The Island School — page 77: what you’re looking at

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

62 VHA E “Tt is a kindly thought,” said Terry, “‘ for in case of a blow-up you will be the only sufferer.” “I shall be glad to examine the room thoroughly, now that it is suggested,” said Morse; ‘but what may I expect to find ?” | “T can’t tell,” said Jim; “ but I should think that you will find a defect in the flooring that will enable you to ascertain if there is a hollow below, and the nature of it. Don’t you think falling water would make a sound like that you heard ?” “It might, under certain conditions.” “Tt oceurred to me,” said Jim, “that there might be a well or tank under the flooring, and the water of the moat suddenly found its way into it. Did you notice how low it is?” ‘That may be from evaporation only,” said Morse. “Well, I have laid thé matter before you fellows, and I will do as has been suggested to me—examine the flooring. I willdo it later on in the afternoon, and | report this evening. Has anyone heard anything more concerning excursions about the island? any parties being formed P” ‘‘T want volunteers to explore the wood ath me,” said Jim. “Groby suggested going,” said Ganthony. “T like Groby,” said Jim; “ but I would rather go without him. All we want is a tent to sleep under— we have several big enough, without being too big, among the stores—and somebody to act as servant for us. Romeo would be the very fellow, if he could be spared.” “ Would Farrell consent?” asked Dawson. “Yes; but with restrictions, of course. no restrictions. If I cannot yet leave, I shall go without it. Who jomnmsme? Four or five at the out- side is sufficient. I do not want a host.” A re But I want of the party, but Jim said all could not go. must, bar Morse, draw lots for it. have in any case. So lots were drawn, and the “lucky ones,” as they were called, to make up five were Terry, Ganthony, and Felton. Jim proposed to start in three days’ time, or earlier if it could be arranged. Meanwhile he would think over what they were lhkely to require. Then the council broke up, each being enjoined to keep secret the nature of their discussion. “Bob,” said Jim to Morse, as they sauntered down towards the school, “how long will it take you to make me some gunpowder ?” “For what purpose ?” “ Shooting game. I am thinking of smuggling away a rifle apiece, and we shall want some ammunition.” “Tt can be ready in twenty-four hours,” said Morse. “ T have charcoal enough to make a dozen pounds of eunpowitler.” Morse he must They _ ISLAND | arranged ib all without- consulting | Changeling, and he swore him to secrecy. There was a general declaration of a desire to be one | ete et Tie + era SCHOOL. “That will be more than we shail want,” said Jim; “and I have lead to make bullets and leaden pellets with. , My idea is to start with one day’s rations and trust to ourselves for the rest. We can surely find something eatable in the wood.” “There’s grunters there,” said Morse, “although they never come near us. But we may be easy on that score. All vans islands in the Mediterranean abound in game.’ It was noon when they returned to the house, ane the clanging of the bell summoned them to avanee As they expected, Mr. Farrell did not again honour them with his company, and Jim noticed with surprise that there was another absentee from the men’s table, in the person of Changeling. With the missing Ghorees on his mind, Jim was naturally anxious to learn if his absence could be accounted fer. As soon as he could leave the table he crossed over to the men, and asked Martin what had become. of. the engineer of the yacht. “aven't you heard?” exclaimed Martin, in sur- rise. “It has been a bit of a secret, but I thought that you would have learned it from Miss Eveline, anyway.” Jim was not going to discuss Eveline with the men, and he quietly asked what Martin meant—to what he was alluding. “Why,” said Martin, “they are gone on a trip in the jaunch.” “Who are they 2” “Mr. and Mrs. Farrell, and Miss Hveline.” “What madness!” exclaimed Jim. “ Have they gone for long P” “A week, I believe. Irather fancy that Mr. Farrell anyone but They started about twelve, and it struck me that Miss Eveline did not want to go.” “T should think not,” said Jim, as he turned away. This was very startling news to Jim, who saw the folly of the schoolmaster in running a risk by going to sea, absolutely without anyone to assist him, if © trouble arose from any quarter. Changeling was not a bad sort of fellow, but hardly one for an emergency; and what might happen if they fell in with Espardo Reonardo and his gang, Jim did not care to think of. There was one thing that gave him a gleam of com- fort. The launch could steam faster than any felucea could gail, and unless surprised, it would be able to evade a foe. Still it was undoubtedly a rash and stupid thing of Mr. Farrell to do. During fe absence he had appointed Mr. Groby as head of the house, which shut that gentleman out from all holiday keeping for the time being on his own account. ) (Gi @) mn CS OF @ ) c 900