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diff --git a/8576-h/8576-h.htm b/8576-h/8576-h.htm new file mode 100644 index 0000000..89e50e8 --- /dev/null +++ b/8576-h/8576-h.htm @@ -0,0 +1,10961 @@ +<?xml version="1.0" encoding="utf-8"?> + +<!DOCTYPE html + PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Strict//EN" + "http://www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-strict.dtd" > + +<html xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml" lang="en"> + <head> + <title> + Sheer Pluck, by G. A. Henty + </title> + <style type="text/css" xml:space="preserve"> + + body { margin:5%; background:#faebd0; text-align:justify} + P { text-indent: 1em; margin-top: .25em; margin-bottom: .25em; } + H1,H2,H3,H4,H5,H6 { text-align: center; margin-left: 15%; margin-right: 15%; } + hr { width: 50%; text-align: center;} + .foot { margin-left: 20%; margin-right: 20%; text-align: justify; text-indent: -3em; font-size: 90%; } + blockquote {font-size: 97%; font-style: italic; margin-left: 10%; margin-right: 10%;} + .mynote {background-color: #DDE; color: #000; padding: .5em; margin-left: 10%; margin-right: 10%; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 95%;} + .toc { margin-left: 10%; margin-bottom: .75em;} + .toc2 { margin-left: 20%;} + div.fig { display:block; margin:0 auto; text-align:center; } + div.middle { margin-left: 20%; margin-right: 20%; text-align: justify; } + .figleft {float: left; margin-left: 0%; margin-right: 1%;} + .figright {float: right; margin-right: 0%; margin-left: 1%;} + .pagenum {display:inline; font-size: 70%; font-style:normal; + margin: 0; padding: 0; position: absolute; right: 1%; + text-align: right;} + pre { font-style: italic; font-size: 90%; margin-left: 10%;} + +</style> + </head> + <body> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + +The Project Gutenberg EBook of By Sheer Pluck, by G. A. Henty + +This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with +almost no restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or +re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included +with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org + + +Title: By Sheer Pluck + A Tale of the Ashanti War + +Author: G. A. Henty + +Release Date: July 24, 2009 [EBook #8576] +Last Updated: March 11, 2018 + +Language: English + +Character set encoding: UTF-8 + +*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK BY SHEER PLUCK *** + + + + +Produced by Martin Robb, and David Widger + + + + + + +</pre> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <h1> + BY SHEER PLUCK + </h1> + <h2> + A TALE OF THE ASHANTI WAR + </h2> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <h2> + By G. A. Henty + </h2> + <p> + <br /> <br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <br /> <br /> + </p> + <blockquote> + <p class="toc"> + <big><b>CONTENTS</b></big> + </p> + <p> + <br /> <a href="#link2HCH0001"> CHAPTER I. </a> A FISHING + EXCURSION <br /><br /> <a href="#link2HCH0002"> CHAPTER II. </a> A + MAD DOG <br /><br /> <a href="#link2HCH0003"> CHAPTER III. </a> A + TOUGH YARN <br /><br /> <a href="#link2HCH0004"> CHAPTER IV. </a> A + RISING TIDE <br /><br /> <a href="#link2HCH0005"> CHAPTER V. </a> ALONE + IN THE WORLD <br /><br /> <a href="#link2HCH0006"> CHAPTER VI. </a> THE + FIRST STEP <br /><br /> <a href="#link2HCH0007"> CHAPTER VII. </a> AN + OLD FRIEND <br /><br /> <a href="#link2HCH0008"> CHAPTER VIII. </a> TO + THE DARK CONTINENT <br /><br /> <a href="#link2HCH0009"> CHAPTER IX. </a> THE + START INLAND <br /><br /> <a href="#link2HCH0010"> CHAPTER X. </a> LOST + IN THE FOREST <br /><br /> <a href="#link2HCH0011"> CHAPTER XI. </a> A + HOSTILE TRIBE <br /><br /> <a href="#link2HCH0012"> CHAPTER XII. </a> A + NEGRO'S STORY <br /><br /> <a href="#link2HCH0013"> CHAPTER XIII. </a> A + FUGITIVE SLAVE <br /><br /> <a href="#link2HCH0014"> CHAPTER XIV. </a> A + CHRISTIAN TOWN <br /><br /> <a href="#link2HCH0015"> CHAPTER XV. </a> THE + AMAZONS OF DAHOMET <br /><br /> <a href="#link2HCH0016"> CHAPTER XVI. </a> CAPTIVES + IN COOMASSIE <br /><br /> <a href="#link2HCH0017"> CHAPTER XVII. </a> THE + INVASION OF FANTI LAND <br /><br /> <a href="#link2HCH0018"> CHAPTER + XVIII. </a> THE ATTACK ON ELMINA <br /><br /> <a + href="#link2HCH0019"> CHAPTER XIX. </a> THE TIDE TURNED <br /><br /> + <a href="#link2HCH0020"> CHAPTER XX. </a> THE WHITE TROOPS + <br /><br /> <a href="#link2HCH0021"> CHAPTER XXI. </a> THE + ADVANCE TO THE PRAH <br /><br /> <a href="#link2HCH0022"> CHAPTER XXII. + </a> THE BATTLE OF AMOAFUL <br /><br /> <a href="#link2HCH0023"> + CHAPTER XXIII. </a> THE CAPTURE OF COOMASSIE + <br /><br /> + </p> + </blockquote> + <p> + <br /> <br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <br /> <br /> <a name="link2HCH0001" id="link2HCH0001"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <h2> + CHAPTER I: A FISHING EXCURSION + </h2> + <p> + “Now, Hargate, what a fellow you are! I've been looking for you + everywhere. Don't you know it's the House against the Town boys. It's + lucky that the Town have got the first innings; they began a quarter of an + hour ago.” + </p> + <p> + “How tiresome!” Frank Hargate said. “I was watching a most interesting + thing here. Don't you see this little chaffinch nest in the bush, with a + newly hatched brood. There was a small black snake threatening the nest, + and the mother was defending it with quivering wings and open beak. I + never saw a prettier thing. I sat quite still and neither of them seemed + to notice me. Of course I should have interfered if I had seen the snake + getting the best of it. When you came running up like a cart horse, the + snake glided away in the grass, and the bird flew off. Oh, dear! I am + sorry. I had forgotten all about the match.” + </p> + <p> + “I never saw such a fellow as you are, Hargate. Here's the opening match + of the season, and you, who are one of our best bats, poking about after + birds and snakes. Come along; Thompson sent me and two or three other + fellows off in all directions to find you. We shall be half out before + you're back. Wilson took James's wicket the first ball.” + </p> + <p> + Frank Hargate leaped to his feet, and, laying aside for the present all + thoughts of his favorite pursuit, started off at a run to the playing + field. His arrival there was greeted with a mingled chorus of welcome and + indignation. Frank Hargate was, next to Thompson the captain of the Town + eleven, the best bat among the home boarders. He played a steady rather + than a brilliant game, and was noted as a good sturdy sticker. Had he been + there, Thompson would have put him in at first, in order to break the + bowling of the House team. As it was, misfortunes had come rapidly. + Ruthven and Handcock were bowling splendidly, and none of the Town boys + were making any stand against them. Thompson himself had gone in when the + fourth wicket fell, and was still in, although two wickets had since + fallen, for only four runs, and the seventh wicket fell just as Frank + arrived, panting, on the ground. + </p> + <p> + “Confound you, Hargate!” Thompson shouted, “where have you been? And not + even in flannels yet.” + </p> + <p> + “I'm very sorry,” Frank shouted back cheerfully, “and never mind the + flannels, for once. Shall I come in now?” + </p> + <p> + “No,” Thompson said. “You'd better get your wind first. Let Fenner come in + next.” + </p> + <p> + Fenner stayed in four overs, adding two singles as his share, while + Thompson put on a three and a two. Then Fenner was caught. Thirty-one runs + for eight wickets! Then Frank took the bat, and walked to the ground. + Thompson came across to him. + </p> + <p> + “Look here, Hargate, you have made a nice mess of it, and the game looks + as bad as can be. Whatever you do, play carefully. Don't let out at + anything that comes straight. The great thing is to bother their bowling a + bit. They're so cocky now, that pretty near every ball is straight on the + wickets. Be content with blocking for a bit, and Handcock will soon go + off. He always gets savage if his bowling is collared.” + </p> + <p> + Frank obeyed orders. In the next twenty minutes he only scored six runs, + all in singles, while Thompson, who was also playing very carefully, put + on thirteen. The game looked more hopeful for the Town boys. Then there + was a shout from the House, as Thompson's middle wicket was sent flying. + Childers, who was the last of the team, walked out. + </p> + <p> + “Now, Childers,” Thompson said, “don't you hit at a ball. You're safe to + be bowled or caught if you do. Just lift your bat, and block them each + time. Now, Frank, it's your turn to score. Put them on as fast as you can. + It's no use playing carefully any longer.” + </p> + <p> + Frank set to to hit in earnest. He had now got his eye well in, and the + stand which he and Thompson had made together, had taken the sting out of + the bowling. The ball which had taken Thompson's wicket was the last of + the over. Consequently the next came to him. It was a little wide, and + Frank, stepping out, drove it for four. A loud shout rose from the Town + boys. There had only been one four scored before, during the innings. Off + the next ball Frank scored a couple, blocked the next, and drove the last + of the over past long leg for four. The next over Childers strictly obeyed + orders, blocking each ball. Then it was Frank's turn again, and seven more + went up on the board. They remained together for just fifteen minutes, but + during that time thirty-one had been added to the score. Frank was caught + at cover point, having added twenty-eight since Thompson left him, the + other three being credited to Childers. The total was eighty-one—not + a bad score in a school match. + </p> + <p> + “Well, you've redeemed yourself,” Thompson said, as Frank walked to the + tent. “You played splendidly, old fellow, when you did come. If we do as + well next innings we are safe. They're not likely to average eighty. Now + get on your wicket-keeping gloves. Green and I will bowl.” + </p> + <p> + The House scored rapidly at first, and fifty runs were put on with the + loss of four wickets. Then misfortune fell upon them, and the remaining + six fell for nineteen. The next innings Frank went in first, but was + caught when the score stood at fifteen. Thompson made fourteen, but the + rest scored but badly, and the whole were out for forty-eight. + </p> + <p> + The House had sixty-one to get to win. Six wickets had fallen for + fifty-one runs, when Thompson put Childers on to bowl. The change was a + fortunate one. Ruthven's stumps were lowered at the first ball. Handcock + was caught off the second. The spirits of the Town boys rose. There were + but two wickets more, and still ten runs to get to win. The House played + cautiously now, and overs were sent down without a run. Then off a ball + from Childers a four was scored, but the next ball leveled the outside + stump. Then by singles the score mounted up until a tremendous shout from + the House announced that the game was saved, sixty runs being marked by + the scorers. The next ball, the Town boys replied even more lustily, for + Childers ball removed the bails, and the game ended in a tie. Both parties + were equally well satisfied, and declared that a better game had never + been played at Dr. Parker's. As soon as the game was over Frank, without + waiting to join in the general talk over the game, put on his coat and + waistcoat and started at a run for home. + </p> + <p> + Frank Hargate was an only son. His mother lived in a tiny cottage on the + outskirts of Deal. She was a widow, her husband, Captain Hargate, having + died a year before. She had only her pension as an officer's widow, a + pittance that scarce sufficed even for the modest wants of herself, Frank, + and her little daughter Lucy, now six years old. + </p> + <p> + “I hope I have not kept tea waiting, mother,” Frank said as he ran in. “It + is not my beetles and butterflies this time. We have been playing a + cricket match, and a first rate one it was. Town boys against the House. + It ended in a tie.” + </p> + <p> + “You are only a quarter of an hour late,” his mother said, smiling, “which + is a great deal nearer being punctual than is usually the case when you + are out with your net. We were just going to begin, for I know your habits + too well to give you more than a quarter of an hour's law.” + </p> + <p> + “I'm afraid I am horridly unpunctual,” Frank said, “and yet, mother, I + never go out without making up my mind that I will be in sharp to time. + But somehow there is always something which draws me away.” + </p> + <p> + “It makes no matter, Frank. If you are happy and amused I am content, and + if the tea is cold it is your loss, not ours. Now, my boy, as soon as you + have washed your hands we will have tea.” + </p> + <p> + It was a simple meal, thick slices of bread and butter and tea, for Mrs. + Hargate could only afford to put meat upon the table once a day, and even + for that several times in the week fish was substituted, when the weather + was fine and the fishing boats returned, when well laden. Frank + fortunately cared very little what he ate, and what was good enough for + his mother was good enough for him. In his father's lifetime things had + been different, but Captain Hargate had fallen in battle in New Zealand. + He had nothing besides his pay, and his wife and children had lived with + him in barracks until his regiment was ordered out to New Zealand, when he + had placed his wife in the little cottage she now occupied. He had fallen + in an attack on a Maori pah, a fortnight after landing in New Zealand. He + had always intended Frank to enter the military profession, and had + himself directed his education so long as he was at home. + </p> + <p> + The loss of his father had been a terrible blow for the boy, who had been + his constant companion when off duty. Captain Hargate had been devoted to + field sports and was an excellent naturalist. The latter taste Frank had + inherited from him. His father had brought home from India—where the + regiment had been stationed until it returned for its turn of home service + four years before he left New Zealand—a very large quantity of skins + of birds which he had shot there. These he had stuffed and mounted, and so + dexterous was he at the work, so natural and artistic were the groups of + birds, that he was enabled to add considerably to his income by sending + these up to the shop of a London naturalist. He had instructed Frank in + his methods, and had given him one of the long blowguns used by some of + the hill tribes in India. The boy had attained such dexterity in its use + that he was able with his clay pellets to bring down sitting birds, + however small, with almost unerring accuracy. + </p> + <p> + These he stuffed and mounted, arranging them with a taste and skill which + delighted the few visitors at his mother's cottage. + </p> + <p> + Frank was ready to join in a game of football or cricket when wanted, and + could hold his own in either. But he vastly preferred to go out for long + walks with his blowgun, his net, and his collecting boxes. At home every + moment not required for the preparation of his lessons was spent in + mounting and arranging his captures. He was quite ready to follow the + course his father proposed for him, and to enter the army. Captain Hargate + had been a very gallant officer, and the despatches had spoken most highly + of the bravery with which he led his company into action in the fight in + which he lost his life. Therefore Mrs. Hargate hoped that Frank would have + little difficulty in obtaining a commission without purchase when the time + for his entering the army arrived. + </p> + <p> + Frank's desire for a military life was based chiefly upon the fact that it + would enable him to travel to many parts of the world, and to indulge his + taste for natural history to the fullest. He was but ten years old when he + left India with the regiment, but he had still a vivid recollection of the + lovely butterflies and bright birds of that country. + </p> + <p> + His father had been at pains to teach him that a student of natural + history must be more than a mere collector, and that like other sciences + it must be methodically studied. He possessed an excellent library of + books upon the subject, and although Frank might be ignorant of the name + of any bird or insect shown to him he could at once name the family and + species. + </p> + <p> + In the year which Frank had been at school at Dr. Parker's he had made few + intimate friends. His habits of solitary wandering and studious indoor + work had hindered his becoming the chum of any of his schoolfellows, and + this absence of intimacy had been increased by the fact that the + straitness of his mother's means prevented his inviting any of his + schoolfellows to his home. He had, indeed, brought one or two of the boys, + whose tastes lay in the direction of his own, to the house, to show them + his collections of birds and insects. But he declined their invitations to + visit them, as he was unable to return their hospitality, and was too + proud to eat and drink at other fellows' houses when he could not ask them + to do the same at his own. It was understood at Dr. Parker's that Frank + Hargate's people were poor, but it was known that his father had been + killed in battle. There are writers who depict boys as worshipers of + wealth, and many pictures have been drawn of the slights and indignities + to which boys, whose means are inferior to those of their schoolfellows, + are subject. I am happy to believe that this is a libel. There are, it is + true, toadies and tuft hunters among boys as among men. That odious + creature, the parasite of the Greek and Latin plays, exists still, but I + do not believe that a boy is one whit the less liked, or is ever taunted + with his poverty, provided he is a good fellow. Most of the miseries + endured by boys whose pocket money is less abundant than that of their + fellows are purely self inflicted. Boys and men who are always on the + lookout for slights will, of course, find what they seek. But the lad who + is not ashamed of what is no fault of his own, who frankly and manfully + says, “I can't afford it,” will not find that he is in any way looked down + upon by those of his schoolfellows whose good opinion is in the smallest + degree worth having. + </p> + <p> + Certainly this was so in the case of Frank Hargate. He was never in the + slightest degree ashamed of saying, “I can't afford it;” and the fact that + he was the son of an officer killed in battle gave him a standing among + the best in the school in spite of his want of pocket money. + </p> + <p> + Frank was friends with many of the fishermen, and these would often bring + him strange fish and sea creatures brought up in their nets, instead of + throwing them back into the sea. + </p> + <p> + During the holidays he would sometimes go out with them for twenty-four + hours in their fishing-boats. His mother made no objection to this, as she + thought that the exercise and sea air were good for his health, and that + the change did him good. Frank himself was so fond of the sea that he was + half disposed to adopt it instead of the army as a profession. But his + mother was strongly opposed to the idea, and won him to her way of + thinking by pointing out that although a sailor visits many ports he stays + long at none of them, and that in the few hours' leave he might + occasionally obtain he would be unable to carry out his favorite pursuits. + </p> + <p> + “Hargate,” Ruthven, who was one of the oldest of the House boys, and was + about Frank's age, that is about fifteen years old, said a few days after + the match, “the Doctor has given Handcock and Jones and myself leave to + take a boat and go out this afternoon. We mean to start soon after dinner, + and shall take some lines and bait with us. We have got leave till lockup, + so we shall have a long afternoon of it. Will you come with us?” + </p> + <p> + “Thank you, Ruthven,” Frank said; “I should like it very much, but you + know I'm short of pocket money, and I can't pay my share of the boat, so I + would rather leave it alone.” + </p> + <p> + “Oh, nonsense, Hargate!” Ruthven answered; “we know money is not your + strong point, but we really want you to go with us. You can manage a boat + better than any of us, and you will really oblige us if you will go with + us.” + </p> + <p> + “Oh, if you put it in that way,” Frank said, “I shall be glad to go with + you; but I do not think,” he went on, looking at the sky, “that the + weather looks very settled. However, if you do not mind the chance of a + ducking, I don't.” + </p> + <p> + “That's agreed then,” Ruthven said; “will you meet us near the pier at + three o'clock?” + </p> + <p> + “All right. I'll be punctual.” + </p> + <p> + At the appointed hour the four lads met on the beach. Ruthven and his + companions wanted to choose a light rowing boat, but Frank strongly urged + them to take a much larger and heavier one. “In the first place,” he said, + “the wind is blowing off shore, and although it's calm here it will be + rougher farther out; and, unless I'm mistaken, the wind is getting up + fast. Besides this it will be much more comfortable to fish from a good + sized boat.” + </p> + <p> + His comrades grumbled at the extra labor which the large boat would entail + in rowing. However, they finally gave in and the boat was launched. + </p> + <p> + “Look out, Master Hargate,” the boatman said as they started; “you'd best + not go out too far, for the wind is freshening fast, and we shall have, I + think, a nasty night.” + </p> + <p> + The boys thought little of the warning, for the sky was bright and blue, + broken only by a few gauzy white clouds which streaked it here and there. + They rowed out about a mile, and then laying in their oars, lowered their + grapnel and began to fish. The sport was good. The fish bit freely and + were rapidly hauled on board. Even Frank was so absorbed in the pursuit + that he paid no attention to the changing aspect of the sky, the + increasing roughness of the sea, or the rapidly rising wind. + </p> + <p> + Suddenly a heavy drop or two of rain fell in the boat. All looked up. + </p> + <p> + “We are in for a squall,” Frank exclaimed, “and no mistake. I told you you + would get a ducking, Ruthven.” + </p> + <p> + He had scarcely spoken when the squall was upon them. A deluge of rain + swept down, driven by a strong squall of wind. + </p> + <p> + “Sit in the bottom of the boat,” Frank said; “this is a snorter.” + </p> + <p> + Not a word was said for ten minutes, long before which all were drenched + to the skin. With the rain a sudden darkness had fallen, and the land was + entirely invisible. Frank looked anxiously towards the shore. The sea was + getting up fast, and the boat tugging and straining at the cord of the + grapnel. He shook his head. “It looks very bad,” he said to himself. “If + this squall does not abate we are going to have a bad time of it.” + </p> + <p> + A quarter of an hour after it commenced the heavy downpour of rain ceased, + or rather changed into a driving sleet. It was still extremely dark, a + thick lead colored cloud overspread the sky. Already the white horses + showed how fast the sea was rising, and the wind showed no signs of + falling with the cessation of the rain storm. The boat was laboring at her + head rope and dipping her nose heavily into the waves. + </p> + <p> + “Look here, you fellows,” Frank shouted, “we must take to the oars. If the + rope were a long one we might ride here, but you know it little more than + reached the ground when we threw it out. I believe she's dragging already, + and even if she isn't she would pull her head under water with so short a + rope when the sea gets up. We'd better get out the oars and row to shore, + if we can, before the sea gets worse.” + </p> + <p> + The lads got up and looked round, and their faces grew pale and somewhat + anxious as they saw how threatening was the aspect of the sea. They had + four oars on board, and these were soon in the water and the grapnel + hauled up. A few strokes sufficed to show them that with all four rowing + the boat's head could not be kept towards the shore, the wind taking it + and turning the boat broadside on. + </p> + <p> + “This will never do,” Frank said. “I will steer and you row, two oars on + one side and one on the other. I will take a spell presently. + </p> + <p> + “Row steadily, Ruthven,” he shouted; “don't spurt. We have a long row + before us and must not knock ourselves up at the beginning.” + </p> + <p> + For half an hour not a word was spoken beyond an occasional cheery + exhortation from Frank. The shore could be dimly seen at times through the + driving mist, and Frank's heart sank as he recognized the fact that it was + further off than it had been when they first began to row. The wind was + blowing a gale now, and, although but two miles from shore, the sea was + already rough for an open boat. + </p> + <p> + “Here, Ruthven, you take a spell now,” he said. + </p> + <p> + Although the rowers had from time to time glanced over their shoulders, + they could not, through the mist, form any idea of their position. When + Ruthven took the helm he exclaimed, “Good gracious, Frank! the shore is + hardly visible. We are being blown out to sea.” + </p> + <p> + “I am afraid we are,” Frank said; “but there is nothing to do but to keep + on rowing. The wind may lull or it may shift and give us a chance of + making for Ramsgate. The boat is a good sea boat, and may keep afloat even + if we are driven out to sea. Or if we are missed from shore they may send + the lifeboat out after us. That is our best chance.” + </p> + <p> + In another quarter of an hour Ruthven was ready to take another spell at + the oar. “I fear,” Frank shouted to him as he climbed over the seat, + “there is no chance whatever of making shore. All we've got to do is to + row steadily and keep her head dead to wind. Two of us will do for that. + You and I will row now, and let Handcock and Jones steer and rest by + turns. Then when we are done up they can take our places.” + </p> + <p> + In another hour it was quite dark, save for the gray light from the + foaming water around. The wind was blowing stronger than ever, and it + required the greatest care on the part of the steersman to keep her dead + in the eye of the wind. Handcock was steering now, and Jones lying at the + bottom of the boat, where he was sheltered, at least from the wind. All + the lads were plucky fellows and kept up a semblance of good spirits, but + all in their hearts knew that their position was a desperate one. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0002" id="link2HCH0002"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER II: A MAD DOG + </h2> + <p> + “Don't you think, Hargate,” Ruthven shouted in his ear, “we had better run + before it? It's as much as Handcock can do to keep her head straight.” + </p> + <p> + “Yes,” Frank shouted back, “if it were not for the Goodwins. They lie + right across ahead of us.” + </p> + <p> + Ruthven said no more, and for another hour he and Frank rowed their + hardest. Then Handcock and Jones took the oars. Ruthven lay down in the + bottom of the boat and Frank steered. After rowing for another hour Frank + found that he could no longer keep the boat head to wind. Indeed, he could + not have done so for so long had he not shipped the rudder and steered the + boat with an oar, through a notch cut in the stern for the purpose. + Already the boat shipped several heavy seas, and Ruthven was kept hard at + work baling with a tin can in which they had brought out bait. + </p> + <p> + “Ruthven, we must let her run. Put out the other oar, we must watch our + time. Row hard when I give the word.” + </p> + <p> + The maneuver was safely accomplished, and in a minute the boat was flying + before the gale. + </p> + <p> + “Keep on rowing,” Frank said, “but take it easily. We must try and make + for the tail of the sands. I can see the lightship.” + </p> + <p> + Frank soon found that the wind was blowing too directly upon the long line + of sands to enable him to make the lightship. Already, far ahead, a gray + light seemed to gleam up, marking where the sea was breaking over the + dreaded shoal. + </p> + <p> + “I am afraid it is no use,” he said. “Now, boys, we had best, each of us, + say our prayers to God, and prepare to die bravely, for I fear that there + is no hope for us.” + </p> + <p> + There was silence in the boat for the next five minutes, as the boys sat + with their heads bent down. More than one choking sob might have been + heard, had the wind lulled, as they thought of the dear ones at home. + Suddenly there was a flash of light ahead, and the boom of a gun directly + afterwards came upon their ears. Then a rocket soared up into the air. + </p> + <p> + “There is a vessel on the sands,” Frank exclaimed. “Let us make for her. + If we can get on board we shall have a better chance than here.” + </p> + <p> + The boys again bent to their oars, and Frank tried to steer exactly for + the spot whence the rocket had gone up. Presently another gun flashed out. + </p> + <p> + “There she is,” he said. “I can see her now against the line of breakers. + Take the oar again, Ruthven. We must bring up under shelter of her lee.” + </p> + <p> + In another minute or two they were within a hundred yards of the ship. She + was a large vessel, and lay just at the edge of the broken water. The + waves, as they struck her, flew high above her deck. As the boat neared + her a bright light suddenly sprang up. The ship was burning a blue light. + Then a faint cheer was heard. + </p> + <p> + “They see us,” Frank said. “They must think we are the lifeboat. What a + disappointment for them! Now, steady, lads, and prepare to pull her round + the instant we are under her stern. I will go as near as I dare.” + </p> + <p> + Frank could see the people on deck watching the boat. They must have seen + now that she was not the lifeboat; but even in their own danger they must + have watched with intense interest the efforts of the tiny boat, adrift in + the raging sea, to reach them. Frank steered the boat within a few yards + of the stern. Then Jones and Ruthven, who were both rowing the same side, + exerted themselves to the utmost, while Frank pushed with the steering + oar. A minute later, and they lay in comparatively still water, under the + lee of the ship. Two or three ropes were thrown them, and they speedily + climbed on board. + </p> + <p> + “We thought you were the lifeboat at first,” the captain said, as they + reached the deck; “but, of course, they cannot be here for a couple of + hours yet.” + </p> + <p> + “We were blown off shore, sir,” Frank said, “and have been rowing against + the wind for hours.” + </p> + <p> + “Well, my lads,” the captain said, “you have only prolonged your lives for + a few minutes, for she will not hold together long.” + </p> + <p> + The ship, indeed, presented a pitiable appearance. The masts had already + gone, the bulwark to windward had been carried away, and the hull lay + heeled over at a sharp angle, her deck to leeward being level with the + water. The crew were huddled down near the lee bulwarks, sheltered + somewhat by the sharp slope of the deck from the force of the wind. As + each wave broke over the ship, tons of water rushed down upon them. No + more guns were fired, for the lashing had broken and the gun run down to + leeward. Already there were signs that the ship would break up ere long, + and no hope existed that rescue could arrive in time. + </p> + <p> + Suddenly there was a great crash, and the vessel parted amidships. + </p> + <p> + “A few minutes will settle it now,” the captain said. “God help us all.” + </p> + <p> + At this moment there was a shout to leeward, which was answered by a + scream of joy from those on board the wreck, for there, close alongside, + lay the lifeboat, whose approach had been entirely unseen. In a few + minutes the fifteen men who remained of the twenty-two, who had formed the + crew of the wreck, and the four boys, were on board her. A tiny sail was + set and the boat's head laid towards Ramsgate. + </p> + <p> + “I am glad to see you, Master Hargate,” the sailor who rowed one of the + stroke oars shouted. He was the man who had lent them the boat. “I was up + in the town looking after my wife, who is sick, and clean forgot you till + it was dark. Then I ran down and found the boat hadn't returned, so I got + the crew together and we came out to look for you, though we had little + hope of finding you. It was lucky for you we did, and for the rest of them + too, for so it chanced that we were but half a mile away when the ship + fired her first gun, just as we had given you up and determined to go + back; so on we came straight here. Another ten minutes and we should have + been too late. We are making for Ramsgate now. We could never beat back to + Deal in this wind. I don't know as I ever saw it blow much harder.” + </p> + <p> + These sentences were not spoken consecutively, but were shouted out in the + intervals between gusts of wind. It took them two hours to beat back to + Ramsgate, a signal having been made as soon as they left the wreck to + inform the lifeboat there and at Broadstairs that they need not put out, + as the rescue had been already effected. The lads were soon put to bed at + the sailors' home, a man being at once despatched on horseback to Deal, to + inform those there of the arrival of the lifeboat, and of the rescue of + the four boys who had been blown to sea. + </p> + <p> + Early next morning Frank and Handcock returned to Deal, the other two lads + being so exhausted by their fatigue and exposure that the doctor said they + had better remain in bed for another twenty-four hours. + </p> + <p> + It is impossible to describe the thankfulness and relief which Mrs. + Hargate experienced, when, about two in the morning, Dr. Parker himself + brought her news of the safety of her boy. She had long given up all hope, + for when the evening came on and Frank had not returned, she had gone down + to the shore. She learned from the fishermen there that it was deemed + impossible that the boys could reach shore in face of the gale, and that + although the lifeboat had just put out in search of them, the chances of + their being found were, as she herself saw, faint indeed. She had passed + the hours which had intervened, in prayer, and was still kneeling by her + bedside, where little Lucy was unconsciously sleeping, when Dr. Parker's + knock was heard at the door. Fervent, indeed, was her gratitude to God for + the almost miraculous preservation of her son's life, and then, overcome + by the emotions she had experienced, she sought her couch, and was still + asleep when, by the earliest train in the morning, Frank returned. + </p> + <p> + For some time the four boys were the heroes of the school. A subscription + was got up to pay for the lost boat, and close as were Mrs. Hargate's + means, she enabled Frank to subscribe his share towards the fund. The + incident raised Frank to a pinnacle of popularity among his schoolfellows, + for the three others were unanimous in saying that it was his coolness and + skill in the management of the boat, which alone kept up their spirits, + and enabled them to keep her afloat during the gale, and to make the wreck + in safety. + </p> + <p> + In the general enthusiasm excited by the event, Frank's pursuits, which + had hitherto found few followers, now became quite popular in the school. + A field club was formed, of which he was elected president, and long + rambles in the country in search of insects and plants were frequently + organized. Frank himself was obliged, in the interests of the school, to + moderate the zeal of the naturalists, and to point out that cricket must + not be given up, as, if so large a number withdrew themselves from the + game, the school would suffer disaster in its various engagements with + other schools in the neighborhood. Consequently the rule was made that + members of the club were bound to be in the cricket field on at least + three days in the week, including one half holiday, while they were free + to ramble in the country on other days. This wise regulation prevented the + “naturalists” from becoming unpopular in the school, which would assuredly + have been the case had they entirely absented themselves from cricket. + </p> + <p> + One Saturday afternoon Frank started with a smaller boy, who was one of + his most devoted followers, for a long country walk. Frank carried his + blowgun, and a butterfly net, Charlie Goodall a net of about a foot in + depth, made of canvas, mounted on a stout brass rim, and strong stick, for + the capture of water beetles. Their pockets bulged with bottles and tin + boxes for the carriage of their captured prey. + </p> + <p> + They had passed through Eastry, a village four miles from Deal, when Frank + exclaimed, “There is a green hairstreak. The first I've seen this year. I + have never caught one before.” + </p> + <p> + Cautiously approaching the butterfly, who was sunning himself on the top + of a thistle, Frank prepared to strike, when it suddenly mounted and + flitted over a hedge. In a moment the boys had scrambled through the gap + and were in full pursuit. The butterfly flitted here and there, sometimes + allowing the boys to approach within a few feet and then flitting away + again for fifty yards without stopping. Heedless where they were going, + the boys pursued, till they were startled by a sudden shout close to them. + </p> + <p> + “You young rascals, how dare you run over my wheat?” + </p> + <p> + The boys stopped, and Frank saw what, in his excitement, he had not + hitherto heeded, that he was now running in a field of wheat, which + reached to his knee. + </p> + <p> + “I am very sorry, sir,” he said. “I was so excited than I really did not + see where I was going.” + </p> + <p> + “Not see!” shouted the angry farmer. “You young rascal, I'll break every + bone in your body,” and he flourished a heavy stick as he spoke. + </p> + <p> + Charlie Goodall began to cry. + </p> + <p> + “I have no right to trespass on your wheat, sir,” Frank said firmly; “but + you have no right to strike us. My name is Frank Hargate. I belong to Dr. + Parker's school at Deal, and if you will say what damage I have caused, I + will pay for it.” + </p> + <p> + “You shall pay for it now,” shouted the farmer, as he advanced with + uplifted stick. + </p> + <p> + Frank slipped three or four of his clay bullets into his mouth. + </p> + <p> + “Leave us alone or it will be worse for you,” he said as he raised the + blowgun to his mouth. + </p> + <p> + The farmer advanced, and Frank sent a bullet with all his force, and with + so true an aim that he struck the farmer on the knuckles. It was a sharp + blow, and the farmer, with a cry of pain and surprise, dropped the stick. + </p> + <p> + “Don't come a step nearer,” Frank shouted. “If you do, I will aim at your + eye next time,” and he pointed the threatening tube at the enraged + farmer's face. + </p> + <p> + “I'll have the law of you, you young villain. I'll make you smart for + this.” + </p> + <p> + “You can do as you like about that,” Frank said. “I have only struck you + in self defense, and have let you off easily. Come along, Charlie, let's + get out of this.” + </p> + <p> + In a few minutes they were again on the road, the farmer making no attempt + to follow them, but determined in his mind to drive over the next morning + to Deal to take out a summons against them for trespass and assault. The + lads proceeded silently along the road. Frank was greatly vexed with + himself at his carelessness in running over half grown wheat, and was + meditating how he could pay the fine without having to ask his mother. He + determined upon his return to carry some of his cases of stuffed birds + down to a shop in the town, and he felt sure that he could get enough for + these to pay for any damage which could have been inflicted, with a fine + for trespassing, for he had seen stuffed birds exposed in the windows for + sale, which were, he was sure, very inferior to his own both in execution + and lifelike interest. + </p> + <p> + After proceeding a few hundred yards along the road they met a pretty + little girl of seven or eight years old walking along alone. Frank + scarcely glanced at her, for at the moment he heard a shouting in the + distance and saw some men running along the road. For a moment he thought + that the farmer had despatched some of his men to stop him, but instantly + dismissed the idea, as they were coming from the opposite direction and + could by no possibility have heard what had happened. They were lost sight + of by a dip in the road, and as they disappeared, an object was seen on + the road on the near side of the dip. + </p> + <p> + “It is a dog,” Frank said. “What can they be shouting at?” + </p> + <p> + The dog was within fifty yards of them when the men again appeared from + the dip and recommenced shouting. Frank could now hear what they said. + </p> + <p> + “Mad dog! mad dog!” + </p> + <p> + “Get through the hedge, Charlie, quick,” Frank cried. “Here, I will help + you over, never mind the thorns.” + </p> + <p> + The hedge was low and closely kept, and Frank, bundling his comrade over + it, threw himself across and looked round. The dog was within ten yards of + them, and Frank saw that the alarm was well founded. The dog was a large + crossbred animal, between a mastiff and a bulldog. Its hair was rough and + bristling. It came along with its head down and foam churning from its + mouth. Frank looked the other way and gave a cry. Yet twenty yards off, in + the middle of the road, stood the child. She, too, had heard the shouts, + and had paused to see what was the matter. She had not taken the alarm, + but stood unsuspicious of danger, watching, not the dog, but the men in + the distance. + </p> + <p> + Frank placed the blowgun to his mouth, and in a moment his pellet struck + the animal smartly on the side of the head. It gave a short yelp and + paused. Another shot struck it, and then Frank, snatching the water net + from Charlie, threw himself over the hedge, and placed himself between the + child and the dog just as the latter, with a savage growl, rushed at him. + </p> + <p> + Frank stood perfectly cool, and as the animal rushed forward, thrust the + net over its head; the ring was but just large enough to allow its head to + enter. Frank at once sprang forward, and placing himself behind the dog + kept a strain upon the stick, so retaining the mouth of the net tightly on + his neck. The animal at first rushed forward dragging Frank after him. + Then he stopped, backed, and tried to withdraw his head from the + encumbrance which blinded him. Frank, however, had no difficulty in + retaining the canvas net in its place, until the men, who were armed with + pitchforks, ran up and speedily despatched the unfortunate animal. + </p> + <p> + “That's bravely done, young master,” one of them said; “and you have saved + missy's life surely. The savage brute rushed into the yard and bit a young + colt and a heifer, and then, as we came running out with forks, he took to + the road again. We chased 'um along, not knowing who we might meet, and it + gived us a rare turn when we saw the master's Bessy standing alone in the + road, wi' nout between her and the dog. Where have you been, Miss Bessy?” + </p> + <p> + “I've been to aunt's,” she said, “and she gave me some strawberries and + cream, and it's wicked of you to kill the poor dog.” + </p> + <p> + “Her aunt's farm lies next to master's,” the man explained; “and little + miss often goes over there. + </p> + <p> + “The dog was mad, missy, and if it hadn't been for young master here, it + would have killed you as safe as eggs. Won't you come back to the farm, + sir? Master and mistress would be main glad to thank you for having saved + missy's life.” + </p> + <p> + “No, thank you,” Frank said; “we are late now and must be going on our + way. I am very glad I happened to be here at the time;” so saying Frank + and Charlie proceeded on their way to Deal. + </p> + <p> + On reaching home he at once picked out four of his best cases of stuffed + birds. The cases he had constructed himself, for his father had encouraged + him to depend upon himself for his amusements. He had asked Charlie to + come round to help him to carry the cases, and with these he proceeded to + a shop where he had seen such things offered for sale. + </p> + <p> + “And you really did these yourself?” the man said in surprise. “They are + beautifully done. Quite pictures, I call them. It is a pity that they are + homely birds. There is no great sale for such things here. I cannot give + you more than five shillings each, but if you had them in London they + would be worth a great deal more.” + </p> + <p> + Frank gladly accepted the offer, and feeling sure that the pound would + cover the damage done and the fine, which might be five shillings apiece + for trespassing, went home in good spirits. The next morning the doctor + was called out in the middle of school, and presently returned accompanied + by the farmer with whom they had had the altercation on the previous day. + Frank felt his cheeks flush as he anticipated a severe reprimand before + the whole school. + </p> + <p> + “Mr. Gregson,” the doctor said, “tells me that two of my boys were out + near his place at Eastry yesterday. One of them gave him his name, which + he has forgotten.” + </p> + <p> + “It was I, sir,” Frank said rising in his place; “I was there with + Goodall. We ran on Mr. Gregson's ground after a butterfly. It was my + fault, sir, for, of course, Goodall went where I did. We ran among his + wheat, and I really did not notice where we were going till he called to + us. I was wrong, of course, and am ready to pay for any damage we may have + caused.” + </p> + <p> + “You are welcome,” the farmer said, “to trample on my wheat for the rest + of your born days. I haven't come over here to talk about the wheat, + though I tell you fairly I'd minded to do so. I've come over here, Dr. + Parker, me and my missus who's outside, to thank this young gentleman for + having saved the life of my little daughter Bessy. She was walking along + the road when a mad dog, a big brute of a mastiff, who came, I hear, from + somewhere about Canterbury, and who has bit two boys on the road, to say + nothing of other dogs and horses and such like; he came along the road, he + were close to my Bess, and she stood there all alone. Some of my men with + pitchforks were two hundred yards or so behind; but law, they could have + done nothing! when this young gentleman here jumped all of a sudden over a + hedge and put himself between the dog and my Bess. The dog, he rushed at + him; but what does he do but claps a bag he'd got at the end of a stick + over the brute's head, and there he holds him tight till the men comes up + and kills him with their forks. + </p> + <p> + “Young gentleman,” he said, stepping up to Frank and holding out his hand, + “I owe my child's life to you. There are not many men who would have + thrown themselves in the way of a mad dog, for the sake of a child they + knew nothing of. I thank you for it with all my heart. God bless you, sir. + Now, boys, you give three cheers with me for your schoolmate, for you've + got a right to be proud of him.” + </p> + <p> + Three such thundering cheers as those which arose had never been heard + within the limits of Dr. Parker's school from the day of its foundation. + Seeing that farther work could not be expected from them after this + excitement, Dr. Parker gave the boys a holiday for the rest of the day, + and they poured out from the schoolroom, shouting and delighted, while + Frank was taken off to the parlor to be thanked by Mrs. Gregson. The + farmer closed his visit by inviting Frank, with as many of his + schoolfellows as he liked—the whole school if they would come, the + more the better—to come over to tea on the following Saturday + afternoon, and he promised them as much strawberries and cream as they + could eat. The invitation was largely accepted, and the boys all agreed + that a jollier meal they never sat down to than that which was spread on + tables in the farmer's garden. The meal was called tea, but it might have + been a dinner, for the tables were laden with huge pies, cold chicken and + duck, hams, and piles of cakes and tarts of all sorts. Before they started + for home, late in the evening, syllabub and cake were handed round, and + the boys tramped back to Deal in the highest of glee at the entertainment + they had received from the hospitable farmer and his wife. + </p> + <p> + Great fun had been caused after tea by the farmer giving a humorous + relation of the battle with which his acquaintance with Frank had + commenced, and especially at the threat of Frank to send a bullet into his + eye if he interfered with him. When they left, a most cordial invitation + was given to Frank to come over, with any friend he liked to bring with + him, and have tea at the Oaks Farm whenever he chose to do so. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0003" id="link2HCH0003"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER III: A TOUGH YARN + </h2> + <p> + “You had a close shave the other night,” one of the boatmen remarked to + Frank, as a few days after the adventure he strolled down with Ruthven and + Handcock to talk to the boatman whose boat had been lost, “a very narrow + shave. I had one out there myself when I was just about your age, nigh + forty years ago. I went out for a sail with my father in his fishing boat, + and I didn't come back for three years. That was the only long voyage I + ever went. I've been sticking to fishing ever since.” + </p> + <p> + “How was it you were away three years?” Handcock asked, “and what was the + adventure? Tell us about it.” + </p> + <p> + “Well, it's rather a long yarn,” the boatman said. + </p> + <p> + “Well, your best plan, Jack,” Ruthven said, putting his hand in his pocket + and bringing out sixpence, “will be for you to go across the road and wet + your whistle before you begin.” + </p> + <p> + “Thank ye, young gentleman. I will take three o' grog and an ounce of + 'bacca.” + </p> + <p> + He went across to the public house, and soon returned with a long clay in + his hand. Then he sat down on the shingle with his back against a boat, + and the boys threw themselves down close to him. + </p> + <p> + “Now,” he began, when he had filled his pipe with great deliberation and + got it fairly alight, “this here yarn as I'm going to tell you ain't no + gammon. Most of the tales which gets told on the beach to visitors as + comes down here and wants to hear of sea adventures is just lies from + beginning to end. Now, I ain't that sort, leastways, I shouldn't go to + impose upon young gents like you as ha' had a real adventure of your own, + and showed oncommon good pluck and coolness too. I don't say, mind ye, + that every word is just gospel. My mates as ha' known me from a boy tells + me that I've 'bellished the yarn since I first told it, and that all sorts + of things have crept in which wasn't there first. That may be so. When a + man tells a story a great many times, naturally he can't always tell it + just the same, and he gets so mixed up atween what he told last and what + he told first that he don't rightly know which was which when he wants to + tell it just as it really happened. So if sometimes it appears to you that + I'm steering rather wild, just you put a stopper on and bring me up all + standing with a question.” + </p> + <p> + There was a quiet humor about the boatman's face, and the boys winked at + each other as much as to say that after such an exordium they must expect + something rather staggering. The boatman took two or three hard whiffs at + his pipe and then began. + </p> + <p> + “It was towards the end of September in 1832, that's just forty years ago + now, that I went out with my father and three hands in the smack, the + Flying Dolphin. I'd been at sea with father off and on ever since I was + about nine years old, and a smarter boy wasn't to be found on the beach. + The Dolphin was a good sea boat, but she wasn't, so to say, fast, and I + dunno' as she was much to look at, for the old man wasn't the sort of chap + to chuck away his money in paint or in new sails as long as the old ones + could be pieced and patched so as to hold the wind. We sailed out pretty + nigh over to the French coast, and good sport we had. We'd been out two + days when we turned her head homewards. The wind was blowing pretty + strong, and the old man remarked, he thought we was in for a gale. There + was some talk of our running in to Calais and waiting till it had blown + itself out, but the fish might have spoil before the Wind dropped, so we + made up our minds to run straight into Dover and send the fish up from + there. The night came on wild and squally, and as dark as pitch. It might + be about eight bells, and I and one of the other hands had turned in, when + father gave a sudden shout down the hatch, 'All hands on deck.' I was next + to the steps and sprang up 'em. Just as I got to the top something grazed + my face. I caught at it, not knowing what it was, and the next moment + there was a crash, and the Dolphin went away from under my feet. I clung + for bare life, scarce awake yet nor knowing what had happened. The next + moment I was under water. I still held on to the rope and was soon out + again. By this time I was pretty well awake to what had happened. A ship + running down channel had walked clean over the poor old Dolphin, and I had + got hold of the bobstay. It took me some time to climb up on to the + bowsprit, for every time she pitched I went under water. However, I got up + at last and swarmed along the bowsprit and got on board. There was a chap + sitting down fast asleep there. I walked aft to the helmsman. Two men were + pacing up and down in front of him. 'You're a nice lot, you are,' I said, + 'to go running down Channel at ten knots an hour without any watch, + a-walking over ships and a-drowning of seamen. I'll have the law of ye, + see if I don't.' + </p> + <p> + “'Jeerusalem!' said one, 'who have we here?' + </p> + <p> + “'My name is Jack Perkins,' says I, 'and I'm the sole survivor, as far as + I knows, of the smack, the Flying Dolphin, as has been run down by this + craft and lost with all hands.' + </p> + <p> + “'Darn the Flying Dolphin, and you too,' says the man, and he begins to + walk up and down the deck a-puffn' of a long cigar as if nothing had + happened. + </p> + <p> + “'Oh, come,' says I, 'this won't do. Here you've been and run down a + smack, drowned father and the other three hands, and your lookout fast + asleep, and you does nothing.' + </p> + <p> + “'I suppose,' said the captain, sarcastic, 'you want me to jump over to + look for 'em. You want me to heave the ship to in this gale and to invite + yer father perlitely to come on board. P'raps you'd like a grapnel put out + to see if I couldn't hook the smack and bring her up again. Perhaps you'd + like to be chucked overboard yourself. Nobody asked you to come on board, + nobody wanted your company. I reckon the wisest thing you can do is to go + for'ard and turn in.' There didn't seem much for me to do else, so I went + forward to the forecastle. There most of the hands were asleep, but two or + three were sitting up yarning. I told 'em my story and what this captain + had said. + </p> + <p> + “'He's a queer hand is the skipper,' one of 'em said, 'and hasn't got a + soft place about him. Well, my lad, I'm sorry for what's happened, but + talking won't do it any good. You've got a long voyage before you, and + you'd best turn in and make yourself comfortable for it.' + </p> + <p> + “'I ain't going a long voyage,' says I, beginning to wipe my eye, 'I wants + to be put ashore at the first port.' + </p> + <p> + “'Well, my lad, I daresay the skipper will do that, but as we're bound for + the coast of Chili from Hamburg, and ain't likely to be there for about + five months, you've got, as I said, a long voyage before you. If the + weather had been fine the skipper might have spoken some ship in the + Channel, and put you on board, but before the gale's blown out we shall be + hundreds of miles at sea. Even if it had been fine I don't suppose the + skipper would have parted with you, especially if you told him the watch + was asleep. He would not care next time he entered an English port to have + a claim fixed on his ship for the vally of the smack.' + </p> + <p> + “I saw what the sailor said was like enough, and blamed myself for having + let out about the watch. However, there was no help for it, and I turned + into an empty bunk and cried myself to sleep. What a voyage that was, to + be sure! The ship was a Yankee and so was the master and mates. The crew + were of all sorts, Dutch, and Swedes, and English, a Yank or two, and a + sprinklin' of niggers. It was one of those ships they call a hell on + earth, and cussing and kicking and driving went on all day. I hadn't no + regular place give me, but helped the black cook, and pulled at ropes, and + swabbed the decks, and got kicked and cuffed all round. The skipper did + not often speak to me, but when his eye lighted on me he gave an ugly sort + of look, as seemed to say, 'You'd better ha' gone down with the others. + You think you're going to report the loss of the smack, and to get damages + against the Potomac, do you? we shall see.' The crew were a rough lot, but + the spirit seemed taken out of 'em by the treatment they met with. It was + a word and a blow with the mates, and they would think no more of catching + up a handspike and stretching a man senseless on the deck than I should of + killing a fly. There was two or three among 'em of a better sort than the + others. The best of 'em was the carpenter, an old Dutchman. 'Leetle boy,' + he used to say to me, 'you keep yourself out of the sight of de skipper. + Bad man dat. Me much surprise if you get to de end of dis voyage all + right. You best work vera hard and give him no excuse to hit you. If he + do, by gosh, he kill you, and put down in de log, Boy killed by accident.' + </p> + <p> + “I felt that this was so myself, and I did my work as well as I could. One + day, however, when we were near the line I happened to upset a bucket with + some tar. The captain was standing close by. + </p> + <p> + “'You young dog,' he said, 'you've done that a purpose,' and before I + could speak he caught up the bucket by the handle and brought it down on + my head with all his might. The next thing I remember was, I was lying in + a bunk in the forecastle. Everything looked strange to me, and I couldn't + raise my head. After a time I made shift to turn it round, and saw old + Jans sitting on a chest mending a jacket. I called him, but my voice was + so low I hardly seemed to hear it myself. + </p> + <p> + “'Ah, my leetle boy!' he said, 'I am glad to hear you speak again. Two + whole weeks you say nothing except talk nonsense.' + </p> + <p> + “'Have I been ill?' I asked. + </p> + <p> + “'You haf been vera bad,' he said. 'De captain meant to kill you, I haf no + doubt, and he pretty near do it. After he knock you down he said you dead. + He sorry for accident, not mean to hit you so hard, but you dead and + better be tossed overboard at once. De mates they come up and take your + hands and feet. Den I insist dat I feel your wrist. Two or three of us dey + stood by me. Captain he vera angry, say we mutinous dogs. I say not + mutinous, but wasn't going to see a boy who was only stunned thrown + overboard. We say if he did dat we make complaint before consul when we + get to port. De skipper he cuss and swear awful. Howebber we haf our way + and carry you here. You haf fever and near die. Tree days after we bring + you here de captain he swear you shamming and comed to look at you + hisself, but he see that it true and tink you going to die. He go away wid + smile on his face. Every day he ask if you alive, and give grunt when I + say yes. Now you best keep vera quiet. You no talk 'cept when no one else + here but me. Other times lie wid your face to the side and your eyes shut. + Best keep you here as long as we can, de longer de better. He make you + come on deck and work as soon as he think you strong enough to stand. Best + get pretty strong before you go out.' + </p> + <p> + “For another three weeks I lay in my bunk. I only ate a little gruel when + others were there, but when the skipper was at dinner Jans would bring me + strong soup and meat from the caboose. The captain came several times and + shook me and swore I was shamming, but I only answered in a whisper and + seemed as faint as a girl. All this time the Potomac was making good way, + and was running fast down the coast of South America. The air was getting + cool and fresh. + </p> + <p> + “'I tink,' Jans said one evening to me, 'dat dis not go on much much + longer. De crew getting desperate. Dey talk and mutter among demselves. Me + thinks we have trouble before long.' + </p> + <p> + “The next day one of the mates came in with a bucket of water. 'There! you + skulking young hound,' he said as he threw it over me; 'you'd best get + out, or the skipper will come and rouse you up himself.' + </p> + <p> + “I staggered on to the floor. I had made up my mind to sham weak, but I + did not need to pretend at first, for having been six weeks in bed, I felt + strange and giddy when I got up. I slipped on my clothes and went out on + deck, staggered to the bulwarks and held on. The fresh air soon set me + straight, and I felt that I was pretty strong again. However, I pretended + to be able to scarce stand, and, holding on by the bulwark, made my way + aft. + </p> + <p> + “'You young dog,' the skipper said, 'you've been shamming for the last six + weeks. I reckon I'll sharpen you up now,' and he hit me a heavy blow with + a rattan he held in his hand. There was a cry of 'Shame!' from some of the + men. As quick as thought the skipper pulled a pistol from his pocket. + </p> + <p> + “'Who cried “Shame”?'” he asked looking round. + </p> + <p> + “No one answered. Still holding the pistol in his hand he gave me several + more cuts, and then told me to swab the deck. I did it, pretending all the + time I was scarce strong enough to keep my feet. Then I made my way + forward and sat down against the bulwark, as if nigh done up, till night + came. That night as I lay in my bunk I heard the men talking in whispers + together. I judged from what they said that they intended to wait for + another week, when they expected to enter Magellan Straits, and then to + attack and throw the officers overboard. Nothing seemed settled as to what + they would do afterwards. Some were in favor of continuing the voyage to + port, and there giving out that the captain and officers had been washed + overboard in a storm; when, if all stood true to each other, the truth + could never be known, although suspicions might arise. The others, + however, insisted that you never could be sure of every one, and that some + one would be sure to peach. They argued in favor of sailing west and + beaching the ship on one of the Pacific islands, where they could live + comfortably and take wives among the native women. If they were ever found + they could then say that the ship was blown out of her course and wrecked + there, and that the captain and officers had been drowned or killed by the + natives. It seemed to me that this party were the strongest. For the next + week I was thrashed and kicked every day and had I been as weak as I + pretended to be, I'm sure they would have killed me. However, thanks to + the food Jans brought me, for I was put on bread and water, I held on. At + last we entered the straits. The men were very quiet that day, and the + captain in a worse temper than usual. I did not go to sleep, and turned + out at the midnight watch, for I was made to keep watch although I was on + duty all day. As the watch came in I heard them say to the others, 'In ten + minutes' time.' Presently I saw them come out, and joining the watch on + deck they went aft quietly in a body. They had all got handspikes in their + hands. Then there was a rush. Two pistol shots were fired, and then there + was a splash, and I knew that the officer on watch was done for. Then they + burst into the aft cabins. There were pistol shots and shouts, and for + three or four minutes the fight went on. Then all was quiet. Then they + came up on deck again and I heard three splashes, that accounted for the + captain and the two other mates. I thought it safe now to go aft. I found + that six of the men had been killed. These were thrown overboard, and then + the crew got at the spirit stores and began to drink. I looked about for + Jans, and found him presently sitting on the deck by the bulwark. + </p> + <p> + “'Ah, my leetle boy!' he said, 'you have just come in time. I have been + shot through the body. I was not in de fight, but was standing near when + dey rushed at de officer on watch. De first pistol he fire missed de man + he aim at and hit me. Well, it was shust as well. I am too old to care for + living among de black peoples, and I did not want a black wife at all. So + matters haf not turned out so vera bad. Get me some water.' + </p> + <p> + “I got him some, but in five minutes the poor old Dutchman was dead. There + was no one on deck. All were shouting and singing in the captain's cabin, + so I went and turned in forward. Morning was just breaking when I suddenly + woke. There was a great light, and running on deck I saw the fire pouring + out from the cabin aft. I suppose they had all drunk themselves stupid and + had upset a light, and the fire had spread and suffocated them all. + Anyhow, there were none of them to be seen. I got hold of a water keg and + placed it in a boat which luckily hung out on its davits, as Jans had, the + day before, been calking a seam in her side just above the water's edge. I + made a shift to lower it, threw off the falls, and getting out the oars, + rowed off. I lay by for some little time, but did not see a soul on deck. + Then, as I had nowhere particular to go, I lay down and slept. On getting + up I found that I had drifted two or three miles from the ship, which was + now a mere smoking shell, the greater part being burnt to the Water's + edge. Two miles to the north lay the land, and getting out an oar at the + stern I sculled her to shore. I suppose I had been seen, or that the + flames of the ship had called down the people, for there they were in the + bay, and such a lot of creatures I never set eyes on. Men and women alike + was pretty nigh naked, and dirt is no name for them. Though I was but a + boy I was taller than most. They came round me and jabbered and jabbered + till I was nigh deafened. Over and over again they pointed to the ship. I + thought they wanted to know whether I belonged to it, but it couldn't have + been that, because when I nodded a lot of 'em jumped into some canoes + which was lying ashore, and taking me with them paddled off to the ship. I + suppose they really wanted to know if they could have what they could + find. That wasn't much, but it seemed a treasure to them. There was a lot + of burned beams floating about alongside, and all of these which had iron + or copper bolts or fastenings they took in tow and rowed ashore. We hadn't + been gone many hundred yards from the vessel when she sunk. Well, young + gentlemen, for upwards of two years I lived with them critturs. My clothes + soon wore out, and I got to be as naked and dirty as the rest of 'em. They + were good hands at fishing, and could spear a fish by the light of a torch + wonderful. In other respects they didn't seem to have much sense. They + lived, when I first went there, in holes scratched in the side of a hill, + but I taught 'em to make huts, making a sort of ax out of the iron saved. + In summer they used to live in these, but in winter, when it was awful + cold, we lived in the holes, which were a sight warmer than the huts. Law, + what a time that was! I had no end of adventures with wild beasts. The way + the lions used to roar and the elephants—” + </p> + <p> + “I think, Jack,” Ruthven interrupted, “that this must be one of the + embellishments which have crept in since you first began telling the tale. + I don't think I should keep it in if I were you, because the fact that + there are neither lions or elephants in South America throws a doubt upon + the accuracy of this portion of your story.” + </p> + <p> + “It may be, sir,” the sailor said, with a twinkle of his eyes, “that the + elephants and lions may not have been in the first story. Now I think of + it, I can't recall that they were; but, you see, people wants to know all + about it. They ain't satisfied when I tell 'em that I lived two years + among these chaps. They wants to know how I passed my time, and whether + there were any wild beasts, and a lot of such like questions, and, in + course, I must answer them. So then, you see, naturally, 'bellishments + creeps in; but I did live there for two years, that's gospel truth, and I + did go pretty nigh naked, and in winter was pretty near starved to death + over and over again. When the ground was too hard to dig up roots, and the + sea was too rough for the canoes to put out, it went hard with us, and + very often we looked more like living skelingtons than human beings. Every + time a ship came in sight they used to hurry me away into the woods. I + suppose they found me useful, and didn't want to part with me. At last I + got desperate, and made up my mind I'd make a bolt whatever came of it. + They didn't watch me when there were no ships near. I suppose they thought + there was nowhere for me to run to, so one night I steals down to the + shore, gets into a canoe, puts in a lot of roots which I had dug up and + hidden away in readiness, and so makes off. I rowed hard all night, for I + knew they would be after me when they found I had gone. Them straits is + sometimes miles and miles across; at other times not much more than a + ship's length, and the tide runs through 'em like a mill race. I had + chosen a time when I had the tide with me, and soon after morning I came + to one of them narrow places. I should like to have stopped here, because + it would have been handy for any ship as passed; but the tide run so + strong, and the rocks were so steep on both sides, that I couldn't make a + landing. Howsomdever, directly it widened out, I managed to paddle into + the back water and landed there. Well, gents, would you believe me, if + there wasn't two big allygaters sitting there with their mouths open ready + to swallow me, canoe and all, when I came to shore.” + </p> + <p> + “No, Jack, I'm afraid we can't believe that. We would if we could, you + know, but alligators are not fond of such cold weather as you'd been + having, nor do they frequent the seashore.” + </p> + <p> + “Ah, but this, you see, was a straits, Master Ruthven, just a narrow + straits, and I expect the creatures took it for a river.” + </p> + <p> + “No, no, Jack, we can't swallow the alligators, any more than they could + swallow you and your canoe.” + </p> + <p> + “Well,” the sailor said with a sigh, “I won't say no more about the + allygaters. I can't rightly recall when they came into the story. + Howsomdever, I landed, you can believe that, you know.” + </p> + <p> + “Oh yes, we can quite believe, Jack, that, if you were there, in that + canoe, in that back water, with the land close ahead, you did land.” + </p> + <p> + The sailor looked searchingly at Ruthven and then continued: + </p> + <p> + “I hauled the canoe up and hid it in some bushes, and it were well I did, + for a short time afterwards a great—” and he paused. “Does the + hippypotybus live in them ere waters, young gents?” + </p> + <p> + “He does not, Jack,” Ruthven said. + </p> + <p> + “Then it's clear,” the sailor said, “that it wasn't a hippypotybus. It + must have been a seal.” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, it might have been a seal,” Ruthven said. “What did he do?” + </p> + <p> + “Well he just took a look at me, gents, winked with one eye, as much as to + say, 'I see you,' and went down again. There warn't nothing else as he + could do, was there?” + </p> + <p> + “It was the best thing he could do anyhow,” Ruthven said. + </p> + <p> + “Well, gents, I lived there for about three weeks, and then a ship comes + along, homeward bound, and I goes out and hails her. At first they thought + as I was a native as had learned to speak English, and it wasn't till + they'd boiled me for three hours in the ship's copper as they got at the + color of my skin, and could believe as I was English. So I came back here + and found the old woman still alive, and took to fishing again; but it was + weeks and weeks before I could get her or any one else to believe as I was + Jack Perkins. And that's all the story, young gents. Generally I tells it + a sight longer to the gents as come down from London in summer; but, you + see, I can't make much out of it when ye won't let me have 'bellishments.” + </p> + <p> + “And how much of it is true altogether, Jack?” Frank asked. “Really how + much?” + </p> + <p> + “It's all true as I have told you, young masters,” the boatman said. “It + were every bit true about the running down of the smack, and me being + nearly killed by the skipper, and the mutiny, and the burning of the + vessel, and my living for a long time—no, I won't stick to the two + years, but it might have been three weeks, with the natives before a ship + picked me up. And that's good enough for a yarn, ain't it?” + </p> + <p> + “Quite good enough, Jack, and we're much obliged to you; but I should + advise you to drop the embellishments in future.” + </p> + <p> + “It ain't no use, Master Hargate, they will have 'bellishments, and if + they will have 'em, Jack Perkins isn't the man to disappint 'em; and, Lord + bless you, sir, the stiffer I pitches it in the more liberal they is with + their tips. Thank ye kindly all round, gentlemen. Yes, I do feel dry after + the yarn.” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0004" id="link2HCH0004"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER IV: A RISING TIDE + </h2> + <p> + The half year was drawing to its close, and it was generally agreed at Dr. + Parker's that it had been the jolliest ever known. The boating episode and + that of the tea at Oak Farm had been events which had given a fillip to + existence. The school had been successful in the greater part of its + cricket matches, and generally every one was well satisfied with himself. + On the Saturday preceding the breaking up Frank, with Ruthven, Charlie + Goodall and two of the other naturalists, started along the seashore to + look for anemones and other marine creatures among the rocks and pools at + the foot of the South Foreland. Between Ruthven and Frank a strong feeling + of affection had grown up since the date of their boating adventure. They + were constantly together now; and as Ruthven was also intended for the + army, and would probably obtain his commission about the same time as + Frank, they often talked over their future, and indulged in hopes that + they might often meet, and that in their campaigns, they might go through + adventures together. + </p> + <p> + Tide was low when they started. They had nearly three miles to walk. The + pools in front of Deal and Walmer had often been searched, but they hoped + that once round the Foreland they might light upon specimens differing + from any which they had hitherto found. For some hours they searched the + pools, retiring as the tide advanced. Then they went up to the foot of the + cliffs, and sat down to open their cans and compare the treasures they had + collected. The spot which they had unwittingly selected was a little bay. + For a long time they sat comparing their specimens. Then Frank said, “Come + along, it is time to be moving.” + </p> + <p> + As he rose to his feet he uttered an exclamation of dismay. Although the + tide was still at some little distance from the spot where they were + sitting, it had already reached the cliffs extending out at either end of + the bay. A brisk wind was blowing on shore, and the waves were already + splashing against the foot of the rocks. + </p> + <p> + The whole party leaped to their feet, and seizing their cans ran off at + the top of their speed to the end of the bay. + </p> + <p> + “I will see how deep the water is,” Frank exclaimed; “we may yet be able + to wade round.” + </p> + <p> + The water soon reached Frank's waist. He waded on until it was up to his + shoulders, and he had to leap as each wave approached him. Then he + returned to his friends. + </p> + <p> + “I could see round,” he said, “and I think I could have got round without + getting into deeper water. The worst of it is the bottom is all rocky, and + I stumbled several times, and should have gone under water if I could not + have swam. You can't swim, Ruthven, I know; can you other fellows?” + </p> + <p> + Goodall could swim, as could one of the others. + </p> + <p> + “Now, Ruthven,” Frank said, “if you will put your hand on my shoulder and + keep quiet, I think I could carry you around. Goodall and Jackson can take + Childers.” + </p> + <p> + But neither of the other boys had much confidence in their swimming. They + could get thirty or forty yards, but felt sure that they would be able to + render but little assistance to Childers, and in fact scarcely liked to + round the point alone. For some time they debated the question, the sea + every minute rising and pushing them farther and farther from the point. + “Look here, Frank,” Ruthven said at last; “you are not sure you can carry + me. The others are quite certain that they cannot take Childers. We must + give up that idea. The best thing, old boy, is for you three who can swim + to start together. Then if either of the others fail you can help them a + bit. Childers and I must take our chance here. When you get round you must + send a boat as soon as possible.” + </p> + <p> + “I certainly shall not desert you, Ruthven,” Frank said. “You know as well + as I do that I'm not likely to find a boat on the shore till I get pretty + near Walmer Castle, and long before we could get back it would be settled + here. No, no, old fellow, we will see the matter out together. Jackson and + Goodall can swim round if they like.” + </p> + <p> + These lads, however, would not venture to take the risk alone, but said + they would go if Frank would go with them. + </p> + <p> + “Chuck off your boots and coats and waistcoats,” Frank said suddenly, + proceeding to strip rapidly to the skin. “I will take them round, Ruthven, + and come back to you. Run round the bay you and Childers, and see if you + can find any sort of ledge or projection that we can take refuge upon. + Now, then, come on you two as quick as you can.” + </p> + <p> + The sea had already reached within a few feet of the foot of the cliff all + round the bay. + </p> + <p> + “Now, mind,” Frank said sharply, “no struggling and nonsense, you fellows. + I will keep quite close to you and stick to you, so you needn't be afraid. + If you get tired just put one hand on my back and swim with the other and + your legs; and above all things keep your heads as low as possible in the + water so as just to be able to breathe.” + </p> + <p> + The three lads soon waded out as far as they could go and then struck out. + Jackson and Goodall were both poor swimmers and would have fared very + badly alone. The confidence, however, which they entertained in Frank gave + them courage, and they were well abreast of the point when first Jackson + and then Goodall put their hands on his shoulders. Thanks to the + instructions he had given them, and to their confidence in him, they + placed no great weight upon him. But every ounce tells heavily on a + swimmer, and Frank gave a gasp of relief as at last his feet touched the + ground. Bidding his companions at once set off at a run he sat down for + two or three minutes to recover his breath. + </p> + <p> + “It is lucky,” he said to himself, “that I did not try with Ruthven. It's + a very different thing carrying fellows who can swim and fellows who + can't. What fools we've been to let ourselves he caught here! I had no + idea the tide came so high, or that it was so dangerous, and none of us + have ever been round here before. Now I must go back to Ruthven.” + </p> + <p> + Frank found it even harder work to get back than it had been to come out + from the bay, for the tide was against him now. At last he stood beside + Ruthven and Childers. + </p> + <p> + “We can only find one place, Frank, where there is any projection a fellow + could stand upon, and that is only large enough for one. See!” he said, + pointing to a projecting block of chalk, whose upper surface, some eight + inches wide, was tolerably flat. “There is a cave here, too, which may go + beyond the tide. It is not deep but it slopes up a bit.” + </p> + <p> + “That will never do,” Frank said; “as the waves come in they will rush up + and fill it to the top. Don't you see it is all rounded by the water? Now, + Childers, we will put you on that stone. You will be perfectly safe there, + for you see it is two feet above this greenish line, which shows where the + water generally comes to. The tides are not at spring at present, so + though you may get a splashing there is no fear of your being washed off.” + </p> + <p> + The water was already knee deep at the foot of the rocks, and the waves + took them nearly up to the shoulders. Ruthven did not attempt to dispute + Frank's allotment of the one place of safety to Childers. Frank and he + placed themselves below the block of chalk, which was somewhat over six + feet from the ground. Then Childers scrambled up on to their shoulders, + and from these stepped onto the ledge. + </p> + <p> + “I am all right,” he said; “I wish to Heaven that you were too.” + </p> + <p> + “We shall do,” Frank said. “Mind you hold tight, Childers! You had better + turn round with your face to the cliff, so as to be able to grip hold and + steady yourself in case the waves come up high. The tide will turn in + three quarters of an hour at the outside. Now, then, Ruthven, let's make a + fight for it, old man.” + </p> + <p> + “What are you going to do, Frank?” + </p> + <p> + “We will wade along here as far as we can towards the corner, and than we + must swim for it.” + </p> + <p> + “Don't you think it's possible to stay here,” Ruthven said, “if the tide + will turn so soon?” + </p> + <p> + “Quite impossible!” Frank said. “I have been nearly taken off my feet + twice already, and the water will rise a yard yet, at least. We should be + smashed against the rocks, even if we weren't drowned. It must be tried, + Ruthven. There is no other way for it. The distance is a good deal farther + than it would have been if we had started at first; but it isn't the + distance that makes much matter. We've only got to go out a little way, + and the tide will soon take us around the point. Everything depends on + you. I can take you round the point, and land you safely enough, if you + will lie quiet. If you don't, you will drown both of us. So it's entirely + in your hands. + </p> + <p> + “Look out!” + </p> + <p> + At this moment a larger wave than usual took both boys off their legs, and + dashed them with considerable force against the cliff. Frank seized + Ruthven, and assisted him to regain his feet. + </p> + <p> + “Now, old fellow, let me put you on your back. I will lie on mine and tow + you along. Don't struggle; don't move; above all, don't try and lift your + head, and don't mind if a little water gets in your mouth. Now!” + </p> + <p> + For a moment Ruthven felt himself under water, and had to make a great + effort to restrain himself from struggling to come to the surface. Then he + felt himself lying on his back in the water, supported by Frank. The + motion was not unpleasant as he rose and fell on the waves, although now + and then a splash of water came over his face, and made him cough and + splutter for breath. He could see nothing but the blue sky overhead, could + feel nothing except that occasionally he received a blow from one or other + of Frank's knees, as the latter swam beneath him, with Ruthven's head on + his chest. It was a dreamy sensation, and looking back upon it afterwards + Ruthven could never recall anything that he had thought of. It seemed + simply a drowsy pleasant time, except when occasionally a wave covered his + face. His first sensation was that of surprise when he felt the motion + change, and Frank lifted his head from the water and said, “Stand up, old + fellow. Thank God, here we are, safe!” + </p> + <p> + Frank had indeed found the journey easier than that which he had before + undertaken with the others. He had scarcely tried to progress, but had, + after getting sufficiently far out to allow the tide to take him round the + point, drifted quietly. + </p> + <p> + “I owe my life to you, Frank. I shall never forget it, old fellow.” + </p> + <p> + “It's been a close thing,” Frank answered; “but you owe your life as much + to your own coolness as to me, and above all, Ruthven, don't let us forget + that we both owe our lives to God.” + </p> + <p> + “I sha'n't forget it,” Ruthven said quietly, and they stood for a few + minutes without speaking. “Now, what had we better do? Shall we start to + run home?” + </p> + <p> + “I can't,” Frank laughed, for he had nothing on but his trousers. These he + had slipped on after the return from his first trip, pushing the rest of + his things into a crevice in the rocks as high up as he could reach. + </p> + <p> + “You had better take off your things, Ruthven, and lay them out to dry in + the sun. The boat will be here in half an hour. I wonder how Childers is + getting on!” + </p> + <p> + “I think he will be safe,” Ruthven said. “The tide will not rise high + enough for there to be much danger of his being washed off.” + </p> + <p> + “I don't think so either,” Frank agreed, “or I would try and swim back + again; but I really don't think I could get round the point against the + tide again.” + </p> + <p> + In half an hour a boat rowing four oars was seen approaching. + </p> + <p> + “They are laying out well,” Ruthven said. “They couldn't row harder if + they were rowing a race. But had it not been for you, old fellow, they + would have been too late, as far as I am concerned.” + </p> + <p> + As the boat approached, the coxswain waved his hat to the boys. Frank + motioned with his arm for them to row on round the point. The boat swept + along at a short distance from the shore. The boys watched them + breathlessly. Presently as it reached the point they saw the coxswain + stand up and say something to the men, who glanced over their shoulders as + they rowed. Then the coxswain gave a loud shout. “Hold on! We'll be with + you directly.” + </p> + <p> + “Thank God!” Frank exclaimed, “Childers is all right.” + </p> + <p> + It was well, however, that the boat arrived when it did, for Childers was + utterly exhausted when it reached him. The sea had risen so high that the + waves broke against his feet, throwing the spray far above his head, and + often nearly washing him from the ledge on which he stood. Had it not + been, indeed, for the hold which he obtained of the cliff, it would + several times have swept him away. About eighteen inches above his head he + had found a ledge sufficiently wide to give a grip for his hands, and + hanging by these he managed to retain his place when three times his feet + were swept off the rock by the rush of water. The tide was just on the + turn when the boat arrived, and so exhausted was he that he certainly + would not have been able to hold out for the half hour's buffeting to + which he would have been exposed before the water fell sufficiently to + leave him. After helping him into the boat the men gathered the clothes + jammed in fissures of the cliffs. These were, of course, drenched with + water, but had for the most part remained firm in their places. They now + pulled round to the spot where Frank and Ruthven were awaiting them. + </p> + <p> + “Childers must have been pretty nearly done,” Frank said. “He must be + lying in the bottom of the boat.” + </p> + <p> + Childers gave a smile of pleasure as his schoolfellows jumped on board. He + had, glancing over his shoulder, seen them drift out of sight round the + point, and had felt certain that they had reached shore. It was, however, + a great pleasure to be assured of the fact. + </p> + <p> + “You have made quite a stir upon the beach, young gentlemen,” the coxswain + of the boat said. “When they two came running up without their shoes or + coats and said there were three of you cut off in the bay under the + Foreland, there didn't seem much chance for you. It didn't take us two + minutes to launch the boat, for there were a score of hands helping to run + her down; and my mates bent to it well, I can tell you, though we didn't + think it would be of any use. We were glad when we made you two out on + this side of the point. Look, there's half Deal and Walmer coming along + the shore.” + </p> + <p> + It was as the boatman said. Numbers of persons were streaming along the + beach, and loud were the cheers which rose as the coxswain stood up and + shouted in a stentorian voice, “All saved!” + </p> + <p> + Frank put on his things as they approached Walmer. His shoes were lost, as + were those of Ruthven, and he had difficulty in getting his arms into his + wet and shrunken jacket. Quite a crowd were gathered near the castle as + the boat rowed to shore, and a hearty cheer arose as it was run up on the + shingle and the boys were helped out. Frank and Ruthven, indeed, required + no assistance. They were in no way the worse for the adventure, but + Childers was so weak that he was unable to stand. He was carried up and + laid on a fly, the others sitting opposite, the driver having first taken + the precaution of removing the cushions. + </p> + <p> + There were among the crowd most of the boys from Dr. Parker's. Goodall and + Jackson had arrived nearly an hour and a half before, and the news had + spread like wildfire. Bats and balls had been thrown down and every one + had hurried to the beach. Goodall and his companion had already related + the circumstance of their being cut off by the water and taken round the + point by Frank; and as Ruthven on jumping out had explained to his + comrades who flocked round to shake his hand, “I owe my life to Hargate,” + the enthusiasm reached boiling point, and Frank had difficulty in taking + his place in the fly, so anxious were all to shake his hand and pat him on + the shoulder. Had it not been for his anxiety to get home as soon as + possible, and his urgent entreaties, they would have carried him on their + shoulders in triumph through the town. They drove first to the school, + where Childers was at once carried up to a bed, which had been prepared + with warm blankets in readiness; Ruthven needed only to change his + clothes. + </p> + <p> + The moment they had left the fly Frank drove straight home, and was + delighted at finding, from his mother's exclamation of surprise as he + alighted from the cab, that she had not been suffering any anxiety, no + one, in the general excitement, having thought of taking the news to her. + In answer to her anxious inquiries he made light of the affair, saying + only that they had stupidly allowed themselves to be cut off by the sea + and had got a ducking. It was not, indeed, till the next morning, when the + other four boys came around to tell Mrs. Hargate that they were indebted + to Frank for their lives, that she had any notion that he had been in + danger. + </p> + <p> + Frank was quite oppressed by what he called the fuss which was made over + the affair. A thrilling description of it appeared in the local papers. A + subscription was got up in the school, and a gold watch with an + inscription was presented to him; and he received letters of heart felt + thanks from the parents of his four schoolfellows, for Childers maintained + that it was entirely to Frank's coolness and thoughtfulness that his + preservation was also due. + </p> + <p> + On the following Wednesday the school broke up. Frank had several + invitations from the boys to spend his holidays with them; but he knew how + lonely his mother would feel in his absence, and he declined all the + invitations. Mrs. Hargate was far from strong, and had had several fits of + fainting. These, however, had taken place at times when Frank was at + school, and she had strictly charged her little servant to say nothing + about it. + </p> + <p> + One day on returning from a long walk he saw the doctor's carriage + standing at the door. Just as he arrived the door opened and the doctor + came out. Upon seeing Frank he turned. + </p> + <p> + “Come in here, my boy,” he said. + </p> + <p> + Frank followed him, and seeing that the blinds were down, went to draw + them up. The doctor laid his hand on his arm. + </p> + <p> + “Never mind that,” he said gently. + </p> + <p> + “My boy,” he said, “do you know that your mother has been for some time + ailing?” + </p> + <p> + “No, indeed,” Frank said with a gasp of pain and surprise. + </p> + <p> + “It is so, my boy. I have been attending her for some time. She has been + suffering from fainting fits brought on by weakness of the heart's action. + Two hours since I was sent for and found her unconscious. My poor boy, you + must compose yourself. God is good and merciful, though his decrees are + hard to bear. Your mother passed away quietly half an hour since, without + recovering consciousness.” + </p> + <p> + Frank gave a short cry, and then sat stunned by the suddenness of the + blow. The doctor drew out a small case from his pocket and poured a few + drops from the phial into a glass, added some water, and held it to + Frank's lips. + </p> + <p> + “Drink this, my boy,” he said. + </p> + <p> + Frank turned his head from the offered glass. He could not speak. + </p> + <p> + “Drink this, my boy,” the doctor said again; “it will do you good. Try and + be strong for the sake of your little sister, who has only you in the + world now.” + </p> + <p> + The thought of Lucy touched the right chord in the boy's heart, and he + burst into a passionate fit of crying. The doctor allowed his tears to + flow unchecked. + </p> + <p> + “You will be better now,” he said presently. “Now drink this, then lie + down on the sofa. We must not be having you ill, you know.” + </p> + <p> + Frank gulped down the contents of the glass, and, passive as a child, + allowed the doctor to place him upon the sofa. + </p> + <p> + “God help and strengthen you, my poor boy,” he said; “ask help from Him.” + </p> + <p> + For an hour Frank lay sobbing on the sofa, and then, remembering the + doctor's last words, he knelt beside it and prayed for strength. + </p> + <p> + A week had passed. The blinds were up again. Mrs. Hargate had been laid in + her last home, and Frank was sitting alone again in the little parlor + thinking over what had best be done. The outlook was a dark one, enough to + shake the courage of one much older than Frank. His mother's pension, he + knew, died with her. He had, on the doctor's advice, written to the War + Office on the day following his mother's death, to inform the authorities + of the circumstances, and to ask if any pension could be granted to his + sister. The reply had arrived that morning and had relieved him of the + greatest of his cares. It stated that as he was now just fifteen years old + he was not eligible for a pension, but that twenty-five pounds a year + would be paid to his sister until she married or attained the age of + twenty-one. + </p> + <p> + He had spoken to the doctor that morning, and the latter said that he knew + a lady who kept a small school, and who would, he doubted not, be willing + to receive Lucy and to board and clothe her for that sum. She was a very + kind and motherly person, and he was sure that Lucy would be most kindly + treated and cared for by her. It was then of his own future only that + Frank had to think. There were but a few pounds in the house, but the + letter from the War Office inclosed a check for twenty pounds, as his + mother's quarterly pension was just due. The furniture of the little house + would fetch but a small sum, not more, Frank thought, than thirty or forty + pounds. There were a few debts to pay, and after all was settled up there + would remain about fifty pounds. Of this he determined to place half in + the doctor's hands for the use of Lucy. + </p> + <p> + “She will want,” he said to himself, “a little pocket money. It is hard on + a girl having no money to spend of her own. Then, as she gets on, she may + need lessons in something or other. Besides, half the money rightly + belongs to her, The question is, What am I to do?” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0005" id="link2HCH0005"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER V: ALONE IN THE WORLD + </h2> + <p> + “What am I to do?” + </p> + <p> + A difficult question indeed, for a boy of fifteen, with but twenty-five + pounds, and without a friend in the world. Was he, indeed, without a + friend? he asked himself. There was Dr. Parker. Should he apply to him? + But the doctor had started for a trip on the Continent the day after the + school had broken up, and would not return for six weeks. It was possible + that, had he been at home, he might have offered to keep Frank for a + while; but the boys seldom stayed at his school past the age of fifteen, + going elsewhere to have their education completed. What possible claim had + he to quarter himself upon the doctor for the next four years, even were + the offer made? No, Frank felt; he could not live upon the doctor's + charity. Then there were the parents of the boys he had saved from + drowning. But even as he sat alone Frank's face flushed at the thought of + trading upon services so rendered. The boy's chief fault was pride. It was + no petty feeling, and he had felt no shame at being poorer than the rest + of his schoolfellows. It was rather a pride which led him unduly to rely + upon himself, and to shrink from accepting favors from any one. Frank + might well, without any derogation, have written to his friends, telling + them of the loss he had suffered and the necessity there was for him to + earn his living, and asking them to beg their fathers to use their + interest to procure him a situation as a boy clerk, or any other position + in which he could earn his livelihood. + </p> + <p> + Frank, however, shrunk from making any such appeal, and determined to + fight his battle without asking for help. He knew nothing of his parents' + relations. His father was an only son, who had been left early an orphan. + His mother, too, had, he was aware, lost both her parents, and he had + never heard her speak of other relations. There was no one, therefore, so + far as he knew, to whom he could appeal on the ground of ties of blood. It + must be said for him that he had no idea how hard was the task which he + was undertaking. It seemed to him that it must be easy for a strong, + active lad to find employment of some sort in London. What the employment + might be he cared little for. He had no pride of that kind, and so that he + could earn his bread he cared not much in what capacity he might do it. + </p> + <p> + Already preparations had been made for the sale of the furniture, which + was to take place next day. Everything was to be sold except the + scientific books which had belonged to his father. These had been packed + in a great box until the time when he might place them in a library of his + own, and the doctor kindly offered to keep it for him until such time + should arrive. Frank wrote a long letter to Ruthven, telling him of his + loss, and his reasons for leaving Deal, and promising to write some day + and tell him how he was getting on in London. This letter he did not + intend to post until the last thing before leaving Deal. Lucy had already + gone to her new home, and Frank felt confident that she would be happy + there. His friend, the doctor, who had tried strongly, but without avail, + to dissuade Frank from going up to London to seek his fortune there, had + promised that if the lad referred any inquiries to him he would answer for + his character. + </p> + <p> + He went down to the beach the last evening and said goodbye to his friends + among the fishermen, and he walked over in the afternoon and took his last + meal with Farmer Gregson. + </p> + <p> + “Look ye here, my lad,” the farmer said as they parted. “I tell ye, from + what I've heerd, this London be a hard nut to crack. There be plenty of + kernel, no doubt, when you can get at it, but it be hard work to open the + shell. Now, if so be as at any time you run short of money, just drop me a + line, and there's ten pound at your service whenever you like. Don't you + think it's an obligation. Quite the other way. It would be a real pleasure + to me to lend you a helping hand.” + </p> + <p> + Two days after the sale Frank started for London. On getting out of the + train he felt strange and lonely amid the bustle and confusion which was + going on on the platform. The doctor had advised him to ask one of the + porters, or a policeman, if he could recommend him to a quiet and + respectable lodging, as expenses at an hotel would soon make a deep hole + in his money. He, therefore, as soon as the crowd cleared away, addressed + himself to one of the porters. + </p> + <p> + “What sort of lodgings do you want, sir?” the man said, looking at him + rather suspiciously, with, as Frank saw, a strong idea in his mind that he + was a runaway schoolboy. + </p> + <p> + “I only want one room,” he said, “and I don't care how small it is, so + that it is clean and quiet. I shall be out all day, and should not give + much trouble.” + </p> + <p> + The porter went away and spoke to some of his mates, and presently + returned with one of them. + </p> + <p> + “You're wanting a room I hear, sir,” the man said. “I have a little house + down the Old Kent Road, and my missus lets a room or two. It's quiet and + clean, I'll warrant you. We have one room vacant at present.” + </p> + <p> + “I'm sure that would suit me very well,” Frank said. “How much do you + charge a week?” + </p> + <p> + “Three and sixpence, sir, if you don't want any cooking done.” + </p> + <p> + Frank took the address, and leaving his portmanteau in charge of the + porter, who promised, unless he heard to the contrary, that he would bring + it home with him when he had done his work, he set off from the station. + </p> + <p> + Deal is one of the quietest and most dreary places on the coast of + England, and Frank was perfectly astounded at the crowd and bustle which + filled the street, when he issued from the railway approach, at the foot + of London Bridge. The porter had told him that he was to turn to his left, + and keep straight along until he reached the “Elephant and Castle.” He + had, therefore, no trouble about his road, and was able to give his whole + attention to the sights which met his eye. For a time the stream of + omnibuses, cabs, heavy wagons, and light carts, completely bewildered him, + as did the throng of people who hastened along the footway. He was + depressed rather than exhilarated at the sight of this busy multitude. He + seemed such a solitary atom in the midst of this great moving crowd. + Presently, however, the thought that where so many millions gained their + living there must be room for one boy more, somewhat cheered him. He was a + long time making his way to his place of destination, for he stared into + every shop window, and being, although he was perfectly ignorant of the + fact, on the wrong side of the pavement, he was bumped and bustled + continually, and was not long in arriving at the conclusion that the + people of London must be the roughest and rudest in the world. It was not + until he ran against a gentleman, and was greeted with the angry, “now + then, boy. Where are you going? Why the deuce don't you keep on your own + side of the pavement?” that he perceived that the moving throng was + divided into two currents, that on the inside meeting him, while the + outside stream was proceeding in the same direction as himself. After this + he got on better, and arrived without adventure at the house of the + porter, in the Old Kent Road. + </p> + <p> + It was a small house, but was clean and respectable, and Frank found that + the room would suit him well. + </p> + <p> + “I do not wait upon the lodgers,” the landlady said, “except to make the + beds and tidy the rooms in the morning. So if you want breakfast and tea + at home you will have to get them yourself. There is a separate place + downstairs for your coals. There are some tea things, plates and dishes, + in this cupboard. You will want to buy a small tea kettle, and a gridiron, + and a frying pan, in case you want a chop or a rasher. Do you think you + can cook them yourself?” + </p> + <p> + “Frank, amused at the thought of cooking and catering for himself, said + boldly that he should soon learn. + </p> + <p> + “You are a very young gentleman,” the landlady said, eyeing him + doubtfully, “to be setting up on your own hook. I mean,” she said, seeing + Frank look puzzled, “setting up housekeeping on your own account. You will + have to be particular careful with the frying pan, because if you were to + upset the fat in the fire you might have the house in a blaze in a + jiffey.” + </p> + <p> + Frank said that he would certainly be careful with the frying pan. + </p> + <p> + “Well,” she went on, “as you're a stranger to the place I don't know as + you could do better than get your tea, and sugar, and things at the + grocer's at the next corner. I deals there myself, and he gives every + satisfaction. My baker will be round in a few minutes, and, if you likes, + I can take in your bread for you. The same with milk.” + </p> + <p> + These matters being arranged, and Frank agreeing at once to the + proposition that as he was a stranger it would make things more + comfortable were he to pay his rent in advance, found himself alone in his + new apartment. It was a room about ten feet square. The bed occupied one + corner, with the washstand at its foot. There was a small table in front + of the fireplace, and two chairs; a piece of carpet half covered the + floor, and these with the addition of the articles in the cupboard + constituted the furniture of the room. Feeling hungry after his journey + Frank resolved to go out at once and get something to eat, and then to lay + in a stock of provisions. After some hesitation regarding the character of + the meal he decided upon two Bath buns, determining to make a substantial + tea. He laid in a supply of tea, sugar, butter, and salt, bought a little + kettle, a frying pan, and a gridiron. Then he hesitated as to whether he + should venture upon a mutton chop or some bacon, deciding finally in favor + of the latter, upon the reflection that any fellow could see whether bacon + were properly frizzled up, while as to a chop there was no seeing anything + about it till one cut it. He, therefore, invested in a pound of prime + streaky Wiltshire bacon, the very best, as the shopman informed him, that + could be bought. He returned carrying all his purchases, with the + exception of the hardware. Then he inquired of his landlady where he could + get coal. + </p> + <p> + “The green grocer's round the corner,” the landlady said. “Tell him to + send in a hundredweight of the best, that's a shilling, and you'll want + some firewood too.” + </p> + <p> + The coal arrived in the course of the afternoon, and at half past six the + porter came in with Frank's trunk. He had by this time lit a fire, and + while the water was boiling got some of his things out of the box, and by + hanging some clothes on the pegs on the back of the door, and by putting + the two or three favorite books he had brought with him on to the + mantelpiece, he gave the room a more homelike appearance. He enjoyed his + tea all the more from the novelty of having to prepare it himself, and + succeeded very fairly for a first attempt with his bacon. + </p> + <p> + When tea was over he first washed up the things and then started for a + ramble. He followed the broad straight road to Waterloo Bridge, stood for + a long time looking at the river, and then crossed into the Strand. The + lamps were now alight and the brightness and bustle of the scene greatly + interested him. At nine o'clock he returned to his lodgings, but was again + obliged to sally out, as he found he had forgotten candles. + </p> + <p> + After breakfast next morning he went out and bought a newspaper, and set + himself to work to study the advertisements. He was dismayed to find how + many more applicants there were for places than places requiring to be + filled. All the persons advertising were older than himself, and seemed to + possess various accomplishments in the way of languages; many too could be + strongly recommended from their last situation. The prospect did not look + hopeful. In the first place he had looked to see if any required boy + clerks, but this species of assistant appeared little in demand; and then, + although he hoped that it would not come to that, he ran his eye down the + columns to see if any required errand boys or lads in manufacturing + businesses. He found, however, no such advertisements. However, as he said + to himself, it could not be expected that he should find a place waiting + for him on the very day after his arrival, and that he ought to be able to + live for a year on his five and twenty pounds; at this reflection his + spirits rose and he went out again for a walk. + </p> + <p> + For the first week, indeed, of his arrival in London Frank did not set + himself very earnestly to work to look for a situation. In his walks about + the streets he several times observed cards in the window indicating that + an errand boy was wanted. He resolved, however, that this should be the + last resource which he would adopt, as he would much prefer to go to work + as a common lad in a factory to serving in a shop. After the first week he + answered many advertisements, but in no case received a reply. In one + case, in which it was stated that a lad who could write a good fast hand + was required in an office, wages to begin with eight shillings a week, he + called two days after writing. It was a small office with a solitary clerk + sitting in it. The latter, upon learning Frank's business, replied with + some exasperation that his mind was being worried out by boys. + </p> + <p> + “We have had four hundred and thirty letters,” he said; “and I should + think that a hundred boys must have called. We took the first who applied, + and all the other letters were chucked into the fire as soon as we saw + what they were about.” + </p> + <p> + Frank returned to the street greatly disheartened. + </p> + <p> + “Four hundred and thirty letters!” he said. “Four hundred and thirty other + fellows on the lookout, just as I am, for a place as a boy clerk, and lots + of them, no doubt, with friends and relations to recommend them! The + lookout seems to be a bad one.” + </p> + <p> + Two days later, when Frank was walking along the strand he noticed the + placards in front of a theater. + </p> + <p> + “Gallery one shilling!” he said to himself; “I will go. I have never seen + a theater yet.” + </p> + <p> + The play was The Merchant of Venice, and Frank sat in rapt attention and + interest through it. When the performance was over he walked briskly + homewards. When he had proceeded some distance he saw a glare in the sky + ahead, and presently a steam engine dashed past him at full speed. + </p> + <p> + “That must be a house on fire,” he said. “I have never seen a fire;” and + he broke into a run. + </p> + <p> + Others were running in the same direction, and as he passed the “Elephant + and Castle” the crowd became thicker, and when within fifty yards of the + house he could no longer advance. He could see the flames now rising high + in the air. A horrible fear seized him. + </p> + <p> + “It must be,” he exclaimed to himself, “either our house or the one next + door.” + </p> + <p> + It was in vain that he pressed forward to see more nearly. A line of + policemen was drawn up across the road to keep a large space clear for the + firemen. Behind the policemen the crowd were thickly packed. Frank + inquired of many who stood near him if they could tell him the number of + the house which was on fire; but none could inform him. + </p> + <p> + Presently the flames began to die away, and the crowd to disperse. At + length Frank reached the first line of spectators. + </p> + <p> + “Can you tell me the number of the houses which are burned?” Frank said to + a policeman. + </p> + <p> + “There are two of them,” the policeman said “a hundred and four and a + hundred and five. A hundred and four caught first, and they say that a + woman and two children have been burned to death.” + </p> + <p> + “That is where I live!” Frank cried. “Oh, please let me pass!” + </p> + <p> + “I'll pass you in,” the policeman said good naturedly, and he led him + forward to the spot where the engines were playing upon the burning + houses. “Is it true, mate,” he asked a fireman, “that a woman and two + children have been burned?” + </p> + <p> + “It's true enough,” the fireman said. “The landlady and her children. Her + husband was a porter at the railway station, and had been detained on + overtime. He only came back a quarter of an hour ago, and he's been going + on like a madman;” and he pointed to the porter, who was sitting down on + the doorsteps of a house facing his own, with his face hidden in his + hands. + </p> + <p> + Frank went and sat down beside him. + </p> + <p> + “My poor fellow,” he said, “I am sorry for you.” + </p> + <p> + Frank had had many chats with his landlord of an evening, and had become + quite friendly with him and his wife. + </p> + <p> + “I can't believe it,” the man said huskily. “Just to think! When I went + out this morning there was Jane and the kids, as well and as happy as + ever, and there, where are they now?” + </p> + <p> + “Happier still,” Frank said gently. “I lost my mother just as suddenly + only five weeks ago. I went out for a walk, leaving her as well as usual, + and when I came back she was dead; so I can feel for you with all my + heart.” + </p> + <p> + “I would have given my life for them,” the man said, wiping his eyes, + “willing.” + </p> + <p> + “I'm sure you would,” Frank answered. + </p> + <p> + “There's the home gone,” the man said, “with all the things that it took + ten years' savings of Jane and me to buy; not that that matters one way or + the other now. And your traps are gone, too, I suppose, sir.” + </p> + <p> + “Yes,” Frank replied quietly, “I have lost my clothes and twenty-three + pounds in money; every penny I've got in the world except half a crown in + my pocket.” + </p> + <p> + “And you don't say nothing about it!” the man said, roused into animation. + “But, there, perhaps you've friends as will make it up to you.” + </p> + <p> + “I have no one in the world,” Frank answered, “whom I could ask to give me + a helping hand.” + </p> + <p> + “Well, you are a plucky chap,” the man said. “That would be a knock down + blow to a man, let alone a boy like you. What are you going to do now?” he + asked, forgetting for the moment his own loss, in his interest in his + companion. + </p> + <p> + “I don't know,” Frank replied. “Perhaps,” he added, seeing that the + interest in his condition roused the poor fellow from the thought of his + own deep sorrow, “you might give me some advice. I was thinking of getting + a place in an office, but of course I must give that up now, and should be + thankful to get anything by which I can earn my bread.” + </p> + <p> + “You come along with me,” the man said rising. “You've done me a heap of + good. It's no use sitting here. I shall go back to the station, and turn + in on some sacks. If you've nothing better to do, and nowhere to go to, + you come along with me. We will talk it all over.” + </p> + <p> + Pleased to have some one to talk to, and glad that he should not have to + look for a place to sleep, Frank accompanied the porter to the station. + With a word or two to the nightmen on duty, the porter led the way to a + shed near the station, where a number of sacks were heaped in a corner. + </p> + <p> + “Now,” the man said, “I will light a pipe. It's against the regulations, + but that's neither here nor there now. Now, if you're not sleepy, would + you mind talking to me? Tell me something about yourself, and how you come + to be alone here in London. It does me good to talk. It prevents me from + thinking.” + </p> + <p> + “There is very little to tell,” Frank said; and he related to him the + circumstances of the deaths of his father and mother, and how it came that + he was alone in London in search of a place. + </p> + <p> + “You're in a fix,” the porter said. + </p> + <p> + “Yes, I can see that.” + </p> + <p> + “You see you're young for most work, and you never had no practice with + horses, or you might have got a place to drive a light cart. Then, again, + your knowing nothing of London is against you as an errand boy; and what's + worse than all this, anyone can see with half an eye that you're a + gentleman, and not accustomed to hard work. However, we will think it + over. The daylight's breaking now, and I has to be at work at six. But + look ye here, young fellow, tomorrow I've got to look for a room, and when + I gets it there's half of it for you, if you're not too proud to accept + it. It will be doing me a real kindness, I can tell you, for what I am to + do alone of an evening without Jane and the kids, God knows. I can't + believe they're gone yet.” + </p> + <p> + Then the man threw himself down upon the sacks, and broke into sobs. Frank + listened for half an hour till these gradually died away, and he knew by + the regular breathing that his companion was asleep. It was long after + this before he himself closed his eyes. The position did, indeed, appear a + dark one. Thanks to the offer of his companion, which he at once resolved + to accept for a time, he would have a roof to sleep under. But this could + not last; and what was he to do? Perhaps he had been wrong in not writing + at once to Ruthven and his schoolfellows. He even felt sure he had been + wrong; but it would be ten times as hard to write now. He would rather + starve than do this. How was he to earn his living? He would, he + determined, at any rate try for a few days to procure a place as an errand + boy. If that failed, he would sell his clothes, and get a rough working + suit. He was sure that he should have more chance of obtaining work in + such a dress than in his present attire. + </p> + <p> + Musing thus, Frank at last dropped off to sleep. When he woke he found + himself alone, his companion having left without disturbing him. From the + noises around him of trains coming in and out, Frank judged that the hour + was late. + </p> + <p> + “I have done one wise thing,” he said, “anyhow, and as far as I can see + it's the only one, in leaving my watch with the doctor to keep. He pointed + out that I might have it stolen if I carried it, and that there was no use + in keeping it shut up in a box. Very possibly it might be stolen by the + dishonesty of a servant. That's safe anyhow, and it is my only worldly + possession, except the books, and I would rather go into the workhouse + than part with either of them.” + </p> + <p> + Rising, he made his way into the station, where he found the porter at his + usual work. + </p> + <p> + “I would not wake you,” the man said; “you were sleeping so quiet, and I + knew 'twas no use your getting up early. I shall go out and settle for a + room at dinner time. If you will come here at six o'clock we'll go off + together. The mates have all been very kind, and have been making a + collection to bury my poor girl and the kids. They've found 'em, and the + inquest is tomorrow, so I shall be off work. The governor has offered me a + week; but there, I'd rather be here where there's no time for thinking, + than hanging about with nothing to do but to drink.” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0006" id="link2HCH0006"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER VI: THE FIRST STEP + </h2> + <p> + All that day Frank tramped the streets. He went into many shops where he + saw notices that an errand boy was required, but everywhere without + success. He perceived at once that his appearance was against him, and he + either received the abrupt answer of, “You're not the sort of chap for my + place,” or an equally decided refusal upon the grounds that he did not + know the neighborhood, or that they preferred one who had parents who + lived close by and could speak for him. + </p> + <p> + At six o'clock he rejoined the porter. He brought with him some bread and + butter and a piece of bacon. When, on arriving at the lodging of his new + friend, a neat room with two small beds in it, he produced and opened his + parcel, the porter said angrily, “Don't you do that again, young fellow, + or we shall have words. You're just coming to stop with me for a bit till + you see your way, and I'm not going to have you bring things in here. My + money is good for two months, and your living here with me won't cost + three shillings a week. So don't you hurt my feelings by bringing things + home again. There, don't say no more about it.” + </p> + <p> + Frank, seeing that his companion was really in earnest, said no more, and + was the less reluctant to accept the other's kindness as he saw that his + society was really a great relief to him in his trouble. After the meal + they sallied out to a second hand clothes shop. Here Frank disposed of his + things, and received in return a good suit of clothes fit for a working + lad. + </p> + <p> + “I don't know how it is,” the porter said as they sat together afterwards, + “but a gentleman looks like a gentleman put him in what clothes you will. + I could have sworn to your being that if I'd never seen you before. I + can't make it out, I don't know what it is, but there's certainly + something in gentle blood, whatever you may say about it. Some of my mates + are forever saying that one man's as good as another. Now I don't mean to + say they ain't as good; but what I say is, as they ain't the same. One man + ain't the same as another any more than a race horse is the same as a cart + horse. They both sprang from the same stock, at least so they says; but + breeding and feeding and care has made one into a slim boned creature as + can run like the wind, while the other has got big bones and weight and + can drag his two ton after him without turning a hair. Now, I take it, + it's the same thing with gentlefolks and working men. It isn't that one's + bigger than the other, for I don't see much difference that way; but a + gentleman's lighter in the bone, and his hands and his feet are smaller, + and he carries himself altogether different. His voice gets a different + tone. Why, Lord bless you, when I hears two men coming along the platform + at night, even when I can't see 'em, and can't hear what they says, only + the tone of their voices, I knows just as well whether it's a first class + or a third door as I've got to open as if I saw 'em in the daylight. Rum, + ain't it?” + </p> + <p> + Frank had never thought the matter out, and could only give his general + assent to his companion's proposition. + </p> + <p> + “Now,” the porter went on, “if you go into a factory or workshop, I'll bet + a crown to a penny that before you've been there a week you'll get called + Gentleman Jack, or some such name. You see if you ain't.” + </p> + <p> + “I don't care what they call me,” Frank laughed, “so that they'll take me + into the factory.” + </p> + <p> + “All in good time,” the porter said; “don't you hurry yourself. As long as + you can stay here you'll be heartily welcome. Just look what a comfort it + is to have you sitting here sociable and comfortable. You don't suppose I + could have sat here alone in this room if you hadn't been here? I should + have been in a public house making a beast of myself, and spending as much + money as would keep the pair of us.” + </p> + <p> + Day after day Frank went out in search of work. In his tramps he visited + scores of workshops and factories, but without success. Either they did + not want boys, or they declined altogether to take one who had no + experience in work, and had no references in the neighborhood. Frank took + his breakfast and tea with the porter, and was glad that the latter had + his dinner at the station, as a penny loaf served his purposes. One day in + his walks Frank entered Covent Garden and stood looking on at the bustle + and flow of business, for it happened to be market day. He leaned against + one of the columns of the piazza, eating the bread he had just bought. + Presently a sharp faced lad, a year or two younger than himself, came up + to him. + </p> + <p> + “Give us a hit,” he said, “I ain't tasted nothing today.” + </p> + <p> + Frank broke the bread in half and gave a portion to him. + </p> + <p> + “What a lot there is going on here!” Frank said. + </p> + <p> + “Law!” the boy answered, “that ain't nothing to what it is of a morning. + That's the time, 'special on the mornings of the flower market. It's hard + lines if a chap can't pick up a tanner or even a bob then.” + </p> + <p> + “How?” Frank asked eagerly. + </p> + <p> + “Why, by holding horses, helping to carry out plants, and such like. You + seems a green 'un, you do. Up from the country, eh? Don't seem like one of + our sort.” + </p> + <p> + “Yes,” Frank said, “I'm just up from the country. I thought it would be + easy to get a place in London, but I don't find it so.” + </p> + <p> + “A place!” the boy repeated scornfully. “I should like any one to see me + in a place. It's better a hundred times to be your own master.” + </p> + <p> + “Even if you do want a piece of bread sometimes?” Frank put in. + </p> + <p> + “Yes,” the boy said. “When it ain't market day and ye haven't saved enough + to buy a few papers or boxes of matches it does come hard. In winter the + times is bad, but in summer we gets on fairish, and there ain't nothing to + grumble about. Are you out of work yourself?” + </p> + <p> + “Yes,” Frank answered, “I'm on the lookout for a job.” + </p> + <p> + “You'd have a chance here in the morning,” said the boy, looking at him. + “You look decent, and might get a job unloading. They won't have us at no + price, if they can help it.” + </p> + <p> + “I will come and try anyhow,” Frank said. + </p> + <p> + That evening Frank told his friend, the porter, that he thought of going + out early next morning to try and pick up odd jobs at Covent Garden. + </p> + <p> + “Don't you think of it,” the porter said. “There's nothing worse for a lad + than taking to odd jobs. It gets him into bad ways and bad company. Don't + you hurry. I have spoken to lots of my mates, and they're all on the + lookout for you. We on the platform can't do much. It ain't in our line, + you see; but in the goods department, where they are constant with vans + and wagons and such like, they are likely enough to hear of something + before long.” + </p> + <p> + That night, thinking matters over in bed, Frank determined to go down to + the docks and see if he could get a place as cabin boy. He had had this + idea in his mind ever since he lost his money, and had only put it aside + in order that he might, if possible, get some berth on shore which might + seem likely in the end to afford him a means of making his way up again. + It was not that he was afraid of the roughness of a cabin boy's life; it + was only because he knew that it would be so very long before, working his + way up from boy to able bodied seaman, he could obtain a mate's + certificate, and so make a first step up the ladder. However, he thought + that even this would be better than going as a wagoner's boy, and he + accordingly crossed London Bridge, turned down Eastcheap, and presently + found himself in Ratcliff Highway. He was amused here at the nautical + character of the shops, and presently found himself staring into a window + full of foreign birds, for the most part alive in cages, among which, + however, were a few cases of stuffed birds. + </p> + <p> + “How stupid I have been!” he thought to himself. “I wonder I never thought + of it before! I can stuff birds and beasts at any rate a deal better than + those wooden looking things. I might have a chance of getting work at some + naturalist's shop. I will get a directory and take down all the addresses + in London, and then go around.” + </p> + <p> + He now became conscious of a conversation going on between a little old + man with a pair of thick horn rimmed spectacles and a sailor who had a + dead parrot and a cat in his hand. + </p> + <p> + “I really cannot undertake them,” the old man said. “Since the death of my + daughter I have had but little time to attend to that branch. What with + buying and selling, and feeding and attending to the live ones, I have no + time for stuffing. Besides, if the things were poisoned, they would not be + worth stuffing.” + </p> + <p> + “It isn't the question of worth, skipper,” the sailor said; “and I don't + say, mind ye, that these here critturs was pisoned, only if you looks at + it that this was the noisiest bird and the worst tempered thievingest cat + in the neighborhood—though, Lord bless you, my missus wouldn't allow + it for worlds—why, you know, when they were both found stiff and + cold this morning people does have a sort of a suspicion as how they've + been pisoned;” and he winked one eye in a portentous manner, and grinned + hugely. “The missus she's in a nice taking, screeching, and yelling as you + might hear her two cables' length away, and she turns round on me and will + have it as I'd a hand in the matter. Well, just to show my innocence, I + offers to get a glass case for 'em and have 'em stuffed, if it cost me a + couple of pounds. I wouldn't care if they fell all to pieces a week + afterwards, so that it pacified the old woman just at present. If I can't + get 'em done I shall ship at once, for the place will be too hot to hold + me. So you can't do it nohow?” + </p> + <p> + The old man shook his head, and the sailor was just turning off when Frank + went up to him: + </p> + <p> + “Will you please wait a moment? Can I speak to you, sir, a minute?” he + asked the old man. + </p> + <p> + The naturalist went into his shop, and Frank followed him. + </p> + <p> + “I can stuff birds and animals, sir,” he said. “I think I really stuff + them well, for some which I did for amusement were sold at ten shillings a + case, and the man who bought them of me told me they would be worth four + times as much in London. I am out of work, sir, and very very anxious to + get my living. You will find me hard working and honest. Do give me a + chance. Let me stuff that cat and parrot for the sailor. If you are not + satisfied then, I will go away and charge nothing for it.” + </p> + <p> + The man looked at him keenly. + </p> + <p> + “I will at any rate give you a trial,” he said. Then he went to the door + and called in the sailor. “This lad tells me he can stuff birds. I know + nothing about him, but I believe he is speaking truthfully. If you like to + intrust them to him he will do his best. If you're not satisfied he will + make no charge.” + </p> + <p> + Much pleased at seeing a way out of his dilemma, the sailor placed the + dead animals on the counter. + </p> + <p> + “Now,” the old man said to Frank, “you can take these out into the back + yard and skin them. Then you can go to work in that back room. You will + find arsenical soap, cotton wool, wires, and everything else you require + there. This has been a fine cat,” he said, looking at the animal. + </p> + <p> + “Yes, it has been a splendid creature,” Frank answered. “It is a + magnificent macaw also.” + </p> + <p> + “Ah! you know it is a macaw!” the old man said. + </p> + <p> + “Of course,” Frank said simply; “it has a tail.” + </p> + <p> + The old man then furnished Frank with two or three sharp knives and + scissors. Taking the bird and cat, he went out into the yard and in the + course of an hour had skinned them both. Then he returned to the shop and + set to work in the room behind. + </p> + <p> + “May I make a group of them?” he asked. + </p> + <p> + “Do them just as you like,” the old man said. + </p> + <p> + After settling upon his subject, Frank set to work, and, except that he + went out for five minutes to buy and eat a penny loaf, continued his work + till nightfall. The old man came in several times to look at him, but each + time went out again without making a remark. At six o'clock Frank laid + down his tools. + </p> + <p> + “I will come again tomorrow, sir,” he said. + </p> + <p> + The old man nodded, and Frank went home in high spirits. There was a + prospect at last of getting something to do, and that in a line most + congenial to his own tastes. + </p> + <p> + The old man looked up when he entered next morning. + </p> + <p> + “I shall not come in today,” he remarked. “I will wait to see them + finished.” + </p> + <p> + Working without interruption till the evening, Frank finished them to his + satisfaction, and enveloped them with many wrappings of thread to keep + them in precisely the attitudes in which he had placed them. + </p> + <p> + “They are ready for drying now, sir,” he said. “If I might place them in + an oven they would be dried by morning.” + </p> + <p> + The old man led the way to the kitchen, where a small fire was burning. + </p> + <p> + “I shall put no more coals on the fire,” he said, “and it will be out in a + quarter of an hour. Put them in there and leave the door open. I will + close it in an hour when the oven cools.” + </p> + <p> + The next day Frank was again at work. It took him all day to get fur and + feather to lie exactly as he wished them. In the afternoon he asked the + naturalist for a piece of flat board, three feet long, and a perch, but + said that instead of the piece of board he should prefer mounting them in + a case at once. The old man had not one in the shop large enough, and + therefore Frank arranged his group temporarily on the table. On the board + lay the cat. At first sight she seemed asleep, but it was clearly only + seeming. Her eyes were half open, the upper lip was curled up, and the + sharp teeth showed. The hind feet were drawn somewhat under her as in + readiness for an instant spring. Her front paws were before her, the + talons were somewhat stretched, and one paw was curved. Her ears lay + slightly back. She was evidently on the point of springing. The macaw + perch, which had been cut down to a height of two feet, stood behind her. + The bird hung by its feet, and, head downwards, stretched with open beak + towards the tip of the cat's tail, which was slightly uplifted. On a piece + of paper Frank wrote, “Dangerous Play.” + </p> + <p> + It was evening before he had finished perfectly to his satisfaction. Then + he called the naturalist in. The old man stopped at the door, surveying + the group. Then he entered and examined it carefully. + </p> + <p> + “Wonderful!” he said. “Wonderful! I should have thought them alive. There + is not a shop in the West End where it could have been turned out better, + if so well. + </p> + <p> + “Lad, you are a wonder! Tell me now who and what are you? I saw when you + first addressed me that you were not what you seemed to be, a working + lad.” + </p> + <p> + “I have been well educated,” Frank said, “and was taught to preserve and + stuff by my father, who was a great naturalist. My parents died suddenly, + and I was left on my own resources, which,” he said, smiling faintly, + “have hitherto proved of very small avail. I am glad you are pleased. If + you will take me into your service I will work hard and make myself useful + in every way. If you require references I can refer you to the doctor who + attended us in the country; but I have not a single friend in London + except a railway porter, who has most kindly and generously taken me in + and sheltered me for the last two months.” + </p> + <p> + “I need no references,” the old man said; “your work speaks for itself as + to your skill, and your face for your character. But I can offer you + nothing fit for you. With such a genius as you have for setting up + animals, you ought to be able to earn a good income. Not one man in a + thousand can make a dead animal look like a live one. You have the knack + or the art.” + </p> + <p> + “I shall be very content with anything you can give me,” Frank said; “for + the present I only ask to earn my living. If later on I can, as you say, + do more, all the better.” + </p> + <p> + The old man stood for some time thinking, and presently said, “I do but + little except in live stock. When I had my daughter with me I did a good + deal of stuffing, for there is a considerable trade hereabout. The sailors + bring home skins of foreign birds, and want them stuffed and put in cases, + as presents for their wives and sweethearts. You work fast as well as + skillfully. I have known men who would take a fortnight to do such a group + as that, and then it would be a failure. It will be quite a new branch for + my trade. I do not know how it will act yet, but to begin with I will give + you twelve shillings a week, and a room upstairs. If it succeeds we will + make other arrangements. I am an old man, and a very lonely one. I shall + be glad to have such a companion.” + </p> + <p> + Frank joyfully embraced the offer, and ran all the way home to tell his + friend, the porter, of the engagement. + </p> + <p> + “I am very glad,” the man said; “heartily glad. I shall miss you sorely. I + do not know what I should have done without you when I first lost poor + Jane and the kids. But now I can go back to my old ways again.” + </p> + <p> + “Perhaps,” Frank suggested, “you might arrange to have a room also in the + house. It would not be a very long walk, not above twenty or five and + twenty minutes, and I should be so glad to have you with me.” + </p> + <p> + The man sat silent for a time. “No,” he said at last, “I thank you all the + same. I should like it too, but I don't think it would be best in the end. + Here all my mates live near, and I shall get on in time. The Christmas + holiday season will soon be coming on and we shall be up working late. If + you were always going to stop at the place you are going to, it would be + different; but you will rise, never fear. I shall be seeing you in + gentleman's clothes again some of these days. I've heard you say you were + longing to get your books and to be studying again, and you'll soon fall + into your own ways; but if you will let me, I'll come over sometimes and + have a cup of tea and a chat with you. Now, look here, I'm going out with + you now, and I'm going to buy you a suit of clothes, something like what + you had on when I first saw you. They won't be altogether unsuitable in a + shop. This is a loan, mind, and you may pay me off as you get flush.” + </p> + <p> + Frank saw he should hurt the good fellow's feelings by refusing, and + accordingly went out with him, and next morning presented himself at the + shop in a quiet suit of dark gray tweed, and with his other clothes in a + bundle. + </p> + <p> + “Aha!” said the old man; “you look more as you ought to do now, though + you're a cut above an assistant in a naturalist's shop in Ratcliff + Highway. Now, let me tell you the names of some of these birds. They are, + every one of them, foreigners; some of them I don't know myself.” + </p> + <p> + “I can tell all the family names,” Frank said quietly, “and the species, + but I do not know the varieties.” + </p> + <p> + “Can you!” the old man said in surprise. “What is this now?” + </p> + <p> + “That is a mockingbird, the great black capped mockingbird, I think. The + one next to it is a golden lory.” + </p> + <p> + So Frank went round all the cages and perches in the shop. + </p> + <p> + “Right in every case,” the old man said enthusiastically; “I shall have + nothing to teach you. The sailor has been here this morning. I offered him + two pounds for the cat and bird to put in my front window, but he would + not take it, and has paid me that sum for your work. Here it is. This is + yours, you know. You were not in my employment then, and you will want + some things to start with, no doubt. Now come upstairs, I will show you + your room. I had intended at first to give you the one at the back, but I + have decided now on giving you my daughter's. I think you will like it.” + </p> + <p> + Frank did like it greatly. It was the front room on the second floor. The + old man's daughter had evidently been a woman of taste and refinement. The + room was prettily papered, a quiet carpet covered the floor, and the + furniture was neat and in good keeping. Two pairs of spotless muslin + curtains hung across the windows. + </p> + <p> + “I put them up this morning,” the old man said, nodding. “I have got the + sheets and bedding airing in the kitchen. They have not been out of the + press for the last three years. You can cook in the kitchen. There is + always a fire there. + </p> + <p> + “Now, the first thing to do,” he went on when they returned to the shop, + “will be for you to mount a dozen cases for the windows. These drawers are + full of skins of birds and small animals. I get them for next to nothing + from the sailors, and sell them to furriers and feather preparers, who + supply ladies' hat and bonnet makers. In future, I propose that you shall + mount them and sell them direct. We shall get far higher prices than we do + now. I seem to be putting most of the work on your shoulders, but do not + want you to help me in the shop. I will look after the birds and buy and + sell as I used to do; you will have the back room private to yourself for + stuffing and mounting.” + </p> + <p> + Frank was delighted at this allotment of labor, and was soon at work + rummaging the drawers and picking out specimens for mounting, and made a + selection sufficient to keep him employed for weeks. That evening he + sallied out and expended his two pounds in underlinen, of which he was + sorely in need. As he required them his employer ordered showcases for the + window, of various sizes, getting the backgrounds painted and fitted up as + Frank suggested. + </p> + <p> + Frank did not get on so fast with his work as he had hoped, for the fame + of the sailor's cat and macaw spread rapidly in the neighborhood, and + there was a perfect rush of sailors and their wives anxious to have birds + and skins, which had been brought from abroad, mounted. The sailor himself + looked in one day. + </p> + <p> + “If you like another two pounds for that 'ere cat, governor, I'm game to + pay you. It's the best thing that ever happened to me. Every one's wanting + to see 'em, and there's the old woman dressed up in her Sunday clothes + a-sitting in the parlor as proud as a peacock a showing of 'em off. The + house ain't been so quiet since I married. Them animals would be cheap to + me at a ten pound note. They'll get you no end of orders, I can tell you.” + </p> + <p> + The orders, indeed, came in much faster than Frank could fulfill them, + although he worked twelve hours a day; laying aside all other work, + however, for three hours in order to devote himself to the shop cases, + which were to be chef d'oeuvres. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0007" id="link2HCH0007"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER VII: AN OLD FRIEND + </h2> + <p> + For three months Frank passed a quiet and not unpleasant life with the old + naturalist in Ratcliff Highway. The latter took a great liking to him, and + treated him like a son rather than an assistant. The two took their meals + together now, and Frank's salary had been raised from twelve to eighteen + shillings a week. So attractive had the cases in the windows proved that + quite a little crowd was generally collected round them, and the business + had greatly augmented. The old naturalist was less pleased at this change + than most men would have been in his position. He had got into a groove + and did not care to get out of it. He had no relatives or any one + dependent on him, and he had been well content to go on in a jog trot way, + just paying his expenses of shop and living. The extra bustle and push + worried rather than pleased him. + </p> + <p> + “I am an old man,” he said to Frank one day, as after the shop was closed + they sat over their tea. “I have no motive in laying by money, and had + enough for my wants. I was influenced more by my liking for your face and + my appreciation of your talent, than by any desire of increasing my + business. I am taking now three times as much as I did before. Now I + should not mind, indeed, I should be glad, if I thought that you would + succeed me here as a son would do. I would gladly take you into + partnership with me, and you would have the whole business after my death. + But I know, my boy, that it wouldn't do. I know that the time will come + when you will not be content with so dull a life here. You will either get + an offer from some West End house which would open higher prospects to + you, or you will be wandering away as a collector. In any case you would + not stop here, of that I am quite sure, and therefore do not care, as I + should have done, had you been my son, for the increase of the business. + As it is, lad, I could not even wish to see you waste your life here.” + </p> + <p> + Frank, after he was once fairly settled at his new work, had written to + his friend the doctor, at Deal, telling him of the position he had taken, + and that he was in a fair way to make at least a comfortable living, and + that at a pursuit of which he was passionately fond. He asked him, + however, while writing to him from time to time to give him news of his + sister, not to tell any one his address, as although he was not ashamed of + his berth, still he would rather that, until he had made another step up + in life, his old schoolfellows should not know of his whereabouts. He had + also written to his friend Ruthven a bright chatty letter, telling him + somewhat of his adventures in London and the loss of his money, and saying + that he had now got employment at a naturalist's, with every chance of + making his way. + </p> + <p> + “When I mount a bit higher,” he concluded, “I shall be awfully glad to see + you again, and will let you know what my address may then be. For the + present I had rather keep it dark. If you will write to me, addressed to + the General Post Office, telling me all about yourself and the fellows at + school, I shall be very, very glad to get your letter. I suppose you will + be breaking up for Christmas in a few days.” + </p> + <p> + Christmas came and went. It was signalized to Frank only by the despatch + of a pretty present to Lucy, and the receipt of a letter from her written + in a round childish hand. A week afterwards he heard somebody come into + the shop. His employer was out, and he therefore went into the shop. + </p> + <p> + “I knew it was!” shouted a voice. “My dear old Frank, how are you?” and + his hand was warmly clasped in that of Ruthven. + </p> + <p> + “My dear Ruthven,” was all Frank could say. + </p> + <p> + “I had intended,” Ruthven exclaimed, “to punch your head directly I found + you; but I am too glad to do it, though you deserve it fifty times over. + What a fellow you are! I wouldn't have believed it of you, running away in + that secret sort of way and letting none of us know anything about you. + Wasn't I angry, and sorry too, when I got the letter you wrote me from + Deal! When I went back to school and found that not even Dr. Parker, not + even your sister, knew where you were, I was mad. So were all the other + fellows. However, I said I would find you wherever you had hidden + yourself.” + </p> + <p> + “But how did you find me?” Frank asked greatly moved at the warmth of his + schoolfellow's greeting. + </p> + <p> + “Oh! it wasn't so very difficult to find you when once I got your letter + saying what you were doing. The very day I came up to town I began to hunt + about. I found from the Directory there were not such a great number of + shops where they stuffed birds and that sort of thing. I tried the places + in Bond Street, and Piccadilly, and Wigmore Street, and so on to begin + with. Then I began to work east, and directly I saw the things in the + window here I felt sure I had found you at last. You tiresome fellow! Here + I have wasted nearly half my holidays looking for you.” + </p> + <p> + “I am so sorry, Ruthven.” + </p> + <p> + “Sorry! you ought to be more than sorry. You ought to be ashamed of + yourself, downright ashamed. But, there, I won't say any more now. Now, + can't you come out with me?” + </p> + <p> + “No, I can't come out now, Ruthven; but come into this room with me.” + </p> + <p> + There for the next hour they chatted, Frank giving a full account of all + he had gone through since he came up to town, while Ruthven gave him the + gossip of the half year at school. + </p> + <p> + “Well,” Ruthven said at last, “this old Horton of yours must be a brick. + Still, you know, you can't stop here all your life. You must come and talk + it over with my governor.” + </p> + <p> + “Oh, no, indeed, Ruthven! I am getting on very well here, and am very + contented with my lot, and I could not think of troubling your father in + the matter.” + </p> + <p> + “Well, you will trouble him a great deal,” Ruthven said, “if you don't + come, for you will trouble him to come all the way down here. He was quite + worried when he first heard of your disappearance, and has been almost as + excited as I have over the search for you. + </p> + <p> + “You are really a foolish fellow, Frank,” he went on more seriously; “I + really didn't think it of you. Here you save the lives of four or five + fellows and put all their friends under a tremendous obligation, and then + you run away and hide yourself as if you were ashamed. I tell you you + can't do it. A fellow has no more right to get rid of obligations than he + has to run away without paying his debts. It would be a burden on your + mind if you had a heavy debt you couldn't pay, and you would have a right + to be angry if, when you were perfectly able to pay, your creditor refused + to take the money. That's just the position in which you've placed my + father. Well, anyhow, you've got to come and see him, or he's got to come + and see you. I know he has something in his mind's eye which will just + suit you, though he did not tell me what it was. For the last day or two + he has been particularly anxious about finding you. Only yesterday when I + came back and reported that I had been to half a dozen places without + success, he said, 'Confound the young rascal, where can he be hiding? Here + are the days slipping by and it will be too late. If you don't find him in + a day or two, Dick, I will set the police after him—say he has + committed a murder or broken into a bank and offer a reward for his + apprehension.' So you must either come home with me this afternoon, or you + will be having my father down here tonight.” + </p> + <p> + “Of course, Ruthven,” Frank said, “I would not put your father to such + trouble. He is very kind to have taken so much interest in me, only I hate—” + </p> + <p> + “Oh, nonsense! I hate to see such beastly stuck up pride, putting your own + dignity above the affection of your friends; for that's really what it + comes to, old boy, if you look it fairly in the face.” + </p> + <p> + Frank flushed a little and was silent for a minute or two. + </p> + <p> + “I suppose you are right, Ruthven; but it is a little hard for a fellow—” + </p> + <p> + “Oh, no, it isn't,” Ruthven said. “If you'd got into a scrape from some + fault of your own one could understand it, although even then there would + be no reason for you to cut your old friends till they cut you. Young + Goodall, who lives over at Bayswater, has been over four or five times to + ask me if I have succeeded in finding you, and I have had letters from + Handcock, and Childers, and Jackson. Just as if a fellow had got nothing + to do but to write letters. How long will you be before you can come out?” + </p> + <p> + “There is Mr. Horton just come in,” Frank said. “I have no doubt he will + let me go at once.” + </p> + <p> + The old naturalist at once assented upon Frank's telling him that a friend + had come who wished him to go out. + </p> + <p> + “Certainly, my dear boy. Why, working the hours and hours of overtime that + you do, of course you can take a holiday whenever you're disposed.” + </p> + <p> + “He will not be back till late,” Ruthven said as they went out. “I shall + keep him all the evening.” + </p> + <p> + “Oh, indeed, Ruthven, I have no clothes!” + </p> + <p> + “Clothes be bothered,” Ruthven said. “I certainly shall end by punching + your head, Frank, before the day's out.” + </p> + <p> + Frank remonstrated no more, but committed himself entirely to his friend's + guidance. At the Mansion House they mounted on the roof of an omnibus + going west, and at Knightsbridge got off and walked to Eaton Square, where + Ruthven's father resided. The latter was out, so Frank accompanied his + friend to what he called his sanctum, a small room littered up with books, + bats, insect boxes, and a great variety of rubbish of all kinds. Here they + chatted until the servant came up and said that Sir James had returned. + </p> + <p> + “Come on, Frank,” Ruthven said, running downstairs. “There's nothing of + the ogre about the governor.” + </p> + <p> + They entered the study, and Ruthven introduced his friend. + </p> + <p> + “I've caught him, father, at last. This is the culprit.” + </p> + <p> + Sir James Ruthven was a pleasant looking man, with a kindly face. + </p> + <p> + “Well, you troublesome boy,” he said, holding out his hand, “where have + you been hiding all this time?” + </p> + <p> + “I don't know that I've been hiding, sir,” Frank said. + </p> + <p> + “Not exactly hiding,” Sir James smiled, “only keeping away from those who + wanted to find you. Well, and how are you getting on?” + </p> + <p> + “I am getting on very well, sir. I am earning eighteen shillings a week + and my board and lodging, and my employer says he will take me into + partnership as soon as I come of age.” + </p> + <p> + “Ah, indeed!” Sir James said. “I am glad to hear that, as it shows you + must be clever and industrious.” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, father, and the place was full of the most lovely cases of things + Frank had stuffed. There was quite a crowd looking in at the window.” + </p> + <p> + “That is very satisfactory. Now, Frank, do you sit down and write a note + to your employer, asking him to send down half a dozen of the best cases. + I want to show them to a gentleman who will dine with me here today, and + who is greatly interested in such matters. When you have written the note + I will send a servant off at once in a cab to fetch them.” + </p> + <p> + “And, father,” Dick continued, “if you don't mind, might Frank and I have + our dinner quietly together in my room? You've got a dinner party on, and + Frank won't enjoy it half as much as he would dining quietly with me.” + </p> + <p> + “By all means,” Sir James said. “But mind he is not to run away without + seeing me. + </p> + <p> + “You are a foolish lad,” he went on in a kind voice to Frank; “and it was + wrong as well as foolish to hide yourself from your friends. However + independent we may be in this world, all must, to a certain extent, rely + upon others. There is scarcely a man who can stand aloof from the rest and + say, 'I want nothing of you.' I can understand your feeling in shrinking + from asking a favor of me, or of the fathers of the other boys who are, + like myself, deeply indebted to you for the great service you have + rendered their sons. I can admire the feeling if not carried too far; but + you should have let your schoolfellows know exactly how you were placed, + and so have given us the opportunity of repaying the obligation if we were + disposed, not to have run away and hidden yourself from us.” + </p> + <p> + “I am sorry, sir,” Frank said simply. “I did not like to seem to trade + upon the slight service I rendered some of my schoolfellows. Dr. Bateman + told me I was wrong, but I did not see it then. Now I think, perhaps he + was right, although I am afraid that if it happened again I should do the + same.” + </p> + <p> + Sir James smiled. + </p> + <p> + “I fear you are a stiff necked one, Master Frank. However, I will not + scold you any further. Now, what will you do with yourselves till dinner + time?” + </p> + <p> + “Oh, we'll just sit and chat, father. We have got lots more things to tell + each other.” + </p> + <p> + The afternoon passed in pleasant talk. Frank learned that Ruthven had now + left Dr. Parker's for good, and that he was going down after the holidays + to a clergyman who prepared six or eight boys for the army. Before dinner + the footman returned with half a dozen of the best cases from the shop, + which were brought up to Dick's room, and the latter was delighted with + them. They greatly enjoyed their dinner together. At nine o'clock a + servant came up and took down the cases. Five minutes later he returned + again with a message, saying that Sir James wished Mr. Richard and his + friend to go down into the dining room. Frank was not shy, but he felt it + rather a trial when he entered the room, where seven or eight gentlemen + were sitting round the table, the ladies having already withdrawn. The + gentlemen were engaged in examining and admiring the cases of stuffed + birds and animals. + </p> + <p> + “This is my young friend,” Sir James said, “of whom I have been speaking + to you, and whose work you are all admiring. This, Frank, is Mr. + Goodenough, the traveler and naturalist, of whom you may have heard.” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, indeed,” Frank said, looking at the gentleman indicated. “I have Mr. + Goodenough's book on The Passerine Family at home.” + </p> + <p> + “It is rather an expensive book too,” the gentleman said. + </p> + <p> + “Yes, sir. My father bought it, not I. He was very fond of natural history + and taught me all I know. He had a capital library of books on the + subject, which Dr. Bateman is keeping for me, at Deal, till I have some + place where I can put them. I was thinking of getting them up soon.” + </p> + <p> + Mr. Goodenough asked him a few questions as to the books in the library, + and then put him through what Frank felt was a sort of examination, as to + his knowledge of their contents. + </p> + <p> + “Very good indeed!” Mr. Goodenough said. “I can see from your work here + that you are not only a very clever preparer, but a close student of the + habits and ways of wild creatures. But I was hardly prepared to find your + scientific knowledge so accurate and extensive. I was at first rather + inclined to hesitate when Sir James Ruthven made me a proposal just now. I + do so no longer. I am on the point of starting on an expedition into the + center of Africa in search of specimens of natural history. He has + proposed that you should accompany me, and has offered to defray the cost + of your outfit, and of your passage out and home. I may be away for two + years. Of course you would act as my assistant, and have every opportunity + of acquiring such knowledge as I possess. It will be no pleasure trip, you + know, but hard work, with all sorts of hardships and, perhaps, some + dangers. At the same time it would be a fine opening in a career as a + naturalist. Well, what do you say?” + </p> + <p> + “Oh, sir!” Frank exclaimed, clasping his hands, “it is of all things in + the world what I should like most. How can I thank you enough? And you, + Sir James, it is indeed kind and thoughtful of you.” + </p> + <p> + “We are not quits yet by any means, Frank,” Sir James said kindly. “I am + glad indeed to be able to forward your wishes; and now you must go + upstairs and be introduced to my wife. She is most anxious to see you. She + only returned home just before dinner.” + </p> + <p> + Frank was taken upstairs, where he and his cases of birds were made much + of by Lady Ruthven and the ladies assembled in the drawing room. He + himself was so filled with delight at the prospect opened to him that all + thought of his dark tweed suit being out of place among the evening + dresses of the ladies and gentlemen, which had troubled him while he was + awaiting the summons to the dining room, quite passed out of his mind, and + he was able to do the honors of his cases naturally and without + embarrassment. At eleven o'clock he took his leave, promising to call upon + Mr. Goodenough, who was in lodgings in Jermyn Street, upon the following + morning, that gentleman having at Sir James' request undertaken to procure + all the necessary outfit. + </p> + <p> + “I feel really obliged to you, Sir James,” Mr. Goodenough said when Frank + had left. “The lad has a genius for natural history, and he is modest and + self possessed. From what you tell me he has done rather than apply for + assistance to anyone, he must have plenty of pluck and resolution, and + will make a capital traveling companion. I feel quite relieved, for it is + so difficult to procure a companion who will exactly suit. Clever + naturalists are rare, and one can never tell how one will get on with a + man when you are thrown together. He may want to have his own way, may be + irritable and bad tempered, may in many respects be a disagreeable + companion. With that lad I feel sure of my ground. We shall get on + capitally together.” + </p> + <p> + On his return to the shop Frank told his employer, whom he found sitting + up for him, the change which had taken place in his life, and the opening + which presented itself. + </p> + <p> + Mr. Horton expressed himself as sincerely glad. + </p> + <p> + “I shall miss you sadly,” he said, “shall feel very dull for a time in my + solitary house here; but it is better for you that you should go, and I + never expected to keep you long. You were made for better things than this + shop, and I have no doubt that a brilliant career will be open before you. + You may not become a rich man, for natural history is scarcely a lucrative + profession, but you may become a famous one. Now, my lad, go off to bed + and dream of your future.” + </p> + <p> + The next morning Frank went over, the first thing after breakfast, to see + his friend the porter. He, too, was very pleased to hear of Frank's good + fortune, but he was too busy to talk much to him, and promised that he + would come over that evening and hear all about it. Then Frank took his + way to Jermyn Street, and went with Mr. Goodenough to Silver's, where an + outfit suited for the climate of Central Africa was ordered. The clothes + were simple. Shirts made of thin soft flannel, knickerbockers and Norfolk + jackets of tough New Zealand flax, with gaiters of the same material. + </p> + <p> + “There is nothing like it,” Mr. Goodenough said; “it is the only stuff + which has a chance with the thorns of an African forest. Now you will want + a revolver, a Winchester repeating carbine, and a shotgun. My outfit of + boxes and cases is ready, so beyond two or three extra nets and collecting + boxes there is nothing farther to do in that way. For your head you'd + better have a very soft felt hat with a wide brim; with a leaf or two + inside they are as cool as anything, and are far lighter and more + comfortable than the helmets which many people use in the tropics.” + </p> + <p> + “As far as shooting goes,” Frank said, “I think that I shall do much + better with my blowgun than with a regular one. I can hit a small bird + sitting nineteen times out of twenty.” + </p> + <p> + “That is a good thing,” Mr. Goodenough answered. “For shooting sitting + there is nothing better than a blowgun in skillful hands. They have the + advantage too of not breaking the skin; but for flying a shotgun is + infinitely more accurate. You will have little difficulty in learning to + shoot well, as your eye is already trained by the use of your blowpipe. + Will you want any knives for skinning?” + </p> + <p> + “No, sir. I have a plentiful stock of them.” + </p> + <p> + “Are you going back to Eaton Square? I heard Sir James ask you to stop + there until we start.” + </p> + <p> + “No,” Frank replied; “I asked his permission to stay where I am till + tomorrow. I did not like to seem in a hurry to run away from Mr. Horton, + who has been extremely kind to me.” + </p> + <p> + “Mind, you must come here in three days to have your things tried on,” Mr. + Goodenough said. “I particularly ordered that they are to be made easy and + comfortable, larger, indeed, than you absolutely require, but we must + allow for growing, and two years may make a difference of some inches to + you. Now, we have only to go to a bootmaker's and then we have done.” + </p> + <p> + When the orders were completed they separated, as Mr. Goodenough was going + down that afternoon to the country, and was not to return until the day + preceding that on which they were to sail. That evening Frank had a long + chat with his two friends, and was much pleased when the old naturalist, + who had taken a great fancy to the honest porter, offered him the use of a + room at his house, saying that he should be more than paid by the pleasure + of his company of an evening. The offer was accepted, and Frank was glad + to think that his two friends would be sitting smoking their pipes + together of an evening instead of being in their solitary rooms. The next + day he took up his residence in Eaton square. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0008" id="link2HCH0008"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER VIII: TO THE DARK CONTINENT + </h2> + <p> + After spending two or three days going about London and enjoying himself + with his friend Dick, Frank started for Deal, where he was pleased to find + his sister well and happy. He bade goodbye to her, to the doctor, and such + of his schoolfellows as lived in Deal, to whom his start for Central + Africa was quite an event. Dr. Bateman handed over to him his watch and + chain and his blowgun, which he had taken care of for him, also his + skinning knives and instruments. The same evening he returned to town, and + spent the days very pleasantly until the afternoon came when he was to + depart. Then he bade farewell to his kind friends Sir James and Lady + Ruthven. Dick accompanied him in the cab to Euston station, where a minute + or two later Mr. Goodenough arrived. The luggage was placed in a carriage, + and Frank stood chatting with Dick at the door, until the guard's cry, + “Take your places!” caused him to jump into the carriage. There was one + more hearty handshake with his friend, and then the train steamed out of + the station. + </p> + <p> + It was midnight when they arrived at Liverpool, and at once went to bed at + the Station Hotel. On coming down in the morning Frank was astonished at + the huge heap of baggage piled up in the hall, but he was told that this + was of daily occurrence, as six or eight large steamers went out from + Liverpool every week for America alone, and that the great proportion of + the passengers came down, as they had done, on the previous night, and + slept at the Station hotel. Their own share of the baggage was not large, + consisting only of a portmanteau each, Mr. Goodenough having sent down all + his boxes two days previously. At twelve o'clock they went on board the + Niger, bound for the west coast of Africa. This would carry them as far as + Sierra Leone, whence Mr. Goodenough intended to take passage in a sailing + ship to his starting point for the interior. + </p> + <p> + Frank enjoyed the voyage out intensely, and three days after sailing they + had left winter behind; four days later they were lying in the harbor of + Funchal. + </p> + <p> + “What a glorious place that would be to ramble about!” he said to Mr. + Goodenough. + </p> + <p> + “Yes, indeed. It would be difficult to imagine a greater contrast than + between this mountainous island of Madeira and the country which we are + about to penetrate. This is one of the most delightful climates in the + world, the west coast of Africa one of the worst. Once well in the + interior, the swamp fevers, which are the curse of the shores, disappear, + but African travelers are seldom long free from attacks of fever of one + kind or the other. However, quinine does wonders, and we shall be far in + the interior before the bad season comes on.” + </p> + <p> + “You have been there before, you said, Mr. Goodenough?” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, I have been there twice, and have made excursions for short + distances from the coast. But this time we are going into a country which + may be said to be altogether unknown. One or two explorers have made their + way there, but these have done little towards examining the natural + productions of the country, and have been rather led by inducements of + sport than by those of research.” + </p> + <p> + “Did you have fever, sir?” + </p> + <p> + “Two or three little attacks. A touch of African fever, during what is + called the good season, is of little more importance than a feverish cold + at home. It lasts two or three days, and then there is an end of it. In + the bad season the attacks are extremely violent, sometimes carrying men + off in a few hours. I consider, however, that dysentery is a more + formidable enemy than fever. However, even that, when properly treated, + should be combated successfully.” + </p> + <p> + “Do you mean to hire the men to go with you at Sierra Leone?” + </p> + <p> + “Certainly not, Frank. The negroes of Sierra Leone are the most indolent, + the most worthless, and the most insolent in all Africa. It is the last + place in the world at which to hire followers. We must get them at the + Gaboon itself, and at each place we arrive at afterwards we take on + others, merely retaining one of the old lot to act as interpreter. The + natives, although they may allow white men to pass safely, are exceedingly + jealous of men of other tribes. I shall, however, take with me, if + possible, a body of, say six Houssas, who are the best fighting negroes on + the coast. These I shall take as a bodyguard; the carriers we shall obtain + from the different tribes we visit. The Kroomen, whom you will see at Cape + Palmas, are a magnificent set of men. They furnish sailors and boatmen to + all the ships trading on these shores. They are strong, willing, and + faithful, but they do not like going up into the interior. Now we will + land here and get a few hours' run on shore. There are one or two + peculiarities about Madeira which distinguish it from other places. To + begin with we will go for a ride in a bullock cart without wheels.” + </p> + <p> + “But surely it must jolt about terribly,” Frank said. + </p> + <p> + “Not at all. The roads are paved with round, knubbly stones, such as you + see sometimes in narrow lanes and courts in seaside places at home. These + would not make smooth roads for wheeled vehicles; but here, as you will + see, the carts are placed on long runners like those of sledges. These are + greased, and the driver always has a pound of candles or so hanging to the + cart. When he thinks that the runners want greasing he takes a candle, + lays it down on the road in front of one of the runners, and lets this + pass over it. This greases it sufficiently, and it glides along over the + stones almost as smoothly as if passing over ice.” + </p> + <p> + Frank thoroughly enjoyed his run on shore, but was surprised at the air of + listlessness which pervaded the inhabitants. Every one moved about in the + most dawdling fashion. The shopkeepers looked out from their doors as if + it were a matter of perfect indifference to them whether customers called + or not. The few soldiers in Portuguese uniform looked as if they had never + done a day's drill since they left home. Groups sat in chairs under the + trees and sipped cooling drinks or coffee. The very bullocks which drew + the gliding wagons seemed to move more slowly than bullocks in other + places. Frank and his friend drove in a wagon to the monastery, high up on + the mountain, and then took their places on a little hand sledge, which + was drawn by two men with ropes, who took them down the sharp descent at a + run, dashing round corners at a pace which made Frank hold his breath. It + took them but a quarter of an hour to regain the town, while an hour and a + half had been occupied in the journey out. + </p> + <p> + “I shall buy a couple of hammocks here,” Mr. Goodenough said. “They are + made of knotted string, and are lighter and more comfortable than those to + be met with on the coast. I will get a couple of their cane chairs, too, + they are very light and comfortable.” + </p> + <p> + In the afternoon they again embarked, and then steamed away for Sierra + Leone. After several days' passage, they arrived there at daylight, and + Frank was soon on deck. + </p> + <p> + “What a beautiful place!” he exclaimed. “It is not a bit what I expected.” + </p> + <p> + “No,” Mr. Goodenough said; “no one looking at it could suppose that bright + pretty town had earned for itself the name of the white man's grave.” + </p> + <p> + Sierra Leone is built on a somewhat steep ascent about a mile up the + river. Freetown, as the capital is properly called, stands some fifty feet + or so above the sea, and the barracks upon a green hill three hundred feet + above it, a quarter of a mile back. The town, as seen from the sea, + consists entirely of the houses of the merchants and shopkeepers, the + government buildings, churches, and other public and European buildings. + The houses are all large and bright with yellow tinged whitewash, and the + place is completely embowered in palms and other tropical trees. The + native town lies hidden from sight among trees on low ground to the left + of the town. Everywhere around the town the hills rise steep and high, + wooded to the summit. Altogether there are few more prettily situated + towns than the capital of Sierra Leone. + </p> + <p> + “It is wonderful,” Mr. Goodenough said, “that generations and generations + of Europeans have been content to live and die in that wretchedly + unhealthy place, when they might have established themselves on those + lofty hills but a mile away. There they would be far above the malarious + mists which rise from the low ground. The walk up and down to their + warehouses and offices here would be good for them, and there is no reason + why Sierra Leone should be an unhealthy residence. Unfortunately the + European in Africa speedily loses his vigor and enterprise. When he first + lands he exclaims, 'I certainly shall have a bungalow built upon those + hills;' but in a short time his energy leaves him. He falls into the ways + of the place, drinks a great deal more spirits than is good for him, stops + down near the water, and at the end of a year or so, if he lives so long, + is obliged to go back to Europe to recruit. + </p> + <p> + “Look at the boats coming out.” + </p> + <p> + A score of boats, each containing from ten to twelve men, approached the + ship. They remained at a short distance until the harbor master came on + board and pronounced the ship free from quarantine. Then the boats made a + rush to the side, and with shouts, yells, and screams of laughter + scrambled on board. Frank was at once astonished and amused at the noise + and confusion. + </p> + <p> + “What on earth do they all want?” he asked Mr. Goodenough. + </p> + <p> + “The great proportion of them don't want anything at all,” Mr. Goodenough + answered, “but have merely come off for amusement. Some of them come to be + hired, some to carry luggage, others to tout for the boatmen below. Look + at those respectable negresses coming up the gangway now. They are + washerwomen, and will take our clothes ashore and bring them on board + again this afternoon before we start.” + </p> + <p> + “It seems running rather a risk,” Frank said. + </p> + <p> + “No, you will see they all have testimonials, and I believe it is + perfectly safe to intrust things to them.” + </p> + <p> + Mr. Goodenough and Frank now prepared to go on shore, but this was not + easily accomplished, for there was a battle royal among the boatmen whose + craft thronged at the foot of the ladder. Each boat had about four hands, + three of whom remained on board her, while the fourth stood upon the + ladder and hauled at the painter to keep the boat to which he belonged + alongside. As out of the twenty boats lying there not more than two could + be at the foot of the ladder together, the conflict was a desperate one. + All the boatmen shouted, “Here, sar. This good boat, sar. You come wid me, + sar,” at the top of their voices, while at the same time they were hard at + work pulling each other's boats back and pushing their own forward. So + great was the struggle as Frank and Mr. Goodenough approached the gangway, + so great the crowd upon the ladder, that one side of the iron bar from + which the ladder chains depend broke in two, causing the ladder to drop + some inches and giving a ducking to those on the lower step, causing + shouts of laughter and confusion. These rose into perfect yells of + amusement when one of the sailors suddenly loosed the ladder rope, letting + five or six of the negroes into the water up to their necks. So intense + was the appreciation by the sable mind of this joke that the boatmen + rolled about with laughter, and even the victims, when they had once + scrambled into their boats, yelled like people possessed. + </p> + <p> + “They are just like children,” Mr. Goodenough said. “They are always + either laughing or quarreling. They are good natured and passionate, + indolent, but will work hard for a time; clever up to a certain point, + densely stupid beyond. The intelligence of an average negro is about equal + to that of a European child of ten years old. A few, a very few, go beyond + this, but these are exceptions, just as Shakespeare was an exception to + the ordinary intellect of an Englishman. They are fluent talkers, but + their ideas are borrowed. They are absolutely without originality, + absolutely without inventive power. Living among white men, their + imitative faculties enable them to attain a considerable amount of + civilization. Left alone to their own devices they retrograde into a state + little above their native savagery.” + </p> + <p> + This was said as, after having fixed upon a boat and literally fought + their way into it, they were rowed towards the shore. On landing Frank was + delighted with the greenness of everything. The trees were heavy with + luxuriant foliage, the streets were green with grass as long and bright as + that in a country lane in England. The hill on which the barracks stand + was as bright a green as you would see on English slopes after a wet + April, while down the streets clear streams were running. The town was + alive with a chattering, laughing, good natured, excitable population, all + black, but with some slight variation in the dinginess of the hue. + </p> + <p> + Never was there such a place for fun as Sierra Leone. Every one was + brimful of it. Every one laughed when he or she spoke, and every one + standing near joined freely in the conversation and laughed too. Frank was + delighted with the display of fruit in the market, which is probably + unequaled in the world. Great piles there were of delicious big oranges, + green but perfectly sweet, and of equally refreshing little green limes; + pineapples and bananas, green, yellow, and red, guava, and custard apples, + alligator pears, melons, and sour sops, and many other native fruits. + </p> + <p> + Mr. Goodenough purchased a large basket of fruit, which they took with + them on board the ship. The next morning they started down the coast. They + passed Liberia, the republic formed of liberated slaves, and of negroes + from America, and brought up a mile or two off Monrovia, its capital. The + next day they anchored off Cape Palmas, the headquarters of the Kroomen. A + number of these men came off in their canoes, and caused great amusement + to Frank and the other passengers by their fun and dexterity in the + management of their little craft. These boats are extremely light, being + hollowed out until little thicker than pasteboard, and even with two + Kroomen paddling it is difficult for a European to sit in them, so + extremely crank are they. Light as they are the Krooboy can stand up and + dive from his boat without upsetting it if he take time; but in the hurry + and excitement of diving for coppers, when half a dozen men would leap + overboard together, the canoes were frequently capsized. The divers, + however, thought nothing of these mishaps, righting the boats and getting + in again without difficulty. Splendidly muscular fellows they were. + Indeed, except among the Turkish hamals it is doubtful whether such + powerful figures could be found elsewhere. + </p> + <p> + “They would be grand fellows to take with us, Mr. Goodenough,” Frank said. + </p> + <p> + “Yes, if they were as plucky as they are strong, one could wish for + nothing better; but they are notorious cowards, and no offer would tempt + them to penetrate into such a country as that into which we are going.” + </p> + <p> + Stopping a few hours at Cape Coast Castle, Accra, and other ports they at + last arrived at Bonny. + </p> + <p> + “It is not tempting in appearance,” Frank said, “certainly.” + </p> + <p> + “No,” Mr. Goodenough replied, “this is one of the most horribly unhealthy + spots in Africa. As you see, the white traders do not dare to live on + shore, but take up their residence in those old floating hulks which are + thatched over, and serve as residences and storehouses. I have a letter + from one of the African merchants in London, and we shall take up our + abode on board his hulk until we get one of the coasting steamers to carry + us down. I hope it will not be many days.” + </p> + <p> + The very bulky luggage was soon transferred to the hulk, where Frank and + Mr. Goodenough took up their residence. The agent in charge was very glad + to receive them, as any break in the terrible monotony of such a life is + eagerly welcomed. He was a pale, unhealthy looking man, and had just + recovered from an unusually bad attack of fever. Like most of the traders + on the coast he had an immense faith in the power of spirits. + </p> + <p> + “It is the ruin of them,” Mr. Goodenough said to Frank when they were + alone. “Five out of six of the men here ruin their constitutions with + spirits, and then fall an easy prey to the fever.” + </p> + <p> + “But you have brought spirits with you, Mr. Goodenough. I saw some of the + cases were labeled Brandy.'” + </p> + <p> + “Brandy is useful when taken as a medicine, and in moderation. A little + mixed with water at the end of a long day of exhausting work acts as a + restorative, and frequently enables a worn out man to sleep. But I have + brought the brandy you see for the use of others rather than myself. One + case is of the very best spirits for our own use. The rest is common stuff + and is intended as presents. Our main drink will be tea and chocolate. + These are invaluable for the traveler. I have, besides, large quantities + of calico, brass stair rods, beads, and powder. These are the money of + Africa, and pass current everywhere. With these we shall pay our carriers + and boatmen, with these purchase the right of way through the various + tribes we shall meet. Moreover it is almost necessary in Africa to pass as + traders. The people perfectly understand that white men come here to + trade; but if we said that our object was to shoot birds and beasts, and + to catch butterflies and insects, they would not believe us in the + slightest degree, but would suspect us of all sorts of hidden designs. Now + we will go ashore and pay our respects to the king.” + </p> + <p> + “Do you mean to say that there is a king in that wretched looking + village?” Frank asked in surprise. + </p> + <p> + “Kings are as plentiful as peas in Africa,” Mr. Goodenough said, “but you + will not see much royal state.” + </p> + <p> + Frank was disappointed indeed upon landing. Sierra Leone had given him an + exalted idea of African civilization, but this was at once dispelled by + the appearance of Bonny. The houses were constructed entirely of black + mud, and the streets were narrow and filthy beyond description. The palace + was composed of two or three hovels, surrounded by a mud wall. In one of + these huts the king was seated. Mr. Goodenough and Frank were introduced + by the agent, who had gone ashore with them, and His Majesty, who was an + almost naked negro, at once invited them to join him in the meal of which + he was partaking. As a matter of courtesy they consented, and plates were + placed before them, heaped with a stew consisting of meat, vegetables, and + hot peppers. While the meal went on the king asked Mr. Goodenough what he + had come to the coast for, and was disappointed to find that he was not + going to set up as a trader at Bonny, as it was the custom for each + newcomer to make a handsome present to him. When the meal was over they + took their leave. + </p> + <p> + “Do you know what you have been eating?” the agent asked Frank. + </p> + <p> + “Not in the least,” Frank said. “It was not bad; what was it?” + </p> + <p> + “It was dog flesh,” the agent answered. + </p> + <p> + “Not really!” Frank exclaimed with an uncomfortable sensation of sickness. + </p> + <p> + “Yes, indeed,” the agent replied. “Dog's meat is considered a luxury in + Bonny, and dogs are bred specially for the table.” + </p> + <p> + “You'll eat stranger things than that before you've done, Frank,” Mr. + Goodenough continued, “and will find them just as good, and in many cases + better, than those to which you are accustomed. It is a strange thing why + in Europe certain animals should be considered fit to eat and certain + animals altogether rejected, and this without the slightest reason. Horses + and donkeys are as clean feeders as oxen and sheep. Dogs, cats, and rats + are far cleaner than pigs and ducks. The flesh of the one set is every bit + as good as that of the other, and yet the poorest peasant would turn up + his nose at them. Here sheep and oxen, horses and donkeys, will not live, + and the natives very wisely make the most of the animals which can do so.” + </p> + <p> + Frank was soon tired of Bonny, and was glad to hear that they would start + the next day for Fernando Po in a little steamer called the Retriever. The + island of Fernando Po is a very beautiful one, the peak rising ten + thousand feet above the sea, and wooded to the very summit. Were the trees + to some extent cleared away the island might be very healthy. As it is, it + is little better than the mainland. + </p> + <p> + There was not much to see in the town of Clarence, whose population + consists entirely of traders from Sierra Leone, Kroomen, etc. The natives, + whose tribal name is Adiza, live in little villages in the interior. They + are an extremely primitive people, and for the most part dispense + altogether with clothing. The island belongs to Spain, and is used as a + prison, the convicts being kept in guard ships in the harbor. After a stay + of three days there Mr. Goodenough and Frank took passage in a sailing + ship for the Gaboon. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0009" id="link2HCH0009"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER IX: THE START INLAND + </h2> + <p> + After the comforts of a fine steamer the accommodation on board the little + trader was poor indeed. The vessel smelt horribly of palm oil and was + alive with cockroaches. These, however, Mr. Goodenough and Frank cared + little for, as they brought up their mattresses and slept on deck. Upon + their voyage out from England Frank, as well as several of the other + passengers, had amused himself by practicing with his rifle at empty + bottles thrown overboard, and other objects, and having nothing else to do + now, he resumed the practice, accustoming himself also to the use of his + revolver, the mark being a small log of wood swung from the end of a yard. + </p> + <p> + “I told you,” Mr. Goodenough said, “that your skill with the blowgun would + prove useful to you in shooting. You are as good a shot as I am, and I am + considered a fair one. I have no doubt that with a little practice you + will succeed as well with your double barrel. The shooting of birds on the + wing is a knack which seems to come naturally to some people, while + others, practice as they will, never become good shots.” + </p> + <p> + The ship touched twice upon its way down to the Gaboon. Once at the + Malimba river, the second time at Botauga, the latter being the principal + ivory port in equatorial Africa. + </p> + <p> + “Shall we meet with any elephants, do you think?” Frank asked his friend. + </p> + <p> + “In all probability,” Mr. Goodenough said. “Elephant shooting, of course, + does not come within our line of action, and I should not go at all out of + my way for them. Still, if we meet them we will shoot them. The ivory is + valuable and will help to pay our expenses, while the meat is much prized + by the natives, who will gladly assist us in consideration of the flesh.” + </p> + <p> + On the sixteenth day after leaving Fernando Po they entered the Gaboon. On + the right hand bank were the fort and dwellings of the French. A little + farther up stood the English factories; and upon a green hill behind, the + church, school, and houses of an American mission. On the left bank was + the wattle town of King William, the sable monarch of the Gaboon. Mr. + Goodenough at once landed and made inquiries for a house. He succeeded in + finding one, consisting of three rooms, built on piles, an important point + in a country in which disease rises from the soil. At Bonny Mr. Goodenough + had, with the assistance of the agent, enlisted six Houssas. These people + live much higher up on the coast, but they wander a good deal and may be + met with in most of the ports. The men had formed a guard in one of the + hulks, but trade having been bad the agent had gone home, and they were + glad to take service with Mr. Goodenough. They spoke a few words of + English, and, like the Kroomen, rejoiced in names which had been given + them by sailors. They were called Moses, Firewater, Ugly Tom, Bacon, + Tatters, and King John. They were now for the first time set to work, and + the goods were soon transported from the brig to the house. + </p> + <p> + “Is anything the matter with you, Frank?” Mr. Goodenough asked that + evening. + </p> + <p> + “I don't know, sir. My head feels heavy, somehow, and I am giddy.” + </p> + <p> + Mr. Goodenough felt his pulse. + </p> + <p> + “You have got your first touch of fever,” he said. “I wonder you've been + so long without it. You had better lie down at once.” + </p> + <p> + A quarter of an hour afterwards Frank was seized with an overpowering + heat, every vein appearing to be filled with liquid fire; but his skin, + instead of being, as usual, in a state of perspiration, was dry and hard. + </p> + <p> + “Now, Frank, sit up and drink this. It's only some mustard and salt and + water. I have immense faith in an emetic.” + </p> + <p> + The draught soon took its effect. Frank was violently sick, and the + perspiration broke in streams from him. + </p> + <p> + “Here is a cup of tea,” Mr. Goodenough said; “drink that and you will find + that there will be little the matter with you in the morning.” + </p> + <p> + Frank awoke feeling weak, but otherwise perfectly well. Mr. Goodenough + administered a strong dose of quinine, and after he had had his breakfast + he felt quite himself again. + </p> + <p> + “Now,” Mr. Goodenough said, “we will go up to the factories and mission + and try and find a really good servant. Everything depends upon that.” + </p> + <p> + In a short time an engagement was made with a negro of the name of Ostik. + He was a Mpongwe man, that being the name of the tribe on the coast. He + spoke English fairly, as well as two or three of the native languages. He + had before made a journey some distance into the interior with a white + traveler. He was a tall and powerfully built negro, very ugly, but with a + pleasant and honest face. Frank felt at once that he should like him. + </p> + <p> + “You quite understand,” Mr. Goodenough explained, “we are going through + the Fan country, far into the interior. We may be away from the coast for + many months.” + </p> + <p> + “Me ready, sar,” the man answered with a grin. “Mak no odds to Ostik. He + got no wife, no piccanniny. Ostik very good cook. Master find good grub; + he catch plenty of beasts.” + </p> + <p> + “You're not afraid, Ostik, because it is possible we may have trouble on + the way?” + </p> + <p> + “Me not very much afraid, massa. You good massa to Ostik he no run away if + fightee come; but no good fight whole tribe.” + </p> + <p> + “I hope not to have any fighting at all, Ostik; but as I have got six + Houssas with me who will all carry breech loading guns, I think we should + be a match for a good sized tribe, if necessary.” + </p> + <p> + Ostik looked thoughtful. “More easy, massa, go without Houssas,” he said. + “Black man not often touch white traveler.” + </p> + <p> + “No, Ostik, that is true; but I must take with me trade goods for paying + my way and hiring carriers, and if alone I should be at the mercy of every + petty chief who chose to plunder and delay me. I am going as a peaceful + traveler, ready to pay my way, and to make presents to the different kings + through whose territories I may pass. But I do not choose to put myself at + the mercy of any of them. I do not say that eight men armed with breech + loaders could defeat a whole tribe; but they would be so formidable, that + any of these negro kings would probably prefer taking presents and letting + us pass peacefully to trying to rob us. The first thing to do, will be to + hire one large canoe, or two if necessary. The men must agree to take us + up into the Fan country, as far as the rapids on the Gaboon. Then we shall + take carriers there, and the boat can return by itself. These are the + things which will have to go.” + </p> + <p> + The baggage consisted of ten large tin cases, each weighing about eighty + pounds. These contained cotton cloths, powder, beads, tea, chocolate, + sugar, and biscuits. There were in addition three bundles of stair rods, + each about the same weight as the boxes. These were done up in canvas. + There was also a tent made of double canvas weighing fifty pounds, and two + light folding tressel beds weighing fifteen pounds apiece. Thus fourteen + men would be required as carriers, besides some for plantains and other + provisions, together with the portmanteaus, rugs, and waterproof sheets of + the travelers. There were besides six great chests made of light iron. + Four of these were fitted with trays with cork bottoms, for insects. The + other two were for the skins of birds. All the boxes and cases had strips + of India rubber where the lids fitted down, in order to keep out both damp + and the tiny ants which are the plague of naturalists in Africa. + </p> + <p> + Four or five days were occupied in getting together a crew, for the + natives had an abject fear of entering the country of the cannibal Fans. + Mr. Goodenough promised that they should not be obliged to proceed unless + a safe conduct for their return was obtained from the King of the Fans. A + large canoe was procured, sufficient to convey the whole party. Twelve + paddlers were hired, and the goods taken down and arranged in the boat. + The Houssas had been, on landing, furnished with their guns, which were + Snider rifles, had been instructed in the breech loading arrangement, and + had been set to work to practice at a mark at a hundred and fifty yards + distance—the stump of an old tree, some five feet in height, serving + for the purpose. The men were delighted with the accuracy of their pieces + and the rapidity at which they could be fired. Mr. Goodenough impressed + upon them that unless attacked at close quarters, and specially ordered to + fire fast, they must aim just as slowly and deliberately as if using their + old guns, for that in so long a journey ammunition would be precious, and + must, therefore, on no account whatever, be wasted. In the boxes were six + thousand rounds of ammunition, a thousand for each gun, besides the + ammunition for the rifles and fowling pieces of Mr. Goodenough and Frank. + </p> + <p> + In order to render the appearance of his followers as imposing as + possible, Mr. Goodenough furnished each of the Houssas with a pair of + trousers made of New Zealand flax, reaching to their knees. These he had + brought from England with him. They were all found to be too large, but + the men soon set to work with rough needles and thread and took them in. + In addition to these, each man was furnished with a red sash, which went + several times round the waist, and served to keep the trousers up and to + give a gay aspect to the dress. The Houssas were much pleased with their + appearance. All of them carried swords in addition to the guns, as in + their own country they are accustomed to fight with these weapons. + </p> + <p> + They started early in the morning, and after four hours' paddling passed + Konig Island, an abandoned Dutch settlement. Here they stopped for an hour + or two, and then the sea breeze sprang up, a sail was hoisted, and late at + night they passed a French guardship placed to mark the boundary of that + settlement at a point where a large tributary called the Boqui runs into + it. Here is a little island called Nenge Nenge, formerly a missionary + station, where the natives are still Christians. At this place the canoe + was hauled ashore. The Houssas had already been instructed in the method + of pitching the tent, and in a very few minutes this was erected. It was a + double poled tent, some ten feet square, and there was a waterproof sheet + large enough to cover the whole of the interior, thus preventing the + miasma from arising from the ground within it. The beds were soon opened + and fixed, two of the large cases formed a table and two smaller ones did + service as chairs. A lamp was lit, and Frank was charmed with the comfort + and snugness of the abode. + </p> + <p> + The men's weapons were fastened round one of the poles to keep them from + the damp night air. Ostik had at once set to work on landing, leaving the + Houssas to pitch the tent. A fire was soon blazing and a kettle and + saucepans suspended over it. Rice was served out to the men, with the + addition of some salt meat, of which sufficient had been purchased from + the captain of the brig to last throughout the journey in the canoe. The + men were all in high spirits at this addition to their fare, which was + more than had been bargained for, and their songs rose merrily round the + fire in the night air. + </p> + <p> + In the morning, after breakfast, they again took their places in the + canoe. For twelve miles they paddled, the tide at first assisting them, + but after this the water from the mountains ahead overpowered it. + Presently they arrived at the first Fan village, called Olenga, which they + reached six hours after starting. The natives crowded round as the canoe + approached, full of curiosity and excitement, for never but once had a + white man passed up the river. These Fans differed widely from the coast + negroes. Their hair was longer and thicker, their figures were slight, + their complexion coffee colored, and their projecting upper jaws gave them + a rabbit mouthed appearance. They wore coronets on their heads adorned + with the red tail feathers of the common gray parrot. Most of the men had + beards, which were divided in the middle, red and white beads being strung + up the tips. Some wore only a strip of goatskin hanging from the waist, or + the skin of a tigercat, while others had short petticoats made of cloth + woven from the inner bark of a tree. The travelers were led to the hut of + the chief, where they were surrounded by a mob of the cannibals. The + Houssas had been strictly enjoined to leave their guns in the bottom of + the canoe, as Mr. Goodenough desired to avoid all appearance of armed + force. The chief demanded of Ostik what these two white men wanted here, + and whether they had come to trade. Ostik replied that the white men were + going up the river into the country beyond to shoot elephants and buy + ivory, that they did not want to trade for logwood or oil, but that they + would give presents to the chiefs of the Fan villages. A score of cheap + Birmingham muskets had been brought from England by Mr. Goodenough for + this purpose. One of these was now bestowed upon the chief, together with + some powder and ball, three bright cotton handkerchiefs, some gaudy glass + beads, and two looking glasses for his wives. This was considered + perfectly satisfactory. + </p> + <p> + The crowd was very great, and at Mr. Goodenough's dictation Ostik informed + the chief that if the white men were left quiet until the evening they + would show his people many strange things. On the receipt of this + information the crowd dispersed. But when at sunset the two travelers took + a turn through the village, the excitement was again very great. The men + stood their ground and stared at them, but the women and children ran + screaming away to hide themselves. The idea of the people of Central + Africa of the whites is that they are few in number, that they live at the + bottom of the sea, and are possessed of great wealth, but that they have + no palm oil or logwood, and are, therefore, compelled to come to land to + trade for these articles. They believe that the strange clothes they wear + are manufactured from the skins of sea beasts. + </p> + <p> + When night fell Mr. Goodenough fastened a sheet against the outside of the + chief's hut, and then placed a magic lantern in position ten paces from + it. The Fans were then invited to gather round and take their seats upon + the ground. A cry of astonishment greeted the appearance of the bright + disk. This was followed by a wilder yell when this was darkened, and an + elephant bearing some men sitting on his back was seen to cross the house. + The men leaped to their feet and seized their spears. The women screamed, + and Ostik, who was himself somewhat alarmed, had great difficulty in + calming their fears and persuading them to sit down again, assuring them + that they would see many wonderful things, but that nothing would hurt + them. + </p> + <p> + The next view was at first incomprehensible to many of them. It was a ship + tossing in a stormy sea; but some of those present had been down to the + mouth of the river, and these explained to the others the nature of the + phenomenon. In all there were twenty slides, all of which were provided + with movable figures; the last two being chromatropes, whose dancing + colors elicited screams of delight from the astonished natives. This + concluded the performance, but for hours after it was over the village + rang with a perfect Babel of shouts, screams, and chatter. The whole thing + was to the Fans absolutely incomprehensible, and their astonishment was + equalled by their awe at the powers of the white men. + </p> + <p> + The next two days they remained at Olenga, as word was sent up to + Itchongue, the next town, asking the chief there for leave to come + forward. The people had now begun to get over their first timidity, and + when Frank went out for a walk after breakfast he was somewhat embarrassed + by the women and girls crowding round him, feeling his clothes and + touching his hands and face to assure themselves that these felt like + those of human beings. He afforded them huge delight by taking off his + Norfolk jacket and pulling up the sleeves of his shirt to show them that + his arms were the same color as his hands, and so elated were they with + this exhibition that it was with great difficulty that he withstood their + entreaties that he would disrobe entirely. Indeed, Ostik had at last to + come to his rescue and carry him off from the laughing crowd by which he + was surrounded. + </p> + <p> + After dinner Mr. Goodenough invited the people to sit down in a vast + circle holding each other's hands. He then told them that he should at a + word make them all jump to their feet. Then taking out a small but + powerful galvanic battery, he arranged it and placed wires into the hands + of the two men nearest to him in the great circle. + </p> + <p> + “Now,” he said, “when I clap my hands you will find that you are all + obliged to jump up.” + </p> + <p> + He gave the signal. Frank turned on the battery, and in an instant the two + hundred men and women, with a wild shriek, either leapt to their feet or + rolled backward on the ground. In another minute not a native was to be + seen, with the exception of the chief, who had not been included in the + circle. The latter, at Mr. Goodenough's request, shouted loudly to his + subjects to return, for that the white men would do them no harm; but it + was a long time before, slowly and cautiously, they crept back again. When + they had reassembled Mr. Goodenough showed them several simple but + astonishing chemical experiments, which stupefied them with wonder; and + concluded with three or four conjuring tricks, which completed their + amazement. A long day's paddling took them to Itchongue, where they were + as well received as at Olenga. Here they stopped for two days, and the + magic lantern was again brought out, and the other tricks repeated with a + success equal to that which they had before obtained. As another day's + paddling would take them to the rapids Mr. Goodenough now set up a + negotiation for obtaining a sufficient number of carriers. After great + palaver, and the presentation of three guns to the chief to obtain his + assistance, thirty men were engaged. These were each to receive a yard of + calico or one brass stair rod a day, and were to proceed with the party + until such time as they could procure carriers from another tribe. + </p> + <p> + The new recruits were taken up in another canoe. Several villages were + passed on the way. The river became a mere rapid, against which the canoes + with difficulty made their way. They had now entered the mountains which + rose steeply above them, embowered in wood. Two days of severe work took + them to the foot of the falls. Here the canoes were unloaded. The men + hired on the coast received their pay, and turned the boat's head down + stream. The other canoe accompanied it, and the travelers remained with + their bodyguard of Houssas and their carriers. + </p> + <p> + “Now,” Mr. Goodenough said, “we are fairly embarked on our journey, and we + will commence operations at once. I have heard the cries of a great many + birds which are strange to me today, and I expect that we shall have a + good harvest. We may remain here for some time. The first thing to do is + to find food for our followers. We have got six sacks of rice, but it will + never do to let our men depend solely upon these. They would soon come to + an end.” + </p> + <p> + “But how are we to feed forty people?” Frank asked in astonishment. + </p> + <p> + “I pointed out to you today,” Mr. Goodenough said, “the tracks of + hippopotami in various places. One of these beasts will feed the men for + nearly a week. There were, too, numbers of alligators' eggs on the banks, + and these creatures make by no means bad eating. Your rifle will be of no + use against such animals as these. You had better take one of the Sniders. + I have some explosive shells which will fit them. My own double barrelled + rifle is of the same bore.” + </p> + <p> + After dinner Mr. Goodenough told two of the Houssas to accompany them with + their rifles, together with three or four of the Fans. He made his way + down the stream to a point where the hills receded, and where he had + observed a great many marks of the river horses. As they approached the + spot they heard several loud snorts, and making their way along as quietly + as possible they saw two of the great beasts standing in the stream. At + this point it widened a good deal and was shallow and quite near the bank. + The Fans had been told to stay behind directly the snorting was heard, and + Mr. Goodenough and Frank, rifle in hand, crept forward, with the Houssas + as still and noiseless as cats close behind them. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0010" id="link2HCH0010"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER X: LOST IN THE FOREST + </h2> + <p> + The hippopotami were playing together, floundering in the shallow water, + and the noise they made prevented their hearing the stealthy approach of + their enemies. + </p> + <p> + “You take the one nearest shore, Frank, I will take the other. Aim at the + forehead between the eyes. I will make a slight sound to attract their + attention.” + </p> + <p> + Frank knelt on one knee and took steady aim. Mr. Goodenough then gave a + shout, and the two animals turning their heads stood staring at the + foliage, scarce a dozen yards away, in which the travelers were concealed. + The guns flashed at the same moment, and as if struck by lightning the + hippopotami fell in the stream. The explosive balls had both flown true to + the mark, invariably a fatal one in the case of the river horse. Frank as + he fired had taken another rifle which the Houssas held in readiness for + him, but there was no occasion for its use. The Fans came running up, and + on seeing the great beasts lying in the stream, gave a shout of joy. + </p> + <p> + “That will do for this evening,” Mr. Goodenough said. “They are large + beasts, and will give food enough for a week or ten days.” + </p> + <p> + They then returned to the camp which, at the news brought by one of the + Fans, had already been deserted. Before the natives retired to sleep the + hippopotami had been cut up and carried to the camp. Portions were already + frizzling over the fires, other parts set aside for the consumption of the + next two days, and the rest cut up in strips to be dried in the sun. The + tongue of one was cut up and fried as a great luxury for the white men's + supper by Ostik. It is not often that the natives of equatorial Africa are + able to indulge in meat, and the joy of the Fans at this abundant supply, + and the prospect afforded them of further good eating, raised their + spirits to the highest extent. + </p> + <p> + Next morning at daybreak Mr. Goodenough and Frank set out from the camp. + Each carried a double barreled gun, and was accompanied by one of the + Houssas carrying his rifle and a butterfly net, and when three hours later + they returned to the camp for breakfast and compared their spoils they + found that an excellent beginning had been made. Nearly a score of birds, + of which several were very rare, and five were pronounced by Mr. + Goodenough to be entirely new, had been shot, and many butterflies + captured. Frank had been most successful in this respect, as he had come + across a small clearing in which were several deserted huts. This was just + the place in which butterflies delight, for, although many kinds prefer + the deep shades of the forest, by far the greater portion love the bright + sunlight. + </p> + <p> + After breakfast they again set out, Frank this time keeping along the edge + of the stream, where he had observed many butterflies as he came up, and + where many birds of the kingfisher family had also been seen. He had been + very successful, and was walking along by the edge of the water with his + eyes fixed upon the trees above, where he had a minute before heard the + call of a bird, when he was startled by a shout from the Houssa behind + him. He involuntarily sprang back, and it was well he did so; for on the + instant something swept by within an inch or two of his head. Looking + round he saw, at the edge of the stream below him, a huge alligator. This + had struck at him with its tail—the usual manner in which the + alligator supplies itself with food—and had it not been for the + warning cry of the Houssa, would have knocked him into the stream. Its + mouth was open and Frank, as if by instinct, fired the contents of both + barrels into its throat. The animal rolled over on to its back in the + water and then turned as if to struggle to regain the bank. The Houssa, + however, had run up, and, placing the muzzle of his gun within a foot of + its eye, fired, and the creature rolled over dead, and was swept away by + the stream. + </p> + <p> + The Houssa gave a loud shout which was answered in the distance. He then + shouted two or three words, and turning to Frank said: “Men get + alligator,” and proceeded on his way without concerning himself further in + the matter. + </p> + <p> + On his return to camp in the evening Frank found that the alligator had + been discovered and fished out, and that its steaks were by no means bad + eating. Frank told Mr. Goodenough of the narrow escape he had had, and the + latter pointed out to him the necessity of always keeping his eyes on the + watch. + </p> + <p> + “Alligators frequently carry off the native women when engaged in + washing,” he said, “and almost invariably strike them, in the first place, + into the river with a blow of their tails. Once in the water they are + carried off, drowned, and eaten at leisure. Sometimes, indeed, a woman may + escape with the loss of a foot or arm, but this is the exception.” + </p> + <p> + “What is the best thing to do when so attacked?” Frank asked. “I don't + mean to be caught napping again, still it is as well to know what to do if + I am.” + </p> + <p> + “Men when so attacked have been known frequently to escape by thrusting + their thumbs or fingers into the creature's eyes. If it can be done the + alligator is sure to lose his hold, but it demands quickness and great + presence of mind. When a reptile is tearing at one's leg, and hurrying one + along under water, you can see that the nerve required to keep perfectly + cool, to feel for the creature's eyes, and to thrust your finger into them + is very great. The best plan, Frank, distinctly is to keep out of their + reach altogether.” + </p> + <p> + After remaining for a fortnight at their camp they prepared for a move. + Another hippopotamus was killed, cut up and dried, and the flesh added to + the burdens. Then the tent was struck and they proceeded farther into the + mountains. Two days later they halted again, the site being chosen beside + a little mountain rivulet. They were now very high up in the hills, Mr. + Goodenough expecting to meet with new varieties of butterflies and insects + at this elevation. They had scarcely pitched their camp when Frank + exclaimed: + </p> + <p> + “Surely, Mr. Goodenough, I can hear some dogs barking! I did not know that + the native dogs barked.” + </p> + <p> + “Nor do they. They may yelp and howl, but they never bark like European + dogs. What you hear is the bark of some sort of monkey or baboon.” + </p> + <p> + This opinion was at once confirmed by the Fans. + </p> + <p> + “We will sally out with our guns at once,” Mr. Goodenough said. + </p> + <p> + “I don't like the thought of shooting monkeys,” Frank muttered, as he took + up his Winchester carbine. + </p> + <p> + “They are very excellent eating,” Mr. Goodenough continued, “superior in + my opinion, and, indeed, in that of most travelers, to any other meat. We + shall meet with no other kind of creature fit for food up here. The birds, + indeed, supply us amply, but for the men it is desirable that we should + obtain fresh meat when we have the chance. These baboons are very + mischievous creatures, and are not to be attacked with impunity. Let four + of the Houssas with their guns come with us.” + </p> + <p> + Following the direction of the sounds they had heard, the travelers came + upon a troupe of great baboons. It was a curious sight. The males were as + big as large dogs, some were sitting sunning themselves on rocks, others + were being scratched by the females. Many of these had a baby monkey + clinging on their necks, while others were playing about in all + directions. + </p> + <p> + “I'd rather not shoot at them, Mr. Goodenough,” Frank said. + </p> + <p> + “You will be glad enough to eat them,” Mr. Goodenough answered, and + selecting a big male he fired. The creature fell dead. The others all + sprang to their feet. The females and little ones scampered off. The + males, with angry gestures, rushed upon their assailants, barking, showing + their teeth, and making menacing gestures. Mr. Goodenough fired again, and + Frank now, seeing that they were likely to be attacked, also opened fire. + Six of the baboons were killed before the others abstained from the attack + and went screaming after the females. The dead baboons were brought down, + skinned, and two were at once roasted, the others hung up to trees. It + required a great effort on Frank's part to overcome his repugnance to + tasting these creatures, but, when he did so, he admitted that the meat + was excellent. + </p> + <p> + That night they were disturbed by a cry of terror from the men. Seizing + their rifles they ran out. + </p> + <p> + “There are two leopards, sar,” Ostik said; “they have smelt the monkeys.” + </p> + <p> + The shouts scared the creatures away, and the natives kept up a great fire + till morning. + </p> + <p> + “We must get the skins if we can,” Mr. Goodenough said. “The skins of the + equatorial leopard are rare. If we can get them both they will make a fine + group for you to stuff when you get back, Frank.” + </p> + <p> + “Are you thinking of following their trail?” Frank asked. + </p> + <p> + “That would be useless,” Mr. Goodenough answered. “In soft swampy ground + we might do so, but up here it would be out of the question. We must set a + bait for them tonight, but be careful while you are out today. They have + probably not gone far from the camp, and they are very formidable beasts. + They not unfrequently attack and kill the natives.” + </p> + <p> + The Fans were much alarmed at the neighborhood of the leopards, and none + would leave the camp during the day. Two of the Houssas were left on + guard, although Mr. Goodenough felt sure that the animals would not + attempt to carry off any meat in the daylight, and two Houssas accompanied + each of the travelers while out in search of butterflies. + </p> + <p> + Nothing was heard of the leopards during the day. At nightfall a portion + of one of the monkeys was roasted and hung up, so as to swing within four + feet of the ground from the arm of a tree, a hundred yards from the camp. + Mr. Goodenough and Frank took their seats in another tree a short distance + off. The night was fine and the stars clear and bright. The tree on which + the meat hung stood somewhat alone, so that sufficient light penetrated + from above to enable any creatures approaching the bait to be seen. + Instead of his little Winchester, Frank had one of the Sniders with + explosive bullets. The Houssas were told to keep a sharp watch in camp, in + case the leopards, approaching from the other side, might be attracted by + the smell of meat there, rather than by the bait. The Fans needed no + telling to induce them to keep up great fires all night. + </p> + <p> + Soon after dark the watchers heard a roaring in the forest. It came from + the other side of the camp. + </p> + <p> + “That is unlucky,” Mr. Goodenough said. “We have pitched on the wrong + side. However, they will probably be deterred by the fire from approaching + the camp, and will wander round and round: so we may hope to hear of them + before long.” + </p> + <p> + In answer to the roar of the leopards the natives kept up a continued + shouting. For some hours the roaring continued at intervals, sometimes + close at hand, sometimes at a considerable distance. Frank had some + difficulty in keeping awake, and was beginning to wish that the leopards + would move off altogether. Two or three times he had nearly dozed off, and + his rifle had almost slipped from his hold. All at once he was aroused by + a sharp nudge from his companion. Fixing his eyes on the bait he made out + something immediately below it. Directly afterwards another creature stole + forward. They were far less distinct than he had expected. + </p> + <p> + “You take the one to the left,” Mr. Goodenough whispered; “Now!” + </p> + <p> + They fired together. Two tremendous roars were heard. One of the leopards + immediately bounded away. The other rolled over and over, and then, + recovering its feet, followed its companion, Mr. Goodenough firing his + second barrel after him. + </p> + <p> + “I'm afraid you missed altogether, Frank,” he said. + </p> + <p> + “I don't think so, sir. I fancied I saw the flash of the shell as it + struck him, but where, I have not the remotest idea. I could not make him + out clear enough. It was merely a dim shape, and I fired as well as I + could at the middle of it. + </p> + <p> + “Shall we go back to the camp now?” Frank asked. + </p> + <p> + “Yes, we can safely do so. You can tell by the sound of the roars that + they are already some distance away. There is little chance of their + returning tonight. In the morning we will follow them. There is sure to be + blood, and the natives will have no difficulty in tracking them.” + </p> + <p> + The rest of the night passed quietly, although roars and howling could be + heard from time to time in the distance. + </p> + <p> + Early in the morning they started with the Houssas. + </p> + <p> + “We must be careful today,” Mr. Goodenough said, “for a wounded leopard is + a really formidable beast.” + </p> + <p> + There was no difficulty in taking up the traces. + </p> + <p> + “One of them at least must be hard hit,” Mr. Goodenough remarked; “there + are traces of blood every yard.” + </p> + <p> + They had gone but a short distance when one of the Houssas gave a sudden + exclamation, and pointed to something lying at the edge of a clump of + bushes. + </p> + <p> + “Leopard,” he said. + </p> + <p> + “Yes, there is one of them, sure enough. I think it's dead, but we cannot + be too cautious. Advance very carefully, Frank, keeping ready to fire + instantly.” + </p> + <p> + They moved forward slowly in a body, but their precaution was unnecessary. + There was no movement in the spotted, tawny skin as they advanced, and + when they came close they could see that the leopard was really dead. He + had been hit by two bullets. The first had struck his shoulder and + exploded there, inflicting so terrible a wound that it was wonderful he + had been able to move afterwards. The other had struck him on the back, + near the tail, and had burst inside him. Frank on seeing the nature of the + wounds was astonished at the tenacity of life shown by the animal. + </p> + <p> + “I wonder whether I hit the other,” he said. + </p> + <p> + “I have no doubt at all about it,” Mr. Goodenough answered, “although I + did not think so before. It seemed to me that I only heard the howls of + one animal in the night, and thought it was the one I had hit. But as this + fellow must have died at once, it is clear that the cries were made by the + other.” + </p> + <p> + A sharp search was now set up for the tracks of the other leopard, the + Houssas going back to the tree and taking it up anew. They soon found + traces of blood in a line diverging from that followed by the other + animal. For an hour they followed this, great care being required, as at + times no spots of blood could be seen for a considerable distance. At last + they seemed to lose it altogether. Mr. Goodenough and Frank stood + together, while the Houssas, scattered round, were hunting like well + trained dogs for a sign. Suddenly there was a sharp roar, and from the + bough of a tree close by a great body sprang through the air and alighted + within a yard of Frank. The latter, in his surprise, sprang back, stumbled + and fell, but in an instant the report of the two barrels of Mr. + Goodenough's rifle rang out. In a moment Frank was on his feet again ready + to fire. The leopard, however, lay dead, its skull almost blown off. + </p> + <p> + “You have had another narrow escape,” Mr. Goodenough said. “I see that + your ball last night broke one of his hind legs. That spoilt his spring. + Had it not been for that he would undoubtedly have reached you, and a blow + with his paw, given with all his weight and impetus, would probably have + killed you on the spot. We ought not to have stood near a tree strong + enough to bear him when in pursuit of a wounded leopard. They will always + take to trees if they can, and you see this was a very suitable one for + him. This bough on which he was lying starts from the trunk only about + four feet from the ground, so that even with his broken leg he was able to + get upon it without difficulty. Well, thank God, you've not been hurt, my + boy. It will teach us both to be more careful in future.” + </p> + <p> + That afternoon Frank was down with his second attack of fever, a much more + severe one than the first had been. Mr. Goodenough's favorite remedy had + its effect of producing profuse perspiration, but two or three hours + afterwards the hot fit again came on, and for the next four days Frank lay + half delirious, at one time consumed with heat, and the next shivering as + if plunged into ice water. Copious doses of quinine, however, gradually + overcame the fever, and on the fifth day he was convalescent. It was, + nevertheless, another week before he was sufficiently recovered to be able + to resume his hunting expeditions. They again shifted their camp, and this + time traveled for three weeks, making short journeys, and halting early so + as to give half a day from each camping place for their work. + </p> + <p> + Frank was one day out as usual with one of the Houssas. He had killed + several birds when he saw a butterfly, of a species which he had not + before met with, flitting across a gleam of sunshine which streamed in + through a rift in the trees. He told his Houssa to wait where he was in + charge of the two guns and birds, and started off with his net in pursuit + of the butterfly. The creature fluttered away with Frank in full pursuit. + Hither and thither it flitted, seemingly taking an impish delight in + tantalizing Frank, settling on a spot where a gleam of sunlight streamed + upon the bark of a tree, till Frank had stolen up within a couple of paces + of it, and then darting away again at a pace which defied Frank's best + attempts to keep up with it until it chose to play with him again. Intent + only upon his chase Frank thought of nothing else. At last, with a shout + of triumph, he inclosed the creature in his net, shook it into the wide + pickle bottle, containing a sponge soaked with chloroform, and then, after + tightly fitting in the stopper, he looked around. He uttered an + exclamation of dismay as he did so. He saw by the bands of light the sun + was already setting, and knew that he must have been for upwards of an + hour in chase of the butterfly. He had not the slightest idea of the + direction in which he had come. He had, he knew, run up hill and down, but + whether he had been traveling in a circle or going straight in one + direction, he had not the least idea. He might be within a hundred yards + of the spot where he had left the Houssa. He might be three or four miles + away. + </p> + <p> + He at once drew out his revolver, which he always carried strapped to his + belt, and discharged the six chambers, waiting for half a minute between + each shot, and listening intently for an answer to his signal. None came. + The stillness of the wood was unbroken, and Frank felt that he must have + wandered far indeed from his starting place, and that he was completely + lost. His first impulse was to start off instantly at the top of his + speed, but a moment's thought convinced him that this would be useless. He + had not an idea of the direction which he should pursue. Besides the sun + was sinking, twilight is short in the tropics, and in half an hour it + would be as dark as midnight in the forest. Remembering his adventure with + the leopard he determined to climb into a tree and pass the night there. + He knew that an active search would be set on foot by his friends next + morning, and that, as every step he took was as likely to lead him from as + towards the camp, it was better to stay where he was. + </p> + <p> + He soon found a tree with a branch which would suit his purpose, and, + climbing up into it, lit his pipe and prepared for an uncomfortable night. + Frank had never smoked until he reached Africa, but he had then taken to + it on the advice of Mr. Goodenough, who told him that smoking was + certainly a preventive, to some extent, of fever in malarious countries, + and, although he had not liked it at first, he had now taken kindly to his + pipe, and smoked from the time when the evening mists began to rise until + he went to bed. + </p> + <p> + The time passed very slowly. The cries of wild creatures could be heard in + the woods, and although Frank did not expect to be attacked, it was + impossible to sleep with these calls of leopards, with which the forest + seemed to abound, in his ears. He had reloaded his revolver immediately + after discharging it, and had replaced it in his pouch, and felt confident + that nothing could climb the tree. Besides, he had heard that leopards + seldom attack men unless themselves attacked. Sleep, however, was out of + the question, for when he slept he might have fallen from his seat in the + crotch of the tree. Occasionally, however, he dozed off, waking up always + with an uncomfortable start, and a feeling that he had just saved himself + from falling. With the earliest dawn of morn he descended, stiff and + weary, from the tree. Directly the sun rose he set off walking. He knew at + least that he was to the south of the camp, and that by keeping the sun on + his right hand till it reached the zenith he must get in time to the + little stream on which it was pitched. As he walked he listened intently + for the sound of guns. Once or twice he fancied that he heard them, but he + was quite unable to judge of the direction. He had been out with the + Houssa about six hours before he strayed from him in the pursuit of the + butterfly, and they had for some time been walking towards the camp, in + order to reach it by nightfall. Thus he thought, that at that time, he + could only have been some three or four miles distant from it. Supposing + that he had run due south, he could still be but eight miles from the + stream, and he thought that in three hours' walking he might arrive there. + In point of fact, after leaving the Houssa the butterfly had led him + towards the southeast, and as the stream took a sharp bend to the north a + little distance above the camp, he was many miles farther from it than he + expected. This stream was one of the upper tributaries of the Gaboon. + </p> + <p> + After walking for two hours the character of the forest changed. The high + trees were farther apart, and a thick undergrowth began to make its + appearance, frequently causing him to make long detours and preventing his + following the line he had marked out for himself. This caused him much + uneasiness, for he knew that he had passed across no such country on his + way from the camp, and the thought that he might experience great + difficulties in recovering it, now began to press upon him. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0011" id="link2HCH0011"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XI: A HOSTILE TRIBE + </h2> + <p> + Every step that he went the ground grew softer and more swampy, and he at + length determined to push on no farther in this direction, but turning to + his left to try and gain higher ground, and then to continue on the line + he had marked out for himself. + </p> + <p> + His progress was now very slow. The bush was thick and close, thorny + plants and innumerable creepers continually barred his way, and the + necessity for constantly looking up through the trees to catch a glimpse + of the sun, which was his only guide, added to his difficulty. At length, + when his watch told him it was eleven o'clock, he came to a standstill, + the sun being too high overhead to serve him as a reliable guide. He had + now been walking for nearly six hours, and he was utterly worn out and + exhausted, having had no food since his midday meal on the previous day. + He was devoured with thirst, having merely rinsed his mouth in the black + and poisonous water of the swamps he had crossed. His sleepless night, + too, had told on him. He was bathed in perspiration, and for the last hour + had scarcely been able to drag his feet along. + </p> + <p> + He now lay down at the foot of a great tree, and for three or four hours + slept heavily. When he awoke he pursued his journey, the sun serving as a + guide again. In two hours' time he had got upon higher ground. The + brushwood was less dense, and he again turned his face to the north, and + stepped forward with renewed hopes. + </p> + <p> + It was late in the afternoon when he came upon a native path. Here he sat + down to think. He did not remember having crossed such a path on the day + before. Probably it crossed the stream at some point above the encampment. + Therefore it would serve as a guide, and he might, too, come upon some + native village where he could procure food. By following it far enough he + must arrive somewhere. He sat for a quarter of an hour to rest himself, + and then proceeded along the path, whose direction seemed to be the + northwest. + </p> + <p> + For an hour he proceeded and then paused, hearing a sudden outcry ahead. + Scampering along the path came a number of great baboons, and Frank at + once stepped aside into the bush to avoid them, as these are formidable + creatures when disturbed. They were of a very large species, and several + of the females had little ones clinging around their necks. In the + distance Frank could hear the shouts of some natives, and supposed that + the monkeys had been plundering their plantations, and that they were + driving them away. The baboons passed without paying any attention to him, + but Frank observed that the last of the troop was carrying a little one in + one of its forearms. + </p> + <p> + Frank glanced at the baby monkey and saw that it had round its waist a + string of blue beads. As a string of beads is the only attire which a + negro child wears until it reaches the age of ten or eleven years old, the + truth at once flashed upon Frank that the baboons were carrying off a + native baby, which had probably been set down by its mother while she + worked in the plantation. Instantly he drew his pistol, leaped into the + road, and fired at the retreating ape. It gave a cry, dropped the baby and + turned to attack its aggressor. + </p> + <p> + Frank waited till it was within six feet, and then shot it through the + head. He sprang forward and seized the baby, but in a moment he was + attacked by the whole party of baboons, who, barking like dogs, and + uttering angry cries, rushed at him. Frank stood his ground, and + discharged the four remaining barrels of his revolver at the foremost + animals. Two of these dropped, but the others who were only wounded sprang + upon him. Frank struck out with the butt end of his pistol, but in a + minute he was overpowered. + </p> + <p> + One monkey seized him by the leg with his teeth, while another bit his + arm. Others struck and scratched at him, and he was at once thrown down. + He tried to defend his face with his arms, kicking and struggling to the + best of his power. With one hand he drew the long knife for skinning + animals, which he wore at his belt, and struck out fiercely, but a baboon + seized his wrist in its teeth, and Frank felt that all was over, when + suddenly his assailants left him, and the instant afterwards he was lifted + to his feet by some negroes. + </p> + <p> + He had, when attacked by the apes, thrown the baby into a clump of ferns + close by, in order to have the use of both his hands, and when he looked + round he found that a negress had already picked it up, and was crying and + fondling it. The negroes appeared intensely astonished at Frank's color, + and he judged by their exclamations of surprise that, not only had they + not seen a white man before, but that they had not heard of one being in + the neighborhood. + </p> + <p> + Frank had been too severely bitten and mauled by the baboons to be able to + walk, and the negroes, seeing this, raised him, and four of them carried + him to their village, which was but a quarter of a mile distant. Here he + was taken to the principal hut, and laid on a bed. His wounds were dressed + with poultices formed of bruised leaves of some plant, the natives + evincing the utmost astonishment as Frank removed his clothes to enable + these operations to be performed. + </p> + <p> + By pointing to his lips he indicated that he was hungry and thirsty. Water + was brought to him, and cakes made from pounded yams pressed and baked. + Having eaten and drank he closed his eyes and lay back, and the natives, + who had before been all noisily chattering together, now became suddenly + silent, and stealing away left the strange white visitor to sleep. + </p> + <p> + When Frank woke he could see by the light that it was early morning. A + woman with a child in her lap, whom Frank recognized as the negress who + had picked up the baby, was sitting on a low stool by his side. On seeing + him open his eyes she came to the bed, took his hand and put it to her + lips, and then raised the baby triumphantly and turned it round and round + to show that it had escaped without damage. Then when Frank pointed again + to his lips she brought him a pineapple, roughly cut off the skin, and + sliced it. Frank ate the juicy fruit, and felt immensely refreshed, for + the West Coast pineapple is even more delicious than that found in the + West Indies. Then the woman removed the bandages and applied fresh + poultices to his wounds, talking in low soft tones, and, as Frank had no + doubt, expressing sorrow at their cause. + </p> + <p> + Frank now endeavored to explain to her that he had a white companion in + the woods, but the woman, not understanding, brought in two or three other + natives, who stood round the couch and endeavored to gather what he wished + to say. + </p> + <p> + Frank held up two fingers. Then he pointed to himself and shut down one + finger, keeping the other erect, and then pointed all round to signify + that he had a friend somewhere in the wood. A grin of comprehension stole + over the faces of the negroes, and Frank saw that he was understood. + </p> + <p> + Then he again held up his two fingers, and taking the hands of the negress + raised all her fingers by the side of the white ones to signify that there + were many natives with them. Then he took aim, with an imaginary gun, up + at the roof of the hut, and said “Bang” very loud, and a chorus of + approving laughter from the negroes showed that he was understood. Then + one of them pointed towards the various points of the compass, and looked + interrogatively at Frank. The sun was streaming in through the doorway, + and he was thus able to judge of the direction in which the camp must lie. + He made a sweep with his hand towards the northwest, signifying that they + were somewhere in that direction. + </p> + <p> + That afternoon fever set in, and for the two next days Frank was + delirious. When he recovered consciousness he found Mr. Goodenough sitting + beside him. The latter would not suffer him to talk, but gave him a strong + dose of quinine and told him to lie quiet and go to sleep. + </p> + <p> + It was not till the next day that Frank learned what had happened in his + absence. The Houssa had not returned until long after nightfall. He + reported that Frank had told him to wait with the guns, and that he had + waited until it grew nearly dark. Then he had fired several times and had + walked about, firing his gun at intervals. Obtaining no responses he had + made his way back to the camp, where his arrival alone caused great + consternation. + </p> + <p> + It was impossible to do anything that night, and the next morning Mr. + Goodenough, accompanied by five of the Houssas, one only remaining to keep + guard over the camp, had gone to the place where Frank had last been seen. + Then they scattered in various directions, shouting and firing their guns. + The search had been continued all day without success, and at nightfall, + disheartened and worn out, they had returned to the camp. The next day the + search had been continued with an equal want of success, and the fears + that a leopard had attacked and killed Frank became stronger and stronger. + On the third day the whole of the carriers were sent out with instructions + to search the woods for native paths, to follow these to villages, and to + enlist the natives in the search. One of these men had met one of the + villagers on the search for the party of the white man. + </p> + <p> + It was another ten days before Frank was sufficiently recovered from his + fever and wounds to march back to the camp. After a stay there of two or + three more days, to enable him completely to regain his strength, the + party started again on their journey. + </p> + <p> + In another three weeks they had descended the hills, and the Fans + announced their unwillingness to travel farther. Mr. Goodenough, however, + told them quietly that they had promised to go on until he could obtain + other carriers, and that if they deserted him he should pay them nothing. + They might now expect every day to meet people of another tribe, and as + soon as they should do so they would be allowed to depart. Finding that he + was firm, and having no desire to forfeit the wages they had earned, the + Fans agreed to go forward, although they were now in a country entirely + unknown to them, where the people would presumably be hostile. They had, + however, such faith in the arms carried by the white men and Houssas, that + they felt comparatively easy as to the result of any attack which might be + made upon them. + </p> + <p> + The very day after this little mutiny, smoke was seen curling up from the + woods. Mr. Goodenough deemed it inexpedient to show himself at once with + so large a number of men. He, therefore, sent forward Ostik with two of + the Fans, each of whom could speak several native dialects, to announce + his coming. They returned in an hour saying that the village was a very + large one, and that the news of the coming of two white men had created + great excitement. The people spoke of sending at once to their king, whom + they called Malembe, whose place, it seemed, was a day's march off. + </p> + <p> + They now prepared to enter the village. Ostik went first carrying himself + with the dignity of a beadle at the head of a school procession. Two of + the Houssas walked next. Mr. Goodenough and Frank followed, their guns + being carried by two Fans behind them. Then came the long line of bearers, + two of the Houssas walking on each side as a baggage guard. The villagers + assembled in great numbers as they entered. The head man conducted the + whites to his hut. No women or children were to be seen, and the + expression of the men was that of fear rather than curiosity. + </p> + <p> + “They are afraid of the Fans,” Mr. Goodenough said. “The other tribes all + have a species of terror of these cannibals. We must reassure them as soon + as possible.” + </p> + <p> + A long palaver then took place with the chief, with whose language one of + the Fans was sufficiently acquainted to make himself understood. It was + rather a tedious business, as each speech had to be translated twice, + through Ostik and the Fan. + </p> + <p> + Mr. Goodenough informed the chief that the white men were friends of his + people, that they had come to see the country and give presents to the + chiefs, that they only wished to pass quietly through and to journey + unmolested, and that they would pay handsomely for food and all that they + required. They wished to obtain bearers for their baggage, and these they + would pay in cloth and brass rods, and as soon as they procured carriers + the Fans would return to their own country. + </p> + <p> + The chief answered expressing his gratification at seeing white men in his + village, saying that the king would, no doubt, carry out all their wishes. + One of the boxes was opened and he was presented with five yards of bright + colored calico, a gaudy silk handkerchief, and several strings of bright + beads. In return a large number of plantains were presented to the white + men. These were soon distributed among the Fans. + </p> + <p> + “Me no like dat nigger,” Ostik said. “Me think we hab trouble. You see all + women and children gone, dat bad. Wait till see what do when king come.” + </p> + <p> + That day and the next passed quietly. The baggage had been piled in a + circle, as usual, in an open space outside the village; the tent being + pitched in the center, and Ostik advised Mr. Goodenough to sleep here + instead of in the village. The day after their arrival passed but heavily. + The natives showed but little curiosity as to the newcomers, although + these must have been far more strange to them than to the people nearer + the coast. Still no women or children made their appearance. Towards + evening a great drumming was heard in the distance. + </p> + <p> + “Here is his majesty at last,” Mr. Goodenough said, “we shall soon see + what is his disposition.” + </p> + <p> + In a short time the village was filled with a crowd of men all carrying + spears and bows and arrows. The drumming came nearer and nearer, and then, + carried in a chair on the shoulders of four strong negroes, while ten + others armed with guns marched beside him, the king made his appearance. + </p> + <p> + Mr. Goodenough and Frank advanced to meet him. The king was a tall man + with a savage expression of countenance. Behind Mr. Goodenough, Ostik and + the Fan who spoke the language advanced. The king's chair was lowered + under the shade of a tree, and two attendants with palm leaf fans at once + began to fan his majesty. + </p> + <p> + “Tell the king,” Mr. Goodenough said, “that we are white men who have come + to see his country, and to pass through to the countries beyond. We have + many presents for him, and wish to buy food and to hire carriers in place + of those who have brought our things thus far.” + </p> + <p> + The king listened in silence. + </p> + <p> + “Why do the white men bring our enemies into our land?” he asked angrily. + </p> + <p> + “We have come up from the coast,” Mr. Goodenough said; “and as we passed + through the Fan country we hired men there to carry our goods, just as we + wish to hire men here to go on into the country beyond. There were none of + the king's men in that country or we would have hired them.” + </p> + <p> + “Let me see the white men's presents,” the king said. + </p> + <p> + A box was opened, a bright scarlet shirt and a smoking cap of the same + color, worked with beads, a blue silk handkerchief and twenty yards of + bright calico, were taken out. To these were added twelve stair rods, five + pounds of powder, and two pounds of shot. + </p> + <p> + The king's eye sparkled greedily as he looked at the treasures. + </p> + <p> + “The white men must be very rich,” he said, pointing to the pile of + baggage. + </p> + <p> + “Most of the boxes are empty,” Mr. Goodenough said. “We have brought them + to take home the things of the country and show them to the white men + beyond the sea;” and to prove the truth of his words, Mr. Goodenough had + two of the empty cases opened, as also one already half filled with bird + skins, and another with trays of butterflies and beetles. + </p> + <p> + The king looked at them with surprise. + </p> + <p> + “And the others?” he asked, pointing to them. + </p> + <p> + “The others,” Mr. Goodenough said, “contain, some of them, food such as + white men are accustomed to eat in their own country, the others, presents + for the other kings and chiefs I shall meet when we have passed on. + </p> + <p> + “The fellow is not satisfied,” he said to Ostik, “give him two of the + trade guns and a bottle of brandy.” + </p> + <p> + The king appeared mollified by these additional presents, and saying that + he would talk to the white men in the morning, he retired into the + village. + </p> + <p> + “I don't like the looks of things,” Mr. Goodenough said. “I fear that the + presents we have given the king will only stimulate his desire for more. + However, we shall see in the morning.” + </p> + <p> + When night fell, two of the Houssas were placed on guard. The Fans slept + inside the circle formed by the baggage. Several times in the night the + Houssas challenged bodies of men whom they heard approaching, but these at + once retired. + </p> + <p> + In the morning a messenger presented himself from the king, saying that he + required many more presents, that the things which had been given were + only fit for the chief of a village, and not for a great king. Mr. + Goodenough answered, that he had given the best he had, that the presents + were fit for a great king, and that he should give no more. + </p> + <p> + “If we are to have trouble,” he said to Frank, “it is far better to have + it at once while the Fans are with us, than when we are alone with no one + but the Houssas and the subjects of this man. The Fans will fight, and we + could hold this encampment against any number of savages.” + </p> + <p> + A quarter of an hour later the drums began beating furiously again. Loud + shouts and yells arose in the village, and the natives could be seen + moving excitedly about. Presently these all disappeared. + </p> + <p> + “Fight come now,” Ostik said. + </p> + <p> + “You'd better lower the tent at once, Ostik. It will only be in our way.” + </p> + <p> + The tent was speedily lowered. The Fans grasped their spears and lay down + behind the circle of boxes and bales, and the six Houssas, the two white + men and Ostik, to whom a trade musket had been entrusted, took their + places at regular intervals round the circle, which was some eight yards + in diameter. Presently the beat of the drums again broke the silence, and + a shower of arrows, coming apparently from all points of the compass, fell + in and around the circle. + </p> + <p> + “Open fire steadily and quietly,” Mr. Goodenough said, “among the bushes, + but don't fire fast. We must tempt them to show themselves.” + </p> + <p> + A dropping fire commenced against the invisible foe, the fire being no + more frequent than it would have been had they been armed with muzzle + loading weapons. Presently musketry was heard on the enemy's side, the + king's bodyguard having opened fire. This was disastrous to them, for, + whereas the arrows had afforded but slight index as to the position of + those who shot them, the puffs of smoke from the muskets at once showed + the lurking places of those who used them, and Mr. Goodenough and Frank + replied so truly that in a very short time the musketry fire of the enemy + ceased altogether. The rain of arrows continued, the yells of the natives + rose louder and louder, and the drums beat more furiously. + </p> + <p> + “They will be out directly,” Mr. Goodenough said. “Fire as quickly as you + can when they show, but be sure and take good aim.” + </p> + <p> + Presently the sound of a war horn was heard, and from the wood all round a + crowd of dark figures dashed forward, uttering appalling yells. On the + instant the dropping fire of the defenders changed into an almost + continuous fusillade, as the Sniders of the Houssas, the breech loading + rifle of Mr. Goodenough, and the repeating Winchester of Frank were + brought into play at their full speed. Yells of astonishment broke from + the natives, and a minute later, leaving nearly a score of their comrades + on the ground, the rest dashed back into the forest. + </p> + <p> + There was silence for a time and then the war drums began again. + </p> + <p> + “Dey try again hard dis time, massa,” Ostik said. “King tell 'em he cut + off deir heads dey not win battle.” + </p> + <p> + This time the natives rushed forward with reckless bravery, in spite of + the execution made among them by the rapid fire of the defenders, and + rushed up to the circle of boxes. Then the Fans leaped to their feet, and, + spear in hand, dashed over the defenses and fell upon the enemy. + </p> + <p> + The attack was decisive. Uttering yells of terror the natives fled, and + two minutes later not a sound was to be heard in the forest. + </p> + <p> + “I tink dey run away for good dis time, sar,” Ostik said. “Dey hav' 'nuf + of him. Dey fight very brave, much more brave than people down near coast. + Dere in great battle only three, four men killed. Here as many men killed + as we got altogether.” + </p> + <p> + This was so, nearly fifty of the natives having fallen between the trees + and the encampment. When an hour passed and all was still, it became + nearly certain that the enemy had retreated, and the Houssas, who are + splendid scouts, divested themselves of their clothing and crawled away + into the wood to reconnoiter. They returned in half an hour in high glee, + bearing the king's chair. + </p> + <p> + “Dey all run away, sar, ebery one, de king an' all, and leab his chair + behind. Dat great disgrace for him.” + </p> + <p> + A council was now held. The Fans were so delighted with the victory they + had won, that they expressed their readiness to remain with their white + companions as long as they chose, providing these would guarantee that + they should be sent home on the expiration of their service. This Mr. + Goodenough readily promised. After discussing the question with Frank, he + determined to abstain from pushing farther into the interior, but to keep + along northward, and then turning west with the sweep of the coast to + travel slowly along, keeping at about the same distance as at present from + the sea, and finally to come down either upon Cape Coast or Sierra Leone. + </p> + <p> + This journey would occupy a considerable time. They would cross countries + but little known, and would have an ample opportunity for the collection + of specimens, which they might, from time to time, send down by the + various rivers they would cross, to the trading stations at their mouths. + </p> + <p> + It was felt that after this encounter with the natives it would be + imprudent in the extreme to push further into the interior. They would + have continual battles to fight, large numbers of the natives would be + killed, and their collecting operations would be greatly interfered with. + As a lesson to the natives the village was burnt to the ground; the + presents, which the king in the hurry of his flight had left behind him, + being recovered. + </p> + <p> + A liberal allowance of tobacco was served out as a “dash” or present to + the Fans, and a bright silk handkerchief given to each. Then they turned + off at right angles to the line they had before been pursuing and + continued their journey. + </p> + <p> + Two days later Mr. Goodenough was prostrated by fever, and for several + days lay between life and death. When he became convalescent he recovered + strength very slowly. The heat was prodigious and the mosquitos rendered + sleep almost impossible at night. The country at this place was low and + swampy, and, weak as he was, Mr. Goodenough determined to push forward. He + was, however, unable to walk, and, for the first time, a hammock was got + out and mounted. + </p> + <p> + There is no more comfortable conveyance in the world than a hammock in + Africa. It is slung from a long bamboo pole, overhead a thick awning keeps + the sun from the hammock. Across the ends of the pole boards of some three + feet long are fastened. The natives wrap a piece of cloth into the shape + of a muffin and place it on their heads, and then take their places, two + at each end of the pole, with the ends of the board on their heads. They + can trot along at the rate of six miles an hour, for great distances, + often keeping up a monotonous song. Their action is perfectly smooth and + easy, and the traveler in the hammock, by shutting his eyes, might imagine + himself swinging in a cot on board ship on an almost waveless sea. + </p> + <p> + After two days traveling they got on to higher ground, and here they + camped for some time, Mr. Goodenough slowly recovering strength, and Frank + busy in adding to their collections. In this he was in no slight degree + assisted by the Fans, who, having nothing else to do, had now come to + enter into the occupation of their employers. A good supply of muslin had + been brought, and nets having been made, the Fans captured large + quantities of butterflies, the great difficulty being in convincing them + that only a few of each species were required. They were still more + valuable in grubbing about in the decaying trunks of fallen trees, under + loose bark, and in broken ground, for beetles and larvae, a task which + suited them better than running about after butterflies, which, moreover, + they often spoilt irreparably by their rough handling. Thus Frank was able + to devote himself entirely to the pursuit of birds, and although all the + varieties more usually met with had been obtained, the collection steadily + increased in size. + </p> + <p> + Frank himself had severe attacks of fever, but none of these were so + severe as that which he had had on the day of the death of the leopards. + </p> + <p> + At the end of a month Mr. Goodenough had recovered his strength, and they + again moved forward. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0012" id="link2HCH0012"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XII: A NEGRO'S STORY + </h2> + <p> + On arriving at a large village one day, they were struck as they + approached by the far greater appearance of comfort and neatness than + generally distinguish African villages. The plots of plantations were + neatly fenced, the street was clean and well kept. As they entered the + village they were met by the principal people, headed by an old white + haired negro. + </p> + <p> + “Me berry glad to see you, white men,” he said. “Long time me no see white + men.” + </p> + <p> + “And it is a long time,” said Mr. Goodenough, shaking hands with him, + “since I have heard the sound of my own tongue outside my party.” + </p> + <p> + “Me berry glad to see you,” repeated the negro. “Me chief of dis village. + Make you berry comfortable, sar. Great honor for dis village dat you come + here. Plenty eberyting for you, fowl, and eggs, and plantain, and sometime + a sheep.” + </p> + <p> + “We have, indeed, fallen into the lap of luxury,” Mr. Goodenough said to + Frank; and they followed the negro to his hut. “I suppose the old man has + been employed in one of the factories upon the coast.” + </p> + <p> + The interior of the hut was comfortably furnished and very clean. A sort + of divan covered with neatly woven mats extended round three sides. In the + center was an attempt at a table. A doubled barreled gun and a rifle hung + over the hearth. A small looking glass and several colored prints in cheap + frames were suspended from the walls. A great chest stood at one end of + the room, while on a shelf were a number of plates and dishes of English + manufacture. + </p> + <p> + The negro begged his guests to be seated, and presently a girl entered, + bringing in a large calabash full of water for them to wash their hands + and faces. In the meantime the old negro had gone to his chest, and, to + the immense surprise of the travelers, brought out a snow white + tablecloth, which he proceeded to lay on the table, and then to place + knives, forks, and plates upon it. + </p> + <p> + “You must 'scuse deficiencies, sar,” he said. “We berry long way from + coast, and dese stupid niggers dey break tings most ebery day.” + </p> + <p> + “Don't talk about deficiencies,” Mr. Goodenough answered smiling. “All + this is, indeed, astonishing to us here.” + </p> + <p> + “You berry good to say dat, sar, but dis chile know how tings ought to be + done. Me libed in good Melican family. He know berry well how tings ought + to be done.” + </p> + <p> + “Ah, you have traveled a good deal!” Mr. Goodenough said. + </p> + <p> + “Yes, sar, me trabel great deal. Me lib in Cuba long time. Den me lib + slave states, what you call Confederate. Den me lib Northern state, also + Canada under Queen Victoria. Me trabel bery much. Now, sar, dinner come. + Time to eat not to talk. After dinner white gentlemen tell me what they + came here for. Me tell dem if they like about my trabels, but dat berry + long story.” + </p> + <p> + The dinner consisted of two fowls cut in half and grilled over a fire, + fried plantains, and, to the astonishment of the travelers, green peas, + followed by cold boiled rice over which honey had been poured. Their host + had placed plates only for two, but they would not sit down until he had + consented to join them. + </p> + <p> + Two girls waited, both neatly dressed in cotton, in a fashion which was a + compromise between European and negro notions. + </p> + <p> + After dinner the negro presented them with two large and excellent cigars, + made, as he said, from tobacco grown in his own garden, and the + astonishment of the travelers was heightened by the reappearance of one of + the girls bearing a tray with three small cups of excellent black coffee. + </p> + <p> + Their host now asked them for the story of their journey from the coast, + and the object with which they had penetrated Africa. Mr. Goodenough + related their adventures, and said that they were naturalists in search of + objects of natural history. When he had finished Ostik, in obedience to a + whisper from him, brought in a bottle of brandy, at the sight of which the + negro broke into a chuckle. + </p> + <p> + “Me tree months widout taste dat. Once ebery year me send down to coast, + get coffee, tea, sugar, calico, beads, and rum. Dis time de rum am finish + too soon. One of de cases get broke and half de bottles smash. Dat berry + bad job. Dis chile calculate dat six dozen last for a year, dat give him + one bottle each week and twenty bottles for presents to oder chiefs. + Eighteen bottles go smash, and as de oder chiefs expec' deir present all + de same, Sam hab ta go widout. De men start three weeks ago for coast. Me + hope dey come back in six weeks more.” + </p> + <p> + “Well,” Mr. Goodenough said, “you need not go without it till they come + back, for I can give you eight bottles which will last you for two months. + I have got a good supply, and as I never use it for trade unless a chief + particularly wants it, I can very well spare it.” + </p> + <p> + The old negro was greatly pleased, and when he had drank his glass of + brandy and water he responded to Mr. Goodenough's request, and, lighting a + fresh cigar, he began the story of his adventures. + </p> + <p> + “I was born in dis berry village somewhere about seventy years ago. I not + know for sure widin two or three year, for when I young man I no keep + account. My fader was de chief of dis village, just as I am now, but de + village was not like dis. It was not so big, and was berry dirty and berry + poor, just like the oder nigger villages. Well, sar, dere am nothing + perticlar to tell about de first years of my life. I jus' dirty little + naked nigger like de rest. Dose were berry bad times. Ebery one fight + against ebery one else. Ebery one take slabes and send dem down de river, + and sell to white men dere to carry ober sea. When I grow up to seventeen, + I s'pose, I take spear and go out wid de people of dis village and de oder + villages of dis part ob country under king, and fight against oder + villages and carry the people away as slabes. All berry bad business dat. + But Sam he tink nothing, and just do the same as oder people. Sometimes + oder tribes come and fight against our villages and carry our people away. + So it happened to Sam. + </p> + <p> + “Jus' when he about twenty years old we had come back from a long + 'spedition. Dis village got its share ob slabes, and we drink and sing and + make merry wid de palm tree wine and tink ourselves berry grand fellows. + Well, sar, dat night great hullyballoo in de village. De dogs bark, de men + shout and seize deir arms and run out to fight, but it no good. Anoder + tribe fall on us ten times as many as we. We fight hard but no use. All de + ole men and de ole women and de little babies dat no good to sell dey + killed, and de rest of us, de men and de women and de boys and girls, we + tied together and march away wid de people dat had taken us. + </p> + <p> + “Berry bad time dat, sar. De season was dry and de water scarce. We make + long march ebery day, and berry little food given. Dey beat us wid sticks + and prod us wid spear to make us go. A good many ob de weak ones dey die, + but de most ob us arribe at mouth ob riber; me neber know what riber dat + was, but we were berry nigh two months in getting dere. By dis time Sam + arribe at the conclusion berry strong, dat de burning ob villages and + carrying off ob slabes berry bad affair altogether. Sam hab changed his + mind about a great many things, but about dat he am fixed right up to dis + time. + </p> + <p> + “Well, at de mouth ob dat riber Sam saw de white man for de first time; + and me tell you fair, sar, Sam not like him no way. Dey were Spanish men, + and de way dey treat us poor niggers was someting awful. We huddle up + night and day in a big shed dey call a barracoon. Dey gabe us berry little + food, berry little water. Dey flog us if we grumble. Dese men belong to + ships, and had bought us from dose who brought us down from up country. + Deir ship not come yet, and for a long time we wait in the barracoon + wishing dat we could die. At last de ship came, and we were taken on board + and huddled down below. Law, what a place dat was to be sure! Not more + than tree feet high, just high enough to sit up, and dere we chained to + deck. De heat, sar, was someting terrible. Some ob us yell out and scream + for air, but dey only come down and beat us wid whips. + </p> + <p> + “De day after we got on board de ship set sail. Tree hours after dat we + hear a great running about on deck, and a shouting by the white men. Den + we hear big gun fire ober head, almost make us jump out of skin wid de + noise. Den more guns. Den dere was a crash, and before we knew what was de + matter dere was a big hole in de side, and six niggers was killed dead. + Ebery one yelled berry loud. We tink for sure that de last day come. For a + long time de guns keep firing, and den everyting quiet again. At de time + no one could tink what de matter, but I s'pose dat British cruiser chase + us and dat de slaber sail away. + </p> + <p> + “Dat was an awful voyage, sar. At first de sea smoove, and de ship go + along straight. Den de ship begin to toss about jus' as nigger does when + he has taken too much palm wine, and we all feel berry bad. Ebery one + groan and cry and tink dat dey must have been poisoned. For tree days it + was a terrible time. De hatches were shut down and no air could come to + us, and dere we was all alone in de dark, and no one could make out why de + great house on de water roll and tumble so much. We cry and shout till all + breaff gone, and den lie quiet and moan, till jus' when ebery one tink he + dead, dey take off de hatch and come down and undo de padlocks and tell us + to go up on deck. Dat berry easy to say, not at all easy to do. Most of us + too weak to walk, and say dat we dead and cannot move. Den dey whip all + about, and it was astonishing, sar, to see what life dat whip put into + dead nigger. Somehow people feel dat dey could crawl after all, and when + dey get up on deck and see de blessed sun again and de blue sky dey feel + better. But not all. In spite ob de whip many hab to be carried up on + deck, and dere de sailor men lay 'em down and trow cold water ober dem + till dey open dere eyes and come to life. Some neber come to life. Dere + were about six hundred when we start, and ob dese pretty nigh a hundred + die in dose tree days. + </p> + <p> + “After dat tings not so bad. De weather was fine and no more English + cruisers seen, so dey let half ob us up on deck at once for tree or four + hours ebery day. Dey give us more food, too, and fatten us up. We talk dis + ober among ourselves, and s'pose dat dey going to eat us when we get to + land again. Some propose not to eat food, but when dey try dat on they get + de whip, and conclude dat if dey must be eaten dey might as well be eaten + fat as lean. + </p> + <p> + “At last we come in sight of land. Den we all sent below and stay dere + till night. Den we brought on deck, and find de vessel lying in a little + creek. Den we all land in boats, and march up country all night. In de + morning we halt. Tree or four white men come on horses and look at us. Dey + separate us into parties, and each march away into country again. Den we + separate again, till at last me and twenty oders arribe at a plantation up + in de hills. Here we range along in line before a white man. He speak in + berry fierce tones, and a nigger by his side tell us dat dis man our + master, dat he say if we work well he gib us plenty of food and treat us + well, but dat if we not work wid all our might he whip us to death. After + dis it was ebident that de best ting to do was to work hard. + </p> + <p> + “I was young and berry strong, sar, and soon got de name of a willing hard + working nigger. De massa he keep his word. Dose who work well not bad + treated, plenty ob food and a piece of ground to plant vegetables and to + raise fowls for ourselves. So we passed two or tree year, plenty ob hard + work, but not berry much to grumble at. Den me and a gal of my own + village, who had been bought in de same batch wid me, we go to massa and + say we want to marry. Massa say, berry well. I fine strong nigger and work + well, so he gib de gal four yards ob bright cotton for wedding dress, and + a bottle ob rum to me, and we married. + </p> + <p> + “Two or tree years pass, and my wife hab two piccanninies. Den de massa go + home to Spain, and leab overseer in plantation. Berry bad man dat. Before, + if nigger work well he not beaten. Now he beaten wheder he work or not. + For two or tree months we 'tand it, but tings get worse and worse. De + oberseer he always drunk and go on like wild beast. One day he passed by + my wife hoeing de sugarcane and he gib her cut wid whip, jus' out of + 'musement. She turn round and ask, 'What dat for?' He get mad, cut her wid + whip, knock her down wid de handle, and den seizing de chile dat she had + fastened to her back, he catch him by de leg and smash him skull against a + tree. Den, sar, I seize my hoe, I rush at him, and I chop him down wid all + my strength, cut his skull clean in sunder, and he drop down dead. + </p> + <p> + “Den I knew dat dat was no place for Sam, so I take my hoe and I run away + as fast as I could. No one try to stop me. De oder niggers dance and sing + when dey saw de oberseer fall dead. I ran all dat day up among de hills, + skirting round de different plantations till I get quite into de wild + part. Wheneber I came to stream I walk a long way in him till I get to + tree hanging ober. Den pull myself up into de branches, climb along and + drop at de farthest end, and den run again, for I knew dat dey would set + de bloodhounds after me. + </p> + <p> + “At last I tink dat it am quite safe, and when de night came on lie down + to sleep for a few hours. Before morning me off again, and by night get to + de center of de wild country. Here I light a fire, and sit down, and, just + as I 'spected, in two or tree hours five or six men come down to me. Dose + were niggers who had run away from plantations. I tell dem my story, dey + agree dat I did berry right in killing oberseer. Dey take me away to place + where dey hab little huts and patches of yams. Two or tree days pass and + no one come, so, we s'pose dat dey hab lost de scent. Me waited a month + and den determined to go down and see about wife. I journey at night, and + reach plantation in two days. Dere I hide till I see nigger come along + close to bush. I call him and he come. I tell him to tell my wife to steal + away when night come, and to meet me dere. He nod and go away. Dat night + my wife come wid de oder chile. We not talk much but start away for + mountains. Me berry much afraid now because my wife not berry strong, she + hurt by de blow and fretting after me. Howeber, we follow the way I had + gone before. I make shift to help her up into trees from the streams, and + dis time after tree days' travel we got back to hut in the mountain. + </p> + <p> + “Dere we lib berry happy for a year. Sometimes some ob us go down to + plantation and take down baskets and oder tings dat we had made and chop + dem for cotton. We had tobacco of our own, and some fowls which we got + from the plantations in de fust place. Altogether we did berry well. + Sometimes band of soldiers come and march trough the country, but we hab + plenty hiding places and dey never find us. More and more runway slabes + come, and at last we hear dat great 'spedition going to start to search + all de mountains. Dey come, two tree thousand ob dem. Dey form long + skirmishing line, five or six mile long, and dey go ober mountain. Ebery + nigger dey find who not surrender when dey call to him dey shoot. When I + heard ob deir coming I had long talk wid wife. We agree that it better to + leave de mountains altogether and go down and live in the bushes close to + the old plantation. Nobody look for us dere. So we make our way down and + lib there quiet. We get the yams out ob de plantations and lib very + comfortable. When we tink all ober in the mountain we go back. + </p> + <p> + “Well, sar, when we tink it all safe, and we get widin a mile ob de huts + whar we had libed, all at once we came upon a lot of soldiers in camp. Dey + see us and make shout. I call to my wife to run, when dey fire. A bullet + hit de baby, which she hab at her back, and pass through both deir bodies. + I did not run any more, but jus' stood looking at my wife and chile as if + my senses had gone. Dere I stood till the soldiers came up. Dey put a cord + round my arms and led me away. After a time I was taken down the country. + Dere I was claimed, and when it was known I had killed a white oberseer I + was tried. But de new oberseer did not want me to be hung, for I was a + strong slave and worth money, so he told a story about how it happen, and + after dey had flogged me very hard dey sent me back to plantation. Dere I + work for a long time wid a great log of wood chained to my ankle to + prevent me from running away again. + </p> + <p> + “For a time I not care whether I lib or die, but at last I made up my mind + to 'scape again. After six months dey took off de log, tinking dat I had + had enuf of de mountains and would not try to 'scape, and de log prevented + my doing so much work. De bery next night I ran away again but dis time I + determined to make for de town in hopes ob getting on board an English + ship, for I had heard from de oder slabes dat de English did not keep + black men as slabes, but dat, on de contry, dey did what dey could to stop + de Spanish from getting dem away from Africa, and I understood now dat de + dreful noise we had heard on de first day we were on board ship was an + attack upon our vessel by an English cruiser. + </p> + <p> + “It was four days' journey down to de town by de sea. Dere was no + difficulty in finding de way, for de road was good, and I s'pose dat dey + only looked for me towards de hills. Anyhow I got dar safe, walking at + night and sleeping in the bushes by day. I got as near de town as I dar, + and could see seberal vessels lying near de shore. I could see dat some ob + dem had de Spanish flag—I knew dat flag—de oders had flags + which I did not know. When it was dark I walked boldly into the town; no + one asked me any question, and I make my way through de streets down to de + shore. Dere I get into a boat and lay quiet till all de town was asleep. + Den I get into water and swim off to a ship—one dat I had noticed + had a flag which was not Spanish. Dere was a boat alongside. I climb into + it and pull myself up by the rope on deck. Den some white men seize me and + say someting in language which I not understand. Den dey take me into + cabin and say someting to captain; me not know what it was, but de captain + laugh, and me not like his laugh at all. Howeber, dey give me someting to + eat, and den take me down into hold of ship and tell me to go to sleep on + some sacks of sugar, and throw some empty sacks ober me to cover me. Den + dey close up hatch and leab me alone. + </p> + <p> + “When I come on deck de land was gone and de vessel sailing along. I speak + to no one, for I only understand little Spanish, and dese people not speak + dat. We sail along for some time, and at last we come in sight of land + again. Den dey hoist flag and I see dat it a flag wid lots of red stars + and stripes upon him. I know now dat it was a 'Merican ship. Den I know + noting. We get to port and I want to land, but dey shake deir heads. + </p> + <p> + “De next day de captain he make sign to me to come wid him. I go along to + shore and he take me to a open space in town, where a man was standing on + a raised platform. He had a black woman by de side ob him. Seberal men + come up and look at her. De man he shout bery loud. Oder men say something + short. At last he knock on de table; a man tell de woman to come after him + and she walk away. Den a boy was put up, and den two more women, and ebery + time just de same ting was done. Den de man call out, and de captain push + his way through the crowd wid me, and tell me to climb up on platform. I + get up and look round quite surprised. Eberybody laugh. Den de man began + to holloa again. Den seberal men come up and feel my arms and my legs. Dey + point to de marks which de whip had left on my back, and dey laugh again. + Presently de man who was shouting bang his hand on the table again, and a + white man in the crowd, who had seberal times called out loud, come up to + me, take me by the arm, and sign to me to go wid him. + </p> + <p> + “I begin to understand now; dat rascally captain had sold me for a slabe, + and dat flag I had seen was not de English flag. However, it was no use to + say anyting, and I went along wid my new massa. He was a nice looking man, + and I thought it might not be so bery bad after all. He took me to a high + carriage wid two wheels and a fine horse. A negro, who was dressed up like + a white man, was holding de horse. He showed me to climb up behind, de + oders climb up in front, and we dribe away.” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0013" id="link2HCH0013"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XIII: A FUGITIVE SLAVE + </h2> + <p> + “Well, sar, work bery much de same on plantation in Virginia and Cuba, but + de slabe much merrier in 'Merica, when de master am good. My new massa + bery good man. Slabes all treat bery kind, work not too hard. At night + dance and sing bery much. Den I marry again, dis time to one ob de girls + in de house. She favorite ob missy, and so when we marry, missy hab me + taken off de fields and put to garden. Bery fine garden dat was. Tree, + four of us work dar, Sam jus' as happy as man could be. Sometime, when der + am party, Sam come into the house to help at de table, dat how Sam know + how to do tings proper. De little massas dey bery fond ob me, and when dey + want to go out hunting de coon or fishing in de riber, dey always cry for + Sam. + </p> + <p> + “So fifteen years passed by, bery happy years, sar, den do ole massa die; + missy, too, soon after. De young massa not like him father. Me tink de ole + gentleman make mistake wid him when him chile, let him hab too much his + own way. I bery fond ob him because I had been wid him so much, but I + often shake my head when I tink de time come dat he be massa ob de + plantation. It was not dat his nature was bad; he get in rage sometime, + but dat all ober in no time, but he lub pleasure too much; go to de races + and 'top at de town weeks together, and play too much wid de cards. Dere + were two boys and two girls; de second boy, he go to West Point and become + officer in de army. + </p> + <p> + “After de death ob de ole people de house change bery much. Before dat + time we keep good company, gib sometimes grand balls, and all de fust + families ob Virginia in dat part visit dar. After dat always people in de + house. De young massa, when he go to Richmond, bring back six or eight + young men wid him, and dey laugh and drink and play cards half de night. I + tink de young missys speak to him about his ways. Anyhow, one day dere + great row, and dey off to lib wid an aunt in de city. After dat tings get + worse. One day missy come back from town and she gib my wife her papers of + freedom. You see, my wife was giben by de ole man to missy when her war a + little girl, and fortunate it was dat he had made out de papers all right + and presented dem to her. When missy gib her de papers ob freedom, she cry + bery much. 'Me 'fraid bad time coming, Sally,' she said. 'Me tink dat it + better for a time dat you clar out ob dis. Now you got de paper you free + woman, but you wife ob slabe; might be difficulty about it. Me fear dat + broder Dick ruined—de plantation and slabes to be sole;' and wid dat + she bu'st out crying wus dan eber. Ob course my wife she cry too. + </p> + <p> + “'Better you go norf, Sally,' missy say presently. 'I gib you letter to + friends dar, and tell dem you bery good nurse. Den if Sam get good master + you can come back to him again. If not, as you tell me dat when he slabe + before he run away, it jus' possible he do de same again.' + </p> + <p> + “'Don't you tink, missy,' de wife said, 'dat de young massa gib freedom to + Sam too. Sam wait on him a great many years, sabe him life when he tumbled + into water.' + </p> + <p> + “'I bery much afraid,' missy said, shaking her head, 'dat my broder not + able to do so if he wish. He borrow money on de plantation and de slabes, + and dat prevent him from making any ob dem free. De sale soon come now. + You go tell Sam; tell him not to say word to nobody. Den you pack up and + come right away wid me to de city. It bery much better you clar out ob dis + before dey come down and seize eberybody.' + </p> + <p> + “Well, sar, you guess when Sam heard dis he in fine taking. He often + grieve bery much dat he and Sally hab no children. Now he tank de Lord wid + all his heart dat dere no piccanniny, for dey would hab been sold, one one + way and one another, and we should neber hab seen dem again. Hows'ever, I + make great effort, and tell Sally she do jus' what missy say. I tell her + to go norf while she can, and promise dat some day or oder Sam join her + dar. 'Better for to be parted for ten year, Sally, dan to hab de risk ob + you being seize and sold to one master, me to anoder. You trus' Sam to + break out some day. He do bery well here for a time. He bery good strong + nigger, good gardner, good at de horses, good carpenter. Sam sure to get + good place, but, howeber good, when he see a chance he run away. If no + chance, he sabe up his money, and you sabe up your money, Sally, and buy + him freedom.' + </p> + <p> + “Well, sar, we bofe cry bery much, and den Sally go away wid de young + missy. A week after dat de bust up come. De officers dey come down and + seize de place, and a little while after dey sell all de slabes. Dat was a + terrible affair, to see de husbands and de wives and de children separated + and sold to different masters. De young massa he not dere at sale. Dey say + he pretty nigh break him heart, but he ought to hab thought ob dat before. + Me sure dat de ole gentleman and de ole missy pretty nigh turn in deir + grabe at de thought ob all de hands they was so kind to sold away. + </p> + <p> + “Dat de curse of slabery, sar. Me trabel a good deal, and me tink dat no + working people in de world are so merry and happy as de slabe in a + plantation wid a good massa and missy. Dey not work so hard as de white + man. Dey have plenty to eat and drink, dey hab deir gardens and deir + fowls. When dey are sick dey are taken care ob, when dey are ole they are + looked after and hab nothing to do. I have heard people talk a lot of + nonsense about de hard life of de plantation slabe. Dat not true, sar, wid + a good massa. De slabe hab no care and he bery happy. If all massas were + good, and dere were a law dat if a plantation were broken up de slabes + must be sold in families together, me tell you dat de life on a plantation + a thousand times happier dan de life ob a black man in his own country. + But all masters are not good. Some neber look after de slabes, and leabe + all to overseers, and dese bery often bad, cruel men. But worst of all is + when a sale comes. Dat terrible, sar. De husban' sold to Alabama, de wife + to Carolina, de children scattered trough de States. Dis too bad, sar, dis + make ob slabery a curse to de black men. + </p> + <p> + “Well, sar, we all sold. Me fetch high price and sold to a planter in + Missouri. Sam no like dat. Dat a long way from the frontier. Tree years + Sam work dar in plantation. Den he sold again to a man who hab boats on de + riber at New Orleans. Dar Sam work discharging de ships and working de + barges. Dar he come to learn for sure which de British flag. De times were + slack, and my massa hire me out to be waiter in a saloon. Dat place dey + hab dinners, and after dinner dey gamble. Dat war a bad place, mos' ebery + night quarrels, and sometimes de pistols drawn, and de bullets flying + about. Sam 'top dar six months; de place near de riber, and de captains ob + de ships often come to dine. + </p> + <p> + “One young fellow come bery often, and one day Sam saw tree or four men he + knew to be Texas horse dealers talking wid him. Now dis young captain had + been bery friendly wid Sam; always speak cibil and gib him quarter for + himself, and Sam sorry to see dose chaps get hold ob him. Dis went on for + two or tree days, till one ebening de captain, instead of going away after + dinner, stopped talking to dese follows. De play begin at de table, and + dey persuade him to join. He hab de debil's luck. Dey thought they going + to cheat him, and if dey had got him by demselves dey would have cleaned + him out sure. But dere were oder people playing and dey not able to cheat. + </p> + <p> + “Well, sar, he won all de money. Drinks had been flying about, and when at + last de man dat kep' de table said, 'De bank will close for tonight,' de + young fellow could scarce walk steady on his feet. His pockets were full + ob notes. I went up to him and said, 'Will you hab a bed here, sar, bery + good bed?' but he laugh and say, 'No, Sam, I may be a little fresh in de + wind, but I tink I can make de boat.' I saw dose fellows scowl when I + speak to him, and I make up my mind dey after no good. Well, sar, dey go + out fust. Den he go out wid some oder people and stand laughing and + talking at de door. Sam run up to him room, slip on his money belt, for he + had had a good deal giben him while he was dar, and was sabing up to buy + his freedom, and he didn't know what was going to happen. Den Sam look + into de kitchen and caught up a heavy poker and a long knife, den he run + down and turn out de lights ob de saloon and lock de door after him. + </p> + <p> + “He was jus' in time, for he saw at de corner, where de street go down on + to the wharves, de young captain separate from de men who had gone out wid + him and walk away by hisself. Sam kicked off his shoes and ran as fast as + he could to de end ob de street. De wharf was bery badly lighted, jus' a + lamp here and dere. Sam ran along till he got widin about thirty yards ob + de sailor, and den stole quiet along in de shadow ob de houses. Sudden he + see five men run out. Den Sam he leap forward like tiger and gibs a shout + to warn de captain. He turn round jus' in time. Sam saw an arm lifted and + de captain fall, and den at de same moment almost him poker come down wid + a crunch upon de top ob one of deir head. Den they turn on Sam, but, law + bless you, sar! what was de good ob dat? Bery strong negro wid heavy poker + in one hand and long knife in de oder more dan match for four men. He + knock dem ober like nine pin. Tree of dem, he tink he kill straight, the + poker fall on de top ob deir heads, de oder man give a dig in Sam's left + shoulder wid his knife, and de sudden pain shake Sam's aim a little and de + blow fall on him neck. He gib a shout and tumble down. None ob do oder + four had shouted or made any remark when Sam hit dem. Den Sam caught up de + captain and ran along de wharf. Presently he heard a hail. 'All right,' + Sam said. + </p> + <p> + “'Am dat you, captain?' some one say. + </p> + <p> + “'Me got a captain here,' Sam say; 'you come and see wheder he yours.' + </p> + <p> + “De men came up and look in de captain's face. + </p> + <p> + “'Hullo,' dey say; 'de captain am dead.' + </p> + <p> + “'Me no tink him dead,' I say. 'He had a fight, and Sam come to him aid + and beat de rascals off. You had better take him straight on board de + ship.' + </p> + <p> + “Dey put him in boat and Sam go wid him to ship. Dey examine de wound and + find it not bery serious. De captain was turning round when dey struck, + and de blow had glanced off, but it had made a ugly gash; and what wid de + surprise, and de loss ob blood, and knocking him head on de wharf, and de + liquor, de captain had lost his consciousness. He soon come round, and Sam + tell all about it. De captain shake Sam's hand bery much and call him his + preserver, and ask what he do for him. + </p> + <p> + “'You take me out ob dis country,' me said, 'and Sam be grateful.' + </p> + <p> + “'Sartain, I will,' he said; 'and now what am de best ting to do?' + </p> + <p> + “'Me not stop on board now. Dey come and search de vessel for sure in de + morning. When de four white men found, me hope five, den dere great + rumpus. If five dead no suspicion fall on Sam, but you're sure to be asked + questions. It would be known dat dey were gambling in de saloon, and it + would be known dat you had broken de bank and had gone away wid your + pockets stuffed full ob notes. People would suspec' dat likely enuff dey + had made an attack on you. Dis you couldn't deny, for you will be bandaged + up in de morning, and if you had killed dem no one would blame you. But it + a different ting wid Sam. All dose rascals friends together, and you be + bery sure dat some ob dem pay him off for it. If five men dead, all well + and good. Den you say you knocked down and know nufing furder. You s'pose + some people came up and take your side, and kill dose men, and carry you + to de boat, and gib you ober to de sailors, and den go away; but dat you + know nufing at all about it. If only four men killed den do oder, who will + be sure to go away and say nufing ob his share in de business, will tell + all his mates dat dis nigger intrude himself into de affair, and dat bad + for Sam. So, sar, propose dat I go ashore, and dat I go down de bank five + or six mile, and dere hide in de bush. When your ship come down you hoist + little white flag, so Sam sure ob de right ship. If Sam tink de coast am + clear he swim off. If you no see Sam when you get fifteen mile down de + riber, den you anchor, and at night send a boat ashore. Sam come down to + it for sure.' + </p> + <p> + “So de matter was arranged. De captain say he tree more days fill up his + ship, but dat no do for me come on board by daylight because dere would be + a pilot on board. Also he says little white flag no do, pilot tink him + strange, but would tell one ob de men to hang a red shirt, as if to dry, + up in de rigging. At night would show two lights ober de bow for me to + know which was de ship. + </p> + <p> + “Fust dey bind up de wound on my shoulder, den dey gib me food for four + days and a bottle of rum, and den row me ashore. Den Sam start, and before + morning he hid in de swampy bush ten miles down de riber. He wait dere two + days, den make him way down anoder four miles and dere stop. Late dat + afternoon he see a ship come down de riber wid a red shirt in de rigging. + He go on and on, and jus' as it got dark he anchor two miles furder down. + Sam make his way along through de bush and at last get facing de ship. At + twelve o'clock boat come along bery quiet. Sam go down and get in. De men + say, 'Hush, make no noise. De pilot am as watchful as a cat. Dey had tied + tings round de oars dat dey should make no noise, and when dey get to de + side ob de ship dey lay dem in very quiet, hook on de tackle and hoist her + up. De hatchway were off, and de men beckon to Sam, and two ob dem go down + wid him, and de hatchways closed down again. + </p> + <p> + “'I tink we hab tricked him,' one ob de sailors said. 'Dere great row at + New Orleans about de four men found dead dar. Dey come off and inquire ob + de captain ober and ober again. Dey know you missing, and dey find de + kitchen poker lying by de men, and tink you must have had a hand in it. A + thousand dollars reward have been offered, and dey searched de ship high + and low, and turn ober all de cargo. A guard stop on board till de last + ting to see no one come off. When de captain say he anchor de pilot say + no, but de captain say he in no hurry and not going to risk his ship by + sailing at night. Me tink pilot smell a rat, for ebery time he hear a + noise on deck he come out of his cabin and look round. We greased de falls + to make dem run quiet, and took off our shoes so as to make no noise while + we were lowering it. De men on deck was told to get de hatchway open when + dey saw us coming, and so we hoped dat de pilot heard nufing. Now we must + head you up in a cask. We hab bored some holes in it for de air. Den we + shall pile oder casks on de top and leabe you. Dey are as likely as not to + search de ship again when she goes past de forts, for de pilot will + suspect dat it am possible dat you have come on board tonight.' + </p> + <p> + “Me take my place in a big sugar cask. Dey give me some water and some + food, and den shut in de head ober me. Dere I remain two days. I heard + some men come below and make a great noise, moving de cargo about near de + hatchway, and dey hammered in all de casks ob de top tier to see if any ob + dem was empty. I felt bery glad when it was all ober, and de hold was + quiet again. I slept a great deal and did not know anything about time; + but at last I heard a noise again, and de moving of casks, and den de head + of de hogshead was taken out, and dere were de sailors and de captain. Dey + shook Sam very hearty by de hand, and told him dat de ship was safe out at + sea, and dat he was a free man. + </p> + <p> + “All through dat voyage dey bery kind to Sam. He libed de life ob a + gentleman; ate, and drank, and smoke plenty, and nufing at all to do. At + last we got to Liberpool, and dar de captain take Sam to a vessel bound to + New York, pay him passage across, and gib Sam a present ob fifty pound. + Dis chile had saved fifty beside, so he felt dat he was a rich man. Nufing + happen on passage, except great storm, and Sam thought dat de steamer go + to de bottom, but she got through all right, and Sam land at New York. Den + he journey to Philadelphia, dat the place where missy give Sam a card wid + a name and address written on it, for him to go to ask where Sally was + living. Well, sar, you could have knocked me down when I find a great bill + in de window, saying dat de house were to let. Sam almost go out ob his + mind. He ask a great many people, de servants at de doors, and de people + in de shops and at last find dat de family am gone to trabel in Europe, + and dat dey might be away for years. + </p> + <p> + “For two months Sam searched about Philadelphia, and looked at ebery black + woman he saw in de streets. He could see no signs whatsomeber ob Sally. + Den he took a place as waiter at an hotel, and he wrote to missy at + Richmond, to ask if she know Sally's address, but he neber got no answer + to dat letter, and s'posed that missy was either dead or gone away. After + he work dere for some months de idea came to Sam dat first class hotel + wasn't de best place in de world to look for black woman. Den Sam went to + warehouse and bought a lot of books and started to peddle them trough de + country. He walked thousands ob miles, and altogether saw thousands ob + black men, but nothing like Sally. Ebery black woman he could he spoke to, + and asked dem if dey knew her. It was a curious ting dat no one did. Me + did not find Sally, but me made a good deal of money, and tree more years + pass away at dis work. By dis time me was nigh forty-five years old, as + well as me could tell. Ebery few months me go back to Philadelphia and + search dere again. + </p> + <p> + “One day a woman, dressed bery plain, came up to me and said, 'I hab been + tole by my nurse dat you have been asking her if she had seen your wife.' + I s'pose I looked hopeful like for she said at once, 'Me know nothing ob + her, but I was interested about you. You are an escaped slabe, are you + not?' + </p> + <p> + “'Yes, ma'am,' me said. 'Dere is no law against me here.' + </p> + <p> + “'None at all,' she said. 'But I thought that you might, like me, be + interested in freeing slabes.' + </p> + <p> + “'Dat I am,' I said, 'dough I had neber thought much about it.' + </p> + <p> + “'You hab heard, p'raps,' she said, 'ob de underground railway.' + </p> + <p> + “'Yes, ma'am,' said I. 'Dat is de blessed 'stitution which smuggles slaves + across the frontier.' + </p> + <p> + “'Dat is it,' she said, 'and I belongs to it.' + </p> + <p> + “'Does you, missy?' me says. 'De Lord bless you.' + </p> + <p> + “'Now,' she said, 'we want two or three more earnest men, men not afraid + to risk deir libes, or what is worse deir freedom, to help deir follow + creatures. I thought that you, habing suffered so much yourself, might be + inclined to devote yourself to freeing oders from de horrors of slabery.' + </p> + <p> + “'Sam is ready, ma'am,' me says, 'It may be dat de Lord neber intends me + see my Sally again, but if I can be de means ob helping to get oder men to + join deir wives I shall be content.' + </p> + <p> + “'Very well,' she said. 'Come into my house now and we will talk about + it.' + </p> + <p> + “Den she 'splained the whole business to me. Dere were, principally in + lonely places, in swamps and woods, but sometimes libing in villages and + towns in de south, people who had devoted deir libes to de carrying out of + de purposes ob de underground railway. For de most part dese led libes + differing no way from deir neighbors; dey tilled de land, or kept stores + like oders, and none of dose around dem suspected in de slightest degree + deir mission in de south. To deir houses at night fugitive slabes would + come, guided by dose from de next post. De fugitives would be concealed + for twenty-four hours or more, and den passed on at night again to de next + station. Dose formed the larger portion ob de body. + </p> + <p> + “Dere were oders who lived a life in de swamps, scattered trough the + country. Deir place of residence would be known to de slabes ob de + neighborhood, but de masters had no suspicion dat de emissaries ob de + association were so near. To dese any negro, driben to desperation by + harsh treatment, would resort, and from dem instructions would be received + as to de route to be taken, and de places where aid could be obtained. + Dose people held deir life in deir hands. Had any suspicion fallen upon + dem ob belonging to de 'stitution dey would be lynched for sartin. De lady + set before me all de dangers ob de venture. She said it war a case whar + dere were no money to be earned, and only de chances of martyrdom. My mind + quite made up. Me ready to undertake any work dey like to give me. My life + ob no value to no one. De next day me saw some ob de oder people connected + wid de affair, and tree days afterwards I started for de south.” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0014" id="link2HCH0014"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XIV: A CHRISTIAN TOWN + </h2> + <p> + “My share ob de business was to make my way down south and settle in de + swamps ob Carolina. I war to be taken down by trading schooner, to be + landed on de coast, and to make my way to a place in de center ob a big + swamp whar an ole nigger, named Joe, had been carrying on de work for four + years. He had sent to say dat he war bery ill wid de swamp fever and like + to die, dat he should not leabe de work as long as he libed, but hoped dat + dey would send anoder man out to take on his work after his death. + </p> + <p> + “Well, sar, I was landed, and I made my way to de place. It war no easy + matter. De niggers all say dey know no such person, but I found de next + post, and dere de man guided me to de path which led into de swamp. Dey + told me dey thought de ole man dead, for dat no one had come along to dem + from him for nigh two month. Well, sar, as I 'spected I found him dead, + and I buried him, and took up my place in de hut. Soon it became known + through de plantations round dat de hut was occupied again, and dey began + to come to me to ask for assistance. My 'structions war dat only to enable + a husband to join his wife, or a wife her husband, or in cases where de + masters were uncommon cruel, dat I was to send 'em along by de underground + railway. De risks was too great to be run often. If we had tried to help + ebery one to 'scape we should mighty soon hab been hunted down. + </p> + <p> + “Well, sar, I libed dere for three year. It was a lonesome life. I planted + a few yams round de hut, and de plantation hands would bring me tings dat + dey got hold of. It was my duty when I found dat a case was ob de proper + description to arrange for de flight, de man or de woman would come to my + hut, and I would guide dem through de swamps, twenty-five mile away, to de + house ob a clergyman, which was de next station. I would jus' knock in a + 'ticular way at de door, and when dis was open leab de party dere and go + straight away back to de swamp. More dan once de planters got up hunts and + searched de swamp through and through for me wid dogs, and my hut was + twice burnt to de ground, but de slabes always brought me notice in time, + and I went away into de tickest part ob de swamp and lay dar till dey had + gone away. + </p> + <p> + “Well, sar, one time come, I bery busy, passed tree men away in two week. + One night me hear barking of dogs, and jump up jus' in time to see party + ob men coming out from de little path towards de hut. I ran for de swamp. + Dey fire at me and one ball hit me. Den I ran in to de swamp, de dogs dey + follow, but I get farder and farder away, and de swamp get deeper, and me + tink dey lose me altogether. I sit quiet on 'tump when I hear someting + splashing in swamp, and all of a sudden a big hound sprang on me, and fix + him teeth in my shoulder. I had no arms, for in de hurry I had not time to + catch dem up. De beast he growl and bite, and hold on like death. I saw + dere only one ting to do. I tumble forward into de swamp wid de dog + underneath me, and dere I lay, wid my mouf sometimes above de water + sometimes below, till de dog was drowned. + </p> + <p> + “Den I start for de next station. I was hit in de hip, and it took me tree + days to crawl dat twenty-five miles. On de tird ebening I knock at de door + ob de house, and when it was open I tumble down in faint inside. It war a + long time before I come to myself, two weeks dey tell me, and den I tink I + dream, for sitting by de side of de bed war dat woman Sally. Till she + spoke, me couldn't believe dat it war true, but she told me dat it war + her, sure enuf, and dat I war to ask no questions but to go off to sleep. + </p> + <p> + “Next day she told me all about it. She had stopped a year at Philadelphy. + Den she heard ob de underground railway, and was tole dat a clergyman, who + war just going down south to work a station, wanted a black nurse for his + children, who would help in de work. Sally she volunteer, and dar she had + been libing eber since, hoping all de time eider dat I should pass through + dere or dat she should hear from Philadelphy dat I had got dere. She used + to act as de guide ob de runaways to de next station, and ebery man who + came along she asked if they knew me; but, law bless you, sar, de poor + woman knew nufing ob places, or she would hab known dat she war hundreds + ob miles south of Virginia, and though she allowed she had heard I had + gone to Missouri, she s'posed dat de way from der might be by de sea + coast. I hab observed, sar, dat de gography ob women am bery defective. + </p> + <p> + “I stopped thar till I was cured. The clergyman knew someting of surgery, + and he managed to substract the ball from my hip. When I war quite well + Sally and me started for the norf, whar we had helped so many oders to go, + and, bress de Lord, we arribed dere safe. Den I told Sally dat I should + like to libe under de British flag, so we went up to Canada and dere we + libed bery comfortable for ten years together. Sally washed and I kep' a + barber's shop, and we made plenty ob money. Den she die, sar, de tought + come into my mind dat I would come back to Africa and teach dose poor + niggers here de ways ob de white men, and sar,” and he pointed to a Bible + standing on the chest, “de ways ob de Lord. So I came across the Atlantic, + and stopped a little while on de coast, for I had pretty nigh forgotten de + language ob de country. When I got it back again I started up for dis + place, wid plenty ob goods and presents. + </p> + <p> + “I had hard work at fust to get de people to know me. It war nigh forty + year since I had gone away, but at last some ob de ole people remember me, + dat I was de son ob de chief. As I had plenty goods, and dey did not like + de man dat was here, dey made me chief in my fader's place. I told dem dat + I no accept de place unless dey promise to behave bery well, to mind what + I said to dem, and to listen to my words; but dat if they do dat I gibe + dem plenty goods, I make dem comfortable and happy, and I teach dem de way + ob de Lord. Dey agree to all dis. + </p> + <p> + “I find de slave trade now all at an end, and dat de people not fight + often now. Still, de twenty muskets dat I bring make de people of oder + villages respec' us very much. Dey come ober to see de village. Dey see + dat de houses are comfortable, dat de gardens are bery well cultivated, + dat de people are well dressed, not like common nigger, dat dey are happy + and contented. Dey see dat dey no believe in fetish any more, but dat + ebery ebening when de work is ober, dey gadder under de big tree and + listen for half an hour while I read to dem and den sing a hymn. Once a + year I send down to de coast and get up plenty cloth, and hoes for de + gardens, and eberyting dey want. When I land here ten year ago I hab eight + hundred pound. I got five hundred ob him left here still. Dat more dan + enuf to last Sam if he libe to be bery, bery ole man. Dar are some good + men in de village who, when I am gone, will carry on de work ob de Lord + and dat's all, sar, dat I hab to tell you about Sam, and I am sure dat you + must be very tired and want to go to bed.” + </p> + <p> + The hour was, indeed, for Africa, extremely late, but the time had passed + unheeded, so interested were the listeners in the narrative of the fine + old negro. They remained at the village for a week, and were greatly + pleased with the industrious habits and happy appearance of the people, + and with the earnestness and fervor in which every evening, and twice on + Sunday, they joined in devotions under the great tree. At the end of that + time they said goodbye to their kind host, giving him a large amount of + cloth for distribution among his people. He was unable to furnish them + with bearers, as a considerable tract of uninhabited country extended + beyond his village, and the people on the other side were on bad terms + with his villagers, on account of an outstanding feud which had existed + long before his return from America, and which he had in vain attempted to + settle since he assumed the headship of the village. + </p> + <p> + On approaching the Niger they again came upon an inhabited country, but + the tribes here being accustomed to trade with the coast were friendly, + and at the first large village they came to no difficulty was experienced + in obtaining a fresh relay of bearers. This was a matter of great + satisfaction, for the Fans were regarded with extreme antipathy by the + natives. As soon as arrangements had been made to supply their place the + Fans were paid the four months' wages which they had earned. A large + “dash” of beads and other presents were bestowed upon them, three of the + remaining sacks of rice were given to them, and, greatly rejoicing, they + started for their own country, which, by making long marches, they would + regain in a fortnight's time. Although it was not probable that they would + meet with any enemies, six trade muskets, with a supply of powder and + ball, were given to them, as, although they would not be able to do much + execution with these weapons, their possession would exercise a powerful + influence over any natives they might meet. + </p> + <p> + In crossing the country to the Niger the white men were the objects of + lively curiosity, and the exhibition of the magic lantern, the chemical + experiments, and conjuring tricks created an effect equal to that which + they had produced among the Fans. On reaching the Niger a canoe was hired + with a crew of rowers. In this all the cases, filled with the objects they + had collected, were placed, the whole being put in charge of the Houssas, + Moses and King John, who had been seized with a fit of homesickness. These + were to deliver the cases to the charge of an English agent at Lagos or + Bonny, to both of whom Mr. Goodenough wrote requesting him to pay the sum + agreed to the boatmen on the safe arrival of the cases, and also to pay + the Houssas, who preferred taking their wages there, as it was not + considered advisable to tempt the cupidity of any of the native princes + along the river. Should they be overhauled the Houssas were told to open + the cases and show that these contained nothing but birds' skins and + insects, which would be absolutely valueless in the eyes of a native. + </p> + <p> + When the precious freight had fairly started, the party crossed the Niger + in a canoe, arrangements having already been made with the potentate of a + village on the opposite side for a fresh relay of carriers, twenty men + being now sufficient, owing to the gaps which had been made in the + provisions in the goods, by the payment of the carriers and presents, and, + in the cases, by the despatch of eight of the largest of these to the + coast. They had still, however, ample space for the collections they might + still make. The cases of goods and provisions were utilized for this + purpose as they were emptied. + </p> + <p> + For another two months they journeyed on, halting frequently and adding + continually to their stores. The country was fairly populated, and there + was no difficulty in buying plantains and fruit and in obtaining fresh + sets of carriers through the territories of each petty chief. They were + now approaching the Volta, when one day a native, covered with dust and + bathed in perspiration, came up to their camp, and throwing himself on the + ground before Mr. Goodenough poured out a stream of words. + </p> + <p> + “What does he say, Ostik?” + </p> + <p> + “Me not know, sar. P'r'aps Ugly Tom know. He been down near Volta + country.” + </p> + <p> + Ugly Tom was called, and after a conversation with the native, told Mr. + Goodenough that he was a messenger from Abeokuta, that the people there + were threatened by an attack by the King of Dahomey, and that they + implored the white men, who they heard were in the neighborhood, to come + to their aid. + </p> + <p> + “What do you say, Frank?” Mr. Goodenough asked. + </p> + <p> + “I don't know anything about it, sir,” Frank said. “I have heard of + Dahomey, of course, and its horrible customs, but I don't know anything + about Abeokuta.” + </p> + <p> + “Abeokuta is a very singular town,” Mr. Goodenough said. “Its people were + christianized many years ago, and have faithfully retained the religion. + The town lies not very far from Dahomey, and this power, which has + conquered and enslaved all its other neighbors, has been unable to conquer + Abeokuta, although it has several times besieged it. The Dahomey people + have every advantage, being supplied with firearms, and even cannon, by + the rascally white traders at Whydah, the port of Dahomey. Nevertheless, + the Abeokuta people have opposed an heroic resistance, and so far + successfully. Of course they know that every soul would be put to death + did they fall into the hands of the King of Dahomey; but negroes do not + always fight well, even under such circumstances, and every credit must be + given to the people of Abeokuta. What do you say? It will be a perilous + business, mind, for if Abeokuta is taken we shall assuredly be put to + death with the rest of the defenders.” + </p> + <p> + “I think we ought to help them, sir,” Frank said. “They must be a noble + people, and with our guns and the four Houssas we might really be of + material assistance. Of course there is a risk in it, but we have risked + our lives from fever, and in other ways, every day since we've been in the + country.” + </p> + <p> + “Very well, my lad. I am glad that is your decision. Tell him, Ugly Tom, + that we will at once move towards Abeokuta with all speed, and that they + had better send out a party of carriers to meet us, as you may be sure + that these men will not go far when they hear that the Dahomey people are + on the warpath. Learn from him exactly the road we must move by, as if our + carriers desert us we shall be detained till his people come up. How far + is it to Abeokuta?” + </p> + <p> + Ugly Tom learned from the native that it was about forty-five miles. + </p> + <p> + “Very well,” Mr. Goodenough said, “we shall march twenty this afternoon. + Where we halt they will most likely have heard the rumors of the war, and + I expect the carriers will go no farther, so they must send out to that + point.” + </p> + <p> + The Houssa translated the message, and the native, saying, “I shall be at + Abeokuta tonight,” kissed the hands of the white men and started at a + trot. + </p> + <p> + “Wonderful stamina some of these men have,” Mr. Goodenough said. “That man + has come forty-five miles at full speed, and is now going off again as + fresh as when he started.” + </p> + <p> + “What speed will he go at?” Frank asked. + </p> + <p> + “About six miles an hour. Of course he goes faster when he is running, but + he will sometimes break into a walk. Five miles an hour may be taken as + the ordinary pace of a native runner, but in cases which they consider of + importance, like the present, you may calculate on six.” + </p> + <p> + The camp was at once broken up, the carriers loaded, and they started on + their way. It was late in the evening when they reached a village about + twenty miles from their starting place. They found the inhabitants in a + great state of alarm. The news had come that a great army was marching to + attack Abeokuta, and that the King of Dahomey had sworn on his father's + skull that this time the place should be captured, and not a house or a + wall left remaining. As Abeokuta was certain to make a strong resistance, + and to hold out for some time, the villagers feared that the Dahomey + people would be sending out parties to plunder and carry away captives all + over the surrounding country. The panic at once extended to the bearers, + who declared that they would not go a foot farther. As their fears were + natural, and Mr. Goodenough was expecting a fresh relay from Abeokuta on + the following evening, he consented to their demand to be allowed to leave + immediately, and paying them their wages due, he allowed them to depart at + once on the return journey. The tent was soon pitched and supper prepared, + of fried plantains, rice, a tin of sardines, and tea. Later on they had a + cup of chocolate, and turned in for the night. + </p> + <p> + In the morning they were awakened just at daybreak by great talking. + </p> + <p> + “Men come for baggage, sar,” Ugly Tom said, putting his head in the tent + door. + </p> + <p> + “They have lost no time about it, Frank,” Mr. Goodenough exclaimed. “It + was midday yesterday when the messenger left us. He had forty-five miles + to run, and could not have been in till pretty nearly eight o'clock, and + these men must have started at once.” + </p> + <p> + There was no time lost. While the Houssas were pulling down and packing up + the tent Ostik prepared two bowls of chocolate with biscuit soaked in it. + By the time that this was eaten the carriers had taken up their loads, and + two minutes later the whole party started almost at a trot. Ugly Tom soon + explained the cause of the haste. The army of Dahomey was, the evening + before, but eight miles from Abeokuta, and was expected to appear before + the town by midday, although, of course, it might be later, for the + movements of savage troops are uncertain in the extreme, depending + entirely upon the whims of their leader. So anxious were the bearers to + get back to the town in time, that they frequently went at a trot. They + were the better able to keep up the speed as a larger number than were + required had been sent. Many of the cases, too, were light, consequently + the men were able to shift the heavy burdens from time to time. So great + was the speed, that after an hour both Mr. Goodenough and Frank, weakened + by the effect of fever and climate, could no longer keep up. The various + effects carried in the hammocks were hastily taken out and lifted by men + unprovided with loads. The white men entered and were soon carried along + at a brisk trot by the side of the baggage. When they recovered from their + exhaustion sufficiently to observe what was going on, they could not help + admiring the manner in which the negroes, with perspiration streaming from + every pore, hurried along with their burdens. So fast did they go, that in + less than six hours they emerged from the forest into the clearing, and a + shout proclaimed that Abeokuta was close at hand. + </p> + <p> + Ten minutes later the white men were carried through the gate, their + arrival being hailed with shouts of joy by the inhabitants. They were + carried in triumph to the principal building of the town, a large hut + where the general councils of the people were held. Here they were + received by the king and the leading inhabitants, who thanked them warmly + for coming to their assistance in the time of their peril. The travelers + were both struck with the appearance of the people. They were clad with + far more decency and decorum than was usual among the negro tribes. Their + bearing was quiet and dignified. An air of neatness and order pervaded + everything, and it was clear that they were greatly superior to the people + around. + </p> + <p> + Mr. Goodenough expressed to the king the willingness with which his friend + and himself took part in the struggle of a brave people against a cruel + and bloodthirsty foe, and he said, that as the four Houssas were also + armed with fast firing guns he hoped that their assistance would be of + avail. He said that he would at once examine the defences of the town and + see if anything could be done to strengthen them. + </p> + <p> + Accompanied by the king, Mr. Goodenough and Frank made a detour of the + walls. These were about a mile in circumference, were built of clay, and + were of considerable height and thickness, but they were not calculated to + resist an attack by artillery. As, however, it was not probable that the + Dahomey people possessed much skill in the management of their cannon, Mr. + Goodenough had hopes that they should succeed in repelling the assault. + They learnt that a large store of provisions had been brought into the + town, and that many of the women and children had been sent far away. + </p> + <p> + The spies presently came in and reported that there was no movement on the + part of the enemy, and that it was improbable that they would advance + before the next day. Mr. Goodenough was unable to offer any suggestions + for fresh defenses until they knew upon which side the enemy would attack. + He advised, however, that the whole population should be set to work + throwing up an earthwork just outside each gate, in order to shelter these + as far as possible from the effect of the enemy's cannonballs. Orders were + at once given to this effect, and in an hour the whole population were at + work carrying earth in baskets and piling it in front of the gates. In + order to economize labor, and to make the sides of the mounds as steep as + possible, Mr. Goodenough directed with brushwood, forming a sort of rough + wattle work. Not even when night set in did the people desist from their + labor, and by the following morning the gates were protected from the + effect of cannon shot, by mounds of earth twenty feet high, which rose + before them. The king had, when Mr. Goodenough first suggested these + defenses, pointed out that much less earth would be required were it piled + directly against the gates. Mr. Goodenough replied, that certainly this + was so, but that it was essential to be able to open the gates to make a + sortie if necessary against the enemy, and although the king shook his + head, as if doubting the ability of his people to take such a desperate + step as that of attacking the enemy outside their walls, he yielded to Mr. + Goodenough's opinion. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0015" id="link2HCH0015"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XV: THE AMAZONS OF DAHOMET + </h2> + <p> + A spacious and comfortable hut was placed at the disposal of the white + men, with a small one adjoining for the Houssas. That evening Frank asked + Mr. Goodenough to tell him what he knew concerning the people of Dahomey. + </p> + <p> + “The word Dahomey, or more properly Da-omi, means Da's belly. Da was, two + hundred and fifty years ago, the king of the city of Abomey. It was + attacked by Tacudona the chief of the Fois. It resisted bravely, and + Tacudona made a vow that if he took it he would sacrifice the king to the + gods. When he captured the town he carried out his vow by ripping open the + king, and then called the place Daomi. Gradually the conquerors extended + their power until the kingdom reached to the very foot of the Atlas range, + obtaining a port by the conquest of Whydah. The King of Dahomey is a + despot, and even his nobility crawl on the ground in his presence. The + taxes are heavy, every article sold in the market paying about one + eighteenth to the royal exchequer. There are besides many other taxes. + Every slave is taxed, every article that enters the kingdom. If a cock + crow it is forfeited, and, as it is the nature of cocks to crow, every + bird in the kingdom is muzzled. The property of every one who dies goes to + the king; and at the Annual Custom, a grand religious festival, every man + has to bring a present in proportion to his rank and wealth. The royal + pomp is kept up by receiving strangers who visit the country with much + state, and by regaling the populace with spectacles of human sacrifices. + The women stand high in Dahomey. Among other negro nations they till the + soil. In Dahomey they fight as soldiers, and perform all the offices of + men. Dahomey is principally celebrated for its army of women, and its + human sacrifices. These last take place annually, or even more often. + Sometimes as many as a thousand captives are slain on these occasions. In + almost all the pagan nations of Africa human sacrifices are perpetrated, + just as they were by the Druids and Egyptians of old. Nowhere, however, + are they carried to such a terrible extent as in Dahomey. Even Ashanti, + where matters are bad enough, is inferior in this respect. The victims are + mostly captives taken in war, and it is to keep up the supply necessary + for these wholesale sacrifices that Dahomey is constantly at war with her + neighbors.” + </p> + <p> + “But are we going to fight against women, then?” Frank asked horrified. + </p> + <p> + “Assuredly we are,” Mr. Goodenough answered. “The Amazons, as white men + have christened the force, are the flower of the Dahomey army, and fight + with extraordinary bravery and ferocity.” + </p> + <p> + “But it will seem dreadful to fire at women!” Frank said. + </p> + <p> + “That is merely an idea of civilization, Frank. In countries where women + are dependent upon men, leaving to them the work of providing for the + family and home, while they employ themselves in domestic duties and in + brightening the lives of the men, they are treated with respect. But as + their work becomes rougher, so does the position which they occupy in + men's esteem fall. Among the middle and upper classes throughout Europe a + man is considered a brute and a coward who lifts his hand against a woman. + Among the lower classes wife and woman beating is by no means uncommon, + nor is such an assault regarded with much more reprobation than an attack + upon a man. When women leave their proper sphere and put themselves + forward to do man's work they must expect man's treatment; and the foolish + women at home who clamor for women's rights, that is to say, for an + equality of work, would, if they had their way, inflict enormous damage + upon their sex.” + </p> + <p> + “Still,” Frank said, “I shan't like having to fire at women.” + </p> + <p> + “You won't see much difference between women and men when the fight + begins, Frank. These female furies will slay all who fall into their + hands, and therefore in self defense you will have to assist in slaying + them.” + </p> + <p> + The following day the sound of beating of drums and firing of guns was + heard, and soon afterwards the head of the army of Dahomey was seen + approaching. It moved with considerable order and regularity. + </p> + <p> + “Those must be the Amazons,” Mr. Goodenough said. “They are proud of their + drill and discipline. I do not think that any other African troops could + march so regularly and solidly.” + </p> + <p> + The main body of the army now came in view, marching as a loose and + scattered mob. Then twelve objects were seen dragged by oxen. These were + the cannon of the besiegers. + </p> + <p> + “How many do you think there are?” Frank asked. + </p> + <p> + “It is very difficult to judge accurately,” Mr. Goodenough said. “But + Dahomey is said to be able to put fifty thousand fighting men and women in + the field, that is to say her whole adult population, except those too old + to bear arms. I should think that there are twenty or twenty-five thousand + now in sight.” + </p> + <p> + The enemy approached within musket shot of the walls, and numbers of them + running up, discharged their muskets. The Abeokuta people fired back; but + Mr. Goodenough ordered the Houssas on no account to fire, as he did not + wish the enemy to know the power of their rifles. + </p> + <p> + The first step of the besiegers was to cut down all the plantations round + the town and to erect great numbers of little huts. A large central hut + with several smaller ones surrounding it was erected for the king and his + principal nobles. The Dahomans spread round the town and by the + gesticulation and pointing at the gates it was clear that the defenses + raised to cover these excited great surprise. + </p> + <p> + The wall was thick enough for men to walk along on the top, but being + built of clay it would withstand but little battering. Mr. Goodenough set + a large number of people to work, making sacks from the rough cloth, of + which there was an abundance in the place. These were filled with earth + and piled in the center of the town ready for conveyance to any point + threatened. He likewise had a number of beams, used in construction of + houses, sharpened at one end; stakes of five or six feet long were also + prepared and sharpened at both ends. That day the enemy attempted nothing + against the town. The next morning the twelve cannon were planted at a + distance of about five hundred yards and opened fire on the walls. The + shooting was wild in the extreme; many of the balls went over the place + altogether; others topped the wall and fell in the town; some hit the wall + and buried themselves in the clay. + </p> + <p> + “We will give them a lesson,” Mr. Goodenough said, “in the modern rifle. + Frank, you take my double barrel rifle and I will take the heavy, large + bored one. Your Winchester will scarcely make accurate firing at five + hundred yards.” + </p> + <p> + The Houssas were already on the wall, anxious to open fire. Mr. Goodenough + saw that their rifles were sighted to five hundred yards. The cannon + offered an easy mark. They were ranged along side by side, surrounded by a + crowd of negroes, who yelled and danced each time a shot struck the wall. + </p> + <p> + “Now,” Mr. Goodenough said to the Houssas, “fire steadily, and, above all, + fire straight. I want every shot to tell.” + </p> + <p> + Mr. Goodenough gave the signal, and at once Frank and the Houssas opened + fire. The triumphant yells of the Dahomans at once changed their + character, and a cry of wrath and astonishment broke from them. Steadily + Mr. Goodenough and his party kept up their fire. They could see that great + execution was being done, a large proportion of the shots telling. Many + wounded were carried to the rear, and black forms could be seen stretched + everywhere on the ground. Still the enemy's fire continued with unabated + vigor. + </p> + <p> + “They fight very pluckily,” Frank said. + </p> + <p> + “They are plucky,” Mr. Goodenough answered; “and as cowardice is punished + with death, and human life has scarcely any value among them, they will be + killed where they stand rather than retreat.” + </p> + <p> + For three or four hours the fight continued. Several officers, evidently + of authority, surrounded by groups of attendants, came down to the guns; + but as Frank and Mr. Goodenough always selected these for their mark, and—firing + with their guns resting on the parapet—were able to make very + accurate shooting, most of them were killed within a few minutes of their + arriving on the spot. + </p> + <p> + At the end of four hours the firing ceased, and the Dahomans retired from + their guns. The Abeokuta people raised a cry of triumph. + </p> + <p> + “I imagine they have only fallen back,” Mr. Goodenough said, “to give the + guns time to cool.” + </p> + <p> + While the cannonade had been going on a brisk attack had been kept up on + several other points of the wall, the enemy advancing within fifty yards + of this and firing their muskets, loaded with heavy charges of slugs, at + the defenders, who replied vigorously to them. Their cannonade was not + resumed that afternoon, the Dahomans contenting themselves with + skirmishing round the walls. + </p> + <p> + “They are disappointed with the result of their fire,” Mr. Goodenough + said. “No doubt they anticipated they should knock the wall down without + difficulty. You will see some change in their tactics tomorrow.” + </p> + <p> + That night Mr. Goodenough had a number of barrels of palm oil carried on + to the wall, with some of the great iron pots used for boiling down the + oil, and a supply of fuel. + </p> + <p> + “If they try to storm,” he said, “it will most likely be at the point + which they have been firing at. The parapet is knocked down in several + places, and the defenders there would be more exposed to their fire.” + </p> + <p> + It was at this point, therefore, that the provision of oil was placed. Mr. + Goodenough ordered fires to be lighted under the boilers an hour before + daybreak, in order that all should be in readiness in case an attack + should be made the first thing in the morning. The Abeokutans were in high + spirits at the effect of the fire of their white allies, and at the + comparative failure of the cannon, at whose power they had before been + greatly alarmed. Soon after daylight the Dahomans were seen gathering near + the guns. Their drums beat furiously, and presently they advanced in a + solid mass against the wall. + </p> + <p> + “They have got ladders,” Mr. Goodenough said. “I can see numbers of them + carrying something.” + </p> + <p> + The Houssas at once opened fire, and as the enemy approached closer, first + the Abeokutans who had muskets, then the great mass with bows and arrows, + began to fire upon the enemy, while these answered with their musketry. + The central body, however, advanced without firing a shot, moving like the + rest at a quick run. + </p> + <p> + Mr. Goodenough and Frank were not firing now, as they were devoting + themselves to superintending the defence. Ostik kept close to them, + carrying Frank's Winchester carbine and a double barreled shotgun. + </p> + <p> + “This is hot,” Mr. Goodenough said, as the enemy's slugs and bullets + whizzed in a storm over the edge of the parapet, killing many of the + defenders, and rendering it difficult for the others to take accurate aim. + This, however, the Abeokutans did not try to do. Stooping below the + parapet, they fitted their arrows to the string, or loaded their muskets, + and then, standing up, fired hastily at the approaching throng. + </p> + <p> + The walls were about twenty-five feet high inside, but the parapet gave an + additional height of some four feet outside. They were about three feet + thick at the top, and but a limited number of men could take post there to + oppose the storming party. Strong bodies were placed farther along on the + wall to make a rush to sweep the enemy off should they gain a footing. + Others were posted below to attack them should they leap down into the + town, while men with muskets were on the roofs of the houses near the + walls, in readiness to open fire should the enemy get a footing on the + wall. The din was prodigious. + </p> + <p> + The Dahomans, having access to the sea coast, were armed entirely with + muskets, these being either cheap Birmingham trade guns or old converted + muskets, bought by traders for a song at the sale of disused government + stores. It is much to be regretted that the various governments of Europe + do not insist that their old guns shall be used only as old iron. The + price obtained for them is so trifling as to be immaterial, and the great + proportion of them find their way to Africa to be used in the constant + wars that are waged there, and to enable rich and powerful tribes to + enslave and destroy their weaker neighbors. The Africans use very much + heavier charges of powder than those in used in civilized nations, ramming + down a handful of slugs, of half a dozen small bullets, upon the powder. + This does not conduce to good shooting, but the noise made is prodigious. + The Abeokutans, on the other hand, were principally armed with bows and + arrows, as, having no direct access to the sea coast, it was difficult for + them to procure guns. + </p> + <p> + The Dahomans poured up in a mass to the foot of the wall, and then a score + of rough ladders, constructed of bamboo, and each four feet wide, were + placed against the walls. Directly the point to be attacked was indicated, + Mr. Goodenough had distributed his cauldrons of boiling oil along the + walls, and had set men to work to pierce holes through the parapet at + distances of a couple of feet apart, and at a height of six inches from + the ground. A line of men with long spears were told to lie down upon the + ground, and to thrust through the holes at those climbing the ladders. + Another line of holes was pierced two feet higher, through which those + armed with muskets and bows were to fire, for when the enemy reached the + foot of the walls their fire was so heavy that it was impossible to return + it over the top of the parapet. + </p> + <p> + Immediately the ladders were placed, men with ladles began to throw the + boiling oil over the parapet. Shrieks and yells from below at once + testified to its effect, but it was only just where the cauldrons were + placed that the besiegers were prevented by this means from mounting the + ladders, and even here many, in spite of the agony of their burns, climbed + desperately upward. + </p> + <p> + When they neared the top the fight began in earnest. Those without were + now obliged to cease firing, and the besieged were able to stand up and + with sword and spear defend their position. The breech loaders of Mr. + Goodenough and the Houssas and Frank's repeating carbine now came into + play. The Dahomans fought with extraordinary bravery, hundreds fell shot + or cut down from above or pierced by the spears and arrows through the + holes in the parapet. Fresh swarms of assailants took their places on the + ladders. The drums kept up a ceaseless rattle, and the yells of the mass + of negroes standing inactive were deafening. Their efforts, however, were + in vain. Never did the Amazons fight with more reckless bravery; but the + position was too strong for them, and at last, after upwards of a thousand + of the assailants had fallen, the attack was given up, and the Dahomans + retired from the wall followed by the exulting shouts of the men of + Abeokuta. + </p> + <p> + The loss of the defenders was small. Some ten or twelve had been killed + with slugs. Three or four times that number were more or less severely + wounded about the head or shoulders with the same missiles. Frank had a + nasty cut on the cheek, and Firewater and Bacon were both streaming with + blood. + </p> + <p> + There was no chance of a renewal of the attack that day. Sentries were + placed on the walls, and a grand thanksgiving service was held in the open + space in the center of the town which the whole populace attended. + </p> + <p> + “What will be their next move, do you think?” Frank asked Mr. Goodenough. + </p> + <p> + “I cannot say,” Mr. Goodenough said; “but these people know something of + warfare, and finding that they cannot carry the place by assault, I think + you will find that they will try some more cautious move next time.” + </p> + <p> + For two days there was no renewal of the attack. At Mr. Goodenough's + suggestion the Abeokutans on the wall shouted out that the Dahomans might + come and carry off their dead, as he feared that a pestilence might arise + from so great a number of decomposing bodies at the foot of the wall. The + Dahomans paid no attention to the request, and, at Mr. Goodenough's + suggestion, on the second day the whole populace set to work carrying + earth in baskets to the top of the wall, and throwing this over so as to + cover the mass of bodies at its foot. As to those lying farther off + nothing could be done. On the third morning it was seen that during the + night a large number of sacks had been piled in a line upon the ground, + two hundred yards away from the wall. The pile was eight feet in height + and some fifty yards long. + </p> + <p> + “I thought they were up to something,” Mr. Goodenough said. “They have + been sending back to Dahomey for sacks.” + </p> + <p> + In a short time the enemy brought up their cannon, behind the shelter of + the sacks, regardless of the execution done by the rifles of Mr. + Goodenough's party during the movement. The place chosen was two or three + hundred yards to the left of that on which the former attack had been + made. Then a swarm of men set to work removing some of the sacks, and in a + short time twelve rough embrasures were made just wide enough for the + muzzles of the guns, the sacks removed being piled on the others, raising + them to the height of ten feet and sheltering the men behind completely + from the fire from the walls. + </p> + <p> + “They will make a breach now,” Mr. Goodenough said. “We must prepare to + receive them inside.” + </p> + <p> + The populace were at once set to work digging holes and securely planting + the beams already prepared in a semicircle a hundred feet across, behind + the wall facing the battery. The beams when fixed projected eight feet + above the ground, the spaces between being filled with bamboos twisted in + and out between them. Earth was thrown up behind to the height of four + foot for the defenders to stand upon. The space between the stockade and + the wall was filled with sharp pointed bamboos and stakes stuck firmly in + the ground with their points projecting outwards. All day the townspeople + labored at these defenses, while the wall crumbled fast under the fire of + the Dahomey artillery, every shot of which, at so short a distance, struck + it heavily. By five in the afternoon a great gap, fifty feet wide, was + made in the walls, and the army of Dahomey again gathered for the assault. + Mr. Goodenough with two of the Houssas took his place on the wall on one + side of the gap, Frank with the other two faced him across the chasm. A + large number of the Abeokuta warriors also lined the walls, while the rest + gathered on the stockade. + </p> + <p> + With the usual tumult of drumming and yells the Dahomans rushed to the + assault. The fire from the walls did not check the onset in the slightest, + and with yells of anticipated victory they swarmed over the breach. A cry + of astonishment broke from them as they saw the formidable defense within, + the fire of whose defenders was concentrated upon them. Then, with scarce + a pause, they leaped down and strove to remove the obstructions. + Regardless of the fire poured upon them they hewed away at the sharp + stakes, or strove to pull them up with their hands. The riflemen on the + walls directed their fire now exclusively upon the leaders of the column, + the breech loaders doing immense execution, and soon the Dahomans in their + efforts to advance had to climb over lines of dead in their front. For + half an hour the struggle continued, and then the Dahomans lost heart and + retired, leaving fifteen hundred of their number piled deep in the space + between the breach and the stockade. + </p> + <p> + “This is horrible work,” Frank said when he rejoined Mr. Goodenough. + </p> + <p> + “Horrible, Frank; but there is at least the consolation that by this + fearful slaughter of their bravest warriors we are crippling the power of + Dahomey as a curse and a scourge to its neighbors. After this crushing + repulse the Abeokutans may hope that many years will elapse before they + are again attacked by their savage neighbors, and the lessons which they + have now learned in defense will enable them to make as good a stand on + another occasion as they have done now.” + </p> + <p> + “Do you think the attack will be renewed?” + </p> + <p> + “I should hardly think so. The flower of their army must have fallen, and + the Amazon guard must have almost ceased to exist. I told you, Frank, you + would soon get over your repugnance to firing at women.” + </p> + <p> + “I did not think anything about women,” Frank said. “We seemed to be + fighting a body of demons with their wild screams and yells. Indeed, I + could scarce distinguish the men from the women.” + </p> + <p> + A strong guard was placed at night at the stockade, and Mr. Goodenough and + Frank lay down close at hand in case the assault should be renewed. At + daybreak the sound of a cannon caused them to start to their feet. + </p> + <p> + “They are not satisfied yet,” Mr. Goodenough exclaimed, hurrying to the + wall. In the night the Dahomans had either with sacks or earth raised + their cannon some six feet, so that they were able to fire over the mound + caused by the fallen wall at the stockade behind it, at which they were + now directing their fire. + </p> + <p> + “Now for the sacks,” Mr. Goodenough said. Running down, he directed the + sacks laden with earth, to whose necks ropes had been attached, to be + brought up. Five hundred willing hands seized them, and they were lowered + in front of the center of the stockade, which was alone exposed to the + enemy's fire, until they hung two deep over the whole face. As fast as one + bag was injured by a shot it was drawn up and another lowered to its + place. In the meantime the rifles from the walls had again opened fire, + and as the gunners were now more exposed their shots did considerable + execution. Seeing the uselessness of their efforts the Dahomans gradually + slackened their fire. + </p> + <p> + When night came Mr. Goodenough gathered two hundred of the best troops of + Abeokuta. He caused plugs to be made corresponding to the size of the + various cannonballs which were picked up within the stockade, which varied + from six to eighteen pounders. + </p> + <p> + About midnight the gate nearest to the breach was thrown open, and the + party sallied out and made their way towards the enemy's battery. The + Dahomans had placed sentries in front facing the breach, but anticipating + no attack in any other direction had left the flanks unguarded. Mr. + Goodenough had enjoined the strictest silence on his followers, and their + approach was unobserved until they swept round into the battery. Large + numbers of the enemy were lying asleep here, but these, taken by surprise, + could offer no resistance, and were cut down or driven away instantly by + the assailants. + </p> + <p> + Mr. Goodenough and Frank, with a party who had been told off specially for + the purpose, at once set to work at the cannon. These were filled nearly + to the muzzle with powder, and the plugs were driven with mallets tight + into the muzzles. Slow matches, composed of strips of calico dipped in + saltpetre, were placed in the touch holes. Then the word was given, and + the whole party fell back to the gate just as the Dahomans in great + numbers came running up. In less than a minute after leaving the battery + twelve tremendous reports, following closely one upon another were heard. + The cannon were blown into fragments, killing numbers of the Dahomey men + who had just crowded into the battery. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0016" id="link2HCH0016"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XVI: CAPTIVES IN COOMASSIE + </h2> + <p> + Upon the morning following the successful sortie not an enemy could be + seen from the walls. Swift runners were sent out, and these returned in + two hours with news that the enemy were in full retreat towards their + capital. The people of Abeokuta were half wild with exultation and joy, + and their gratitude to their white allies was unbounded. Mr. Goodenough + begged them not to lose an hour in burying their slain enemies, and the + entire population were engaged for the two following days upon this + necessary but revolting duty. The dead were counted as they were placed in + the great pits dug for their reception, and it was found that no fewer + than three thousand of the enemy had fallen. + </p> + <p> + Mr. Goodenough also advised the Abeokutans to erect flanking towers at + short intervals round their walls, to dig a moat twenty feet wide and + eight deep at a few yards from their foot, and to turn into it the water + from the river in order that any future attack might be more easily + repelled. + </p> + <p> + The inhabitants were poor, but they would willingly have presented all + their treasures to their white allies. Mr. Goodenough, however, would + accept nothing save a few specimens of native cloth exquisitely woven from + the inner barks of the trees, and some other specimens of choice native + workmanship. He also begged them to send down to the coast by the first + opportunity the cases of specimens which had been collected since the + departure of the Fans. + </p> + <p> + A violent attack of fever, brought on by their exertions in the sun, + prostrated both the white travelers a few days after the termination of + the siege, and it was some weeks before they were able to renew their + journey. Their intention was to ascend the river for some distance, to + move westward into upper Ashanti, and then to make their way to Coomassie, + whence they would journey down to Cape Coast and there take ship for + England. As soon as they were able to travel they took leave of their + friends at Abeokuta, who furnished them with carriers for their cases and + hammock bearers for their journey as far as the Volta. This lasted for a + fortnight through an open and fertile country. Then they crossed the river + and entered Ashanti, the great rival empire of Dahomey. As Ashanti was at + peace with England they had now no fear of molestation on their journey. + </p> + <p> + Ashanti consisted of five or six kingdoms, all of which had been + conquered, and were tributary to it. The empire of Ashanti was separated + by the river Prah from the country of the Fantis, who lived under British + protection. The people drew their supplies from various points on the + coast, principally, however, through Elmina, a Dutch settlement, five + miles to the west of Cape Coast. The Ashantis could not be called + peaceable neighbors. They, like the Dahomans, delighted in human + sacrifices upon a grand scale, and to carry these out captives must be + taken. Consequently every four or five years, on some pretext or other, + they cross the Prah, destroyed the villages, dragged away the people to + slavery or death, and carried fire and sword up to the very walls of the + English fort at Cape Coast. Sometimes the English confined themselves to + remonstrance, sometimes fought, not always successfully, as upon one + occasion Sir Charles Macarthy, the governor, with a West Indian regiment + was utterly defeated, the governor himself and all his white officers, + except three, being killed. + </p> + <p> + In 1828 we aided the Fantis to defeat the Ashantis in a decisive battle, + the consequence of which was the signature of a treaty, by which the King + of Ashanti recognized the independence of all the Fanti tribes. In 1844, + and again in 1852, a regular protectorate was arranged between the British + and the Fantis, the former undertaking to protect them from enemies beyond + the borders, and in turn exercising an authority over the Fantis, + forbidding them to make war with each other, and imposing a nominal + tribute upon them. + </p> + <p> + In 1853 the Ashantis again crossed the Prah, but, being met with firmness, + retired again. After ten years' quiet, in 1863 they again invaded the + country, burnt thirty villages, and slaughtered their inhabitants. + Governor Price then urged upon the home authorities the necessity for the + sending out from England of two thousand troops to aid the native army in + striking a heavy blow at the Ashantis, and so putting a stop to this + constant aggression. The English government, however, refused to entertain + the proposal. In order to encourage the natives some companies of West + Indian troops were marched up to the Prah. The wet season set in, and, + after suffering terribly from sickness, the survivors returned five months + later to Cape Coast. + </p> + <p> + Up to this period the Dutch trading ports and forts upon the coast were + interspersed with ours, and as the tribes in their neighborhood were under + Dutch protection constant troubles were arising between the Dutch tribes + and our own, and in 1867 an exchange was effected, the Dutch ceding all + their forts and territory east of the Sweet river, a small stream which + falls into the sea midway between Cape Coast and Elmina, while we gave up + all our forts to the west of this stream. Similarly the protectorate of + the tribes inland up to the boundary of the Ashanti kingdom changed hands. + The natives were not consulted as to this treaty, and some of those + formerly under British protection, especially the natives of Commendah, + refused to accept the transfer, and beat off with loss the Dutch troops + who attempted to land. The Dutch men of war bombarded and destroyed + Commendah. + </p> + <p> + This step was the commencement of fresh troubles between the Ashantis and + the English. The Commendah people were Fantis, and as such the implacable + enemies of the Elmina people, who had under Dutch protection been always + allies of the Ashantis, and had been mainly instrumental in supplying them + with arms and ammunition. The Fantis, regarding the Elmina natives and the + Dutch as one power, retaliated for the destruction of Commendah by + invading the territory of the Elmina tribe, destroying their villages and + blockading the Dutch in their port. Another reason for this attack upon + the Elminas was that an Ashanti general, named Atjempon, had marched with + several hundred men through the Fanti country, burning, destroying, and + slaying as usual, and had taken refuge with his men in Elmina. From this + time the desultory war between the Elminas and their Ashanti allies, and + the Fantis of the neighborhood had never ceased. Our influence over our + allies was but small, for we in vain endeavored to persuade them to give + up the invasion of Elmina. We even cut off the supplies of powder and arms + to the Fantis, whose loyalty to our rule was thereby much shaken. + </p> + <p> + All these troubles induced the Dutch to come to the decision to withdraw + altogether, and they accordingly offered to transfer all their possessions + to us. The English government determined not to accept the transfer if it + should lead to troubles with the natives, and as a first step required + that the Ashanti force should leave Elmina. In 1870 the King of Ashanti + wrote to us claiming Elmina as his, and protesting against its being + handed over to us. According to native ideas the king of Ashanti's claim + was a just one. The land upon which all the forts, English, Dutch, Danish, + and French, were built had been originally acquired from the native chiefs + at a fixed annual tribute, or as we regarded it as rent, or as an annual + present in return for friendly relations. By the native customs he who + conquers a chief entitled to such a payment becomes the heir of that + payment, and one time the King of Ashanti upon the strength of his + conquest of the Fantis set up a claim of proprietorship over Cape Coast + and the other British forts. + </p> + <p> + Of a similar nature was the claim of the Ashantis upon Elmina. The Dutch + had paid eighty pounds a year, as they asserted, as a present, and they + proved conclusively that they had never regarded the King of Ashanti as + having sovereignty over their forts, and that he had never advanced such a + claim. They now arrested Atjempon, and refused to pay a further sum to the + King of Ashanti until he withdrew his claim. In order to settle matters + amicably they sent an envoy to Coomassie with presents for the king, and + obtained from him a repudiation of his former letter, and a solemn + acknowledgment that the money was not paid as a tribute. The king sent + down two ambassadors to Elmina, who solemnly ratified this declaration. + </p> + <p> + The transfer was then effected. We purchased from the Dutch their forts + and stores, but the people of Elmina were told that we should not take + possession of the place except with their consent; but it was pointed out + to them that if they refused to accept our protection they would be + exposed as before to the hostility of the Fantis. They agreed to accept + our offer, and on the 4th of April, 1872, a grand council was hold, the + king and chiefs of Elmina announced the agreement of their people to the + transfer, and we took possession of Elmina, Atjempon and the Ashantis + returning to their own country. + </p> + <p> + Upon the transfer taking place, Mr. Pope Hennessey, the governor of the + colony, sent to the King of Ashanti saying that the English desired peace + and friendship with the natives, and would give an annual present, double + that which he had received from the Dutch. At the same time negotiations + were going on with the king for the free passage of Ashanti traders to the + coast, and for the release of four Germans who had been carried off ten + years before by Aboo Boffoo, one of the king's generals, from their + mission station on British territory near the Volta. The king wrote saying + that Aboo Boffoo would not give them up without a ransom of eighteen + hundred ounces of gold, and protracted negotiations went on concerning the + payments of these sums. + </p> + <p> + At the time when Mr. Goodenough and Frank had landed on the Gaboon, early + in 1872, nothing was known of any anticipated troubles with Ashanti. The + negotiations between the English and the Dutch were in progress, but they + had heard that the English would not take over Elmina without the consent + of the inhabitants, and that they would be willing to increase the payment + made by the Dutch to the king of Ashanti. It was known too that efforts + would be made to settle all points of difference with the king; and as at + Abeokuta they received news that the negotiations were going on + satisfactorily, and that there was no prospect whatever of trouble, they + did not hesitate to carry out the plans they had formed. + </p> + <p> + Before crossing the Volta, they sent across to inquire of the chief of the + town there whether two English travelers would be allowed to pass through + Ashanti, and were delayed for a fortnight until a messenger was sent to + Coomassie and returned with a letter, saying that the king would be glad + to see white men at his capital. With this assurance they crossed the + stream. They were received in state by the chief, who at once provided + them with the necessary carriers, and with them a guard, which he said + would prevent any trouble on their way. On the following day they started, + and after arriving, at the end of a day's journey, at a village, prepared + to stop as usual for a day or two to add to their collection. The officer + of the guard, however, explained to them through Bacon, who spoke the + Ashanti language, that his instructions were, that they were to go + straight through to Coomassie. In vain Mr. Goodenough protested that this + would entirely defeat the object of his journey. The officer was firm. His + orders were that they were to travel straight to Coomassie, and if he + failed in carrying these out, his head would assuredly be forfeited. + </p> + <p> + “This is serious, Frank,” Mr. Goodenough said. “If this fellow has not + blundered about his orders, it is clear that we are prisoners. However, it + may be that the king merely gave a direction that we should be escorted to + the capital, having no idea that we should want to loiter upon the way.” + </p> + <p> + They now proceeded steadily forward, making long day's marches. The + officer in command of the guard was most civil, obtaining for them an + abundance of provisions at the villages at which they stopped, and as + Frank and his companion were both weakened by fever he enlisted sufficient + hammock bearers for them, taking fresh relays from each village. He would + not hear of their paying either for provisions or bearers, saying that + they were the king's guests, and it would be an insult to him were they to + pay for anything. + </p> + <p> + Ten days after starting from the Volta they entered Coomassie. This town + lay on rising ground, surrounded by a deep marsh of from forty to a + hundred yards wide. A messenger had been sent on in front to announce + their coming, and after crossing the marsh they passed under a great + fetish, or spell, consisting of a dead sheep wrapped up in red silk and + suspended from two poles. + </p> + <p> + Mr. Goodenough and Frank took their places at the head of the little + procession. On entering the town they were met by a crowd of at least five + thousand people, for the most part warriors, who fired their guns, + shouted, and yelled. Horns, drums, rattles, and gongs added to the + appalling noise. Men with flags performed wild dances, in which the + warriors joined. The dress of the captains consisted of war caps with + gilded rams' horns projecting in front, and immense plumes of eagles' + feathers on each side. Their vest was of red cloth, covered with fetishes + and charms in cases of gold, silver, and embroidery. These were + interspersed with the horns and tails of animals, small brass bells, and + shells. They wore loose cotton trousers, with great boots of dull red + leather coming halfway up to the thigh, and fastened by small chains to + their waist belts, also ornamented with bells, horse tails, strings of + amulets, and strips of colored leather. Long leopards' tails hung down + their backs. + </p> + <p> + Through this crowd the party moved forward slowly, the throng thickening + at every step. They were escorted to a house which they were told was set + aside for their use, and that they would be allowed to see the king on the + following day. The houses differed entirely from anything which they had + before seen in Africa. They were built of red clay, plastered perfectly + smooth. There were no windows or openings on the exterior, but the door + led into an open courtyard of some twelve feet in diameter. On each side + of this was a sort of alcove, built up of clay, about three feet from the + ground. This formed a couch or seat, some eight feet long by three feet + high, with a thatched roof projecting so as to prevent the rain beating + into the alcove. Beyond were one or more similar courts in proportion to + the size of the house. A sheep and a quantity of vegetables and fruits + were sent in in the course of the day, but they were told not to show + themselves in the streets until they had seen the king. + </p> + <p> + “We shall be expected to make his majesty a handsome present,” Mr. + Goodenough said, “and, unfortunately, our stores were not intended for so + great a potentate. I will give him my double barreled rifle and your + Winchester, Frank. I do not suppose he has seen such an arm. We had better + get them cleaned up and polished so as to look as handsome as possible.” + </p> + <p> + In the morning one of the captains came and said that the king was in + readiness to receive them, and they made their way through a vast crowd to + the marketplace, an open area, nearly half a mile in extent. The sun was + shining brightly, and the scene was a brilliant one. The king, his + Caboceers or great tributaries, his captains, and officers were seated + under a vast number of huge umbrellas, some of them fifteen feet across. + These were of scarlet, yellow, and other showy colors in silks and cloths, + with fantastically scalloped and fringed valences. They were surmounted + with crescents, birds, elephants, barrels, and swords of gold, and on some + were couched stuffed animals. Innumerable smaller umbrellas of striped + stuff were borne by the crowd, and all these were waved up and down, while + a vast number of flutes, horns and other musical instruments sounded in + the air. All the principal people wore robes woven of foreign silk, which + had been unraveled for working into native patterns. All had golden + necklaces and bracelets, in many cases so heavy that the arms of the + bearers were supported on boys' heads. The whole crowd, many thousands in + number, shone with gold, silver, and bright colors. + </p> + <p> + The king received them with dignity, and expressed his satisfaction at + seeing them, his speech being interpreted by one of his attendants, who + spoke English. Mr. Goodenough replied that they had very great pleasure in + visiting the court of his majesty, that they had already been traveling + for many months in Africa, having started from the Gaboon and traveled + through many tribes, but had they had any idea of visiting so great a king + they would have provided themselves with presents fit for his acceptance. + But they were simple travelers, catching the birds, beasts, and insects of + the country, to take home with them to show to the people in England. The + only things which they could offer him were a double barreled breech + loading rifle of the best English construction, and a little gun, which + would fire sixteen times without loading. + </p> + <p> + The king examined the pieces with great attention, and, at his request, + Mr. Goodenough fired off the whole contents of the magazine of the + repeating rifle, whose action caused the greatest astonishment to the + assembled chiefs. The king then intimated his acceptance of the presents, + and said that he would speak farther with them on a future occasion. He + informed them that they were free to move about in the town where they + wished, and that the greatest respect would be shown to them by the + people. There was a fresh outburst of wild music, and they were then + conducted back to their house. + </p> + <p> + After the assembly had dispersed the two Englishmen walked about through + the town. It was not of great extent, but the streets were broad and well + kept. Many of the houses were much larger than that allotted to them, but + all were built on the same plan. It was evident that the great mass of the + population they saw about must live in villages scattered around, the town + being wholly insufficient to contain them. + </p> + <p> + Three days afterwards they were told that the king wished to see them in + his palace. This was a large building situated at the extremity of the + town. It was constructed of stone, and was evidently built from European + designs. It was square, with a flat roof and embattled parapet. They were + conducted through the gateway into a large courtyard, and then into a hall + where the king sat upon a raised throne. Attendants stood round fanning + him. + </p> + <p> + “Why,” he asked abruptly as they took their places before him, “do the + English take my town of Elmina?” + </p> + <p> + Mr. Goodenough explained that he had been nine months absent from the + coast, and that having come straight out from England he was altogether + unaware of what had happened at Elmina. + </p> + <p> + “Elmina is mine,” the king said. “The Dutch, who were my tributaries, had + no right to hand it over to the English.” + </p> + <p> + “But I understood, your majesty, that the English were ready to pay an + annual sum, even larger than that which the Dutch have contributed.” + </p> + <p> + “I do not want money,” the king said. “I have gold in plenty. There are + places in my dominions where ten men in a day can wash a thousand ounces. + I want Elmina, I want to trade with the coast.” + </p> + <p> + “But the English will give your majesty every facility for trade.” + </p> + <p> + “But suppose we quarrel,” the king said, “they can stop powder and guns + from coming up. If Elmina were mine I could bring up guns and powder at + all times.” + </p> + <p> + “Your majesty would be no better off,” Mr. Goodenough said; “for the + English in case of war could stop supplies from entering.” + </p> + <p> + “My people will drive them into the sea,” the king said. “We have been + troubled with them too long. They can make guns, but they cannot fight. My + people will eat them up. We fought them before; and see,” he said pointing + to a great drum, from the edge of which hung a dozen human skulls, “the + heads of the White men serve to make a fetish for me.” + </p> + <p> + He then waved his hand to signify that the audience was terminated. + </p> + <p> + “Things look bad, Frank,” Mr. Goodenough said as they walked towards their + home. “I fear that the king is determined upon war, and if so our lives + are not worth a month's purchase.” + </p> + <p> + “It can't be helped,” Frank said as cheerfully as he could. “We must make + the best of it. Perhaps something may occur to improve our position.” + </p> + <p> + The next day the four German missionaries, who had so long been kept + captive, called upon them, and they obtained a full insight into the + position. This seemed more hopeful than the king's words had given them to + expect. The missionaries said that negotiations were going on for their + release, and that they expected very shortly to be sent down to Cape + Coast. So far as they knew everything was being done by the English to + satisfy the king, and they looked upon the establishment of peace as + certain. They described the horrible rites and sacrifices which they had + been compelled to witness, and said that at least three thousand persons + were slaughtered annually in Coomassie. + </p> + <p> + “You noticed,” one of them said, “the great tree in the marketplace under + which the king sat. That is the great fetish tree. A great many victims + are sacrificed in the palace itself, but the wholesale slaughters take + place there. The high brushwood comes up to within twenty yards of it, and + if you turn in there you will see thousands of dead bodies or their + remains putrefying together.” + </p> + <p> + “I thought I felt a horribly offensive smell as I was talking to the + king,” Frank said shuddering. “What monsters these people must be! Who + would have thought that all that show of gold and silver and silks and + bright colors covered such horrible barbarism!” + </p> + <p> + After chatting for some time longer, and offering to do anything in their + power to assist the captives, the Germans took their leave. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0017" id="link2HCH0017"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XVII: THE INVASION OF FANTI LAND + </h2> + <p> + The following morning Mr. Goodenough and Frank were called to the door by + the noise of a passing crowd, and to their horror saw a man being taken to + sacrifice. He was preceded by men beating drums, his hands were pinioned + behind him. A sharp thin knife was passed through his cheeks, to which his + lips were noozed like the figure 8. One ear was cut off and carried before + him, the other hung to his head by a small piece of skin. There were + several gashes in his back, and a knife was thrust under each shoulder + blade. He was led by a cord passed through a hole bored in his nose. Frank + ran horror stricken back into the house, and sat for a while with his hand + over his eyes as if to shut out the ghastly spectacle. + </p> + <p> + “Mr. Goodenough,” he said presently, “if we are to be killed, at least let + us die fighting to the last, and blow out our own brains with the last + shots we have left. I don't think I'm afraid of being killed, but to be + tortured like that would be horrible.” + </p> + <p> + The next day a message was brought them that their retaining private + guards was an insult to the king, and that the Houssas must remove to + another part of the town. Resistance was evidently useless. Mr. Goodenough + called his four men together and told them what had happened. + </p> + <p> + “I am sorry I have brought you into this plight, my poor fellows,” he + said. “There are now but two things open to you. You can either volunteer + to join the king's army and then try to make your escape as an opportunity + may offer, or slip away at once. You are accustomed to the woods, and in + native costume might pass without notice. You can all swim, and it matters + not where you strike the Prah. If you travel at night and lie in the woods + by day you should be able to get through. At any rate you know that if you + try to escape and are caught you will be killed. If you stop here it is + possible that no harm may happen to you, but on the other hand you may at + any moment be led out to sacrifice. Do not tell me your decision; I shall + be questioned, and would rather be able to say that I was ignorant that + you intended to escape. There is one other thing to settle. There is a + long arrear of pay due to you for your good and faithful service. It would + be useless for me to pay you now, as the money might be found on you and + taken away, and if you should be killed it would be lost to your friends. + I have written here four orders on my banker in England, which the agents + down at Cape Coast will readily cash for you. Each order is for twice the + sum due to you. As you have come into such great danger in my service, and + have behaved so faithfully, it is right that you should be well rewarded. + Give me the names of your wives or relatives whom you wish to have the + money. Should any of you fall and escape, I will, on my arrival at Cape + Coast, send money, double the amount I have written here, to them.” + </p> + <p> + The men expressed themselves warmly grateful for Mr. Goodenough's + kindness, gave him the names and addresses of their wives, and then, with + tears in their eyes, took their leave. + </p> + <p> + “Now, Ostik, what do you say?” Mr. Goodenough asked, turning to him. + </p> + <p> + “I stay here, sar,” Ostik said. “Houssas fighting men, creep through wood, + crawl on stomach. Dey get through sure enough. Ostik stay with massa. If + dey kill massa dey kill Ostik. Ostik take chance.” + </p> + <p> + “Very well, Ostik, if we get through safe together you shall not have + reason to regret your fidelity. Now, Frank, I think it would be a good + thing if you were to spend some hours every day in trying to pick up as + much of the language here as you can. You are quick at it, and were able + to make yourself understood by our bearers far better than I could do. You + already know a great many words in four or five of these dialects. They + are all related to each other, and with what you know you would in a + couple of months be able to get along very well in Ashanti. It will help + to pass your time and to occupy your mind. There will be no difficulty in + finding men here who have worked down on the coast and know a little + English. If we get away safely you will not regret that your time has been + employed. If we have trouble your knowledge of the language may in some + way or other be of real use to you. We can go round to the Germans, who + will, no doubt, be able to put you in the way of getting a man.” + </p> + <p> + The next day they were again sent for to the king, who was in a high state + of anger at having heard that the Houssas had escaped. + </p> + <p> + “I know nothing about it,” Mr. Goodenough said. “They were contented when + they were with me, and had no wish to go. Your soldiers took them away + yesterday afternoon, and I suppose they were frightened. It was foolish of + them. They should have known that a great king does not injure travelers + who come peacefully into his country. They should have known better. They + were poor, ignorant men, who did not know that the hospitality of a king + is sacred, and that when a king invites travelers to enter his country + they are his guests, and under his protection.” + </p> + <p> + When the interpreter translated this speech the king was silent for two or + three minutes. Then he said, “My white friend is right, they were foolish + men. They could not know these things. If my warriors overtake them no + harm shall come to them.” + </p> + <p> + Pleased with the impression that his words had evidently made Mr. + Goodenough returned to Frank, who had not been ordered to accompany him to + the palace. In the afternoon the king sent a sheep and a present of five + ounces of gold, and a message that he did not wish his white friends to + remain always in the town, but that they might walk to any of the villages + within a circle of three or four miles, and that four of his guards would + always accompany them to see that no one interfered with or insulted them. + They were much pleased with this permission, as they were now enabled to + renew their work of collecting. It took them, too, away from the sight of + the horrible human sacrifices which went on daily. Through the German + missionaries they obtained a man who had worked for three years down at + Cape Coast. He accompanied them on their walks, and in the evening sat and + talked with Frank, who, from the knowledge of native words which he had + picked up in his nine months' residence in Africa, was able to make rapid + progress in Ashanti. He had one or two slight attacks of fever, but the + constant use of quinine enabled him to resist their effect, and he was now + to some degree acclimatized, and thought no more of the attacks of fever + than he would have done at home of a violent bilious attack. + </p> + <p> + This was not the case with Mr. Goodenough. Frank observed with concern + that he lost strength rapidly, and was soon unable to accompany him in his + walks. One morning he appeared very ill. + </p> + <p> + “Have you a touch of fever, sir?” + </p> + <p> + “No, Frank, it is worse than fever, it is dysentery. I had an attack last + time I was on the coast, and know what to do with it. Get the medicine + chest and bring me the bottle of ipecacuanha. Now, you must give me doses + of this just strong enough not to act as an emetic, every three hours.” + </p> + <p> + Frank nursed his friend assiduously, and for the next three days hoped + that he was obtaining a mastery over the illness. On the fourth day an + attack of fever set in. + </p> + <p> + “You must stop the ipecacuanha, now,” Mr. Goodenough said, “and Frank, + send Ostik round to the Germans, and say I wish them to come here at + once.” + </p> + <p> + When these arrived Mr. Goodenough asked Frank to leave him alone with + them. A quarter of an hour later they went out, and Frank, returning, + found two sealed envelopes on the table beside him. + </p> + <p> + “My boy,” he said, “I have been making my will. I fear that it is all over + with me. Fever and dysentery together are in nine cases out of ten fatal. + Don't cry, Frank,” he said, as the lad burst into tears. “I would gladly + have lived, but if it is God's will that it should be otherwise, so be it. + I have no wife or near relatives to regret my loss—none, my poor + boy, who will mourn for me as sincerely as I know that you will do. In the + year that we have been together I have come to look upon you as my son, + and you will find that I have not forgotten you in my will. I have written + it in duplicate. If you have an opportunity send one of these letters down + to the coast. Keep the other yourself, and I trust that you will live to + carry it to its destination. Should it not be so, should the worst come to + the worst, it will be a consolation to you to know that I have not + forgotten the little sister of whom you have spoken to me so often, and + that in case of your death she will be provided for.” + </p> + <p> + An hour later Mr. Goodenough was in a state of delirium, in which he + remained all night, falling towards morning into a dull coma, gradually + breathing his last, without any return of sensibility, at eight in the + morning. + </p> + <p> + Frank was utterly prostrated with grief, from which he roused himself to + send to the king to ask permission to bury his friend. + </p> + <p> + The king sent down to say how grieved he was to hear of the white man's + death. He had ordered many of his warriors to attend his funeral. Frank + had a grave dug on a rising spot of ground beyond the marsh. In the + evening a great number of the warriors gathered round the house, and upon + the shoulders of four of them Mr. Goodenough was conveyed to his last + resting place, Frank and the German missionaries following with a great + crowd of warriors. The missionaries read the service over the grave, and + Frank returned heart broken to his house, with Ostik, who also felt + terribly the loss of his master. + </p> + <p> + Two days later a wooden cross was erected over the grave. Upon this Frank + carved the name of his friend. Hearing a week afterwards that the king was + sending down a messenger to Cape Coast, Frank asked permission to send Mr. + Goodenough's letter by him. The king sent for him. + </p> + <p> + “I do not wish any more troubles,” he said, “or that letters should be + sent to the governor. You are my guest. When the troubles are settled I + will send you down to the coast; but we have many things to write about, + and I do not want more subjects for talk.” + </p> + <p> + Frank showed the letter and read the address, and told the king that it + was only a letter to the man of business of Mr. Goodenough in England, + giving directions for the disposal of his property there. + </p> + <p> + The king then consented that his messenger should take the letter. + </p> + <p> + At the end of December, when Frank had been nearly three months at + Coomassie, one of the Germans said to him: + </p> + <p> + “The king speaks fairly, and seems intent upon his negotiations; but he is + preparing secretly for war. An army is collecting on the Prah. I hear that + twelve thousand men are ordered to assemble there.” + </p> + <p> + “I have noticed,” Frank said, “that there have been fewer men about than + usual during the last few days. What will happen to us, do you think?” + </p> + <p> + The missionary shook his head. + </p> + <p> + “No one can say,” he said. “It all depends upon the king's humor. I think, + however, that he is more likely to keep us as hostages, and to obtain + money for us at the end of the war, than to kill us. If all goes well with + his army we are probably safe; but if the news comes of any defeat, he may + in his rage order us to be executed.” + </p> + <p> + “What do you think are the chances of defeat?” Frank asked. + </p> + <p> + “We know not,” the missionary said; “but it seems probable that the + Ashantis will turn the English out of the coast. The Fantis are of no use. + They were a brave people once, and united might have made a successful + resistance to the Ashantis; but you English have made women of them. You + have forbidden them to fight among themselves, you have discouraged them + in any attempts to raise armies, you have reduced the power of the chiefs, + you have tried to turn them into a race of cultivators and traders instead + of warriors, and you can expect no material aid from them now. They will + melt away like snow before the Ashantis. The king's spies tell him that + there are only a hundred and fifty black troops at Cape Coast. These are + trained and led by Englishmen, but, after all, they are only negroes, no + braver than the Ashantis. What chance have they of resisting an army + nearly a hundred to one stronger than themselves?” + </p> + <p> + “Is the fort at Cape Coast strong?” Frank asked. + </p> + <p> + “Yes, against savages without cannon. Besides, the guns of the ships of + war would cover it.” + </p> + <p> + “Well,” Frank said, “if we can hold that, they will send out troops from + England.” + </p> + <p> + “They may do so,” the missionary asserted; “but what could white troops do + in the fever haunted forests, which extend from Coomassie to the coast?” + </p> + <p> + “They will manage somehow,” Frank replied confidently. “Besides, after + all, as I hear that the great portion of Ashanti lying beyond this is + plain and open country, the Ashantis themselves cannot be all accustomed + to bush fighting, and will suffer from fever in the low, swamp land.” + </p> + <p> + Three days later the king sent for Frank. + </p> + <p> + “The English are not true,” he said angrily. “They promised the people of + Elmina that they should be allowed to retain all their customs as under + the Dutch. They have broken their word. They have forbidden the customs. + The people of Elmina have written to me to ask me to deliver them. I am + going to do so.” + </p> + <p> + Frank afterwards learned that the king's words were true. Colonel Harley, + the military commandant, having, with almost incredible fatuity, and in + spite of the agreement which had been made with the Elminas, summoned + their king and chiefs to a council, and abruptly told them that they would + not be allowed henceforth to celebrate their customs, which consisted of + firing of guns, waving of flags, dancing, and other harmless rites. The + chiefs, greatly indignant at this breach of the agreement, solemnly + entered into with them, at once, on leaving the council, wrote to the King + of Ashanti, begging him to cross the Prah and attack the English. Frank + could only say that he knew nothing of what was going on at the coast, and + could only think that his majesty must have been misinformed, as the + English wished to be friendly with the Ashantis. + </p> + <p> + “They do not wish it,” the king said furiously; “they are liars.” + </p> + <p> + A buzz of approval sounded among the cabooceers and captains standing + round. Frank thought that he was about to be ordered to instant execution, + and grasped a revolver, which he held in his pocket, resolving to shoot + the king first, and then to blow out his own brains, rather than to be put + to the horrible tortures which in Ashanti always precede death. + </p> + <p> + Presently the king said suddenly to him: + </p> + <p> + “My people tell me that you can talk to them in their own tongue.” + </p> + <p> + “I have learnt a little Ashanti,” Frank said in that language. “I cannot + talk well, but I can make myself understood.” + </p> + <p> + “Very well,” the king said. “Then I shall send you down with my general. + You know the ways of English fighting, and will tell him what is best to + do against them. When the war is over and I have driven the English away, + I will send you away also. You are my guest, and I do not wish to harm + you. Tomorrow you will start. Your goods will be of no more use to you. I + have ordered my treasurer to count the cloth, and the powder, and the + other things which you have, and to pay you for them in gold. You may go.” + </p> + <p> + Frank retired, vowing in his heart that no information as to the best way + of attacking the English should be obtained from him. Upon the whole he + was much pleased at the order, for he thought that some way of making his + escape might present itself. Such was also the opinion of Ostik when Frank + told him what had taken place at the palace. + </p> + <p> + An hour later the king's treasurer arrived. The whole of the trade goods + were appraised at fair prices, and even the cases were paid for, as the + treasurer said that these would be good for keeping the king's state + robes. Frank only retained his own portmanteau with clothes, his bed and + rugs, and the journals of the expedition, a supply of ammunition for his + revolver, his medicine chest, tent, and a case with chocolate, preserved + milk, tea, biscuits, rice, and a couple of bottles of brandy. + </p> + <p> + In the morning there was a great beating of drums. + </p> + <p> + Four carriers had been told off for Frank's service, and these came in, + took up his baggage, and joined the line. Frank waited till the general, + Ammon Quatia, whom he had several times met at the palace, came along, + carried in a hammock, with a paraphernalia of attendants bearing chairs, + umbrellas, and flags. Frank fell in behind these accompanied by Ostik. The + whole population of Coomassie turned out and shouted their farewells. + </p> + <p> + There was a pause in the marketplace while a hundred victims were + sacrificed to the success of the expedition. Frank kept in the thick of + the warriors so as to avoid witnessing the horrible spectacle. + </p> + <p> + As they passed the king he said to the general, “Bring me back the head of + the governor. I will place it on my drum by the side of that of Macarthy.” + </p> + <p> + Then the army passed the swamp knee deep in water, and started on their + way down to the Prah. Three miles further they crossed the river Dah at + Agogo, where the water was up to their necks. The road was little more + than a track through the forest, and many small streams had to be crossed. + </p> + <p> + It was well that Frank had not had an attack of fever for some time, for + they marched without a stop to Fomanse, a distance of nearly thirty miles. + Fomanse was a large town. Many of the houses were built in the same style + as those at Coomassie, and the king's palace was a stone building. That + night Frank slept in a native house which the general allotted to him + close to the palace. The army slept on the ground. + </p> + <p> + The next morning they crossed a lofty hill, and then descending again kept + along through the forest until, late in the afternoon, they arrived on the + Prah. This river was about sixty yards wide, and here, in roughly made + huts of boughs, were encamped the main army, who had preceded them. Here + there was a pause for a week while large numbers of carriers came down + with provisions. Then on the 22d of January the army crossed the Prah in + great canoes of cottonwood tree, which the troops who first arrived had + prepared. + </p> + <p> + Had the Ashanti army now pushed forward at full speed, Cape Coast and + Elmina must have fallen into their hands, for there were no preparations + whatever for their defence. The Assims, whose territory was first invaded, + sent down for assistance, but Mr. Hennessey refused to believe that there + was any invasion at all, and when the King of Akim, the most powerful of + the Fanti potentates, sent down to ask for arms and ammunition, Mr. + Hennessey refused so curtly that the King of Akim was grievously offended, + and sent at once to the Ashantis to say that he should remain neutral in + the war. + </p> + <p> + About this time Mr. Hennessey, whose repeated blunders had in no slight + degree contributed to the invasion, was relieved by Mr. Keate, who at once + wholly alienated the Fantis by telling them that they must defend + themselves, as the English had nothing more to do with the affair than to + defend their forts. Considering that the English had taken the natives + under their protection, and that the war was caused entirely by the taking + over of Elmina by the English and by their breach of faith to the natives + there, this treatment of the Fantis was as unjust as it was impolitic. + </p> + <p> + Ammon Quatia, however, seemed to be impressed with a spirit of prudence as + soon as he crossed the river. Parties were sent out, indeed, who attacked + and plundered the Assim villages near the Prah, but the main body moved + forward with the greatest caution, sometimes halting for weeks. + </p> + <p> + The Ashanti general directed Frank always to pitch his tent next to the + hut occupied by himself. Four guards were appointed, nominally to do him + honor, but really, as Frank saw, to prevent him from making his escape. + These men kept guard, two at a time, night and day over the tent, and if + he moved out all followed him. He never attempted to leave the camp. The + forest was extremely dense with thick underwood and innumerable creepers, + through which it would be almost impossible to make a way. The majority of + the trees were of only moderate height, but above them towered the cotton + trees and other giants, rising with straight stems to from two hundred and + fifty to three hundred feet high. Many of the trees had shed their + foliage, and some of these were completely covered with brilliant flowers + of different colors. The woods resounded with the cries of various birds, + but butterflies, except in the clearings, were scarce. + </p> + <p> + The army depended for food partly upon the cultivated patches around the + Assim villages, partly on supplies brought up from the rear. In the + forest, too, they found many edible roots and fruits. In spite of the + efforts to supply them with food, Frank saw ere many weeks had passed that + the Ashantis were suffering much from hunger. They fell away in flesh. + Many were shaking with fever, and the enthusiasm, which was manifest at + the passage of the Prah, had entirely evaporated. + </p> + <p> + The first morning after crossing the river Frank sent Ostik into the hut + of the general with a cup of hot chocolate, with which Ammon Quatia + expressed himself so much gratified that henceforth Frank sent in a cup + every morning, having still a large supply of tins of preserved chocolate + and milk, the very best food which a traveler can take with him. In return + the Ashanti general showed Frank many little kindnesses, sending him in + birds or animals when any were shot by his men, and keeping him as well + provided with food as was possible under the circumstances. + </p> + <p> + It was not until the 8th of April that any absolute hostilities took + place. Then the Fantis, supported by fifty Houssas under Lieutenant + Hopkins, barred the road outside the village of Dunquah. The Ashantis + attacked, but the Fantis fought bravely, having great confidence in the + Houssa contingent. The battle was one of the native fashion, neither side + attempting any vigorous action, but contenting themselves with a heavy + fire at a distance of a hundred yards. All the combatants took shelter + behind trees, and the consequence was that at the end of the day a great + quantity of powder and slugs had been fired away, and a very few men hit + on either side. At nightfall both parties drew off. + </p> + <p> + “Is that the way your English soldiers fight?” the general asked Frank + that night. + </p> + <p> + “Yes,” Frank said vaguely; “they fire away at each other.” + </p> + <p> + “And then I suppose,” the general said, “when one party has exhausted its + ammunition it retires.” + </p> + <p> + “Certainly it would retire,” Frank said. “It could not resist without + ammunition you know.” + </p> + <p> + Frank carefully abstained from mentioning that one side or the other would + advance even before the ammunition of its opponents was expended, for he + did not wish the Ashantis to adopt tactics which, from their greatly + superior numbers, must at once give them a victory. The Ashantis were not + dissatisfied with the day's work, as they considered that they had proved + themselves equal to the English troops. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0018" id="link2HCH0018"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XVIII: THE ATTACK ON ELMINA + </h2> + <p> + On the 14th the Fantis took the initiative, and attacked the Ashantis. The + fight was a mere repetition of that of a week before, and about midday the + Fantis, having used up all their ammunition, fell back again to Cape + Coast. + </p> + <p> + “Now,” the general said to Frank, “that we have beaten the Fantis we shall + march down to Elmina.” + </p> + <p> + Leaving the main road at Dunquah the army moved slowly through the bush + towards Elmina, thirty miles distant, halting in the woods some eight + miles from the town, and twelve from Cape Coast. + </p> + <p> + “I am going,” the general said, “to look at the English forts. My white + friend will go with me.” + </p> + <p> + With fifty of his warriors Ammon Quatia left the camp, and crossing a + stream came down upon the sea coast, a short distance west of Elmina. With + them were several of the Elmina tribe, who had come up to the camp to + welcome the Ashantis. They approached to within three or four hundred + yards of the fort, which was separated from them by a river. + </p> + <p> + The forts on the west coast of Africa, not being built to resist + artillery, are merely barracks surrounded by high walls sufficiently thick + to allow men to walk in single file along the top, to fire over the + parapet. The tops of the walls being castellated, the buildings have an + appearance of much strength. The fort of Elmina is of considerable size, + with a barrack and officers' quarters within it. One side faces the river, + and another the sea. + </p> + <p> + “It is a wonderful fort,” the Ashanti general said, much impressed by its + appearance. + </p> + <p> + “Yes,” Frank replied. “And there are cannon on the top, those great black + things you see sticking out. Those are guns, and each carries balls enough + to kill a hundred men with each shot.” + </p> + <p> + The general looked for some time attentively. “But you have castles in the + white men's country, how do you take them?” + </p> + <p> + “We bring a great many cannon throwing balls of iron as big as my head,” + Frank answered, “and so knock a great hole in the wall and then rush in.” + </p> + <p> + “But if there are no cannon?” the general urged. + </p> + <p> + “We never attack a castle without cannon,” Frank said. “But if we had no + cannon we might try to starve the people out; but you cannot do that here, + because they would land food from the sea.” + </p> + <p> + The general looked puzzled. “Why do the white men come here? + </p> + <p> + “They come to trade,” he said presently. + </p> + <p> + “Yes, they come to trade,” Frank replied. + </p> + <p> + “And they have no other reason?” + </p> + <p> + “No,” Frank said. “They do not want to take land, because the white man + cannot work in so hot a climate.” + </p> + <p> + “Then if he could not trade he would go away?” the general asked. + </p> + <p> + “Yes,” Frank agreed, “if he could do no trade it would be no use remaining + here.” + </p> + <p> + “We will let him do no trade,” the general said, brightening up. “If we + cannot take the forts we will surround them closely, and no trade can come + in and out. Then the white man will have to go away. As to the Fantis we + will destroy them, and the white men will have no one to fight for them.” + </p> + <p> + “But there are white troops,” Frank said. + </p> + <p> + “White soldiers?” the Ashanti asked surprised. “I thought it was only + black soldiers that fought for the whites. The whites are few, they are + traders.” + </p> + <p> + “The English are many,” Frank said earnestly. “For every man that the King + of Ashanti could send to fight, England could send ten. There are white + soldiers, numbers of them, but they are not sent here. They are kept at + home to fight other white nations, the French and the Dutch and the Danes, + and many others, just as the kings of Africa fight against each other. + They are not sent here because the climate kills the whites, so to guard + the white traders here we hire black soldiers; but, when it is known in + England that the King of Ashanti is fighting against our forts, they will + send white troops.” + </p> + <p> + Ammon Quatia was thoughtful for some time. “If they come,” he said at + length, “the fevers will kill them. The white man cannot live in the + swamps. Your friend, the white guest of the king, died at Coomassie.” + </p> + <p> + “Yes,” Frank asserted, “but he had been nearly a year in the country + before he died. Three weeks will be enough for an English army to march + from Cape Coast to Coomassie. A few might die, but most of them would get + there.” + </p> + <p> + “Coomassie!” the general exclaimed in surprise. “The white men would be + mad to think of marching against the city of the great king. We should + make great fetish, and they would all die when they had crossed the + river.” + </p> + <p> + “I don't think, General,” Frank said dryly, “that the fetishes of the + black man have any effect upon the white men. A fetish has power when it + is believed in. A man who knows that his enemy has made a fetish against + him is afraid. His blood becomes like water and he dies. But the whites do + not believe in fetishes. They laugh at them, and then the fetishes cannot + hurt them.” + </p> + <p> + The general said no more, but turned thoughtfully and retired to his camp. + It was tantalizing to Frank to see the Union Jack waving within sight, and + to know that friends were so near and yet to be unable to stretch out his + hand to them. + </p> + <p> + He was now dressed in all respects like a native, the king having, soon + after his arrival at Coomassie, sent a present of clothes such as were + worn by his nobles, saying that the people would not notice them so much + if they were dressed like themselves. Consequently, had the party been + seen from the castle walls the appearance of an Englishman among them + would have been unobserved. + </p> + <p> + Three days later the general with a similar party crossed the Sweet river + at night, and proceeded along the sea coast to within a few hundred yards + of Cape Coast Castle, whose appearance pleased him no more than that of + Elmina had done. + </p> + <p> + The Ashantis were now better supplied with food, as they were able to + depend upon the Elmina tribes who cultivated a considerable extent of + ground, and to add to the stock, the Ashanti soldiers were set to work to + aid in planting a larger extent of ground than usual, a proof in Frank's + mind that the general contemplated making a long stay, and blockading + Elmina and Cape Coast into surrender if he could not carry them by + assault. + </p> + <p> + The natives of Africa are capable of great exertion for a time, but their + habitual attitude is that of extreme laziness. One week's work in the year + suffices to plant a sufficient amount of ground to supply the wants of a + family. The seed only requires casting into the earth, and soon the ground + will be covered with melons and pumpkins. Sweet potatoes and yams demand + no greater cultivation, and the bananas and plantains require simply to be + cut. For fifty-one weeks in the year the negro simply sits down and + watches his crops grow. To people like these time is of absolutely no + value. Their wants are few. Their garden furnishes them with tobacco. They + make drink from the palm or by fermenting the juice of the cocoanut. The + fowls that wander about in the clearings suffice when carried down + occasionally to the port, to pay for the few yards of calico and strings + of beads which are all that is necessary for the clothing and decoration + of a family. + </p> + <p> + Such people are never in a hurry. To wait means to do nothing. To do + nothing is their highest joy. Their tomorrow means a month hence, + directly, a week. If, then, the Ashanti army had been detained for one + year or five before the English settlements, it would have been a matter + of indifference to them, so long as they could obtain food. Their women + were with them, for the wife and daughters of each warrior had carried on + head, with the army, his household goods, a tiny stool, a few calabashes + for cooking, a mat to sleep on, and baskets high piled with provisions. + They were there to collect sticks, to cook food, draw water, bring fire + for his pipe, minister to his pleasures. He could have no more if he were + at home, and was contented to wait as long as the king ordered, were that + time years distant. + </p> + <p> + Frank was often filled with disgust at seeing these noble savages lying + indolently from morn till night while their wives went miles in the forest + searching for pineapples and fruits, bent down and prematurely aged by + toil and hardship. Many of the young girls among the negroes are pretty, + with their soft eyes and skin like velvet, their merry laugh and graceful + figures. But in a very few years all this disappears, and by middle age + they are bent, and wrinkled, and old. All loads are carried by women, with + the exception only of hammocks, which are exclusively carried by men. + </p> + <p> + Thus, then, the Ashantis settled down to what appeared to Frank to be an + interminable business, and what rendered it more tantalizing was, that the + morning and evening guns at the English forts could be plainly heard. + </p> + <p> + It was on the 7th of June that Ammon Quatia reconnoitered Elmina, and the + news came next day that a hundred and ten white men in red coats had + landed from a ship which had arrived that morning off the coast. Frank + judged from the description that these must be marines from a ship of war. + In this he was correct, as they consisted of marines and marine + artillerymen under Lieutenant Colonel Festing, who had just arrived from + England. Three days later the Ashanti general, with a portion of his + force, moved down close to Elmina; Frank was told to accompany them. + Shortly afterwards the news came that the Elminas were all ordered to lay + down their arms. They replied by going over in a body to the Ashantis. + Ammon Quatia determined at once to attack the town, but as he was + advancing, the guns of the ships of war opened fire upon the native town + of Elmina, which lay to the west of the European quarter. + </p> + <p> + The sound of such heavy cannon, differing widely from anything they had + ever heard before, caused the Ashantis to pause in astonishment. Then came + the howl of the shells, which exploded in rapid succession in the village, + from which flames began immediately to rise. After a few minutes' + hesitation the Ashantis and Elminas again advanced. The general, who was + carried in a chair upon the shoulders of four men, took his post on rising + ground near the burning village. + </p> + <p> + “There,” he said, “the English soldiers are coming out of the fort. Now + you will see.” + </p> + <p> + The little body of marines and the blue jackets of the Barraconta deployed + in line as they sallied from the fort. The Ashantis opened fire upon them, + but they were out of range of the slugs. As soon as the line was formed + the English opened fire, and the Ashantis were perfectly astonished at the + incessant rattle of musketry from so small a body of men. But it was not + all noise, for the Snider bullets swept among the crowded body of blacks, + mowing them down in considerable numbers. In two minutes the Ashantis + turned and ran. The general's bearers, in spite of his shouts, hurried + away with him with the others, and Frank would have taken this opportunity + to escape had not two of his guards seized him by the arms and hauled him + along, while the other two kept close behind. + </p> + <p> + As soon as they had passed over the crest of the rise, and the British + fire had ceased, Ammon Quatia leaped from his chair and threw himself + among his flying troops, striking them right and left with his staff, and + hurling imprecations upon them. + </p> + <p> + “If you do not stop and return against the whites,” he said, “I will send + every one of you back to Coomassie, and there you will be put to death as + cowards.” + </p> + <p> + The threat sufficed. The fugitives rallied, and in a few minutes were + ready to march back again. It was the surprise created by the wonderful + sustained fire of the breech loaders, rather than the actual loss they + inflicted, which caused the panic. + </p> + <p> + In the meantime, believing that the Ashantis had retired, the naval + contingent went back to their boats, when the Dutch vice consul, having + ascended a hill to look round, saw that Ammon Quatia had made a detour + with his troops, and was marching against the town from the east, where he + would not be exposed to the fire of the fort. He instantly ran back with + the news. + </p> + <p> + The marines and the thirty West Indian soldiers in the fort at once + marched out, and met the Ashantis just as they were entering the town. The + fight was a severe one, and for a time neither side appeared to have the + advantage, and Frank, who, under the care of his guards, was a few hundred + yards in the rear, was filled with dismay at observing that the Ashantis, + in spite of the heavy loss they were suffering, were gaining ground and + pressing forward bravely. Suddenly he gave a shout of joy, for on a rise + on the flank of the Ashantis appeared the sailors of the Barraconta, who + had been led round from the boats by Lieutenant Wells, R. N., who was in + command. The instant these took up their position they opened a heavy fire + upon the flank of the Ashantis, who, dismayed by this attack by fresh + foes, lost heart and at once fled hastily. In the two engagements they had + lost nearly four hundred men. Frank, of course, retired with the beaten + Ashantis, and that evening Ammon Quatia told him that the arms of the + white men were too good, and that he should not attack them again in the + open. + </p> + <p> + “Their guns shoot farther, as well as quicker, than ours,” he said. “Our + slugs are no use against the heavy bullets, at a distance; but in the + woods, where you cannot see twenty feet among the trees, it will be + different. If I do not attack them they must attack me, or their trade + will be starved out. When they come into the woods you will see that we + shall eat them up.” + </p> + <p> + Several weeks now passed quietly. There was news that there was great + sickness among the white soldiers, and, indeed, with scarce an exception, + the marines first sent out were invalided home; but a hundred and fifty + more arrived to take their place. Some detachments of the 2d West Indian + regiment came down to join their comrades from Sierra Leone, and the + situation remained unchanged. + </p> + <p> + One night towards the end of August a messenger arrived and there was an + immediate stir. + </p> + <p> + “Now,” the general said to Frank, “you are going to see us fight the white + men. Some of the big ships have gone to the mouth of the Prah, and we + believe that they are going to land in boats. You will see. The Elmina + tribes are going to attack, but I shall take some of my men to help.” + </p> + <p> + Taking fifty picked warriors Ammon Quatia started at once. They marched + all night towards the west, and at daybreak joined the Elminas. These took + post in the brushwood lining the river. The general with a dozen men, + taking Frank, went down near the mouth of the river to reconnoiter. The + ships lay more than a mile off the shore. Presently a half dozen boats + were lowered, filled with men, and taken in tow by a steam launch. It was + seen that they were making for the mouth of the river. + </p> + <p> + “Now let us go back,” Ammon Quatia said. “You will see what we shall do.” + </p> + <p> + Frank felt full of excitement. He saw the English running into an + ambuscade, and he determined, even if it should cost him his life, to warn + them. Presently they heard the sharp puffs of the steam launch. The boats + were within three hundred yards. + </p> + <p> + Frank stepped forward and was about to give a warning shout when Ammon + Quatia's eye fell upon him. The expression of his face revealed his + intention to the Ashanti, who in an instant sprang upon him and hurled him + to the ground. Instantly a dozen hands seized him, and, in obedience to + the general's order, fastened a bandage tightly across his mouth, and then + bound him, standing against a tree, where he could observe what was going + on. The incident had occupied but a minute, and Frank heard the pant of + the steam launch coming nearer and nearer. Presently through the bushes he + caught a glimpse of it, and then, as it came along, of the boats towing + behind. The Elminas and Ashantis were lying upon the ground with their + guns in front of them. + </p> + <p> + The boats were but fifteen yards from the bank. When they were abreast + Ammon Quatia shouted the word of command, and a stream of fire shot out + from the bushes. In the boats all was confusion. Several were killed and + many wounded by the deadly volley, among the latter Commodore Commerell + himself, and two or three of his officers. The launch now attempted to + turn round, and the marines in the boats opened fire upon their invisible + foes, who replied steadily. In five minutes from the first shot being + fired all was over, the launch was steaming down with the boats in tow + towards the mouth of the river, the exulting shouts of the natives ringing + in the ears of those on board. + </p> + <p> + The position of Frank had not been a pleasant one while the fight had + lasted, for the English rifle bullets sang close to him in quick + succession, one striking the tree only a few inches above his head. He was + doubtful, too, as to what his fate would be at the termination of the + fight. + </p> + <p> + Fortunately Ammon Quatia was in the highest spirits at his victory. He + ordered Frank to be at once unbound. + </p> + <p> + “There, you see,” he said, “the whites are of no use. They cannot fight. + They run with their eyes shut into danger. So it will be if they attack us + on the land. You were foolish. Why did you wish to call out? Are you not + well treated? Are you not the king's guest? Am I not your friend?” + </p> + <p> + “I am well treated, and you are my friend,” Frank said, “but the English + are my countrymen. I am sure that were you in the hands of the English, + and you saw a party of your countrymen marching into danger, you would + call out and warn them, even if you knew that you would be killed for + doing so.” + </p> + <p> + “I do not know,” the Ashanti said candidly. “I cannot say what I should + do, but you were brave to run the risk, and I'm not angry with you. Only, + in future when we go to attack the English, I must gag you to prevent your + giving the alarm.” + </p> + <p> + “That is fair enough,” Frank said, pleased that the matter had passed off + so well, “only another time do not stick me upright against a tree where I + may be killed by English bullets. I had a narrow escape of it this time, + you see,” and he pointed to the hole in the trunk of the tree. + </p> + <p> + “I am sorry,” the Ashanti general said, with an air of real concern. “I + did not think of your being in danger, I only wished you to have a good + sight of the battle; next time I will put you in a safer place.” + </p> + <p> + They then returned to the camp. + </p> + <p> + The next day a distant cannonade was heard, and at nightfall the news came + that the English fleet had bombarded and burnt several Elmina villages at + the mouth of the Prah. + </p> + <p> + “Ah,” the general said, “the English have great ships and great guns. They + can fight on the seaside and round their forts, but they cannot drag their + guns through the forests and swamps.” + </p> + <p> + “No,” Frank agreed. “It would not be possible to drag heavy artillery.” + </p> + <p> + “No,” Ammon Quatia repeated exultingly. “When they are beyond the shelter + of their ships they are no good whatever. We will kill them all.” + </p> + <p> + The wet season had now set in, in earnest, and the suffering of the + Ashantis were very great. Accustomed as many of them were to high lying + lands free of trees, the miasma from the swamps was well nigh as fatal to + them as it would be to Europeans. Thousands died, and many of the rest + were worn by fever to mere shadows. + </p> + <p> + “Do you think,” Ammon Quatia said to Frank one day, “that it is possible + to blow up a whole town with powder?” + </p> + <p> + “It would be possible if there were powder enough,” Frank said, wondering + what could be the motive of the question. + </p> + <p> + “They say that the English have put powder in holes all over Cape Coast, + and my people are afraid to go. The guns of the fort could not shoot over + the whole town, and there are few white soldiers there; but my men fear to + be blown up in the air.” + </p> + <p> + “Yes,” Frank said gravely. “The danger might be great. It is better that + the Ashantis should keep away from the town. But if the fever goes on as + at present the army will melt away.” + </p> + <p> + “Ten thousand more men are coming down when the rains are over. The king + says that something must be done. There is talk in the English forts that + more white troops are coming out from England. If this is so I shall not + attack the towns, but shall wait for them to come into the woods for me. + Then you will see.” + </p> + <p> + “Do they say there are many troops?” Frank asked anxiously. + </p> + <p> + “No; they say only some white officers, but this is foolishness. What + could white officers do without soldiers? As for the Fantis they are + cowards, they are only good to carry burdens and to hoe the ground. They + are women and not men.” + </p> + <p> + During this time, when the damp rose so thick and steaming that everything + was saturated with it, Frank had a very sharp attack of fever, and was for + a fortnight, just after the repulse of the attack on Elmina, completely + prostrated. Such an attack would at his first landing have carried him + off, but he was now getting acclimatized, and his supply of quinine was + abundant. With its aid he saved a great many lives among the Ashantis, and + many little presents in the way of fruit and birds did he receive from his + patients. + </p> + <p> + “I wish I could let you go,” the general said to him one day. “You are a + good white man, and my soldiers love you for the pains you take going + amongst them when they are sick, and giving them the medicine of the + whites. But I dare not do it. As you know when the king is wroth the + greatest tremble, and I dare not tell the king that I have let you go. + Were it otherwise I would gladly do so. I have written to the king telling + him that you have saved the lives of many here. It may be that he will + order you to be released.” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0019" id="link2HCH0019"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XIX: THE TIDE TURNED + </h2> + <p> + From many of the points in the forest held by the Ashantis the sea could + be seen, and on the morning of the 2d of October a steamer which had not + been there on the previous evening was perceived lying off the town. The + Ashantis were soon informed by spies in Elmina and Cape Coast that the + ship had brought an English general with about thirty officers. The news + that thirty men had come out to help to drive back twenty thousand was + received with derision by the Ashantis. + </p> + <p> + “They will do more than you think,” Frank said when Ammon Quatia was + scoffing over the new arrival. “You will see a change in the tactics of + the whites. Hitherto they have done nothing. They have simply waited. Now + you will see they will begin to move. The officers will drill the natives, + and even a Fanti, drilled and commanded by white officers, will learn how + to fight. You acknowledge that the black troops in red coats can fight. + What are these? Some of them are Fantis, some of them are black men from + the West Indian Islands, where they are even more peaceful than the + Fantis, for they have no enemies. Perhaps alone the Fantis would not + fight, but they will have the soldiers and sailors from on board ship with + them, and you saw at Elmina how they can fight.” + </p> + <p> + The ship was the Ambriz, one of the African company's steamers, bringing + with it thirty-five officers, of whom ten belonged to the Commissariat and + Medical staff. Among the fighting men were Sir Garnet Wolseley, Colonel + M'Neil, chief of his staff, Major T. D. Baker, 18th Regiment, Captain + Huyshe, Rifle Brigade, Captain Buller, 60th Rifles, all of the staff; + Captain Brackenbury, military secretary, and Lieutenant Maurice, R. A., + private secretary, Major Home, R. E., Lieutenant Saunders, R. A., and + Lieutenant Wilmot, R. A.. Lieutenant Colonel Evelyn Wood, 90th Regiment, + and Major B. C. Russell, 13th Hussars, were each to form and command a + native regiment, having the remainder of the officers as their assistants. + </p> + <p> + The Ambriz had left England on the 12th of September, and had touched at + Madeira and at the various towns on the coast on her way down, and at the + former place had received the news of the disaster to the naval expedition + up the Prah. + </p> + <p> + The English government had been loath to embark upon such an expedition, + but a petition which had been sent home by the English and native traders + at Sierra Leone and Elmina had shown how great was the peril which + threatened the colony, and it had been felt that unless an effort was made + the British would be driven altogether from their hold of the coast. When + the expedition was at last determined upon, the military authorities were + flooded with recommendations and warnings of all kinds from persons who + knew the coast. Unfortunately these gentlemen differed so widely from each + other, that but little good was gained from their counsels. Some + pronounced the climate to be deadly. Others said that it was really not + bad. Some warmly advocated a moderate use of spirits. Others declared that + stimulants were poison. One advised that all exercise should be taken + between five and seven in the morning. Another insisted that on no account + should anyone stir out until the sun had been up for an hour, which meant + that no one should go out till half past seven. One said take exercise and + excite perspiration. Another urged that any bodily exercise should be + avoided. One consistent gentleman, after having written some letters to + the papers strongly advocating the use of white troops upon the coast + instead of West Indian regiments, when written to by Sir Garnet Wolseley + for his advice as to articles of outfit, replied that the only article + which he could strongly commend would be that each officer should take out + his coffin. + </p> + <p> + Ten days passed after the landing. It was known in the Ashanti camp that + the Fanti kings had been ordered to raise contingents, and that a white + officer had been alloted to each to assist him in this work. The Ashantis, + however, had no fear whatever on this score. The twenty thousand natives + who occupied the country south of the Prah had all been driven from their + homes by the invaders, and had scattered among the towns and villages on + the seacoast, where vast numbers had died from the ravages of smallpox. + The kings had little or no authority over them, and it was certain that no + native force, capable in any way of competing with the army of the + assailants, could be raised. + </p> + <p> + The small number of men of the 2d West Indian regiment at Elmina had been + reinforced by a hundred and twenty Houssas brought down the coast. The + Ashanti advanced parties remained close up to Elmina. + </p> + <p> + On the 13th of October Frank accompanied the Ashanti general to the + neighborhood of this town. The Ashanti force here was not a large one, the + main body being nearly twenty miles away in the neighborhood of Dunquah, + which was held by a small body of Houssas and natives under Captain + Gordon. At six in the morning a messenger ran in with the news that two of + the English war steamers from Cape Coast were lying off Elmina, and that a + number of troops had been landed in boats. The Ashanti general was + furious, and poured out threats against his spies in Cape Coast for not + having warned him of the movement, but in fact these were not to blame. So + quietly had the arrangements been made that, until late in the previous + afternoon, no one, with the exception of three or four of the principal + officers, knew that an expedition was intended. Even then it was given out + that the expedition was going down the coast, and it was not until the + ships anchored off Elmina at three in the morning that the officers and + troops were aware of their destination. All the West Indian troops at Cape + Coast had been taken, Captain Peel of the Simoon landing fifty sailors to + hold the fort in case the Ashantis should attack it in their absence. The + expedition consisted of the Houssas, two hundred men of the 2d West India + regiment, fifty sailors, and two companies of marines and marine + artillery, each fifty strong, and a large number of natives carrying a + small Armstrong gun, two rocket tubes, rockets, spare ammunition, and + hammocks for wounded. + </p> + <p> + The few Ashantis in the village next to Elmina retired at once when the + column was seen marching from the castle. Ammon Quatia had taken up his + quarters at the village of Essarman, and now advanced with his troops and + took post in the bush behind a small village about three miles from the + town. The Houssas were skirmishing in front of the column. These entered + the village which had been deserted by the Ashantis, and set it on fire, + blowing up several kegs of powder which had been left there in the hurry + of the flight. Then as they advanced farther the Ashantis opened fire. To + their surprise the British, instead of falling back, opened fire in + return, the Houssas, West Indians, and natives discharging their rifles at + random in all directions. Captain Freemantle with the sailors, the gun, + and rockets made for the upper corner of the wood facing them to their + left. Captain Crease with a company of marine artillery took the wood on + the right. The Houssas and a company of West Indians moved along the path + in the center. The remainder of the force remained with the baggage in + reserve. The Ashantis kept up a tremendous fire, but the marines and + sailors pushed their way steadily through the wood on either side. Captain + Freemantle at length gained a point where his gun and rockets could play + on Essarman, which lay in the heart of the wood, and opened fire, but not + until he had been struck by a slug which passed through his arm. Colonel + M'Neil, who was with the Houssas, also received a severe wound in the arm, + and thirty-two marines and Houssas were wounded. The Ashantis were + gradually driven out of the village and wood, a great many being killed by + the English fire. + </p> + <p> + Having accomplished this, the British force rested for an hour and then + moved on, first setting fire to Essarman, which was a very large village. + A great quantity of the Ashanti powder was stored there, and each + explosion excited yells of rage among the Ashantis. Their general was + especially angry that two large war drums had been lost. So great was the + effect produced upon the Ashantis by the tremendous fire which the British + had poured into every bush and thicket as they advanced, that their + general thought it expedient to draw them off in the direction of his main + body instead of further disputing the way. + </p> + <p> + The English now turned off towards the coast, marching part of the way + through open country, part through a bush so dense that it was impossible + to make a flank attack upon them here. In such cases as this, when the + Ashantis know that an enemy is going to approach through a dense and + impassable forest, they cut paths through it parallel to that by which he + must advance and at a few yards' distance. Then, lying in ambush there, + they suddenly open fire upon him as he comes along. As no idea of the + coming of the English had been entertained they passed through the dense + thickets in single file unmolested. These native paths are very difficult + and unpleasant walking. The natives always walk in single file, and the + action of their feet, aided by that of the rain, often wears the paths + into a deep V-shaped rut, two feet in depth. Burning two or three villages + by the way the column reached the coast at a spot five miles from Elmina, + having marched nine miles. + </p> + <p> + As the Ashantis were known to be in force at the villages of Akimfoo and + Ampene, four miles farther, a party was taken on to this point. Akimfoo + was occupied without resistance, but the Ashantis fought hard in Ampene, + but were driven out of the town into the bush, from which the British + force was too small to drive them, and therefore returned to Elmina, + having marched twenty-two miles, a prodigious journey in such a climate + for heavily armed Europeans. The effect produced among the Ashantis by the + day's fighting was immense. All their theories that the white men could + not fight in the bush were roughly upset, and they found that his + superiority was as great there as it had been in the open. His heavy + bullets, even at the distance of some hundred yards, crashed through the + brush wood with deadly effect, while the slugs of the Ashantis would not + penetrate at a distance much exceeding fifty yards. + </p> + <p> + Ammon Quatia was profoundly depressed in spirits that evening. + </p> + <p> + “The white men who come to fight us,” he said, “are not like those who + come to trade. Who ever heard of their making long marches? Why, if they + go the shortest distances they are carried in hammocks. These men march as + well as my warriors. They have guns which shoot ten times as far as ours, + and never stop firing. They carry cannon with them, and have things which + fly through the air and scream, and set villages on fire and kill men. I + have never heard of such things before. What do you call them?” + </p> + <p> + “They are called rockets,” Frank said. + </p> + <p> + “What are they made of?” + </p> + <p> + “They are made of coarse powder mixed with other things, and rammed into + an iron case.” + </p> + <p> + “Could we not make some too?” the Ashanti general asked. + </p> + <p> + “No,” Frank replied. “At least, not without a knowledge of the things you + should mix with the powder, and of that I am ignorant. Besides, the + rockets require great skill in firing, otherwise they will sometimes come + back and kill the men who fire them.” + </p> + <p> + “Why did you not tell me that the white men could fight in the bush?” + </p> + <p> + “I told you that there would be a change when the new general came, and + that they would not any longer remain in their forts, but would come out + and attack you.” + </p> + <p> + A few days after this fight the Ashantis broke up their camp at Mampon, + twelve miles from Elmina, and moved eastward to join the body who were + encamped in the forest near Dunquah. + </p> + <p> + “I am going,” Ammon Quatia said to Frank, “to eat up Dunquah and Abra + Crampa. We shall do better this time. We know what the English guns can do + and shall not be surprised.” + </p> + <p> + With ten thousand men Ammon Quatia halted at the little village of + Asianchi, where there was a large clearing, which was speedily covered + with the little leafy bowers which the Ashantis run up at each halting + place. + </p> + <p> + Two days later Sir Garnet Wolseley with a strong force marched out from + Cape Coast to Abra Crampa, halting on the way for a night at Assaiboo, ten + miles from the town. On the same day the general sent orders to Colonel + Festing of the Marine Artillery, who commanded at Dunquah, to make a + reconnaissance into the forest from that place. In accordance with this + order Colonel Festing marched out with a gun and rocket apparatus under + Captain Rait, the Annamaboe contingent of a hundred and twenty men under + their king, directed by Captain Godwin, four hundred other Fantis under + Captain Broomhead, and a hundred men of the 2d West India regiment. After + a three mile march in perfect silence they came upon an Ashanti cutting + wood, and compelled him to act as guide. The path divided into three, and + the Annamaboes, who led the advance, when within a few yards of the camp, + gave a sudden cheer and rushed in. + </p> + <p> + The Ashantis, panic stricken at the sudden attack, fled instantly from the + camp into the bush. Sudden as was the scare Frank's guards did not forget + their duty, but seizing him dragged him off with them in their flight, by + the side of Ammon Quatia. The latter ordered the war drums to begin to + beat, and Frank was surprised at the quickness with which the Ashantis + recovered from their panic. In five minutes a tremendous fire was opened + from the whole circle of bush upon the camp. This stood on rising ground, + and the British force returned the fire with great rapidity and effect. + The Annamaboe men stood their ground gallantly, and the West Indians + fought with great coolness, keeping up a constant and heavy fire with + their Sniders. The Houssas, who had been trained as artillerymen, worked + their gun and rocket tube with great energy, yelling and whooping as each + round of grape or canister was fired into the bush, or each rocket whizzed + out. + </p> + <p> + Notwithstanding the heavy loss which they were suffering, the Ashantis + stood their ground most bravely. Their wild yells and the beating of their + drums never ceased, and only rose the louder as each volley of grape was + poured into them. They did not, however, advance beyond the shelter of + their bush, and, as the British were not strong enough to attack them + there, the duel of artillery and musketry was continued without cessation + for an hour and a half, and then Colonel Festing fell back unmolested to + Dunquah. + </p> + <p> + The Ashantis were delighted at the result of the fighting, heavy as their + loss had been. They had held their ground, and the British had not + ventured to attack them in the bush. + </p> + <p> + “You see,” Ammon Quatia said exultingly to Frank, “what I told you was + true. The white men cannot fight us in the bush. At Essarman the wood was + thin and gave but a poor cover. Here, you see, they dared not follow us.” + </p> + <p> + On the British side five officers and the King of Annamaboe were wounded, + and fifty-two of the men. None were killed, the distance from the bush to + the ground held by the English being too far for the Ashanti slugs to + inflict mortal wounds. + </p> + <p> + Ammon Quatia now began to meditate falling back upon the Prah—the + sick and wounded were already sent back—but he determined before + retiring to attack Abra Crampa, whose king had sided with us, and where an + English garrison had been posted. + </p> + <p> + On the 2d of November, however, Colonel Festing again marched out from + Dunquah with a hundred men of the 2d West India regiment, nine hundred + native allies, and some Houssas with rockets, under Lieutenant Wilmot, + towards the Ashanti camp. This time Ammon Quatia was not taken by + surprise. His scouts informed him of the approach of the column, and + moving out to meet them, he attacked them in the bush before they reached + the camp. Crouching among the trees the Ashantis opened a tremendous fire. + All the native allies, with the exception of a hundred, bolted at once, + but the remainder, with the Houssas and West Indians, behaved with great + steadiness and gallantry, and for two hours kept up a heavy Snider fire + upon their invisible foes. + </p> + <p> + Early in the fight Lieutenant Wilmot, while directing the rocket tube, + received a severe wound in the shoulder. He, however, continued at his + work till, just as the fight was ended, he was shot through the heart with + a bullet. Four officers were wounded as were thirteen men of the 2d West + India regiment. One of the natives was killed, fifty severely wounded, and + a great many slightly. After two hours' fighting Colonel Festing found the + Ashantis were working round to cut off his retreat, and therefore fell + back again on Dunquah. The conduct of the native levies here and in two or + three smaller reconnaisances was so bad that it was found that no further + dependence could be placed upon them, and, with the exception of the two + partly disciplined regiments under Colonel Wood and Major Russell, they + were in future treated as merely fit to act as carriers for the + provisions. + </p> + <p> + Although the second reconnaissance from Dunquah had, like the first, been + unsuccessful, its effect upon the Ashantis was very great. They had + themselves suffered great loss, while they could not see that any of their + enemies had been killed, for Lieutenant Wilmot's body had been carried + off. The rockets especially appalled them, one rocket having killed six, + four of whom were chiefs who were talking together. It was true that the + English had not succeeded in forcing their way through the bush, but if + every time they came out they were to kill large numbers without suffering + any loss themselves, they must clearly in the long run be victorious. + </p> + <p> + What the Ashantis did not see, and what Frank carefully abstained from + hinting to Ammon Quatia, was that if, instead of stopping and firing at a + distance beyond that which at their slugs were effective, they were to + charge down upon the English and fire their pieces when they reached + within a few yards of them, they would overpower them at once by their + enormous superiority of numbers. At ten paces distant a volley of slugs is + as effective as a Snider bullet, and the whole of the native troops would + have bolted the instant such a charge was made. In the open such tactics + might not be possible, as the Sniders could be discharged twenty times + before the English line was reached, but in the woods, where the two lines + were not more than forty or fifty yards apart, the Sniders could be fired + but once or at the utmost twice, while the assailants rushed across the + short intervening space. + </p> + <p> + Had the Ashantis adopted these tactics they could have crushed with ease + the little bands with which the English attacked them. But it is + characteristic of all savages that they can never be got to rush down upon + a foe who is prepared and well armed. A half dozen white men have been + known to keep a whole tribe of Red Indians at a distance on the prairie. + This, however, can be accounted for by the fact that the power of the + chiefs is limited, and that each Indian values his own life highly and + does not care to throw it away on a desperate enterprise. Among the + Ashantis, however, where the power of the chiefs is very great and where + human life is held of little account, it is singular that such tactics + should not have been adopted. + </p> + <p> + The Ashantis were now becoming thoroughly dispirited. Their sufferings had + been immense. Fever and hunger had made great ravages among them, and, + although now the wet season was over a large quantity of food could be + obtained in the forest, the losses which the white men's bullets, rockets, + and guns had inflicted upon them had broken their courage. The longing for + home became greater than ever, and had it not been that they knew that + troops stationed at the Prah would prevent any fugitives from crossing, + they would have deserted in large numbers. Already one of the divisions + had fallen back. + </p> + <p> + Ammon Quatia spent hours sitting at the door of his hut smoking and + talking to the other chiefs. Frank was often called into council, as Ammon + Quatia had conceived a high opinion of his judgment, which had proved + invariably correct so far. + </p> + <p> + “We are going,” he said one day, “to take Abra Crampa and to kill its + king, and then to fall back across the Prah.” + </p> + <p> + “I think you had better fall back at once,” Frank answered. “When you took + me with you to the edge of the clearing yesterday I saw that preparations + had been made for the defense, and that there were white troops there. You + will never carry the village. The English have thrown up breastworks of + earth, and they will lie behind these and shoot down your men as they come + out of the forest.” + </p> + <p> + “I must have one victory to report to the king if I can,” Ammon Quatia + said. “Then he can make peace if he chooses. The white men will not wish + to go on fighting. The Fantis are eager for peace and to return to their + villages. What do you think?” + </p> + <p> + “If it be true that white troops are coming out from England, as the Fanti + prisoners say,” Frank answered, “you will see that the English will not + make peace till they have crossed the Prah and marched to Coomassie. Your + king is always making trouble. You will see that this time the English + will not be content with your retiring, but will in turn invade Ashanti.” + </p> + <p> + Ammon Quatia and the chiefs laughed incredulously. + </p> + <p> + “They will not dare to cross the Prah,” Ammon Quatia said. “If they enter + Ashanti they will be eaten up.” + </p> + <p> + “They are not so easy to eat up,” Frank answered. “You have seen how a + hundred or two can fight against your whole army. What will it be when + they are in thousands? Your king has not been wise. It would be better for + him to send down at once and to make peace at any price.” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0020" id="link2HCH0020"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XX: THE WHITE TROOPS + </h2> + <p> + Two days later Frank was awoke by a sudden yell. He leaped from his bed of + boughs, seized his revolver, and rushing to the door, saw that a party of + some twenty men were attacking Ammon Quatia's hut. The two guards + stationed there had already been cut down. Frank shouted to his four + guards and Ostik to follow him. The guards had been standing irresolute, + not knowing what side to take, but the example of the young Englishman + decided them. They fired their muskets into the knot of natives, and then + charged sword in hand. Ostik drew the sword which he always carried and + followed close to his master's heels. Frank did not fire until within two + yards of the Ashantis. Then his revolver spoke out and six shots were + discharged, each with deadly effect. Then, catching up a musket which had + fallen from the hands of one of the men he had shot, he clubbed it and + fell upon the surprised and already hesitating conspirators. + </p> + <p> + These, fortunately for Frank, had not loaded their muskets. They had + intended to kill Ammon Quatia and then to disperse instantly before aid + could arrive, believing that with his death the order for retreat across + the Prah would at once be given. Several of them had been killed by the + slugs from the muskets of Frank's guard, and his pistol had completed + their confusion. The reports of the guns called up other troops, and these + came rushing in on all sides. Scarcely did Frank and his followers fall + upon the conspirators than they took to their heels and fled into the + wood. + </p> + <p> + Ammon Quatia himself, sword in hand, had just sprung to the door of the + hut prepared to sell his life dearly, when Frank's guard fired. The affair + was so momentary that he had hardly time to realize what had happened + before his assailants were in full flight. + </p> + <p> + “You have saved my life,” he said to Frank. “Had it not been for you I + must have been killed. You shall not find me ungrateful. When I have taken + Abra Crampa I will manage that you shall return to your friends. I dare + not let you go openly, for the king would not forgive me, and I shall have + enough to do already to pacify him when he hears how great have been our + losses. But rest content. I will manage it somehow.” + </p> + <p> + An hour afterwards Ammon Quatia gave orders that the army should move to + the attack of Abra Crampa. The place was held by a body of marines and + sailors, a hundred West Indians, and the native troops of the king. Major + Russell was in command. The village stood on rising ground, and was + surrounded for a distance of a hundred and fifty yards by a clearing. Part + of this consisted of patches of cultivated ground, the rest had been + hastily cleared by the defenders. At the upper end stood a church, and + this was converted into a stronghold. The windows were high up in the + walls, and a platform had been erected inside for the sailors to fire from + the windows, which were partially blocked with sandbags. The houses on the + outside of the village had all been loopholed, and had been connected by + breastworks of earth. Other defenses had been thrown up further back in + case the outworks should be carried. The mission house in the main street + and the huts which surrounded it formed, with the church, the last + strongholds. For two or three days the bush round the town had swarmed + with Ashantis, whose tomtoms could be heard by the garrison night and day. + </p> + <p> + Frank accompanied Ammon Quatia, and was therefore in the front, and had an + opportunity of seeing how the Ashantis commence an attack. The war drums + gave the signal, and when they ceased, ten thousand voices raised the war + song in measured cadence. The effect was very fine, rising as it did from + all parts of the forest. By this time the Ashantis had lined the whole + circle of wood round the clearing. Then three regular volleys were fired, + making, from the heavy charges used, a tremendous roar. + </p> + <p> + Scarcely had these ceased when the King of Abra, a splendid looking negro + standing nearly six feet four in height, stepped out from behind the + breastwork and shouted a taunting challenge to the Ashantis to come on. + They replied with a loud yell, and with the opening of a continuous fire + round the edge of the wood. On wall and roof of the village the slugs + pattered thickly; but the defenders were all in shelter, and in reply, + from breastwork and loophole, from the windows and roof of the church, the + answering Snider bullets flew out straight and deadly. Several times Ammon + Quatia tried to get his men to make a rush. The war drums beat, the great + horns sounded, and the men shouted, but each time the English bullets flew + so thick and deadly into the wood wherever the sound rose loudest that the + Ashantis' heart failed them, and they could not be got to make the rush + across the hundred yards of cleared ground. + </p> + <p> + At five o'clock the fire slackened, but shortly after dark the attack + recommenced. The moon was up and full. Frank feared that the Ashantis + would try and crawl a part of the distance across the clearing and then + make a sudden rush; but they appeared to have no idea of a silent attack. + Several times, indeed, they gathered and rushed forward in large bodies, + but each time their shouting and drums gave warning to the besieged, and + so tremendous a fire was opened upon them when they emerged from the + shadow of the trees into the moonlight, that each time they fell back + leaving the ground strewn with dead. Till midnight the attack was + continued, then the Ashantis fell back to their camp. + </p> + <p> + At Accroful, a village on the main road some four miles distant, the + attack had been heard, and a messenger sent off to Cape Coast to inform + Sir Garnet Wolseley. + </p> + <p> + In the morning fifty men of the 2d West India regiment marched from + Accroful into Abra Crampa without molestation. Later on some Abra scouts + approached the Ashanti camp and shouted tauntingly to know when the + Ashantis were coming into Abra Crampa. + </p> + <p> + They shouted in return, “After breakfast,” and soon afterwards, a rocket + fired from the roof of the church falling into the camp, they again + sallied out and attacked. It was a repetition of the fight of the day + before. Several times Major Russell withheld his fire altogether, but the + Ashantis could not be tempted to show in force beyond the edge of the + wood. So inspirited were the defenders that they now made several sorties + and penetrated some distance into the wood. + </p> + <p> + At eight in the morning Sir Garnet Wolseley had marched from Cape Coast + with three hundred marines and blue jackets to the relief of the position, + but so tremendous was the heat that nearly half the men fell exhausted by + the way, and were ordered when they recovered to march back to Cape Coast. + The remainder, when they arrived at Assaibo, five miles from Abra Crampa, + were so utterly exhausted that a long halt was necessary, although a faint + but continuous fire could be heard from the besieged place. + </p> + <p> + Chocolate and cold preserved meat were served out to the men, and in the + course of another three hours a large number of the stragglers came in. At + three o'clock, a hundred of the most exhausted men being left to hold the + village, the rest of the force with the fifty West Indians stationed there + marched forward to Buteana, where they were joined by fifty more men from + Accroful. Just as they started from this place they met the King of Abra, + who had come out with a small body of warriors; from him Sir Garnet + learned that this road, which wound round and came in at the back of Abra + Crampa, was still open. + </p> + <p> + The Ashantis were too busy with their own operations to watch the path, + and the relieving force entered the place without firing a shot. The + firing round the town continued, but Ammon Quatia, when he saw the + reinforcements enter, at once began to fall back with the main body of his + troops, and although the firing was kept up all night, when the besieged + in the morning advanced to attack the Ashanti camp they found it + altogether deserted. + </p> + <p> + “It is of no use,” the Ashanti general said to Frank. “My men cannot fight + in the open against the English guns. Besides, they do not know what they + are fighting for here; but if your general should ever cross the Prah you + will find it different. There are forests all the way to Coomassie, as you + know, and the men will be fighting in defense of their own country, you + will see what we shall do then. And now I will keep my promise to you. + Tonight your guards will go to sleep. I shall have medicine given them + which will make them sleep hard. One of the Fanti prisoners will come to + your hut and will guide you through the woods to Assaiboo. Goodbye, my + friend. Ammon Quatia has learnt that some of the white men are good and + honest, and he will never forget that he owes his life to you. Take this + in remembrance of Ammon Quatia.” + </p> + <p> + And he presented Frank with a necklace composed of nuggets of gold as big + as walnuts and weighing nearly twenty pounds. + </p> + <p> + Frank in return gave the general the only article of value which he now + possessed, his revolver and tin box of cartridges, telling him that he + hoped he would never use it against the English, but that it might be of + value to him should he ever again have trouble with his own men. Frank + made a parcel of the necklace and of the gold he had received from the + king for his goods, and warned Ostik to hold himself in readiness for + flight. The camp was silent although the roar of musketry a few hundred + yards off round Abra Crampa continued unbroken. For some time Frank heard + his guards pacing outside, and occasionally speaking to each other. Then + these sounds ceased and all was quiet. Presently the front of the tent was + opened and a voice said, “Come, all is ready.” + </p> + <p> + Frank came out and looked round. The Ashanti camp was deserted. Ammon + Quatia had moved away with the main body of his troops, although the + musketry fire round the village was kept up. A Fanti stood at the door of + the hut with Ostik. The four guards were sleeping quietly. Noiselessly the + little party stole away. A quarter of an hour later they struck the path, + and an hour's walking brought them to Assaiboo. Not an Ashanti was met + with along the path, but Frank hardly felt that he was safe until he heard + the challenge of “Who goes there?” from an English sentry. A few minutes + later he was taken before Captain Bradshaw, R. N., who commanded the + sailors and marines who had been left there. Very hearty was the greeting + which the young Englishman received from the genial sailor, and a bowl of + soup and a glass of grog were soon set before him. + </p> + <p> + His arrival created quite a sensation, and for some hours he sat talking + with the officers, while Ostik was an equal subject of curiosity among the + sailors. The news that the Ashanti army was in full retreat relieved the + garrison of the place from all further fear of attack, and Frank went to + sleep before morning, and was only roused at noon when a messenger arrived + with the news that the Ashanti camp had been found deserted, and that the + road in its rear was found to be strewn with chairs, clothes, pillows, + muskets, and odds and ends of every description. Few Ashanti prisoners had + been taken, but a considerable number of Fantis, who had been prisoners + among them, had come in, having escaped in the confusion of the retreat. + Among these were many women, several of whom had been captured when the + Ashantis had first crossed the Prah ten months before. In the afternoon + Sir Garnet Wolseley, with the greater portion of the force from Abra + Crampa, marched in, and Frank was introduced by Captain Bradshaw to the + general. As the latter was anxious to press on at once to Cape Coast, in + order that the sailors and marines might sleep on board ship that night, + he asked Frank to accompany him, and on the road heard the story of his + adventures. He invited him to sleep for the night at Government House, an + invitation which Frank accepted; but he slept worse than he had done for a + long time. It was now nearly two years since he had landed in Africa, and + during all that time he had slept, covered with a rug, on the canvas of + his little camp bed. The complete change, the stillness and security, and, + above all, the novelty of a bed with sheets, completely banished sleep, + and it was not until morning was dawning that, wrapping himself in a rug, + and lying on the ground, he was able to get a sleep. In the morning at + breakfast Sir Garnet asked him what he intended to do, and said that if he + were in no extreme hurry to return to England he could render great + services as guide to the expedition, which would start for Coomassie as + soon as the white troops arrived. Frank had already thought the matter + over. He had had more than enough of Africa, but two or three months + longer would make no difference, and he felt that his knowledge of the + Ashanti methods of war, of the country to be traversed, the streams to be + crossed, and the points at which the Ashantis would probably make a stand, + would enable him to render really valuable assistance to the army. He + therefore told Sir Garnet Wolseley that he had no particular business + which called him urgently back, and that he was willing to guide the army + to Coomassie. He at once had quarters as an officer assigned to him in the + town, with rations for himself and servant. + </p> + <p> + His first step was to procure English garments, for although he had before + starting laid aside his Ashanti costume, and put on that he had before + worn, his clothes were now so travel worn as to be scarce wearable. He had + no difficulty in doing this. Many of the officers were already invalided + home, and one who was just sailing was glad to dispose of his uniform, + which consisted of a light brown Norfolk shooting jacket, knickerbockers, + and helmet, as these would be of no use to him in England. + </p> + <p> + Frank's next step was to go to the agent of Messrs. Swanzy, the principal + African merchants of the coast. This gentleman readily cashed one of the + orders on the African bank which Mr. Goodenough had, before his death, + handed over to Frank, and the latter proceeded to discharge the long + arrears of wages owing to Ostik, adding, besides, a handsome present. He + offered to allow his faithful servant to depart to join his family on the + Gaboon at once, should he wish to do so, but Ostik declared that he would + remain with him as long as he stopped in Africa. On Frank's advice, + however, he deposited his money, for safe keeping, with Messrs. Swanzy's + agent, with orders to transmit it to his family should anything happen to + him during the expedition. + </p> + <p> + Three days later Frank was attacked by fever, the result of the reaction + after so many dangers. He was at once sent on board the Simoon, which had + been established as a hospital ship; but the attack was a mild one, and in + a few days, thanks to the sea air, and the attention and nursing which he + received, he was convalescent. As soon as the fever passed away, and he + was able to sit on deck and enjoy the sea breezes, he had many visits from + the officers of the ships of war. Among these was the captain of the Decoy + gunboat. + </p> + <p> + After chatting with Frank for some time the officer said: “I am going down + the coast as far as the mouth of the Volta, where Captain Glover is + organizing another expedition. You will not be wanted on shore just at + present, and a week's rest will do you good; what do you say to coming + down with me—it will give you a little change and variety?” + </p> + <p> + Frank accepted the invitation with pleasure. An hour later the Decoy's + boat came alongside, and Frank took his place on board it, Ostik following + with his clothes. An hour later the Decoy got up her anchor and steamed + down the coast. It was delightful to Frank, sitting in a large wicker work + chair in the shade of the awning, watching the distant shore and chatting + with the officers. He had much to hear of what had taken place in England + since he left, and they on their part were equally eager to learn about + the road along which they would have to march—at least those of them + who were fortunate enough to be appointed to the naval brigade—and + the wonders of the barbarian capital. The Decoy was not fast, about six + knots being her average pace of steaming; however, no one was in a hurry; + there would be nothing to do until the troops arrived from England; and to + all, a trip down the coast was a pleasant change after the long monotony + of rolling at anchor. For some distance from Cape Coast the shore was + flat, but further on the country became hilly. Some of the undulations + reached a considerable height, the highest, Mamquady, being over two + thousand feet. + </p> + <p> + “That ought to be a very healthy place,” Frank said. “I should think that + a sanatorium established there would be an immense boon to the whites all + along the coasts.” + </p> + <p> + “One would think so,” an officer replied “but I'm told that those hills + are particularly unhealthy. That fellow you see jutting out is said to be + extremely rich in gold. Over and over again parties have been formed to + dig there, but they have always suffered so terribly from fever that they + have had to relinquish the attempt. The natives suffer as well as the + whites. I believe that the formation is granite, the surface of which is + much decomposed; and it is always found here that the turning up of ground + that has not been disturbed for many years is extremely unhealthy, and + decomposing granite possesses some element particularly obnoxious to + health. The natives, of course, look upon the mountain as a fetish, and + believe that an evil spirit guards it. The superstition of the negroes is + wonderful, and at Accra they are, if possible, more superstitious than + anywhere else. Every one believes that every malady under the sun is + produced by fetish, and that some enemy is casting spells upon them.” + </p> + <p> + “There is more in it than you think,” the doctor joined in; “although it + is not spells, but poison, which they use against each other. The use of + poison is carried to an incredible extent here. I have not been much on + shore; but the medical men, both civilian and military, who have been here + any time are convinced that a vast number of the deaths that take place + are due to poison. The fetish men and women who are the vendors of these + drugs keep as a profound secret their origin and nature, but it is certain + that many of them are in point of secrecy and celerity equal to those of + the middle ages.” + </p> + <p> + “I wonder that the doctors have never discovered what plants they get them + from,” Frank said. + </p> + <p> + “Some of them have tried to do so,” the doctor replied; “but have + invariably died shortly after commencing their experiments; it is believed + they have been poisoned by the fetish men in order to prevent their + secrets being discovered.” + </p> + <p> + The hours passed pleasurably. The beautiful neatness and order prevailing + on board a man of war were specially delightful to Frank after the rough + life he had so long led, and the silence and discipline of the men + presented an equally strong contrast to the incessant chattering and noise + kept up by the niggers. + </p> + <p> + The next morning the ship was off Accra. Here the scenery had entirely + changed. The hills had receded, and a wide and slightly undulating plain + extended to their feet, some twelve miles back. The captain was going to + land, as he had some despatches for the colony, and he invited Frank to + accompany him. They did not, as Frank expected, land in a man of war's + boat, but in a surf boat, which, upon their hoisting a signal, came out to + them. These surf boats are large and very wide and flat. They are paddled + by ten or twelve negroes, who sit upon the gunwale. These men work + vigorously, and the boats travel at a considerable pace. Each boat has a + stroke peculiar to itself. Some paddle hard for six strokes and then easy + for an equal number. Some will take two or three hard and then one easy. + The steersman stands in the stern and steers with an oar. He or one of the + crew keeps up a monotonous song, to which the crew reply in chorus, always + in time with their paddling. + </p> + <p> + The surf is heavy at Accra and Frank held his breath, as, after waiting + for a favorable moment, the steersman gave the sign and the boat darted in + at lightning speed on the top of a great wave, and ran up on the beach in + the midst of a whirl of white foam. + </p> + <p> + While the captain went up to Government House, Frank, accompanied by one + of the young officers who had also come ashore, took a stroll through the + town. The first thing that struck him was the extraordinary number of + pigs. These animals pervaded the whole place. They fed in threes and fours + in the middle of the streets. They lay everywhere in the road, across the + doors, and against the walls. They quarreled energetically inside lanes + and courtyards, and when worsted in their disputes galloped away grunting, + careless whom they might upset. The principal street of Accra was an + amusing sight. Some effort had been made to keep it free of the filth and + rubbish which everywhere else abounded. Both sides were lined by salesmen + and women sitting on little mats upon the low wooden stools used as seats + in Africa. The goods were contained in wooden trays. Here were dozens of + women offering beads for sale of an unlimited variety of form and hue. + They varied from the tiny opaque beads of all colors used by English + children for their dolls, to great cylindrical beads of variegated hues as + long and as thick as the joint of a finger. The love of the Africans for + beads is surprising. The women wear them round the wrists, the neck, and + the ankles. The occupation of threading the little beads is one of their + greatest pleasures. The threads used are narrow fibers of palm leaves, + which are very strong. The beads, however, are of unequal sizes, and no + African girl who has any respect for her personal appearance will put on a + string of beads until she has, with great pains and a good deal of skill, + rubbed them with sand and water until all the projecting beads are ground + down, and the whole are perfectly smooth and even. + </p> + <p> + Next in number to the dealers in beads were those who sold calico, or, as + it is called in Africa, cloth, and gaudily colored kerchiefs for the head. + These three articles—beads, cotton cloth, and colored handkerchiefs—complete + the list of articles required for the attire and adornment of males and + females in Africa. Besides these goods, tobacco, in dried leaves, short + clay pipes, knives, small looking glasses, and matches were offered for + sale. The majority of the saleswomen, however, were dealers in eatables, + dried fish, smoked fish, canki—which is a preparation of ground corn + wrapped up in palm leaves in the shape of paste—eggs, fowls, kids, + cooked meats in various forms, stews, boiled pork, fried knobs of meat, + and other native delicacies, besides an abundance of seeds, nuts, and + other vegetable productions. + </p> + <p> + After walking for some time through the streets Frank and his companions + returned to the boat, where, half an hour later, the captain joined them, + and, putting off to the Decoy, they continued the voyage down the coast. + </p> + <p> + The next morning they weighed anchor off Addah, a village at the mouth of + the Volta. They whistled for a surf boat, but it was some time before one + put out. When she was launched it was doubtful whether she would be able + to make her way through the breaking water. The surf was much heavier here + than it had been at Accra, and each wave threw the boat almost + perpendicularly into the air, so that only a few feet of the end of the + keel touched the water. Still she struggled on, although so long was she + in getting through the surf that those on board the ship thought several + times that she must give it up as impracticable. At last, however, she got + through; the paddlers waited for a minute to recover from their exertions, + and then made out to the Decoy. None of the officers had ever landed here, + and several of them obtained leave to accompany the captain on shore. + Frank was one of the party. After what they had seen of the difficulty + which the boat had in getting out, all looked somewhat anxiously at the + surf as they approached the line where the great smooth waves rolled over + and broke into boiling foam. The steersman stood upon the seat in the + stern, in one hand holding his oar, in the other his cap. For some time he + stood half turned round, looking attentively seaward, while the boat lay + at rest just outside the line of breakers. Suddenly he waved his cap and + gave a shout. It was answered by the crew. Every man dashed his paddle + into the water. Desperately they rowed, the steersman encouraging them by + wild yells. A gigantic wave rolled in behind the boat, and looked for a + moment as if she would break into it, but she rose on it just as it turned + over, and for an instant was swept along amidst a cataract of white foam, + with the speed of an arrow. The next wave was a small one, and ere a third + reached it the boat grounded on the sand. A dozen men rushed out into the + water. The passengers threw themselves anyhow on to their backs, and in a + minute were standing perfectly dry upon the beach. + </p> + <p> + They learned that Captain Glover's camp was half a mile distant, and at + once set out for it. Upon the way up to the camp they passed hundreds of + negroes, who had arrived in the last day or two, and had just received + their arms. Some were squatted on the ground cooking and resting + themselves. Others were examining their new weapons, oiling and removing + every spot of rust, and occasionally loading and firing them off. The + balls whizzed through the air in all directions. The most stringent orders + had been given forbidding this dangerous nuisance; but nothing can repress + the love of negroes for firing off guns. There were large numbers of women + among them; these had acted as carriers on their journey to the camp; for + among the coast tribes, as among the Ashantis, it is the proper thing when + the warriors go out on the warpath, that the women should not permit them + to carry anything except their guns until they approach the neighborhood + of the enemy. + </p> + <p> + The party soon arrived at the camp, which consisted of some bell tents and + the little huts of a few hundred natives. This, indeed, was only the place + where the latter were first received and armed, and they were then sent up + the river in the steamboat belonging to the expedition, to the great camp + some thirty miles higher. + </p> + <p> + The expedition consisted only of some seven or eight English officers. + Captain Glover of the royal navy was in command, with Mr. Goldsworthy and + Captain Sartorius as his assistants. There were four other officers, two + doctors, and an officer of commissariat. This little body had the whole + work of drilling and keeping in order some eight or ten thousand men. They + were generals, colonels, sergeants, quartermasters, storekeepers, and + diplomatists, all at once, and from daybreak until late at night were + incessantly at work. There were at least a dozen petty kings in camp, all + of whom had to be kept in a good temper, and this was by no means the + smallest of Captain Glover's difficulties, as upon the slightest ground + for discontent each of these was ready at once to march away with his + followers. The most reliable portion of Captain Glover's force were some + 250 Houssas, and as many Yorabas. In addition to all their work with the + native allies, the officers of the expedition had succeeded in drilling + both these bodies until they had obtained a very fair amount of + discipline. + </p> + <p> + After strolling through the camp the visitors went to look on at the + distribution of arms and accouterments to a hundred freshly arrived + natives. They were served out with blue smocks, made of serge, and blue + nightcaps, which had the result of transforming a fine looking body of + natives, upright in carriage, and graceful in their toga-like attire, into + a set of awkward looking, clumsy negroes. A haversack, water bottle, + belts, cap pouch, and ammunition pouch, were also handed to each to their + utter bewilderment, and it was easy to foresee that at the end of the + first day's march the whole of these, to them utterly useless articles, + would be thrown aside. They brightened up, however, when the guns were + delivered to them. The first impulse of each was to examine his piece + carefully, to try its balance by taking aim at distant objects, then to + carefully rub off any little spot of rust that could be detected, lastly + to take out the ramrod and let it fall into the barrel, to judge by the + ring whether it was clean inside. + </p> + <p> + Thence the visitors strolled away to watch a number of Houssas in hot + pursuit of some bullocks, which were to be put on board the steamers and + taken up the river to the great camp. These had broken loose in the night, + and the chase was an exciting one. Although some fifty or sixty men were + engaged in the hunt it took no less than four hours to capture the + requisite number, and seven Houssas were more or less injured by the + charges of the desperate little animals, which possessed wonderful + strength and endurance, although no larger than moderate sized donkeys. + They were only captured at last by hoops being thrown over their horns, + and even when thrown down required the efforts of five or six men to tie + them. They were finally got to the wharf by two men each: one went ahead + with the rope attached to the animal's horn, the other kept behind, + holding a rope fastened to one of the hind legs. Every bull made the most + determined efforts to get at the man in front, who kept on at a run, the + animal being checked when it got too close by the man behind pulling at + its hind leg. When it turned to attack him the man in front again pulled + at his rope. So most of them were brought down to the landing place, and + there with great difficulty again thrown down, tied, and carried bodily on + board. Some of them were so unmanageable that they had to be carried all + the way down to the landing place. If English cattle possessed the + strength and obstinate fury of these little animals, Copenhagen Fields + would have to be removed farther from London, or the entrance swept by + machine guns, for a charge of the cattle would clear the streets of + London. + </p> + <p> + After spending an amusing day on shore, the party returned on board ship. + Captain Glover's expedition, although composed of only seven or eight + English officers and costing the country comparatively nothing, + accomplished great things, but its doings were almost ignored by England. + Crossing the river they completely defeated the native tribes there, who + were in alliance with the Ashantis, after some hard fighting, and thus + prevented an invasion of our territory on that side. In addition to this + they pushed forward into the interior and absolutely arrived at Coomassie + two days after Sir Garnet Wolseley. + </p> + <p> + It is true that the attention of the Ashantis was so much occupied by the + advance of the white force that they paid but little attention to that + advancing from the Volta; but none the less is the credit due to the + indomitable perseverance and the immensity of the work accomplished by + Captain Glover and his officers. Alone and single handed, they overcame + all the enormous difficulties raised by the apathy, indolence, and self + importance of the numerous petty chiefs whose followers constituted the + army, infused something of their own spirit among their followers, and + persuaded them to march without white allies against the hitherto + invincible army of the Ashantis. Not a tithe of the credit due to them has + been given to the officers of this little force. + </p> + <p> + Captain Glover invited his visitors to pass the night on shore, offering + to place a tent at their disposal; but the mosquitoes are so numerous and + troublesome along the swampy shore of the Volta that the invitations were + declined, and the whole party returned on board the Decoy. Next day the + anchor was hove and the ship's head turned to the west; and two days + later, after a pleasant and uneventful voyage, she was again off Cape + Coast, and Frank, taking leave of his kind entertainers, returned on shore + and reported himself as ready to perform any duty that might be assigned + to him. + </p> + <p> + Until the force advanced, he had nothing to do, and spent a good deal of + his time watching the carriers starting with provisions for the Prah, and + the doings of the negroes. + </p> + <p> + The order had now been passed by the chiefs at a meeting called by Sir + Garnet, that every able bodied man should work as a carrier, and while + parties of men were sent to the villages round to fetch in people thence, + hunts took place in Cape Coast itself. Every negro found in the streets + was seized by the police; protestation, indignation, and resistance, were + equally in vain. An arm or the loin cloth was firmly griped, and the + victim was run into the castle yard, amid the laughter of the lookers on, + who consisted, after the first quarter of an hour, of women only. Then the + search began in the houses, the chiefs indicating the localities in which + men were likely to be found. Some police were set to watch outside while + others went in to search. The women would at once deny that anyone was + there, but a door was pretty sure to be found locked, and upon this being + broken open the fugitive would be found hiding under a pile of clothes or + mats. Sometimes he would leap through the windows, sometimes take to the + flat roof, and as the houses join together in the most confused way the + roofs offered immense facilities for escape, and most lively chases took + place. + </p> + <p> + No excuses or pretences availed. A man seen limping painfully along the + street would, after a brief examination of his leg to see if there was any + external mark which would account for the lameness, be sent at a round + trot down the road, amid peals of laughter from the women and girls + looking on. + </p> + <p> + The indignation of some of the men thus seized, loaded and sent up country + under a strong escort, was very funny, and their astonishment in some + cases altogether unfeigned. Small shopkeepers who had never supposed that + they would be called upon to labor for the defense of their freedom and + country, found themselves with a barrel of pork upon their heads and a + policeman with a loaded musket by their side proceeding up country for an + indefinite period. A school teacher was missing, and was found to have + gone up with a case of ammunition. Casual visitors from down the coast had + their stay prolonged. + </p> + <p> + Lazy Sierra Leone men, discharged by their masters for incurable idleness, + and living doing nothing, earning nothing, kept by the kindness of friends + and the aid of an occasional petty theft, found themselves, in spite of + the European cut of their clothes, groaning under the weight of cases of + preserved provisions. + </p> + <p> + Everywhere the town was busy and animated, but it was in the castle + courtyard Frank found most amusement. Here of a morning a thousand negroes + would be gathered, most of them men sent down from Dunquah, forming part + of our native allied army. Their costumes were various but scant, their + colors all shades of brown up to the deepest black. Their faces were all + in a grin of amusement. The noise of talking and laughing was immense. All + were squatted upon the ground, in front of each was a large keg labelled + “pork.” Among them moved two or three commissariat officers in gray + uniforms. At the order, “Now then, off with you,” the negroes would rise, + take off their cloths, wrap them into pads, lift the barrels on to their + heads, and go off at a brisk pace; the officer perhaps smartening up the + last to leave with a cut with his stick, which would call forth a scream + of laughter from all the others. + </p> + <p> + When all the men had gone, the turn of the women came, and of these two or + three hundred, who had been seated chattering and laughing against the + walls, would now come forward and stoop to pick up the bags of biscuit + laid out for them. Their appearance was most comical when they stooped to + their work, their prodigious bustles forming an apex. At least two out of + every three had babies seated on these bustles, kept firm against their + backs by the cloth tightly wrapped round the mother's body. But from the + attitudes of the mothers the position was now reversed, the little black + heads hanging downwards upon the dark brown backs of the women. These were + always in the highest state of good temper, often indulging when not at + work in a general dance, and continually singing, and clapping their + hands. + </p> + <p> + After the women had been got off three or four hundred boys and girls, of + from eleven to fourteen years old, would start with small kegs of rice or + meat weighing from twenty-five to thirty-five pounds. These small kegs had + upon their first arrival been a cause of great bewilderment and annoyance + to the commissariat officers, for no man or woman, unless by profession a + juggler, could balance two long narrow barrels on the head. At last the + happy idea struck an officer of the department that the children of the + place might be utilized for the purpose. No sooner was it known that boys + and girls could get half men's wages for carrying up light loads, than + there was a perfect rush of the juvenile population. Three hundred applied + the first morning, four hundred the next. The glee of the youngsters was + quite exuberant. All were accustomed to carry weights, such as great jars + of water and baskets of yams, far heavier than those they were now called + to take up the country; and the novel pleasure of earning money and of + enjoying an expedition up the country delighted them immensely. + </p> + <p> + Bullocks were now arriving from other parts of the coast, and although + these would not live for any time at Cape Coast, it was thought they would + do so long enough to afford the expedition a certain quantity of fresh + meat; Australian meat, and salt pork, though valuable in their way, being + poor food to men whose appetites are enfeebled by heat and exhaustion. + </p> + <p> + It was not till upwards of six weeks after the fight at Abra Crampa that + the last of the Ashanti army crossed the Prah. When arriving within a + short distance of that river they had been met by seven thousand fresh + troops, who had been sent by the king with orders that they were not to + return until they had driven the English into the sea. Ammon Quatia's + army, however, although still, from the many reinforcements it had + received, nearly twenty thousand strong, positively refused to do any more + fighting until they had been home and rested, and their tales of the + prowess of the white troops so checked the enthusiasm of the newcomers, + that these decided to return with the rest. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0021" id="link2HCH0021"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XXI: THE ADVANCE TO THE PRAH + </h2> + <p> + A large body of natives were now kept at work on the road up to the Prah. + The swamps were made passable by bundles of brushwood thrown into them, + the streams were bridged and huts erected for the reception of the white + troops. These huts were constructed of bamboo, the beds being made of + lattice work of the same material, and were light and cool. + </p> + <p> + On the 9th of December the Himalaya and Tamar arrived, having on board the + 23d Regiment, a battalion of the Rifle Brigade, a battery of artillery, + and a company of engineers. On the 18th, the Surmatian arrived with the + 42d. All these ships were sent off for a cruise, with orders to return on + the 1st of January, when the troops were to be landed. A large number of + officers arrived a few days later to assist in the organization of the + transport corps. + </p> + <p> + Colonel Wood and Major Russell were by this time on the Prah with their + native regiments. These were formed principally of Houssas, Cossoos, and + men of other fighting Mahomedan tribes who had been brought down the + coast, together with companies from Bonny and some of the best of the + Fantis. The rest of the Fanti forces had been disbanded, as being utterly + useless for fighting purposes, and had been turned into carriers. + </p> + <p> + On the 26th of December Frank started with the General's staff for the + front. The journey to the Prah was a pleasant one. The stations had been + arranged at easy marches from each other. At each of these, six huts for + the troops, each capable of holding seventy men, had been built, together + with some smaller huts for officers. Great filters formed of iron tanks + with sand and charcoal at the bottom, the invention of Captain Crease, + R.M.A., stood before the huts, with tubs at which the native bearers could + quench their thirst. Along by the side of the road a single telegraph wire + was supported on bamboos fifteen feet long. + </p> + <p> + Passing through Assaiboo they entered the thick bush. The giant cotton + trees had now shed their light feathery foliage, resembling that of an + acacia, and the straight, round, even trunks looked like the skeletons of + some giant or primeval vegetation rising above the sea of foliage below. + White lilies, pink flowers of a bulbous plant, clusters of yellow acacia + blossoms, occasionally brightened the roadside, and some of the old + village clearings were covered with a low bush bearing a yellow blossom, + and convolvuli white, buff, and pink. The second night the party slept at + Accroful, and the next day marched through Dunquah. This was a great store + station, but the white troops were not to halt there. It had been a large + town, but the Ashantis had entirely destroyed it, as well as every other + village between the Prah and the coast. Every fruit tree in the clearing + had also been destroyed, and at Dunquah they had even cut down a great + cotton tree which was looked upon as a fetish by the Fantis. It had taken + them seven days' incessant work to overthrow this giant of the forest. + </p> + <p> + The next halting place was Yancoomassie. When approaching Mansue the + character of the forest changed. The undergrowth disappeared and the high + trees grew thick and close. The plantain, which furnishes an abundant + supply of fruit to the natives and had sustained the Ashanti army during + its stay south of the Prah, before abundant, extended no further. Mansue + stood, like other native villages, on rising ground, but the heavy rains + which still fell every day and the deep swamps around rendered it a most + unhealthy station. + </p> + <p> + Beyond Mansue the forest was thick and gloomy. There was little + undergrowth, but a perfect wilderness of climbers clustered round the + trees, twisting in a thousand fantastic windings, and finally running down + to the ground, where they took fresh root and formed props to the dead + tree their embrace had killed. Not a flower was to be seen, but ferns grew + by the roadside in luxuriance. Butterflies were scarce, but dragonflies + darted along like sparks of fire. The road had the advantage of being + shady and cool, but the heavy rain and traffic had made it everywhere + slippery, and in many places inches deep in mud, while all the efforts of + the engineers and working parties had failed to overcome the swamps. + </p> + <p> + It was a relief to the party when they emerged from the forests into the + little clearings where villages had once stood, for the gloom and quiet of + the great forest weighed upon the spirits. The monotonous too too of the + doves—not a slow dreamy cooing like that of the English variety, but + a sharp quick note repeated in endless succession—alone broke the + hush. The silence, the apparently never ending forest, the monotony of + rank vegetation, the absence of a breath of wind to rustle a leaf, were + most oppressive, and the feeling was not lessened by the dampness and + heaviness of the air, and the malarious exhalation and smell of decaying + vegetation arising from the swamps. + </p> + <p> + Sootah was the station beyond Mansue, beyond this Assin and Barracoo. + Beyond Sootah the odors of the forest became much more unpleasant, for at + Fazoo they passed the scene of the conflict between Colonel Wood's + regiment and the retiring Ashantis. In the forest beyond this were the + remains of a great camp of the enemy's, which extended for miles, and + hence to the Prah large numbers of Ashantis had dropped by the way or had + crawled into the forest to die, smitten by disease or rifle balls. + </p> + <p> + There was a general feeling of pleasure as the party emerged from the + forest into the large open camp at Prahsue. This clearing was twenty acres + in extent, and occupied an isthmus formed by a loop of the river. The 2d + West Indians were encamped here, and huts had been erected under the shade + of some lofty trees for the naval brigade. In the center was a great + square. On one side were the range of huts for the general and his staff. + Two sides of the square were formed by the huts for the white troops. On + the fourth was the hospital, the huts for the brigadier and his staff, and + the post office. Upon the river bank beyond the square were the tents of + the engineers and Rait's battery of artillery, and the camps of Wood's and + Russell's regiments. The river, some seventy yards wide, ran round three + sides of the camp thirty feet below its level. + </p> + <p> + The work which the engineers had accomplished was little less than + marvelous. Eighty miles of road had been cut and cleared, every stream, + however insignificant, had been bridged, and attempts made to corduroy + every swamp. This would have been no great feat through a soft wood forest + with the aid of good workmen. Here, however, the trees were for the most + part of extremely hard wood, teak and mahogany forming the majority. The + natives had no idea of using an axe. Their only notion of felling a tree + was to squat down beside it and give it little hacking chops with a large + knife or a sabre. + </p> + <p> + With such means and such men as these the mere work of cutting and making + the roads and bridging the streams was enormous. But not only was this + done but the stations were all stockaded, and huts erected for the + reception of four hundred and fifty men and officers, and immense + quantities of stores, at each post. Major Home, commanding the engineers, + was the life and soul of the work, and to him more than any other man was + the expedition indebted for its success. He was nobly seconded by Buckle, + Bell, Mann, Cotton, Skinner, Bates and Jeykyll, officers of his own corps, + and by Hearle of the marines, and Hare of the 22d, attached to them. Long + before daylight his men were off to their work, long after nightfall they + returned utterly exhausted to camp. + </p> + <p> + Upon the 1st of January, 1874, Sir Garnet Wolseley, with his staff, among + whom Frank was now reckoned, reached the Prah. During the eight days which + elapsed before the white troops came up Frank found much to amuse him. The + engineers were at work, aided by the sailors of the naval brigade, which + arrived two days after the general, in erecting a bridge across the Prah. + The sailors worked, stripped to the waist, in the muddy water of the + river, which was about seven feet deep in the middle. When tired of + watching these he would wander into the camp of the native regiments, and + chat with the men, whose astonishment at finding a young Englishman able + to converse in their language, for the Fanti and Ashanti dialects differ + but little, was unbounded. Sometimes he would be sent for to headquarters + to translate to Captain Buller, the head of the intelligence department, + the statements of prisoners brought in by the scouts, who, under Lord + Gifford, had penetrated many miles beyond the Prah. + </p> + <p> + Everywhere these found dead bodies by the side of the road, showing the + state to which the Ashanti army was reduced in its retreat. The prisoners + brought in were unanimous in saying that great uneasiness had been + produced at Coomassie by the news of the advance of the British to the + Prah. The king had written to Ammon Quatia, severely blaming him for his + conduct of the campaign, and for the great loss of life among his army. + </p> + <p> + All sorts of portents were happening at Coomassie, to the great + disturbance of the mind of the people. Some of those related singularly + resembled those said to have occurred before the capture of Rome by the + Goths. An aerolite had fallen in the marketplace of Coomassie, and, still + more strange, a child was born which was at once able to converse + fluently. This youthful prodigy was placed in a room by itself, with + guards around it to prevent anyone having converse with the supernatural + visitant. In the morning, however, it was gone, and in its place was found + a bundle of dead leaves. The fetish men having been consulted declared + that this signified that Coomassie itself would disappear, and would + become nothing but a bundle of dead leaves. This had greatly exercised the + credulous there. + </p> + <p> + Two days after his arrival Frank went down at sunset to bathe in the + river. He had just reached the bank when he heard a cry among some white + soldiers bathing there, and was just in time to see one of them pulled + under water by an alligator, which had seized him by the leg. Frank had so + often heard what was the best thing to do that he at once threw off his + Norfolk jacket, plunged into the stream, and swam to the spot where the + eddy on the surface showed that a struggle was going on beneath. The water + was too muddy to see far through it, but Frank speedily came upon the + alligator, and finding its eyes, shoved his thumbs into them. In an + instant the creature relaxed his hold of his prey and made off, and Frank, + seizing the wounded man, swam with him to shore amid the loud cheers of + the sailors. The soldier, who proved to be a marine, was insensible, and + his leg was nearly severed above the ankle. He soon recovered + consciousness, and, being carried to the camp, his leg was amputated below + the knee, and he was soon afterwards taken down to the coast. + </p> + <p> + It had been known that there were alligators in the river, a young one + about a yard long having been captured and tied up like a dog in the camp, + with a string round its neck. But it was thought that the noise of + building the bridge, and the movement on the banks, would have driven them + away. After this incident bathing was for the most part abandoned. + </p> + <p> + The affair made Frank a great favorite in the naval brigade, and of a + night he would, after dinner, generally repair there, and sit by the great + bonfires, which the tars kept up, and listen to the jovial choruses which + they raised around them. + </p> + <p> + Two days after the arrival of Sir Garnet, an ambassador came down from the + king with a letter, inquiring indignantly why the English had attacked the + Ashanti troops, and why they had advanced to the Prah. An opportunity was + taken to impress him with the nature of the English arms. A Gatling gun + was placed on the river bank, and its fire directed upon the surface, and + the fountain of water which rose as the steady stream of bullets struck + its surface astonished, and evidently filled with awe, the Ashanti + ambassador. On the following day this emissary took his departure for + Coomassie with a letter to the king. + </p> + <p> + On the 12th the messengers returned with an unsatisfactory answer to Sir + Garnet's letter; they brought with them Mr. Kuhne, one of the German + missionaries. He said that it was reported in Coomassie that twenty + thousand out of the forty thousand Ashantis who had crossed the Prah had + died. It is probable that this was exaggerated, but Mr. Kuhne had counted + two hundred and seventy-six men carrying boxes containing the bones of + chiefs and leading men. As these would have fared better than the common + herd they would have suffered less from famine and dysentery. The army had + for the most part broken up into small parties and gone to their villages. + The wrath of the king was great, and all the chiefs who accompanied the + army had been fined and otherwise punished. Mr. Kuhne said that when Sir + Garnet's letter arrived, the question of peace or war had been hotly + contested at a council. The chiefs who had been in the late expedition + were unanimous in deprecating any further attempt to contend with the + white man. Those who had remained at home, and who knew nothing of the + white man's arms, or white man's valor, were for war rather than + surrender. + </p> + <p> + Mr. Kuhne was unable to form any opinion what the final determination + would be. The German missionary had no doubt been restored as a sort of + peace offering. He was in a bad state of health, and as his brother and + his brother's wife were among the captives, the Ashanti monarch calculated + that anxiety for the fate of his relatives would induce him to argue as + strongly as possible in favor of peace. + </p> + <p> + Frank left the camp on the Prah some days before the arrival of the white + troops, having moved forward with the scouts under Lord Gifford, to whom + his knowledge of the country and language proved very valuable. The scouts + did their work well. The Ashantis were in considerable numbers, but fell + back gradually without fighting. Russell's regiment were in support, and + they pressed forward until they neared the foot of the Adansee Hills. On + the 16th Rait's artillery and Wood's regiment were to advance with two + hundred men of the 2d West Indians. The Naval Brigade, the Rifle Brigade, + the 42d, and a hundred men of the 23d would be up on the Prah on the 17th. + </p> + <p> + News came down that fresh portents had happened at Coomassie. The word + signifies the town under the tree, the town being so called because its + founder sat under a broad tree, surrounded by his warriors, while he laid + out the plan of the future town. The marketplace was situated round the + tree, which became the great fetish tree of the town, under which human + sacrifices were offered. On the 6th, the day upon which Sir Garnet sent + his ultimatum to the king, a bird of ill omen was seen to perch upon it, + and half an hour afterwards a tornado sprang up and the fetish tree was + levelled to the ground. This caused an immense sensation in Coomassie, + which was heightened when Sir Garnet's letter arrived, and proved to be + dated upon the day upon which the fetish tree had fallen. + </p> + <p> + The Adansee Hills are very steep and covered with trees, but without + undergrowth. It had been supposed that the Ashantis would make their first + stand here. Lord Gifford led the way up with the scouts, Russell's + regiment following behind. Frank accompanied Major Russell. When Gifford + neared the crest a priest came forward with five or six supporters and + shouted to him to go back, for that five thousand men were waiting there + to destroy them. Gifford paused for a moment to allow Russell with his + regiment to come within supporting distance, and then made a rush with his + scouts for the crest. It was found deserted, the priest and his followers + having fled hastily, when they found that neither curses nor the imaginary + force availed to prevent the British from advancing. + </p> + <p> + The Adansee Hills are about six hundred feet high. Between them and the + Prah the country was once thick with towns and villages inhabited by the + Assins. These people, however, were so harassed by the Ashantis that they + were forced to abandon their country and settle in the British + protectorate south of the Prah. + </p> + <p> + Had the Adansee Hills been held by European troops the position would have + been extremely strong. A hill if clear of trees is of immense advantage to + men armed with rifles and supported by artillery, but to men armed only + with guns carrying slugs a distance of fifty yards, the advantage is not + marked, especially when, as is the case with the Ashantis, they always + fire high. The crest of the hill was very narrow, indeed a mere saddle, + with some eight or ten yards only of level ground between the steep + descents on either side. From this point the scouts perceived the first + town in the territory of the King of Adansee, one of the five great kings + of Ashanti. The scouts and Russell's regiment halted on the top of the + hill, and the next morning the scouts went out skirmishing towards Queesa. + The war drum could be heard beating in the town, but no opposition was + offered. It was not, however, considered prudent to push beyond the foot + of the hill until more troops came up. The scouts therefore contented + themselves with keeping guard, while for the next four days Russell's men + and the engineers labored incessantly, as they had done all the way from + the Prah, in making the road over the hill practicable. + </p> + <p> + During this time the scouts often pushed up close to Queesa, and reported + that the soldiers and population were fast deserting the town. On the + fifth day it was found to be totally deserted, and Major Russell moved the + headquarters of his regiment down into it. The white officers were much + surprised with the structure of the huts of this place, which was exactly + similar to that of those of Coomassie, with their red clay, their alcoved + bed places, and their little courts one behind the other. Major Russell + established himself in the chief's palace, which was exactly like the + other houses except that the alcoves were very lofty, and their roofs + supported by pillars. These, with their red paint, their arabesque + adornments, and their quaint character, gave the courtyard the precise + appearance of an Egyptian temple. + </p> + <p> + The question whether the Ashantis would or would not fight was still + eagerly debated. Upon the one hand it was urged that if the Ashantis had + meant to attack us they would have disputed every foot of the passage + through the woods after we had once crossed the Prah. Had they done so it + may be confidently affirmed that we could never have got to Coomassie. + Their policy should have been to avoid any pitched battle, but to throng + the woods on either side, continually harassing the troops on their march, + preventing the men working on the roads, and rendering it impossible for + the carriers to go along unless protected on either side by lines of + troops. Even when unopposed it was difficult enough to keep the carriers, + who were constantly deserting, but had they been exposed to continuous + attacks there would have been no possibility of keeping them together. + </p> + <p> + It was then a strong argument in favor of peace that we had been permitted + to advance thirty miles into their country without a shot being fired. + Upon the other hand no messengers had been sent down to meet us, no + ambassadors had brought messages from the king. This silence was ominous; + nor were other signs wanting. At one place a fetish, consisting of a + wooden gun and several wooden daggers all pointing towards us, was placed + in the middle of the road. Several kids had been found buried in + calabashes in the path pierced through and through with stakes; while a + short distance outside Queesa the dead body of a slave killed and + mutilated but a few hours before we entered it was hanging from a tree. + Other fetishes of a more common sort were to be met at every step, lines + of worsted and cotton stretched across the road, rags hung upon bushes, + and other negro trumperies of the same kind. + </p> + <p> + Five days later the Naval Brigade, with Wood's regiment and Rait's + battery, marched into Queesa, and the same afternoon the whole marched + forward to Fomana, the capital of Adansee, situated half a mile only from + Queesa. This was a large town capable of containing some seven or eight + thousand inhabitants. The architecture was similar to that of Queesa, but + the king's palace was a large structure covering a considerable extent of + ground. Here were the apartments of the king himself, of his wives, the + fetish room, and the room for execution, still smelling horribly of the + blood with which the floor and walls were sprinkled. The first and largest + court of the palace had really an imposing effect. It was some thirty feet + square with an apartment or alcove on each side. The roofs of these + alcoves were supported by columns about twenty-five feet high. As in all + the buildings the lower parts were of red clay, the upper of white, all + being covered with deep arabesque patterns. + </p> + <p> + Fomana was one of the most pleasant stations which the troops had reached + since leaving the coast. It lay high above the sea, and the temperature + was considerably lower than that of the stations south of the hills. A + nice breeze sprung up each day about noon. The nights were comparatively + free from fog, and the town itself stood upon rising ground resembling in + form an inverted saucer. The streets were very wide, with large trees at + intervals every twenty or thirty yards along the middle of the road. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0022" id="link2HCH0022"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XXII: THE BATTLE OF AMOAFUL + </h2> + <p> + Two days after the arrival at Fomana the remaining members of the German + mission, two males, a female, and two children, were sent in by the king + with a letter containing many assurances of his desire for peace, but + making no mention of the stipulations which Sir Garnet Wolseley had laid + down. The advance was therefore to continue. The rest of the troops came + up, and on the 25th Russell's regiment advanced to Dompiassee, Wood's + regiment and Rait's battery joining him the next day. That afternoon the + first blood north of the Prah was shed. It being known that a body of the + enemy were collecting at a village a little off the road the force moved + against them. Lord Gifford led the way, as usual, with his scouts. The + enemy opened fire as soon as the scouts appeared; but these, with the + Houssa company of Russell's regiment, rushed impetuously into the village, + and the Ashantis at once bolted. Two of them were killed and five taken + prisoners. + </p> + <p> + The next halting places of the advance troops were Kiang Bossu and + Ditchiassie. It was known now that Ammon Quatia was lying with the Ashanti + army at Amoaful, but five miles away, and ambassadors arrived from the + king finally declining to accept the terms of peace. Russell's and Wood's + regiments marched forward to Quarman, within half a mile of the enemy's + outposts. The white troops came on to Insafoo, three miles behind. Quarman + was stockaded to resist an attack. Gordon with the Houssa company lay a + quarter of a mile in advance of the village, Gifford with his scouts close + to the edge of the wood. Major Home with the engineers cut a wide path for + the advance of the troops to within a hundred yards of the village which + the enemy held. + </p> + <p> + Every one knew that the great battle of the war would be fought next + morning. About half past seven on the morning of the 81st of January the + 42d Regiment entered the village of Quarman, and marched through without a + halt. Then came Rait's artillery, followed by the company of the 23d and + by the Naval Brigade. The plan of operations was as follows. The 42d + Regiment would form the main attacking force. They were to drive the + enemy's scouts out of Agamassie, the village in front, and were then to + move straight on, extending to the right and left, and, if possible, + advance in a skirmishing line through the bush. Rait's two little guns + were to be in their center moving upon the road itself. The right column, + consisting of half the Naval Brigade, with Wood's regiment, now reduced by + leaving garrisons at various posts along the road to three companies, was + to cut a path out to the right and then to turn parallel with the main + road, so that the head of the column should touch the right of the + skirmishing line of the 42d. The left column, consisting of the other half + of the Naval Brigade with the four companies of Russell's regiment, was to + proceed in similar fashion on the left. These columns would therefore form + two sides of a hollow square, protecting the 42d from any of those + flanking movements of which the Ashantis are so fond. The company of the + 23d was to proceed with the headquarter staff. The Rifle Brigade were held + in reserve. + </p> + <p> + Early in the morning Major Home cut the road to within thirty yards of the + village of Agamassie, and ascertained by listening to the voices that + there were not more than a score or so of men in the village. Gifford had + made a circuit in the woods, and had ascertained that the Ashanti army was + encamped on rising ground across a stream behind the village. + </p> + <p> + Frank had been requested by Sir Garnet Wolseley to accompany the 42d, as + his knowledge of Ashanti tactics might be of value, and he might be able + by the shouts of the Ashantis to understand the orders issued to them. The + head of the 42d Regiment experienced no opposition whatever until they + issued from the bush into the little clearing surrounding the village, + which consisted only of four or five houses. The Ashantis discharged their + muskets hastily as the first white men showed themselves, but the fire of + the leading files of the column quickly cleared them away. The 42d pushed + on through the village, and then forming in skirmishing line, advanced. + For the first two or three hundred yards they encountered no serious + opposition, and they were then received by a tremendous fire from an + unseen foe in front. The left column had not gone a hundred yards before + they too came under fire. Captain Buckle of the Engineers, who was with + the Engineer laborers occupied in cutting the path ahead of the advancing + column, was shot through the heart. A similar opposition was experienced + by the right. + </p> + <p> + The roar of the fire was tremendous, so heavy indeed that all sound of + individual reports was lost, and the noise was one hoarse hissing roar. + Even the crack of Rait's guns was lost in the general uproar, but the + occasional rush of a rocket, of which two troughs with parties of Rait's + men accompanied each wing, was distinctly audible. + </p> + <p> + The 42d could for a time make scarcely any way, and the flanking columns + were also brought to a stand. Owing to the extreme thickness of the wood + and their ignorance of the nature of the ground these columns were unable + to keep in their proper position, and diverged considerably. The Ashantis, + however, made no effort to penetrate between them and the 42d. For an hour + this state of things continued. The company of the 23d advanced along the + main road to help to clear the bush, where the Ashantis still fought + stubbornly not two hundred yards from the village, while two companies of + the Rifle Brigade were sent up the left hand road to keep touch with the + rear of Russell's regiment. + </p> + <p> + When the fight commenced in earnest, and the 42d were brought to a stand + by the enemy, Frank lay down with the soldiers. Not a foe could be seen, + but the fire of the enemy broke out incessantly from the bushes some + twenty yards ahead. The air above was literally alive with slugs and a + perfect shower of leaves continued to fall upon the path. So bewilderingly + dense was the bush that the men soon lost all idea of the points of the + compass, and fired in any direction from which the enemy's shots came. + Thus it happened that the sailors sent in complaints to the general that + the 23d and 42d were firing at them, while the 42d and 23d made the same + complaint against the Naval Brigade. Sir Garnet, who had taken up his + headquarters at the village, sent out repeated instructions to the + commanding officers to warn their men to avoid this error. + </p> + <p> + For two hours the fight went on. Then the column to the left found that + the Ashantis in front of them had fallen back; they had, however, + altogether lost touch of the 42d. They were accordingly ordered to cut a + road to the northeast until they came in contact with them. In doing so + they came upon a partial clearing, where a sharp opposition was + experienced. The Houssas carried the open ground at a rush, but the enemy, + as usual, opened a heavy fire from the edge of the bush. The Houssas were + recalled, and fire was opened with the rockets, which soon drove the + Ashantis back, and the cutting of the path was proceeded with. + </p> + <p> + In the meantime the 42d was having a hard time of it. They had fought + their way to the edge of the swamp, beyond which lay an immense Ashanti + camp, and here the fire was so tremendously heavy that the advance was + again completely arrested. Not an enemy was to be seen, but from every + bush of the opposite side puffs of smoke came thick and fast, and a + perfect rain of slugs swept over the ground on which they were lying. Here + Rait's gun, for he was only able from the narrowness of the path to bring + one into position, did splendid service. Advancing boldly in front of the + line of the 42d, ably assisted by Lieutenant Saunders, he poured round + after round of grape into the enemy until their fire slackened a little, + and the 42d, leaping to their feet, struggled across the swamp, which was + over knee deep. Step by step they won their way through the camp and up + the hill. Everywhere the dead Ashantis lay in heaps, attesting the + terrible effect of the Snider fire and the determination with which they + had fought. + </p> + <p> + Beyond the camp, upon the hills the bush was thicker than ever, and here, + where it was impossible for the white soldiers to skirmish through the + bush, the Ashantis made a last desperate stand. The narrow lane up which + alone the troops could pass was torn as if by hail with the shower of + slugs, while a large tree which stood nearly in the center of the path and + caused it slightly to swerve, afforded some shelter to them from the storm + of bullets which the 42d sent back in return. Here Rait brought his gun up + again to the front and cleared the lane. The bush was too thick even for + the Ashantis. The gun stopped firing and with a rush the regiment went up + the narrow path and out into the open clearing beyond. For a short time + the Ashantis kept up a fire from the houses, but the 42d soon drove them + out, and a single shot from the gun down the wide street which divided the + town into two portions, bursting in the midst of a group at the further + end, killed eight and drove all further idea of resistance in that + direction from their minds. + </p> + <p> + It was now about twelve o'clock; but although the Ashantis had lost their + camp and village, and had suffered terribly, they were not yet finally + beaten. They had moved the principal part of the forces which had been + engaged upon our left round to the right, were pressing hard upon the + column there and the 23d, and were cutting in between the latter and the + 42d, when a fortunate accident enabled us to meet this attack more + effectively. The left column had cut its path rather too much to the east, + and came into the road between the 42d and 23d, forming a connecting link + between them; while the right column, having at last cut away the whole of + the brush wood in which the Ashantis had so long wedged themselves between + them and the road, were now in direct communication with the 23d. They had + been reinforced by a company of the Rifle Brigade. Our front, therefore, + was now entirely changed, and faced east instead of north. The Ashantis in + vain tried to break the line, but desisted from their efforts. + </p> + <p> + The firing died away, and it was thought that the battle was over, when at + about a quarter to one a tremendous fire broke out from the rear of the + column, showing that the Ashantis were making a last and desperate effort + to turn our flank, and to retake the village from which we had driven them + at eight in the morning. So near was the rear of the column to the village + that the slugs fell fast into the reserve who were stationed there. Three + companies of the Rifles were sent up to strengthen the line, and for three + quarters of an hour the roar of the musketry was as heavy and continuous + as it had been at any time during the day. Then, as the enemy's fire + slackened, Sir Garnet gave the word for the line to advance, sweeping + round from the rear so as to drive the enemy northwards before them. + </p> + <p> + The movement was admirably executed. The Bonny men of Wood's regiment, who + had fought silently and steadily all the time that they had been on the + defensive, now raised their shrill war cry, and slinging their rifles and + drawing their swords—their favorite weapons—dashed forward + like so many panthers let loose. By their side, skirmishing as quietly and + steadily as if on parade, the men of the Rifle Brigade searched every bush + with their bullets, and in five minutes from the commencement of the + advance the Ashantis were in full and final retreat. The battle ended at + about half past one, having lasted five hours and a half. + </p> + <p> + The Ashantis were supposed to have had from fifteen to twenty thousand men + in the field. What their loss was could not accurately be calculated, as + they carry off their dead as fast as they fall; but where rushes were made + by our troops, as they had not time to do this, they lay everywhere thick + on the ground. By the most moderate computation they must have lost over + two thousand. Ammon Quatia himself was killed, as well as Aboo, one of the + six great tributary kings. The body of the king's chief executioner was + also pointed out by some of the prisoners. They fought with extraordinary + pluck and resolution, as was shown by the fact that although wretchedly + armed, for upwards of five hours they resisted the attack of troops armed + with breech loaders, and supported by guns and rockets. Their position was + a good one, and they had, no doubt, calculated upon coming down upon us + from the rising ground, either on the flank or rear, with advantage, + should we succeed in pushing forward. + </p> + <p> + Upon our side the loss in killed was very slight, not exceeding eight or + ten. The 42d out of a total of four hundred and fifty had a hundred and + four wounded, of whom eight were officers. In the right hand column, + Colonel Wood, six naval officers, and twenty men of the Naval Brigade, + with many of the native regiment, were wounded. Of the sixty engineer + laborers twenty were wounded; while of their five officers Captain Buckle + was killed, Major Home and Lieutenant Hare wounded, together with several + of their white soldiers. Altogether our casualties exceeded two hundred + and fifty. Fortunately but a small proportion of the wounds were serious. + </p> + <p> + While the battle was raging at one o'clock Quarman was attacked by a + strong body of Ashantis coming from the west, probably forming part of + Essarman Quatia's force. Captain Burnett, who was in command, having under + him Lieutenant Jones of the 2d West Indian regiment, and thirty-five men + of that corps and a few natives, conducted the defense, and was well + seconded by his men. Although the attacking force was very greatly + superior, and took the little garrison by surprise—for they did not + expect, while a great battle was raging within a distance of a mile, that + the Ashantis would be able to spare a force to attack a detached party—the + garrison defended itself with great gallantry and complete success, not + only beating off the enemy whenever they attacked, but sallying out and + assisting to bring in a convoy of stores which was close at hand when the + attack began. + </p> + <p> + Amoaful was a town capable of containing two or three thousand + inhabitants. Great quantities of grain and coarse flour were found here. + These were done up in bundles of dried plantain leaves, each bundle + weighing from five to fifteen pounds. This capture was of great service to + the commissariat, as it afforded an abundant supply of excellent food for + the carriers. The troops were in high spirits that night. They had won a + battle fought under extreme difficulty, and that with a minimum of loss in + killed. There were therefore no sad recollections to damp the pleasure of + victory. + </p> + <p> + Frank had been twice struck with slugs, but in neither case had these + penetrated deeply, and he was able to sit round the camp fire and to enjoy + his glass of rum and water. Two kegs of rum were the only stores which + that night came up from the rear, thanks to the consideration of a + commissariat officer, to whom the soldiers felt extremely grateful for + providing them with an invigorating drink after their long and fatiguing + labors of the day. + </p> + <p> + At about a mile and a quarter from Amoaful lay the town of Bequah, the + capital of one of the most powerful of the Ashanti kings. Here a + considerable force was known to be collected before the battle, and here + many of the fugitives were believed to have rallied. It would have been + impossible to advance and leave this hostile camp so close to a station in + our rear. Lord Gifford was therefore sent out at daybreak to reconnoiter + it. He approached it closely, when twenty men sprang out from the bush and + fired at him, fortunately without hitting him. When he returned and made + his report the general determined to attack and burn the place, and orders + were issued for a column, consisting of Russell's regiment, Rait's + battery, and the Naval Brigade, supported by the 42d and commanded by + Colonel M'Leod, to start at one o'clock. + </p> + <p> + The march was not opposed through the bush, but as the scouts entered the + clearing a heavy fire was opened upon them. Lord Gifford and almost the + whole of his party were more or less severely wounded when the sailors + rushed in to their support. For a short time the enemy kept up a heavy + fire from the houses, and then fled, leaving about forty of their number + dead on the ground. The town, which was about twice the size of Fomana, + was burned, and the column returned to the camp. + </p> + <p> + A great portion of the town was destroyed and the place stockaded, and + then all was in readiness for the advance upon Coomassie. Amoaful was to + be left in charge of the 2d West Indians, who had now come up. Each man + received four days' rations and each regiment was to take charge of its + own provision and baggage. The advance started at seven in the morning, + Russell's regiment, Rait's battery, and the Rifle Brigade. Then came the + headquarter staff followed by the 42d and Naval Brigade. The hammocks and + rations went on with the troops. The rest of the baggage remained behind. + The road differed in nothing from that which had so long been followed. It + bore everywhere marks of the retreating enemy, in provisions and other + articles scattered about, in occasional dark stains, and in its plants and + grass trampled into the ground, six feet in breadth, showing that the + usual negro way of walking in single file had been abandoned. The rate of + progression was slow, as the country had to be thoroughly searched by the + advance. There were, too, many streams to be crossed, each causing a + delay. + </p> + <p> + At one of the villages there was a large camp, where about a thousand men + were assembled to make a stand. The defense was, however, feeble in the + extreme, and it was evident that they were greatly demoralized by their + defeat on the 1st. Russell's regiment carried the place at a rush, the + enemy firing wildly altogether beyond the range of their weapons. Several + were killed and the rest took precipitately to the bush. A few shots were + fired at other places, but no real resistance took place. On reaching the + village of Agamemmu, after having taken six hours in getting over as many + miles, the column halted, and orders were sent for the baggage to come on + from Amoaful. The troops were set to work to cut the bush round the + village, which was a very small one, and a breastwork was thrown up round + it. The troops were in their little tentes d'abri packed as closely + together as possible outside the houses, but within the stockade. The + carriers slept in the street of the village, where so thickly did they lie + that it was impossible for anyone to make his way along without treading + upon them. + </p> + <p> + News came in that night that Captain Butler with the Western Akims had + arrived within two days' march of Amoaful, but that without the slightest + reason the king and the whole of his army had left Captain Butler and + retired suddenly to the Prah. At the same time they heard that the army of + the Wassaws under Captain Dalrymple had also broken up without having come + in contact with the enemy. From the rear also unpleasant news came up. The + attack upon Quarman had been no isolated event. Fomana had also been + attacked, but the garrison there had, after some hours' fighting, repulsed + the enemy. Several convoys had been assaulted, and the whole road down to + the Prah was unsafe. The next morning, after waiting till a large convoy + came safely in, the column marched at nine o'clock, Gifford's scouts, + Russell's regiment, and Rait's battery being as usual in front. The + resistance increased with every step, and the head of the column was + constantly engaged. Several villages were taken by Russell's regiment, + who, full of confidence in themselves and their officers, carried them + with a rush in capital style. It was but six miles to the Dab, but the + ground was swampy and the road intersected by many streams. Consequently + it was not until after being eight hours on the road that the head of the + column reached the river, three hours later before the whole of the troops + and their baggage were encamped there. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0023" id="link2HCH0023"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XXIII: THE CAPTURE OF COOMASSIE + </h2> + <p> + Upon the afternoon of the arrival of the English column upon the Dah the + king made another attempt to arrest their progress, with a view no doubt + of bringing up fresh reinforcements. A flag of truce came in with a letter + to the effect that our rapid advance had much disconcerted him, which was + no doubt true, and that he had not been able to make arrangements for the + payments claimed; that he would send in hostages, but that most of those + whom the general had asked for were away, and that he could not agree to + give the queen mother or the heir apparent. These were, of course, the + principal hostages, indeed the only ones who would be of any real value. + The answer was accordingly sent back, that unless these personages arrived + before daybreak the next morning we should force our way into Coomassie. + </p> + <p> + The Dah is a river about fifteen yards wide and three feet deep at the + deepest place. The Engineers set to work to bridge it directly they + arrived, Russell's regiment at once crossing the river and bivouacking on + the opposite bank. + </p> + <p> + It was unfortunate that this, the first night upon which the troops had + been unprovided with tents, should have turned out tremendously wet. The + thunder roared, the lightning flashed, and the rain came down incessantly. + Tired as the troops were there were few who slept, and there was a general + feeling of satisfaction when the morning broke and the last day of the + march began. + </p> + <p> + The rain held up a little before daybreak, and the sky was clear when at + six o'clock Wood's Bonny men, who had come up by a forced march the + evening before, led the advance. Lieutenant Saunders with one of Rait's + guns came next. The Rifles followed in support. + </p> + <p> + Before the Bonny men had gone half a mile they were hotly engaged, and the + combat was for two hours a repetition of that of Amoaful. Saunders + advanced again and again to the front with his gun, and with a few rounds + of grape cleared the sides of the path of the enemy. At last, however, the + Bonny men would advance no farther, and Lieutenant Byre, the adjutant of + Wood's regiment, was mortally wounded. + </p> + <p> + Lieutenant Saunders sent back to say it was impossible for him to get on + farther unless supported by white troops. The Rifles were then sent + forward to take the Bonny men's place, and slowly, very slowly, the + advance was continued until the clearing round a village could be seen + fifty yards away. Then the Rifles gave a cheer and with a sudden rush + swept through to the open and carried the village without a check. In the + meantime the whole column had been following in the rear as the Rifles + advanced, and were hotly engaged in repelling a series of flank attacks on + the part of the enemy. These attacks were gallantly persevered in by the + Ashantis, who at times approached in such masses that the whole bush + swayed and moved as they pushed forward. + </p> + <p> + Their loss must have been extremely large, for our men lined the road and + kept up a tremendous Snider fire upon them at a short distance. Our + casualties were slight. The road, like almost all roads in the country, + was sunk two feet in the center below the level of the surrounding ground, + consequently the men were lying in shelter as behind a breastwork, while + they kept up their tremendous fire upon the foe. + </p> + <p> + The village once gained, the leading troops were thrown out in a circle + round it, and the order was given to pass the baggage from the rear to the + village. The operation was carried out in safety, the path being protected + by the troops lying in a line along it. The baggage once in, the troops + closed up to the village, the disappointed foe continuing a series of + desperate attacks upon their rear. These assaults were kept up even after + all had reached the cleared space of the village, the enemy's war horn + sounding and the men making the woods re-echo with their wild war cry. The + Naval Brigade at one time inflicted great slaughter upon the enemy by + remaining perfectly quiet until the Ashantis, thinking they had retired, + advanced full of confidence, cheering, when a tremendous fire almost swept + them away. + </p> + <p> + It was six hours from the time at which the advance began before the rear + guard entered the village, and as but a mile and a half had been traversed + and Coomassie was still six miles away, it was evident that if the + Ashantis continued to fight with the same desperation, and if the baggage + had to be carried on step by step from village to village, the force would + not get halfway on to Coomassie by nightfall. + </p> + <p> + The instant the baggage was all in, preparations were made for a fresh + advance. Rait's guns, as usual, opened to clear the way, and the 42d this + time led the advance. The enemy's fire was very heavy and the Highlanders + at first advanced but slowly, their wounded straggling back in quick + succession into the village. After twenty minutes' work, however, they had + pushed back the enemy beyond the brow of the hill, and from this point + they advanced with great rapidity, dashing forward at times at the double, + until the foe, scared by the sudden onslaught, gave way altogether and + literally fled at the top of their speed. + </p> + <p> + War drums and horns, chiefs' stools and umbrellas, littered the next + village and told how sudden and complete had been the stampede. As the 42d + advanced troops were from time to time sent forward until a despatch came + in from Sir A. Alison saying that all the villages save the last were + taken, that opposition had ceased, and that the enemy were in complete + rout. Up to this time the attack of the enemy upon the rear of the village + had continued with unabated vigor, and shot and slug continually fell in + the place itself. The news from the front was soon known and was hailed + with a cheer which went right round the line of defense, and, whether + scared by its note of triumph or because they too had received the news, + the efforts of the enemy ceased at once, and scarcely another shot was + fired. + </p> + <p> + At half past three the baggage was sent forward and the headquarter staff + and Rifle Brigade followed it. There was no further check. The 42d and + several companies of the Rifle Brigade entered Coomassie without another + shot being fired in its defense. Sir Garnet Wolseley soon after arrived, + and taking off his hat called for three cheers for the Queen, which was + responded to with a heartiness and vigor which must have astonished the + Ashantis. These were still in considerable numbers in the town, having + been told by the king that peace was or would be made. They seemed in no + way alarmed, but watched, as amused and interested spectators, the + proceedings of the white troops. + </p> + <p> + The first thing to be done was to disarm those who had guns, and this + seemed to scare the others, for in a short time the town was almost + entirely deserted. It was now fast getting dark, and the troops bivouacked + in the marketplace, which had so often been the scene of human sacrifices + on a large scale. + </p> + <p> + Their day's work had, indeed, been a heavy one. They had been twelve hours + on the road without rest or time to cook food. Water was very scarce, no + really drinkable water having been met with during the day. In addition to + this they had undergone the excitement of a long and obstinate fight with + an enemy concealed in the bush, after work of almost equal severity upon + the day before, and had passed a sleepless night in a tropical rainstorm, + yet with the exception of a few fever stricken men not a single soldier + fell out from his place in the ranks. + </p> + <p> + Nor was the first night in Coomassie destined to be a quiet one. Soon + after two o'clock a fire broke out in one of the largest of the + collections of huts, which was soon in a blaze from end to end. The + engineers pulled down the huts on either side and with great difficulty + prevented the flames from spreading. These fires were the result of + carriers and others plundering, and one man, a policeman, caught with loot + upon him, was forthwith hung from a tree. Several others were flogged, and + after some hours' excitement the place quieted down. Sir Garnet was + greatly vexed at the occurrence, as he had the evening before sent a + messenger to the king asking him to come in and make peace, and promising + to spare the town if he did so. + </p> + <p> + Although Coomassie was well known to Frank he was still ignorant of the + character of the interior of the chiefs' houses, and the next day he + wandered about with almost as much curiosity as the soldiers themselves. + The interiors even of the palaces of the chiefs showed that the Ashantis + can have no idea of what we call comfort. The houses were filled with dust + and litter, and this could not be accounted for solely by the bustle and + hurry of picking out the things worth carrying away prior to the hurried + evacuation of the place. From the roofs hung masses of spiders' web, thick + with dust, while sweeping a place out before occupying it brought down an + accumulation of dust which must have been the result of years of neglect. + The principal apartments were lumbered up with drums, great umbrellas, and + other paraphernalia of processions, such as horns, state chairs, wooden + maces, etc. Before the door of each house stood a tree, at the foot of + which were placed little idols, calabashes, bits of china, bones, and an + extraordinary jumble of strange odds and ends of every kind, all of which + were looked upon as fetish. Over the doors and alcoves were suspended a + variety of charms, old stone axes and arrow tips, nuts, gourds, amulets, + beads, and other trumpery articles. + </p> + <p> + The palace was in all respects exactly as the king had left it. The royal + bed and couch were in their places, the royal chairs occupied their usual + raised position. Only, curiously enough, all had been turned round and + over. The storerooms upstairs were untouched, and here was found an + infinite variety of articles, for the most part mere rubbish, but many + interesting and valuable: silver plate, gold masks, gold cups, clocks, + glass, china, pillows, guns, cloth, caskets, and cabinets; an olla + podrida, which resembled the contents of a sale room. + </p> + <p> + In many of the native apartments of the palace were signs that human + sacrifice had been carried on to the last minute. Several stools were + found covered with thick coatings of recently shed blood, and a horrible + smell of gore pervaded the whole palace, and, indeed, the whole town. The + palace was full of fetish objects just as trumpery and meaningless as + those in the humblest cottages. The king's private sitting room was, like + the rest, an open court with a tree growing in it. This tree was covered + with fetish objects, and thickly hung with spiders' webs. At each end was + a small but deep alcove with a royal chair, so that the monarch could + always sit on the shady side. + </p> + <p> + Along each side of the little court ran a sort of verandah, beneath which + was an immense assortment of little idols and fetishes of all kinds. + </p> + <p> + From one of the verandahs a door opened into the king's bedroom, which was + about ten feet by eight. It was very dark, being lighted only by a small + window about a foot square, opening into the women's apartments. At one + end was the royal couch, a raised bedstead with curtains, and upon a ledge + by the near side (that is to say the king had to step over the ledge to + get into bed) were a number of pistols and other weapons, among them an + English general's sword, bearing the inscription, “From Queen Victoria to + the King of Ashanti.” This sword was presented to the predecessor of King + Coffee. Upon the floor at the end opposite the bed was a couch upon which + the king could sit and talk with his wives through the little window. + </p> + <p> + In the women's apartments all sorts of stuffs, some of European, some of + native manufacture, were found scattered about in the wildest confusion. + The terror and horror of the four or five hundred ladies, when they found + that their husband was about to abandon his palace and that they would + have no time to remove their treasured finery, can be well imagined. + </p> + <p> + In almost every apartment and yard of the palace were very slightly raised + mounds, some no larger than a plate, others two or even three feet long. + These were whitewashed and presented a strong contrast to the general red + of the ground and lower walls. These patches marked the places of graves. + The whole palace, in fact, appeared to be little better than a cemetery + and a slaughterhouse in one. A guard was placed over the palace, and here, + as elsewhere through the town, looting was strictly forbidden. + </p> + <p> + All day the general expected the arrival of the king, who had sent a + messenger to say he would be in early. At two o'clock a tremendous + rainstorm broke over the town, lasting for three hours. In the evening it + became evident that he was again deceiving us, and orders were issued that + the troops, in the morning, should push on another three miles to the + tombs of the kings, where he was said to be staying. Later on, however, + the news came that the king had gone right away into the interior, and as + another storm was coming up it became evident that the rainy season was + setting in in earnest. The determination was therefore come to, to burn + the town and to start for the coast next morning. + </p> + <p> + All night Major Home with a party of Engineers was at work mining the + palace and preparing it for explosion, while a prize committee were + engaged in selecting and packing everything which they considered worth + taking down to the coast. The news of the change of plan, however, had not + got abroad, and the troops paraded next morning under the belief that they + were about to march still farther up the country. When it became known + that they were bound for the coast there was a general brightening of + faces, and a buzz of satisfaction ran down the ranks. It was true that it + was believed that a large amount of treasure was collected at the kings' + tombs, and the prize money would not have been unwelcome, still the men + felt that their powers were rapidly becoming exhausted. The hope of a + fight with the foe and of the capture of Coomassie had kept them up upon + the march, but now that this had been done the usual collapse after great + exertion followed. Every hour added to the number of fever stricken men + who would have to be carried down to the coast, and each man, as he saw + his comrades fall out from the ranks, felt that his own turn might come + next. + </p> + <p> + At six o'clock in the morning the advanced guard of the baggage began to + move out of the town. The main body was off by seven. The 42d remained as + rearguard to cover the Engineers and burning party. + </p> + <p> + Frank stayed behind to see the destruction of the town. A hundred engineer + laborers were supplied with palm leaf torches, and in spite of the outer + coats of thatch being saturated by the tremendous rains, the flames soon + spread. Volumes of black smoke poured up, and soon a huge pile of smoke + resting over the town told the Ashantis of the destruction of their blood + stained capital. The palace was blown up, and when the Engineers and 42d + marched out from the town scarce a house remained untouched by the flames. + </p> + <p> + The troops had proceeded but a short distance before they had reason to + congratulate themselves on their retreat before the rains began in + earnest, and to rejoice over the fact that the thunderstorms did not set + in three days earlier than they did. The marsh round the town had + increased a foot in depth, while the next stream, before a rivulet two + feet and a half deep, had now swollen its banks for a hundred and fifty + yards on either side, with over five feet and a half of water in the old + channel. + </p> + <p> + Across this channel the Engineers had with much difficulty thrown a tree, + over which the white troops passed, while the native carriers had to wade + across. It was laughable to see only the eyes of the taller men above the + water, while the shorter disappeared altogether, nothing being seen but + the boxes they carried. Fortunately the deep part was only three or four + yards wide. Thus the carriers by taking a long breath on arriving at the + edge of the original channel were able to struggle across. + </p> + <p> + This caused a terrible delay, and a still greater one occurred at the Dah. + Here the water was more than two feet above the bridge which the Engineers + had made on the passage up. The river was as deep as the previous one had + been, and the carriers therefore waded as before; but the deep part was + wider, so wide, indeed, that it was impossible for the shorter men to keep + under water long enough to carry their burdens across. The tall men + therefore crossed and recrossed with the burdens, the short men swimming + over. + </p> + <p> + The passage across the bridge too was slow and tedious in the extreme. + Some of the cross planks had been swept away, and each man had to feel + every step of his way over. So tedious was the work that at five in the + afternoon it became evident that it would be impossible for all the white + troops to get across—a process at once slow and dangerous—before + nightfall. The river was still rising, and it was a matter of importance + that none should be left upon the other side at night, as the Ashantis + might, for anything they could tell, be gathering in force in the rear. + Consequently Sir Archibald Alison gave the order for the white troops to + strip and to wade across taking only their helmets and guns. The clothes + were made up in bundles and carried over by natives swimming, while others + took their places below in case any of the men should be carried off their + feet by the stream. All passed over without any accident. + </p> + <p> + One result, however, was a laughable incident next morning, an incident + which, it may be safely asserted, never before occurred in the British + army. It was quite dark before the last party were over, and the natives + collecting the clothes did not notice those of one of the men who had + undressed at the foot of a tree. Consequently he had to pass the night, a + very wet one, in a blanket, and absolutely paraded with his regiment in + the morning in nothing but a helmet and rifle. The incident caused immense + laughter, and a native swimming across the river found and brought back + his clothes. + </p> + <p> + As the journeys were necessarily slow and tedious, owing to the quantity + of baggage and sick being carried down, Frank now determined to push + straight down to the coast, and, bidding goodbye to Sir Garnet and the + many friends he had made during the expedition, he took his place for the + first time in the hammock, which with its bearers had accompanied him from + Cape Coast, and started for the sea. There was some risk as far as the + Prah, for straggling bodies of the enemy frequently intercepted the + convoys. Frank, however, met with no obstacle, and in ten days after + leaving the army reached Cape Coast. + </p> + <p> + Ostik implored his master to take him with him across the sea; but Frank + pointed out to him that he would not be happy long in England, where the + customs were so different from his own, and where in winter he would feel + the cold terribly. Ostik yielded to the arguments, and having earned + enough to purchase for years the small comforts and luxuries dear to the + negro heart, he agreed to start for the Gaboon immediately Frank left for + England. + </p> + <p> + On his first arrival at Cape Coast he had to his great satisfaction found + that the Houssas who had escaped from Coomassie had succeeded in reaching + the coast in safety, and that having obtained their pay from the agent + they had sailed for their homes. + </p> + <p> + Three days after Frank's arrival at Cape Coast the mail steamer came + along, and he took passage for England. Very strange indeed did it feel to + him when he set foot in Liverpool. Nearly two years and a half had elapsed + since he had sailed, and he had gone through adventures sufficient for a + lifetime. He was but eighteen years old now, but he had been so long + accustomed to do man's work that he felt far older than he was. The next + day on arriving in town he put up at the Charing Cross Hotel and then + sallied out to see his friends. + </p> + <p> + He determined to go first of all to visit the porter who had been the + earliest friend he had made in London, and then to drive to Ruthven's, + where he was sure of a hearty welcome. He had written several times, since + it had been possible for him to send letters, to his various friends, + first of all to his sister, and the doctor, to Ruthven, to the porter, and + to the old naturalist. He drove to London Bridge Station, and there + learned that the porter had been for a week absent from duty, having + strained his back in lifting a heavy trunk. He therefore drove to Ratcliff + Highway. The shop was closed, but his knock brought the naturalist to the + door. + </p> + <p> + “What can I do for you, sir?” he asked civilly. + </p> + <p> + “Well, in the first place, you can shake me by the hand.” + </p> + <p> + The old man started at the voice. + </p> + <p> + “Why, 'tis Frank!” he exclaimed, “grown and sunburnt out of all + recollection. My dear boy, I am glad indeed to see you. Come in, come in; + John is inside.” + </p> + <p> + Frank received another hearty greeting, and sat for a couple of hours + chatting over his adventures. He found that had he arrived a fortnight + later he would not have found either of his friends. The porter was in a + week about to be married again to a widow who kept a small shop and was in + comfortable circumstances. The naturalist had sold the business, and was + going down into the country to live with a sister there. + </p> + <p> + After leaving them Frank drove to the residence of Sir James Ruthven in + Eaton Square. Frank sent in his name and was shown up to the drawing room. + A minute later the door opened with a crash and his old schoolfellow + rushed in. + </p> + <p> + “My dear, dear, old boy,” he said wringing Frank's hand, “I am glad to see + you; but, bless me, how you have changed! How thin you are, and how black! + I should have passed you in the street without knowing you; and you look + years older than I do. But that is no wonder after all you've gone + through. Well, when did you arrive, and where are your things? Why have + you not brought them here?” + </p> + <p> + Frank said that he had left them at the hotel, as he was going down early + the next morning to Deal. He stayed, however, and dined with his friend, + whose father received him with the greatest cordiality and kindness. + </p> + <p> + On leaving the hotel next morning he directed his portmanteau to be sent + in the course of the day to Sir James Ruthven's. He had bought a few + things at Cape Coast, and had obtained a couple of suits of clothes for + immediate use at Liverpool. + </p> + <p> + On arriving at Deal he found his sister much grown and very well and + happy. She was almost out of her mind with delight at seeing him. He + stayed two or three days with her and then returned to town and took up + his abode in Eaton Square. + </p> + <p> + “Well, my dear boy, what are you thinking of doing?” Sir James Ruthven + asked next morning at breakfast. “You have had almost enough of travel, I + should think.” + </p> + <p> + “Quite enough, sir,” Frank said. “I have made up my mind that I shall be a + doctor. The gold necklace which I showed you, which Ammon Quatia gave me, + weighs over twenty pounds, and as it is of the purest gold it is worth + about a thousand pounds, a sum amply sufficient to keep me and pay my + expenses till I have passed. Besides, Mr. Goodenough has, I believe, left + me something in his will. I sent home one copy to his lawyer and have + brought the other with me. I must call on the firm this morning. I have + also some thirty pounds' weight in gold which was paid me by the king for + the goods he took, but this, of course, belongs to Mr. Goodenough's + estate.” + </p> + <p> + Upon calling upon the firm of lawyers, and sending in his name, he was at + once shown in to the principal. + </p> + <p> + “I congratulate you on your safe return, sir,” the gentleman said. “You + have called, of course, in reference to the will of the late Mr. + Goodenough.” + </p> + <p> + “Yes,” Frank replied. “I sent home one copy from Coomassie and have + brought another with me.” + </p> + <p> + “We received the first in due course,” the gentleman said, taking the + document Frank held out to him. “You are, of course, acquainted with its + contents.” + </p> + <p> + “No,” Frank answered, “beyond the fact that Mr. Goodenough told me he had + left me a legacy.” + </p> + <p> + “Then I have pleasant news to give you,” the lawyer said. “Mr. Goodenough + died possessed of about sixty thousand pounds. He left fifteen thousand + each to his only surviving nephew and niece. Fifteen thousand pounds he + has divided among several charitable and scientific institutions. Fifteen + thousand pounds he has left to you.” + </p> + <p> + Frank gave a little cry of surprise. + </p> + <p> + “The will is an eminently just and satisfactory one,” the lawyer said, + “for Mr. Goodenough has had but little intercourse with his relations, who + live in Scotland, and they had no reason to expect to inherit any portion + of his property. They are, therefore, delighted with the handsome legacy + they have received. I may mention that Mr. Goodenough ordered that in the + event of your not living to return to England, five thousand pounds of the + portion which would have come to you was to be paid to trustees for the + use of your sister, the remaining ten thousand to be added to the sum to + be divided among the hospitals.” + </p> + <p> + “This is indeed a surprise,” Frank said; “and I shall be obliged, sir, if + you will at once draw out a paper for me to sign settling the five + thousand pounds upon my sister. Whatever may happen then she will be + provided for.” + </p> + <p> + The accession of this snug and most unexpected fortune in no way altered + Frank's views as to his future profession. He worked hard and steadily and + passed with high honors. He spent another three years in hospital work, + and then purchased a partnership in an excellent West End practice. He is + now considered one of the most rising young physicians of the day. His + sister keeps house for him in Harley Street; but it is doubtful whether + she will long continue to do so. The last time Dick Ruthven was at home on + leave he persuaded her that it was her bounden duty to endeavor to make + civilian life bearable to him when he should attain captain's rank, and, + in accordance with his father's wish, retire from the army, events which + are expected to take place in a few months' time. + </p> + <p> + Ruthven often laughs and tells Frank that he is a good soldier spoiled, + and that it is a pity a man should settle down as a doctor who had made + his way in life “by sheer pluck.” + </p> + <p> + THE END <br /> <br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <br /> <br /> + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + + + + + +End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of By Sheer Pluck, by G. A. 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