Stories with a Vengeance — page 63: what you’re looking at

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

THE CAPTAIN OF THE TORTUNE. 59 After breakfast another stiff glass of grog was given out, and at the end of another hour all was ready. The passengers came forth completel dressed, and carrying with them as mash of their valuables as could be saved. All their heavy luggage had to be abandoned. The way in which the ship rolled was ominous. The male passengers were all armed, while a large chest of weapons had been laced on the raft, which was to be towed y the boats. The embarkation was effected success- fully, and the men settled down to their work. ' Several were on the raft with large oars, to help guide the unwieldly craft. The sea, without being smooth, was not very boisterous. ‘ They headed for the land. Their pro- gress was necessarily very slow; but by degrees it beeame clearer and more dis- tinct. “Not much of a place to look at,” said the captain; “but any port in a storm.” All heartily agreed with this observa- tion. | A. good look-out was kept for a landing. place, as all they could see of the shore was rocky and repulsive. | Presently, however, they were swept along by a current, and they found them- selves carried into a small bay, where the land was low, and covered with trees and grass. ! Here they determined to land. All were glad to find themselves on shore. At all events, if they had to trust to the boats ultimately, they would have a The barrels of meat and other provisions were carried on shore, and rolled up to the shelter of the trees. Tarpaulins and spare sails were then brought imto requisition to make tents. One was erected first for the ladies, and another for the male passengers, after which the crew were provided for. It was post-meridian by this time, and a cold collation was served. For tbe making of tea, coffee, and such things, the steward had provided spirit- lamps and all requisites. After the meal was over, the captain made a speech to all. ‘* Discipline must be maintained as much ashore as afloat,” he said, “and one strict order must be obeyed—no gadding about. These islands were once the resort of Arab and other pirates and the secret haunt of slavers. I believe they are still peopled by a thievish and treacherous race, who would Google cut us off in detail. There is plenty cf exercise-ground here.' Let us keep toe gether, and we have nothing to fear.” The men. promised to obey. Captain Harcourt, however, took two of his. steadiest men with him, and entering the wood was soon on the other side. Before them was a rather arid plain of some extent, and beyond that another wood. “ You. will remain here as sentries,” said the captain. “Keep a good look-out: you shall be relieved every hour.” And he went away, returning to. his passengers and crew. _ The day passed off well. When night came, one watch went on duty, as on board ship, and relieved another. ‘There was, however, no disturbance of any kind; all was quiet. The next day was about the same; but the night proved dark and gloomy. A little ‘before midnight the whole camp was startled by the firing of a broadside at no great distance. “What can it mean?” cried Oaptain Harcourt, who, with all the passengers, had sat up to listen. Then they went out into the open air, and had scarcely done so. when they were again startled by the roar of another broadside. “What can it mean?” asked Sir Ralph Merton ; “it is incomprehensible.” “To me utterly so,’ said Captain Har- court. ‘‘Can it be true that these islands really conceal pirates, and that they have had the audacity to attack an Mnglish ship of war P” : “Tt sounds very like it, sir,” remarked his first officer. | “Well, it 1s too dark and misty to do anything to-night,” said the captain; “ but rely upon it, if it be so, the English officer in command will not go away without giving the insolent beggars a lesson.” “T should think so,” replied Temple. ‘Let all the men have arms,” said the captain, “and double the sentries.” He was obeyed, and then all went to rest agam, as no other firmg was heard. Shortly after breakfast the captain ordered a large fire of damp wood to be made, so as to send up a signal to any vessel which might be passing. “But as it may bring hornets upon us as well,” he added, “let everybody be ready.” An hour passed, and then one of the sentries came running in to announce the advance of a large body of armed men. A small party was left to look after the women, anil the rest advanced in the direc- tion indicated by the alarmed sentry. CY, JOO S CO)