The Island School — page 230: what you’re looking at

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

ON THE ROAD HOME. much before sunset. So, in addition to their load, they carried rations for the day. But Jim was wise in one arrangement he permitted them to make. It was that they should carry all, and he as leader bear nothing. “ We must have somebody to look about and scout. round a bit,” said Martin, “ and that is your line, sir.” “Very good,” assented Jim; “ but remember that I am quite willing to take my share of the work. I ean, at least, occasionally relieve one of you who tires.” The cave was closed up with rocks and sand, so that it was effectually concealed from anything but keen observation, and walking in a line, with Jim at the head, the cavalcade started. It was an odd sight to see so many youngsters and men each with a burden on his back or shoulder. They presented the appearance of a ae party homeward bound with spoil. They talked, of course, but not so freely as they would have done without their burdens, and they were merrier than toilers usually are in the height of their labours. Jim picked the easiest road, and they got along famously, an entire hour passing ere a halt was called. By that time many were getting pumped, and they dropped their burdens to the ground, and then lay down beside them. They were at this juncture on the summit of one of the low hills which Lal Brodie had crossed two days before. It commanded a view of the rolling country between there and the lagoon. Suddenly, as Brodie had seen on a previous occasion put on record, he beheld several figures on the summit of a slope, and, as he had done, recognised them. There were four of them, and they were the valiant men who had been stranded on the shore of the outer rocks of the lagoon. Moreover, he was con- scious that, even as they had recognised them, they had seen and recognised the party. Jim was not afraid of meeting with the school- master, and he was glad for some reasons that that worthy had not perished. He merely mentioned what he had seen, and bade his friends await their coming, As an additional half-hour’s rest was welcome, the boys waited, and presently, headed by Napoleon, the four men arrived at the spot. Napoleon Farrell was on his loftiest pedestal, and he gave the party a cold and haughty greeting. At the same time it was evident that he was very hungry. “Gordon,” he said, “I will thank you for some- thing to eat.” “You can have a part of our rations, sir,” replied Jim, cheerfully ; “but as we are going to the castle, and there is a great deal of work to be done, I must impose a condition.” 191 “T am not accustomed to making conditions with my pupils,” said Mr. Farrell, haughtily. “The idea of it!” said Chorker. “You be quiet,” said Mr. Farrell, eyeing him angrily; “you are as impertinent as the rest. You lied to me about meeting with strangers.” “LT was swore on to the lie,” murmured Chorker. Storeby and Turner said nothing, but stood by looking gloomily on, and sympathetically rubbing their stonienn “T don’t understand what you mean, sir,” said Jim, “but I adhere to giving food to you on one con- dition.” “Name it,” said Mr. Farrell, eyeing him with a basilisk stare. “You must assist in carrying these bags and parcels to the castle.” “T decline,” said Mr. Farrell, haughtily. ‘Fall in there!” cried Jim; “shoulder burdens. March !” “* Here—hi!” exclaimed the schoolmaster, “ how dare you? Boys, stop, I insist!” But they were already on the march, and when the schoolmaster would have stopped the nearest, Martin put his burly form between. “Mr. Farrell,” he said, evenly, “there is only one in command here zow, and you’ve got to obey him.” “Tf 1 must, 1 must!’ said Mr. Farrell, staring at the resolute face of the blacksmith. ‘ Hunger brings even the boldest of us to terms. I yield, and leave the matter for future consideration.” “You must promise never to consider it in the future at all,” said Jim. “The conditions,” almost howled Mr. Farrell, “are utterly preposterous. If I were use——” “Mr. Farrell,” said Storeby, “for myself and Mr. Turner, I yield. We are quite ready to do our share of work.” , Jim immediately called a halt and sanseten @ por tion of some of the rations, and handed the mass tothe undermasters. They fell upon the food ravenously. Mr. Farrell stood gloomily apart, and Chorker scrubbed his chin thoughtfully, anxious to yield for his personal comfort, and yet, as a matter of personal pride desirous of holding out. Taking the loads from the shoulders of two of the boys, Jim placed them on the backs of the two masters, and commanded that the journey be re- sumed. Mr. Farrell melted as wax in the presence of so much resolve. “I can only suppose, Gordon,” he said, “ that the exigency of the position has led you to forget what is due to me, and I accept your terms.” “T cannot call another halt,” said Jim, coolly, “ for time is precious with us. But you can have some food, and eat it as we go along.” (e{@) nN @ 00 KS co