should be delighted to fill the + very station she then occupied, or to be in charge of a deck, in a “middle + watch.” In this instance, however, as in so many others, reality did not + equal anticipation. She wished to be doing everything, but did not know + how to do anything. As for Biddy, she was even worse off than her + mistress. A month's experience, or for that matter a twelvemonth's, could + not unravel to her the mysteries of even a schooner's rigging. Mrs. Budd + had placed her “at the wheel,” as she called it, though the vessel had no + wheel, being steered by a tiller on deck, in the 'long-shore fashion. In + stationing Biddy, the widow told her that she was to play “tricks at the + wheel,” leaving it to the astounded Irish woman's imagination to discover + what those tricks were. Failing in ascertaining what might be the nature + of her “tricks at the wheel,” Biddy was content to do nothing, and + nothing, under the circumstances, was perhaps the very best thing she + could have done. + </p> + <p> + Little was required to be done for the first four hours of Mrs. Budd's + watch. All that time, Rose slept in her berth, and Mulford and Jack Tier + on their sail, while Biddy had played the wheel a “trick,” indeed, by + lying down on deck, and sleeping, too, as soundly as if she were in the + county Down itself. But there was to be an end of this tranquillity. + Suddenly the wind began to blow. At first, the breeze came in fitful + puffs, which were neither very strong nor very lasting. This induced Mrs. + Budd to awaken Biddy. Luckily, a schooner without a topsail could not very + well be taken aback, especially as the head-sheets worked on travellers, + and Mrs. Budd and her assistant contrived to manage the tiller very well + for the first hour that these varying puffs of wind lasted. It is true, + the tiller was lashed, and it is also true, the schooner ran in all + directions, having actually headed to all the cardinal points of the + compass, under her present management. At length, Mrs. Budd became + alarmed. A puff of wind came so strong, as to cause the vessel to lie over + so far as to bring the water into the lee scuppers. She called Jack Tier + herself, therefore, and sent Biddy down to awaken Rose. In a minute, both + these auxiliaries appeared on deck. The wind just then lulled, and Rose, + supposing her aunt was frightened at trifles, insisted on it that Harry + should be permitted to sleep on. He had turned over once, in the course of + the night, but not once had he raised his head from his pillow. + </p> + <p> + As soon as reinforced, Mrs. Budd began to bustle about, and to give + commands, such as they were, in order to prove that she was unterrified. + Jack Tier gaped at her elbow, and by way of something to do, he laid his + hand on the painter of the Swash's boat, which boat was towing astern, and + remarked that “some know-nothing had belayed it with three half-hitches.” + This was enough for the relict. She had often heard the saying that “three + half-hitches lost the king's long-boat,” and she busied herself, at once, + in repairing so imminent an evil. It was far easier for the good woman to + talk than to act; she became what is called “all fingers and thumbs,” and + in loosening the third half-hitch, she cast off the two others. At that + instant, a puff of wind struck the schooner again, and the end of the + painter got away from the widow, who had a last glimpse at the boat, as + the vessel darted ahead, leaving its little tender to vanish in the gloom + of the night. + </p> + <p> + Jack was excessively provoked at this accident, for he had foreseen the + possibility of having recourse to that boat yet, in order to escape from + Spike. By abandoning the schooner, and pulling on to the reef, it might + have been possible to get out of their pursuer's hands, when all other + means should fail them. As he was at the tiller, he put his helm up, and + ran off, until far enough to leeward to be to the westward of the boat, + when he might tack, fetch and recover it. Nevertheless, it now blew much + harder than he liked, for the schooner seemed to be unusually tender. Had + he had the force to do it, he would have brailed the foresail. He desired + Rose to call Mulford, but she hesitated about complying. + </p> + <p> + “Call him—call the mate, I say,” cried out Jack, in a voice that + proved how much he was in earnest. “These puffs come heavy, I can tell + you, and they come often, too. Call him—call him, at once, Miss + Rose, for it is time to tack if we wish to recover the boat. Tell him, + too, to brail the foresail, while we are in stays—that's right; + another call will start him up.” + </p> + <p> + The other call was given, aided by a gentle shake from Rose's hand. Harry + was on his feet in a moment. A passing instant was necessary to clear his + faculties, and to recover the tenor of his thoughts. During that instant, + the mate heard Jack Tier's shrill cry of “Hard a-lee—get in that + foresail—bear a-hand—in with it, I say!” + </p> + <p> + The wind came rushing and roaring, and the flaps of the canvas were + violent and heavy. + </p> + <p> + “In with the foresail, I say,” shouted Jack Tier. “She files round like a + top, and will be off the wind on the other tack presently. Bear a-hand!—bear + a-hand! It looks black as night to windward.” + </p> + <p> + Mulford then regained all his powers. He sprang to the fore-sheet, calling + on the others for aid. The violent surges produced by the wind prevented + his grasping the sheet as soon as he could wish, and the vessel whirled + round on her heel, like a steed that is frightened. At that critical and + dangerous instant, when the schooner was nearly without motion through the + water, a squall struck the flattened sails, and bowed her down as the + willow bends to the gale. Mrs. Budd and Biddy screamed as usual, and Jack + shouted until his voice seemed cracked, to “let go the head-sheets.” + Mulford did make one leap forward, to execute this necessary office, when + the inclining plane of the deck told him it was too late. The wind fairly + howled for a minute, and over went the schooner, the remains of her cargo + shifting as she capsized, in a way to bring her very nearly bottom upward. + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + 1. We suppress the names used by Mrs. Budd, out of delicacy + to the individuals mentioned, who are still living. +</pre> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0008" id="link2HCH0008"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER VIII. + </h2> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + Ay, fare you well, fair gentleman. + + As You Like it. +</pre> + <p> + While the tyro believes the vessel is about to capsize at every puff of + wind, the practised seaman alone knows when danger truly besets him in + this particular form. Thus it was with Harry Mulford, when the Mexican + schooner went over, as related in the close of the preceding chapter. He + felt no alarm until the danger actually came. Then, indeed, no one there + was so quickly, or so thoroughly apprized of what the result would be, and + he directed all his exertions to meet the exigency. While there was the + smallest hope of success, he did not lessen, in the least, his endeavours + to save the vessel; making almost superhuman efforts to cast off the + fore-sheet, so as to relieve the schooner from the pressure of one of her + sails. But, no sooner did he hear the barrels in the hold surging to + leeward, and feel by the inclination of the deck beneath his feet, that + nothing could save the craft, than he abandoned the sheet, and sprang to + the assistance of Rose. It was time he did; for, having followed him into + the vessel's lee-waist, she was the first to be submerged in the sea, and + would have been hopelessly drowned, but for Mulford's timely succour. + Women might swim more readily than men, and do so swim, in those portions + of the world where the laws of nature are not counteracted by human + conventions. Rose Budd, however, had received the vicious education which + civilized society inflicts on her sex, and, as a matter of course, was + totally helpless in an element in which it was the design of Divine + Providence she should possess the common means of sustaining herself, like + every other being endued with animal life. Not so with Mulford: he swam + with ease and force, and had no difficulty in sustaining Rose until the + schooner had settled into her new berth, or in hauling her on the vessel's + bottom immediately after. + </p> + <p> + Luckily, there was no swell, or so little as not to endanger those who + were on the schooner's bilge; and Mulford had no sooner placed her in + momentary safety at least, whom he prized far higher than his own life, + than he bethought him of his other companions. Jack Tier had hauled + himself up to windward by the rope that steadied the tiller, and he had + called on Mrs. Budd to imitate his example. It was so natural for even a + woman to grasp anything like a rope at such a moment, that the widow + instinctively obeyed, while Biddy seized, at random, the first thing of + the sort that offered. Owing to these fortunate chances, Jack and Mrs. + Budd succeeded in reaching the quarter of the schooner, the former + actually getting up on the bottom of the wreck, on to which he was enabled + to float the widow, who was almost as buoyant as cork, as indeed was the + case with Jack himself. All the stern and bows of the vessel were under + water, in consequence of her leanness forward and aft; but though + submerged, she offered a precarious footing, even in these extremities, to + such as could reach them. On the other hand, the place where Rose stood, + or the bilge of the vessel, was two or three feet above the surface of the + sea, though slippery and inclining in shape. + </p> + <p> + It was not half a minute from the time that Mulford sprang to Rose's + succour, ere he had her on the vessel's bottom. In another half minute, he + had waded down on the schooner's counter, where Jack Tier was lustily + calling to him for “help!” and assisted the widow to her feet, and + supported her until she stood at Rose's side. Leaving the last in her + aunt's arms, half distracted between dread and joy, he turned to the + assistance of Biddy. The rope at which the Irish woman had caught, was a + straggling end that had been made fast to the main channels of the + schooner, for the support of a fender, and had been hauled partly in-board + to keep it out of the water. Biddy had found no difficulty in dragging + herself up to the chains, therefore; and had she been content to sustain + herself by the rope, leaving as much of her body submerged as comported + with breathing, her task would have been easy. But, like most persons who + do not know how to swim, the good woman was fast exhausting her strength, + by vain efforts to walk on the surface of an element that was never made + to sustain her. Unpractised persons, in such situations, cannot be taught + to believe that their greatest safety is in leaving as much of their + bodies as possible beneath the water, keeping the mouth and nose alone + free for breath. But we have seen even instances in which men, who were in + danger of drowning, seemed to believe it might be possible for them to + craw! over the waves on their hands and knees. The philosophy of the + contrary course is so very simple, that one would fancy a very child might + be made to comprehend it; yet, it is rare to find one unaccustomed to the + water, and who is suddenly exposed to its dangers, that does not resort, + under the pressure of present alarm, to the very reverse of the true means + to save his or her life. + </p> + <p> + Mulford had no difficulty in finding Bridget, whose exclamations of + “murther!” “help!” “he-l-lup!” “Jasus!” and other similar cries, led him + directly to the spot, where she was fast drowning herself by her own + senseless struggles. Seizing her by the arm, the active young mate soon + placed her on her feet, though her cries did not cease until she was + ordered by her mistress to keep silence. + </p> + <p> + Having thus rescued the whole of his companions from immediate danger, + Mulford began to think of the future. He was seized with sudden surprise + that the vessel did not sink, and for a minute he was unable to account + for the unusual fact. On the former occasion, the schooner had gone down + almost as soon as she fell over; but now she floated with so much buoyancy + as to leave most of her keel and all of her bilge on one side quite clear + of the water. As one of the main hatches was off, and the cabin-doors, and + booby-hatch doors forward were open, and all were under water, it required + a little reflection on the part of Mulford to understand on what + circumstance all their lives now depended. The mate soon ascertained the + truth, however, and we may as well explain it to the reader in our own + fashion, in order to put him on a level with the young seaman. + </p> + <p> + The puff of wind, or little squall, had struck the schooner at the most + unfavourable moment for her safety. She had just lost her way in tacking, + and the hull not moving ahead, as happens when a craft is thus assailed + with the motion on her, all the power of the wind was expended in the + direction necessary to capsize her. Another disadvantage arose from the + want of motion. The rudder, which acts solely by pressing against the + water as the vessel meets it, was useless, and it was not possible to + luff, and throw the wind from the sails, as is usually practised by + fore-and-aft rigged craft, in moments of such peril. In consequence of + these united difficulties, the shifting of the cargo in the hold, the + tenderness of the craft itself, and the force of the squall, the schooner + had gone so far over as to carry all three of the openings to her interior + suddenly under water, where they remained, held by the pressure of the + cargo that had rolled to leeward. Had not the water completely covered + these openings, or hatches, the schooner must have sunk in a minute or + two, or by the time Mulford had got all his companions safe on her bilge. + But they were completely submerged, and so continued to be, which + circumstance alone prevented the vessel from sinking, as the following + simple explanation will show. + </p> + <p> + Any person who will put an empty tumbler, bottom upwards, into a bucket of + water, will find that the water will not rise within the tumbler more than + an inch at most. At that point it is arrested by the resistance of the + air, which, unable to escape, and compressed into a narrow compass, forms + a body that the other fluid cannot penetrate. It is on this simple and + familiar principle, that the chemist keeps his gases, in inverted glasses, + placing them on shelves, slightly submerged in water. Thus it was, then, + that the schooner continued to float, though nearly bottom upward, and + with three inlets open, by which the water could and did penetrate. A + considerable quantity of the element had rushed in at the instant of + capsizing, but meeting with resistance from the compressed and pent air, + its progress had been arrested, and the wreck continued to float, + sustained by the buoyancy that was imparted to it, in containing so large + a body of a substance no heavier than atmospheric air. After displacing + its weight of water, enough of buoyancy remained to raise the keel a few + feet above the level of the sea. + </p> + <p> + As soon as Mulford had ascertained the facts of their situation, he + communicated them to his companions, encouraging them to hope for eventual + safety. It was true, their situation was nearly desperate, admitting that + the wreck should continue to float for ever, since they were almost + without food, or anything to drink, and had no means of urging the hull + through the water. They must float, too, at the mercy of the winds and + waves, and should a sea get up, it might soon be impossible for Mulford + himself to maintain his footing on the bottom of the wreck. All this the + young man had dimly shadowed forth to him, through his professional + experience; but the certainty of the vessel's not sinking immediately had + so far revived his spirits, as to cause him to look on the bright side of + the future, pale as that glimmering of hope was made to appear whenever + reason cast one of its severe glances athwart it. + </p> + <p> + Harry had no difficulty in making Rose comprehend their precise situation. + Her active and clear mind understood at once the causes of their present + preservation, and most of the hazards of the future. It was not so with + Jack Tier. He was composed, even resigned; but he could not see the reason + why the schooner still floated. + </p> + <p> + “I know that the cabin-doors were open,” he said, “and if they wasn't, of + no great matter would it be, since the joints ar'n't caulked, and the + water would run through them as through a sieve. I'm afeard, Mr. Mulford, + we shall find the wreck going from under our feet afore long, and when we + least wish it, perhaps.” + </p> + <p> + “I tell you the wreck will float so long as the air remains in its hold,” + returned the mate, cheerfully. “Do you not see how buoyant it is?—the + certain proof that there is plenty of air within. So long as that remains, + the hull must float.” + </p> + <p> + “I've always understood,” said Jack, sticking to his opinion, “that + wessels floats by vartue of water, and not by vartue of air; and, that + when the water gets on the wrong side on 'em, there's little hope left of + keepin' 'em up.” + </p> + <p> + “What has become of the boat?” suddenly cried the mate. “I have been so + much occupied as to have forgotten the boat. In that boat we might all of + us still reach Key West. I see nothing of the boat!” + </p> + <p> + A profound silence succeeded this sudden and unexpected question. All knew + that the boat was gone, and all knew that it had been lost by the widow's + pertinacity and clumsiness; but no one felt disposed to betray her at that + grave moment. Mulford left the bilge, and waded as far aft as it was at + all prudent for him to proceed, in the vain hope that the boat might be + there, fastened by its painter to the schooner's tafferel, as he had left + it, but concealed from view by the darkness of the night. Not finding what + he was after, he returned to his companions, still uttering exclamations + of surprise at the unaccountable loss of the boat. Rose now told him that + the boat had got adrift some ten or fifteen minutes before the accident + befell them, and that they were actually endeavouring to recover it when + the squall which capsized the schooner struck them. + </p> + <p> + “And why did you not call me, Rose?” asked Harry, with a little of gentle + reproach in his manner. “It must have soon been my watch on deck, and it + would have been better that I should lose half an hour of my watch below, + than that we should lose the boat.” + </p> + <p> + Rose was now obliged to confess that the time for calling him had long + been past, and that the faint streak of light, which was just appearing in + the east, was the near approach of day. This explanation was made gently, + but frankly; and Mulford experienced a glow of pleasure at his heart, even + in that moment of jeopardy, when he understood Rose's motive for not + having him disturbed. As the boat was gone, with little or no prospect of + its being recovered again, no more was said about it; and the window, who + had stood on thorns the while, had the relief of believing that her + awkwardness was forgotten. + </p> + <p> + It was such a relief from an imminent danger to have escaped from drowning + when the schooner capsized, that those on her bottom did not, for some + little time, realize all the terrors of their actual situation. The + inconvenience of being wet was a trifle not to be thought of, and, in + fact, the light summer dresses worn by all, linen or cotton as they were + entirely, were soon effectually dried in the wind. The keel made a + tolerably convenient seat, and the whole party placed themselves on it to + await the return of day, in order to obtain a view of all that their + situation offered in the way of a prospect. While thus awaiting, a broken + and short dialogue occurred. + </p> + <p> + “Had you stood to the northward the whole night?” asked Mulford, gloomily, + of Jack Tier; for gloomily he began to feel, as all the facts of their + case began to press more closely on his mind. “If so, we must be well off + the reef, and out of the track of wreckers and turtlers. How had you the + wind, and how did you head before the accident happened?” + </p> + <p> + “The wind was light the whole time, and for some hours it was nearly + calm,” answered Jack, in the same vein; “I kept the schooner's head to the + nor'ard, until I thought we were getting too far off our course, and then + I put her about. I do not think we could have been any great distance from + the reef, when the boat got away from us, and I suppose we are in its + neighbourhood now, for I was tacking to fall in with the boat when the + craft went over.” + </p> + <p> + “To fall in with the boat! Did you keep off to leeward of it, then, that + you expected to fetch it by tacking?” + </p> + <p> + “Ay, a good bit; and I think the boat is now away here to windward of us, + drifting athwart our bows.” + </p> + <p> + This was important news to Mulford. Could he only get that boat, the + chances of being saved would be increased a hundred fold, nay, would + almost amount to a certainty; whereas, so long as the wind held to the + southward and eastward, the drift of the wreck must be toward the open + water, and consequently so much the further removed from the means of + succor. The general direction of the trades, in that quarter of the world, + is east, and should they get round into their old and proper quarter, it + would not benefit them much; for the reef running south-west, they could + scarcely hope to hit the Dry Tortugas again, in their drift, were life + even spared them sufficiently long to float the distance. Then there might + be currents, about which Mulford knew nothing with certainty; they might + set them in any direction; and did they exist, as was almost sure to be + the case, were much more powerful than the wind in controlling the + movements of a wreck. + </p> + <p> + The mate strained his eyes in the direction pointed out by Jack Tier, in + the hope of discovering the boat through the haze of the morning, and he + actually did discern something that, it appeared to him, might be the much + desired little craft. If he were right, there was every reason to think + the boat would drift down so near them as to enable him to recover it by + swimming. This cheering intelligence was communicated to his companions, + who received it with gratitude and delight. But the approach of day + gradually dispelled that hope, the object which Mulford had mistaken for + the boat, within two hundred yards of the wreck, turning out to be a + small, low, but bare hummock of the reef, at a distance of more than two + miles. + </p> + <p> + “That is a proof that we are not far from the reef, at least,” cried + Mulford, willing to encourage those around him all he could, and really + much relieved at finding himself so near even this isolated fragment of + terra firma. “This fact is the next encouraging thing to finding ourselves + near the boat, or to falling in with a sail.” + </p> + <p> + “Ay, ay,” said Jack, gloomily; “boat or no boat, 't will make no great + matter of difference now. There's customers that'll be sartain to take all + the grists you can send to their mill.” + </p> + <p> + “What things are those glancing about the vessel?” cried Rose, almost in + the same breath; “those dark, sharp-looking sticks—see, there are + five or six of them! and they move as if fastened to something under the + water that pulls them about.” + </p> + <p> + “Them's the customers I mean, Miss Rose,” answered Jack, in the same + strain as that in which he had first spoken; “they're the same thing at + sea as lawyers be ashore, and seem made to live on other folks. Them's + sharks.” + </p> + <p> + “And yonder is truly the boat!” added Mulford, with a sigh that almost + amounted to a groan. The light had, by this time, so far returned as to + enable the party not only to see the fins of half a dozen sharks, which + were already prowling about the wreck, the almost necessary consequence of + their proximity to a reef in that latitude, but actually to discern the + boat drifting down toward them, at a distance that promised to carry it + past, within the reach of Mulford's powers of swimming, though not as near + as he could have wished, even under more favourable circumstances. Had + their extremity been greater, or had Rose begun to suffer from hunger or + thirst, Mulford might have attempted the experiment of endeavoring to + regain the boat, though the chances of death by means of the sharks would + be more than equal to those of escape; but still fresh, and not yet + feeling even the heat of the sun of that low latitude, he was not quite + goaded into such an act of desperation. All that remained for the party, + therefore, was to sit on the keel of the wreck, and gaze with longing eyes + at a little object floating past, which, once at their command, might so + readily be made to save them from a fate that already began to appear + terrible in the perspective. Near an hour was thus consumed, ere the boat + was about half a mile to leeward; during which scarcely an eye was turned + from it for one instant, or a word was spoken. + </p> + <p> + “It is beyond my reach now,” Mulford at length exclaimed, sighing heavily, + like one who became conscious of some great and irretrievable loss. “Were + there no sharks, I could hardly venture to attempt swimming so far, with + the boat drifting from me at the same time.” + </p> + <p> + “I should never consent to let you make the trial, Harry,” murmured Rose, + “though it were only half as far.” + </p> + <p> + Another pause succeeded. + </p> + <p> + “We have now the light of day,” resumed the mate, a minute or two later, + “and may see our true situation. No sail is in sight, and the wind stands + steadily in its old quarter. Still I do not think we leave the reef. + There, you may see breakers off here at the southward, and it seems as if + more rocks rise above the sea, in that direction. I do not know that our + situation would be any the better, however, were we actually on them, + instead of being on this floating wreck.” + </p> + <p> + “The rocks will never sink,” said Jack Tier, with so much emphasis as to + startle the listeners. + </p> + <p> + “I do not think this hull will sink until we are taken off it, or are + beyond caring whether it sink or swim,” returned Mulford. + </p> + <p> + “I do not know that, Mr. Mulford. Nothing keeps us up but the air in the + hold, you say.” + </p> + <p> + “Certainly not; but that air will suffice as long as it remains there.” + </p> + <p> + “And what do you call these things?” rejoined the assistant steward, + pointing at the water near him, in or on which no one else saw anything + worthy of attention. + </p> + <p> + Mulford, however, was not satisfied with a cursory glance, but went nearer + to the spot where Tier was standing. Then, indeed, he saw to what the + steward alluded, and was impressed by it, though he said nothing. Hundreds + of little bubbles rose to the surface of the water, much as one sees them + rising in springs. These bubbles are often met with in lakes and other + comparatively shallow waters, but they are rarely seen in those of the + ocean. The mate understood, at a glance, that those he now beheld were + produced by the air which escaped from the hold of the wreck; in small + quantities at a time, it was true, but by a constant and increasing + process. The great pressure of the water forced this air through crevices + so minute that, under ordinary circumstances, they would have proved + impenetrable to this, as they were still to the other fluid, though they + now permitted the passage of the former. It might take a long time to + force the air from the interior of the vessel by such means, but the + result was as certain as it might be slow. As constant dropping will wear + a stone, so might the power that kept the wreck afloat be exhausted by the + ceaseless rising of these minute air-bubbles. + </p> + <p> + Although Mulford was entirely sensible of the nature of this new source of + danger, we cannot say he was much affected by it at the moment. It seemed + to him far more probable that they must die of exhaustion, long before the + wreck would lose all of its buoyancy by this slow process, than that even + the strongest of their number could survive for such a period. The new + danger, therefore, lost most of its terrors under this view of the + subject, though it certainly did not add to the small sense of security + that remained, to know that inevitably their fate must be sealed through + its agency, should they be able to hold out for a sufficient time against + hunger and thirst. It caused Mulford to muse in silence for many more + minutes. + </p> + <p> + “I hope we are not altogether without food,” the mate at length said. “It + sometimes happens that persons at sea carry pieces of biscuit in their + pockets, especially those who keep watch at night. The smallest morsel is + now of the last importance.” + </p> + <p> + At this suggestion, every one set about an examination. The result was, + that neither Mrs. Budd nor Rose had a particle of food, of any sort, about + their persons. Biddy produced from her pockets, however, a whole biscuit, + a large bunch of excellent raisins that she had filched from the steward's + stores, and two apples,—the last being the remains of some fruit + that Spike had procured a month earlier in New York. Mulford had half a + biscuit, at which he had been accustomed to nibble in his watches; and + Jack lugged out, along with a small plug of tobacco, a couple of sweet + oranges. Here, then, was everything in the shape of victuals or drink, + that could be found for the use of five persons, in all probability for + many days. The importance of securing it for equal distribution, was so + obvious, that Mulford's proposal to do so met with a common assent. The + whole was put in Mrs. Budd's bag, and she was intrusted with the keeping + of this precious store. + </p> + <p> + “It may be harder to abstain from food at first, when we have not suffered + from its want, than it will become after a little endurance,” said the + mate. “We are now strong, and it will be wiser to fast as long as we + conveniently can, to-day, and relieve our hunger by a moderate allowance + toward evening, than to waste our means by too much indulgence at a time + when we are strong. Weakness will be sure to come if we remain long on the + wreck.” + </p> + <p> + “Have you ever suffered in this way, Harry?” demanded Rose, with interest. + </p> + <p> + “I have, and that dreadfully. But a merciful Providence came to my rescue + then, and it may not fail me now. The seaman is accustomed to carry his + life in his hand, and to live on the edge of eternity.” + </p> + <p> + The truth of this was so apparent as to produce a thoughtful silence. + Anxious glances were cast around the horizon from time to time, in quest + of any sail that might come in sight, but uselessly. None appeared, and + the day advanced without bringing the slightest prospect of relief. + Mulford could see, by the now almost sunken hummocks, that they were + slowly drifting along the reef, toward the southward and eastward, a + current no doubt acting slightly from the north-west. Their proximity to + the reef, however, was of no advantage, as the distance was still so great + as to render any attempt to reach it, even on the part of the mate, + unavailable. Nor would he have been any better off could he have gained a + spot on the rocks that was shallow enough to admit of his walking, since + wading about in such a place would have been less desirable than to be + floating where he was. + </p> + <p> + The want of water to drink threatened to be the great evil. Of this, the + party on the wreck had not a single drop! As the warmth of the day was + added to the feverish feeling produced by excitement, they all experienced + thirst, though no one murmured. So utterly without means of relieving this + necessity did each person know them all to be, that no one spoke on the + subject at all. In fact, shipwreck never produced a more complete + destitution of all the ordinary agents of helping themselves, in any form + or manner, than was the case here. So sudden and complete had been the + disaster, that not a single article, beyond those on the persons of the + sufferers, came even in view. The masts, sails, rigging, spare spars, in a + word, everything belonging to the vessel was submerged and hidden from + their sight, with the exception of a portion of the vessel's bottom, which + might be forty feet in length, and some ten or fifteen in width, including + that which was above water on both sides of the keel, though one only of + these sides was available to the females, as a place to move about on. Had + Mulford only a boat-hook, he would have felt it a relief; for not only did + the sharks increase in number, but they grew more audacious, swimming so + near the wreck that, more than once, Mulford apprehended that some one of + the boldest of them might make an effort literally to board them. It is + true, he had never known of one of these fishes attempting to quit his own + element in pursuit of his prey; but such things were reported, and those + around the wreck swam so close, and seemed so eager to get at those who + were on it, that there really might be some excuse for fancying they might + resort to unusual means of effecting their object. It is probable that, + like all other animals, they were emboldened by their own numbers, and + were acting in a sort of concert, that was governed by some of the many + mysterious laws of nature that have still escaped human observation. + </p> + <p> + Thus passed the earlier hours of that appalling day. Toward noon, Mulford + had insisted on the females dividing one of the oranges between them, and + extracting its juice by way of assuaging their thirst. The effect was most + grateful, as all admitted, and even Mrs. Budd urged Harry and Tier to take + a portion of the remaining orange; but this both steadily refused. Mulford + did consent to receive a small portion of one of the apples, more with a + view of moistening his throat than to appease his hunger, though it had, + in a slight degree, the latter effect also. As for Jack Tier, he declined + even the morsel of apple, saying that tobacco answered his purpose, as + indeed it temporarily might. + </p> + <p> + It was near sunset, when the steward's assistant called Mulford aside, and + whispered to him that he had something private to communicate. The mate + bade him say on, as they were out of ear-shot of their companions. + </p> + <p> + “I've been in sitiations like this afore,” said Jack, “and one l'arns + exper'ence by exper'ence. I know how cruel it is on the feelin's to have + the hopes disapp'inted in these cases, and therefore shall proceed with + caution. But, Mr. Mulford, there's a sail in sight, if there is a drop of + water in the Gulf!” + </p> + <p> + “A sail, Jack! I trust in Heaven you are not deceived!” + </p> + <p> + “Old eyes are true eyes in such matters, sir. Be careful not to start the + women. They go off like gunpowder, and, Lord help 'em! have no more + command over themselves, when you loosen 'em once, than so many + flying-fish with a dozen dolphins a'ter them. Look hereaway, sir, just + clear of the Irishwoman's bonnet, a little broad off the spot where the + reef was last seen—if that an't a sail, my flame is not Jack Tier.” + </p> + <p> + A sail there was, sure enough! It was so very distant, however, as to + render its character still uncertain, though Mulford fancied it was a + square-rigged vessel heading to the northward. By its position, it must be + in one of the channels of the reef, and by its course, if he were not + deceived, it was standing through, from the main passage along the + southern side of the rocks, to come out on the northern. All this was + favourable, and at first the young mate felt such a throbbing of the heart + as we all experience when great and unexpected good intelligence is + received. A moment's reflection, however, made him aware how little was to + be hoped for from this vessel. In the first place, her distance was so + great as to render it uncertain even which way she was steering. Then, + there was the probability that she would pass at so great a distance as to + render it impossible to perceive an object as low as the wreck, and the + additional chance of her passing in the night. Under all the circumstances, + therefore, Mulford felt convinced that there was very little probability + of their receiving any succour from the strange sail; and he fully + appreciated Jack Tier's motive in forbearing to give the usual call of + “Sail, ho!” when he made this discovery. Still, he could not deny himself + the pleasure of communicating to Rose the cheering fact that a vessel was + actually in sight. She could not reason on the circumstances as he had + done, and might at least pass several hours of comparative happiness by + believing that there was some visible chance of delivery. + </p> + <p> + The females received the intelligence with very different degrees of hope. + Rose was delighted. To her their rescue appeared an event so very probable + now, that Harry Mulford almost regretted he had given rise to an + expectation which he himself feared was to be disappointed. The feelings + of Mrs. Budd were more suppressed. The wreck and her present situation + were so completely at variance with all her former notions of the sea and + its incidents, that she was almost dumb-founded, and feared either to + speak or to think. Biddy differed from either of her mistresses—the + young or the old; she appeared to have lost all hope, and her physical + energy was fast giving way under her profound moral debility. + </p> + <p> + From the return of light that day, Mulford had thought, if it were to + prove that Providence had withdrawn its protecting hand from them, Biddy, + who to all appearance ought to be the longest liver among the females at + least, would be the first to sink under her sufferings. Such is the + influence of moral causes on the mere animal. + </p> + <p> + Rose saw the night shut in around them, amid the solemn solitude of the + ocean, with a mingled sensation of awe and hope. She had prayed devoutly, + and often, in the course of the preceding day, and her devotions had + contributed to calm her spirits. Once or twice, while kneeling with her + head bowed to the keel, she had raised her eyes toward Harry with a look + of entreaty, as if she would implore him to humble his proud spirit and + place himself at her side, and ask that succour from God which was so much + needed, and which indeed it began most seriously to appear that God alone + could yield. The young mate did not comply, for his pride of profession + and of manhood offered themselves as stumbling-blocks to prevent + submission to his secret wishes. Though he rarely prayed, Harry Mulford + was far from being an unbeliever, or one altogether regardless of his + duties and obligations to his Divine Creator. On the contrary, his heart + was more disposed to resort to such means of self-abasement and + submission, than he put in practice, and this because he had been taught + to believe that the Anglo-Saxon mariner did not call on Hercules, on every + occasion of difficulty and distress that occurred, as was the fashion with + the Italian and Romish seamen, but he put his own shoulder to the wheel, + confident that Hercules would not forget to help him who knew how to help + himself. But Harry had great difficulty in withstanding Rose's silent + appeal that evening, as she knelt at the keel for the last time, and + turned her gentle eyes upward at him, as if to ask him once more to take + his place at her side. Withstand the appeal he did, however, though in his + inward spirit he prayed fervently to God to put away this dreadful + affliction from the young and innocent creature before him. When these + evening devotions were ended, the whole party became thoughtful and + silent. + </p> + <p> + It was necessary to sleep, and arrangements were made to do so, if + possible, with a proper regard for their security. Mulford and Tier were + to have the look-out, watch and watch. This was done that no vessel might + pass near them unseen, and that any change in the weather might be noted + and looked to. As it was, the wind had fallen, and seemed about to vary, + though it yet stood in its old quarter, or a little more easterly, + perhaps. As a consequence, the drift of the wreck, insomuch as it depended + on the currents of the air, was more nearly in a line with the direction + of the reef, and there was little ground for apprehending that they might + be driven further from it in the night. Although that reef offered in + reality no place of safety, that was available to his party, Mulford felt + it as a sort of relief, to be certain that it was not distant, possibly + influenced by a vague hope that some passing wrecker or turtler might yet + pick them up. + </p> + <p> + The bottom of the schooner and the destitute condition of the party + admitted of only very simple arrangements for the night. The females + placed themselves against the keel in the best manner they could, and thus + endeavoured to get a little of the rest they so much needed. The day had + been warm, as a matter of course, and the contrast produced by the setting + of the sun was at first rather agreeable than otherwise. Luckily Rose had + thrown a shawl over her shoulders, not long before the vessel capsized, + and in this shawl she had been saved. It had been dried, and it now served + for a light covering to herself and her aunt, and added essentially to + their comfort. As for Biddy, she was too hardy to need a shawl, and she + protested that she should not think of using one, had she been better + provided. The patient, meek manner in which that humble, but + generous-hearted creature submitted to her fate, and the earnestness with + which she had begged that “Miss Rosy” might have her morsel of the portion + of biscuit each received for a supper, had sensibly impressed Mulford in + her favour; and knowing how much more necessary food was to sustain one of + her robust frame and sturdy habits, than to Rose, he had contrived to give + the woman, unknown to herself, a double allowance. Nor was it surprising + that Biddy did not detect this little act of fraud in her favour, for this + double allowance was merely a single mouthful. The want of water had made + itself much more keenly felt than the want of food, for as yet anxiety, + excitement and apprehension prevented the appetite from being much + awakened, while the claims of thirst were increased rather than the + reverse, by these very causes. Still, no one had complained, on this or + any other account, throughout the whole of the long and weary day which + had passed. + </p> + <p> + Mulford took the first look-out, with the intention of catching a little + sleep, if possible, during the middle hours of the night, and of returning + to his duty as morning approached. For the first hour nothing occurred to + divert his attention from brooding on the melancholy circumstances of + their situation. It seemed as if all around him had actually lost the + sense of their cares in sleep, and no sound was audible amid that ocean + waste, but the light washing of the water, as the gentle waves rolled at + intervals against the weather side of the wreck. It was now that Mulford + found a moment for prayer, and seated on the keel, that he called on the + Divine aid, in a fervent but silent petition to God, to put away this + trial from the youthful and beautiful Rose, at least, though he himself + perished. It was the first prayer that Mulford had made in many months, or + since he had joined the Swash—a craft in which that duty was very + seldom thought of. + </p> + <p> + A few minutes succeeded this petition, when Biddy spoke. + </p> + <p> + “Missus—Madam Budd—dear Missus”—half whispered the Irish + woman, anxious not to disturb Rose, who lay furthest from her—“Missus, + bees ye asleep at sich a time as this?” + </p> + <p> + “No, Biddy; sleep and I are strangers to each other, and are likely to be + till morning. What do you wish to say?” + </p> + <p> + “Anything is better than my own t'oughts, missus dear, and I wants to talk + to ye. Is it no wather at all they'll give us so long as we stay in this + place?” + </p> + <p> + “There is no one to give it to us but God, poor Biddy, and he alone can + say what, in his gracious mercy, it may please him to do. Ah! Biddy, I + fear me that I did an unwise and thoughtless thing, to bring my poor Rose + to such a place as this. Were it to be done over again, the riches of Wall + Street would not tempt me to be guilty of so wrong a thing!” + </p> + <p> + The arm of Rose was thrown around her aunt's neck, and its gentle pressure + announced how completely the offender was forgiven. + </p> + <p> + “I's very sorry for Miss Rose,” rejoined Biddy “and I suffers so much the + more meself in thinking how hard it must be for the like of her to be + wantin' in a swallow of fresh wather.” + </p> + <p> + “It is no harder for me to bear it, poor Biddy,” answered the gentle voice + of our heroine, “than it is for yourself.” + </p> + <p> + “Is it meself then? Sure am I, that if I had a quar-r-t of good, swate + wather from our own pump, and that's far betther is it than the Crothon + the best day the Crothon ever seed—but had I a quar-r-t of it, every + dhrap would I give to you, Miss Rose, to app'ase your thirst, I would.” + </p> + <p> + “Water would be a great relief to us all, just now, my excellent Biddy,” + answered Rose, “and I wish we had but a tumbler full of that you name, to + divide equally among the whole five of us.” + </p> + <p> + “Is it divide? Then it would be ag'in dividin' that my voice would be + raised, for that same ra'son that the tumbler would never hold as much as + you could dhrink yourself, Miss Rose.” + </p> + <p> + “Yet the tumbler full would be a great blessing for us all, just now,” + murmured Mrs. Budd. + </p> + <p> + “And is n't mutthon good 'atin', ladies! Och! if I had but a good swate + pratie, now, from my own native Ireland, and a dhrap of milk to help wash + it down! It's mighty little that a body thinks of sich thrifles when + there's abundance of them; but when there's none at all, they get to be + stronger in the mind than riches and honours.” + </p> + <p> + “You say the truth, Biddy,” rejoined the mistress, “and there is a + pleasure in talking of them, if one can't enjoy them. I've been thinking + all the afternoon, Rose, what a delicious food is a good roast turkey, + with cranberry sauce; and I wonder, now, that I have not been more + grateful for the very many that Providence has bestowed on me in my time. + My poor Mr. Budd was passionately fond of mutton, and I used wickedly to + laugh at his fondness for it, sometimes, when he always had his answer + ready, and that was that there are no sheep at sea. How true that is, Rosy + dear! there are indeed no sheep at sea!” + </p> + <p> + “No, aunty,” answered Rose's gentle voice from beneath the shawl;—“there + are no such animals on the ocean, but God is with us here as much as he + would be in New York.” + </p> + <p> + A long silence succeeded this simple remark of his well beloved, and the + young mate hoped that there would be no more of a dialogue, every syllable + of which was a dagger to his feelings. But nature was stronger than + reflection in Mrs. Budd and Biddy, and the latter spoke again, after a + pause of near a quarter of an hour. + </p> + <p> + “Pray for me, Missus,” she said, moaningly, “that I may sleep. A bit of + sleep would do a body almost as much good as a bit of bread—I won't + say as much as a dhrap of wather.” + </p> + <p> + “Be quiet, Biddy, and we will pray for you,” answered Rose, who fancied by + her breathing that her aunt was about to forget her sufferings for a brief + space, in broken slumbers. + </p> + <p> + “Is it for you I'll do that—and sure will I, Miss Rose. Niver would + I have quitted Ireland, could I have thought there was sich a spot on this + earth as a place where no wather was to be had.” + </p> + <p> + This was the last of Biddy's audible complaints, for the remainder of this + long and anxious watch of Mulford. He then set himself about an + arrangement which shall be mentioned in its proper place. At twelve + o'clock, or when he thought it was twelve, he called Jack Tier, who in + turn called the mate again at four. + </p> + <p> + “It looks dark and threatening,” said Mulford, as he rose to his feet and + began to look about him once more, “though there does not appear to be any + wind.” + </p> + <p> + “It's a flat calm, Mr. Mate, and the darkness comes from yonder cloud, + which seems likely to bring a little rain.” + </p> + <p> + “Rain! Then God is indeed with us here. You are right, Jack; rain must + fall from that cloud. We must catch some of it, if it be only a drop to + cool Rose's parched tongue.” + </p> + <p> + “In what?” answered Tier, gloomily. “She may wring her clothes when the + shower is over, and in that way get a drop. I see no other method.” + </p> + <p> + “I have bethought me of all that, and passed most of my watch in making + the preparations.” + </p> + <p> + Mulford then showed Tier what he had been about, in the long and solitary + hours of the first watch. It would seem that the young man had dug a + little trench with his knife, along the schooner's bottom, commencing two + or three feet from the keel, and near the spot where Rose was lying, and + carrying it as far as was convenient toward the run, until he reached a + point where he had dug out a sort of reservoir to contain the precious + fluid, should any be sent them by Providence. While doing this, there were + no signs of rain; but the young man knew that a shower alone could save + them from insanity, if not from death; and in speculating on the means of + profiting by one, should it come, he had bethought him of this expedient. + The large knife of a seaman had served him a good turn, in carrying on his + work, to complete which there remained now very little to do, and that was + in enlarging the receptacle for the water. The hole was already big enough + to contain a pint, and it might easily be sufficiently enlarged to hold + double that quantity. + </p> + <p> + Jack was no sooner made acquainted with what had been done, than he out + knife and commenced tearing splinter after splinter from the planks, to + help enlarge the reservoir. This could only be done by cutting on the + surface, for the wood was not three inches in thickness, and the smallest + hole through the plank, would have led to the rapid escape of the air and + to the certain sinking of the wreck. It required a good deal of judgment + to preserve the necessary level also, and Mulford was obliged to interfere + more than once to prevent his companion from doing more harm than good. He + succeeded, however, and had actually made a cavity that might contain more + than a quart of water, when the first large drop fell from the heavens. + This cavity was not a hole, but a long, deep trench—deep for the + circumstances—so nicely cut on the proper level, as to admit of its + holding a fluid in the quantity mentioned. + </p> + <p> + “Rose—dearest—rise, and be ready to drink,” said Mulford, + tenderly disturbing the uneasy slumbers of his beloved. “It is about to + rain, and God is with us here, as he might be on the land.” + </p> + <p> + “Wather!” exclaimed Biddy, who was awoke with the same call. “What a + blessed thing is good swate wather, and sure am I we ought all to be + thankful that there is such a precious gift in the wor-r-ld.” + </p> + <p> + “Come, then,” said Mulford, hurriedly, “it will soon rain—I hear it + pattering on the sea. Come hither, all of you, and drink, as a merciful + God furnishes the means.” + </p> + <p> + This summons was not likely to be neglected. All arose in haste, and the + word “water” was murmured from every lip. Biddy had less self-command than + the others, and she was heard saying aloud,—“Och! and did n't I + dhrame of the blessed springs and wells of Ireland the night, and haven't + I dhrunk at 'em all? but now it's over, and I am awake, no good has't done + me, and I'm ready to die for one dhrap of wather.” + </p> + <p> + That drop soon came, however, and with it the blessed relief which such a + boon bestows. Mulford had barely time to explain his arrangements, and to + place the party on their knees, along his little reservoir and the gutter + which led to it, when the pattering of the rain advanced along the sea, + with a deep rushing sound. Presently, the uplifted faces and open mouths + caught a few heavy straggling drops, to cool the parched tongues, when the + water came tumbling down upon them in a thousand little streams. There was + scarcely any wind, and merely the skirt of a large black cloud floated + over the wreck, on which the rain fell barely one minute. But it fell as + rain comes down within the tropics, and in sufficient quantities for all + present purposes. Everybody drank, and found relief, and, when all was + over, Mulford ascertained by examination that his receptacle for the fluid + was still full to overflowing. The abstinence had not been of sufficient + length, nor the quantity taken of large enough amount, to produce injury, + though the thirst was generally and temporarily appeased. It is probable + that the coolness of the hour, day dawning as the cloud moved past, and + the circumstance that the sufferers were wetted to their skins, + contributed to the change. + </p> + <p> + “Oh, blessed, blessed wather!” exclaimed Biddy, as she rose from her + knees; “America, afther all, isn't as dhry a country as some say. I've + niver tasted swater wather in Ireland itself!” + </p> + <p> + Rose murmured her thanksgiving in more appropriate language. A few + exclamations also escaped Mrs. Budd, and Jack Tier had his sententious + eulogy on the precious qualities of sweet water. + </p> + <p> + The wind rose as the day advanced, and a swell began to heave the wreck + with a power that had hitherto been dormant. Mulford understood this to be + a sign that there had been a blow at some distance from them, that had + thrown the sea into a state of agitation, which extended itself beyond the + influence of the wind. Eagerly did the young mate examine the horizon, as + the curtain of night arose, inch by inch, as it might be, on the watery + panorama, in the hope that a vessel of some sort or other might be brought + within the view. Nor was he wholly disappointed. The strange sail seen the + previous evening was actually there; and what was more, so near as to + allow her hull to be distinctly visible. It was a ship, under her square + canvas, standing from between divided portions of the reef, as if getting + to the northward, in order to avoid the opposing current of the Gulf + Stream. Vessels bound to Mobile, New Orleans, and other ports along the + coast of the Republic, in that quarter of the ocean, often did this; and + when the young mate first caught glimpses of the shadowy outline of this + ship, he supposed it to be some packet, or cotton-droger, standing for her + port on the northern shore. But a few minutes removed the veil, and with + it the error of this notion. A seaman could no longer mistake the craft. + Her length, her square and massive hamper, with the symmetry of her spars, + and the long, straight outline of the hull, left no doubt that it was a + cruiser, with her hammocks unstowed. Mulford now cheerfully announced to + his companions, that the ship they so plainly saw, scarcely a gun-shot + distant from them, was the sloop-of-war which had already become a sort of + an acquaintance. + </p> + <p> + “If we can succeed in making them see our signal,” cried Mulford, “all + will yet be well. Come, Jack, and help me to put abroad this shawl, the + only ensign we can show.” + </p> + <p> + The shawl of Rose was the signal spread. Tier and Mulford stood on the + keel, and holding opposite corners, let the rest of the cloth blow out + with the wind. For near an hour did these two extend their arms, and try + all possible expedients to make their signal conspicuous. But, + unfortunately, the wind blew directly toward the cruiser, and instead of + exposing a surface of any breadth to the vision of those on board her, it + must, at most, have offered little more than a flitting, waving line. + </p> + <p> + As the day advanced, sail was made on the cruiser. She had stood through + the passage, in which she had been becalmed most of the night, under short + canvas; but now she threw out fold after fold of her studding-sails, and + moved away to the westward, with the stately motion of a ship before the + wind. No sooner had she got far enough to the northward of the reef, than + she made a deviation from her course as first seen, turning her stern + entirely to the wreck, and rapidly becoming less and less distinct to the + eyes of those who floated on it. + </p> + <p> + Mulford saw the hopelessness of their case, as it respected relief from + this vessel; still, he persevered in maintaining his position on the keel, + tossing and waving the shawl, in all the variations that his ingenuity + could devise. He well knew, however, that their chances of being seen + would have been trebled could they have been ahead instead of astern of + the ship. Mariners have few occasions to look behind them, while a hundred + watchful eyes are usually turned ahead, more especially when running near + rocks and shoals. Mrs. Budd wept like an infant when she saw the + sloop-of-war gliding away, reaching a distance that rendered sight + useless, in detecting an object that floated as low on the water as the + wreck. As for Biddy, unable to control her feelings, the poor creature + actually called to the crew of the departing vessel, as if her voice had + the power to make itself heard, at a distance which already exceeded two + leagues. It was only by means of the earnest remonstrances of Rose, that + the faithful creature could be quieted. + </p> + <p> + “Why will ye not come to our relaif?” she cried at the top of her voice. + “Here are we, helpless as new-born babies, and ye sailing away from us in + a conthrary way! D'ye not bethink you of the missus, who is much of a + sailor, but not sich a one as to sail on a wrack; and poor Miss Rose, who + is the char-rm and delight of all eyes. Only come and take off Miss Rose, + and lave the rest of us, if ye so likes; for it's a sin and a shame to + lave the likes of her to die in the midst of the ocean, as if she was no + betther nor a fish. Then it will be soon that we shall ag'in feel the want + of wather, and that, too, with nothing but wather to be seen on all sides + of us.” + </p> + <p> + “It is of no use,” said Harry, mournfully, stepping down from the keel, + and laying aside the shawl. “They cannot see us, and the distance is now + so great as to render it certain they never will. There is only one hope + left. We are evidently set to and fro by the tides, and it is possible + that by keeping in or near this passage, some other craft may appear, and + we be more fortunate. The relief of the rain is a sign that we are not + forgotten by Divine Providence, and with such a protector we ought not to + despair.” + </p> + <p> + A gloomy and scanty breaking of the fast succeeded. Each person had one + large mouthful of bread, which was all that prudence would authorize + Mulford to distribute. He attempted a pious fraud, however, by placing his + own allowance along with that of Rose's, under the impression that her + strength might not endure privation as well as his own. But the tender + solicitude of Rose was not to be thus deceived. Judging of his wishes and + motives by her own, she at once detected the deception, and insisted on + retaining no more than her proper share. When this distribution was + completed, and the meagre allowance taken, only sufficient bread remained + to make one more similar scanty meal, if meal a single mouthful could be + termed. As for the water, a want of which would be certain to be felt as + soon as the sun obtained its noon-day power, the shawl was extended over + it, in a way to prevent evaporation as much as possible, and at the same + time to offer some resistance to the fluid's being washed from its shallow + receptacle by the motion of the wreck, which was sensibly increasing with + the increase of the wind and waves. + </p> + <p> + Mulford had next an anxious duty to perform. Throughout the whole of the + preceding day he had seen the air escaping from the hull, in an incessant + succession of small bubbles, which were formidable through their numbers, + if not through their size. The mate was aware that this unceasing loss of + the buoyant property of the wreck, must eventually lead to their + destruction, should no assistance come, and he had marked the floating + line, on the bottom of the vessel with his knife, ere darkness set in, on + the previous evening. No sooner did his thoughts recur to this fact, after + the excitement of the first hour of daylight was over, than he stepped to + the different places thus marked, and saw, with an alarm that it would be + difficult to describe, that the wreck had actually sunk into the water + several inches within the last few hours. This was, indeed, menacing their + security in a most serious manner, setting a limit to their existence, + which rendered all precaution on the subject of food and water useless. By + the calculations of the mate, the wreck could not float more than + eight-and-forty hours, should it continue to lose the air at the rate at + which it had been hitherto lost. Bad as all this appeared, things were + fated to become much more serious. The motion of the water quite sensibly + increased, lifting the wreck at times in a way greatly to increase the + danger of their situation. The reader will understand this movement did + not proceed from the waves of the existing wind, but from what is + technically called a ground-swell, or the long, heavy undulations that are + left by the tempest that is past, or by some distant gale. The waves of + the present breeze were not very formidable, the reef making a lee; though + they might possibly become inconvenient from breaking on the weather side + of the wreck, as soon as the drift carried the latter fairly abreast of + the passage already mentioned. But the dangers that proceeded from the + heavy ground-swell, which now began to give a considerable motion to the + wreck, will best explain itself by narrating the incidents as they + occurred. + </p> + <p> + Harry had left his marks, and had taken his seat on the keel at Rose's + side, impatiently waiting for any turn that Providence might next give to + their situation, when a heavy roll of the wreck first attracted his + attention to this new circumstance. + </p> + <p> + “If any one is thirsty,” he observed quietly, “he or she had better drink + now, while it may be done. Two or three more such rolls as this last will + wash all the water from our gutters.” + </p> + <p> + “Wather is a blessed thing,” said Biddy, with a longing expression of the + eyes, “and it would be betther to swallow it than to let it be lost.” + </p> + <p> + “Then drink, for Heaven's sake, good woman—it may be the last + occasion that will offer.” + </p> + <p> + “Sure am I that I would not touch a dhrap, while the missus and Miss Rosy + was a sufferin'.” + </p> + <p> + “I have no thirst at all,” answered Rose, sweetly, “and have already taken + more water than was good for me, with so little food on my stomach.” + </p> + <p> + “Eat another morsel of the bread, beloved,” whispered Harry, in a manner + so urgent that Rose gratefully complied. “Drink, Biddy, and we will come + and share with you before the water is wasted by this increasing motion.” + </p> + <p> + Biddy did as desired, and each knelt in turn and took a little of the + grateful fluid, leaving about a gill in the gutters for the use of those + whose lips might again become parched. + </p> + <p> + “Wather is a blessed thing,” repeated Biddy, for the twentieth time—“a + blessed, blessed thing is wather!” + </p> + <p> + A little scream from Mrs. Budd, which was dutifully taken up by the maid, + interrupted the speech of the latter, and every eye was turned on Mulford, + as if to ask an explanation of the groaning sound that had been heard + within the wreck. The young mate comprehended only too well. The rolling + of the wreck had lifted a portion of the open hatchway above the + undulating surface of the sea, and a large quantity of the pent air within + the hold had escaped in a body. The entrance of water to supply the vacuum + had produced the groan. Mulford had made new marks on the vessel's bottom + with his knife, and he stepped down to them, anxious and nearly + heart-broken, to note the effect. That one surging of the wreck had + permitted air enough to escape to lower it in the water several inches. As + yet, however, the visible limits of their floating foundation had not been + sufficiently reduced to attract the attention of the females; and the + young man said nothing on the subject. He thought that Jack Tier was + sensible of the existence of this new source of danger, but if he were, + that experienced mariner imitated his own reserve, and made no allusion to + it. Thus passed the day. Occasionally the wreck rolled heavily, when more + air escaped, the hull settling lower and lower in the water as a necessary + consequence. The little bubbles continued incessantly to rise, and Mulford + became satisfied that another day must decide their fate. Taking this view + of their situation, he saw no use in reserving their food, but encouraged + his companions to share the whole of what remained at sunset. Little + persuasion was necessary, and when night once more came to envelope them + in darkness, not a mouthful of food or a drop of water remained to meet + the necessities of the coming morn. It had rained again for a short time, + in the course of the afternoon, when enough water had been caught to allay + their thirst, and what was almost of as much importance to the females + now, a sufficiency of sun had succeeded to dry their clothes, thus + enabling them to sleep without enduring the chilling damps that might + otherwise have prevented it. The wind had sensibly fallen, and the + ground-swell was altogether gone, but Mulford was certain that the relief + had come too late. So much air had escaped while it lasted as scarce to + leave him the hope that the wreck could float until morning. The rising of + the bubbles was now incessant, the crevices by which they escaped having + most probably opened a little, in consequence of the pressure and the + unceasing action of the currents, small as the latter were. + </p> + <p> + Just as darkness was shutting in around them for the second time, Rose + remarked to Mulford that it seemed to her that they had not as large a + space for their little world as when they were first placed on it. The + mate, however, successfully avoided an explanation; and when the watch was + again set for the night, the females lay down to seek their repose, more + troubled with apprehensions for a morrow of hunger and thirst, than by any + just fears that might so well have arisen from the physical certainty that + the body which alone kept them from being engulfed in the sea, could float + but a few hours longer. This night Tier kept the look-out until Jupiter + reached the zenith, when Mulford was called to hold the watch until light + returned. + </p> + <p> + It may seem singular that any could sleep at all in such a situation. But + we get accustomed, in an incredibly short time, to the most violent + changes; and calamities that seem insupportable, when looked at from a + distance, lose half their power if met and resisted with fortitude. The + last may, indeed, be too insignificant a word to be applied to all of the + party on the wreck, on the occasion of which we are writing, though no one + of them all betrayed fears that were troublesome. Of Mulford it is + unnecessary to speak. His deportment had been quiet, thoughtful, and full + of a manly interest in the comfort of others, from the first moment of the + calamity. That Rose should share the largest in his attentions was natural + enough, but he neglected no essential duty to her companions. Rose, + herself, had little hope of being rescued. Her naturally courageous + character, however, prevented any undue exhibitions of despair, and now it + was that the niece became the principal support of the aunt, completely + changing the relations that had formerly existed between them. Mrs. Budd + had lost all the little buoyancy of her mind. Not a syllable did she now + utter concerning ships and their manoeuvres. She had been, at first, a + little disposed to be querulous and despairing, but the soothing and pious + conversation of Rose awakened a certain degree of resolution in her, and + habit soon exercised its influence over even her inactive mind. Biddy was + a strange mixture of courage, despair, humility, and consideration for + others. Not once had she taken her small allowance of food without first + offering it, and that, too, in perfect good faith, to her “Missus and Miss + Rosy;” yet her moanings for this sort of support, and her complaints of + bodily suffering much exceeded that of all the rest of the party put + together. As for Jack Tier, his conduct singularly belied his appearance. + No one would have expected any great show of manly resolution from the + little rotund, lymphatic figure of Tier; but he had manifested a calmness + that denoted either great natural courage, or a resolution derived from + familiarity with danger. In this particular, even Mulford regarded his + deportment with surprise, not unmingled with respect. + </p> + <p> + “You have had a tranquil watch, Jack,” said Harry, when he was called by + the person named, and had fairly aroused himself from his slumbers. “Has + the wind stood as it is since sunset?” + </p> + <p> + “No change whatever, sir. It has blown a good working breeze the whole + watch, and what is surprising not as much lipper has got up as would + frighten a colt on a sea-beach.” + </p> + <p> + “We must be near the reef, by that. I think the only currents we feel come + from the tide, and they seem to be setting us back and forth, instead of + carrying us in any one settled direction.” + </p> + <p> + “Quite likely, sir; and this makes my opinion of what I saw an hour since + all the more probable.” + </p> + <p> + “What you saw! In the name of a merciful Providence, Tier, do not trifle + with me! Has any thing been seen near by?” + </p> + <p> + “Don't talk to me of your liquors and other dhrinks,” murmured Biddy in + her sleep. “It's wather that is a blessed thing; and I wish I lived, the + night and the day, by the swate pump that's in our own yard, I do.” + </p> + <p> + “The woman has been talking in her sleep, in this fashion, most of the + watch,” observed Jack, coolly, and perhaps a little contemptuously. “But, + Mr. Mulford, unless my eyes have cheated me, we are near that boat again. + The passage through the reef is close aboard us, here, on our larboard + bow, as it might be, and the current has sucked us in it in a fashion to + bring it in a sort of athwart-hawse direction to us.” + </p> + <p> + “If that boat, after all, should be sent by Providence to our relief! How + long is it since you saw it, Jack.” + </p> + <p> + “But a bit since, sir; or, for that matter, I think I see it now. Look + hereaway, sir, just where the dead-eyes of the fore-rigging would bear + from us, if the craft stood upon her legs, as she ought to do. If that + isn't a boat, it's a rock out of water.” + </p> + <p> + Mulford gazed through the gloom of midnight, and saw, or fancied he saw, + an object that might really be the boat. It could not be very distant + either; and his mind was instantly made up as to the course he would + pursue. Should it actually turn out to be that which he now so much hoped + for, and its distance in the morning did not prove too great for human + powers, he was resolved to swim for it at the hazard of his life. In the + meantime, or until light should return, there remained nothing to do but + to exercise as much patience as could be summoned, and to confide in God, + soliciting his powerful succour by secret prayer. + </p> + <p> + Mulford was no sooner left alone, as it might be, by Tier's seeking a + place in which to take his rest, than he again examined the state of the + wreck. Little as he had hoped from its long-continued buoyancy, he found + matters even worse than he apprehended they would be. The hull had lost + much air, and had consequently sunk in the water in an exact proportion to + this loss. The space that was actually above the water, was reduced to an + area not more than six or seven feet in one direction, by some ten or + twelve in the other. This was reducing its extent, since the evening + previous, by fully one-half; and there could be no doubt that the air was + escaping, in consequence of the additional pressure, in a ratio that + increased by a sort of arithmetical progression. The young man knew that + the whole wreck, under its peculiar circumstances, might sink entirely + beneath the surface, and yet possess sufficient buoyancy to sustain those + that were on it for a time longer, but this involved the terrible + necessity of leaving the females partly submerged themselves. + </p> + <p> + Our mate heard his own heart beat, as he became satisfied of the actual + condition of the wreck, and of the physical certainty that existed of its + sinking, at least to the point last mentioned, ere the sun came to throw + his glories over the last view that the sufferers would be permitted to + take of the face of day. It appeared to him that no time was to be lost. + There lay the dim and shapeless object that seemed to be the boat, + distant, as he thought, about a mile. It would not have been visible at + all but for the perfect smoothness of the sea, and the low position + occupied by the observer. At times it did disappear altogether, when it + would rise again, as if undulating in the ground-swell. This last + circumstance, more than any other, persuaded Harry that it was not a rock, + but some floating object that he beheld. Thus encouraged, he delayed no + longer. Every moment was precious, and all might be lost by indecision. He + did not like the appearance of deserting his companions, but, should he + fail, the motive would appear in the act. Should he fail, every one would + alike soon be beyond the reach of censure, and in a state of being that + would do full justice to all. + </p> + <p> + Harry threw off most of his clothes, reserving only his shirt and a pair + of light summer trowsers. He could not quit the wreck, however, without + taking a sort of leave of Rose. On no account would he awake her, for he + appreciated the agony she would feel during the period of his struggles. + Kneeling at her side, he made a short prayer, then pressed his lips to her + warm cheek, and left her. Rose murmured his name at that instant, but it + was as the innocent and young betray their secrets in their slumbers. + Neither of the party awoke. + </p> + <p> + It was a moment to prove the heart of man, that in which Harry Mulford, in + the darkness of midnight, alone, unsustained by any encouraging eye, or + approving voice, with no other aid than his own stout arm, and the unknown + designs of a mysterious Providence, committed his form to the sea. For an + instant he paused, after he had waded down on the wreck to a spot where + the water already mounted to his breast, but it was not in misgivings. He + calculated the chances, and made an intelligent use of such assistance as + could be had. There had been no sharks near the wreck that day, but a + splash in the water might bring them back again in a crowd. They were + probably prowling over the reef, near at hand. The mate used great care, + therefore, to make no noise. There was the distant object, and he set it + by a bright star, that wanted about an hour before it would sink beneath + the horizon. That star was his beacon, and muttering a few words in + earnest prayer, the young man threw his body forward, and left the wreck, + swimming lightly but with vigour. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0011" id="link2H_4_0011"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + VOLUME II. + </h2> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0009" id="link2HCH0009"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER I. + </h2> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + The night has been unruly: where we lay, + Our chimneys were blown down: and, as they say, + Lamentings heard i' the air; strange screams of death; + And prophesying, with accents terrible, + Of dire combustion, and confused events, + New hatched to the woful time. +</pre> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + Macbeth. +</pre> + <p> + It is seldom that man is required to make an exertion as desperate and + appalling, in all its circumstances, as that on which Harry Mulford was + now bent. The night was starlight, it was true, and it was possible to see + objects near by with tolerable distinctness; still, it was midnight, and + the gloom of that hour rested on the face of the sea, lending its solemn + mystery and obscurity to the other trying features of the undertaking. + Then there was the uncertainty whether it was the boat at all, of which he + was in pursuit; and, if the boat, it might drift away from him as fast as + he could follow it. Nevertheless, the perfect conviction that, without + some early succour, the party on the wreck, including Rose Budd, must + inevitably perish, stimulated him to proceed, and a passing feeling of + doubt, touching the prudence of his course, that came over the young mate, + when he was a few yards from the wreck, vanished under a vivid renewal of + this last conviction. On he swam, therefore, riveting his eye on the + “thoughtful star” that guided his course, and keeping his mind as tranquil + as possible, in order that the exertions of his body might be the easier. + </p> + <p> + Mulford was an excellent swimmer. The want of food was a serious obstacle + to his making one of his best efforts, but, as yet, he was not very + sensible of any great loss of strength. Understanding fully the necessity + of swimming easily, if he would swim long, he did not throw out all his + energy at first, but made the movements of his limbs as regular, + continued, and skilful as possible. No strength was thrown away, and his + progress was in proportion to the prudence of this manner of proceeding. + For some twenty minutes he held on his course, in this way, when he began + to experience a little of that weariness which is apt to accompany an + unremitted use of the same set of muscles, in a monotonous and undeviating + mode. Accustomed to all the resources of his art, he turned on his back, + for the double purpose of relieving his arms for a minute, and of getting + a glimpse of the wreck, if possible, in order to ascertain the distance he + had overcome. Swim long in this new manner, however, he could not with + prudence, as the star was necessary in order to keep the direct line of + his course. It may be well to explain to some of our readers, that, though + the surface of the ocean may be like glass, as sometimes really happens, + it is never absolutely free from the long, undulating motion that is known + by the name of a “ground swell.” This swell, on the present occasion, was + not very heavy, but it was sufficient to place our young mate, at moments, + between two dark mounds of water, that limited his view in either + direction to some eighty or a hundred yards; then it raised him on the + summit of a rounded wave, that enabled him to see, far as his eye could + reach under that obscure light. Profiting by this advantage, Mulford now + looked behind him, in quest of the wreck, but uselessly. It might have + been in the trough, while he was thus on the summit of the waves, or it + might be that it floated so low as to be totally lost to the view of one + whose head was scarcely above the surface of the water. For a single + instant, the young man felt a chill at his heart, as he fancied that the + wreck had already sunk; but it passed away when he recalled the slow + progress by which the air escaped, and he saw the certainty that the + catastrophe, however inevitable, could not yet have really arrived. He + waited for another swell to lift him on its summit, when, by “treading + water,” he raised his head and shoulders fairly above the surface of the + sea, and strained his eyes in another vain effort to catch a glimpse of + the wreck. He could not see it. In point of fact, the mate had swum much + further than he had supposed, and was already so distant as to render any + such attempt hopeless. He was fully a third of a mile distant from the + point of his departure. + </p> + <p> + Disappointed, and in a slight degree disheartened, Mulford turned, and + swam in the direction of the sinking star. He now looked anxiously for the + boat. It was time that it came more plainly into view, and a new source of + anxiety beset him, as he could discover no signs of its vicinity. Certain + that he was on the course, after making a due allowance for the direction + of the wind, the stout-hearted young man swam on. He next determined not + to annoy himself by fruitless searches, or vain regrets, but to swim + steadily for a certain time, a period long enough to carry him a material + distance, ere he again looked for the object of his search. + </p> + <p> + For twenty minutes longer did that courageous and active youth struggle + with the waste of waters, amid the obscurity and solitude of midnight. He + now believed himself near a mile from the wreck, and the star which had so + long served him for a beacon was getting near to the horizon. He took a + new observation of another of the heavenly bodies nigh it, to serve him in + its stead when it should disappear altogether, and then he raised himself + in the water, and looked about again for the boat. The search was in vain. + No boat was very near him, of a certainty, and the dreadful apprehension + began to possess his mind, of perishing uselessly in that waste of gloomy + waters. While thus gazing about him, turning his eyes in every quarter, + hoping intently to catch some glimpse of the much-desired object in the + gloom, he saw two dark, pointed objects, that resembled small stakes, in + the water within twenty feet of him. Mulford knew them at a glance, and a + cold shudder passed through his frame, as he recognised them. They were, + out of all question, the fins of an enormous shark; an animal that could + not measure less than eighteen or twenty feet in length. + </p> + <p> + It is scarcely necessary to say, that when our young mate discovered the + proximity of this dangerous animal, situated as he was, he gave himself up + for lost. He possessed his knife, however, and had heard of the manner in + which even sharks were overcome, and that too in their own element, by the + skilful and resolute. At first, he was resolved to make one desperate + effort for life, before he submitted to a fate as horrible as that which + now menaced him; but the movements of his dangerous neighbour induced him + to wait. It did not approach any nearer, but continued swimming back and + fro, on the surface of the water, according to the known habits of the + fish, as if watching his own movements. There being no time to be wasted, + our young mate turned on his face, and began again to swim in the + direction of the setting star, though nearly chilled by despair. For ten + minutes longer did he struggle on, beginning to feel exhaustion, however, + and always accompanied by those two dark, sharp and gliding fins. There + was no difficulty in knowing the position of the animal, and Mulford's + eyes were oftener on those fins than on the beacon before him. Strange as + it may appear, he actually became accustomed to the vicinity of this + formidable creature, and soon felt his presence a sort of relief against + the dreadful solitude of his situation. He had been told by seamen of + instances, and had once witnessed a case himself, in which a shark had + attended a swimming man for a long distance, either forbearing to do him + harm, from repletion, or influenced by that awe which nature has instilled + into all of the inferior, for the highest animal of the creation. He began + to think that he was thus favoured, and really regarded the shark as a + friendly neighbour, rather than as a voracious foe. In this manner did the + two proceed, nearly another third of a mile, the fins sometimes in sight + ahead, gliding hither and thither, and sometimes out of view behind the + swimmer, leaving him in dreadful doubts as to the movements of the fish, + when Mulford suddenly felt something hard hit his foot. Believing it to be + the shark, dipping for his prey, a slight exclamation escaped him. At the + next instant both feet hit the unknown substance again, and he stood + erect, the water no higher than his waist! Quick, and comprehending + everything connected with the sea, the young man at once understood that + he was on a part of the reef where the water was so shallow as to admit of + his wading. + </p> + <p> + Mulford felt that he had been providentially rescued from death. His + strength had been about to fail him, when he was thus led, unknown to + himself, to a spot where his life might yet be possibly prolonged for a + few more hours, or days. He had leisure to look about him, and to reflect + on what was next to be done. Almost unwittingly, he turned in quest of his + terrible companion, in whose voracious mouth he had actually believed + himself about to be immolated, a few seconds before. There the two + horn-like fins still were, gliding about above the water, and indicating + the smallest movement of their formidable owner. The mate observed that + they went a short distance ahead of him, describing nearly a semi-circle, + and then returned, doing the same thing in his rear, repeating the + movements incessantly, keeping always on his right. This convinced him + that shoaler water existed on his left hand, and he waded in that + direction, until he reached a small spot of naked rock. + </p> + <p> + For a time, at least, he was safe! The fragment of coral on which the mate + now stood, was irregular in shape, but might have contained a hundred feet + square in superficial measurement, and was so little raised above the + level of the water as not to be visible, even by daylight, at the distance + of a hundred yards. Mulford found it was perfectly dry, however, an + important discovery to him, as by a close calculation he had made of the + tides, since quitting the Dry Tortugas, he knew it must be near high + water. Could he have even this small portion of bare rock secure, it made + him, for the moment, rich as the most extensive landholder living. A + considerable quantity of sea-weed had lodged on the rock, and, as most of + this was also quite dry, it convinced the young sailor that the place was + usually bare. But, though most of this sea-weed was dry, there were + portions of the more recent accessions there that still lay in, or quite + near to the water, which formed exceptions. In handling these weeds, in + order to ascertain the facts, Mulford caught a small shell-fish, and + finding it fresh and easy to open, he swallowed it with the eagerness of a + famishing man. Never had food proved half so grateful to him as that + single swallow of a very palatable testaceous animal. By feeling further, + he found several others of the same family, and made quite as large a + meal, as, under the circumstances, was probably good for him. Then, + grateful for his escape, but overcome by fatigue, he hastily arranged a + bed of sea-weed, drew a portion of the plant over his body, to keep him + warm, and fell into a deep sleep that lasted for hours. + </p> + <p> + Mulford did not regain his consciousness until the rays of the rising sun + fell upon his eye-lids, and the genial warmth of the great luminary shed + its benign influence over his frame. At first his mind was confused, and + it required a few seconds to bring a perfect recollection of the past, and + a true understanding of his real situation. They came, however, and the + young man moved to the highest part of his little domain, and cast an + anxious, hurried look around in quest of the wreck. A knowledge of the + course in which he had swum, aided by the position of the sun, told him on + what part of the naked waste to look for the object he sought. God had not + yet forsaken them! There was the wreck; or, it might be more exact to say, + there were those whom the remaining buoyancy of the wreck still upheld + from sinking into the depths of the gulf. In point of fact, but a very + little of the bottom of the vessel actually remained above water, some two + or three yards square at most, and that little was what seamen term nearly + awash. Two or three hours must bury that small portion of the still naked + wood beneath the surface of the sea, though sufficient buoyancy might + possibly remain for the entire day still to keep the living from death. + </p> + <p> + There the wreck was, however, yet floating; and, though not visible to + Mulford, with a small portion of it above water. He saw the four persons + only; and what was more, they saw him. This was evident by Jack Tier's + waving his hat like a man cheering. When Mulford returned this signal, the + shawl of Rose was tossed into the air, in a way to leave no doubt that he + was seen and known. The explanation of this early recognition and + discovery of the young mate was very simple. Tier was not asleep when + Harry left the wreck, though, seeing the importance of the step the other + was taking, he had feigned to be so. When Rose awoke, missed her lover, + and was told what had happened, her heart was kept from sinking by his + encouraging tale and hopes. An hour of agony had succeeded, nevertheless, + when light returned and no Mulford was to be seen. The despair that burst + upon the heart of our heroine was followed by the joy of discovering him + on the rock. + </p> + <p> + It is scarcely necessary to say how much the parties were relieved on + ascertaining their respective positions. Faint as were the hopes of each + of eventual delivery, the two or three minutes that succeeded seemed to be + minutes of perfect happiness. After this rush of unlooked-for joy, Mulford + continued his intelligent examination of surrounding objects. + </p> + <p> + The wreck was fully half a mile from the rock of the mate, but much nearer + to the reef than it had been the previous night. “Could it but ground on + the rocks,” thought the young man, “it would be a most blessed event.” The + thing was possible, though the first half hour of his observations told + him that its drift was in the direction of the open passage so often + named, rather than toward the nearest rocks. Still, that drift brought + Rose each minute nearer and nearer to himself again. In looking round, + however, the young man saw the boat. It was a quarter of a mile distant, + with open water between them, apparently grounded on a rock, for it was + more within the reef than he was himself. He must have passed it in the + dark, and the boat had been left to obey the wind and currents, and to + drift to the spot where it then lay. + </p> + <p> + Mulford shouted aloud when he saw the boat, and at once determined to swim + in quest of it, as soon as he had collected a little refreshment from + among the sea-weed. On taking a look at his rock by daylight, he saw that + its size was quadrupled to the eye by the falling of the tide, and that + water was lying in several of the cavities of its uneven surface. At first + he supposed this to be sea-water, left by the flood; but, reflecting a + moment, he remembered the rain, and hoped it might be possible that one + little cavity, containing two or three gallons of the fluid, would turn + out to be fresh. Kneeling beside it, he applied his lips in feverish + haste, and drank the sweetest draught that had ever passed his lips. + Slaking his thirst, which had begun again to be painfully severe, he arose + with a heart overflowing with gratitude—could he only get Rose to + that narrow and barren rock, it would seem to be an earthly paradise. + Mulford next made his scanty, but, all things considered, sufficient meal, + drank moderately afterward, and then turned his attention and energies + toward the boat, which, though now aground and fast, might soon float on + the rising tide, and drift once more beyond his reach. It was his first + intention to swim directly for his object; but, just when about to enter + the water, he saw with horror the fins of at least a dozen sharks, which + were prowling about in the deeper water of the reef, and almost encircling + his hold. To throw himself in the midst of such enemies would be madness, + and he stopped to reflect, and again to look about him. For the first time + that morning, he took a survey of the entire horizon, to see if anything + were in sight; for, hitherto, his thoughts had been too much occupied with + Rose and her companions, to remember anything else. To the northward and + westward he distinctly saw the upper sails of a large ship, that was + standing on a wind to the northward and eastward. As there was no port to + which a vessel of that character would be likely to be bound in the + quarter of the Gulf to which such a course would lead, Mulford at once + inferred it was the sloop-of-war, which, after having examined the islets, + at the Dry Tortugas, and finding them deserted, was beating up, either to + go into Key West, or to pass to the southward of the reef again, by the + passage through which she had come as lately as the previous day. This was + highly encouraging; and could he only get to the boat, and remove the + party from the wreck before it sunk, there was now every prospect of a + final escape. + </p> + <p> + To the southward, also, the mate fancied he saw a sail. It was probably a + much smaller vessel than the ship in the north-west, and at a greater + distance. It might, however, be the lofty sails of some large craft; + standing along the reef, going westward, bound to New Orleans, or to that + new and important port, Point Isabel: or it might be some wrecker, or + other craft, edging away into the passage. As it was, it appeared only as + a speck in the horizon; and was too far off to offer much prospect of + succour. + </p> + <p> + Thus acquainted with the state of things around him, Mulford gave his + attention seriously to his duties. He was chiefly afraid that the + returning tide might lift the boat from the rock on which it had grounded, + and that it would float beyond his reach. Then there was the frightful and + ever-increasing peril of the wreck, and the dreadful fate that so + inevitably menaced those that it held, were not relief prompt. This + thought goaded him nearly to desperation, and he felt at moments almost + ready to plunge into the midst of the sharks, and fight his way to his + object. + </p> + <p> + But reflection showed him a less hazardous way of making an effort to + reach the boat. The sharks' fins described a semicircle only, as had been + the case of his single attendant during the night, and he thought that the + shealness of the water prevented their going further than they did, in a + south-easterly direction, which was that of the boat. He well knew that a + shark required sufficient water to sink beneath its prey, ere it made its + swoop, and that it uniformly turned on its back, and struck upward + whenever it gave one of its voracious bites. This was owing to the greater + length of its upper than of its lower jaw, and Mulford had heard it was a + physical necessity of its formation. Right or wrong, he determined to act + on this theory, and began at once to wade along the part of the reef that + his enemies seemed unwilling to approach. + </p> + <p> + Had our young mate a weapon of any sort larger than his knife, he would + have felt greater confidence in his success. As it was, however, he drew + that knife, and was prepared to sell his life dearly should a foe assail + him. No sooner was his step heard in the water, than the whole group of + sharks were set in violent motion, glancing past, and frequently quite + near him, as if aware their intended prey was about to escape. Had the + water deepened much, Harry would have returned at once, for a conflict + with such numbers would have been hopeless; but it did not; on the + contrary, it shoaled again, after a very short distance, at which it had + been waist-deep; and Mulford found himself wading over a long, broad + surface of rock, and that directly toward the boat, through water that + seldom rose above his knees, and which, occasionally, scarce covered his + feet. There was no absolutely naked rock near him, but there seemed to be + acres of that which might be almost said to be awash. Amid the greedy + throng that endeavoured to accompany him, the mate even fancied he + recognised the enormous fins of his old companion, who sailed to and fro + in the crowd in a stately manner, as if merely a curious looker-on of his + own movements. It was the smaller, and probably the younger sharks, that + betrayed the greatest hardihood and voracity. One or two of these made + fierce swoops toward Harry, as if bent on having him at every hazard; but + they invariably glided off when they found their customary mode of attack + resisted by the shoalness of the water. + </p> + <p> + Our young mate got ahead but slowly, being obliged to pay a cautious + attention to the movements of his escort. Sometimes he was compelled to + wade up to his arms in order to cross narrow places, that he might get on + portions of the rock that were nearly bare; and once he was actually + compelled to swim eight or ten yards. Nevertheless, he did get on, and + after an hour of this sort of work, he found himself within a hundred + yards of the boat, which lay grounded near a low piece of naked rock, but + separated from it by a channel of deep water, into which all the sharks + rushed in a body, as if expressly to cut off his escape. Mulford now + paused to take breath, and to consider what ought to be done. On the spot + where he stood he was quite safe, though ancle-deep in the sea, the + shallow water extending to a considerable distance on all sides of him, + with the single exception of the channel in his front. He stood on the + very verge of that channel, and could see in the pellucid element before + him, that it was deep enough to float a vessel of some size. + </p> + <p> + To venture into the midst of twenty sharks required desperation, and Harry + was not yet reduced to that. He had been so busy in making his way to the + point where he stood as to have no leisure to look for the wreck; but he + now turned his eyes in quest of that all-interesting object. He saw the + shawl fluttering in the breeze, and that was all he could see. Tier had + contrived to keep it flying as a signal where he was to be found, but the + hull of the schooner had sunk so low in the water that they who were + seated on its keel were not visible even at the short distance which now + separated them from Mulford. Encouraged by this signal, and animated by + the revived hope of still saving his companions, Harry turned toward the + channel, half inclined to face every danger rather than to wait any + longer. At that moment the fins were all gliding along the channel from + him, and in the same direction. Some object drew the sharks away in a + body, and the young mate let himself easily into the water, and swam as + noiselessly as he could toward the boat. + </p> + <p> + It was a fearful trial, but Mulford felt that everything depended on his + success. Stimulated by his motive, and strengthened by the food and water + taken an hour before, never had he shown so much skill and power in the + water. In an incredibly short period he was half-way across the channel, + still swimming strong and unharmed. A few strokes more sent him so near + the boat that hope took full possession of his soul, and he shouted in + exultation. That indiscreet but natural cry, uttered so near the surface + of the sea, turned every shark upon him, as the pack springs at the fox in + view. Mulford was conscious of the folly of his cry the instant it escaped + him, and involuntarily he turned his head to note the effect on his + enemies. Every fin was gliding toward him—a dark array of swift and + furious foes. Ten thousand bayonets, levelled in their line, could not + have been one-half as terrible, and the efforts of the young man became + nearly frantic. But strong as he was, and ready in the element, what is + the movement of a man in the water compared to that of a vigorous and + voracious fish? Mulford could see those fins coming on like a tempest, and + he had just given up all hope, and was feeling his flesh creep with + terror, when his foot hit the rock. Giving himself an onward plunge, he + threw his body upward toward the boat, and into so much shoaler water, at + least a dozen feet by that single effort. Recovering his legs as soon as + possible, he turned to look behind him. The water seemed alive with fins, + each pair gliding back and forth, as the bull-dog bounds in front of the + ox's muzzle. Just then a light-coloured object glanced past the young man, + so near as almost to touch him. It was a shark that had actually turned on + its back to seize its prey, and was only prevented from succeeding by + being driven from the line of its course by hitting the slimy rock, over + which it was compelled to make its plunge. The momentum with which it came + on, added to the inclination of the rock, forced the head and half of the + body of this terrible assailant into the air, giving the intended victim + an opportunity of seeing from what a fate he had escaped. Mulford avoided + this fish without much trouble, however, and the next instant he threw + himself into the boat, on the bottom of which he lay panting with the + violence of his exertions, and unable to move under the reaction which now + came over his system. + </p> + <p> + The mate lay in the bottom of the boat, exhausted and unable to rise, for + several minutes; during that space he devoutly returned thanks to God for + his escape, and bethought him of the course he was next to pursue, in + order to effect the rescue of his companions. The boat was larger than + common. It was also well equipped—a mast and sail lying along with + the oars, on its thwarts. The rock placed Harry to windward of the wreck, + and by the time he felt sufficiently revived to rise and look about him, + his plan of proceeding was fully arranged in his own mind. Among other + things that he saw, as he still lay in the bottom of the boat, was a + breaker which he knew contained fresh water, and a bread-bag. These were + provisions that it was customary for the men to make, when employed on + boat duty; and the articles had been left where he now saw them, in the + hurry of the movements, as the brig quitted the islets. + </p> + <p> + Harry rose the instant he felt his strength returning. Striking the + breaker with his foot, and feeling the basket with a hand, he ascertained + that the one held its water, and the other its bread. This was immense + relief, for by this time the sufferings of the party on the wreck must be + returning with redoubled force. The mate then stepped the mast, and fitted + the sprit to the sail, knowing that the latter would be seen fluttering in + the wind by those on the wreck, and carry joy to their hearts. After this + considerate act, he began to examine into the position of the boat. It was + still aground, having been left by the tide; but the water had already + risen several inches, and by placing himself on a gunwale, so as to bring + the boat on its bilge, and pushing with an oar, he soon got it into deep + water. It only remained to haul aft the sheet, and right the helm, to be + standing through the channel, at a rate that promised a speedy deliverance + to his friends, and, most of all, to Rose. + </p> + <p> + Mulford glanced past the rocks and shoals, attended by the whole company + of the sharks. They moved before, behind, and on each side of him, as if + unwilling to abandon their prey, even after he had got beyond the limits + of their power to do him harm. It was not an easy thing to manage the boat + in that narrow and crooked channel, with no other guide for the courses + than the eye, and it required so much of the mate's vigilance to keep + clear of the sharp angles of the rocks, that he could not once cast his + eyes aside, to look for the fluttering shawl, which now composed the + standing signal of the wreck. At length the boat shot through the last + passage of the reef, and issued into open water. Mulford knew that he must + come out half a mile at least to leeward of his object, and, without even + raising his head, he flattened in the sheet, put his helm down, and luffed + close to the wind. Then, and then only, did he venture to look around him. + </p> + <p> + Our mate felt his heart leap toward his mouth, as he observed the present + state of the wreck. It was dead to windward of him, in the first place, + and it seemed to be entirely submerged. He saw the shawl fluttering as + before; for Tier had fastened one corner to a button-hole of his own + jacket, and another to the dress of Biddy, leaving the part which might be + called the fly, to rise at moments almost perpendicularly in the air, in a + way to render it visible at some distance. He saw also the heads and the + bodies of those on the schooner's bottom, but to him they appeared to be + standing in, or on, the water. The distance may have contributed a little + to this appearance, but no doubt remained that so much air had escaped + from the hold of the vessel, as to permit it to sink altogether beneath + the surface of the sea. It was time, indeed, to proceed to the relief of + the sufferers. + </p> + <p> + Notwithstanding the boat sailed particularly fast, and worked beautifully, + it could not equal the impatience of Mulford to get on. Passing away to + the north-east a sufficient distance, as he thought, to weather on the + wreck, the young man tacked at last, and had the happiness to see that + every foot he proceeded was now in a direct line toward Rose. It was only + while tacking he perceived that all the fins had disappeared. He felt + little doubt that they had deserted him, in order to push for the wreck, + which offered so much larger, and so much more attainable prey. This + increased his feverish desire to get on, the boat seeming to drag, in his + eyes, at the very moment it was leaving a wake full of eddies and little + whirlpools. The wind was steady, but it seemed to Mulford that the boat + was set to leeward of her course by a current, though this could hardly + have been the case, as the wreck, the sole mark of his progress, would + have had at least as great a drift as the boat. At length Mulford—to + him it appeared to be an age; in truth it was after a run of about twenty + minutes—came near the goal he so earnestly sought, and got an + accurate view of the state of the wreck, and of those on it. The hull of + the schooner had, in truth, sunk entirely beneath the surface of the sea; + and the party it sustained stood already knee-deep in the water. This was + sufficiently appalling; but the presence of the sharks, who were crowding + around the spot, rendered the whole scene frightful. To the young mate it + seemed as if he must still be too late to save Rose from a fate more + terrible than drowning, for his boat fell so far to leeward as to compel + him to tack once more. As he swept past the wreck, he called out to + encourage his friends, begging them to be of good heart for five minutes + longer, when he should be able to reach them. Rose held out her arms + entreatingly, and the screams of Mrs. Budd and Biddy, which were extorted + by the closer and closer approach of the sharks, proclaimed the imminency + of the danger they ran, and the importance of not losing a moment of time. + </p> + <p> + Mulford took his distance with a seaman's eye, and the boat went about + like a top. The latter fell off, and the sail filled on the other tack. + Then the young mariner saw, with a joy no description can pourtray, that + he looked to windward of the fluttering shawl, toward which his little + craft was already flying. He afterward believed that shawl alone prevented + the voracious party of fish from assailing those on the wreck, for, though + there might not yet be sufficient depth of water to allow of their + customary mode of attack, creatures of their voracity did not always wait + for such conveniences. But the boat was soon in the midst of the fins, + scattering them in all directions; and Mulford let go his sheet, put his + helm down, and sprang forward to catch the extended arms of Rose. + </p> + <p> + It might have been accident, or it might have been the result of skill and + interest in our heroine, but certain it is, that the bows of the boat came + on the wreck precisely at the place where Rose stood, and her hand was the + first object that the young man touched. + </p> + <p> + “Take my aunt first,” cried Rose, resisting Mulford's efforts to lift her + into the boat; “she is dreadfully alarmed, and can stand with difficulty.” + </p> + <p> + Although two of Rose's activity and lightness might have been drawn into + the boat, while the process was going on in behalf of the widow, Mulford + lost no time in discussion, but did as he was desired. First directing + Tier to hold on to the painter, he applied his strength to the arms of + Mrs. Budd, and, assisted by Rose and Biddy, got her safely into the boat, + over its bows. Rose now waited not for assistance, but followed her aunt + with a haste that proved fear lent her strength in despite her long fast. + Biddy came next, though clumsily, and not without trouble, and Jack Tier + followed the instant he was permitted so to do. Of course, the boat, no + longer held by its painter, drifted away from the spot, and the hull of + the schooner, relieved from the weight of four human beings, rose so near + the surface again as to bring a small line of its keel out of water. No + better evidence could have been given of the trifling power which + sustained it, and of the timely nature of the succour brought by Mulford. + Had the boat remained near the schooner, it would have been found half an + hour later that the hull had sunk slowly out of sight, finding its way, + doubtless, inch by inch, toward the bottom of the Gulf. + </p> + <p> + By this time the sun was well up, and the warmth of the hour, season, and + latitude, was shed on the sufferers. There was an old sail in the boat, + and in this the party dried their limbs and feet, which were getting to be + numb by their long immersion. Then the mate produced the bag and opened + it, in quest of bread. A small portion was given to each, and, on looking + farther, the mate discovered that a piece of boiled ship's beef had been + secreted in this receptacle. Of this also he gave each a moderate slice, + taking a larger portion for himself, as requiring less precaution. The + suffering of the party from hunger was far less than that they endured + from thirst. Neither had been endured long enough seriously to enfeeble + them or render a full meal very dangerous, but the thirst had been much + the hardest to be borne. Of this fact Biddy soon gave audible evidence. + </p> + <p> + “The mate is good,” she said, “and the bread tastes swate and refreshing, + but wather is a blessed thing. Can you no give us one dhrap of the wather + that falls from heaven, Mr. Mulford; for this wather of the saa is of no + use but to drown Christians in?” + </p> + <p> + In an instant the mate had opened a breaker, and filled the tin pot which + is almost always to be found in a boat. Biddy said no more, but her eyes + pleaded so eloquently, that Rose begged the faithful creature might have + the first drink. One eager swallow went down, and then a cry of + disappointment succeeded. The water was salt, and had been put in the + breaker for ballast. The other breaker was tried with the same success. + </p> + <p> + “It is terrible to be without one drop of water,” murmured Rose, “and this + food makes it more necessary than ever.” + </p> + <p> + “Patience, patience, dearest Rose—patience for ten minutes, and you + shall all drink,” answered the mate, filling the sail and keeping the boat + away while speaking. “There is water, God be praised, on the rock to which + I first swam, and we will secure it before another day's sun help to make + it evaporate.” + </p> + <p> + This announcement quieted the longings of those who endured a thirst which + disappointment rendered doubly hard to bear; and away the boat glided + toward the rock. As he now flew over the distance, lessened more than + one-half by the drift of the wreck, Mulford recalled the scene through + which he had so painfully passed the previous night. As often happens, he + shuddered at the recollection of things which, at the moment, a desperate + resolution had enabled him to encounter with firmness. Still, he thought + nothing less than the ardent desire to save Rose could have carried him + through the trial with the success which attended his struggles. The dear + being at his side asked a few explanations of what had passed; and she + bowed her head and wept, equally with pain and delight, as imagination + pictured to her the situation of her betrothed, amid that waste of water, + with his fearful companions, and all in the hours of deep night. + </p> + <p> + But that was over now. There was the rock—the blessed rock on which + Mulford had so accidentally struck, close before them—and presently + they were all on it. The mate took the pot and ran to the little + reservoir, returning with a sweet draught for each of the party. + </p> + <p> + “A blessed, blessed thing, is wather!” exclaimed Biddy, this time finding + the relief she sought, “and a thousand blessings on <i>you,</i> Mr. + Mulford, who have niver done us anything but good.” + </p> + <p> + Rose looked a still higher eulogy on the young man, and even Mrs. Budd had + something commendatory and grateful to say. Jack Tier was silent, but he + had all his eyes about him, as he now proved. + </p> + <p> + “We've all on us been so much taken up with our own affairs,” remarked the + steward's assistant, “that we've taken but little notice of the + neighbourhood. If that is n't the brig, Mr. Mulford, running through this + very passage, with stun'sails set alow and aloft, I do n't know the Molly + Swash when I see her!” + </p> + <p> + “The brig!” exclaimed the mate, recollecting the vessels he had seen at + the break-of-day, for the first time in hours. “Can it be possible that + the craft I made out to the southward, is the brig?” + </p> + <p> + “Look, and judge for yourself, sir. There she comes, like a race-horse, + and if she holds her present course, she must pass somewhere within a mile + or so of us, if we stay where we are.” + </p> + <p> + Mulford did look, as did all with him. There was the Swash, sure enough, + coming down before the wind, and under a cloud of canvas. She might be + still a league, or a league and a half distant, but, at the rate at which + she was travelling, that distance would soon be past. She was running + through the passage, no doubt with a view to proceed to the Dry Tortugas, + to look after the schooner, Spike having the hope that he had dodged his + pursuers on the coast of Cuba. The mate now looked for the ship, in the + north-western board, believing, as he did, that she was the sloop-of-war. + That vessel had gone about, and was standing to the southward, on a taut + bowline. She was still a long way off, three or four leagues at least, but + the change she had made in her position, since last seen, proved that she + was a great sailer. Then she was more than hull down, whereas, now, she + was near enough to let the outline of a long, straight fabric be + discovered beneath her canvas. + </p> + <p> + “It is hardly possible that Spike should not see the vessel here in the + northern board,” Mulford observed to Tier, who had been examining the ship + with him. “The lookout is usually good on board the Swash, and, just now, + should certainly be as good as common. Spike is no dawdler with serious + business before him.” + </p> + <p> + “He's a willain!” muttered Jack Tier. + </p> + <p> + The mate regarded his companion with some surprise. Jack was a very + insignificant-looking personage in common, and one would scarcely pause to + give him a second look, unless it might be to laugh at his rotundity and + little waddling legs. But, now, the mate fancied he was swelling with + feelings that actually imparted somewhat more than usual stature and + dignity to his appearance. His face was full of indignation, and there was + something about the eye, that to Mulford was inexplicable. As Rose, + however, had related to him the scene that took place on the islet, at the + moment when Spike was departing, the mate supposed that Jack still felt a + portion of the resentment that such a collision would be apt to create. + From the expression of Jack's countenance at that instant, it struck him + Spike might not be exactly safe, should accident put it in the power of + the former to do him an injury. + </p> + <p> + It was now necessary to decide on the course that ought to be pursued. The + bag contained sufficient food to last the party several days, and a gallon + of water still remained in the cavity of the rock. This last was collected + and put in one of the breakers, which was emptied of the salt water in + order to receive it. As water, however, was the great necessity in that + latitude, Mulford did not deem it prudent to set sail with so small a + supply, and he accordingly commenced a search, on some of the adjacent + rocks, Jack Tier accompanying him. They succeeded in doubling their stock + of water, and collected several shell-fish, that the females found + exceedingly grateful and refreshing. On the score of hunger and thirst, + indeed, no one was now suffering. By judiciously sipping a little water at + a time, and retaining it in the mouth before swallowing, the latter + painful feeling had been gotten rid of; and as for food, there was even + more than was actually needed, and that of a very good quality. It is + probable that standing in the water for hours, as Rose, and her aunt, and + Biddy had been obliged to do, had contributed to lessen the pain endured + from thirst, though they had all suffered a good deal from that cause, + especially while the sun shone. + </p> + <p> + Mulford and Tier were half an hour in obtaining the water. By the end of + that period the brigantine was so near as to render her hull distinctly + visible. It was high time to decide on their future course. The sail had + been brailed when the boat reached the rock, and the boat itself lay on + the side of the latter opposite to the brig, and where no part of it could + be seen to those on board the Swash, with the exception of the mast. Under + the circumstances, therefore, Mulford thought it wisest to remain where + they were, and let the vessel pass, before they attempted to proceed + toward Key West, their intended place of refuge. In order to do this, + however, it was necessary to cause the whole party to lie down, in such a + way as to be hid by the inequalities in the rock, as it was now very + evident the brig would pass within half a mile of them. Hitherto, it was + not probable that they had been seen, and by using due caution, the + chances of Spike's overlooking them altogether amounted nearly to + certainty. + </p> + <p> + The necessary arrangements were soon made, the boat's masts unstepped, the + party placed behind their covers, and the females comfortably bestowed in + the spare sail, where they might got a little undisturbed sleep after the + dreadful night, or morning, they had passed. Even Jack Tier lay down to + catch his nap, as the most useful manner of bestowing himself for a couple + of hours; the time Mulford had mentioned as the period of their stay where + they were. + </p> + <p> + As for the mate, vigilance was his portion, and he took his position, hid + like all the rest, where he could watch the movements of his old craft. In + about twenty minutes, the brig was quite near; so near that Mulford not + only saw the people on board her, who showed themselves in the rigging, + but fancied he could recognise their persons. As yet, nothing had occurred + in the way of change, but, just as the Swash got abreast of the rock, she + began to take in her studding-sails, and that hurriedly, as is apt to + occur on board a vessel in sudden emergencies. Our young man was a little + alarmed at first, believing that they might have been discovered, but he + was soon induced to think that the crew of the brigantine had just then + begun to suspect the character of the ship to the northward. That vessel + had been drawing near all this time, and was now only some three leagues + distant. Owing to the manner in which she headed, or bows on, it was not a + very easy matter to tell the character of this stranger, though the + symmetry and squareness of his yards rendered it nearly certain he was a + cruiser. Though Spike could not expect to meet his old acquaintance here, + after the chase he had so lately led her, down on the opposite coast, he + might and would have his misgivings, and Mulford thought it was his + intention to haul up close round the northern angle of the reef, and + maintain his advantage of the wind, over the stranger. If this were + actually done, it might expose the boat to view, for the brig would pass + within a quarter of a mile of it, and on the side of the rock on which it + lay. It was too late, however, to attempt a change, since the appearance + of human beings in such a place would be certain to draw the brig's + glasses on them, and the glasses must at once let Spike know who they + were. It remained, therefore, only to await the result as patiently as + possible. + </p> + <p> + A very few minutes removed all doubt. The brig hauled as close round the + reef as she dared to venture, and in a very short time the boat lay + exposed to view to all on board her. The vessel was now so near that + Mulford plainly saw the boatswain get upon the coach-house, or little + hurricane-house deck, where Spike stood examining the ship with his glass, + and point out the boat, where it lay at the side of the rock. In an + instant, the glass was levelled at the spot, and the movements on board + the brig immediately betrayed to Mulford that the boat was recognised. + Sail was shortened on board the Swash, and men were seen preparing to + lower her stern boat, while everything indicated that the vessel was about + to be hove-to. There was no time now to be lost, but the young man + immediately gave the alarm. + </p> + <p> + No sooner did the party arise and show themselves, than the crew of the + Swash gave three cheers. By the aid of the glass, Spike doubtless + recognised their persons, and the fact was announced to the men, by way of + stimulating their exertions. This gave an additional spur to the movements + of those on the rock, who hastened into their own boat, and made sail as + soon as possible. + </p> + <p> + It was far easier to do all that has been described, than to determine on + the future course. Capture was certain if the fugitives ventured into the + open water, and their only hope was to remain on the reef. If channels for + the passage of the boat could be found, escape was highly probable, as the + schooner's boat could sail much faster than the brig's boat could row, + fast as Mulford knew the last to be. But the experience of the morning had + told the mate that the rock rose too near the surface, in many places, for + the boat, small as it was, to pass over it; and he must trust a great deal + to chance. Away he went, however, standing along a narrow channel, through + which the wind just permitted him to lay, with the sail occasionally + shaking. + </p> + <p> + By this time the Swash had her boat in the water, manned with four + powerful oars, Spike steering it in his own person. Our young mate placed + Tier in the bows, to point out the deepest water, and kept his sail a rap + full, in order to get ahead as fast as possible. Ahead he did get, but it + was on a course that soon brought him out in the open water of the main + passage through the reef, leaving Spike materially astern. The latter now + rose in his boat, and made a signal with his hat, which the boatswain + perfectly understood. The latter caused the brig to ware short round on + her heel, and boarded his foretack in chase, hauling up into the passage + as soon as he could again round the reef. Mulford soon saw that it would + never do for him to venture far from the rocks, the brig going two feet to + his one, though not looking quite as high as he did in the boat. But the + Swash had her guns, and it was probable they would be used rather than he + should escape. When distant two hundred yards from the reef, therefore, he + tacked. The new course brought the fugitives nearly at right angles to + that steered by Spike, who stood directly on, as if conscious that, sooner + or later, such a rencounter must occur. It would seem that the tide was + setting through the passage, for when the boat of Mulford again reached + the reef, it was considerably to windward of the channel out of which she + had issued, and opposite to another which offered very opportunely for her + entrance. Into this new channel, then, the mate somewhat blindly ran, + feeling the necessity of getting out of gun-shot of the brig at every + hazard. She at least could not follow him among the rocks, let Spike, in + his boat, proceed as he might. + </p> + <p> + According to appearances, Spike was not likely to be very successful. He + was obliged to diverge from his course, in order to go into the main + passage at the very point where Mulford had just before done the same + thing, and pull along the reef to windward, in order to get into the new + channel, into which the boat he was pursuing had just entered. This + brought him not only astern again, but a long bit astern, inasmuch as he + was compelled to make the circuit described. On he went, however, as eager + in the chase as the hound with his game in view. + </p> + <p> + Mulford's boat seemed to fly, and glided ahead at least three feet to that + of Spike's two. The direction of the channel it was in, brought it pretty + close to the wind, but the water was quite smooth, and our mate managed to + keep the sail full, and his little craft at the same time quite near the + weatherly side of the rocks. In the course of ten minutes the fugitives + were fully a mile from the brig, which was unable to follow them, but kept + standing off and on, in the main passage, waiting the result. At one time + Mulford thought the channel would bring him out into open water again, on + the northern side of the reef, and more than a mile to the eastward of the + point where the ship-channel in which the Swash was plying commenced; but + an accidental circumstance prevented his standing in far enough to + ascertain the fact. That circumstance was as follows: + </p> + <p> + In running a mile and a half over the reef, in the manner described, + Mulford had left the boat of Spike quite half a mile astern. He was now + out of gun-shot from the brig, or at least beyond the range of her grape, + the only missile he feared, and so far to windward that he kept his eye on + every opening to the southward, which he fancied might allow of his making + a stretch deeper into the mazes of the reef, among which he believed it + easiest for him to escape, and to weary the oarsmen of his pursuers. Two + or three of these openings offered as he glided along, but it struck him + that they all looked so high that the boat would not lay through them—an + opinion in which he was right. At length he came abreast of one that + seemed straight and clear of obstacles as far as he could see, and through + which he might run with a flowing sheet. Down went his helm, and about + went his boat, running away to the southward as fast as ever. + </p> + <p> + Had Spike followed, doubled the same shoal, and kept away again in the + same channel as had been done by the boat he chased, all his hopes of + success must have vanished at once. This he did not attempt, therefore; + but, sheering into one of the openings which the mate had rejected, he cut + off quite half a mile in his distance. This was easy enough for him to + accomplish, as a row-boat would pull even easier, near to the wind, than + with the wind broad on its bow. In consequence of this short cut, + therefore, Spike was actually crossing out into Mulford's new channel, + just as the latter had handsomely cleared the mouth of the opening through + which he effected his purpose. + </p> + <p> + It is scarcely necessary to say that the two boats must have been for a + few minutes quite near to each other; so near, indeed, did the fugitives + now pass to their pursuers, that it would have been easy for them to have + conversed, had they been so disposed. Not a word was spoken, however, but + Mulford went by, leaving Spike about a hundred yards astern. This was a + trying moment to the latter, and the devil tempted him to seek his + revenge. He had not come unarmed on his enterprise, but three or four + loaded muskets lay in the stern-sheets of his yawl. He looked at his men, + and saw that they could not hold out much longer to pull as they had been + pulling. Then he looked at Mulford's boat, and saw it gliding away from + him at a rate that would shortly place it another half mile in advance. He + seized a musket, and raised it to his shoulder, nay, was in the act of + taking aim at his mate, when Rose, who watched his movements, threw + herself before Harry, and if she did not actually save his life, at least + prevented Spike's attempt on it for that occasion. In the course of the + next ten minutes the fugitives had again so far gained on their pursuers, + that the latter began to see that their efforts were useless. Spike + muttered a few bitter curses, and told his men to lay on their oars. + </p> + <p> + “It's well for the runaway,” he added, “that the gal put herself between + us, else would his grog have been stopped for ever. I've long suspected + this; but had I been sure of it, the Gulf Stream would have had the + keeping of his body, the first dark night we were in it together. Lay on + your oars, men, lay on your oars; I'm afeared the villian will get through + our fingers, a'ter all.” + </p> + <p> + The men obeyed, and then, for the first time, did they turn their heads, + to look at those they had been so vehemently pursuing. The other boat was + quite half a mile from them, and it had again tacked. This last occurrence + induced Spike to pull slowly ahead, in quest of another short passage to + cut the fugitives off; but no such opening offered. + </p> + <p> + “There he goes about again, by George!” exclaimed Spike. “Give way, lads—give + way; an easy stroke, for if he is embayed, he can't escape us!” + </p> + <p> + Sure enough, poor Mulford <i>was</i> embayed, and could see no outlet by + which to pass ahead. He tacked his boat two or three times, and he wore + round as often; but on every side shoals, or rocks that actually rose + above the surface of the water, impeded his course. The fact was not to be + concealed; after all his efforts, and so many promises of success, not + only was his further progress ahead cut off, but equally so was retreat. + The passage was not wide enough to admit the hope of getting by his + pursuers, and the young man came to the conclusion that his better course + was to submit with dignity to his fate. For himself he had no hope—he + knew Spike's character too well for that; but he did not apprehend any + great immediate danger to his companions. Spike had a coarse, brutal + admiration for Rose! but her expected fortune, which was believed to be of + more amount than was actually the case, was a sort of pledge that he would + not willingly put himself in a situation that would prevent the + possibility of enjoying it. Strange, hurried, and somewhat confused + thoughts passed through Harry Mulford's mind, as he brailed his sail, and + waited for his captors to approach and take possession of his boat and + himself. This was done quietly, and with very few words on the part of + Spike. + </p> + <p> + Mulford would have liked the appearance of things better had his old + commander cursed him, and betrayed other signs of the fury that was + boiling in his very soul. On the contrary, never had Stephen Spike seemed + more calm, or under better self-command. He smiled, and saluted Mrs. Budd, + just as if nothing unpleasant had occurred, and alluded to the sharpness + of the chase with facetiousness and seeming good-humour. The females were + deceived by this manner, and hoped, after all, that the worst that would + happen would be a return to their old position on board the Swash. This + was being so much better off than their horrible situation on the wreck, + that the change was not frightful to them. + </p> + <p> + “What has become of the schooner, Mr. Mulford?” asked Spike, as the boats + began to pass down the channel to return to the brig—two of the + Swash's men taking their seats in that which had been captured, along with + their commander, while the other two got a tow from the use of the sail. + “I see you have the boat here that we used alongside of her, and suppose + you know something of the craft itself.” + </p> + <p> + “She capsized with us in a squall,” answered the mate, “and we only left + the wreck this morning.” + </p> + <p> + “Capsized!—hum—that was a hard fate, to be sure, and denotes + bad seamanship. Now I've sailed all sorts of craft these forty years, or + five-and-thirty at least, and never cap-sized anything in my life. Stand + by there for'ard to hold on by that rock.” + </p> + <p> + A solitary cap of the coral rose above the water two or three feet, close + to the channel, and was the rock to which Spike alluded. It was only some + fifty feet in diameter, and of an oval form, rising quite above the + ordinary tides, as was apparent by its appearance. It is scarcely + necessary to say it had no other fresh water than that which occasionally + fell on its surface, which surface being quite smooth, retained very + little of the rain it received. The boat was soon alongside of this rock, + where it was held broadside-to by the two seamen. + </p> + <p> + “Mr. Mulford, do me the favour to step up here,” said Spike, leading the + way on to the rock himself. “I have a word to say to you before we get on + board the old Molly once more.” + </p> + <p> + Mulford silently complied, fully expecting that Spike intended to blow his + brains out, and willing the bloody deed should be done in a way to be as + little shocking to Rose as circumstances would allow. But Spike manifested + no such intention. A more refined cruelty was uppermost in his mind; and + his revenge was calculated, and took care to fortify itself with some of + the quibbles and artifices of the law. He might not be exactly right in + his legal reservations, but he did not the less rely on their virtue. + </p> + <p> + “Hark'e, Mr. Mulford,” said Spike, sharply, as soon as both were on the + rock, “you have run from my brig, thereby showing your distaste for her; + and I've no disposition to keep a man who wishes to quit me. Here you are, + sir, on <i>terrum firm,</i> as the scholars call it; and here you have my + full permission to remain. I wish you a good morning, sir; and will not + fail to report, when we get in, that you left the brig of your own + pleasure.” + </p> + <p> + “You will not have the cruelty to abandon me on this naked rock, Captain + Spike, and that without a morsel of food, or a drop of water.” + </p> + <p> + “Wather is a blessed thing!” exclaimed Biddy. “Do not think of lavin' the + gentleman widout wather.” + </p> + <p> + “You left <i>me,</i> sir, without food or water, and you can fit out your + own rock—yes, d—e, sir, you left me <i>under fire,</i> and + that is a thing no true-hearted man would have thought of. Stand by to + make sail, boys; and if he offer to enter the boat, pitch him out with the + boat-hooks.” + </p> + <p> + Spike was getting angry, and he entered the boat again, without perceiving + that Rose had left it. Light of foot, and resolute of spirit, the + beautiful girl, handsomer than ever perhaps, by her excited feelings and + dishevelled hair, had sprung on the rock, as Spike stepped into the boat + forward, and when the latter turned round, after loosening the sail, he + found he was drifting away from the very being who was the object of all + his efforts. Mulford, believing that Rose was to be abandoned as well as + himself, received the noble girl in his arms, though ready to implore + Spike, on his knees, to return and at least to take her off. But Spike + wanted no solicitation on that point. He returned of his own accord, and + had just reached the rock again when a report of a gun drew all eyes + toward the brig. + </p> + <p> + The Swash had again run out of the passage, and was beating up, close to + the reef as she dared to go, with a signal flying. All the seamen at once + understood the cause of this hint. The strange sail was getting too near, + and everybody could see that it was the sloop-of-war. Spike looked at + Rose, a moment, in doubt. But Mulford raised his beloved in his arms, and + carried her to the side of the rock, stepping on board the boat. + </p> + <p> + Spike watched the movements of the young man with jealous vigilance, and + no sooner was Rose placed on her seat, than he motioned significantly to + the mate to quit the boat. + </p> + <p> + “I cannot and will not voluntarily, Captain Spike,” answered Harry, + calmly. “It would be committing a sort of suicide.” + </p> + <p> + A sign brought two of the men to the captain's assistance. While the + latter held Rose in her place, the sailors shoved Harry on the rock again. + Had Mulford been disposed to resist, these two men could not very easily + have ejected him from the boat, if they could have done it at all; but he + knew there were others in reserve, and feared that blood might be shed, in + the irritated state of Spike, in the presence of Rose. While, therefore, + he would not be accessary to his own destruction, he would not engage in + what he knew would prove not only a most harassing, but a bootless + resistance. The consequence was that the boats proceeded, leaving him + alone on the rock. + </p> + <p> + It was perhaps fortunate for Rose that she fainted. Her condition occupied + her aunt and Biddy, and Spike was enabled to reach his brig without any + further interruption. Rose was taken on board still nearly insensible, + while her two female companions were so much confused and distressed, that + neither could have given a reasonably clear account of what had just + occurred. Not so with Jack Tier, however. That singular being noted all + that passed, seated in the eyes of the boat, away from the confusion that + prevailed in its stern-sheets, and apparently undisturbed by it. + </p> + <p> + As the party was sailing back toward the brig, the lighthouse boat towing + the Swash's yawl, Jack took as good an observation of the channels of that + part of the reef as his low position would allow. He tried to form in his + mind a sort of chart of the spot, for, from the instant Mulford was thus + deserted, the little fellow had formed a stern resolution to attempt his + rescue. How that was to be done, however, was more than he yet knew; and + when they reached the brig's side, Tier may be said to have been filled + with good intentions, rather than with any very available knowledge to + enable him to put them in execution. + </p> + <p> + As respects the two vessels, the arrival of Spike on board his own was not + a moment too soon. The Poughkeepsie, for the stranger to the northward was + now ascertained to be that sloop-of-war, was within long gun-shot by this + time, and near enough to make certain, by means of her glasses, of the + character of the craft with which she was closing. Luckily for the brig + she lay in the channel so often mentioned, and through which both she and + her present pursuer had so lately come, on their way to the northward. + This brought her to windward, as the wind then stood, with a clear passage + before her. Not a moment was lost. No sooner were the females sent below, + than sail was made on the brig, and she began to beat through the passage, + making long legs and short ones. She was chased, as a matter of course, + and that hard, the difference in sailing between the two crafts not being + sufficiently great to render the brigantine's escape by any means certain, + while absolutely within the range of those terrible missiles that were + used by the man-of-war's men. + </p> + <p> + But Spike soon determined not to leave a point so delicate as that of his + own and his vessel's security to be decided by a mere superiority in the + way of heels. The Florida Reef, with all its dangers, windings, and rocks, + was as well known to him as the entrances to the port of New York. In + addition to its larger channels, of which there are three or four, through + which ships of size can pass, it had many others that would admit only + vessels of a lighter draught of water. The brig was not flying light, it + is true, but she was merely in good ballast trim, and passages would be + available to her, into which the Poughkeepsie would not dare to venture. + One of these lesser channels was favourably placed to further the escape + of Spike, and he shoved the brig into it after the struggle had lasted + less than an hour. This passage offered a shorter cut to the south side of + the reef than the main channel, and the sloop-of-war, doubtless perceiving + the uselessness of pursuit, under such circumstances, wore round on her + heel, and came down through the main channel again, just entering the open + water, near the spot where the schooner had sunk, as the sun was setting. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0010" id="link2HCH0010"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER II. + </h2> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + <i>Shallow.</i> Did her grandsire leave her seven hundred pound? + + <i>Evans.</i> Ay, and her father is make her a petter penny. + + <i>Shallow.</i> I know the young gentlewoman; she has good gifts. + + <i>Evans.</i> Seven hundred pounds, and possibilities, is good gifts. + + Shakspeare. +</pre> + <p> + As for Spike, he had no intention of going to the southward of the Florida + Reef again until his business called him there. The lost bag of doubloons + was still gleaming before his imagination, and no sooner did the + Poughkeepsie bear up, than he shortened sail, standing back and forth in + his narrow and crooked channel, rather losing ground than gaining, though + he took great pains not to let his artifice be seen. When the Poughkeepsie + was so far to the northward as to render it safe, he took in everything + but one or two of his lowest sails, and followed easily in the same + direction. As the sloop-of-war carried her light and loftier sails, she + remained visible to the people of the Swash long after the Swash had + ceased to be visible to her. Profiting by this circumstance, Spike entered + the main channel again some time before it was dark, and selected a safe + anchorage there that was well known to him; a spot where sufficient sand + had collected on the coral to make good holding ground, and where a vessel + would be nearly embayed, though always to windward of her channel going + out, by the formation of the reef. Here he anchored, in order to wait + until morning ere he ventured further north. During the whole of that + dreadful day, Rose had remained in her cabin, disconsolate, nearly unable, + as she was absolutely unwilling to converse. Now it was that she felt the + total insufficiency of a mind feeble as that of her aunt's to administer + consolation to misery like her own. Nevertheless, the affectionate + solicitude of Mrs. Budd, as well as that of the faithful creature, Biddy, + brought some relief, and reason and resignation began slowly to resume + their influence. Yet was the horrible picture of Harry, dying by inches, + deserted in the midst of the waters on his solitary rock, ever present to + her thoughts, until, once or twice, her feelings verged on madness. Prayer + brought its customary relief, however; and we do not think that we much + exaggerate the fact, when we say that Rose passed fully one-half of that + terrible afternoon on her knees. + </p> + <p> + As for Jack Tier, he was received on board the brig much as if nothing had + happened. Spike passed and repassed him fifty times, without even an angry + look, or a word of abuse; and the deputy-steward dropped quietly into the + duties of his office, without meeting with either reproach or hindrance. + The only allusion, indeed, that was made to his recent adventures, took + place in a conversation that was held on the subject in the galley, the + interlocutors being Jack himself, Josh, the steward, and Simon, the cook. + </p> + <p> + “Where you been scullin' to, 'bout on dat reef, Jack, wid dem' ere women, + I won'er now?” demanded Josh, after tasting the cabin soup, in order to + ascertain how near it was to being done. “It'ink it no great fun to dodge + 'bout among dem rock in a boat, for anudder hurricane might come when a + body least expeck him.” + </p> + <p> + “Oh,” said Jack, cavalierly, “two hurricanes no more come in one month, + than two shot in the same hole. We've been turtlin', that's all. I wish we + had in your coppers, cook, some of the critturs that we fell in with in + our cruise.” + </p> + <p> + “Wish'e had, master steward, wid all my heart,” answered the fat, + glistening potentate of the galley. “But, hark'ee, Jack; what became of + our young mate, can 'e tell? Some say he get kill at'e Dry Tortugas, and + some say he war' scullin' round in dat boat you hab, wid'e young woman, + eh?” + </p> + <p> + “Ah, boys,” answered Jack, mournfully, “sure enough, what <i>has</i> + become of him?” + </p> + <p> + “You know, why can't you tell? What good to hab secret among friend.” + </p> + <p> + “<i>Are</i> ye his friends, lads? Do you really feel as if you could give + a poor soul in its agony a helpin' hand?” + </p> + <p> + “Why not?” said Josh, in a reproachful way. “Misser Mulford'e bess mate + dis brig ebber get; and I don't see why Cap'in Spike-want to be rid of + him.” + </p> + <p> + “Because he's a willian!” returned Jack between his grated teeth. “D'ye + know what that means in English, master Josh; and can you and cook here, + both of whom have sailed with the man years in and years out, say whether + my words be true or not?” + </p> + <p> + “Dat as a body understand 'em. Accordin' to some rule, Stephen Spike not a + werry honest man; but accordin' to 'nudder some, he as good as any body + else.” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, dat just be upshot of de matter,” put in Simon, approvingly. “De + whole case lie in dat meanin'.” + </p> + <p> + “D'ye call it right to leave a human being to starve, or to suffer for + water, on a naked rock, in the midst of the ocean?” + </p> + <p> + “Who do dat?” + </p> + <p> + “The willian who is captain of this brig; and all because he thinks young + eyes and bloomin' cheeks prefar young eyes and bloomin' cheeks to his own + grizzly beard and old look-outs.” + </p> + <p> + “Dat bad; dat werry bad,” said Josh, shaking his head, a way of denoting + dissatisfaction, in which Simon joined him; for no crime appeared + sufficiently grave in the eyes of these two sleek and well-fed officials + to justify such a punishment. “Dat mons'ous bad, and cap'in ought to know + better dan do <i>dat</i>. I nebber starves a mouse, if I catches him in de + bread-locker. Now, dat a sort of reason'ble punishment, too; but I nebber + does it. If mouse eat my bread, it do seem right to tell mouse dat he hab + enough, and dat he must not eat any more for a week, or a mont', but it + too cruel for me, and I nebber does it; no, I t'rows de little debil + overboard, and lets him drown like a gentle'em.” + </p> + <p> + “Y-e-s,” drawled out Simon, in a philanthropical tone of voice, “dat'e + best way. What good it do to torment a fellow critter? If Misser Mulford + run, why put him down run, and let him go, I say, on'y mulk his wages; but + what good it do anybody to starve him? Now dis is my opinion, gentle'em, + and dat is, dat starwation be wuss dan choleric. Choleric kill, I knows, + and so does starwation kill; but of de two, gib me de choleric fuss; if I + gets well of dat, den try starwation if you can.” + </p> + <p> + “I'm glad to hear you talk in this manner, my hearties,” put in Jack; “and + I hope I may find you accommodatin' in a plan I've got to help the maty + out of this difficulty. As a friend of Stephen Spike's I would do it; for + it must be a terrible thing to die with such a murder on one's soul. + Here's the boat that we pick'd up at the light-house, yonder, in tow of + the brig at this minute; and there's everything in her comfortable for a + good long run, as I know from having sailed in her; and what I mean is + this: as we left Mr. Mulford, I took the bearings and distance of the rock + he was on, d'ye understand, and think I could find my way back to it. You + see the brig is travelin' slowly north ag'in, and afore long we shall be + in the neighbourhood of that very rock. We, cook and stewards, will be + called on to keep an anchor-watch, if the brig fetches up, as I heard the + captain tell the Spanish gentleman he thought she would; and then we can + take the boat that's in the water and go and have a hunt for the maty.” + </p> + <p> + The two blacks looked at Tier earnestly; then they turned their heads to + look at each other. The idea struck each as bold and novel, but each saw + serious difficulties in it. At length Josh, as became his superior + station, took on himself the office of expressing the objections that + occurred to his mind. + </p> + <p> + “Dat nebber do!” exclaimed the steward. “We be's quite willin' to sarve'e + mate, who's a good gentle'em, and as nice a young man as ever sung out, + 'hard a-lee,' but we must t'ink little bit of number one; or, for dat + matter, of number two, as Simon would be implercated as well as myself. If + Cap'in Spike once knew we've lent a hand in sich a job, he'd never + overlook it. I knows him, <i>well;</i> and that is sayin' as much as need + be said of any man's character. You nebber catch <i>me</i> runnin' myself + into his jaws; would rather fight a shark widout any knife. No, no—I + knows him <i>well</i>. Den comes anudder werry unanswerable objecsh'un, + and dat is, dat'e brig owe bot' Simon and I money. Fifty dollars, each on + us, if she owe one cent. Now, do you t'ink in cander, Jack, dat two + colour' gentle'em, like us, can t'row away our fortins like two sons of a + York merchant dat has inherited a hundred t'ousand dollar tudder day?” + </p> + <p> + “There is no occasion for running at all, or for losing your wages.” + </p> + <p> + “How you get'e mate off, den? Can he walk away on de water? If so, let him + go widout us. A werry good gentle'em is Misser Mulford, but not good + enough to mulk Simon and me out of fifty dollar each.” + </p> + <p> + “You will not hear my project, Josh, and so will never know what I would + be at.” + </p> + <p> + “Well, come, tell him jest as you surposes him. Now listen, Simon, so dat + not a word be loss.” + </p> + <p> + “My plan is to take the boat, if we anchor, as anchor I know we shall, and + go and find the rock and bring Mr. Mulford off; then we can come back to + the brig, and get on board ourselves, and let the mate sail away in the + boat by himself. On this plan nobody will run, and no wages be mulcted.” + </p> + <p> + “But dat take time and an anchor-watch last but two hour, surposin' even + dat'ey puts all t'ree of us in de same watch.” + </p> + <p> + “Spike usually does that, you know. 'Let the cook and the stewards keep + the midnight watch,' he commonly says, 'and that will give the foremost + hands a better snooze.”' + </p> + <p> + “Yes, he do say <i>dat,</i> Josh,” put in Simon, “most ebbery time we + comes-to.” + </p> + <p> + “I know he does, and surposes he will say it to-night, if he comes-to + to-night. But a two hour watch may not be long enough to do all you wants; + and den, jest t'ink for a moment, should 'e cap'in come on deck and hail'e + forecastle, and find us all gone, I wouldn't be in your skin, Jack, for + dis brig, in sich a kerlamity. I knows Cap'in Spike well; t'ree time I + endebber to run myself, and each time he bring me up wid a round turn; so, + now-a-days, I nebber t'inks of sich a projeck any longer.” + </p> + <p> + “But I do not intend to leave the forecastle without some one on it to + answer a hail. No, all I want is a companion; for I do not like to go out + on the reef at midnight, all alone. If one of you will go with me, the + other can stay and answer the captain's hail, should he really come on + deck in our watch—a thing very little likely to happen. When once + his head is on his pillow, a'ter a hard day's work, it's not very apt to + be lifted ag'in without a call, or a squall. If you do know Stephen Spike + <i>well,</i> Josh, I know him better.” + </p> + <p> + “Well, Jack, dis here is a new idee, d'ye see, and a body must take time + to consider on it. If Simon and I do ship for dis v'y'ge, 't will be for + lub of Mr. Mulford, and not for <i>his</i> money or <i>your'n”</i>. + </p> + <p> + This was all the encouragement of his project Jack Tier could obtain, on + that occasion, from either his brother steward, or from the cook. These + blacks were well enough disposed to rescue an innocent and unoffending man + from the atrocious death to which Spike had condemned his mate, but + neither lost sight of his own security and interest. They promised Tier + not to betray him, however; and he had the fullest confidence in their + pledges. They who live together in common, usually understand the feeling + that prevails, on any given point, in their own set; and Jack felt pretty + certain that Harry was a greater favourite in and about the camboose than + the captain. On that feeling he relied, and he was fain to wait the course + of events, ere he came to any absolute conclusion as to his own course. + </p> + <p> + The interview in the galley took place about half an hour before the brig + anchored for the night. Tier, who often assisted on such occasions, went + aloft to help secure the royal, one of the gaskets of which had got loose, + and from the yard he had an excellent opportunity to take a look at the + reef, the situation of the vessel, and the probable bearings of the rock + on which poor Mulford had been devoted to a miserable death. This + opportunity was much increased by Spike's hailing him, while on the yard, + and ordering him to take a good look at the sloop-of-war, and at the same + time to ascertain if any boats were “prowlin' about, in order to make a + set upon us in the night.” On receiving this welcome order, Jack answered + with a cheerful “Ay, ay, sir,” and standing up on the yard, he placed an + arm around the mast, and remained for a long time making his observations. + The command to look-out for boats would have been a sufficient excuse had + he continued on the yard as long as it was light. + </p> + <p> + Jack had no difficulty in finding the Poughkeepsie, which was already + through the passage, and no longer visible from the deck. She appeared to + be standing to the northward and westward, under easy canvas, like a craft + that was in no hurry. This fact was communicated to Spike in the usual + way. The latter seemed pleased, and he answered in a hearty manner, just + as if no difficulty had ever occurred between him and the steward's + assistant. + </p> + <p> + “Very well, Jack! bravo, Jack!—now take a good look for boats; + you'll have light enough for that this half hour,” cried the captain. “If + any are out, you'll find them pulling down the channel, or maybe they'll + try to shorten the cut, by attempting to pull athwart the reef. Take a + good and steady look for them, my man.” + </p> + <p> + “Ay, ay, sir; I'll do all I can with naked eyes,” answered Jack, “but I + could do better, sir, if they would only send me up a glass by these here + signal-halyards. With a glass, a fellow might speak with some sartainty.” + </p> + <p> + Spike seemed struck with the truth of this suggestion; and he soon sent a + glass aloft by the signal-halyards. Thus provided, Jack descended as low + as the cross-trees, where he took his seat, and began a survey at his + leisure. While thus employed, the brig was secured for the night, her + decks were cleared, and the people were ordered to get their suppers, + previously to setting an anchor-watch, and turning-in for the night. No + one heeded the movements of Tier,—for Spike had gone into his own + state-room,—with the exception of Josh and Simon. Those two worthies + were still in the galley, conversing on the subject of Jack's recent + communications; and ever and anon one of them would stick his head out of + the door and look aloft, withdrawing it, and shaking it significantly, as + soon as his observations were ended. + </p> + <p> + As for Tier, he was seated quite at his ease; and having slung his glass + to one of the shrouds, in a way to admit of its being turned as on a + pivot, he had every opportunity for observing accurately, and at his + leisure. The first thing Jack did, was to examine the channel very + closely, in order to make sure that no boats were in it, after which he + turned the glass with great eagerness toward the reef, in the almost + hopeless office of ascertaining something concerning Mulford. In point of + fact, the brig had anchored quite three leagues from the solitary rock of + the deserted mate, and, favoured as he was by his elevation, Jack could + hardly expect to discern so small and low an object as that rock at so + great a distance. Nevertheless, the glass was much better than common. It + had been a present to Spike from one who was careful in his selections of + such objects, and who had accidentally been under a serious obligation to + the captain. Knowing the importance of a good look, as regards the boats, + Spike had brought this particular instrument, of which, in common, he was + very chary, from his own state-room, and sent it aloft, in order that Jack + might have every available opportunity of ascertaining his facts. It was + this glass, then, which was the means of the important discoveries the + little fellow, who was thus perched on the fore-topmast cross-trees of the + Swash, did actually succeed in making. + </p> + <p> + Jack actually started, when he first ascertained how distinctly and near + the glass he was using brought distant objects. The gulls that sailed + across its disk, though a league off, appeared as if near enough to be + touched by the hand, and even their feathers gave out not only their hues, + but their forms. Thus, too, was it with the surface of the ocean, of which + the little waves that agitated the water of the reef, might be seen + tossing up and down, at more than twice the range of the Poughkeepsie's + heaviest gun. Naked rocks, low and subdued as they were in colour, too, + were to be noted, scattered up and down in the panorama. At length Tier + fancied his glass covered a field that he recognized. It was distant, but + might be seen from his present elevation. A second look satisfied him he + was right; and he next clearly traced the last channel in which they had + endeavoured to escape from Spike, or that in which the boat had been + taken. Following it along, by slowly moving the glass, he actually hit the + rock on which Mulford had been deserted. It was peculiar in shape, size, + and elevation above the water, and connected with the circumstance of the + channel, which was easily enough seen by the colour of the water, and more + easily from his height than if he had been in it, he could not be + mistaken. The little fellow's heart beat quick as he made the glass move + slowly over its surface, anxiously searching for the form of the mate. It + was not to be seen. A second, and a more careful sweep of the glass, made + it certain that the rock was deserted. + </p> + <p> + Although a little reflection might have satisfied any one Mulford was not + to be sought in that particular spot, so long after he had been left + there, Jack Tier felt grievously disappointed when he was first made + certain of the accuracy of his observations. A minute later he began to + reason on the matter, and he felt more encouraged. The rock on which the + mate had been abandoned was smooth, and could not hold any fresh water + that might have been left by the late showers. Jack also remembered that + it had neither sea-weed nor shell-fish. In short, the utmost malice of + Spike could not have selected, for the immolation of his victim, a more + suitable place. Now Tier had heard Harry's explanation to Rose, touching + the manner in which he had waded and swum about the reef that very + morning, and it at once occurred to him that the young man had too much + energy and spirit to remain helpless and inactive to perish on a naked + rock, when there might be a possibility of at least prolonging existence, + if not of saving it. This induced the steward to turn the glass slowly + over the water, and along all the ranges of visible rock that he could + find in that vicinity. For a long time the search was useless, the + distance rendering such an examination not only difficult but painful. At + length Jack, about to give up the matter in despair, took one sweep with + the glass nearer to the brig, as much to obtain a general idea of the + boat-channels of the reef, as in any hope of finding Mulford, when an + object moving in the water came within the field of the glass. He saw it + but for an instant, as the glass swept slowly past, but it struck him it + was something that had life, and was in motion. Carefully going over the + same ground again, after a long search, he again found what he so + anxiously sought. A good look satisfied him that he was right. It was + certainly a man wading along the shallow water of the reef, immersed to + his waist—and it must be Mulford. + </p> + <p> + So excited was Jack Tier by this discovery that he trembled like a leaf. A + minute or two elapsed before he could again use the glass; and when he + did, a long and anxious search was necessary before so small an object + could be once more found. Find it he did, however, and then he got its + range by the vessel, in a way to make sure of it. Yes, it was a man, and + it was Mulford. + </p> + <p> + Circumstances conspired to aid Jack in the investigation that succeeded. + The sun was near setting, but a stream of golden light gleamed over the + waters, particularly illuminating the portion which came within the field + of the glass. It appeared then that Harry, in his efforts to escape from + the rock, and to get nearer to the edge of the main channel, where his + chances of being seen and rescued would be ten-fold what they were on his + rock, had moved south, by following the naked reef and the shallow places, + and was actually more than a league nearer to the brig than he would have + been had he remained stationary. There had been hours in which to make + this change, and the young man had probably improved them to the utmost. + </p> + <p> + Jack watched the form that was wading slowly along with an interest he had + never before felt in the movements of any human being. Whether Mulford saw + the brig or not, it was difficult to say. She was quite two leagues from + him, and, now that her sails were furled, she offered but little for the + eye to rest on at that distance. At first, Jack thought the young man was + actually endeavouring to get nearer to her, though it must have been a + forlorn hope that should again place him in the hands of Spike. It was, + however, a more probable conjecture that the young man was endeavouring to + reach the margin of the passage, where a good deal of rock was above + water, and near to which he had already managed to reach. At one time Jack + saw that the mate was obliged to swim, and he actually lost sight of him + for a time. His form, however, reappeared, and then it slowly emerged from + the water, and stood erect on a bare rock of some extent. Jack breathed + freer at this; for Mulford was now on the very margin of the channel, and + might be easily reached by the boat, should he prevail on Josh, or Simon, + to attempt the rescue. + </p> + <p> + At first, Jack Tier fancied that Mulford had knelt to return thanks on his + arrival at a place of comparative safety; but a second look satisfied him + that Harry was drinking from one of the little pools of fresh water left + by the late shower. When he rose from drinking, the young man walked about + the place, occasionally stooping, signs that he was picking up shell-fish + for his supper. Suddenly, Mulford darted forward, and passed beyond the + field of the glass. When Jack found him again, he was in the act of + turning a small turtle, using his knife on the animal immediately after. + Had Jack been in danger of starvation himself, and found a source of food + as ample and as grateful as this, he could scarcely have been more + delighted. The light now began to wane perceptibly, still Harry's + movements could be discerned. The turtle was killed and dressed, + sufficiently at least for the mate's purposes, and the latter was seen + collecting sea-weed, and bits of plank, boards, and sticks of wood, of + which more or less, in drifting past, had lodged upon the rocks. “Is it + possible,” thought Jack, “that he is so werry partic'lar he can't eat his + turtle raw! Will he, indeed, venture to light a fire, or has he the + means?” Mulford was so particular, however, he did venture to light a + fire, and he had the means. This may be said to be the age of matches—not + in a connubial, though in an inflammatory sense—and the mate had a + small stock in a tight box that he habitually carried on his person. Tier + saw him at work over a little pile he had made for a long time, the beams + of day departing now so fast as to make him fearful he should soon lose + his object in the increasing obscurity of twilight. Suddenly a light + gleamed, and the pile sent forth a clear flame. Mulford went to and fro, + collecting materials to feed his fire, and was soon busied in cooking his + turtle. All this Tier saw and understood, the light of the flames coming + in proper time to supply the vacuum left by the departure of that of day. + </p> + <p> + In a minute Tier had no difficulty in seeing the fire that Mulford had + lighted on his low and insulated domains with the naked eye. It gleamed + brightly in that solitary place; and the steward was much afraid it would + be seen by some one on deck, get to be reported to Spike, and lead to + Harry's destruction after all. The mate appeared to be insensible to his + danger, however, occasionally casting piles of dry sea-weed on his fire, + in a way to cause the flames to flash up, as if kindled anew by gunpowder. + It now occurred to Tier that the young man had a double object in lighting + this fire, which would answer not only the purposes of his cookery, but as + a signal of distress to anything passing near. The sloop-of-war, though + more distant than the brig, was in his neighbourhood; and she might + possibly yet send relief. Such was the state of things when Jack was + startled by a sudden hail from below. It was Spike's voice, and came up to + him short and quick. + </p> + <p> + “Fore-topmast cross-trees, there! What are ye about all this time, Master + Jack Tier, in them fore-topmast cross-trees, I say?” demanded Spike. + </p> + <p> + “Keeping a look-out for boats from the sloop-of-war, as you bade me, sir,” + answered Jack, coolly. + </p> + <p> + “D'ye see any, my man? Is the water clear ahead of us, or not?” + </p> + <p> + “It's getting to be so dark, sir, I can see no longer. While there was + day-light, no boat was to be seen.” + </p> + <p> + “Come down, man—come down; I've business for you below. The sloop is + far enough to the nor'ard, and we shall neither see nor hear from her + to-night. Come down, I say, Jack—come down.” + </p> + <p> + Jack obeyed, and securing the glass, he began to descend the rigging. He + was soon as low as the top, when he paused a moment to take another look. + The fire was still visible, shining like a torch on the surface of the + water, casting its beams abroad like “a good deed in a naughty world.” + Jack was sorry to see it, though he once more took its bearing from the + brig, in order that he might know where to find the spot, in the event of + a search for it. When on the stretcher of the fore-rigging, Jack stopped + and again looked for his beacon. It had disappeared, having sunk below the + circular formation of the earth. By ascending two or three ratlins, it + came into view, and by going down as low as the stretcher again, it + disappeared. Trusting that no one, at that hour, would have occasion to go + aloft, Jack now descended to the deck, and went aft with the spy-glass. + </p> + <p> + Spike and the Señor Montefalderon were under the coach-house, no one else + appearing on any part of the quarter-deck. The people were eating their + suppers, and Josh and Simon were busy in the galley. As for the females, + they chose to remain in their own cabin, where Spike was well pleased to + leave them. + </p> + <p> + “Come this way, Jack,” said the captain, in his best-humoured tone of + voice, “I've a word to say to you. Put the glass in at my state-room + window, and come hither.” + </p> + <p> + Tier did as ordered. + </p> + <p> + “So you can make out no boats to the nor'ard, ha, Jack! nothing to be seen + thereaway?” + </p> + <p> + “Nothing in the way of a boat, sir.” + </p> + <p> + “Ay, ay, I dare say there's plenty of water, and some rock. The Florida + Reef has no scarcity of either, to them that knows where to look for one, + and to steer clear of the other. Hark'e, Jack; so you got the schooner + under way from the Dry Tortugas, and undertook to beat her up to Key West, + when she fancied herself a turtle, and over she went with you—is + that it, my man?” + </p> + <p> + “The schooner turned turtle with us, sure enough, sir; and we all came + near drowning on her bottom.” + </p> + <p> + “No sharks in that latitude and longitude, eh Jack?” + </p> + <p> + “Plenty on 'em, sir; and I thought they would have got us all, at one + time. More than twenty set of fins were in sight at once, for several + hours.” + </p> + <p> + “You could hardly have supplied the gentlemen with a leg, or an arm, each. + But where was the boat all this time—you had the light-house boat in + tow, I suppose?” + </p> + <p> + “She had been in tow, sir; but Madam Budd talked so much dictionary to the + painter, that it got adrift.” + </p> + <p> + “Yet I found you all in it.” + </p> + <p> + “Very true, sir. Mr. Mulford swam quite a mile to reach the rocks, and + found the boat aground on one on 'em. As soon as he got the boat, he made + sail, and came and took us off. We had reason to thank God he could do + so.” + </p> + <p> + Spike looked dark and thoughtful. He muttered the words “swam,” and + “rocks,” but was too cautious to allow any expressions to escape him, that + might betray to the Mexican officer that which was uppermost in his mind. + He was silent, however, for quite a minute, and Jack saw that he had + awakened a dangerous source of distrust in the captain's breast. + </p> + <p> + “Well, Jack,” resumed Spike, after the pause, “can you tell us anything of + the doubloons? I nat'rally expected to find them in the boat, but there + were none to be seen. You scarcely pumped the schooner out, without + overhauling her lockers, and falling in with them doubloons.” + </p> + <p> + “We found them, sure enough, and had them ashore with us, in the tent, + down to the moment when we sailed.” + </p> + <p> + “When you took them off to the schooner, eh? My life for it, the gold was + not forgotten.” + </p> + <p> + “It was not, sure enough, sir; but we took it off with us to the schooner, + and it went down in her when she finally sunk.” + </p> + <p> + Another pause, during which Señor Montefalderon and Captain Spike looked + significantly at each other. + </p> + <p> + “Do you think, Jack, you could find the spot where the schooner went + down?” + </p> + <p> + “I could come pretty near it, sir, though not on the very spot itself. + Water leaves no mark over the grave of a sunken ship.” + </p> + <p> + “If you can take us within a reasonable distance, we might find it by + sweeping for it. Them doubloons are worth some trouble; and their recovery + would be better than a long v'y'ge to us, any day.” + </p> + <p> + “They would, indeed, Don Esteban,” observed the Mexican; “and my poor + country is not in a condition to bear heavy losses. If Señor Jack Tier can + find the wreck, and we regain the money, ten of those doubloons shall be + his reward, though I take them from my own share, much diminished as it + will be.” + </p> + <p> + “You hear, Jack—here is a chance to make your fortune! You say you + sailed with me in old times—and old times were good times with this + brig, though times has changed; but if you sailed with me, in <i>old</i> + times, you must remember that whatever the Swash touched she turned to + gold.” + </p> + <p> + “I hope you do n't doubt, Captain Spike, my having sailed in the brig, not + only in old times, but in her best times.” + </p> + <p> + Jack seemed hurt as he put this question, and Spike appeared in doubt. The + latter gazed at the little, rotund, queer-looking figure before him, as if + endeavouring to recognise him; and when he had done, he passed his hand + over his brow, like one who endeavoured to recall past objects by + excluding those that are present. + </p> + <p> + “You will then show us the spot where my unfortunate schooner did sink, + Señor Jack Tier?” put in the Mexican. + </p> + <p> + “With all my heart, señor, if it is to be found. I think I could take you + within a cable's length of the place, though hunger, and thirst, and + sharks, and the fear of drowning, will keep a fellow from having a very + bright look-out for such a matter.” + </p> + <p> + “In what water do you suppose the craft to lie, Jack?” demanded the + captain. + </p> + <p> + “You know as much of that as I do myself, sir. She went down about a + cable's length from the reef, toward which she was a settin' at the time; + and had she kept afloat an hour longer, she might have grounded on the + rocks.” + </p> + <p> + “She 's better where she is, if we can only find her by sweeping. On the + rocks we could do nothing with her but break her up, and ten to one the + doubloons would be lost. By the way, Jack, do you happen to know where + that scoundrel of a mate of mine stowed the money?” + </p> + <p> + “When we left the island, I carried it down to the boat myself—and a + good lift I had of it. As sure as you are there, señor, I was obliged to + take it on a shoulder. When it came out of the boat, Mr. Mulford carried + it below; and I heard him tell Miss Rose, a'terwards that he had thrown it + into a bread-locker.” + </p> + <p> + “Where we shall find it, Don Wan, notwithstanding all this veering and + hauling. The old brig has luck when, doubloons are in question, and ever + has had since I've commanded her. Jack, we shall have to call on the cook + and stewards for an anchor-watch to-night. The people are a good deal + fagged with boxing about this reef so much, and I shall want 'em all as + fresh to-morrow as they can be got. You idlers had better take the middle + watches, which will give the fore-castle chaps longer naps.” + </p> + <p> + “Ay, ay, sir; we'll manage that for 'em. Josh and Simon can go on at + twelve, and I will take the watch at two, which will give the men all the + rest they want, as I can hold out for four hours full. I'm as good for an + anchor-watch as any man in the brig, Captain Spike.” + </p> + <p> + “That you are, Jack, and better than some on 'em. Take you all round, and + round it is, you 're a rum 'un, my lad—the queerest little jigger + that ever lay out on a royal-yard.” + </p> + <p> + Jack might have been a little offended at Spike's compliments, but he was + certainly not sorry to find him so good-natured, after all that had + passed. He now left the captain, and his Mexican companion, seemingly in + close conference together, while he went below himself, and dropped as + naturally into the routine of his duty, as if he had never left the brig. + In the cabin he found the females, of course. Rose scarce raising her face + from the shawl which lay on the bed of her own berth. Jack busied himself + in a locker near this berth, until an opportunity occurred to touch Rose, + unseen by her aunt or Biddy. The poor heart-stricken girl raised her face, + from which all the colour had departed, and looked almost vacantly at + Jack, as if to ask an explanation. Hope is truly, by a most benevolent + provision of Providence, one of the very last blessings to abandon us. It + is probable that we are thus gifted, in order to encourage us to rely on + the great atonement to the last moment, since, without this natural + endowment to cling to hope, despair might well be the fate of millions, + who, there is reason to think, reap the benefit of that act of divine + mercy. It would hardly do to say that anything like hope was blended with + the look Rose now cast on Jack, but it was anxious and inquiring. + </p> + <p> + The steward bent his head to the locker, bringing his face quite near to + that of Rose, and whispered—“There is hope, Miss Rose—but do + not betray me.” + </p> + <p> + These were blessed words for our heroine to hear, and they produced an + immediate and great revolution in her feelings. Commanding herself, + however, she looked her questions, instead of trusting even to a whisper. + Jack did not say any more, just then; but, shortly after, he called Rose, + whose eyes were now never off him, into the main cabin, which was empty. + It was so much pleasanter to sleep in an airy state-room on deck, that + Señor Montefalderon, indeed, had given up the use of this cabin, in a + great measure, seldom appearing in it, except at meals, having taken + possession of the deserted apartment of Mulford. Josh was in the galley, + where he spent most of his time, and Rose and Jack had no one to disturb + their conference. + </p> + <p> + “He is safe, Miss Rose—God be praised!” whispered Jack. “Safe for + the present, at least; with food, and water, and fire to keep him warm at + night.” + </p> + <p> + It was impossible for Rose not to understand to whom there was allusion, + though her head became dizzy under the painful confusion that prevailed in + it. She pressed her temples with both hands, and asked a thousand + questions with her eyes. Jack considerately handed her a glass of water + before he proceeded. As soon as he found her a little more composed, he + related the facts connected with his discovery of Mulford, precisely as + they had occurred. + </p> + <p> + “He is now on a large rock—a little island, indeed—where he is + safe from the ocean unless it comes on to blow a hurricane,” concluded + Jack, “has fresh water and fresh turtle in the bargain. A man might live a + month on one such turtle as I saw Mr. Mulford cutting up this evening.” + </p> + <p> + “Is there no way of rescuing him from the situation you have mentioned, + Jack? In a year or two I shall be my own mistress, and have money to do as + I please with; put me only in the way of taking Mr. Mulford from that + rock, and I will share all I am worth on earth with you, dear Jack.” + </p> + <p> + “Ay, so it is with the whole sex,” muttered Tier; “let them only once give + up their affections to a man, and he becomes dearer to them than pearls + and rubies! But you know me, Miss Rose, and know <i>why</i> and <i>how + well</i> I would sarve you. My story and my feelin's are as much your + secret, as your story and your feelin's is mine. We shall pull together, + if we do n't pull so very strong. Now, hearken to me, Miss Rose, and I + will let you into the secret of my plan to help Mr. Mulford make a + launch.” + </p> + <p> + Jack then communicated to his companion his whole project for the night. + Spike had, of his own accord, given to him and his two associates, Simon + and Josh, the care of the brig between midnight and morning. If he could + prevail on either of these men to accompany him, it was his intention to + take the light-house boat, which was riding by its painter astern of the + brig, and proceed as fast as they could to the spot whither Mulford had + found his way. By his calculations, if the wind stood as it then was, + little more than an hour would be necessary to reach the rock, and about + as much more to return. Should the breeze lull, of which there was no + great danger, since the easterly trades were again blowing, Jack thought + he and Josh might go over the distance with the oars in about double the + time. Should both Josh and Simon refuse to accompany him, he thought he + should attempt the rescue of the mate alone, did the wind stand, trusting + to Mulford's assistance, should he need it, in getting back to the brig. + </p> + <p> + “You surely would not come back here with Harry, did you once get him safe + from off that rock!” exclaimed Rose. + </p> + <p> + “Why, you know how it is with me, Miss Rose,” answered Jack. “<i>My</i> + business is here, on board the Swash, and I must attend to it. Nothing + shall tempt me to give up the brig so long as she floats, and sartain folk + float in her, unless it might be some such matter as that which happened + on the bit of an island at the Dry Tortugas. Ah! he's a willian! But if I + do come back, it will be only to get into my own proper berth ag'in, and + not to bring Mr. Mulford into the lion's jaws. He will only have to put me + back on board the Molly here, when he can make the best of his own way to + Key West. Half an hour would place him out of harm's way; especially as I + happen to know the course Spike means to steer in the morning.” + </p> + <p> + “I will go with you, Jack,” said Rose, mildly, but with great firmness. + </p> + <p> + “You, Miss Rose! But why should I show surprise! It's like all the sex, + when they have given away their affections. Yes, woman will be woman, put + her on a naked rock, or put her in silks and satins in her parlour at + home. How different is it with men! They dote for a little while, and turn + to a new face. It must be said, men's willians!” + </p> + <p> + “Not Mulford, Jack—no, not Harry Mulford! A truer or a nobler heart + never beat in a human breast; and you and I will drown together, rather + than he should not be taken from that rock.” + </p> + <p> + “It shall be as you say,” answered Jack, a little thoughtfully. “Perhaps + it would be best that you should quit the brig altogether. Spike is + getting desperate, and you will be safer with the young mate than with so + great an old willian. Yes, you shall go with me, Miss Rose; and if Josh + and Simon both refuse, we will go alone.” + </p> + <p> + “With you, Jack, but not with Mr. Mulford. I cannot desert my aunt, nor + can I quit the Swash alone in company with her mate. As for Spike, I + despise him too much to fear him. He must soon go into port somewhere, and + at the first place where he touches we shall quit him. He dare not detain + us—nay, he <i>cannot</i>—and I do not fear him. We will save + Harry, but I shall remain with my aunt.” + </p> + <p> + “We'll see, Miss Rose, we'll see,” said Tier, smiling. “Perhaps a handsome + young man, like Mr. Mulford, will have better luck in persuading you than + an old fellow like me. If he should fail, 't will be his own fault.” + </p> + <p> + So thought Jack Tier, judging of women as he had found them, but so did + not think Rose Budd. The conversation ended here, however, each keeping in + view its purport, and the serious business that was before them. + </p> + <p> + The duty of the vessel went on as usual. The night promised to be clouded, + but not very dark, as there was a moon. When Spike ordered the + anchor-watches, he had great care to spare his crew as much as possible, + for the next day was likely to be one of great toil to them. He intended + to get the schooner up again, if possible; and though he might not + actually pump her out so as to cause her to float, enough water was to be + removed to enable him to get at the doubloons. The situation of the + bread-locker was known, and as soon as the cabin was sufficiently freed + from water to enable one to move about in it, Spike did not doubt his + being able to get at the gold. With his resources and ingenuity, the + matter in his own mind was reduced to one of toil and time. + Eight-and-forty hours, and some hard labour, he doubted not would effect + all he cared for. + </p> + <p> + In setting the anchor-watches for the night, therefore, Stephen Spike + bethought him as much of the morrow as of the present moment. Don Juan + offered to remain on deck until midnight, and as he was as capable of + giving an alarm as any one else, the offer was accepted. Josh and Simon + were to succeed the Mexican, and to hold the lookout for two hours, when + Jack was to relieve them, and to continue on deck until light returned, + when he was to give the captain a call. This arrangement made, Tier turned + in at once, desiring the cook to call him half an hour before the proper + period of his watch commenced. That half hour Jack intended to employ in + exercising his eloquence in endeavouring to persuade either Josh or Simon + to be of his party. By eight o'clock the vessel lay in a profound quiet, + Señor Montefalderon pacing the quarterdeck alone, while the deep breathing + of Spike was to be heard issuing through the open window of his + state-room; a window which it may be well to say to the uninitiated, + opened in-board, or toward the deck, and not outboard, or toward the sea. + </p> + <p> + For four solitary hours did the Mexican pace the deck of the stranger, + resting himself for a few minutes at a time only, when wearied with + walking. Does the reader fancy that a man so situated had not plenty of + occupation for his thoughts? Don Juan Montefalderon was a soldier and a + gallant cavalier; and love of country had alone induced him to engage in + his present duties. Not that patriotism which looks to political + preferment through a popularity purchased by the valgar acclamation which + attends success in arms, even when undeserved, or that patriotism which + induces men of fallen characters to endeavour to retrieve former offences + by the shortest and most reckless mode, or that patriotism which shouts + “our country right or wrong,” regardless alike of God and his eternal + laws, that are never to be forgotten with impunity; but the patriotism + which would defend his home and fire-side, his altars and the graves of + his fathers, from the ruthless steps of the invader. We shall not pretend + to say how far this gentleman entered into the merits of the quarrel + between the two republics, which no arts of European jealousy can ever + conceal from the judgment of truth, for, with him, matters had gone beyond + the point when men feel the necessity of reasoning, and when, perhaps, if + such a condition of the mind is ever to be defended, he found his perfect + justification in feeling. He had travelled, and knew life by observation, + and not through traditions and books. He had never believed, therefore, + that his countrymen could march to Washington, or even to the Sabine; but + he had hoped for better things than had since occurred. The warlike + qualities of the Americans of the North, as he was accustomed to call + those who term themselves, <i>par excellence,</i> Americans, a name they + are fated to retain, and to raise high on the scale of national power and + national pre-eminence, unless they fall by their own hands, had taken him + by surprise, as they have taken all but those who knew the country well, + and who understood its people. Little had he imagined that the small, + widely-spread body of regulars, that figured in the blue books, almanacs + and army-registers of America, as some six or seven thousand men, + scattered along frontiers of a thousand leagues in extent, could, at the + beck of the government, swell into legions of invaders, men able to carry + war to the capitals of his own states, thousands of miles from their + doors, and formidable alike for their energy, their bravery, their + readiness in the use of arms, and their numbers. He saw what is perhaps + justly called the boasting of the American character, vindicated by their + exploits; and marches, conquests and victories that, if sober truth were + alone to cover the pages of history, would far outdo in real labour and + danger the boasted passage of the Alps under Napoleon, and the exploits + that succeeded it. + </p> + <p> + Don Juan Montefalderon was a grave and thoughtful man, of pure Iberian + blood. He might have had about him a little of the exaltation of the + Spanish character; the overflowings of a generous chivalry at the bottom; + and, under its influence, he may have set too high an estimate on Mexico + and her sons, but he was not one to shut his eyes to the truth. He saw + plainly that the northern neighbours of his country were a race formidable + and enterprising, and that of all the calumnies that had been heaped upon + them by rivalries and European superciliousness, that of their not being + military by temperament was, perhaps, the most absurd of all. On the + contrary, he had himself, though anticipating evil, been astounded by the + suddenness and magnitude of their conquests, which in a few short months + after the breaking out of hostilities, had overrun regions larger in + extent than many ancient empires. All this had been done, too, not by + disorderly and barbarous hordes, seeking in other lands the abundance that + was wanting at home; but with system and regularity, by men who had turned + the ploughshare into the sword for the occasion, quitting abundance to + encounter fatigue, famine, and danger. In a word, the Señor Montefalderon + saw all the evils that environed his own land, and foresaw others, of a + still graver character that menaced the future. On matters such as these + did he brood in his walk, and bitter did he find the minutes of that sad + and lonely watch. Although a Mexican, he could feel; although an avowed + foe of this good republic of ours, he had his principles, his affections, + and his sense of right. Whatever may be the merits of the quarrel, and we + are not disposed to deny that our provocation has been great, a sense of + right should teach every man that what may be patriotic in an American, + would not be exactly the same thing in a Mexican, and that we ought to + respect in others sentiments that are so much vaunted among ourselves. + Midnight at length arrived, and, calling the cook and steward, the unhappy + gentleman was relieved, and went to his berth to dream, in sorrow, over + the same pictures of national misfortunes, on which, while waking, he had + brooded in such deep melancholy. + </p> + <p> + The watch of Josh and Simon was tranquil, meeting with no interruption + until it was time to summon Jack. One thing these men had done, however, + that was of some moment to Tier, under a pledge given by Josh, and which + had been taken in return for a dollar in hand. They had managed to haul + the light-house boat alongside, from its position astern, and this so + noiselessly as not to give the alarm to any one. There it lay, when Jack + appeared, ready at the main-rigging, to receive him at any moment he might + choose to enter it. + </p> + <p> + A few minutes after Jack appeared on deck, Rose and Biddy came stealthily + out of the cabin, the latter carrying a basket filled with bread and + broken meat, and not wanting in sundry little delicacies, such as woman's + hands prepare, and, in this instance, woman's tenderness had provided. The + whole party met at the galley, a place so far removed from the state-rooms + aft as to be out of ear-shot. Here Jack renewed his endeavours to persuade + either Josh or Simon to go in the boat, but without success. The negroes + had talked the matter over in their watch, and had come to the conclusion + the enterprise was too hazardous. + </p> + <p> + “I tell you, Jack, you does n't know Cap'in Spike as well as I does,” Josh + said, in continuance of the discourse. “No, you does n't know him at all + as well as I does. If he finds out that anybody has quit dis brig dis + werry night, woful will come! It no good to try to run; I run t'ree time, + an' Simon here run twice. What good it all do? We got cotched, and here we + is, just as fast as ever. I knows Cap'in Spike, and does n't want to fall + in athwart his hawse any more.” + </p> + <p> + “Y-e-s, dat my judgment too,” put in the cook. “We wishes you well, Jack, + and we wishes Miss Rose well, and Mr. Mulford well, but we can't, no how, + run ath'art hawse, as Josh says. Dat is my judgment, too.” + </p> + <p> + “Well, if your minds are made up to this, my darkies, I s'pose there'll be + no changing them,” said Jack. “At all ewents you'll lend us a hand, by + answering any hail that may come from aft, in my watch, and in keepin' our + secret. There's another thing you can do for us, which may be of service. + Should Captain Spike miss the boat, and lay any trap to catch us, you can + just light this here bit of lantern and hang it over the brig's bows, + where he'll not be likely to see it, that we may know matters are going + wrong, and give the craft a wide berth.” + </p> + <p> + “Sartain,” said Josh, who entered heartily into the affair, so far as good + wishes for its success were concerned, at the very moment when he had a + most salutary care of his own back. “Sartain; we do all dat, and no t'ank + asked. It no great matter to answer a hail, or to light a lantern and + sling him over de bows; and if Captain Spike want to know who did it, let + him find out.” + </p> + <p> + Here both negroes laughed heartily, manifesting so little care to suppress + their mirth, that Rose trembled lest their noise should awaken Spike. + Accustomed sounds, however, seldom produce this effect on the ears of the + sleeper, and the heavy breathing from the state-room, succeeded the + merriment of the blacks, as soon as the latter ceased. Jack now announced + his readiness to depart. Some little care and management were necessary to + get into the boat noiselessly, more especially with Biddy. It was done + however, with the assistance of the blacks, who cast off the painter, when + Jack gave the boat a shove to clear the brig, and suffered it to drift + astern for a considerable distance before he ventured to cast loose the + sail. + </p> + <p> + “I know Spike well,” said Jack, in answer to a remonstrance from the + impatient Rose concerning his delay: “A single flap of that canvas would + wake him up, with the brig anchored, while he would sleep through a salute + of heavy guns if it came in regular course. Quick ears has old Stephen, + and it's best to humour them. In a minute more we'll set our canvas and be + off.” + </p> + <p> + All was done as Jack desired, and the boat got away from the brig unheard + and undetected. It was blowing a good breeze, and Jack Tier had no sooner + got the sail on the boat, than away it started at a speed that would have + soon distanced Spike in his yawl, and with his best oarsmen. The main + point was to keep the course, though the direction of the wind was a great + assistant. By keeping the wind abeam, Jack thought he should be going + toward the rock of Mulford. In one hour, or even in less time, he expected + to reach it, and he was guided by time, in his calculations, as much as by + any other criterion. Previously to quitting the brig, he had gone up a few + ratlins of the fore-rigging to take the bearings of the fire on Mulford's + rock, but the light was no longer visible. As no star was to be seen, the + course was a little vague, but Jack was navigator enough to understand + that by keeping on the weather side of the channel he was in the right + road, and that his great danger of missing his object was in over-running + it. + </p> + <p> + So much of the reef was above water, that it was not difficult to steer a + boat along its margin. The darkness, to be sure, rendered it a little + uncertain how near they were running to the rocks, but, on the whole, Jack + assured Rose he had no great difficulty in getting along. + </p> + <p> + “These trades are almost as good as compasses,” he said, “and the rocks + are better, if we can keep close aboard them without going on to them. I + do not know the exact distance of the spot we seek from the brig, but I + judged it to be about two leagues, as I looked at it from aloft. Now, this + boat will travel them two leagues in an hour, with this breeze and in + smooth water.” + </p> + <p> + “I wish you had seen the fire again before we left the brig,” said Rose, + too anxious for the result not to feel uneasiness on some account or + other. + </p> + <p> + “The mate is asleep, and the fire has burned down; that's the explanation. + Besides, fuel is not too plenty on a place like that Mr. Mulford inhabits + just now. As we get near the spot, I shall look out for embers, which may + sarve as a light-house, or beacon, to guide us into port.” + </p> + <p> + “Mr. Mulford will be charmed to see us, now that we take him wather!” + exclaimed Biddy. “Wather is a blessed thing, and it's hard will be the + heart that does not fale gratitude for a planty of swate wather.” + </p> + <p> + “The maty has plenty of food and water where he is,” said Jack. “I'll + answer for both them sarcumstances. I saw him turn a turtle as plain as if + I had been at his elbow, and I saw him drinking at a hole in the rock, as + heartily as a boy ever pulled at a gimblet-hole in a molasses hogs-head.” + </p> + <p> + “But the distance was so great, Jack, I should hardly think you could have + distinguished objects so small.” + </p> + <p> + “I went by the motions altogether. I saw the man, and I saw the movements, + and I knowed what the last meant. It's true I couldn't swear to the + turtle, though I saw something on the rock that I knowed, by the way in + which it was handled, <i>must</i> be a turtle. Then I saw the mate kneel, + and put his head low, and then I knowed he was drinking.” + </p> + <p> + “Perhaps he prayed,” said Rose, solemnly. + </p> + <p> + “Not he. Sailors isn't so apt to pray, Miss Rose; not as apt as they ought + to be. Women for prayers, and men for work. Mr. Mulford is no worse than + many others, but I doubt if he be much given to <i>that</i>.” + </p> + <p> + To this Rose made no answer, but Biddy took the matter up, and, as the + boat went briskly ahead, she pursued the subject. + </p> + <p> + “Then more is the shame for him,” said the Irish woman, “and Miss Rose, + and missus, and even I prayin' <i>for</i> him, all as if he was our own + brudder. It's seldom I ask anything for a heretic, but I could not forget + a fine young man like Mr. Mulford, and Miss Rose so partial to him, and he + in so bad a way. He ought to be ashamed to make his brags that he is too + proud to pray.” + </p> + <p> + “Harry has made no such wicked boast,” put in Rose, mildly; “nor do we + know that he has not prayed for us, as well as for himself. It may all be + a mistake of Jack's, you know.” + </p> + <p> + “Yes,” added Jack, coolly, “it <i>may</i> be a mistake, a'ter all, for I + was lookin' at the maty six miles off, and through a spy-glass. No one can + be sure of anything at such a distance. So overlook the matter, my good + Biddy, and carry Mr. Mulford the nice things you've mustered in that + basket, all the same as if he was pope.” + </p> + <p> + “This is a subject we had better drop,” Rose quietly observed. + </p> + <p> + “Anything to oblige you, Miss Rose, though religion is a matter it would + do me no harm to talk about once and awhile. It's many a long year since + I've had time and opportunity to bring my thoughts to dwell on holy + things. Ever since I left my mother's side, I've been a wanderer in my + mind, as much as in my body.” + </p> + <p> + “Poor Jack! I understand and feel for your sufferings; but a better time + will come, when you may return to the habits of your youth, and to the + observances of your church.” + </p> + <p> + “I do n't know that, Miss Rose; I do n't know that,” answered Tier, + placing the elbow of his short arm on the seemingly shorter leg, and + bending his head so low as to lean his face on the palm of the hand, an + attitude in which he appeared to be suffering keenly through his + recollections. “Childhood and innocence never come back to us in this + world. What the grave may do, we shall all learn in time.” + </p> + <p> + “Innocence can return to all with repentance, Jack; and the heart that + prompts you to do acts as generous as this you are now engaged in, must + contain some good seed yet.” + </p> + <p> + “If Jack will go to a praste and just confess, when he can find a father, + it will do his sowl good,” said Biddy, who was touched by the mental + suffering of the strange little being at her side. + </p> + <p> + But the necessity of managing the boat soon compelled its coxswain to + raise his head, and to attend to his duty. The wind sometimes came in + puffs, and at such moments Jack saw that the large sail of the light-house + boat required watching, a circumstance that induced him to shake off his + melancholy, and give his mind more exclusively to the business before him. + As for Rose, she sympathised deeply with Jack Tier, for she knew his + history, his origin, the story of his youth, and the well-grounded causes + of his contrition and regrets. From her, Jack had concealed nothing, the + gentle commiseration of one like Rose being a balm to wounds that had bled + for long and bitter years. The great poet of our language, and the + greatest that ever lived, perhaps, short of the inspired writers of the + Old Testament, and old Homer and Dante, has well reminded us that the + “little beetle,” in yielding its breath, can “feel a pang as great as when + a giant dies.” Thus is it, too, in morals. Abasement, and misery, and + poverty, and sin, may, and all do, contribute to lower the tone of our + moral existence; but the principle that has been planted by nature, can be + eradicated by nature only. It exists as long as we exist; and if dormant + for a time, under the pressure of circumstances, it merely lies, in the + moral system, like the acorn, or the chestnut, in the ground, waiting its + time and season to sprout, and bud, and blossom. Should that time never + arrive, it is not because the seed is not there, but because it is + neglected. Thus was it with the singular being of whose feelings we have + just spoken. The germ of goodness had been implanted early in him, and was + nursed with tenderness and care, until, self-willed, and governed by + passion; he had thrown off the connections of youth and childhood, to + connect himself with Spike—a connection that had left him what he + was. Before closing our legend, we shall have occasion to explain it. + </p> + <p> + “We have run our hour; Miss Rose,” resumed Jack, breaking a continued + silence, during which the boat had passed through a long line of water; + “we have run our hour, and ought to be near the rock we are in search of. + But the morning is so dark that I fear we shall have difficulty in finding + it. It will never do to run past it, and we must haul closer into the + reef, and shorten sail, that we may be sartain to make no such mistake.” + </p> + <p> + Rose begged her companion to omit no precaution, as it would be dreadful + to fail in their search, after incurring so much risk in their own + persons. + </p> + <p> + “Harry may be sleeping on the sea-weed of which you spoke,” she added, + “and the danger of passing him will be much increased in such a case. What + a gloomy and frightful spot is this, in which to abandon a human being! I + fear, Jack, that we have come faster than we have supposed, and may + already have passed the rock.” + </p> + <p> + “I hope not, Miss Rose—it seemed to me a good two leagues to the + place where I saw him, and the boat is fast that will run two leagues in + an hour.” + </p> + <p> + “We do not know the time, Jack, and are obliged to guess at that as well + as at the distance. How very dark it is!” + </p> + <p> + Dark, in one sense, it was not, though Rose's apprehensions, doubtless, + induced her to magnify every evil. The clouds certainly lessened the light + of the moon; but there was still enough of the last to enable one to see + surrounding objects; and most especially to render distinct the character + of the solitude that reigned over the place. + </p> + <p> + The proximity of the reef, which formed a weather shore to the boat, + prevented anything like a swell on the water, notwithstanding the + steadiness and strength of the breeze, which had now blown for near + twenty-four hours. The same wind, in open water, would have raised sea + enough to cause a ship to pitch, or roll; whereas, the light-house boat, + placed where she was, scarce rose and fell under the undulations of the + channel through which she was glancing. + </p> + <p> + “This is a good boat, and a fast boat too,” observed Jack Tier, after he + had luffed up several minutes, in order to make sure of his proximity to + the reef; “and it might carry us all safe enough to Key West, or certainly + back to the Dry Tortugas, was we inclined to try our hands at either.” + </p> + <p> + “I cannot quit my aunt,” said Rose, quickly, “so we will not even think of + any such thing.” + </p> + <p> + “No, 't would never do to abandon the missus,” said Biddy, “and she on the + wrack wid us, and falin' the want of wather as much as ourselves.” + </p> + <p> + “We three have sartainly gone through much in company,” returned Jack, + “and it ought to make us friends for life.” + </p> + <p> + “I trust it will, Jack; I hope, when we return to New York, to see you + among us, anchored, as you would call it, for the rest of your days under + my aunt's roof, or under my own, should I ever have one.” + </p> + <p> + “No, Miss Rose, my business is with the Swash and her captain. I shall + stick by both, now I've found 'em again, until they once more desart me. A + man's duty is <i>his</i> duty, and a woman's duty is <i>her</i> duty.” + </p> + <p> + “You same to like the brig and her captain, Jack Tier,” observed Biddy, + “and there's no use in gainsaying such a likin'. What <i>will</i> come to + pass, must come to pass. Captain Spike is a mighty great sailor, anyway.” + </p> + <p> + “He's a willian!” muttered Jack. + </p> + <p> + “There!” cried Rose, almost breathless, “there is a rock above the water, + surely. Do not fly by it so swiftly, Jack, but let us stop and examine + it.” + </p> + <p> + “There is a rock, sure enough, and a large piece it is,” answered Tier. + “We will go alongside of it, and see what it is made of. Biddy shall be + boat-keeper, while you and I, Miss Rose, explore.” + </p> + <p> + Jack had thrown the boat into the wind, and was shooting close alongside + of the reef, even while speaking. The party found no difficulty in + landing; the margin of the rock admitting the boat to lie close alongside + of it, and its surface being even and dry. Jack had brailed the sail, and + he brought the painter ashore, and fastened it securely to a fragment of + stone, that made a very sufficient anchor. In addition to this precaution, + a lazy painter was put into Biddy's hands, and she was directed not to let + go of it while her companions were absent. These arrangements concluded, + Rose and Jack commenced a hurried examination of the spot. + </p> + <p> + A few minutes sufficed to give our adventurers a tolerably accurate notion + of the general features of the place on which they had landed. It was a + considerable portion of the reef that was usually above water, and which + had even some fragments of soil, or sand, on which was a stinted growth of + bushes. Of these last, however, there were very few, nor were there many + spots of the sand. Drift-wood and sea-weed were lodged in considerable + quantities about its margin, and, in places, piles of both had been tossed + upon the rock itself, by the billows of former gales of wind. Nor was it + long before Jack discovered a turtle that had been up to a hillock of + sand, probably to deposit its eggs. There was enough of the sportsman in + Jack, notwithstanding the business he was on, to turn this animal; though + with what object, he might have been puzzled himself to say. This exploit + effected, Jack followed Rose as fast as his short legs would permit, our + heroine pressing forward eagerly, though almost without hope, in order to + assertain if Mulford were there. + </p> + <p> + “I am afraid this is not the rock,” said Rose, nearly breathless with her + own haste, when Jack had overtaken her. “I see nothing of him, and we have + passed over most of the place.” + </p> + <p> + “Very true, Miss Rose,” answered her companion, who was in a good humour + on account of his capture of the turtle; “but there are other rocks + besides this. Ha! what was that, yonder,” pointing with a finger, “here, + more toward the brig. As I'm a sinner, there was a flashing, as of fire.” + </p> + <p> + “If a fire, it must be that made by Harry. Let us go to the spot at once.” + </p> + <p> + Jack led the way, and, sure enough, he soon reached a place where the + embers of what had been a considerable body of fire, were smouldering on + the rock. The wind had probably caused some brand to kindle momentarily, + which was the object that had caught Tier's eye. No doubt any longer + remained of their having found the very place where the mate had cooked + his supper, and lighted his beacon, though he himself was not near it. + Around these embers were all the signs of Mulford's having made the meal, + of which Jack had seen the preparations. A portion of the turtle, much the + greater part of it, indeed, lay in its shell; and piles of wood and + sea-weed, both dry, had been placed at hand, ready for use. A ship's + topgallant-yard, with most of its rope attached, lay with a charred end + near the fire, of where the fire had been, the wood having burned until + the flames went out for want of contact with other fuel. There were many + pieces of boards of pitch-pine in the adjacent heap, and two or three + beautiful planks of the same wood, entire. In short, from the character + and quantity of the materials of this nature that had thus been heaped + together, Jack gave it as his opinion that some vessel, freighted with + lumber, had been wrecked to windward, and that the adjacent rocks had been + receiving the tribute of her cargo. Wrecks are of very, very frequent + occurrence on the Florida Reef; and there are always moments when such + gleanings are to be made in some part of it or other. + </p> + <p> + “I see no better way to give a call to the mate, Miss Rose, than to throw + some of this dry weed, and some of this lumber on the fire,” said Jack, + after he had rummaged about the place sufficiently to become master of its + condition. “There is plenty of amunition, and here goes for a broadside.” + </p> + <p> + Jack had no great difficulty in effecting his object. In a few minutes he + succeeded in obtaining a flame, and then he fed it with such fragments of + the brands and boards as were best adapted to his purpose. The flames + extended gradually, and by the time Tier had dragged the topgallant-yard + over the pile, and placed several planks, on their edges, alongside of it, + the whole was ready to burst into a blaze. The light was shed athwart the + rock for a long distance, and the whole place, which was lately so gloomy + and obscure, now became gay, under the bright radiance of a blazing fire. + </p> + <p> + “There is a beacon-light that might almost be seen on board!” said Jack, + exulting in his success. “If the mate is anywhere in this latitude, he + will soon turn up.” + </p> + <p> + “I see nothing of him,” answered Rose, in a melancholy voice. “Surely, + surely, Jack, he cannot have left the rock just as we have come to rescue + him!” + </p> + <p> + Rose and her companion had turned their faces from the fire to look in an + opposite direction in quest of him they sought. Unseen by them, a human + form advanced swiftly toward the fire, from a point on its other side. It + advanced nearer, then hesitated, afterward rushed forward with a tread + that caused the two to turn, and at the next moment, Rose was clasped to + the heart of Mulford. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0011" id="link2HCH0011"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER III. + </h2> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + I might have pass'd that lovely cheek, + Nor, perchance, my heart have left me; + But the sensitive blush that came trembling there, + Of my heart it for ever bereft me. + Who could blame had I loved that face, + Ere my eyes could twice explore her; + Yet it is for the fairy intelligence there, + And her warm, warm heart I adore her. + + Wolfe. +</pre> + <p> + The stories of the respective parties who had thus so strangely met on + that barren and isolated rock, were soon told. Harry confirmed all of + Jack's statements as to his own proceedings, and Rose had little more to + say than to add how much her own affections had led her to risk in his + behalf. In a word, ten minutes made each fully acquainted with the other's + movements. Then Tier considerately retired to the boat, under the pretence + of minding it, and seeing everything ready for a departure, but as much to + allow the lovers the ten or fifteen minutes of uninterrupted discourse + that they now enjoyed, as for any other reason. + </p> + <p> + It was a strange scene that now offered on the rock. By this time the fire + was burning not only brightly, but fiercely, shedding its bright light far + and near. Under its most brilliant rays stood Harry and Rose, both smiling + and happy, delighted in their meeting, and, for the moment, forgetful of + all but their present felicity. Never, indeed, had Rose appeared more + lovely than under these circumstances. Her face was radiant with those + feelings which had so recently changed from despair to delight—a + condition that is ever most propitious to beauty; and charms that always + appeared feminine and soft, now seemed elevated to a bright benignancy + that might best be likened to our fancied images of angels. The mild, + beaming, serene and intelligent blue eyes, the cheeks flushed with + happiness, the smiles that came so easily, and were so replete with + tenderness, and the rich hair, deranged by the breeze, and moistened by + the air of the sea, each and all, perhaps, borrowed some additional lustre + from the peculiar light under which they were exhibited. As for Harry, + happiness had thrown all the disadvantages of exposure, want of dress, and + a face that had not felt the razor for six-and-thirty hours, into the + back-ground. When he left the wreck, he had cast aside his cap and his + light summer jacket, in order that they might not encumber him in + swimming, but both had been recovered when he returned with the boat to + take off his friends. In his ordinary sea attire, then, he now stood, + holding Rose's two hands in front of the fire, every garment clean and + white as the waters of the ocean could make them, but all betraying some + of the signs of his recent trials. His fine countenance was full of the + love he bore for the intrepid and devoted girl who had risked so much in + his behalf; and a painter might have wished to preserve the expression of + ardent, manly admiration which glowed in his face, answering to the gentle + sympathy and womanly tenderness it met in that of Rose. + </p> + <p> + The back-ground of this picture was the wide, even surface of the coral + reef, with its exterior setting of the dark and gloomy sea. On the side of + the channel, however, appeared the boat, already winded, with Biddy still + on the rock, looking kindly at the lovers by the fire, while Jack was + holding the painter, beginning to manifest a little impatience at the + delay. + </p> + <p> + “They'll stay there an hour, holding each other's hands, and looking into + each other's faces,” half grumbled the little, rotund, assistant-steward, + anxious to be on his way back to the brig, “unless a body gives 'em a + call. Captain Spike will be in no very good humour to receive you and me + on board ag'in, if he should find out what sort of a trip we've been + making hereaway.” + </p> + <p> + “Let 'em alone—let 'em alone, Jacky,” answered the good-natured and + kind-hearted Irish woman. “It's happy they bees, jist now, and it does my + eyes good to look at 'em.” + </p> + <p> + “Ay, they're happy enough, <i>now;</i> I only hope it may last.” + </p> + <p> + “Last! what should help its lasting? Miss Rose is so good, and so handsome—and + she's a fortin', too; and the mate so nice a young man. Think of the likes + of them, Jack, wantin' the blessed gift of wather, and all within one day + and two nights. Sure it's Providence that takes care of, and not we + ourselves! Kings on their thrones is n't as happy as <i>them</i> at this + moment.” + </p> + <p> + “Men's willians!” growled Jack; “and more fools women for trustin' 'em.” + </p> + <p> + “Not sich a nice young man as our mate, Jacky; no, not he. Now the mate of + the ship I came from Liverpool in, this time ten years agone, he was a + villain. He grudged us our potaties, and our own bread; and he grudged us + every dhrap of swate wather that went into our mouths. Call him a villain, + if you will, Jack; but niver call the likes of Mr. Mulford by so hard a + name.” + </p> + <p> + “I wish him well, and nothing else; and for that very reason must put a + stop to his looking so fondly into that young woman's face. Time wont + stand still, Biddy, to suit the wishes of lovers; and Stephen Spike is a + man not to be trifled with. Halloo, there, maty! It's high time to think + of getting under way.” + </p> + <p> + At this summons both Harry and Rose started, becoming aware of the + precious moments they were losing. Carrying a large portion of the turtle, + the former moved toward the craft, in which all were seated in less than + three minutes, with the sail loose, and the boat in motion. For a few + moments the mate was so much occupied with Rose, that he did not advert to + the course; but one of his experience could not long be misled on such a + point, and he turned suddenly to Tier, who was steering, to remonstrate. + </p> + <p> + “How's this, Jack!” cried Mulford; “you've got the boat's head the wrong + way.” + </p> + <p> + “Not I, sir. She's heading for the brig as straight as she can go. This + wind favours us on both legs; and it's lucky it does, for't will be hard + on upon daylight afore we are alongside of her. You'll want half an hour + of dark, at the very least, to get a good start of the Swash, in case she + makes sail a'ter you.” + </p> + <p> + “Straight for the brig!—what have we to do with the brig? Our course + is for Key West, unless it might be better to run down before the wind to + the Dry Tortugas again, and look for the sloop-of-war. Duty, and perhaps + my own safety, tells me to let Captain Mull know what Spike is about with + the Swash; and I shall not hesitate a moment about doing it, after all + that has passed. Give me the helm, Jack, and let us ware short round on + our heel.” + </p> + <p> + “Never, master maty—never. I must go back to the brig. Miss Rose, + there, knows that my business is with Stephen Spike, and with him only.” + </p> + <p> + “And I must return to my aunt, Harry,” put in Rose, herself. “It would + never do for me to desert my aunt, you know.” + </p> + <p> + “And I have been taken from that rock, to be given up to the tender + mercies of Spike again?” + </p> + <p> + This was said rather in surprise, than in a complaining way; and it at + once induced Rose to tell the young man the whole of their project. + </p> + <p> + “Never, Harry, never,” she said firmly. “It is our intention to return to + the brig ourselves, and let you escape in the boat afterwards. Jack Tier + is of opinion this can be done without much risk, if we use proper caution + and do not lose too much time. On no account would I consent to place you + in the hands of Spike again—death would be preferable to that, + Harry!” + </p> + <p> + “And on no account can or will I consent to place <i>you</i> again in the + hands of Spike, Rose,” answered the young man. “Now that we know his + intentions, such an act would be almost impious.” + </p> + <p> + “Remember my aunt, dear Harry. What would be her situation in the morning, + when she found herself deserted by her niece and Biddy—by me, whom + she has nursed and watched from childhood, and whom she loves so well.” + </p> + <p> + “I shall not deny your obligations to your aunt, Rose, and your duty to + her under ordinary circumstances. But these are not ordinary + circumstances; and it would be courting the direst misfortunes, nay, + almost braving Providence, to place yourself in the hands of that + scoundrel again, now that you are clear of them.” + </p> + <p> + “Spike's a willian!” muttered Jack. + </p> + <p> + “And my desartin' the missus would be a sin that no praste would overlook + aisily,” put in Biddy. “When Miss Rose told me of this v'y'ge that she + meant to make in the boat wid Jack Tier, I asked to come along, that I + might take care of her, and see that there was plenty of wather; but + ill-luck befall me if I would have t'ought of sich a thing, and the missus + desarted.” + </p> + <p> + “We can then run alongside of the brig, and put Biddy and Jack on board of + her,” said Mulford, reflecting a moment on what had just been said, “when + you and I can make the best of our way to Key West, where the means of + sending government vessels out after the Swash will soon offer. In this + way we can not only get our friends out of the lion's jaws, but keep out + of them ourselves.” + </p> + <p> + “Reflect a moment, Harry,” said Rose, in a low voice, but not without + tenderness in its tones; “it would not do for me to go off alone with you + in this boat.” + </p> + <p> + “Not when you have confessed your willingness to go over the wide world + with me, Rose—with me, and with me only?” + </p> + <p> + “Not even then, Harry. I know you will think better of this, when your + generous nature has time to reason with your heart, on my account.” + </p> + <p> + “I can only answer in your own words, Rose—never. If you return to + the Swash, I shall go on board with you, and throw defiance into the very + teeth of Spike. I know the men do not dislike me, and, perhaps, assisted + by Señor Montefalderon, and a few friends among the people, I can muster a + force that will prevent my being thrown into the sea.” + </p> + <p> + Rose burst into tears, and then succeeded many minutes, during which + Mulford was endeavouring, with manly tenderness, to soothe her. As soon as + our heroine recovered her self-command, she began to discuss the matter at + issue between them more coolly. For half an hour everything was urged by + each that feeling, affection, delicacy, or distrust of Spike could well + urge, and Mulford was slowly getting the best of the argument, as well he + might, the truth being mostly of his side. Rose was bewildered, really + feeling a strong reluctance to quit her aunt, even with so justifiable a + motive, but principally shrinking from the appearance of going off alone + in a boat, and almost in the open sea, with Mulford. Had she loved Harry + less, her scruples might not have been so active, but the consciousness of + the strength of her attachment, as well as her fixed intention to become + his wife the moment it was in her power to give him her hand with the + decencies of her sex, contributed strangely to prevent her yielding to the + young man's reasoning. On the subject of the aunt, the mate made out so + good a case, that it was apparent to all in the boat Rose would have to + abandon that ground of refusal. Spike had no object to gain by + ill-treating Mrs. Budd; and the probability certainly was that he would + get rid of her as soon as he could, and in the most easy manner. This was + so apparent to all, that Harry had little difficulty in getting Rose to + assent to its probability. But there remained the reluctance to go off + alone with the mate in a boat. This part of the subject was more difficult + to manage than the other; and Mulford betrayed as much by the awkwardness + with which he managed it. At length the discussion was brought to a close + by Jack Tier suddenly saying,— + </p> + <p> + “Yonder is the brig; and we are heading for her as straight as if she was + the pole, and the keel of this boat was a compass. I see how it is, Miss + Rose, and a'ter all, I must give in. I suppose some other opportunity will + offer for me to get on board of the brig ag'in, and I'll trust to that. If + you won't go off with the mate alone, I suppose you'll not refuse to go + off in my company.” + </p> + <p> + “Will you accompany us, Jack? This is more than I had hoped for! Yes, + Harry, if Jack Tier will be of the party, I will trust my aunt to Biddy, + and go with you to Key West, in order to escape from Spike.” + </p> + <p> + This was said so rapidly, and so unexpectedly, as to take Mulford + completely by surprise. Scarce believing what he heard, the young man was + disposed, at first, to feel hurt, though a moment's reflection showed him + that he ought to rejoice in the result let the cause be what it might. + </p> + <p> + “More than I had hoped for!” he could not refrain from repeating a little + bitterly; “is Jack Tier, then, of so much importance, that <i>his</i> + company is thought preferable to mine!” + </p> + <p> + “Hush, Harry!” said Rose, laying her hand on Mulford's arm, by way of + strengthening her appeal. “Do not say <i>that</i>. You are ignorant of + circumstances; at another time you shall know them, but not now. Let it be + enough for the present, that I promise to accompany you if Jack will be of + our party.” + </p> + <p> + “Ay, ay, Miss Rose, I will be of the party, seeing there is no other way + of getting the lamb out of the jaws of the wolf. A'ter all, it may be the + wisest thing I can do, though back to the Swash I must and <i>will</i> + come, powder or no powder, treason or no treason, at the first + opportunity. Yes, <i>my</i> business is with the Molly, and to the Molly I + shall return. It's lucky, Miss Rose, since you have made up your mind to + ship for this new cruise, that I bethought me of telling Biddy to make up + a bundle of duds for you. This carpet-bag has a change or two in it, and + all owing to my forethought. Your woman said 'Miss Rose will come back wid + us, Jack, and what's the use of rumplin' the clothes for a few hours' sail + in the boat;' but I knew womankind better, and foreseed that if master + mate fell in alongside of you ag'in, you would not be apt to part company + very soon.” + </p> + <p> + “I thank you, Jack, for the provision made for my comfort; though some + money would have added to it materially. My purse has a little gold in it, + but a very little, and I fear you are not much better off, Harry. It will + be awkward to find ourselves in Key West penniless.” + </p> + <p> + “We shall not be quite that. I left the brig absolutely without a cent, + but foreseeing that necessity might make them of use, I borrowed half a + dozen of the doubloons from the bag of Señor Montefalderon, and, + fortunately, they are still in my pocket. All I am worth in the world is + in a bag of half-eagles, rather more than a hundred altogether, which I + left in my chest, in my own state-room aboard the brig.” + </p> + <p> + “You'll find that in the carpet-bag too, master mate,” said Jack, coolly. + </p> + <p> + “Find what, man—not my money, surely?” + </p> + <p> + “Ay, every piece of it. Spike broke into your chest this a'ternoon, and + made me hold the tools while he was doing it. He found the bag, and + overhauled it—a hundred and seven half, eleven quarter, and one + full-grown eagle, was the count. When he had done the job, he put all back + ag'in, a'ter giving me the full-grown eagle for my share of the plunder, + and told me to say nothing of what I had seen. I did say nothing, but I + did a good bit of work, for, while he was at supper. I confiserated that + bag, as they call it—and you will find it there among Miss Rose's + clothes, with the full-grown gentleman back in his nest ag'in.” + </p> + <p> + “This is being not only honest, Tier,” cried Mulford, heartily, “but + thoughtful. One-half that money shall be yours for this act.” + </p> + <p> + “I thank'e, sir; but I'll not touch a cent of it. It came hard, I know, + Mr. Mulford; for my own hands have smarted too much with tar, not to know + that the seaman 'earns his money like the horse.'” + </p> + <p> + “Still it would not be 'spending it like an ass,' Jack, to give you a + portion of mine. But there will be other opportunities to talk of this. It + is a sign of returning to the concerns of life, Rose, that money begins to + be of interest to us. How little did we think of the doubloons, or + half-eagles, a few hours since, when on the wreck!” + </p> + <p> + “It was wather that we t'ought of then,” put in Biddy. “Goold is good in a + market, or in a town, or to send back to Ireland, to help a body's aged + fader or mudder in comfort wid; but wather is the blessed thing on a + wrack!” + </p> + <p> + “The brig is coming quite plainly into view, and you had better give me + the helm, Jack. It is time to bethink us of the manner of approaching her, + and how we are to proceed when alongside.” + </p> + <p> + This was so obviously true, that everybody felt disposed to forget all + other matters, in order to conduct the proceedings of the next twenty + minutes, with the necessary prudence and caution. When Mulford first took + the helm, the brig was just coming clearly into view, though still looking + a little misty and distant. She might then have been half a league + distant, and would not have been visible at all by that light, but for the + circumstance that she had no back-ground to swallow up her outlines. Drawn + against clouds, above which the rays of the moon were shed, her tracery + was to be discerned, however, and, minute by minute, it was getting to be + more and more distinct, until it was now so plainly to be seen as to + admonish the mate of the necessity of preparation in the manner mentioned. + </p> + <p> + Tier now communicated to the mate his own proposed manner of proceeding. + The brig tended to the trades, the tides having very little influence on + her, in the bight of the reef where she lay. As the wind stood at about + east south-east, the brig's stern pointed to about west north-west, while + the boat was coming down the passage from a direction nearly north from + her, having, as a matter of course, the wind just free enough to lay her + course. Jack's plan was to pass the brig to windward, and having got well + on her bow, to brail the sail, and drift down upon her, expecting to fall + in alongside, abreast of the fore-chains, into which he had intended to + help Biddy, and to ascend himself, when he supposed that Mulford would + again make sail, and carry off his mistress. To this scheme the mate + objected that it was awkward, and a little lubberly. He substituted one in + its place that differed in seamanship, and which was altogether better. + Instead of passing to wind-ward, Mulford suggested the expediency of + approaching to leeward, and of coming alongside under the open bow-port, + letting the sheet fly and brailing the sail, when the boat should be near + enough to carry her to the point of destination without further assistance + from her canvass. + </p> + <p> + Jack Tier took his officer's improvement on his own plan in perfect good + part, readily and cheerfully expressing his willingness to aid the + execution of it all that lay in his power. As the boat sailed unusually + well, there was barely time to explain to each individual his or her part + in the approaching critical movements, ere the crisis itself drew near; + then each of the party became silent and anxious, and events were regarded + rather than words. + </p> + <p> + It is scarcely necessary to say that Mulford sailed a boat well. He held + the sheet in his hand, as the little craft came up under the lee-quarter + of the brig, while Jack stood by the brail. The eyes of the mate glanced + over the hull of the vessel to ascertain, if possible, who might be + stirring; but not a sign of life could he detect on board her. This very + silence made Mulford more distrustful and anxious, for he feared a trap + was set for him. He expected to see the head of one of the blacks at least + peering over the bulwarks, but nothing like a man was visible. It was too + late to pause, however, and the sheet was slowly eased off, Jack hauling + on the brail at the same time; the object being to prevent the sail's + flapping, and the sound reaching the ears of Spike. As Mulford used great + caution, and had previously schooled Jack on the subject, this important + point was successfully achieved. Then the mate put his helm down, and the + boat shot up under the brig's lee-bow. Jack was ready to lay hold of one + of the bow-sprit shrouds, and presently the boat was breasted up under the + desired port, and secured in that position. Mulford quitted the + stern-sheets, and cast a look in upon deck. Nothing was to be seen, though + he heard the heavy breathing of the blacks, both of whom were sound asleep + on a sail that they had spread on the forecastle. + </p> + <p> + The mate whispered for Biddy to come to the port. This the Irishwoman did + at once, having kissed Rose, and taken her leave of her previously. Tier + also came to the port, through which he passed, getting on deck with a + view to assist Biddy, who was awkward, almost as a matter of course, to + pass through the same opening. He had just succeeded, when the whole party + was startled, some of them almost petrified, indeed, by a hail from the + quarter-deck in the well-known, deep tones of Spike. + </p> + <p> + “For'ard, there?” hailed the captain. Receiving no answer, he immediately + repeated, in a shorter, quicker call, “Forecastle, there?” + </p> + <p> + “Sir,” answered Jack Tier, who by this time had come to his senses. + </p> + <p> + “Who has the look-out on that forecastle?” + </p> + <p> + “I have it, sir—I, Jack Tier. You know, sir, I was to have it from + two 'till daylight.” + </p> + <p> + “Ay, ay, I remember now. How does the brig ride to her anchor?” + </p> + <p> + “As steady as a church, sir. She's had no more sheer the whole watch than + if she was moored head and starn.” + </p> + <p> + “Does the wind stand as it did?” + </p> + <p> + “No change, sir. As dead a trade wind as ever blowed.” + </p> + <p> + “What hard breathing is that I hear for'ard?” + </p> + <p> + “'T is the two niggers, sir. They've turned in on deck, and are napping it + off at the rate of six knots. There's no keepin' way with a nigger in + snorin'.” + </p> + <p> + “I thought I heard loud whispering, too, but I suppose it was a sort of + half-dream. I'm often in that way now-a-days. Jack!” + </p> + <p> + “Sir.” + </p> + <p> + “Go to the scuttle-butt and get me a pot of fresh water—my coppers + are hot with hard thinking.” + </p> + <p> + Jack did as ordered, and soon stood beneath the coach-house deck with + Spike, who had come out of his state-room, heated and uneasy at he knew + not what. The captain drank a full pint of water at a single draught. + </p> + <p> + “That's refreshing,” he said, returning Jack the tinpot, “and I feel the + cooler for it. How much does it want of daylight, Jack?” + </p> + <p> + “Two hours, I think, sir. The order was passed to me to have all hands + called as soon as it was broad day.” + </p> + <p> + “Ay, that is right. We must get our anchor and be off as soon as there is + light to do it in. Doubloons may melt as well as flour, and are best cared + for soon when cared for at all.” + </p> + <p> + “I shall see and give the call as soon as it is day. I hope, Captain + Spike, I can take the liberty of an old ship-mate, however, and say one + thing to you, which is this—look out for the Poughkeepsie, which is + very likely to be on your heels when you least expect her.” + </p> + <p> + “That's your way of thinking, is it, Jack. Well, I thank you, old one, for + the hint, but have little fear of that craft. We've had our legs together, + and I think the brig has the longest.” + </p> + <p> + As the captain said this, he gaped like a hound, and went into his + state-room. Jack lingered on the quarter-deck, waiting to hear him fairly + in his berth, when he made a sign to Biddy, who had got as far aft as the + galley, where she was secreted, to pass down into the cabin, as silently + as possible. In a minute or two more, he moved forward, singing in a low, + cracked voice, as was often his practice, and slowly made his way to the + forecastle. Mulford was just beginning to think the fellow had changed his + mind, and meant to stick by the brig, when the little, rotund figure of + the assistant-steward was seen passing through the port, and to drop + noiselessly on a thwart. Jack then moved to the bow, and cast off the + painter, the head of the boat slowly falling off under the pressure of the + breeze on that part of her mast and sail which rose above the hull of the + Swash. Almost at the same moment, the mate let go the stern-fast, and the + boat was free. + </p> + <p> + It required some care to set the sail without the canvas flapping. It was + done, however, before the boat fairly took the breeze, when all was safe. + In half a minute the wind struck the sail, and away the little craft + started, passing swiftly ahead of the brig. Soon as far enough off, + Mulford put up his helm and wore short round, bringing the boat's head to + the northward, or in its proper direction; after which they flew along + before the wind, which seemed to be increasing in force, with a velocity + that really appeared to defy pursuit. All this time the brig lay in its + silence and solitude, no one stirring on board her, and all, in fact, + Biddy alone excepted, profoundly ignorant of what had just been passing + alongside of her. Ten minutes of running off with a flowing sheet, caused + the Swash to look indistinct and hazy again; in ten minutes more she was + swallowed up, hull, spars, and all, in the gloom of night. + </p> + <p> + Mulford and Rose now felt something like that security, without the sense + of which happiness itself is but an uneasy feeling, rendering the + anticipations of evil the more painful by the magnitude of the stake. + There they sat, now, in the stern-sheets by themselves, Jack Tier having + placed himself near the bows of the boat, to look out for rocks, as well + as to trim the craft. It was not long before Rose was leaning on Harry's + shoulder, and ere an hour was past, she had fallen into a sweet sleep in + that attitude, the young man having carefully covered her person with a + capacious shawl, the same that had been used on the wreck. As for Jack, he + maintained his post in silence, sitting with his arms crossed, and the + hands thrust into the breast of his jacket, sailor fashion, a picture of + nautical vigilance. It was some time after Rose had fallen asleep, that + this singular being spoke for the first time. + </p> + <p> + “Keep her away a bit, maty,” he said, “keep her away, half a point or so. + She's been travelin' like a racer since we left the brig; and yonder's the + first streak of day.” + </p> + <p> + “By the time we have been running,” observed Mulford, “I should think we + must be getting near the northern side of the reef.” + </p> + <p> + “All of that, sir, depend on it. Here's a rock close aboard on us, to + which we're comin' fast—just off here, on our weather-bow, that + looks to me like the place where you landed a'ter that swim, and where we + had stowed ourselves when Stephen Spike made us out, and gave chase.” + </p> + <p> + “It is surprising to me, Jack, that you should have any fancy to stick by + a man of Spike's character. He is a precious rascal, as we all can see, + now, and you are rather an honest sort of fellow.” + </p> + <p> + “Do you love the young woman there, that's lying in your arms, as it might + be, and whom you say you wish to marry.” + </p> + <p> + “The question is a queer one, but it is easily answered. More than my + life, Jack.” + </p> + <p> + “Well, how happens it that <i>you</i> succeed, when the world has so many + other young men who might please her as well as yourself.” + </p> + <p> + “It may be that no other loves her as well, and she has had the sagacity + to discover it.” + </p> + <p> + “Quite likely. So it is with me and Stephen Spike. I fancy a man whom + other folk despise and condemn. <i>Why</i> I stand by him is my own + secret; but stand by him I do and will.” + </p> + <p> + “This is all very strange, after your conduct on the island, and your + conduct to-night. I shall not disturb your secret, however, Jack, but + leave you to enjoy it by yourself. Is this the rock of which you spoke, + that we are now passing?” + </p> + <p> + “The same; and there's the spot in which we was stowed when they made us + out from the brig; and here-away, a cable's length, more or less, the + wreck of that Mexican craft must lie.” + </p> + <p> + “What is that rising above the water, thereaway, Jack; more on our + weather-beam?” + </p> + <p> + “I see what you mean, sir; it looks like a spar. By George! there's two on + 'em; and they <i>do</i> seem to be the schooner's masts.” + </p> + <p> + Sure enough! a second look satisfied Mulford that two mast-heads were out + of water, and that within a hundred yards of the place the boat was + running past. Standing on a short distance, or far enough to give himself + room, the mate put his helm down, and tacked the boat. The flapping of the + sail, and the little movement of shifting over the sheet, awoke Rose, who + was immediately apprized of the discovery. As soon as round, the boat went + glancing up to the spars, and presently was riding by one, Jack Tier + having caught hold of a topmast-shroud, when Mulford let fly his sheet + again, and luffed short up to the spot. By this time the increasing light + was sufficiently strong to render objects distinct, when near by, and no + doubt remained any longer in the mind of Mulford about the two mast-heads + being those of the unfortunate Mexican schooner. + </p> + <p> + “Well, of all I have ever seen I've never see'd the like of this afore!” + exclaimed Jack. “When we left this here craft, sir, you'll remember, she + had almost turned turtle, laying over so far as to bring her upper + coamings under water; now she stands right side up, as erect as if docked! + My navigation can't get along with this, Mr. Mulford, and it does seem + like witchcraft.” + </p> + <p> + “It is certainly a very singular incident, Jack, and I have been trying to + come at its causes.” + </p> + <p> + “Have you succeeded, Harry?” asked Rose, by this time wide awake, and + wondering like the others. + </p> + <p> + “It must have happened in this wise. The wreck was abandoned by us some + little distance out here, to windward. The schooner's masts, of course, + pointed to leeward, and when she drifted in here, they have first touched + on a shelving rock, and as they have been shoved up, little by little, + they have acted as levers to right the hull, until the cargo has shifted + back into its proper berth, which has suddenly set the vessel up again.” + </p> + <p> + “Ay, ay, sir,” answered Jack, “all that might have happened had she been + above water, or any part of her above water; but you'll remember, maty, + that soon after we left her she went down.” + </p> + <p> + “Not entirely. The wreck settled in the water no faster after we had left + it, than it had done before. It continued to sink, inch by inch, as the + air escaped, and no faster after it had gone entirely out of sight than + before; not as fast, indeed, as the water became denser the lower it got. + The great argument against my theory, is the fact, that after the hull got + beneath the surface, the wind could not act on it. This is true in one + sense, however, and not in another. The waves, or the pressure of the + water produced by the wind, might act on the hull for some time after we + ceased to see it. But the currents have set the craft in here, and the + hull floating always, very little force would cant the craft. If the rock + were shelving and slippery, I see no great difficulty in the way; and the + barrels may have been so lodged, that a trifle would set them rolling back + again, each one helping to produce a change that would move another. As + for the ballast, that, I am certain, could not shift, for it was stowed + with great care. As the vessel righted, the air still in her moved, and as + soon as the water permitted, it escaped by the hatches, when the craft + went down, as a matter of course. This air may have aided in bringing the + hull upright by its movements in the water.” + </p> + <p> + This was the only explanation to which the ingenuity of Mulford could help + him, under the circumstances, and it may have been the right one, or not. + There lay the schooner, however, in some five or six fathoms of water, + with her two topmasts, and lower mast-heads out of the element, as upright + as if docked! It may all have occurred as the mate fancied, or the unusual + incident may have been owing to some of the many mysterious causes which + baffle inquiry, when the agents are necessarily hidden from examination. + </p> + <p> + “Spike intends to come and look for this wreck, you tell me, Jack; in the + hope of getting at the doubloons it contains?” said Mulford; when the boat + had lain a minute or two longer, riding by the mast-head. + </p> + <p> + “Ay, ay, sir; that's his notion, sir, and he'll be in a great stew, as + soon as he turns out, which must be about this time, and finds me missing; + for I was to pilot him to the spot.” + </p> + <p> + “He'll want no pilot now. It will be scarcely possible to pass anywhere + near this and not see these spars. But this discovery almost induces me to + change my own plans. What say <i>you,</i> Rose? We have now reached the + northern side of the reef, when it is time to haul close by the wind, if + we wish to beat up to Key West. There is a moral certainty, however, that + the sloop-of-war is somewhere in the neighbourhood of the Dry Tortugas, + which are much the most easily reached, being to leeward. We might run + down to the light-house by mid-day, while it is doubtful if we could reach + the town until to-morrow morning. I should like exceedingly to have five + minutes conversation with the commander of the Poughkeepsie.” + </p> + <p> + “Ay, to let him know where he will be likely to fall in with the Molly + Swash and her traitor master, Stephen Spike,” cried Jack Tier. “Never + mind, maty; let 'em come on; both the Molly and her master have got long + legs and clean heels. Stephen Spike will show 'em how to thread the + channels of a reef.” + </p> + <p> + “It is amazing to me, Jack, that you should stand by your old captain in + feeling, while you are helping to thwart him, all you can, in his warmest + wishes.” + </p> + <p> + “He's a willian!” muttered Jack—“a reg'lar willian is Stephen + Spike!” + </p> + <p> + “If a villain, why do you so evidently wish to keep him out of the hands + of the law? Let him be captured and punished, as his crimes require.” + </p> + <p> + “Men's willians, all round,” still muttered Jack. “Hark'e, Mr. Mulford, + I've sailed in the brig longer than you, and know'd her in her comeliest + and best days—when she was young, and blooming, and lovely to the + eye, as the young creature at your side—and it would go to my heart + to have anything happen to <i>her</i>. Then, I've know'd Stephen a long + time, too, and old shipmates get a feelin' for each other, sooner or + later. I tell you now, honestly, Mr. Mulford, Captain Adam Mull shall + never make a prisoner of Stephen Spike, if I can prevent it.” + </p> + <p> + The mate laughed at this sally, but Rose appeared anxious to change the + conversation, and she managed to open a discussion on the subject of the + course it might be best to steer. Mulford had several excellent reasons to + urge for wishing to run down to the islets, all of which, with a single + exception, he laid before his betrothed. The concealed reason was one of + the strongest of them all, as usually happens when there is a reason to + conceal, but of that he took care to say nothing. The result was an + acquiescence on the part of Rose, whose consent was yielded more to the + influence of one particular consideration than to all the rest united. + That one was this: Harry had pointed out to her the importance to himself + of his appearing early to denounce the character and movements of the + brig, lest, through his former situation in her, his own conduct might be + seriously called in question. + </p> + <p> + As soon as the matter was determined, Jack was told to let go his hold, + the sheet was drawn aft, and away sped the boat. No sooner did Mulford + cause the little craft to keep away than it almost flew, as if conscious + it were bound to its proper home, skimming swiftly over the waves, like a + bird returning eagerly to its nest. An hour later the party breakfasted. + While at this meal, Jack Tier pointed out to the mate a white speck, in + the south-eastern board, which he took to be the brig coming through the + passage, on her way to the wreck. + </p> + <p> + “No matter,” returned the mate. “Though we can see her, she cannot see us. + There is that much advantage in our being small, Rose, if it do prevent + our taking exercise by walking the deck.” + </p> + <p> + Soon after, Mulford made a very distant sail in the north-western board, + which he hoped might turn out to be the Poughkeepsie. It was but another + speck, but its position was somewhat like that in which he had expected to + meet the sloop-of-war. The two vessels were so far apart that one could + not be seen from the other, and there was little hope that the + Poughkeepsie would detect Spike at his toil on the wreck; but the mate + fully expected that the ship would go into the anchorage, among the + islets, in order to ascertain what had become of the schooner. If she did + not go in herself, she would be almost certain to send in a boat. + </p> + <p> + The party from the brigantine had run down before the wind more than two + hours before the light-house began to show itself, just rising out of the + waves. This gave them the advantage of a beacon, Mulford having steered + hitherto altogether by the sun, the direction of the wind, and the + treading of the reef. Now he had his port in sight, it being his intention + to take possession of the dwelling of the light-house keeper, and to + remain in it, until a favourable opportunity occurred to remove Rose to + Key West. The young man had also another important project in view, which + it will be in season to mention as it reaches the moment of its + fulfillment. + </p> + <p> + The rate of sailing of the light-house boat, running before a brisk trade + wind, could not be much less than nine miles in the hour. About eleven + o'clock, therefore, the lively craft shot through one of the narrow + channels of the islets, and entered the haven. In a few minutes all three + of the adventurers were on the little wharf where the light-house people + were in the habit of landing. Rose proceeded to the house, while Harry and + Jack remained to secure the boat. For the latter purpose a sort of slip, + or little dock, had been made, and when the boat was hauled into it, it + lay so snug that not only was the craft secure from injury, but it was + actually hid from the view of all but those who stood directly above it. + </p> + <p> + “This is a snug berth for the boat, Jack,” observed the mate, when he had + hauled it into the place mentioned, “and by unstepping the mast, a + passer-by would not suspect such a craft of lying in it. Who knows what + occasion there may be for concealment, and I'll e'en do that thing.” + </p> + <p> + To a casual listener, Harry, in unstepping the mast, might have seemed + influenced merely by a motiveless impulse; but, in truth, a latent + suspicion of Jack's intentions instigated him, and as he laid the mast, + sprit and sail on the thwarts, he determined, in his own mind, to remove + them all to some other place, as soon as an opportunity for doing so + unobserved should occur. He and Jack now followed Rose to the house. + </p> + <p> + The islets were found deserted and tenantless. Not a human being had + entered the house since Rose left it, the evening she had remained so long + ashore, in company with her aunt and the Señor Montefalderon. This our + heroine knew from the circumstance of finding a slight fastening of the + outer door in the precise situation in which she had left it with her own + hands. At first a feeling of oppression and awe prevailed with both Harry + and Rose, when they recollected the fate of those who had so lately been + tenants of the place; but this gradually wore off, and each soon got to be + more at home. As for Jack, he very coolly rummaged the lockers, as he + called the drawers and closets of the place, and made his preparations for + cooking a very delicious repast, in which <i>callipash</i> and <i>callipee</i> + were to be material ingredients. The necessary condiments were easily + enough found in that place, turtle being a common dish there, and it was + not long before steams that might have quickened the appetite of an + alderman filled the kitchen. Rose rummaged, too, and found a clean + table-cloth, plates, glasses, bowls, spoons, and knives; in a word, all + that was necessary to spread a plain but plentiful board. While all this + was doing, Harry took some fishing-tackle, and proceeded to a favourable + spot among the rocks. In twenty minutes he returned with a fine mess of + that most delicious little fish that goes by the very unpoetical name of + “hog-fish,” from the circumstance of its giving a grunt not unlike that of + a living porker, when rudely drawn from its proper element. Nothing was + now wanting to not only a comfortable, but to what was really a most + epicurian meal, and Jack just begged the lovers to have patience for an + hour or so, when he promised them dishes that even New York could not + furnish. + </p> + <p> + Harry and Rose first retired to pay a little attention to their dress, and + then they joined each other in a walk. The mate had found some razors, and + was clean shaved. He had also sequestered a shirt, and made some other + little additions to his attire, that contributed to give him the + appearance of being, that which he really was, a very gentleman-like + looking young sailor. Rose had felt no necessity for taking liberties with + the effects of others, though a good deal of female attire was found in + the dwelling. As was afterward ascertained, a family ordinarily dwelt + there, but most of it had gone to Key West, on a visit, at the moment when + the man and boy left in charge had fallen into the hands of the Mexicans, + losing their lives in the manner mentioned. + </p> + <p> + While walking together, Harry opened his mind to Rose, on the subject + which lay nearest to his heart, and which had been at the bottom of this + second visit to the islets of the Dry Tortugas. During the different + visits of Wallace to the brig, the boat's crew of the Poughkeepsie had + held more or less discourse with the people of the Swash. This usually + happens on such occasions, and although Spike had endeavoured to prevent + it, when his brig lay in this bay, he had not been entirely successful. + Such discourse is commonly jocular, and sometimes witty; every speech, + coming from which side it may, ordinarily commencing with “shipmate,” + though the interlocutors never saw each other before that interview. In + one of the visits an allusion was made to cargo, when “the pretty gal + aft,” was mentioned as being a part of the cargo of the Swash. In answer + to this remark, the wit of the Poughkeepsie had told the brig's man, “you + had better send her on board us, for we carry a chaplain, a regular-built + one, that will be a bishop some day or other, perhaps, and we can get her + spliced to one of our young officers.” This remark had induced the sailor + of the Molly to ask if a sloop-of-war really carried such a piece of + marine luxury as a chaplain, and the explanation given went to say that + the clergyman in question did not properly belong to the Poughkeepsie, but + was to be put on board a frigate, as soon as they fell in with one that he + named. Now, all this Mulford overheard, and he remembered it at a moment + when it might be of use. Situated as he and Rose were, he felt the wisdom + and propriety of their being united, and his present object was to + persuade his companion to be of the same way of thinking. He doubted not + that the sloop-of-war would come in, ere long, perhaps that very day, and + he believed it would be an easy matter to induce her chaplain to perform + the ceremony. America is a country in which every facility exists, with + the fewest possible impediments, to getting married; and, we regret to be + compelled to add, to getting unmarried also. There are no banns, no + licenses, no consent of parents even, usually necessary, and persons who + are of the age of discretion, which, as respects females and matrimony, is + a very tender age indeed, may be married, if they see fit, almost without + form or ceremony. There existed, therefore, no legal impediment to the + course Mulford desired to take; and his principal, if not his only + difficulty, would be with Rose. Over her scruples he hoped to prevail, and + not without reason, as the case he could and did present, was certainly + one of a character that entitled him to be heard with great attention. + </p> + <p> + In the first place, Mrs. Budd had approved of the connection, and it was + understood between them, that the young people were to be united at the + first port in which a clergyman of their own persuasion could be found, + and previously to reaching home. This had been the aunt's own project, + for, weak and silly as she was, the relict had a woman's sense of the + proprieties. It had occured to her that it would be more respectable to + make the long journey which lay before them, escorted by a nephew and + husband, than escorted by even an accepted lover. It is true that she had + never anticipated a marriage in a light-house, and under the circumstances + in which Rose was now placed, though it might be more reputable that her + niece should quit the islets as the wife of Harry than as his betrothed. + Then Mulford still apprehended Spike. In that remote part of the world, + almost beyond the confines of society, it was not easy to foretell what + claims he might set up, in the event of his meeting them there. Armed with + the authority of a husband, Mulford could resist him, in any such case, + with far better prospects of success than if he should appear only in the + character of a suitor. + </p> + <p> + Rose listened to these arguments, ardently and somewhat eloquently put, as + a girl of her years and habits would be apt to listen to a favoured lover. + She was much too sincere to deny her own attachment, which the events of + the last few days had increased almost to intenseness, so apt is our + tenderness to augment in behalf of those for whom we feel solicitude; and + her judgment told her that the more sober part of Harry's reasoning was + entitled to consideration. As his wife, her situation would certainly be + much less equivocal and awkward, than while she bore a different name, and + was admitted to be a single woman, and it might yet be weeks before the + duty she owed her aunt would allow her to proceed to the north. But, after + all, Harry prevailed more through the influence of his hold on Rose's + affections, as would have been the case with almost every other woman, + than through any force of reasoning. He truly loved, and that made him + eloquent when he spoke of love; sympathy in all he uttered being his great + ally. When summoned to the house, by the call of Jack, who announced that + the turtle-soup was ready, they returned with the understanding that the + chaplain of the Poughkeepsie should unite them, did the vessel come in, + and would the functionary mentioned consent to perform the ceremony. + </p> + <p> + “It would be awkward—nay, it would be distressing, Harry, to have + him refuse,” said the blushing Rose, as they walked slowly back to the + house, more desirous to prolong their conversation than to partake of the + bountiful provision of Jack Tier. The latter could not but be acceptable, + nevertheless, to a young man like Mulford, who was in robust health, and + who had fared so badly for the last eight-and-forty hours. When he sat + down to the table, therefore, which was covered by a snow-white cloth, + with smoking and most savoury viands on it, it will not be surprising if + we say it was with a pleasure that was derived from one of the great + necessities of our nature. + </p> + <p> + Sancho calls for benediction “on the man who invented sleep.” It would + have been more just to have asked this boon in behalf of him who invented + eating and turtle-soup. The wearied fall into sleep, as it might be + unwittingly; sometimes against their will, and often against their + interests; while many a man is hungry without possessing the means of + appeasing his appetite. Still more daily feel hunger without possessing + turtle-soup. Certain persons impute this delicious compound to the genius + of some London alderman, but we rather think unjustly. Aldermanic genius + is easily excited and rendered active, no doubt, by strong appeals on such + a theme, but our own experience inclines us to believe that the tropics + usually send their inventions to the less fruitful regions of the earth + along with their products. We have little doubt, could the fact be now + ascertained, that it would be found turtle-soup was originally invented by + just some such worthy as Jack Tier, who in filling his coppers to tickle + the captain's appetite, had used all the condiments within his reach; + ventured on a sort of Regent's punch; and, as the consequence, had brought + forth the dish so often eulogized, and so well beloved. It is a little + extraordinary that in Paris, the seat of gastronomy, one rarely, if ever, + hears of or sees this dish; while in London it is to be met in almost as + great abundance as in one of our larger commercial towns. But so it is, + and we cannot say we much envy a <i>cuisine</i> its <i>patés,</i> and <i>soufflets,</i> + and its <i>à la</i> this and <i>à la</i> thats, but which was never + redolent with the odours of turtle-soup. + </p> + <p> + “Upon my word, Jack, you have made out famously with your dinner, or + supper, whichever you may please to call it,” cried Mulford gaily, as he + took his seat at table, after having furnished Rose with a chair. “Nothing + appears to be wanting; but here is good pilot bread, potatoes even, and + other little niceties, in addition to the turtle and the fish. These good + people of the light seem to have lived comfortably, at any rate.” + </p> + <p> + “Why should they not, maty?” answered Jack, beginning to help to soup. + “Living on one of these islets is like living afloat. Everything is laid + in, as for an outward bound craft; then the reef must always furnish fish + and turtle. I've overhauled the lockers pretty thoroughly, and find a + plenty of stores to last <i>us</i> a month. Tea, sugar, coffee, bread, + pickles, potatoes, onions, and all other knick-knacks.” + </p> + <p> + “The poor people who own these stores will be heavy-hearted enough when + they come to learn the reason why we have been put in undisturbed + possession of their property,” said Rose. “We must contrive some means of + repaying them for such articles as we may use, Harry.” + </p> + <p> + “That's easily enough done, Miss Rose. Drop one of the half-eagles in a + tea-pot, or a mug, and they'll be certain to fall in with it when they + come back. Nothin' is easier than to pay a body's debts, when a body has + the will and the means. Now, the worst enemy of Stephen Spike must own + that his brig never quits port with unsettled bills. Stephen has his + faults, like other mortals; but he has his good p'ints, too.” + </p> + <p> + “Still praising Spike, my good Jack,” cried the mate, a little provoked at + this pertinacity in the deputy-steward, in sticking to his ship and his + shipmate. “I should have thought that you had sailed with him long enough + to have found him out, and to wish never to put your foot in his cabin + again.” + </p> + <p> + “Why, no, maty, a craft is a craft, and a body gets to like even the + faults of one in which a body has gone through gales, and squalls, with a + whole skin. I like the Swash, and, for sartain things I like her captain.” + </p> + <p> + “Meaning by that, it is your intention to get on board of the one, and to + sail with the other, again, as soon as you can.” + </p> + <p> + “I do, Mr. Mulford, and make no bones in telling on't. You know that I + came here without wishing it.” + </p> + <p> + “Well, Jack, no one will attempt to control your movements, but you shall + be left your own master. I feel it to be a duty, however, as one who may + know more of the law than yourself, as well as more of Stephen Spike, to + tell you that he is engaged in a treasonable commerce with the enemy, and + that he, and all who voluntarily remain with him, knowing this fact, may + be made to swing for it.” + </p> + <p> + “Then I'll swing for it,” returned Jack, sullenly. + </p> + <p> + “There is a little obstinacy in this, my good fellow, and you must be + reasoned out of it. I am under infinite obligations to you, Jack, and + shall ever be ready to own them. Without you to sail the boat, I might + have been left to perish on that rock,—for God only knows whether + any vessel would have seen me in passing. Most of those who go through + that passage keep the western side of the reef aboard, they tell me, on + account of there being better water on that side of the channel, and the + chance of a man's being seen on a rock, by ships a league or two off, + would be small indeed. Yes, Jack, I owe my life to you, and am proud to + own it.” + </p> + <p> + “You owe it to Miss Rose, maty, who put me up to the enterprise, and who + shared it with me.” + </p> + <p> + “To her I owe more than life,” answered Harry, looking at his beloved as + she delighted in being regarded by him, “but even she, with all her wishes + to serve me, would have been helpless without your skill in managing a + boat. I owe also to your good-nature the happiness of having Rose with me + at this moment; for without you she would not have come.” + </p> + <p> + “I'll not deny it, maty—take another ladle-full of the soup, Miss + Rosy: a quart of it would n't hurt an infant—I'll not deny it, Mr. + Mulford—I know by the way you've got rid of the first bowl-full that + <i>you</i> are ready for another, and there it is—I'll not deny it, + and all I can say is that you are heartily welcome to my sarvices.” + </p> + <p> + “I thank you, Jack; but all this only makes me more desirous of being of + use to you, now, when it's in my power. I wish you to stick by me, and not + to return to the Swash. As soon as I get to New York I shall build or buy + a ship, and the berth of steward in her shall always be open to you.” + </p> + <p> + “Thank'e, maty; thank'e, with all my heart. It's something to know that a + port is open to leeward, and, though I cannot <i>now</i> accept your + offer, the day <i>may</i> come when I shall be glad to do so.” + </p> + <p> + “If you like living ashore better, our house will always be ready to + receive you. I should be glad to leave as handy a little fellow as + yourself behind me whenever I went to sea. There are a hundred things in + which you might be useful, and fully earn your biscuit, so as to have no + qualms about eating the bread of idleness.” + </p> + <p> + “Thank'e, thank'e, maty,” cried Jack, dashing a tear out of his eye with + the back of his hand, “thank'e, sir, from the bottom of my heart. The time + <i>may</i> come, but not now. My papers is signed for this v'y'ge. Stephen + Spike has a halter round his neck, as you say yourself, and it's necessary + for me to be there to look to't. We all have our callin's and duties, and + this is mine. I stick by the Molly and her captain until both are out of + this scrape, or both are condemned. I know nothin' of treason; but if the + law wants another victim, I must take my chance.” + </p> + <p> + Mulford was surprised at this steadiness of Jack's, in what he thought a + very bad cause, and he was quite as much surprised that Rose did not join + him, in his endeavours to persuade the steward not to be so foolhardy, as + to endeavour to go back to the brig. Rose did not, however; sitting + silently eating her dinner the whole time, though she occasionally cast + glances of interest at both the speakers the while. In this state of + things the mate abandoned the attempt, for the moment, intending to return + to the subject, after having had a private conference with his betrothed. + </p> + <p> + Notwithstanding the little drawback just related, that was a happy as well + as a delicious repast. The mate did full justice to the soup, and + afterward to the fish with the unpoetical name; and Rose ate more than she + had done in the last three days. The habits of discipline prevented Jack + from taking his seat at table, though pressed by both Rose and Harry to do + so, but he helped himself to the contents of a bowl and did full justice + to his own art, on one aside. The little fellow was delighted with the + praises that were bestowed on his dishes; and for the moment, the sea, its + dangers, its tornadoes, wrecks and races, were all forgotten in the + security and pleasures of so savoury a repast. + </p> + <p> + “Folk ashore do n't know how sailors sometimes live,” said Jack, holding a + large spoon filled with the soup ready to plunge into a tolerably + capacious mouth. + </p> + <p> + “Or how they sometimes starve,” answered Rose. “Remember our own + situation, less than forty-eight hours since!” + </p> + <p> + “All very true, Miss Rose; yet, you see, turtle-soup brings us up, a'ter + all. Would you like a glass of wine, maty?” + </p> + <p> + “Very much indeed, Jack, after so luscious a soup; but wishing for it will + not bring it here.” + </p> + <p> + “That remains to be seen, sir. I call this a bottle of something that + looks wery much like a wine.” + </p> + <p> + “Claret, as I live! Why, where should light-house keepers get the taste + for claret?” + </p> + <p> + “I've thought of that myself, Mr. Mulford, and have supposed that some of + Uncle Sam's officers have brought the liquor to this part of the world. I + understand a party on 'em was here surveyin' all last winter. It seems + they come in the cool weather, and get their sights and measure their + distances, and go home in the warm weather, and work out their traverses + in the shade, as it might be.” + </p> + <p> + “This seems likely, Jack; but, come whence it may it is welcome, and we + will taste it.” + </p> + <p> + Mulford then drew the cork of this mild and grateful liquor, and helped + his companions and himself. In this age of moral <i>tours de force,</i> + one scarcely dare say anything favourable of a liquid that even bears the + name of wine, or extol the shape of a bottle. It is truly the era of + exaggeration. Nothing is treated in the old-fashioned, natural, common + sense way. Virtue is no longer virtue, unless it get upon stilts; and, as + for sin's being confined to “transgression against the law of God,” + audacious would be the wretch who should presume to limit the sway of the + societies by any dogma so narrow! A man may be as abstemious as an + anchorite and get no credit for it, unless “he sigu the pledge;” or, + signing the pledge, he may get fuddled in corners, and be cited as a + miracle of sobriety. The test of morals is no longer in the abuse of the + gifts of Providence, but in their use; prayers are deserting the closet + for the corners of streets, and charity (not the giving of alms) has got + to be so earnest in the demonstration of its nature, as to be pretty + certain to “begin at home,” and to end where it begins. Even the art of + mendacity has been aroused by the great progress which is making by all + around it, and many manifest the strength of their ambition by telling ten + lies where their fathers would have been satisfied with telling only one. + This art has made an extraordinary progress within the last quarter of a + century, aspiring to an ascendency that was formerly conceded only to + truth, until he who gains his daily bread by it has some such contempt for + the sneaking wretch who does business on the small scale, as the slayer of + his thousands in the field is known to entertain for him who kills only a + single man in the course of a long life. + </p> + <p> + At the risk of damaging the reputations of our hero and heroine, we shall + frankly aver the fact that both Harry and Rose partook of the <i>vin de + Bordeaux,</i> a very respectable bottle of <i>Medoc,</i> by the way, which + had been forgotten by Uncle Sam's people, in the course of the preceding + winter, agreeably to Jack Tier's conjecture. One glass sufficed for Rose, + and, contrary as it may be to all modern theory, she was somewhat the + better for it; while the mate and Jack Tier quite half emptied the bottle, + being none the worse. There they sat, enjoying the security and abundance + which had succeeded to their late danger, happy in that security, happy in + themselves, and happy in the prospects of a bright future. It was just as + practicable for them to remain at the Dry Tortugas, as it was for the + family which ordinarily dwelt at the light. The place was amply supplied + with everything that would be necessary for their wants, for months to + come, and Harry caused his betrothed to blush, as he whispered to her, + should the chaplain arrive, he should delight in passing the honey-moon + where they then were. + </p> + <p> + “I could tend the light,” he added, smiling, “which would be not only an + occupation, but a useful occupation; you could read all those books from + beginning to end, and Jack could keep us suplied with fish. By the way, + master steward, are you in the humour for motion, so soon after your + hearty meal?” + </p> + <p> + “Anything to be useful,” answered Jack, cheerfully. + </p> + <p> + “Then do me the favour to go up into the lantern of the light-house, and + take a look for the sloop-of-war. If she's in sight at all, you'll find + her off here to the northward; and while you are aloft you may as well + make a sweep of the whole horizon. There hangs the light-house keeper's + glass, which may help your eyes, by stepping into the gallery outside of + the lantern.” + </p> + <p> + Jack willingly complied, taking the glass and proceeding forthwith to the + other building. Mulford had two objects in view in giving this commission + to the steward. He really wished to ascertain what was the chance of + seeing the Poughkeepsie, in the neighbourhood of the islets, and felt just + that indisposition to move himself, that is apt to come over one who has + recently made a very bountiful meal, while he also desired to have another + private conversation with Rose. + </p> + <p> + A good portion of the time that Jack was gone, and he stayed quite an hour + in the lantern, our lovers conversed as lovers are much inclined to + converse; that is to say, of themselves, their feelings, and their + prospects. Mulford told Rose of his hopes and fears, while he visited at + the house of her aunt, previously to sailing, and the manner in which his + suspicions had been first awakened in reference to the intentions of Spike—intentions, + so far as they were connected with an admiration of his old commander's + niece, and possibly in connection also with the little fortune she was + known to possess, but not in reference to the bold project to which he + had, in fact, resorted. No distrust of the scheme finally put in practice + had ever crossed the mind of the young mate, until he received the + unexpected order, mentioned in our opening chapter, to prepare the brig + for the reception of Mrs. Budd and her party. Harry confessed his jealousy + of one youth whom he dreaded far more even than he had ever dreaded Spike, + and whose apparent favour with Rose, and actual favour with her aunt, had + given him many a sleepless night. + </p> + <p> + They next conversed of the future, which to them seemed full of flowers. + Various were the projects started, discussed, and dismissed, between them, + the last almost as soon as proposed. On one thing they were of a mind, as + soon as proposed. Harry was to have a ship as quick as one could be + purchased by Rose's means, and the promised bride laughingly consented to + make one voyage to Europe along with her husband. + </p> + <p> + “I wonder, dear Rose, my poverty has never presented any difficulties in + the way of our union,” said Harry, sensibly touched with the free way his + betrothed disposed of her own money in his behalf; “but neither you nor + Mrs. Budd has ever seemed to think of the difference there is between us + in this respect.” + </p> + <p> + “What is the trifle I possess, Harry, set in the balance against your + worth? My aunt, as you say, has thought I might even be the gainer by the + exchange.” + </p> + <p> + “I am sure I feel a thousand times indebted to Mrs. Budd—” + </p> + <p> + “<i>Aunt</i> Budd. You must learn to say, '<i>my</i> Aunt Budd,' Mr. Henry + Mulford, if you mean to live in peace with her unworthy niece.” + </p> + <p> + “<i>Aunt</i> Budd, then,” returned Harry, laughing, for the laugh came + easily that evening; “Aunt Budd, if you wish it, Rose. I can have no + objection to call any relative of yours, uncle or aunt.” + </p> + <p> + “I think we are intimate enough, now, to ask you a question or two, Harry, + touching my aunt,” continued Rose, looking stealthily over her shoulder, + as if apprehensive of being overheard. “You know how fond she is of + speaking of the sea, and of indulging in nautical phrases?” + </p> + <p> + “Any one must have observed that, Rose,” answered the young man, gazing up + at the wall, in order not to be compelled to look the beautiful creature + before him in the eyes—“Mrs. Budd has very strong tastes that way.” + </p> + <p> + “Now tell me, Harry—that is, answer me frankly—I mean—she + is not <i>always</i> right, is she?” + </p> + <p> + “Why, no; not absolutely so—that is, not absolutely <i>always</i> so—few + persons are <i>always</i> right, you know.” + </p> + <p> + Rose remained silent and embarrassed for a moment; after which she pursued + the discourse. + </p> + <p> + “But aunty does not know as much of the sea and of ships as she thinks she + does?” + </p> + <p> + “Perhaps not. We all overrate our own acquirements. I dare say that even I + am not as good a seaman as I fancy myself to be.” + </p> + <p> + “Even Spike admits that you are what he calls 'a prime seaman.' But it is + not easy for a woman to get a correct knowledge of the use of all the + strange, and sometimes uncouth, terms that you sailors use.” + </p> + <p> + “Certainly not, and for that reason I would rather you should never + attempt it, Rose. We rough sons of the ocean would prefer to hear our + wives make divers pretty blunders, rather than to be swaggering about like + so many 'old salts.'” + </p> + <p> + “Mr. Mulford! Does Aunt Budd swagger like an old salt?” + </p> + <p> + “Dearest Rose, I was not thinking of your aunt, but of <i>you</i>. Of you, + as you are, feminine, spirited, lovely alike in form and character, and of + you a graduate of the ocean, and full of its language and ideas.” + </p> + <p> + It was probable Rose was not displeased at this allusion to herself, for a + smile struggled around her pretty mouth, and she did not look at all + angry. After another short pause, she resumed the discourse. + </p> + <p> + “My aunt did not very clearly comprehend those explanations of yours about + the time of day, and the longitude,” she said, “nor am I quite certain + that I did myself.” + </p> + <p> + “You understood them far better than Mrs. Budd, Rose. Women are so little + accustomed to <i>think</i> on such subjects at all, that it is not + surprising they sometimes get confused. I do wish, however, that your aunt + could be persuaded to be more cautious in the presence of strangers, on + the subject of terms she does not understand.” + </p> + <p> + “I feared it might be so, Harry,” answered Rose, in a low voice, as if + unwilling even he should know the full extent of her thoughts on this + subject; “but my aunt's heart is most excellent, though she may make + mistakes occasionally, I owe her a great deal, if not absolutely my + education, certainly my health and comfort through childhood, and more + prudent, womanly advice than you may suppose, perhaps, since I have left + school. How she became the dupe of Spike, indeed, is to me unaccountable; + for in all that relates to health, she is, in general, both acute and + skilful.” + </p> + <p> + “Spike is a man of more art than he appears to be to superficial + observers. On my first acquaintance with him, I mistook him for a frank, + fearless but well-meaning sailor, who loved hazardous voyages and + desperate speculation—a sort of innocent gambler; but I have learned + to know better. His means are pretty much reduced to his brig, and she is + getting old, and can do but little more service. His projects are plain + enough, now. By getting you into his power, he hoped to compel a marriage, + in which case both your fortune and your aunt's would contribute to repair + his.” + </p> + <p> + “He might have killed me, but I never would have married him,” rejoined + Rose, firmly. “Is not that Jack coming down the steps of the light-house?” + </p> + <p> + “It is. I find that fellow's attachment to Spike very extraordinary, Rose. + Can you, in any manner, account for it?” + </p> + <p> + Rose at first seemed disposed to reply. Her lips parted, as if about to + speak, and closed again, as glancing her eyes toward the open door, she + seemed to expect the appearance of the steward's little, rotund form on + its threshold, which held her tongue-tied. A brief interval elapsed, + however, ere Jack actually arrived, and Rose, perceiving that Harry was + curiously expecting her answer, said hurriedly—“It may be hatred, + not attachment.” + </p> + <p> + The next instant Jack Tier entered the room. He had been gone rather more + than an hour, not returning until just as the sun was about to set in a + flame of fire. + </p> + <p> + “Well, Jack, what news from the Poughkeepsie?” demanded the mate. “You + have been gone long enough to make sure of your errand. Is it certain that + we are not to see the man-of-war's-men to-night.” + </p> + <p> + “Whatever you see, my advice to you is to keep close, and to be on your + guard,” answered Jack, evasively. + </p> + <p> + “I have little fear of any of Uncle Sam's craft. A plain story, and an + honest heart, will make all clear to a well-disposed listener. We have not + been accomplices in Spike's treasons, and cannot be made to answer for + them.” + </p> + <p> + “Take my advice, maty, and be in no hurry to hail every vessel you see. + Uncle Sam's fellows may not always be at hand to help you. Do you not know + that this island will be tabooed to seamen for some time to come?” + </p> + <p> + “Why so, Jack? The islet has done no harm, though others may have + performed wicked deeds near it.” + </p> + <p> + “Two of the drowned men lie within a hundred yards of this spot, and + sailors never go near new-made graves, if they can find any other place to + resort to.” + </p> + <p> + “You deal in enigmas, Jack; and did I not know that you are very + temperate, I might suspect that the time you have been gone has been + passed in the company of a bottle of brandy.” + </p> + <p> + “That will explain my meanin',” said Jack, laconically, pointing as he + spoke seemingly at some object that was to be seen without. + </p> + <p> + The door of the house was wide open, for the admission of air. It faced + the haven of the islets, and just as the mate's eyes were turned to it, + the end of a flying-jib-boom, with the sail down, and fluttering beneath + it, was coming into the view. “The Poughkeepsie!” exclaimed Mulford, in + delight, seeing all his hopes realized, while Rose blushed to the eyes. A + pause succeeded, during which Mulford drew aside, keeping his betrothed in + the back-ground, and as much out of sight as possible. The vessel was + shooting swiftly into view, and presently all there could see it was the + Swash. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0012" id="link2HCH0012"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER IV. + </h2> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + But no—he surely is not dreaming. + Another minute makes it clear, + A scream, a rush, a burning tear, + From Inez' cheek, dispel the fear + That bliss like his is only seeming. + + Washington Alston. +</pre> + <p> + A moment of appalled surprise succeeded the instant when Harry and Rose + first ascertained the real character of the vessel that had entered the + haven of the Dry Tortugas. Then the first turned toward Jack Tier, and + sternly demanded an explanation of his apparent faithlessness. + </p> + <p> + “Rascal,” he cried, “has this treachery been intended? Did you not see the + brig and know her?” + </p> + <p> + “Hush, Harry—<i>dear</i> Harry,” exclaimed Rose, entreatingly. “My + life for it, Jack has <i>not</i> been faithless.” + </p> + <p> + “Why, then, has he not let us know that the brig was coming? For more than + an hour has he been aloft, on the look-out, and here are we taken quite by + surprise. Rely on it, Rose, he has seen the approach of the brig, and + might have sooner put us on our guard.” + </p> + <p> + “Ay, ay, lay it on, maty,” said Jack, coolly, neither angry nor mortified, + so far as appearances went, at these expressions of dissatisfaction; “my + back is used to it. If I did n't know what it is to get hard raps on the + knuckles, I should be but a young steward. But, as for this business, a + little reflection will tell you I am not to blame.” + </p> + <p> + “Give us your own explanations, for without them I shall trust you no + longer.” + </p> + <p> + “Well, sir, what good would it have done, <i>had</i> I told you the brig + was standing for this place? There she came down, like a race-horse, and + escape for you was impossible. As the wind is now blowin', the Molly would + go two feet to the boat's one, and a chase would have been madness.” + </p> + <p> + “I don't know that, sirrah” answered the mate. “The boat might have got + into the smaller passages of the reef, where the brig could not enter, or + she might have dodged about among these islets, until it was night, and + then escaped in the darkness.” + </p> + <p> + “I thought of all that, Mr. Mulford, but it came too late. When I first + went aloft, I came out on the north-west side of the lantern, and took my + seat, to look out for the sloop-of-war, as you bade me, sir. Well, there I + was sweepin' the horizon with the glass for the better part of an hour, + sometimes fancyin' I saw her, and then givin' it up; for to this moment I + am not sartain there is n't a sail off here to the westward, turning up + toward the light on a bowline; but if there be, she's too far off to know + anything partic'lar about her. Well, sir, there I sat, looking for the + Poughkeepsie, for the better part of an hour, when I thought I would go + round on t' other side of the lantern and take a look to windward. My + heart was in my mouth, I can tell you, Miss Rose, when I saw the brig; and + I felt both glad and sorry. Glad on my own account, and sorry on your'n. + There she was, however, and no help for it, within two miles of this very + spot, and coming down as if she despised touching the water at all. Now, + what could I do? There was n't time, Mr. Mulford, to get the boat out, and + the mast stepped, afore we should have been within reach of canister, and + Stephen Spike would not have spared <i>that,</i> in order to get you again + within his power.” + </p> + <p> + “Depend on it, Harry, this is all true,” said Rose, earnestly. “I know + Jack well, and can answer for his fidelity. He wishes to, and if he can he + <i>will</i> return to the brig, whither he thinks his duty calls him, but + he will never willingly betray <i>us</i>—least of all, <i>me</i>. Do + I speak as I ought, Jack?” + </p> + <p> + “Gospel truth, Miss Rose, and Mr. Mulford will get over this squall, as + soon as he comes to think of matters as he ought. There 's my hand, maty, + to show I bear no malice.” + </p> + <p> + “I take it, Jack, for I must believe you honest, after all you have done + for us. Excuse my warmth, which, if a little unreasonable, was somewhat + natural under the circumstances. I suppose our case is now hopeless, and + that we shall all be soon on board the brig again; for Spike will hardly + think of abandoning me again on an island provisioned and fitted as is + this!” + </p> + <p> + “It's not so sartain, sir, that you fall into his hands at all,” put in + Jack. “The men of the brig will never come here of their own accord, + depend on that, for sailors don't like graves. Spike has come in here + a'ter the schooner's chain, that he dropped into the water when he made + sail from the sloop-of-war, at the time he was here afore, and is not + expectin' to find us here. No—no—he thinks we are beatin' up + toward Key West this very minute, if, indeed, he has missed us at all. 'T + is possible he believes the boat has got adrift by accident, and has no + thought of our bein' out of the brig.” + </p> + <p> + “That is impossible, Jack. Do you suppose he is ignorant that Rose is + missing?” + </p> + <p> + “Sartain of it, maty, if Mrs. Budd has read the letter well that Miss Rose + left for her, and Biddy has obeyed orders. If they've followed + instructions, Miss Rose is thought to be in her state-room, mournin' for a + young man who was abandoned on a naked rock, and Jack Tier, havin' eat + somethin' that has disagreed with him, is in his berth. Recollect, Spike + will not be apt to look into Miss Rose's state-room or my berth, to see if + all this is true. The cook and Josh are both in my secret, and know I mean + to come back, and when the fit is over I have only to return to duty, like + any other hand. It is my calculation that Spike believes both Miss Rose + and myself on board the Molly at this very moment.” + </p> + <p> + “And the boat—what can he suppose has become of the boat?” + </p> + <p> + “Sartainly, the boat makes the only chance ag'in us. But the boat was + ridin' by its painter astarn, and accidents sometimes happen to such + craft. Then we two are the wery last he will suspect of havin' made off in + the boat by ourselves. There'll be Mrs. Budd and Biddy as a sort of pledge + that Miss Rose is aboard, and as for Jack Tier, he is too insignificant to + occupy the captain's thoughts just now. He will probably muster the people + for'ard, when he finds the boat is gone, but I do not think he'll trouble + the cabins or state-rooms.” + </p> + <p> + Mulford admitted that this was <i>possible,</i> though it scarcely seemed + probable to him. There was no help, however, for the actual state of + things, and they all now turned their attention to the brig, and to the + movements of those on board her. Jack Tier had swung-to the outer-door of + the house, as soon as the Swash came in view through it, and fortunately + none of the windows on that side of the building had been opened at all. + The air entered to windward, which was on the rear of the dwelling, so + that it was possible to be comfortable and yet leave the front, in view + from the vessel, with its deserted air. As for the brig, she had already + anchored and got both her boats into the water. The yawl was hauled + alongside, in readiness for any service that might be required of it, + while the launch had been manned at once, and was already weighing the + anchor, and securing the chain to which Tier had alluded. All this served + very much to lessen the uneasiness of Mulford and Rose, as it went far to + prove that Spike had not come to the Dry Tortugas in quest of them, as, at + first, both had very naturally supposed. It might, indeed, turn out that + his sole object was to obtain this anchor and chain, with a view to use + them in raising the ill-fated vessel that had now twice gone to the + bottom. + </p> + <p> + “I wish an explanation with you, Jack, on one other point,” said the mate, + after all three had been for sometime observing the movements on board and + around the Swash. “Do you actually intend to get on board the brig?” + </p> + <p> + “If it's to be done, maty. My v'y'ge is up with you and Miss Rose. I may + be said to have shipped for Key West and a market, and the market's found + at this port.” + </p> + <p> + “You will hardly leave us <i>yet,</i> Jack,” said Rose, with a manner and + emphasis that did not fail to strike her betrothed lover, though he could + in no way account for either. That Rose should not wish to be left alone + with him in that solitary place was natural enough; or, might rather be + referred to education and the peculiar notions of her sex; but he could + not understand why so much importance should be attached to the presence + of a being of Jack Tier's mould and character. It was true, that there was + little choice, under present circumstances, but it occurred to Mulford + that Rose had manifested the same strange predilection when there might + have been something nearer to a selection. The moment, however, was not + one for much reflection on the subject. + </p> + <p> + “You will hardly leave us yet, Jack?” said Rose, in the manner related. + </p> + <p> + “It's now or never, Miss Rose. If the brig once gets away from this + anchorage without me, I may never lay eyes on her ag'in. Her time is + nearly up, for wood and iron wont hold together always, any more than + flesh and blood. Consider how many years I've been busy in huntin' her up, + and how hard 't will be to lose that which has given me so many weary days + and sleepless nights to find.” + </p> + <p> + Rose said no more. If not convinced, she was evidently silenced, while + Harry was left to wonder and surmise, as best he might. Both quitted the + subject, to watch the people of the brig. By this time the anchor had been + lifted, and the chain was heaving in on board the vessel, by means of a + line that had been got around its bight. The work went on rapidly, and + Mulford observed to Rose that he did not think it was the intention of + Spike to remain long at the Tortugas, inasmuch as his brig was riding by a + very short range of cable. This opinion was confirmed, half an hour later, + when it was seen that the launch was hooked on and hoisted in again, as + soon as the chain and anchor of the schooner were secured. + </p> + <p> + Jack Tier watched every movement with palpable uneasiness. His + apprehensions that Spike would obtain all he wanted, and be off before he + could rejoin him, increased at each instant, and he did not scruple to + announce an intention to take the boat and go alongside of the Swash at + every hazard, rather than be left. + </p> + <p> + “You do not reflect on what you say, Jack,” answered Harry; “unless, + indeed, it be your intention to betray us. How could you appear in the + boat, at this place, without letting it be known that we must be hard by?” + </p> + <p> + “That don't follow at all, maty,” answered Jack. “Suppose I go alongside + the brig and own to the captain that I took the boat last night, with the + hope of findin' you, and that failin' to succeed, I bore up for this port, + to look for provisions and water. Miss Rose he thinks on board at this + moment, and in my judgment he would take me at my word, give me a good + cursing, and think no more about it.” + </p> + <p> + “It would never do, Jack,” interposed Rose, instantly. “It would cause the + destruction of Harry, as Spike would not believe you had not found him, + without an examination of this house.” + </p> + <p> + “What are they about with the yawl, Mr. Mulford?” asked Jack, whose eye + was never off the vessel for a single moment. “It's gettin' to be so dark + that one can hardly see the boat, but it seems as if they're about to man + the yawl.” + </p> + <p> + “They are, and there goes a lantern into it. And that is Spike himself + coming down the brig's side this instant.” + </p> + <p> + “They can only bring a lantern to search this house,” exclaimed Rose. “Oh! + Harry, you are lost!” + </p> + <p> + “I rather think the lantern is for the light-house,” answered Mulford, + whose coolness, at what was certainly a most trying moment, did not desert + him. “Spike may wish to keep the light burning, for once before, you will + remember, he had it kindled after the keeper was removed. As for his + sailing, he would not be apt to sail until the moon rises; and in beating + back to the wreck the light may serve to let him know the bearings and + position of the reef.” + </p> + <p> + “There they come,” whispered Rose, half breathless with alarm. “The boat + has left the brig, and is coming directly hither!” + </p> + <p> + All this was true enough. The yawl had shoved off, and with two men to row + it, was pulling for the wharf in front of the house, and among the timbers + of which lay the boat, pretty well concealed beneath a sort of bridge. + Mulford would not retreat, though he looked to the fastenings of the door + as a means of increasing his chances of defence. In the stern-sheets of + the boat sat two men, though it was not easy to ascertain who they were by + the fading light. One was known to be Spike, however, and the other, it + was conjectured, must be Don Juan Montefalderon, from the circumstance of + his being in the place of honour. Three minutes solved this question, the + boat reaching the wharf by that time. It was instantly secured, and all + four of the men left it. Spike was now plainly to be discerned by means of + the lantern which he carried in his own hands, He gave some orders, in his + customary authoritative way, and in a high key, after which he led the way + from the wharf, walking side by side with the Señor Montefalderon. These + two last came up within a yard of the door of the house, where they + paused, enabling those within not only to see their persons and the + working of their countenances, but to hear all that was said; this last + the more especially, since Spike never thought it necessary to keep his + powerful voice within moderate limits. + </p> + <p> + “It's hardly worth while, Don Wan, for you to go into the light-house,” + said Spike. “'T is but a greasy, dirty place at the best, and one's + clothes are never the better for dealin' with ile. Here, Bill, take the + lantern, and get a filled can, that we may go up and trim and fill the + lamp, and make a blaze. Bear a hand, lads, and I'll be a'ter ye afore you + reach the lantern. Be careful with the flame about the ile, for seamen + ought never to wish to see a lighthouse destroyed.” + </p> + <p> + “What do you expect to gain by lighting the lamps above, Don Esteban?” + demanded the Mexican, when the sailors had disappeared in the light-house, + taking their own lantern with them. + </p> + <p> + “It's wisest to keep things reg'lar about this spot, Don Wan, which will + prevent unnecessary suspicions. But, as the brig stretches in toward the + reef to-night, on our way back, the light will be a great assistance. I am + short of officers, you know, and want all the help of this sort I can + get.” + </p> + <p> + “To be sincere with you, Don Esteban, I greatly regret you <i>are</i> so + short of officers, and do not yet despair of inducing you to go and take + off the mate, whom I hear you have left on a barren rock. He was a fine + young fellow, Señor Spike, and the deed was not one that you will wish to + remember a few years hence.” + </p> + <p> + “The fellow run, and I took him at his word, Don Wan. I'm not obliged to + receive back a deserter unless it suits me.” + </p> + <p> + “We are all obliged to see we do not cause a fellow creature the loss of + life. This will prove the death of the charming young woman who is so much + attached to him, unless you relent and are merciful!” + </p> + <p> + “Women have tender looks but tough hearts,” answered Spike, carelessly, + though Mulford felt certain, by the tone of his voice, that great + bitterness of feeling lay smothered beneath the affected indifference of + his manner; “few die of love.” + </p> + <p> + “The young lady has not been on deck all day; and the Irish woman tells me + that she does nothing but drink water—the certain proof of a high + fever.” + </p> + <p> + “Ay, ay, she keeps her room if you will, Don Wan, but she is not about to + make a dupe of me by any such tricks. I must go and look to the lamps, + however, and you will find the graves you seek in the rear of this house, + about thirty yards behind it, you'll remember. That's a very pretty cross + you've made, señor, and the skipper of the schooner's soul will be all the + better for settin' it up at the head of his grave.” + </p> + <p> + “It will serve to let those who come after us know that a Christian sleeps + beneath the sand, Don Esteban,” answered the Mexican, mildly. “I have no + other expectation from this sacred symbol.” + </p> + <p> + The two now separated, Spike going into the light-house, little in a + hurry, while Don Juan Montefalderon walked round the building to its rear + in quest of the grave. Mulford waited a moment for Spike to get a short + distance up the stairs of the high tower he had to ascend, when placing + the arm of Rose within his own, he opened the door in the rear of the + house, and walked boldly toward the Mexican. Don Juan was actually forcing + the pointed end of his little cross into the sand, at the head of his + countryman's grave, when Mulford and his trembling companion reached the + spot. Although night had shut in, it was not so dark that persons could + not be recognised at small distances. The Señor Montefalderon was startled + at an apparition so sudden and unexpected, when Mulford saluted him by + name; but recognising first the voice of Harry, and then the persons of + himself and his companion, surprise, rather than alarm, became the emotion + that was uppermost. Notwithstanding the strength of the first of these + feelings, he instantly saluted the young couple with the polished ease + that marked his manner, which had much of the courtesy of a Castilian in + it, tempered a little, perhaps, by the greater flexibility of a Southern + American. + </p> + <p> + “I <i>see</i> you,” exclaimed Don Juan, “and must believe my eyes. Without + their evidence, however, I could scarce believe it can be you two, one of + whom I thought on board the brig, and the other suffering a most miserable + death on a naked rock.” + </p> + <p> + “I am aware of your kind feelings in our behalf, Don Juan,” said Mulford, + “and it is the reason I now confide in you. I was taken off that rock by + means of the boat, which you doubtless have missed; and this is the gentle + being who has been the means of saving my life. To her and Jack Tier, who + is yonder, under the shadows of the house, I owe my not being the victim + of Spike's cruelty.” + </p> + <p> + “I now comprehend the whole matter, Don Henriquez. Jack Tier has managed + the boat for the señorita; and those whom we were told were too ill to be + seen on deck, have been really out of the brig!” + </p> + <p> + “Such are the facts, señor, and from <i>you</i> there is no wish to + conceal them. We are then to understand that the absence of Rose and Jack + from the brig is not known to Spike.” + </p> + <p> + “I believe not, señor. He has alluded to both, once or twice to-day, as + being ill below; but would you not do well to retire within the shade of + the dwelling, lest a glance from the lantern might let those in it know + that I am not alone.” + </p> + <p> + “There is little danger, Don Juan, as they who stand near a light cannot + well see those who are in the darkness. Beside, they are high in the air, + while we are on the ground, which will greatly add to the obscurity down + here. We can retire, nevertheless, as I have a few questions to ask, which + may as well be put in perfect security, as put where there is any risk.” + </p> + <p> + The three now drew near the house, Rose actually stepping within its door, + though Harry remained on its exterior, in order to watch the proceedings + of those in the light-house. Here the Señor Montefalderon entered into a + more detailed explanation of what had occurred on board the brig, since + the appearance of day, that very morning. According to his account of the + matter, Spike had immediately called upon the people to explain the loss + of the boat. Tier was not interrogated on this occasion, it being + understood he had gone below and turned in, after having the look-out for + fully half the night. As no one could, or would, give an account of the + manner in which the boat was missing, Josh was ordered to go below and + question Jack on the subject. Whether it was from consciousness of his + connection with the escape of Jack, and apprehensions of the consequences, + or from innate good-nature, and a desire to befriend the lovers, this + black now admitted that Jack confessed to him that the boat had got away + from him while endeavouring to shift the turns of its painter from a cleet + where they ought not to be, to their proper place. This occurred early in + Jack's watch, according to Josh's story, and had not been reported, as the + boat did not properly belong to the brig, and was an incumbrance rather + than an advantage. The mate admired the negro's cunning, as Don Juan + related this part of his story, which put him in a situation to throw all + the blame on Jack's mendacity in the event of a discovery, while it had + the effect to allow the fugitives more time for their escape. The result + was, that Spike bestowed a few hearty curses, as usual, on the clumsiness + of Jack Tier, and seemed to forget all about the matter. It is probable he + connected Jack's abstaining from showing himself on deck, and his alleged + indisposition, with his supposed delinquency in this matter of the boat. + From that moment the captain appeared to give himself no further concern + on the subject, the boat having been, in truth, an incumbrance rather than + a benefit, as stated. + </p> + <p> + As for Rose, her keeping her room, under the circumstances, was so very + natural, that the Señor Montefalderon had been completely deceived, as, + from his tranquillity on this point, there was no question was the case + with Spike also. Biddy appeared on deck, though the widow did not, and the + Irish woman shook her head anxiously when questioned about her young + mistress, giving the spectators reason to suppose that the latter was in a + very bad way. + </p> + <p> + As respects the brig and her movements, Spike had got under way as soon as + there was light enough to find his course, and had run through the + passage. It is probable that the boat was seen; for something that was + taken for a small sail had just been made out for a single instant, and + then became lost again. This little sail was made, if made at all, in the + direction of the Dry Tortugas, but so completely was all suspicion at rest + in the minds of those on the quarter-deck of the Swash, that neither Spike + nor the Mexican had the least idea what it was. When the circumstance was + reported to the former, he answered that it was probably some small + wrecker, of which many were hovering about the reef, and added, + laughingly, though in a way to prove how little he thought seriously on + the subject at all, “who knows but the light-house boat has fallen into + their hands, and that they've made sail on <i>her;</i> if they have, my + word for it, that she goes, hull, spars, rigging, canvas, and cargo, all + in a lump, for salvage.” + </p> + <p> + As the brig came out of the passage, in broad day, the heads of the + schooner's masts were seen, as a matter of course. This induced Spike to + heave-to, lower a boat, and to go in person to examine the condition of + the wreck. It will be seen that Jack's presence could now be all the + better dispensed with. The examination, with the soundings, and other + calculations connected with raising the vessel, occupied hours. When they + were completed, Spike returned on board, run up his boat, and squared away + for the Dry Tortugas. Señor Montefalderon confirmed the justice of Jack + Tier's surmises, as to the object of this unexpected visit. The brig had + come solely for the chain and anchor mentioned, and having secured them, + it was Spike's intention to get under way and beat up to the wreck again + as soon as the moon rose. As for the sloop-of-war, he believed she had + given him up; for by this time she must know that she had no chance with + the brig, so long as the latter kept near the reef, and that she ran the + constant hazard of shipwreck, while playing so near the dangers herself. + </p> + <p> + Before the Señor Montefalderon exhausted all he had to communicate, he was + interrupted by Jack Tier with a singular proposition. Jack's great desire + was to get on board the Swash; and he now begged the Mexican to let + Mulford take the yawl and scull him off to the brig, and return to the + islet before Spike and his companions should descend from the lantern of + the light-house. The little fellow insisted there was sufficient time for + such a purpose, as the three in the lantern had not yet succeeded in + filling the lamps with the oil necessary to their burning for a night—a + duty that usually occupied the regular keeper for an hour. Five or six + minutes would suffice for him; and if he were seen going up the brig's + side, it would be easy for him to maintain that he had come ashore in the + boat. No one took such precise note of what was going on; as to be able to + contradict him; and as to Spike and the men with him, they would probably + never hear anything about it. + </p> + <p> + Don Juan Montefalderon was struck with the boldness of Jack Tier's plan, + but refused his assent to it. He deemed it too hazardous, but substituted + a project of his own. The moon would not rise until near eleven, and it + wanted several hours before the time of sailing. When they returned to the + brig, he would procure his cloak, and scull himself ashore, being + perfectly used to managing a boat in this way, under the pretence of + wishing to pass an hour longer near the grave of his countryman. At the + expiration of that hour he would take Jack off, concealed beneath his + cloak—an exploit of no great difficulty in the darkness, especially + as no one would be on deck but a hand or two keeping the anchor-watch. + With this arrangement, therefore, Jack Tier was obliged to be content. + </p> + <p> + Some fifteen or twenty minutes more passed; during which the Mexican again + alluded to his country, and his regrets at her deplorable situation. The + battles of the 8th and 9th of May; two combats that ought to, and which + will reflect high honour on the little army that won them, as well as on + that hardly worked, and in some respects hardly used, service to which + they belong, had been just fought. Don Juan mentioned these events without + reserve; and frankly admitted that success had fallen to the portion of + much the weaker party. He ascribed the victory to the great superiority of + the American officers of inferior rank; it being well known that in the + service of the “Republic of the North,” as he termed America, men who had + been regularly educated at the military academy, and who had reached the + period of middle life, were serving in the stations of captains, and + sometimes in that of lieutenants; men who, in many cases, were fitted to + command regiments and brigades, having been kept in these lower stations + by the tardiness with which promotion comes in an army like that of this + country. + </p> + <p> + Don Juan Montefalderon was not sufficiently conversant with the subject, + perhaps, else he might have added, that when occasions <i>do</i> offer to + bestow on these gentlemen the preferment they have so hardly and patiently + earned, they are too often neglected, in order to extend the circle of + vulgar political patronage. He did not know that when a new regiment of + dragoons was raised, one permanent in its character, and intended to be + identified with the army in all future time, that, instead of giving its + commissions to those who had fairly earned them by long privations and + faithful service, they were given, with one or two exceptions, to + strangers. + </p> + <p> + No government trifles more with its army and navy than our own. So + niggardly are the master-spirits at Washington of the honours justly + earned by military men, that we have fleets still commanded by captains, + and armies by officers whose regular duty it would be to command brigades. + The world is edified with the sight of forces sufficient, in numbers, and + every other military requisite, to make one of Napoleon's <i>corps de + armée,</i> led by one whose commission would place him properly at the + head of a brigade, and nobly led, too. Here, when so favourable an + occasion offers to add a regiment or two to the old permanent line of the + army, and thus infuse new life into its hope deferred, the opportunity is + overlooked, and the rank and file are to be obtained by cramming, instead + of by a generous regard to the interests of the gallant gentlemen who have + done so much for the honour of the American name, and, unhappily, so + little for themselves. The extra-patriots of the nation, and they form a + legion large enough to trample the “Halls of the Montezumas” under their + feet, tell us that the reward of those other patriots beneath the shadows + of the Sierra Madre, is to be in the love and approbation of their fellow + citizens, at the very moment when they are giving the palpable proof of + the value of this esteem, and of the inconstancy of popular applause, by + pointing their fingers, on account of an inadvertent expression in a + letter, at the gallant soldier who taught, in our own times, the troops of + this country to stand up to the best appointed regiments of England, and + to carry off victory from the pride of Europe, in fair field-fights. Alas! + alas! it is true of nations as well as of men, in their simplest and + earliest forms of association, that there are “secrets in all families;” + and it will no more do to dwell on our own, than it would edify us to + expose those of poor Mexico. + </p> + <p> + The discourse between the Señor Montefalderon and Mulford was interesting, + as it ever has been when the former spoke of his unfortunate country. On + the subject of the battles of May he was candid, and admitted his deep + mortification and regrets. He had expected more from the force collected + on the Rio Grande, though, understanding the northern character better + than most of his countrymen, he had not been as much taken by surprise as + the great bulk of his own nation. + </p> + <p> + “Nevertheless, Don Henrique,” he concluded, for the voice of Spike was + just then heard as he was descending the stairs of the light-house, + “nevertheless, Don Henrique, there is one thing that your people, brave, + energetic, and powerful as I acknowledge them to be, would do well to + remember, and it is this—no nation of the numbers of ours can be, or + ever was conquered, unless by the force of political combinations. In a + certain state of society a government may be overturned, or a capital + taken, and carry a whole country along with it, but our condition is one + not likely to bring about such a result. We are of a race different from + the Anglo-Saxon, and it will not be easy either to assimilate us to your + own, or wholly to subdue us. In those parts of the country, where the + population is small, in time, no doubt, the Spanish race might be + absorbed, and your sway established; but ages of war would be necessary + entirely to obliterate our usages, our language, and our religion from the + peopled portions of Mexico.” + </p> + <p> + It might be well for some among us to reflect on these matters. The + opinions of Don Juan, in our judgment, being entitled to the consideration + of all prudent and considerate men. + </p> + <p> + As Spike descended to the door of the light-house, Harry, Rose, and Jack + Tier retired within that of the dwelling. Presently the voice of the + captain was heard hailing the Mexican, and together they walked to the + wharf, the former boasting to the latter of his success in making a + brilliant light. Brilliant it was, indeed; so brilliant as to give Mulford + many misgivings on the subject of the boat. The light from the lantern + fell upon the wharf, and he could see the boat from the window where he + stood, with Spike standing nearly over it, waiting for the men to get his + own yawl ready. It is true, the captain's back was toward the dangerous + object, and the planks of the bridge were partly between him and it; but + there was a serious danger that was solely averted by the circumstance + that Spike was so earnestly dilating on some subject to Don Juan, as to + look only at that gentleman's face. A minute later they were all in the + yawl, which pulled rapidly toward the brig. + </p> + <p> + Don Juan Montefalderon was not long absent. Ten minutes sufficed for the + boat to reach the Swash, for him to obtain his cloak, and to return to the + islet alone, no one in the vessel feeling a desire to interfere with his + imaginary prayers. As for the people, it was not probable that one in the + brig could have been induced to accompany him to the graves at that hour; + though everybody but Josh had turned-in, as he informed Mulford, to catch + short naps previously to the hour of getting the brig under way. As for + the steward, he had been placed on the look-out as the greatest idler on + board. All this was exceedingly favourable to Jack Tier's project, since + Josh was already in the secret of his absence, and would not be likely to + betray his return. After a brief consultation, it was agreed to wait half + an hour or an hour, in order to let the sleepers lose all consciousness, + when Don Juan proposed returning to the vessel with his new companion. + </p> + <p> + The thirty or forty minutes that succeeded were passed in general + conversation. On this occasion the Señor Montefalderon spoke more freely + than he had yet done of recent events. He let it be plainly seen how much + he despised Spike, and how irksome to him was the intercourse he was + obliged to maintain, and to which he only submitted through a sense of + duty. The money known to be in the schooner, was of a larger amount than + had been supposed; and every dollar was so important to Mexico, at that + moment, that he did not like to abandon it, else, did he declare, that he + would quit the brig at once, and share in the fortunes of Harry and Rose. + He courteously expressed his best wishes for the happiness of the young + couple, and delicately intimated that, under the circumstances, he + supposed that they would be united as soon as they could reach a place + where the marriage rite could be celebrated. This was said in the most + judicious way possible; so delicately as not to wound any one's feelings, + and in a way to cause it to resemble the announcement of an expectation, + rather than the piece of paternal advice for which it was really intended. + Harry was delighted with this suggestion of his Mexican friend—the + most loyal American may still have a sincere friend of Mexican birth and + Mexican feelings, too—since it favoured not only his secret wishes, + but his secret expectations also. + </p> + <p> + At the appointed moment, Don Juan Montefalderon and Jack Tier took their + leave of the two they left behind them. Rose manifested what to Harry + seemed a strange reluctance to part with the little steward; but Tier was + bent on profiting by this excellent opportunity to get back to the brig. + They went, accordingly, and the anxious listeners, who watched the + slightest movement of the yawl, from the shore, had reason to believe that + Jack was smuggled in without detection. They heard the familiar sound of + the oar falling in the boat, and Mulford said that Josh's voice might be + distinguished, answering to a call from Don Juan. No noise or clamour was + heard, such as Spike would certainly have made, had he detected the + deception that had been practised on himself. + </p> + <p> + Harry and Rose were now alone. The former suggested that the latter should + take possession of one of the little bed-rooms that are usually to be + found in American dwellings of the dimensions and humble character of the + lighthouse abode, while he kept watch until the brig should sail. Until + Spike was fairly off, he would not trust himself to sleep; but there was + no sufficient reason why Rose should not endeavour to repair the evil of a + broken night's rest, like that which had been passed in the boat. With + this understanding, then, our heroine took possession of her little + apartment, where she threw herself on the bed in her clothes, while + Mulford walked out into the air, as the most effective means of helping to + keep his eyes open. + </p> + <p> + It was now some time past ten, and before eleven the moon would rise. The + mate consequently knew that his watch could not be long before Spike would + quit the neighbourhood—a circumstance pregnant with immense relief + to him, at least. So long as that unscrupulous, and now nearly desperate, + man remained anywhere near Rose, he felt that she could not be safe; and + as he paced the sands, on the off, or outer side of the islet, in order to + be beyond the influence of the light in the lantern, his eye was scarcely + a moment taken away from the Swash, so impatiently and anxiously did he + wait for the signs of some movement on board her. + </p> + <p> + The moon rose, and Mulford heard the well-known raps on the booby-hatch, + which precedes the call of “all hands,” on board a merchant-man. “All + hands up anchor, ahoy!” succeeded, and in less than five minutes the + bustle on board the brig announced the fact, that her people were “getting + the anchor.” By this time it had got to be so light that the mate deemed + it prudent to return to the house, in order that he might conceal his + person within its shadows. Awake Rose he would not, though he knew she + would witness the departure of the Swash with a satisfaction little short + of his own. He thought he would wait, that when he did speak to her at + all, it might be to announce their entire safety. As regarded the aunt, + Rose was much relieved on her account, by the knowledge that Jack Tier + would not fail to let Mrs. Budd know everything connected with her own + situation and prospects. The desertion of Jack, after coming so far with + her, had pained our heroine in a way we cannot at present explain; but go + he would, probably feeling assured there was no longer any necessity for + his continuance with the lovers, in order to prevail on Rose to escape + from Spike. + </p> + <p> + The Swash was not long in getting her ground-tackle, and the brig was soon + seen with her topsail aback, waiting to cat the anchor. This done, the + yards swung round, and the topsail filled. It was blowing just a good + breeze for such a craft to carry whole sail on a bow-line with, and away + the light and active craft started, like the racer that is galloping for + daily exercise. Of course there were several passages by which a vessel + might quit the group of islets, some being larger, and some smaller, but + all having sufficient water for a brigantine of the Molly's draught. + Determined not to lose an inch of distance unnecessarily, Spike luffed + close up to the wind, making an effort to pass out to windward of the + light. In order to do this, however, it became necessary for him to make + two short tacks within the haven, which brought him far enough to the + southward and eastward to effect his purpose. While this was doing, the + mate, who perfectly understood the object of the manoeuvres, passed to the + side of the light-house that was opposite to that on which the dwelling + was placed, with a view to get a better sight of the vessel as she stood + out to sea. In order to do this, however, it was necessary for the young + man to pass through a broad bit of moonlight but he trusted for his not + being seen, to the active manner in which all hands were employed on board + the vessel. It would seem that, in this respect, Mulford trusted without + his host, for as the vessel drew near, he perceived that six or eight + figures were on the guns of the Swash, or in her rigging, gesticulating + eagerly, and seemingly pointing to the very spot where he stood. When the + brig got fairly abeam of the light, she would not be a hundred yards + distant from it, and fearful to complete the exposure of his person, which + he had so inadvertently and unexpectedly commenced, our mate drew up close + to the wall of the light-house, against which he sustained himself in a + position as immovable as possible. This movement had been seen by a single + seaman on board the Swash, and the man happened to be one of those who had + landed with Spike only two hours before. His name was Barlow. + </p> + <p> + “Captain Spike, sir,” called out Barlow, who was coiling up rigging on the + forecastle, and was consequently obliged to call out so loud as to be + heard by all on board, “yonder is a man at the foot of the light-house.” + </p> + <p> + By this time, the moon coming out bright through an opening in the clouds, + Mulford had become conscious of the risk he ran, and was drawn up, as + immovable as the pile itself, against the stones of the light-house. Such + an announcement brought everybody to leeward, and every head over the + bulwarks. Spike himself sprang into the lee main-chains, where his view + was unobstructed, and where Mulford saw and recognised him, even better + than he was seen and recognised in his own person. All this time the brig + was moving ahead. + </p> + <p> + “A man, Barlow!” exclaimed Spike, in the way one a little bewildered by an + announcement expresses his surprise. “A man! that can never be. There is + no one at the light-house, you know.” + </p> + <p> + “There he stands, sir, with his back to the tower, and his face this way. + His dark figure against the white-washed stones is plain enough to be + seen. Living, or dead, sir, that is the mate!” + </p> + <p> + “<i>Living</i> it cannot be,” answered Spike, though he gulped at the + words the next moment. + </p> + <p> + A general exclamation now showed that everybody recognised the mate, whose + figure, stature, dress, and even features, were by this time all tolerably + distinct. The fixed attitude, however, the immovable statue-like rigidity + of the form, and all the other known circumstances of Harry's case, united + to produce a common and simultaneous impression among the superstitious + mariners, that what they saw was but the ghostly shadow of one lately + departed to the world of spirits. Even Spike was not free from this + illusion, and his knees shook beneath him, there where he stood, in the + channels of a vessel that he had handled like a top in so many gales and + tempests. With him, however, the illusion was neither absolute nor + lasting. A second thought told him it could scarcely be so, and then he + found his voice. By this time the brig was nearly abreast of where Harry + stood. + </p> + <p> + “You Josh!” called out Spike, in a voice of thunder, loud enough to + startle even Mrs. Budd and Biddy in their berths. + </p> + <p> + “Lor' help us all!” answered the negro, “what <i>will</i> come next t'ing + aboard dis wessel! Here I be, sir.” + </p> + <p> + “Pass the fowling-piece out of my state-room. Both barrels are loaded with + ball; I'll try him, though the bullets <i>are</i> only lead.” + </p> + <p> + A common exclamation of dissatisfaction escaped the men, while Josh was + obeying the order. “It's no use.” + </p> + <p> + “You never can hurt one of them things.” “Something will befall the brig + on account of this,” and “It's the mate's sperit, and sperits can't be + harmed by lead or iron,” were the sort of remarks made by the seamen, + during the short interval between the issuing the order for the + fowling-piece and its execution. + </p> + <p> + “There 't is, Cap'in Spike,” said Josh, passing the piece up through the + rigging, “but 't will no more shoot <i>that</i> thing, than one of our + carronades would blow up Gibraltar.” + </p> + <p> + By this time Spike was very determined, his lips being compressed and his + teeth set, as he took the gun and cocked it. Then he hailed. As all that + passed occurred, as it might be, at once, the brig even at that moment was + little more than abreast of the immovable mate, and about eighty yards + from him. + </p> + <p> + “Light-house, there!” cried Spike—“Living or dead, answer or I + fire.” + </p> + <p> + No answer came, and no motion appeared in the dark figure that was now + very plainly visible, under a bright moon, drawn in high relief against + the glittering white of the tower. Spike dropped the muzzle to its aim, + and fired. + </p> + <p> + So intense was the attention of all in the Swash, that a wink of Harry's + could almost have been seen, had he betrayed even that slight sign of + human infirmity at the flash and the report. The ball was flattened + against a stone of the building, within a foot of the mate's body; but he + did not stir. All depended now on his perfect immovability, as he well + knew; and he so far commanded himself, as to remain rigid as if of stone + himself. + </p> + <p> + “There! one can see how it is—no life in that being,” said one. “I + know'd how it would end,” added another. “Nothing but silver, and that + cast on purpose, will ever lay it,” continued a third. But Spike + disregarded all. This time he was resolved that his aim should be better, + and he was inveterately deliberate in getting it. Just as he pulled the + trigger, however, Don Juan Montefalderon touched his elbow, the piece was + fired, and there stood the immovable figure as before, fixed against the + tower. Spike was turning angrily to chide his Mexican friend for deranging + his aim, when the report of an answering musket came back like an echo. + Every eye was turned toward the figure, but it moved not. Then the humming + sound of an advancing ball was heard, and a bullet passed, whistling + hoarsely, through the rigging, and fell some distance to windward. Every + head disappeared below the bulwarks. Even Spike was so far astonished as + to spring in upon deck, and, for a single instant, not a man was to be + seen above the monkey-rail of the brig. Then Spike recovered himself and + jumped upon a gun. His first look was toward the light-house, now on the + vessel's lee-quarter; but the spot where had so lately been seen the form + of Mulford, showed nothing but the glittering brightness of the + white-washed stones! + </p> + <p> + The reader will not be surprised to learn that all these events produced a + strange and deep impression on board the Molly Swash. The few who might + have thrown a little light on the matter were discreetly silent, while all + that portion of the crew which was in the dark, firmly believed that the + spirit of the murdered mate was visiting them, in order to avenge the + wrongs inflicted on it in the flesh. The superstition of sailors is as + deep as it is general. All those of the Molly, too, were salts of the old + school, sea-dogs of a past generation, properly speaking, and mariners who + had got their notions in the early part of the century, when the spirit of + progress was less active than it is at present. + </p> + <p> + Spike himself might have had other misgivings, and believed that he had + seen the living form of his intended victim, but for the extraordinary and + ghost-like echo of his last discharge. There was nothing visible, or + intelligible, from which that fire could have come, and he was perfectly + bewildered by the whole occurrence. An intention to round-to, as soon as + through the passage, down boat and land, which had been promptly conceived + when he found that his first aim had failed, was as suddenly abandoned, + and he gave the command to “board fore-tack;” immediately after, his call + was to “pack on the brig,” and not without a little tremour in his voice, + as soon as he perceived that the figure had vanished. The crew was not + slow to obey these orders, and in ten minutes, the Swash was a mile from + the light, standing to the northward and eastward, under a press of + canvas, and with a freshening breeze. + </p> + <p> + To return to the islets. Harry, from the first, had seen that everything + depended on his remaining motionless. As the people of the brig were + partly in shadow, he could not, and did not, fully understand how + completely he was himself exposed, in consequence of the brightness of all + around him, and he had at first hoped to be mistaken for some accidental + resemblance to a man. His nerves were well tried by the use of the + fowling-piece, but they proved equal to the necessities of the occasion. + But, when an answering report came from the rear, or from the opposite + side of the islet, he darted round the tower, as much taken by surprise, + and overcome by wonder, as any one else who heard it. It was this rapid + movement which caused his flight to be unnoticed, all the men of the brig + dodging below their own bulwarks at that precise instant. + </p> + <p> + As the light-house was now between the mate and the brig, he had no longer + any motive for trying to conceal himself. His first thought was of Rose, + and, strange as it may seem, for some little time he fancied that she had + found a musket in the dwelling, and discharged it, in order to aid his + escape. The events had passed so swiftly, that there was no time for the + cool consideration of anything, and it is not surprising that some + extravagances mingled with the first surmises of all these. + </p> + <p> + On reaching the door of the house, therefore, Harry was by no means + surprised at seeing Rose standing in it, gazing at the swiftly receding + brigantine. He even looked for the musket, expecting to see it lying at + her feet, or leaning against the wall of the building. Rose, however, was + entirely unarmed, and as dependent on him for support, as when he had + parted from her, an hour or two before. + </p> + <p> + “Where did you find that musket, Rose, and what have you done with it?” + inquired Harry, as soon as he had looked in every place he thought likely + to hold such an implement. + </p> + <p> + “Musket, Harry! I have had no musket, though the report of fire-arms, near + by, awoke me from a sweet sleep.” + </p> + <p> + “Is this possible! I had imprudently trusted myself on the other side of + the light-house, while the moon was behind clouds, and when they broke + suddenly away, its light betrayed me to those on board the brig. Spike + fired at me twice, without injuring me; when, to my astonishment, an + answering report was heard from the islet. What is more, the piece was + charged with a ball-cartridge, for I heard the whistling of the bullet as + it passed on its way to the brig.” + </p> + <p> + “And you supposed I had fired that musket?” + </p> + <p> + “Whom else could I suppose had done it? You are not a very likely person + to do such a thing, I will own, my love; but there are none but us two + here.” + </p> + <p> + “It must be Jack Tier,” exclaimed Rose suddenly. + </p> + <p> + “That is impossible, since he has left us.” + </p> + <p> + “One never knows. Jack understood how anxious I was to retain him with us, + and he is so capricious and full of schemes, that he may have contrived to + get out of the brig, as artfully as he got on board her.” + </p> + <p> + “If Jack Tier be actually on this islet, I shall set him down as little + else than a conjuror.” + </p> + <p> + “Hist!” interrupted Rose, “what noise is that in the direction of the + wharf? It sounds like an oar falling in a boat.” + </p> + <p> + Mulford heard that well-known sound, as well as his companion, and, + followed by Rose, he passed swiftly through the house, coming out at the + front, next the wharf. The moon was still shining bright, and the mystery + of the echoing report, and answering shot, was immediately explained. A + large boat, one that pulled ten oars, at least, was just coming up to the + end of the wharf, and the manner in which its oars were unshipped and + tossed, announced to the mate that the crew were man-of-war's men. He + walked hastily forward to meet them. + </p> + <p> + Three officers first left the boat together. The gold bands of their caps + showed that they belonged to the quarter-deck, a fact that the light of + the moon made apparent at once, though it was not strong enough to render + features distinct. As Mulford continued to advance, however, the three + officers saluted him. + </p> + <p> + “I see you have got the light under way once more,” observed the leader of + the party. “Last night it was as dark as Erebus in your lantern.” + </p> + <p> + “The light-house keeper and his assistant have both been drowned,” + answered Mulford. “The lamps have been lit to-night by the people of the + brig which has just gone out.” + </p> + <p> + “Pray, sir, what brig may that be?” + </p> + <p> + “The Molly Swash, of New York; a craft that I lately belonged to myself, + but which I have left on account of her evil doings.” + </p> + <p> + “The Molly Swash, Stephen Spike master and owner, bound to Key West and a + market, with a cargo of eight hundred barrels of flour, and that of a + quality so lively and pungent that it explodes like gunpowder! I beg your + pardon, Mr. Mate, for not recognising you sooner. Have you forgotten the + Poughkeepsie, Captain Mull, and her far-reaching Paixhans?” + </p> + <p> + “I ought to ask your pardon, Mr. Wallace, for not recognising <i>you</i> + sooner, too. But one does not distinguish well by moonlight. I am + delighted to see you, sir, and now hope that, with my assistance, a stop + can be put to the career of the brig.” + </p> + <p> + “What, Mr. Mate, do <i>you</i> turn against your craft?” said Wallace, + under the impulsive feeling which induces all loyal men to have a distaste + for treachery of every sort, “the seaman should love the very planks of + his vessel.” + </p> + <p> + “I fully understand you, Mr. Wallace, and will own that, for a long time, + I was tied to rascality by the opinions to which you allude. But, when you + come to hear my explanation, I do not fear your judgment in the least.” + </p> + <p> + Mulford now led the way into the house, whither Rose had already + retreated, and where she had lighted candles, and made other womanly + arrangements for receiving her guests. At Harry's suggestion, some of the + soup was placed over coals, to warm up for the party, and our heroine made + her preparations to comfort them also with a cup of tea. While she was + thus employed, Mulford gave the whole history of his connection with the + brig, his indisposition to quit the latter, the full exposure of Spike's + treason, his own desertion, if desertion it could be called, the loss of + the schooner, and his abandonment on the rock, and the manner in which he + had been finally relieved. It was scarcely possible to relate all these + matters, and altogether avoid allusions to the schemes of Spike in + connection with Rose, and the relation in which our young man himself + stood toward her. Although Mulford touched on these points with great + delicacy, it was as a seaman talking to seamen, and he could not entirely + throw aside the frankness of the profession. Ashore, men live in the + privacy of their own domestic circles, and their secrets, and secret + thoughts, are “family secrets,” of which it has passed into a proverb to + say, that there are always some, even in the best of these communities. On + shipboard, or in the camp, it is very different. The close contact in + which men are brought with each other, the necessity that exists for + opening the heart and expanding the charities, gets in time to influence + the whole character, and a certain degree of frankness and simplicity, + takes the place of the reserve and acting that might have been quickened + in the same individual, under a different system of schooling. But Mulford + was frank by nature, as well as by his sea-education, and his companions + on this occasion were pretty well possessed of all his wishes and plans, + in reference to Rose, even to his hope of falling in with the chaplain of + the Poughkeepsie, by the time his story was all told. The fact that Rose + was occupied in another room, most of the time, had made these + explanations all the easier, and spared her many a blush. As for the + man-of-war's men, they listened to the tale, with manly interest and a + generous sympathy. + </p> + <p> + “I am glad to hear your explanation, Mr. Mate,” said Wallace, cordially, + as soon as Harry had done, “and there's my hand, in proof that I approve + of your course. I own to a radical dislike of a turncoat, or a traitor to + his craft, Brother Hollins”—looking at the elder of his two + companions, one of whom was the midshipman who had originally accompanied + him on board the Swash—“and am glad to find that our friend Mulford + here is neither. A true-hearted sailor can be excused for deserting even + his own ship, under such circumstances.” + </p> + <p> + “I am glad to hear even this little concession from you, Wallace,” + answered Hollins, good-naturedly, and speaking with a mild expression of + benevolence, on a very calm and thoughtful countenance. “Your mess is as + heteredox as any I ever sailed with, on the subject of our duties, in this + respect.” + </p> + <p> + “I hold it to be a sailor's duty to stick by his ship, reverend and dear + sir.” + </p> + <p> + This mode of address, which was used by the “ship's gentleman” in the cant + of the ward-room, as a pleasantry of an old shipmate, for the two had long + sailed together in other vessels, at once announced to Harry that he saw + the very chaplain for whose presence he had been so anxiously wishing. The + “reverend and dear sir” smiled at the sally of his friend, a sort of thing + to which he was very well accustomed, but he answered with a gravity and + point that, it is to be presumed, he thought befitting his holy office. + </p> + <p> + It may be well to remark here, that the Rev. Mr. Hollins was not one of + the “lunch'd chaplains,” that used to do discredit to the navy of this + country, or a layman dubbed with such a title, and rated that he might get + the pay and become a boon companion of the captain, at the table and in + his frolics ashore. Those days are gone by, and ministers of the gospel + are now really employed to care for the souls of the poor sailors, who so + long have been treated by others, and have treated themselves, indeed, as + if they were beings without souls, altogether. In these particulars, the + world has certainly advanced, though the wise and the good, in looking + around them, may feel more cause for astonishment in contemplating what it + once was, than to rejoice in what it actually is. But intellect has + certainly improved in the aggregate, if not in its especial dispensations, + and men will not now submit to abuses that, within the recollections of a + generation, they even cherished. In reference to the more intellectual + appointments of a ship of war, the commander excepted, for we contend he + who directs all, ought to possess the most capacity, but, in reference to + what are ordinarily believed to be the more intellectual appointments of a + vessel of war, the surgeon and the chaplain, we well recollect opinions + that were expressed to us, many years since, by two officers of the + highest rank known to the service. “When I first entered the navy,” said + one of these old Benbows, “if I had occasion for the amputation of a leg, + and the question lay between the carpenter and the doctor, d—e, but + I would have tried the carpenter first, for I felt pretty certain he would + have been the most likely to get through with the job.” “In old times,” + said the other, “when a chaplain joined a ship, the question immediately + arose, whether the mess were to convert the chaplain, or the chaplain, the + mess; and the mess generally got the best of it.” There was very little + exaggeration in either of these opinions. But, happily, all this is + changed vastly for the better, and a navy-surgeon is necessarily a man of + education and experience; in very many instances, men of high talents are + to be found among them; while chaplains can do something better than play + at backgammon, eat terrapins, when in what may be called terra-pin-ports, + and drink brandy and water, or pure Bob Smith.(1) + </p> + <p> + “It is a great mistake, Wallace, to fancy that the highest duty a man + owes, is either to his ship or to his country,” observed the Rey. Mr. + Hollins, quietly. “The highest duty of each and all of us, is to God; and + whatever conflicts with that duty, must be avoided as a transgression of + his laws, and consequently as sin.” + </p> + <p> + “You surprise me, reverend and dear sir! I do not remember ever to have + heard you broach such opinions before, which might be interpreted to mean + that a fellow might be disloyal to his flag.” + </p> + <p> + “Because the opinion might be liable to misinterpretation. Still, I do not + go as far as many of my friends on this subject. If Decatur ever really + said, 'Our country, right or wrong,' he said what might be just enough, + and creditable enough, in certain cases, and taken with the fair + limitations that he probably intended should accompany the sentiment; but, + if he meant it as an absolute and controlling principle, it was not + possible to be more in error. In this last sense, such a rule of conduct + might, and in old times often would, have justified idolatry; nay, it <i>is</i> + a species of idolatry in itself, since it is putting country before God. + Sailors may not always be able to make the just distinctions in these + cases, but the quarter-deck should be so, irreverend and dear sir.” + </p> + <p> + Wallace laughed, and then he turned the discourse to the subject more + properly before them. + </p> + <p> + “I understand you to say, Mr. Mulford,” he remarked, “that, in your + opinion, the Swash has gone to try to raise the unfortunate Mexican + schooner, a second time, from the depths of the ocean?” + </p> + <p> + “From the rock on which she lies. Under the circumstances, I hardly think + he would have come hither for the chain and cable, unless with some such + object. We know, moreover, that such <i>was</i> his intention when we left + the brig.” + </p> + <p> + “And you can take us to the very spot where that wreck lies?” + </p> + <p> + “Without any difficulty. Her masts are partly out of water, and we hung on + to them, in our boat, no later than last night, or this morning rather.” + </p> + <p> + “So far, well. Your conduct in all this affair will be duly appreciated, + and Captain Mull will not fail to represent it in a right point of view to + the government.” + </p> + <p> + “Where is the ship, sir? I looked for her most anxiously, without success, + last evening; nor had Jack Tier, the little fellow I have named to you, + any better luck; though I sent him aloft, as high as the lantern in the + light-house, for that purpose.” + </p> + <p> + “The ship is off here to the northward and westward, some six leagues or + so. At sunset she may have been a little further. We have supposed that + the Swash would be coming back hither, and had laid a trap for her, which + came very near taking her alive.” + </p> + <p> + “What is the trap you mean, sir—though taking Stephen Spike alive, + is sooner said than done.” + </p> + <p> + “Our plan has been to catch him with our boats. With the greater draft of + water of the Poughkeepsie, and the heels of your brig, sir, a regular + chase about these reefs, as we knew from experience, would be almost + hopeless. It was, therefore, necessary to use head-work, and some + man-of-war traverses, in order to lay hold of him. Yesterday afternoon we + hoisted out three cutters, manned them, and made sail in them all, under + our luggs, working up against the trades. Each boat took its own course, + one going off, the west end of the reef, one going more to the eastward, + while I came this way, to look in at the Dry Tortugas. Spike will be lucky + if he do not fall in with our third cutter, which is under the fourth + lieutenant, should he stand on far on the same tack as that on which he + left this place. Let him try his fortune, however. As for our boat, as + soon as I saw the lamps burning in the lantern, I made the best of my way + hither, and got sight of the brig, just as she loosened her sails. Then I + took in my own luggs, and came on with the oars. Had we continued under + our canvas, with this breeze, I almost think we might have overhauled the + rascal.” + </p> + <p> + “It would have been impossible, sir. The moment he got a sight of your + sails, he would have been off in a contrary direction, and that brig + really seems to fly, whenever there is a pressing occasion for her to + move. You did the wisest thing you could have done, and barely missed him, + as it was. He has not seen you at all, as it is, and will be all the less + on his guard, against the next visit from the ship.” + </p> + <p> + “Not seen me! Why, sir, the fellow fired at us <i>t</i>wice with a musket; + why he did not use a carronade, is more than I can tell.” + </p> + <p> + “Excuse me, Mr. Wallace; those two shots were intended for me, though I + now fully comprehend why you answered them.” + </p> + <p> + “Answered them! yes, indeed; who would not answer such a salute, and gun + for gun, if he had a chance. I certainly thought he was firing at us, and + having a musket between my legs, I let fly in return, and even the + chaplain here will allow that was returning 'good for evil.' But explain + your meaning.” + </p> + <p> + Mulford now went into the details of the incidents connected with his + coming into the moon-light, at the foot of the light-house. That he was + not mistaken as to the party for whom the shots were intended, was plain + enough to him, from the words that passed aloud among the people of the + Swash, as well as from the circumstance that both balls struck the stones + of the tower quite near him. This statement explained everything to + Wallace, who now fully comprehended the cause and motive of each incident. + </p> + <p> + It was now near eleven, and Rose had prepared the table for supper. The + gentlemen of the Poughkeepsie manifested great interest in the movements + of the Hebe-like little attendant who was caring for their wants. When the + cloth was to be laid, the midshipman offered his assistance, but his + superior directed him to send a hand or two up from the wharf, where the + crew of the cutter were lounging or sleeping after their cruise. These men + had been thought of, too; and a vessel filled with smoking soup was taken + to them, by one of their own number. + </p> + <p> + The supper was as cheerful as it was excellent. The dry humour of Wallace, + the mild intelligence of the chaplain, the good sense of Harry, and the + spirited information of Rose, contributed, each in its particular way, to + make the meal memorable in more senses than one. The laugh came easily at + that table, and it was twelve o'clock, before the party thought of + breaking up. + </p> + <p> + The dispositions for the night were soon made. Rose returned to her little + room, where she could now sleep in comfort, and without apprehension. The + gentlemen made the disposition of their persons, that circumstances + allowed; each finding something on which to repose, that was preferable to + a plank. As for the men, they were accustomed to hard fare, and enjoyed + their present good-luck, to the top of their bent. It was quite late, + before they had done “spinning their yarns,” and “cracking their jokes,” + around the pot of turtle-soup, and the can of grog that succeeded it. By + half-past twelve, however, everybody was asleep. + </p> + <p> + Mulford was the first person afoot the following morning. He left the + house just as the sun rose, and perceiving that the “coast was clear” of + sharks, he threw off his light attire, and plunged into the sea. Refreshed + with this indulgence, he was returning toward the building, when he met + the chaplain coming in quest of him. This gentleman, a man of real piety, + and of great discretion, had been singularly struck, on the preceding + night, with the narrative of our young mate; and he had not failed to note + the allusions, slight as they were, and delicately put as they had been, + to himself. He saw, at once, the propriety of marrying a couple so + situated, and now sought Harry, with a view to bring about so desirable an + event, by intimating his entire willingness to officiate. It is scarcely + necessary to say that very few words were wanting, to persuade the young + man to fall into his views; and as to Rose, he had handed her a short note + on the same subject, which he was of opinion, would be likely to bring her + to the same way of thinking. + </p> + <p> + An hour later, all the officers, Harry and Rose, were assembled in what + might be termed the light-house parlour. The Rev. Mr. Hollins had neither + band, gown, nor surplice; but he had what was far better, feeling and + piety. Without a prayer-book he never moved; and he read the marriage + ceremony with a solemnity that was communicated to all present. The ring + was that which had been used at the marriage of Rose's parents, and which + she wore habitually, though not on the left hand. In a word, Harry and + Rose were as firmly and legally united, on that solitary and almost + unknown islet, as could have been the case, had they stood up before the + altar of mother Trinity itself, with a bishop to officiate, and a legion + of attendants. After the compliments which succeeded the ceremony, the + whole party sat down to breakfast. + </p> + <p> + If the supper had been agreeable, the morning meal was not less so. Rose + was timid and blushing, as became a bride, though she could not but feel + how much more respectable her position became under the protection of + Harry as his wife, than it had been while she was only his betrothed. The + most delicate deportment, on the part of her companions, soon relieved her + embarrassment however, and the breakfast passed off without cause for an + unhappy moment. + </p> + <p> + “The ship's standing in toward the light, sir,” reported the cockswain of + the cutter, as the party was still lingering around the table, as if + unwilling to bring so pleasant a meal to a close. “Since the mist has + broke away, we see her, sir, even to her ports and dead-eyes.” + </p> + <p> + “In that case, Sam, she can't be very far off,” answered Wallace. “Ay, + there goes a gun from her, at this moment, as much as to say, 'what has + become of all of my boats?' Run down and let off a musket; perhaps she + will make out to hear that, as we must be rather to windward, if + anything.” + </p> + <p> + The signal was given and understood. A quarter of an hour later, the + Poughkeepsie began to shorten sail. Then Wallace stationed himself in the + cutter, in the centre of one of the passages, signalling the ship to come + on. Ten minutes later still, the noble craft came into the haven, passing + the still burning light, with her topsails just lifting, and making a + graceful sweep under very reduced sail, she came to the wind, very near + the spot where the Swash had lain only ten hours before, and dropped an + anchor. + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + (1) In the palmy days of the service, when Robert Smith was + so long Secretary of the Navy, the ship's whisky went by + this familiar <i>sobriquet</i>. +</pre> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0013" id="link2HCH0013"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER V. + </h2> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + The gull has found her place on shore; + The sun gone down again to rest; + And all is still but ocean's roar; + There stands the man unbless'd. + But see, he moves—he turns, as asking where + His mates? Why looks he with that piteous stare? + + Dana. +</pre> + <p> + Superstition would seem to be a consequence of a state of being, in which + so much is shadowed forth, while so little is accurately known. Our + far-reaching thoughts range over the vast fields of created things, + without penetrating to the secret cause of the existence of even a blade + of grass. We can analyze all substances that are brought into our + crucibles, tell their combinations and tendencies, give a scientific + history of their formation, so far as it is connected with secondary + facts, their properties, and their uses; but in each and all, there is a + latent natural cause, that baffles all our inquiries, and tells us that we + are merely men. This is just as true in morals, as in physics—no man + living being equal to attaining the very faith that is necessary to his + salvation, without the special aid of the spirit of the godhead; and even + with that mighty support, trusting implicitly for all that is connected + with a future that we are taught to believe is eternal, to “the substance + of things <i>hoped</i> for, and the evidence of things <i>unseen</i>.” In + a word, this earthly probation of ours, was intended for finite beings, in + the sense of our present existence, leaving far more to be conjectured, + than is understood. + </p> + <p> + Ignorance and superstition ever bear a close, and even a mathematical + relation to each other. The degrees of the one, are regulated by the + degrees of the other. He who knows the least believes the most; while he + who has seen the most, without the intelligence to comprehend that which + he has seen, feels, perhaps, the strongest inclination to refer those + things which to him are mysteries, to the supernatural and marvellous. + Sailors have been, from time immemorial, more disposed than men of their + class on the land, to indulge in this weakness, which is probably + heightened by the circumstance of their living constantly and vividly in + the presence of powers that menace equally their lives and their means, + without being in any manner subject to their control. + </p> + <p> + Spike, for a seaman of his degree of education, was not particularly + addicted to the weakness to which we have just alluded. Nevertheless, he + was not altogether free from it; and recent circumstances contributed to + dispose him so much the more to admit a feeling which, like sin itself, is + ever the most apt to insinuate itself at moments of extraordinary moral + imbecility, and through the openings left by previous transgression. As + his brig stood off from the light, the captain paced the deck, greatly + disturbed by what had just passed, and unable to account for it. The boat + of the Poughkeepsie was entirely concealed by the islet, and there + existing no obvious motive for wishing to return, in order to come at the + truth, not a thought to that effect, for one moment, crossed the mind of + the smuggler. So far from this, indeed, were his wishes, that the Molly + did not seem to him to go half as fast as usual, in his keen desire to get + further and further from a spot where such strange incidents had occurred. + </p> + <p> + As for the men forward, no argument was wanting to make <i>them</i> + believe that something supernatural had just passed before their eyes. It + was known to them all, that Mulford had been left on a naked rock, some + thirty miles from that spot; and it was not easy to understand how he + could now be at the Dry Tortugas, planted, as it might be, on purpose to + show himself to the brig, against the tower, in the bright moonlight, + “like a pictur' hung up for his old shipmates to look at.” + </p> + <p> + Sombre were the tales that were related that night among them, many of + which related to the sufferings of men abandoned on desert islands; and + all of which bordered, more or less, on the supernatural. The crew + connected the disappearance of the boat with Mulford's apparition, though + the logical inference would have been, that the body which required planks + to transport it, could scarcely be classed with anything of the world of + spirits. The links in arguments, however, are seldom respected by the + illiterate and vulgar, who jump to their conclusions, in cases of the + marvellous, much as politicians find an expression of the common mind in + the prepared opinions of the few who speak for them, totally disregarding + the dissenting silence of the million. While the men were first comparing + their opinions on that which, to them, seemed to be so extraordinary, the + Señor Montefalderon joined the captain in his walk, and dropped into a + discourse touching the events which had attended their departure from the + haven of the Dry Tortugas. In this conversation, Don Juan most admirably + preserved his countenance, as well as his self-command, effectually + preventing the suspicion of any knowledge on his part, that was not common + to them both. + </p> + <p> + “You did leave the port with the salutes observed,” the Mexican commenced, + with the slightest accent of a foreigner, or just enough to show that he + was not speaking in his mother tongue; “salutes paid and returned.” + </p> + <p> + “Do you call that saluting, Don Wan? To me, that infernal shot sounded + more like an echo, than anything else.” + </p> + <p> + “And to what do <i>you</i> ascribe it, Don Esteban?” + </p> + <p> + “I wish I could answer that question. Sometimes I begin to wish I had not + left my mate on that naked rock.” + </p> + <p> + “There is still time to repair the last wrong; we shall go within a few + miles of the place where the Señor Enrique was left; and I can take the + yawl, with two men, and go in search of him, while you are at work on the + wreck.” + </p> + <p> + “Do you believe it possible that he can be still there?” demanded Spike, + looking suddenly and intently at his companion, while his mind was + strangely agitated between hatred and dread. “If he is there, who and what + was <i>he</i> that we all saw so plainly at the foot of the light-house?” + </p> + <p> + “How should he have left the rock? He was without food or water; and no + man, in all his vigour, could swim this distance. I see no means of his + getting here.” + </p> + <p> + “Unless some wrecker, or turtler, fell in with him, and took him off. Ay, + ay, Don Wan; I left him that much of a chance, at least. No man can say I + <i>murdered</i> my mate.” + </p> + <p> + “I am not aware, Don Esteban, that any one <i>has</i> said so hard a thing + of you. Still, we have seen neither wrecker nor turtler since we have been + here; and that lessens the excellent chance you left Don Enrique.” + </p> + <p> + “There is no occasion, señor, to be so particular,” growled Spike, a + little sullenly, in reply. “The chance, I say, was a <i>good</i> one, when + you consider how many of them devils of wreckers hang about these reefs. + Let this brig only get fast on a rock, and they would turn up, like + sharks, all around us, each with his maw open for salvage. But this is + neither here nor there; what puzzles me, was what we saw at the light, + half an hour since, and the musket that was fired back at us! I <i>know</i> + that the figure at the foot of the tower did not fire, for my eye was on + him from first to last; and he had no arms. You were on the island a good + bit, and must have known if the light-house keeper was there or not, Don + Wan?” + </p> + <p> + “The light-house keeper <i>was</i> there, Don Esteban—but he was in + his <i>grave</i>.” + </p> + <p> + “Ay, ay, one, I know, was drowned, and buried with the rest of them; there + might, however, have been more than one. You saw none of the people that + had gone to Key West, in or about the house, Don Wan?” + </p> + <p> + “None. If any persons have left the Tortugas to go to Key West, within a + few days, not one of them has yet returned.” + </p> + <p> + “So I supposed. No, it can be none of <i>them</i>. Then I saw his face as + plainly as ever I saw it by moon-light, from aft, for'ard. What is your + opinion about seeing the dead walk on the 'arth, Don Wan?” + </p> + <p> + “That I have never seen any such thing myself, Don Esteban, and + consequently know nothing about it.” + </p> + <p> + “So I supposed; I find it hard to believe it, I do. It may be a warning to + keep us from-coming any more to the Dry Tortugas; and I must say I have + little heart for returning to this place, after all that has fell out + here. We can go to the wreck, fish up the doubloons, and be off for + Yucatan. Once in one of your ports, I make no question that the merits of + the Molly will make themselves understood, and that we shall soon agree on + a price.” + </p> + <p> + “What use could we put the brig to, Don Esteban, if we had her all ready + for sea?” + </p> + <p> + “That is a strange question to ask in time of war! Give <i>me</i> such a + craft as the Molly, with sixty or eighty men on board her, in a war like + this, and her 'arnin's should not fall short of half a million within a + twelvemonth.” + </p> + <p> + “Could we engage you to take charge of her, Don Esteban?” + </p> + <p> + “That would be ticklish work, Don Wan. But we can see. No one knows what + he will do until he is tried. In for a penny, in for a pound. A fellow + never knows! Ha! ha! ha! Don Wan, we live in a strange world—yes, in + a strange world.” + </p> + <p> + “We live in strange <i>times,</i> Don Esteban, as the situation of my poor + country proves. But let us talk this matter over a little more in + confidence.” + </p> + <p> + And they did thus discuss the subject. It was a singular spectacle to see + an honourable man, one full of zeal of the purest nature in behalf of his + own country, sounding a traitor as to the terms on which he might be + induced to do all the harm he could, to those who claimed his allegiance. + Such sights, however, are often seen; our own especial objects too + frequently blinding us to the obligations that we owe morality, so far as + not to be instrumental in effecting even what we conceive to be good, by + questionable agencies. But the Señor Montefalderon kept in view, + principally, his desire to be useful to Mexico, blended a little too + strongly, perhaps, with the wishes of a man who was born near the sun, to + avenge his wrongs, real or fancied. + </p> + <p> + While this dialogue was going on between Spike and his passenger, as they + paced the quarter-deck, one quite as characteristic occurred in the + galley, within twenty feet of them—Simon, the cook, and Josh, the + steward, being the interlocutors. As they talked secrets, they conferred + together with closed doors, though few were ever disposed to encounter the + smoke, grease, and fumes of their narrow domains, unless called thither by + hunger. + </p> + <p> + “What <i>you</i> t'ink of dis matter Josh?” demanded Simon, whose skull + having the well-known density of his race, did not let internal ideas out, + or external ideas in as readily as most men's. “Our young mate <i>was</i> + at de light-house beyond all controwersy; and how can he be den on dat + rock over yonder, too?” + </p> + <p> + “Dat is imposserbul,” answered Josh; “derefore I says it is n't true. I + surposes you know dat what is imposserbul is n't true, Simon. Nobody can't + be out yonder and down here at de same time. Dat is imposserble, Simon. + But what I wants to intermate to you, will explain all dis difficulty; and + it do show de raal super'ority of a coloured man over de white + poperlation. Now, you mark my words, cook, and be full of admiration! Jack + Tier came back along wid de Mexican gentle'em, in my anchor-watch, dis + very night! You see, in de first place, ebbery t'ing come to pass in + nigger's watch.” + </p> + <p> + Here the two dark-skinned worthies haw-haw'd to their heart's content; + laughing very much as a magistrate or a minister of the gospel might be + fancied to laugh, the first time he saw a clown at a circus. The merriment + of a negro will have its course, in spite of ghosts, or of anything else; + and neither the cook nor the steward dreamed of putting in another + syllable, until their laugh was fairly and duly ended. Then the cook made + his remarks. + </p> + <p> + “How Jack Tier comin' back explain der differculty, Josh?” asked Simon. + </p> + <p> + “Did n't Jack go away wid Miss Rose and de mate, in de boat dat got + adrift, you know, in Jack's watch on deck?” + </p> + <p> + Here the negroes laughed again, their imaginations happening to picture to + each, at the same instant, the mystification about the boat; Biddy having + told Josh in confidence, the manner in which the party had returned to the + brig, while he and Simon were asleep; which fact the steward had already + communicated to the cook. To these two beings, of an order in nature + different from all around them, and of a simplicity and of habits that + scarce placed them on a level with the intelligence of the humblest white + man, all these circumstances had a sort of mysterious connection, out of + which peeped much the most conspicuously to their faculties, the absurdity + of the captain's imagining that a boat had got adrift, which had, in + truth, been taken away by human hands. Accordingly, they laughed it out; + and when they had done laughing, they returned again to the matter before + them with renewed interest in the subject. + </p> + <p> + “Well, how all dat explain dis differculty?” repeated Simon. + </p> + <p> + “In dis wery manner, cook,” returned the steward, with a little dignity in + his manner. “Ebbery t'ing depend on understandin', I s'pose you know. If + Mr. Mulford got taken off dat rock by Miss Rose and Jack Tier, wid de + boat, and den dey comes here altogedder; and den Jack Tier, he get on + board and tell Biddy all dis matter, and den Biddy tell Josh, and den Josh + tell de cook—what for you surprise, you black debbil, one bit?” + </p> + <p> + “Dat all!” exclaimed Simon. + </p> + <p> + “Dat just all—dat ebbery bit of it, do n't I say.” + </p> + <p> + Here Simon burst into such a fit of loud laughter, that it induced Spike + himself to shove aside the galley-door, and thrust his own frowning visage + into the dark hole within, to inquire the cause. + </p> + <p> + “What's the meaning of this uproar?” demanded the captain, all the more + excited because he felt that things had reached a pass that would not + permit him to laugh himself. “Do you fancy yourself on the Hook, or at the + Five Points?” + </p> + <p> + The Hook and the Five Points are two pieces of tabooed territory within + the limits of the good town of Manhattan, that are getting to be renowned + for their rascality and orgies. They probably want nothing but the + proclamation of a governor in vindication of their principles, annexed to + a pardon of some of their unfortunate children, to render both classical. + If we continue to make much further progress in political logic, and in + the same direction as that in which we have already proceeded so far, + neither will probably long be in want of this illustration. Votes can be + given by the virtuous citizens of both these purlieus, as well as by the + virtuous citizens of the anti-rent districts, and votes contain the + essence of all such principles, as well as of their glorification. + </p> + <p> + “Do you fancy yourselves on the Hook, or at the Five Points?” demanded + Spike, angrily. + </p> + <p> + “Lor', no sir!” answered Simon, laughing at each pause with all his heart. + “Only laughs a little at <i>ghost</i>—dat all, sir.” + </p> + <p> + “Laugh at ghost! Is that a subject to laugh at? Have a care, you black + rascal, or he will visit you in your galley here, when you will least want + to see him.” + </p> + <p> + “No care much for <i>him,</i> sir,” returned Simon, laughing away as hard + as ever. “<i>Sich</i> a ghost ought n't to skear little baby.” + </p> + <p> + “<i>Such</i> a ghost? And what do you know of <i>this</i> ghost more than + any other?” + </p> + <p> + “Well, I seed him, Cap'in Spike; and what a body sees, he is acquainted + wid.” + </p> + <p> + “You saw an image that looked as much like Mr. Mulford, my late mate, as + one timber-head in this brig is like another.” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, sir, he like enough—must say <i>dat</i>—so wery like, + could n't see any difference.” + </p> + <p> + As Simon concluded this remark, he burst out into another fit of laughter, + in which Josh joined him, heart and soul, as it might be. The uninitiated + reader is not to imagine the laughter of those blacks to be very noisy, or + to be raised on a sharp, high key. They <i>could</i> make the welkin ring, + in sudden bursts of merriment, on occasion; but, at a time like this, they + rather caused their diversion to be developed by sounds that came from the + depths of their chests. A gleam of suspicion that these blacks were + acquainted with some fact that it might be well for him to know, shot + across the mind of Spike; but he was turned from further inquiry by a + remark of Don Juan, who intimated that the mirth of such persons never had + much meaning to it, expressing at the same time a desire to pursue the + more important subject in which they were engaged. Admonishing the blacks + to be more guarded in their manifestations of merriment, the captain + closed the door on them, and resumed his walk up and down the + quarter-deck. As soon as left to themselves, the blacks broke out afresh, + though in a way so guarded, as to confine their mirth to the galley. + </p> + <p> + “Cap'in Spike t'ink <i>dat</i> a ghost!” exclaimed Simon, with contempt. + </p> + <p> + “Guess if he see <i>raal</i> ghost, he find 'e difference,” answered Josh. + “One look at raal sperit wort' two at dis object.” + </p> + <p> + Simon's eyes now opened like two saucers, and they gleamed, by the light + of the lamp they had, like dark balls of condensed curiosity, blended with + awe, on his companion. + </p> + <p> + “You ebber see him, Josh?” he asked, glancing over each shoulder + hurriedly, as it might be, to make sure that he could not see “him,” too. + </p> + <p> + “How you t'ink I get so far down the wale of life, Simon, and nebber see + sich a t'ing? I seed t'ree of the crew of the 'Maria Sheffington,' that + was drowned by deir boat's cap-sizin', when we lay at Gibraltar, jest as + plain as I see you now. Then—” + </p> + <p> + But it is unnecessary to repeat Josh's experiences in this way, with which + he continued to entertain and terrify Simon for the next half-hour. This + is just the difference between ignorance and knowledge. While Spike + himself, and every man in his brig who belonged forward, had strong + misgivings as to the earthly character of the figure they had seen at the + foot of the light-house, these negroes laughed at their delusion, because + they happened to be in the secret of Mulford's escape from the rock, and + of that of his actual presence at the Tortugas. When, however, the same + superstitious feeling was brought to bear on circumstances that lay <i>without</i> + the sphere of their exact information, they became just as dependent and + helpless as all around them; more so, indeed, inasmuch as their previous + habits and opinions disposed them to a more profound credulity. + </p> + <p> + It was midnight before any of the crew of the Swash sought their rest that + night. The captain had to remind them that a day of extraordinary toil was + before them, ere he could get one even to quit the deck; and when they did + go below, it was to continue to discuss the subject of what they had seen + at the Dry Tortugas. It appeared to be the prevalent opinion among the + people, that the late event foreboded evil to the Swash, and long as most + of these men had served in the brig, and much as they had become attached + to her, had she gone into port that night, nearly every man forward would + have run before morning. But fatigue and wonder, at length, produced their + effect, and the vessel was silent as was usual at that hour. Spike himself + lay down in his clothes, as he had done ever since Mulford had left him; + and the brig continued to toss the spray from her bows, as she bore + gallantly up against the trades, working her way to windward. The light + was found to be of great service, as it indicated the position of the + reef, though it gradually sunk in the western horizon, until near morning + it fell entirely below it. + </p> + <p> + At this hour Spike appeared on deck again, where, for the first time since + their interview on the morning of Harry's and Rose's escape, he laid his + eyes on Jack Tier. The little dumpling-looking fellow was standing in the + waist, with his arms folded sailor-fashion, as composedly as if nothing + had occurred to render his meeting with the captain any way of a doubtful + character. Spike approached near the person of the steward, whom he + surveyed from head to foot, with a sort of contemptuous superiority, ere + he spoke. + </p> + <p> + “So, Master Tier,” at length the captain commenced, “you have deigned to + turn out at last, have you? I hope the day's duty you've forgotten, will + help to pay for the light-house boat, that I understand you've lost for + me, also.” + </p> + <p> + “What signifies a great clumsy boat that the brig could n't hoist in nor + tow,” answered Jack, coolly, turning short round at the same time, but not + condescending to “uncoil” his arms as he did so, a mark of indifference + that would probably have helped to mystify the captain, had he even + actually suspected that anything was wrong beyond the supposed accident to + the boat in question. “If you had had the boat astarn, Captain Spike, an + order would have been given to cut it adrift the first time the brig made + sail on the wind.” + </p> + <p> + “Nobody knows, Jack; that boat would have been very useful to us while at + work about the wreck. You never even turned out this morning to let me + know where that craft lay, as you promised to do, but left us to find it + out by our wits.” + </p> + <p> + “There was no occasion for my tellin' you anything about it, sir, when the + mast-heads was to be seen above water. As soon as I heard that them 'ere + mast-heads was out of water, I turned over and went to sleep upon it. A + man can't be on the doctor's list and on duty at the same time.” + </p> + <p> + Spike looked hard at the little steward, but he made no further allusion + to his being off duty, or to his failing to stand pilot to the brig as she + came through the passage in quest of the schooner's remains. The fact was, + that he had discovered the mast-heads himself, just as he was on the point + of ordering Jack to be called, having allowed him to remain in his berth + to the last moment after his watch, according to a species of implied + faith that is seldom disregarded among seamen. Once busied on the wreck, + Jack was forgotten, having little to do in common with any one on board, + but that which the captain termed the “women's mess.” + </p> + <p> + “Come aft, Jack,” resumed Spike, after a considerable pause, during the + whole of which he had stood regarding the little steward as if studying + his person, and through that his character. “Come aft to the trunk; I wish + to catechise you a bit.” + </p> + <p> + “Catechise!” repeated Tier, in an under tone, as he followed the captain + to the place mentioned. “It's a long time since I've done anything at <i>that!</i>” + </p> + <p> + “Ay, come hither,” resumed Spike, seating himself at his ease on the + trunk, while Jack stood near by, his arms still folded, and his rotund + little form as immovable, under the plunges that the lively brig made into + the head-seas that she was obliged to meet, as if a timber-head in the + vessel itself. “You keep your sea-legs well, Jack, short as they are.” + </p> + <p> + “No wonder for that, Captain Spike; for the last twenty years I've scarce + passed a twelvemonth ashore; and what I did before that, no one can better + tell than yourself, since we was ten good years shipmates.” + </p> + <p> + “So you say, Jack, though I do not remember <i>you</i> as well as you seem + to remember <i>me</i>. Do you not make the time too long?” + </p> + <p> + “Not a day, sir. Ten good and happy years did we sail together, Captain + Spike; and all that time in this very—” + </p> + <p> + “Hush—h-u-s-h, man, hush! There is no need of telling the Molly's + age to everybody. I may wish to sell her some day, and then her great + experience will be no recommendation. You should recollect that the Molly + is a female, and the ladies do not like to hear of their ages after + five-and-twenty.” + </p> + <p> + Jack made no answer, but he dropped his arms to their natural position, + seeming to wait the captain's communication, first referring to his + tobacco-box and taking a fresh quid. + </p> + <p> + “If you was with me in the brig, Jack, at the time you mention,” continued + Spike, after another long and thoughtful pause, “you must remember many + little things that I do n't wish to have known; especially while Mrs. Budd + and her handsome niece is aboard here.” + </p> + <p> + “I understand you, Captain Spike. The ladies shall l'arn no more from me + than they know already.” + </p> + <p> + “Thank 'e for that Jack—thank 'e with all my heart Shipmates of our + standing ought to be fast friends; and so you'll find me, if you'll only + sail under the true colours, my man.” + </p> + <p> + At that moment Jack longed to let the captain know how strenuously he had + insisted that very night on rejoining his vessel; and this at a time, too, + when the brig was falling into disrepute. But this he could not do, + without betraying the secret of the lovers—so he chose to say + nothing. + </p> + <p> + “There is no use in blabbing all a man knows, and the galley is a sad + place for talking. Galley news is poor news, I suppose you know, Jack.” + </p> + <p> + “I've hear'n say as much on board o' man-of-war. It's a great place for + the officers to meet and talk, and smoke, in Uncle Sam's crafts; and what + a body hears in such places, is pretty much newspaper stuff, I do + suppose.” + </p> + <p> + “Ay, ay, that's it; not to be thought of half-an-hour after it has been + spoken. Here's a doubloon for you, Jack; and all for the sake of old + times. Now, tell me, my little fellow, how do the ladies come on? Does n't + Miss Rose get over her mourning on account of the mate? Ar' n't we to have + the pleasure of seein' her on deck soon?” + </p> + <p> + “I can't answer for the minds and fancies of young women, Captain Spike. + They are difficult to understand; and I would rather not meddle with what + I can't understand.” + </p> + <p> + “Poh, poh, man; you must get over that. You might be of great use to me, + Jack, in a very delicate affair—for you know how it is with women; + they must be handled as a man would handle this brig among breakers; Rose, + in partic'lar, is as skittish as a colt.” + </p> + <p> + “Stephen Spike,” said Jack, solemnly, but on so low a key that it entirely + changed his usually harsh and cracked voice to one that sounded soft, if + not absolutely pleasant, “do you never think of hereafter? Your days are + almost run; a very few years, in your calling it may be a very few weeks, + or a few hours, and time will be done with you, and etarnity will + commence.—Do you never think of a hereafter?” + </p> + <p> + Spike started to his feet, gazing at Jack intently; then he wiped the + perspiration from his face, and began to pace the deck rapidly, muttering + to himself—“this has been a most accursed night! First the mate, and + now <i>this!</i> Blast me, but I thought it was a voice from the grave! + Graves! can't they keep those that belong to them, or have rocks and waves + no graves?” + </p> + <p> + What more passed through the mind of the captain must remain a secret, for + he kept it to himself; nor did he take any further notice of his + companion. Jack, finding that he was unobserved, passed quietly below, and + took the place in his berth, which he had only temporarily abandoned. + </p> + <p> + Just as the day dawned, the Swash reached the vicinity of the wreck again. + Sail was shortened, and the brig stood in until near enough for the + purpose of her commander, when she was hove-to, so near the mast-heads + that, by lowering the yawl, a line was sent out to the fore-mast, and the + brig was hauled close alongside. The direction of the reef at that point + formed a lee; and the vessel lay in water sufficiently smooth for her + object. + </p> + <p> + This was done soon after the sun had risen, and Spike now ordered all + hands called, and began his operations in earnest. By sounding carefully + around the schooner when last here, he had ascertained her situation to + his entire satisfaction. She had settled on a shelf of the reef, in such a + position that her bows lay in a sort of cradle, while her stern was + several feet nearer to the surface than the opposite extremity. This last + fact was apparent, indeed, by the masts themselves, the lower mast aft + being several feet out of water, while the fore-mast was entirely buried, + leaving nothing but the fore-topmast exposed. On these great premises + Spike had laid the foundation of the practical problem he intended to + solve. + </p> + <p> + No expectation existed of ever getting the schooner afloat again. All that + Spike and the Señor Montefalderon now aimed at, was to obtain the + doubloons, which the former thought could be got at in the following + manner. He knew that it would be much easier handling the wreck, so far as + its gravity was concerned, while the hull continued submerged. He also + knew that one end could be raised with a comparatively trifling effort, so + long as the other rested on the rock. Under these circumstances, + therefore, he proposed merely to get slings around the after body of the + schooner, as near her stern-post, indeed, as would be safe, and to raise + that extremity of the vessel to the surface, leaving most of the weight of + the craft to rest on the bows. The difference between the power necessary + to effect this much, and that which would be required to raise the whole + wreck, would be like the difference in power necessary to turn over a log + with one end resting on the ground, and turning the same log by lifting it + bodily in the arms, and turning it in the air. With the stern once above + water, it would be easy to come at the bag of doubloons, which Jack Tier + had placed in a locker above the transoms. + </p> + <p> + The first thing was to secure the brig properly, in order that she might + bear the necessary strain. This was done very much as has been described + already, in the account of the manner in which she was secured and + supported in order to raise the schooner at the Dry Tortugas. An anchor + was laid abreast and to windward, and purchases were brought to the masts, + as before. Then the bight of the chain brought from the Tortugas, was + brought under the schooner's keel, and counter-purchases, leading from + both the fore-mast and main-mast of the brig, were brought to it, and set + taut. Spike now carefully examined all his fastenings, looking to his + cables as well as his mechanical power aloft, heaving in upon this, and + veering out upon that, in order to bring the Molly square to her work; + after which he ordered the people to knock-off for their dinners. By that + time, it was high noon. + </p> + <p> + While Stephen Spike was thus employed on the wreck, matters and things + were not neglected at the Tortugas. The Poughkeepsie had no sooner + anchored, than Wallace went on board and made his report. Capt. Mull then + sent for Mulford, with whom he had a long personal conference. This + officer was getting grey, and consequently he had acquired experience. It + was evident to Harry, at first, that he was regarded as one who had been + willingly engaged in an unlawful pursuit, but who had abandoned it to push + dearer interests in another quarter. It was some time before the commander + of the sloop-of-war could divest himself of this opinion, though it + gradually gave way before the frankness of the mate's manner, and the + manliness, simplicity, and justice of his sentiments. Perhaps Rose had + some influence also in bringing about this favourable change. + </p> + <p> + Wallace did not fail to let it be known that turtle-soup was to be had + ashore; and many was the guest our heroine had to supply with that + agreeable compound, in the course of the morning. Jack Tier had manifested + so much skill in the preparation of the dish, that its reputation soon + extended to the cabin, and the captain was induced to land, in order to + ascertain how far rumour was or was not a liar, on this interesting + occasion. So ample was the custom, indeed, that Wallace had the + consideration to send one of the ward-room servants to the light-house, in + order to relieve Rose from a duty that was getting to be a little irksome. + She was “seeing company” as a bride, in a novel and rather unpleasant + manner; and it was in consequence of a suggestion of the “ship's + gentleman,” that the remains of the turtle were transferred to the vessel, + and were put into the coppers, <i>secundum artem,</i> by the regular + cooks. + </p> + <p> + It was after tickling his palate with a bowl of the soup, and enjoying a + half-hour's conversation with Rose, that Capt. Mull summoned Harry to a + final consultation on the subject of their future proceedings. By this + time the commander of the Poughkeepsie was in a better humour with his new + acquaintance, more disposed to believe him, and infinitely more inclined + to listen to his suggestions and advice, than he had been in their + previous interviews. Wallace was present in his character of “ship's + gentleman,” or, as having nothing to do, while his senior, the first + lieutenant, was working like a horse on board the vessel, in the execution + of his round of daily duties. + </p> + <p> + At this consultation, the parties came into a right understanding of each + other's views and characters. Capt. Mull was slow to yield his confidence, + but when he did bestow it, he bestowed it sailor-fashion, or with all his + heart. Satisfied at last that he had to do with a young man of honour, and + one who was true to the flag, he consulted freely with our mate, asked his + advice, and was greatly influenced in the formation of his final decision + by the opinions that Harry modestly advanced, maintaining them, however, + with solid arguments, and reasons that every seaman could comprehend. + </p> + <p> + Mulford knew the plans of Spike by means of his own communications with + the Señor Montefalderon. Once acquainted with the projects of his old + commander, it was easy for him to calculate the time it would require to + put them in execution, with the means that were to be found on board the + Swash. “It will take the brig until near morning,” he said, “to beat up to + the place where the wreck lies. Spike will wait for light to commence + operations, and several hours will be necessary to moor the brig, and get + out the anchors with which he will think it necessary to stay his masts. + Then he will hook on, and he may partly raise the hull before night + return. More than this he can never do; and it would not surprise me were + he merely to get everything ready for heaving on his purchases to-morrow, + and suspend further proceedings until the next day, in preference to + having so heavy a strain on his spars all night. He has not the force, + however, to carry on such duty to a very late hour; and you may count with + perfect security, Captain Mull, on his being found alongside of the wreck + at sunrise the next day after to-morrow, in all probability with his + anchors down, and fast to the wreck. By timing your own arrival well, + nothing will be easier than to get him fairly under your guns, and once + under your guns, the brig must give up. When you chased her out of this + very port, a few days since, you would have brought her up could you have + kept her within range of those terrible shells ten minutes longer.” + </p> + <p> + “You would then advise my not sailing from this place immediately,” said + Mull. + </p> + <p> + “It will be quite time enough to get under way late in the afternoon, and + then under short canvas. Ten hours will be ample time for this ship to + beat up to that passage in, and it will be imprudent to arrive too soon; + nor do I suppose you will wish to be playing round the reef in the dark.” + </p> + <p> + To the justice of all this Capt. Mull assented; and the plan of + proceedings was deliberately and intelligently formed. As it was necessary + for Mulford to go in the ship, in order to act as pilot, no one else on + board knowing exactly where to find the wreck, the commander of the + Poughkeepsie had the civility to offer the young couple the hospitalities + of his own cabin, with one of his state-rooms. This offer Harry gratefully + accepted, it being understood that the ship would land them at Key West, + as soon as the contemplated duty was executed. Rose felt so much anxiety + about her aunt, that any other arrangement would scarcely have pacified + her fears. + </p> + <p> + In consequence of these arrangements, the Poughkeepsie lay quietly at her + anchors until near sunset. In the interval her boats were out in all + directions, parties of the officers visiting the islet where the powder + had exploded, and the islet where the tent, erected for the use of the + females, was still standing. As for the light-house island, an order of + Capt. Mull's prevented it from being crowded in a manner unpleasant to + Rose, as might otherwise have been the case. The few officers who did land + there, however, appeared much struck with the ingenuous simplicity and + beauty of the bride, and a manly interest in her welfare was created among + them all, principally by means of the representations of the second + lieutenant and the chaplain. About five o'clock she went off to the ship, + accompanied by Harry, and was hoisted on board in the manner usually + practised by vessels of war which have no accommodation-ladder rigged. + Rose was immediately installed in her state-room, where she found every + convenience necessary to a comfortable though small apartment. + </p> + <p> + It was quite late in the afternoon, when the boatswain and his mate piped + “all hands up anchor!” Harry hastened into the state-room for his charming + bride, anxious to show her the movements of a vessel of war on such an + occasion. Much as she had seen of the ocean, and of a vessel, within the + last few weeks, Rose now found that she had yet a great deal to learn, and + that a ship of war had many points to distinguish her from a vessel + engaged in commerce. + </p> + <p> + The Poughkeepsie was only a sloop-of-war, or a corvette, in construction, + number of her guns, and rate; but she was a ship of the dimensions of an + old-fashioned frigate, measuring about one thousand tons. The frigates of + which we read half a century since, were seldom ever as large as this, + though they were differently built in having a regular gun-deck, or one + armed deck that was entirely covered, with another above it; and on the + quarter-deck and forecastle of the last of which were also batteries of + lighter guns. To the contrary of all this, the Poughkeepsie had but one + armed deck, and on that only twenty guns. These pieces, however, were of + unusually heavy calibre, throwing thirty-two pound shot, with the + exception of the Paixhans, or Columbiads, which throw shot of even twice + that weight. The vessel had a crew of two hundred souls, all told; and she + had the spars, anchors, and other equipments of a light frigate. + </p> + <p> + In another great particular did the Poughkeepsie differ from the + corvette-built vessels that were so much in favour at the beginning of the + century; a species of craft obtained from the French, who have taught the + world so much in connection with naval science, and who, after building + some of the best vessels that ever floated, have failed in knowing how to + handle them, though not always in that. The Poughkeepsie, while she had no + spar, or upper deck, properly speaking, had a poop and a + topgallant-forecastle. Within the last were the cabins and other + accommodations of the captain; an arrangement that was necessary for a + craft of her construction, that carried so many officers, and so large a + crew. Without it, sufficient space would not be had for the uses of the + last. One gun of a side was in the main cabin, there being a very neat and + amply spacious after-cabin between the state-rooms, as is ordinarily the + case in all vessels from the size of frigates up to that of three-deckers. + It may be well to explain here, while on this subject of construction, + that in naval parlance, a ship is called a single-decked vessel; a <i>two-</i>decker, + or a <i>three-</i> decker, not from the number of decks she actually + possesses, but from the number of <i>gun-</i>decks that she has, or of + those that are <i>fully</i> armed. Thus a frigate has four decks, the + spar, gun, berth, and orlop (or haul-up) decks; but she is called a + “single-decked ship,” from the circumstance that only one of these four + decks has a complete range of batteries. The two-decker has two of these + fully armed decks, and the three-deckers three; though, in fact, the + two-decker has five, and the three-decker six decks. Asking pardon for + this little digression, which we trust will be found useful to a portion + of our readers, we return to the narrative. + </p> + <p> + Harry conducted Rose to the poop of the Poughkeepsie, where she might + enjoy the best view of the operation of getting so large a craft under + way, man-of-war fashion. The details were mysteries, of course, and Rose + knew no more of the process by which the chain was brought to the capstan, + by the intervention of what is called a messenger, than if she had not + been present. She saw two hundred men distributed about the vessel, some + at the capstan, some on the forecastle, some in the tops, and others in + the waist, and she heard the order to “heave round.” Then the shrill fife + commenced the lively air of “the girl I left behind me,” rather more from + a habit in the fifer, than from any great regrets for the girls left at + the Dry Tortugas, as was betrayed to Mulford by the smiles of the + officers, and the glances they cast at Rose. As for the latter, she knew + nothing of the air, and was quite unconscious of the sort of parody that + the gentlemen of the quarter-deck fancied it conveyed on her own + situation. + </p> + <p> + Rose was principally struck with the quiet that prevailed in the ship, + Captain Mull being a silent man himself, and insisting on having a quiet + vessel. The first lieutenant was not a noisy officer, and from these two, + everybody else on board received their cues. A simple “all ready, sir,” + uttered by the first to the captain, in a common tone of voice, answered + by a “very well, sir, get your anchor,” in the same tone, set everything + in motion. “Stamp and go,” soon followed, and taking the whole scene + together, Rose felt a strange excitement come over her. There were the + shrill, animating music of the fife; the stamping time of the men at the + bars; the perceptible motion of the ship, as she drew ahead to her anchor, + and now and then the call between Wallace, who stood between the + knight-heads, as commander-in-chief on the forecastle, (the second + lieutenant's station when the captain does not take the trumpet, as very + rarely happens,) and the “executive officer” aft, was “carrying on duty,” + all conspiring to produce this effect. At length, and it was but a minute + or two from the time when the “stamp and go” commenced, Wallace called out + “a short stay-peak, sir.” “Heave and pull,” followed, and the men left + their bars. + </p> + <p> + The process of making sail succeeded. There was no “letting fall” a + fore-topsail here, as on board a merchant-man, but all the canvas dropped + from the yards, into festoons, at the same instant. Then the three + topsails were sheeted home and hoisted, all at once, and all in a single + minute of time; the yards were counter-braced, and the capstan-bars were + again manned. In two more minutes it was “heave and she's up and down.” + Then “heave and in sight,” and “heave and pull again.” The cat-fall was + ready, and it was “hook on,” when the fife seemed to turn its attention to + another subject as the men catted the anchor. Literally, all this was done + in less time than we have taken to write it down in, and in very little + more time than the reader has wasted in perusing what we have here + written. + </p> + <p> + The Poughkeepsie was now “free of bottom,” as it is called, with her + anchor catted and fished, and her position maintained in the basin where + she lay, by the counter-bracing of her yards, and the counteracting force + of the wind on her sails. It only remained to “fill away,” by bracing her + head-yards sharp up, when the vast mass overcame its inertia, and began to + move through the water. As this was done, the jib and spanker were set. + The two most beautiful things with which we are acquainted, are a graceful + and high-bred woman entering or quitting a drawing-room, more particularly + the last, and a man-of-war leaving her anchorage in a moderate breeze, and + when not hurried for time. On the present occasion, Captain Mull was in no + haste, and the ship passed out to windward of the light, as the Swash had + done the previous night, under her three topsails, spanker and jib, with + the light sails loose and flowing, and the courses hanging in the brails. + </p> + <p> + A great deal is said concerning the defective construction of the light + cruisers of the navy, of late years, and complaints are made that they + will not sail, as American cruisers ought to sail, and were wont to sail + in old times. That there has been some ground for these complaints, we + believe; though the evil has been greatly exaggerated, and some + explanation may be given, we think, even in the cases in which the + strictures are not altogether without justification. The trim of a light, + sharp vessel is easily deranged; and officers, in their desire to command + as much as possible, often get their vessels of this class too deep. They + are, generally, for the sort of cruiser, over-sparred, over-manned, and + over-provisioned; consequently, too deep. We recollect a case in which one + of these delicate craft, a half-rigged brig, was much abused for “having + lost her sailing.” She did, indeed, lose her fore-yard, and, after that, + she sailed like a witch, until she got a new one! If the facts were + inquired into, in the spirit which ought to govern such inquiries, it + would be found that even most of the much-abused “ten sloops” proved to be + better vessels than common. The St. Louis, the Vincennes, the Concord, the + Fairfield, the Boston, and the Falmouth, are instances of what we mean. In + behalf of the Warren, and the Lexington, we believe no discreet man was + ever heard to utter one syllable, except as wholesome crafts. But the + Poughkeepsie was a very different sort of vessel from any of the “ten + sloops.” She was every way a good ship, and, as Jack expressed it, was “a + good goer.” The most severe nautical critic could scarcely have found a + fault in her, as she passed out between the islets, on the evening of the + day mentioned, in the sort of undress we have described. The whole scene, + indeed, was impressive, and of singular maritime characteristics. + </p> + <p> + The little islets scattered about, low, sandy, and untenanted, were the + only land in sight—all else was the boundless waste of waters. The + solitary light rose like an aquatic monument, as if purposely to give its + character to the view. Captain Mull had caused its lamps to be trimmed and + lighted for the very reason that had induced Spike to do the same thing, + and the dim star they presented was just struggling into existence, as it + might be, as the brilliance left by the setting sun was gradually + diminished, and finally disappeared. As for the ship, the hull appeared + dark, glossy, and graceful, as is usual with a vessel of war. Her sails + were in soft contrast to the colour of the hull, and they offered the + variety and divergence from straight lines which are thought necessary to + perfect beauty. Those that were set, presented the symmetry in their trim, + the flatness in their hoist, and the breadth that distinguish a + man-of-war; while those that were loose, floated in the air in every wave + and cloud-like swell, that we so often see in light canvas that is + released from the yards in a fresh breeze. The ship had an undress look + from this circumstance, but it was such an undress as denotes the man or + woman of the world. This undress appearance was increased by the piping + down of the hammocks, which left the nettings loose, and with a negligent + but still knowing look about them. + </p> + <p> + When half a mile from the islets, the main-yard was braced aback, and the + maintopsail was laid to the mast. As soon as the ship had lost her way, + two or three boats that had been towing astern, each with its boat-sitter, + or keeper, in it, were hauled up alongside, or to the quarters, were + “hooked on,” and “run up” to the whistling of the call. All was done at + once, and all was done in a couple of minutes. As soon as effected, the + maintopsail was again filled, and away the ship glided. + </p> + <p> + Captain Mull was not in the habit of holding many consultations with his + officers. If there be wisdom in a “multitude of counsellors,” he was of + opinion it was not on board a man-of-war. Napoleon is reported to have + said that <i>one</i> bad general was better than <i>two</i> good ones; + meaning that one head to an army, though of inferior quality, is better + than a hydra of Solomons, or Cæsars. Captain Mull was much of the same way + of thinking, seldom troubling his subordinates with anything but orders. + He interfered very little with “working Willy,” though he saw effectually + that he did his duty. “The ship's gentleman” might enjoy his joke as much + as he pleased, so long as he chose his time and place with discretion, but + in the captain's presence joking was not tolerated, unless it were after + dinner, at his own table, and in his own cabin. Even there it was not + precisely such joking as took place daily, not to say hourly, in the + midshipmen's messes. + </p> + <p> + In making up his mind as to the mode of proceeding on the present + occasion, therefore, Captain Mull, while he had heard all that Mulford had + to tell him, and had even encouraged Wallace to give his opinions, made up + his decision for himself. After learning all that Harry had to + communicate, he made his own calculations as to time and distance, and + quietly determined to carry whole sail on the ship for the next four + hours. This he did as the wisest course of making sure of getting to + windward while he could, and knowing that the vessel could be brought + under short canvas at any moment when it might be deemed necessary. The + light was a beacon to let him know his distance with almost mathematical + precision. It could be seen so many miles at sea, each mile being + estimated by so many feet of elevation, and having taken that elevation, + he was sure of his distance from the glittering object, so long as it + could be seen from his own poop. It was also of use by letting him know + the range of the reef, though Captain Mull, unlike Spike, had determined + to make one leg off to the northward and eastward until he had brought the + light nearly to the horizon, and then to make another to the southward and + eastward, believing that the last stretch would bring him to the reef, + almost as far to windward as he desired to be. In furtherance of this + plan, the sheets of the different sails were drawn home, as soon as the + boats were in, and the Poughkeepsie, bending a little to the breeze, + gallantly dashed the waves aside, as she went through and over them, at a + rate of not less than ten good knots in the hour. As soon as all these + arrangements were made, the watch went below, and from that time + throughout the night, the ship offered nothing but the quiet manner in + which ordinary duty is carried on in a well-regulated vessel of war at + sea, between the hours of sun and sun. Leaving the good craft to pursue + her way with speed and certainty, we must now return to the Swash. + </p> + <p> + Captain Spike had found the mooring of his brig a much more difficult + task, on this occasion, than on that of his former attempt to raise the + schooner. Then he had to lift the wreck bodily, and he knew that laying + the Swash a few feet further ahead or astern, could be of no great moment, + inasmuch as the moment the schooner was off the bottom, she would swing in + perpendicularly to the purchases. But now one end of the schooner, her + bows, was to remain fast, and it became of importance to be certain that + the purchases were so placed as to bring the least strain on the masts + while they acted most directly on the after body of the vessel to be + lifted. This point gave Spike more trouble than he had anticipated. Fully + one half of the remainder of the day, even after he had begun to heave + upon his purchases, was spent in rectifying mistakes in connection with + this matter, and in getting up additional securities to his masts. + </p> + <p> + In one respect Spike had, from the first, made a good disposition. The + masts of the brig raked materially, and by bringing the head of the Swash + in the direction of the schooner, he converted this fact, which might + otherwise have been of great disadvantage, into a circumstance that was + favourable. In consequence of the brig's having been thus moored, the + strain, which necessarily led forward, came nearly in a line with the + masts, and the latter were much better able to support it. Notwithstanding + this advantage, however, it was found expedient to get up preventer-stays, + and to give the spars all the additional support could be conveniently + bestowed. Hours were passed in making these preliminary, or it might be + better to say, secondary arrangements. + </p> + <p> + It was past five in the afternoon when the people of the Swash began to + heave on their purchases as finally disposed. After much creaking, and the + settling of straps and lashings into their places, it was found that + everything stood, and the work went on. In ten minutes Spike found he had + the weight of the schooner, so far as he should be obliged to sustain it + at all, until the stern rose above the surface; and he felt reasonably + secure of the doubloons. Further than this he did not intend to make any + experiment on her, the Señor Montefalderon having abandoned all idea of + recovering the vessel itself, now so much of the cargo was lost. The + powder was mostly consumed, and that which remained in the hull must, by + this time, be injured by dampness, if not ruined. So reasoned Don Juan at + least. + </p> + <p> + As the utmost care was necessary, the capstan and wind-lass were made to + do their several duties with great caution. As inch by inch was gained, + the extra supports of the masts were examined, and it was found that a + much heavier strain now came on the masts than when the schooner was + raised before. This was altogether owing to the direction in which it + came, and to the fact that the anchor planted off abeam was not of as much + use as on the former occasion, in consequence of its not lying so much in + a straight line with the direction of the purchases. Spike began to have + misgivings on account of his masts, and this so much the more because the + wind appeared to haul a little further to the northward, and the weather + to look unsettled. Should a swell roll into the bight of the reef where + the brig lay, by raising the hull a little too rudely, there would be the + imminent danger of at least springing, if not of absolutely carrying away + both the principal spars. It was therefore necessary to resort to + extraordinary precautions, in order to obviate this danger. + </p> + <p> + The captain was indebted to his boatswain, who was now in fact acting as + his mate, for the suggestion of the plan next adopted. Two of the largest + spare spars of the brig were got out, with their heads securely lashed to + the links of the chain by which the wreck was suspended, one on each side + of the schooner. Pig-iron and shot were lashed to the heels of these + spars, which carried them to the bottom. As the spars were of a greater + length than was necessary to reach the rock, they necessarily lay at an + inclination, which was lessened every inch the after body of the wreck was + raised, thus forming props to the hull of the schooner. + </p> + <p> + Spike was delighted with the success of this scheme, of which he was + assured by a single experiment in heaving. After getting the spars well + planted at their heels, he even ordered the men to slacken the purchases a + little, and found that he could actually relieve the brig from the strain, + by causing the wreck to be supported altogether by these shores. This was + a vast relief from the cares of the approaching night, and indeed alone + prevented the necessity of the work's going on without interruption, or + rest, until the end was obtained. + </p> + <p> + The people of the Swash were just assured of the comfortable fact related, + as the Poughkeepsie was passing out from among the islets of the Dry + Tortugas. They imagined themselves happy in having thus made a sufficient + provision against the most formidable of all the dangers that beset them, + at the very moment when the best laid plan for their destruction was on + the point of being executed. In this respect, they resembled millions of + others of their fellows, who hang suspended over the vast abyss of + eternity, totally unconscious of the irretrievable character of the fall + that is so soon to occur. Spike, as has been just stated, was highly + pleased with his own expedient, and he pointed it out with exultation to + the Señor Montefalderon, as soon as it was completed. + </p> + <p> + “A nicer fit was never made by a Lunnun leg-maker, Don Wan,” the captain + cried, after going over the explanations connected with the shores—“there + she stands, at an angle of fifty, with two as good limbs under her as a + body could wish. I could now cast off everything, and leave the wreck in + what they call '<i>statu quo,</i>' which, I suppose, means on its pins, + like a statue. The tafferel is not six inches below the surface of the + water, and half an hour of heaving will bring the starn in sight.” + </p> + <p> + “Your work seems ingeniously contrived to get up one extremity of the + vessel, Don Esteban,” returned the Mexican; “but are you quite certain + that the doubloons are in her?” + </p> + <p> + This question was put because the functionary of a government in which + money was very apt to stick in passing from hand to hand was naturally + suspicious, and he found it difficult to believe that Mulford, Jack Tier, + and even Biddy, under all the circumstances, had not paid special + attention to their own interests. + </p> + <p> + “The bag was placed in one of the transom-lockers before the schooner + capsized,” returned the captain, “as Jack Tier informs me; if so, it + remains there still. Even the sharks will not touch gold, Don Wan.” + </p> + <p> + “Would it not be well to call Jack, and hear his account of the matter + once more, now we appear to be so near the Eldorado of our wishes?” + </p> + <p> + Spike assented, and Jack was summoned to the quarter-deck. The little + fellow had scarce showed himself throughout the day, and he now made his + appearance with a slow step, and reluctantly. + </p> + <p> + “You've made no mistake about them 'ere doubloons, I take it, Master + Tier?” said Spike, in a very nautical sort of style of addressing an + inferior. “You <i>know</i> them to be in one of the transom-lockers?” + </p> + <p> + Jack mounted on the breech of one of the guns, and looked over the + bulwarks at the dispositions that had been made about the wreck. The + tafferel of the schooner actually came in sight, when a little swell + passed over it, leaving it for an instant in the trough. The steward thus + caught a glimpse again of the craft on board which he had seen so much + hazard, and he shook his head and seemed to be thinking of anything but + the question which had just been put to him. + </p> + <p> + “Well, about that gold?” asked Spike, impatiently. + </p> + <p> + “The sight of that craft has brought other thoughts than gold into my + mind, Captain Spike,” answered Jack, gravely, “and it would be well for + all us mariners, if we thought less of gold and more of the dangers we + run. For hours and hours did I stand over etarnity, on the bottom of that + schooner, Don Wan, holdin' my life, as it might be, at the marcy of a few + bubbles of air.” + </p> + <p> + “What has all that to do with the gold? Have you deceived me about that + locker, little rascal?” + </p> + <p> + “No, sir, I've <i>not</i> deceived you—no, Captain Spike, <i>no</i>. + The bag is in the upper transom-locker, on the starboard side. There I put + it with my own hands, and a good lift it was; and there you'll find it, if + you'll cut through the quarter-deck at the spot I can p'int out to you.” + </p> + <p> + This information seemed to give a renewed energy to all the native + cupidity of the captain, who called the men from their suppers, and + ordered them to commence heaving anew. The word was passed to the crew + that “it was now for doubloons,” and they went to the bars and handspikes, + notwithstanding the sun had set, cheerfully and cheering. + </p> + <p> + All Spike's expedients admirably answered the intended purposes. The stern + of the schooner rose gradually, and at each lift the heels of the shores + dropped in more perpendicularly, carried by the weights attached to them, + and the spars stood as firm props to secure all that was gained. In a + quarter of an hour, most of that part of the stern which was within five + or six feet of the tafferel, rose above the water, coming fairly in view. + </p> + <p> + Spike now shouted to the men to “pall!” then he directed the falls to be + very gradually eased off, in order to ascertain if the shores would still + do their duty. The experiment was successful, and presently the wreck + stood in its upright position, sustained entirely by the two spars. As the + last were now nearly perpendicular, they were capable of bearing a very + heavy weight, and Spike was so anxious to relieve his own brig from the + strain she had been enduring, that he ordered the lashings of the blocks + to be loosened, trusting to his shores to do their duty. Against this + confidence the boatswain ventured a remonstrance, but the gold was too + near to allow the captain to listen or reply. The carpenter was ordered + over on the wreck with his tools, while Spike, the Señor Montefalderon, + and two men to row the boat and keep it steady, went in the yawl to watch + the progress of the work. Jack Tier was ordered to stand in the chains, + and to point out, as nearly as possible, the place where the carpenter was + to cut. + </p> + <p> + When all was ready, Spike gave the word, and the chips began to fly. By + the use of the saw and the axe, a hole large enough to admit two or three + men at a time, was soon made in the deck, and the sounding for the + much-coveted locker commenced. By this time, it was quite dark; and a + lantern was passed down from the brig, in order to enable those who + searched for the locker to see. Spike had breasted the yawl close up to + the hole, where it was held by the men, while the captain himself passed + the lantern and his own head into the opening to reconnoitre. + </p> + <p> + “Ay, it's all right!” cried the voice of the captain from within his + cell-like cavity. “I can just see the lid of the locker that Jack means, + and we shall soon have what we are a'ter. Carpenter, you may as well slip + off your clothes at once, and go inside; I will point out to you the place + where to find the locker. You're certain, Jack, it was the starboard + locker?” + </p> + <p> + “Ay, ay, sir, the starboard locker, and no other.” + </p> + <p> + The carpenter had soon got into the hole, as naked as when he was born. It + was a gloomy-looking place for a man to descend into at that hour, the + light from the lantern being no great matter, and half the time it was + shaded by the manner in which Spike was compelled to hold it. + </p> + <p> + “Take care and get a good footing, carpenter,” said the captain, in a + kinder tone than common, “before you let go with your hands; but I suppose + you can swim, as a matter of course?” + </p> + <p> + “No, sir, not a stroke—I never could make out in the water at all.” + </p> + <p> + “Have the more 'care, then. Had I known as much, I would have sent another + hand down; but mind your footing. More to the left, man—more to the + left. That is the lid of the locker—your hand is on it; why do you + not open it?” + </p> + <p> + “It is swelled by the water, sir, and will need a chisel, or some tool of + that sort. Just call out to one of the men, sir, if you please, to pass me + a chisel from my tool-chest. A good stout one will be best.” + </p> + <p> + This order was given, and, during the delay it caused, Spike encouraged + the carpenter to be cool, and above all to mind his footing. His own + eagerness to get at the gold was so great that he kept his head in at the + hole, completely cutting off the man within from all communication with + the outer world. + </p> + <p> + “What's the matter with you?” demanded Spike, a little sternly. “You + shiver, and yet the water cannot be cold in this latitude. No, my hand + makes it just the right warmth to be pleasant.” + </p> + <p> + “It's not the water, Captain Spike—I wish they would come with the + chisel. Did you hear nothing, sir? I'm certain I did!” + </p> + <p> + “Hear!—what is there here to be heard, unless there may be some fish + inside, thrashing about to get out of the vessel's hold?” + </p> + <p> + “I am sure I heard something like a groan, Captain Spike. I wish you would + let me come out, sir, and I'll go for the chisel myself; them men will + never find it.” + </p> + <p> + “Stay where you are, coward! are you afraid of dead men standing against + walls? Stay where you are. Ah! here is the chisel—now let us see + what you can do with it.” + </p> + <p> + “I am certain I heard another groan, Captain Spike. I cannot work, sir. + I'm of no use here—<i>do</i> let me come out, sir, and send a hand + down that can swim.” + </p> + <p> + Spike uttered a terrible malediction on the miserable carpenter, one we do + not care to repeat; then he cast the light of the lantern full in the + man's face. The quivering flesh, the pallid face, and the whole + countenance wrought up almost to a frenzy of terror, astonished, as well + as alarmed him. + </p> + <p> + “What ails you, man?” said the captain in a voice of thunder. “Clap in the + chisel, or I'll hurl you off into the water. There is nothing here, dead + or alive, to harm ye!” + </p> + <p> + “The groan, sir—I hear it again! <i>Do</i> let me come out, Captain + Spike.” + </p> + <p> + Spike himself, this time, heard what even <i>he</i> took for a groan. It + came from the depths of the vessel, apparently, and was sufficiently + distinct and audible. Astonished, yet appalled, he thrust his shoulders + into the aperture, as if to dare the demon that tormented him, and was met + by the carpenter endeavouring to escape. In the struggle that ensued, the + lantern was dropped into the water, leaving the half-frenzied combatants + contending in the dark. The groan was renewed, when the truth flashed on + the minds of both. + </p> + <p> + “The shores! the shores!” exclaimed the carpenter from within. “The + shores!” repeated Spike, throwing himself back into the boat, and shouting + to his men to “see all clear of the wreck!” The grating of one of the + shores on the coral beneath was now heard plainer than ever, and the lower + extremity slipped outward, not astern, as had been apprehended, letting + the wreck slowly settle to the bottom again. One piercing shriek arose + from the narrow cavity within; then the gurgling of water into the + aperture was heard, when naught of sound could be distinguished but the + sullen and steady wash of the waves of the gulf over the rocks of the + reef. + </p> + <p> + The impression made by this accident was most profound. A fatality + appeared to attend the brig; and most of the men connected the sad + occurrence of this night with the strange appearance of the previous + evening. Even the Señor Montefalderon was disposed to abandon the + doubloons, and he urged Spike to make the best of his way for Yucatan, to + seek a friendly harbour. The captain wavered, but avarice was too strong a + passion in him to be easily diverted from its object, and he refused to + give up his purpose. + </p> + <p> + As the wreck was entirely free from the brig when it went down for the + third time, no injury was sustained by the last on this occasion. By + renewing the lashings, everything would be ready to begin the work anew—and + this, Spike was resolved to attempt in the morning. The men were too much + fatigued, and it was too dark to think of pushing matters any further that + night; and it was very questionable whether they could have been got to + work. Orders were consequently given for all hands to turn in, the + captain, relieved by Don Juan and Jack Tier, having arranged to keep the + watches of the night. + </p> + <p> + “This is a sad accident, Don Esteban,” observed the Mexican, as he and + Spike paced the quarter-deck together, just before the last turned in; “a + sad accident! My miserable schooner seems to be deserted by its patron + saint. Then your poor carpenter!” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, he was a good fellow enough with a saw, or an adze,” answered Spike, + yawning. “But we get used to such things at sea. It's neither more nor + less than a carpenter expended. Good night, Señor Don Wan; in the morning + we'll be at that gold ag'in.” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0014" id="link2HCH0014"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER VI. + </h2> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + She's in a scene of nature's war, + The winds and waters are at strife; + And both with her contending for + The brittle thread of human life. + + Miss Gould. +</pre> + <p> + Spike was sleeping hard in his berth, quite early on the following + morning, before the return of light, indeed, when he suddenly started up, + rubbed his eyes, and sprang upon deck like a man alarmed. He had heard, or + fancied he had heard, a cry. A voice once well known and listened to, + seemed to call him in the very portals of his ear. At first he had + listened to its words in wonder, entranced like the bird by the snake, the + tones recalling scenes and persons that had once possessed a strong + control over his rude feelings. Presently the voice became harsher in its + utterance, and it said. + </p> + <p> + “Stephen Spike, awake! The hour is getting late, and you have enemies + nearer to you than you imagine. Awake, Stephen, awake!” + </p> + <p> + When the captain was on his feet, and had plunged his head into a basin of + water that stood ready for him in the state-room, he could not have told, + for his life, whether he had been dreaming or waking, whether what he had + heard was the result of a feverish imagination, or of the laws of nature. + The call haunted him all that morning, or until events of importance so + pressed upon him as to draw his undivided attention to them alone. + </p> + <p> + It was not yet day. The men were still in heavy sleep, lying about the + decks, for they avoided the small and crowded forecastle in that warm + climate, and the night was apparently at its deepest hour. Spike walked + forward to look for the man charged with the anchor-watch. It proved to be + Jack Tier, who was standing near the galley, his arms folded as usual, + apparently watching the few signs of approaching day that were beginning + to be apparent in the western sky. The captain was in none of the best + humours with the steward's assistant; but Jack had unaccountably got an + ascendency over his commander, which it was certainly very unusual for any + subordinate in the Swash to obtain. Spike had deferred more to Mulford + than to any mate he had ever before employed; but this was the deference + due to superior information, manners, and origin. It was common-place, if + not vulgar; whereas, the ascendency obtained by little Jack Tier was, even + to its subject, entirely inexplicable. He was unwilling to admit it to + himself in the most secret manner, though he had begun to feel it on all + occasions which brought them in contact, and to submit to it as a thing + not to be averted. + </p> + <p> + “Jack Tier,” demanded the captain, now that he found himself once more + alone with the other, desirous of obtaining his opinion on a point that + harassed him, though he knew not why; “Jack Tier, answer me one thing. Do + you believe that we saw the form of a dead or of a living man at the foot + of the light-house?” + </p> + <p> + “The dead are never seen leaning against walls in that manner, Stephen + Spike,” answered Jack, coolly, not even taking the trouble to uncoil his + arms. “What you saw was a living man; and you would do well to be on your + guard against him. Harry Mulford is not your friend—and there is + reason for it.” + </p> + <p> + “Harry Mulford, and living! How can that be, Jack? You know the port in + which he chose to run.” + </p> + <p> + “I know the rock on which you chose to abandon him, Captain Spike.” + </p> + <p> + “If so, how could he be living and at the Dry Tortugas. The thing is + impossible!” + </p> + <p> + “The thing is so. You saw Harry Mulford, living and well, and ready to + hunt you to the gallows. Beware of him, then; and beware of his handsome + wife!” + </p> + <p> + “Wife! the fellow has no wife—he has always professed to be a single + man!” + </p> + <p> + “The man is married—and I bid you beware of his handsome wife. She, + too, will be a witness ag'in you.” + </p> + <p> + “This will be news, then, for Rose Budd. I shall delight in telling it to + <i>her,</i> at least.” + </p> + <p> + “'T will be <i>no</i> news to Rose Budd. She was present at the wedding, + and will not be taken by surprise. Rose loves Harry too well to let him + marry, and she not present at the wedding.” + </p> + <p> + “Jack, you talk strangely! What is the meaning of all this? I am captain + of this craft, and will not be trifled with—tell me at once your + meaning, fellow.” + </p> + <p> + “My meaning is simple enough, and easily told. Rose Budd is the wife of + Harry Mulford.” + </p> + <p> + “You're dreaming, fellow, or are wishing to trifle with me!” + </p> + <p> + “It may be a dream, but it is one that will turn out to be true. If they + have found the Poughkeepsie sloop-of-war, as I make no doubt they have by + this time, Mulford and Rose are man and wife.” + </p> + <p> + “Fool! you know not what you say! Rose is at this moment in her berth, + sick at heart on account of the young gentleman who preferred to live on + the Florida Reef rather than to sail in the Molly!” + </p> + <p> + “Rose is <i>not</i> in her berth, sick or well; neither is she on board + this brig at all. She went off in the light-house boat to deliver her + lover from the naked rock—and well did she succeed in so doing. God + was of her side, Stephen Spike; and a body seldom fails with such a friend + to support one.” + </p> + <p> + Spike was astounded at these words, and not less so at the cool and + confident manner with which they were pronounced. Jack spoke in a certain + dogmatical, oracular manner, it is true, one that might have lessened his + authority with a person over whom he had less influence; but this in no + degree diminished its effect on Spike. On the contrary, it even disposed + the captain to yield an implicit faith to what he heard, and all so much + the more because the facts he was told appeared of themselves to be nearly + impossible. It was half a minute before he had sufficiently recovered from + his surprise to continue the discourse. + </p> + <p> + “The light-house boat!” Spike then slowly repeated. “Why, fellow, you told + me the light-house boat went adrift from your own hands!” + </p> + <p> + “So it did,” answered Jack, coolly, “since I cast off the painter—and + what is more, went in it.” + </p> + <p> + “You! This is impossible. You are telling me a fabricated lie. If you had + gone away in that boat, how could you now be here? No, no—it is a + miserable lie, and Rose is below!” + </p> + <p> + “Go and look into her state-room, and satisfy yourself with your own + eyes.” + </p> + <p> + Spike did as was suggested. He went below, took a lamp that was always + suspended, lighted in the main cabin, and, without ceremony, proceeded to + Rose's state-room, where he soon found that the bird had really flown. A + direful execration followed this discovery, one so loud as to awaken Mrs. + Budd and Biddy. Determined not to do things by halves, he broke open the + door of the widow's state-room, and ascertained that the person he sought + was not there. A fierce explosion of oaths and denunciations followed, + which produced an answer in the customary screams. In the midst of this + violent scene, however, questions were put, and answers obtained, that not + only served to let the captain know that Jack had told him nothing but + truth, but to put an end to everything like amicable relations between + himself and the relict of his old commander. Until this explosion, + appearances had been observed between them; but, from that moment, there + must necessarily be an end of all professions of even civility. Spike was + never particularly refined in his intercourse with females, but he now + threw aside even its pretension. His rage was so great that he totally + forgot his manhood, and lavished on both Mrs. Budd and Biddy epithets that + were altogether inexcusable, and many of which it will not do to repeat. + Weak and silly as was the widow, she was not without spirit; and on this + occasion she was indisposed to submit to all this unmerited abuse in + silence. Biddy, as usual, took her cue from her mistress, and between the + two, their part of the wordy conflict was kept up with a very respectable + degree of animation. + </p> + <p> + “I know you—I know you, now!” screamed the widow, at the tope of her + voice; “and you can no longer deceive me, unworthy son of Neptune as you + are! You are unfit to be a lubber, and would be log-booked for an or'nary + by every gentleman on board ship. You, a full-jiggered sea-man! No, you + are not even half-jiggered, sir; and I tell you so to your face.” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, and it is n't <i>half</i> that might be tould the likes of yees!” + put in Biddy, as her mistress stopped to breathe. “And it's Miss Rose + you'd have for a wife, when Biddy Noon would be too good for ye! We knows + ye, and all about ye, and can give yer history as complate from the day ye + was born down to the prisent moment; and not find a good word to say in + yer favour in all that time—and a precious time it is, too, for a + gentleman that would marry pretthy, <i>young</i> Miss Rose! Och! I scorn + to look at ye, yer so ugly!” + </p> + <p> + “And trying to persuade me you were a friend of my poor, dear Mr. Budd, + whose shoe you are unworthy to touch, and who had the heart and soul for + the noble profession you disgrace,” cut in the widow, the moment Biddy + gave her a chance, by pausing to make a wry face as she pronounced the + word “ugly.” “I now believe you capasided them poor Mexicans, in order to + get their money; and the moment we cast anchor in a road-side, I'll go + ashore, and complain of you for murder, I will.” + </p> + <p> + “Do, missus, dear, and I'll be your bail, will I, and swear to all that + happened, and more too. Och! yer a wretch, to wish to be the husband of + Miss Rose, and she so young and pretthy, and you so ould and ugly!” + </p> + <p> + “Come away—come away, Stephen Spike, and do not stand wrangling with + women, when you and your brig, and all that belongs to you, are in + danger,” called out Jack Tier from the companion-way. “Day is come; and + what is much worse for you, your most dangerous enemy is coming with it.” + </p> + <p> + Spike was almost livid with rage, and ready to burst out in awful + maledictions; but at this summons he sprang to the ladder, and was on deck + in a moment. At first, he felt a strong disposition to wreak his vengeance + on Tier, but, fortunately for the latter, as the captain's foot touched + the quarter-deck, his eye fell on the Poughkeepsie, then within half a + league of the Swash, standing in toward the reef, though fully half a mile + to leeward. This spectre drove all other subjects from his mind, leaving + the captain of the Swash in the only character in which he could be said + to be respectable, or that of a seaman. Almost instinctively he called all + hands, then he gave one brief minute to a survey of his situation. + </p> + <p> + It was, indeed, time for the Swash to be moving. There she lay, with three + anchors down, including that of the schooner, all she had, in fact, with + the exception of her best bower, and one kedge, with the purchases aloft, + in readiness for hooking on to the wreck, and all the extra securities up + that had been given to the masts. As for the sloop-of-war, she was under + the very same canvas as that with which she had come out from the Dry + Tortugas, or her three top-sails, spanker, and jib; but most of her other + sails were loose, even to her royals and flying-jibs; though closely + gathered into their spars by means of the running gear. In a word, every + sailor would know, at a glance, that the ship was merely waiting for the + proper moment to spread her wings, when she would be flying through the + water at the top of her speed. The weather looked dirty, and the wind was + gradually increasing, threatening to blow heavily as the day advanced. + </p> + <p> + “Unshackle, unshackle!” shouted Spike to the boat-swain, who was the first + man that appeared on deck. “The bloody sloop-of-war is upon us, and there + is not a moment to lose. We must get the brig clear of the ground in the + shortest way we can, and abandon everything. Unshackle, and cast off + for'ard and aft, men.” + </p> + <p> + A few minutes of almost desperate exertion succeeded. No men work like + sailors, when the last are in a hurry, their efforts being directed to + counteracting squalls, and avoiding emergencies of the most pressing + character. Thus was it now with the crew of the Swash. The clanking of + chains lasted but a minute, when the parts attached to the anchors were + thrust through the hawse-holes, or were dropped into the water from other + parts of the brig. This at once released the vessel, though a great deal + remained to be done to clear her for working, and to put her in the best + trim. + </p> + <p> + “Away with this out-hauler!” again shouted Spike, casting loose the + main-brails as he did so; “loose the jibs!” + </p> + <p> + All went on at once, and the Swash moved away from the grave of the poor + carpenter with the ease and facility of motion that marked all her + evolutions. Then the top-sail was let fall, and presently all the upper + square-sails were sheeted home, and hoisted, and the fore-tack was hauled + aboard. The Molly was soon alive, and jumping into the seas that met her + with more power than was common, as she drew out from under the shelter of + the reef into rough water. From the time when Spike gave his first order, + to that when all his canvas was spread, was just seven minutes. + </p> + <p> + The Poughkeepsie, with her vastly superior crew, was not idle the while. + Although the watch below was not disturbed, she tacked beautifully, and + stood off the reef, in a line parallel to the course of the brig, and + distant from her about half a mile. Then sail was made, her tacks having + been boarded in stays. Spike knew the play of his craft was short legs, + for she was so nimble in her movements that he believed she could go about + in half the time that would be required for a vessel of the Poughkeepsie's + length. “Ready about,” was his cry, therefore, when less than a mile + distant from the reef—“ready about, and let her go round.” Round the + Molly did go, like a top, being full on the other tack in just fifty-six + seconds. The movement of the corvette was more stately, and somewhat more + deliberate. Still, she stayed beautifully, and both Spike and the + boatswain shook their heads, as they saw her coming into the wind with her + sails all lifting and the sheets flowing. + </p> + <p> + “That fellow will fore-reach a cable's length before he gets about!” + exclaimed Spike. “He will prove too much for us at this sport! Keep her + away, my man—keep the brig away for the passage. We must run through + the reef, instead of trusting ourselves to our heels in open water.” + </p> + <p> + The brig was kept away accordingly, and sheets were eased off, and braces + just touched, to meet the new line of sailing. As the wind stood, it was + possible to lay through the passage on an easy bowline, though the breeze, + which was getting to be fresher than Spike wished it to be, promised to + haul more to the southward of east, as the day advanced. Nevertheless, + this was the Swash's best point of sailing, and all on board of her had + strong hopes of her being too much for her pursuer, could she maintain it. + Until this feeling began to diffuse itself in the brig, not a countenance + was to be seen on her decks that did not betray intense anxiety; but now + something like grim smiles passed among the crew, as their craft seemed + rather to fly than force her way through the water, toward the entrance of + the passage so often adverted to in this narrative. + </p> + <p> + On the other hand, the Poughkeepsie was admirably sailed and handled. + Everybody was now on deck, and the first lieutenant had taken the trumpet. + Captain Mull was a man of method, and a thorough man-of-war's man. + Whatever he did was done according to rule, and with great system. Just as + the Swash was about to enter the passage, the drum of the Poughkeepsie + beat to quarters. No sooner were the men mustered, in the leeward, or the + starboard batteries, than orders were sent to cast loose the guns, and to + get them ready for service. Owing to the more leeward position of his + vessel, and to the fact that she always head-reached so much in stays, + Captain Mull knew that she would not lose much by luffing into the wind, + or by making half-boards, while he might gain everything by one + well-directed shot. + </p> + <p> + The strife commenced by the sloop-of-war, firing her weather bow-gun, + single-shotted, at the Swash. No damage was done, though the fore-yard of + the brig had a very narrow escape. This experiment was repeated three + times, without even a rope-yarn being carried away, though the gun was + pointed by Wallace himself, and well pointed, too. But it is possible for + a shot to come very near its object and still to do no injury. Such was + the fact on this occasion, though the “ship's gentleman” was a good deal + mortified by the result. Men look so much at success as the test of merit, + that few pause to inquire into the reasons of failures, though it + frequently happens that adventures prosper by means of their very + blunders. Captain Mull now determined on a half-board, for his ship was + more to leeward than he desired. Directions were given to the officers in + the batteries to be deliberate, and the helm was put down. As the ship + shot into the wind, each gun was fired, as it could be brought to bear, + until the last of them all was discharged. Then the course of the vessel + was changed, the helm being righted before the ship had lost her way, and + the sloop-of-war fell off again to her course. + </p> + <p> + All this was done in such a short period of time as scarcely to cause the + Poughkeepsie to lose anything, while it did the Swash the most serious + injury. The guns had been directed at the brig's spars and sails, Captain + Mull desiring no more than to capture his chase, and the destruction they + produced aloft was such as to induce Spike and his men, at first, to + imagine that the whole hamper above their heads was about to come + clattering down on deck. One shot carried away all the weather + fore-top-mast rigging of the brig, and would no doubt have brought about + the loss of the mast, if another, that almost instantly succeeded it, had + not cut the spar itself in two, bringing down, as a matter of course, + everything above it. Nearly half of the main-mast was gouged out of that + spar, and the gaff was taken fairly out of its jaws. The fore-yard was cut + in the slings, and various important ropes were carried away in different + parts of the vessel. + </p> + <p> + Flight, under such circumstances, was impossible, unless some + extraordinary external assistance was to be obtained. This Spike saw at + once, and he had recourse to the only expedient that remained; which might + possibly yet save him. The guns were still belching forth their smoke and + flames, when he shouted out the order to put the helm hard up. The width + of the passage in which the vessels were was not so great but that he + might hope to pass across it, and to enter a channel among the rocks, + which was favourably placed for such a purpose, ere the sloop-of-war could + overtake him. Whither that channel led, what water it possessed, or + whether it were not a shallow <i>cul de sac,</i> were all facts of which + Spike was ignorant. The circumstances, however, would not admit of an + alternative. + </p> + <p> + Happily for the execution of Spike's present design, nothing from aloft + had fallen into the water, to impede the brig's way. Forward, in + particular, she seemed all wreck; her fore-yard having come down + altogether, so as to encumber the forecastle, while her top-mast, with its + dependent spars and gear, was suspended but a short distance above. Still, + nothing had gone over the side, so as actually to touch the water, and the + craft obeyed her helm as usual. Away she went, then, for the lateral + opening in the reef just mentioned, driven ahead by the pressure of a + strong breeze on her sails, which still offered large surfaces to the + wind, at a rapid rate. Instead of keeping away to follow, the Poughkeepsie + maintained her luff, and just as the Swash entered the unknown passage, + into which she was blindly plunging, the sloop-of-war was about a quarter + of a mile to windward, and standing directly across her stern. Nothing + would have been easier, now, than for Captain Mull to destroy his chase; + but humanity prevented his firing. He knew that her career must be short, + and he fully expected to see her anchor; when it would be easy for him to + take possession with his boats. With this expectation, indeed, he + shortened sail, furling top-gallant-sails, and hauling up his courage. By + this time, the wind had so much freshened, as to induce him to think of + putting in a reef, and the step now taken had a double object in view. + </p> + <p> + To the surprise of all on board the man-of-war, the brig continued on, + until she was fully a mile distant, finding her way deeper and deeper + among the mazes of the reef without meeting with any impediment! This fact + induced Captain Mull to order his Paixhans to throw their shells beyond + her, by way of a hint to anchor. While the guns were getting ready, Spike + stood on boldly, knowing it was neck or nothing, and beginning to feel a + faint revival of hope, as he found himself getting further and further + from his pursuers, and the rocks not fetching him up. Even the men, who + had begun to murmur at what seemed to them to be risking too much, + partook, in a slight degree, of the same feeling, and began to execute the + order they had received to try to get the launch into the water, with some + appearance of an intention to succeed. Previously, the work could scarcely + be said to go on at all; but two or three of the older seamen now + bestirred themselves, and suggestions were made and attended to, that + promised results. But it was no easy thing to get the launch out of a + half-rigged brig, that had lost her fore-yard, and which carried nothing + square abaft. A derrick was used in common, to lift the stern of the boat, + but a derrick would now be useless aft, without an assistant forward. + While these things were in discussion, under the superintendence of the + boatswain, and Spike was standing between the knight-heads, conning the + craft, the sloop-of-war let fly the first of her hollow shot. Down came + the hurtling mass upon the Swash, keeping every head elevated and all eyes + looking for the dark object, as it went booming through the air above + their heads. The shot passed fully a mile to leeward, where it exploded. + This great range had been given to the first shot, with a view to admonish + the captain how long he must continue under the guns of the ship, and as + advice to come to. The second gun followed immediately. Its shot was seem + to ricochet, directly in a line with the brig, making leaps of about half + a mile in length. It struck the water about fifty yards astern of the + vessel, bounded directly over her decks, passing through the main-sail and + some of the fallen hamper forward, and exploded about a hundred yards + ahead. As usually happens with such projectiles, most of the fragments + were either scattered laterally, or went on, impelled by the original + momentum. + </p> + <p> + The effect of this last gun on the crew of the Swash was instantaneous and + deep. The faint gleamings of hope vanished at once, and a lively + consciousness of the desperate nature of their condition succeeded in + every mind. The launch was forgotten, and, after conferring together for a + moment, the men went in a body, with the boatswain at their head, to the + forecastle, and offered a remonstrance to their commander, on the subject + of holding out any longer, under circumstances so very hazardous, and + which menaced their lives in so many different ways. Spike listened to + them with eyes that fairly glared with fury. He ordered them back to their + duty in a voice of thunder, tapping the breast of his jacket, where he was + known to carry revolvers, with a significance that could convey but one + meaning. + </p> + <p> + It is wonderful the ascendency that men sometimes obtain over their + fellows, by means of character, the habits of command, and obedience, and + intimidation. Spike was a stern disciplinarian, relying on that and ample + pay for the unlimited control he often found it necessary to exercise over + his crew. On the present occasion, his people were profoundly alarmed, but + habitual deference and submission to their leader counteracted the + feeling, and held them in suspense. They were fully aware of the nature of + the position they occupied in a legal sense, and were deeply reluctant to + increase the appearances of crime; but most of them had been extricated + from so many grave difficulties in former instances, by the coolness, + nerve and readiness of the captain, that a latent ray of hope was perhaps + dimly shining in the rude breast of every old sea-dog among them. As a + consequence of these several causes, they abandoned their remonstrance, + for the moment at least, and made a show of returning to their duty; + though it was in a sullen and moody manner. + </p> + <p> + It was easier, however, to make a show of hoisting out the launch, than to + effect the object. This was soon made apparent on trial, and Spike himself + gave the matter up. He ordered the yawl to be lowered, got alongside, and + to be prepared for the reception of the crew, by putting into it a small + provision of food and water. All this time the brig was rushing madly to + leeward, among rocks and breakers, without any other guide than that which + the visible dangers afforded. Spike knew no more where he was going than + the meanest man in his vessel. His sole aim was to get away from his + pursuers, and to save his neck from the rope. He magnified the danger of + punishment that he really ran, for he best knew the extent and nature of + his crimes, of which the few that have been laid before the reader, while + they might have been amongst the most prominent, as viewed through the + statutes and international law, were far from the gravest he had committed + in the eyes of morals. + </p> + <p> + About this time the Señor Montefalderon went forward to confer with Spike. + The calmness of this gentleman's demeanour, the simplicity and coolness of + his movements, denoted a conscience that saw no particular ground for + alarm. He wished to escape captivity, that he might continue to serve his + country, but no other apprehension troubled him. + </p> + <p> + “Do you intend to trust yourself in the yawl, Don Esteban?” demanded the + Mexican quietly. “If so, is she not too small to contain so many as we + shall make altogether?” + </p> + <p> + Spike's answer was given in a low voice; and it evidently came from a very + husky throat. + </p> + <p> + “Speak lower, Don Wan,” he said. “The boat would be greatly overloaded + with all hands in it, especially among the breakers, and blowing as it + does; but we may leave some of the party behind.” + </p> + <p> + “The brig <i>must</i> go on the rocks, sooner or later, Don Esteban; when + she does, she will go to pieces in an hour. + </p> + <p> + “I expect to hear her strike every minute, señor; the moment she does, we + must be off. I have had my eye on that ship for some time, expecting to + see her lower her cutters and gigs to board us. <i>You</i> will not be out + of the way, Don Wan; but there is no need of being talkative on the + subject of our escape.” + </p> + <p> + Spike now turned his back on the Mexican, looking anxiously ahead, with + the desire to get as far into the reef as possible with his brig, which he + conned with great skill and coolness. The Señor Montefalderon left him. + With the chivalry and consideration of a man and a gentleman, he went in + quest of Mrs. Budd and Biddy. A hint sufficed for them, and gathering + together a few necessaries they were in the yawl in the next three + minutes. This movement was unseen by Spike, or he might have prevented it. + His eyes were now riveted on the channel ahead. It had been fully his + original intention to make off in the boat, the instant the brig struck, + abandoning not only Don Juan, with Mrs. Budd and Biddy to their fates, but + most of the crew. A private order had been given to the boatswain, and + three of the ablest-bodied among the seamen, each and all of whom kept the + secret with religious fidelity, as it was believed their own personal + safety might be connected with the success of this plan. + </p> + <p> + Nothing is so contagious as alarm. It requires not only great natural + steadiness of nerve, but much acquired firmness to remain unmoved when + sudden terror has seized on the minds of those around us. Habitual respect + had prevented the crew from interfering with the movements of the Mexican, + who not only descended into the boat with his female companions + uninterrupted, but also took with him the little bag of doubloons which + fell to his share from the first raising of the schooner. Josh and Jack + Tier assisted in getting Mrs. Budd and Biddy over the side, and both took + their own places in the yawl, as soon as this pious duty was discharged. + This served as a hint to others near at hand; and man after man left his + work to steal into the yawl, until every living being had disappeared from + the deck of the Swash, Spike himself excepted. The man at the wheel had + been the last to desert his post, nor would he have done so then, but for + a signal from the boatswain, with whom he was a favourite. + </p> + <p> + It is certain there was a secret desire among the people of the Swash, who + were now crowded into a boat not large enough to contain more than half + their number with safety, to push off from the brig's side, and abandon + her commander and owner to his fate. All had passed so soon, however, and + events succeeded each other with so much rapidity, that little time was + given for consultation. Habit kept them in their places, though the + appearances around them were strong motives for taking care of themselves. + </p> + <p> + Notwithstanding the time necessary to relate the foregoing events, a + quarter of an hour had not elapsed, from the moment when the Swash entered + this unknown channel among the rocks, ere she struck. No sooner was her + helm deserted than she broached-to, and Spike was in the act of denouncing + the steerage, ignorant of its cause, when the brig was thrown, + broadside-to, on a sharp, angular bed of rocks. It was fortunate for the + boat, and all in it, that it was brought to leeward by the broaching-to of + the vessel, and that the water was still sufficiently deep around them to + prevent the waves from breaking. Breakers there were, however, in + thousands, on every side; and the seamen understood that their situation + was almost desperately perilous, without shipwreck coming to increase the + danger. + </p> + <p> + The storm itself was scarcely more noisy and boisterous than was Spike, + when he ascertained the manner in which his people had behaved. At first, + he believed it was their plan to abandon him to his fate; but, on rushing + to the lee-gangway, Don Juan Montefalderon assured him that no such + intention existed, and that he would not allow the boat to be cast off + until the captain was received on board. This brief respite gave Spike a + moment to care for his portion of the doubloons; and he rushed to his + state-room to secure them, together with his quadrant. + </p> + <p> + The grinding of the brig's bottom on the coral, announced a speedy + breaking up of the craft, while her commander was thus employed. So + violent were some of the shocks with which she came down on the hard bed + in which she was now cradled, that Spike expected to see her burst + asunder, while he was yet on her decks. The cracking of timbers told him + that all was over with the Swash, nor had he got back as far as the + gangway with his prize, before he saw plainly that the vessel had broken + her back, as it is termed, and that her plank-sheer was opening in a way + that threatened to permit a separation of the craft into two sections, one + forward and the other aft. Notwithstanding all these portentous proofs + that the minutes of the Molly were numbered, and the danger that existed + of his being abandoned by his crew, Spike paused a moment, ere he went + over the vessel's side, to take a hasty survey of the reef. His object was + to get a general idea of the position of the breakers, with a view to + avoid them. As much of the interest of that which is to succeed is + connected with these particular dangers, it may be well to explain their + character, along with a few other points of a similar bearing. + </p> + <p> + The brig had gone ashore fully two miles within the passage she had + entered, and which, indeed, terminated at the very spot where she had + struck. The Poughkeepsie was standing off and on, in the main channel, + with her boats in the water, evidently preparing to carry the brig in that + mode. As for the breakers, they whitened the surface of the ocean in all + directions around the wreck, far as the eye could reach, but in two. The + passage in which the Poughkeepsie was standing to and fro was clear of + them, of course; and about a mile and a half to the northward, Spike saw + that he should be in open water, or altogether on the northern side of the + reef, could he only get there. The gravest dangers would exist in the + passage, which led among breakers on all sides, and very possibly among + rocks so near the surface as absolutely to obstruct the way. In one sense, + however, the breakers were useful. By avoiding them as much as possible, + and by keeping in the unbroken water, the boat would be running in the + channels of the reef, and consequently would be the safer. The result of + the survey, short as it was, and it did not last a minute, was to give + Spike something like a plan; and when he went over the side, and got into + the boat, it was with a determination to work his way out of the reef to + its northern edge, as soon as possible, and then to skirt it as near as he + could, in his flight toward the Dry Tortugas. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0015" id="link2HCH0015"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER VII. + </h2> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + The screams of rage, the groan, the strife, + The blow, the grasp, the horrid cry, + The panting, throttled prayer for life, + The dying's heaving sigh, + The murderer's curse, the dead man's fixed, still glare, + And fear's and death's cold sweat—they all are there. + + Matthew Lee. +</pre> + <p> + It was high time that Captain Spike should arrive when his foot touched + the bottom of the yawl. The men were getting impatient and anxious to the + last degree, and the power of Señor Montefalderon to control them was + lessening each instant. They heard the rending of timber, and the grinding + on the coral, even more distinctly than the captain himself, and feared + that the brig would break up while they lay alongside of her, and crush + them amid the ruins. Then the spray of the seas that broke over the + weather side of the brig, fell like rain upon them; and everybody in the + boat was already as wet as if exposed to a violent shower. It was well, + therefore, for Spike that he descended into the boat as he did, for + another minute's delay might have brought about his own destruction. + </p> + <p> + Spike felt a chill at his heart when he looked about him and saw the + condition of the yawl. So crowded were the stern-sheets into which he had + descended, that it was with difficulty he found room to place his feet; it + being his intention to steer, Jack was ordered to get into the eyes of the + boat, in order to give him a seat. The thwarts were crowded, and three or + four of the people had placed themselves in the very bottom of the little + craft, in order to be as much as possible out of the way, as well as in + readiness to bail out water. So seriously, indeed, were all the seamen + impressed with the gravity of this last duty, that nearly every man had + taken with him some vessel fit for such a purpose. Rowing was entirely out + of the question, there being no space for the movement of the arms. The + yawl was too low in the water, moreover, for such an operation in so heavy + a sea. In all, eighteen persons were squeezed into a little craft that + would have been sufficiently loaded, for moderate weather at sea, with its + four oarsmen and as many sitters in the stern-sheets, with, perhaps, one + in the eyes to bring her more on an even keel. In other words, she had + twice the weight in her, in living freight, that it would have been + thought prudent to receive in so small a craft, in an ordinary time, in or + out of a port. In addition to the human beings enumerated, there was a + good deal of baggage, nearly every individual having had the forethought + to provide a few clothes for a change. The food and water did not amount + to much, no more having been provided than enough for the purposes of the + captain, together with the four men with whom it had been his intention to + abandon the brig. The effect of all this cargo was to bring the yawl quite + low in the water; and every sea-faring man in her had the greatest + apprehensions about her being able to float at all when she got out from + under the lee of the Swash, or into the troubled water. Try it she must, + however, and Spike, in a reluctant and hesitating manner, gave the final + order to “Shove off!” + </p> + <p> + The yawl carried a lugg, as is usually the case with boats at sea, and the + first blast of the breeze upon it satisfied Spike that his present + enterprise was one of the most dangerous of any in which he had ever been + engaged. The puffs of wind were quite as much as the boat would bear; but + this he did not mind, as he was running off before it, and there was + little danger of the yawl capsizing with such a weight in her. It was also + an advantage to have swift way on, to prevent the combing waves from + shooting into the boat, though the wind itself scarce outstrips the send + of the sea in a stiff blow. As the yawl cleared the brig and began to feel + the united power of the wind and waves, the following short dialogue + occurred between the boatswain and Spike. + </p> + <p> + “I dare not keep my eyes off the breakers ahead,” the captain commenced, + “and must trust to you, Strand, to report what is going on among the + man-of-war's men. What is the ship about?” + </p> + <p> + “Reefing her top-sails just now, sir. All three are on the caps, and the + vessel is laying-to, in a manner.” + </p> + <p> + “And her boats?” + </p> + <p> + “I see none, sir—ay, ay, there they come from alongside of her in a + little fleet! There are four of them, sir, and all are coming down before + the wind, wing and wing, carrying their luggs reefed.” + </p> + <p> + “Ours ought to be reefed by rights, too, but we dare not stop to do it; + and these infernal combing seas seem ready to glance aboard us with all + the way we can gather. Stand by to bail, men; we must pass through a strip + of white water—there is no help for it. God send that we go clear of + the rocks!” + </p> + <p> + All this was fearfully true. The adventurers were not yet more than a + cable's length from the brig, and they found themselves so completely + environed with the breakers as to be compelled to go through them. No man + in his senses would ever have come into such a place at all, except in the + most unavoidable circumstances; and it was with a species of despair that + the seamen of the yawl now saw their little craft go plunging into the + foam. + </p> + <p> + But Spike neglected no precaution that experience or skill could suggest. + He had chosen his spot with coolness and judgment. As the boat rose on the + seas he looked eagerly ahead, and by giving it a timely sheer, he hit a + sort of channel, where there was sufficient water to carry them clear of + the rock, and where the breakers were less dangerous than in the shoaler + places. The passage lasted about a minute; and so serious was it, that + scarce an individual breathed until it was effected. No human skill could + prevent the water from combing in over the gunwales; and when the danger + was passed, the yawl was a third filled with water. There was no time or + place to pause, but on the little craft was dragged almost gunwale to, the + breeze coming against the lugg in puffs that threatened to take the mast + out of her. All hands were bailing; and even Biddy used her hands to aid + in throwing out the water. + </p> + <p> + “This is no time to hesitate, men,” said Spike, sternly. “Everything must + go overboard but the food and water. Away with them at once, and with a + will.” + </p> + <p> + It was a proof how completely all hands were alarmed by this, the first + experiment in the breakers, that not a man stayed his hand a single + moment, but each threw into the sea, without an instant of hesitation, + every article he had brought with him and had hoped to save. Biddy parted + with the carpet-bag, and Señor Montefalderon, feeling the importance of + example, committed to the deep a small writing-desk that he had placed on + his knees. The doubloons alone remained, safe in a little locker where + Spike had deposited them along with his own. + </p> + <p> + “What news astern, boatswain?” demanded the captain, as soon as this + imminent danger was passed, absolutely afraid to turn his eyes off the + dangers ahead for a single instant. “How come on the man-of-war's men?” + </p> + <p> + “They are running down in a body toward the wreck, though one of their + boats does seem to be sheering out of the line, as if getting into our + wake. It is hard to say, sir, for they are still a good bit to windward of + the wreck.” + </p> + <p> + “And the Molly, Strand?” + </p> + <p> + “Why, sir, the Molly seems to be breaking up fast; as well as I can see, + she has broke in two just abaft the forechains, and cannot hold together + in any shape at all many minutes longer.” + </p> + <p> + This information drew a deep groan from Spike, and the eye of every seaman + in the boat was turned in melancholy on the object they were so fast + leaving behind them. The yawl could not be said to be sailing very + rapidly, considering the power of the wind, which was a little gale, for + she was much too deep for that, but she left the wreck so fast as already + to render objects on board her indistinct. Everybody saw that, like an + overburthened steed, she had more to get along with than she could well + bear; and, dependent as seamen usually are on the judgment and orders of + their superiors, even in the direst emergencies, the least experienced man + in her saw that their chances of final escape from drowning were of the + most doubtful nature. The men looked at each other in a way to express + their feelings; and the moment seemed favourable to Spike to confer with + his confidential sea-dogs in private; but more white water was also ahead, + and it was necessary to pass through it, since no opening was visible by + which to avoid it. He deferred his purpose, consequently, until this + danger was escaped. + </p> + <p> + On this occasion Spike saw but little opportunity to select a place to get + through the breakers, though the spot, as a whole, was not of the most + dangerous kind. The reader will understand that the preservation of the + boat at all, in white water, was owing to the circumstance that the rocks + all around it lay so near the surface of the sea as to prevent the + possibility of agitating the element very seriously, and to the fact that + she was near the lee side of the reef. Had the breakers been of the + magnitude of those which are seen where the deep rolling billows of the + ocean first meet the weather side of shoals or rocks, a craft of that + size, and so loaded, could not possibly have passed the first line of + white water without filling. As it was, however, the breakers she had to + contend with were sufficiently formidable, and they brought with them the + certainty that the boat was in imminent danger of striking the bottom at + any moment. Places like those in which Mulford had waded on the reef, + while it was calm, would now have proved fatal to the strongest frame, + since human powers were insufficient long to withstand the force of such + waves as did glance over even these shallows. + </p> + <p> + “Look out!” cried Spike, as the boat again plunged in among the white + water. “Keep bailing, men—keep bailing.” + </p> + <p> + The men did bail, and the danger was over almost as soon as encountered. + Something like a cheer burst out of the chest of Spike, when he saw deeper + water around him, and fancied he could now trace a channel that would + carry him quite beyond the extent of the reef. It was arrested, only half + uttered, however, by a communication from the boatswain, who sat on a + midship thwart, his arms folded, and his eye on the brig and the boats. + </p> + <p> + “There goes the Molly's masts, sir! Both have gone together; and as good + sticks was they, before them bomb-shells passed through our rigging, as + was ever stepped in a keelson.” + </p> + <p> + The cheer was changed to something like a groan, while a murmur of regret + passed through the boat. + </p> + <p> + “What news from the man-of-war's men, boatswain? Do they still stand down + on a mere wreck?” + </p> + <p> + “No, sir; they seem to give it up, and are getting out their oars to pull + back to their ship. A pretty time they'll have of it, too. The cutter that + gets to windward half a mile in an hour, ag'in such a sea, and such a + breeze, must be well pulled and better steered. One chap, however, sir, + seems to hold on.” + </p> + <p> + Spike now ventured to look behind him, commanding an experienced hand to + take the helm. In order to do this he was obliged to change places with + the man he had selected to come aft, which brought him on a thwart + alongside of the boatswain and one or two other of his confidants. Here a + whispered conference took place, which lasted several minutes, Spike + appearing to be giving instructions to the men. + </p> + <p> + By this time the yawl was more than a mile from the wreck, all the + man-of-war boats but one had lowered their sails, and were pulling slowly + and with great labour back toward the ship, the cutter that kept on, + evidently laying her course after the yawl, instead of standing on toward + the wreck. The brig was breaking up fast, with every probability that + nothing would be left of her in a few more minutes. As for the yawl, while + clear of the white water, it got along without receiving many seas aboard, + though the men in its bottom were kept bailing without intermission. It + appeared to Spike that so long as they remained on the reef, and could + keep clear of breakers—a most difficult thing, however—they + should fare better than if in deeper water, where the swell of the sea, + and the combing of the waves, menaced so small and so deep-loaded a craft + with serious danger. As it was, two or three men could barely keep the + boat clear, working incessantly, and much of the time with a foot or two + of water in her. + </p> + <p> + Josh and Simon had taken their seats, side by side, with that sort of + dependence and submission that causes the American black to abstain from + mingling with the whites more than might appear seemly. They were squeezed + on to one end of the thwart by a couple of robust old sea-dogs, who were + two of the very men with whom Spike had been in consultation. Beneath that + very thwart was stowed another confidant, to whom communications had also + been made. These men had sailed long in the Swash, and having been picked + up in various ports, from time to time, as the brig had wanted hands, they + were of nearly as many different nations as they were persons. Spike had + obtained a great ascendency over them by habit and authority, and his + suggestions were now received as a sort of law. As soon as the conference + was ended, the captain returned to the helm. + </p> + <p> + A minute more passed, during which the captain was anxiously surveying the + reef ahead, and the state of things astern. Ahead was more white water—the + last before they should get clear of the reef; and astern it was now + settled that the cutter that held on through the dangers of the place, was + in chase of the yawl. That Mulford was in her Spike made no doubt; and the + thought embittered even his present calamities. But the moment had arrived + for something decided. The white water ahead was much more formidable than + any they had passed; and the boldest seamen there gazed at it with dread. + Spike made a sign to the boatswain, and commenced the execution of his + dire project. + </p> + <p> + “I say, you Josh,” called out the captain, in the authoritative tones that + are so familiar to all on board a ship, “pull in that fender that is + dragging alongside.” + </p> + <p> + Josh leaned over the gunwale, and reported that there was no fender out. A + malediction followed, also so familiar to those acquainted with ships, and + the black was told to look again. This time, as had been expected, the + negro leaned with his head and body far over the side of the yawl, to look + for that which had no existence, when two of the men beneath the thwart + shoved his legs after them. Josh screamed, as he found himself going into + the water, with a sort of confused consciousness of the truth; and Spike + called out to Simon to “catch hold of his brother-nigger.” The cook bent + forward to obey, when a similar assault on <i>his</i> legs from beneath + the thwart, sent him headlong after Josh. One of the younger seamen, who + was not in the secret, sprang up to rescue Simon, who grasped his extended + hand, when the too generous fellow was pitched headlong from the boat. + </p> + <p> + All this occurred in less than ten seconds of time, and so unexpectedly + and naturally, that not a soul beyond those who were in the secret, had + the least suspicion it was anything but an accident. Some water was + shipped, of necessity, but the boat was soon bailed free. As for the + victims of this vile conspiracy, they disappeared amid the troubled waters + of the reef, struggling with each other. Each and all met the common fate + so much the sooner, from the manner in which they impeded their own + efforts. + </p> + <p> + The yawl was now relieved from about five hundred pounds of the weight it + had carried—Simon weighing two hundred alone, and the youngish + seaman being large and full. So intense does human selfishness get to be, + in moments of great emergency, that it is to be feared most of those who + remained, secretly rejoiced that they were so far benefited by the loss of + their fellows. The Señor Montefalderon was seated on the aftermost thwart, + with his legs in the stern-sheets, and consequently with his back toward + the negroes, and he fully believed that what had happened was purely + accidental. + </p> + <p> + “Let us lower our sail, Don Esteban,” he cried, eagerly, “and save the + poor fellows.” + </p> + <p> + Something very like a sneer gleamed on the dark countenance of the + captain, but it suddenly changed to a look of assent. + </p> + <p> + “Good!” he said, hastily—“spring forward, Don Wan, and lower the + sail—stand by the oars, men!” + </p> + <p> + Without pausing to reflect, the generous-hearted Mexican stepped on a + thwart, and began to walk rapidly forward, steadying himself by placing + his hands on the heads of the men. He was suffered to get as far as the + second thwart or past most of the conspirators, when his legs were seized + from behind. The truth now flashed on him, and grasping two of the men in + his front, who knew nothing of Spike's dire scheme, he endeavoured to save + himself by holding to their jackets. Thus assailed, those men seized + others with like intent, and an awful struggle filled all that part of the + craft. At this dread instant the boat glanced into the white water, + shipping so much of the element as nearly to swamp her, and taking so wild + a sheer as nearly to broach-to. This last circumstance probably saved her, + fearful as was the danger for the moment. Everybody in the middle of the + yawl was rendered desperate by the amount and nature of the danger + incurred, and the men from the bottom rose in their might, underneath the + combatants, when a common plunge was made by all who stood erect, one + dragging overboard another, each a good deal hastened by the assault from + beneath, until no less than five were gone. Spike got his helm up, the + boat fell off, and away from the spot it flew, clearing the breakers, and + reaching the northern wall-like margin of the reef at the next instant. + There was now a moment when those who remained could breathe, and dared to + look behind them. + </p> + <p> + The great plunge had been made in water so shoal, that the boat had barely + escaped being dashed to pieces on the coral. Had it not been so suddenly + relieved from the pressure of near a thousand pounds in weight, it is + probable that this calamity would have befallen it, the water received on + board contributing so much to weight it down. The struggle between these + victims ceased, however, the moment they went over. Finding bottom for + their feet, they released each other, in a desperate hope of prolonging + life by wading. Two or three held out their arms, and shouted to Spike to + return and pick them up. This dreadful scene lasted but a single instant, + for the waves dashed one after another from his feet, continually forcing + them all, as they occasionally regained their footing, toward the margin + of the reef, and finally washing them off it into deep water. No human + power could enable a man to swim back to the rocks, once to leeward of + them, in the face of such seas, and so heavy a blow; and the miserable + wretches disappeared in succession, as their strength became exhausted, in + the depths of the Gulf. + </p> + <p> + Not a word had been uttered while this terrific scene was in the course of + occurrence; not a word was uttered for some time afterward. Gleams of grim + satisfaction had been seen on the countenances of the boatswain and his + associates, when the success of their nefarious project was first assured; + but they soon disappeared in looks of horror, as they witnessed the + struggles of the drowning men. Nevertheless, human selfishness was strong + within them all, and none there was so ignorant as not to perceive how + much better were the chances of the yawl now than it had been on quitting + the wreck. The weight of a large ox had been taken from it, counting that + of all the eight men drowned; and as for the water shipped, it was soon + bailed back again into the sea. Not only, therefore, was the yawl in a + better condition to resist the waves, but it sailed materially faster than + it had done before. Ten persons still remained in it, however, which + brought it down in the water below its proper load-line; and the speed of + a craft so small was necessarily a good deal lessened by the least + deviation from its best sailing, or rowing trim. But Spike's projects were + not yet completed. + </p> + <p> + All this time the man-of-war's cutter had been rushing as madly through + the breakers, in chase, as the yawl had done in the attempt to escape. + Mulford was, in fact, on board it; and his now fast friend, Wallace, was + in command. The latter wished to seize a traitor, the former to save the + aunt of his weeping bride. Both believed that they might follow wherever + Spike dared to lead. This reasoning was more bold than judicious + notwithstanding, since the cutter was much larger, and drew twice as much + water as the yawl. On it came, nevertheless, faring much better in the + white water than the little craft it pursued, but necessarily running a + much more considerable risk of hitting the coral, over which it was + glancing almost as swiftly as the waves themselves; still it had thus far + escaped—and little did any in it think of the danger. This cutter + pulled ten oars; was an excellent sea boat; had four armed marines in it, + in addition to its crew, but carried all through the breakers, receiving + scarcely a drop of water on board, on account of the height of its + wash-boards, and the general qualities of the craft. It may be well to add + here, that the Poughkeepsie had shaken out her reefs, and was betraying + the impatience of Captain Mull to make sail in chase, by firing + signal-guns to his boats to bear a hand and return. These signals the + three boats under their oars were endeavouring to obey, but Wallace had + got so far to leeward as now to render the course he was pursuing the + wisest. + </p> + <p> + Mrs. Budd and Biddy had seen the struggle in which the Señor Montefalderon + had been lost, in a sort of stupid horror. Both had screamed, as was their + wont, though neither probably suspected the truth. But the fell designs of + Spike extended to them, as well as to those whom he had already destroyed. + Now the boat was in deep water, running along the margin of the reef, the + waves were much increased in magnitude, and the comb of the sea was far + more menacing to the boat. This would not have been the case had the rocks + formed a lee; but they did not, running too near the direction of the + trades to prevent the billows that got up a mile or so in the offing, from + sending their swell quite home to the reef. It was this swell, indeed, + which caused the line of white water along the northern margin of the + coral, washing on the rocks by a sort of lateral effort, and breaking, as + a matter of course. In many places, no boat could have lived to pass + through it. + </p> + <p> + Another consideration influenced Spike to persevere. The cutter had been + overhauling him, hand over hand, but since the yawl was relieved of the + weight of no less than eight men, the difference in the rate of sailing + was manifestly diminished. The man-of-war's boat drew nearer, but by no + means as fast as it had previously done. A point was now reached in the + trim of the yawl, when a very few hundreds in weight might make the most + important change in her favour; and this change the captain was determined + to produce. By this time the cutter was in deep water, as well as himself, + safe through all the dangers of the reef, and she was less than a quarter + of a mile astern. On the whole, she was gaining, though so slowly as to + require the most experienced eye to ascertain the fact. + </p> + <p> + “Madame Budd,” said Spike, in a hypocritical tone, “we are in great + danger, and I shall have to ask you to change your seat. The boat is too + much by the starn, now we've got into deep water, and your weight + amidships would be a great relief to us. Just give your hand to the + boatswain, and he will help you to step from thwart to thwart, until you + reach the right place, when Biddy shall follow.” + </p> + <p> + Now Mrs. Budd had witnessed the tremendous struggle in which so many had + gone overboard, but so dull was she of apprehension, and so little + disposed to suspect anything one-half so monstrous as the truth, that she + did not hesitate to comply. She was profoundly awed by the horrors of the + scene through which she was passing, the raging billows of the Gulf, as + seen from so small a craft, producing a deep impression on her; still a + lingering of her most inveterate affectation was to be found in her air + and language, which presented a strange medley of besetting weakness, and + strong, natural, womanly affection. + </p> + <p> + “Certainly, Captain Spike,” she answered, rising. “A craft should never go + astern, and I am quite willing to ballast the boat. We have seen such + terrible accidents today, that all should lend their aid in endeavouring + to get under way, and in averting all possible hamper. Only take me to my + poor, dear Rosy, Captain Spike, and everything shall be forgotten that has + passed between us. This is not a moment to bear malice; and I freely + pardon you all and everything. The fate of our unfortunate friend, Mr. + Montefalderon, should teach us charity, and cause us to prepare for + untimely ends.” + </p> + <p> + All the time the good widow was making this speech, which she uttered in a + solemn and oracular sort of manner, she was moving slowly toward the seat + the men had prepared for her, in the middle of the boat, assisted with the + greatest care and attention by the boatswain and another of Spike's + confidants. When on the second thwart from aft, and about to take her + seat, the boatswain cast a look behind him, and Spike put the helm down. + The boat luffed and lurched, of course, and Mrs. Budd would probably have + gone overboard to leeward, by so sudden and violent a change, had not the + impetus thus received been aided by the arms of the men who held her two + hands. The plunge she made into the water was deep, for she was a woman of + great weight for her stature. Still, she was not immediately gotten rid + of. Even at that dread instant, it is probable that the miserable woman + did not suspect the truth, for she grasped the hand of the boatswain with + the tenacity of a vice, and, thus dragged on the surface of the boiling + surges, she screamed aloud for Spike to save her. Of all who had yet been + sacrificed to the captain's selfish wish to save himself, this was the + first instance in which any had been heard to utter a sound, after falling + into the sea. The appeal shocked even the rude beings around her, and + Biddy chiming in with a powerful appeal to “save the missus!” added to the + piteous nature of the scene. + </p> + <p> + “Cast off her hand,” said Spike reproachfully, “she'll swamp the boat by + her struggles—get rid of her at once! Cut her fingers off, if she + wont let go!” + </p> + <p> + The instant these brutal orders were given, and that in a fierce, + impatient tone, the voice of Biddy was heard no more. The truth forced + itself on her dull imagination, and she sat a witness of the terrible + scene, in mute despair. The struggle did not last long. The boatswain drew + his knife across the wrist of the hand that grasped his own, one shriek + was heard, and the boat plunged into the trough of a sea, leaving the form + of poor Mrs. Budd struggling with the wave on its summit, and amid the + foam of its crest. This was the last that was ever seen of the unfortunate + relict. + </p> + <p> + “The boat has gained a good deal by that last discharge of cargo,” said + Spike to the boatswain, a minute after they had gotten rid of the + struggling woman—“she is much more lively, and is getting nearer to + her load-line. If we can bring her to <i>that,</i> I shall have no fear of + the man-of-war's men; for this yawl is one of the fastest boats that ever + floated.” + </p> + <p> + “A very little <i>now,</i> sir, would bring us to our true trim.” + </p> + <p> + “Ay, we must get rid of more cargo. Come, good woman,” turning to Biddy, + with whom he did not think it worth his while to use much circumlocution, + “<i>your</i> turn is next. It's the maid's duty to follow her mistress.” + </p> + <p> + “I know'd it <i>must</i> come,” said Biddy, meekly. “If there was no mercy + for the missus, little could I look for. But ye'll not take the life of a + Christian woman widout giving her so much as one minute to say her + prayers?” + </p> + <p> + “Ay, pray away,” answered Spike, his throat becoming dry and husky, for, + strange to say, the submissive quiet of the Irish woman, so different from + the struggle he had anticipated with <i>her,</i> rendered him more + reluctant to proceed than he had hitherto been in all of that terrible + day. As Biddy kneeled in the bottom of the stern-sheets, Spike looked + behind him, for the double purpose of escaping the painful spectacle at + his feet, and that of ascertaining how his pursuers came on. The last + still gained, though very slowly, and doubts began to come over the + captain's mind whether he could escape such enemies at all. He was too + deeply committed, however, to recede, and it was most desirable to get rid + of poor Biddy, if it were for no other motive than to shut her mouth. + Spike even fancied that some idea of what had passed was entertained by + those in the cutter. There was evidently a stir in that boat, and two + forms that he had no difficulty, now, in recognizing as those of Wallace + and Mulford, were standing on the grating in the eyes of the cutter, or + forward of the foresail. The former appeared to have a musket in his hand, + and the other a glass. The last circumstance admonished him that all that + was now done would be done before dangerous witnesses. It was too late to + draw back, however, and the captain turned to look for the Irish woman. + </p> + <p> + Biddy arose from her knees, just as Spike withdrew his eyes from his + pursuers. The boatswain and another confidant were in readiness to cast + the poor creature into the sea, the moment their leader gave the signal. + The intended victim saw and understood the arrangement, and she spoke + earnestly and piteously to her murderers. + </p> + <p> + “It's not wanting will be violence!” said Biddy, in a quiet tone, but with + a saddened countenance. “I know it's my turn, and I will save yer sowls + from a part of the burden of this great sin. God, and His Divine Son, and + the Blessed Mother of Jesus have mercy on me if it be wrong; but I would + far radder jump into the saa widout having the rude hands of man on me, + than have the dreadful sight of the missus done over ag'in. It's a fearful + thing is wather, and sometimes we have too little of it, and sometimes + more than we want—” + </p> + <p> + “Bear a hand, bear a hand, good woman,” interrupted the boatswain, + impatiently. “We must clear the boat of you, and the sooner it is done the + better it will be for all of us.” + </p> + <p> + “Don't grudge a poor morthal half a minute of life, at the last moment,” + answered Biddy. “It's not long that I'll throuble ye, and so no more need + be said.” + </p> + <p> + The poor creature then got on the quarter of the boat, without any one's + touching her; there she placed herself with her legs outboard, while she + sat on the gunwale. She gave one moment to the thought of arranging her + clothes with womanly decency, and then she paused to gaze with a fixed + eye, and pallid cheek, on the foaming wake that marked the rapid course of + the boat. The troughs of the sea seemed less terrible to her than their + combing crests, and she waited for the boat to descend into the next. + </p> + <p> + “God forgive ye all, this deed, as I do!” said Biddy, earnestly, and + bending her person forward, she fell, as it might be “without hands,” into + the gulf of eternity. Though all strained their eyes, none of the men, + Jack Tier excepted, ever saw more of Biddy Noon. Nor did Jack see much. He + got a frightful glimpse of an arm, however, on the summit of a wave, but + the motion of the boat was too swift, and the water of the ocean too + troubled, to admit of aught else. + </p> + <p> + A long pause succeeded this event. Biddy's quiet submission to her fate + had produced more impression on her murderers than the desperate, but + unavailing, struggles of those who had preceded her. Thus it is ever with + men. When opposed, the demon within blinds them to consequences as well as + to their duties; but, unresisted, the silent influence of the image of God + makes itself felt, and a better spirit begins to prevail. There was not + one in that boat who did not, for a brief space, wish that poor Biddy had + been spared. With most, that feeling, the last of human kindness they ever + knew, lingered until the occurrence of the dread catastrophe which, so + shortly after, closed the scene of this state of being on their eyes. + </p> + <p> + “Jack Tier,” called out Spike, some five minutes after Biddy was drowned, + but not until another observation had made it plainly apparent to him that + the man-of-war's men still continued to draw nearer, being now not more + than fair musket-shot astern. + </p> + <p> + “Ay, ay, sir,” answered Jack, coming quietly out of his hole, from forward + of the mast, and moving aft as if indifferent to the danger, by stepping + lightly from thwart to thwart, until he reached the stern-sheets. + </p> + <p> + “It is your turn, little Jack,” said Spike, as if in a sort of sorrowful + submission to a necessity that knew no law, “we cannot spare you the + room.” + </p> + <p> + “I have expected this, and am ready. Let me have my own way, and I will + cause you no trouble. Poor Biddy has taught me how to die. Before I go, + however, Stephen Spike, I must leave you this letter. It is written by + myself, and addressed to you. When I am gone, read it, and think well of + what it contains. And now, may a merciful God pardon the sins of both, + through love for His Divine Son. I forgive you, Stephen; and should you + live to escape from those who are now bent on hunting you to the death, + let this day cause you no grief on my account. Give me but a moment of + time, and I will cause you no trouble.” + </p> + <p> + Jack now stood upon the seat of the stern-sheets, balancing himself with + one foot on the stern of the boat. He waited until the yawl had risen to + the summit of a wave, when he looked eagerly for the man-of-war's cutter. + At that moment she was lost to view in the trough of the sea. Instead of + springing overboard, as all expected, he asked another instant of delay. + The yawl sank into the trough itself, and rose on the succeeding billow. + Then he saw the cutter, and Wallace and Mulford standing in its bows. He + waved his hat to them, and sprang high into the air, with the intent to + make himself seen; when he came down the boat had shot her length away + from the place, leaving him to buffet with the waves. Jack now managed + admirably, swimming lightly and easily, but keeping his eyes on the crests + of the waves, with a view to meet the cutter. Spike now saw this + well-planned project to avoid death, and regretted his own remissness in + not making sure of Jack. Everybody in the yawl was eagerly looking after + the form of Tier. + </p> + <p> + “There he is on the comb of that sea, rolling over like a keg!” cried the + boatswain. + </p> + <p> + “He 's through it,” answered Spike, “and swimming with great strength and + coolness.” + </p> + <p> + Several of the men started up involuntarily and simultaneously to look, + hitting their shoulders and bodies together. Distrust was at its most + painful height; and bull-dogs do not spring at the ox's muzzle more + fiercely than those six men throttled each other. Oaths, curses, and + appeals for help, succeeded; each man endeavouring, in his frenzied + efforts, to throw all the others overboard, as the only means of saving + himself. Plunge succeeded plunge; and when that combat of demons ended, no + one remained of them all but the boatswain. Spike had taken no share in + the struggle, looking on in grim satisfaction, as the Father of Lies may + be supposed to regard all human strife, hoping good to himself, let the + result be what it might to others. Of the five men who thus went + overboard, not one escaped. They drowned each other by continuing their + maddened conflict in an element unsuited to their natures. + </p> + <p> + Not so with Jack Tier. His leap had been seen, and a dozen eyes in the + cutter watched for his person, as that boat came foaming down before the + wind. A shout of “There he is!” from Mulford succeeded; and the little + fellow was caught by the hair, secured, and then hauled into the boat by + the second lieutenant of the Poughkeepsie and our young mate. + </p> + <p> + Others in the cutter had noted the incident of the hellish fight. The fact + was communicated to Wallace, and Mulford said, “That yawl will outsail + this loaded cutter, with only two men in it.” + </p> + <p> + “Then it is time to try what virtue there is in lead,” answered Wallace. + “Marines, come forward, and give the rascal a volley.” + </p> + <p> + The volley was fired; one ball passed through the head of the boatswain, + killing him dead on the spot. Another went through the body of Spike. The + captain fell in the stern-sheets, and the boat instantly broached-to. + </p> + <p> + The water that came on board apprised Spike fully of the state in which he + was now placed, and by a desperate effort, he clutched the tiller, and got + the yawl again before the wind. This could not last, however. Little by + little, his hold relaxed, until his hand relinquished its grasp + altogether, and the wounded man sank into the bottom of the stern-sheets, + unable to raise even his head. Again the boat broached-to. Every sea now + sent its water aboard, and the yawl would soon have filled, had not the + cutter come glancing down past it, and rounding-to under its lee, secured + the prize. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0016" id="link2HCH0016"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER VIII. + </h2> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + Man hath a weary pilgrimage, + As through the world he wends; + On every stage, from youth to age, + Still discontent attends; + With heaviness he casts his eye, + Upon the road before, + And still remembers with a sigh + The days that are no more. + + Southey. +</pre> + <p> + It has now become necessary to advance the time three entire days, and to + change the scene to Key West. As this latter place may not be known to the + world at large, it may be well to explain that it is a small seaport, + situate on one of the largest of the many low islands that dot the Florida + Reef, that has risen into notice, or indeed into existence as a town, + since the acquisition of the Floridas by the American Republic. For many + years it was the resort of few besides wreckers, and those who live by the + business dependent on the rescuing and repairing of stranded vessels, not + forgetting the salvages. When it is remembered that the greater portion of + the vessels that enter the Gulf of Mexico stand close along this reef, + before the trades, for a distance varying from one to two hundred miles, + and that nearly everything which quits it, is obliged to beat down its + rocky coast in the Gulf Stream for the same distance, one is not to be + surprised that the wrecks, which so constantly occur, can supply the wants + of a considerable population. To live at Key West is the next thing to + being at sea. The place has sea air, no other water than such as is + preserved in cisterns, and no soil, or so little as to render even a head + of lettuce a rarity. Turtle is abundant, and the business of “turtling” + forms an occupation additional to that of wrecking. As might be expected, + in such circumstances, a potato is a far more precious thing than a + turtle's egg, and a sack of the tubers would probably be deemed a + sufficient remuneration for enough of the materials of callipash and + callipee to feed all the aldermen extant. + </p> + <p> + Of late years, the government of the United States has turned its + attention to the capabilities of the Florida Reef, as an advanced naval + station; a sort of Downs, or St. Helen's Roads, for the West Indian seas. + As yet little has been done beyond making the preliminary surveys, but the + day is not probably very distant when fleets will lie at anchor among the + islets described in our earlier chapters, or garnish the fine waters of + Key West. For a long time it was thought that even frigates would have a + difficulty in entering and quitting the port of the latter, but it is said + that recent explorations have discovered channels capable of admitting + anything that floats. Still Key West is a town yet in its chrysalis state, + possessing the promise rather than the fruition of the prosperous days + which are in reserve. It may be well to add, that it lies a very little + north of the 24th degree of latitude, and in a longitude quite five + degrees west from Washington. Until the recent conquests in Mexico it was + the most southern possession of the American government, on the eastern + side of the continent; Cape St. Lucas, at the extremity of Lower + California, however, being two degrees farther south. + </p> + <p> + It will give the foreign reader a more accurate notion of the character of + Key West, if we mention a fact of quite recent occurrence. A very few + weeks after the closing scenes of this tale, the town in question was, in + a great measure, washed away! A hurricane brought in the sea upon all + these islands and reefs, water running in swift currents over places that + within the memory of man were never before submerged. The lower part of + Key West was converted into a raging sea, and everything in that quarter + of the place disappeared. The foundation being of rock, however, when the + ocean retired the island came into view again, and industry and enterprise + set to work to repair the injuries. + </p> + <p> + The government has established a small hospital for seamen at Key West. + Into one of the rooms of the building thus appropriated our narrative must + now conduct the reader. It contained but a single patient, and that was + Spike. He was on his narrow bed, which was to be but the pucursor of a + still narrower tenement, the grave. In the room with the dying man were + two females, in one of whom our readers will at once recognize the person + of Rose Budd, dressed in deep mourning for her aunt. At first sight, it is + probable that a casual spectator would mistake the second female for one + of the ordinary nurses of the place. Her attire was well enough, though + worn awkwardly, and as if its owner were not exactly at ease in it. She + had the air of one in her best attire, who was unaccustomed to be dressed + above the most common mode. What added to the singularity of her + appearance, was the fact, that while she wore no cap, her hair had been + cut into short, gray bristles, instead of being long, and turned up, as is + usual with females. To give a sort of climax to this uncouth appearance, + this strange-looking creature chewed tobacco. + </p> + <p> + The woman in question, equivocal as might be her exterior, was employed in + one of the commonest avocations of her sex—that of sewing. She held + in her hand a coarse garment, one of Spike's, in fact, which she seemed to + be intently busy in mending; although the work was of a quality that + invited the use of the palm and sail-needle, rather than that of the + thimble and the smaller implement known to seamstresses, the woman + appeared awkward in her business, as if her coarse-looking and dark hands + refused to lend themselves to an occupation so feminine. Nevertheless, + there were touches of a purely womanly character about this extraordinary + person, and touches that particularly attracted the attention, and + awakened the sympathy of the gentle Rose, her companion. Tears + occasionally struggled out from beneath her eyelids, crossed her dark, + sun-burnt cheek, and fell on the coarse canvas garment that lay in her + lap. It was after one of these sudden and strong exhibitions of feeling + that Rose approached her, laid her own little, fair hand, in a friendly + way, though unheeded, on the other's shoulder, and spoke to her in her + kindest and softest tones. + </p> + <p> + “I do really think he is reviving, Jack,” said Rose, “and that you may yet + hope to have an intelligent conversation with him.” + </p> + <p> + “They all agree he <i>must</i> die,” answered Jack Tier—for it was + <i>he,</i> appearing in the garb of his proper sex, after a disguise that + had now lasted fully twenty years—“and he will never know who I am, + and that I forgive him. He must think of me in another world, though he is + n't able to do it in this; but it would be a great relief to his soul to + know that I forgive him.” + </p> + <p> + “To be sure, a man must like to take a kind leave of his own wife before + he closes his eyes for ever; and I dare say it would be a great relief to + you to tell him that you have forgotten his desertion of you, and all the + hardships it has brought upon you in searching for him, and in earning + your own livelihood as a common sailor.” + </p> + <p> + “I shall not tell him I've <i>forgotten</i> it, Miss Rose; that would be + untrue—and there shall be no more deception between us; but I shall + tell him that I <i>forgive</i> him, as I hope God will one day forgive me + all <i>my</i> sins.” + </p> + <p> + “It is, certainly, not a light offence to desert a wife in a foreign land, + and then to seek to deceive another woman,” quietly observed Rose. + </p> + <p> + “He's a willian!” muttered the wife—“but—but—” + </p> + <p> + “You forgive him, Jack—yes, I'm sure you do. You are too good a + Christian to refuse to forgive him.” + </p> + <p> + “I'm a woman a'ter all, Miss Rose; and that, I believe, is the truth of + it. I suppose I ought to do as you say, for the reason you mention; but + I'm his wife—and once he loved me, though that has long been over. + When I first knew Stephen, I'd the sort of feelin's you speak of, and was + a very different creatur' from what you see me to-day. Change comes over + us all with years and sufferin'.” + </p> + <p> + Rose did not answer, but she stood looking intently at the speaker more + than a minute. Change had, indeed, come over her, if she had ever + possessed the power to please the fancy of any living man. Her features + had always seemed diminutive and mean for her assumed sex, as her voice + was small and cracked; but, making every allowance for the probabilities, + Rose found it difficult to imagine that Jack Tier had ever possessed, even + under the high advantages of youth and innocence, the attractions so + common to her sex. Her skin had acquired the tanning of the sea; the + expression of her face had become hard and worldly; and her habits + contributed to render those natural consequences of exposure and toil even + more than usually marked and decided. By saying “habits,” however, we do + not mean that Jack had ever drunk to excess, as happens with so many + seamen, for this would have been doing her injustice, but she smoked and + chewed—practices that intoxicate in another form, and lead nearly as + many to the grave as excess in drinking. Thus all the accessories about + this singular being, partook of the character of her recent life and + duties. Her walk was between a waddle and a seaman's roll, her hands were + discoloured with tar, and had got to be full of knuckles, and even her + feet had degenerated into that flat, broad-toed form that, perhaps, sooner + distinguishes caste, in connection with outward appearances, than any one + other physical peculiarity. Yet this being <i>had</i> once been young—had + once been even <i>fair;</i> and had once possessed that feminine air and + lightness of form, that as often belongs to the youthful American of her + sex, perhaps, as to the girl of any other nation on earth. Rose continued + to gaze at her companion for some time, when she walked musingly to a + window that looked out upon the port. + </p> + <p> + “I am not certain whether it would do him good or not to see this sight,” + she said, addressing the wife kindly, doubtful of the effect of her words + even on the latter. “But here are the sloop-of-war, and several other + vessels.” + </p> + <p> + “Ay, she is <i>there;</i> but never will his foot be put on board the + Swash ag'in. When he bought that brig I was still young, and agreeable to + him; and he gave her my maiden name, which was Mary, or Molly Swash. But + that is all changed; I wonder he did not change the name with his change + of feelin's.” + </p> + <p> + “Then you did really sail in the brig in former times, and knew the seaman + whose name you assumed?” + </p> + <p> + “Many years. Tier, with whose name I made free, on account of his size, + and some resemblance to me in form, died under my care; and his protection + fell into my hands, which first put the notion into my head of hailing as + his representative. Yes, I knew Tier in the brig, and we were left ashore + at the same time; I, intentionally, I make no question; he, because + Stephen Spike was in a hurry, and did not choose to wait for a man. The + poor fellow caught the yellow fever the very next day, and did not live + eight-and-forty hours. So the world goes; them that wish to live, die; and + them that wants to die, live!” + </p> + <p> + “You have had a hard time for one of your sex, poor Jack—quite + twenty years a sailor, did you not tell me?” + </p> + <p> + “Every day of it, Miss Rose—and bitter years have they been; for the + whole of that time have I been in chase of my husband, keeping my own + secret, and slaving like a horse for a livelihood.” + </p> + <p> + “You could not have been old when he left—that is—when you + parted.” + </p> + <p> + “Call it by its true name, and say at once, when he desarted me. I was + under thirty by two or three years, and was still like my own sex to look + at. All <i>that</i> is changed since; but I <i>was</i> comely <i>then</i>.” + </p> + <p> + “<i>Why</i> did Captain Spike abandon you, Jack; you have never told me <i>that</i>.” + </p> + <p> + “Because he fancied another. And ever since that time he has been fancying + others, instead of remembering me. Had he got <i>you,</i> Miss Rose, I + think he would have been content for the rest of his days.” + </p> + <p> + “Be certain, Jack, I should never have consented to marry Captain Spike.” + </p> + <p> + “You're well out of his hands,” answered Jack, sighing heavily, which was + the most feminine thing she had done during the whole conversation, “well + out of his hands—and God be praised it is so. He should have died, + before I would let him carry you off the island—husband or no + husband.” + </p> + <p> + “It might have exceeded your power to prevent it under other + circumstances, Jack.” + </p> + <p> + Rose now continued looking out of the window in silence. Her thoughts + reverted to her aunt and Biddy, and tears rolled down her cheeks as she + remembered the love of one, and the fidelity of the other. Their horrible + fate had given her a shock that, at first, menaced her with a severe fit + of illness; but her strong, good sense, and excellent constitution, both + sustained by her piety and Harry's manly tenderness, had brought her + through the danger, and left her, as the reader now sees her, struggling + with her own griefs, in order to be of use to the still more unhappy woman + who had so singularly become her friend and companion. + </p> + <p> + The reader will readily have anticipated that Jack Tier had early made the + females on board the Swash her confidants. Rose had known the outlines of + her history from the first few days they were at sea together, which is + the explanation of the visible intimacy that had caused Mulford so much + surprise. Jack's motive in making his revelations might possibly have been + tinctured with jealousy, but a desire to save one as young and innocent as + Rose was at its bottom. Few persons but a wife would have supposed our + heroine could have been in any danger from a lover like Spike; but Jack + saw him with the eyes of her own youth, and of past recollections, rather + than with those of truth. A movement of the wounded man first drew Rose + from the window. Drying her eyes hastily, she turned toward him, fancying + she might prove the better nurse of the two, notwithstanding Jack's + greater interest in the patient. + </p> + <p> + “What place is this—and why am I here?” demanded Spike, with more + strength of voice than could have been expected, after all that had + passed. “This is not a cabin—not the Swash—it looks like a + hospital.” + </p> + <p> + “It is a hospital, Captain Spike,” said Rose, gently drawing near the bed; + “you have been hurt, and have been brought to Key West, and placed in the + hospital. I hope you feel better, and that you suffer no pain.” + </p> + <p> + “My head is n't right—I do n't know—everything seems turned + round with me—perhaps it will all come out as it should. I begin to + remember—where is my brig?” + </p> + <p> + “She is lost on the rocks. The seas have broken her into fragments.” + </p> + <p> + “That's melancholy news, at any rate. Ah! Miss Rose! God bless you—I've + had terrible dreams. Well, it's pleasant to be among friends—what + creature is that—where does <i>she</i> come from?” + </p> + <p> + “That is Jack Tier,” answered Rose, steadily. “She turns out to be a + woman, and has put on her proper dress, in order to attend on you during + your illness. Jack has never left your bedside since we have been here.” + </p> + <p> + A long silence succeeded this revelation. Jack's eyes twinkled, and she + hitched her body half aside, as if to conceal her features, where emotions + that were unusual were at work with the muscles. Rose thought it might be + well to leave the man and wife alone—and she managed to get out of + the room unobserved. + </p> + <p> + Spike continued to gaze at the strange-looking female, who was now his + sole companion. Gradually his recollection returned, and with it the full + consciousness of his situation. He might not have been fully aware of the + absolute certainty of his approaching death, but he must have known that + his wound was of a very grave character, and that the result might early + prove fatal. Still that strange and unknown figure haunted him; a figure + that was so different from any he had ever seen before, and which, in + spite of its present dress, seemed to belong quite as much to one sex as + to the other. As for Jack, we call Molly, or Mary Swash by her masculine + appellation, not only because it is more familiar, but because the other + name seems really out of place, as applied to such a person—as for + Jack, then, she sat with her face half averted, thumbing the canvas, and + endeavouring to ply the needle, but perfectly mute. She was conscious that + Spike's eyes were on her; and a lingering feeling of her sex told her how + much time, exposure, and circumstances, had changed her person—and + she would gladly have hidden the defects in her appearance. + </p> + <p> + Mary Swash was the daughter as well as the wife of a ship-master. In her + youth, as has been said before, she had even been pretty, and down to the + day when her husband deserted her, she would have been thought a female of + a comely appearance rather than the reverse. Her hair in particular, + though slightly coarse, perhaps, had been rich and abundant; and the + change from the long, dark, shining, flowing locks which she still + possessed in her thirtieth year, to the short, grey bristles that now + stood exposed without a cap, or covering of any sort, was one very likely + to destroy all identity of appearance. Then Jack had passed from what + might be called youth to the verge of old age, in the interval that she + had been separated from her husband. Her shape had changed entirely; her + complexion was utterly gone; and her features, always unmeaning, though + feminine, and suitable to her sex, had become hard and slightly coarse. + Still there was something of her former self about Jack that bewildered + Spike; and his eyes continued fastened on her for quite a quarter of an + hour in profound silence. + </p> + <p> + “Give me some water,” said the wounded man, “I wish some water to drink.” + </p> + <p> + Jack arose, filled a tumbler and brought it to the side of the bed. Spike + took the glass and drank, but the whole time his eyes were riveted on the + strange nurse. When his thirst was appeased, he asked— + </p> + <p> + “Who are you? How came you here?” + </p> + <p> + “I am your nurse. It is common to place nurses at the bedsides of the + sick.” + </p> + <p> + “Are you man or woman?” + </p> + <p> + “That is a question I hardly know how to answer. Sometimes I think myself + each; sometimes neither.” + </p> + <p> + “Did I ever see you before?” + </p> + <p> + “Often, and quite lately. I sailed with you in your last voyage.” + </p> + <p> + “You! That cannot be. If so, what is your name?” + </p> + <p> + “Jack Tier.” + </p> + <p> + A long pause succeeded this announcement, which induced Spike to muse as + intently as his condition would allow, though the truth did not yet flash + on his understanding. At length the bewildered man again spoke. + </p> + <p> + “Are <i>you</i> Jack Tier?” he said slowly, like one who doubted. “Yes—I + now see the resemblance, and it was <i>that</i> which puzzled me. Are they + so rigid in this hospital that you have been obliged to put on woman's + clothes in order to lend me a helping hand?” + </p> + <p> + “I am dressed as you see, and for good reasons.” + </p> + <p> + “But Jack Tier run, like that rascal Mulford—ay, I remember now; you + were in the boat when I overhauled you all on the reef.” + </p> + <p> + “Very true; I was in the boat. But I never run, Stephen Spike. It was <i>you</i> + who abandoned <i>me,</i> on the islet in the Gulf, and that makes the + second time in your life that you left me ashore, when it was your duty to + carry me to sea.” + </p> + <p> + “The first time I was in a hurry, and could not wait for you; this last + time you took sides with the women. But for your interference, I should + have got Rose, and married her, and all would now have been well with me.” + </p> + <p> + This was an awkward announcement for a man to make to his legal wife. But + after all Jack had endured, and all Jack had seen during the late voyage, + she was not to be overcome by this avowal. Her self-command extended so + far as to prevent any open manifestation of emotion, however much her + feelings were excited. + </p> + <p> + “I took sides with the women, because I am a woman myself,” she answered, + speaking at length with decision, as if determined to bring matters to a + head at once. “It is natural for us all to take sides with our kind.” + </p> + <p> + “You a woman, Jack! That is very remarkable. Since when have you hailed + for a woman? You have shipped with me twice, and each time as a man—though + I've never thought you able to do seaman's duty.” + </p> + <p> + “Nevertheless, I am what you see; a woman born and edicated; one that + never had on man's dress until I knew you. <i>You</i> supposed me to be a + man, when I came off to you in the skiff to the eastward of Riker's + Island, but I was then what you now see.” + </p> + <p> + “I begin to understand matters,” rejoined the invalid, musingly. “Ay, ay, + it opens on me; and I now see how it was you made such fair weather with + Madam Budd and pretty, pretty Rose. Rose <i>is</i> pretty, Jack; you <i>must</i> + admit <i>that,</i> though you be a woman.” + </p> + <p> + “Rose <i>is</i> pretty—I do admit it; and what is better, Rose is <i>good.”</i> + It required a heavy draft on Jack's justice and magnanimity, however, to + make this concession. + </p> + <p> + “And you told Rose and Madam Budd about your sex; and that was the reason + they took to you so on the v'y'ge?” + </p> + <p> + “I told them who I was, and why I went abroad as a man. They know my whole + story.” + </p> + <p> + “Did Rose approve of your sailing under false colours, Jack?” + </p> + <p> + “You must ask that of Rose herself. My story made her my friend; but she + never said anything for or against my disguise.” + </p> + <p> + “It was no great disguise a'ter all, Jack. Now you're fitted out in your + own clothes, you've a sort of half-rigged look; one would be as likely to + set you down for a man under jury-canvas, as for a woman.” + </p> + <p> + Jack made no answer to this, but she sighed very heavily. As for Spike + himself, he was silent for some little time, not only from exhaustion, but + because he suffered pain from his wound. The needle was diligently but + awkwardly plied in this pause. + </p> + <p> + Spike's ideas were still a little confused; but a silence and rest of a + quarter of an hour cleared them materially. At the end of that time he + again asked for water. When he had drunk, and Jack was once more seated, + with his side-face toward him, at work with the needle, the captain gazed + long and intently at this strange woman. It happened that the profile of + Jack preserved more of the resemblance to her former self, than the full + face; and it was this resemblance that now attracted Spike's attention, + though not the smallest suspicion of the truth yet gleamed upon him. He + saw something that was familiar, though he could not even tell what that + something was, much less to what or whom it bore any resemblance. At + length he spoke. + </p> + <p> + “I was told that Jack Tier was dead,” he said; “that he took the fever, + and was in his grave within eight-and-forty hours after we sailed. That + was what they told me of <i>him</i>.” + </p> + <p> + “And what did they tell you of your own wife, Stephen Spike. She that you + left ashore at the time Jack was left?” + </p> + <p> + “They said she did not die for three years later. I heard of her death at + New Or<i>leens,</i> three years later.” + </p> + <p> + “And how could you leave her ashore—she, your true and lawful wife?” + </p> + <p> + “It was a bad thing,” answered Spike, who, like all other mortals, + regarded his own past career, now that he stood on the edge of the grave, + very differently from what he had regarded it in the hour of his health + and strength. “Yes, it <i>was</i> a very bad thing; and I wish it was + ondone. But it is too late now. She died of the fever, too—that's + some comfort; had she died of a broken heart, I could not have forgiven + myself. Molly was not without her faults—great faults, I considered + them; but, on the whole, Molly was a good creatur'.” + </p> + <p> + “You liked her, then, Stephen Spike?” + </p> + <p> + “I can truly say that when I married Molly, and old Captain Swash put his + da'ghter's hand into mine, that the woman was n't living who was better in + my judgment, or handsomer in my eyes.” + </p> + <p> + “Ay, ay—when you <i>married</i> her; but how was it a'terwards?—when + you was tired of her, and saw another that was fairer in your eyes?” + </p> + <p> + “I desarted her; and God has punished me for the sin! Do you know, Jack, + that luck has never been with me since that day. Often and often have I + bethought me of it; and sartain as you sit there, no great luck has ever + been with me, or my craft, since I went off, leaving my wife ashore. What + was made in one v'y'ge, was lost in the next. Up and down, up and down the + whole time, for so many, many long years, that grey hairs set in, and old + age was beginning to get close aboard—and I as poor as ever. It has + been rub and go with me ever since; and I have had as much as I could do + to keep the brig in motion, as the only means that was left to make the + two ends meet.” + </p> + <p> + “And did not all this make you think of your poor wife—she whom you + had so wronged?” + </p> + <p> + “I thought of little else, until I heard of her death at New Or<i>leens</i>—and + then I gave it up as useless. Could I have fallen in with Molly at any + time a'ter the first six months of my desartion, she and I would have come + together again, and everything would have been forgotten. I knowed her + very nature, which was all forgiveness to me at the bottom, though + seemingly so spiteful and hard.” + </p> + <p> + “Yet you wanted to have this Rose Budd, who is only too young, and + handsome, and good for you.” + </p> + <p> + “I was tired of being a widower, Jack; and Rose <i>is</i> wonderful + pretty. She has money, too, and might make the evening of my days + comfortable. The brig was old, as you must know, and has long been off of + all the Insurance Offices' books; and she could n't hold together much + longer. But for this sloop-of-war, I should have put her off on the + Mexicans; and they would have lost her to our people in a month.” + </p> + <p> + “And was it an honest thing to sell an old and worn-out craft to any one, + Stephen Spike?” + </p> + <p> + Spike had a conscience that had become hard as iron by means of trade. He + who traffics much, most especially if his dealings be on so small a scale + as to render constant investigations of the minor qualities of things + necessary, must be a very fortunate man, if he preserve his conscience in + any better condition. When Jack made this allusion, therefore, the dying + man—for death was much nearer to Spike that even be supposed, though + he no longer hoped for his own recovery—when Jack made this + allusion, then, the dying man was a good deal at a loss to comprehend it. + He saw no particular harm in making the best bargain he could; nor was it + easy for him to understand why he might not dispose of anything he + possessed for the highest price that was to be had. Still he answered in + an apologetic sort of way. + </p> + <p> + “The brig was old, I acknowledge,” he said, “but she was strong, and <i>might</i> + have run a long time. I only spoke of her capture as a thing likely to + take place soon, if the Mexicans got her; so that her qualities were of no + great account, unless it might be her speed—and that you know was + excellent, Jack.” + </p> + <p> + “And you regret that brig, Stephen Spike, lying as you do on your + death-bed, more than anything else.” + </p> + <p> + “Not as much as I do pretty Rose Budd, Jack; Rosy is so delightful to look + at!” + </p> + <p> + The muscles of Jack's face twitched a little, and she looked deeply + mortified; for, to own the truth, she hoped that the conversation had so + far turned her delinquent husband's thoughts to the past, as to have + revived in him some of his former interest in herself. It is true, he + still believed her dead; but this was a circumstance Jack overlooked—so + hard is it to hear the praises of a rival, and be just. She felt the + necessity of being more explicit, and determined at once to come to the + point. + </p> + <p> + “Stephen Spike,” she said, steadily, drawing near to the bed-side, “you + should be told the truth, when you are heard thus extolling the good looks + of Rose Budd, with less than eight-and-forty hours of life remaining. Mary + Swash did not die, as you have supposed, three years a'ter you desarted + her, but is living at this moment. Had you read the letter I gave you in + the boat, just before you made me jump into the sea, <i>that</i> would + have told you where she is to be found.” + </p> + <p> + Spike stared at the speaker intently; and when her cracked voice ceased, + his look was that of a man who was terrified as well as bewildered. This + did not arise still from any gleamings of the real state of the case, but + from the soreness with which his conscience pricked him, when he heard + that his much-wronged wife was alive. He fancied, with a vivid and rapid + glance at the probabilities, all that a woman abandoned would be likely to + endure in the course of so many long and suffering years. + </p> + <p> + “Are you sure of what you say, Jack? You would n't take advantage of my + situation to tell me an untruth?” + </p> + <p> + “As certain of it as of my own existence. I have seen her quite lately—talked + with her of <i>you</i>—in short, she is now at Key West, knows your + state, and has a wife's feelin's to come to your bed-side.” + </p> + <p> + Notwithstanding all this, and the many gleamings he had had of the facts + during their late intercourse on board the brig, Spike did not guess at + the truth. He appeared astounded, and his terror seemed to increase. + </p> + <p> + “I have another thing to tell you,” continued Jack, pausing but a moment + to collect her own thoughts. “Jack Tier—the real Jack Tier—he + who sailed with you of old, and whom you left ashore at the same time you + desarted your wife, <i>did</i> die of the fever, as you was told, in + eight-and-forty hours a'ter the brig went to sea.” + </p> + <p> + “Then who, in the name of Heaven, are you? How came you to hail by + another's name as well as by another sex?” + </p> + <p> + “What could a woman do, whose husband had desarted her in a strange land?” + </p> + <p> + “That is remarkable! So <i>you</i>'ve been married? I should not have + thought <i>that</i> possible; and your husband desarted you, too. Well, + such things <i>do</i> happen.” + </p> + <p> + Jack now felt a severe pang. She could not but see that her ungainly—we + had almost said her unearthly appearance—prevented the captain from + even yet suspecting the truth; and the meaning of his language was not + easily to be mistaken. That any one should have married <i>her,</i> seemed + to her husband as improbable as it was probable he would run away from her + as soon as it was in his power after the ceremony. + </p> + <p> + “Stephen Spike,” resumed Jack, solemnly, “<i>I</i> am Mary Swash—<i>I</i> + am your wife!” + </p> + <p> + Spike started in his bed; then he buried his face in the coverlet—and + he actually groaned. In bitterness of spirit the woman turned away and + wept. Her feelings had been blunted by misfortune and the collisions of a + selfish world; but enough of former self remained to make this the hardest + of all the blows she had ever received. Her husband, dying as he was, as + he must and did know himself to be, shrunk from one of her appearance, + unsexed as she had become by habits, and changed by years and suffering. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0017" id="link2HCH0017"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER IX. + </h2> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + The trusting heart's repose, the paradise + Of home, with all its loves, doth fate allow + The crown of glory unto woman's brow. + + Mrs. Hemans. +</pre> + <p> + It has again become necessary to advance the time; and we shall take the + occasion thus offered to make a few explanations touching certain events + which have been passed over without notice. + </p> + <p> + The reason why Captain Mull did not chase the yawl of the brig in the + Poughkeepsie herself, was the necessity of waiting for his own boats that + were endeavouring to regain the sloop-of-war. It would not have done to + abandon them, inasmuch as the men were so much exhausted by the pull to + windward, that when they reached the vessel all were relieved from duty + for the rest of the day. As soon, however, as the other boats were hoisted + in, or run up, the ship filled away, stood out of the passage and ran down + to join the cutter of Wallace, which was endeavouring to keep its + position, as much as possible, by making short tacks under close-reefed + luggs. + </p> + <p> + Spike had been received on board the sloop-of-war, sent into her sick bay, + and put under the care of the surgeon and his assistants. From the first, + these gentlemen pronounced the hurt mortal. The wounded man was insensible + most of the time, until the ship had beat up and gone into Key West, where + he was transferred to the regular hospital, as has already been mentioned. + </p> + <p> + The wreckers went out the moment the news of the calamity of the Swash + reached their ears. Some went in quest of the doubloons of the schooner, + and others to pick up anything valuable that might be discovered in the + neighbourhood of the stranded brig. It may be mentioned here, that not + much was ever obtained from the brigantine, with the exception of a few + spars, the sails, and a little rigging; but, in the end, the schooner was + raised, by means of the chain Spike had placed around her, the cabin was + ransacked, and the doubloons were recovered. As there was no one to claim + the money, it was quietly divided among the conscientious citizens present + at its re-visiting “the glimpses of the moon,” making gold plenty. + </p> + <p> + The doubloons in the yawl would have been lost but for the sagacity of + Mulford. He too well knew the character of Spike to believe he would quit + the brig without taking the doubloons with him. Acquainted with the boat, + he examined the little locker in the stern-sheets, and found the two bags, + one of which was probably the lawful property of Captain Spike, while the + other, in truth, belonged to the Mexican government. The last contained + the most gold, but the first amounted to a sum that our young mate knew to + be very considerable. Rose had made him acquainted with the sex of Jack + Tier since their own marriage; and he at once saw that the claims of this + uncouth wife, who was so soon to be a widow, to the gold in question, + might prove to be as good in law, as they unquestionably were in morals. + On representing the facts of the case to Captain Mull and the legal + functionaries at Key West, it was determined to relinquish this money to + the heirs of Spike, as, indeed, they must have done under process, there + being no other claimant. These doubloons, however, did not amount to the + full price of the flour and powder that composed the cargo of the Swash. + The cargo had been purchased with Mexican funds; and all that Spike or his + heirs could claim, was the high freight for which he had undertaken the + delicate office of transporting those forbidden articles, contraband of + war, to the Dry Tortugas. + </p> + <p> + Mulford by this time was high in the confidence and esteem of all on board + the Poughkeepsie. He had frankly explained his whole connexion with Spike, + not even attempting to conceal the reluctance he had felt to betray the + brig after he had fully ascertained the fact of his commander's treason. + The manly gentlemen with whom he was now brought in contact entered into + his feelings, and admitted that it was an office no one could desire, to + turn against the craft in which he sailed. It is true, they could not and + would not be traitors, but Mulford had stopped far short of this; and the + distinction between such a character and that of an informer was wide + enough to satisfy all their scruples. + </p> + <p> + Then Rose had the greatest success with the gentlemen of the Poughkeepsie. + Her youth, beauty, and modesty, told largely in her favour; and the + simple, womanly affection she unconsciously betrayed in behalf of Harry, + touched the heart of every observer. When the intelligence of her aunt's + fate reached her, the sorrow she manifested was so profound and natural, + that every one sympathized with her grief. Nor would she be satisfied + unless Mulford would consent to go in search of the bodies. The latter + knew the hopelessness of such an excursion, but he could not refuse to + comply. He was absent on that melancholy duty, therefore, at the moment of + the scene related in our last chapter, and did not return until after that + which we are now about to lay before the reader. Mrs. Budd, Biddy, and all + of those who perished after the yawl got clear of the reef, were drowned + in deep water, and no more was ever seen of any of them; or, if wreckers + did pass them, they did not stop to bury the dead. It was different, + however, with those, who were first sacrificed to Spike's selfishness. + They were drowned on the reef, and Harry did actually recover the bodies + of the Señor Montefalderon, and of Josh, the steward. They had washed upon + a rock that is bare at low water. He took them both to the Dry Tortugas, + and had them interred along with the other dead at that place. Don Juan + was placed side by side with his unfortunate countryman, the master of his + equally unfortunate schooner. + </p> + <p> + While Harry was absent and thus employed, Rose wept much and prayed more. + She would have felt herself almost alone in the world, but for the youth + to whom she had so recently, less than a week before, plighted her faith + in wedlock. That new tie, it is true, was of sufficient importance to + counteract many of the ordinary feelings of her situation; and she now + turned to it as the one which absorbed most of the future duties of her + life. Still she missed the kindness, the solicitude, even the weaknesses + of her aunt; and the terrible manner in which Mrs. Budd had perished, made + her shudder with horror whenever she thought of it. Poor Biddy, too, came + in for her share of the regrets. This faithful creature, who had been in + the relict's service ever since Rose's infancy, had become endeared to + her, in spite of her uncouth manners and confused ideas, by the warmth of + her heart, and the singular truth of her feelings. Biddy, of all her + family, had come to America, leaving behind her not only brothers and + sisters, but parents living. Each year did she remit to the last a moiety + of her earnings, and many a half-dollar that had come from Rose's pretty + little hand, had been converted into gold, and forwarded on the same pious + errand to the green island of her nativity. Ireland, unhappy country! at + this moment what are not the dire necessities of thy poor! Here, from the + midst of abundance, in a land that God has blessed in its productions far + beyond the limits of human wants, a land in which famine was never known, + do we at this moment hear thy groans, and listen to tales of suffering + that to us seem almost incredible. In the midst of these chilling + narratives, our eyes fall on an appeal to the English nation, that appears + in what it is the fashion of some to term the first journal of Europe (!) + in behalf of thy suffering people. A worthy appeal to the charity of + England seldom fails; but it seems to us that one sentiment of this might + have been altered, if not spared. The English are asked to be “<i>forgetful</i> + of the past,” and to come forward to the relief of their suffering + fellow-subjects. We should have written “<i>mindful</i> of the past,” in + its stead. We say this in charity, as well as in truth. We come of English + blood, and if we claim to share in all the ancient renown of that warlike + and enlightened people, we are equally bound to share in the reproaches + that original misgovernment has inflicted on thee. In this latter sense, + then, thou hast a right to our sympathies, and they are not withheld. + </p> + <p> + As has been already said, we now advance the time eight-and-forty hours, + and again transfer the scene to that room in the hospital which was + occupied by Spike. The approaches of death, during the interval just + named, had been slow but certain. The surgeons had announced that the + wounded man could not possibly survive the coming night; and he himself + had been made sensible that his end was near. It is scarcely necessary to + add that Stephen Spike, conscious of his vigour and strength, in command + of his brig, and bent on the pursuits of worldly gains, or of personal + gratification, was a very different person from him who now lay stretched + on his pallet in the hospital of Key West, a dying man. By the side of his + bed still sat his strange nurse, less peculiar in appearance, however, + than when last seen by the reader. + </p> + <p> + Rose Budd had been ministering to the ungainly externals of Jack Tier. She + now wore a cap, thus concealing the short, grey bristles of hair, and + lending to her countenance a little of that softness which is a requisite + of female character. Some attention had also been paid to the rest of her + attire; and Jack was, altogether, less repulsive in her exterior than + when, unaided, she had attempted to resume the proper garb of her sex. Use + and association, too, had contributed a little to revive her woman's + nature, if we may so express it, and she had begun, in particular, to feel + the sort of interest in her patient which we all come in time to entertain + toward any object of our especial care. We do not mean that Jack had + absolutely ever ceased to love her husband; strange as it may seem, such + had not literally been the case; on the contrary, her interest in him and + in his welfare had never ceased, even while she saw his vices and detested + his crimes; but all we wish to say here is, that she was getting, in + addition to the long-enduring feelings of a wife, some of the interest of + a nurse. + </p> + <p> + During the whole time which had elapsed between Jack's revealing her true + character, and the moment of which we are now writing, Spike had not once + spoken to his wife. Often had she caught his eyes intently riveted on her, + when he would turn them away, as she feared, in distaste; and once or + twice he groaned deeply, more like a man who suffered mental than bodily + pain. Still the patient did not speak once in all the time mentioned. We + should be representing poor Jack as possessing more philosophy, or less + feeling, than the truth would warrant, were we to say that she was not + hurt at this conduct in her husband. + </p> + <p> + On the contrary, she felt it deeply; and more than once it had so far + subdued her pride, as to cause her bitterly to weep. This shedding of + tears, however, was of service to Jack in one sense, for it had the effect + of renewing old impressions, and in a certain way, of reviving the nature + of her sex within her—a nature which had been sadly weakened by her + past life. + </p> + <p> + But the hour had at length come when this long and painful silence was to + be broken. Jack and Rose were alone with the patient, when the last again + spoke to his wife. + </p> + <p> + “Molly—poor Molly!” said the dying man, his voice continuing full + and deep to the last, “what a sad time you must have had of it after I did + you that wrong!” + </p> + <p> + “It is hard upon a woman, Stephen, to turn her out, helpless, on a cold + and selfish world,” answered Jack, simply, much too honest to affect a + reserve she did not feel. + </p> + <p> + “It was hard, indeed; may God forgive me for it, as I hope ye do, Molly.” + </p> + <p> + No answer was made to this appeal; and the invalid looked anxiously at his + wife. The last sat at her work, which had now got to be less awkward to + her, with her eyes bent on her needle,—her countenance rigid, and, + so far as the eye could discern, her feelings unmoved. + </p> + <p> + “Your husband speaks to you, Jack Tier,” said Rose, pointedly. + </p> + <p> + “May <i>yours</i> never have occasion to speak to you, Rose Budd, in the + same way,” was the solemn answer. “I do not flatter myself that I ever was + as comely as you, or that yonder poor dying wretch was a Harry Mulford in + his youth; but we were young and happy, and respected once, and loved each + other, yet you see what it's all come to!” + </p> + <p> + Rose was silenced, though she had too much tenderness in behalf of her own + youthful and manly bridegroom to dread a fate similar to that which had + overtaken poor Jack. Spike now seemed disposed to say something, and she + went to the side of his bed, followed by her companion, who kept a little + in the back-ground, as if unwilling to let the emotion she really felt be + seen, and, perhaps, conscious that her ungainly appearance did not aid her + in recovering the lost affections of her husband. + </p> + <p> + “I have been a very wicked man, I fear,” said Spike, earnestly. + </p> + <p> + “There are none without sin,” answered Rose. “Place your reliance on the + mediation of the Son of God, and sins even far deeper than yours may be + pardoned.” + </p> + <p> + The captain stared at the beautiful speaker, but self-indulgence, the + incessant pursuit of worldly and selfish objects for forty years, and the + habits of a life into which the thought of God and the dread hereafter + never entered, had encased his spiritual being in a sort of brazen armour, + through which no ordinary blow of conscience could penetrate. Still he had + fearful glimpses of recent events, and his soul, hanging as it was over + the abyss of eternity, was troubled. + </p> + <p> + “What has become of your aunt?” half whispered Spike—“my old + captain's widow. She ought to be here; and Don Wan Montezuma—where + is he?” + </p> + <p> + Rose turned aside to conceal her tears—but no one answered the + questions of the dying man. Then a gleaming of childhood shot into the + recollection of Spike, and, clasping his hands, he tried to pray. But, + like others who have lived without any communication with their Creator + through long lives of apathy to his existence and laws, thinking only of + the present time, and daily, hourly sacrificing principles and duty to the + narrow interests of the moment, he now found how hard it is to renew + communications with a being who has been so long neglected. The fault lay + in himself, however, for a gracious ear was open, even over the death-bed + of Stephen Spike, could that rude spirit only bring itself to ask for + mercy in earnestness and truth. As his companions saw his struggles, they + left him for a few minutes to his own thoughts. + </p> + <p> + “Molly,” Spike at length uttered, in a faint tone, the voice of one + conscious of being very near his end, “I hope you will forgive me, Molly. + I know you must have a hard, hard time of it.” + </p> + <p> + “It is hard for a woman to unsex herself, Stephen; to throw off her very + natur', as it might be, and to turn man.” + </p> + <p> + “It has changed you sadly—even your speech is altered. Once your + voice was soft and womanish—more like that of Rose Budd's than it is + now.” + </p> + <p> + “I speak as them speak among whom I've been forced to live. The forecastle + and steward's pantry, Stephen Spike, are poor schools to send women to + l'arn language in.” + </p> + <p> + “Try and forget it all, poor Molly! Say to me, so that I can hear you, 'I + forget and forgive, Stephen.' I am afraid God will not pardon my sins, + which begin to seem dreadful to me, if my own wife refuse to forget and + forgive, on my dying bed.” + </p> + <p> + Jack was much mollified by this appeal. Her interest in her offending + husband had never been entirely extinguished. She had remembered him, and + often with woman's kindness, in all her wanderings and sufferings, as the + preceding parts of our narrative must show; and though resentment had been + mingled with the grief and mortification she felt at finding how much he + still submitted to Rose's superior charms, in a breast as really generous + and humane as that of Jack Tier's, such a feeling was not likely to endure + in the midst of a scene like that she was now called to witness. The + muscles of her countenance twitched, the hard-looking, tanned face began + to lose its sternness, and every way she appeared like one profoundly + disturbed. + </p> + <p> + “Turn to Him whose goodness and marcy may sarve you, Stephen,” she said, + in a milder and more feminine tone than she had used now for years, making + her more like herself than either her husband or Rose had seen her since + the commencement of the late voyage; “my sayin' that I forget and forgive + cannot help a man on his death-bed.” + </p> + <p> + “It will settle my mind, Molly, and leave me freer to turn my thoughts to + God.” + </p> + <p> + Jack was much affected, more by the countenance and manner of the + sufferer, perhaps, than by his words. She drew nearer to the side of her + husband's pallet, knelt, took his hands, and said solemnly, + </p> + <p> + “Stephen Spike, from the bottom of my heart, I <i>do</i> forgive you; and + I shall pray to God that he will pardon your sins as freely and more + marcifully than I now pardon all, and try to forget all that you have done + to me.” + </p> + <p> + Spike clasped his hands, and again he tried to pray; but the habits of a + whole life are not to be thrown off at will; and he who endeavours to + regain, in his extremity, the moments that have been lost, will find, in + bitter reality, that he has been heaping mountains on his own soul, by the + mere practice of sin, which were never laid there by the original fall of + his race. Jack, however, had disburthened her spirit of a load that had + long oppressed it, and, burying her face in the rug, she wept. + </p> + <p> + “I wish, Molly,” said the dying man, several minutes later, “I wish I had + never seen the brig. Until I got that craft, no thought of wronging human + being ever crossed my mind.” + </p> + <p> + “It was the Father of Lies that tempts all to do evil, Stephen, and not + the brig which caused the sins.” + </p> + <p> + “I wish I could live a year longer—<i>only</i> one year; that is not + much to ask for a man who is not yet sixty.” + </p> + <p> + “It is hopeless, poor Stephen. The surgeons say you cannot live one day.” + </p> + <p> + Spike groaned—for the past, blended fearfully with the future, + gleamed on his conscience with a brightness that appalled him. And what is + that future, which is to make us happy or miserable through an endless + vista of time? Is it not composed of an existence, in which conscience, + released from the delusions and weaknesses of the body, sees all in its + true colours, appreciates all, and punishes all? Such an existence would + make every man the keeper of the record of his own transgressions, even to + the most minute exactness. It would of itself mete out perfect justice, + since the sin would be seen amid its accompanying facts, every aggravating + or extenuating circumstance. Each man would be strictly punished according + to his talents. As no one is without sin, it makes the necessity of an + atonement indispensable, and, in its most rigid interpretation, it + exhibits the truth of the scheme of salvation in the clearest colours. The + soul, or conscience, that can admit the necessary degree of faith in that + atonement, and in admitting, <i>feels</i> its efficacy, throws the burthen + of its own transgressions away, and remains for ever in the condition of + its original existence, pure, and consequently happy. + </p> + <p> + We do not presume to lay down a creed on this mighty and mysterious + matter, in which all have so deep an interest, and concerning which so + very small a portion of the human race think much, or think with any + clearness when it does become the subject of their passing thoughts at all + We too well know our own ignorance to venture on dogmas which it has + probably been intended that the mind of man should not yet grapple with + and comprehend. To return to our subject. + </p> + <p> + Stephen Spike was now made to feel the incubus-load, which perseverance in + sin heaps on the breast of the reckless offender. What was the most + grievous of all, his power to shake off this dead weight was diminished in + precisely the same proportion as the burthen was increased, the moral + force of every man lessening in a very just ratio to the magnitude of his + delinquencies. Bitterly did this deep offender struggle with his + conscience, and little did his half-unsexed wife know how to console or + aid him. Jack had been superficially instructed in the dogmas of her + faith, in childhood and youth, as most persons are instructed in what are + termed Christian communities—had been made to learn the Catechism, + the Lord's Prayer, and the Creed—and had been left to set up for + herself on this small capital, in the great concern of human existence, on + her marriage and entrance on the active business of life. When the manner + in which she had passed the last twenty years is remembered, no one can be + surprised to learn that Jack was of little assistance to her husband in + his extremity. Rose made an effort to administer hope and consolation, but + the terrible nature of the struggle she witnessed, induced her to send for + the chaplain of the Poughkeepsie. This divine prayed with the dying man; + but even he, in the last moments of the sufferer, was little more than a + passive but shocked witness of remorse, suspended over the abyss of + eternity in hopeless dread. We shall not enter into the details of the + revolting scene, but simply add that curses, blasphemy, tremulous cries + for mercy, agonized entreaties to be advised, and sullen defiance, were + all strangely and fearfully blended. In the midst of one of these + revolting paroxysms, Spike breathed his last. A few hours later, his body + was interred in the sands of the shore. It may be well to say in this + place, that the hurricane of 1846, which is known to have occurred only a + few months later, swept off the frail covering, and that the body was + washed away to leave its bones among the wrecks and relics of the Florida + Reef. + </p> + <p> + Mulford did not return from his fruitless expedition in quest of the + remains of Mrs. Budd, until after the death and interment of Spike. As + nothing remained to be done at Key West, he and Rose accompanied by Jack + Tier, took passage for Charleston in the first convenient vessel that + offered. Two days before they sailed, the Poughkeepsie went out to cruise + in the Gulf, agreeably to her general orders. The evening previously + Captain Mull, Wallace, and the chaplain, passed with the bridegroom and + bride, when the matter of the doubloons found in the boat was discussed. + It was agreed that Jack Tier should have them; and into her hands the bag + was now placed. On this occasion, to oblige the officers, Jack went into a + narrative of all she had seen and suffered, from the moment when abandoned + by her late husband down to that when she found him again. It was a + strange account, and one filled with surprising adventures. In most of the + vessels in which she had served, Jack had acted in the steward's + department, though she had frequently done duty as a fore-mast hand. In + strength and skill she admitted that she had often failed; but in courage, + never. Having been given reason to think her husband was reduced to + serving in a vessel of war, she had shipped on board a frigate bound to + the Mediterranean, and had actually made a whole cruise as a ward-room boy + on that station. While thus employed, she had met with two of the + gentlemen present; Captain Mull and Mr. Wallace. The former was then + first-lieutenant of the frigate, and the latter a passed-midshipman; and + in these capacities both had been well known to her. As the name she then + bore was the same as that under which she now “hailed,” these officers + were soon made to recollect her, though Jack was no longer the light, + trim-built lad he had then appeared to be. Neither of the gentlemen named + had made the whole cruise in the ship, but each had been promoted and + transferred to another craft, after being Jack's shipmate rather more than + a year. This information greatly facilitated the affair of the doubloons. + </p> + <p> + From Charleston the travellers came north by rail-road. Harry made several + stops by the way, in order to divert the thoughts of his beautiful young + bride from dwelling too much on the fate of her aunt. He knew that home + would revive all these recollections painfully, and wished to put off the + hour of their return, until time had a little weakened Rose's regrets. For + this reason, he passed a whole week in Washington, though it was a season + of the year that the place is not in much request. Still, Washington is + scarce a town, at any season. It is much the fashion to deride the + American capital, and to treat it as a place of very humble performance + with very sounding pretensions. Certainly, Washington has very few of the + peculiarities of a great European capital, but few as these are, they are + more than belong to any other place in this country. We now allude to the + <i>distinctive</i> characteristics of a capital, and not to a mere + concentration of houses and shops within a given space. In this last + respect, Washington is much behind fifty other American towns, even while + it is the only place in the whole republic which possesses specimens of + architecture, on a scale approaching that of the higher classes of the + edifices of the old world. It is totally deficient in churches, and + theatres, and markets; or those it does possess are, in an architectural + sense, not at all above the level of village or countrytown pretensions, + but one or two of its national edifices do approach the magnificence and + grandeur of the old world. The new Treasury Buildings are unquestionably, + on the score of size, embellishments and finish, <i>the</i> American + edifice that comes nearest to first class architecture on the other side + of the Atlantic. The Capitol comes next, though it can scarce be ranked, + relatively, as high. As for the White House, it is every way sufficient + for its purposes and the institutions; and now that its grounds are + finished, and the shrubbery and trees begin to tell, one sees about it + something that is not unworthy of its high uses and origin. Those grounds, + which so long lay a reproach to the national taste and liberality, are now + fast becoming beautiful, are already exceedingly pretty, and give to a + structure that is destined to become historical, having already associated + with it the names of Jefferson, Madison, Jackson, and Quincy Adams, + together with the <i>ci polloi</i> of the later Presidents, an <i>entourage</i> + that is suitable to its past recollections and its present purposes. They + are not quite on a level with the parks of London, it is true; or even + with the Tuileries, or Luxembourg, or the Boboli, or the Villa Reale, or + fifty more grounds and gardens, of a similar nature, that might be + mentioned; but, seen in the spring and early summer, they adorn the + building they surround, and lend to the whole neighbourhood a character of + high civilization, that no other place in America can show, in precisely + the same form, or to the same extent. + </p> + <p> + This much have we said on the subject of the White House and its + precincts, because we took occasion, in a former work, to berate the + narrow-minded parsimony which left the grounds of the White House in a + condition that was discreditable to the republic. How far our philippic + may have hastened the improvements which have been made, is more than we + shall pretend to say; but having made the former strictures, we are happy + to have an occasion to say (though nearly twenty years have intervened + between the expressions of the two opinions) that they are no longer + merited. + </p> + <p> + And here we will add another word, and that on a subject that is not + sufficiently pressed on the attention of a people, who, by position, are + unavoidably provincial. We invite those whose gorges rise at any stricture + on anything American, and who fancy it is enough to belong to the great + republic to be great in itself, to place themselves in front of the State + Department, as it now stands, and to examine its dimensions, material and + form with critical eyes, then to look along the adjacent Treasury + Buildings, to fancy them completed, by a junction with new edifices of a + similar construction to contain the department of state; next to fancy + similar works completed for the two opposite departments; after which, to + compare the past and present with the future as thus finished, and + remember how recent has been the partial improvement which even now + exists. If this examination and comparison do not show, directly to the + sense of sight, how much there was and is to criticise, as put in contrast + with other countries, we shall give up the individuals in question, as too + deeply dyed in the provincial wool ever to be whitened. The present + Trinity church, New York, certainly not more than a third class European + church, if as much, compared with its village-like predecessor, may supply + a practical homily of the same degree of usefulness. There may be those + among us, however, who fancy it patriotism to maintain that the old + Treasury Buildings were quite equal to the new, and of these intense + Americans we cry their mercy! + </p> + <p> + Rose felt keenly on reaching her late aunt's very neat dwelling in + Fourteenth Street, New York. But the manly tenderness of Mulford was a + great support to her, and a little time brought her to think of that + weak-minded, but well-meaning and affectionate relative, with gentle + regret, rather than with grief. Among the connexions of her young husband, + she found several females of a class in life certainly equal to her own, + and somewhat superior to the latter in education and habits. As for Harry, + he very gladly passed the season with his beautiful bride, though a fine + ship was laid down for him, by means of Rose's fortune, now much increased + by her aunt's death, and he was absent in Europe when his son was born; an + event that occurred only two months since. + </p> + <p> + The Swash, and the shipment of gunpowder, were thought of no more in the + good town of Manhattan. This great emporium—we beg pardon, this + great <i>commercial</i> emporium—has a trick of forgetting, + condensing all interests into those of the present moment. It is much + addicted to believing that which never had an existence, and of + overlooking that which is occurring directly under its nose. So marked is + this tendency to forgetfulness, we should not be surprised to hear some of + the Manhattanese pretend that our legend is nothing but a fiction, and + deny the existence of the Molly, Captain Spike, and even of Biddy Noon. + But we know them too well to mind what they say, and shall go on and + finish our narrative in our own way, just as if there were no such + raven-throated commentators at all. + </p> + <p> + Jack Tier, still known by that name, lives in the family of Captain + Mulford. She is fast losing the tan on her face and hands, and every day + is improving in appearance. She now habitually wears her proper attire, + and is dropping gradually into the feelings and habits of her sex. She + never can become what she once was, any more than the blackamoor can + become white, or the leopard change his spots; but she is no longer + revolting. She has left off chewing and smoking, having found a refuge in + snuff. Her hair is permitted to grow, and is already turned up with a + comb, though constantly concealed beneath a cap. The heart of Jack, alone, + seems unaltered. The strange, tiger-like affection that she bore for + Spike, during twenty years of abandonment, has disappeared in regrets for + his end. It is succeeded by a most sincere attachment for Rose, in which + the little boy, since his appearance on the scene, is becoming a large + participator. This child Jack is beginning to love intensely; and the + doubloons, well invested, placing her above the feeling of dependence, she + is likely to end her life, once so errant and disturbed, in tranquillity + and a home-like happiness. + </p> + <p> + THE END. + </p> + <div style="height: 6em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + + + + + +End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of Jack Tier or The Florida Reef, by +James Fenimore Cooper + +*** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK JACK TIER OR THE FLORIDA REEF *** + +***** This file should be named 4796-h.htm or 4796-h.zip ***** +This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: + http://www.gutenberg.org/4/7/9/4796/ + +Produced by Charles Aldarondo 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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