The Island School — page 106: what you’re looking at

Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.

THE RUN FOR HOME. “There is no need to be agitated, my dear,” he said; “our temporary inconvenience is over, and I am much obliged to Gordon for—bringing us a hght.” “Oh, papa !” exclaimed Eveline. Even Mrs. Farrell, who as.a rule adopted her hus- band’s views on every subject, was shocked. “Napoleon,” she said, ‘Iam surprised. We have been threatened by men of the most ruftianly aspect that they would murder us, and Gordon has come to help us. He must be very brave to venture into the vicinity of such villains.” “ He is probably backed up by the whole school,” said Mr, Farrell, stiffly. “T am here alone,” said Jim, quietly; ‘‘ but I have no intention of taxing you for any amount of’ grati- tude for what I have done. It is nothing. Only let me warn you, sir, to keep very quiet, as we are notyet out of danger. As soon asthe ‘ Dart’ can be got on her way I will ask you to come on deck and take the helm, while I see what food is available. I fear you have been deprived of it for some hours.” “The scoundrels have given us nothing,” said Mrs. Farrell. There was an additional lamp in the cabin, which Jim lighted, and taking up the one he brought with him, he said : ‘‘ Please to remain here until I call'for you. You hear that? Itis your enemies shouting on the beach. They are armed, and at present it is hardly safe to venture on deck.” ““T shall remain here,” answered Mr. Farrell, tremu- lously, “to protect my wife and child.” Jim, with a curled lip, turned upon his heel and left the cabin. CHAPTER XLII. THE RUN FOR HOME. “| ETTING up steam on a small > launch, especially where oil- engines are used, is nota very long matter. Before Jim had worked the small capstan in raising the anchor, and got that useful article on board, the steam- pipe was snorting as a pre- liminary to start. Jim went over to the entrance of the engine-room and asked Changeling how he was getting on. “Fairly well,” was the reply, “only as dry as a lime- kiln,” “Vl moisten you ere long,” said Jim. On the shore the smugglers were shouting and curs- er J CC LC CE CC LL LLL LL LL LLL LL LE LL So ing over the success that had attended Jim’s rush for the boat, and with it reached the launch. They realised each moment more and more how serious a matter it was for them. They fired their revolvers im the direction of the launch, and, although more than one bullet struck the water near it, the result was nil, as owing to the distance the power of the missiles was spent. , | From the engine-room Jim again went to the cabin and desired Mr. Farrell to come on deck. That dignified gentleman asked Jim if he had forgotten their relative positions. “No, sir,” answered Jim, ‘‘ but I am perfectly cer- tain that, unless you do as I wish, ere long all on board the ‘ Dart’ will be in a painful position together. — I merely wish you, sir, to steer the launch for a quarter of an hour, while 1 get some refreshment for those who need it.” “Oh, if that is all,” said Eveline, quickly, “mamma and I can see toit. We knowexactly what there is on board.” “ Changeling at the engine needs something,” said Jim,inan undertone. ‘“ He has been cruelly lashed to it for many hours.” “T will attend to him,”. said Eveline. So Jim went on deck to look to the helm, and Mr. Farrell sat in sulky dignity in a corner of the cabin. Eveline and Mrs. Farrell bustled about, and from the store-room speedily obtained the means of satis- fying both hunger and thirst. The launch got under way, and she had barely headed for sea when Changeling was astounded by the arrival of Eveline in the engine-room with a huge mug of water and some bread-and-butter. “Tt is the best we can do for the present,” she said. “ Heaven bless yer, miss,” said Changeling; “it’s a feed fit fora king. Anyway, youmakesit so. I ain’t seen this old engine-hole so bright since I fust put my head in it.”’ Kveline laughed at this indirect compliment, which was worthy of a courtier of the old school. Having assured herself that he had all he required for the time, she returned to the deck and joined Jim at the helm, standing by his side for a time in silence. The “Dart” was now vwell on her way, speeding out from the shore so as to get ample sea-room eré she headed for the lagoon. Jim had but an indefinite idea of navigating the launch, but he knew that, so long as he did not abso- lutely lose sight of the coast, he must eventually arrive at the familiar spot. “ Jim,” said Kveline, suddenly “you know I love my father, with all his weaknesses?” “ Assuredly, and quite right,” answered Jim 7 (@ 9,00 mn (ele) cs co