* * * * *Now when theBreezyleft Plymouth Sound she was starting on her very first cruise--newly commissioned.She had new guns, six of them; none very large but all fearful spitfires. She was steel--steel all over, but this same steel whether in masts, or tops, or decks, or plates, was a new invention, and to all intents and purposes impenetrable. There was no wood about her that was inflammable, and the officers' cabins were lined with a species of newly invented papier-maché, which by itself could resist rifle bullets. But above all, the marines or bluejackets who might be wanted to fight in exposed positions had light shields and breast-plates of this same marvellous material.TheBreezywas going surveying, but she had moreover special diving machines, of which more anon.I have always looked upon a ship as a living, sensitive thing, and it seems right to call her "she," especially if she is sprightly and beautiful and obeys her helm well (I was very nearly saying "obeys her husband").I am sure of one thing; that when on that bright and sunny morning theBreezywent clipping through the water and heading for the waves, she knew she was the cynosure of all eyes and every opera glass on the Hoe. She was as proud as a girl with a pink silk petticoat, as a sailor observed.* * * * *They were all young in theBreezy'swardroom, and the Commander himself, who, as befitted his rank lived in solitary grandeur in his quarters farther aft, was considerably under thirty.To a great extent the grey-beards, as they were somewhat irreverently called, were cleared out of the Service as far as smaller ships on foreign stations were concerned. That is they had been placed on the retired list.It was found that old men, though possessed of more experience, more grey matter on the brain, were hardly active enough in their lower extremities. They had the courage right enough, but they were somewhat deficient in dash and go.In the wardroom there lived and moved and ate their beef, two lieutenants, a marine officer usually called our "soldier," the engineer lieutenant, the assistant pay-master in charge, and last, but certainly not least, for he stood six feet one inch in his home made hose--the Surgeon.When I tell you that the Captain--a Commander he really was in rank--was one of the jolliest round-faced and boyish-looking officers in the service, you will understand how pleasant it was to sail with him.But his name was, or rather had been, Brazier before he took over theBreezy."Don't much like that name," said Jack Jewell, a sturdy built A.B. "Do you, Tom?"Tom Davis said, "No, I don't either.""Let's boil him down, Tom.""Boil away, Jack."So Captain Brazier was allowed to simmer a while in the brains of Jack Jewell, and lo! he came to the top of the pot as Captain Breezy. The name worked gradually aft. The boatswain got hold of it, the gunners also, then the officers and skipper himself.The Captain didn't mind it a bit.Captain Breezy of H.M.S.Breezysounded smart. From bowsprit, then, to binnacle theBreezyreally was a smart ship.Surgeon McTavish, M.D., of the great Northern University of Aberdeen, had been the very last officer to join the ship. He came soon after Kep had left on the day of his visit.Everyone had been wondering what manner of man the surgeon would turn out to be, and small innocent bets were made on the subject.Mr. Sneyd, the assistant-paymaster, who was small himself, and wore a little nut-cracker of a face that would have done for a door-knocker, betted he was a short chap and red-haired, and couldn't speak intelligible English.The marine officer said he was blue-faced and bulbous-nosed.The engineer lieutenant thought that he could not know much, coming from so heathenish a country as Scotland."I don't bet," said Bertram Wynn, the first lieutenant, "but let me tell you, gentlemen, that proportionately more clever and scientific men come from the Scottish Universities than from any three English ones put together."Well, at all events it was evident that his would-be messmates did not expect a very great deal out of the doctor. He would be disappointing.His traps came on board hours before he himself did.Little Mr. Sneyd came down below with very big eyes in his head."By gum!" he cried. "I've seen the doctor's traps and I've lost my little bet. Run in to his cabin, Sodjer, and see them."The marine officer, who was still very young and therefore obedient, disappeared."Well, Sodjer?""I'm puzzled. Guess I'll lose my bet. Here are some of his things that I saw his servant putting away."Item:--Two Highland broadswords."Item:--A full kilt Highland dress, including dirks and sporrans, brogues and a bonnet and crest, and skean dhu mounted in cairngorm. (The kilt is presumedly a clan McTavish tartan one.)"Item:--A set of great Highland bagpipes.""Oh, Lord!" cried Guilford the second lieutenant, putting his fingers mechanically to his ears, "go on, Sodjer.""Item:--A pair of dumb-bells, the fellows you've got to put up you know--80 lbs. each. And," added Sodjer, "my bet's lost, for no man with a bulbous nose could put up things like that.""Heave round, Sodjer. Anything more?""Item:--About fifty volumes of scientific books including the British Encyclopædia.""My bet's lost!" This from the engineer while the first lieutenant smiled."Item:--A ram's head snuff box. Twisted horns, tips mounted with silver and cairngorm."Item:--A big Bible. It is very likely--"'The big ha' Bible ance his father's pride.'"Well, when the surgeon himself did appear, he certainly commanded respect. He was handsome as well as well-built. Indeed among the others he appeared a perfect Hercules as he undoubtedly was an athlete.Englishmen cannot help admiring an athlete no matter what his nation may be. Then his uniform fitted him well. He appeared to have been melted and poured into it, while little Sneyd's seemed to have been put on with the aid of a hay fork.The surgeon's smile was a winning one, and there was a quintessence of kindliness lying half asleep in his dark-blue eyes that was very pleasant to behold.He saluted the first lieutenant most respectfully, and the two men shook hands."Glad you've come at last, Surgeon McTavish We shall be friends. You are, I hear, a man of scientific attainments, and I dabble in science myself a little."In the mess that evening Sneyd had said--"Look here McTavish, I owe you an apology. I thought no good thing could come out of Nazareth--I mean Aberdeen, but now I cave in.""Well spoken! Bravo, Sneyd," cried the others. Indeed there was a murmur of approbation all round the table. Sneyd was manly and truly English despite his queer little face.But McTavish stood up. There was moisture in his eyes. But he stretched out across the table an arm half a fathom long and shook little Sneyd by the hand.Sneyd suppressed a cry of pain, and there came moisture into his eyes next, though its origin was not quite the same.TheBreezywas to be something more than a mere surveying ship and that is the reason why her officers were one and all chosen from the best young fellows in the Service.For Britain even now was--well apparently drifting gradually into war, and though the Admiralty believed it would be averted, a good deal of what might be called naval police work would devolve upon theBreezy. She had to be watchful and her duty would not consist entirely in sounding and chart-making.The surgeon's cabin was not very large, but his books were, and of scientific instruments he possessed not a few. However there was the dispensary at his disposal and Lieut. Wynn also offered him space for books in his own cabin. So McTavish was soon very happy and quite settled down.It was a merry mess, although very little wine was consumed except when guests came off, as they did at Madeira, St. Helena, Ascension and the Cape.The middies' mess was just as jolly, and had five right hearty young lads in it, ready at any time to do anything for anybody or for their country.In this year of 1907 pass exams for the Service were stricter than ever. There was a splendid staff of men at headquarters, and they would only have thecrême de la crême.Well, although nobody except the captain and first lieutenant were supposed to know what theBreezy'sspecial instructions were, her duties were soon an open secret.German ships of war were careering about and along both the west and east coasts of Africa. They wanted looking after. Then marvellous to say the Sultan of Zanzibar had somehow become very wealthy--diamond mines--and had built himself a really smart navy. But his ships were sentinels to the British Government for all that. It was deemed good and wise for Britain to have a scout fleet like this within jumping distance of India and the Red Sea.The Admiralty had learned experience since 1904 and were making use of it.They were, as every great nation should be, on the outlook for future eventualities. So, long before they reached the Cape everyone on board theBreezyhad quite settled down into his place, and all the officers felt at home. Moreover they all knew each other thoroughly by this time, and knew each other's points of character also, whether hard or soft.It is a good thing on board a ship during a long commission for officers to be like brothers. They are together in sunshine and in storm, in peace and in danger. Moreover, they ought to respect even each other's foibles.With so kind a captain and one so interested in the welfare of those under his command theBreezypromised from the very first to be a little community afloat, all willing to please and be pleased, and to adhere strictly in discipline and etiquette to the rules and regulations of the King's Navy.As they were all young they naturally wanted to, and were determined to, see everything there was to be seen at every port.They were treated well wherever they went, and if they stayed but a week at a place there was some social function or another every day, and sometimes twice. Dances and dinners, picnics, cricket-matches, or football-matches, fishing parties, shooting parties, or anything the Breezies, as they came to be called, were always in it.Sometimes, too, they gave a dinner and a dance on board, and this was a real merry evening for all concerned.Sailors, let me tell you reader, are far more hearty and as a rule better liked at ball or party than soldiers.Sailors come and sailors go, but soldiers keep on for ever. The poor you have always with you. It is hardly fair of me to speak so perhaps, and I hope to be forgiven.Well, theBreezysteamed up the East Coast of Africa and began work in earnest. They visited the Sultan and the Sultan's fleet and were very much struck with all they saw, and had a deal of as good fun as they could ever hope to enjoy.About Madagascar and the Mauritius they did much surveying work, and after several months they were ordered to Australia.By this time the Surgeon and Lieutenant Wynn had become almost indispensable to each other. Both were scientists. Indeed the lieutenant was studying hard for his D.Sc. (Doctor of Science), and there is no doubt that he would attain it.In this year of 1907 and 8 the Admiralty at home had found the utility of always putting a round peg into a round hole, and not into a square one. The days of promotion by seniority alone were gone by and every officer knew that his own merits would score more than influence with big wigs at home. Good officers can only be had through a process of evolution. You cannot make them to order.And it was just the same with the men forward. A smart boy who honoured discipline was certain of soon having stripes upon his sleeve that brought him respect, even when he went on a spell of leave back to the humble country village where his mother and father lived, and that necessity of life to a handsome young sailor--his little girl.Talk of the Navy changing. The ships may change and do change, and will keep on changing about every ten years, but Jack himself--Oh never.He is still the handy man, and still the British heart of oak. "No laggard in love, no dastard in war," is your bold Jack Tar.CHAPTER IXTHROUGH THE HAWSE HOLETo the Temple of Varieties in the city of Sidney went one evening the young and rather girlish-faced marine officer, Surgeon McTavish, and Lieutenant Guilford all from theBreezy, in order to hear a good song. Only in mufti were they of course, but Mac's mufti was the Highland dress and a grand appearance it gave this bold and scientific Scot.Indeed Mac's servant was a Scot, Sandie Reid was his name, and whenever the doctor told him to lay out his mufti it was the kilt and sporran he got ready."I meant English mufti," said the doctor to him one evening."You'll hae that or damn the thing else?" replied Sandie with the determination of a Scottish servant who loved his master. "You're no' goin to give Sandie Reid a red face by seein' his master's bonnie Hielan legs rammed into leathern drain-pipes. If ye do, ye'll hae to seek an English servant."The first day that the surgeon put on the Highland garb to go on shore in was at St. Helena. The officers going on shore were waiting on the quarterdeck for the boat and talking and laughing, when little Sneyd the A.P. with the door-knocker countenance came up from below.Now Sneyd was sometimes in a nasty temper and when he was so he was apt to be a little offensive.He had got out of his bunk that day at the wrong side perhaps, but when he saw McTavish arrayed in the tartan of his clan, he pretended to be startled, stepped back a pace or two and looked at him up and down."Is this the twentieth century?" he cried, "and do you mean to say that the captain will allow one of his officers to go on shore dressed in that uncivilized semi-savage costume?"Then suddenly pretending to be heroic, "Oh, I forgot the romance of Walter Scott," he said."Ne'er in battle-field beats heart more brave,Than that which beats beneath the Scottish kilt."McTavish laughed. But Sneyd sneered. His shot hadn't hit the bull's eye."I suppose," he said, "like most Scots that join our Service, you're the only gentleman in your family, Mr. McTavish." This was mean, for the doctor's family were really only honest crofter folk."That's hitting beneath the belt," cried the engineer."Apologise, Sneyd."And the others shouted for an apology."I refuse," said Sneyd."The reason being," said McTavish quietly, "that there wasn't even one gentleman in Sneyd's family.""Bravo, McTavish. Bravo!"But McTavish wasn't quite done with little Sneyd."What's your weight, Sneyd?""Well, doctor," replied the A.P., conscious now that he had gone too far, "just nine stone.""Pooh! that's nothing. I can put up 200 lbs." And before Sneyd knew what was up, the surgeon had seized him by the collar of his upper garments and stood erect holding the little man straight over the sea."For God's sake let me down. Lower me. Lower me. I apologise!""Do you see the blue shark that has been following our ship for days?"' cried McTavish."I see the blue devil. Do lower me, for mercy's sake."Next moment the doctor stood him on the deck.He did apologise now, and all was forgiven."Lower me," he had shouted while suspended over the sea, and everyone admitted that on the whole he had been lowered considerably. Yet Sneyd when not in the pet was really one of the best little men in the ship.But about this night on shore? Well, in due course Kep came on the stage, most takingly dressed in the uniform of a middy of the Merchant Service.He seemed to see no one, and probably he didn't; but he told his story--that tragedy of the sea which now was improved by appropriate scenery--the lantern.His performance received round after round of applause, and when he returned with his piccolo, and said laughing, "Ladies and gentlemen, I'm going to play you the very Sonata from Wagner, with which I used to charm the snakes," the cheering was renewed. He was recalled three times.The last time he played a sweetly melancholy melody from Faust, and when he had finished and during the appreciation lull, he drew his sleeve across his eyes as if to wipe away a tear."I've got a little gal in England, ladies, and that's how."Then he bowed himself prettily off the stage."But I say, McTavish," cried young Guilford, "you're positively looking a bit pale.""I'm taken aback," said the doctor. "I've met that boy, if boy he be, before. At Nice I think. But it is but a fancied resemblance I can now see to a charming Italian girl I knew for an all too brief period of my existence.""Well, I happen to know the lad," said Guilford. "That is the boy Bowser. He came on board the day before we sailed, and he did make all hands laugh I assure you, and you should have seen our fellows dancing. We'll stroll round to the green room and see him." And so they did.They knocked. "May we come in for one minute?" said Guilford."You do us honour. British Naval Officers are welcome everywhere," answered Mr. Howe.Then Kep came blushing up, and Guilford shook him squarely by the hand. This is young Charlie Bowser, Dr. McTavish. He is down in the play bills as Gerald Montmorency."I say, Charlie, can you come off to-morrow evening? I'll send a boat.""It must be at nine then, sir, after I get done here."CharliealiasKep, or Gerald Montmorency, did come off, and great things happened. He didn't get home till twelve, but that really didn't matter.He made an impression again, for he was not only a freak with the piccolo, but the piano also, and he was a marvel from a linguistic point of view.Just before he left he had another interview with Lieutenant Guilford."I've spoken to our Captain," he said, "and if you are still of the same mind I can get you a berth. Can you play in our little band?"I can lead, but would rather not join the Service, sir, to be rated as a bandsman. But," he added quickly, "it is the dream of my life to be in this same beautiful ship. Oh, I shed tears, sir, when you sailed past and left me on the Hoe. Yet I leave myself entirely in your hands." He was smiling merrily as he added, "I can clean knives and boots, sir.""Your name isn't Bowser.""It must remain so.""You ran away from home.""Yes, sir, but I won't run back, till I've seen the world and done something. My mind is made up.""You are fifteen?""Nigh on it.""You are of good birth. I believe you, your manners are quite a model. Will you tell us your real name?""I promise to do so, I will do sosine dubio, sed sine die.[1] When you left, sir," he continued, "I just stuck a pin in a page of Bradshaw's Guide, and it struck the West Indies. And thither I went. So you see. I came into the merchant servicead aperturam libri."[1] Without a doubt, but without appointing a day."Through the hawse-hole. Eh?""That is it, sir. And here I am as willing as ever to make myself useful.""But you are leaving a good thing. What do they pay you at the Variety Hall?""Oh, three pounds a week. But I get tips from gentlemen and lots of kisses from sweet ladies. Then I share some of my money with Adolph.""And who may Adolph be?""Oh, he is head waiter at the C---- Hotel. He was steward of theMacbeth, and my comrade through all that terrible time on Great Snake Island.""Then the mutiny and all that is really true, Charlie?""Yes sir, though theplebshardly believe it, and I do love Adolph very much. An Austrian he is, sir, but we talk in French.""Well, we have a berth open for your comrade, Charlie, and we'd like, but it is a matter of business.--We couldn't give you £3 a week, and there are no sweet ladies on board to shower kisses on you.""Oh, sir," said Kep laughing, "I can easily go on shore for the kisses.""We are going back to Africa again to make the slave-dealers hum, and there we need an interpreter, but he must understand Spanish and Portuguese as well as Arabic.""Hurrah! Pardon me, Lieutenant Guilford, but I couldn't really help saying 'Hurrah!' I'm as good as rated--interpreter to H.M.S.Breezy.""Good-night, boy. Come in the first dog watch to-morrow evening, and you shall hear our conclusion.""Good-night, sir."Kep went away in the dinghy.It was a lovely starry night, with, high above, the southern cross, and the moon's rays shimmering on the water.Kep, who was a good diplomatist, took out his piccolo, and quavering over the waters came now the unearthly music of that proud old song which touches the spine of every true British sailor or soldier, namely,"Good-night. All's well.""By George!" said Guilford to McTavish, "he is a broth of a boy.""Yes, and we must have him. He is bound to be the sauciest boy in the Service."Kep was rated all right--interpreter. And he so pleased the gun-room officers that he was invited to become an honorary member of their mess.And Kep was happy now, more especially as Adolph was chosen to supersede the Captain's steward, who had died in the Mozambique channel.One day very soon after, brown-faced Gunner Stormalong sought audience of the Commander of theNewt."If you'll excuse me, sir, I want to speak a moment.""Certainly.""Well, sir, theNewtI hear is ordered home, but theBreezywill be out for some years longer, and I'd like to be in her to serve out my time, and Gunner Myers would take my place, if so be, sir, that you'd let us exchange.""Readily, Jack, readily, and if he is only half as good a man as you, he will do for us.""Thank you, sir, and God bless you, sir."And Jack bowed and retired, and next day he was a gunner on theBreezy.That's how things turn out in the Service.CHAPTER XTHE BROADSWORD-MEN OF THE "BREEZY"--KEP CUTS OFF A LEGYoung Kep Drummond's work on board theBreezywas no sinecure from the very beginning. Not that any one forced him to do things, but he was good-hearted, and had all a well-bred boy's willingness to work and help as well.From the very first he had taken to the doctor, probably from that law in nature which causes large bodies to attract smaller. This merely in a physical sense, but it is true from the mental side also. Dr. McTavish had a large and lofty mind. One of his chief studies was astronomy, or rather a study of the heavens and the illimitable star-depths. Like all students of science, he liked to be listened to by his juniors. Well, he had a good listener and an ardent admirer in Kep.TheBreezywas sent on a special mission back to the Cape of Good Hope, whence they would receive further instructions from the Admiral of that station, and whose house was at Symon's Bay, but his home really on the rolling deep on board the huge flagshipGreater Britain. She was one of a class then being built--30,000 tons, 30 guns, 30 knots an hour. She had a specially constructed bottom, and feared no danger from bursting torpedoes, for the Admiral of the ship and the others of its family could, when in action, so protect the ship that they would explode harmlessly in the water before they could touch her bilge.The biggest of our present-day ships would look like pigmies beside a monster of the deep like this. TheUnionwas needed in these waters, because the Germans and French had possessions in Africa. And in fact these two countries, although not our open foes, were jealous of our power at sea, and the vast amount of territory occupied. In some of their would-fain-be comic papers the Germans cartooned Britain as the young cuckoo who, as it grows, hustles all its other little comrades to whom the nest in reality belongs, out of it to die. Britain with America really meant not only to occupy the whole of Africa, and civilize it, but the whole world was in time to become an English-speaking world; then all wars would cease. It was a big scheme, but then, like everything else, civilization is, as far as this earth is concerned, infinite. It is a seed that once sown grows and expands with marvellous rapidity, especially when aided by the fostering power of true Christianity.Well, in their way across the six thousand miles of lonesome water which stretches from Australia to the Cape, although theBreezyencountered many a storm, there were many and many beautiful nights, when the sky was clear, and the stars so near apparently, that the main truck appeared to be moving amongst them.It was on such nights as these that Kep loved, figuratively, to sit at the feet of the sailor surgeon, and hear him tell the story of the star-depths, those greater universes that exist so far from ours, that even trying to imagine the distance has before now sent even a scientist mad.But Kep assisted the doctor in the dispensary also, and this was quite as necessary on board theBreezyas a study of the star-depths. And Kep was ever handy with water, sponges, bandages and thread whenever an operation was being performed.There is no harm in a boy having a good opinion of his abilities, so long as he does know a few things well.One day the doctor, who was really and truly swinging himself hand over hand towards a main-top battery, when he sprained his ankle. He was so strong and so healthy that he felt he could almost fly, and this was the result.Next morning early Kep entered his cabin on tiptoe with a bowl of nice ship's cocoa, which the bold surgeon, who had been awake nearly all night with pain, gratefully drank."You are a good lad, Charlie.""Yes, I know that. I suppose I can't help being so. I suppose freaks are mostly always good-hearted. But, sir," he added coolly, "you won't turn out to-day. You may keep your mind perfectly easy. I will see the sick."The doctor laughed aloud at the conceit of the lad.An hour afterwards, with an improvised crutch under his arm and his bathing drawers on, McTavish was forward on the upper deck, with a man playing the sea-hose on him and his poor swollen ankle. There were forward also the middies, and one or two of the ward-room officers, all enjoying the same healthy fun. When stripped this marvellous athlete, who three years ago, when only twenty years of age and still a student, had wrestled with and overthrown a champion, was greatly admired. And though on that day the ankle was considerably swollen he put up his 80 lb. dumb-bells just as usual.He put Kep himself under training, and the boy began to grow from the first fortnight thereof, though he was not tall.His father, however, had taught him swordmanship, and at this work he could beat every gun-room officer.There was one man forward, namely Jack Stormalong, Kep's friend, the gunner, who was almost as tall and well-developed as the sailor-surgeon, who saw him stripped once, and felt his muscles."What arms and chest and legs for broadsword exerciseà la Scottice," said the doctor."Be they, sir?""By St. Andrew, they are, Stormalong. You're good with the cutlass, I hear.""Fair.""Well, I think I've found a hero worthy of my steel, and with the permission of the first lieutenant, I shall put you under special training, and teach you the broadsword. I've got two of those old Highlanders, splendid bits of steel, so we shall see."Well, Jack just set his mind to it, and soon mastered the art, and became nearly as proficient as his master. Whenever it was possible the doctor and Jack had broadsword play after the wash-deck bath, and before dressing. McTavish never towelled down, and wouldn't let Jack do so."It isn't Scotch style," he said, to the middies who were there in full bathing costume--drawers. "You can't have too much salt on your skin, boys."Even older officers would crowd forward to see the play at early morning. They had, as usual, small bets on, and ridiculous ones, such as "a postage stamp that has only been used once," or "a hair of the dog that bit you," etc.The man who was severely pressed lowered sword, and the bout was over. But often Highland targes--two at the surgeon's directions were made by the armourer--were used, and long, strong sword-sticks instead of the claymores. There was good fun with these, and they were not so dangerous. Besides, umpiring was more easy, because if one man was marked on the skin above an important group of muscles, or received the point, he was declaredhors de combat.But soon not only the gun-room officers, but the engineers became enamoured of the play, and in time as many as ten couples might be seen fighting like Red Indians on the deck at one time.Finally, by the time they reached the Cape, a corps was formed of the best athletes, men with timber on hip and calf, and these were called the Broadsword men of theBreezy.But there was an engineer from Cumberland, a splendid fellow, and another of the same build belonging to Glasgow, who were both desperate wrestlers, though this was unknown to any save themselves. Well, one day there was a kind of gala performance took place on theBreezy, to be followed by music and dancing in the evening, and the two engineers resolved to vary the performance. They told the doctor, and he sanctioned it. It would be a bit of extra fun anyhow.It was, moreover, the captain's birthday, and the ship was beautifully dressed with gay bunting below and aloft. The party was very select, and many soldiers were there, and beautiful women, chiefly to see the Broadsword-men of theBreezy, and to listen to Kep's piping of his favouriteFaustandWagner.The deck was so seated that everyone had a good view, while the crew clustered everywhere. There were fifteen couples entered the arena with targe and broadsword stick. And the performance was a never-to-be-forgotten one.The athletes on this occasion wore the costume of stage wrestlers, but the light jerseys of one half were crimson, the other yellow. After an exhausting and beautifully exciting combat the yellows were declared winners, but bouquets of splendid wild flowers from the mountains were handed by the ladies each to the champion she favoured, whether victor or vanquished. The giant surgeon and Jack Stormalong fought with naked claymores, and after a time the former received a scratch on the left shoulder. Blood ran over his shirt, but Kep was at hand, and speedily put matters to rights, and the combat was renewed. After a display that brought down the house, swords were lowered, the combatants saluted and retired. The battle was a drawn one.Then came Cumberland and Glasgow.The onlookers received them with rapturous applause and admiration of their splendid formation and muscle. Theirs was claymore and targe, and after a short spell of this, with defiant shout each athlete dashed claymore and targe away, and crouched like panthers watching for the chance to spring.It was catch where you can wrestling, but Donald Dinnie rules, that is, one man must not only throw his opponent, but keep him down for one minute. The struggle lasted for sixteen minutes, and Cumberland was victor.Scotland stood with arms folded across the chest grimly surveying his friendly foe.The doctor approached to where the Admiral and his two daughters were seated."They want to have one more tulzie," he said, saluting."Only one then, whoever wins," said the Admiral.Ten minutes more, and Scotland stood erect. Cumberland was carried off the deck.He had only been put to sleep, and soon recovered.The Admiral recalled all the combatants now, and thanked and praised them. So long, he said, as Britain had men like this, both Scotch and English, to say nothing of the brave Irish, she need never fear a foreign foe, afloat or on shore.And the cheering almost drowned the music of the band that had struck up "Rule, Britannia," the men singing to the melody."Rule Britannia, Britannia rules the waves,Britons never, never, never shall be slaves."It all ended in dinner and dancing, but every one was happy, the Admiral's girls especially.They had never, they said, spent a breezier evening than among the Broadsword-men of theBreezy.* * * * *But this cruiser was too smart a ship to be allowed to remain at peace in any place for more than a week. And now receiving orders that some underhand work was taking place up Zanzibar way, the ship was coaled hurriedly.This coaling in double-quick time was not a real necessity be it known. It is, was, ever, and will be, a species of extra drill in the service.There was a large number of Kroomen on board, and to them fell the largest share of the dirty work.These sturdy blacks came from the neighbourhood of Sierra Leone. They were not borne in the ship's books, being working hands pure and simple. They were under the command of their own head Krooman. This man was a forest chief in his own wild back country. He ruled his men not with a rod of iron, but the end of a stout manilla rope, and woe betide the backs of any who tried to shirk his duty.But if one gave his chief an insolent word, or even look, he was tied up and had forty lashes there and then. That was called by the Kroomen "fum-fum."On this particular day Surgeon McTavish had gone on shore to shoot anything he might come across among the heath-and-geranium-clad mountains that cluster like the hills of an earthly paradise all around the gulph or bay.He was an ardent student of Natural History, and his gun helped him in his studies.But he blamed himself to-day for taking leave on a coaling day, for some poor fellow might have an accident. And this made him hurry back, with his bag mostly filled with rock-rabbits and big snakes fully two hours before sundown.About half an hour before this a bag of coals had fallen from the dock down upon a poor Krooman, smashing his leg in a very dreadful fashion. The man was carried at once to the sick-bay bleeding terribly below the knee, and a boat despatched forthwith to seek for surgical aid from the nearest ship. There was no doctor on board that, nor on another one. The day was exceptionally fine, even for the Cape in summer, and nearly all surgeons had gone on shore."We'd better go straight to the Naval Hospital now," said the middy in charge of the boat.Meanwhile the man was bleeding to death in the sick bay, when Kep, with all the coolness of a man of fifty from St. Thomas's, came upon the scene. The lower part of the leg was "smashed to smithereens," as the sick-bay attendant said."Have to come off, I think, sir?""Mind your own business," cried Kep haughtily. "Why on earth did you not apply a tourniquet to the femoral artery?""Was taken aback, sir, and couldn't manage the thing.""How long have you been in the Service, sir?" asked Kep indignantly, as his busy fingers were fastening the instrument and stopping the bleeding."Five years, sir.""A jolly sight too long. I'll have you disrated. Bring the anesthetics at once. Here, you're too slow. I'll manage that. Get out the instruments. Lively does it. Bear a hand, while I send the man off.""Yes, certainly, the largest amputating knife; this poor man has a thigh like an ox."The attendant bustled now; at the same time he was utterly surprised at the audacity of this boy of barely fifteen.The man was asleep, and would be kept so.Kep had taken off his jacket, rolled up his sleeves, and looked at the instruments. He knew that every one of them was chemically clean, and saw that everything was handy on the table."What, sir! Excuse me, sir, butyouare surely not going to operate?""Undoubtedly I am. Don't you know that on board of the oldVictoryin Nelson's day a loblolly boy cut the limbs from no less than five sailors while the battle was raging? Now then," he added, "stand by to hand me what I want."He made the flapsSecundem Artemand sawed the bone."The doctor's boat!" was the shout from aft one minute after, and when the hospital surgeon entered the poor man's leg was already raw side down in a pail of water, and Kep coolly picking up and tying the arteries with the shaky assistance of the attendant."The devil!" cried the doctor."No, sir," cried the attendant, "only the boy Bowser, the sauciest boy in the Service.""Well," said the hospital doctor, as he began to complete the operation, laughing as he spoke, "the devil himself couldn't have done the job half as well.""How old are you?" he said to Kep after the poor Krooman had been put in his cot."Fifteen in five days," he answered proudly. "Quite old, isn't it, sir?""Did the surgeon leave you in charge of the ship?""Oh no, sir. Dr. McTavish is away in the mountains shooting cobras and things, but really, he is such a nice, affable fellow, that I shall always be only too pleased to do any little job like this in his absence."The doctor was more amused than ever, and had a rattling good story to tell that evening to his mess-mates.
* * * * *
Now when theBreezyleft Plymouth Sound she was starting on her very first cruise--newly commissioned.
She had new guns, six of them; none very large but all fearful spitfires. She was steel--steel all over, but this same steel whether in masts, or tops, or decks, or plates, was a new invention, and to all intents and purposes impenetrable. There was no wood about her that was inflammable, and the officers' cabins were lined with a species of newly invented papier-maché, which by itself could resist rifle bullets. But above all, the marines or bluejackets who might be wanted to fight in exposed positions had light shields and breast-plates of this same marvellous material.
TheBreezywas going surveying, but she had moreover special diving machines, of which more anon.
I have always looked upon a ship as a living, sensitive thing, and it seems right to call her "she," especially if she is sprightly and beautiful and obeys her helm well (I was very nearly saying "obeys her husband").
I am sure of one thing; that when on that bright and sunny morning theBreezywent clipping through the water and heading for the waves, she knew she was the cynosure of all eyes and every opera glass on the Hoe. She was as proud as a girl with a pink silk petticoat, as a sailor observed.
* * * * *
They were all young in theBreezy'swardroom, and the Commander himself, who, as befitted his rank lived in solitary grandeur in his quarters farther aft, was considerably under thirty.
To a great extent the grey-beards, as they were somewhat irreverently called, were cleared out of the Service as far as smaller ships on foreign stations were concerned. That is they had been placed on the retired list.
It was found that old men, though possessed of more experience, more grey matter on the brain, were hardly active enough in their lower extremities. They had the courage right enough, but they were somewhat deficient in dash and go.
In the wardroom there lived and moved and ate their beef, two lieutenants, a marine officer usually called our "soldier," the engineer lieutenant, the assistant pay-master in charge, and last, but certainly not least, for he stood six feet one inch in his home made hose--the Surgeon.
When I tell you that the Captain--a Commander he really was in rank--was one of the jolliest round-faced and boyish-looking officers in the service, you will understand how pleasant it was to sail with him.
But his name was, or rather had been, Brazier before he took over theBreezy.
"Don't much like that name," said Jack Jewell, a sturdy built A.B. "Do you, Tom?"
Tom Davis said, "No, I don't either."
"Let's boil him down, Tom."
"Boil away, Jack."
So Captain Brazier was allowed to simmer a while in the brains of Jack Jewell, and lo! he came to the top of the pot as Captain Breezy. The name worked gradually aft. The boatswain got hold of it, the gunners also, then the officers and skipper himself.
The Captain didn't mind it a bit.
Captain Breezy of H.M.S.Breezysounded smart. From bowsprit, then, to binnacle theBreezyreally was a smart ship.
Surgeon McTavish, M.D., of the great Northern University of Aberdeen, had been the very last officer to join the ship. He came soon after Kep had left on the day of his visit.
Everyone had been wondering what manner of man the surgeon would turn out to be, and small innocent bets were made on the subject.
Mr. Sneyd, the assistant-paymaster, who was small himself, and wore a little nut-cracker of a face that would have done for a door-knocker, betted he was a short chap and red-haired, and couldn't speak intelligible English.
The marine officer said he was blue-faced and bulbous-nosed.
The engineer lieutenant thought that he could not know much, coming from so heathenish a country as Scotland.
"I don't bet," said Bertram Wynn, the first lieutenant, "but let me tell you, gentlemen, that proportionately more clever and scientific men come from the Scottish Universities than from any three English ones put together."
Well, at all events it was evident that his would-be messmates did not expect a very great deal out of the doctor. He would be disappointing.
His traps came on board hours before he himself did.
Little Mr. Sneyd came down below with very big eyes in his head.
"By gum!" he cried. "I've seen the doctor's traps and I've lost my little bet. Run in to his cabin, Sodjer, and see them."
The marine officer, who was still very young and therefore obedient, disappeared.
"Well, Sodjer?"
"I'm puzzled. Guess I'll lose my bet. Here are some of his things that I saw his servant putting away.
"Item:--Two Highland broadswords.
"Item:--A full kilt Highland dress, including dirks and sporrans, brogues and a bonnet and crest, and skean dhu mounted in cairngorm. (The kilt is presumedly a clan McTavish tartan one.)
"Item:--A set of great Highland bagpipes."
"Oh, Lord!" cried Guilford the second lieutenant, putting his fingers mechanically to his ears, "go on, Sodjer."
"Item:--A pair of dumb-bells, the fellows you've got to put up you know--80 lbs. each. And," added Sodjer, "my bet's lost, for no man with a bulbous nose could put up things like that."
"Heave round, Sodjer. Anything more?"
"Item:--About fifty volumes of scientific books including the British Encyclopædia."
"My bet's lost!" This from the engineer while the first lieutenant smiled.
"Item:--A ram's head snuff box. Twisted horns, tips mounted with silver and cairngorm.
"Item:--A big Bible. It is very likely--
"'The big ha' Bible ance his father's pride.'"
Well, when the surgeon himself did appear, he certainly commanded respect. He was handsome as well as well-built. Indeed among the others he appeared a perfect Hercules as he undoubtedly was an athlete.
Englishmen cannot help admiring an athlete no matter what his nation may be. Then his uniform fitted him well. He appeared to have been melted and poured into it, while little Sneyd's seemed to have been put on with the aid of a hay fork.
The surgeon's smile was a winning one, and there was a quintessence of kindliness lying half asleep in his dark-blue eyes that was very pleasant to behold.
He saluted the first lieutenant most respectfully, and the two men shook hands.
"Glad you've come at last, Surgeon McTavish We shall be friends. You are, I hear, a man of scientific attainments, and I dabble in science myself a little."
In the mess that evening Sneyd had said--
"Look here McTavish, I owe you an apology. I thought no good thing could come out of Nazareth--I mean Aberdeen, but now I cave in."
"Well spoken! Bravo, Sneyd," cried the others. Indeed there was a murmur of approbation all round the table. Sneyd was manly and truly English despite his queer little face.
But McTavish stood up. There was moisture in his eyes. But he stretched out across the table an arm half a fathom long and shook little Sneyd by the hand.
Sneyd suppressed a cry of pain, and there came moisture into his eyes next, though its origin was not quite the same.
TheBreezywas to be something more than a mere surveying ship and that is the reason why her officers were one and all chosen from the best young fellows in the Service.
For Britain even now was--well apparently drifting gradually into war, and though the Admiralty believed it would be averted, a good deal of what might be called naval police work would devolve upon theBreezy. She had to be watchful and her duty would not consist entirely in sounding and chart-making.
The surgeon's cabin was not very large, but his books were, and of scientific instruments he possessed not a few. However there was the dispensary at his disposal and Lieut. Wynn also offered him space for books in his own cabin. So McTavish was soon very happy and quite settled down.
It was a merry mess, although very little wine was consumed except when guests came off, as they did at Madeira, St. Helena, Ascension and the Cape.
The middies' mess was just as jolly, and had five right hearty young lads in it, ready at any time to do anything for anybody or for their country.
In this year of 1907 pass exams for the Service were stricter than ever. There was a splendid staff of men at headquarters, and they would only have thecrême de la crême.
Well, although nobody except the captain and first lieutenant were supposed to know what theBreezy'sspecial instructions were, her duties were soon an open secret.
German ships of war were careering about and along both the west and east coasts of Africa. They wanted looking after. Then marvellous to say the Sultan of Zanzibar had somehow become very wealthy--diamond mines--and had built himself a really smart navy. But his ships were sentinels to the British Government for all that. It was deemed good and wise for Britain to have a scout fleet like this within jumping distance of India and the Red Sea.
The Admiralty had learned experience since 1904 and were making use of it.
They were, as every great nation should be, on the outlook for future eventualities. So, long before they reached the Cape everyone on board theBreezyhad quite settled down into his place, and all the officers felt at home. Moreover they all knew each other thoroughly by this time, and knew each other's points of character also, whether hard or soft.
It is a good thing on board a ship during a long commission for officers to be like brothers. They are together in sunshine and in storm, in peace and in danger. Moreover, they ought to respect even each other's foibles.
With so kind a captain and one so interested in the welfare of those under his command theBreezypromised from the very first to be a little community afloat, all willing to please and be pleased, and to adhere strictly in discipline and etiquette to the rules and regulations of the King's Navy.
As they were all young they naturally wanted to, and were determined to, see everything there was to be seen at every port.
They were treated well wherever they went, and if they stayed but a week at a place there was some social function or another every day, and sometimes twice. Dances and dinners, picnics, cricket-matches, or football-matches, fishing parties, shooting parties, or anything the Breezies, as they came to be called, were always in it.
Sometimes, too, they gave a dinner and a dance on board, and this was a real merry evening for all concerned.
Sailors, let me tell you reader, are far more hearty and as a rule better liked at ball or party than soldiers.
Sailors come and sailors go, but soldiers keep on for ever. The poor you have always with you. It is hardly fair of me to speak so perhaps, and I hope to be forgiven.
Well, theBreezysteamed up the East Coast of Africa and began work in earnest. They visited the Sultan and the Sultan's fleet and were very much struck with all they saw, and had a deal of as good fun as they could ever hope to enjoy.
About Madagascar and the Mauritius they did much surveying work, and after several months they were ordered to Australia.
By this time the Surgeon and Lieutenant Wynn had become almost indispensable to each other. Both were scientists. Indeed the lieutenant was studying hard for his D.Sc. (Doctor of Science), and there is no doubt that he would attain it.
In this year of 1907 and 8 the Admiralty at home had found the utility of always putting a round peg into a round hole, and not into a square one. The days of promotion by seniority alone were gone by and every officer knew that his own merits would score more than influence with big wigs at home. Good officers can only be had through a process of evolution. You cannot make them to order.
And it was just the same with the men forward. A smart boy who honoured discipline was certain of soon having stripes upon his sleeve that brought him respect, even when he went on a spell of leave back to the humble country village where his mother and father lived, and that necessity of life to a handsome young sailor--his little girl.
Talk of the Navy changing. The ships may change and do change, and will keep on changing about every ten years, but Jack himself--Oh never.
He is still the handy man, and still the British heart of oak. "No laggard in love, no dastard in war," is your bold Jack Tar.
CHAPTER IX
THROUGH THE HAWSE HOLE
To the Temple of Varieties in the city of Sidney went one evening the young and rather girlish-faced marine officer, Surgeon McTavish, and Lieutenant Guilford all from theBreezy, in order to hear a good song. Only in mufti were they of course, but Mac's mufti was the Highland dress and a grand appearance it gave this bold and scientific Scot.
Indeed Mac's servant was a Scot, Sandie Reid was his name, and whenever the doctor told him to lay out his mufti it was the kilt and sporran he got ready.
"I meant English mufti," said the doctor to him one evening.
"You'll hae that or damn the thing else?" replied Sandie with the determination of a Scottish servant who loved his master. "You're no' goin to give Sandie Reid a red face by seein' his master's bonnie Hielan legs rammed into leathern drain-pipes. If ye do, ye'll hae to seek an English servant."
The first day that the surgeon put on the Highland garb to go on shore in was at St. Helena. The officers going on shore were waiting on the quarterdeck for the boat and talking and laughing, when little Sneyd the A.P. with the door-knocker countenance came up from below.
Now Sneyd was sometimes in a nasty temper and when he was so he was apt to be a little offensive.
He had got out of his bunk that day at the wrong side perhaps, but when he saw McTavish arrayed in the tartan of his clan, he pretended to be startled, stepped back a pace or two and looked at him up and down.
"Is this the twentieth century?" he cried, "and do you mean to say that the captain will allow one of his officers to go on shore dressed in that uncivilized semi-savage costume?"
Then suddenly pretending to be heroic, "Oh, I forgot the romance of Walter Scott," he said.
"Ne'er in battle-field beats heart more brave,Than that which beats beneath the Scottish kilt."
"Ne'er in battle-field beats heart more brave,Than that which beats beneath the Scottish kilt."
"Ne'er in battle-field beats heart more brave,
Than that which beats beneath the Scottish kilt."
McTavish laughed. But Sneyd sneered. His shot hadn't hit the bull's eye.
"I suppose," he said, "like most Scots that join our Service, you're the only gentleman in your family, Mr. McTavish." This was mean, for the doctor's family were really only honest crofter folk.
"That's hitting beneath the belt," cried the engineer.
"Apologise, Sneyd."
And the others shouted for an apology.
"I refuse," said Sneyd.
"The reason being," said McTavish quietly, "that there wasn't even one gentleman in Sneyd's family."
"Bravo, McTavish. Bravo!"
But McTavish wasn't quite done with little Sneyd.
"What's your weight, Sneyd?"
"Well, doctor," replied the A.P., conscious now that he had gone too far, "just nine stone."
"Pooh! that's nothing. I can put up 200 lbs." And before Sneyd knew what was up, the surgeon had seized him by the collar of his upper garments and stood erect holding the little man straight over the sea.
"For God's sake let me down. Lower me. Lower me. I apologise!"
"Do you see the blue shark that has been following our ship for days?"' cried McTavish.
"I see the blue devil. Do lower me, for mercy's sake."
Next moment the doctor stood him on the deck.
He did apologise now, and all was forgiven.
"Lower me," he had shouted while suspended over the sea, and everyone admitted that on the whole he had been lowered considerably. Yet Sneyd when not in the pet was really one of the best little men in the ship.
But about this night on shore? Well, in due course Kep came on the stage, most takingly dressed in the uniform of a middy of the Merchant Service.
He seemed to see no one, and probably he didn't; but he told his story--that tragedy of the sea which now was improved by appropriate scenery--the lantern.
His performance received round after round of applause, and when he returned with his piccolo, and said laughing, "Ladies and gentlemen, I'm going to play you the very Sonata from Wagner, with which I used to charm the snakes," the cheering was renewed. He was recalled three times.
The last time he played a sweetly melancholy melody from Faust, and when he had finished and during the appreciation lull, he drew his sleeve across his eyes as if to wipe away a tear.
"I've got a little gal in England, ladies, and that's how."
Then he bowed himself prettily off the stage.
"But I say, McTavish," cried young Guilford, "you're positively looking a bit pale."
"I'm taken aback," said the doctor. "I've met that boy, if boy he be, before. At Nice I think. But it is but a fancied resemblance I can now see to a charming Italian girl I knew for an all too brief period of my existence."
"Well, I happen to know the lad," said Guilford. "That is the boy Bowser. He came on board the day before we sailed, and he did make all hands laugh I assure you, and you should have seen our fellows dancing. We'll stroll round to the green room and see him." And so they did.
They knocked. "May we come in for one minute?" said Guilford.
"You do us honour. British Naval Officers are welcome everywhere," answered Mr. Howe.
Then Kep came blushing up, and Guilford shook him squarely by the hand. This is young Charlie Bowser, Dr. McTavish. He is down in the play bills as Gerald Montmorency.
"I say, Charlie, can you come off to-morrow evening? I'll send a boat."
"It must be at nine then, sir, after I get done here."
CharliealiasKep, or Gerald Montmorency, did come off, and great things happened. He didn't get home till twelve, but that really didn't matter.
He made an impression again, for he was not only a freak with the piccolo, but the piano also, and he was a marvel from a linguistic point of view.
Just before he left he had another interview with Lieutenant Guilford.
"I've spoken to our Captain," he said, "and if you are still of the same mind I can get you a berth. Can you play in our little band?
"I can lead, but would rather not join the Service, sir, to be rated as a bandsman. But," he added quickly, "it is the dream of my life to be in this same beautiful ship. Oh, I shed tears, sir, when you sailed past and left me on the Hoe. Yet I leave myself entirely in your hands." He was smiling merrily as he added, "I can clean knives and boots, sir."
"Your name isn't Bowser."
"It must remain so."
"You ran away from home."
"Yes, sir, but I won't run back, till I've seen the world and done something. My mind is made up."
"You are fifteen?"
"Nigh on it."
"You are of good birth. I believe you, your manners are quite a model. Will you tell us your real name?"
"I promise to do so, I will do sosine dubio, sed sine die.[1] When you left, sir," he continued, "I just stuck a pin in a page of Bradshaw's Guide, and it struck the West Indies. And thither I went. So you see. I came into the merchant servicead aperturam libri."
[1] Without a doubt, but without appointing a day.
"Through the hawse-hole. Eh?"
"That is it, sir. And here I am as willing as ever to make myself useful."
"But you are leaving a good thing. What do they pay you at the Variety Hall?"
"Oh, three pounds a week. But I get tips from gentlemen and lots of kisses from sweet ladies. Then I share some of my money with Adolph."
"And who may Adolph be?"
"Oh, he is head waiter at the C---- Hotel. He was steward of theMacbeth, and my comrade through all that terrible time on Great Snake Island."
"Then the mutiny and all that is really true, Charlie?"
"Yes sir, though theplebshardly believe it, and I do love Adolph very much. An Austrian he is, sir, but we talk in French."
"Well, we have a berth open for your comrade, Charlie, and we'd like, but it is a matter of business.--We couldn't give you £3 a week, and there are no sweet ladies on board to shower kisses on you."
"Oh, sir," said Kep laughing, "I can easily go on shore for the kisses."
"We are going back to Africa again to make the slave-dealers hum, and there we need an interpreter, but he must understand Spanish and Portuguese as well as Arabic."
"Hurrah! Pardon me, Lieutenant Guilford, but I couldn't really help saying 'Hurrah!' I'm as good as rated--interpreter to H.M.S.Breezy."
"Good-night, boy. Come in the first dog watch to-morrow evening, and you shall hear our conclusion."
"Good-night, sir."
Kep went away in the dinghy.
It was a lovely starry night, with, high above, the southern cross, and the moon's rays shimmering on the water.
Kep, who was a good diplomatist, took out his piccolo, and quavering over the waters came now the unearthly music of that proud old song which touches the spine of every true British sailor or soldier, namely,
"Good-night. All's well."
"By George!" said Guilford to McTavish, "he is a broth of a boy."
"Yes, and we must have him. He is bound to be the sauciest boy in the Service."
Kep was rated all right--interpreter. And he so pleased the gun-room officers that he was invited to become an honorary member of their mess.
And Kep was happy now, more especially as Adolph was chosen to supersede the Captain's steward, who had died in the Mozambique channel.
One day very soon after, brown-faced Gunner Stormalong sought audience of the Commander of theNewt.
"If you'll excuse me, sir, I want to speak a moment."
"Certainly."
"Well, sir, theNewtI hear is ordered home, but theBreezywill be out for some years longer, and I'd like to be in her to serve out my time, and Gunner Myers would take my place, if so be, sir, that you'd let us exchange."
"Readily, Jack, readily, and if he is only half as good a man as you, he will do for us."
"Thank you, sir, and God bless you, sir."
And Jack bowed and retired, and next day he was a gunner on theBreezy.
That's how things turn out in the Service.
CHAPTER X
THE BROADSWORD-MEN OF THE "BREEZY"--KEP CUTS OFF A LEG
Young Kep Drummond's work on board theBreezywas no sinecure from the very beginning. Not that any one forced him to do things, but he was good-hearted, and had all a well-bred boy's willingness to work and help as well.
From the very first he had taken to the doctor, probably from that law in nature which causes large bodies to attract smaller. This merely in a physical sense, but it is true from the mental side also. Dr. McTavish had a large and lofty mind. One of his chief studies was astronomy, or rather a study of the heavens and the illimitable star-depths. Like all students of science, he liked to be listened to by his juniors. Well, he had a good listener and an ardent admirer in Kep.
TheBreezywas sent on a special mission back to the Cape of Good Hope, whence they would receive further instructions from the Admiral of that station, and whose house was at Symon's Bay, but his home really on the rolling deep on board the huge flagshipGreater Britain. She was one of a class then being built--30,000 tons, 30 guns, 30 knots an hour. She had a specially constructed bottom, and feared no danger from bursting torpedoes, for the Admiral of the ship and the others of its family could, when in action, so protect the ship that they would explode harmlessly in the water before they could touch her bilge.
The biggest of our present-day ships would look like pigmies beside a monster of the deep like this. TheUnionwas needed in these waters, because the Germans and French had possessions in Africa. And in fact these two countries, although not our open foes, were jealous of our power at sea, and the vast amount of territory occupied. In some of their would-fain-be comic papers the Germans cartooned Britain as the young cuckoo who, as it grows, hustles all its other little comrades to whom the nest in reality belongs, out of it to die. Britain with America really meant not only to occupy the whole of Africa, and civilize it, but the whole world was in time to become an English-speaking world; then all wars would cease. It was a big scheme, but then, like everything else, civilization is, as far as this earth is concerned, infinite. It is a seed that once sown grows and expands with marvellous rapidity, especially when aided by the fostering power of true Christianity.
Well, in their way across the six thousand miles of lonesome water which stretches from Australia to the Cape, although theBreezyencountered many a storm, there were many and many beautiful nights, when the sky was clear, and the stars so near apparently, that the main truck appeared to be moving amongst them.
It was on such nights as these that Kep loved, figuratively, to sit at the feet of the sailor surgeon, and hear him tell the story of the star-depths, those greater universes that exist so far from ours, that even trying to imagine the distance has before now sent even a scientist mad.
But Kep assisted the doctor in the dispensary also, and this was quite as necessary on board theBreezyas a study of the star-depths. And Kep was ever handy with water, sponges, bandages and thread whenever an operation was being performed.
There is no harm in a boy having a good opinion of his abilities, so long as he does know a few things well.
One day the doctor, who was really and truly swinging himself hand over hand towards a main-top battery, when he sprained his ankle. He was so strong and so healthy that he felt he could almost fly, and this was the result.
Next morning early Kep entered his cabin on tiptoe with a bowl of nice ship's cocoa, which the bold surgeon, who had been awake nearly all night with pain, gratefully drank.
"You are a good lad, Charlie."
"Yes, I know that. I suppose I can't help being so. I suppose freaks are mostly always good-hearted. But, sir," he added coolly, "you won't turn out to-day. You may keep your mind perfectly easy. I will see the sick."
The doctor laughed aloud at the conceit of the lad.
An hour afterwards, with an improvised crutch under his arm and his bathing drawers on, McTavish was forward on the upper deck, with a man playing the sea-hose on him and his poor swollen ankle. There were forward also the middies, and one or two of the ward-room officers, all enjoying the same healthy fun. When stripped this marvellous athlete, who three years ago, when only twenty years of age and still a student, had wrestled with and overthrown a champion, was greatly admired. And though on that day the ankle was considerably swollen he put up his 80 lb. dumb-bells just as usual.
He put Kep himself under training, and the boy began to grow from the first fortnight thereof, though he was not tall.
His father, however, had taught him swordmanship, and at this work he could beat every gun-room officer.
There was one man forward, namely Jack Stormalong, Kep's friend, the gunner, who was almost as tall and well-developed as the sailor-surgeon, who saw him stripped once, and felt his muscles.
"What arms and chest and legs for broadsword exerciseà la Scottice," said the doctor.
"Be they, sir?"
"By St. Andrew, they are, Stormalong. You're good with the cutlass, I hear."
"Fair."
"Well, I think I've found a hero worthy of my steel, and with the permission of the first lieutenant, I shall put you under special training, and teach you the broadsword. I've got two of those old Highlanders, splendid bits of steel, so we shall see."
Well, Jack just set his mind to it, and soon mastered the art, and became nearly as proficient as his master. Whenever it was possible the doctor and Jack had broadsword play after the wash-deck bath, and before dressing. McTavish never towelled down, and wouldn't let Jack do so.
"It isn't Scotch style," he said, to the middies who were there in full bathing costume--drawers. "You can't have too much salt on your skin, boys."
Even older officers would crowd forward to see the play at early morning. They had, as usual, small bets on, and ridiculous ones, such as "a postage stamp that has only been used once," or "a hair of the dog that bit you," etc.
The man who was severely pressed lowered sword, and the bout was over. But often Highland targes--two at the surgeon's directions were made by the armourer--were used, and long, strong sword-sticks instead of the claymores. There was good fun with these, and they were not so dangerous. Besides, umpiring was more easy, because if one man was marked on the skin above an important group of muscles, or received the point, he was declaredhors de combat.
But soon not only the gun-room officers, but the engineers became enamoured of the play, and in time as many as ten couples might be seen fighting like Red Indians on the deck at one time.
Finally, by the time they reached the Cape, a corps was formed of the best athletes, men with timber on hip and calf, and these were called the Broadsword men of theBreezy.
But there was an engineer from Cumberland, a splendid fellow, and another of the same build belonging to Glasgow, who were both desperate wrestlers, though this was unknown to any save themselves. Well, one day there was a kind of gala performance took place on theBreezy, to be followed by music and dancing in the evening, and the two engineers resolved to vary the performance. They told the doctor, and he sanctioned it. It would be a bit of extra fun anyhow.
It was, moreover, the captain's birthday, and the ship was beautifully dressed with gay bunting below and aloft. The party was very select, and many soldiers were there, and beautiful women, chiefly to see the Broadsword-men of theBreezy, and to listen to Kep's piping of his favouriteFaustandWagner.
The deck was so seated that everyone had a good view, while the crew clustered everywhere. There were fifteen couples entered the arena with targe and broadsword stick. And the performance was a never-to-be-forgotten one.
The athletes on this occasion wore the costume of stage wrestlers, but the light jerseys of one half were crimson, the other yellow. After an exhausting and beautifully exciting combat the yellows were declared winners, but bouquets of splendid wild flowers from the mountains were handed by the ladies each to the champion she favoured, whether victor or vanquished. The giant surgeon and Jack Stormalong fought with naked claymores, and after a time the former received a scratch on the left shoulder. Blood ran over his shirt, but Kep was at hand, and speedily put matters to rights, and the combat was renewed. After a display that brought down the house, swords were lowered, the combatants saluted and retired. The battle was a drawn one.
Then came Cumberland and Glasgow.
The onlookers received them with rapturous applause and admiration of their splendid formation and muscle. Theirs was claymore and targe, and after a short spell of this, with defiant shout each athlete dashed claymore and targe away, and crouched like panthers watching for the chance to spring.
It was catch where you can wrestling, but Donald Dinnie rules, that is, one man must not only throw his opponent, but keep him down for one minute. The struggle lasted for sixteen minutes, and Cumberland was victor.
Scotland stood with arms folded across the chest grimly surveying his friendly foe.
The doctor approached to where the Admiral and his two daughters were seated.
"They want to have one more tulzie," he said, saluting.
"Only one then, whoever wins," said the Admiral.
Ten minutes more, and Scotland stood erect. Cumberland was carried off the deck.
He had only been put to sleep, and soon recovered.
The Admiral recalled all the combatants now, and thanked and praised them. So long, he said, as Britain had men like this, both Scotch and English, to say nothing of the brave Irish, she need never fear a foreign foe, afloat or on shore.
And the cheering almost drowned the music of the band that had struck up "Rule, Britannia," the men singing to the melody.
"Rule Britannia, Britannia rules the waves,Britons never, never, never shall be slaves."
"Rule Britannia, Britannia rules the waves,Britons never, never, never shall be slaves."
"Rule Britannia, Britannia rules the waves,
Britons never, never, never shall be slaves."
It all ended in dinner and dancing, but every one was happy, the Admiral's girls especially.
They had never, they said, spent a breezier evening than among the Broadsword-men of theBreezy.
* * * * *
But this cruiser was too smart a ship to be allowed to remain at peace in any place for more than a week. And now receiving orders that some underhand work was taking place up Zanzibar way, the ship was coaled hurriedly.
This coaling in double-quick time was not a real necessity be it known. It is, was, ever, and will be, a species of extra drill in the service.
There was a large number of Kroomen on board, and to them fell the largest share of the dirty work.
These sturdy blacks came from the neighbourhood of Sierra Leone. They were not borne in the ship's books, being working hands pure and simple. They were under the command of their own head Krooman. This man was a forest chief in his own wild back country. He ruled his men not with a rod of iron, but the end of a stout manilla rope, and woe betide the backs of any who tried to shirk his duty.
But if one gave his chief an insolent word, or even look, he was tied up and had forty lashes there and then. That was called by the Kroomen "fum-fum."
On this particular day Surgeon McTavish had gone on shore to shoot anything he might come across among the heath-and-geranium-clad mountains that cluster like the hills of an earthly paradise all around the gulph or bay.
He was an ardent student of Natural History, and his gun helped him in his studies.
But he blamed himself to-day for taking leave on a coaling day, for some poor fellow might have an accident. And this made him hurry back, with his bag mostly filled with rock-rabbits and big snakes fully two hours before sundown.
About half an hour before this a bag of coals had fallen from the dock down upon a poor Krooman, smashing his leg in a very dreadful fashion. The man was carried at once to the sick-bay bleeding terribly below the knee, and a boat despatched forthwith to seek for surgical aid from the nearest ship. There was no doctor on board that, nor on another one. The day was exceptionally fine, even for the Cape in summer, and nearly all surgeons had gone on shore.
"We'd better go straight to the Naval Hospital now," said the middy in charge of the boat.
Meanwhile the man was bleeding to death in the sick bay, when Kep, with all the coolness of a man of fifty from St. Thomas's, came upon the scene. The lower part of the leg was "smashed to smithereens," as the sick-bay attendant said.
"Have to come off, I think, sir?"
"Mind your own business," cried Kep haughtily. "Why on earth did you not apply a tourniquet to the femoral artery?"
"Was taken aback, sir, and couldn't manage the thing."
"How long have you been in the Service, sir?" asked Kep indignantly, as his busy fingers were fastening the instrument and stopping the bleeding.
"Five years, sir."
"A jolly sight too long. I'll have you disrated. Bring the anesthetics at once. Here, you're too slow. I'll manage that. Get out the instruments. Lively does it. Bear a hand, while I send the man off."
"Yes, certainly, the largest amputating knife; this poor man has a thigh like an ox."
The attendant bustled now; at the same time he was utterly surprised at the audacity of this boy of barely fifteen.
The man was asleep, and would be kept so.
Kep had taken off his jacket, rolled up his sleeves, and looked at the instruments. He knew that every one of them was chemically clean, and saw that everything was handy on the table.
"What, sir! Excuse me, sir, butyouare surely not going to operate?"
"Undoubtedly I am. Don't you know that on board of the oldVictoryin Nelson's day a loblolly boy cut the limbs from no less than five sailors while the battle was raging? Now then," he added, "stand by to hand me what I want."
He made the flapsSecundem Artemand sawed the bone.
"The doctor's boat!" was the shout from aft one minute after, and when the hospital surgeon entered the poor man's leg was already raw side down in a pail of water, and Kep coolly picking up and tying the arteries with the shaky assistance of the attendant.
"The devil!" cried the doctor.
"No, sir," cried the attendant, "only the boy Bowser, the sauciest boy in the Service."
"Well," said the hospital doctor, as he began to complete the operation, laughing as he spoke, "the devil himself couldn't have done the job half as well."
"How old are you?" he said to Kep after the poor Krooman had been put in his cot.
"Fifteen in five days," he answered proudly. "Quite old, isn't it, sir?"
"Did the surgeon leave you in charge of the ship?"
"Oh no, sir. Dr. McTavish is away in the mountains shooting cobras and things, but really, he is such a nice, affable fellow, that I shall always be only too pleased to do any little job like this in his absence."
The doctor was more amused than ever, and had a rattling good story to tell that evening to his mess-mates.