"He's about half crazy!"
Such was Mont's conclusion as he joined his companions.
While Mont was telling the others of what he had seen, all were treated to a surprise.
A panel in the wall slid back.
A large sheet of very thick plate glass, quite transparent, was revealed to view almost immediately; a flood of electric light lit up the sea for some distance, and everything was as clear as daylight.
It was as if they were looking at an immense aquarium.
"The captain is giving us a surprise," remarked the professor; "this is charming."
Innumerable fishes of various kinds, most of which were unknown, even to a naturalist of Dr. Woddle's standing, passed before them.
Strange, wild, fierce-looking things, with wonderful tails and heads.
Some looking unmistakably voracious, others being long and slimy like hideous snakes.
They were doubtless attracted by the electric light.
For two hours the four companions gazed at the ever-changing procession, without the least abatement of their delight.
Presently the door opened, and a negro handed the professor a letter.
He opened it and read its contents aloud.
"Captain Vindex presents his compliments to Professor Woddle, and will be glad if he and his companions will accept an invitation to shoot in the weed forests under the sea to-morrow morning at ten o'clock."
"I'll be hanged if I go!" exclaimed Stump. "Not if I know it. I'm safe here, but I don't want to be chawed up by some strange reptile."
"Silence, boy!" said the professor. "Tell Captain Vindex," he continued, to the negro, "that we are much obliged to him for his invitation, which we gladly accept."
The negro bowed and retired.
At the time appointed the professor and the boys were conducted to a cabin, which may be called the dressing-room, or arsenal, of theSearcher.
Hanging on the walls were numerous helmets, such as divers wear, and a number of guns reposed on hooks.
At the last moment Stump had determined to accompany the party.
Captain Vindex was already there, and received them graciously.
"I wish you good-day, professor," he said; "and you, too, my boys. I think we shall enjoy some excellent sport among the sea otters and other animals worth killing. You, Dr. Woddle, will be able to add to your knowledge of natural history, for we are about to traverse a forest of remarkable seaweeds and plants, in which you will find all kinds of submarine life."
"I am obliged to you for your kindness, sir, and put myself entirely at your disposal," replied the professor.
At a signal from the captain, two negroesassisted our heroes to put on their apparel, and clothed them in thick waterproof made of India rubber, which formed trousers and vest, the trousers terminating in a pair of shoes with lead soles; a cuirass of leather protected the chest from the pressure of the water, and allowed the lungs full play.
Supple gloves covered the hands, the helmet was then put on, and the knapsack of compressed air adjusted on the back.
To each one was given a gun, the butt of which was of brass and hollow.
Here was stored the compressed air which discharged the electric bullets, one of which fell into its proper place just as the other had been shot away. The whole mechanism was perfect.
When all was ready they stepped into an empty cabin, the door closed behind them, and, touching a knob, the captain allowed the room to fill with water.
Then he opened a door and they walked out into the sea.
Each had an electric lamp fastened to the waist, which made their path clear and distinct, enablingthem to see every object through the glass holes in their helmets.
The captain walked in front with the professor.
Carl and Mont were side by side, and Stump brought up the rear.
Walking was not very difficult, and the supply of air, well charged with the oxygen necessary for prolonged respiration, was all that could be wished. It entered as it was required from the knapsack reservoir, and escaped when used through a turret at the top of the circular helmet.
They proceeded along fine sand, covered with a variety of shells, for at least a mile, when they came to some rocks covered with beautiful anemones.
Innumerable fish sported around them; long, writhing eels, of a prodigious size, with ugly, flat snake-like heads, glided away at their approach, and thousands of jelly fish danced about their heads.
They were not at a great depth, and presumably were near some island, for Mont, looking up, saw the sun overhead, guessing the depth to be about thirty or forty feet.
The sun's rays easily penetrated the waves, and made a kaleidoscope of colors inconceivably beautiful.
If the party could have spoken they would have given vent to their admiration in no measured terms.
The least sound was transmitted easily, showing that the sea is a better conductor of noise than land.
By degrees the depth increased, and they must have been a hundred yards from the surface, as the pressure of the water increased.
Mont suffered no inconvenience except a slight tingling in the ears and fingers.
He moved with ease, and was intensely delighted with the wonderful bed of sea flowers which gave place to the fine sand they had been traversing.
A dark mass extended itself before them; and Captain Vindex, extending his hand, indicated the beginning of the forest.
It was composed of large seaweeds and plants, which extended in a straight manner, having no drooping branches; all were erect and motionless.
When displaced by the hand they resumed a perpendicular position.
They scarcely had any roots in the sand, and were evidently nourished by the water and not by the earth.
Some were long and slender, others short and bushy, covered with blossoms of various colors; others, again, reached a height equal to our forest trees.
They had not proceeded far through this dense jungle of weeds, among which it was difficult to pick a path, when the captain halted.
In front of him was a huge octopus, or devil fish, over three feet in diameter, with long, terrible arms.
It endeavored to seize the professor, who, sinking on his knees, shivered in silent terror!
It looked as if Professor Woddle's last moment had come.
In a moment more the devil fish had the shivering man in its fearful embrace.
The captain and Mont, however, raised their guns, and with one shot left it convulsed in its dying agonies.
As they continued to descend into a valley, bounded on each side by high rocks, the darkness increased, for the sun's rays could not penetrate more than a hundred and fifty yards.
It was now that the electric lamps became of importance.
As they got lower and lower, Mont felt an oppression about the head, and a great desire to sleep overcame him.
He lagged behind the others, and with difficulty kept up with them.
Several fine sea otters were seen in front, playing about amongst the weeds.
The captain fired, and the others followed his example.
Three fell dead, one of which Stump took up and threw over his shoulder.
Suddenly Mont sank down on the ground and immediately fell asleep.
His companions, in the eagerness of their chase after the game that had escaped, did not notice his absence.
They had proceeded fully half a mile, when Barnaby, looking back, was unable to discover any trace of Mont.
He at once ran to the captain and made signs, pointing to himself, the professor, and Stump, and pointing in different directions to intimate that Mont was lost.
Captain Vindex at once comprehended his meaning.
He retraced his steps, going carefully over the ground they had trodden.
It was without success, for nowhere could they find the slightest trace of their unfortunate companion.
Carl would have given worlds had he been able to speak.
He was profoundly agitated, for it was horrible to think that his chum was lost under the sea, not knowing his way back to theSearcher, for they had come a roundabout way.
Captain Vindex was also annoyed.
If Mont chose he could climb up the rocks and reach the summit.
There he might take off his helmet, and breathe the free air of heaven.
But would he think of this?
Perhaps in his confusion he would wander about in the effort to meet his companions, and at last be suffocated miserably.
The supply of air with which each was provided was not sufficient to last more than five hours.
Two of those hours' supply had been already consumed.
It was necessary that Captain Vindex and those with him should think of returning to the ship.
Making a sign, he led the way back.
Carl felt inclined to stay and die in the attempt to find his friend.
It would have been an immense relief to him to have said something, but not a sound could he make audible outside his helmet.
With sad and weary steps they traversed the lovely valley, which had lost all its former attractions for the party.
The forest was passed and the sand regained.
They were not more than two miles from theSearcher.
Carl determined to make a last effort.
He seized the captain's arm and pointed pathetically, almost imploringly, to the dense mass of vegetation behind them.
His mute appeal to go back after Mont was comprehended.
But it was disregarded.
Their own lives would have been in jeopardy had they turned back.
The air in the reservoirs was becoming weak and impure.
Shaking his head in a negative manner, the captain pursued his way.
With a heavy heart Carl followed him, and in time the ship was reached.
They entered the water room, closed the doors, and the captain touched a bell.
Directly it sounded within the vessel, the pumps were heard at work, the water gradually lowered, and when it was all out they opened the inner door and regained the dressing-room.
It was indeed a pleasure to have the helmets removed, for they had retained them so long that they were oppressed and ill.
The captain was the first to speak.
"I am very sorry for the misfortune that has happened," he exclaimed; "you must not think me hard-hearted because I returned."
"But Mont will die," answered Carl; "he is lost, and does not know his way back."
"His supply of air will last another hour and a half. There is yet hope."
"What can we do?"
"I will send out a party to search for him, and I will head it myself," replied Captain Vindex.
At this generous offer Carl's heart was filled with fresh hope.
The captain gave orders for three negroes to accompany him.
They were soon dressed and supplied with air, Captain Vindex himself taking a fresh reservoir.
Then the ceremony of going out was repeated, and, as the exploring party quitted the ship, all Carl could do was to pray fervently for their success.
He, the professor, and Stump were very languid, and, in spite of their anxiety, they could not shake off the somnolent effects of their long walk.
Each sank down on the floor of their cabin, and was soon fast asleep.
How long they remained there they did not know.
Barnaby awoke, feeling a hand laid on his shoulder. It was Captain Vindex.
Springing to his feet in an instant, he said:
"Have you found him? Where is Mont?"
"Unhappily," said the captain, "we could find no trace of him."
"Why did I let him go last? I ought to havehad him in front of me," cried Carl angrily. "Poor Mont! he is lying at the bottom of the sea, and I shall never see him again. Never, never!"
He covered his face with his hands, and the tears trickled down his cheeks.
"I have dispatched another party to seek for him," exclaimed the captain; "I am too worn out to go with them this time. If they find the body, we may restore him to consciousness."
"There is no hope," said Carl sadly; "you are the cause of his death. Why did you inclose us in this tomb, and then take one of us in the sea to die?"
"Was it my fault? You are hasty, my boy, and do me great injustice. I am as much grieved as yourself, for I had begun to love that lad," said the captain feelingly. "We will mourn for him together; there is a silent friendship in grief. We are friends, for we have the same sorrow."
In a few hours the searching party came back, weary and unsuccessful.
They could see nothing of Mont.
Everyone gave up all hope, and our hero was mourned for as one dead.
"Where am I? Where are you, Carl?"
After about an hour's sleep Mont was aroused by an acute sensation of pain in his right leg.
Stretching out his hand, he encountered a slimy substance, and withdrew it very quickly.
Leaning on his elbow, he saw by the light of his lamp that a strange fish, with a head like a frying-pan and a body resembling that of a codfish, was biting through his waterproof covering and trying to eat part of his leg.
In an instant he seized his gun, and, firing at its eye, wounded it grievously, causing it to splash about and retreat into a mass of weeds, where its struggles continued for some time.
For a moment Mont forgot where he was.
But as his senses came back to him, he recollected everything, and, rising, looked about for his companions.
As he could see nothing of them, a horrible fear took possession of him, and he trembled from head to foot.
They had lost him in the depths of the ocean.
Without an experienced guide like Captain Vindex, it was impossible for him to find his way back.
The dangerous and perhaps fatal sleep which had overcome him must be fought against.
For if it came on again he knew he must die.
How much precious air had he not consumed already?
To him, in his condition, air was life.
He knew that he had only a supply for a limited period.
The only course that remained open to him was to march as quickly as the dense mass of water would let him, and try to regain theSearcher.
But though he turned round, he could not find the sandy plain they had first traversed on leaving the ship.
The forest of sea weeds, rising straight as arrows on all sides of him, erect and motionless, grew dense; animal life was everywhere.
Strange fishes glared at him, and seemed to mock his misery by their quick, darting movements and sportive gambols.
He pushed his way fiercely through the vegetable growth, but only to become more entangled.
All at once the ground became hilly, and it seemed as if he had come to the end of the valley and was ascending one of the sides.
He pushed on, thinking he would give the world to be able to rise to the surface.
If he could only penetrate that thick water and float on the top of the waves, breathing the free air of heaven, he would have gladly done so, even if he were to die an hour afterward.
Gradually he quitted the forest, and the sun's rays began to be visible again.
Decidedly he must be getting higher.
Presently a great black mass appeared at his side.
He could see that it was a ferocious shark, whose huge mouth seemed capable of engulfing him.
Instinctively he threw himself on his back.
The voracious creature had made a dart at him, but shot past, disappointed of its prey.
If it had seized his arm or his leg, or even his head, one snap of its mouth would have been sufficient to cut off either.
As the animal swam around him Mont pointed his gun and fired.
The shot entered its stomach, but was not mortal.
Another and another followed, and at last the vast mass floated slowly upward, showing that it was dead.
Thanking Providence for this narrow escape, and congratulating himself on his presence of mind, our hero continued the ascent.
The path became steep and rugged, and it was with difficulty that he made his way.
He was evidently ascending the side of a rock, which became more precipitous as he went on.
Where did it lead?
Was it raised above the surface or did it fall short of it?
If so, he would have his trouble for nothing.
He breathed with an effort, and his breath grewshorter and shorter every moment, for he was making a great demand upon his reservoir of air while undergoing strong exertion.
At length he had to stop.
It seemed as if his strength were failing him.
The sleepy feeling overtook him again, and he leaned back against the shining rock, which reflected the sun's rays.
He was face to face with death.
Not much longer would his lungs be supplied with breathing air.
Suffocation threatened Mont with a painful end, yet he was so weak and prostrate that he seemed unable to make another effort.
Every moment was of priceless value.
At last he went on.
How he did it he never knew; but he managed to climb the almost perpendicular rocks, which afforded little or no footing.
At last the sun's rays were more vivid, and, with a feeling of wonder, Mont found himself moving with comparative ease.
This was because he had reached the summit ofthe rock after climbing nearly two hundred and fifty yards.
He was out of the water.
With nervous hands he tore off his helmet, and, lying on his side, inhaled the air for a few minutes.
"I am saved, saved!" cried Mont delightedly.
He rose at length, and looked around him.
The rock on which he was standing was a narrow, barren peak, which just rose above the surface, and that was all.
The remainder of the ledge was under water. If he had not ascended in that place he must have died.
Afar off was what appeared to be a small island. But whether it was an arid desert or not he was unable to tell.
"Perhaps I shall die of hunger and thirst," he muttered; "but death is better here than in the forest under the sea."
Sleep again overcame him, and he passed several hours in a deep slumber.
With wakefulness came a horrible sensation of hunger and thirst.
While he was gazing around him, with despairagain attacking him, he saw something rise in the sea a short distance off.
He thought he recognized the black back of theSearcher, and he was not mistaken.
The trapdoor opened, and two men appeared on the platform.
They were Captain Vindex and Professor Woddle.
Mont tried to cry out, but only a feeble sound came from his lips.
He, however, waved his hands, and the signal was seen.
Soon the electric boat floated gently to the rock.
He stepped on the platform, which was by this time crowded with the crew, Carl, and Stump.
The next moment he was in the arms of kind friends.
He sank fainting at their feet, and was carried below, where he remained some days before he entirely recovered his strength.
Captain Vindex had entertained an idea that Mont might reach the surface by climbing up the rocks, although he scarcely dared to hold this opinion as a certainty.
But when nothing could be seen of him below the surface, he resolved to look for him above.
Consequently theSearcherrose under his orders, with the happy result we have described.
When Mont was fully recovered, the negro Number One announced that they were going on a long voyage.
"Massa say him start for, um South Pole," he said. "In one hour we be off, and travel for many week. Travel to the Pole."
In effect, they soon heard the motion of the machinery, and theSearcherbegan her long submarine cruise.
For about a week they saw nothing of the captain.
This mysterious man shut himself up and sought intercourse with no one.
Every day, for some hours, the panel in their cabin slid back, and they enjoyed the treat of looking at the sea lighted by electricity.
The direction of theSearcherwas southeast,and she kept at a depth of a hundred to a hundred and fifty feet.
One day, while the electric ship was stopping to replenish her power, a curious incident happened.
Stump was looking out of the window, and he suddenly exclaimed:
"What is that, sir?"
Everyone went to examine, and a ship dismantled was seen slowly sinking to the bottom.
It had foundered a short time before with all hands.
Several men were lashed to the riggings, and their agonized faces testified to their late sufferings.
A shoal of sharks followed the sinking wreck with distended eyes, anticipating a feast of human flesh.
As the hull passed the window, Mont read her name, which was theFireflyof Savannah.
This was not an isolated case, for they frequently saw wrecks, and remains of wrecks, such as cannons, anchors, chains, and decaying hulls.
"Well, this is a lively existence," exclaimedMont; "we eat nothing but fish, and see nothing but fish."
"And wrecks," put in Carl.
A heavy step was heard behind them, and all turned round, to see the captain.
He placed his hand upon a map, and exclaimed:
"Do you see this island—Malonon? It is where the gallant French explorer Posterri perished. We are close to it, and, if you please, gentlemen, you shall land and explore it for yourselves."
This was good news.
"But," said the professor, "if I remember rightly, it is inhabited by savages."
"Certainly."
"Shall we not be in danger?"
"I fear nothing," said the captain. "I have braved danger among civilized nations, and I can afford to despise savages. If you do not wish it, however, I will continue my voyage."
"Don't do that, sir," replied Mont. "I'll chance the niggers. Let us land. I know Carl and Stump would like it."
"And you, Mr. Professor?" said the captain.
"I, sir, will go anywhere in the interests of science," replied Homer Woddle, with a nervous tremor in his voice which showed he did not like savages.
The news raised the boys' spirits to the highest pitch.
After confinement on board theSearcherthe prospect of going on land was enchanting.
No matter what danger they might encounter they were ready.
Carl whispered that they might have a chance of escaping.
Mont said nothing, but he was of the same opinion.
The party were allowed to go on shore without even promising to return, and the heart of each beat high with the prospect of liberty before them.
Professor Woddle explained that they might traverse the country nearby, and so get to some port, but the journey would be perilous in the extreme.
His advice was to camp in the wood, obtain fresh provisions, and await the course of events.
Stump alone was in doubt.
"The captain," he remarked, "is a wonderful man, and knows perfectly well what he is about. He has told us we shall never again set our feet on civilized ground, has he not?"
"Yes. Everyone knows that," answered the professor.
"He'll keep his word, and I'll bet a new hat we are on board again to-morrow, or perhaps to-day."
"I'll take you," replied Mont, "though how the bet is to be paid I don't know, as there are no hat shops on board the boat."
"I'd give something to find out all about our skipper," said Carl. "He is the most curious beggar I ever met. All four of us are not a match for him."
"Speak for yourself, my young but still intelligent friend," answered the professor. "Time will show."
"We'll have some fresh meat soon," observed Stump, "and if you'll trust the cooking to me, Master Mont, you shall have a dinner fit for a king in half an hour after running down the game."
"A little venison or wild boar, which is pork, would be very acceptable," answered the professor; "and my knowledge of natural history enables me to tell you that we shall find both on this island which we are about to visit."
"Roast pork—lovely! It makes my mouth water," said Stump.
"Do you want to have the jaw all to yourself?" asked Mont. "Go and ask when the boat will be ready to take us ashore."
Stump departed on his errand and found the boat already prepared for them.
It was made of various pieces of wood, which were easily put together when it was wanted and taken apart when it was not required.
It would hold half a dozen men, and floated by the side of theSearcher.
Each of the four companions was provided with an electric gun containing the usual twenty shots.
"A pleasant excursion, gentlemen," said the captain, as they emerged on the platform; "I hope you do not intend to deprive me for any length of time of the pleasure of your society."
"Wouldn't do such a thing for worlds, sir," answered our hero.
"You needn't return to-night, if you prefer camping out."
"We didn't mean to," replied Mont.
A peculiar smile crossed Captain Vindex's expressive face, as if he guessed what was passing in the youth's mind.
"Remember one thing," he said; "be very careful of your ammunition."
"Why?"
"You will find out in time. All I have to say is, recollect my advice," was the answer.
They got into the boat and rowed ashore, picking their way carefully through the coral reefs, and in five minutes the bottom of the boat grated upon a sandy beach.
"Hurrah!" cried Mont, throwing up his cap; "land once more!"
Stump, who was thoroughly familiar with all the tricks of boys, put down his hands and "turned a wheel," after which he stood on his head, to give expression to his delight.
Huge forests stretched far inland, and raised their mighty heads a hundred feet from the earth.
Palms, shrubs, and creepers were mingled with the trees in grand confusion, and this scene, in the glowing sunshine, was indescribably beautiful.
The professor saw a cocoanut palm, and, knocking off some of the fruit, gave it to the boys, who pronounced it delicious.
"Now," he said, "we will shoot something and dine as we have not dined for a long time."
"I've some salt in my pocket, and Stump has knives," remarked Carl.
"It looks to me," said Mont, "as if we were likely to have a sirloin of tiger for dinner; that forest ought to be full of wild beasts."
"No matter," answered Carl, "anything's better than fish. Come on."
They skirted the forest, fearing to enter it lest they might lose themselves in its dense interior.
Keeping their guns ready for instant action, they proceeded about half a mile, when the professor held up his hand.
In front of them was a large breadfruit tree, and under its branches was a wild boar, engaged in eating the tender fruit which had fallen to the ground.
"Approach gently, and fire all together," said the professor.
They did so, and four shots were discharged at the same time.
The wild boar uttered a ferocious grunt, ran a few paces, and fell down dead.
"What is it, sir?" asked Carl.
"A wild boar; do you not see his tusks? Now, Stumpton, set to work, and cut a leg of pork off piggy. You, Folsom, make a fire with the drywood; it will kindle when I rub two sticks together. You, Barnaby, gather some of this fruit."
"Is it good to eat, sir?"
"You will find it excellent. I recognize it as the breadfruit of the tropics, and, cut up in slices and toasted over the fire, nothing could be better for us with our roast pork," answered the professor.
They were quickly at work. The fire was lighted, the leg of pork cut off and fixed to a tripod, the breadfruit toasted, and plates supplied by large palm leaves. Presently a delicious odor of roast pork spread itself around.
After living so long on the peculiar fare provided by Captain Vindex, they enjoyed their dinner immensely; and, when they had satisfied their appetites, they sat down under the shade of a tree, sheltered from the noontide heat.
"Now, sir," said Mont, "what are we to do?"
"I have no wish to return to our floating prison," replied the professor. "The question is, shall we go back, or shall we try to make our wayto some port, risking the dangers of the way, the chances of starvation?"
"That does not appear likely," answered Mont, thinking of the roast pork and the breadfruit.
"When our guns are empty, we may not find it so easy to kill game, however abundant it may be. The savages are another danger."
"Put it to the vote, sir," said our hero.
"Certainly; all you who wish to make an effort to escape from the thralldom in which we are held, hold up your hands."
Every hand was extended.
"To the contrary?"
There was no response.
"Not a hand," said the professor. "I may, then, conclude, that we are unanimous in our wish for freedom, and it is decided that we do not return to theSearcher."
"Hurrah!" cried Stump, proceeding to stand on his head again.
"If you don't stop those street-arab tricks," remarked Mont, "you'll have a fit, after such a meal as you've had."
Stump resumed his natural position.
"There's no lie, sir, about my having had a filler of pork," he replied. "But though I'm only an odd boy, I've got my feelings, and I'd as soon be a convict as in that there prison ship."
"The youth is right," observed the professor mildly; "to live and die in that ship is an awful prospect, and I would rather herd with savages in their wilds than do it."
And as if it was intended as an answer to his speech, an arrow flew over his head.
Fortunately it missed its mark, and stuck quivering into the bark of the tree under which they were sitting.
Everyone sprang to his feet, and stood, gun in hand, on the defensive.
"Savages, by George!" exclaimed Mont.
"Where?" asked the professor.
"To the right, sir. Fire away, and chance it, or we shall all be killed."
There was an instant discharge of firearms, and a scuffling was heard behind some cactus and mimosa bushes.
A dozen savages, nearly naked, armed with spears and bows and arrows, were seen in a stateof hesitation, whether to fly or stand their ground.
Three of their number had fallen from the discharge, and one, who was mortally wounded, was crawling, in a slow, labored manner, into the bush to die.
"They are retreating!" cried Mont joyfully.
"No! no! they are coming on again!" put in Carl, a few seconds later.
"At 'em again, boys; let them have it," said the professor.
"Hot and strong this time, sir," said Stump, advancing a step to take better aim.
Again the bullets flew, and three more savages went down.
The others turned to fly to the shelter of the neighboring forests.
"Hurrah! they're bolting," said Mont.
"But they've collared what was left of our bread, and the remains of the roast pork," said the hired boy angrily. "Oh, the varmints! I'll just give them something."
He advanced to fire better.
An aged chief, however, turned at this momentand discharged a parting shot which took effect in the calf of Stump's leg.
"Oh, dear! I'm hit," he cried. "A great wooden skewer's stuck right in my leg, sir. Perhaps it's poisoned, sir. Oh, dear, but I wish it hadn't been me. There's the professor, now; he could have borne it better than me."
"Thank you, my young friend," said the professor, "the calf of my leg is as susceptible to pain as yours; let us get away, as arrowheads are sharp, and in certain parts of the body mortal."
"Where shall we go?" asked Mont.
"We are not safe here. The savages will return in larger numbers directly, and we shall probably lose our lives, so I propose to seek our boat."
"And go back to theSearcher?" asked Carl.
"Yes."
"Never! I for one will not go!" cried Carl.
"And I can't crawl. I'm as lame as a dog," said Stump, half crying.
"Roll, if you can't walk," said the professor jokingly.
"Pull it out, sir. Give me a hand with it. It hurts awful."
Mont advanced to the boy and seized the arrowhead, which he tugged at until, with a torrent of blood, it came out of the wound.
It was with difficulty Stump managed to limp on one leg, and seemed very grateful when Mont bound up the wound and told him to lean on his shoulder.
"My dear boy," said the professor, "discretion is the better part of valor. I am averse to the taking of human life, for I am a man of science and not a fighter. My advice is to check the advance of those bloodthirsty savages, and when your ammunition is spent, to run. As I am old, and not quick of foot, I will start at once."
So saying, he ran with all speed to the boat.
"Coward!" said Mont angrily.
"What are we to do?" asked Carl blankly.
"Follow him, I suppose," replied Mont. "Bring up the rear, Carl, while I help Stump along, and if the beasts show again, call us, and we will turn and fire."
They began to beat a retreat in this order, and, fortunately, the natives did not again make an appearance.
The half-mile was traversed quickly, Stump groaning dreadfully as he was forced along.
When within a few paces of the boat awful yells were heard behind them.
Turning to see from whence they proceeded, Mont saw a horde of savages in pursuit. The sands seemed to be alive with them.
Evidently the defeated party had returned to obtain re-enforcements and apprise their companions of the slaughter which had taken place, urging them to avenge it.
An army of at least three hundred wild-looking fiends were at their heels, and not a moment was to be lost.
"Quick, for Heaven's sake!" said Professor Woddle. "The savages are upon us. Quick, boys, or we are lost!"
The boys sprang into the boat, placing Stump in the bows, and pushed off.
Carl and Mont plied the oars vigorously.
Fortunately, when the savages reached the beach they were some distance out.
A flight of arrows fell close to them without doing them any harm.
At least a hundred of the natives plunged into the sea up to the waist, but they did not attempt to swim after the boat, which soon reached theSearcher.
Mont expected to see someone, but the platform was deserted.
Our hero at once went to the captain, being alarmed at the hostile attitude of the savages, whom he did not doubt were possessed of canoes and would make an attack upon the ship.
He was annoyed at being obliged to take shelter so soon, but what could he do?
All his hopes of liberty in flight were nipped in the bud.
He began to see now that Captain Vindex knew the character of the coast, and had calculated well on their return to their captivity.
Imprisonment with him was better than death or slavery among the savages of the island.
The captain was sitting in front of the organ playing an exquisite air of Beethoven.
Full of excitement, Mont had no time to listen.
He touched him on the shoulder.
The Wizard of the Sea seemed unconscious of his presence.
"Captain," said our hero.
The strange being shivered and turned round.
"Ah," he cried, "'tis you, Mr. Folsom. Have you had good sport? You have returned sooner than I expected."
"The sport was not bad," replied Mont, "but unfortunately we met with a troop of savages, who spoilt our fun."
The captain smiled ironically.
"Savages!" he repeated. "Were you surprised at meeting with them? Have you so little geographical knowledge that you do not know they swarm hereabouts?"
"All I know is," replied Mont, "that if you don't want them on board the boat, you had better look out."
"My dear fellow," said the captain, "I am not likely to trouble my head about such wretches."
"But there are lots of them."
"How many?"
"Over three hundred, I should think, as well as I could count."
"We have nothing to fear from them, nothing at all," said the captain. "Don't be alarmed."
Without another word he turned again to the organ, and played a Scotch air which had an indescribable charm about it.
He was plunged again in a reverie that Mont did not think it prudent to interrupt.
He remounted to the platform without seeing a single negro.
The most absolute want of precaution reigned on board theSearcher, and it looked as if no one knew that hundreds of howling savages were within five minutes' row of them.
In the growing darkness, which came on while Mont was alone, he could see the forms of the natives running backward and forward on the beach.
They were evidently planning an attack upon a large scale.
What could account for the captain's strange apathy?
After a time he forgot the natives in admiring the lovely night of the tropics.
The zodiacal stars appeared, and the moonshone brightly amidst innumerable constellations of the zenith.
He wished that the moon would light theSearcherto the coral bed, and that they would sink to the bottom, where they would be safe from their enemies.
Proceeding below again he sought his friends.
The door giving access to the interior of the boat remained open, and he observed a slave standing at the bottom of the staircase as if on watch.
Stump had his leg plastered up, and, though in pain, was much better.
Strange to say, all were pleased to return to the boat, and to escape a fearful death of lifelong slavery among the savages, who are known to travelers as the Papouans.
Mont slept badly, for he anticipated a night attack.
"What a sight! They are going to attack us, sure!"
It was Mont who spoke, as at six o'clock in the morning he ascended to the platform.
The morning mist had lifted, and he could see the land distinctly.
The savages were very busy, and more numerous than they had been the night before.
As well as he could calculate, he counted six or seven hundred of them.
They were tall, handsome men, with an erect bearing, their features well chiseled.
In their ears they wore rings of bone.
Their arms were bows and arrows, spears, and shields made of the skins of fish stretched over a wooden frame or the back of the turtle.
A chief rowed in a canoe toward theSearcher, keeping at a safe distance.
He was adorned with a fantastic headdress offeathers and leaves, and seemed to be the king of the country.
Having nothing better to do, Mont got a fishing line from the negro who usually attended upon him, and amused himself with catching some of the fish that swam round the ship.
No one made any preparation to repel an attack of the Papouans, which alarmed Mont very much.
He had, however, so much confidence in the sagacity of Captain Vindex that he believed he would not be caught asleep.
For two hours he continued his sport with tolerable success, and was so wrapped up in it that he forgot the natives for the time.
While he was engaged in pulling up a good bite, an arrow whizzed past him.
Mont dropped his fish, and very nearly his line.
"Bother the brutes!" he exclaimed; "can't they let a fellow fish in peace? Why doesn't the captain make a start and get away from them?"
He was as eager now to leave the land as he had been the day before to reach it.
It was clear that the Papouans were puzzled.
They had seen European ships before, but whatcould they make of a long cylinder of iron, without masts, almost flush with the surface of the water, and no chimney like a steamer?
But they gained confidence as they saw no attempt made to drive them away.
They had seen some of their number killed by the air-guns, yet they had heard no noise.
All at once a flotilla consisting of a score of canoes, full of savages, put off from the shore, and approached the ship.
Mont at once sought refuge in the interior of the ship, and ran to apprise the captain of the formidable state affairs were assuming.
Clearly no orders had been given to repel boarders.
Knocking at the captain's door, he was told to enter.
Captain Vindex was reading.
"Do I disturb you?" asked Mont politely.
"A little," replied the captain; "but I suppose you have good reason for seeking me?"
"Rather," answered our hero. "We are surrounded by savages, and in a few minutes we shall have them on board."
"Ah," said the captain, "they have got their canoes, I suppose?"
"Heaps of them."
"Then we must do something."
"Shut up the shop," said Mont.
"That is easily done," replied the captain, touching a bell, and adding: "In half a minute the trapdoor will be closed. You need not be afraid that they will break in."
"No, but to-morrow we shall want air, and you must open the door again for your pumps to work."
"Yes; our ship is like a great whale, and cannot live without air."
"In a moment the Papouans will be on the top of us, and I don't suppose they will go away in a hurry," replied Mont.
"You suppose they will take possession of the outside and keep it?"
"Exactly."
"Well, then," answered the captain calmly, "I don't see why they shouldn't. Why should I kill the poor creatures if I can help it? I know many savages in the civilized world whom I would cutoff with more pleasure. Leave them to me. If it is necessary I will make a terrible example of them."
"You have no cannon."
"I shall not fire a shot, and I shall not wound them in any way, and yet they will fall like leaves in autumn. Go to your friends, and rest perfectly easy," said the captain.
This was a dismissal, and, wondering much, Mont went away.
As he sought his cabin he heard the fierce cries of the savages, who swarmed on the back of the iron ship like flies in summer.
The night passed without any incident. Plenty of oxygen still passed through the ship, but it was time to renew the air, which was becoming impure.
Breakfast was served in the morning, as usual.
Eleven o'clock came, and the captain showed no signs of moving.
This apathy appeared incomprehensible to Mont.
Without any difficulty the vessel could have gone out to sea, risen in mid-ocean, and taken in fresh air.
"It is very odd we don't move," he remarked.
"I can't understand it," said the professor. "But everything is so remarkable on board this ship that I have ceased to wonder at anything."
"I've had a taste of niggers, and don't want another," said Stump, who was lying on a mattress with his leg bound up.
"Hark at the reptiles! What a thundering row they're kicking up!" remarked Mont.
"I never heard such a racket," answered Carl; "our skipper must be out of his head not to start the vipers."
The captain appeared in the doorway.
There was a pleasant smile on his face, and he did not seem at all alarmed at the menacing aspect of affairs.
"Gentlemen," he said, "we resume our voyage at twelve o'clock exactly."
"It is now a quarter to," said the professor, regarding his chronometer.
"Precisely. I shall open the flap, and take in air directly."
"And the niggers?" said Mont.
"The Papouans?" replied the captain, shrugging his shoulders.
"Won't they get in?"
"How?"
"Easily enough, by walking down the ladder. They can do that when the flap is up, and can kill us all without any trouble."
"Gentlemen," said Captain Vindex, "the Papouans will not descend the staircase, although the flap is open."
They regarded this singular man in amazement.
"You do not understand me," he continued. "Come to the bottom of the ladder, and you shall see."
"Shall we take our guns?" asked the professor.
"Not the slightest necessity."
"At least your slaves are armed?"
"They are all at their work; follow me," said the captain.
They obeyed his order, and walked to the foot of the metal ladder.
The captain folded his arms, and stood by the side of the professor.
Mont and Carl were together.
Even Stump had crawled along the passage to see what would happen.
Captain Vindex made a sign to a slave, who, touching a spring, caused a trapdoor in the back of theSearcherto fly open.
The sunshine descended in a flood.
Terrible cries of rage and triumph were heard, and a swarm of natives appeared on all sides.
At least twenty made a rush at the ladder, brandishing their tomahawks and spears, while they uttered fierce yells and scraps of war songs.
The first who grasped the railing, and placed his foot on the ladder, gave a bound back, and the most fearful shrieks burst from his quivering lips. A second, a third, and a fourth did the same.
What invisible force was at work Mont did not know. He thought the days of magic and sorcery had returned.
A score of Papouans tried to descend; but they had no sooner made the attempt than they instantly retreated, yelling dismally, and threw themselves into the sea.
"Stunning," said Mont. "It's fine, but I don't know how you do it."
The captain smiled.
To get a better view, Mont put one foot on the staircase and one hand on the railing.
He immediately withdrew them, uttering a cry which was loud enough to wake the dead.
"Oh, oh!" he cried.
"What's up?" exclaimed Carl, who could not help laughing.
"I see the dodge now," said Mont; "it's an electric battery applied to the metal of the staircase, and whoever touches it has a shock. I've had it before at Coney Island, and at fairs. You pay a dime and get electrified."
"Ah!" ejaculated the professor, upon whom a light began to dawn.
"You are right," said the captain calmly. "I have connected the brass staircase with the powerful storage battery that gives us light and power, and the ignorant savages are frightened at they know not what. If they had persisted in their attempt to enter the ship I should have applied all my electrical force, and theywould have fallen as dead as flies on a fly paper; but I did not wish to harm them. They are enemies unworthy of my hatred."
The news of the dreadful and mysterious pains which they felt were spread by the shocked natives to their friends.
Alarmed and horrified, they beat a precipitate retreat, swimming and rowing back to the shore.
In half an hour the beach was deserted, and all flew away from the sea fiend whose nature they could not understand.
"They take us for the Old Nick," said Mont.
"Twelve o'clock," exclaimed the captain, who was always as punctual as fate; "I said we should sail at twelve."
At this moment the engines began to revolve, and theSearcherskimmed over the surface of the sea like a bird.
The air was soon taken into the reservoirs, the flap or panel was closed, and sinking into the bosom of the waves, she glided along, moved by her powerful screw, like a big fish; only the helmsman, sitting in his solitary place of lookout, being responsible for her management.