The Island School — page 305: what you’re looking at

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

256 He argued with himself that sooner or later the invading band of men would getinto the castle. Then his fate was almost certain. He would be sacrificed with the rest. But to be in the woods, though perilous to an extent, offered him an extra chance of escape. Therefore was he resolved to seize the first oppor- tunity to get away. But first of all he must make preparations. A bundle of clothes, a store of food, and some other things, were absolutely essential. Leaving him to carry on his secret labours, we will return to the top of the tower, where Martin, sur- rounded by some score of the boys, was busy putting together the carriage that Morse had ordered. ' He worked by the light of a dark lantern alone, for it was the desire of the inventor that there should be nothing to indicate to the enemy that any- thing was in preparation. The light, if seen at all from the beach, would only be the faintest phos- phorescent glow, which would give no clue to the work being carried on. The hammer was not needed. It was simply a matter of putting bolts through and screwing on the nuts. With a little oil this was done with so little noise that the quietude of the night was scarcely broken. When put together, it was something like an iron windlass without the rope. On the centre bar rested the tube, anc over it was a band, which, being fastened down with-gcrews, held it in its place. The different elevations of the tube were obtained ‘by turning a handle, and security of position was effected with a catch, of the class one sees in the hoisting-gear of cranes. When Martin, in a whisper, declared all was ready, Morse tested it, and declared it admirably answered his purpose. “And now,” he said, ““ we will test its utility.” CHAPTER CXXXIX. CONFUSION TO THE ENEMY.—ANOTHER RESPITE. ITH a motion of his hand, Morse signified that he wished all but himself to stand back. . They drew out of his way, and he peered over the side of the tower nearest to the field of the enemy’s operations. | Jt was a darkish night, . owing to a filmy mist hiding the stars above, but the air near the ground was clear. - moment or two. THE ISLAND SCHOOL. His object was to make out the exact spot he was about to operate upon. Jim,” he said, softly. Jim came over to his side, and Morse pointed downwards. “Do you see anything there ?” he asked. “Ts it a light °” “TI think it is. If so, those fellows have taken, advantage of the darkness to go on with their labours.” “Then we must give them another peppering,” . said Jim. “Let me have a shot at'them first,” Morse calmly suggested. Close by where he was standing were two long sticks lying on the roof of the tower. Hach had a bundle of oblong shape, giving them a crude resem- blance to extra-size rockets. He took up one and fixed it in the tube, wherein it lay loosely, ‘““Now all may come to see the effect,” he said ; “keep your eyes open and watch the results. What one may miss another may be able to detect.” He added a caution for none to tread upon the other rocket, and, with the caution inspired by a knowledge of Morse and his inventions, they drew up. With great care, Morse lowered the tube until the mouth of it pointed downwards. The rocket in it showed a tendency to slip, and he lightly fixed it by. stuffing in a piece of rag. Then, with all the care of an experienced gunner, he proceeded to take aim, « raising and lowering the ‘tube until he had got it to his satisfaction. “Ready now,” he said, as he lighted a match and applied it to the lower end of the oblong tip of the rocket. 4 He drew it away, leaving a spark glowing for e The boys held their breath. Whir! | | With a rush that forcibly reminded the spectators: of the speeding of a rocket at some grand display of fireworks at home, the missile flew upon its errand. Down straight to the spot where the enemy was supposed to be at work it flew, plunging into the bushes. A shout of surprise showed that the enemy was there, and while it echoed round the castle there was: an explosion as of a secret mine. “True as steel,” cried Morse, with a shout of ex- ultation. | His companions cheered, and as their voices died away they heard the cries of the enemy, some in pain, and others in. terror and despair. There must have been at least thirty of them on that knoll of earth jutting out from the cliff. “Tt seems to have scattered them,” said Martin. com Cc 900 eS com