The Island School — page 132: what you’re looking at

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

MR. “ Bof, sar,” answered Macbeth. ‘“ Hamlet carry de bedsteads, and me took de bedding.” “ You are sure ?” “Massa, if you go to de fust dormelterry, it was so.” The bedsteads, Mr. Groby knew, were of the lightest make, considering the material wasiron. A boy of average strength could carry one if put together in the ordinary way for travelling. They were made to fold up close, and that could be done without much trouble. The bedding was also comparatively light, but there was too much of it to be carried in aii es with the bedsteads. A double journey to where they had gone was essential. | Mr. Groby looked out of tke back-door, asking if there was a ladder in the place. There was a light one, but it was in an outhouse that had not been opened for a week. So Macbeth assured him, and he had possession of the key. ‘“Hiver since Massa Farrell tell me dat dere burglers or sumfin dat way comin’,” he explained, ‘‘ de ladder not ‘lowed to be out on de loose.” “T don’t understand it,” mused the wistod as he walked back, “unless—— Whatafoollam! Ihave it! One remained behind while the rest went off with the first lot of bedding, and he lowered the remainder wlien they came back for it. I shall find them all in the castle. It is their only place of refuge that I know of.” He was satisfied he had hit upon the solution of the mysterious disappearance of the boys, and certain he would find Jim in their company. First of all, he armed himself with a stout stick, in case he found it necessary to chastise them, or to defend himself if they attacked him. He was beginning to think that this especial group of boys had a quarrelsome element in them that at a pinch might be dangerous. He was a resolute man—in some matters, at all events—and he was determined to have them all back at the school by breakfast-time, and to that end went forth up the path to the castle. He saw nothing on the way to confirm his suspicions, nor was there any sign of the boys when he reached the castle gate. Having called to them by name in turn, and getting no reply, he crossed the bridge and passed through the first room into the courtyard. Still there were no indications of their presence, nor any response when he again called to them to come out of their hiding-place. Kspying the door of the hall, he strolled up to it, and on trying it, found that it was not secured. you see NAP FARRELL AND HIS DREADED FOE. | 109 He threw it open, and immediately staggered back a pace with a cry of alarm. Standing erect upon its haunches in the doorway was an enormous bear—our old friend Charley. The right-paw was raised, and ere Mr. Groby could summon the nerve to beat a retreat, it descended upon his head and dashed him senseless to the grote: | CHAPTER LIV. NAP FARRELL AND HIS DREADED FOE. \ HE = smugglers’ ' eraft, carrying the two pri- soners, boldly steered for Sil- ver Bay, and were, with some of: the men, put into- the boat and sent ashore. The party hastened to the chine. The leader had previously received directions from, Vampa where to go and whom to look for. The man was making his way to the old hiding- place of Espardo Reonardo, getting somewhat confused. by the changed aspect of the gien, which, of course, did not accord with the description furnished him, when he was joyfully hailed from the great cave above. Looking up, he saw Hspardo Beunarae standing at the mouth of it. “ Hail, comrade!” he cried. ‘“‘T salute you, senor,” answered the smuggler. “ What brings you here ?” asked Reonardo. “A boat, in which were Vampa and other good men. Giuseppo sent us hither.” “ And why is not Giuseppo with you?” “Tt is a long story, senor. Would it not come: better from the lips of Vampa ?” “Possibly. Let him come hither.” “We have two prisoners.’ “ Bring them also.” The man conveyed back to Vampa the tidings that: Hspardo Reonardo was at the appointed spot, not dreaming of his having been away and returned under such extraordinary circumstances. Vampa immediately gave orders for all to land’ but two men, who were to take the boat further on anc seek a hiding-place for her. Lightened of so much of her burden, she was easily managed, and Vampa, with eight men and his two: 900 MR. ey ra MIC cS (ele) EO mn