"A SECRET OF THE SEA."A story was current three or four years ago concerning the mate of a clipper-built Australian barque or ship, who, on his return home about three years ago, boasted of the possession of a large nugget or rather bar of gold. The story he told about it was that being sent on shore one day to bring off some fruit from an uninhabited island in the South Seas he picked up this lump of gold, which it was evident had lain in the water for a period of many years."'Where there was one there must more,' he said, and as soon as he could charter a ship he could raise the sunken treasure and become a millionaire. As he never let his friends handle the nugget, if nugget of gold it was, and as he was somewhat dissipated in his mode of life, he got no one to believe him. He had lost his ship owing to drunkenness while in charge of a watch and hadn't found another."Reduced at last to penury he determined to pawn his nugget, and for that purpose it seems he visited his uncle as the saying is. The pawn-broker was a shrewd old Jew. But although he called the nugget a mere trinket, he was glad to offer money on it nevertheless. Not enough, however, to satisfy the man, who picked up the sea-worn gold and quickly left the shop. He was followed at once to his lodgings and the address taken."A few nights after this he was waited upon not by one Jew but two."They had been, they said, thinking over his story, and were willing to advance a considerable sum not on the bit of gold, but if the ex-mate would show them a chart and give the exact latitude and longitude of the unknown island."A magnum of champagne was sent for and they three talked over the matter."But the mate's ultimatum was this: he refused to give the position of the island, but would take command of the search-ship, and the Jews should have half of all the gold, the other to be his unreservedly."Before coming to terms one of the Jews hazarded a last shot. Doubtless, he said, they could find the latitude and longitude from some of the others that had been on board the barque at the time."The mate helped himself to more wine. He was a man who could fill his hold without fear of his ballast shifting."'That you won't,' he said. 'I knew the only two young fellows that had the secret. One was a steward, the other a ship's cook's slush boy. Both, I've heard, were killed by cannibals, and I alone possess the secret, which I means to stick to, till I find more generous partners than you. Good-night.'"But it seems the mate's last shot told home."'Brother,' said the elder, 'let us accept this honest fellow's offer at once. We'll get out the ship then, though it will take a bit of time, and my brother and I will both go out in her. We'd like a bit of fresh air, anyhow.'"Well," the article went on, "extraordinary as the story is it is a true one. The ship is a great object of interest to the residents of Cardiff, and will be all ready to leave in four months' time. She is a strongly built Aberdeen clipper, not large but well armed, and even carries a quick firer, trouble with savages being feared.""Keppel, I fear," said Captain Breezy, "they will have the weather gauge of you. But I am interested and will see the Admiral of this station about other matters and take his opinion on this at the same time. Meanwhile you had better say nothing about the sunken treasure. Let this be our secret.""One word, sir," said Kep, "for you are no doubt a trifle wiser than I."The Captain couldn't help smiling at the lad's pretty conceit."Suppose I found those in this city willing at once to start in search of this sunken treasure, to whom would it belong when raised? To the Crown?""Certainly not, boy; but to you, unless the owners came back from the grave. And not only the gold, but the islands themselves, as you were the first inhabitant and it is no portion of British territory. No, the gold would be indisputably yours and Adolph's, your shipwrecked fellow Crusoe. You may go now. I have many matters to think about."So Captain Breezy had, but he was a brisk, determined man. He lighted his cigar now and leaned back in his easy chair, and began to arrange his ideas."That's what I'll do," he said to himself at last.Next minute the Captain's gig was called away, and it did not take him long to board the flagship.He transacted all his business coolly and soon had his papers all signed and his instructions to weigh anchor and sail for home any day he pleased. Then he told him Kep's story and all about the treasure."And a son of Iverach Drummond. Why, dear old Drummond and I were at school together. I'm surprised, but I'm glad for Keppel's sake, or at least I should be if things go right with him.""But about the other ship that is fitted out?""We'll send a cablegram at once home to hear about it."They did and the answer came in reasonable time to the effect that the barqueFortuna, having engines on board, or what is called auxiliary steam-power, had sailed a month ago by Suez, bound for the South Sea Islands."A month ago. Why, Breezy," cried the Admiral, "you can beat her yet, and beat her easily unless you break down. It's only a matter of a few weeks' delay. I'll make that all right, and you have my permission now to go anywhere on your way home and do just as you please.""A thousand thanks, sir. I shall soon speak my fond farewells to Sidney city, and be under weigh and on the wing by to-morrow forenoon. It may be a bit of a race between theBreezyand theFortuna, but I think I know who will win, sir.""Good morning. Shall be happy to hear from you."And back to theBreezywent bold Captain Breezy.* * * * *That evening and night all farewells were said to those on shore. The broadsword-men of theBreezyhad a good send off and left Sidney homeward bound next forenoon at four bells.Said Jack Stormalong to a brother gunner as the ship got well away from the shore, "Ned, my old shippie, we're homeward bound, you know, but there's something in the wind, and I'm ready to bet my best new jacket to a pint o' tar that we won't touch England's happy shores for months to come yet.""On with you," said Ned. "I'll have your swagger jacket or you'll have my pint o' tar with a cinder in it for luck."CHAPTER XXVA GREAT OCEAN RACE.--"GODDARD BEGAN TO SHOOT"It wasn't only Jack Stormalong and his chum who "kind o' felt" there was something in the air but all hands. There was, maybe, going to be a fight with a pirate, or more savages were coming to the front, or war was declared against Germany; but they didn't mind, and A.B.'s said to each other: "We may be content if it ain't straight home, old pal. We'll git there some time.""And the more months, the more money, eh?"But there was no grumbling. Even little Sneyd, the Acting Paymaster, forbore to growl.The Captain studied the chart, and sailed east and away with a point or two of south in it after they rounded Australia. Making all calculations, he believed he could reach the island some days at all events before theFortuna, who must already have reached the straits of Java, or be about the south end of Borneo. No one could guess what the mate, who was now, of course, captain of the sail-search-of-fortune barque might do.Now that they were fairly away at sea, there was no harm in all hands knowing the meaning of the enterprise.It was not merely a voyage they were making, but they were engaged in a great ocean race, and there was therefore a good deal of excitement fore and aft. But all felt sure of winning.The engineers were advised to make the best of each day's journey, but to exercise the greatest care. For to breakdown in these seas might prove a terrible calamity from every point of view.The engines worked splendidly under the almost continual attention of the engineer-lieutenant. They were beautiful pets, these of his. He was never happier than when he was down among them, talking to them and touching them as if they were sentient beings, things of life as well as beauty.Once or twice during the long, long voyage the engines had been suddenly stopped, and the hearts of those on board seemed to stop with them. When they went on again, however, no sweeter sound ever fell upon their ears than the hum of the polished wheels.They were delayed for a time by a circular storm. In just such a hurricane many and many a good ship has foundered with all hands, and never more will be heard of them till the sea gives up its dead. But all was soon right again.When in the South Seas constant watch had to be kept from the mast-head for shoal water, and greater caution had to be observed by night.This was a trying time in a great ocean race like this.But the depth of the sea increased at last, and they were now quite out of the ordinary ocean highways, though they at times crossed them and met ships.They hailed every one of them in the usual way. They spoke them, as sailors say.They might have been about three days' steam from the islands they were in search of.Adolph had most carefully retained the position of Great Snake Island, but still there might have been an error in calculation made by the first mate of theWampiri. He was a steady man then, though drinking when off duty, and so this was improbable.He tried to be steady during the present voyage of theFortuna, and touched no spirits nor wines for a time. He knew right well how much he had at stake, and was cautious.He himself, moreover, saw to all calculations and made reckonings, and on the whole, as his two Jewish owners remarked, a more trustworthy and reliable sailing master could not have been found. This for the first five weeks.The broadswords of theBreezybegan to be a little anxious when next day passed and noFortunahove in sight. She must have already found the islands, and her crew by now must have commenced the work of diving.But about an hour after sunrise next day every heart was gladdened by the appearance, far away on the weather bow, of a barque under steam and easy sail, answering exactly to the right build of theFortuna. They overhauled her easily. Indeed, they were coming up hand over hand in her wake, then keeping off a point or two, theBreezyhailed her."What vessel is that?"Everyone on theBreezyheld his breath to listen."TheFortuna!"At the word a little cheer had to be repressed on board the man-o'-war."Bound for the Horn, and home.""So are we. We'll be there before you, though. Can we take letters?""No, thanks.""Bon voyagethen.""Bon voyage!""Hurrah!" said Wynn. "No doubt we'll be there before her in more ways than one."But next day, no ship being then in sight, the glass indicated a depression, the clouds rolled up till the horizon was close aboard of them, and somehow or another the broadswords' hearts went down with the falling glass. In dirty weather like what was coming anything might happen to mar their success.It really gave theFortunaalmost as good a chance of reaching the island first as theBreezy.The gale was at its height when the sable plumes of night trailed over the sea.TheBreezywas making good knotage, but, fearful that she might pass the small islands in the darkness, they were obliged to stop ship.Yet this storm appeared to have driven theBreezyout of her way. There were both winds and currents to reckon with.It was terribly tantalising, and just so near game too. But towards the middle of the morning watch sea and wind went down, the stars shone out, and the red fire of the rising sun opened a splendid day.Probably this storm and the fact of theBreezyhaving been drifted to leeward saved the situation, for there--not two miles ahead--was the Island of Snakes itself, and noFortunain sight.They sailed round this that they might recall the wreckedMacbeth, and enable Kep and Adolphus to take their bearings.They found the spot, but the ship of death lay crushed and broken among the rocks.It was easy for Kep now to point out the route to the little inlet where the treasure ship had been sunk, and in a couple of hours they had reached it.No time was lost in sending a boat on shore.It was the captain's gig, Captain Breezy himself on board her, with Kep and Adolph and McTavish. Everything above seemed precisely the same as when Kep and his comrade had left it years ago."But how about the treasure ship?" said Captain Breezy."Well, sir," replied Kep, "she ought to be just down there among the weeds. But I can soon see. I can dive down as I did before.""But is there not a danger of your becoming entangled among the deep sea weeds and drowned?""I was entangled last time, sir, though I did not tell Adolph when I got up; so maybe, sir, I might have a bit of a life-line round me this time. I don't want to die to-day, sir, anyhow."A pole had been brought on shore with a British flag, in order that they might hoist it and so take possession of the island in the King of Britain's name.This pole and flag would do capitally. In less than a minute Kep was back again with another bar of gold, which he placed at the captain's feet.He was gasping a bit, but soon recovered."All is just as I left it, sir," he said.Then there was a ringing cheer from the men on shore, responded to heartily by those on board."We'll hoist the flag-pole now," cried Breezy, and the men quickly drove the halliard through the pulley and set to work to step the mast. In a quarter of an hour all was ready for the ceremony.But McTavish now boldly stepped forward. "I don't think, sir," he said, "that the flag should be hoisted till the sunken ship is cleared.""And why, my worthy doctor?""Well, sir, so long as this island belongs to Keppel here and Adolph, they can do as they please with it and all in it and round it. But as soon as theUnionJack is hoisted the island becomes the King's--God bless him!--with all its appurtenances; all above ground and all below becomes treasure-trove, flotsam, jetsam, ligan, or whatever other puzzling names a man of law chooses to put on them."Captain Breezy laughed. "You're right, doctor. Dash it, doctor, I'll take your advice; but I had no idea we had a sea-lawyer on board of theBreezy, else we could have consulted him in many a difficulty before now.""Sail in sight!"The hail came from the tops of the ship itself, but could be heard distinctly enough by those on shore."That's theFortunaagain. Let her come now we have anchored theBreezyon Keppel's Isle, and I don't think we'll sever till we see what is below yonder."TheFortunacould be distinctly seen now coming at full speed towards the bay."We'll go on board and get things ready. Adolph, you may remain here for a short time. You are the man in possession, and we shan't forget you. Tumble in, boys!"Once on board preparations to get to work were commenced immediately.The great diving-bell was overhauled to see that everything was in perfect order."I guess," said little Sneyd, the A.-P., as he came bustling into the ward-room, "we're going to have some real good fun with that scoundrel of a skipper on theFortuna." He continued, "Kep, my lucky youngster, you are to keep out of sight below and not appear until you get the signal. But you'd better be half way up the companion ladder so that you can't be seen. That's what your orders are, and if the skipper comes on board the rest of us are to be on the quarter-deck."Two boats were called away, and, after being manned and armed, lay easily at the shore side of theBreezy. They might be wanted; if so, they had their orders, one under the charge of Guilford, the other commanded by a midshipmite.There is no doubt the skipper of theFortunasmelt a rat, but he determined to face every difficulty. The two Jews were nervous and excited. Indeed, they had already come to open rupture with Goddard."If, Captain G.," they told him, "you have fooled us, and we are foiled, we shall maroon you on the nearest uninhabited island, with a keg of rum and a small barrel of salt herrings. Won't we, Moses?"The skipper took no further notice of theBreezy, but stepped into the boat he had lowered and, hoisting the red ensign astern, ordered his fellows to pull to the point within five hundred yards of Golden Inlet."Lieutenant Guilford," cried Captain Breezy, "be off now, and see that yonder fellow doesn't land with his flag. I think I know what he is up to, so bring them here, boat and all.""Ay, ay, sir. Down oars lads. Cheerily does it, and this is race number two in the programme. The winner to receive a bottle of rum.""Hooray!" Away they went.But there were good British tars in theFortuna'sboat also."Up with her, lads; up with her with a will!" Goddard was heard shouting. "We'll beat the beggars yet."Sturdy and strong as the man-o'-war's men were, they had twice as far to pull, and could never have done the distance, but away went a shot from theBreezy. It was splendidly aimed by Stormalong himself, and took the water close to the port bow of the Fortunes boat, treating all on board to a most disheartening shower-bath."Game's up!" cried Goddard. "In oars, boys. The next shot would sink us."Then the war-boats got alongside."Whither away, my hearty," cried Guilford."I am the captain of theFortuna. Yonder is my island, and I'm going to land there and take possession in the King's name.""You may save yourself the trouble. We ourselves have virtually annexed it. But we've got to take you back to H.M.S.Breezynow, Mr. Master-mariner. Are you going to come quietly?""Suppose I must, but don't imagine I'm going to take it lying down.""Don't care how you take it, skipper. You may take cold without, if you choose, or if you prefer it hot--you can have that.""I shall not give orders to pull a stroke," cried Goddard.Guilford pulled out two revolvers. "Up hands, in the King's name!" he shouted as he stood in the bows.Up hands it was, and the boat was taken in tow, and soon her men were safe on board theBreezy."Show Mr. Goddard aft," cried Breezy. "Midshipman of the watch."The middy was a merry little boy, and this is the polite way he showed the gentleman aft."Luff, you lubber," he cried, "and if ye dare to back sail or heave to before you stand before the captain of this ship, I'll stick a pin in your hip right up to the hilt. March!""Now, Mr. Goddard, I hope for your own sake you will not give trouble, else it will be your own fault if anything occurs. You came to look for a sunken treasure ship?" began Captain Breezy."Yes, Cap'n, and yonder is the treasure island on which I was landed for fruit. I was therefore first owner, and there I dredged up this bar of gold, therefore the rest of it is mine by rights."The two stood now in the waist of the ship, confronting each other, with the rest of the officers near, and Goddard's own surly men looking on."Mr. Keppel Drummond!"Kep was by the captain's side in two bounds."I'd be sorry," he said, "to use an ugly word on the deck of the King's ship, so I shall speak in the mildest and calmest language possible."Goddard had turned pale.Kep raised his fist and his voice at the same time. "Goddard," he yelled, "you are not only a liar, but a thief. Hand me the gold."Goddard was crushed, and parted company with the nugget as a whipped schoolboy might have done."If you do not now apologise to this young gentleman," said Breezy, "for the injury you would have done him, I will lodge you in our cells, and hand you over to the police the moment we return to England."Goddard tried to smile, but in vain."You see, young sir, you was eaten by cannybiles.""Never one put a tooth in me," cried Kep."And was in consequence dead.""I was never dead in all my life.""And now," moaned Goddard, "I'm done for. My owners will maroon me."He talked so sadly, that Captain Breezy felt a bit sorry for him."We'll take care they don't maroon you, Mr. Goddard. If you will lie to for a couple of days between the Isle of Snakes yonder and Keppel's Isle here, you may or you may not hear of something to your advantage. Please yourself, Master-mariner. Good day."Everything was ready that day, a raft rigged and attached thereto the huge diving-bell, and at early morning, in the short twilight, for the island lies well down south, the men commenced work right gaily.TheFortunawas hove to about three miles from the shore.The men in the bell were as busy as bonnet-makers, Kep and McTavish roaming over the island accompanied by two bluejackets.It was not snakes that the brawny surgeon was in search of this time, but Kep had suggested that the crew of the sunken treasure might have made some effort to get a portion of the gold on shore, and there was not a yard of the island anywhere within a mile of the creek or inlet that they did not search. But all in vain, and ere twilight fell, they were back to dinner on board theBreezy.The news was most exhilarating. The bell had been most effective. The men could see everything, and work from inside with levers, or, entering a chamber beneath, get out and walk about the bottom of the sea itself. This work was first executed, and the old galleon, evidently Spanish, was cleared of weeds, and a space many yards all around her; then these were dragged away up the creek, and the divers had a clear field for investigation. No less a sum than £50,000 in gold bars and doubloons were sent up the first day, in boxes weighing about two hundred pounds each.TheBreezyspent seven days more at the work, during which time all the men did their duty well and heartily.The ship was finally blown to pieces on the ocean's bed, and every piece of her was examined. In one box were many precious stones of great value.On the third day Stormalong was sent to tell the skipper of theFortunaabout the wreck that lay on the other island.The two brothers, the Jewish gentlemen, received him most affably. The skipper himself was sulky, and gave evidence that he had once more resorted to the rum cask to drown his sorrows and keep up his heart."But there are good men and true on board, only they are timid and over-awed by the bad hats among the crew." This is what Moses told Stormalong. "These are mutinous even already.""If you want any help," said the gunner heartily, "I am sure that our Captain Breezy will be glad to let you have it.""This voyage," the Jew said, "will almost ruin us. But we willingly accept your aid. It is thus with my brother and me: the only way we can save our lives after you leave is by destroying the brandy and the rum, leaving only enough for a smell for the captain and each man, to be doled out daily.""Now," said Stormalong, "I see how it is. The men sailed, poor beggars, with high hopes of getting rich, and they think they will have to go home in ballast. But they need not. The derelict is worth a deal to you. Give the men work; break her up and load up her brass work and iron, her best timbers, and everything else of value.""Goot! goot! goot!" cried Moses, forgetting his best English."Meanwhile, we will send an armed boat on board. We will take your grog and wine and pay you for it.""Goot!""I'm onlysayingthis, but I feel sure I will get leave to.""Goot! goot!""You may also dredge the wreck yonder, and if you find more gold after we leave, you are welcome to it.""Goot! goot! goot!"The surgeon came off next time in an armed boat. With the men growling all around, they coolly lowered the grog into the steam launch.When his back was turned, the skipper suddenly pulled out a revolver and began to shoot.He was speedily secured and bound. Then they left him raving. For the time being the man was mad.After returning to theBreezythe doctor reported what had happened. A bullet had cut the gunner on the shoulder, and so close had the revolver been fired, that part of the poor fellow's jacket was burned.Breezy immediately gave orders that Goddard should be taken on board and placed in the cells. He died raving mad just three days after, and so that was the end ofhisstory.CHAPTER XXVISOMETHING EXTRAORDINARY HAPPENEDOf gold and precious stones the men of theBreezyhad lifted quite two millions and two hundred thousand pounds' worth.And the happy ship was homeward bound in earnest. Joy fore and aft. Ah, you landsmen, cannot easily understand the feeling in a sailor's heart; whose every footstep, as he walks the quarter-deck, seems to draw nearer and nearer to the bold bluff coast of Southern Britain.Before they reached Rio de Janeiro, where Captain Breezy had orders to call and where letters for the crew were expected, Kep and Adolphus had a little private meeting and confab. They settled money matters between them, and then Keppel Drummond sought audience of the captain, asking permission for Adolph to come with him.This was gladly granted, and the interview was but a short one."It seems, sir," said Kep, "that treasure will pan out to £2,200,000, and if so----""Oh, Kep, my lad," interrupted Breezy, "it will do more than that.""Well, sir, this money belongs to Adolph and me, does it not?""Every penny, Keppel."Kep then told him of his father's grief and illness from his downfall from Martello Castle to a small cottage by the sea, and how he, Kep, meant to set up his daddy and sister in their former state, and to do all he could to make his life happy."Adolphus here will, no doubt," he continued, "know what to do with his. And now, sir, I have only to ask that we may have the pleasure and honour of distributing all but the two millions to the officers and men of the ship."Breezy grasped Kep by the hand and then Adolph. He was visibly affected."Let it be divided, as usual, with prize-money, only in this case your share, sir, must not be less than £50,000; nor any man's less than £1,000."A public meeting was held next day, on the quarterdeck, all hands being called to hear the gladsome tidings. And I need not say that the cheering was such as is seldom heard on board a navy cruiser or battle-ship. Then the little band struck up; both Kep and Adolph were picked up and carried shoulder high around the deck, even the bayoneted sentries saluting as they passed.It happened to be Saturday night, and so in good old fashion the main-brace was spliced and wives and sweethearts drank right joyfully.They rounded the Horn in rough and tumbling weather, and in course of time reached Rio, the most beautiful and romantic city on the coast of South America. Almost as splendid with its surroundings of mountains and glens as Edinburgh itself.Captain Breezy would have liked to have given the men and officers leave, but considering that they were now a treasure ship, and that men who take grog on shore are apt to open their minds too confidentially, he stopped all leave, and the ship was coaled from lighters.He went on shore himself, taking only Kep and Adolph with him.Yes; letters were here for all hands.But terrible news as well, for Britain had just declared war on Russia and Germany, and dispatches from the Admiralty warned the captain that cruisers from each nation were scouring the seas and damaging or destroying British commerce.He, the Captain, was to keep a good look-out day and night on his way home.The news on board was received with an outbreak of cheering, and every man on board was full of fight, and trusted they would soon meet a Russian cruiser.Captain Breezy had no need to remind them that they were a treasure ship, and that if they fell into the hands of the foe short indeed would be their shrift, and all the gold and precious stones would fall into the hands of the enemy.Britain at war! Who could have dreamed of such a thing. On the ward-room and gun-room officers the tidings fell like a bolt from a summer sky.Meanwhile all hands took to reading their letters. Some few were sad, but all the rest were filled with joy and hope.Kep's heart was filled with feelings of love and gratitude as soon as his eyes fell upon the well-known handwriting of his sister.In a former letter he had mentioned to her all about the photo of hers that the good and brave Dr. McTavish had shown him. It was he, Kep said, that had been the hero of her little romance in Italy.And this was Madge's letter in return, or at least a portion of it. Kep had retired to the privacy of his own cabin and easy chair in order to read it."DEAR OLD KEP,--For you must, like myself, be getting old now. Would you believe it that I, your little sister, am on the borders of twenty, and not the green side of the border either, but the other. It was sweet of you to write me so long a letter. Quite brotherly too, and in some parts a bit bluff, but I loved it for all that."Do you know, Kep, that for dear Daddy's sake I was greatly tempted to let him sell me to the rich old man. I am often sorry for father. This villa is charmingly pretty, and its flowery lawns flow as it were, down almost to the edge of the cliff. But father sits in his chair sometimes for an hour thinking, thinking. I fill his meerschaum for him, and he dreams and dreams of his dear old home till he nods and sleeps."We have many neighbours; but though very kind, they are of the commoner middle classes, and though we don't entertain except to tea, I often have them and they me."The village where we live is on Cornish shores, and is well named Maretown (but the people don't sound thee, and pronounce it Mairtown). The beauty of the bay on an early summer morning is indescribable. Below the cliffs, which are yellowed o'er with scented furze and many a lovely wild flower, the wavelets break when the tide is high over the black rocks at the foot, with a strange murmur that seems to suit the cry of the sea-gulls."When the sea is back, it leaves long points of dark seaweed-covered rocks, with patches between of the yellowest of sand, and the long snow-like fringe of sea moans far away now."I'm often among the rocks, and find in pools such lots of darling funny wee fish and crabs and shells."But I love the sea in all its moods, by day or by night, when it lulls me to sleep."Sometimes I speak to it, sometimes I sing to it, or rather with it, for it is the same sea over which my darling brother sailed so long ago."At sunset I seem to love it best, Keppel."When the burning golden Rose of the dayDroops down to the Western sea,And the amber and purple flush of the skyAnd the crimson glow of the sea,Ebb, ebb away,--fade, fade and die;While the earth all mantled in shadowy grey,Washes her brow with a restful sighIn the cool sweet dews of the morning.Then the letter goes on to tell of all the fun and capers of Bounder and herself, and how lively and lovely is Bounder still, and how she swims far out with him into the sea, and, when tired, puts one arm over his strong neck, her head on his shoulder, closes her eyes, and allows him to swim back with her to the sandy shore."And the boatmen are so kind, Kep," she adds, "and carry me and Bounder into their boats and take us for long, long sails."You ask me if I am pretty. Some say I am."But good-night, dear Kep, and sound be your sleep, 'rocked in the cradle of the deep.'"Your ever loving,"SISTER MADGE.""P.S.--Oh, I had almost forgotten about your friend, Dr. McTavish. He might come down with you for a day or two. Do you think he would?"Kep showed that letter to McTavish, and at the postscript he laughed enough to have exploded a torpedo."Might come down? By thunder!" he roared. "I'll come down whether anybody asks me or not. Ha! ha! ha!"* * * * *But the idea of a "scrape" with a Russian seemed to tickle the crew.How clean her decks were kept now, and the great guns worked as smoothly as the chronometer. Every sword was sharpened, every cutlass as well; the best revolvers in the ship were served out. Moreover, ammunition was handy, and torpedoes too, and every day the men were exercised in clearing for action."By George! Tom, lad," Stormalong said to a pal, "we're not going to lose our gold, if we knows it.""No; we'll fight like wild cats. Blowed if I wouldn't rather run along sich, like they did in the brave old times, and board the enemy."But theBreezygot among the Azores, and one night, when some miles off the island of Flores, something extraordinary happened, which is well worthy of the beginning of another chapter to itself.
"A SECRET OF THE SEA.
"A story was current three or four years ago concerning the mate of a clipper-built Australian barque or ship, who, on his return home about three years ago, boasted of the possession of a large nugget or rather bar of gold. The story he told about it was that being sent on shore one day to bring off some fruit from an uninhabited island in the South Seas he picked up this lump of gold, which it was evident had lain in the water for a period of many years.
"'Where there was one there must more,' he said, and as soon as he could charter a ship he could raise the sunken treasure and become a millionaire. As he never let his friends handle the nugget, if nugget of gold it was, and as he was somewhat dissipated in his mode of life, he got no one to believe him. He had lost his ship owing to drunkenness while in charge of a watch and hadn't found another.
"Reduced at last to penury he determined to pawn his nugget, and for that purpose it seems he visited his uncle as the saying is. The pawn-broker was a shrewd old Jew. But although he called the nugget a mere trinket, he was glad to offer money on it nevertheless. Not enough, however, to satisfy the man, who picked up the sea-worn gold and quickly left the shop. He was followed at once to his lodgings and the address taken.
"A few nights after this he was waited upon not by one Jew but two.
"They had been, they said, thinking over his story, and were willing to advance a considerable sum not on the bit of gold, but if the ex-mate would show them a chart and give the exact latitude and longitude of the unknown island.
"A magnum of champagne was sent for and they three talked over the matter.
"But the mate's ultimatum was this: he refused to give the position of the island, but would take command of the search-ship, and the Jews should have half of all the gold, the other to be his unreservedly.
"Before coming to terms one of the Jews hazarded a last shot. Doubtless, he said, they could find the latitude and longitude from some of the others that had been on board the barque at the time.
"The mate helped himself to more wine. He was a man who could fill his hold without fear of his ballast shifting.
"'That you won't,' he said. 'I knew the only two young fellows that had the secret. One was a steward, the other a ship's cook's slush boy. Both, I've heard, were killed by cannibals, and I alone possess the secret, which I means to stick to, till I find more generous partners than you. Good-night.'
"But it seems the mate's last shot told home.
"'Brother,' said the elder, 'let us accept this honest fellow's offer at once. We'll get out the ship then, though it will take a bit of time, and my brother and I will both go out in her. We'd like a bit of fresh air, anyhow.'
"Well," the article went on, "extraordinary as the story is it is a true one. The ship is a great object of interest to the residents of Cardiff, and will be all ready to leave in four months' time. She is a strongly built Aberdeen clipper, not large but well armed, and even carries a quick firer, trouble with savages being feared."
"Keppel, I fear," said Captain Breezy, "they will have the weather gauge of you. But I am interested and will see the Admiral of this station about other matters and take his opinion on this at the same time. Meanwhile you had better say nothing about the sunken treasure. Let this be our secret."
"One word, sir," said Kep, "for you are no doubt a trifle wiser than I."
The Captain couldn't help smiling at the lad's pretty conceit.
"Suppose I found those in this city willing at once to start in search of this sunken treasure, to whom would it belong when raised? To the Crown?"
"Certainly not, boy; but to you, unless the owners came back from the grave. And not only the gold, but the islands themselves, as you were the first inhabitant and it is no portion of British territory. No, the gold would be indisputably yours and Adolph's, your shipwrecked fellow Crusoe. You may go now. I have many matters to think about."
So Captain Breezy had, but he was a brisk, determined man. He lighted his cigar now and leaned back in his easy chair, and began to arrange his ideas.
"That's what I'll do," he said to himself at last.
Next minute the Captain's gig was called away, and it did not take him long to board the flagship.
He transacted all his business coolly and soon had his papers all signed and his instructions to weigh anchor and sail for home any day he pleased. Then he told him Kep's story and all about the treasure.
"And a son of Iverach Drummond. Why, dear old Drummond and I were at school together. I'm surprised, but I'm glad for Keppel's sake, or at least I should be if things go right with him."
"But about the other ship that is fitted out?"
"We'll send a cablegram at once home to hear about it."
They did and the answer came in reasonable time to the effect that the barqueFortuna, having engines on board, or what is called auxiliary steam-power, had sailed a month ago by Suez, bound for the South Sea Islands.
"A month ago. Why, Breezy," cried the Admiral, "you can beat her yet, and beat her easily unless you break down. It's only a matter of a few weeks' delay. I'll make that all right, and you have my permission now to go anywhere on your way home and do just as you please."
"A thousand thanks, sir. I shall soon speak my fond farewells to Sidney city, and be under weigh and on the wing by to-morrow forenoon. It may be a bit of a race between theBreezyand theFortuna, but I think I know who will win, sir."
"Good morning. Shall be happy to hear from you."
And back to theBreezywent bold Captain Breezy.
* * * * *
That evening and night all farewells were said to those on shore. The broadsword-men of theBreezyhad a good send off and left Sidney homeward bound next forenoon at four bells.
Said Jack Stormalong to a brother gunner as the ship got well away from the shore, "Ned, my old shippie, we're homeward bound, you know, but there's something in the wind, and I'm ready to bet my best new jacket to a pint o' tar that we won't touch England's happy shores for months to come yet."
"On with you," said Ned. "I'll have your swagger jacket or you'll have my pint o' tar with a cinder in it for luck."
CHAPTER XXV
A GREAT OCEAN RACE.--"GODDARD BEGAN TO SHOOT"
It wasn't only Jack Stormalong and his chum who "kind o' felt" there was something in the air but all hands. There was, maybe, going to be a fight with a pirate, or more savages were coming to the front, or war was declared against Germany; but they didn't mind, and A.B.'s said to each other: "We may be content if it ain't straight home, old pal. We'll git there some time."
"And the more months, the more money, eh?"
But there was no grumbling. Even little Sneyd, the Acting Paymaster, forbore to growl.
The Captain studied the chart, and sailed east and away with a point or two of south in it after they rounded Australia. Making all calculations, he believed he could reach the island some days at all events before theFortuna, who must already have reached the straits of Java, or be about the south end of Borneo. No one could guess what the mate, who was now, of course, captain of the sail-search-of-fortune barque might do.
Now that they were fairly away at sea, there was no harm in all hands knowing the meaning of the enterprise.
It was not merely a voyage they were making, but they were engaged in a great ocean race, and there was therefore a good deal of excitement fore and aft. But all felt sure of winning.
The engineers were advised to make the best of each day's journey, but to exercise the greatest care. For to breakdown in these seas might prove a terrible calamity from every point of view.
The engines worked splendidly under the almost continual attention of the engineer-lieutenant. They were beautiful pets, these of his. He was never happier than when he was down among them, talking to them and touching them as if they were sentient beings, things of life as well as beauty.
Once or twice during the long, long voyage the engines had been suddenly stopped, and the hearts of those on board seemed to stop with them. When they went on again, however, no sweeter sound ever fell upon their ears than the hum of the polished wheels.
They were delayed for a time by a circular storm. In just such a hurricane many and many a good ship has foundered with all hands, and never more will be heard of them till the sea gives up its dead. But all was soon right again.
When in the South Seas constant watch had to be kept from the mast-head for shoal water, and greater caution had to be observed by night.
This was a trying time in a great ocean race like this.
But the depth of the sea increased at last, and they were now quite out of the ordinary ocean highways, though they at times crossed them and met ships.
They hailed every one of them in the usual way. They spoke them, as sailors say.
They might have been about three days' steam from the islands they were in search of.
Adolph had most carefully retained the position of Great Snake Island, but still there might have been an error in calculation made by the first mate of theWampiri. He was a steady man then, though drinking when off duty, and so this was improbable.
He tried to be steady during the present voyage of theFortuna, and touched no spirits nor wines for a time. He knew right well how much he had at stake, and was cautious.
He himself, moreover, saw to all calculations and made reckonings, and on the whole, as his two Jewish owners remarked, a more trustworthy and reliable sailing master could not have been found. This for the first five weeks.
The broadswords of theBreezybegan to be a little anxious when next day passed and noFortunahove in sight. She must have already found the islands, and her crew by now must have commenced the work of diving.
But about an hour after sunrise next day every heart was gladdened by the appearance, far away on the weather bow, of a barque under steam and easy sail, answering exactly to the right build of theFortuna. They overhauled her easily. Indeed, they were coming up hand over hand in her wake, then keeping off a point or two, theBreezyhailed her.
"What vessel is that?"
Everyone on theBreezyheld his breath to listen.
"TheFortuna!"
At the word a little cheer had to be repressed on board the man-o'-war.
"Bound for the Horn, and home."
"So are we. We'll be there before you, though. Can we take letters?"
"No, thanks."
"Bon voyagethen."
"Bon voyage!"
"Hurrah!" said Wynn. "No doubt we'll be there before her in more ways than one."
But next day, no ship being then in sight, the glass indicated a depression, the clouds rolled up till the horizon was close aboard of them, and somehow or another the broadswords' hearts went down with the falling glass. In dirty weather like what was coming anything might happen to mar their success.
It really gave theFortunaalmost as good a chance of reaching the island first as theBreezy.
The gale was at its height when the sable plumes of night trailed over the sea.
TheBreezywas making good knotage, but, fearful that she might pass the small islands in the darkness, they were obliged to stop ship.
Yet this storm appeared to have driven theBreezyout of her way. There were both winds and currents to reckon with.
It was terribly tantalising, and just so near game too. But towards the middle of the morning watch sea and wind went down, the stars shone out, and the red fire of the rising sun opened a splendid day.
Probably this storm and the fact of theBreezyhaving been drifted to leeward saved the situation, for there--not two miles ahead--was the Island of Snakes itself, and noFortunain sight.
They sailed round this that they might recall the wreckedMacbeth, and enable Kep and Adolphus to take their bearings.
They found the spot, but the ship of death lay crushed and broken among the rocks.
It was easy for Kep now to point out the route to the little inlet where the treasure ship had been sunk, and in a couple of hours they had reached it.
No time was lost in sending a boat on shore.
It was the captain's gig, Captain Breezy himself on board her, with Kep and Adolph and McTavish. Everything above seemed precisely the same as when Kep and his comrade had left it years ago.
"But how about the treasure ship?" said Captain Breezy.
"Well, sir," replied Kep, "she ought to be just down there among the weeds. But I can soon see. I can dive down as I did before."
"But is there not a danger of your becoming entangled among the deep sea weeds and drowned?"
"I was entangled last time, sir, though I did not tell Adolph when I got up; so maybe, sir, I might have a bit of a life-line round me this time. I don't want to die to-day, sir, anyhow."
A pole had been brought on shore with a British flag, in order that they might hoist it and so take possession of the island in the King of Britain's name.
This pole and flag would do capitally. In less than a minute Kep was back again with another bar of gold, which he placed at the captain's feet.
He was gasping a bit, but soon recovered.
"All is just as I left it, sir," he said.
Then there was a ringing cheer from the men on shore, responded to heartily by those on board.
"We'll hoist the flag-pole now," cried Breezy, and the men quickly drove the halliard through the pulley and set to work to step the mast. In a quarter of an hour all was ready for the ceremony.
But McTavish now boldly stepped forward. "I don't think, sir," he said, "that the flag should be hoisted till the sunken ship is cleared."
"And why, my worthy doctor?"
"Well, sir, so long as this island belongs to Keppel here and Adolph, they can do as they please with it and all in it and round it. But as soon as theUnionJack is hoisted the island becomes the King's--God bless him!--with all its appurtenances; all above ground and all below becomes treasure-trove, flotsam, jetsam, ligan, or whatever other puzzling names a man of law chooses to put on them."
Captain Breezy laughed. "You're right, doctor. Dash it, doctor, I'll take your advice; but I had no idea we had a sea-lawyer on board of theBreezy, else we could have consulted him in many a difficulty before now."
"Sail in sight!"
The hail came from the tops of the ship itself, but could be heard distinctly enough by those on shore.
"That's theFortunaagain. Let her come now we have anchored theBreezyon Keppel's Isle, and I don't think we'll sever till we see what is below yonder."
TheFortunacould be distinctly seen now coming at full speed towards the bay.
"We'll go on board and get things ready. Adolph, you may remain here for a short time. You are the man in possession, and we shan't forget you. Tumble in, boys!"
Once on board preparations to get to work were commenced immediately.
The great diving-bell was overhauled to see that everything was in perfect order.
"I guess," said little Sneyd, the A.-P., as he came bustling into the ward-room, "we're going to have some real good fun with that scoundrel of a skipper on theFortuna." He continued, "Kep, my lucky youngster, you are to keep out of sight below and not appear until you get the signal. But you'd better be half way up the companion ladder so that you can't be seen. That's what your orders are, and if the skipper comes on board the rest of us are to be on the quarter-deck."
Two boats were called away, and, after being manned and armed, lay easily at the shore side of theBreezy. They might be wanted; if so, they had their orders, one under the charge of Guilford, the other commanded by a midshipmite.
There is no doubt the skipper of theFortunasmelt a rat, but he determined to face every difficulty. The two Jews were nervous and excited. Indeed, they had already come to open rupture with Goddard.
"If, Captain G.," they told him, "you have fooled us, and we are foiled, we shall maroon you on the nearest uninhabited island, with a keg of rum and a small barrel of salt herrings. Won't we, Moses?"
The skipper took no further notice of theBreezy, but stepped into the boat he had lowered and, hoisting the red ensign astern, ordered his fellows to pull to the point within five hundred yards of Golden Inlet.
"Lieutenant Guilford," cried Captain Breezy, "be off now, and see that yonder fellow doesn't land with his flag. I think I know what he is up to, so bring them here, boat and all."
"Ay, ay, sir. Down oars lads. Cheerily does it, and this is race number two in the programme. The winner to receive a bottle of rum."
"Hooray!" Away they went.
But there were good British tars in theFortuna'sboat also.
"Up with her, lads; up with her with a will!" Goddard was heard shouting. "We'll beat the beggars yet."
Sturdy and strong as the man-o'-war's men were, they had twice as far to pull, and could never have done the distance, but away went a shot from theBreezy. It was splendidly aimed by Stormalong himself, and took the water close to the port bow of the Fortunes boat, treating all on board to a most disheartening shower-bath.
"Game's up!" cried Goddard. "In oars, boys. The next shot would sink us."
Then the war-boats got alongside.
"Whither away, my hearty," cried Guilford.
"I am the captain of theFortuna. Yonder is my island, and I'm going to land there and take possession in the King's name."
"You may save yourself the trouble. We ourselves have virtually annexed it. But we've got to take you back to H.M.S.Breezynow, Mr. Master-mariner. Are you going to come quietly?"
"Suppose I must, but don't imagine I'm going to take it lying down."
"Don't care how you take it, skipper. You may take cold without, if you choose, or if you prefer it hot--you can have that."
"I shall not give orders to pull a stroke," cried Goddard.
Guilford pulled out two revolvers. "Up hands, in the King's name!" he shouted as he stood in the bows.
Up hands it was, and the boat was taken in tow, and soon her men were safe on board theBreezy.
"Show Mr. Goddard aft," cried Breezy. "Midshipman of the watch."
The middy was a merry little boy, and this is the polite way he showed the gentleman aft.
"Luff, you lubber," he cried, "and if ye dare to back sail or heave to before you stand before the captain of this ship, I'll stick a pin in your hip right up to the hilt. March!"
"Now, Mr. Goddard, I hope for your own sake you will not give trouble, else it will be your own fault if anything occurs. You came to look for a sunken treasure ship?" began Captain Breezy.
"Yes, Cap'n, and yonder is the treasure island on which I was landed for fruit. I was therefore first owner, and there I dredged up this bar of gold, therefore the rest of it is mine by rights."
The two stood now in the waist of the ship, confronting each other, with the rest of the officers near, and Goddard's own surly men looking on.
"Mr. Keppel Drummond!"
Kep was by the captain's side in two bounds.
"I'd be sorry," he said, "to use an ugly word on the deck of the King's ship, so I shall speak in the mildest and calmest language possible."
Goddard had turned pale.
Kep raised his fist and his voice at the same time. "Goddard," he yelled, "you are not only a liar, but a thief. Hand me the gold."
Goddard was crushed, and parted company with the nugget as a whipped schoolboy might have done.
"If you do not now apologise to this young gentleman," said Breezy, "for the injury you would have done him, I will lodge you in our cells, and hand you over to the police the moment we return to England."
Goddard tried to smile, but in vain.
"You see, young sir, you was eaten by cannybiles."
"Never one put a tooth in me," cried Kep.
"And was in consequence dead."
"I was never dead in all my life."
"And now," moaned Goddard, "I'm done for. My owners will maroon me."
He talked so sadly, that Captain Breezy felt a bit sorry for him.
"We'll take care they don't maroon you, Mr. Goddard. If you will lie to for a couple of days between the Isle of Snakes yonder and Keppel's Isle here, you may or you may not hear of something to your advantage. Please yourself, Master-mariner. Good day."
Everything was ready that day, a raft rigged and attached thereto the huge diving-bell, and at early morning, in the short twilight, for the island lies well down south, the men commenced work right gaily.
TheFortunawas hove to about three miles from the shore.
The men in the bell were as busy as bonnet-makers, Kep and McTavish roaming over the island accompanied by two bluejackets.
It was not snakes that the brawny surgeon was in search of this time, but Kep had suggested that the crew of the sunken treasure might have made some effort to get a portion of the gold on shore, and there was not a yard of the island anywhere within a mile of the creek or inlet that they did not search. But all in vain, and ere twilight fell, they were back to dinner on board theBreezy.
The news was most exhilarating. The bell had been most effective. The men could see everything, and work from inside with levers, or, entering a chamber beneath, get out and walk about the bottom of the sea itself. This work was first executed, and the old galleon, evidently Spanish, was cleared of weeds, and a space many yards all around her; then these were dragged away up the creek, and the divers had a clear field for investigation. No less a sum than £50,000 in gold bars and doubloons were sent up the first day, in boxes weighing about two hundred pounds each.
TheBreezyspent seven days more at the work, during which time all the men did their duty well and heartily.
The ship was finally blown to pieces on the ocean's bed, and every piece of her was examined. In one box were many precious stones of great value.
On the third day Stormalong was sent to tell the skipper of theFortunaabout the wreck that lay on the other island.
The two brothers, the Jewish gentlemen, received him most affably. The skipper himself was sulky, and gave evidence that he had once more resorted to the rum cask to drown his sorrows and keep up his heart.
"But there are good men and true on board, only they are timid and over-awed by the bad hats among the crew." This is what Moses told Stormalong. "These are mutinous even already."
"If you want any help," said the gunner heartily, "I am sure that our Captain Breezy will be glad to let you have it."
"This voyage," the Jew said, "will almost ruin us. But we willingly accept your aid. It is thus with my brother and me: the only way we can save our lives after you leave is by destroying the brandy and the rum, leaving only enough for a smell for the captain and each man, to be doled out daily."
"Now," said Stormalong, "I see how it is. The men sailed, poor beggars, with high hopes of getting rich, and they think they will have to go home in ballast. But they need not. The derelict is worth a deal to you. Give the men work; break her up and load up her brass work and iron, her best timbers, and everything else of value."
"Goot! goot! goot!" cried Moses, forgetting his best English.
"Meanwhile, we will send an armed boat on board. We will take your grog and wine and pay you for it."
"Goot!"
"I'm onlysayingthis, but I feel sure I will get leave to."
"Goot! goot!"
"You may also dredge the wreck yonder, and if you find more gold after we leave, you are welcome to it."
"Goot! goot! goot!"
The surgeon came off next time in an armed boat. With the men growling all around, they coolly lowered the grog into the steam launch.
When his back was turned, the skipper suddenly pulled out a revolver and began to shoot.
He was speedily secured and bound. Then they left him raving. For the time being the man was mad.
After returning to theBreezythe doctor reported what had happened. A bullet had cut the gunner on the shoulder, and so close had the revolver been fired, that part of the poor fellow's jacket was burned.
Breezy immediately gave orders that Goddard should be taken on board and placed in the cells. He died raving mad just three days after, and so that was the end ofhisstory.
CHAPTER XXVI
SOMETHING EXTRAORDINARY HAPPENED
Of gold and precious stones the men of theBreezyhad lifted quite two millions and two hundred thousand pounds' worth.
And the happy ship was homeward bound in earnest. Joy fore and aft. Ah, you landsmen, cannot easily understand the feeling in a sailor's heart; whose every footstep, as he walks the quarter-deck, seems to draw nearer and nearer to the bold bluff coast of Southern Britain.
Before they reached Rio de Janeiro, where Captain Breezy had orders to call and where letters for the crew were expected, Kep and Adolphus had a little private meeting and confab. They settled money matters between them, and then Keppel Drummond sought audience of the captain, asking permission for Adolph to come with him.
This was gladly granted, and the interview was but a short one.
"It seems, sir," said Kep, "that treasure will pan out to £2,200,000, and if so----"
"Oh, Kep, my lad," interrupted Breezy, "it will do more than that."
"Well, sir, this money belongs to Adolph and me, does it not?"
"Every penny, Keppel."
Kep then told him of his father's grief and illness from his downfall from Martello Castle to a small cottage by the sea, and how he, Kep, meant to set up his daddy and sister in their former state, and to do all he could to make his life happy.
"Adolphus here will, no doubt," he continued, "know what to do with his. And now, sir, I have only to ask that we may have the pleasure and honour of distributing all but the two millions to the officers and men of the ship."
Breezy grasped Kep by the hand and then Adolph. He was visibly affected.
"Let it be divided, as usual, with prize-money, only in this case your share, sir, must not be less than £50,000; nor any man's less than £1,000."
A public meeting was held next day, on the quarterdeck, all hands being called to hear the gladsome tidings. And I need not say that the cheering was such as is seldom heard on board a navy cruiser or battle-ship. Then the little band struck up; both Kep and Adolph were picked up and carried shoulder high around the deck, even the bayoneted sentries saluting as they passed.
It happened to be Saturday night, and so in good old fashion the main-brace was spliced and wives and sweethearts drank right joyfully.
They rounded the Horn in rough and tumbling weather, and in course of time reached Rio, the most beautiful and romantic city on the coast of South America. Almost as splendid with its surroundings of mountains and glens as Edinburgh itself.
Captain Breezy would have liked to have given the men and officers leave, but considering that they were now a treasure ship, and that men who take grog on shore are apt to open their minds too confidentially, he stopped all leave, and the ship was coaled from lighters.
He went on shore himself, taking only Kep and Adolph with him.
Yes; letters were here for all hands.
But terrible news as well, for Britain had just declared war on Russia and Germany, and dispatches from the Admiralty warned the captain that cruisers from each nation were scouring the seas and damaging or destroying British commerce.
He, the Captain, was to keep a good look-out day and night on his way home.
The news on board was received with an outbreak of cheering, and every man on board was full of fight, and trusted they would soon meet a Russian cruiser.
Captain Breezy had no need to remind them that they were a treasure ship, and that if they fell into the hands of the foe short indeed would be their shrift, and all the gold and precious stones would fall into the hands of the enemy.
Britain at war! Who could have dreamed of such a thing. On the ward-room and gun-room officers the tidings fell like a bolt from a summer sky.
Meanwhile all hands took to reading their letters. Some few were sad, but all the rest were filled with joy and hope.
Kep's heart was filled with feelings of love and gratitude as soon as his eyes fell upon the well-known handwriting of his sister.
In a former letter he had mentioned to her all about the photo of hers that the good and brave Dr. McTavish had shown him. It was he, Kep said, that had been the hero of her little romance in Italy.
And this was Madge's letter in return, or at least a portion of it. Kep had retired to the privacy of his own cabin and easy chair in order to read it.
"DEAR OLD KEP,--For you must, like myself, be getting old now. Would you believe it that I, your little sister, am on the borders of twenty, and not the green side of the border either, but the other. It was sweet of you to write me so long a letter. Quite brotherly too, and in some parts a bit bluff, but I loved it for all that.
"Do you know, Kep, that for dear Daddy's sake I was greatly tempted to let him sell me to the rich old man. I am often sorry for father. This villa is charmingly pretty, and its flowery lawns flow as it were, down almost to the edge of the cliff. But father sits in his chair sometimes for an hour thinking, thinking. I fill his meerschaum for him, and he dreams and dreams of his dear old home till he nods and sleeps.
"We have many neighbours; but though very kind, they are of the commoner middle classes, and though we don't entertain except to tea, I often have them and they me.
"The village where we live is on Cornish shores, and is well named Maretown (but the people don't sound thee, and pronounce it Mairtown). The beauty of the bay on an early summer morning is indescribable. Below the cliffs, which are yellowed o'er with scented furze and many a lovely wild flower, the wavelets break when the tide is high over the black rocks at the foot, with a strange murmur that seems to suit the cry of the sea-gulls.
"When the sea is back, it leaves long points of dark seaweed-covered rocks, with patches between of the yellowest of sand, and the long snow-like fringe of sea moans far away now.
"I'm often among the rocks, and find in pools such lots of darling funny wee fish and crabs and shells.
"But I love the sea in all its moods, by day or by night, when it lulls me to sleep.
"Sometimes I speak to it, sometimes I sing to it, or rather with it, for it is the same sea over which my darling brother sailed so long ago.
"At sunset I seem to love it best, Keppel."
When the burning golden Rose of the dayDroops down to the Western sea,And the amber and purple flush of the skyAnd the crimson glow of the sea,Ebb, ebb away,--fade, fade and die;While the earth all mantled in shadowy grey,Washes her brow with a restful sighIn the cool sweet dews of the morning.
When the burning golden Rose of the dayDroops down to the Western sea,And the amber and purple flush of the skyAnd the crimson glow of the sea,Ebb, ebb away,--fade, fade and die;While the earth all mantled in shadowy grey,Washes her brow with a restful sighIn the cool sweet dews of the morning.
When the burning golden Rose of the day
Droops down to the Western sea,
Droops down to the Western sea,
And the amber and purple flush of the sky
And the crimson glow of the sea,
And the crimson glow of the sea,
Ebb, ebb away,--fade, fade and die;
While the earth all mantled in shadowy grey,
While the earth all mantled in shadowy grey,
Washes her brow with a restful sigh
In the cool sweet dews of the morning.
In the cool sweet dews of the morning.
Then the letter goes on to tell of all the fun and capers of Bounder and herself, and how lively and lovely is Bounder still, and how she swims far out with him into the sea, and, when tired, puts one arm over his strong neck, her head on his shoulder, closes her eyes, and allows him to swim back with her to the sandy shore.
"And the boatmen are so kind, Kep," she adds, "and carry me and Bounder into their boats and take us for long, long sails.
"You ask me if I am pretty. Some say I am.
"But good-night, dear Kep, and sound be your sleep, 'rocked in the cradle of the deep.'
"Your ever loving,
"SISTER MADGE."
"P.S.--Oh, I had almost forgotten about your friend, Dr. McTavish. He might come down with you for a day or two. Do you think he would?"
Kep showed that letter to McTavish, and at the postscript he laughed enough to have exploded a torpedo.
"Might come down? By thunder!" he roared. "I'll come down whether anybody asks me or not. Ha! ha! ha!"
* * * * *
But the idea of a "scrape" with a Russian seemed to tickle the crew.
How clean her decks were kept now, and the great guns worked as smoothly as the chronometer. Every sword was sharpened, every cutlass as well; the best revolvers in the ship were served out. Moreover, ammunition was handy, and torpedoes too, and every day the men were exercised in clearing for action.
"By George! Tom, lad," Stormalong said to a pal, "we're not going to lose our gold, if we knows it."
"No; we'll fight like wild cats. Blowed if I wouldn't rather run along sich, like they did in the brave old times, and board the enemy."
But theBreezygot among the Azores, and one night, when some miles off the island of Flores, something extraordinary happened, which is well worthy of the beginning of another chapter to itself.