Harry at once set to work on turning up two rollers from hickory, the rollers being eight inches in diameter, and eighteen inches long, and each being provided with a spindle four inches in diameter. One end of each of the spindles was longer than the other, so pulleys could be attached, the object being to provide a means whereby they might be turned by suitable belts from the water wheel. In addition, the top roller was made so it would yield, and had levers resting on the spindles, and provided with weights, so the rollers would press out the juice, whatever the quantity that might be placed between the rollers.
It was really a simple little machine to put up, but it required a day for both of them. Vessels were now provided for the juice, and when they were filled, the Professor suggested that a little lime should be put into the juice, after it had been strained through the ramie cloth.
"What is the object of putting in lime?"
"To precipitate the impurities."
The action of the lime was plainly visible, and after it had been allowed to settle, the clarified portion was drawn off, and the process of boiling down was proceeded with. As fast as one of the vessels was boiled down, more of the cane was crushed, the juice being dipped from one vessel to the second one, until the entire load was crushed and the juice boiled down to a thick consistency.
Here was molasses, at any rate a good substitute for honey, and it was so homelike to get the real article. That night they had molasses candy. It felt like old times. It was a real candy pulling, and no one enjoyed it more than Angel. From the moment he had the first taste of the pulp of the cane, he was the most interested one of the party. But the fun came the next morning, when George brought out, for his benefit, some of the taffy which had been set out to harden. The chuckle which he emitted, when he tried to pry off a piece of the sweet morsel, was too amusing for words.
When the entire amount of juice had been boiled down and it had readied the point where it had the appearance of granulating, the fire was withdrawn, and the whole mass stirred until it was cooled, and the result was a fine sample of beautiful brown sugar which weighed forty-three pounds.
Nevertheless food was an important item in their preparations, the necessities for doing everything in their power to insure the success of the maritime enterprise. One of the most valuable adjuncts for sailing is a compass. No attempt had been made to produce the implement, and when the needs of the expedition were being discussed, Harry was curious to know the reason why the compass always pointed north and south.
The Professor was very much interested in all electrical phenomena and replied: "The earth is a huge magnet, and any body which is magnetized has a north and a south pole. The needle which is also a magnetized body has, in like manner, a north and a south pole."
"But in what manner does that make the needle point in one way only?"
"Electricity is a very curious thing. While the current unquestionably moves from one end to the other of a conductor, it also exhibits itself in the form of rings around the wire. This may not be understood in the absence of a sketch. For that purpose I make a drawing (Fig. 17) which shows a conductor (A), through which a current is passing, and this current is represented by the spiral line (B) which goes around the conductor."
"Well, is magnetism the same as electricity?"
"Both exhibit the same manifestations. Magnetism is nothing more than a body charged with electricity. The electricity, which appears to travel around the conductor (A), extends out for some distance from its body, and produces what is called a magnetic field. This is the case whether the magnet is a permanent one, like the earth, or whether the conductor is charged by a dynamo."
"What is the difference between the north and the south pole?"
"There is really no difference. The terms north or south and positive or negative are mere relative designations, and are distinguished simply by the movement or direction of the travel of the current. You will remember when we made the battery, it was shown that the current, outside of the battery, moved from the positive to the negative pole. That was merely stating that it moved from the north to the south pole outside of the earth, and from the south to the north pole inside of the earth. The current is, therefore, from one magnetic pole to the other."
"What I cannot understand is why the magnetic poles should be at the north pole and at the south pole."
"The magnetic poles are not at the poles of the rotation of the earth, but hundreds of miles away, to one side of the poles on which the earth rotates; but they are near enough to the real poles, for all purposes, so that the needle points to what we call the north pole of the earth. Any magnetized body must have these two opposite poles. If it is a body, like a bar of iron, one end is called north and the other south. Look at this other sketch (Fig. 18) and you will see how the currents flow in the two magnets. In this case the large body (E) represents the earth and the small body (M) the magnet. Now notice that the current going around the large body moves to the right, or to the north pole, whereas the current in the small magnet (M) flows in the opposite direction."
"And does the current flowing around the bars, as you have shown, make the small magnet turn around so that it is always parallel with the large magnet, and make the north pole of one magnet at the same end with the south pole of the other magnet?"
"Yes; to make it still clearer, I make two more drawings (Figs. 19 and 19a), in which two sets of magnets are shown. In the first of these pairs of magnets (Fig. 19), the two north poles approach each other, and the two south poles are opposite each other. The currents, if you will notice, at the north poles move toward each other, and at the south poles move away from each other. They are, therefore, acting against each other, and the result will be that the magnets will move away from each other. If, now, one of the magnets is turned so the poles of one magnet approach the opposite poles of the other magnet, as shown in the second view (Fig. 19a), they will attract each other, because the current is permitted to flow through the two magnets in the same direction without one conflicting with the other."
"Is that the reason it is stated that likes repel and unlikes attract?"
"Yes."
In order to take advantage of this knowledge, knowing that the earth is a great permanent magnet, it was necessary to make a small magnet, and so suspend it that it would turn freely, and the magnetic north and south could then be determined.
To do this the battery which had been previously made was brought into play. George took a hand in the work, and while they were preparing the metal for the little bar, said: "You spoke about a permanent magnet. What other kinds of magnets are there?"
"Magnets are permanent or temporary. A permanent magnet is one in which the electricity resides, or remains, as it does in the earth. A temporary magnet is one which has magnetism imparted to it only while a current of electricity is passing around it."
"How is the current made to pass around it?"
"By wrapping an insulated wire around it, and sending a current through the wire. When that is done the same thing is done to the bar as the bar of the permanent magnet exhibits. As soon, however, as the current through the wire ceases, the bar is again demagnetized. That is, it ceases to be a magnet."
"We have the small bars ready, Professor. What is the next step?"
"It must be hardened so as to make it a flinty steel. The harder the better, so that it will preserve the magnetism imparted to it."
"Is that the better way to make the temporary magnet?"
"No; in that case the bar should be of the softest iron. Remember, therefore, that for a permanent magnet, use the hardest steel, and for a temporary one, the softest iron."
"Then as we want to make a permanent magnet, must we harden both of the bars?"
"No; for our uses, one must be left soft, because on that we shall want to wind some insulated wire to make a temporary magnet."
The small amount of wire which was on hand was then coated with a thin layer of the ramie fiber, which was carefully wrapped around, so that the different layers of wire could not touch each other. When this was completed, a spool was constructed, which fitted over the little bar or rod, because they were rounded off, and one end of the soft iron rod extended out beyond the spool.
The opposite ends of the winding were then brought out and attached to the terminal wires of the battery. A test showed that the magnet thus made would readily pick up pieces of iron or steel. The Professor then took the hardened steel rod, through which a small hole had been bored, midway between its ends, and laying it down on the table, the projecting end of the temporary magnet which projected from the spool was put into contact with the hard steel rod, and slowly drawn along to the end. The soft bar magnet was then raised up and again repeated, as shown in the drawing (Fig. 20), where the dotted line (A) represents the movement of the end of the temporary magnet.
This was repeated over and over a great many times, and finally the hard steel bar was found to have a charge of magnetism, and for the purpose of providing a means for holding the magnetism, a C-shaped piece of iron was put on the bar, as shown in the detached figure.
"Is that the reason," asked Harry, "why a small piece of metal is always put across the ends of a horseshoe magnet when it is not in use?"
"Yes."
"If I remember correctly, you stated some time ago, Professor, that the barometer indicated the pressure of the atmosphere, and in that way it was useful in letting us know what the weather would be. Before we sail, would it not be well to make one of them? If we had possession of one of the articles, we might not have been caught in the storm the first time we took out No. 3."
"That is a good suggestion. I intended to propose that, because with the barometer and the compass we shall be equipped with two of the most useful instruments needed."
"I cannot comprehend how the air pressure has anything to do with the weather. Is the air pressure really greater at one time than at another?"
"Heated air ascends, does it not?"
"Yes; I can understand that."
"As it ascends it is, therefore, lighter at that point than normally. On the other hand, moist air is heavier than dry air. These two conditions would be indicated by the barometric column, would they not?"
"I presume they would; but when the air is moisture laden we don't need a barometer to tell it is going to rain. We know it and feel it. What I particularly wanted to know was how the barometer by its actions would indicate it ahead for any length of time."
"The barometer does not indicate with any degree of accuracy on land; but on sea it has a much better application. The instrument shows the present pressure of the atmosphere, and its variations correspond to atmospherical changes which have already taken place, the effects of which may follow their cause at a greater or less interval."
"Then how could it be ascertained from the instrument when there would be a storm or rain?"
"After a continuance of dry weather, if the barometer begins to fall slowly and steadily, rain will certainly ensue; but if the fine weather has been of long duration, and the mercury may fall for two or three days before any perceptible change takes place; the more time elapses before the rain comes, the longer the wet weather is likely to last."
"Then what indicates dry weather?"
"If, after a great deal of wet weather, with the barometer below its mean height, the mercury begins to rise steadily and slowly, fine weather will come, though two or three wet days may first elapse; and the fine weather will be more permanent in proportion to the length of time that passes before the perceptible change takes place."
"Is this the case at all times of the year?"
"The seasons affect the barometer, it is true. A sudden fall of the barometer in the autumn or in the spring indicates wind; in the summer or in hot weather it prognosticates a thunderstorm; in winter, after frost, a sudden fall of the mercury shows a change of wind or a thaw with rain; but in a continued frost a rise of mercury indicates approaching snow."
"It seems, then, that a man must be pretty well versed in the weather to be able to read the signs."
"That is a correct observation. The instrument in the hands of one who has had experience with its use is absolutely necessary; it is not a very satisfying device for those who do not take the time or trouble to read all the signs, and note all the indications."
As detailed in a preceding chapter, the hardened steel rod for the compass was brought out for the purpose of securing it in a little case, so that it might be utilized to give them the true north.
It was a difficult task to find a means of suspending it, for the reason that they had no tools which would make fine and carefully pivoted balances, but eventually this was done, and they were gratified to see the little rod or bar swing around and point north and south.
The work of arranging suitable closets for the various provisions and providing a miniature kitchen was the next thing in order. This occupied several days. Instead of taking the bedding in their house, it was decided that new mattresses should be made up from the barley, of which there was quite a quantity on hand.
One of the receptacles taken from the cave was a copper jar, which held five gallons of water. A top was made for this which could be sealed up, to hold a reserve supply of water. In addition two other vessels were also provided for the regular supply, and also fitted with covers, so that they had about ten gallons, an amount which was considered sufficient.
The matter of fuel was a more difficult one to solve, unless they intended to prepare most of the food before starting; but George insisted that the small stove should be put aboard, and about fifty pounds of the coal stowed away.
"How long do you think we should provision for?" was George's inquiry, as they were carrying the various things aboard.
Harry had no ideas on the subject, but the Professor ventured the opinion that at least two weeks' supply should be arranged for.
This conclusion rather startled the boys, who had not expected more than a few days' trip, and when they questioned him about his reasons for making the statement, he said: "Did you ever hear of the old lady who attended a special meeting of prayer for rain? She came with an umbrella, and the people laughed and chided her. The minister reproved them, saying: 'She, at least, has faith, which you have not.' We are going for two purposes: one is to learn something about the island we are on, and the other to rescue our companions if they can be found. We couldn't rescue them and let them starve."
Those words impressed them as nothing theretofore had, that the Professor believed they were really going to find their former shipmates, and that they would have stirring times before them.
Nothing so stimulates the actions of men, or boys, as the prospect of adventure. Their trip had a double meaning, and it is not venturing too much to say that their feelings were most tense during the entire period in which they were engaged at the task of fitting out the little ship.
At last the day was set for the departure. The cattle could take care of themselves. A tablet was prepared to be put up on their dwelling, stating who were the owners of the habitation, their present destination, and briefly relating the knowledge they possessed of the inhabitants of the island, a statement of the direction they had taken, and the kind of boat to which they trusted their destiny, and when they expected to return.
A copy of this was then carried to the pole on Observation Hill, and nailed to the mast, to replace the small tablet which had hitherto filled that place. They were to launch the boat for the start on the morrow.
That night a storm blew up from the west, as most of the winds had previously blown from that quarter during the past month. The storm was severe during the entire night, and abated somewhat in the forenoon, but it again increased in fury before noon and continued with more or less vigor all that day and during the night.
"I am afraid this storm will prevent us from starting for several days, on account of its widespread character. The sea for hundreds of miles has been subject to this monsoon, and we would have a very rough time until the sea quiets down."
The delay was a bitter thing for the boys. Expectation had run high. Anticipation doesn't mildly or easily brook waiting. They did not know what to do, or how to pass the time in the interim. It was such a new and trying condition for them.
The Professor noticed how they chafed under the restraint, but apparently took no heed of it. However, he encouraged them in every effort they made to divert themselves and to occupy their minds during the waiting period.
During one of these spells which come on all more or less during such trying hours, George could not hold in any longer, but broke out impatiently: "What is the use of waiting any longer? The storm may keep up for a week."
"Then do you think we had better venture a start under these conditions?"
George thought a while. He appreciated the risk. Harry, too, was anxious and nervous, and expressed a willingness to take the risk.
"Let me put another side to the question," said the Professor. "We are perfectly safe here. You take no risks by remaining. You have in the cave treasure that will make you millionaires. You cannot afford to take any risks. If we knew something of the conditions on the island, and had a certain knowledge that our comrades were in danger, the considerations I have named should not deter us from starting. But with all these things in the dark, and with the monsoons likely to break out again at any time, the question is whether we can afford to risk the safety of the enterprise because of impatience at delay."
"Yes," answered Harry. "I have thought of these things, and I feel that the Professor's advice should be followed."
The boys were particularly surprised that he should refer to the money in the cave as a reason why they should consider their actions in the matter. It was so unlike him to refer to any sordid considerations as a reason for not performing a great duty.
"I would also remind you that one of the greatest boons ever given to the great investigators of the world came through delays. Time is a wonderful reasoner. It is also a great modifier of events. Darwin was prevented for twenty years in promulgating his great thesis; some of the most marvelous inventions took years to bring out and develop into such a state as to make them acceptable to the world. Delays, patiently borne, make strong men. The impetuous think they represent wasted opportunities. Davy Crockett enunciated one of the greatest principles of human action when he said, 'Be sure you are right, then go ahead.' It was only another way of advising against recklessness or impatience in any enterprise."
Thus three days passed, and not without misgivings, the signal was given for the start. Angel accompanied them, and with a new flag which the days of leisure had given them an opportunity to prepare, the little craft sailed down the waters of Cataract, in a shining sun, bound for a haven which might mean rest, or to a shore which might offer no welcome to them. The wind was coming mildly from the north, and when they had cleared the shore line and were beyond the influence of the swells, their course was directed to the west. Several miles beyond was a point which projected out to sea; they could see this plainly from Observation Hill, and during the last long trip inland they reached the sea beyond this cape.
The shore line beyond was absolutely unknown to them, but it extended to the west as far as they could see, and when night set in the faint mist prevented them from judging how much farther it ran in that direction.
Without proper instruments at sea, distance is always a difficult matter to judge, and the boys were constantly venturing guesses as to the distance traveled. The start was made shortly after nine o'clock, and it was now past six in the evening.
"How far do you think we have gone during the day?" was George's question.
The Professor made a mental calculation before replying. "If we have traveled at the same speed during the entire course that we made during the first three miles to the cape, we have gone about thirty miles."
"Do you know it is three miles to the cape?"
"Yes, it is approximately that distance. I measured it by triangulation some time ago, using our house and Observation Hill as the base line."
The boys had neglected to take this precaution.
"What was your object in doing that?"
"So that we might have some means to observe the speed our boat could make. If we knew the speed of the wind, we might be able to calculate our distance."
"But the wind has been coming from the north and we are sailing due west. Would not the difference in the speed of the wind make a difference in the speed of the boat?"
"It was for that reason I stated if our rate of travel was the same we would have made that distance. The wind has been variable at different points along the coast, so that our average may have been four miles per hour."
"At what speed has the wind been during the day; I mean the average speed?"
"Less than eight miles an hour?"
"If the wind had been coming from the east we could have made much better time, and we might then have been near the mouth of the West River," was Harry's conclusion.
"Why do you think we should have made better time?" asked the Professor.
"Because we should then have been going with the wind."
"You are entirely wrong in your assumption. Sailing ships travel faster when tacking than when sailing with the wind."
The boys looked at the Professor in astonishment.
"It does not seem possible," replied George, "that any movement of the wind pushing sidewise could be more effective than a pressure straight ahead. Can you explain the reason for the statement?"
"When the wind blows straight against a sail, certain eddies are produced which cause a convolute stream around its edges. These currents are counter to the forward movement of the vessel. Assuming that this normal pressure of the wind is 1,000 pounds, it is estimated that fully half is lost in effectiveness. On the other hand, if the ship is moving forward at right angles to the direction of the wind, and the sail is set at forty-five degrees, that is what is called a tack; while it has only about six-sevenths the surface that it had when going with the wind, the sail is constantly going into new wind and, therefore, the pressure is a constant one and most efficiently applied to the surface."
"Do you mean by this that if I hold up a sail so that the wind blows flat against it, the pressure will not be as great as if I held it at an angle?"
"No; I had reference to a moving object. I can better explain the phenomenon by illustrating the two conditions: In the drawing (Fig. 21), let A represent a sail with 100 square feet of surface. The darts (1) represent the wind blowing dead against it. This is called the normal position. You will see the darts representing the direction of the movement of the wind. Now look at the next sketch (Fig. 22). Here the sail (B) is put at an angle of forty-five degrees from the direction of the wind. The sail is still the same size vertically, but it is somewhat smaller horizontally across the line (C), this diminution in size being about one-seventh of the entire area. The darts (D) in both cases represent the movement of the boat, and the darts (2) in the last sketch show the wind striking the sail at an angle."
"In the first sketch the darts (1) strike the sail normally, as you say, in what way do the darts (2) in the next figure strike the sail?"
"At an angle of incidence. If you will notice the behavior of the wind in the first view it will be seen that the wind curves around the edges of the sail, and strikes against the back of it, and thus produces the retarding effect I referred to. On the other hand, by examining the second sketch, the darts (2) plainly show their course across the sail diverted from their straight source, and behind the bulging sail the air does not press against the sail, but tries to continue in a straight line. As a result a partial vacuum is formed along the region designated by E, and this produces a most effective pull, since the sail constantly tries to move forward and fill this vacuum. Is this made clear to you?"
"I can plainly see now what the action of the air is, but does the air push just as hard against each square foot when it is at an angle as when it is blowing against it straight?"
"That is a good observation, and one that might ordinarily be overlooked. No, it does not, but the difference can be readily calculated."
"Then supposing the sail to be 10 feet square, and the wind is blowing against it straight, as in the first sketch, at the rate of twenty miles an hour; what pressure would there be against the entire sail?"
"At that speed of wind the pressure on each square foot of surface is 2 pounds, and this multiplied by 100 equals 200 pounds."
"When it is at forty-five degrees, what is the pressure on each square foot?"
"This is determined in the following manner: Square the speed of the wind, which means multiplying 20 by 20, and this produces the square, 400. In mathematics, as in many of the sciences, a constant is employed. A constant is a figure which never varies. In this case the constant is designated by the decimal .005. That means 5/1000th, or reduced to its lowest denomination, 1/200th. If, now, we divide 400 by 1/200, the result will be 2 pounds. This figure thus represents the pressure of air on each square foot of surface, which, multiplied by the sail area, 100 square feet, makes 200 pounds."
"If that is the push when it is normal, what will it be at 45 degrees?"
"Each angle of incidence has its own figure, or coefficient, or for your better understanding, value, and the value at 45 degrees is .666. So that by multiplying 200 by this value, we get a total pressure of 133.2 pounds."
"These figures are used a great deal in flying machines; are they not?"
"Yes; and that is a subject which we might pursue, but there are some things right ahead that may for the present interest us more."
Through the haze which had now settled down, a faint outline of land was made out in the distance. The course was altered to the northeast, and after a quarter-hour sail, land was again espied ahead, so that to avoid the shore the course was taken due north. This was evidence that the land projected northwardly, and the Professor suggested that the effort should be made to chart as accurately as possible the shore line. This could be done mentally.
"I had forgotten to take any note," said Harry. "What is the proper thing to observe in making these calculations?"
"Two things must always be uppermost in the mind of the explorer on the sea: First the time, and second the speed. Time can always be accurately determined, but the question of speed can come by experience only. A good sailor can very accurately determine speed by an examination of the passing water, where the sea is comparatively calm. I have known where the distances have been thus estimated within a hundred feet in each mile in a ten-mile course, and where the speeds were varied along the route. Then, a good observer must have the gift of direction. If he has sailed one hour at a certain speed in a given direction his mental chart may be of the greatest service to him. In our case it would be invaluable. It is a quality well worth our effort to acquire."
The shadows of night were now upon them. How vividly it recalled to their minds the horrors of the five days and nights during which they were tossed about in the little lifeboat a year before. Then they were helpless, and now strong. At that time everything was dark and gloomy, without a ray of hope. Contrast the situation at this time.
What a gratification it must have been to look back during the past twelve months and mentally calculate what they had accomplished. They had delved in many of the hidden mysteries of nature and learned the secrets. Such knowledge had been put to use. They had discovered many things that gave them pleasure, but in doing so found others that startled and grieved them. Things inexplainable and impossible to fathom had crossed their paths on almost every side.
But they were now doing the work of men. The Professor knew how they had developed, and grown brave and strong. He knew it better than the boys could realize themselves. What a source of pleasure it must have been to the kindly faced, gray-haired Professor, as he looked at his charges in admiration and love. Could anything be more inspiring than the contemplation of the work he had done?
And now the inevitable charting board was brought out, and the plan adopted which would enable them to trace the coast line. It was explained that all sailing was by the points of the compass, and for this purpose the compass was made to correspond with the regulation instrument. This is shown in Fig. 23.
The four cardinal points are north, south, east and west. Exactly midway between each of the four points are the divisions designated northeast, southeast, southwest and northwest. Then, again, intermediate, the last divisions and the cardinal points are other markings which show that the angles are nearer one of the cardinal points than the other, so that a course may be marked off, by the compass, which, if followed for a certain time, and the speed of that period determined, can be traced and thus marked out on paper so that the outline of the coast can thereby be laid out.
The Professor had the charting board before him. "I have marked our starting point, which is designated as A. It will be remembered that we marked a course due west, passing the headland three miles from Cataract River. This is line 1. When we saw the land ahead of us last night, we changed our course by the compass to northwest, thus making a new line of travel, which you see is designated as 2. B was the point where the turn was made."
"But in what manner did you know how to transfer it to the board?"
"The board has two lines crossing each other at right angles to correspond with the two lines on the compass. The compass was put on the middle of the board, and the upper board turned so that the needle was on a line with the N——S line."
The boys now noticed for the first time that there were two boards, one above the other, and that the lower one was a little larger, and was attached to the boat. "Why do you have the lower board attached to the boat and larger than the upper one?"
"The lower board has on it a section of the compass, and the upper end a pointer, as you notice, and the line T represents the boat's direction, so that when the compass was placed on the upper board, the latter was turned so that it corresponded with the points of the compass. The little pointer then accurately pointed to northwest, on the lower board, and by this means the changing of the upper board, so as to keep it due east and west at all times, will enable us to keep on our course."
It was a long and weary night. One of them slept while the others were on duty. The boys knew the time on shipboard, where the day begins at midnight, and is divided into watches of four hours each, thus making three watches for the night and three for the day. A bell is struck every half hour, so that each watch is noted by the eight strokes of the bell. What is called the dog-watches occur between 4 and 8p. m., this period being divided in the first dog-watch between 4 and 6, and the second dog-watch between 6 and 8.
"Why should such peculiar times be taken, or the periods be divided up in that way?"
"For the very reason that we discussed the arranging of our time of watch last night; namely, so that one person would not have the same watch every night. It was agreed by us that one should have three hours' uninterrupted sleep, while the others were on duty, so that each would in turn get three hours' work. Our arrangements are somewhat different from shipboard time, on account of our number, but the principle is the same."
During the night the wind changed to the north, so that progress was slow and required considerable tacking, and when the Professor came on duty he found the course still to the north, and on questioning Harry, found that the wind had been rather regular during his watch. Within a half hour of the time he took charge the western shore faded away, and the course was directed to NWW, in which direction they continued until well along in the forenoon. Then, as the land receded again, another tack was made, WbS, which means West by South.
The winds, however, were perverse during the second day. After a calm the wind veered to the west, and when in the afternoon the course was changed to SSW they had to sail close to the wind, and made slow progress.
Let us see what they found on the day's journey along the northern point which they rounded the second day of the journey. Cliffs, like their own, were distinctly visible in the evening and during the morning of the second day, but when morning broke on the third day they saw a beautiful shore line, and beyond the mountain range which was seen by them on their land trip to West River. It was now certain that the mouth of that river had been passed during the night and all regretted this.
During the whole of the third day they were forced to sail in the teeth of the wind, which necessitated frequent tacking. Not a sign of human habitation was seen on this day, but during the night, when the boys were on duty, they declared that they had seen lights to the south. The interest was most intense. Were they really rounding the island?
The course for the opening morning of the fourth day was SWbW, and early in the day they were not more than a mile from the shore, and then the shore gradually receded, but the course was not changed. The wind began to blow with greater force, and came from the southwest. As night approached it increased, but they continued tacking, hoping that they might reach the western extremity, and thus be able to run to the east before the wind.
Before eight o'clock lights were distinctly visible. They had reached the vicinity of human habitations. The boys were too excited to think of the watches which had thus far been observed. Aside from that, the wind had now reached such a violent stage that it was impossible to make any headway against it.
A consultation was had. "We must either turn to the north or go to shore. I fear this sudden change in the direction of the wind," was the Professor's opinion of the situation. It would not be wise to risk the shore. All knew that and sadly they turned the craft to the north. It was well that they did so. Every moment, it seemed, some new impetus would be given the wind. It howled on every side of them; the waves drifted across the little ship, until everything was dripping with moisture, and the only dry spot was within the little housed enclosure which had been well protected on the open rear side, thanks to the watchful suggestions of the Professor.
To add to their discomfort of mind, the land was not in sight. There was nothing to steer by except the compass and the chart which had been laid out. They were now going north over the course that had been traversed for the past two days—the west coast of the island.
It was a long, long night. No one slept, because fear and anxiety was ever with them. They remembered now with vividness the days spent on the ocean when they were wrecked. It was a terrible succession of hours, with the wind and the lightning and the rain one continuous orgy. The Professor sat at the tiller. The sails had been taken down long before. The impact of the driving storm against the housed structure was sufficient to drive it forward, so that the vessel could be guided.
It seemed that every blow against the boat would wrench it to atoms, but if any part had given way it was not apparent. Harry, who sat nearest the housed structure, suddenly sprang up, and pointing down, cried out: "It is leaking; look how it boils!" It was forethought on the part of the Professor to put in a supply of the oakum used for caulking purposes. Harry sprang for it, and George grasped the bailing pan. After a struggle a sufficient amount was driven into interstices to keep out at least a portion of the seepage. This knowledge was most oppressive. When a boat of this kind once springs a leak, due to a severe wrench of the shell itself, it is a difficult matter to remedy it, without structurally strengthening it.
Morning was now appearing, and still no land appeared in sight. More leaks appeared, and the boys were now constantly bailing and repairing. The Professor had held the tiller for more than six hours, but he did not appear to be exhausted. At every attempt of the boys to relieve him, he only said that they had more important work in bailing and caulking.
He finally changed the course due east, and it was more by luck than exact calculation that they made out the northern end of the island which was passed the first night out. In one night they had traveled a distance coming back that required two days and nights to traverse in the other direction. As it was they were headed for the cliffs at the point of land, and it must be avoided.
Harry saw the danger, and went back to consult the Professor. He had the tiller firmly in his grasp, and his body bent over it to keep it steady; but when Harry reached him, and touched him, there was no response. Almost frantic, he cried to George: "Come here, quickly; something is the matter!"
George was there in an instant, and caught up the Professor, while Harry grasped the tiller, as it was released, and turned it to starboard. The little boat responded, but Harry knew that if turned too far, the wind might catch it on the beam and crush it to atoms.
The Professor had fainted, and when George finally revived him, he looked about, and seeing Harry at the tiller, told him that he must turn to the left to avoid the cliffs, and when he was advised of what had bean done, he grasped Harry's hand, and commended him for the knowledge and foresight which had been exhibited in that trying moment.
The cliffs were ahead and to the right. The crucial time must come within the next half hour. The point must not only be cleared, but they must pass it at a distance beyond the influence of the powerful swells and waves, which are always present at points situated like this. The storm was from the west, and the promontory pointed to the north. Under the circumstances, the sea at the end of the land was a raging maelstrom, and the counter influence of the raging waves, beyond the point, offered as great a danger as at its extremity.
And now the leaks appeared at every side. Despair almost overtook Harry, and he moved from one point to the next with the oakum and the caulking tool. The Professor had insisted on again taking the helm. He had been refreshed by the few moments' relaxation. Slowly he moved over to the tiller. Would he ever make it? The boys stopped their work, fascinated with the nerve-racking intensity of it. They knew the point had been passed. The Professor smiled, and held up his hand as a signal, and the boys rushed to him and actually cried, as he put his arms about them.
It must not be imagined that they were out of their peril now. Nearly a foot of water was in the bottom. The storm was, in a measure, blanketed by the cliffs, and there was now no alternative but to reach the shore. It was fortunate that they were on the lee side of the land, but even there the waves rolled up on the shore, and the Professor knew that any landing which might be made would be hazardous in the extreme.
The vessel was approaching a shelving beach. Fortunately, from what could be distinguished of its character, it was not a broken or rocky shore.
"Boys, can you put up the mainsail?" The Professor's voice had a wonderful ring to it, for one so nearly exhausted. Without waiting to question they sprang to the halliards and drew it up, while the boat in the meantime was turned to port to ease the operation.
The boys looked on in wonder as the tiller was turned and, when the boat had gained headway, was pointed to the shore. It fairly darted through the surf and the billows which marked the shore line, but before the boat touched the beach, the Professor motioned them to come back. "Now hold fast, when we strike."
In another instant they seemed to be lifted by a giant wave, and as it receded the boat, impelled forwardly by the sail, struck the sand of the beach the moment after the tiller had been brought hard to port. The result was that the boat was now spun around with its stern toward the oncoming wind, but the impact was so great that the entire left side of the little ship was crushed like an egg shell.
"Release the boom, quickly!"
When that had been done the wrecked vessel was still, and the Professor was lifted out of the boat, but he stood there grasping the side, too stiff to move, but with that same smile on his countenance which had told the boys on so many occasions before, how gratified he was at their safety.
Poor Angel was actually a wreck. He had remained within the housed enclosure ever since the storm began. When the rocking and tossing of the boat ceased, and he heard nothing but the beating wind, he could not understand what had happened.
All had forgotten the little animal. George was the first to go to his rescue, and found him crouching in the extreme end of the enclosure. After some coaxing he moved toward George, and when he was led out and saw about him on one side the raging waves and on the other side the land, his chatter turned to a chuckle, and he leaped to the land, shambled up the bank, and catching the limb of the nearest tree, was soon in its top, as happy as though ocean storms were unknown.
Meals had been forgotten since the day before. The boat was so high up on the beach that they had no fears for the waves. Hunger asserted itself now, and the moment the stove was brought out, Angel was down in a moment, came over to George, and looked up inquiringly into his face. It was such a comical situation, coming so close upon the heels of their great catastrophe, that he could not help laughing. He knew what that look meant, and Angel had more than the usual share of sugar. That with the nuts, of which there was always an abundant supply, was a feast for the little fellow.
After the meal a careful examination was made of the boat. The entire left side, from the bow to a third of the way back from the midship bulge, was broken to atoms. The inside of the boat was filled with sand which had been driven in when the impact took place. To repair it would be impossible without suitable lumber, to say nothing of tools. They sat down, not with a feeling of despair, so that they might the better form a judgment as to the wisest course to pursue.
"What interests me most," said George, "is to know where we are. Do you think we are anywhere near West River?"
The Professor sat there musing, but did not answer. Harry ventured the opinion that they must be far east of the mouth of that river.
Finally the Professor gave his views: "It is simply impossible for us to speculate on the course of the river, because we were unfortunate enough to pass it by in the night. It seems to me more probable, however, that it finds its way to the sea to the east of the point we came around."
"What reason have you for thinking so?"
"Simply because the mountains were not, apparently, far inland, and it seems to me that the promontory is merely an extension of the mountains or the high ridge we saw."
"I would certainly feel more comfortable," continued George "if I knew we were anywhere near the river."
But some decision must be made, and that without delay. If they were near West River the distance home was fully seventy-five miles. Preparations must be made for the trip on foot. The boat was, probably, in as safe a condition as it could be higher up, nevertheless it was concluded to take no chances, and all the provisions were removed, and by means of levers and blocks, it was carried inland fully thirty feet farther. A good supply of provisions was then taken, the guns and ammunition removed, and put in separate piles, and arranged in convenient packages for easy transportation.
The residue was carefully stored within the housed enclosure, and carefully covered over. What grieved them most was the bedding, which must be left, but the Professor insisted that all the articles of ramie, which would afford some covering, should be taken along. They would now be compelled to sleep in the open air, with nothing else to cover them.
With a last look at their ship, they moved toward the east with heavy hearts.
Harry stopped before they had gone far. "It occurs to me that we ought to put some inscription on the boat. If any of our friends should discover the boat it might guide them to us."
"That is a capital idea," answered the Professor; and they returned to put up the proper notice.
It was past noon, but they hoped to cover at least ten miles before evening should set in, but the way was rough and broken. "I think," mused the Professor, as they halted on the journey, "we made a mistake in not following the seashore. The only reason that prompted me to take this course was the appearance of the shore to the east of our landing place. It looked so uninviting that I felt sure we should find traveling inland more comfortable."
During the first five miles of the journey the ascent was gradual, but not steep, at any place, but now the land gradually showed a change in character, growing smoother and more open, and they knew the grade had changed and was taking them down to a lower level.
Before evening came, emerging from a light wood, great was the delight at seeing a beautiful river before them. It was a broad stream, and they divined that it must be the West River, which, they had so longed to reach.
Here they were on the banks of a broad stream, tired and hungry. The experiences which they had gone through made the task of seeking suitable shelter an easy one. An entire month of preparation had been wasted. Aside from the lights which were seen on the fourth day on the western shore, they had no more knowledge than when they started. It seemed to be very discouraging.
But they were going home. This was the most comforting thought and it made up for a great deal of the disappointments. There was real grief at the loss of the boat. True, it could be recovered, but all this meant time and hard work. It should be said, however, that at no time had either of the boys ever found fault with the tasks that were allotted to them.
In this fact the Professor found much comfort. It was a strong factor, as he knew, in the lives of the boys. It required the highest sort of courage to bear misfortune without complaining.
The camp for the night was soon made, and after a hearty meal all retired for the night. Early in the morning the boys were at work, as soon as the morning meal was finished, constructing a raft of sufficient size to carry them across, and when the timbers had been securely lashed and all their luggage placed aboard, the poles and primitive paddles gave them a trying half hour to make the trip.
The stream was rather wide at this point, and it was believed to be near the sea, and the suggestion was made to follow the stream down for an hour, to ascertain whether the ocean would appear in view, and if not, to take up the trail for the east.
In less than a half hour the sea was in sight. The course was then directed east, but after traveling the entire forenoon through the most difficult paths, it was decided to change the course to the south.
"If you recall, we took a more southerly course when we left the West River on our overland trip, and found much better traveling."
The Professor's words recalled the incident, and the result was a change to the southeast. This was now the sixth day after leaving home in the No. 3. During the day at least twenty miles was made. Shortly before night, George, who was in the lead, stopped, and then moved forward, gazing at the ground intently.
Harry saw the movement and was at his side in an instant. "What is it?" It was not necessary to continue his inquiry. Directly ahead was a slightly cleared space, with a blackened space in the center, where a fire undoubtedly had been made, and a few bones were still scattered about as mute evidences of occupation.
The Professor looked at it a moment, and then smiled. "Don't you remember our own camp fire?" This was the case. While they could not remember the particular spot, they knew the old trail had been crossed, and it was a comfortable, homelike feeling to come across the spot.
"Let us camp here again," said Harry, as he threw down his pack. On this occasion they did not have the wagon and the yaks, but they had an ample supply of food and there was no difficulty in making a fire.
Their first adventure came about noon of the seventh day. Plenty of evidences of animals had been found, but they were not eager to hunt. The trail for home had far more fascination than all the animals on the island. It was the custom to stop at intervals for rest. During one of these stops the cracking of bushes was heard, as though produced by a cautious tread. The boys were alert at once and, with their guns in hand, moved in the direction of the noises.
Not two hundred feet away was an immense bear, of the same species they had shot near that place nine months before. The boys separated, as they approached, under the guiding direction of the Professor, and when within seventy-five feet, Harry asked whether or not he should shoot.
Bruin was slowly moving away, not directly ahead, but as though crossing Harry's path. When the word was given, Harry took deliberate aim. George reserved his shot, as advised. The moment the shot struck, the animal turned, thus exposing a fair mark for George, who now fired. With a howl at the second shot, the bear turned toward George, who immediately ran to the right, and on the call of the Professor, circled to the right.
This brought the animal within range of the Professor's gun, and he fired. It did not in the least check his pursuit of George, and the Professor now became alarmed at his safety. Call after call was made to advise him to turn to the right.
Harry followed as fast as he could run, and while keeping the animal in sight, could not approach closely enough to get another shot. While running, it occurred to him that he had not reloaded, and it would be impossible to reload while running.
The Professor realized the situation, and immediately reloaded, and calling after Harry, told him that he had a charged weapon. Harry heard, but he was so excited and fearful for George that he could not decide whether to stop or go on. He could see the bear, but George was not in sight.
The Professor followed as rapidly as he could. Harry saw the bear lumberingly cross a large fallen tree and pass on to the right, and thinking George had taken that course, did not wait to go up to the tree. Before the Professor reached Harry, who was now running at right angles to the course of the Professor, George emerged from his place of concealment behind the tree and laughed at the sport, which might have had serious results but for the dead tree.
You may be sure no further effort was made to follow up the bear, and they took up the search for their luggage, which had been left behind. During all this hubbub, Angel had been left with the luggage, and he now appeared along the trees, swinging from branch to branch, uttering the most fearful shrieks and chattering, as he was in the habit of doing when alarmed or excited.
"Something is after Angel; quick!" called out George, as Angel made his way over to him. Harry grasped the loaded gun from the Professor and started toward the direction from which the orang had come, but he stopped suddenly after going several hundred feet.
"The bear has our things." The Professor and George came up, and there, with his powerful claws and massive jaws, was Bruin, devouring their best morsels and playing havoc with the packages that were piled together.
The boys looked at the Professor, and he playfully answered the look by saying, "We really don't want any bear meat to-day, do we?" George thought it was a good joke on the hunters, but Harry was angered. "Let us finish him. See him break that gun?"
The Professor was busy reloading Harry's gun, which he had exchanged with him, and handed it to George. They approached, but not close enough to venture a shot, when the animal deliberately turned away and darted into the bush.
What was left of their luggage worth taking could easily be carried by either of them. Practically all of the food was gone or ruined, and the bear was recompensed for the little inconvenience by the two pounds or more of sugar which was taken.
"Well, boys, everything has its compensations. We have nothing to carry, and traveling will be easy for the rest of the trip. Let us take a good laugh over the experience."
Harry was too much annoyed, first at the failure to hit the brute and then at the mean trick in eating up and destroying their things while they were trying to follow him. The Professor suggested that it would be fun to visit Bruin's house that night when he came home and told his family what a neat trick he had played on some hunters, and Harry laughed, but it was an awfully forced effort.
When evening came they estimated that the distance still to be traveled could not exceed thirty-five miles, and they were seeking a good spot for the camp. The Professor was the first to make his appearance with a small yellow pear, which he held up.
"What have you found now?" George inquired, as he came running forward with a branch in his hand.
"Pears!" exclaimed Harry, as he took it from the Professor's hand.
"Not exactly a pear; but a fine fruit which we can use to good advantage. It is the guava."