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[Illustration: I DESCENDED HAND OVER HAND]
[Illustration: I DESCENDED HAND OVER HAND]
Here 'Enery provided me with a pair of heavy sea boots which, when I had slipped my legs into them, reached almost to my thighs. Next I donned a long oilskin coat, cracked all over by the heat of the sun and smelling most vilely; while on my head 'Enery clapped a tarpaulin, the back of which rested betwixt my shoulder-blades.
Stepping back, he examined me critically; then, not satisfied with his handiwork, he crossed over to the hearth, and covering his hand with soot, he smothered my face till I was as dusky as a blackamoor.
"It's all plain sailing now," he remarked approvingly; and sallying out into the street, we regained the quay.
"'Ere, clap hold o' that," exclaimed 'Enery, pointing to a heavy sack, and, hoisting it on to my shoulders, he also seized a similar article, and told me to follow him.
There was a constant stream of men engaged in the same task, some of them seamen belonging to the ship, others longshoremen hired to assist in the loading.
As I crossed the quay I saw Captain Jeremy, looking very smart in a maroon-coloured coat, dark blue breeches, and long boots, while on his head he sported a full-bottomed peruke, surmounted by a three-cornered hat.
Bending low with my burden, I passed him in great dread lest he should penetrate my disguise, but, to my great relief, he went by unsuspectingly, and the next moment I staggered up the narrow, creaking gangway and gained the deck of theGolden Hope.
Large as she appeared when viewed from the quay, the size of the brig astonished me. She was about 200 tons burthen, and carried nine seven-pounder pieces abroadside, with two small swivelled guns on her poop.
Betwixt the masts a yawning hatchway and a stout longboat occupied nearly all the space amidships; and down the hatch descended the stream of laden men, jostling against those who, having got rid of their burdens, were returning to the shore for more.
Passing out of the dazzling light, for the sun was now well up in the heavens, the sudden change to the gloom of the hold made it hard for me to distinguish my surroundings until my eyes grew accustomed to the semi-darkness.
The floor of the hold was composed of rough planks, with a narrow hatch to gain access to the ballast. On either side I could discern the stout curved frames, while overhead, save where the hatch gaped to the light of day, huge timbers crossed athwart ship barely five feet from the floor. The whole place smelt strongly of tar; mingled with a dozen different odours, all more or less obnoxious to my nostrils.
Having relieved myself of the sack, I followed 'Enery towards the fore end of the hold, where a low bulkhead, barely three feet in height, separated the cargo and stores from the cable tier. There two neatly coiled ropes, thicker than my leg above the knee, occupied the greater part of the limited space, their ends vanishing through two small apertures in the deck above.
This I saw by the feeble glimmer of a horn lantern.
"Here's your mess for awhile, till I gives you the word," said 'Enery. "I'll pass you down a pannikin of water and some hard tack as soon as I can. No one will see you here, but take care of yon cable, for if we've got to let go in a hurry you'll find yourself capsized in a brace of shakes."
"Let go what?" I asked, bewildered by his warning.
"The anchor, Maäster Hammond. We never know when we've got to let go, 'specially if she misses stays as we beat down the harbour."
Fearing to betray my ignorance, I refrained from asking him what missing stays meant; and, promising to look me up as soon as his duties would permit, the old seaman hastened away, and I was left in solitude, though the men were still at work stowing the stores in the after part of the hold.
At length the stream of hold trimmers gradually slackened and died away; the hatches were replaced, and the hold was in darkness, save for the dull yellow glimmer of the lantern that 'Enery had thoughtfully left for my benefit.
It seemed several hours before the old seaman reappeared, bringing the promised biscuit and water.
"Cap'n's come aboard," he announced. "We're just going to warp out, for the wind's dead in our teeth. 'Twill be a long job, I'll allow, afore we clear the bar. Never mind, Maäster Hammond; keep your heart up, and watch the cable."
With this repeated warning he again left me, and soon afterwards I heard the tramp of many feet on deck, mingled with hoarse orders that were faintly borne to my ears.
TheGolden Hopewas under way.
Mindful of 'Enery's warning, I gave the two massive hempen ropes a wide berth, and, leaning against a stout rib, resumed my vigil, till the heat of the confined space caused me to doff the oilskins and sea boots.
Presently the brig gave a distinct heel, which gradually increased till my position was turned into a standing one. Sail had been made, and the vessel was lying over to the breeze, though, owing to being still within a landlocked expanse of water, she scarce lifted as she cut through the waves. I could distinctly hear the lapping of the water against her sides as she moved with increasing pace in response to the pressure on the additional canvas.
Presently, in apparent obedience to a hoarse order, theGolden Hoperecovered her upright position, then gradually settled down in the other direction, till, unable to keep my feet, I found myself flung bodily against the opposite side, the lantern being overset and extinguished at the same time.
Frantic with the fall, I struggled violently to regain my feet, my head coming into contact with one of the coils of cable. For a moment I imagined that the vessel had capsized, till, finding that she rolled no farther, I came to the conclusion that she had turned on her course.
Such, in truth, was the case. The brig had tacked, or, to use a nautical expression, had "gone about", the direction of the wind and the narrowness of the channel making the operation necessary. But I knew nothing of this at the time.
Groping with my hand, I managed to find the lantern, but being without flint and steel I was unable to relight it; so in the almost pitch darkness I remained, my eyes fixed longingly on a faint white light that filtered through a badly-fitting hatch cover.
Fearing another flight across the hold when the vessel again tacked, I lay almost at full length on the rough floor, my shoeless feet wedged firmly against a stout ringbolt in the fore side of the bulkhead.
The effects of the excitement of the last twelve hours, combined with the want of a good meal and the close, unwholesome atmosphere of the hold, caused me to feel greatly distressed, and at length I fell into a kind of stupor.
I had a rude awakening. A sniffing sensation round my fingers was followed by a sharp bite. With a shriek I withdrew my hand, and immediately a loathsome, active creature fled across my prostrate body. It was a rat, and a huge one, judging by its weight.
Regardless of my instructions, I sprang to my feet, leaped over the bulkhead, and crawled across the neatly stowed cargo, bumping my crown more than once against the low deck beams. I was on the point of hammering against the hatch, when the thought occurred to me that it was yet too early to announce my presence.
My new position was also more bearable, for the light that came through the ill-fitting hatch was sufficient for me to see within a yard of where I crouched.
Meanwhile, the brig had tacked several times, so that by now the manoeuvre did not cause me any misgivings; but what did trouble me was the appearance of a regular swarm of rodents--not of the brown variety such as one meets in the country, but long, skinny, black rats, ferocious and daring in the extreme.
I looked about for a weapon, for although I carried about me the knife I had had fashioned from the fatal dagger, it did not seem sufficiently handy to tackle these loathsome creatures. To my great joy I espied a stout crowbar, left, no doubt, by the men who had stowed the cargo. With this I killed several of the brutes, though not before I was bitten more than once, for as I struck one another would fly straight at my throat, and only by warding it off with my arm was I able to finish it off with the iron rod.
At length the rodents drew away and left me in comparative peace, although I could hear them scuffling and squealing as the disturbed bilge-water drove them from their accustomed haunts.
Compared with the rats, the cockroaches could be endured without much effort. These verminous creatures swarmed everywhere--on the deck beams, over the cargo, and even on my person--so that I could scarce change my posture without feeling and hearing the sickening crunch as they were crushed beneath my body.
All at once a violent commotion, accompanied by a medley of sounds, came from the fore part of the hold. The hempen cable was rushing through the hawse pipe.
Then the brig trembled slightly and ceased to list, and when the clamour died away I heard a man shout:
"'Tis no use, Cap'n. I couldn't get another foot out of her."
"How long does the flood make?" asked a voice which I recognized as Captain Jeremy's.
"First high water is about five hours from now," replied the first speaker. "If the wind doesn't change we'll have to wait till then. That'll give you an hour and a half to clear the bar afore the second flood makes."
I heard Captain Miles rattle out a round oath, but further conversation was inaudible through the sounds on deck. Nevertheless, I had heard enough to fill my cup of misery to the brim: unless the wind changed sufficiently to enable her to stem the tide, theGolden Hopewould be compelled to remain at anchor for five hours--five hours more of bodily and mental torture for me.
Yet I had to bear it, or own myself beaten, for I felt convinced that so long as the brig remained within the limits of Poole Harbour, Captain Jeremy would put me ashore in a longboat, or else send me back with the pilot.
Another hour or so passed, yet there were no signs of 'Enery. The heat began to be intense, for the sun was now as high in the heavens as it could possibly be, and its rays, pouring down upon the decks, caused the atmosphere of the hold to become stifling.
The wind, too, had dropped, for the ropes and sails no longer rattled and flapped. But Captain Jeremy was not the kind of man to allow his crew to remain idle, for I could hear water being poured on the deck to clean away the dirt brought aboard from the quay. This, to a certain extent, cooled the hold, and I felt all the better for it.
"A breeze! A breeze from the nor'east!" I heard a voice exclaim, and almost immediately after came the sounds of men rushing hither and thither, and the creaking of blocks and tackle. Then, with the measured tramp of feet as the capstan revolved, the cable descended slowly into its tier, adding to the odours of the hold the pungent smells of seaweed and mud.
The regular heel of the brig gave place to a confused pitching and tossing, signs that I hailed with delight, in spite of a qualmish sensation which the motion seemed to encourage.
TheGolden Hopehad crossed the bar, and was curtsying to the waves of the English Channel.
I waited a little longer, then began pounding on the hatch with the butt of the iron rod.
At first no notice was taken of my efforts; then, without apparent warning, the hatch was whipped off. A flash of dazzling sunshine temporarily blinded me, and before I could realize my surroundings rough hands seized me by the shoulders and dragged me on deck, while a man shouted:
"Cap'n, here's a blessed stowaway!"
Captain Jeremy Miles was standing under the break of the poop, his sunburnt face darkened to a brick-red colour with anger.
"What d'ye mean, you rascal, stowing yourself aboard my ship?"
I must have looked a pitiable object, for, in addition to my soot-blackened face, my clothes were covered with dust and tar, the former from the roads, the latter from the timbers of the hold, though, until I came on deck, I was unaware of it.
My garments were also rent in several places, my hands were bleeding from the result of the rats' bites, and my left eye was becoming rapidly closed, by reason of the blow I had received when flung across the cable tier.
Receiving no answer, the Captain repeated the question with increased emphasis, stamping his foot violently on the deck.
I gave a rapid glance to windward. About a mile away I saw a line of chalk cliffs, ending off in two remarkable pinnacles, and backed by a lofty down, regular in outline and destitute of trees; while astern lay the sand dunes that marked the entrance to Poole Harbour. No other craft was in sight, so I concluded that, whatever else might happen, I should not be put ashore.
"Captain Jeremy," I exclaimed, "don't you know who I am?"
"I don't know, and, what is more, I don't care."
"But you do, sir; I am Clifford Hammond."
Had a musket exploded under his very nose, the Captain would not have jumped back more than he did. Then his eyes opened to their fullest extent, and his jaw dropped till almost every tooth in his head was revealed. Those of the crew who had formed the forlorn group in the cave in Brockenhurst Heath gave a mingled shout and cheer of welcome.
"Good heavens, lad!" exclaimed the Captain, when he had partly recovered himself, "you here? Sink me! Come to my cabin."
He led the way to a low yet snug apartment in the stern of the vessel, well lighted by the square ports I had before noticed, and plainly but service ably furnished. A thick red carpet covered the floor, and curtains of similar colour partially concealed a recess that served as a sleeping bunk. A table, secured to the floor by two light chains, occupied most of the available space, its polished top being littered with charts and papers. Two muskets, a hanger, and a brace of pistols were fixed in a rack, above which was a small bookshelf. Against the side of the bulkhead stood a small portable stove, but, the day being warm, it was unlighted. On either side of the stove-pipe hung several nautical instruments, including a quadrant, a telescope, and other gear; while below these, and in fact in every angle of the cabin, were neatly contrived lockers.
This much I saw in a rapid glance, for Captain Jeremy seemed anxious to speak his mind.
"You are a young rascal," said he, though in the same kindly manner as of yore. "You've outwitted me, my lad, though I must confess I am not altogether sorry. But now, look at the other side of the business. Here you are, inexperienced in the hardships of a sailor's life, about to engage in a hazardous enterprise that may last for years. I am saddled with the responsibility of looking after you, and this, in a measure, ties my hands."
"I'll try not to give you any trouble," I exclaimed.
"That I can quite understand; but trouble or no trouble, the responsibility remains, d'ye see? However, least said, soonest mended. Do your duty, my lad, for I'll warrant you'll not be kept idle, and trust to One above to keep you when in danger and adversity."
He opened the cabin door and called to a man, desiring him to tell the cook to bring in some food.
"Meanwhile," he continued, "I'll look you out some suitable apparel, and do you go for'ard, where you'll find a bucket of water. My faith! You'll be all the better for a good wash."
I did as he ordered, and walking along the heaving deck between groups of men, who stood respectfully aside for me to pass ('Enery having explained that I was the son of one of the owners--not knowing of my father's death), I gained the shelter of a canvas screen underneath the fo'c'sle ladder.
Here I removed the thick deposit of soot and dirt, and having been rinsed down by several buckets of water thrown over me by the seaman who brought the promised garments, I proceeded to dress.
The clothes fitted me fairly well as far as my height went, for I was almost full-grown in stature, but they were somewhat loose about the body, yet comfortable withal; and on returning to Captain Jeremy's cabin I found myself arrayed in serviceable breeches--baggy at the knees, 'tis true--a grey flannel doublet, and a short coat with slashed sleeves. Hat and stockings I was not as yet provided with, neither did I require them; but on my feet I wore a pair of pumps, or heelless shoes.
"Stow that away as fast as you can," said Captain Jeremy, pointing to a tempting display of food placed at one end of the table. "And don't forget to make the best of it, for the fresh stuff won't last long, and you'll have to fall back on real seaman's fare--hard tack and salt pork--before many days are over."
While I was ravenously devouring my food (for I was completely famished), a seaman was busily engaged in fixing some planks round the sides of one of the lockers I had previously noticed.
"He's knocking up a bunk for you," explained the kindly Captain. "I think you'll be able to stretch out on it."
"But you don't mean me to sleep in your cabin, sir?" I exclaimed. "I'm quite ready to sleep in a hammock, like the rest of the crew."
"That's part of my responsibility," he replied, shaking his finger at me; "so there's an end on 't. Jeremy Miles has always prided himself on being a man of his word, and sink me if I fail to carry out this matter to the satisfaction of my principles."
Thus I found myself installed in the Captain's cabin of the brigGolden Hope, which was more than I expected and more than I deserved.
"Sixty men we carry," remarked the Captain. "None too many, but the most we can reasonably afford. Most of them have been shipmates with me in times past, and I'll warrant they'll be a tough nut for any man to crack, be he Turk, Algerine, or buccaneer. It does my heart good to see them do the cutlass drill, or man the ordnance. Our master gunner, Master Silas Touchstone, has seen much service 'gainst the Dutch, and, forsooth, he's a tower of strength to the brig. Would you could have seen them when we beat to quarters on our way down channel."
"Were you attacked?" I asked eagerly.
"Nay, 'twas but practice, yet 'tis what we must accustom ourselves to, for I doubt not that we shall smell powder in real earnest ere we see Poole once again."
Just then 'Enery, who, I discovered, was the bos'n, knocked at the cabin door and reported that the wind was freshening considerably, whereat Captain Jeremy hastened on deck.
Having finished my meal, I bethought me that I ought to go on deck also, and tying a scarf round my head in place of a hat, I ran up the ladder and gained the poop.
The wind was howling through the rigging and driving the spray in white showers across our weather bow, while ahead and as far to larboard as the eye could reach regular combers, with crested tops, showed how the surface of the sea had changed during the last hour.
On our starboard hand a wide expanse of milk-white foam betokened the presence of the dreaded Race of Portland, the bluff headland that gives it its name being plainly visible over our lee bow.
Beyond the heights of Portland the sun was setting in a pale, watery sky, which was fast becoming obscured by rapidly drifting grey patches of ragged clouds--a sure sign of bad weather.
Captain Jeremy neglected no precautions to ensure the safety of his vessel. The fore and main topsails were close-reefed, the storm stay-sails and jib set, and the guns, boats, and hatches properly secured.
"You had best turn in," he shouted, his lusty voice barely audible above the shrieking of the wind. "We'll be in the thick of it before long."
Tired out with my exertions and lack of sleep during my night's journey, I retired to the cabin, and, in spite of the incessant rolling and pitching of the vessel, and the thunder of the waves as they poured over her bows, I fell into a deep slumber.
How long I slept I had no idea till I was roughly wakened by 'Enery shaking my shoulder and exclaiming: "'Tis three bells [9.30 a.m.], Master Hammond. You'd best come on deck, for there's a strange sail bearing down on us."
"What is it?" I asked. "Is it a pirate?"
"That I know not; 'tis, I fear, no law-abiding craft, and if we come to close action every man jack'll have his work to do."
By this time I had sprung out of my bunk, and was making for the deck.
The wind, which had veered in the night and was now nearly dead astern, had moderated in force considerably, and although 'twas raining I could just distinguish a range of cliffs on our starboard hand, ending in a lofty headland with a sheer fall into the sea.
But the cause of the commotion on board was the presence of a long, narrow craft that was bowling along barely two miles off our larboard quarter. She had a lofty fo'c'sle and poop, with a low waist, her rig consisting of two raking masts, from the slanting yards of which bellied closely reefed, loose-footed triangular sails. She flew no colours, but from the foremast head a long streamer stood out as rigid as a spar.
"They mean mischief," said Captain Jeremy to the master gunner, who, having called the guns' crews to their stations, had come off to confer with him.
"'Tis strange enow," replied Master Touchstone, "seeing that we are at peace with the French, the Hollanders, and the Spaniards. What think you she is?"
"An Algerine,[1] judging from the cut of her rig," replied Captain Jeremy, "though I scarce thought to meet one of those rascally rovers so close to the English shores. It seems as if Admiral Robert Blake--who upheld the honour of England on the high seas, even though he were a stout rebel--has taught them but half a lesson."
"Report says that last October two of their galleys captured theSea Dog, of Padstow, within sight of the Lizard," observed the master gunner. "Seven stout Cornish fishermen are even now slaving in their pirate dens, for aught I know to the contrary."
"They'll not carry theGolden Hope, Master Touchstone," replied Captain Jeremy resolutely. "Your preparations are complete, I take it."
"Aye, aye. Four guns abroadside are loaded to the muzzle with musket bullets, four of the others with iron balls, and one with bar shot. 'Twill make a fine present for yon craft, if she be in a mind to take it."
From where I stood at the head of the poop ladder I could command a clear view of the brig's deck. The guns, with powder and ball ready to hand, were as yet still run in, for with the heavy sea that was raging 'twas unwise to trice up the ports until the actual time to open fire, and we were thus also able to deceive the stranger, who doubtless took us for a merchantman. Had our ports been open and our line of gunning ordnance showing, the Algerine--for such she proved to be--might have shirked a conflict; but Captain Jeremy's blood was up, and he swore that he'd give the rascally sea-rovers a lesson that they would not be likely to forget.
Our crew--for most of them had smelt powder before, having served in the Dutch wars--maintained perfect discipline, keeping well out of sight; yet they stood grasping tackles and handspikes, ready at the signal to run out their guns and deliver a crashing broadside.
"They do not fear to press her," observed the master gunner, "though they do not seek to gain the weather gauge. Think you that they'll dare to board, sir?"
"With this sea running? Aye, they'll try to run under our lee and throw a score of their ruffianly crew aboard us. And were we a peaceful trading craft they'd do it, though the sea were twice as high. Smart helmsmen most of those rascals are. I call to mind a Spanish captain I met in Cadiz nine years agone, who told me how his vessel, a xebec, was carried by an Algerine ship in this fashion, and in a heavy Levanter, to boot. But now, Master Touchstone, to your station!"
The Algerine was now but a few hundred yards astern, the foam flying from her sharp bows as they cleft the water. She had put up her helm and was bearing down on our lee quarter, doubtless to board in the manner that Captain Jeremy had predicted.
Observing that those of the crew who were not at the guns had armed themselves with musket or pistol, I took hold of a musket. Thanks to my forest training, I was well accustomed to handle a gun, being reckoned a tolerable shot, though on board theGolden Hopethe motion of the ship put me at a disadvantage. Nevertheless, lying down on the poop, where a score of musketeers had already taken up a like position, I awaited the opening of the engagement, though I must confess the prospect of being under fire did not seem so welcome as it had in the security of my own home, where I used to hear the tales of glorious sea fights.
The sight of Captain Jeremy helped to reassure me. He was standing a short distance from the helmsman, his feet set widely apart and his shoulders braced up, with the air of a man who knows how to keep calm and resolute in the time of danger. Alternately glancing at the tightly drawing sails and the hostile ship astern, he directed the brig's course by a gentle motion of his hand, a signal that the quick-witted quartermaster knew how to obey.
"Stand by the weather after braces," the Captain shouted, and in response to the order the men rushed to man the ropes that served to trim the sails.
"Are you ready, master gunner?"
"Aye, aye, sir."
The Algerine was now barely one hundred yards astern, having achieved her object of getting to lee'ard of us. I could see her lofty fo'c'sle crowded with men--brown, black, aye, and even white faces, for renegades were to be found in the service of the infidels. Some of the crew wore turbans and flowing robes, others a kind-of hooded garment that reached to the knees; but the majority were naked from the waist upwards. With scimitar, spear, pistol, and musket they crowded ready for a spring upon our decks, while they rent the air with shouts of defiance and rage, which were borne to our ears by the wind.
"Ready all! Ease the helm down!"
TheGolden Hopegave a swift, and graceful turn, so that she exposed the whole of her larboard broadside to her enemy. Then, as the Algerine likewise put her helm down to avoid a collision that would doubtless have proved fatal to both craft, nine of our vessel's guns were run out, and a crashing volley was poured into our entrapped foe.
When the smoke had cleared away I saw a sight that I shall never forget. The fo'c'sle, swept by a hail of bullets, was covered by a writhing mass of dead and wounded men; her bows were beaten in by the solid shot; while her foremast, cut off about six feet from the deck, had fallen to lee'ard, bringing with it the heavy lateen yard and sail, and crushing in its descent several of the crew who were in the waist.
Owing to the high seas that were running, the Algerine had been unable to use her oars; but the luckless slaves, chained to their benches, did not escape the hail of shot, much as we should have wished otherwise.
Amidst the clamour of shrieks, groans, and maledictions, for the havoc our broadside had caused was immense, two white men sprang over the side of the Algerine and began to swim in our direction.
"There are some slaves escaping," shouted one of our seamen from the fo'c'sle.
"Where away?" asked Captain Jeremy.
"Dead astern, sir."
"Then 'bout ship. I'll do my best to pick them up. Yon rascals will give us no more trouble."
'Twas no easy task, for by the time theGolden Hope'sbow was pointed towards the spot where two heads could be discerned as they rose upon the crest of a wave, we were nearly a quarter of a mile away, while the disabled Algerine, drifting bodily with the wind and falling broadside on to the breakers, was doomed to a terrible fate on the rock-bound coast.
To get the two poor fugitives on board seemed impossible, for no boat could live in such a sea. Even our guns' crews were at times working up to the knees in water as they strove to secure their guns, now that they were no longer required. But by means of a line attached to a barrico and veered out to lee'ard, one of the men was hauled up over the brig's side. The second slave was not so fortunate. He must have been wounded, for he was seen to be swimming very feebly; and ere the line came within his grasp he sank, in spite of a gallant effort on the part of his companion to save him.
Meanwhile theGolden Hopewas put on her former course, or nearly so, for in the pursuit and action--though the latter lasted but a minute at the outside--we had drifted to within a dangerous distance of the shore, where the surf was licking the face of the frowning cliff towards which the Algerine was rapidly being carried.
We could clearly discern the last of the villainous but unfortunate vessel. With her foremast shot away she was helpless, in spite of frantic efforts to row her seaward. As fast as the heavy sweeps were shipped they were shattered by the irresistible force of the waves, till, midst a turmoil of foam, the doomed ship struck the cliff.
"The Deadman[2] has claimed another toll," shouted Captain Jeremy in my ear. "Yon's one of the worst parts of the Cornish coast, and should a single man of her crew reach the land, he'll meet with short shrift at the hands of the wreckers and smugglers."
I had escaped my first experience of being under fire, somewhat to my regret, now that the affair was over, for I had a presentiment that 'twas but putting off the evil day. Yet I had gained some knowledge of how Englishmen behave in times of danger, and that knowledge was of no mean value.
Four hours later theGolden Hoperounded the Lizard, and in a now rapidly subsiding sea entered the vast expanse of the Atlantic Ocean.
Well before sunset I saw the lofty cliffs disappear beneath the horizon, and that was my last sight of Old England for many a long day.
[1] During the seventeenth and even well into the eighteenth century occasional raids by Algerine corsairs upon the shipping in the Channel were reported. In theNaval Chroniclefor 1807 a letter from one naval officer to another is given, under date of 1743. He describes the wreck of a disabled Algerine off Land's End, pouring out a whole torrent of abusive sarcasm upon the authorities of Falmouth for sending "pork to feed the Mussulmans, being contrary to their religion".
[2] The Dodman, a precipitous headland on the South Cornish coast, between Fowey and Falmouth, is even now familiarly named "The Deadman" by seamen. The most notable wrecks there in recent years were those of theThresherand theLynxin 1897.
Next morning when I came on deck I saw the man we had rescued from the Algerine vessel. He was lying on a rough couch under the lee of a cannonade, being too weak to stand. He had received a pistol shot in the left arm, so that his escape was all the more to be wondered at, although he asserted that while swimming for his life he knew nothing of the matter.
He was a man of gigantic stature, broad in frame, and with muscles that stood out beneath his tanned skin like knots on the trunk of a forest oak. All this I saw in spite of his distressed condition, and should he recover, which seemed likely enough, he promised to make a welcome addition to our crew.
His name was Joe Clemens, and he hailed from East Looe, a small fishing village in Cornwall somewhere betwixt Plymouth and Fowey, so that when we picked him up he was almost within sight of his native place. He had been the mate of theSurprise, armed trader, which had been cast ashore on the Barbary coast, all her crew being carried into captivity.
He was the only Englishman on board the Algerine galley; and had laboured at the oar for nearly three years, sleeping and working at the rowers' bench, to which he was shackled by a chain passed round his middle.
Our broadside severed the chain, and seizing the opportunity he sprang overboard, followed by a fellow-slave, a Sardinian. As he leapt over an Algerine discharged a pistol at him, wounding him in the arm; but such was his strength and determination that, although wearing part of the heavy chain and bleeding profusely, he managed to swim strongly till picked up. His companion had sunk, as I have already related.
For the next few days nothing happened beyond the ordinary routine on board; but on the morning of the fifth day at sea I happened to notice a man who must have previously kept out of my way. His face was partially hidden by a short, stubbly beard, in spite of which I felt certain 'twas the same man that had vied with my father in bidding for Captain Jeremy's picture.
Concealing my agitation, I sought the Captain and communicated my suspicions.
"Wrong again, lad," he replied. "'Tis Ned Slater, an old shipmate of mine who has fallen on evil times. Out of charity I shipped him aboard theGolden Hope."
"The same old shipmate who bought a dagger in Lisbon?"
"Aye, Master Clifford----"
"But, sir, you described him as being as thin as a handspike."
"So I did, lad; but he has filled out since then. 'Twas a score of years ago at least. But rest easy in your mind concerning him, for he has been to the Indies for the last four years, and only landed in Chatham a month ago, the sole survivor of the barqueEnterprise. I know that, for I saw his papers."
With that there was no more to be said; yet, though I might be mistaken, I resolved to keep a close watch on the movements of Master Ned Slater.
Favourable winds bore theGolden Hopeto the Azores, where I had my first impression of foreign parts. Then, after a three days' stay, we shaped a course for the Bermudas; but, owing to constant head winds, Captain Jeremy decided to run south, so as to pick up the north-east Trades.
For several days we sailed over a vast expanse of ocean, with never a sail to break the regular skyline. The days, too, were rapidly becoming hotter, while the hours of daylight appreciably diminished, though the nights were warm and balmy, so that keeping a watch on deck was robbed of all discomfort.
At length one morning the sun rose red and fiery, betokening a change in the weather; and barely was it clear of the horizon when the cry was heard, "Sail, ho!"
"Whither away?" asked Captain Jeremy, as he ascended the poop, glass in hand.
"A point off our starboard bow, sir," replied the seaman who had picked up this craft.
With the naked eye we could distinguish the topsails and t'gallants of a brig, the hull being still below the horizon. Captain Jeremy clapped the glass to his eye and examined her intently.
"What's amiss with her?" he exclaimed. "She's hove-to."
"Perhaps she has sighted us, and wishes to communicate," suggested Touchstone.
"Or else she's a buccaneer," added 'Enery, as he swung himself into the main shrouds in order to get a better view from the topmast head.
"We are out of the regular cruising ground of those gentlemen," remarked Captain Jeremy. "But 'tis no saying what she may prove to be. Master Touchstone, will you see that the arms are served out?"
Two hours later, for the wind was still light, we were within a mile of the strange brig. She was a vessel very similar to theGolden Hopein design, but with what a difference in appearance!
She was still hove-to, moving very slowly through the water. Her yards were badly squared, while her running gear seemed to be in a state of neglect, several of the sheets and braces trailing over the side. She carried four guns abroadside, and these were run out in apparent preparation to ward off an attack; while her decks were crowded with men.
"What do they think to do?" asked the master gunner. "'Tis certain they have no stomach for a fight, or else they would keep way on her."
"If they do not pay heed to their t'gallants they are lost men," said Captain Miles. "See, already the sky is overcast to windward. Yet it may be but a trick, so stand to your guns, men."
In obedience to a further order, the red cross of St. George was shown from our foremast truck, for the course our vessel was taking prevented the ensign at the peak being seen by the stranger.
No ensign was hoisted in reply, and in perfect silence the others awaited our approach.
"What ship is that?" hailed Captain Jeremy through his speaking trumpet. There was still no answer, although theGolden Hopewas passing within fifty yards of the stranger's bows. The hail was repeated, and to our surprise a lusty voice shouted:
"Can yew give we a hand wi' this boat ov ourn, zurr?"
"If that isn't a Zummerset or Devon yokel, sink me for a landlubber!" remarked Captain Jeremy; and almost at the same moment 'Enery, who had descended to the main top, shouted, "Bless me, Cap'n, if it ain't Garge Oddicombe."
"Aye, aye, we'll send a boat," replied Captain Jeremy to the other's request; and in a very short space of time twenty men, with 'Enery in charge, were making-towards the forlorn brig, I having obtained permission to accompany them.
"Look sharp!" shouted our Captain as the boat shoved off. "Make all snug alow and aloft, and keep us in company."
A strange sight met our eyes as we gained the deck of the brig, which, by the name painted on her stern, we now knew to be theNeptuneof Topsham.
The confusion on deck was in accordance with the disorder aloft. Ropes, gun tackles, broken casks and planks, and torn canvas were lying about in the utmost disorder; while some hundred men, grotesquely dressed in motley costumes, gazed at us with mingled expressions of relief, curiosity, and fear. Many still wore the smocks of their native Somerset and Devon, but gone was the healthy hue of a country life. Haggard faces, unkempt hair, and beards showed that these sons of the soil had had a trying time on shipboard.
Without waiting to question this mixed crew, some of whom recognized our men as comrades on the fatal field of Sedgemoor, 'Enery took steps to ensure the safety of the brig, for the wind was piping up in long-drawn moans, the forerunners of the expected gale; and by the time everything was snugged down the sea was too high to permit the boat to return to theGolden Hopefor further orders.
Under easy canvas both brigs scudded before the gale, and, thanks to 'Enery's management, and the fact that theNeptunewas a seaworthy craft, we had no fears as to her ability to make good weather of it.
All night we kept theGolden Hope'spoop lanterns in view, both vessels being of about the same turn of speed; nor was it possible to return to our own craft until late in the afternoon of the following day.
Nevertheless, long before that time we were acquainted with the facts that led up to our meeting with theNeptune, and a ghastly story it was.
TheNeptune, commanded by Captain Jonas Wright, had left the port of Topsham on the tenth of September, with a living cargo consisting of one hundred and twenty poor peasants whom the inhuman Judge Jeffreys had condemned at Exeter Assizes to a lifelong slavery in Jamaica.
This Captain Jonas Wright was a harsh, tyrannical man, who, far from alleviating the miseries of his prisoners, had added to their hard lot, keeping them on low rations of nauseating food, and only allowing them to come on deck for fresh air at very long intervals, while he took a savage delight in bestowing the dreaded "cat" whenever an opportunity occurred. Frequently, through sheer love of cruelty, he would invent some pretext for whipping the manacled prisoners, shouting in drunken glee at their appeals for mercy.
At length George Oddicombe, a man of enormous strength, but withal somewhat dull of understanding, who had fought stubbornly at Sedge moor till ridden down by the Royals, contrived to free himself from his gyves and leg irons, and by working heroically for six hours also managed to release most of his luckless comrades, who in turn devoted their energies to knocking off the fetters of the remaining rebels.
That same night, the captain being in drink, as were most of the seamen, a horde of fierce and resolute peasants poured through the hatchway and overpowered the crew. What happened to their erstwhile captors we did not ask, there being little need to imagine their fate.
Although freed from their oppressors, the ignorant yokels found themselves helpless, for the brig soon got in irons[1]. Unable to manoeuvre her, they had slowly drifted in a vessel which, but for our aid, would ere now be lying on the bed of the Atlantic.
Directly the wind moderated sufficiently, 'Enery and I returned to theGolden Hope, leaving seven of our men still on board theNeptune.
Captain Jeremy listened intently to the bos'n's report, his brow frequently puckering as if with the perplexity of the situation; but when at length 'Enery finished his story, the Captain brought his hand down on the cabin table with a tremendous crash.
"By Jove!" he exclaimed, "I'll risk it. Bring Oddicombe on board."
[1] A vessel is said to be "in irons" when she is head to wind, and will not tall off on either tack.
While the boat was away on its errand Captain Jeremy turned to me.
"You see, Master Clifford, that I am in a very awkward position. As master of this vessel I look upon mutiny and similar uprisings against authority as an offence of the blackest dye. 'Tis certain that Master Oddicombe and his following have dealt hardly with the captain of theNeptuneand his crew, and for that they deserve to be delivered up to justice at the first English settlement we touch. On the other hand, they were fighting for their liberty 'gainst a tyrant, while, to go farther, they fought side by side with us under Monmouth's banner. But for the workings of Providence, I and a score of my men now on board this vessel would have been similarly dealt with. Had we been in their place, how should we have acted, had the means of regaining our freedom been opened to us?"
"Same as they, Cap'n," exclaimed 'Enery, who, with Touchstone and myself, formed a little council in the cabin.
"I did but sound your inclinations," continued Captain Jeremy. "Sink me! I cannot blame them. But now, by the laws of the sea, theNeptuneis in our keeping till we bring her into a port, when the Admiralty courts shall decide our share of the salvage. But if we do that, what is to become of the yokels that are on board? Nay, that will not serve."
"We could do with another ship and a sprinkling of fighting men," observed the master gunner tentatively.
"You have spoken mine own mind," rejoined Captain Jeremy. "If we can but make yon peasants see that therein lies the best chance of safety, I'll tranship half of them, and send thirty of our men under you, bos'n, to work the leavening of the rest. I know these men. They are full of fight, and only need a stiffening of good seamen to turn them into a passable crew."
"Then you expect we shall have opposition, sir?" I asked. "From whom?"
"From the buccaneers, unless I be greatly mistaken. With theGolden Hopealone 'twould be necessary to avoid an engagement should these rogues think fit to molest us, for they swarm all over the Caribbean Sea; but with a consort like theNeptunewe can hold our own. Is she a seaworthy craft?"
"As sweet a craft as I could wish for--saving our own," replied 'Enery.
"And well found?"
"Both in stores and munitions of war, though I have not made a full search. Eight twelvepounders and an eighteen on her fo'c'sle, and a goodly store of muskets, cutlasses, and pikes, to say naught of a stock of bilboes."
"And water?"
"Enough and to spare."
"Excellent!" exclaimed Captain Jeremy. "But here is the boat alongside. We'll hear what Master Oddicombe hath to say to our proposals."
Master Oddicombe needed but little persuasion to fall in with Captain Jeremy's suggestions. He realized only too well that his bold step in taking possession of theNeptunebrought the greater chance of difficulties and dangers; and that, had they been overhauled by a King's ship, every man would assuredly have graced a halter.
Captain Jeremy next proceeded to explain the mission of theGolden Hope, and our expectation of securing a vast treasure.
"Although I can offer you no share in the matter," he continued, "I shall require you and your companions to pledge yourselves to serve us faithfully for the space of not more than two years. At the end of that time, or before, should we attain the object of our search, I'll warrant your safe discharge at some settlement, where you will be free men. More than that, should we be able, by the united work of both vessels, to capture any buccaneering craft who think to molest us, their cargoes will be equally divided betwixt all hands. So if you and your men are willing to serve us faithfully, and engage in an enterprise of adventure and profit, now is the chance of that and your freedom."
Nothing loath, Master Oddicombe gave the required promise on behalf of his men, and the compact having been sealed over a bottle of Madeira, we all repaired on deck, where Captain Jeremy gave orders for our crew to assemble.
"My lads," said he, "You know I'm a bluff sailor and not given to making speeches, so I come straight to the point. Yon brig is now our consort. Together we'll make a match for any buccaneer that dares to assail us. You need not fear that your shares in the expedition will be lessened by our increased numbers--if anything, you stand to gain. I hope you'll welcome your new messmates. Some of you will greet them as old companions on the battlefield. That's all I'm going to say. Now, thirty men are wanted to serve aboard theNeptuneunder Captain 'Enery." Here our former bos'n almost lost his balance, at the shock of hearing his new title. "Seven of our men are already aboard her," continued Captain Jeremy, with a sweep of his arm in the direction of theNeptune, which, like theGolden Hope, had been hove-to during the last hour or so. "Those willing to serve under Captain 'Enery will muster on the larboard side."
To my surprise, not a man crossed over to the larboard, but with one accord all stepped briskly and resolutely to the starboard side.
"What's this I see?" shouted Captain Jeremy.
"Do you want to cruise single-handed? Are you afraid that, against my word, your shares will go down? Do I scent mutiny aboard theGolden Hope? Bestir yourselves, my hearties!"
"'Tain't neither, Cap'n," replied one of the men, Tom Cherry by name. He had been one of the Captain's comrades in the cave, and was a stanch, honest fellow. "We'll all go if you gives the word, but we don't want you to think as 'ow we wants to leave you."
"You won't be leaving me; it's theGolden Hopeyou're leaving, to join a consort under my orders. I thank you all for your expression of loyalty, but as some of you must ship aboard theNeptunewe'll leave it to chance. Master Touchstone, do you draw the men into two ranks."
Thereupon the crew took up their position, fifty-one all told, for Captain 'Enery and the master gunner were, with Captain Miles and me on the poop.
"Down you go, Master Clifford, and pick out a man at random," said our Captain; and, descending the poop ladder, I walked between two rows of as fine a set of men as ever served afloat.
"Fall out, you," ordered Captain Jeremy, as I touched a smart lower-yard man on the shoulder.
"Now, count out every seventh man."
"There you are, Captain 'Enery," he continued, when the counting out was completed; "a proper crew for you, and no favouritism. I trust they'll do you credit. Now, lads, there's no time to be lost, so dismiss and pack up your traps."
With this there was a wild skelter, as the men dived into the forepeak to gather together their personal property; and a quarter of an hour later the backbone of theNeptune'screw rowed off to our consort.
An hour or more elapsed ere the sixty peasants were brought on board theGolden Hope, for Captain 'Enery, with considerable tact, had allowed them to settle amongst themselves who should stay and who were to go. Thus there was no separation of relations or friends--for, poor fellows, they had had enough of that when they left England--and each band of yokels had the satisfaction of finding themselves made up of practically the manhood of their respective villages.
Our westward course was now resumed, the two vessels keeping their stations with commendable precision, theGolden Hopeleading at about a cable's length from theNeptune'slarboard bow.
From early morn to late afternoon, day after day, the new arrivals were trained in the use of arms, manning the guns under Master Touchstone's supervision, and going through the musketry exercises and the cuts and guards of the cutlass drill. It was not long before their smocks and other homely garments had given place to clothes of a nautical cut, while each day added to their transformation into stout-hearted British seamen.
Nor were the conditions under which the crew of theNeptunelived less strenuous. Although we were unable to go aboard her, for the Trades blew steadily during this time, and both vessels kept up a good eight knots, I could see by the aid of a glass that her men were hard at work with their ordnance and small arms; while it seemed that Captain 'Enery rarely quitted his quarter-deck. Whenever I chanced to look that way I could distinguish his tall, gaunt, bearded figure slowly pacing his domain; and I realized that, should we ever find ourselves in a tight fix, we should have reason to be thankful for the aid of Captain 'Enery.
"Land ahead!"
Such was the welcome cry that greeted my ears as I awoke on the morning of our thirty-eighth day afloat.
Hastily throwing on my clothes, I rushed on deck to view the land of promise. We were approaching the Lesser Antilles, and ahead the lofty, wooded slopes of an extensive island were slowly coming into sight, while north and south the peaks of other islands showed their heads above the horizon, for the weather was particularly clear, the hour being just after sunrise.
Captain Jeremy was already up and about, and was holding the chart in his hand, for we were on the point of passing over shoal water, though no rocks reared their heads above the sea.
The leadsman was in the chains, his voice being heard with monotonous regularity--"By the mark five"[1]; and the anchor was already uncatted and hung ready to let go at the first sign of danger.
Astern theNeptunewas wallowing slowly in our wake, under reduced canvas.
Gradually the island loomed nearer and nearer, till we could distinguish a saddle-shaped hill, covered with dense vegetation, descending steeply on its northern face, while its southern portion seemed to end in a long, flat plain. At first sight there appeared no break in the encircling ridge of white sand 'gainst which the breakers flung themselves in cascades of milk-white foam, the noise of which was borne to our ears like the distant roll of drums.
"By the deep four," shouted the leadsman.
"Carry on," said Captain Jeremy calmly, though by his manner I knew 'twould be hazardous to question him. "Another man in the chains!"
"A quarter less four." The water was shoaling rapidly.
Still our Captain gave no sign to alter the brig's course, although an ominous pale green patch ahead and several others of a dark brown hue on either side of us betokened the presence of dangerous sandbanks and rocks. His eyes were intently fixed on a rocky pinnacle which was slowly coming into line with a distant island.
"Hard a larboard!"
Round swept theGolden Hope, heeling over to the beam wind as it caught her retrimmed sails. We were now shaping a course parallel to the eastern side of the island, while theNeptune, turning in our wake, had also succeeded in negotiating the unseen channel.
"Keep her as she goes, quartermaster," ordered Captain Jeremy, who was now devoting his attention to some secret bearings on the shore.
"By the mark thirteen," sang out the leadsman, while almost directly afterwards his companion gave the cry, "And a half six."
"Starboard your helm."
Once more theGolden Hopeswung round till she lay on her former course and was pointing straight for the island. Right ahead I could now see a deep bay, or rather gulf, protected by a ridge of jagged rocks running obliquely seaward from either horn of the land. Even here the rollers ran high, but they lacked the broken crest that elsewhere marked an almost continuous submerged reef.
Away aloft sprang the men to reduce still further our spread of canvas. With a succession of heavy lurches theGolden Hopecrossed the bar and entered the land-locked harbour.
"Let go," shouted Captain Jeremy, laying down his glass with a sigh of relief and wiping his heated brow.
With a sullen splash the anchor plunged beneath the waves, the stout hempen cable flew through the hawse-pipe, and theGolden Hopebrought up head to wind in the sheltered anchorage of Treasure Island.
TheNeptune, smartly handled, also dropped anchor half a cable's length nearer inshore, and steps were immediately taken to moor both vessels, a massive chain bridle and swivel being bent on to the cables to prevent undue chafing, and also to facilitate matters should we be compelled to slip in a hurry.
The waters of this little harbour were so clear that the bed of the sea could be distinctly seen at a depth of five fathoms. TheGolden Hopewas lying immediately over a white sandy 'patch, though both her anchors were embedded in blue mud, which formed an excellent holding-ground.
It being too late in the day to land, for mooring and "snugging down" had taken up a considerable time, all hands were allowed to stand easy. Many of the men took advantage of this permission to bathe, and a strange sight it was to see a constant stream of seamen running along our fore-yard and diving thence into the sea.
For my part, I could not bring myself to attempt a plunge from that dizzy height, but contented myself with diving off the catheads; yet before many days had passed I conquered my fears and essayed the leap, for which I had reason to be thankful ere the cruise of theGolden Hopewas over.
A sharp look-out was kept in case the swimmers were attacked by sharks, but we were not molested by these monsters. On our voyage we had frequently come across them, and they would follow the ship for days; but on our crossing the bar they deserted us. Possibly the roar of the surf had frightened them, and we were not sorry to lose their unwelcome attentions.
Next day the boats were ordered away to sound the bay and the bar without. The weather was exceedingly hot, and even when sheltered beneath canvas awnings the heat was oppressive. Yet ere nightfall the soundings were taken, with sufficient exactness to assure ourselves that no hidden danger lay within the entrance to our harbour, while the wreck of the Spanish caravel was discovered lying close to the northernmost arm of the reef in eleven fathoms of water.
I could trace her rounded sides and lofty poop and fo'c'sle, even though the timbers were covered with weeds. She was lying almost on an even keel, though with a slight list to starboard, her bows pointing obliquely to the shore. Had she been a few hundred yards to the south'ard she must assuredly have made the harbour in safety, and then there would have been no need for our presence off the island.
"It was commonly supposed," said Captain Jeremy to me, "that the whole of the crew of the caravel perished in the wreck, but I can prove that such was not the case. When she struck she remained above water some time--possibly for weeks--and the survivors removed the treasure to a safe hiding-place in the hills. How they fared you shall see. With the next heavy gale theMadreslipped off the rocks and settled in deep water, where we now see her. This accounts for the treasure not being found by anyone but myself. Now we'll return to theGolden Hope, for 'tis nearly sunset."
That night extra watches were set on both ships, for we knew not whether the island was inhabited or otherwise, while at any time some buccaneering craft might attempt to surprise us as we lay at anchor. But nothing untoward occurred to, disturb our slumbers, although the change from the constant heave of the ocean to the motionless calm within this sheltered harbour caused me to lie awake on my back for several hours.
A thousand thoughts passed through my brain. Here we were off Treasure Island, but would our quest be successful? What was my uncle doing? Had he guessed the reason of my flight? or did he think that I had come to some untimely ending? If the latter, what would he do with my home in far-off Brockenhurst? And Constance--how was she faring? Then I recalled the incidents that led to my presence on board theGolden Hope. I pictured again the struggle with the two dragoons on the Lyndhurst Road, the fatal night when my father was foully slain, the underground refuge, my midnight flight and subsequent discomforts in the hold. Once more I saw the Algerine crumple up under our broadside, and pictured the boarding of theNeptune. These and a chain of other incidents I recalled, till just before dawn I fell asleep.
Yet during the short interval while I slept occurred the first of a series of incidents that led to the direst misfortunes which befel our enterprise.
[1] This refers to the sounding in fathoms as shown by the leadline. This line is "marked" at 2, 3, 5, 7, 10, 13, 15, 17, and 20 fathoms by distinctive strips of calico, bunting, leather, &c. The intervening depths are not "marked", and are called "deeps".