The Island School — page 94: what you’re looking at

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

ing AN The bare mention of a wreck was suflicient to excite the keenest interest in the boys. Jim could only say it was a wreck, for it was too far away for him to be sure whether it was that of a steamer or a sailing vessel. Very little more than the hull remained. Once more they plunged into the wood, and keeping as near as they were able, in a bee-line, were soon upon the opposite side of it, standing on the summit of a cliff with a belt of golden sand below them. A quarter of a mile to the right lay the wreck Jim had spoken of. “Tt has been here some years,” said Morse. “ She's a wooden vessel, and see how bleached her timbers are 1” In the sunlight they looked as white as snow. There was no doubt that several summers had passed over her deck since she first stranded there. Fortunately, the cliffs along the shore were not all perpendicular. In places they sloped considerably, owing to landslips, and a descent to the shore was easily effected. On arriving at the wreck, Morse’s expressed opinion received confirmation. There was no doubt it had been there three or four years at the very least. The name, however, was still visible on her bows. It was the “Caligula,” and evidently a Spanish vessel. She lay across a rock that only just peered above the placid sea, with her back broken, so that the stern hung low in the water. It was by means of the opening made amidships by her breaking in two that the boys gained easy access to the interior of the vessel. Romeo remained outside in company with Charley, who seemed to fight shy of the wreck, glancing at it askance, and refusing to come within twenty feet of it. The appearance of the vessel showed that, beyond being wrecked and rent in twain, she had suffered no great harm. Her fittings forward were intact, and a cursory examination of the hold showed that it was full of boxes and bales. The aft main cabin was half filled with water, which had found its way in during rougher weather, and been unable to escape. It was here the boys found a lot of coloured cloth- ornamented with spangles, floating about. A quantity of the same material also hung upon thesides of the cabin, The boys were puzzled for a time to make out who were the original owners of this peculiar attire, but Morse hit upon a probable solution of the problem. ‘There were a number of circus performers, or a company of that nature, on board;” he said. ‘* Which may also account for Charley’s presence on the island,” suggested Terry. Both ideas were so reasonable that they were accepted as the truth. But the fact remained that 2? i _—_—_——— UNEXPECTED EVENT. re no bodies could be found in the vessel, nor any in- dication of the dead on the shore around the wreck. That was a thing they could only accept as it was: as an insoluble puzzle, and they did not indulge in vain speculations. Whoever had been originally on board could have no present knowledgeof the position of the vessel, even if they were alive. | “The ‘ Caligula, ” said Terry, “has long been lost.to its Owners, and with us findings is keepings.” There were now upon a side of the island facing the mainland, which was about sixty miles away, as. near as the boys could judge. Owing to there being no town or harbour in that direction, very few vessels ever came past the spot. It is doubtful if even the fishing-boats visited it. At any rate, they had not done so for years. If they had been there the cargo of the “Caligula” could hardly have remained intact. “T think,” said Jim, after their casual inspectiom was finished, “that we can very well pass a week here,” : Nothing could be more delightful. What could be better in harmony with the love of adventure and research so strong in the young than spending a few days in overhauling the contents of the wreck P What. possible treasures might they not unearth ? Romeo pitched the tent between the vessel and the: cliffs, and soon obtained materials for a fire from the: ship. With the remains of the roast-pig they made a. meal, and Charley, not finding anything to his taste, went off in search of food for himself. He scaled the cliff, and at first it was feared he would not return ; but at dusk he came back and re- jomed them as a dog might have done. Meanwhile the adventurous party had rested after the fatigues of the day, reserving themselves for the morrow to enter upon the more complete overhaul- ing of the “ Caligula.” In this prospective delight all else was forgotten. Even Jim ceased for the time to think Hveline- being in danger. CHAPTER XXXVII. AN UNEXPECTED EVENT. Sa a LEY were awake right early. PH | While yet the shadows of the night lingered over the sea the boys were stirring, and Romeo, with Charley, busy making preparations for the day. Charley made a very good : light porter, for on Morse throwing & some planks for firing out of the vessel, the nN 900 (G(@) Gc cS (G0) mn