THE

OF
A

PEARL

BLACK

TALE

PEIHOO
OF

THE

MALAY

SEAS

BT

STANLEY

PORTAL

HYATT

LONDON
THE
4 BouvERiE

RELIGIOUS

Street, "

TRACT

65 St.

Paul's

SOCIETY

Churchyard,

E.G.

MY

TO

NEPHEW

HUMPHREY

BECAUSE

BELIEVE

THE

WILL

OF

SIR

AFTER

UP

GREAT

OUT
THROUGH-

TO

YEARS

LIVE

THAT

THAT

TO

COMEHE

THE

ENGLISH

STANDARD

GENTLEMAN

HUMPHREY

GILBERT

WHOM

HE

WAS

/Ol

Pri

ted

in

Gi.-n!

Britain

NAMED

CONTENTS

I.

THE

HEAD-HUNTERS

II.
III.
IV.
V.

THE

OTHER

THE

YELLOW

IN

THE

RIVER
DWARF

RAJA'S

31

36

TOWN

THE

KANDERONG

VI.

THE

BLACK

PEARL

VII.

THE

SMOKE

HOLE

VIII.

23

CA\^ES

MAHOMED'S

44

51

59

INDISCRETION
.

IX.

X.

THE

BY
IN

SKIN

OF

THEIR

TEETH

PORTHKELLO

DURING

THE

STORM
.

XII.
XIII.
XIV.

XV.
XVI.
XVII.

SUDDEN
"

THE
A

RESOLUTION
MOLLY

IS

SEBAG

92

98

FRIGHTENED
MAKES

BARNEY

"

PLANS

OF

103
A

MISTAKE

108

PREPARATIONS

MANY

XVIII.
XIX.
XX.

OFF
AN
WHAT

AT

79

87

HAWK

CHANGE

69
73

XI.

65

LAST

114
122

UNPLEASANT

SURPRISE

HAPPENED

AT

vii

MADEIRA

128

"35

vm

THE

PEARL

BLACK
PEIHOO

OF

CHAPTER
HEAD-HUNTERS

THE
RIVER

about

banks

forest

dense

and

trees,

which

the

large

two

from

themselves
sUd

off

the

of

sound

In

mud

the

of

are

in the
"

of

and

else

splendour
yet

there

the

swung

crocodiles
water

coiled

detestable

of

one

see

the

at

round

hanging
over-

and

hissed

heads

else

do

those

colouring

something
9

least-known

find

you
flowers

to

seem

the

the

The

orchids

unequalled
butterflies

the

timber

depressing

such
are

match

parts

sights.

strange

many

over

birds

their
is

the

in

and

; loathsome

their

nowhere

"

the
of

wrangled

jabbered,

snakes,

can

hovering
;

travelling.

were

huge

Borneo,

glorious

down

river

by.

you

butterflies

anjrwhere

huge

the

was

into

plunged

raised

swept

heart

bough

palms,

thing
every-

and

and

to

and

paddles

world,

the

flowers
the

boats

the

chattered

those

undergrowth,

canoes

screamed

bough

branches,
the

dug-out

parrots

monkeys

such

"

gish
slug-

along

vegetation,

tangled

Tropics

the

Many-coloured
tree-tops

of

heavy,

and

banks,

steep

tropical

mass

suggesting

as

with

stream,

width,

in

fifty yards

is wonderful

about

it

aU,

THE
gloominess,a
admire

hint

it all,you

handiwork

be

to

seems

second
He

wondering

was

It

three

was

to act

photographer,
scientific

much

such

his

to
as

gulf separating

him

possible,had

you

your
at

or

great

the wild

life

long-nosed monkey.
of dream.
his

died

There

his

that

mother

said
from

away

ago

only been

never

to work

schooldays.

had

had

There

long

so

indistinct

who

man,

can

shift

had

growled.

for

with

his
kind

school

the

yourself.Master
"

I've

going to do.

or

Give

the
me

child

as

Zoological

better

shrugged

his

lodgings which

had

been

kinematograph company's
a week,
begin at five shillings

can

than

shoulders,
hia

works.

10

brother

A lot of

buy cheap
all your

packed

uncle, and

found

and

for him
His

he had

"

good it
and

was

sell

V.C.'s."
his

bag,

gone down

to

close to

the

salary
some

in

start

you

younger

Bah

by far

with

Jack," old

married, the girlwho

something

That's

handshake

he

given

My

got the Victoria Cross.

you,

had

naturalist-

Company.

big profit.

exchanged
the

"

mother.

Jack

aU.

Borneo,

by

from

and

put him

that's all I'm

father

did him,

famous

kind

him, and, after taking him

Now

life,and

at

old

sour

the

father, had

blurred

remember

not

Jonas Wayne

your

his

now

Kinematograph
"

the

in

commissioned

been

uncle, a grim,

soon

of

Wayne, V.C,

could

word

had

landed

had

he

it seemed

figure was

he

all end.

of
Jungle,especially

Somehow

Colonel

who

limbs.

for his tired

ease

George North,

to

of the

stern

societyto obtain moving-picturesof

of the Bornean

was

since

in the

lay

some

it would

how

months

assistant

as

he

as

trying to get

canoe,

for you,

guard.

felt all this

Jack Wayne

Death

shudder.

you

undergrowth, waiting

off your

you

You

jungle.

perfectionof Nature's

to the

still,somehow,
the

in that

dangers

tribute

pay

lurking in

catch

trying to

of hidden

but

HEAD-HUNTERS

ten

was

to

shillings

HEAD-HUNTERS

THE
a

week

all to

at

Jonas Wayne,

half-brother, and
him

out

who

Borneo, he had

to

had

North
troubled

not

Wayne's

only Colonel

was

Mr.

when

so,

nothing

Really,he owed

from his father's insurance.

to take

offered

old

the

to consult

Citymerchant.
"

Good

who

with

and

buy

him

give them

of Alderman

son

He's

So

of

the
time

as

his

Jack

Brown

as

his

head,

well-worn
he

with

sorQS
was

nighthe

had

due

it

canoe,

and

sit up

through

even

he

to

was

he

made

various

his

ance
acquaint-

from

at the

the

his

limbs

coming night. He

did

not

but

he

did

All

wish
II

the luck
that

previous

in the

now

would

it.

forget
covered

All the

he

"

very

chief, George

quite probable that

the

to

were

his

fever.
wm

sun-helmet

tried

that

North, who

jungle.

throat, and

Wayne

from

whUst

rid of the

was

greatlydiscoloured

down

Sebag Tolhurst, now

back

leech-bites,and

himself, about

murmured

shirt open

sat up with

Cross, and

youths of

come

all the

his best ;

taU-coat, had

Exchange

run
terribly

do

; and

son

trousers, Jack

to

Victoria

must

horribly stiff,that

was

the average

remembering

his stars that

never

flannel

khaki

that

North,

would

cheerfully,taking

the

won

and

gipsy,with

can

in this world."

and

alone, he

amongst the Stock

that

on

had

silk hat

who

million of money

strongerthan

of course,

thanked

had

to

boy

be

Sebag Tolhurst,

Borneo

to

gone

of his half-brother's

promoted
bets

had

reason

Jonas Wayne

talks

far taller and

father

that, for that

worry

me

fought young

money

matter

that

he

that

was

his age,

risks

Give

Tolhurst, who's worth

Jack, who

boy

I shan't

done, except give things away

ever

And

to learn

got

housekeeper,

"

himself.

as

more.

to his

profit,if it's only postage stamps.

Jack

young

mean

any

sell at

What's

and

grim

as

was

worried

"

riddance,"Jonas had growled

have

to

complain,

of the

North

other

game,"

would

get

HEAD-HUNTERS

THE
then

well ; and
or

of the

any

of

out

come
"

fell to

other

fellows

similar

Then

he

in

me

would

home,

at

is

Barney,

to

real adventures."

I had

before

"

adventure

an

score,"

would

who

one

his helmet, and

trick

favourite

curly hair, a

his

known

only

back

sighed,pushed

through

had

Everything

to be to

it used

just as

is the

"

he told himself.

he

Sebag Tolhurst,

how

experience.

O'Brien

Barney

wondering

he

his

ran

fingers

of his while

deep

thought.

to have

three

those

Somehow,

altered

things for

most

identify himself

to

months

with

the

delighton receivingGeorge
"

Him

who

in front

just

of the

of

He

English boy,
mask

him

the

as

the

the

him

was

difficult

very

had

seemed

jumped

with

offer to go abroad.
sick."

thumb

tail, lean

bottom

the

the

Celestial

he

usually

his
as

perceive,the

of the
in

the

canoe,

direction

who

of the

another
seemed
wore,

to

cook, steward,

was

expedition, had

excellently.For the
put off the impassive
of

instead

and,

regarding

generallyregards a European, from

years of civilisation,

thousand

seven

own

dearly-loved chief,

other

Lung,

manager

one

remarkable

more

Ah

general

Chinaman

height of

treated

and

understand

yellow

North's

Jack, jerked his

nodded.

to

It

boy who

sittingon

was

and
interpreter,
grown

him.

jungle

boat.

other

Jack

the

sick, plenty muchee

very

Chinaman,

in

because,
was

no

mere

Jack

as

fact

had

which

been

was

quick

to

coolie.

Perhaps the explanation lay partly in the fact that

to the dusky native
uniformly courteous, even
Jack was
carriers, although,
of the latter.

master

go

through

George
been

fire and

North

only

had

the

at

same

Anyway,
water
been

too thankful

for

time, he
he knew

him, and
than

more

for the
12

was

that Ah
often

always

the

Lung would
when
lately,

usually unwell, he

Ct-lcstial'shelp and

had

advice.

HEAD-HUNTERS

THE

was

difficult

most

to work

man

kind-hearted, the malaria

and

fits of

made

him

He

was

expert photographers in the world, and

most

him

but,

courage

lying on

have

him

taken

The

for

the

Mahomed,

hard, sustained

work

on

of

member
was

drifted

coasters, and
like

the

to

now,

capable

was

in

gone

to

Bay

of

everjrthing

British-Indian

in

typical Malay

youngster he had

had

wreck.

expedition,

the

As

would

mental

of his kind, he

just

was

appearance,

seeing

canoe

most

steamer,
Indian

on

first

in the

headman,

work.

British

Bengal, worked
except

blankets

though, unlike

appearance,

of dauntless

man

particularday, anyone

important

native

of the

one

as

complete physical and

other

only

this

on

pile of

irritable and

great naturalist, as well

slightest

the

which

abusive.

liable to

him

rendered

unreasoning obstinacy, during

opposition,the slightestmistake,

of

Naturally courteous

for.
had

fever,

constant

himself, tall,thin, yellow from

North

sailor,

speaking English very fairlywell.

George
anxious

North

look

the

at

behind

his

on

of

masses

from

astern

rollingup

himself

raised

black

the

elbow, gave

cloud

which

an
were

mountains, then

turned

to his steersman.
"

"

We'U

tired

I'm

he

is

storm

Jack
had

of

going to

doubtfullyat
It's

shall
the

be

none

only

stream

The

be

to

wet

The

he

through. Hurry

Wayne,"

up,

"

fever

almost
be

sandspit,Mahomed,"
is

on

again,

me

as

soon

in

caught

but,

another

of

the

none

those

less, he

proposed camping-ground.

too

safe,Mr. North,"

comes

few

inches

down

other cut him

and

his chief.

as

the

said.

this

big one."

thunderstorms,

Bomean

"

"

ashore

was

wish

no

being

Jack.

hailed

that

on

camp

above

in flood

short.

"

13

he said
the

He, too,
terrible

looked

bluntly.

water

"

level, and

We

if

"

It's in flood

already.

Don't

HEAD-HUNTERS

THE
keep

I'm

croaking.

on

ill and

very

overcoat

his

over

he

arguing,so
the

the

time

the

by

first

sandspit,with

"

was

work, with

to

men

Ah

there."

rain

that

result

tent

was

on

up

in it.

loose gear stowed

all the

in

use

no

the

of rain fell the

drops

muchee

Plenty

There

shoulders.

his

set

on

jacket.

his

Jack shrugged

in."

turn

to

tropicalheat, he huddled

Then, despite the breathless

an

I want

pointed up

Lung

stream.

Jack, who

had

he

seemed

they

moment

Every

black

such

seen

be

to

of the

entrance

piling up,

tent,

clouds.
and

more

heavily.

more

The

Jack

Why

had

"

their

made
himself

found

George

North

own

Half

flash of

vivid

then

by and by."

later

the

an
lightning,

rain

the

came

half

hour

it

the

left for the

boy

canoes,

by him,

even

of

as

tied to
the

dry

that

see

same

whilst,on

the handful

sky cleared.
to

an

There

bled
scram-

was

immediately,

anything Jack
noted
not

with

bad

suddenly

was

had

kind

one.

In

it had

as

just enough light

the level of the water

appeared

before.

overhanging branch, seemed

bank. Ah

sticks which

in the

he

as

as

less than
and

than

stopped

storm

an

There

fell almost

was

the

be the

he, too,

burst.

itself

wonder,

still to

fully.
Lung grinnedcheer-

crash of thunder,
ear-splitting
down
in sheets.
Although the

of uneasy

begun,

security.

Then

storm

pitchdarkness, something far worse

experiencedhitherto ; and yet,

safe ;

Ah

only justsetting,darkness

was

their

obstinate

so

the bank,

on

higher level.

minute

up

them

envying
been

dinner

Cookee
to the

up

The

camp

get up there, plentyquick."

"

and

had

natives

and

sun

before

Never

nodded.

the

in

standing

was

worst

Lung
he

weather.

14

had

started

always managed

quite

fire with
to have

HEAD-HUNTERS

THE
"

Everything
the

re-entered

right,"Jack

all

seems
"

tent.

thought it

remarked
be

going to

was

he

as

far

biggerstorm."
under

From

reply.

He

blankets

the

felt too

muttered

North

Ul at

that

to

moment

inaudible

an

about

worry

anjrthing.
Jack said
sand, and

Ah

"

mixed

the candles,which

soft

were

to his

Instantly
"

The

river is

from

he

and

for the

shouted

It

down

came

almost

George North

Uke

scrambled

and

coming

canvas

he

could
A

away.
with

the

Jack
even

There's

when

the

to

he

cloudburst

out

down

he

of the

tent

The

flood

them

out

to

he

did

out

so,

later the whole

place of

fear of the

the

smothering them,

natives.

Jack staggered

his

feverishly,
grabbing

and

the

dragging

reached

of the tent, with

on

as

bank,

worked

Lung

darkness

find, and,
moment

been

minutes.

few

collapsedas

Ah

passing the packages

knee-deep

suddenly

was

wall, boiling,raging.

safety. Jack

the

Then

movement

one

put his head

question of

him, and

thingsin

the heat.

natives.

blankets with

at

getting things

off his chief.

cried, then

merely

was

from

With

risingsuddenly.

somewhere,"

wrong

wet.

were

blankets

pulledthe

for

he did so, he

as

first he

elapsed before he felt

putty

understood.

he

At

in the

another

opened

had

as

feet,and,

that his knees

aware

candles.

then

minutes

his knees

on

perfect genius

fully five

he scrambled

for the

package,

had

Lung

down

went

search

to

wrong

and

"

but

more,

began

the

opened
one

no

The

with

the
tent

the

tent
was

water

ropes

was

last box
carried

swirUng down

flood.

gave

the tent

vent
was

to

but, immediatelyafterwards,

groan,

forgotten.

greater disaster

had

befallen

15

them.

The

two

canoes,

HEAD-HUNTERS

THE
all the

containing

followingthe

were

miles, and

of

couple

river

The

backwater.

of

end
in

Rapids,

Kampong

formidable

almost

ran

the

at

There

of them

chance

no

hope

no

was

being swept

into

straight for

dead
that

and

adrift

broken

downstream.

tent

recovering them,

of

stores, had

spare

stretch

which

no

the

were

could

canoe

possiblylive.
he

had

naturalist

The
had

knew

it

blankets

the

went

himself

Jack

natives

had

possessionshad

been

for several

supply
Ah
for

Lung
well ;

been

fish

and
and

saved

beds

to

that

down

stay

shore

on

with
had

the
been

Lung's

the

he

as

he

as

North

ground,

to whom

the

flood,and

food

own

enough

cook

to

list of

their

occurred.
could

knew

summed

jungle would

Jack

Chinaman

over

Their

disaster had

no

not

was.

was

set to work

The

had

calmly.
failed,the

they

ran

Jack

George

on

; there

that

So

he
the

stretcher

matters

advice.

from

him

lay

only person

now

soaking

badly, and

worry

to

just as though

the

was

sympathy

quite
had

boiled

his

exhaustion.

had

taken

fruit.

with

fever

through, but,

meals, and, when

them

rice and

he
sheer

safe

fire, where

drawn

in those

was

clothing,he

stitch of dry
The

it

wet

the

but, providentially.Ah

Then

was

the

The

sleep from

to

had

useless

tent

wrapped.

and

had

be

dry, and

were

now

and

He

would

in

abandoned

was

down,

their misfortunes.

of

news

him.

round

that

straightfor

himself

thrown

blankets

made

turn

Borneo

things that

up the

position

generally.
"

Two

rifles
"

machines
and

films

"

for three-four

very

muchee

man's

had

been

chop-box, tin-meat,tea, and

food

White

plenty cartridges. Picture-make

Jack's first thought

"

"

and

days.

silly,camp
town

ten

Blanket
there

days'

walk

i6

on

little

all wet.
sand.

away."

for the

cameras

piecee flour,

Plenty silly,
Boat

all gone.

HEAD-HUNTERS

THE
Jack

nodded

they might

course,

back

hurry

film

now

been

the

consisted

of

possiblefor

It

poor

bad

things

other

For

their
"

by

him

time

bound

we're
are,

questionof

food

is

not

of health.

state

after

time
to

the

and

wetting

all round,

boy

which

turned

it

that

in.

Lung

Ah

There

which,

his

blankets
too

were

had

many

kept
of

eluded

in

one

all

no
captivity,

studying them,
"

time.

Give

do it.

far, had

so

them.

ever

chance

And

the

me

we

Wayne,"
do

must

There

camera.

it ;

they

"

found

had
perspiration

the

man

had

himself

over

him. Jack

and

sat

up.

Ah

just

as

though
were

gone

fair and

came

the tent

natives

had

dehrious, talking wildlyof

been

has

one

the sick

and

awoke

unexposed

feet, which

Taken

noticed

Chinaman.

had

had

morning

The

be

considered.

last,however,

face, and

of

shock

food

the

photograph

to
no

there I

up

At

the

the

hardly

North

ever

muttered

the

worse.

he

be

to

I tell you
has

he

already, and

and

attempts

one

would

well, it

George North's

long-nosed monkeys,

the

and

past midnight when

dried

been

The

do

get some

prospect for the expedition.

brought him,
had

in

scarcely touched

had

He

could
stock

use.

strong

are

you
man

well

was

could

five hundred

some

certainlymake

would
was

been

had

He

they

Of

now.

serious, for though it is possibleto exist

when

fruits

do

they

Their

coast.

for immediate

more

even

on

then, aU

gazing into

was

could

they

villagewhere

even

to

kept ready

was

find

but,

canoes,

more

He

looking up.

fire,trying to picturewhat

the

to

without

Lung

was
was

nothing
cooking

into

puzzled ;
making
their

17

When

his

on

then

the
had

rice.

he

first

without

ground

the

on

out

heavy sleep.

cloudless.

lying

unusual

broken

he remembered

coSee, solemnly,
occurred
A

moment

whilst
later

THE
George

North

round.

The

HEAD-HUNTERS
himself

raised
fever had

left

weak, his brain seemed

"

What

all my

all those

How

do

When
"

ten

now

fast

looked

only !

days'

food

days'

march

to the

was

because

there

was

What

luck

we

to.
the

by

It

last week

runner

"

he

Four

"

very
he

grave,
"

repeated.

white

nearest

Still,it's got to be

bad.

canoes,

them

told him

Jack

very

was

''

night," he said.

films down

exposed
stand

we

last

was

make

nothing really to
sent

him, and, though he

the loss of the

fault,even

looked

and

elbow

quiteclear.

lunatic

his

on

That's

settlement.

done, and

it's

And

we're

the

sooner

made

very

North

gave

men

began

oil

the better."
The

twelve

for the
to start,

natives, yet, when

What

it, Ah

is

the

lightloads
the

order

to chatter

themselves.

vehemently amongst
"

Instead

moved.

one

no

blankets

and

stores, cameras,

the

"

Lung ?

naturalist

demanded,

Chinaman

answered.

impatiently.
"

"

Say plenty bad

Too

bad

many

go back

we

Rubbish

hunters

island.

Come

on.

take

would
I

Nonsense

that

on

the

They

March

all the

are

"

And,

reluctantlythe natives

long tramp

ahead, then
behind
It
had
mud

in
was

the

to the

came

Say

twenty days. Head-

us

as

other

if to

sea

Ah

took

began.

Lung

and

and

North

the

Mahomed,

his

of his rifle.

their

up

side of

give point to

orders, he slipped a cartridgeinto the breech

Very

road.

black.

face grew

That

heads

came."

we

way

huntee

men

Englishman's

The
"

road, sir," the

loads, and

Jack marched
the

rest

taiUng

singlefile.
terriblyhard

fever

about

underfoot,

going, especiallyfor a^an

him.

all the

There

time.

i8

was

Now

mud,
it

was

who

nothing but
just enonsjh

HEAD-HUNTERS

THE
mak"

to

feet

your

slipat

ankle-deepin it,almost

were

raised them

you

Dense

hot and

of

Myriads

at their

North
the

held

not

of dense

to choke

which

was

; salt perspiration

you

eyes,

half-bUndingyou

of

ever

"

one

whom

showed

after snake

squirmed

bravely.

on

he

He

had

made

right; still,when

his best to

do

going to

was

they stopped
for

and

great mistake

midday,

at

time

put
he

still,

lay very

his eyes closed.

with

bent

Jack
"

in slime.

screen

as

approach.

thoroughly exhausted,

was

boots off

you

at the travellers ; invisible birds rustled

night before, but

matters

your

light; air

the

leaves,parrots screeched, snake

away

you

into your

monkeys,

himself, chattered
the

minute

conditions.

the

were

around

still that it seemed

so

next

up to the knees

shuttingout

you,

running down
these

wrenching

were

you

jungle all

green

foliageabove
so

; then

step ;

every

Is there

The

him

over

anxiously.
I

anything

"

his head.

shook

other

do ?

can

"

he

I'm

asked.

all

right. Count

the

carriers."
The

them

off.

of any
Two

Eight

nine

He

went

"

more.

Then

he

set of

camera

the

legswere
carriers

to
end

of two

better get on,

out

Shall
?

"

"

and

again. Yes,

the

loads.

no

sign

ten

only.

bag

of

rice

and

short.
silent

sat

and

eat, apparently taking no

fellows have

"

through

went

other

attempt
At

them

over

wait

long

"

filed in he checked

missing.

were

The

ten

"

natives

the

As

understood.

boy

morose,

interest in

George North

hours

deserted," he

said

very

making

anything
"

got up.

quietly.

no

"

We

Those
had

Wayne."

I act

as

rear

guard,

Jack suggested.

19

in

case

any

more

fall

HEAD-HUNTERS

THE

seemed
"

sternness.

unnecessary

too, and

up

Mahomed,

you,

I'll

Mahomed.

lag,

to

not

keep just behind

You

Certainlynot.

keep

what

promptly, with

idea

the

vetoed

other

the

But

Tell

well.

as

the

who

flog anyone

Lung,

Ah

me.

men

in

comes

late."
his

raised

Jack

Uke

his chief to act

his

to

they

had

they

"

with

work

when

they toiled

Une

of the

head

his

quickly. Moreover,
the

to

keep

cartridge

volunteered

They
and

in

his

to

stop,

red

himself

he

had

told

clay

though

as

together

always ready

was

twice,

or

slippery

pulled

and

night

for

use

Jack, too,

magazine, though

on

some

he

minutes

ground

open

broke

thunderstorm

couple of

rifle

arm,

that

camped

in

he

had

stuck

"

had

explanation.

no

river.

the

his

of

crook

in

he

but

exhaustion,

sheer

singlefile
Once

rise,with

that

underfoot. Jack noticed

from

in

grim determination.

at the

steadily. North,

on

to march

breeistinga

were

known

he

this.

sundown

Until

had

before

Never

eyebrows.

just

they

they stopped,

as

wet

were

beside

through
"

drenched.
"

We

must
"

grimly.
Wayne

used

get

It's

all

counted

them,

drew

but all he said was,

day
The

as

Are

the

remarked
carriers

in,

"

that

them

twice ;

then

"

One

pock-marked fellow with the

camera."

George North

and

fault.

my

missing,"he reported;

one

it," North

"

Jack counted
small

to

the

nearer

camp

was

staring into
though

"

for

his hand

across

Very well.

his forehead

It can't be

wearily,
helped. We're

coast."
a

the

mutual

very

silent

fire. The

one.

carriers

protection,and
20

North

sat

clustered

smoking
together

barely exchanged

THE
"

has

It'"

managed
island,

help to
They
and

important," he

so

ever

the

in

my

had

covered

carriers,who,

beginning

Jack glanced
What

jerked out

who
his

had

one

Here

them

"

to

yards,

gettingofl,

curdling
horrible,blood-

standstill.

his chief,
he

cried.

brought

his

rifle to

the

"

ready,"

answer.

Head-hunters

lost I

no

of hundred

slow in

were

up, when

them

towards

couple

usual,

as

catch

to

that

was

North,

"

iee,

in

one

perhaps

yeU brought
"

You

on.

here
even
captivity,
photographs would be of great

keep

to

so

"

went

naturalists at home."

the

were

HEAD-HUNTERS

they

!
come

That's
I

why

"

33

the

other

carriers

were

CHAPTER
THE

IT

the

was

face

to

with

driven

Anger

him

in

his

that

?
such

was

which

thought
Often
he

himself

danger
of his

own

from

the

first

cartridge

Afterwards

shouting

time
his

realise

father's
If

kind
not

was

to

he

only

in

that

that,

son,

Barney

and

with
he

whether

Now

down

second

in
a

was

O'Brien

test

to

face

nothing

thought

was

came,

could

he

he

do

the

the

save

the

fierce

23

had

the

other

thrill
a

there

of
man's
to

thrown

bitten
he

the
had

and

dust.
been

enemies.

least

very

had

magazine,

time,

his

at

playing
were

the

savage
all

who

man

from

defiance

not

the

was

fate.

that,

of hoarse

the

when

another

believed

that

in

brjiin.

to

Kilwa's

best-

death

to

"

most
upper-

the

done

shame

fear,

brought

afraid,

his

wanted

long

idea

Kilwa,

been

brutal

done.

he

jerked

conscious

was

He

all

rently
appa-

was

the

was

whether,

had

which

carriers

there

poor

have

any

sharing

He

spear.

then

that

"

through

show

father

case

carriers
His

his

all

that

should

wondered

would

as

it

thrill

the

the

face

come

shoulder-blades.

man's

such

flashed

of

one

followers,

shame,

had

he

of

ever

forgot

perceived

Why

their

saw

the

mind.

of all

It

then

had

Wayne
never

he

cruelty

tempered
way

He

between

the

RIVER

Jack

as

and

in

at

time

death.

stumble,
spear

OTHER

first

through

ran

II

degree

delight.
part.
help

"

he
He

had
was

A spear whizzed
the

of the

arm

the savage

his ear, and,

by

who

man

his loins I

It

had

three

cartridgesI

thought,

The

carriers had

and

there remained

himself, though

it all be

"

What

now

over

Tolhurst.
cloth

and

cool
The

he

headlong,into

using

was

practicalagain,
had

rush

all these

Why,

been

stopped.

the

junglebeyond,
only George North, Ah Lung, and
later Mahomed
Had

quickly?

so

reappeared.
they reallywon

?
"

the

boy asked, breathlessly.

answered, indicatingthe jungle with
?

next

Mahomed

"

of his hand.
aU

on,

moment

that

him

native

whilst

brain

his

became

gone

of

sometimes

of himself.

completelymaster

day

Sebag

piece

through

bullet

reallyfunny.

was

Then, suddenly, he

the

only

passed through

ideas

Could

put

it, it struck

thrown

had

with

quickly one

How

he

as

very like his old enemy,

was

Just fancy Sebag

round

RIVER

OTHER

THE

Throw

spear

from

now

behind

bush.

sweep
KiU

us

soon."
"

to-nightfor

Plenty heads

black

savages." Ah

''

grinned quite cheerfully. Chinaman

Lung

kiU one,

wantee

two,

first though."

North,
"

hand.
but

I'm

His

both

who

had

I'm

very

paying

hand
his

from

sorry, old feUow.

hardly

and

the

yell,which

in

ended

Lung,

who

had

Jack's, when
dead,

boy by

the arm,

spear

and

come,

my

fault,

he

threw

clean

up

through

was

rewarded

by

gurgle.
snatched

jumped aside, just escaping two

the

aU

was

his

fired in the direction of the bush

had

weapon

It

out

Good-bye."

left

fell back

InstantlyJack

which

Ah

his magazine, held

refilling

for it too.

had

arms

his heart.

been

dragging him

bush.

24

up

the

other
out

dead

man's

spears,

then

of the

path

rifle,
seized

into

the

THE
"

All black savages

wait.

Come

As
mad

hurried

desire

to go

And

mind
saw
"

Ah

slow

All

right by

would

buUet

escaping.

get it

he

all their

to follow them

over.

of what

by

in

was

the

Jack's

when

arm

right to

throw

he

all

he

had

things, not

our

his

Too

There

back

came

down

much

Not
noise

coast

Some

he

uselessly;

few

would

the

rifleready.

"

still

to him

He

to

life away

too.

might

it before.

his way

stopped

whispered.

had

jungle,only
"

Head-hunter

yet."

stopped, his

the

"

panted.

ever

make

Chinaman
he

tryingto

desire to live

would

; he
a

The

had

he

coming through

hurry,"

of

use

sure

there, catchee

Suddenly

The

though

into the boy.

put fresh spirit

of

had

one

was

by,"

more

any

get through
no

and

strongly than

more

were

something

read

plenty heads

chance

better

there, even

down.

catchee

to

of his

body

equipment,

rate, he gripped him

him

His words

their

head-hunters

Lung

at any

want

good

no

the

reallythe

was

lost aU

Far

catchee

be

the

kill them.

Perhaps

to leave him

what

had

They

provisions,and
up and

"

grunted;

back, to die fightingover

hideous

dead.

escape

that side," he

through the jungle Jack felt a sudden,

It seemed

were

RIVER

'long."

they

chief.
he

OTHER

one

yards away.
shoot

too

much

for head-hunter

man."

later

moment
into

came

spears
been
native

he

proved

to

be

right, for Mahomed

view, hatless, breathless,with

in his hand.

Jack,

had

who

overjoyed, for

killed,was

personally,but

he

g^ide. In a few words the new

head-hunters
Lung's theory. The
them.

Some

gone

in search

had

remained

with

believed

only

not

would

also

be

arrival
were

the

25

him

did

he

savages'
to

hke

invaluable
confirmed
not

booty, the

carriers.

of the unarmed

of the

one

have
the
as

Ah

pursuing
rest had

"

Find

It

them

native

all very

been

had

footpath, but it

for

Lung's kris proved invaluable

of creepers
had

Night
where
was

which

himself

down
He

arm.

gently,and
"

him

some
"

shook

Ah

wild

fruit.

Plenty much
"

head.

his

his

can't.

head

threw

his

on

him

Lung touched

when

that

now," he said.

Eatee

Jack

still hke

simply

he

rested

river

sleep. Jack

to

try
that

miserable

bush, and

handed

tangle

of

bank

the

sleep, or

to
and

under

was

Ah

once

hacking through

reached

they

determined

utterly weary

so

than

absolutelybarring their progress.

was

fallen before

they

More

virgin jungle.

the

pushing

harder

times

the

along

tramping

work

many

was

grimly.

added

quick,"he
enough

hard

through

way

RIVER

OTHER

THE

to-morrow.''

more

It would

make

me

sick."
"

You

if not

to-morrow
The
He

the

not

eaten, he

his

himself

to God

thankee
It

was

first

afterwards,

the

despite
The

"

What

been

now

stream

when

to

now

had

strength

be

grateful

down

finallylay

he

fruit.

he

of his

he

nodded

watching him,

the

Jack

lack

of

two

collected
it had

had

gravely

been

"

his eyes,

blankets, he

must

too

had

been

have

dark

Each

During

enough fruit for

Jack gazed
is this ?

awoke.

barely closed

had

other

night before

the river,but

Some

the

his knees.

night he

time, for they had

The

took

but

sick

Very

Very good little foreign devU.

own
joss. Very good way."

his

heavily.

very

remembered

already light when

part of

and

protest;

obeyed.

before
on

had
"

had
He

and

escape,

Lung, who

man

he

"

insisted.

his elbow

on

left to

energy

Mahomed.

to

to-day."

him.

to

given thanks
Ah

eatee

glad

was

back

for

Chinaman

raised

boy

had

came

the

eatee,"

up

the

but

slept
some

good meal.

really to

see

at it in astonishment.

he

26

asked.

"

It's not

the

one

we

were

That

on.

this is much

the

other

Not

know

was

"

nodded.

him, but all the

on

path, and

side of the

bigger."

Mahomed
never

RIVER

OTHER

THE

same

his
to the

go

sahib.

name,

follow

We

sea.

him."
The

boy

of where

they

in

sketch-maps
that
a

river

the

largerone
be

must

the

which

on

they

the

nearer

that

had

An5rway,

stream.

it

never

baggage joined

bound

was

this

that

assumed

he

coast, and

had

though, hearing

lost their

had

rough

some

Jack

remembered,

He

closely.

idea

vague

very

pocket-book, but

his

them

examined

had

North

George

were.

had

he

Really

hesitated.

to

go

to

sea.

days they tramped along the bank of that

hard
as
river, pushing on
as
possibleall the time. It
was
a
really for
truly miserable experience,far worse
for his two
Jack than
companions. The latter were,
three

For

"

luxury with

it before.
All

them

The

time

the

to eat

not

worth

seem
was

explained.
a

horrible
as

could

while

From

the

go

ten

been

never

been

without

horribly unsatisfying.

and

quantity he

yet the

small.

tired
first

it did

Somehow,

could

he

There

the

bush

at

them

drag

have

never

in

thing

under

down

lift his feet, to

of

always

it.

how
very

clingingmud.

stretch

hungry,

to take
"

had

seemed

really very

was

too

through some
the
daytime
vapour

felt

tired,

toil to

Jack

diet

flung himself

until he
was

but

"

fruit

he

managed
He

had

less,vegetarians at least, meat

or

more

morning

night,it
of

out

that

hardly such a thing

dry ground, hardly a place where
you
was

yards

without

dense

undergrowth.

was

to

having

appalling;

it

force

And
was

your

the heat
like

way

during

being

in

bath.

Then, too,

every

twelve

hours

27

or

so

there

was

THE
which

thunderstorm,
the

going

But

OTHER
drenched
than

worse

even

the worst

RIVER

thing of

it had

all

ground, usually in

wet

of

an

blankets,

even

the

was

least,it appeared bitter

at

been

almost

treasure
priceless

again ;

and

bitter

The

clothes.
old

before.

He

sheer

only through

"

the

on

wet

smallest, thinnest

sack, would

then.

night

cold at

Jack, lying

to

made

and

through,

you

have

seemed

shivered, and

exhaustion

did

an

shivered
he

sleep

at all.
In

it seemed

way

lowest

of

depths
than

more

"

Death

would

companions

stumbhng

did

^iways there
It

when

terrible march
On

the fourth

back

from

eat

his

the

very

with

lean

No

do

that."

It

must

do

that.

By

The

yellow hand

sentence

brought it

to

to

found

knew

abandoned
to

to

for

care

stuck

it,

to

self
him-

prove

name.

far

than

more

times

many

the

during that

of Uttle else.

made

to rest
a

fell

himself

brave

acid

turn

his head

groan,

he

as

few

yards

attempt

to

it touched

forward, and, for

sobbing,though

his

dry.

A
''

Jack

it seemed

time, he

remained

eyes

father's

conscious

was

but

he

had

going,

were

river bank.

first

he

morning they stopped

lips; then,

the

him

very

grim persistence.

of his

there

he

fruit,but

some

of

on

altogether.

weary
so

so

been

have

and

idea that

kept

Really

too

them,

and

race

which

desire to hve.

himself

have

not

often

kind

the

was

this

was

would

would

was

for

with

of his

worthy

he

care

along

told

give way, to lie down

come
quickly enough ;

him, and, though

himself, he

reaching the

was

to

have

his

that

now

fact, he
It

occasion.

terriblyeasy,

easy,

in

misery

one

he

though

as

was
an

caught his shoulder

was

Ah

and
never

abrupt

and

shook

Lung speaking severely.

by plenty
finished.
close.

28

liim.
"

No

"

cry from

Mahomed

evil

received

who

kept

the

keen

certainly

were

the

out

time

of

"

embossed

Later
should

mean

on

the

have

to

the

he

answer

of

of

bangles,

and

be

an

his

else

the

there

Still,

scraping

just

this

find,

another

made

be

might

which

was

all.

though

baling,

canoe.

he

at

metal.

bright
he

charm,"

to

he

remark

no

anything

bottom

when

mess

strip

said,

aluminium

as

tab,

he

Jack

handed

with

words

some

it.

rubbed

on,

the

made
with

on

for

more

man's

proved

Jack

of

little

White

what

at

no

last

went

look-out

mud

Uquid

of

gist

listening,

was

native

the

more

he

now

the

was

questions.

Chinaman,

Once

in

his

to

The

to

Such

spirits."

RIVER

OTHER

THE

it

he

had

him.

clean,
often

no

then
found

presentiment

"

read,
himself

P.

der

Van

Humm."
that

wondering
of

what

that

name

he

was

CHAPTER

III

YELLOW

DWARF

THE

JACK
turned

The

is P.

"It's

sahib's

dol"

Then,
is

canoe

be

will

To

was

inexpressible.
do

to

strain

tired

and

bring

them

given
a

coward

that

to

h"

he

him.

of

All

possible,

as

work,

took

reaction

from

he

been

the

at

and

last,

the

man's

how

went

under,

himself

wa"

to

he
not

river

told

had

through
himself,

coward.

31

he

felt,
which

safety.

grateful
puU

might,

plantation,

and
he

had

delightfully

was

rubber

greatly
ever

strength

he

the

clothes,

dry

than

more

in

the

Before,

now

turn

white

feel

to

days.

weary

some

at

began

few

Any

food,

was

him

civUisation,

to

comfortable

adepts

feeling

of

canoe,

asked

was

as

were

last

drowsy.

knew,
he

the

of

mean

He

who

unutterably

terribly,

would

himself

long before

not

was

and

paddle

one

paddle.

the

at

effort

no

make

others,

in

again

being

Now

to

was

the

whilst

the

the

stream,

easily, swiftly, back

travelling

was

had

of

relief

the

one

It

this

With

"The

ended,

were

than

more

quite enough."
Jack,

turns

asked.

he

knows

matter

the

though

that

he

sahib

The

ready.

"

head.

his
name.

as

now

then

pocket,

his

into

Humm

der

Van

shook

native

tab

Mahomed.

to

Who

"

aluminium

the

put

wanted
God

to

the
and

Ha

to

for

having

ordeal.

he
had

live,

knew

proved

Only
now

it.

YELLOW

THE
Ah

Lung

he heard

There

other fellows

be

his

to

the

personal courage,
difference

to

thing which

always

you

life

want

talk

it.

about

been

After

of his

for

humbly

Providence
has

It is too

withheld
while

You

having given

you

so

Yet

may

it

it is

concerns

to share

it with

disappear. You

sacred.

from

cannot

only

thank

something

which

can

many.

fell

Jack

tend

own

immense

an

secret

can

your
test

generally.

you

else,all the joy of it would

of

whatever

keep

to

only yourself; and, the moment

anyone

feelingsthat

It makes

wanting.
on

merely listen

and

finest

certainty that,

outlook

your

done,

had

they

knowledge

the

"

what

boast.

to

of the

be found

will not

you

man

in future, when

it,and

tongue

for him

great feeling,one

possibly come

come,

hold

need

no

knew

braggingabout

do, he could

would

It is

it,Mahomed

knew

would

or

DWARF

asleep, and, perhaps because

cramped position,began

In

to dream.

that

dream

weird, horrible, impossiblethings happened.

He
the

saw

the

Palapogs, who

head-hunters

Sebag

Tolhurst

forests,over
water,

had

found

in

great beads,

that the

round
and

for the

So strong

the

words
"

head

Do

he
you

spoke
know

that

he

was

the

get

cut

was

him

alone

and

the

Van

dcr

When

he

awoke

his forehead

it all seemed.
find

that

in the

off,up

the

canoe

the

sun

with

bank,

meal.

of his

memory

through

river, under

standing on
had

with

moving picture of

off.

little way

evening

concerned

between

cross

chased

wildly, to

Uttle

gathering fruit
was

to

grotesquely real

Mahomed

Lung.

down

was
perspiration

so

already low,

was

They

them

commanded

looked

screaming,all the time, that Sebag

he

He

to be

long-nosed monkeys,

ranges,

EngUsh boy having his

the

Ah

the

their leader.

as

mountain

even

Humm

and

proved

dream, that the first

it.

anything about
32

the

Palapogs,Ah Lung

"

Chinaman

The

"

story did

to be

be

and

Palapogs, who
whose

to

the

were

small

being magicians.

of

said so,

the

from
"

"

The

gained

rest of

fishermen

ordinary Malays,
rumour

bringing him

had

though

Chinese

pirate junk,

of

subjects,

his

reputation

the

cultivators

and

savee

The

tribe of hUl-men,

them

seen.

added.

Lung

fetchee

Go

returned

ever

Ah

least,

at

"

he had

what

there, though,"

go

nations

Raja Seyed'speople were

Raja'sterritoryto report

Plenty junk

to

order.

to

white traveller had

no

known

was

fightingportion

in battle

success

claimed

the white

extremely fierce

and

appeared,

He

coast.

of
jealousies

from

them

prevented

it

Raja Seyed,

far, though he

so

scoundrel, the

utter

belonged

long.

largeterritoryon the

independent,

an

had

take

not

the ruler of

was

talkee to

Plenty fool that, no

now."

Tell you

The

in

thumb

jerked his

grimly and

smiled

the direction of Mahomed.

him.

DWARF

YELLOW

THE

bird's

nest.

Plenty birds' nests, good chop, in Kanderong caves."

Jack raised his eyebrows. He knew, of course, about
the

edible

and

at

he

birds'

the

had

beginning of his journey

seen

the

of swallows

him

there

Kanderong

Ask

Gomerton

North
with

caves,

out, but North

other similar

caves

Raja Seyed

man.

plenty dollar,mUlion

best of all,"and,
sudden

is the Yellow
The
native
who

and

George

on

had
the

told

island.

two, three,five times big as Gomerton.

caves

Chinese

any

make

flyingin
no

were

the

with

luxury,

Lung smiled.

Ah
"

of

entrance

hundreds
that

Celestial's greatest

nests, the

was

hehcked
unconsciously,

YeUow

Dwarf

of the

neither

"

he

his

native

who
nor

nests

lips.
''

Who

asked.

his head.
man

Dwarf

Kanderong

suspicionflashed throughJack'smind.

Celestial shook
name

doUar, there.

and

To

him

controlled
a

33

Chinaman.

it

was

the

merely the

caves,

man

"

"

white

la he

DWARF

YELLOW

THE

asked.

Jack

Lung shrugged his shoulders.

Ah

"No

that's all."

Dwarf"

Yellow

not.

dropped.

returned, and the subject was

Mahomed

Then

Thinkee

tell.

can

midnight, then tied up

paddled on until about
and slepttill dawn, when
they started again.
canoe,

They
the

far,judging by the

So

as

of the

generaldirection
did not

he

Anyway,

him

assured

they

Hitherto

what

it

about

long they

greatly,for

must

had

a range
junglecountry ; but now
Obviously the river must
rightahead.
side or the other before long.
one

level

"

It will turn
'*

confidently.
river,where

It must
lost the

the Yellow

more

of hills
take

the

case

proved
the

at

still heading

big bend

it

could

how

or

join

Besides, if one

canoes

to be

the

of the distance

they had

bend

the

Mahomed
but

Ah

in the

old

our

west,

sea

to be

of the

ought

wrong

frowned

Lung spoka

to

direction, towards
and

muttered

out.

34

seemed
was

ridge. For
calculations
kit.

few

big bend

in

river

and

in the

the

something

It

was

miles from

safety,food

mean

to

came

them

had

losingtheir
than

more

found

the

and

came,

since

come

Then, suddenly,they
a

said

goes

Jack began making mental

for them

impossiblenow
and

to

Palapogs and

than

away

the centre

straighttowards
time

sea,

farther
Noon

outset.

the hundredth

the

visible

killall strangers."

Dwarf

hiUs

less

or

was

they had
Jack started, remembering what
the canoe.
that bangle been a warning to
Had
The

friendly

east, sahib," Mahomed

the

do,

Mahomed

to

come

Raja Seyed'scountry,where

to

comes

one

towards

we

quite satisfactory.

be

to

he remembered

plantations.
been passing through

men's

white

or
villages,

and, from
that

worry

before

that

been

beheved

Jack

map,

east
travellingnorth-

they had

sun,

rest.

river,

north-west.

inaudible,

THE
"

No

good

YELLOW

go that way.
"

nodded.

Jack

But, already, it
of his

of
a

European
One
"

warning, he
slightest
the water

struck
he

sank

troubles

of one,

his

but
rifle,

own

"

No

As
he
a

big

reallya

was

sarcastic

Piet
And

canoe

Van
you

are

my

crew

appeared

what

to

Lung

without

cried, then,

he

his head

be

as

were

Instantly

Jack's mind
He

over.

gripped

bullets

dozen

it reappeared.

across

had

Half

the

the

that

seized

had

his wrist.

late," the Celestial muttered.

alongside,the

came

half-caste

poUteness.
der

and

least,of them
Ah

Too

good.

the

at

hardly

were

into view.

it flashed

again, and

words

overboard.

sprang

round

bank, Mahomed.''

for Mahomed.

I"

Dwarf

The

worse

canoe,

large dug-out, with

cry

came

enough

YeUow

late.
\

stern,

glance was

The

the

leave

for the

paddling

men

in the

her

too

was

Palapog country."

he go

must

we

Head

mouth, when

twenty

some

River

Yes,
"

luck," he sighed.

out

DWARF

Humm,

"

"

in the stem

man

swept off his huge helmet

I must

Prime

prisoners."

35

introduce
Minister

with

myself.
to

Raja

"

am

Seyed.

IV

CHAPTER
IN
"

T'OU

"^

are

half

was

Dyak

anyone

more

he

so

was

most

and

very

Still, it

thick

power

in

of

He
in

was

other

Humm

planter

in the

Dutch

have

puzzled

to

anyone

Javanese, Filipino,
or

combination

difficult

dwarf

Ah

case.

der

the

been

broad, with

imagine

to

in the

he

ways

you

that

sense

bigger

was

extremely long

noticed

anything

notice

fascinated

times,
and

man

Van

of these,

any

bad

some

in him.

have

face

it which

eyes,

face
be

at

in

have

that

reaUsed

than
arms

neck.
his

was

had

would

short, but

hardly

narrow

been

hideous.

could

hideous

have

enormously

men,

he

where

it would

he

It

all.

them

of

of

son

looked

Jack Wayne

indeed

were

Java,

blood

might

As

speaker

the

but

"

indicated, Piet

of

island

other
it

"

hunself
name

centuries

what

say

of the

Dutchman,

for

his

as

neighbouring
been

face
and

Lung
Probably,

prisoners I

my

the

at

TOWN

RAJA'S

THE

with

set

off

used

to

most

else.

in

"

There

Ugly

you.

fact, you

was

though

grim

it was,

thin, straggling moustache,

by

lank

black
of

command,

hair, it
a

the

was

who

man

long

had

to

obeyed.
"

Your

wise."
had

the

seemed

savage
Van

der

Humm

disappeared.
words

"

to

know

pointed

to the

Yes, perhaps he

slowly, emphatically

36

Perhaps

me.

spot where

was

wise

then

"

"

Get

he

was

Mahomed
he

repeated
into

this

IN
The

"

listened

Yes," he answered

I hate

all

last,

at
"

Englishmen

"

Still,they don't

them.

will

truth

the

that

get back

to

quitebelieveyou,though
flashed

lie,as

rule.

"

horribly

hate

"

I'm

But

Anyway,

you.

people," and

own

your

"

his eyes

save

chin

silence, his huge

in

hand.

equally huge

his

TOWN

RAJA'S

Dwarf

Yellow

restingon

THE

will

you
that

after

not

he

sure
never

relapsed

into silence.
It

was

later when

hoar

an

they

in

came

sightof Kaduk,

capital of Raja Seyed's territory. The

the
was

tidal, had

now

half-mile

Two

across.

of

second

few small native

The
eyes,
"

vouchsafed
are

shelled

by

of

going

not
On

with
not

left

bank,

town, beyond

trees.

I don't

mind

of

a
a

telling

repeating

think

half-caste

were

of

scores
a

the

dug-out
the

four

stream

he

stone

was

afraid.

was
canoes

of rather

launch

steam

he

happened

Whatever

answer.

down

that bush,

chance

be

can

is half

town

amongst

have

ne\'er

lying alongside

was

The

we

grim chuckle.

to let the

little lower

the

where

build

to

seven-pounders.

sizes,a regular fleet ;

pattern

timber, the

explanation.

fort hidden

will

you

bank

the

is

dozen

it," he ended
did

full

amongst the palm

gunboats.

3'our

There

half

of

words

quite so sillyas

one

because

Jack

from

sign of

about

dotted

few

not

inland.

fort with
you,

shacks

other

no

was

was

first of

out

ran

and

Dwarf, noticingthe look of surprisein Jack's

Yellow

We

mile

jetties,the

rough stonework,

at first sightthere

but

rapidly wider,

grown

river, which

of various

antiquated

jetty;

large Chinese

whilst

junks lay

anchor.

at

There
the
were

canoe

were

only

landed

score

the

half-way through

Raja's people

came

or

so

of natives

prisoners;
the

but

in

before

sight when
the

palm grove, hundreds

hurrying down,

38

latter
of

the

jabbering excitedly.

IN
A

from

word

the

dispersethem
at

THE

TOWN

RAJA'S

Yellow

Dwarf,

to be

again,and they had

sufficed

however,

to

to follow

content

distance.

The

itself was

surpriseto Jack. Situated in the

middle of a huge clearing,
it consisted entirelyof bamboo
and
not
one
single stone
palm-leaf shacks ; there was
town

it ; moreover,

buildingin
kind,

any

not

even

Raja felt secure

there

defensive

no

palisade of stakes.

did not

and

was

work

of

Evidently

the

being attacked

anticipateever

there.

Perhaps Van
mind.
"

At

der Humm

something

inhabited

you

in

the

struck

Jack

as

other

The

sort of creatures.

did

terms,

which

boy

be

to be

such

minutes

Five

proved
had

ever

be

to

be made

can

he

they
by

on

his

the

moment
there

part, took

gathered

chance

of life on

to

could

are

poor

as

you

it

all of

the

certain

that

shack

collection of
the whole

ways,

them

he

those

Raja's house,

largestnative
was

that

accept.

not

the

large

capable

natives.

hundred

him

warn

reached

had

far the

at least

of savages,

Everywhere

He

already

work,

to

had

he

seemed

Really

seen.

loungingin
the

had

villages.They

own

given

that

later

of accommodating

were

fightingmen."

our

is

peculiarlyrepulsivetype.

huts, joined together by covered

Scores

This

not.

may

escort, who

reply. Already

not

though something
would

terms

their

Still,they

probably going

was

of

else,"

learn."

yourselfmay
Jack

have

people

of the

savages

you

or

"

Palapogs,

direction

being

stronger somewhere

it

see

may

entirely by

nodded

"

little

"

he remarked

thought in his prisoner's

the

rate, he laughed.

any

We've

read

apparently Palapogs,

; but

tion
they sprang to attenthey caught sight of the half-caste.

courtyard

seemed
no

to be the

notice

39

at

same

all of

fear of him.

them,

but

He,
after

making

THE

sign to

the

into

went
So

the

far Ah
he

now
"

IN

keep

the

prisonersoutside,

beside

Jack.
Still,no

bad.

"

remarked.

he

business,"

capture,but

since their

spoken

not

down

muchee

very

to

hut.

Lung had

Plenty bad

Dwarf

guards

central

squatted

TOWN

RAJA'S

Not

tell.

can

Yellow

Him

dead

yet."
but

Jack nodded,
little he

was

whilst

the

into

the

could

cord

hour

went

low

but

now,

him

give
swelled

asked

good in doing
knew

for water,

the

The

of

seemed

sun

Half

coolness

the

of

appeared

if there

to
au-

have

to

He

could

been

had

an

getting

was

his mouth.

even

cutting

sun
.

tongue

whole

be

to

appalling.

so

for the

His

terriblythirsty,

any

so.

there

their arrival the

calabash, and
of the

relief.

had

There

answer.

seemed

hours.

late

it filled the

hardly have
He

glare

too

any

untU

and

to

was

before

Never

was

he

wrists

hour, two

an

it

attempt

Already
his

round

heat

by,

not

say.

flesh.

very

the
pitiless,

so

did

was

no

had

guards
had

then

the

liquidat

in

use

trying, for

from

helped themselves

very

huge

remains

the

derisivelypoured

feet, a
prisoners'

after

soon

refinement

of

cruelty.
At
and

last
gave
Ah

and

of the
a

on

the

Yellow

curt

Lung
Raja,

had
an

stared

the influence of
Piet

Van

behind
The
"

der

reappeared in the
couple of

order.

been

forced

on

to

minutes

their

doorway,
later

knees

immensely fat, bleary-eyedold

wickerwork

Seyed

Dwarf

Jack

in front

man,

lying

couch.
at

foolishly"evidentlyhe

them

drug

some

Humm,

"

then

who

was

muttered

was

under

something

to

standing immediately

him.
half-caste gave

His

Highness

them

has

one

of his bitter smiles.

considered

40

your

case," he

said.

IN
"

And

enemies
that

you

work

with

Jack
"

by

become

merciful,although

him

country. Of

your

lives,on

Mahomedans.

Then

you

speak, but

to

; then

Christian,and

to

his

condition

will be

set to

slaves."

attempt

I'm

his

have

you

carry information

and

go

articulate words

no

into

will grant you

his other
an

TOWN

coming

let you

he

made

out

Tell

but

be

to

Uvea

your

he cannot

course,

RAJA'S

is inclined

he

forfeited

get

THE

he

at first he

managed

will remain

to

could

mutter,

whatever

one

happen."

may

Piet
had

der

Van

Humm

better think

painful

of

ways

Mahomedans,
"

grins.

1
"

will

"

Weak

Lung

nodded

too.

Chinese

man's

They

when

good

of his horrible
the

see

you

some

all

are

another

gave

they

way

mind."

Jack flung the

he was.

though
deny

Ah

He

change your

I won't

at him.

"

I am."

justas

"You

Palapogs have

killingunbelievers.

here, you

Never

The

to-night.

over

Perhaps, to-morrow,

kill men
"

it

shoulders.

his

shrugged

defiance

religion."

my

jossquitegood joss. Never

black

takee

savage's joss."
A
"

scowl

crossed

noon

I want

I can't
religion,

from

here

kill you
Then

and

guide

with
he

Raja's
Ah

there

house
in

Lung

"

hands

sign

of

But

if

ever

be allowed

to escape

us.

on

ber
remem-

I would

first."

guards

sort

no

and

thrust

chance

try to, either,

of

to take

prison

probably prisoners were

"

workshops.

force down

for the

was

suspense
were

will

you

British

own

my

made

think

given you

agreed to adopt the Raja's

I shan't

you.

don't

kept long
and

save

I've
in my

men

haven't

you

And

Apparently
the

skilled

to-morrow

that.

"

fools,"he growled.

You're

life,because

by

half-caste's face.

the

the
was

41

place

which
a

away.

attached
not

into

really but

them

to

usually
Jack

dilapidated

IN
hut

the

at

of the

back

afiair without

crazy
were

tied

now

guards
For
their

even

thing they

guards
their

even

Lung

Ah
"

drink

seemed

heaved

To

muchee

the

to

locks

and

of

For

of

be

Never

water.

much.

so

to

the

before

moment,

account

no

Nothing

bad.
and

then

do.

can

that,

after

Better

go

all appearance,

to

ofi.

sleep

Jack, however,

addition

wrists, both

deep sigh.

actuallydoze

he did

feet

"

them

gave

danger

Plenty

their

grateful before leaving finally,

were

sleep,"he murmured,

to

their

was

as

latch, though,

Jack enjoyed anything

had

door

to be unnecessary.

seemed

one

The

building.

main

securely as

as

TOWN

RAJA'S

THE

horror

was

of their

position,there

in itself

aching pain of his bonds,

impossibility.In

an

to have

enough

the

was

kept him

awake.
he

Vaguely
dance

war

whether

would

they

chance

in progress,

being put

was

of

It

beat

drums

death

was

Piet

dark

enough lightby

was

he

and

and

yell whilst

der

Humm

in the

hut, of

which

to

he

himself
he

Lung ?

he would

wondering

Would

Ah

of

sort

some

himself

morrow.

with

Van

be

to

found

tlie

on

Chinaman

the
that

aware

him.

to

seemed

last handshake

like to thank
was

what

heard

He

get

would

Suddenly
standing

was

but

course,

recognisethe

he

over

still there

Yellow

Dwarf's

figure.
The
then
"

"

half-caste

out

large cloud

of

cigar smoke,

"

You

had

I have

jot about

pig of

better
the

got you

be

wise

chance

of

to-morrow,"
life,not

feelings,but because

your

Chinaman

boss here, up
has

puSod

to

in my
a

certain

fit on
religious

him.

he

because

I want

began.
I

care

and

that

workshops, repairing
guns.

I'm

point ; but
You

42

won't

you

just now
get back

old

Sej'ed

to your

IN

THE

people,anyway

own

Mahomedans
drew

Jack

yet, and

He

had

"

be

How

he

it could
was

over
"

low
It

not

awakened

would

He

other

was

genuine

one,

have

English gentleman,

an

his code

and

vicious

or

easy

of honour.

quietly.

snarl.

I've

fool.

young

left the

Jack

was

his Faith

gave

quick

last

At

the

was

Christian," he answered

then, you

and

but

by

half-caste

won't
heel

he

that

to stand

Die

knew

"

I shall die

The

He

offer of life

the

by becoming

yet

remembered

and
"

that

but

"

ugly death."

an

breath.

deep

to that

see

will avoid

tellingthe truth,
and

I will

"

you

TOWN

RAJA'S

finished

death," and

he

with
turned

you.

It

on

his

hut.

dozed

long
have

by
cried

off, or,
he

at

remained

been

rate, became

any

he

so

than

more

touching

someone

had

out,

not

an

his

hand

conscious.
semiknew

never

hour

before

face

gently.

been

placed

his mouth.
Make
tone.
was

no
"

noise, sahib,"
I will cut

well-known

the cords."

Mahomed.

43

voice

said, in

CHAPTER

had

MAHOMED
of

work
Ah

they could

his

bank,

and

hiding

in the

bush

watched

dancers
the

He

had

Lead

Not

the
soul

anywhere.

Then

were

the

had

long

their

with

drink

way,

to be

They crept

actuallyin

the

under

swum

them

by

touched

water

cautiously,

up

had

to

noted

that

the

even

the
when

spirits,and,
find

He

sentry

asleep.
but

course,

almost

luck

straight

had

to

the

been
hut

confined.

from

the

handed

it to

Ah

which

Lung

the

lightwas

He

44

then,

showing

big, straggling building,

gateway before they

in view.

had

said.

not
stirring,

round

calabash

he

Mahomed,"

seemed

sentry came

up,

ready

was

had

native

risk,of
come

been

villageuntil nightfall.

crept

hut, and

Chinaman

seeing the

and

but

enclosure

terrible

left in the

been

and

before

then

even

not

progress,

prisoners were

took

Jack

"

the

Jack

minutes

all, and

the

in

had

of the

run

in which

full ten

followed

supplied

side, for he

his

on

was

at

had

dance

down,

the entrance

at

free

to

the

only

wa3

for the circulation to return, Mahomed

outside

well

died

noise

it

limbs

then

the

were

both

fired at him,

to the

had

seconds

story. Really, he had

of the bullets

any

it

unsteady.

they waited

whispered

sharp knife, and

; but

their

were

Whilst

few

Lung

use

movements

CAVES

KANDERONG

THE

was

saw

asleep,with

anyone.
his back

Ah
"

Plenty
But

to

on

there

the

round

natives

to

To

attempt

for

capture.

he could

only thing

The

way

Kanderong Cliffs ; yet, by doing so, they

would

rightinto

run

He

out

For

instant

an

"

four

some

in

Hide

der Humm's

to

decide

or

five hundred

what

likely

very

parties.

do, when

rifle

them.
in

another

at one

their

on

were

to

the

round

yards behind

fugitivesstared

the three

be

to

search

to

ask

to

track, after all I

Lung gripped Jack's arm.

Ah

Then

trying

So their pursuers

dismay.

some

of Piet Van

one

cracked

to

try

still

was

find

seemed

do

to

river.

the

be

other

back, and

turn

land, old

of open

cliffs and

the

that

now

see

daylight would

in

that

cross

of

foot

the

rice-fields,between

dered
blun-

hardly have

yards

hundred

Dwarf's

Yellow

the

could

They

place. Moreover,

about

only

was

of

the

aspect of

different

very

scores

caves.

worse

be

also

would

There

there, plenty good chop."

thinking of

was

remarked.

Caves," he

Kanderong

for soup

birds' nest

Jack

case.

"

nodded.

Lung

CAVES

KANDERONG

THE

No

there, little piecee cave.

cave

come

one

there."

Jack

understood

smaller

they

at all

used

would

enemy

speak, in

the

to

entrance

bush

by

easily reach

an

hour

later

only just been

before

Palapogs swept
on

the

back
had

of

where
The

of their

taking refuge,so

to

them

lyingjust inside

the

the lion's mouth.

had

down

evidently it

it unobserved.

saw

tunnel, watching for their foes through the

They

of the

one

nest-collectors; and, from

dream

never

quarter of

by

could

they

were,

The

once.

partiallyhidden

was

caves

not

was

at

look

out

one

of

heard.

party of

in
a

past within
for

them.

the savages

screen

time, for they had

dozen
a

of

hundred
small

explained

Luckily, the ground

46

was

the

of bush.

hardly sat

hideous

little

yards, evidently
deer
the
very

slung on

the

rifle-shotthey

stony

at

the

THE
of the

foot

Lung

Ah

without

and
to

sighof

gave

ado

more

puzzled

even

an

their spoor.

detect

to

have

it would

cliffs,and

bushman

African

CAVES

KANDERONG

"

relief.

Now

himself

stretched

he

rest,"he said,

can

and

out

went

sleep.
Mahomed

grunted, peered
the Chinaman's

followed

then

Jack

tried

with

the

remain

to

his

The

sun

he

moment

that he

cartridgebelt
swept

looked

had

companions

had

leaving him

to

himself

told

accustomed

For

his fate.

to the

jumped

of

some

"

"

form

short

sprang

No

there
was

he

Come

makee

too

plenty slave-man

much
in

by

were

right,he

was,

far

he

more

food, and

less

come

to him.

wUdly

for

approaching

forward
shouted
and

quietlaugh,and

his

his

them.

piece of dry

on,

that

themselves

save

with

would

A
He

assumed

they

feet,looking round

his

found

he

ing
staringat nothing,wonder-

death

cave.

Who's

he

way

on

he sat there,

membered
re-

feelingof hopelessness

to do

drag

he

that the rifle and

stronger than

jungle,able

unconsciously

There

Footsteps were

yards away.

only
For

then

dismay

more,

trying to

kind.

inside the

almost

was

In

were

only be

to

their

was

was

his

horrible

crept away,

vaguely in what
he

To

and, what
A

he

Naturally enough,

full hour

few minutes

Jack awoke.

when

west

around.

gone.

they

"

could

presence

him.

over

knife,

recall where

not

alone

was

Mahomed's

of

in the

could
and

For

example.

head, too, dropped and he fellfast asleep.

low

was

through the bush,

more

guard, grippingthe rifle,which,

on

exception

; then

weapon

once

wood

and
a

Then
weapon

him

from

lay a couple of

seized

this ;

then

challenge:

finish it 1 "

then Ah

Lung's

voice

saying :

noise.

cave.

Plenty Palapog outside,

Mahomed
bring slave-man's

chop."
A

minute

later

Mahomed

appeared, carrying some

47

realised

Jack
had
than

bringing all

of

had

of them

three

he

their full,there

eaten

substantial
the

taken

find, and,

could

hours

many

more

had

Mahomed

Fortunately

fruit.

anything

tasted

since he had

by

gone

how

hungry he reallywas,

how

Immediately

fish.

rice and

dishes of boiled

earthenware

CAVES

KANDERONG

THE

caution
pre-

after the

even

still some

was

left.
Ah

the

first

they

had

at

one,

especiallyas

there

turn

had

them

the

to

this

place where

the

of food, and
The

curiositythan

were

to

Through

cavern.

of

it

that

they had

been

small

quite a

sudden

led into the main

able

nest-coUectors

gone

anything else,

was

tunnel, which

his

had

in it, but

nests

no

appropriatesome

Chinaman

sigh, rubbed

explained. They

thought

and

brought

then

out

more

cave

with

down

contentedly,and

stomach
down

dish

put his

Lung

had

to steal

down

left their dishes

of the latter.

laughed softlyat

recollection of their

the

raid.
"

Every

We

slave-man

watch.

all very

By

much

Then

and

he went

explainhow

to

on

of the

heavy

"

in

made

them

to remain

where

had

certain

they
"

come

that

who

no

all

one

empty

Plenty

nice

there," Ah

the

to what

were

would

the

nothing

were

and

drowsy

they

work

actual

dangerous nature,

most

now,

comparison

give

would

to return

dark

almost

was

all the

more

or

of
was

less

Palapogs acting as slave-drivers.

than slaves, the dreaded

It

beat

and

along

came

hard."

by ordinary natives,

done

plenty thief.

slave-man

by, Palapog

work
nest-collecting,

had

other

say

they

had

night.

disturb

them,

Dwarf's

It

was

had

lately

eaten

"

consequently, they

for the

Yellow

they

meal

heavy

decided

tolerably

and, by waiting,

search

partiestime

handed.
soft

Lung

place for sleep inside.

said.

48

No

storm

THE
found

Jack

KANDERONG
that

inside the cave,

sank

They
like

dry

was,

but

he

ankle

deep in

It

moss.

at least it had

them

greatly.
sun

Moreover, the

Chinaman

of the
The

fruit.

been

had

remjiins

anything,but
of

the

had

bushes, had
for

some

of the
between
"

Do

the

not

were

followers

savage

the

and

in

of

the

or

the

to

the
wild

Ah

by

face

to

Lung,
party

watching through
it

evident

was

were

now

the

narrow

the

that,

good

many

stripof

land

river.

they'relookingfor

suppose

trouble

not

addition

cheerful.

party, and

other, there

or

and

dry

quantity of

so

Mahomed,

another

caves

you

was

it

fortable
com-

mouth

the

narrowly escaped being seen

reason

Raja's

fish, there

others

seen

most

thoroughly refreshed, ready

outside.

Palapogs

did

felt

what

both

was

already, for, in

out

felt

which

Apparently, Mahomed

rice and

boy

it seemed,

cave

spongy.

see
a

lack of blankets

awoke.

Jack

to

made

streaming in through

was

when

cave

then

smell, and

consequently,the

warm

dark

really

were

almost

soft matter,

some

no

they

to become

far too

was

Once

right.

was

the floor seemed

mattress.

The

CAVES

us

"

Jack asked,

naturallyenough.
shook

Mahomed
"

his

No, sahib, too

head.

junk, pirate-Chinaman,coming

Chinaman

I think

for that.

many

to

try

steal

and

in
birds'

nests."

boy glanced at
Plenty fight by and
The

"

Yellow

bad

There
in

was

they

were

Jack

hundred

stone's

We

throw

stay

of

of

out, he

amongst

Evidently,

49

Chinaman,

wisdom

looked

attack

cheerfully.
very

here."

Palapogs camped

expectingan

nodded

bad

by. Very

himself

away.

who

Lung,

questioning the

no

fact, when

least
a

Dwarf.

Ah

some

as

this
could

see

at

the trees, not

Mahomed

sort.

advice ;

said,

He

had

less

or

carpet of the

he

of the

of the

of insects
He
his

picked

in contact

he

curious

spongy
that

of milUons

of tens

stuff,and,

of the
with

unearthed

had

full of the

was

huge grasshopper.^

handful

up

fingerscame

later

type of

place possible.

that

remains

dried

down

astonishment, found

his

to

and,

cave,

reallyconsisted

to examine

began

sat

Apparently they

wait.

for his mind

"

"

slept,and

unfortunate

most

the

had

to

was

unconsciously

dangers outside
it

they

course

refuge in

taken

More

only

The

again.

to where

back

went

CAVES

KANDERONG

THE

something

large

he did

as

hard.

curved

so,

A moment

sword

with

an

ivory hilt.
Ah

Lung,

quivering

who

with

exclaimed.

"

makee

stuff

here
on

the

had

been

watching,
"

excitement.

leaned

Chinaman's

sword,"

Plenty big Viceroy's sword.

"

Then

cavern

'

This

he, too, began

to

scrape

floor.

is

the
ict\ially

30

case

in the

forward,

cavea.

What
away

he
him
the

VI

CHAPTER

"Belong
"

fell

what

on

deposit,
It

In

it.

Chinese

carving

going

were

up

the

It

proved

to

embossed

on

he

boy's

hands.

The

task

but

at

and

the

last
hd

and

well
old

an

having

and

bronze

just

was

felt

he

some

they

what

about

give

to

metallic.

something

with

box,

of

limit

the

Jack

It
of

almost
the

was

flew

open,

he

designs

Chinese

asked.

examining
the

snatched

Viceroy's
the

Chinaman

"

still

was

opening
the

letter
box

bronze
touched

revealing

characters.

round
as

men,

type,

mark,

more,

Lung

then

still

it.

who

up

the

skull,

uncover

four

of

be

and

small

Celestial,

looked

of

heaps

clothing

plainer

to

once

this, Ah

What's

The

be

of

maker's

seemed

when,

search,

to

remains
of

discover,

to

minute

eye

stock.

the

on

however,

That,

small

rags

the

English

an

with

swords

more

pistol, bearing

"

found

all, they

couple

as

of

work

skeleton,

entire

an

several

his

and

round,

glanced

man
China-

One

away.

the

only

was

then

feet

few

announced.

here.

die

be

to

appeared

he

guard,"

He

things."

halberd.

of

kind

mandarin

big

his

all

was

Viceroy's

Plenty

bury

find

first

LUNG'S

AH

PEARL

BLACK

THE

51

case,
was

some

roll covered

skeletons,

the
box
he
no

of

out

the

exclaimed.
easy

secret

with

one

spring
Chinese

Lung

country

own

gradually came
"

"

he went

with

on

and

unsteady hand,

dollar

no

know

how

forehead,

his

Jack
The

the

Its

Emperors.
to Confucius

sentries had
it became
of lesser

known

consternation
"

that

Plenty chop
When

that

was

Ah

Lung

counted

race,

until

he

said.

Since

the

jewel,as

then

well

of

one

the

Chinese

beginning

to have

belonged
special

largenumber
the

was

utmost

Land.

Flowery

Ah

Lung

added.

tired."

much

year

with

the
"

1852.

all Chinamen

the

very

as

stolen, there

What

gave

night ; consequently,when

then, nothing had

pearl, though

once

guards' heads,"

back

reached

been

to the

and

very

across

twenty-five centuries

been

ofi

many

the roll.

on

day

throughout

"Executioner-man
"

it

pearls,had

it

back

For

plenty

his hand

dazed,
slightly

supposed

was

himself.

guarded

drew

He

read

history went

things: in fact, it

of

decidedly

sacred, possessionsof the

most

Then

here, with

near

explained, had

Pearl, he

famous, and

most

he had

here."

him

get plenty dollar,so

was

One

Emperor.

roll with

him

and

he

quickly.

up

boy.

count."

to

story,as

Black

hide

though

as

the

to

find him

We

pearl.

turned

of Peihoo

Pearl

Black

about

finished,replaced the

last he

face.

looked

Lung

Ah

long ago. All

his reading.

stealee

Chinaman

more

"

Pearl, very great thing of Chinese

Black

"

his

change which

the

usually impassive

that

over

script of

the

read

surprised at

wsis

Pearl of Peihoo

Black

At

he

but

ordinary coolie,and

the

could

he

find

always suspected

had

greatlysuperiorto

was

surprisedto

not

was

He

in silence.

him

Jack watched
that Ah

Can

writings."

these

read

"

muttered.

Viceroy,"he

"

later, Canton

minute

PEARL

BLACK

THE

knew

52

"

Jack asked.
of his

patient accuracy

That
been

the

was

heard

of the

of

matter

year,"
the
;

he

great
hence

the

town,

recently been

had

Jack

which

in

place

PEARL

BLACK

THE

prisoner.
attack, made

The
Pearl

back

down

Then

the

with the river, a distance of about

luck

before

and

end, the junk

them,

the

went

Great

days they

For

the

old Mandarin

could

smoke

out

box

the

to

pray

Lung

Viceroy

"

the

his

strength

Hole

where

the

could

it seemed

it,and

then

chief

did the

went

to

the

great

Kanderong Caves,

his ancestors

until

story quietly,but
by it, proud

picturethe

old

smoke

Probably

The
of that

some

\Vhat

impossiblethat
dead.

was

same.

When

out

savage

devils breathe

death

to

should

of it.
man

anyone

the less he

none

Jack, too,

last

all but

must

man

have

strange deposit,and

was

d}-ing,picturethe
his

report, even

should

ever

dying too, perhaps committing suicide

seek death

"

no

firstledge. Then, like

secretary, faithful to the last, writing up

with

was

hope of
going,

lowered, carefully,
solemnly,

was

spiritsof

told

He

moved.

his

escaped

sailors ; and, with

put the Pearl where

the

on

evidently moved

when

off,but, in the

him."

release
Ah

rested

the

nobleman,
"

the treasure

"

until the

was

three

that

to

Into

it.

them

had

her.

on

jungle,then, seeing no

knowing
decided

reach

ever

down

who

Pearl.

hid in the

and

getting away,

sandbank,

fire. Five of his company

on

Viceroy,his secretary,and

the

"

set

was

fifteen miles.

Palapogs,

swept
beat

the Chinamen

after time

Time

their defeat,

from

junk started

on

ran

refloated,the

be

could

she

vessel

The

changed.

recovered

now

the

himself killed,and

found, Ismail

was

Sacred

The

successful.

night, was

at

one

then

because

of the

covered

read

party

the bodies

have

gone

to

outside.

Ah

Lung

does
'

"

had

that

finished,
'

mean,

The

Jack asked.
54

hole where

devils breathe

THE
The

BLACK

Chinaman, who

his knees, shook

on
"

No

tell

can

Black

could

serious.

than

case

not

old

their

the

and

by

box

by.

Find

he

grew

dollar."

plenty

help smiling,then, suddenly,

Viceroy had
infirm.

absurd.

been, except that

To

They

little better

in

were

would

lucky

be

were

finding the

of

speak

they

to

Pearl
with

escape

lives.

The

sound

back
it

Then

him

all, they themselves

and

seemed

find

But

yet.

not

After

little bronze

nursing the

was

his head.

Pearl, too.

Jack

PEARL

of

the

to

false

fact that
there

shelters

rough

seemed

of

the

party of Palapogs
the

place, and, judging by

same

chance

no

for

alarm,

in the

still camped

was

him

brought

cave

present. Apparently, however,

immediate

merely

was

shot fired outside the

leaves

palm

of

the

being put

were

that

shiftingon

savages

up,

night.
Jack's heart
and

had

they
hours

four

the

at

hours

The

and

and

dragged by

with

his

fresh

"

Go

said.
the

"

and

get

No

make

the hole

some

Jack

watched

He

into

the

of fiends.
kill

To

remains

of the
Then

nothing more.

Ah

chop

Lung

of

and

rose.

some

good stay here."

any

him

death.

possible,in the hope

that

more

with

through which

for

for further

still as

sundown

Viceroy'ssword

Yet,

way.

thirst.

and

just before

was

now,

twenty-

deadly slowness.

search

they lay down, keeping as

It

ask

his gang

followers,but found

fightingoil hunger

bad

thought of fallingagain

very

of another

in
to

was

cave

all their food

end

be

Dwarf

time, they made

Viceroy

the

indeed

the

of the Yellow

hands

finished

At

would

outside

shuddered

had

They

water.

no

they

venture

to

fell.

him, he started

the main

go

with

55

cave
a

was

curious

water," he
Then,

to

taking

climb

up

to

reached.

mixture

of

hope

PEARL

BLACK

THE

despair. Really,their plightseemed

and

he felt that, if

worse,

and

there

would

At the

be

returningwith
The
end

down

went

sun

who

Mahomed,

still there

and

twinkling ;

stars

had

been

sign of

no

was

to

came

could

they

cave

see

Ah

an

the

Lung.

at the entrance, crawled

guard

on

twihght

short

of the

the Chinaman

see

water.
especially

water,

the

mouth

through the

and

food

some

Lung,
himself.

and

left for Mahomed

to
time, he longed desperately

same

to Ah

anything happened

chance

no

steadily

to grow

back.
"

"

Palapog going to have dance, sahib," he said hoarsely.

fire. No

They light big

chance

of

out

get

we

here

to-night."
The

had
once

to

down

through

go
his

on

darkness

had

not

success

had

he

he

Suddenly
itself.

cave

made

the

out

aware

was

sat

other

hand

he

have

of thirst.

persuade himself

began

the

the

He

that

attempt

recall

to

Celestial

the

in

torch

emerging

was

tortures

from

the

hand, whilst with

one

waistcloth

grippingthe

was

would

prisonerat Raja Seyed's town.

of a tiny lightshining in the

tiny

man
China-

quickly,gripping the rifle,then

up

figure of

connectingpassage,
the

they

agony

brought relief,but
when

He

awhil

tried to

instead, he

suffered

the
likely,

that

meant

the

back, and

the

seemed

now

this
grief,

to

come

more

lay

If, as

boy groaned.

of

native

youngster.
"

All

and

Lung announced,
had

he

right. Prisoner

large calabash

of relief.

It

was

as

carry

Jack
and

and

see

that

could

The

basket.

though they

water," Ah

chop

been

had

the

boy

captive

gave

granted

sigh

new

lease of life.

The
where
as

soon

Chinaman
the
as

stuck

light could
Jack

and

in

his torch
not

be

Mahomed

crevice in the
from

seen

had

56

had

some

wall,

outside, then,
water, told of

THE
his

BLACK

adventures.

close to the
in the

other

end

he

of the

first he

had

met

outside, taking part

the

time

had

found

tunnel,

darkness, rightinto that part

the nest-gatherers
at work.
were

where
At

This

PEARL

slaves who

however,

he

in
not

were

had

no

the
at

just returningwith

his

the

main

cavern

Palapogs were

dance, whilst

war

work

lightedon

crept along

of the

All

one.

had

so

suppUes

no

food

loot,when

of

sleeping. Finally,

were

the

those

and

he

water, and

stumbled

was

his

across

prisoner.
"

"

Me

thinkee,

Then

'

'

thinkee

at

native

him.'

can

take."

squatted

him

Always
the

on

he

looked

As

he

"

round,

did

cry of

was

enough

to

time

up

junks
river

the

my

of

that

time

death

to

then,

about

him,

for

liberty.

dash

Mahomed,

made

who

gave

before the two

that

Ah

attempt

the

there

caves

was

no

Palapogs
chance

when

Lung's theory

It
he

the

the

on

their

of birds'
for

battle, and

of escape from

did

right,

was

stores

waiting

were

calm

they

pirates were

loot

to

ago

compatriots were

full of Chinese

to

"

Jack.

slave."

them.

during

the entrances

facing the river.

at

the

phrase, "the

entrances

river."
Are

by

put

village. Long

days might elapse before

Jack caught
"

and

staring

worrying

own

and

explained

way

to the

by

cave,

Jack's questions; but,

answer

certain

nests, and

from

evil men,

some

AbduUa

Several

kill

explained.

! " said the latter,

turning to

sahib

by

that

that

those

met

he

of the

though meditatinga

as

AbduUa

stolen
It

be

not

were

'"

surprise.

AbduUa,

was

captors

his eyes

so,

is indeed

so,

his

can

floor

nothing,evidentlyexpecting to

finding that

take

or

Take

but if kill first no

The

Kill him

there

other

entrances

57

?"

he

demanded,

facingthe

answered

AbduUa
Very "reluctantly

Yes,

"

could

reach

it

what

saw

AbduIIa's
a

cry of
"

the

'

Ah
"

get

pull you

down,"

go

At

once

spot in the

story.

slaves in the

the

not

Ah

Lung

brc.ithe
the

feet

his

to

with

delight.

there, because

out

devils

Lung

by anyone."

seen

weak

the

brought

where

We

be

to

You

back.

the

at

answer

cannot

Hole

would

being

mingled surpriseand

You

out

this entrance, did

was

try to escape

cavern

Jack sharp-witted,alert.

made
seemed

if there

Why,

leading

easily,without

had

Danger
he

is one,

there

PEARL

BLACK

THE

have

you

smoke,' and

out

to

pass
devils

the

prisoner answered.

quickly to Jack.

turned

there,

from

out

and

cave,

findee

him

Black

Pearl of Peihoo."
In

but,

his excitement
he

as

he

gripped it, the

to mutter

angrily for

but

seized

of

"

Jack
the

cave.

Yellow

flame

his arm,

the

big

out

and

sun

was

pointed

Dwarf.

5*

out.

towards

was

the

the

the

began

He

unusually moved

against

helmet,

tiny torch

for the

flickered

Celestial he

There, silhouetted

recognisableby
of the

reached

"

mouth

sky, easily

sinister

figure

CHAPTER
THE

there

YES,
the

Jack's

the

He

Ah
"

the

Only

wait

end

in the

all, for

of

it.

The

in

man

Piet

undoubtedly

was

another

the

was

proved
had

the

Mahomed

up

they

after

could

certainly

see

could

not

cave.

to

the

from

recover

shock.

he

whispered,

and

right, though,

afterwards,

that

dance,"

immense

an

traced

though
most

first

be

to

been

they

he

of

figure climbed

Palapogs.

that

course,

clearly,

cave

cave

the

Palapog-men

he

about

Had

blackness

watch

in the

of

himself

Lung

of

one

cold.

Dwarf
in

the

appeared

ran

forgot,

them

see

of

evidently

Yellow

question

no

he

blood

HOLE

Humm.

after

him,

all ?

was

der

minute

beside

SMOKE

entrance

Van

VII

influence
the

spent

the

on

time

in

fortunes

talking

to

Abdulla.
At

last

for

retired

shouts

bursts

final

few

the

noise,

of

night

the

and

disappeared

The

moment

the

box

of

first

At
was

tunnel

small

the

huge,
vast

Jack
fully

floor

area.

way

the

relighted

person,

was

some

the

stared
hundred
Even

died

and
in

59

he

as

had

to

secret

hiding-place

Lung

the

have

come.

Ah

led

stretched

clear,

produced
on

his

through

way

cavern.

in

round

rose,

after

seemed

Dwarf

Yellow

then

main

down

drummers

suddenly

torch,

into

the
as

from

matches

dancers

the

then

himself,

the

of

The

place

height,

with

amazement.

fifty

feet

day lime,

in

with

the

sunlight

THE
in

coming
strange
Down

through
but

below

fire; but

from

there

Jack

of ropes
Each

the
"

man

The
in

bad

cave

chance

of

from

made
he

roof, and

the

moment

he

light,then

out

stood.
under-

represented a nest-gatherer

that," Ah

round

their

turning sharply
caught sight of

him

and

fall very

large that their guide

so

the

the

sky through

small

hard."

little

was

after

Finally,

anyone.

slave-

difficulty

no

there

climbing

left and

had

which

in

way

encountering

to

"

Lung whispered ;

break

Ladder

them

of

For

captured.

torches

work

was

taking

had

rope-ladder.

likee.

no

even

of little torches, similar

scores

hanging

sort, not

any

roof, apparently swinging

the

specks

of those

top of

Plenty

lightingof

no

Lung

only these

saw

numbers

at

Ah

absolutely uncanny.

was

and

scores

which

one

was

seemed

have

it would

entrance,

just beneath

it, were

the

to

the

night it

at

HOLE

SMOKE

short

rise, they

opening only

some

twenty yards ahead.

The

Mahomed,

to
"

He

he

says

has

wants

to

go back.

devils

out

there."

had

Jack
his

up

AbduUa

to

his fellow
would

would
"

''

Tell him

It
in his

was

case

it

be

more

got

I'll

evident
there

no

would

be

he

had

; the

guard

that
was

no

Piet

of

made

allowing

tell

of

some

night; they

Palapogs would
Van

der

Humm

right scent.

the

on

to

he

caught by

already

that

seen

hours

few

be

question
certain

themselves

very

than

had

and

too, Mahomed,"

to come

so.

what

amongst

in

and

once

He's

of

slaves

He

return.

be

could

sahib, and

now,

be slave

sooner

expecting this

There

discuss

overhear

He

been

mind.

his work

done

speak rapidly

to

interpretedto Jack.

in turn,

who,

began

and

guide stopped dead,

him

Mahomed

choice.

60

from

the
any

himself

He

had

boy said sternly.

evil
was

to

spirits."
afraid, but
go on,

or

fall

pufiof

Thinkee

the devils'

Is that

it too.

noticed
and

Wait

so.

"

issued.

asked.

he
had

Chinaman

The
"

"

hole ?

breathing

suddenly

had

smoke

HOLE

SMOKE

THE

him

see

when

by and by,

light
sun-

come."
"

Lung.

Never

haven't

got
for

But,

his

even

mind

if the

he

place

plain that
had

the

latter

give in,and,

to

in that

precioushours
He

furious

was

he
possible
out

was

with

Ah

not,

we

but

at

had

issuing

In

despair,

that there

once

It

was

too

So

he

several

to waste

agree

atmosphere, merely

was

only

of his wits.

out

the

he

was

it.

quarter.

appeared, to

vile

until

smoke

hidden

saw

him

to

gratify

curiosity.

Chinaman's

the

it

the

scared

was

as

on.

important than

Sin had

in that

obtained

to be

or

To

going on

not

whence

Fu

Wang

get

mutinied.

was

Jack glanced at Mahomed,

help

must

Daylight

that.

Chinaman

the

reallywhere

no

We

lose."

to

life,and

own

"

more
something infinitely

was

ascertained
was

about

minute

once,

Pearl

Black

Jack protested.

no,"

No,

would

about
have

furious

it, so

pushed

on

that

it been

had

alone ; but such

thing

of the

he squatted down
question; consequently,
companions behind a huge boulder, to wait

his two

for the dawn.

There
which

them

made

moment

ha^"e

must

when

they emerged

strange views

was

high

in

when

in his

awakening
However,

in

something

the

drowsy, something which,

take

taste

been

of

from

the

everything. At

atmosphere

from

made

cave,

any

Ah
once

and

I.ung and
the

then

even

he

had

them

rate, the

Jack awoke, Iieavy-eyed,with

mouth,

the very

no

sun

curious

easy

task

Mahomed.

Chinaman

was

on

his

feet, he

remembered.
A

huge puff of

white

smoke

6a

came

out

of the

ground

THE
hundred

SMOKE

yards away, hung motionless

seconds, then spread out and

Ah

"

Lung
We

rubbed

All

the smoke

of

them.

on

bleared and

were

Plenty smoke

staggered

It seemed

risingin

put them

they

as

Jack

to

as

shot.
blood-

then

come,

down.

And

ground

to meet

standing

was

towards

the

then, after what

he

huge pit,a pit without

started

though

billows in front of him

amazingly long mterval,

a

"

he said.

them

hole.

was

he

as

they

ftw

Plenty bad placethis."

three

itself

in the air for

descended

his ejes"

lookee now,"

smoke.

no

HOLE

his feet

seemed
the

on

edge

bottom, grippingAh

an

of

Lung's

arm.

later he

moment

speaking, that

was

trying to
Then

make

he

puff of

was

His

head.

aching

was

clearlyenough
distance

by

in

Mahomed

as

probably have

the

other

Jack

drew

his hand

"

had

he

seem

to

across

remember

Chinaman's

eyes

not

him

been

some

affected

been, otherwise

perished. Now
amongst

all

they were
some

jungle

ridge.

his forehead.

seeing something

he muttered.

The

understood

carried

had

had

comparativelysafe place,hidden
side of the volcanic

on

he

his head

Lung explained.

foul gases

would

of them

but

his

over

bad, horrible,and
;

box.

nothing

pouring water
burst

the smoke

Jack remembered

it would

Ah

suddenly, like

Fortunately they

the

pit,

there, restingon

was

Mahomed

very

and

away.

much

so

was

it

up

that

by

when

the

thing that looked hke

came

after

though

Chinaman

The

smoke

awakened

as

man
the China-

pointingdown

wm

clearly. Yes,

mouth

that

aware

something.

see

and

gun,

until he

it

he

forty feet down,

Another
a

him

saw

ledge some
from

vaguely

was

gleamed.

63

on

ledge,"

SMOKE

THE
"

boy

The

costs, he
he
"

Black

was

must

wanted

If you

had

disasters,you

Lung,"

he

Pearl

Plenty big Chinese

in

of Peihoo

box.

But

of smoke."

get because

can

"

there, yes," he answered.

Box

box, Viceroy's box.

no

HOLE

terriblydrowsy still. He
sleep sleep for hours
"

to

say

felt that, at all

yet there

murmured

thing
some-

first.

smoke-helmets, the thingsthey

would

was

get down
; then

there

his eyes

forgoteverything.

64

use

in mine

easilyenough.
closed

again, and

Ah
he

CHAPTER

VIII

MAHOMED'S

DAWN
He

INDISCRETION

was

just breaking

was

cold

and

that

again.

his

brain

was

horrible

taste

had

stifi,but

and

perfectlyclear

Jack awoke

when

now

gone

of his mouth.

out
"

he

as

only

move

on

who

heaved

big sigh

after

bare

and,

hours

of

mile

seemed

vessel

the

We

shall
his

have

two

to

get

companions,

had

they

in

crossed

sight

It seemed

smaU

ridge

of the

sea.

Jack

Uke

meeting

old

an

the

the

down

sails of
the

on

mid-river,

and

few
it

where

of the

large Chinese

bank.

stream.

shght breeze,

in

was

trees

the mouth

see

river,
junk

Evidentiy
minutes

was

not

they

she

later she

long before

could

see

her

clearly.
Ah
"

too

Lung nodded

many

wisely.

pirate-man. Very

Cantonese

Palapog

men

belong

bad

Yellow

man

Dwarf.

indeed.
Drive

But
him

pirate away.''
Certainly

away.

they could

away

catch

to

and, during that time,

roused

actually

of relief.

driftingslowly

was

"

cave," he muttered

long separation.

behind

appeared

he

later

they watched,

as

mUe

yards

themselves

found

friend

few

left the

we

himself,

Then

asleep a

couple

about

gone

to-day."

were

and

stretched

got up and

we've

since

hours

Twenty-four

it looked

as

if he

65

were

right,for there

were

MAHOMED'S
signs of the

unmistakable
in

told them,
for there

other

side of the

him

busy.''

civihsation.

They

been

to

other

not

probably

have

them

and

had

the

They

us.

miles

twenty

kept
nearer

vUlages, but

had
in all

the

in

creeping

up

empty

at the moment,

basket

of

shot

rice,whilst,

small

wild

pig.

really satisfyingmeal

first

days.
to

more

the

brought
them

they

as

sat

beside the fire.Ah

the Black

talk of

Pearl.
with

Viceroy's papers

old

through againby

the

He

Lung

had, of

began
course,

him, and,
of the

Ught
flickering

he

as

flames,

descriptionfitted exactly.

The

box

they

had

seen

the

on

affected the outside, they would

The

only

the

precious gem,

forty feet

some

he

Pearl

down

spoke of it, the

excitement.

All

Not

only

was

the

box

it

"

of all

the

appeared

that

got

have

stiU

there,

pit.
calm
to

the

66

must

to the contents.

pearls,was

Chinaman's

fortune

of hammered

was

foul gases

have

not

his oriental

there

ledge

though the

bronze, he declared, and

As

found

to be

Jack

Afterwards,

read

it at

them, Piet Van

succeeded

and

for many

once

proved

had

of

without

Raja Seyed's territory. On

had

sundown.

for

been

several

securing a cooking pot

Consequently, they

the

stiU in

were

hand, Mahomed

before

just

bank

sight of the natives, as,

of

out

isolated hut, which

to an

the

gratefulto those pirates,"

full

passed

had

keep

probability,they
the

If it had

found

night

careful

to be

"

would

That

ought

we

told himself.

Humm

quite possible

Range.

Kanderong

Well, I suppose

der

heavy firingon

had

was

companions hearing anything

his

and

Jack

It

seen.

badly

AbduUa

of which

junk,

to be

been

to have

having suffered

vessel

second

nowhere

was

Jack
"

the

fight,whilst

INDISCRETION

voice
seemed

be

made

other

gems

to

shook
leave

with

him.

by recovering
v.-cre

worth

MAHOMED'S
immense

an

INDISCRETION

in themselves

sum

the
gloryof restoring

the

and

All

nodded.

Jack
in that

box, and

to the surface.
the natives.

past

He

the

the

other

of the

given

drawn

up

He

had

determined

he stands

hasten

but

A moment

if ever

the

of

box

risk of

once
falling

course,

months

were

wiped

out

the

him, especiallynow
it would

opportunity occurred,

forget the

not

claims

of his

of course,

share in the adventure

that,

soon

as

get

; but

Mahomed

back

to

up

with

his

reached

they

as

agreement properly

an

Ah

was

When

Lung.

the most

in

as

the
spirits,

writing,

He

difierent.

business

honest

village,and,

native

and
could

at

the

native.

faithful ;
he

be

later that

they

trusted

Yes, he
owed
to

questionwas

himself.
5

and

would

soon

as

whole

he

story

publicproperty.

Jack glanced
him

idea

strength. Yes,

new

by it,absolutely,being

become

self brave

the

bargain, either verbally or

filled himself

would

helmet

was

have

misgivings regarding

no

in the world

probably

was

signed.

and

makes

Chinaman

what

bring the

to

many

fired

would

again, he

civilisation

before

Still,he did

do it.

he

full

Dwarf, though,of

would

him

companions. They must,

had

at the very

adventure

great thingto do, and,

too, and

smoke

hand, there

of the Yellow

to

been

Raja Seyed's rule.

food had

would

man

names,

glorious for

had
as

simple matter

cold

went

of

idea

The

he

be

civilised nation

some

abominations

be

doubt

no

that, with

quite possible that

was

be

On

into the hands

more

had

knew

he

rope ladder, it would

that

Their

day long his mind

question. He, too,

of the

it

Pearl to China.

of their ancestors, would

names

also the

was

he declared.

ever,

Black

^but there

"

67

had

proved him.

their very

keep

answered

secret

Uves
?

by Mahomed

to

INDISCRETION

MAHOMED'S
"

Dwarf

Yellow

Black

about

know

"

sahib," he announced.

Pearl

hidden

where,
some-

much

want

to find

They

him."

"

How

And

do

it

True,

it

was

Piet

of

der

he

been

held
would

the

try

by telUng

Humm

the

box

had

Lung

likely that

Van

the

mischief
Ah

the

details,

no

discovered

and

Jack

than

more

with

favour

deal

of

finding

knew

they

great

waitingin

the

Mahomed

that

quickly,

were

of

Abdulla

knew

they

before

fled

ledge, but

secret, and
curry

had

Abdulla

done.

told

papers

the

lying on

Whilst

had

him

on

boy demanded.

the

out.

came

Abdulla

and

"

know

Mahomed

Viceroy's

Lung turned

Ah

you

then

cave,

to

and

Jack

Both

him

of the fact.
"

Malay

fully.

"

Cannot

grumbling
Jack,
harm
it.

trust

himself

to

the

on

the

"

Smoke

still

StiU,
to

be

as

they

it did

trusted,
did

the

"

chance

prove

where

Dwarf

that

now,

the

not

furnish

The

learn

only
him

with

that

single

that

deadly

caves

were

very

small

box

as

Mahomed's

Pearl

about

into

of anyone

68

on,

going

of the

of course,
Black

he went

complaining

could

noticingthe

and

and

back

in

use

no

of anyone

the

at

was

Hole

could

piecee," and

shrugged his shoulders.

was

Yellow

chances

piece of country
smaller

there

wrath-

Lung growled

tongue.

own

hand,

Abdulla

knew.

detail,and

in his

and

all, the

After

little

one

other

done,

was

they

plenty big fool," Ah

man

peering
it lay

on

down
the

discretion
Mahomed
was.

knew

the

ledge.

was
33

not

well

BY

if

because

only

Jack's very
outward
had

"

their

leader

have

made

would

get

to

and

white

him

; and,
man.

the

keep up

who

voice of Mahomed,

The

in order

tree

in his way

same

It is

sahib.

villagenow,

beach.

the

on

in

the

see

can

ended

There

are

1 The

Oh

"

the

amongst
1"

snake

it bitten you

Has

For

and

"

boy gasped.
to the ground, and

sUd

had

drawing

flesh of his

the

him

thigh

while.

the

up at the first alarm, shook

raced

his

sadly.
No

The

of what

memory

ceased

anything,"he

do

can

Jack's brain.
hour

the

groaning

across,

Lung, who

head

"

to slash
began frenziedly

his knife

Ah

Mahomed

answer,

across

he

terrible cry of horror.

to see him flingfrom

Jack swung round instantly,
thick greenishsnake, some
two feet in length..
"

in

better view, broke

thoughts.

palms

was

of his beUef.

forms

his

on

he

pride

climbed

did the

Lung

probably Ah

creed ;

TEETH

THEIR

OF

SKIN

THE

then

the

to burn

seemed

but

lasted

medicine."

No

itself into

quarter of

rigid Umbs

bubble

to

followed

Fortunately, it

"

said.

suddenly relaxed, the

those livid lips,and
it was

from

an

foam

all

over.

As

they covered

of burial
a

they

sob his

could

body

with

palm leaves,the only form

give it there,the boy

thoughts of
for

Mahomed

the

the

having gossiped to Abdulla,

felt regardingthe future.

settled

for

ever

though

he

would

recoveringthe Black
have
A

and

been

cry
Ah

he

Now

told

given

have

Pearl, if by

so

the

that

himself

with

irritation with

night before, his

he had

that
sincerity,

remembered

uneasiness

question was
with

all his

perfect

chances

doing Mahomed

of

might

saved.

of astonishment

Lung

as

they

from
entered

70

the

natives

the

villagediscovered by

greeted Jack

BY

THE

Mahomed,
from

for

not

two

the

of the

whole

they

THEIR

did

they

it would

and

reached

the

have

to

have

been

sprung

difficult to

unkempt-looking figures.
almost
the
landing-place,

children

and

women

TEETH

seem

also

ragged

more

time

OF

only

nowhere, but

imagine
By

SKIN

appeared

to

be

their

at

heels.
"

I Who

Hullo

had

who
at them

earth

on

white

voice, and

man's

big burly Englishman,

hut, halted and

leap within

to

grip of

the

explained what

Brieflyhe

stared

had

him
a

at the sound

white

man's

of

hand.

happened during the

last

weeks.

The

tilted back

other

long,low
"

"

in amazement.
seemed

from

justemerged

Jack'sheart

few

you ?

are

You

his

big helmet,

and

vent

to

managed

to

gave

whistle.
have

must

had

time

And

you

get rightthrough that old villain,

Seyed's,territory1 You're
the first strangerswho

time.

I'm

was

Harman

accounts.

An

of the

master

rightaway.
hour

ever

did.

Well, you're only just in

'Zimba,' and

ss.

just settlingup
my

sailing

the last of my

trade

is,Joseph Harman."

name

later.Jack, who

I'm

was

in the spare

cabin, enjoying

clean and untorn

luxury of gettinginto some
heard the engine-room telegraphclang out, then
the

clothes,
a

throb

through the Uttle vessel as the enginesbegan to revolve

He was
actuallyin
slowly. A thrill ran through him, too.
ran

safety,leaving the shores of Borneo, bound for Singapore.

see." Ah
and
You
come
Plenty trouble on shore.
Lung put his head in the cabin door, then hurried off
"

again.
Jack
Chinaman

trouble,
grove

to

out

ran

was
women

on

deck,

barefooted, in his shirt.

The

very big
right. Apparently there was
children rushing through the palm
and

the shelter

of the

jungle; whilst,on
71

the

landing-

BY

TEETH

THEIR

OF

SKIN

THE

place,a fierce dispute was in progress

of the placeand a party of strangers.
catchee

come

The

nodded.

boy

figure of

Piet Van

the hideous

So

he

them

der

the

and

British

Humm.

There

them,

wresting from

of how

narrowly they
the

later

on

eyes

flashed.

we'll

he

had

our

again.
get Mr.

them
the

moment

skin

of

We'U
Van

had

our

part, and
"

after

in
territory,

I For

him

They

Cantonese

and

plenty Palapog."

and

Already

followed

Peihoo

By

Pearl

him

know

men

made

the

out

was

no

aU I

He

hope

of

mistaking

little hah -breed.

had

invaded

Dwarf

Yellow

You

of Black

because

us

Him

papers.

"

"

Lung gripped Jack's arm.

Ah

the

between

We've
come

the

the

boy

at

even

recapturing

of the

secret

shivered

had

the

Pearl

of

thought

escaped.

teeth," he murmured.
he would
beaten

him

back

der Humm

have

hanged 1

us."

far, and

so

to find

Ti

had

the
"

"

An
Then

hour
his

we'U

beat

Pearl, and

then

CHAPTER
IN

few

VERY
in

old

it

as

houses

big

"

the

and

coastguard

prices

his

clutches.

somehow,

and

as

he

It

find

it

got

ofi

if

you

else.

73

cargo

and

use

were

not

of
been

being
hand

little

with

was

the

by

the

on

"

the

Almost

French

trying

fishermen
you

object
to

escape

Williams,

dealing

the

bought

denounced

of

Logan,"

place.

to

quay

period

the

who

Porthkello.

is

at

the

stone

formed

of

dared

Ralph

nephew,
out

who

yon
no

was

the

that

"

in

He

if

has

almost

man

he

was

smuggler

paid.
His

to

it

you

centres

vessel

landlord

the

debt.

which

rum

Channel,

low

his

it

and,

the

harbour,

stands

biggest

the

of

street

of

building

Trevenna,

in

was

foot

the

have

crew.

tiny

no

new-comers.

beach,

one

which

principal

himself

everyone

in

at

John

considered

and

Arms,"

the

story,

tobacco

side,

Logan

itself, is

rocks,

the

inhabitants

drowning

the

breakwater

stone

this

in

its

Ughts,

the

to

on

bathing

one

false

villages
beach,

no

after

of

means

save

either

on

The

to

cleft

huge

waa

To

accessible

towards

Vessel

washed

extended

by

was

whilst

Porthkello

there

least

has

surhness

industry.

ashore

being

for

days

wrecking

looted

it

Porthkello.

to

go

of the

one

visitors,

name

the

ever

then

for

well-deserved

lured

it is

Cornwall

accommodation

the

strangers

with,

begin

In

PORTHKELLO

to

the

to

the
from

managed,
with

anyone

PORTHKELLO

IN

when

it became

had

did he

putting down

wrecking,

in the

Cornish

sense

with

him

well

as
"

late

only

do

Why

the

it

answered

"

keep my
there's

yacht

of

Joseph
Majesty'sNavy,

His

"

?
foreigners

received

had

no

the

answer.

Trefusis, the local squire,had

asked

excellent

an

on
sea-fishing

amongst

where
;

because

and

shoulders.

tough crowd, O'Brien.

boat.

for your

can

English coast."

the

shrugged his

and
yourself,

harbour

living is cheap

because

had
down

You're

out for

finest

the

Sir Walter

They stick

Look

nothing,

at

fellows."

those

Captain O'Brien
the squire's
words,

had

held

a corner

of

afresh, and

out

in the

world, heir to the

cottage,and
at the
One

some

boy's absolute

he

"

broken

broke

he

ten

old

an

Egypt
a

to realise the

just begun

when

Brigade in

Naval
had

asked, and

had

there's

Because

"

bringing

at dinner. Captain O'Brien

question,courteously,

same

had

towards

also

form

them

here,

come

Sir Walter

When

in

gunner

only

foreigner,"

was

the

much
"

he

was

in

so

Not

Barney O'Brien.

son,

they

of Porthkello

men

foreigner

V.C,

his

as

only

not

done

of the word, but he

another

Richardson,

had

the Service which

gully.

the

cottage halfway up

belong to

late R.N.,

Captain O'Brien,

that

known

the

taken

Porthkello

great heartburnings in

been

had

There

wound,
and

square

gained

with

the

Richardson

Gunner

againstthe Dervishes

"

died, leavingBarney alone

had

motor-yacht
thousand

"

Molly Hawk,"

pounds, the

whole

the

being

disposal.

thing also Barney inherited,though it was

in the

of

truth

will,and

that

was

the

devotion

not

of

tioned
men-

Joseph

Richardson.

real

south-westerly
gale was
74

booming

up the

Channel,

PORTHKELLO

IN
*"

That's
Mr.

young
He's

like

with

mouth,

gave

he's

me

he

isn't

The

cigarettehanging

fatuous

in

of the

for

now

the

speaker,

out

navy.

weedy

of his

corner

laugh.

one-legged

flash, the

you

wise."

too

work

; but

O'Brien, and

Barney

youth,
Like

well, Gunner

all very

in his

round

swung

man

chair.
"

Say

that

again, you
in

the

because

woman's

fowls

spotted

some

through

his medical

"

on

scars

We

isn't

of the
and

Navy

Master

you

had

but

Master

roared.

dare

mention

Barney,

been

"

Say

self
yourold

my

had

you

in His

birched

for

steaUng

isn't

Barney

land-lubber

of

Those

shipman
mid-

doctor

wouldn't

neck, and

You're

here,"

men

in broad

Barney

was

he

have

examination.

no

doubt

growl

Cornish

want

foreigners. Cornishmen
There

wouldn't

his

"

Master

fair.Gunner.

not

room,

You

because

on

him

pass

are

not

Hke

the

hard

on

the

lad.

record, WiUiams."

your

That's

1
as

They

to-day, only

scars

swab

breath

son

Majesty's Navy,
old

useless

same

skipper'sonly

an

WUliams

again, Ralph

that

too

from

came

in Porthkello
for

that

"

accents.

the

What

do

you

You're

anyway

comer

ODrnwall, I says."

the

the

speakervoiced

opimons

of the company.
"

Aye, Cornishmen

for

Cornwall," the

others

echoed

the words.

foreignersneeded,

"No

"You're

neither

Englishmen

maybe, looking out

only spies,

folk don't

get anything out of wrecks,

in

tobacco

or

Who

the

some

are.

month

From

put

brandy.

or

Spies

coastguard on

"

to

to

see

nor

men."
Irish-

that

poor

through running
that's

John

what

you

Charles last

"

being entirely peaceful,the

76

atmosphere

had

PORTHKELLO

IN
suddenly become
Cornish

bitter

wrecking, a quarrel as
He

not

had

been

not

he

banged

until

the

of his

he

"

It

Half

out 1

the

him

behind

figure appeared, its

water

drippingfrom

Too

muchee

hint

The

"

It's

said.
The
"

"

an

only

That's

sailor

So you

on

his

in

interfere

and

come

spite

leg.

one

with

spoke.
words, and,

been

the centre

of

another
and

moment
an

ugly,
be

could

move

tall,lean, yellow-

face

long

knife

from

seeming

his sleeve,and

arm.

for the

company.

The

laugh.

uneasy

joke.

Richardson.

Then, with

man."

quite sufficient
We're

so. Isn't

squaredhis

say,

always

moreover,

place beside Joseph

his

produced

was

landlord gave

the

gUstening from the rain,

its pigtail.
Ah
noise."
Lung grinned at the

took

strop it

to

the

to drown

the

before

noise for Chinese

he

unconcern,

began

he

muchee

table,

told

Cornishmen

only

opened,

faced

"

the

on

again, and

"

who

have

would

the door

as

he

at

rose

hopeless, fight; but,

company,

had

Williams

present

men

Plenty

Now,

days.

mutton

and,

"

does

Why

young

was

dozen

wrong

made,

"

Service

jumped

strength,he

later,the ex-gunner
and

always regretted

thought of wreckers, smugglers,

against

one

was

him

abruptly.

gale outside.

enormous

Put

"

he had

leg of

and

together, right or

hold

we

size of

fist the

the

he

put down

up

'longshoremen, his voice seeming

howling of
But

got

during his

care

exactly what

other

and

his

glassesjumped

company

had

Porthkello, especiallyRalph Williams,

of

under

quarrel of the

which

V.C,

and

patientman,

very

youth

the

that

old

it is foolish.

as

Richardson,

Joseph

was

the

was

against the Service

wrecker

Gunner

It

electric.

all friends here,

it.Gunner

Ching," he

"

shoulders.

Mr. Trevenna,"

77

he answered

then
sternly,

PORTHKELLO

IN
he

turned

by

Ah
As

Lung.
the

to find
"

he

them.

holding

"

a-buUying

bad

enough

and

that

Mr.

They

want

to

only knew

if folk

with

was

here

Jack Wayne,
the

there's

that
no

village,thej; do.
"

I know

what

he

gunner

they've got

now

rule

"

folk ?

honest

before, that

but

Barney O'Brien,

Chinee

heathen

come

It

Mr.

young

But

to
"

seemed

again.

his courage

demanded.

them, Ralph WiUiams

closed behind

door

Who's

and

followed

left the room,

and

his heel

sharply on

he

and

brote^off

great air of mystery.

What

do

Williams

Ralph

know,

you

"

several

voices

demanded.

youth shook

The
"

That'd

about
A
had
the
"

them, and

gripped his

just slipped in
of the

rest

He

When

the

friend what

aU

knows

from

inner

an

of

the hand

arm,

who

man

unobserved

room,

by

company.

you're

says

"

he says

hand

hissed in his

"

ear.

door

to

hold

I want

had

your
you

tongue,"

new-comer

inside.''

behind

closed

the

the

pair,the

other

exchanged glances.

men
"

"

talking. I've got

be

vice-hke

his head.

He

Who
was

was

that, landlord

ugly enough

to

"

have

himself."

78

James Charles
been

old

quavered.

Davy

Jones

CHAPTER

XI

DURING

Fras

now

ung

In

THE

Singapore
the

death,

and

passage

home,

besides

had

been

money

due

careful

not

had

told
had

agents

them

Ah

and

of

story

furnished

for

attract

to

Wayne

the

and

salary.

attention

George

him

him

both

paying
to

Jack

England.

Jack

North's

the

in

landed

had

since

fortnight

STORM

with

the
But

by

man
Chinathe

boy

posing

as

hero.
As
he

soon

the

and

would

Pearl

of

ask

able

them

plight

their

"

to

When

into

we

our

expedition
about

he

where

to

had

get

Celestial.

the

no

then,

been

of

action.

the

Black

course

of
in

out,

hves

his
it

over

consequently,
after
had

one

Captain
had

picked

and

with

nothing
escape
troubled

really

had

them

up,

the

that

already,

their

Harman

weird

been

and

what

authorities

satisfied.

been

had

as

Zimba,"

"

ss.

secret

adventures

questions.

any

testify

to

their

theirs

and

head-hunters,

the

to

their

concerning

said

the

pointed

lost
be

to

ought

reward

about

the

their

on

Lung

Ah

nearly

had

they

the

from

As

board

on

decided

yet

one

no

Peihoo.

English,

was

tell

Borneo,

had

Chinaman

They

and

left

they

as

the

"There

confidence,
;

but

it will

home

we'll

be

shall

we

of

because
be

different,"

very

Pearl."

79

have

getting
careful

had

Jack

to

take

someone

for

money
before

said

we

our

speak

In

"Turned

of

me

"

downstairs

went

City

of the

heart

surpriseat

had

he

"

office

run

right into

The

latter had

lunch

some

we're

and

You're

companies.

have

and

want

Good-bye."

back, Wayne," he had

were

you

father's office now,

Eastern

d'you

in

was

his former

shown

no

meeting.

the

I heard

in my

"

Jonas Wayne's

"

schoolfellow, Sebag Tolhurst.

"

What

to lend."

money

nothing," he had retorted.

he

the

no

few years.

growled. "I

had

flushed.

I want

As

I've

he

penny,"

bad

fixed for

were

you

had

Jack

like

up,

now

only

and

greeted the boy sourly.

relative, had

thought

Jack's uncle

Jonas Wayne,

old

London,

STORM

THE

DURING

agents for

looking pretty fit.

with

and

me,

tell

"

said.

I'm

lot of Far

Come

along

all about

me

it."

hands

damp

had
he

and

reverse,

his

confide

was

found

Tolhurst

"

The

Come

governor

wants

along.

It may

This

but

it would

time
had

Jack

learnt

had

left the

"

an

be
have

on

his

office, the

warm,

his, rather

to whom

he would

and

excuse

the

had

followingmorning

left,
had

uncle," Sebag had explained.

you,

to ask

you

about

Borneo.

good thing for you."

been

almost

guard, and

him,

of

the

lodgings.

your

to see

little from

had

his

been

made

at his

from

the address

Got

friend

surprise,the

to

young

had

He

his

the last person

now

story.

oUy youth with

been

never

yet, greatly
"

The

declined.

had

Jack

impossibleto refuse,

old Alderman

little that

so

merchant

had

after
turned

Tolhurst
the

visitor

angrily to

son.

He's

not

grunted ;
he's not

Young

"

the

if he

fool yon

knows

said he

what

our

Sebag,"

was,

friends

want

going to give it away."

Sebag had shrugged

his shoulders.

80

to

he

had

find out.

DURING
''He's

only got a

he will tell
He

had

been

in

an

I will

with

He

his word,

seemed
had

could

an

the

time, of
had

Lung

the

course,

for the

go
of

expense

eating into

been

who

Talking

Black

of

keeping

his Uttle stock

ago, when

came

across

him.

his

making

he's

left him

father

let

he'd

with

me

have

result that

the

beside

few

Ah

been

the detested

said

had

he

now

O'Brien?
with

Well,

"

served

and

and

seated

tough,

he

under
I

that

He
His

him

told
had

at

if

grinned

letter to

Cornwall,

in

arm-chair

Barney, small,

big fire, with

the governor,

motor-boats.

with

posted
was

cottage in Cornwall,

invest

had

and

curled

big

eager,
in

up

excitable,
similar

oppositehim.

chair

you

himself

pounds.

thousand

it to

yet wonderfully wiry

"

all

old sailor who

an

experiments

expressively.
That
very night Jack
with

Pearl, and

Just fancy burying yourself Uke

father.

saya

got

knew

quiteunconsciously.

motoring

was

He's

; lives there

PorthkeUo

of money.

it had

O'Brien, Barney

two

or

take

He

worries.

schooldays,Tolhurst

remember

"You
month

old

over

to

capital he required

helpedhim, helped him

had

Jack's

to

Sebag putting

the

Yet, curiouslyenough, in the end

Sebag

greatly

other

finished,

him."

utterly unable

had

expedition in quest

for

that's

without

passed

Jack
he

whom

to

in touch

as

day

Meanwhile,

one

keep

good

as

appearance.

snub.
no

When

Not

annoyance.

STORM

very littlemoney.

all.

us

THE

Of course,

get

time.
father

"

the
I've

I'll go into

with
partnership
declared

Pearl," Barney
got all the

left it under

my

own

we

money

control

investment."

8i

"

for

you,
the

should
and

and

help

twentieth
need

this'll be

"

my
fine

who

Jack,
have

had

become

kept

single detail back, seemed

no

cautious

very

STORM

THE

DURING

that

now

the

scheme

to

was

possibility.
"

"

It's

besides

Remember,

the

"

Dwarf

at

rate, they will

off the

any

coast

and

said

and

the

see

the

danger

of

that

wUl

steamer

our

steamer

of

out

Palapogs. They

the

cost

slowly.

Pearl

gettingthe

there's
findingit spoilt,

Yellow

the

land

us

risk of

the

the risk of

hole and

from

he

extremely risky investment,"

an

see

waiting
alone

wiU

be tremendous."
The
"

boy laughed, quietly,musically.

other

But

shan't

we
'

in the

out

sails

sat

I hadn't

about

The

"

and

could

we

hide her

the mangroves.

But

in

how

"

answered

promptly.
understands
so
navigation,

gunner

for

our

With

purpose.
need.

"

Ah

do I

Lung

Oh, here

night,sir," Joseph Richardson

Bad

"

the room,

very

there

at

Pigtailhere

for

down

His
"

young

The

'

But

I wanted

of

this is

bad

night,and
'

the

are

"

at

that

least,
would

the gunner

looked

'

Arms

round

thought

in bad

I've
whole

company

got to

thank

skin."

quickly.
you

went

never

there."

do, sir,ordinarily,"the old sailor answered.

to

who

see

was

in there

to-night,because

hard-looking stranger being

'

I've been

with

gettingaway

said, as he entered

Arms.'

Logan

employer

Logan

Neither

I heard
and

masts

the Chinaman."

and

"

Yes,

amongst

four, plenty for all we

make

all

out

go

fit her with

must

we

of that.

httle creeks

enough

I know

"

course

thought

crew

Barney
"

big motor-boat,

my

shall go

suddenly.

up

of those

one

Of

We

man.

well."

as

Jack
"

steamer, old

Molly Hawk,'

in her.

the way

have

proper

Wrecker's

82

wind.'

in
If

the

village,
they put a

THE

DURING
had

side, whilst Barney

from

desk,

"

You

chmb

themselves

found

Ughts

were
"

There's

used

to

or

in, thinking it

"

won't

be
out

came

Neither
knew

often
It

come

nothing

there

might

tramp, after

father

boys

made

have

all."

to

do your
used

duty

to

above

It

say.
that

Great

to

you

Skipper,as

things."
reply. Barney, of

any

of old, whilst

his henchman

up

The

down.

all these

remembers

Always

log-book

your

It'll go

to-night.

and

'

king,'your

your

of the

"

answered.

forgotten in

understand,

hard

would

We

get back.
a

craft

there's

they
ship'sriding

grunted.

and

I call Him,

to

wettingand

Duty, sir,"he
God

if there

sure

gallery,where

other

No,

well

as

may

old sailor

your

they

then, they

even

make

edge,to

then

safe.

was

we

ourselves

The

and,

lantern, making it look hke

"

saved

elapsed before

of little natural

kind

light,"Barney explained,
to-night,so

the

no.

swing

under

one

easy

had

the

cautiouslyto

crawl

to

an

summit,

the

on

to his chum.

simply.

means

no

half-hour

fuU

conditions.

had

by

was

revolvers

couple of

handed

he had

know," he remarked

never

The

produced

of which

one

STORM

respect,the

already Jack
veteran's

had

course,

learnt

simplethough

strangelyexpressed piety.
was

much
and

their backs

easier

they

were

job returning with

within

soon

the

sightof

wind

the

at

cottage

again. Then, suddenly,Barney gave vent to an exclamation

of surprise.
broken
I But look there, someone's
We
left no lights
"

inl"
It seemed

as

if he

right.

were

In

the

two

back

certainly showing, though a moment

lightswere
shone
and a beam
these disappeared,
through the
window.

The

intruders

were

moving about.

84

rooms

later

passage

DURING
"

Barney cried, breaking into

Jack followed him closely,though

and

wooden

him

leg caused

They

had

ground,

STORM

I"

Quick

Lung

THE

coupleof

and

had

hundred

covered

yards

to go,

than

half

more

lightssuddenly disappeared; then

"

Look

that

at

the door

lightI

red

Ah

run.

th"

gunner's

drop behind.

to

soon

rough, broken

of

it when

Jack cried

There's

motor-car

the

outside

"

Fifty yards, forty yards, twenty-fiveyards it seemed

if they were
going to catch the thieves red-handed
"

as

"

twenty yards, fifteen

of the
in

to whir

began

car

then

"

with

violently,and

the

furiously,the

jar and

banged,

door

clutch

jerk the

the

engine
thrown

was

vehicle started

ofi.
"

tyres,Barney 1

The
who

shouted,

was

Jack
It

guide,yet, by

poor
buUet
blew

to

though

as

the

control, and
of the

car
a

loud

going

over,

later

the

moment

red

It

was

was
tail-light

report

lightseemed

red

were

was

"

piece of luck,

marvellous

the

pieces;

the

night, and

tyres1

his revolver.

pulledout

There

home.

went

he

as

dark

very

Fire at the back

to

then
car

fifth

the rubber

aa

suddenly,

swerve

the driver
round

was

the

regained
the

curve

road.

They've got clean away," Barney exclaimed disgustedlyi

Still,they've got to drive on a rim,
Jack laughed.

"

"

policemay catch them if we

The
policewill be asleep,and

give

the

so

'"

retorted.

Barney

began with
The
"

the

other

That's

an

''

Did

you

so

does

M, and

boy gave
exciting1

notice

there's

make

out

telephone,"

no

the

once."

at

number

It

Sebag Tolhurst's."

whistle.

Let's

see

what

they've

inside

done

cottage."

Hitherto

Jack by

Ah

Lung

had

said

the sleeve.

85

nothing,but

now

ha

took

DURING
"

You
?

No

see

Ctunaman

foreigndevil
Jack swung
"

What

The
"

No

him

out,

come

plenty

did not

see

round

STORM

THE
see

see,

two

foreigndevil
makee

no

well,other

mistake.

him

one

out ?

come

Yellow

One

Dwarf."

quickly.

Piet Van

der Humm

Are

you

sure

"

Celestial nodded.
makee

mistake,'' he repeated.

too well."

86

"

Know

him

plenty

CHAPTER
A

SUDDEN

first

AT

be

the

British

Barney

there

Lung

is

idea

too

Jack

had

seen

beach
now

der

in

the

"

amazing

Van

der

acting

as

Yellow

an

invader

Humm

in

burglar

suggestion

very

to

the

Borneo,

Piet

"

Humm

little

front

door.

right.

of

seemed

Barney's

one

which

Letters,

accounts,

locked,
knife,

had

had
and

they

apparently,

been

pots
desk

lay

suffered
been

had

ripped

the

leather

article

in

hands

and

it

had

moved

thing
every-

ransacked.

floor.

Jack's

trunk,

which

with

apparently

open,

was

sideboard

out,

been

had

over

he

been

turned

the

Captain

the

even

papers

unlocked

stolen.
on

been

strewed
too.

every

Ah

there

that

saw

not

had

contain

to

plans

"

because

he

as

later

the

likely

was

luggage

heavy

in

drawer

every

"

two

or

burglars,

still there, untouched,

was

ever,

and

dangers,

or

muttered,

seconds

as

point.

ordinary

had,

silver

this

Barney

few

practical

sane,

difficulties

on

be

steal,"

to

cool,

invent

certain

Nothing

O'Brien's

Lung,

to

man

wouldn't

They

was

Van

Ah

quite

was

own

and

cottage

was

last

so

but

Piet

the

on

the

very

"

last

O'Brien's

Yet

the

found

seriously.

territory;

Porthkello

absurd

RESOLUTION

boys

taken

Dwarf
of

XII

been

turned

out.

Jack
amongst

went

the

down

on

scattered

his

garments.

87

When

knees,

and

he

got

searched
up

again,

SUDDEN

A
"

"

what

old

It means,

ia not

Barney's
it

see
''

Lung

steal

document

first

the

Barney
all

was

bit

spoke ;

"

picked

he

has

And

"

case,''Jack answered,

Can't

catchee
?

to

I don't

to

up,"

he

Master

that's all,

said, '' but

dangerous

For

"

what

cheek, sir ;

"

lot of criminals

doorway,"

in the

it up

gather up
later

scattered

the
he

"

Plenty
Chinese

cheek

it

landed

moment

they've got
the gunner

was

he

handed

"

who

here I

Look

they are.

and

thought

the

quite ready

boy
to

do

Then, calmly, he

papers.

on

discovery, as

another

showed.

Barney,"

dropped.

showed

"

than

more

moment

but

catchee

unless

paper,

sigh of relief.

gave

quick exclamation
them

vent

gave

his neck.

"

"

it,the Chinese

his shirt, and

grinned, opened

ugly-lookingMalay kris; they were

had
murder, if we
interruptedthem."
A

in earnest.

he got it ?

an

began

healthy

Viceroy's letterof

out

Pearl

"

savee

"

and

much

wide, and

very

Thunder

Chinaman

safe there.

"

is very

littlewaterproofpackage hanging from

"

were

secret."

opened

eyes

got the

He's

man

What

anywhere."

The

it

to steal the

whistle.

eh, Ah

surprise,

quest of the Black

particularlysafe

try and

to

containing the

long

"

asked.

he

the

Dwarf

Yellow

here

rather

papers

to be

going

down

or

case,

his

little nervously.

fellow, that

The

occupation.
came

"

it all mean?

does

from

curly hair.

his

boy laughed

other

of Peihoo

yet recovered

not

"

after ?

The

had

fingersthrough

But

they

who

chum,

his
"

they've taken every single

of mine."

His

He

"

thought so," he muttered,

paper

ran

RESOLUTION

I've

he

cried,

seen

that

"

look

at

this cap

before, many

one

time,

of
seen

SUDDEN

A
it

the head

on

who

The

boys

the

afiair.

but

Jack had

Van

der

"

Williams.

Ralph

He

the other

was

one

out."

ran

risk

of

RESOLUTION

up

To

Barney
had

Humm,

where

midnight

that

full of

could

he

of the

to

of courage.

as

Sebag

of Piet

ways

daring enough

was

resource

young

discussing

wholly mysterious,

experience

knew

as

after

it seemed

some

and

anything, and
But

till well

sat

"

in ?

come

Barney

objected.
smiled.

Jack
"

quite simple; in fact, I

That's

such

made

fuss

agent for

is

Dwarf
detained

Far

for

the

Dutch

got

Eastern

Raja

as

first. He

in London

would

Tolhurst

companies, and,
The

well.

steamer, and
could

knew

we

were

easilyhave

It's

me.

Yellow

as

go to old Tolhurst

Sebag

that

course,

he

why

now

Alderman

town.

fortnightin Singapore,he

find, of

of

agent

have

must

in

me

number

he's

probably,

of

see

can

and

been
would

quite simple,

really."
Barney nodded.
"

it is,when

I suppose

too, that

when

Sebag

WiUiams,

who's

an

they got

and

Tell the
The
"

police?

the Pearl
when

and

me.

Gunner

The
"

utter

public.

last

waster, cleaned
But

chummy.

what's

would
The

making

mean

would

yarn
Borneo

for

car

our

next

him,
?

move

there

the

'vhole

would

out

be

story of

to

China,

half-a-dozen

Pearl
you

from
agree

us.

with

"

old sailor stroked

I do, sir.

young

year,

his

be cabled

of

remember,

his head.

reached

we

here

pirateswaiting to steal the

got enough dangers already. Don't

junks full
We've

That

no.

down

was

way.

"

shook

other

No,

very

put it that

you

We're

his grey beard.

going to

89

take

our

lives in

our

hands

as

it is ; but

so

the Great

on

sir,"and

he

That's

and

thin.

Jack
"

"

"

the

Once

he's

thought

looked

I've

have

asked

the same,
I think

for

general

as

and

him.

stroll

soon

And

over

that

Master

keep

this
we

trip.

moment

And

and

now,

Barney,

get
with

preparing

was

himself
arrived

he

Master

gone.
can

cook

Joseph

"

reported

knew

that

their

it

coming

was

going
'

to

get

jaw about

'

were

you

village about
off ; and

do.

one

caught.
'

there

Logan Arms

now

It'll be

Molly Hawk,'

Williams

90

the

uneasy

that

Dwarf, of whom
in

the

"

'

down

we're

over

than

Bill Morcom,

half-breed at the
Yellow

They try

Barney.

they're more

see

all know

guard

don't

Lung

constituted

cottage. They'lltry and

Cornishmen.'

this

Ah

I learn too, from

robbery here ; they

they're wondering what
to

answered.

through the village.He

has

the

well

he

man,"

he returned.

as

They

times."

sometimes,
protection

whilst

the

an

talking.

old

way,

had

Uttle
ugly-looking
last night. That'll be the
was

right,he's

awfullyamusing at

through with

servant

bluff it out, but

about

is

thing

got it. I daresay you'U feel much

Celestial

WiUiams

Ralph

through thick

now,

the door

as

in too."

took

Barney
"

that

it, and

the

"

us

that

It's

followingmorning,

Richardson
to

of fear.

before we're

breakfast
and

help

soon

ahead,
protectionthat he goes straight

put it

I'll turn

The

going to be
Barney : good-night,
room.

own

decided

after

looked

it.He's

upon

well, I've felt I wanted

"

He

as

anyone,

quickly,

up

I shouldn't

will

gunner

certain of Divine

without

after us,

right,"Barney laughed, as

aU

closed,

to rob

going

were

we

off to his

stumped

had

so

if

as

Well, good-night.Master

side.

our

"

it isn't

Skipper will look

that jungle. Depend

up in

you

RESOLUTION

SUDDEN

as

in
A

Cornwall

on

as

well

as

us,

so

bad

lot.

for the

CHAPTER
THE

XIII

MOLLY

"

"

HAWK

Captain O'Brien, Barney's father,

IF

distinguished

have
naval

and
his

"

the

MoUy

death,

could
a

He

had

There

similar

easilydo

crew,

and

he had

to

about

with

of that
a

kind.
there
in the

again

also

handled

certainlysucceeded.
"

with

plenty

of

Hawk

Molly

beam,

she

"

had,

hour.

an

Her

the

berths, leading into

storeroom

hands.

"

There

would
a

was

; forward

be

quarters

deckhouses

no

done

of any

forward

duplicateset

large

saloon

small

ignition

and, in the bow,

were

stove, and

amidships

could

twin-screw,

engines

dupUcate magneto

stern

the

none

of

but

utensils,

saloon.
it

Moreover,
anyone

yet be

possessed. Very strongly built,

Ordinarily, cooking
was

which

motor-boat

his

no

in

was

couple of

to

which

knots

were

four

credit

utmost

could

and

the

as

or

man,

and, in anything like good weather,

"

probably

engineer

an

the

design

seas,

and

twelve

through

cabin

for

did

with
engine six-cylinder,

each

all

which

would

completed just before

was

any

craft

less,fine hues

which

as

been

not

splendid all-round

to

freeboard

ample

was

out

points

were

he

either

set

on

small

very

He

craft

oi"cer

mark

Hawk,"

was

venture

other

his

architect.

genius.

by

made

naval

had

being

gear, there

was

on

was

possibleto navigate

deck.
another

In addition

wheel

in the

92

the

to the

vessel without

ordinarysteering

saloon, with

periscope

THE

similar to that

arrangement
in

heavy

"MOLLY

weather

HAWK"
on

submarine.

all hatches

could

direct-coupled
oil-engineand

be

Consequently,
closed.

dynamo

tiny,

supplied electric

light.
Every

detail had

regard to both
well

with
the

oil- and

Moreover,
boat
a

of her

bow

had

lived to

use

Maxim

"

the

was

box

we

boys

either in

kept

skyhght.

want

to

though

he

were

that,

so

mounted
was

its

possessed

main

may

the

weapon,

of

arranged

be

the

model

seldom

it
ordinarily,

abaft

unusually

was

gun,

trouble, it could

carefully.With

feature

explained,and

out

of

go," Captain

himself
now

had

not

grateful

very

forethought.

So far, the
for

had

teUing where

no

O'Brien

one

storeroom

stern, though,

or

There's

for his

the

class

httle

very

most

water-tanks, the craft

she

sight altogether,in
"

thought out

provided, whilst

kind.

by

been

only

mast

"

the

on

signallingpurposes, though

intended

to

in the event
had

have

her

of his

undertaking

been

rigged

made

so

"

Molly Ha\^"k

as

her

that

short

designerhad always

fore-and-aft

a
a

was

schooner,

long cruise, and

the masts

could

ments
arrange-

easilybe

stepped.
Jack heaved
on

board

the

had

sent down

for

storage,

sigh

boat.

house-agents
taken away

and

proceeding

he

relief when

The

promptly
a

of

which

been

had

too

to

Barney

poor

fisher-folk." Possibly,several

done

more

than

mean

growl, had

it not

stuck in his belt,and

had

gone

ready for

down
sea,

grim

smile

early to the
and

also to

"

on

Dwarf's

Hawk
over

"

the

have

Lung,

his face.

Molly

on

would

for Ah

keep guard
93

money

YeUow

with

complained

of them

been
the

superintendedeverything with

St. Chads

watched

now

spend his

that

was

from

himself

Barney's furniture

surly disfavour by the villageloafers,who

"

found

who

kris

The

gunner

to

get her

her.

"MOLLY

THE
At

last the

aboard
"

the

vans

Well, it's

with

the

the

good-bye

locked.

cottage door

"

Porthkello,' Jack said, as,

to

wheel, they headed

the

at

gunner

taken

been

full,the luggage had

were

yacht, and
'

HAWK"

of the

out

littleharbour.
nodded.

Barney
''

Yes, I'm

look

altogethersorry." Then

not

back, and

jiggeredI
WilUams

There,
has

sent him

the

on

to find out

"

if I

Barney.

Now,

instead.

You'll

chap
The
"

"

find

Co.

few

do

tricks."

he

said.

whilst Piet,Sebag

skylight,nodded.
never

take chances

with the

older than

he's got any

I vote

...

is to

Portsmouth

in

yellow

monkey

forgetthat he's much

him, too.

behind

of money
we

the

utterlyunscrupulous. And

and

are,

there

Plymouth."

round

us

must

we

Don't

Dwarf.

the

yard, up

Gunner,"

anyway,

days'breathingspace,

Yes, but, Barney,

Yellow

cheaper

stores

that

of his

more

you

sittingon

was

to Portsmouth

gear and

o"E before

any

ask

to

searchingfor

are

Jack,who
"

try

on

agreed readily.

going

was

It'llgive us

and

and

us

go

first-rate little

be

may

owner

young

We

river.

can

and

get your masts

I know

Plymouth, Master

told them

you, I would

were

quickerthere.

Worple

his shoulder.

glanced over
We

friend Piet has

your

going to."

we're

aye, that's him.

Aye,

and

I suppose

where

Joseph Richardson

"

quay

back.

come

happened to
surprise. Well, I'm
That
beggar Ralph

of

start

gave

he

amount

the firstthing

that

get automatic

we

pistolsfor

all

hands."
"

for me,

Not

revolver,

toys.
Ah

"

or
.

cutlass.

What

Lung, who

do you

had

shifted his plug of tobacco

the gunner

his moutli.

in

round

sir 1 "

"

Give
I don't
say.

the

me

know

Pigtail?

just thrust

94

good
these

old

Navy

new-fangled

"

his head

out

of the

THE
companion

"MOLLY
been

having

way,

HAWK"
busy making

the bunks,

up

grinned expressively.
"

Pistol

plenty good sometimes.

Chinaman

But

Dwarf,"

Yellow

this when,

use

he

and

Barney laughed, and turned

How

"

earth

on

How

does

And

you

expressively

"

had

Jack

he

Piet

was

he

kills Ah

is

on

our

be

won't
side.

Palapogs, and

he

had

die

to

the

at

now

gone

you."

you.

pigtail,

Keep

your

But

make

his

shoulders

belief that

surely as if one

as

to

hair.

shrugged

It's my

Van

He

so,

We've

had

not

der Humm's

of

that

an

there

judges

our

forgottenthat

prisoner.

Lung first,"he muttered.

caught

Joseph Richardson
That

"

little shiver.

gave

Unless

"

wouldn't

cap for him."

the black

on

day when
"

der Humm

good

his to

keep

then''

and

be

turn

never

is doomed

Dwarf

put

and

look out

"

Yellow

? Wait

does

jollygood

You

Barney.

he'll

and

him,

of

enemy

he's been

say

it. Master

him,

to

thingshe

Celestial,who

of the

he'll die for you,

word

shoulders.

answered.

gunner

That's

and

"

enough." Barney glanced

kind

looks

"

forward.

"

Lung's prisoner. He

Ah

bland, yellow face

The

him

death."

he

Yet

catchee

Still,I pity Piet Van

better.

them

becomes

ever

merciful
"

yes.

Jack.

do half the

Chinaman

tillyou know
if he

by,

one,

long, villainous-looking

keep it there

he

does

to

boy shrugged his

other

The

by
his

drew

and

have

of his sleeve.

knife out

"

Likee

the words.

sir," he retorted

got

set free them

to

wipe

out

sturdily.
those

"

Right

murdering

poor slaves in the bird's nest

caves."
This time
'"

Jack laughed.

Our commission

is growing,it seems,

95

Barney," he said.

THE
"

I think

"MOLLY

HAWK"

we'll find tlia Black

Pearl

almost

much

as

as

wa

manage."

can

But

the old sailor

in earnest.

was

We

shall

manage

mistake

about

that.

Worple

river

is

"

it all, sir.
can

Don't

make

you

it coming out

see

any

rightin

the

end."
The

muddy

creek,

hour's

really nothing more

miles

running some

railway journey from

side the banks

shore, mud
berths

flats, exposed

for

laying

builders have
Half

full

the

fair-sized

coming

number

yards

The
for

up

or

"

the

so

Everybody

in

always

can

those

on

not

Hawk

stroke
very

"

yacht-

all the year

see

ones

score

or

mud-berths, and

itself.
the shore

from

rise,where, for all practical

which

"

Worple

of

the

"

face

"

Blue

each

"

Ensign

other

from

about

yachts, everybody
yachts, with the result
either

yachtsman,
than

He

at once,

able

was

and

to

would

whom

to

to

put

do.

the

give

hand,

or

owner

landsman

luck, the builder

busy.

berth

talks

indirectly,on

individual

the

splendid
the

kept busy

rival hotels
"

Head

excites far less attention

was

of which

opposite

of the road.

lives, directly or

By

fact

are

to the crest of the

Nelson's

oppositesides

that

tide, form

in the stream

out

purposes, it ends in the two

and

low

villageof Worple stragglesupwards

mUe

the

one

yachts, or preparingold

drawn

anchored

more

on

You

season.

of fine craft

more

wooded, but

On

an

advantage.

round, either building new

for

town.

at

deep

inland, a quarter of

Portsmouth

vessels,a

up

taken

dozen

steep and

are

than

boys

the

full gang

"

went

Molly

to work

her.

on
"

She'll sail well, Mr.

examined

her

with

your father well.

keen

He

knew

O'Brien," he said, after he had

professional
eyes.
what

96

he

was

"

I remember

about, did Captain

THE
O'Brien.

For

their
''

"

time

plans

good

ought

You

oil.

Worple.
"

vessel

we

what

seeming carelessness.

were

months.

some

away

Indies."

neighbour

queer Uttle

pointed to

going

Ah, there

here

longvoyages

yard

has

to

as

justsold

in

that

goes

out

to

the

the

Far

East,

owner,

new

that

pinnace."
had

which

motor-boat,

so

good

large,
white-paintedyacht, l3ring

juststrolled

had

Then,

have

fair wind,

in the next
a

in the

man

Jack, who

you've

She's

"

stream.

all right,if you

lot of craft for

My

in the

wharf.

that

manage

fit out

he

"

to

We

I understand.

the

tell anyone

for the West

season

sail whenever

hands, and

out

deep-sea

builder nodded.

The

save

Why

last,with

at

surprisedif

be

it's

say

make

were

Yes," he answered

They
"

you're going to

Barney hesitated.

I shouldn't

"

HAWK

"

moment

MOLLY

I suppose

...

tripthis

"

round

up, turned

just shot

quite involuntarily,he

out

from

to

look

the

at

next

gripped Barney's

arm.

The

than

new

owner,

Piet Van

the

"

queer

littleman,"

der Humm.

97

was

none

other

CHAPTER
CHANGE

OF

afternoon

sitting-room of

and

It's sheer

wanted
drive

the

taken

Blue

war

piratejunks

natural

place for

der

hotel, where

down

it," and

he

but

gave

Irishmen,

many

the
"

village.

The

Raja

her,

arm

natural

most

to

place

it's the most

Hawk'

to

refit.

nothing mysterious

quick glance
to be

apt

was

to

just as

there's

Barney, who,

at

superstitious.

his idea ;

understood

Perhaps Barney

going

bring the 'Molly

to

us

he's

find one,

to

jolly unfortunate,

so

"

in the

quarters, the gunner

this is the

and

"

Humm

Van

about

held

was

Ensign

up their

I suppose

"

for Piet

hke

of

chance, of course," Jack said.

steamer

off

It's

"

Lung having found lodgingslower

Ah

"

had

boys

PLANS

council

THAT
the

XIV

at

rate, he

any

laughed lightly.
"

about, but

came

Gunner

"

like

world

waited

he
"

Aye,

She's

up

aye.

if she

to affect

proceeded
in

to

it

how

not

Isn't that so.

us.

his

get into

favourite

big arm-chair, looking for all the

cutting a

was

to thrust

sea

going

question is

mischievous, curly-hairedimp.

fast

keep the
Then

he

old sailor

The

it's

how

and

position,coUed

The

right. Jack.

all

That's

that

into

it does

craft,that steamboat,
when

we

ships some

as

98

affect us,

and, of
have

should
guns,

before

his mouth

Barney,

Master

plug of tobacco, and

new

she's

to
sure

course,

answering.
big

she could
shelter.

into

run

to

lot.

do,

seven-

CHANGE

Is reallyService work

free, we'll be able

because, when

aU

out

wiped

Pearl, and

to

PLANS

OF

Palapogs, and

the
the

turn

got the Black

we've

country

the

set

slaves

to the

over

British

Government."
With

changes of mood.

of his sudden

one

Jack

burst

laughing.

out
"

Oh,

fast 1

In the

of Peihoo
"

beginning
have

Bigger things

the

old

what

saUor

two

more

stand

meet

often, but

don't

the

that

forget that

British

one-pounder

or

on

"

ship

you

"

we'll be fit to tackle

used

launch

Just

talk
be

to

Twelve-inch

Navy.

remember

to

I don't

sir,"

long one-pounders

and

coast.

Pearl

less means,

island.
two

too

territory."

enough

same

Barney,

on

with

old

"

we

of

I'm

seven-pounder

everything

gunner

done

did in that
Master

guns.

she won't

"

growing

only going for the

were

been

retorted.

Brooke

Raja

we

is

commission

to collar the whole

we're

; now

The

Gunner

I say.

about

it

champion

in

the

it's all the

bette,
barto

same

me."
So

far Ah
doubted

have

but
"

Get

fetch

and

all

Palapog

Really, it
There

was

knowing

success

must

was

the

Now,

"

cheerfully.
in

Then

junks, kill

do."

Ah
be

"

calm

assumption
so

to

go ;
their

dangers which

well

had

but

was

no

of

decided

wanted
he

had

Jack.

certainty about
seemed
to

go ;

felt he

promises, unless

to

he

could

it,
feel
was

not

they realised

arisen.

everything appeared
There

which

of old, he

Jack

assured.
to

"

do

can

Lung

his comrades
new

conversation

pirate men

that

desperately anxious
hold

might

such

that,

Cantonese

Can

the

understood

Pearl," he remarked

plenty
.

onlooker

an

in.

Black

him

go

he

whether
chimed

he

now

only listened,and

had

Lung

once

longer any
100

more

to

be

forward.
straight-

questionof giving up

CHANGE

A
the

venture

it

OF

only

was

PLANS
of

matter

takingthe

wisest

possibleprecautions.
"

She'll

all

need

told," Richardson

steamer.

"

he'll have

to wait

of Borneo.

You

here

but

Jack
to be

going

be

other

don't

risk

when

little

of

crew

gets

far

so

Raja's

means

that

the

coast

twenty-fivepirates
just ship an
his

to

doubtfully.

extreme,

the

on

He'll

he

least,

very

It

he's out

of them.

change it

the

to

mean

until

us

sure

his chin

rubbed

that

pick up

can't
and

does

attack

to

may

you

twenty-five,at the

declared, referringto

what

Now,

ordinary crew,

port."

This

seemed

over-confidence

as

concerned.

was
"

I vote

I'm

we

going

difference

to

far

so

be saier

Suez

Canal, of
I

the way.
her

the others

change

was

safe to

and

they

not

advantage,

Dwarf

"

sure

we

through
for
so

the
all

us

dodge

had

would
It
the

their

as

seems

they

of the

quest
would

take

all.

the least idea where

It

off any

Black

was

the Black

for

Pearl.

As

concerned, that

might
not

it

pursuit,

moment

own

begin

would

be

Jack said,

as

was

in fact, it

enemies

after

their

enormous,

probably

shake

choose

to

be

would

hand,

would

they

greatly surprised

would

plans

other

in

matter

to

coming,

not

were

time

extra

seem

able

down

swoop

the

as

that
be

would

sudden

and

I'm

Cape, and

too

navigation
the

On

assume

seemed

in their

of

difficulties

largely increased.

did

the

lot of

the look-out

on

round

go out

suggest we

The

the

and

far

will be

and

but

will go out

Raja's steamer

course,

moment

speak.

is concerned,

What

altogether."

For
to

the

"

It'll make

big thing.

time

as

"

it,all the same," he said.

is

propose

shall

was

of

crew

almost

to

as

assume

if the

Pearl

was

be

an

they
Yellow

hidden,

find it for himself meanwhile.

a

first to

good idea.

Master

speak.
lOI

Barney."

The

old sailor

CHANGE

A
"

I'm

and

he

dived
the

of

map
"

make

we

the

down
At

it is,"

sure

into

He

fill up

of Africa

we

get

can

went

the map

"

thence

to

The
"

the

with

oil there.

at

can

from

there

Anyway,

avoid

going

smaller

some

after that

oil,and

were

Channel

to

Mombasa,

from
to

port,

slowly.

"

Ceylon.

to

much

the

else

That's

it'llbe

Colombo

Singapore,and
so

Or

one

Yes

at the

and

across
a

point

us

to
to

simple enough.

get oil and

stores

They'll be

better.

at

action.

Hope.

"

That's

"

bending

Singapore,very likely."
Barney rolled up the map with a quick,decisive
it's settled. We go round the Cape of Good
Then

watching for

Then

Jack suggested.

Perhaps," he answered

we

large

frowned.

gunner

Mauritius, and

If

Mozambique

Colombo,"

settle later.

him.

beside

Through

bit,"

eagerly,

on

glanced questioninglyat the others,who

over

Capetown, fill up again.

to

more

Wait

returning with

here," he

Look

first,and

coast

"

answered.

Barney
"

Madeira

Delagoa Bay

PLANS

liis bedroom,

world.

west

OF

beauty

about

Wlio's

that

door, which

this
?

opened

^we're

job
"

Come

in," as there

to admit

Tolhurst.

102

own

our

the fat

was

masters.
a

knock

figureof Sebag

CHAPTER
SEBAG
be

would

IT

of the

find

to

He

IS

when

sitting-room.

and, just as he made

A

late.

too

sofa, trying

''

the

"

way
mean

He'll

inserted

was

then

recover

the

were

evident

occupants

he had

expected

to

to do

he

the

found

with

front

sittingin

was

flee at

he

so,

hand

in

and

turn

his

breath,

with

Ah

No

can

away

in

it

his

was

long,

very

of
the

once,

collar,
of

comer

grinning

Lung

bad

very

I say,
to

run

noise-carriage,"

grunted.

Tolhurst

Sebag

you

to

Celestial

was

yellow hand,

this time.

Catchee

had

It

who

consternation

amiably.

him

at

him

choking

saw

his mind

up

lean

scratching nails,
half

he

greatly surprised

too

the

exaggerate

totallydifferent.

one

some

was

FRIGHTENED

difficult to

Sebag's face

on

XV

shock

visitor.

by

it ?

have

to

that

you

brave,

still,he tried

to

fellows, O'Brien, Wayne

you

treat

but

anything

was

He's

torn

for

pay

What

the

savage

shirt

fine

heathen
as

well.

much

for

that,"

he

say
hke

bluff.

is

yellow

It doesn't

ones.

with

This

had

he

ofl

carry

that

collar, and

my

new

hob-nob

does

and

panted.
Ah
and
it

on

Lung

took

up

taking his long

his hand,

and

tapped

The
on

the

door,

of his sleeve, began to

strop

positionwith

knife

out

gunner

put

the floor with

103

on

his back

his most

his wooden

to

severe

sion,
expres-

leg. Barney

IS FRIGHTENED

SEBAG
himself

curled

whilst

laugh quietly;
and

answered

"

you

you

motored

The

have

to

other

us, Tolhurst

see

get a

the

on

to

table,

white.

as

tyre,before

a new

It

plainthat

was

of his share in the

knew

they

that

kind of you.

That's

"

deadly

went

rim, as well

new

down

believed

not

to

came

Did

his elbows

leaned

Jack

began

unwillingguest.

the

So you

chair, and

in his

more

once

up

he

had

robbery

at

Porthkello.
"

"

I haven't

Have

the

aU

you

I've

"

Are

"

They
'

the

the

I can't

why

think

gravely.

Their
was

you.

time, of

course.

What

d'you

enough

the

"

to

him

Boy
for

there," Barney
is out

warrant

he

and

to

have

see

turned

given Sebag

that

who'll

under
to

the

they did

fresh heart.

not

intend

to

"

prosecuted for detainingme,'' he

be

AATiatever

proof.

no

to

open

insinuate

you

Once
the

more,

door.

of you, to

employ

savage

moment

there

was

an

He

'

arrested.

yellow brute
a

The

it'll be rotten

But

had

ever

Perhaps

shrewd

you've got
expect

"

they

seemed

retorted.

eyes.

have

prisoner.

It's you

For

the

old School."

sarcasms

him

some

eh, Tolhurst

name,

unfortunate

have

from

away

outside."

me

will call him.

papers

reputation of

another

"

him

have

must

answered

He

here

Barney inquired innocently.

let them

must

we

stand

to

I leave

latter nodded.

Burglar
the

"

sooner

"

think. Jack ?
"

If so, the

got friends waiting for

they policemen ?

he blustered.

you mean,"

Chinaman

that

If so, I suppose

The

mad

gone

Tell

better.

door.

"

the least idea what

understood

Enghsh
104

I order
It's

burglary,

about
you

to tell that

just what

I should

like that."

ugly gleam
far better

than

in Ah

Lung's

he

spoke it,

SEBAG
and

there is

than

to

IS FRIGHTENED

greater insult,and

no

treat

Chinaman,

of civilisation behind

dangerously,and
his

him,

Pick

him

he

came,"

One

his

five thousand

barbarian.

Then

years

he smiled

pulla drivingglove

to

"

outside

of

out

sufficed for

rotten

lot
but

and

paid
they

keeping

His

for

"

Plenty

give
off

stamps
You

receiptsfor

approval

sheets

keen

always

were

lamp alightI
him

the

at

the
a

"

ness,
busi-

on

hke

this,

"

his

prisoner covered
deserted

us

he read

I remember

burglar,leaving clues

poor

tail

your
the

Tolhurst.

to

"

Tolhurst

Sebag

used

too.

were,

had

nerve

"

Jack.

you

you

make

you

Suddenly

thief-men

thing to Jack.

handwriting, too,

it well at school, when

we

the

night

inside him."

It's your

money

cottage, the

said, as he handed

look

out.

face with

his hands.

sight of that proof of

guilt.

Barney
"

glanced

they

sorry

What

The
"

had

gunner

Leave

we

say

wretched

"

he

rather

was

youth,

asked.

sir,to

me,

I'd

It would

Navy.

sit down

and

and

me

drive

have

seen

be
a

the

Pigtail. He
'

week

twenty-five,'
two

or

before

motor-car."

Lung grinned.

Ah
"

to

the

him

first whom

the

in the

he wanted

with

answered
to

Jack. Really, he

captured
do

we

him
be

towards

ever

shall

wouldn't

Chinaman
the

but
to

as

proceeded

up

written

name

as

with

foolish action,

more

pocket.

"

his

no

plenty

savage

Sebag

miserable

sometimes,"

turned

he

remarked

deathly white,

and

began

grovel.
'"

Oh, I say, O'Brien, Wa3me,

fellows 1 I'm
Chinese

stand

boy.

not

I'm

being hurt.

like
"

one

I'm

of the

awfully

don't

boys

leave
in the

sensitive.

Navy,
never

I'llpromiseanything,tell you

105

to

me

these
or

could

anything,

IS FRIGHTENED

SEBAG
if

you'lllet

don't, how
The

sir ?

the

the

Pigtailgo

turned

"

have

to

away
"

tears.

came

down

wanted
we've

him

made

My father
The

Now

"

One

he

he

''

suitable for

demandedj

Van

der

was

wipe
rotten

Humm

is

didn't reaHse what

about

the

best

he

can

say.

for that

go

sick of the
of

again,

you

business."

the

PigtaU

he

him, though

to interfere with

great beads

to

for the

finished with

was

he

pretended

Mr.

If that's

He

So

eyes.

sorry

we

let the

short.
the

"

was

and

we've

snorted.

face, with

white

promise not

cut him

us

said.

of ours,

Barney, better

Barney

''

implement,

an

"

culprit;

Then

awfully angry

was

gunner

Master

tell

tell you

to

do.

to

an

into Tolhurst's

played," he

us

the

after all 1

important client

an

to

flashed

escape,

had

got

you

some

part

get

solemnly.

sharply to

crafty look

going

Barney exchanged

"

Barney
What

and

out

old sailor asked

sensitive skin ?

are."

chaps like myself

laughed,whilst Jack and

disgust.

Shall
"

understand, these fellows

don't

They

go.

sensitive

gunner

looks of
''

me

"

sightof Sebag's

standing
perspiration

it.

on
"

door.
be

right.

All

more

flash he

"

At

Ah

the

Lung, open

games

again, it'll

twenty-five you'llget."
needed

gone,

remarked

these

at

you

"

'

Tolhurst
was

out," he said.

catch

we
'

than

Sebag
who

if

But

Clear

no

greatly to

second
the

bidding.
disgustof the

Like

gunner,

severely:

least, he

ought

to

have

been

searched. Master

Barney."
Five

minutes

saying much

was
"

I went

later, in the
the

same

to the wrong

rival hotel,

thingto

the Yellow

place," he admitted.
io6

Sebag

himself

Dwarf.
"

That

was

CHAPTER
BARNEY
"

"1^

OW

I^^

MAKES

As

touch

you

Uke.

the boat

There's

only a sleepy
there

yard, kept

short

work

of the

'

in

Molly

quarters aboard."

our

I don't
It would

now.

They

must

see

should

why they

be too
know

we

to

the

risky,and
have

want

they

the

to

would

important

hidden."

papers
I'm

going
"

answered.

send

to

We

the

none

enough

less, Piet Van

burn

to

I both

box

the

the

'

bank

them

want

and

Lung

actually seen

We've

them

don't

Ah

curiosities.

but,

"

at the

make

up

can't be too careful."

his shoulders.

But

gain nothing.
"

down

take

we

Barney shrugged
"

spoke.

could

they

I vote

Hawk.'

who

watchman

of fire,and

MISTAKE

we're here, we

Jack

was

old
case

know

they
It

XVI

except

now,

know

containing
der

to-day/' Jack

the

Hawk

place exactly.

the

Humm

Pearl;

Black

is

quite vicious

out

of

surprisedwhen

he

Molly

for

'

sheer

spite."
ship-builderwas

The

cHents'

of his
who

could

Hawk

"

Still,he
his

did
was

concern.

decision

afford
not

to

live aboard.

to

own

hke

little

beautiful

smell of the

the

being paid well

Had
afraid

for

were

in all

have
probability,

the

at

craft Hke
round

mud

for his work,

they hinted

they

As

the

and

true

heard

rule, people
"

the
the
it

was

reason,

MoUy
yards.
not
that

motor-yacht's safety, he would,

been

more

io8

and
still,
surprised

would

BARNEY
have

told

them

that

happen to-day
the

MAKES

piracy and
the

under

dawn.
also

The
the

was

of the

eyes

"

the

builders' men,
the

on

crimes

do

not

county poUce and

she

learnt

decoration
she

her,and

gunner,

with

everyone

She

had

that

"

was

think

learnt

they

"

village,and

I vote

away.

flushed

Jack

drop

we

yet

challenge

that, in the

always

feared
"

to be

on

nothing, and would

Very

well,"

he

don't think it worth

well

I knew

the

as

my

there

was

some

to supper

Pang

he

alert,that
stick at

'

them

aboard.

is

one

only

few

of

real

Dwarf,

Piet Van

had

some

der

not
one

Humm

nothing.

rather

"

stiffly. If
not

the look-out."

109

here.

us

opponent, he did

part, I could
on

to

people

felt, rightly,that

while, Barney, I will take

my

on

Yeen

first hint

of the Yellow

answered

For

own.

'

unnecessary

down

sign of

of their

case

could

Evidently, Barney

himself.

to

sat

the

and

them,

learn.

to

sentry-go."

was

the character

reahsed

understand

It

quickly.

disagr.eement between
was

this

fancy

any

of reference.

Prison

Parkhurst

that

They'd remember

make

to

managed

doing anything

risk

inquiries

foreigners,and

lot of

no

the

and
register,

of those
there's

name

water-side, left

without

books

did

save

one,

able

to

tons

they

her

careful

the

sold

from

None

Besides, they wouldn't

had

no

old sailor

as

that

seemed

ourselves

giving

we're

the

about

not

saw

along

five hundred

evening.

the fourth

miles

who

all the

was

some

till

constantly

eyes

the most

been

trouble," Barney remarked,

are

they

"

the

do fifteen knots,
"

"

Yeen

go aboard

had

they

"

being thoroughly overhauled,

was

That

steamer

wiser.

no

dusk

nights passed uneventfully,as

their

Pang

once

watches, from

Though they kept

part of

friends at
them

two-hour

first three

Sultan's

now

take

to

days.

the

on

as

kindred

coastguard service.

They agreed

it

MISTAKE

your

you

watch

sleepunless

MAKES

BARNEY
Now
he

it

For

Barney's turn to flush.

at the implied rebuke,

was

furious

was

MISTAKE

held

he

then

moment

out

his hand.
"

be

Don't

do

turn.

my

watch,

my

I've

But

never

the

except

Spithead Forts,

with

coffee,and had

anxious

an

That

night,the

Richardson.
Then

that

The

Ah

moon

had

watchman

lightsin

It

in

away
He

well

could

be

to have

justbrought
master's

fell to

relieved

eyes.

Joseph

the

gunner.

so

see

the
the

were

watchman's

lightsof

two

river.

"

part of his objection

sentry-go

"

seemed

have

to

foolish,he told himself, as he sat

to sea, it would

be

earth

the

was

was
police-station

the

waning

yard
yacht-builder's

bow,

the

the

out, and

Really,beyond
could

from

seen

ofi

went

they

as

beside

an

on

"

box, his lantern

was

what

careful ; but

All

skylight. Jack

they got

once

Why,

had

watch

Lung

little

called
all

was

the

on

in the

he

what

returned.

and,

the

it all,thought he detected

sleepy,and, somehow,

very

doing

down

who

villagewere

the

Barney

craft out

was

his

set.

already

lantern, all that

to

seemed

matter

Lung,

"

reported

yard

All the

He

far, during

so

keep awake."

to

hours'

first two

had

him.

three

the

overheard

sleeping peacefully in

or

I'll

course

Barney'sturn.

others

duty.

job

At ten o'clock Ah

came

The

anything

still lurking in his beloved

look

Of

searchlights flashingfrom

dropped altogether,
though
some

''

said.

seen

it's often

and

Jack laughed, and

in

he

old man,"

cross,

awfully good sort,

impossibleto
use

on

of all these precautions

the

bare

be too

Worple river ?
hundred

yards

1
looked

in the
lights

the

at
stream

his throat, muttered

Wayne's

fads

"

then

watchman's

again,buttoned

lantern, looked

110

tho

round
up his coat close

something very impohte about

fell fast

at

asleep.

Jack

BARNEY
"

Hold

him

firm.

to shout.

or

These
first

MAKES

Hold

Don't

words, hissed

him

raised

Three

MISTAKE

give him

off the

rather

heard

than

when

he

had

he

had

men

the

seen

hold

whilst

his life,a

shiver

described

had

had

They

horse-cloth

at once,

of fear

hands

he

hardly

being actual

as

his eyes

opened

men.
was

own.

and, for the first time

through him.

ran

the Yellow

Dwarf

in

Jack Wayne

too often for the

skill.

everythingready

Not

Piet Van

appeared
alone
their

their

out

to be

boy

had

himself

looking

Malays

of

stepped

not

he

to make

him
his

on

"

which
For

mind.

It is

the moment

"

it

was

now

They
Their

the

by holding which

to

through
his

he realised that it was

Molly Hawk

others.

and
all

faces

feelingof

body, grippinghim, groping,

also

only fair

flashed

side now,

was

they

were

Uterallyghastly.
do a singlething
not

of his comrades.

comrades

those

it all.

shudder, but

out, could

cry

the attention

duty

thought

not

ments
move-

wonderful

peculiarlyugly type.

for certain muscles

could

the

at

one

huge

his

with

over

to

even

hamper

work

made

temporarily to paralysehim,

Would

and

further to

Humm

enough

to attract

Then

seemed

small, sinewy hands

Yet

from

sound

der

it seemed,

able

carried

to be

were

him

they

found

Barney

round

to wrap

gag, cords,

"

and

"

recognisehis captor.

to

as

by

other

of him, but

he

moment

fullyawake

was

the

awakened

was

hideous, evil, yellow face close to his

He

struggle

"

deck.

barefooted

What

fools I

his mouth,

over

to

whispered,were

them, hardly thought of them

saw

chance

him, hold him, you

Barney O'Brien
being placed

hand

suffer
say

that

the brave

this

the

was

foolish

but

danger seemed

own

his

through

as

been

low

tide ;

drawn

up

on

to

consequently,the
III

first

boy's

nothing.

only himself they wanted.

had

lapse

The

mud-berth,
water

was

MAKES

BARNEY

littledistance away

some

the
with

that

marked
"

Now

whole

I've

wish

it had

know

the

tell

"

your

end

told

me

I've

chum

; but

Black

that

hurt

everything before

Barney

his

closed

was

peeringdown

his

eyes.

into

StUl, Piet

he

reason,

lost his

of the face with

sure

you

make

can

you
in

speak

anyone
You

much.

will

and

he

have

gave

other

Van

Probably,

did
round

in their

only

too

come

glad

the

Lung.
deck

have

not

the

perhaps for

the

boy

that

the side

on

on

to

flyingby

sent
who

men

mud,

dous
tremen-

carryingBarney

was

allowing Barney

wait.

not
to

see

whence

the

as

be

to

here, in England,
fear of the

policewas

curious

just as Barney

sense

was

had

have

come.

turned
to

even

their

all-powerful.

unwillingly,and

errand

escape,

though they

attack

country, they would

own

the

It seemed

they

were

anyway.

attacking force consisted only

Some

with

slime.

the

semi-savage instincts,the
had

answered

did

struck

was

the

fought savagely, but

They

yellow face

horrible

that

his face, and,

on

the words.

heard

even

Humm

der

of the

one

men

looked

hardly

but

temper, and

in

half smothered

had

his,and he could have

heavily into

down

The

he

his fist.

; then

blow

on

I'm

night is out,"

later, he himself

moment

Yet

O'Brien,

you'lldo.
And

they

slopping

were

Mr.

got you,

will make

the

mouth,

satisfaction of seeing fear

and

said, as

stern, and

very

sign that

no

gave

gag

went

had

Uttle chuckle.

hideous

carried

which

Dwarf

Pearl.

things which

things

"

"

Now

of the

I know

the

The

been

against

prisoner was

Yellow

Molly Hawk's

ooze.

secret

me.

ladder

raid.

"

the

was

this the

got you," the

got clear of the

through

there

wonderfully quiet caution

same

the

; but

down

yacht's side, and

MISTAKE

of

danger

being
113

taken

of

had
down

one

man.

brought
the

Ah
him

ladder,

BARNEY
and, without
and

made

The

waiting to

the

rush

Yellow

his foot in

the

Humm

his knife.

By

other, and, before

commotion,

For

happened

He

now.

the

mud,

whilst

"

What

was

Celestial

The

"

yards

ten

some

Plenty

in another

his

"

Ah

"

boat, which

patch.
?

aa

"

now

was

the shore.

from

answered.

snorted.
"

he

growled;
you

mud-larks

"some

If this

doesn't

beat

his

Then

mean."

in
I'm

the

come

feU

eyes

horse-cloth,

blowed

"

he

all 1 "

Lung grinnedamiably.
he repeated,
then,
pirate-man,'
proceededto cut the boy's bonds.
"

"

or

panted

unruly rumpus
the

pointed towards

soft

watchman

the

figure of Barney, lashed up

WeU,
expression changed.

muttered.

His

his side

on

very

"

and

by

second

was

another

all this

he
pirate-man,"

Pirate-man

the

on

awakened

comparativelyfirm ridge in

stabbing

fled, absolutely foiled.

struck

steal cable, I suppose

to

on

there

What's

watchman

The
"

Lung

that

up.

came

get

fight

shouting.

trapped. Luck

be
to

Ah

"

he

been

drawn

springing

within

to

get

boat, and

in the

would

himself

he

two

either from

had

Dwarf

Yellow

already

were

men

who

had
been

have

must

could

they

got stuck

footing,and

there

terrible

free, Piet Van

was

hurrying down,

was

the

once

he

prevented

watchman,

the

his

ground

at the

the

time

hard

mud

there

the

On

finish,but

ended

Chinaman's

the

and

Lung's

assailant himself

also recovered

caught

Ah

the

had

to the

distance,

certainlyhave
from

fact that

the

followed

hands

on

absolutely at

was

thrust

horrible mud.

in that
der

he

down

come

would

one

for the

knife, but

cable, and

career

then, with

and

the others, he had

staggered forwards, had

moment

his

and

mercy,

MISTAKE

behind.

had

chain

rouse

from

Dwarf

For

knees.

MAKES

Chinaman

'

say

quitecalmly, he

Plenty

"3

CHAPTER
MANY

XVII

PREPARATIONS

was

much

BARNEY
he

climbed

was

I risked
into
He

ruining
his
laid

Jack
"

Never

that

worry.

Before

Jack

"

him.

I feel

he's

now

tell him

to

go

to

Jack
No,

That

result,

to

Yellow

Van

Don't

getting

Dwarf

1"

shuddered.

wlU

trust

well
more,

it."
of you,

decent

now."

me

put his

reply,the gunner

AU's

once

about

It's very

of you

none

"

Humm

der

worry

"

head.

?
the

having
He's

But

head

through

here, sir,"he said.

coffee ; but what

some

it

over

are

we

all,and

going
wants

poUce."

sprang

up
That

no.

it's

aboard

properly mazed
quickly.
would

of reporters here

swarm

fine chance

Barney protested.
Ah

"

Hawk

shoulder.

got the night watchman

I've

to

"

as

skyhght.

Just

"

addition

forehead, and

beaten

his

could

as

fellow," he said, gently.

beat

shook

I do

the

"'

other

in

show,

his

on

We've

always

The

but

hand

well.

Molly

frankly, and,

his

across

mind, old

ends

we'U

as

whole

the

hand
a

"

the

himself

"

said

frightfulpositionmyself.

drew

of

his comrades.

slacker," he

ashamed

painfullyaboard

faced

and
"

very

'' I

never

We

do.

should

have

by midday."
to

get that yellow fiend arrested,"

could

Lung."
114

swear

to

him,

and

so

could

PREPARATIONS

MANY
Later
the

the two

morning, aa

in the

walking up

were

they usuallylunched, Barney

the hotel where

villageto

boys

stopped abruptly.
"

I've

Jack,

It's this.

'

knows

well, and

if I told

'

Captain Smith

if

this way

"

"

with

room,

Intelligence

of my

father's.

something about

have

to hint

her watched
at the Pearl

the

where.
everybusiness.

Office
Intelligence

Naval

he

small

very

is it ?

Well, what

took

Barney's
"

returned.
showed

then

asked,

he

Will

them

naval

officer seated

The

officer looked

"

declined

in.

was

later he

minutes

of

couple

him

he'd

sir," he said, as

I'll see,

Naval

greatfriend

even

at the

doorkeeper

to say
"

need

no

No, don't laugh.

this afternoon."

go there

The

her crew,

and

There's
We'll

in the

men
was

Yeen

Pang

head

at Portsmouth

me

'*

idea," he said.

an

of the

One

Department
He

got

name.
come

you

into

at

desk.

large

sharply.

up

Barney hesitated.
''

I wanted

Captain Smith,"

"

I'm

here

in

at

him.

back

boy

The

Captain
"

changed

what

their errand

\oo
'"

end

the

lad.

anything
"

in

was

purelyprivateone,
told,

as

inclined
and

to

to leave ;

brieflyas

possible,

was.

of the

story the little officer laughed,none

pleasantly.
I would
give up reading

you, my

Good

"

?
he

moment

mind, and

his

then

At

was

business

your

For

the matter

say that

place,"the other snapped

Smith's

What's

flushed.

he answered.

That's

it,I"

I should

stories,if I

were

rubbish.

If there had

been

all sheer
and

"

adventure

have

he

slapped

his

own

chest

antly
import-

of it, long before you

heard

did.

afternoon."

Barney's face
''The

idiot 1"

was

he

crimson

as

he went

growled to Jack.
ii6

out.
"

there're
Luckily,

MANY
not
to

PREPARATIONS

like him

many

in the Service,

depend solelyon
The
"

other

I've

The

boy

relax

was

no

was

pleasant not

former

in the

the

Uttle

eat

the

'"

pork

we

it

there,

was

on

stores

was

out

and

made

declared

that

she

and

apace,

from
held
of

one

revised,

he

dreamt

and

day
"

day, Master

every

Still,tinned
This

to have.

meat's

not

is going to be

terrible

that

nodded
with

of touch

out

Barney,

shops, made

and

get fresh meat

we

but

down

journey

the

who

had

grimace.

vegetablesoccasionally,"

said.

he
A
he

all

used

river in Borneo,

hope

but

"

luxury all the time."

yet been
I

again

biscuits.

and
them

Jack, remembering
unknown

there

"

watch

went

been

retorted.

gunner

old salt

I call

degree

big steam-yacht

again, until Barney

unti] you

the

True, they did

least

question of

lists had

Wait

never

Hawk."

guardship.

The

saloon.

meat

Barney,"

the

distinct relief

present a totallydifferent appearance

style. Many had been the councils of war

importance,and

what

was

to

of tinned

hke

Molly

motor-yacht

night

"

"

the

qnietlyj

"

Yeen

Pang

yard, hke

the

revised

all

"

to feel that

rigging of
began

and

of the

vigilancein the very

question of Barney sleepingon

The

vital

along," he answered

their

just outside
soon

all

board

not

her

nodded.

departure
on

we'll have

seems

ourselves."

thought so

to all hands

It

look

rather anxious

felt troubled

Although

he

he felt himself

to

only natural.

So

life had

been

easy

Barney
be

as

to

the

the
practically

were

older

the

much

At

Jack's eyes.

worried

his chum,

over

and

into

came

of the two.

times
future.

same

age,

It

was

far, except for the loss of his father,

for

Barney.

never
againstterrible realities,
no
There was
questionas

He

been
to

"7

his

had

never

come

up

reallytested.
mere

physicalcourage,

MANY
Jack had
there

but

him

seen
was

that

prove

on,

of times in the

past ;

staying power,"

of his

score

questionof

abilityto go

PREPARATIONS

"

his

of continued

day after day, in the face

ill-luck.
To

weeks

beside his couch

had

night,and,

been

put

ready

to

uneasiness

The

the

to

be

to

sure

gunner,

that luck, but

to

He

spent

to

be

alone, there
himself.

his

own

He

powers
had

his powers

never

always laughing, always

was

would

this

"

turn

what

was

just as

out

filled

neglect precautions

Jack

he

with

"

luck

believed

not

because

their side."

on

of course,

help them,

would

Almighty,

that the

He

different.

was

justness of their

the

had

reason

knew

because

matters

do, and

ready

"

Jack.

who

Barney and
he

He

test.
that

assume

them

wanted

would

self-confident

was

boy

for that

between

because

self-confidence

Barney

of

at

difference

vast

was

was

sobered

stalkingby his side by day, squatting

death

with

had

he

boy, certainly,but

stilla

was

Borneo

extent

great

very

because

cause,

be

of their

result

of

downfall

the

because

Raja

expedition would,

probably,

Seyed's tyranny

but, being reUgious in the real, clean

sense

of

the

work

for

him.

did

word, he
His

prayers

directlybetween

were

the

them.

at

to

his

fact each

one,

question
People to

do

guidance and

all for

were

for miracles.
not
protection,
that point he and
On
Jack
understood
perfectly,though
mentioned

expect God

not

was

whom

never

religion

actuallypart of their lives very seldom talk of it. It is

stilltoo excitable,
too sacred a thing. But Barney seemed
too Ught-headed even, to take anything reallyseriously.
is

How

Often

would
when

his chum

they

turn
were

out

seated

in the end

round

the

little saloon

of stores
table, discussingthat vitally important question
and
equipment, drawing up hsts, consulting catalogues,

Il8

MANY

PREPARATIONS

from Ah Lung's quaintlyexpressed

working out quantities
of the
and
look up
the owner
see
figures,Jack would
"

"

Molly Hawk

blotting pad.
He

short, he

In

bored

was

with

the

the

on

details.

be in the thick

doing something, to

to be

wanted

yawning, or tracingpatterns

either

of

adventures.

"

is won,

war

for the

need,

we

This

expedition,and

his whole

the

the

attention

vetoed

must

there must
The

now,

and

got

extremely practical

actual

with

be when

he gave

be ordered

equipment to
of

recovery

had

Jack, and

the

see

but

use

Pearl

the

anxious

been

suits in actual

and

our

be.

be

"

to

go

miner's

Jack

had

no

supposingTolhurst and the Dwarf

now
probably they are" the
"

buying such
We

gear

They wUl

want.

suits we're

two

our

in hand.

matter

Barney

watched

they

clue

Pearl

of

had, during the

and

two

or

for the

said ;

us

of

fact

very

make

to

we've

we

idea.

the

No," he had

mere

the

the

to

England

of

north

able

his brains

use

useful he could

Hole.

Smoke

having

are

flushed

one

how

necessary

Ufe-savinghelmets
"

must

of the first portionsof the

that

but it

be

just what

had

made

suggestions,showing

to

preparing

got."

following hour,

from

in

put it

important part

us

know

Barney

Whereupon

One

he

succeed

even

most
of

one

must

haven't

we

shall

shan't

is the

every

one

every

was

battles, but

we

got everything,we

attempt.

what

in the

not

Once

"

haven't

and

it too.

battles,Master, Barney," he said bluntly. If we've

got everything

an

noticed

Richardson

Joseph
plainly.

spot

can't

be

too

going

to

order

maker's

name

on

long one-pounder guns,

119

will
at

give
once

careful.
are

sent

the labels

which

or

were

them

the

where

the

Even
down

when
here

the cases."

bought

at

PREPARATIONS

MANY
Richardson's

Joseph

equal secrecy.
what

labels

which

"

"

of shaft, and

heavy
been

in his

"

Jack.

to

The

stores

"13

reallyno
"

sailor up

evincing

"

to

Jack.

too

proud,or

rigid
of

stowed

restless.

grin.

them

alone," he said
for

excuse

gettingthem

"

the

be

to

Molly Hawk
worked

the gunner

back

would

the

to

"

guns

feverishly,
arranging
hardly

arguing with
knock

off for

storeroom, although there

for haste.

reason

He's
too

had

just after midday.

of cases,

contents

He

The

correct.

trjringto forgetthey'rethere," Barney

He's

in

trace

aboard, and

were

findingsome

stowage.

hurried

tea, but
was

to

old

calm, almost

never

able to leave

below, checking the

Lung

of the

long."

afternoon

All that

Ah

be

to

on

builders

the

parts,two lengths

the

to grow

with

prophecy proved
hoisted

been

least idea

the

the

been

guns

began

he

be

He'll

before

unpacked

work,

him

won't

had

the

once

watched

Sure, he

from

showed

he

his

to

temporarily below,
Barney

with

though, judging by

to be spare

guns

Hitherto

but

aboard

heavy castings.

some

attention

excitement

had

yard

cases,

assumed

were

Ught.

the

procured

arrival of those

new

"

in

one

had

engines they
The

No

in those

was

taken

suggestion,were

all

on

fire to

examine

remarked

them, but

he's

shy, to suggest it yet."

Jack laughed.
"

suggest it then."

You

at

Almost

began

the

to clamber

from

first word
out

the

boy,

the

storeroom,

his face

to be examined

at once.

of the

veteran

literally

beaming.
"

Of

course

Barney,"

he

of it before.
it doesn't

they ought

"

exclaimed.
There

may

do to leave

It's my

fault for not

thinking

parts missing,and
things tillthe last moment."

be all sorts of

these

Master

120

MANY
For

the

the gunner

rest of
was

sit down

to

PREPARATIONS

to

that

day,

well

and

He

happy.
bUssfully

had

and

re-examined

out

again, then tried again. Probably,

with

Richardson, V.C.,

loving care,

was

the

into the

would

Every part

supper.

on

night,

barely consent
be examined

to

tried in its
that

night,Joseph
in

happiest man

place,taken
the

whole

neighbourhood.
Was

he

amongst

again

not

the

after

guns

gunner
which

leavingthe

who
he

had

believed

Service?

121

once

more

he would

got back
never

touch

CHAPTER

XVIII

OFF
last all the

AT

AT

LAST

preparations

shipbuilderhad

carried

style; oil- and

their

to

would

ready for

cabin

in

"

ready

sea,

to

leaving the berth

After

"

Pang

Yeen

After

supper

the

For

behind

yacht

time

almost

had

occupied.

the

gunner

carried

it

as

of small

against

set up

"

Hawk

MoUy

was

triphalf

looked

went

for

the
a

dinghy

final visit

board.

on

for

us

"

Jack

said

suddenly.

laughed.

and

jollygood time,

rising

in store

up

took

for

spot the

in silence, watching the moon

sat

what's

I wonder

they

anchored

same

Lung

and

"

they
the

at

Ah

and
boats

two

hills ; then

the

Barney

he

"

the mud,

ashore, leaving the boys alone

'"

been

cellent
ex-

fiUed

full

as

her adventurous

on

on

mid-stream,

in

night

'*

been

shining stand

short, the
start

was

in

the world.

round

"

bulkhead

after

the

"

main

the

storeroom

had
Barney's particular delight,

arms,

the

in

hold;

-tanks had

water

capacity ; the

utmost

his contract

out

The

complete.

were

lots of

reckon, and

adventures,"

answered.

His
''

than

chum,

hope
you

we

however,

was

not

in

pullit off,"he sighed.

think.

Luckily, neither
I2Z

laughing mood.

a
"

It's

you

nor

bigjob,bigger
I have

any

OFF
before anyone

Hullo, what

knew

and

quay,
"

Is that

"

hour

see

you

got

they

and

or

'

Hawk

He's

so.

for the
"

bad

some

the

in the

for you,

been

stern

sir.

knocked

think

don't

yacht.
man

news

Your

down

he'll live

by
than

more

conscious, though, and

deadly pale,and grippedthe

went

Oh, I say, Jack, the poor old gunner

like

almost

been

wants

to

both."

Barney
"

I've

"

"

it,had justput out from the

Richardson, has

motor-car,

an

want

in

men

Molly

It's all a chance,

presence.

chap

two

'

the

Gunner

man.

our

LAST

obviously making

was

hailed them.

this

does

dinghy, with

of

AT

father to

second

"

he

rail for

support.
"

gasped.

He's

Let's get ashore

me.

at once."
''

leave my

can

aboard

mate
"

stranger spoke again.

ashore

in

and

on."

so

For

dinghy. My

take

can

mate'll

hesitated.

Jack

moment

risks of this sort, but, at

no

run

this

Then

the

to the old sailor,before

the latter went

to his

He

"

glanced

down

at

the second

that

noticed

and

longshoreman, thin

lights,

decided

to

time, he felt
"

Good-bye

"

his report

to make

he

man,

the

who

one

apparently,an

was,

was

ordinary

narrow-chested, with

small

beard.

black
"

to say

you

Skipper."

Great

rowing, and

as

same

of

your

They had

Barney himself

anxious

as

both

to

see

did

almost

sir,"the

watchman,

as

All

said.

right,"he

"

We'll

the side,he closed the

down

go,"

but

before

companion hatch,

and

going
locked

it.
The

man

the

then

the other

Barney

in the

word,
and

with

beard
man

stern

clambered
took

of the

the quay.

124

the

aboard

sculls, and

without
with

dinghy, started back

Jack
for

AT

OFF

Barney, quivering with

LAST

grief and

a"xiety, plied

stranger with
It was

round

The

had

had

Black

been

carried
"

Dog

actually had

hold

the

sound

of

violentlythat
"

the

did

oath

the

at

risen

top of the steps,

to

his feet, start

We

left it at

so

the

himself

gunner

voice

speaking.

and
instantly,

had

brought
to the

on

these

so,

them

it seemed,

ashore.

steps, dashed

With

them,

up

slippingon the seaweed, flung aside

happened to be in his way, and vanished

stared

gunner

something,

from

guide

darkness.

into the

lost

their

risk of

Lung, who
The

and

again.

he sprang

of the

heedless

just

was

stranger who

savage

them,

down

the

boys knew

The

Ah

above
had

It

in the main

rusty old shackles, when

dinghy. Pigtail?

our

house, the

nearest

quay,

of the

one

voice

steps,certain."

of

he sat

Where's

later,and

two

or

gunner.

turning.

Barney, who

made

suddenly

the

happened

not

readily.

come

over

minute

just alongside the

were

it had

into the

No, it had

side

spot

victim

the

answered

clean

gone

the

on

inn.

street, but up

They

had

and

corner,

doctor

they
"

questions,which were
said ;
foreigner's
car, the man

the

after

I should

Jack changed

the

him

in

think," he remarked,
of his

current

''

amazement.
then

He's
hail

thoughts with great

suddenness.
"

been

We've

There's

stranger aboard

they

As

hoaxed,"

back

rowed

straininghis hardest
"

The

swabs,"

have

been

They

told

I should

but

when

the

meet

an

opened

the

cried.

"

Hurry up I

Molly Hawk,"

which
up

Barney

explainedhurriedly.

sculls,Jack

went

"

yacht."

growled.

Richardson

gang

old

boy

the

to

at the

that, if I

me

the

Joseph

same

the

tried
to the

to
'

"

get hold
Black

Dog

shipmate of mine, Martin

door, and

125

saw

It must
of
'

us.

inn,

Foxe

the sort of crowd

AT

OFF
'

inside, I said to myself

don't want

to

off.

but

was

That's
"

nodded.

Jack

Martin's

are

their

where

We've

like to be

I wouldn't

If those

got

plan

in,

me

trapped, though.

will be in

he

feelingas

get

wrong."

went

of them

one

chums,

tried to

again.' They

Martin

see

LAST

minute

or

two," he said grimly.

No

one

the

as

visible

was

deck

the

on

heavily-laden dinghy

came

aboard

Jack sprang

moment

up
head

"

of the

"

Molly Hawk

alongside,but

the

from

the

appeared

forohatch.
"

He's

The

words

then

Jack,

of his mouth

report.

The

revolver-bullet

belayingpin,and this whizzed

the

pistolout

"

wild cat. Ah

don't
off

come

voice

his

"

was

It

Lung."

d'you

"

Lung

"

Barney

I say,

...

rail ; but

the

heavy

him.

Jack who

was

Hullo
was

1
a

it is ?

who

see

just missed

hand.

on

there

"

there

through the air,knocking

quite killed.

him

want

before

seized

murderer's

would-be

Steady, steady. Ah

"We

in

of the

had

Barney

iron

Then, like

the stern

splinteroS

fire twice.

not

Lung," Jack shouted.

out

knocked
did

assailant

Ah

Barney,

on,

hardly

were

flash and

was

Come

here.

spoke.

His

note

beard's

of

delight

It's that

scamp

Ralph Williams."
right. Strippedof its false

Jack was
the

trembling figure,which
pallid,
Ah

Lung,

released

by

youth.

All his courage

which

had

him

made

beard

had

shoot

now

gone
at

painfullywhen

sat up
that

undoubtedly

weis

Jack

"

"

and

whiskers,

and

of the Cornish

really,it was
he

was

in

fear

truly

state.
pitiful
"

They

made

me

whining voice,
"

the

Stop

that

command

but

do

Barney," he began in

it. Master

cut him

the gunner

noise, prisoner,"he
with

morning, I suppose,

his

sir ?

"

foot.
"

he

126

growled, emphasising

You'll

turned

short.

to

in

try him

Barney.

''

the

Mean-

OFF
while, I'll put him

legsround

the

When

the

wailed

get

I think

agreed
Master

no

wrong.

I can't

The

blowing
If you

few

anchor

once

manner

Jack, who

"

and

"

had

^he

been

the gunner.

better

regulargang

in and

easilyrun

can

had

we

be

must

but

the

anchor

prisoner,who

the

put

had

"

didn't

irons 'urt me,

These

"

Molly Hawk

to drown

now,

nose

ashore I

me

nose."

my

As

that, WUliams.

going

your

do

told to do it.

was

blow

you,

is it ?

so

grinned cheerfully.

soon

we

as

get

to

it's hardly worth

Stop

deep
while

disgustingnoise.

that

His

Lung will gag you."

don't. Ah

became

voice

suddenly

stern.

minutes

later

Jack

and

Ah

Lung

had

was

at

heaved

the

up.

Slow

ahead,"

down
signalled

"

There

We

Barney,

of

mind
we're

water

Barney
"

said.

at

even

owner

Never

"

in this

the conversation, began to howl.

Oh,

mean

he

fellows ashore.

overheard

''

them."

at dawn,
that, instead of sailing

Barney

and

process

and

arms

of the other little harbours."

one

"

shackle

secured

the

to

across

now,"

away

of those
in

been

get hla

rail,staring thoughtfullyat the Ughts of

came
village,

"

had

youth

Better

then

foremast, and

the

on

LAST

in irons.

piteously during

leaning
the

AT

moment

Molly Hawk's

to

the

Barney in

later the
"

who

gunner,
the

had

127

wheel,

engine-room.

began
propellers

long voyage

the

to

started.

revolve.

The

CHAPTER
AN
"

UNPLEASANT

come

sunshine.

the

well

she

across

the

Bay

entirely,but
"

"

then

he

close

had

of who

to

was

be

difficult to

Barney,

as

owner,

moreover,

he

knew

the

other

On
never

had

uncertain

Jack, on
no

his
how
the

seemed
how
he

hand,

he would

questionabout

his

had

his

have

both
the

"

it

very

the

been

"

boys

question
member

one

but

was

gunner.

the

should

it

to the

over

that

never

about

six o'clock, and

supreme,

handle

to

than

was

very

be.
claim

good

Molly Hawk."
before,

abroad

really been tested, and

courage

other

to

these.

Personally,just

hand

member

which

decide

engines

repeated

realised that

be

must

the

dispense with

last moment

Both

skipper.

was

Hitherto,

used

question which
the

Hawk

canvas.

had

right
"

I"

he would

ship'scompany

of the

Molly

Barney

at

on

come

just

the

his breakfast

about

tackling until

avoided

"

wheel, nodded.

delicate

one

was

"

just sail

more

had

just of

under

great 1

eight,when

on

There

He

else.

anything
now

thinking

was

the

able to

had

himself, revellingin

Biscay, they

the

at

was

Barney, who

wind,

do

were

she

can't

And

who

Jack,

of

absolutely

Great,

words.

could

they

now

The

quarter, and

how

proving
coming

the

on

"

deck, stretched

on

strength, was

SURPRISE

absolutely great 1

is

MIIS

XIX

it

was

still

shape.

hand,

was

taking

experienced,and

command

138

there

later on, when

was

they

AN
reached

UNPLEASANT

the

of Borneo.

coast

extremely anxious
and

way,

SURPRISE

to hurt

not

rather

At

shrank

the

time, he

same

his chum's

from

what

was

feelingsin

any

being skippermight

involve.
As

for the

the

than

sea

have

to

wisest

either of

depend

put him

he, of course,

gunner,

his

on

in command

plan, but

the

when

boys, and

skill to

at

knew

their

be

to

they suggested it

about

more

safety would

great

very

appeared

sea

far

To

extent.

the

simplest,

him, he shook

to

his head.
"

No, Master

give you orders, not by

to
and

I'm

had

"

Who

"

Master

the

out
"

the

knows

his hand

to

course

for

I'll help aU
be

me

know,

skipper."

"

had

promptly

come

this Pearl

though

even

turned

"

he's

business, and

you

the

are

quickly, and

round

owner."
had

held

Jack.
wUl, old

So that's settled,"and

man.

either

would

more

all about

Barney had

word

It's not

advice, but I won't

answer

you'llobey him,

Of

Jack.

long way.

my

be, then

Jack,"

who

And

Master

laughed ruefully.

should

one

know

you'lltake

sure

Barney

Barney, no,

he

or

the

hear

gunner

on

not

the

subject.
The

arrangement

watches

of the

Lung, Barney

Ah

and

they

were

The

engines required practicallyno

been

sail,the wheel

under

extra

large size, all

shafts

perfectlybedded

arranged that
of the
there
second

the

machinery,
being
wheel

man
even

second

AU

idea.

that

designed with

in.
at

Moreover,

the

to the

wheel

"

was.

129

were

heavy, with
the

had

levers

in the

were

of
the
so

complete control

startingof it, if

set of levers

they had

lubricators

very

"

thing.
principal

attention
the

bearings

the

the

was

one

Really,when

the gunner.

and

Jack

not

the natural

was

necessary,

cabin, where

the

UNPLEASANT

AN
There

the

of course,

was,

engine-room had

to be

after that, there

was

boys
so

Lung

ready

were

work

washed

then

with

th"

complete

the

control

concerned, and

were

during

cleared up, and,

acknowledge that they

to

done

down,

connected
in

was

feeding arrangements

the

as

to be

be

to

cleaned, the cabins

always

Ah

equipment.

work

plenty of

First,the deck had

day.

and

SURPRISE

had

gear
so

both

far

the
lived

never

well.

the

time

the

For

being,the regularship'scompany
such

roughest and dirtiest work,

had

That

floor.

room

to

all Ah

scour

he had

When

the

to sea,

but, after

ordered

reallygoing

was

into such

him

cable

to be

and

been

also

all the clothes.

"

broken

there, he had

hours

few

Hawk

had

the anchor

forepeak,with

in the

Molly

had

Jack

that

lamentations

"

Cornishman

young

wash

Lung's pots, and

that the

seen

cleaningthe engine-

as

by Ralph Williams, who

done

was

escaped

pitiful

shut down

the spare gear ;

allowed

deck

on

again.
He

had

he

last

at

when
that

he

to be

look

graduallygot
and

follyfor which
"

We'll

sort of

used

to

him

allowed

had

they

make

cautious

though

others, who,

all the

scraps

their

were

to-morrow

luck," Jack remarked,

of

He

time

had

done

he

had

enough

at

as

to pay

his
been

conversation

certain

destined

Madeira

spared, and

from

first,had

prisoner's
presence

to overhear

but

first port of call,a

his eyes.

mto

catch

to

to be

at the

humbly, obediently,but
ears

overboard

his life was

put ashore
flashed

had

fright,thinkingthat

thrown

be

to

realised that

straining his
the

going

was

was

shivering with

up

had

he

cunning
work

come

on

board,

things,a pieceof
heavily later

afternoon, with

he sat down

on.

any

to breakfast.

Barney nodded.
"

Yes.

oil, fresh

It won't

take

long to get what

and
provisions,

we

want

vegetables; then
130

there

we'll

"

just

AN

when
beautiful, inviting,

when

Barney

revelled

wonderful

fort, the

the

from

seen

in

it all.

white

before

Never

of those

blue

quaint

southern
their

with

houses

variety of craft, ranging from

liner

to

unlike

were

And

when

them,

met

shame

both

he and

South

and

small

bribe

OflEcers

apparent

any

would

these

it more

Customs

suggested, without

had

its

African

found

Jack

Slovenly Portuguese

shyness, that

or

with

"

they landed,

the

background,

fascinating still.
had

the

all
quaint Portuguese schooner
anything else he had ever viewed before.

down

old

big verandas,

huge

seen

The

picturesquevillas, the anchorage

with

weird

he

had

waters.

the great hill in

marvellously green foliage,
studded

evil-smelling

sea,

got ashore.

you

the

SURPRISE

UNPLEASANT

them

save

great deal of trouble.

"

It's the
"

in ;

cut

always

you

country, sir," the

gunner

had

it with

Better

give

do

they ask,"

what

them

of the

custom

and

Dagos.

officers had

the

so

departed

rejoicing.
On

the

lounged

sentry boxes, againsteach

were

quay

dirty Portuguese soldier, with

and

rusty side-arms,

soiled uniform,

cigarettehanging

of which

out

of the

corner

of his mouth.
The

but
the

sentries
dozen

took

touts,

boys, whilst

guides

behind

and

anything,

or

like, made

the

the touts

hobbled

as

rush

at

beggars,

many

halt, covered

maim,

creatures,

dreadful-lookmg

anybody

of

notice

no

with

ghastlysores.
to

Barney began
which
to

the

went

laugh

oflers to

up, the

the

at

chorus

conduct

them

bullock-sledges,to churches,

everything

deck-chairs

from

request for

alms

thrust them

all

on

but

;
one

to

oranges,

132

too

more

English

wine

to

supply

to

Jack, being

side, none

of bad

shops,

them

the

with

whining

expenenced,

gently.

AN
"

The

with

office

agents'

"

the

word

was

scum,"

"

"

Scum

us, Mr.

He

"

and

only

far

as

ShaU

But

Jack

want

"

that's

better

you

had

what

the

had

call

you

yet."

manners

follow

to

energy

agents'office,and,

"

he

after

they

had

for all their

arranged

said, raising his straw

he

to

want

all the

see

hat.

sights.

"

No

fine

Silva, show

began.

"

the

to

step

you

all.

You

Funchal,
"

guide

don't

we

"

Clear

o"E."

him.

nearer

he

sights,senhor,"

about

us

the

before.

so
a

came

told

gunner
turned

he

I told you

Plenty

Once

So

into his eyes.

came

his head.

shook

half-breed

I take you

caught

to his chum.

what

you.

The

"

business,you

Remember
.

them

still waiting outside.

done

we

Barney.

ugly look

who

one

was

turned

Barney

da

about

mesa

sightsin Madeira."

fine

Plenty

"

trees

meaning. He
of Portuguese and
English,

there, and

Guide, senhores

you've

its

an

the

as

stores, he

Now

understood

mixture

their business

oil and

"

the

to

round

I'll teach

the

boys

"

don't want

little crowd

muttered.

he

Wayne.
was

done

"

We

and

half-breed, a

fairlywell dressed,

"

there, amongst

this scum."

One, at least, of the

the

SURPRISE

is up

Plaza," he said.

that

on

UNPLEASANT

repeated.

give

five

me

"

I, Manoel

and
shillings,

everywhere."
Jack

more

"

his head.

shook

No.

told you

clear off."

to

But
"

SOva

Da

You

don't want

five

pounds

not

to be

rebuffed

so

easily.
for you.

senhor, very httle money

shillings,

Five

Dwarf

was

and

to

see

I show

the

sights?

you

No

big sight,show

Well, you giveme

you

one

Yellow

"

savage

look flashed into his eyes at the

133

words, then,

without

waitingfor

and

lost to view.

was

The
"

in

boys

He
a

low

Jack
"

our

with

Yes.

said

looked
'

he turned

answer,

an

at

another

one

into

side street

in consternation.

Dwarf,' didn't he ?

Yellow

"

Barney

asked

voice.
noddedi
There

track, and
us.

SURPRISE

UNPLEASANT

AN

We've

no

was

he

gave

got

to

mistake
it

away

look

out

134

about

because

it.
he

They're
was

for ourselves now."

on

mad

CHAPTER
WHAT

HAPPENED
was

LITTLE
"

Do

them

plenty

think

or

was

was

"

he

about
"

went

is

that

creature

he

on

had

turned

"

as

He's
he

ashore.

he ?

so

make

Van

der

for

us."

him

given

temper, blurting
last.

at

back.

turn

us

Humm's

dently,
Evi-

agent

then

tells

he

here,

really.

angry,

very

"

here,

Barney

Da

Silva

"

slowly.

was

Ralph
very

saluted

the

to

over

he
;

so

pacing
Williams

we

"

After

have

got

lettinghim
"

of the

deck

cleaning

the

Really,

young
if I

skipper.

"

He

about
ofi

him
we

given
three

lightly."

Molly Hawk,"

rifles.

Richardson
thinks

might suggest it. sir, he

135

the

all, if
and

home,

at

lazy to-day, sir," Joseph

his

take

Still, we'll carry

police

we're

can't

we

Castle.

would

the

But

Coast

Cape

or

servitude

gunner

watching

had

asked

Barney

to

indefinitely,can

him

years' penal
The

"

fit of

scallywag, WiUiams,

against him,

evidence

Silva

they

as

thought.

wasn't

Piet

answered

Teneriffe,

to

on

da

boys

frowned.

other

Yes,"

He

land

we

everything, doesn't

"

look-out

If

on.

The

for

that in

us

attempt

the

on

What

he told

an

though,
and

of food

telling.

no

it

Manoel

again.

the

of

his head.

There's

I think

either

by

it deUberate

was

shook

Jack
"

aboard

MADEIRA

AT

said

went

you

it out,

XX

he's

said

going

ought

to

WHAT
have

HAPPENED

three

AT

dozen, at least.

Ah

MADEIRA
has

Lung

of-nine-tails specially
for him, sir,a very

Ralph

Williams

to do, and

the

the words,

overheard

the howl

he set up

made

good one."
he

as

could have

"

Stop that noise I

will be

have

time

the

that

been

I shall be

heard

in command,

Jack took
his

"

the

We've

and

you

Lung

Ah

he

realised his

his left,and

at

gunner

had

responsibilities.

of the table,with

head

far," he said bluntly;

so

we've

got

time.

an5rwhere. Now,
make

suggestionsto

Barney

Ah

Lung

"

they're

keep

We

must

have

sharp

look-out

never

reckon

of you

any

the next

to

as

to

move

for
selves
our-

fellows any

"

grinned.

Lung
off

Chop

Comedown

and

tracked

and

us,

safe

"

and, for

quite the skipper. They

the

agents all the

Ah

It
to

you

coward
.

"

severe.

gunner.
been

watching

anchor

an

ordered

you.

both

aboard

was

at the

righthand,

to

their

his seat

on

I want

Already, Jack

put him

next

severe

to

very

miserable

more

was

I have

cry when

to

cabin, Gunner.

there."

on

Jack'svoice

flogging.You're

reason,

the

to

enough

"

intended

was

big Union-Cjistle liner,which had justcome

by.

near

cat-

No

prisonerman.

head, him

him

good.

work, plenty eat."

No

The

that he
"

Well, sir,we

track,
the

high

Barney
You

spoke

ran

it's not

on

go

quick as

as
"

now.

Coast, and

though

voice showed

earnest.

must

who

African

West

"

quitein

was

the gunner

on

laughed, though the Chinaman's

others

keep

suggest we

well

likelythey

we

can."
make

It

was

for the

in, out of the ordinary

would

dare

to touch

us

seas."
his

can't be

fingersthrough his hair.

sure.

They

Surely,the Pearl isn't worth

seem

pretty desperatelot.

all this trouble."

136

WHAT
"

HAPPENED

It's worth

you're right,Barney,
knows

about

to do is to
that

in

Pearl.

the

I don't

way.

destroy us, in

case

the

behave

he has told Van

What

"

Jack answered,

sum,"

immense

an

MADEIRA

AT

but

Raja

der Humm

lead the British down

we

into

country."

The
"

That's

Palapogs

all of

savee

Neither

boys.

described

put

about

knocked

not go into

which

adventure

an

Very well,

then

they

took the chart

out of the rack and

be

now."

course

our

they

After
"

never

suggest
know

had
we

what

pricked
mount
we're

it ofi

amidships. As soon
ought to begin practice."

Maxim

as

hopeless.

to be

unrolled it.

"

This

We

we're

away

now,

will

said

Richardson

meet.

Jack

Coast."

for the

Joseph

going to

had

certainly

they would

believed

be

otherwise.

world, both

one-pounders

our

by
the

could

Rather

the

make

we'U

and

into

Chinaman

the

Plenty

by

heart

foolhardy.

way

"

all.

do."

new

their lives in their hands, and

carried

them

Can

nor

gunner

had

of them

Both

"

the

being in any

as

side,and the

our

pirateman

Yes.

enthusiasm

followers'

Their

one

his fine old eyes

on

get plenty Cantonese

town.

to kUl every

Right is on

beamed

Palapogs'heads.

off

to cut

us

have

we

their

over

through," and

us

Chinaman

The

do."

Can

flies

of their

end

enthusiasm.

with

simply glowed
"

see

the

means

Jack

talk of.

you

Skipper will

Great

it

fly it there, sir,if

will

of those

Union

the

when

we

They know

it, sir.

cruelties
And

nodded.

gunner

sir.

We

could

put the

from

here

we

Jack agreed readily.

"That's

The

that.

there, remember

in command
wretched

department. Gunner,"

your

creature

gunner

gave

WilUams."
vent

to

growl,

137

he
"

said, "you
Now,

as

are

to this

WHAT
"

Land

sir.
for

HAPPENED

him

Just dump

help.

He

into trouble
"

go

AU

sound

of

that

He's

bent
"

under

Islands,

go to the Consul

truth,

the

over

He

the

the

was

let him

tell the

dare

de Verde

so

can't

we

get

it."

over

oars

Cape

ashore, and

won't

was

Barney
"

him

right."Jack

what

"

of the smaller

at one

MADEIRA

AT

"

chart

jumped

again.

suddenly

up

If

we

the

at

porthole.

first to

gone," he cried

reach

the
"

out.

deck.

They've been

too

smart

for us."
He

right. In

was

natives, were

Manoel

Barney's cry,
a

shot

risk
"

he

shore boat, manned

da

Silva

and

the latter crouched

but the half-breed

by two powerful
At
Ralph Williams.

down,

knew

though expecting
the boys would not
as

that

firing.
I will

giveyour kind regardsto Senhor

shouted

and

he

"

back.

pointed

You

can't

their

to

der

well

very

dinghy,

Van

which

Humm,"

overtake

us,"

Williams

had

evidently sent adrift.

this

By

time

Barney

raging, but

was

Jack merely

shrugged his shoulders.

"

One

of the shore

boats wiU

for WilUams, it's a

score

of

I don't

plans, and

our

'

the

more

careful."

Barney ground his

of

end

the

to

they

near,

with

had

the gunner

as

up

to

as

his

the two

much

get into touch

can

warning

As

us.

to

us

to

companion lamd,
of them

be

and

stood at the

swept off their hats with elaborate

Plara, and

were

lost

trees.

local

picked

and

he

strolled up to the

sightamongst the
Meanwhile,

how

Still,it's

teeth

and

quay,

; then

sarcasm

see

Williams

watched

They

back

him, but he doesn't know

for

Yeen.'

Pang

with

bringher

boatman,
the

to the

who

had

been

hovering

dinghy, and was now haggling

reward he ought to have.

138

WHAT

HAPPENED

AT

guard all through really,none

of them

"

but at dawn

there

Shortlyafter
and

studied

these

done

the

used

if

where

sleep
"

kind.

side,
along-

came

they

took

their

their oil-and water-tanks.

"

certainlythought
Now,

amount.

got enough

to

he

as

carry

we

according to
us

Delagoa

to

the sails once."

used

beamed.

She's the finest motor-yacht in the world," he declared,

then
A

that

never

Barney's face
"

to the quay,

than

we

of any

agents' launch

for the oil.

account
more

even

felt like

well, wonderfully well," Jack said,

figures,we've

Bay,

alarm

no

sunrise their

pilotedthem

We've

had

been

aboard, and filled up both

stores
"

had

MADEIRA

he hurried forward

couple of minutes

ofi the quay,

him

the

on

away

behind

some

and

the

Jack

later,when

rotten

cheek

looked round, to

to loose the

and

Ralph Williams

see

rotten

very

With

burst.

and

about

six feet

one,

caught

yellof
Da

wrath

Silva

he

scuttUng

cases.

could

gunner

he

expressionon

his face, as

but there

somethingmore

was

they were

orange,

head-rope.

not

wiped
than

the

help laughingat
away

the

yellow mess

in Barney's
indignation

eyes.
"

Next

time. Master

time you won't get ofi so

"

up.

beyond
the

'

Look
the

Williams," he

"

Next

then, suddenly,he stifiened

easily,"

there, Jack I

"

he

Cape liner,that

Pang Yeen.'

growled.

pointedout to sea.
vessel justcoming

"

Z40

"

There,

in.

It's

CHAPTER
A

XXI

NARROW

SHAVE

right

BARNEY
was

was

there

Dwarf's

vessel
than

faster

"

Don't

you

worry,

had

Van

der

can't

she

"

is

He
But

he's

knock

always

thrice

bad

lot

of

understood.
that

as

there

Right
where

waters

plug

who

tobacco

of

lay

can

gun

seven-pounders

got

one

broke

succeed.

his

anyone

those

o'

beautiea

Uttle

out.''

'em

"

seen

Well,"
I notice

us.

had

they've

he

little

message
nearer

has

who

armed,

times

ten

quoted.

going

with

he

shallow

they've

voice

laughed.

Jack

he

I'll

below,

down

got
if

care

fourteen-pounders

even

not

don't

can.

haven't

they

"

had.

and

rolled

deal

ence,
experi-

bitter

by

to

into

he

too,"

Yellow

good

cheery

allowed

get

can

Then,

come.

Such

be

The

commander

glances,

never

we

already,

in

glances,

dismay.

gunner's

fear.

never

side, and

reflectively,
I

those

There

her.

probably,

its

fears

or

sir," the

will

Humm

our

on

her,

of

knew

they

caught

dodge

hint

Yeen."

exchanged

larger, and,

and

theirs,

scruples

He

as

far

was

few

We'll

is

than

more

how

in.
"

was

boys

JACK

Pang

mistaking

the

Instinctively
which

of

"

the

to

as

possibility

no

FOR

who
he

on,

quite

141

SUva.
near,

just,

home

we've

got wireless

Da

afraid."

quarrel

blow
"

went

they've

her,

his

gets

from

his

fust."
him

seen

now,

There's

just

to

and

so

no

harm

show

expect
io

we'r"

A
The
"

NARROW

JACK

FOR

gunner's face beamed.

That's

our

SHAVE

it,sir,that's the proper spirit. I'll steer within

length of her.

own

I want

to have

look

at that

ugly

half-breed."
"

The
"

Hawk

Port

"

Pang Yeen
drew

going

was

her.

near

Doctor, which

She

"

the

as

Molly

flying the flag for

was

she intended

that

meant

slow

dead

coming

the

to an

anchor.
"

There

he

Barney's
vessel's

is, there's the Yellow

and

arm,

bridge.

pointed to
"

But

the

heavy, squat figureon

him

beside

that

who's

Jack gripped

Dwarf."

"

Barney laughed;
"

recognise him ? Don't

Credit-to-the-Old-SchooI,Sebag Tolhurst
Don't

"

fellows

he

can

The

gunner

little

raised

gave

the

What

them

the other

"

"

Plenty

Richardson's

were

which

the

with

any

difficulty

there're
Still,

long sticks.

understand

at

the
in

much

"

Pang Yeen,"

least ;
the

142

but

gunner

blow-canes, shooting poisoneddarts.

nearer.

in

Chinaman

the

the

three-quarterspeed, on

at

long-sticks of which
"

short.

thirtyyardsof

bring them

would

not
"

never

"

travelUng

stared

Tlie

approach a

poisoneddarts," he shouted.

with

within

now

Barney
did

to

standingby the foremast,

was

speech

murder-man

were

they

course

as

dirtywork.

those

who

Lung,

below, get below

They
and

Ah

cry from

Get

I
pirates

"

Joseph

cut

so

there's

for any

ugly-lookingsavages,

wonder
A

of

at those

vessel.

Dagos, sir,"he growled ;

some

but look

crowd

turn,

"

"

wheel

findingenough Dagos

in

"

have

to

nearer

"

was,'' Jack answered,

foredeck

the

on

Where

"

it

thought

the

know

you

you

amazement.

Jack
had

He

understood.

spoken

were

A
The

NARROW
skipper rose

young

almost

SHAVE

wrenched

the

to

wheel

the

FOR

JACK

occasion

from

splendidly. He

Joseph

Richardson's

hands.
"

Get

"

commanded.

he

would

have

the

other

wheel,"

Lung."

hesitated, but
them.

disciplinesaved

of

sense

take

below, Barney, Ah

Get

Perhaps Barney
ingrained

cabin, and

into the

below

the

gunner's

Jack

the

was

skipper.

teeth

Jack grittedhis

could

he himseU

"

Full

"'

to

the

Piet

Van

coming

over

the

scratch
The

one

the

could

merely
ran

and

abominable

it

"

the

was

cap.

first

single

inevitablydie.

he must

He

did

know

not

of

cabin.
hit

questionof

round,

sickly whiteness

in his

laughing.

was

actually

dart

at

the

see

wheel

the

see

stuck

another

in the

wheel

shiver

whizz

face, the

deck

of them,

engine-room

plainly,could

it

Humm's

Dwarf

Yellow

"

hear

his feet

then

few

in his hands

"

Yeen's

Pang

the

from

holding

wheel

countenance.

Another

questionof

other

quartermaster

der

was

Sebag's unhealthy

darts

second

the

"

the

could

struck

Something

Barney

quickness.

motor-yacht,

approach

grin on

of

"

Yeen's

Pang

allow.

panion,
com-

safety.

hideous
"

He

telegraph rang.

for

dive

ahead

speed

the

had

with

happened

It all

It

hard.

seconds, until the gunner

then

the

followed.

Lung

Ah

and

down

leg would

rapidly as his wooden

as

hurried

said, and

Aye, aye, sir," he

"

through

the
an

him.

spoke which

Jack

was

inch.
What

was

the

gunner

doing ?
And
leave

then
his

aid of the
As

he

he

post

felt

now.

at his

wrench
The

gunner

own
was

wheel.

He

could

steering with

the

periscope.
dived

forward

to

the

companion-ladder, four

NARROW

darts strucl^him
touched

one

"

the

Yellow

of

minutes

Pang

Dwarf

attract

For

in the boots

JACK

but
clothing,

or

later

had

they

"

Yeen

not

single

well out

were

back

was

failed

the attention

her

on

again, and

he

of range,
The

course.

had

wish

no

to

of other vessels in the port.

his hand
Jack stood very still,

moment

FOR

his flesh.

couple

and

SHAVE

his

over

eyes.

Joseph Richardson
"

That's

right,sir," he said,

when

Skipper

understood.

He's

seen

"

always thank

Great

the

through a big danger

you

or

"

littleone."
"

It

The
''

was

old sailor laid

It

couldn't

murder-trick
know

backing him
Barney
table.

had

He

was

been

But

there's
he

into

his

Somehow,

Joseph
We

about
few

not

there

about

worry

big

were

had

Death
he

all

we

"

our

chair at the foot of the

the

forehead.

proper

I"

white, and

very

...

advantage

one

need

right through

dropped

sir.

nearer,

and

hoarsely.

been

beads
at

very

tryingto get his

was

of

ideas

properly.

out

below, and

as

muttered

his shoulder.

on

quarterswith them, and

sorted

"

have

up,

on
perspiration

"

hand

skippernow,

our

close

thing,"Jack

near

seemed

it

leaving you

to

obeyed orders.
part.

Master

And

on

our

part, scooting

it.Jack," he murmured.

answered

Richardson

that

rotten

now

until
stops as possible

we

144

him.

Barney.
it's full

Don't

you

worry

speed ahead, with

reach the coast of Borneo."

CHAPTER
UP
'7

the

Jack
low

with

his

part

is

"

says.

River

He's

hunted

aft

stumped
the

Ah

bring

is

we

aft

long

his

eyes
What

in

the

"

wheel.
fiU

The

There's
with

up

mouth

gunner

days."

old

them."

The

it, the

beyond

way

of

can

"

good

had

gunner

fresh

anchorage

water,

as

well

vegetables."

eyebrows.
we've

just

the

that

and

try

"

had

"

him

tanks.
touch

to

least,

at

told

other

Cape

to

us

tank,

one

the

haven't

We

last
Madeira

at

rephed.

you,

water.

to

tanks

reported

Richardson
to

ample

got

fiUed

only

Joseph

some

shaded

interesting.

very

there

fresh

Surely

has

away.

answered.

little

many

and

Lung

look

be

to

miles

deck,

on

other

the

we

five

come

slavers

his

Madeira

the

the

and

appeared

what

"

take

Why,

bad,"

is

bar,

Water

Town.
"

to

raised

Jack
"

sir,

chickens

get

as

doesn't

It

last."

at

some

"

Vito

aye,

land

just

Bantu,"

Aye,

inside

of

RIVER

Coast
at

had

hand.

Cape

"

pointed

it, exactly

the

of

African

point

who

Barney,

VITO

THE

THERE'S

XXII

to

It's
that

before."
The
than

confirmed

who

brought

of the

one

tank

few

samples
out

of

later

minutes
with

which

145

and

worrjdng,

distinctly

was

news

With

him.

they

by

had

been

it
the
the

was

more

Chinaman,

exception

drawing

lately,

UP
all the tanks
all

and
"

had

had

It's very
of the

of the

truth
even

believe

be

it would

turned

Barney
"

Do

But

chum

at once."

At

its mouth

the

was

the

of

broken

close

bush

it

done
"

for

bank

than

'

old

Mongoose

Despite

swell increased

appear

far

to

enter

the

in

we

so

far

be

to

of low

parts of

boys

bad

full mile

behind

mangroves,

Une

that.

as

replace the

proved

can

with

"

then

hills. There

ugly

an

its

line

length ; but

could

make

out

Barney asked.
the

'

nodded

who

gunner,

it

That's

now.

gunboat, and

As

where

drew

she

readily.
took

we

water

more

drew

was

anxious

an

the

near

the breakers

for Ah
have

never

took

Richardson

"

it

bar, the
seemed

to

Lung's report

dreamed

of

trying

river.

charge

little

But

formidable.

more

the

they

rapidly,and

water, they would

Joseph
was

stuff

stretch.
"

boys.

two

ground
the

The

agent seemed

go

sailor's assurance,

old

the

for the

on

convinced
"

do."

we

time

us

the

I remember

Yes, sir.

that

entrance, with

three

Jack glanced towards

in the

island,

boiled, I don't

purpose,

side

the

across

risk it ?

you

had

been

wouldn't

quickly to

rose

southern

the

Shall

"

on

River

Vito

comparatively smooth
"

either

water

to

was

on

bar

usual

he

Yet

use.

quickly.

the

fringed

which

it had

him

hesitated.

water

across,

after

strange. Luckily for

it is

after

Celestial's report.

fit for

to

think

you

His

at the

fellow."

enough

decent

put into them

water

queer," Jack said,

is terrible, and,

RIVER

musty.

were

himself

VITO

THE

of

MoUy

twenty yards from

the
Hawk

the

wheel,

whilst

engines. Fifty yards

"

it she

about

from
hke

Barney
the

was

jumping

was

taking sohd lumps of

146

bar

cork
water

UP
The

about.
had

They

go ashore, and

to

Natives

trick of

awkward

Still,there
boat

the

was

in

use

no

rifles and

beside the Maxim,

boat's bow

"

the

behind

the

magic,

I will

We

"

he

clad in

promptly,
alive

from

Thom6

and

There

The

very

The

women

the

was

and,

no

for

men

doubt

with

if

as

by

and

women,

first came

up

and

delight.

"

he

said, pointing

Portuguese

growing

work,

"

to the friendUness

as

EngUshman

"

had

children still held

and
men

they

portion of

had

the

ever

man

come

at

cocoa

San

from

to know

the hated

of the savages.

acted

hke

save

seen,

what

as

charm.

if they would
"

enemies
round

they wanted

Portuguese

148

back, shyly,staring at

populationclustered

to know
important still,

protectthem

then,

chattering,
evidently

Portuguese ship,"

full of eagerness

more

shouted.

white, appeared

and

them

Molly Hawk."

of

first white

boys,

He

Principe Islands."

name

but the male

hailed

beaming

now

black

catch

here

"

the

towards

had

who

him

think

hail."

great fear.

tall native

We

and

guard.

as

again, men,

reUeved

"

Jack

friends," he

hurrying back, laughing and

saluted,his face

box,

if necessary.

Chinaman

are

the

ammunition

give them

children

The

towards

demanded.

answered

villagebecame

Ah

hut.

nearest

boys both

The

Hullo

Englishmen ?

You

"

possible,
Lung, all

as

shingle,and

ashore, leaving the

"

soon

and

an

them

the

on

said.

as

rowed
pistols,
on

have

suddenly.

you

boys

two

later, a tall negro,

moment

from

attack

sat down

grounded

his voice.

raised

at the outset

waiting,and,
the

pleasantone.
what
telling
they
a

no

away

run

automatic

slowly,"Jack

Go

not

was

ready to support

Barney jumped
"

who

returningto

beach, whilst the gunner

The

RIVER

there

lowered, and

was

with

armed

VITO

was
outlook, certainly,

find there.

might
an

THE

to

remain

labour

the

buy,
and

agents."

UP
It

few

the

local chief.

He

to the

Water

he

of canoes,

it

was

authority. With

his

crowd

back, whilst

stand

perfectly clean

"

stream,
first to

once,

could

plenty

the mangroves.

amongst

away

the

take

to

jars. They had

vegetables,they

and

at

tanks, then

in earthenware
hidden

work

to

men

Molly Hawk's

seemed,

for fowls

As

the

put twenty

supply aboard

new

showed

soon

There

"

the

out

pump

in white

boys.

Yes.

would

RIVER

native
English-speaking

words, he made

curt

he talked

and

VITO

that

appeared
the

was

THE

in

those

supply

abundance.

Barney

interested

immensely

was

was

the first he

mud

walls and

him,

as

had

ever

round

little

chubby

which
village,

huts, with

their

full of fascination

roofs, were

too, the

were,

The

seen.

thatched

in the

piccanins,and

for

their

grinning, woolly-haired parents. He would gladly have

day there, examining things,trjringto
spent the whole
talk

the

to

savages,

business, and,

to

they

back

went

but

Jack

soon

as

as

placidlyignoring the
had

of whom

none

It

"

the

aboard

dug-out
he

that

African

He

had

colonies

"

sovereignty

slave

trade, carried

slave
to

trade,

but
run

supplyblack

"

of

one

interested

over

their

it

the

labour

them
a

large

appeared

British
in all he

of the

West
saw.

Portuguese,

territory. The

by privateadventurers,
place had been taken by

on

its

by

the

in

out

polite

tribe suffered at the hands

claimed

down

negroes,

vigorous gestures, he explained

of many

aid

in

extremely

and

who

put

Lung

before.

yellow man

immensely

was

educated

been

greatlyhis

how

Ah

hundred

Molly Hawk,'' being brought

canoe.

the

With

seen

arranged,

long before Timbota, the chief,followed

not

was

ever

been

they found

of half

comments

keeping strictly

on

had

matters

boat, where

the

to

insisted

had

the

old

been
new

Portuguese government, in order

for the

cocoa

plantations.

THE

UP
Catch

""

Island

black

of

"

the

This

people ready

all

Barney made

to

time

of

there," the chief

die

Portuguese

year

come,

away."

run

"

face.

wry

Thom6,

of San

to Island

him

Cheerful

lot,the Portuguese

to be."

seem

chief took

The
"

; take

man

RIVER

Principe; whip him, him

explained.
so

VITO

Bad

stay here, sar, and

You

sar.

men,

eagerly;

the words

up

drive Portuguese

away."
"

I'm afraid not,"

"

laughed.

We're

Jack,who

not

out

perhaps get hanged for

help

Timbota
"

made

do

the guns,

and

think you

Then

shook

his head

pumping
"

of his

some

the

It makes

We've

slavery
"

could

we

Ah

under

men,

man,

those," he pointedto

see

slave-catcher

several times, and

people."

went

over

to

were
Lung's supervision,

water

of the

out

tanks.

reflectively.

his shoulders:

got enough trouble of

knows

I've read

all

this

about
"

Portuguese

if

and

we're

sooner

already. Besides,

own

our

it often

about

The

can't.

we

and

can't."

we

feel sorry,"Barney remarked

you

government

our

drive away

foul Madeira

Jack shrugged
"

"

Very sorry for black

same.

nothing.

"

where

afraid

police

wish

pains. No, I

I'm

Englishman always the

he

naval

as

hopelessgesture:

but all the time

act

to

our

but

Timbota,

you,

standingbeside Barney,

was

cocoa

fere,
they don't inter-

here, the

from

away

better."
The
"

gunner,

Portuguese
it

those

were

shout

vessel did

awkward

Dagos,

Hardly
v/as

had

right,sir.

You're

make

who

and

for

they

the

from

juststumped ait, put

happen
us.

know

words
one

fever hole

proper

it,and

150

act up

men.

if

might
people,

low-down

of his mouth

Timbota's

And

this is.
in here she

come

They're
out

of

to

in his word.

to it."

when
A

there

mom"at

UP
later,every
was

one

making

THE

VITO

of the natives, including

the chief himself,
dive for the

Turning round,

the

new

dug-out

boys

coming
brigantine-rigged,
flagof the

RIVER

saw

up

the

canoes.

gunboat, white painted,

the despised
river,fl)ring

Portuguese Republic.

I5X

CHAPTER
THE

WAYS

AT
for the

We

Jack Wayne
''

Sink

harm

"

of

the

Portuguese gunboat. Gunner

had

better

made

get up

before

she

stared

at him

her 1 "

"

grimly.

we're
be
cut

she

mean

hasn't

and

my

There

was

that

fetching up
blank,
"

We

They
a

bare

was

would

at

once,

"But

she's not

done

us

any

won't," the old sailor answered

time

had

the worst

that's

"

to

had
two

would

throat, you

such
the

wouldn't

boys did

the

'

hesitate
but

Who
'

for

the

about

the

cocoa

there."

gunner's

settingto work

over

Jack decUned,

point

first shot.

see," he declared.

and

long

hundred

taken

not

When

Molly Hawk

only Britons

the

are

and, after they

well

do

be

smimunition,

wait
not

Dagos

laws.

own

The

air of conviction

an

quite creditable
have

their

big prizefor them, the sweeps,

fire the

must

all.

Dago is the Portuguese.

here, in the Vito River

plantations. You
words

If I start

in amazement.

they're the strongest, they make

had

ammunition

gets too near."

he echoed.

She

always bad,

would

face.

wry

"

It doesn't

knows

a
some

"

one-pounders, sir," he said.

sink her

can

PORTUGUESE

THE

Joseph Richardson, V.C,

"

OF

sight

the

XXIII

to

wait.

yards from

The

gunboat
and,

them,

speed for Portuguese

tenth

of the

152

time

"

"

anchored
with

what

British sailors

lowered

couple

THE
of

WAYS

boats, the

towards
"

"

the

half

slovenly-

of uniforms, and

armed

the other, in which

fairlytidy sailors,headed

dozen

with

crammed

for the shore, whilst

officer,and

an

PORTUGUESE

in all sorts

dressed

made
rifles,

was

THE

larger of which,

lookingmen,
with

OF

Molly Hawk."

They've picked

their

cleanest

call

specimens to

on

us," Barney remarked.

The
"

All

No

Dagos

those

equallydirty at heart.

are

praying

use

his

grunted,

gunner

for their souls, I

sailors,and

call that

teU

can

man-of-war

plug disgustedly."Now,

Master
you

"

round,

boat.

It

lay
"

did
to

not

We

the

cover

approaching

Jack's haU

need

their

on

The

oars.

Tell

"

your

make

to

the

be

to

man

spat out
a

the Maxim

the

gunner's action

friends, senhor,"

are

shouted.

Portuguese

was

sufficient.
officer

Portuguese

careful.

Those

don't take

armed

do

guns

off sometimes."

go

Jack
''

of

to

Call

sir," to Jack, "give 'em

he swung

as

He

hail,before they get alongside,"then

so

Barney.

went

We

to the

rail.

friends, too

are

strangers aboard.
"

To

in

are

see

naturally ask,

we

The
"

can't

Portuguese
but

at the

Whilst
of the

do

waters

"

All

right.

officer

was

sharp look-out

on

the

and

and

explanations."

in the

said, then, to

yourselfmay

we
hostility

the

come

shall sink your

cabin

with

to their arms,

boat's

precaution,as

unnecessary

You

at his comrades.

You

stood

"'

carries guns

your

refuse," he

well

first sign of
the

want

vessel

your

for
politely,

most

very

you

parties

"

senhor," the officer replied.

ship'scompany

yawning,

we

skipperglanced

young

We

What

yourpapers,

Portuguese

but

crew
men

smoking cigarettes.

but

Jack,

the

aboard,
boat."
the

rest

keeping a

very

it seemed

an

merely lounged about,

THE

OF

WAYS

After

while

The

Jack.

the

PORTUGUESE

THE

reappeared, accompanied by

officer

he reached

profoundlywhen

Portuguese bowed

the side.
"

am

sure

If those
of

"

"

Don't

Never

me.

have

their

volley

but

white

that ?

said.

good,believe

no

"

After that

now

of

dodging

men,

hand.
scores

But

there

of

strug-

figurestretched

black

one

the

ground.

first volley the

shrieks and

the

see

well, and

as

than

more

the

on

could

palm trees, rifles in

soldiers there

motionless

were

gunboat,

They're here for

they

now

gUng natives, and

out

the

help, sir," Joseph Richardson

What's

the

amongst

were

lend you

suddenly rung out on shore. For

boys had forgotten the other boatload

Portuguese ;
about

wiU

water-

had

the

moment

return, he

not

towards

those folk.

HuUo

back

rowed

trust

do

filling
your

in

men."

our

the boat

As

natives

All is in order.

deeply,senhor.

most

captain will gladly assist

my

tanks.
some

obUged

am

bullets had

the

how

to show

groans

but there
fitful,

became
firing

got

home.

Joseph Richardson

the

was

had

what

first to grasp

happened.
"

There

down

take

to

break

the

the

And

bringing

"

they

"

What's

his crowd.

been

niggers have

There

together.

chief, with

course

labourers,as they call them, for the sailors

aboard.

free.

rang out

"

of

gang

Portuguese, of

soldiers

were

go
on

again," as
now

trying to
of rifles

score

Oh, it'sour

They're trying

to

friend,

rescue

the

slaves."
The

boys

were

explanation
The

shore.
made

quiveringwith

was

local

right.

fierce conflict

natives, armed

desperate rush

to

save

154

The

excitement.
was

only with
their

gunner's
raging on

spears,

had

fellow-countrymen

THE
there
let
as

WAYS

who

us
can

use

be.

their

We're

escape.

trouble
The

can

OF

Unless

in
I'm

THE

PORTUGUESE

seven-pounder, and
a

thundering

bad

they daren't

fix,sir,as bad

mistaken, it won't

be

long before

begins."
words

pounder

were

shell

hardly out

whizzed

of his mouth

between

masts.

150

the

"

when

Molly

seven-

Hawk's

"

CHAPTER
DEAD

MEN

XXrV
TELL

the

NO

TALES

ducked

boys

their

INSTINCTIVELY
Portuguese shell passed

the

Richardson
"

''

Everyone

But

that

It

he

now
"

told

"

back

captain
''

said.

the

with

less

flag of truce."

again, though

friendly style.
the

and

it could

officer seemed

Dago's visiting

aboard

came

where

to

be

All

boat's

the
crew

by the

covered

anxious

nervous,

He

thinks

differently from

is not

satisfied

of

explanations

your

and

waters,

he says

or

he

Strike

the

Senhor,

truce,

to

be

The

and

in

along with

You

to

are

and

papers,

your

Portuguese
to

us

strike

Angola,

flag

your

you."

crimson.
British
you

trusting

to

Flag

have

hurried

to

over

Portuguese

honour,

hang

to

guese
Portu-

here, under

aboard

come

British

for the insult to

officer

myself, senhor,"

here,

are

come

decide.

safety, but, really, I ought

trader

with

you

must

will sink

flushed

Jack

why

you
to

Governor

the
once,

"

warning,
now,

far

fire,"he remarked.

under

fully armed,

were

The

gun.

My

he

at

in

"

go

of

officer who

same

received

to

Joseph

again.

away

for

kind

their boat

comes

was

Maxim

of

only

Molly Hawks

was

that, first time

does

the

was

but

as

only laughed.

was

Here

card.

them

over

heads

and
you,

you
both

shall go
as

flag
in

slave

nation."

our

the

157

side.

He

had

always

DEAD
looked
and

on

MEN

the

English as

he

was

now

TALES

NO

TELL

hot-headed, objectionable
people,

certain that

view

that

the

was

correct

one.
"

We're

in

fellows think

Barney
"

Get

had

we

won't

promptly

I'll be

and

get that lower

The

the

at

vessel's
of the
cabin

of

wrath, he

sprang

must

we

try

of

one

two,

being

gunner

Portuguese
either

on

one

skipper.

own

the

the

as

side

justmissingthe

his

hand

He

so.

action, and

gunboat
had

had

weigh,

some

longer. With

beloved

one-pounder,

had

shorn

killed

the

was

on

of

space

skill.
of

out

gun

behind

man

harm

rush

cover

of the

her

sir.

to

captain
as

the

were

men

began

British

He

had

to

"

it.
the

and

Molly

158

had

breech

moment,

Molly Hawk."

Hawk

into

he

the

the

of

one

shamed

her

"

the

on

patter about

Steer

For

Navy,

intended

action, and

it of its sights,
jammed

deck, but

below,

its

powerless to

been

in the

gunner

lost

Portuguese

the rifle bullets

Go

any

incrediblyshort

an

finest
not

Portuguese, only
remaining

his

to

seemed

the

been

put that

There

what

wait

not

pulled the trigger.

had

He

'"

fancy ;

anchor

his

to

out, the shell

did

time, then

the

had

she

Richardson

it in

trained

done

skylight.

growl

to

later,

roared

"

the

up

report

moment

deck

water,

revolvingslowly,the

"

upper

for the

his

made

sir, if you

way,

quick enough,

heave

to

seven-pounders

Joseph

and

just begun

wheel.

the

it all."

the coast."

-engineswere

motor

That's

As

down

officer

gunboat's

you

shoot

ready for her.

had

They

"

She'll

but

do

past her, and chance

run

nodded.

fire first.

What

"

better do ?

the anchor,

gunner

"

it," Jack muttered.

answered

up

The

for

part of the
her
"

officers

got under

returning,and

the motor-boat.

from

below.''

Joseph

DEAD
Richardson,

MEN
the

suddenly

man,

Jack, Master
But
A

he

tough

took

down

speed,

One

of

And

the

old

of

is certain

to

Master

"

"

quick time, Joseph

blood

got the engines

could

that

the

trickled

red."

see
"

knocked

have

not

righteousnessof
he

his

had

Barney
the

the

the

have

may

using

started

cause.

of

in

been

the

up

Portuguese

Richardson

been

heard

fighting Psalms

sending

and

gun,

that

is that, after

double

belt

below

in

again with

one-pounder.
to take

seemed

other

put her

the

below

is doubtful

Maxim

he

those

declared

of the

He

as

so

of the

one

That

his forward

Navy

I'llfollow."

Ironsides

certain

What

wrong.

"

Barney

Covenanters.

Below, all of you

skin,

began

gunner

chanting

man

the

then,

Cromwell's

Afterwards,

"

grazed his shoulder, another

fierce,more

more

TALES

fighter, the seasoned

Lung.

just scraping

his face.

to full

Ah

NO

follow.

not

rifle bullet

off his cap,

old

control.

Barney,

did

TELL

Catling

of action

out

gun

; then

after

bridge, and,

her

on

artist's interest in his work.

an

he

First,

dismounted

that, pulverised her

searchlight.
It

gunboat

The
"

But

"

the

The

in which

way

Lung

had

Each

report

poured
disabled

Very
Slow,"
settle

to

come

meant

; whilst

and

him

"

huge

come

back

by the head.

should

"

next

never

Uttle short

was

cloud

of steam

shells

ten

"

which

showed

Ah

of marvellous.
the water

that he had

boiler.

already put the engines

had

Jack

She

deadly hole, through

antiquated

her
soon

a
a

planted his

he

help

past her, unharmed.

run

again.

trade

slave

helpless really. The

seeing red."

was

gunner

in the

engage

have

could

miss.

not

of action,

out

was
"

Molly Hawk

could

he

though

as

was

on

Then

deck
her

"

the

to

"

Dead

gunboat began

captain

rushed

on

to

deck,

MEN

DEAD
hauled

frenziedly in
it

But
his

flagof the Republic,and waved

the

down

His boat

too late.

frenzied

captivesrushed

Then

An

Over,

over,

turtle and
It

lurch

sudden

more

over

'

kUl

the

"

watching from

Molly

had been

dragged

the

motor-boat.

gunboat

in

have

"

the

And

bar

of chickens, and

"

now

no

and

recovery.

recovery.
turned

said, as he

They would
expect

have

niggers

our

want, if we

we

The

correct.

go

natives must

the

palm grove, for, long before

brought up again,dug-out canoes

all sorts of

to

delight,was

the

come,

for the

surrounding

villagesup

the

Portuguese had

suitable

waters

for

the

Vito
other

no

abominable

blood.

the

later, when
of the

far

unexpected hiding-places,

with

"

Molly

Hawk

river, her tanks

sweet, fresh water, whilst forward

coop

and

all the water

to be

flesh and

Forty-eighthours
crossed

port

; as sudden

his face.

peace,

those

trafficin hmnan

more

the

received

were

Portuguese gunboat had

half mad

months

many

would

had

from

crowd,
yelling

River

"

Hawk

and

For

prophecy proved
been

have

they

killed,'sir," the gunner

be

or

off
wiped the perspiration
given us no quarter.
back and giveus
will come
to our old anchorage."
The

when

joy.

to

and the

"

boats.

down.

gone

was

oppositeshore

lurch to starboard

sudden

"

even

"

of

great demonstrations

the

deck, plunged overboard

on

up

Realising

into

crew

side of the river, where

to their

with

his

for the

they started

had

settle.

began to

captainordered

the

Hardly

swam

his hands

surrender.

was

danger,

TALES

NO

TELL

more

Ah

Lung

had

"

were

once

full of

coop

vegetablesthan they

after;
could

possiblyeat.
"

It's been

an

reached the open

ugly experience,"Jack sighed,as

sea

again and
j6o

started

they

southwards, under

DEAD
"

sail.

strained

"

there'll be

of

Those

not

the

us

but the law

"

will tell

men

will

coast

be worth

It may

people

further

no

We've

trouble.

were

engaged
us

Cape Town,

unlawful

first.
we

to be

not

want

We

shall have

The

must

worry

stood

chief told

but

we

and

me

our

word

of

enough without

i6i

...

those

hand

and

in

right: they

when

about

whereabouts

so.

some

did

only thing is that,

a

was

nigger

no

act, and, besides,had

not breathe

detained

And

Skipper suddenly,

log-books just as they

an

The

who

did, his life would

horrible,sir,sending

the Great

in

If he

us.

make

hanging us."

'

purchase.

seemed

face

to

insist on

gunboat is lost.'

spliton

ever

They would

tales,sir,"the gunner,

no

that

hour's

an

have

"

might

their

attacked

TALES

story for the newspapers.

at the wheel, cut in ;

on

NO

nodded.

\\Tiat

heroes

hope

TELL

things pretty far."

Barney
"

MEN

wantonly
we

it,for
made

that tacked

reach
we

do

public.
on."

XXV

CHAPTER
ROUND

gloomy hole

WHAT

mountain

The
and

were

Barney

was

lipsof

its foot,
a

few

capital of

the

bad

that there

had

This

the

the

time

expects

and

he

town

of

regards

as

fine

appointmen
dis-

city as

very

an

unwholesome

African
a

at

finds, instead,

number

made

natives.

good passage

she

oil-tanks
the

contents

last three

days

had

all hands

hard

at

kept

been

never

Now

her

with

had

Still,she had

meet.

had

had

weather, which

having

"

only during

of the time.

not

The

seems

River, doing the greater part of the distance

Vito

sail ;

He

the inevitable

to

Molly Hawk

the

under

its vastness.

by

colony,

dorp,"

Asiatics, in addition

from

through that port.

newcomer.

British
"

Boer

overgrown

"

rises to the

yards of Adderley Street, is always

hundred

The

which

comment

squalid,undignified,un-English, except
to

the

pass

scene

"

away.'"

be

huge, threatening, unbeautiful,

whole

the

to oppress

time.

Adderley Street, Cape Town,

the

who

Mountain,

Table

glad to

up

making

Britons

most

all the

us

people 1 Half-castes, Malays, Boers

walking

boys

horrible,flat-topped

overhang

to

I shall be

crowd.

hateful

That

seems

the

And
a

COAST

THE

was

proved
any

boys

had

of the

danger

lying

filled up

so

which

beside

one

fine
her

struck

work

most

sea-boat

crew

could

of the

quays,

afresh.

been

tanks

herself

she

more

tested

z(r4

careful.
most

They

had

and
carefully,

ROUND

have

only I could

had

Barney'
"

Dwarf

Ah

"

hands

got my

if he

later, that
who

question

taken

had

charm

the Palapog

at

own

be

to

narrow

answered

from

escape

been

Me

see

the

darts

end, there

once

anxious

an

was

"

Molly Hawk

necessityto keep

poisoned

Still,in the

darkness.

had

time, there

httle

horrible

the

of absolute

matter

"

remarked.

"

saw

night

yet, all the

those

the Yellow

by

his arm."

on

The

sea.
a

watch,

his

seemed

that,'' he

man

following morning

seemed

not

coolly.

Plenty Palapog

more

excitement,
to it

put up

"

he said.

very

The

from

11

Lung.

the brute

on

was

Ah

murder

to

white

rather

I wonder

Lung,

death

going

was

gone

moment

by

"

fear.

from

He

"

Jack panted.

COAST

THE

dread

coming

was

constant

of

of

one

of

out

alarm

no

It

one.

the

c^ any

sort.

Originally the

Delagoa Bay

Durban

or

minds.

It

at

they

had

desire to

one

that

in the

Mozambique

the

At

to

British

the

Mashonaland

but

they changed

now

likelythat
the

look

starts

in

next

at

their

Dwarf

the

Yellow

out

for them,

and

Beira.

said, " it's the only

Territory. Of
really rule

it's Portuguese,

course,

it.

The

railway

to

there."
of the

mention

put

risks,so they decided,

port, sir," the gunner

I know

but

to

unnecessary

run

right on

instead, to go

intended

places on

those

agents
no

than

more

was

had

"

had

boys

Portuguese, Barney

made

wry

face.
"

If

they've heard

any

"

from the Vito River

rumours

he began.
The
"

gunner

They

be held

won't

shook
;

his head.

and, if the story did

up just the

same

in

British

164

come

port.

out,
We

we

should

shall

only

ROUND
be

in Beira

few

It's not

early days
And

then

of the

they

went

they

began

the

to

always

high

drew

line

of any
time
it

"

cumstances,
cir-

to drink

that, in the end,

than

all the

natural

"

rising steadily all

of

twenty mOes

said

gunner
it's

It's

murder

low-down
the

ready

There
was

work

the

see

There

line

Slowly,

on.

gauge,

"

It's

that

Plateau

the

toy

mere

jungle,

dense

and

very

it reached

there, after

mountains, it was

Land.
could

very

it," the

big

gets into the papers,

never

divorce

done

have

big story, a

healthy reading than

a

Macquece

at

which

sun
pitiless

misery.

only two-foot
time, untO

were

the constant

was

went

countrjmien

or

Of

pay.

pick up stragglers,

to

veritable

Central

proudly.

more

Very

terrible floods which,

of months.

the Promised

of those

one

work

sort

was

the

own

our

lived to

were

amongst
zig-zagging

high veld,

Only

three

There

the

Great

of the

foot

sheep."

rotten

crept along through that

first

at

railway

And

took

and

The

in such

first month's

the dead.

rebellion.

the

all

slowly, the

luck.

which,

veld.

dig up

to

"

their

the camps,

round

exertion

Yet

but

victims

fever, there

to the

native

rendered

the

line

happens

result

said, like

hour, destroyed the

fear of

"

the

more

even

never

hyenas ready

on

; with

the

sleeper laid.

to lose their nerve,

the gunner

In addition

hens

there in the

Railway,

often

so

originalstaff, only about

an

out

visions.
pro-

put together.

through

the

Beira

as

fear claimed

They died,
often

oil and

the terrible story

life for every

their courage

and

diseases

in

of the
human

men

hquor

was

tell them

to

on

appalling,and

restore

and

railway building."

he

cost

say,
was

the

healthy spot.

construction

fever

to

hours, just for water

a

of the

COAST

THE

yarn

about

one

worse
some

case."

boys, being healthy-minded, agreed heartily.

165

ROUND
weather

The
there

the

round

of

was,

against that

iron-bound

be

to

vessel

of Port

roadstead,

in the world, should

in

heavy swell, beating

eternal

mile

open

unusually fine,though

was

shore.

within

that

why

coast

the

course,

They passed

COAST

THE

be

called

of the most

one

dered
won-

dangerous

port." Everything

"

Elizabeth, and

had

discharged into lighters,no

easy

is

built along the

itself,

shore, looked
East

The

rollingheavily.

town

task

when

the

singularlyunattractive.
is little better, for

London

there, only the

smallest

vessels

though there

can

is

river

its abominable

cross

bar.
"

The

bar

used
I've

feet of water

nine

it down

keep

to

"

remarked.

gunner

only

Durban

at

lost

we

We

twenty-five

it's the

To-day
during
As
out

"

That's

Bay,

supposed

to

to

vessel

grief.
"

Can't

Why

they

"

'

that

the

St.

Lucia

it

let the

bought
but,

manage

as

as

for

that

it.
.

found

we

usually

we

Dagos keep

Africa,

coast, the gunner

'

her

supposed

was

Dorothea

get

Well,
'

had

Since

Bay.

at the

"

i66

to be

out

pointed

gone
ever

wreck, and

What's

lost

over

the

"

millions

put

few

then,

been
"

asked.

Kruger's

they shipped

war,

of lives have

Jack

locate

the

Dorothea.'

tried to

Dozens

ago,

President

old

and

the

expeditionshave
to

was

Une.

During

be.

called

in

years

Zululand

where

Delagoa,

came

news

they

now

treasure-huntingplace,sir," he said.

St. Lucia

down

the

up

in the

break

till there

War."

went

they

; but

have

of South

Gate

Boer

the

it silt up

could

and

chance,

our

terror, too," the

dredgers. Still,the only reallygood

with

thousands

do,

known

high tide

at

port is Delagoa Bay.

few

be

to

the
on

It's
are

gold
board

days later,
down
so

have

teriously
mysmany
come

it."
?
difficulty

ROUND
The
"

gunner

The

in shallow

safe

swell's

water, but

for

grave

better.

She'll

Barney
"

plug

raised his

Is there

Well,

lot of

only

had

they
'

wreck's

they

diving boat

the

wanted

there,

pick out

to

have

couldn't

done

secret."

own

eyebrows.
?

"

he asked.

never

the

was

lost treasure.

"

I'd

any

gold had
It's

Delagoa Bay.

Black

''

is,"the old sailor answered.

there

this much

after the

Kruger's

her

that

in

they get

Dorothea

of lead, that

Germans
I know

If

there

say

hold

boxes

hunt,

secret

some

men

some

keep

difficulty.The

the moment

'

the

COAST

twist,

the

it,she's swamped.

over

"

his

gave

ground

THE

sooner

Pearl, than
There's

no

that."

ifl7

be

a
on

her,

gold aboard

all been
queer
our

stolen

by

story, anyway.
treasure

own

trying after

old

luck for anyone

Paul
about

XXVI

CHAPTER
IN

THE

INDIAN

who

OCEAN

knows

Beira

EVERYONE
hottest, most

detestable

will teU

it Is the

you

little port in the

Indian

Ocean.
The

bay, really

large

The

mangroves.

beach, but
first

mouth

of

well-sheltered, the

and

horrible

the

few

feet

sight, to consist

the

shores

above

of little

little stone

their rusty rifles and

with
the

than

more

roads

all

are

by

of little trolUes

means

yourself,have

that

will

You
of

scum

of

about

the

of both

east

"

and

white

find that

traffic

wheeled

chair

out

You,

it,and

on

finest

is the
aU

near

Every
looks

man

at

natives.

from

west.

land

tiny tram-lines.

there

caf^s

Uttle

of

score

being carried

work

white-clad

rascaldom

Every

liquor shop.
and

two

few
you

ordinary

on

at

uncleanly sentinels

trolly with

notice, too, that

samples

lounging

running

charter

to

pushed along by

be

"

hea\'y sand,

sandy

cigarettes,you

eternal

with

appears,

When

the

pass

quite impossible,all transport

is

as

and

quay,

on

level, and

sea

sweltering, galvanised-iron shanties.

the

covered

being

itself stands

town

River, is

Pungwe

parts of the
the

quay,

second

the

tion
collecworld
very

building is

yellow from

fever,

utterly weary.
This

is

they

were

Doesn't

worse

this

than

Cape Town,"

being trundled
wretched

tram

x68

up

to

jolt?

Barney
their
And

remarked

agent's store.
the

heat I

IN
don't

wonder

people

proved

"

is

minute

oil for your

in Beira,

none

the

been

He

was

all.

at

sells it

who

drinking."
sitting

was

cordial, and

very

do

to

for them,

anything
the

hopes to

ground.

Ach.mein.

That

I know

here, and

only

There

well,

is

stock

my

as
run

of late."

out

Jack
had

drummed

used

"

"I

have

cable

her

Zanzibar,
The

coast,
the

store.

get

some

They

asked.

German

answered.
and

can

means

left

week's

to

delay here.
us

carry

to

on

get it ourselves."
"

That

is

good, very good.

I will cable

my

am

to be

manager

whether

question of

the

Mauritius,"

via

we

Jack remarked,

go

"the

they left

as

Hullo, there's the Post Oflice.

up

Let's go and

stamps."
their

made

in with

The

latter

"

Seniors

read.

an

some."

postalclerk, and
came

?" he

there- to-morrow,

That

friends.

settles

"

it was

and

refilled.

more

enough

beamed.

reserve

or

"

have
could

we

young

That

fingers. They

down."

some

his head.

German

and

sure

some

leaving

We

so

glad,my
"

bring

to

thanks.

No,

his

Zanzibar," the

at

steamer

shoo"

Jack

have

plenty

is

get the tanks

to

will you

There

with

table

good deal of oil since Cape Town,

When

the

on

important matter

"

have

motor-engines ?

none

only person

So

their

dashed

far, the

here.

fat German,

being ready

as

later he

Heavy

am

be

to

punkah, perspiring.

expressed himself
but

quickly

doing anything

seen

agent, who

under

OCEAN

INDIAN

die

men

we've

The

THE

from

just about

to

were

telegram, which

scanned

Would

purchases

I I

handed

English spik.

assist ?

"

and

paper.

169

he

Goanese

dirty

leave, when

it, frowned, then

little

you

he

the

to

native

the

official.

called to

the

I cannot

this word

held

out

the

boys.

slipof

IN
took

Jack
much

"

"

English

Still,he

word

had

who

until

Not

he

go ; then

"

they

he said, very

That

telegram was

the

'

Yeen

Pang

'

saying

not

the

to

"

we've

quietly,

was

did

street

to the

had

narrow

aboard

Dwarf,

Yellow

him
Zanzibar, telling

at

word

door, and

in the

both

were

Barney,"

escape.

himself,

over

"

Yeen

Pang

already strolled

looking out.
let himself

"

was

control

kept

Barney,

"

not
beggars," he remarked,
his expression
changed suddenly,

Casual

"

here," then

secrecy

for the

to

it.

OCEAN

INDIAN

THE

we're

coming

up."
The
"

other

1 We

Thunder
been

and

chewed

"

should

low

have

the

we're
'

Yeen

going

about

hanging

his

jaws,

"

promptly.

Let the German

"

That'll

keep the

coast, and

the

on

now

Zanzibar.

to

straightinto

gone

move

Mauritius," Jack answered

think

whistle.

organisedhis spy service pretty

He's

up.

What's

thoroughly.

to

vent

gave

give

Pang

'

fair

to

get

by

the

us

start.''
German

The
off

seemed

leave

said

He

he

good-bye
"

he

bestir

himself

that

everything they required aboard, ready

dawn.

at

did

well

had

evening they
to

So

speedily.

to assist them

anxious

most

had

beamed
literally

taken

trouble

the

them

on

to

he

as

down

come

himself.
"

I have

Now

instructed

arrival," he

on

yourselves,and
"

this your

Good-bye,

we'll have
The

figureclambering
the chance

gunner

Leave

him

giilhis reward

shook

of

on

to

to

yacht."

he watched

the

you

luck

good

and

wonderful

most

Hypocrite,"Barney growled, as

white-clad

"

"

added.

will meet

agent, who

my

the stout,
"

quay.

gettingsquare with

you

hope

yet.''

his head.

to the Great

Skipper,Maslci

later on."

170

Barney.

H"'ll

Outwardly,

port doctor,

The

after

enter
"

think

dipped

in disinfectants.

in

big

smell

The

that's

"

that

every

vessel

took

them

to

Hawk

fast.

"

about

to

broke

out

and

moored

was

men

to the

carrying sugar

everything
Half
and

under

began

to

shore

on

growled, after the

their dirty hnen
"

It's
One

away.

the

great

entering was

on

well

were

horses

sudden

and

"

side

Molly

task, and

their

were

commotion

shouting,rushing about
the

pilot

the

to

the

make

to

The

stern.

hither

which

carts

had

lighters,
frenziedlytr3dng to get

cover.

shore

dozen

and

when

themselves,

thither, hurrying away

been

bow

just finished

had

the quay,

on

boys

they proceeded

They

clean

the

which

moorings,

and

and

delay.

lot

snorted.

out

to

"

struck

that

their

harbour,

of the

it is I

what

thing

first

Empire,

the

all

Richardson

Joseph

dirtiest town

jollyclean

and

fumigated,

been

"

be

must

they

had

boys

them

fuss and

precautions,"Barney

all these

Clean

the

as

allowed

Frenchman,

stout

vessel

"

its drawbacks,

it has

great deal of unnecessary

I should
need

to

but

a very
delightful,

learn.

to

soon

were

least, the place is safe and

at

refuge ;

of

haven

OCEAN

INDIAN

THE

IN

boats
in

row

put

from

out

frantic

haste

the

landing-stage,

towards

the

larger

steamers.
"

What

The
"

ever

answered

gunner

from

the steamer
funnel.

"

the

"

Jack asked in astonishment.

Ought

observatory.

Those

we

began

them

nearest

It's safer for them

The

cyclone'scoming, sir,I'm afraid. They've justgot the

warning

"'

it mean

can

who

can

than

to go ?

old sailor shook

"

get

to

to

being in

belch
sea

this

Barney asked.
his head,

172

Aye,

are

look

smoke

going

trap,"

there,"
out
to

as

of her
do

so.

IN
No.

"

We're

wasn't

be

double

struck

Half

but

On

Ocean

more

hands.

Molly Hawk

'

cyclones. It
But

we

can

lightto
be

After

face

to

enough
heavy

like

attention

seeing to

the

moorings,

made

all loose

they

as

gear

looked

get outside

round.

the harbour

up, whilst

steam

the others

sea.

of the

city

Every

seen.

pay

Then

do.

managed

not

was

to

busy

too

topmasts and

had
had

shore, it
to

was

Indian

were

possibleto

was

of the rest, some

too

they

the

the steamers

were

'

The

are.

had

we

their work.

both

it

as

if

hour

next

anything

secure

we

OCEAN

mooring ropes."

the

they

as

weather

to

different

our

For

INDIAN

better

intended

would

to

THE

window

was

dead.

Not

closed

with

soul

thick,

heavily-barredshutters.
When

they

pleasant

breeze.

stillness in the
"

that
faint

first ;

at

distant
"

on

Down
us.

said

Jack

with

noise

but, within

Joseph

below,

May

was

been

horrible,

in the

light,

uncanny

sky.
"

little shiver.

Listen

"

humming

roar.

there

Now,

had

port, there

air, a curious greyness

It's eerie,"

What's

the

entered

few

others

seconds, it

Richardson

all of

the Great

all the

was

you,"

he

Skipper see

173

was

could
more

hear
like

recognised it.
said.
us

"

The

cyclone

safelythrough 1

"

is

XXVII

CHAPTER

CYCLONE

THE
seemed

IT

had

battened

together
the

cyclone

the

on

was

it

"

"

Hawk

Molly

first blast, but

time

the

had

sea

violently,in
moorings,

and

before

time

onwards

for the

each

shiver

the

to

all

through

at

of

space

about

tossing

tremble

for

their

were.

told

that

them
one

of the

something
shore

heavy object actually landed

spray

speak.

other

was

them

against the yacht,

once

seconds

she

made

all

were

incredibly short

and

up,

sharp jar

driven

probably,

to

an

which

and

they

"

few

hear

they

strong though these

times

been

that

seemed

got

saloon

nothing, owing

see

within

way

extra

Several
had

From

could

the

forehatch

only

was

could

they

in

party

the

them.

on

port lights,nor

The
the

little

down

that

"

half-hour

next

the

to

boats
the

on

deck.
At

last the

they

realised

hear, it had
"

that
died

It's over,"

of the

door
The

them

do

There

could

they
down

for the

once

make

more

before

almost

another

one

altogether.

Barney

shook

abate, then,

to

began

said

companion

gunner

"'Over

as

noise

a3

he

proceeded

to

the

open

way.

his

moment.

head.
It may

come

back.

Most

of

so."
was

blank

they gazed

round

astonishment
the

harbour.

174

on

the faces
Theirs

of the

seemed

boys
to

be

CYCLONE

THE
the

only craft which

of the

ashore

been

moored

the

local

alongside the

broken

which

had

in almost

seemed,

quays,

one

adriit, and

coasting crait,

themselves

ground

have

to

case,

whilst

seriously. Every

suffered

not

sailingships had

and

steamers

gone

had

every

pieces against

to

the

stonework.
Several

land, whilst
sunk

at

It must
"

their

moorings.

The

have

been

of those

some

small branches

still,except

that

at

Barney exclaimed,

the

didn't
The

you

the trunks
House

of

now

remained.

represented
whilst,

buildings ;

couple

were

black

columns

broken

already

out

in

vessels, there

stranded

the

was

no

barque

She's

big tramp

that

"and

and

it

as

bad

steamer

it must

this.

as

her

all

I knew

dry.

was

lost

sticks,"
that
be

was

bad,
it

Somehow,

so."

seem

laughed.
low

we're

see,

why

suddenly,

we

and
the

again, from
He

only

fires had

on

thought

never

gunner

that's

the

of all their

leaves, but

Customs

the

water,

light is nearly high

but

struck

sight.

"Look

so

had

houses.

wrecked

in

all gone.

before,

green

neighbouring

where

showed

smoke

so

some,

by

several

from

back

farther

one

Of

well.

as

of

roofs

Yet

loose, had

had

which

their

only of

pile of debris

vast

of

boats

the

to

on

up

break

to

shore

looked

had

trees, which

the

clean

tugs, having failed

two

black, stripped, not

washed

Hawk."

MoUy
The

been

lighters had

was

"

in the

As

listened.

"

for

Down

way.

before

round

the

the

cyclone

semicircle

of

was

hills in

them
the

but,

he

broke

off
back

coming

all."

hardly

were
on

It's

below

tightly built
"

out

Barney

very

those

Look

quite right. They

saloon

and

water,

escaped.

other

Master

I know.

back

in

the

again, sweeping
opposite direction

THE
its former

to

realised
more

and

the

fear of

up

the

from

damage

the

passage

"

either

wreck,

a
"

Hawk

had

her

to

damage

shore, had

with

paintwork,
a

been

they quickly had

had

they
at the

been

first
on

her, and

now

she

was

head, driftingright on

"

down

them

Axes

Lung I
If any

"

Take
one

inevitable,if

with

them,

"

Cut

the wheel, Gunner,

one

had

wreck

not

was
"

the

the

Molly

to

some

boats

being

house

on

serious than

more

them
A

move

perhaps,

as,

large tramp
had

been

steamer,

driven

bows

ashore

being

had, somehow,

to

that

refloated

down

foul them,

stove

at the

perhaps

to

her.

Jack cried.
of them

shore

well
driftinghelplessly,
to

the

in addition

cyclone,her
storm

second

deck, smashing in the

lyingin mid-harbour,
the

it had

which

Even

by

her

made

its return, the

in ; but

drag

to

before.

onslaught of

stepped

exception of

singlevessel

something

moved

never

had

which

sole

caused

of, a danger which

to think

the

heavy shutter, rippedoff

flungon
fore-companion-hatch.
But

Yet

reallycompleted

for
escaped entirely,

againsther,

dashed

was

in its second

possible.

was

not

was

boys that

totally disabled.

or

not

there

now

little,perhaps because

done
all that

there

Hawk,"

MoUy

the

to

shipping, of which,

of the

little more

was

that it had

them

been

but

"

first instance

they opened the hatch and

already accompUshed
look showed

only

far

were

just a question of reckoning

counting the dead.
It

had

storm

in the

as

they

in prayer.

moved

finish

to

deck, it seemed

the

to

both

it had

"

start

and

"

wind, the boys

of time

over

first glance,when

At
on

was

return.

lips of

space

it

hour

no

the

same

elapsedbefore
an

time, perhaps because

terrific force of the

uneasy,

than

This

course.

the

About

CYCLONE

had
even

our

moorings,Barney,

whilst I start the

engines.''

failed,disaster would have

stumbled

176

and

so

lost

Ah

been

second

THE
But

two.

or

hacked
The
hull
the

engines going,so the

ropes.

great steamer

actually on

was

them, but

over
"

Hawk

began

lurch, the

bridge

the

through the mooring

Molly

with

Jack got

as

towering
"

CYCLONE

and

to

or

settled

her

upper

three

days

them, her

black

two

away,

when

minute

later,

Half

move.

steamer

part of

foot

otners

down, until only her

deck

above

visible

were

the water.
the

During
closed

their

next

great, over

very

coloured

being

the

could

do

have

only

disposal.
he

return,

did

them

them

mentioning

the

time,

same

included

in

"

Van

the
us

"

no

gave

as

port, but, before

ha

of

work

he

"

by mistake,

ready

was

by

as

out,

go

to

lucky

help

in

private

no

permitted
They had

he

wrecks.

and,

to

hia

at

do, but, in

to

allowed

motor-yacht

her

and

at

to

be

her

told

him

chance

he

hoodwinking

Dwarf.

Yellow

the

the

well, he

Borneo

knew

the

plenty

of their venture,

something

As

Molly Hawk,"

voluntarilyplaced

list of total

the

in

favour

if

as

hand.

law, which

"

the

craft
had

boys

messages

terror, the

anything.

effective

found

He

martial

commandeered

the

so,

of

get out

proclaimed

to commandeer

would

to

been

had

town

thousand, and, in its bUnd

Governor

power

He

nights the boys hardly

loss of life in the

population seemed

result, the
him

The

eyes.

and

Humm,

der

news,'

"

"

Jack exclaimed.
For

more.

of his

one

or

agents, is certain

Now,

he will worry

least, the cyclone has been

us, at

to

get

about
a

good

thing."
Barney
"

Not

that

nodded,

for those
the

wholesale

sugar

then

pointed

poor wretches

boys,

stricken

utterly ruined.

starvation, the Governor

the

the

there, though.

plantationsare

Fortunately for

to

the

i;7

town.

I hear, too,
It

means

says."
store

containingthe

oil

CYCLONE

THE
thev

needed

gave

them

it

themselves
bound

for

escapeddamage,

permissionto

that,

was

and

had

on

the fifth

running

out

Colombo, the

adventurous

their

have

day

the Governor

and

tanks

after their

of
last

the

voyage.

178

refilled. Thus

arrival,they found

harbour

stage but

readily

of
one

Port

of their

Louis,

long

justiceand

and

Indian

then,

taken

and

tea,

allowf d to

Barney,
been

as

Jack

had

Asiatic.

It is
On its

him
there

to

close

came

the

boys,

Sahib," he said

and

by,

words

The

fired his

that

of the
It

tone,

ordinary

Pearl

He

oS.

sent

gone,

then

in his eyes.
"

I do not

jewels from

buy

Black

very

want

By

you.

of Peihoo."

with

still,regarding them

his face ;

they would

low

or

waddling

an

rest had

word

suddenly, so unexpectedly, that

native, having
violently. The

so

started

on

to

the

buy

shot, stood

inscrutable look
saw

I want

out

came

boys

the

both

to

I want

be

strange gleam

Jack, in

to

jewels.

to sell you

all the

of them

not

have

cadgers,but

apparently

would

until

waiting

round,

hovered

jewels,who

and

trip,and

most

of them,

one

was

send

to

the

new-comer.

before, would

his former

enough

was

with

precious stones, who

or

of these touts

hands

most

other,

or

got angry

in Asia

been

things on

learnt

seller of

Hindu

drinks, and

having

time

some

pester the life out of every

in the

But

ofl.

sat, at

dealers in curios

never

wax

from

iced

or

of native

swarm

have

Grand

meeting- placesin the world.

people of to-day have

famous

not

the

knows

veranda, overlooking the harbour, half of the

broad

"

for tea.

East

famous

of the most

he

Hotel

in the

Everyone

two

control of the

half the

arrangements for a supply of oil

Jack's suggestion,they turned into

at

Asiatic

Grand

are

Imperial

our

their

made

boys
water,

one

hold

we

cent
magnifi-

Ocean.

The

the

jewelsin

of the finest

is one

Holding Colombo,

Crown.

and

regulations. A great town,

sane

Colombo

town,

PEARL

THE

FOR

BID

then

not, could

he

smiled

an

gently,as

not, deny all knowledge

matter.

spoke

well for the

attempt
been

to

lie

or

boys'
to

common

bluster.

equallyuseless. This
i8o

sense

Both
Hindu

that
courses

knew

they

did

would

of their

BID

FOR

THE

quest, and, apparently,he

prepared

to

buy

not

was

the Black

PEARL

Pearl

an

when

"

He

enemy.

they had

was

obtained

possession of it.
"

We

have

quietly.

"

not

When

to do

The
of

with

native

the

had

"

imagined
My

of the

of Peihoo
have

been

we

then

front

he

seUingit.

do

"

have

might
the

am

to whom

son

the Pearl

since it failed to arrive

looking for it,waiting,first my

here.

servant

your

What

onlooker

he said.

Ever

"

ordinary deal.

an

Chand,

Gobind
.

it is

arranged his tray

that any

Chand,"

other

and

so

trying to

was

where

out

"

of him,

father, then

my

find

we

to talk of

matter

consigned.

was

yet," Jack answered,

squatted down,

of that

son

"

is Gobind

name

if

it

enough

cheap jewelsin

have

have

we

there will be time

you

Pearl

got the

grandfather,
Now,

at

last,

shall succeed.''

we

the

Both

humble

suave,

know
"

boys

conscious

were

native

seemed

of

eerie

an

to be

feeling. This

horribly certain,to

so

much.

so

How

did

find

you

that

out

held

we

the

secret

"

Jack asked.
Gobind
"

Chand

There

drugs

are

I gave

is

have

Hindu,

men

talk.

young

sahib

who

has

the

To

Black

Barney

in his thin,

he

me

the

it did not

jewels,could

Pearl,

had

they

exchanged
chickens
seem

And

i8i

that

when

the

now,

they

possiblethat

known.

sahib's

things, so

It

glances.

before

to

The

Borneo

will sell it to me."

cheap muslin,
ever

of those

to

gone

told many

matter.

raise the money

Pearl the world

Some

Dwarf, the thrice-accursed.

counting your

moreover,

make

Tolhus.'

Jack and
Uke

to the

all about

I know

sahibs

'

which

drugs

YeUow

with that
name

smiled.

was

were

rather

hatched

this

with

humble-looking
his tray of cheap

purchase the

most

valuable

he

still,as

knew

him.

policy to quarrelwith
"

When

have

we
"

Jack said;

it

much,

so

the

PEARL

THE

FOR

BID

evidently

was

Pearl,

talk

can

we

it's going to take

meanwhile,

good

not

about

that,"

all our

us

time

get it."

to

Another
Chand
"

hawker

to be

appeared
I

the

help

can

things I know,

are

I hawk

though
take

with

me

"

We

make

:
"

murmured,

in

honest

there

great matters,

Colombo.

in

the

on

The

sahibs

even

should

He

going to

was

have

no

venture.

by ourselves," he

"

answered.

Later, if

here, in Colombo, then you

shall be back

can

Pearl."

face, then

the Hindu's

crossed

flush of annoyance

he

much,"

am

offer for the

an

his tray ; then

with

his head.

it

do

can

us

and

shook

succeed, we

we

sahibs

jewels

natives

unknown

busy

Gobind

moment,

them."

Jack

But

for

passed, and,

he

salaamed.
"

"

they walked
I don't

is far

he
than
"

the

hotel

his

And

word.

him

to

this

the

natives.

My

idea, too, is that

own

Pearl

If he

tackled

I shall be

been

had

all.

at

us

to have

seems

glad

"

answered.

helped," Jack
have

that

does

How

steal the

try and

story of the Pearl

how

"

from

us

us."

friendly.

would

he

from

quest

our

"

said.

bit," Barney

Ukely

more

It can't be

think

about

buy it

to

keep

to

keep

from

away

like it

know

fellow

will

here, to buy."

shall be
As

sahib

The

well.

Very

when

now

an

I did my

enemy,

best

I don't

Still,it is strange
got round
the

amongst

quest

is all

over."
There

they

was

arranged

had

morning

to
nothing particular

"

so, at

for the

tanks

do
to

on

be

board

the

filled the

yacht
"

following

they strolled up into

Barney's suggestion,
182

A
the

native

them

with

up

shaven

FOR

portion of

to interest
done

BID

heads

THE

the town.

eSeminate

"

tortoiseshell combs;
Tamil

; humble

coolies from

"

We

if

The

one

got

out

ones

to

were

be

forward
Ah

from

as

Far

the

result, went

of Chinese

quarter,"

somewhere.

of his mouth

doorway

were

the

hopelesslydrunk.
pass ;

drunken

Lung.

i"3

of

in

arm

supporting

for the

India

him."

of the

side, intending to let them

Southern

is ashore

out

They

priestswith

to do at first.

kind

across

hardly

of them.

outer

to

Lung

come

were

appeared

sprang
than

and,

plenty

long hair

their

Pathans

intended

Ah

stumbled

ahead

the two
who

shall

we

words

Chinamen

just

"

remarked.

wonder

had

have

to

seem

Jack

and
"

they

found

soon

Buddhist

temples, bazaars, beggars

farther than

on

They

Cingalesemen,

huge, fierce-looking
Afghans
North

PEARL

when

three

filthyhovel,

arm,

or

rather,

in the centre,

man

The

boys

drew

to

then, suddenly, both

man

was

none

other

XXIX

CHAPTER

CANTONESE

THE

Two

that

of Ah

acted

in

British

"

What

they

boys glanced

The
to

be

in

had

deserted,

doorway

To

have

asking for
"

We

for

save

to

twenty

some

he

lying just as
their backs

round

tail at the

turned

must

the

ground,

Barney.
does

one

"

city of

the

type

not

carry

of Colombo

they whipped
did

they

threatened,

out
not

to

brother

our

of them

"

one

Jack, whilst

the

other

did

Barney.

to

same

They

once.

close

growled, coming very

the

at

with

wantee

you

afterwards.

fell to

knives, which

anything

do

and

Jack

on

"

for, lettinggo

were,

then

and

"

saw

Chinamen

gunner

boys

totally unarmed

daylight in

to

the

staggered

were

the

ever

to their appearance.

hastily. Still, though

attempt

the

gave

Celestials had

the

but

two

who

savagely

boys

weapons

description of

up

once

who

turned

The

"

at

Lung,

they

Barney

Certainly,they
reaUsed

the

was

which

have

evil-lookingbrutes

of the most

had

quickly.
couple

more

first hint

fallen,the

street

appeared

Chinamen

yards off, and

of trouble.

lounging

Cingalee,who
Ah

boys'assailants

Lung
now

was

having

him.

attempted resistance would

certain

don't

The

have

been

madness,

death.

want

trying to gain time,

to

interfere," Jack answered

in the

hope

184

of

slowly,
"

help appearing.

We

CANTONESE

THE

thought it

was

to

back

get him

we'll pay

The

to

no
"

cook.

your

them

to

open

they

returned

There

be

later with

the

We're

of them
a

by
chance

ankle
to

them, and

knives

were

look

in

boys'

"

"

his

boys

time, it
the
a
"

want

to

in

were

foUow

was

I"

Ah

were

their heads.
and

had

seized

unexpectedly that they

for the

boys

their

from

knew

each

had

not

jump

to

hands,

help

to

the

was

that

Ah

be.

But
Their

up.
and

would

they

on

whilst

if need

game

them

told

them

to be in

fix.

the
not

native

go
a

Of

to

it."
it

course,

release

their

settled for them

pohce at

now,"

pohce

the

out

was

end

at

case."

185

of the

the

prisoners.

by

the

of the

same

ever,
How-

appearance

road.

Jack said quickly.

court

growled.

Lung

Lung's advice, yet,

Ah

was

do

wantee

no

dangerous

matter

couple of
Let

his senses,

feet,ready

faces

kill if you

question

of

keep that

Chinamen

two

Plenty pirate-man,"Ah

them.

me

The

when

mercy.

Kill

Let

"

pressed againsttheir throats,

own

get much

the

landing on

knives

fellow-countrymen
the

Lung

exclamation, for, without

moment

the

Lung staggered to

would

themselves.
of

wrest

Ah

rescue

ribs, can't you I

cause,

so

save

the work

was

to

for the

reason

recovered

an

course

no

police.

jerked violentlybackwards,
Lung had

to be

seemed

able

my

slightestapparent

Ah

ominously.

going," Barney began;

from

away

good

was

plenty quick.

now,

flashed

There

would

right.

beastly knife

his

along

retreat, mortifying though that

save

Perhaps they

It

wanted

we

you'llbring him

go way

Jack.

at

be.

"All

You

big knives

the

and

Barney glanced

had

If

yacht.

our

there, and

Celestials snarled.

Savee

the

had

you

well."

This

"

cook

our

"

We

don'i

CANTONESE

THE
As

couple of
make

and
what

lost to

were

served

rupees

Ah

cousin

down

this

pair of

scoundrels

him

where

his

area.

had

He

who, under

to

cousin

to

escape,

lived, had

now

appearance,

"

had

it not

just as

he

what

But

find

to

an

him.

for

been

for

being

the

chance

probably would

he

have

not

boys' unexpected
from

taken

the

opium

abode.

their

was

to

dangerous position,he had

was

him

taken

thoroughly drunk, hoping

captors'own

his

to

in

was

thing which

accomplished
den

he

be

been

pretext of showing

the

opium den, intendingapparently to drug

pretended

of

out

had, quite by chance, fallen in with

of his, and

Realising that

curiosity,

sahibs

the

explained.

Lung

alley.

narrow

the constables'

conduct

to

obviously a dangerous

they went.

Celestials skulked

two

view

aUay

to

volunteer

them

was

As

released,the

were

hurriedly,and

off
A

they

as

soon

motive

Robbery

"

Barney

asked.
Celestial

The

robbery.

not

part
were

with

He

knew

anything

Cantonese
learnt

Lung,
He

of the

not

take

to go
him

down

; but

was

to that

these

past, they had

of his

Plenty
teU

the

the

extract

to

like

men

Black

been

of Peihoo

Pearl

waiting

secret

bad

them

own

men

from

those," he
Black
and

Certainly,the boys
than

were

more

same

time, the

did

thankful
news

kidnap

to

him.
the

over

escape.

about

Molly Hawk,'

Chand,

Gobind

visibly shaken, unusually shaken,

was

'

than

stealingon

discovery of

in order

narrowness
"

far better

worth

it

emphatically. No,

pirate-men. They, too,

and, for months

Ah

his head

ordinary thieves, being, in fact, his pet aversions,

no

had

shook

he had

exclaimed.

Pearl

kill all.
"

"Kill

then

Savee

send

well.

Lung's escape, but,

given them
i86

junks

was

if
to

"

savee," only too

for Ah

me,

most

They
at

the

disturbing,

CANTONESE

THE
That
anchor

watch.

He

last revellers

the

as

closelyby
and

Jack

Never

sea.

open

mission

prayed

Suddenly
a

lean,
"

Can

wrong,

savee

man,"

and

It

"

Chinese

the

at

enemy,
how

but

it
and

keen

Perhaps
At

any
"

Me

Can

Ah

in

to

towards

and

the

of their
before

never

guidance.
laid

was

his arm,

on

long finger-nails.

there

"

to

junk

by

Can

do

Cantonese

goes
which

all

just leaving

was

Big Chinese
but

right;

no

pirate-

fussy little steam

him

"

Celestial.

"

the

Certainly,she
was

unsafe

resourceful

Lung

to

did

launch.

merchant,
very

not

stared

look

prophesy, knowing,

were

much

"

can

that."

i88

gloomily

formidable
as

he

did,

their foes.

understood

do," he repeated,

"

Molly Hawk

rate, he tried to cheer

teU you

all seemed

in Borneo."

skipper of

junk.

Then

stared

hand

with

lookee

believe

there

young

matting sails,

desperate nature

here, plenty good.

banker,

weird

Lung's voice, confident,almost

wharf, towed

pirateout
The

Ah

pointed

trader

Chinese

as

thing

You

he

ancient

Two

strongly,and

so

round,

was

rare

inner

some

the

yellow hand

affectionate,a

stern.

had
him

to

he swung

do."

the

the tide, followed

on

passionatelyfor help

so

nervous,

the

looking stately and

but

rail,and

stern

before

home

come

he

the

to

went

passed

launch

All's well."

"

craft with
her

on

singly as

stiU.

suddenly

become

had

Island

Maldive

jabbering crowd

it

moonlight,slippedpast

the

patrol

by day,

brigs, decrepit enough

dignifiedin

out, at first

go

closed, then

hotels

he gave

and

shore

lightson

bed.

to

went

Molly Hawk,"

the

till four

twelve

the

take

to

Jack

saw

great batches,

in

"

it fell to

night

what
him

was

in

his mind.

up.

get Black

Pearl

of Peihoo.

CHAPTER
THE

"

THE

had

putting

of

"

after

slipped

dark.

obliged

nowhere

else

their

to

reached

they

very

Pearl

seekers

Instead

plans.

going

were

until

Colombo

the

more

change

they

of

out

Once
to

Singapore,

at

touch

to

on,

Hawk

been

in

STAGE

LAST

Molly

quietly,

XXX

run

straight

the

coast

of

Borneo.
As

soon

had

been

up,

and

get

he

shall

Maxim,
all

and

there

Then

hole

to

was

to

be
these

glare

fierce

moment

helmets

it had

practised
of

the

so

I may

get

real

the

the

Ah

smoke

Barney

consequently,

unwieldy
when

find

After
that

whilst

that,
not

tried.

into

task

order,

carefully.

arranged

box,

the

should

they

came,

been

wearing
sun,

"

perfect

be

descent

for

giving

on

most
to

Viceroy's

reserve-man

ammunition

we

into

put

helmets

actual

the

if

overhauled

smoke

the

out

and

were

discussion,

make

fetch

of

both

The

of

of

one-pounders."

our

tested

was

fetched

were

astern.

anyway,

both

use

the

towing

which

guns,

insisted

gunner

screen

the

sea,

plenty

was

"And

arms

were

should

Lung

the

too,

deal

great

to

small

the

at

said.

want

at

previously,

the

day

target-practice

we

The

There

every

disabled,"

fight,

and

out

time

some

re-mounted.

boys

the

well

were

below

sent

them,

for

they

as

the

in

gear

the

dress

crucial
and

strange.
days

seemed

to

slip by

189

with

lightning rapidity.

It

was

STAGE

THE

LAST

fair weather

passage

had

good running. They

very
would

well

them

keep

though, once

and

they

and

track

down

made
which

course

of most

vessels,

the

amongst

task, they

nervous

out

got

of the

out

they got

became

navigation

through,

all

islands,

actually

never

got their little vessel into danger.

As

they drew

to their

near

to take

seemed

hold

about

their venture,

vive.

It became

log, and
they

Raja Seyed's river.

of

coast

Borneo

Ah

passed within

journey, after

canoe

he

dim

to

At

last

announce,

at

fifty miles
haze

now

the

qui

below,

that

them

mouth

of

where

the
make

could

far inland.

miles

of

their

came

noon,

long they

certain

there

the

of

showed

before

and

few

was

chart.
to

within
A

pointed

Lung

the

at

line of mountains

clearlya

out

keenly on
sleep during the watch

able

was,

said

was

continuallyconsulting the patent

was

actually

were

Little

all.

everyone

from

Jack

when

day

but

looking

then

of them

diificult to

refrain

difficult to

ness
destination,a curious restless-

great peak.

that

had

their memorable

on

from

escape

They

the

head-hunters,

declared.

Jack

in

nodded

mountain

; but

too much

for him

few
of

silence.

He, too, had

the memories
;

then,

it

as

fallinginto

more

the Yellow

Dwarf,

of his comrades

any

he

thought of the possibiHty

hands

chill

ran

of

the

next

Raja Seyed

and

his veins.

through

grieftheir

to

came

almost

were

thought of what

the

sudden

back

brought

he

days might bring,when

once

recognised the

blood

would

If
be

his head, he told himself.

on

The
The

which

plans for the landing had

"Molly
formed

Hole.

On

to be

left

Hawk"
the

account
on

was

nearest
of

to

been
be

into

run

point of

his wooden

worked

the

sea

out

to

board, in charge of the yacht

190

small

leg, the

carefully.
creek

the Smoke

gunner
;

whilst

was

the

THE
other

three

to make

were

for the Smoke

The
each

LAST

smoke

using cordite and

a
footlinglittle

all

were

gear

to take

was

rifle

"

nickel-covered

rifle

Service

course

"

possible

as

quicklywith

return

b ilmets and

of the three

straighta

as

Hole, and

STAGE

the treasure.

ready

for

bore

400

carrying;

expanding bullet, not

automatic

an

pistol,and

provisions.A couple of strong rope

completed the equipment.
a

package

of

had

Barney, who
the
"

yet trekked

never

weight of

his

You

saying it

were
"

remarked.

load, and

it's not

Why,

be

much,

treks he

Jack, remembering

in the

nodded

would

weapon

ladders

Tropics,tried

sagely.
hard

work. Jack," he

really."
had

in

made

that

same

country when, with only a rifle,he had panted and stumbled

along, his

full of

eyes

Lung grunted

Ah
"

made
perspiration,

for little

Plenty heavy

To-morrow

plenty hills.

but

reply;

no

foreigndevil
savee

you

plenty mud,

it all."

Barney laughed.
"

we've

Oh, well, once

all this stuff behind

to leave

Jack
His

got the Black

and

come

Pearl
back

we

afford

can

light,can't

we.

"

chimi

absently. For

nodded

the

thousandth

time

trying to weigh up their chances of success, trying

for securing their own
schemes
safety. A
devise new

he

was

to

descent

sudden
Hole

"

might doit that

did

get

Might

way

carry

Might

sudden

them

to the

dash

more

than

with

their

ten

and, afterwards, if the

their track,

on

shooting might
"

back

dash

"

really be

not

it could

straight line

the coast,

on

miles

treasure

Pang

"

Joseph Richardson's

It's all

gunner'squick

ears

in
"

they

Yeen

"

wonderful

through.

might,"

he

muttered

himself.
Th"

Smoke

overheard

191

the word*.

to

THE
"

Trust the Great

His real
He

it

Rajas,

again

and

He

see

These

Yellow

gritin

no

the

Dwarfs

action

said

simply.

of your

and
rifle,

Uttle

sadly. The

Can't

against Him

and

prayers,

Trust in

Sultans, and

and

all clean

are

"

through before

you

Palapogs,

teaching. Say your

His

STAGE

Skipper,sir,"he

Didn't

Might.

do

LAST

that

see

and

there's

you've nothing to

fear."
The

boy smiled,

the

having brought

others

this

on

of
responsibility
seemed

quest

terrible

at times.
"

And

Gunner

you,

"

"

"

There's

the

Great

little pets of mine, too."

and

Maxim

toys for

he snorted

had

They

speed,as they

half

in

coast
"

that

make

There's

up

gone
"

to

Toys they
"

That

me.

"

Molly Hawk

did not

quick

any

want

the
call

Perhaps they're
Dago craft in

down

to be

steamer

coming

me

this

in.

seen

to less than
ofl the

Raja's

by dawn," Jack
Perhaps

ought

we

Dwarf

can

better

very much

way."

ii^a

to

shall

we

have

few

said.
not

hours'

hear."

the horizon."

aloft to get

She looks to

she's

on

creek

dash

rate,

grace before the Yellow

deck.

"

those

lesson."

get oppositethat

sighted. At

had

"

there're

daylight.

We'll

Then

and

leave

answered

pointed meaningly

for

not

the

slowed

He

contemptuously.

learnt

River

Skipper, and

one-pounders.

marine, but

Vito

the

his beloved
"

'em, toys I

"

going to

alone," Joseph Richardson

sir, not

No,

stoutly.

be

we're

alone, perhaps to face hundreds."

you

"

"

he asked;

It

Barney,

was

view, who
like the

'

hailed

who
the

Pang Yeen,'

CHAPTER

XXXI

ASHORE

IT

did
The

with

Jack said,

after

he

is

question

The

against

They

could
he

returned

Jack

by

see

plenty

small

steamer

of

glow

so

the

in

we've

got

before

"

It's hard

to

say

craft.

Raja's

"

us

luck,"

worse

it is the

that

are

the

"

west.

chance.

dark,

we

If

may

We

are

don't

we

she's

assume

his

to

would

as

they

whether

towards

had

give

deck

once

the

they

not,

might
turned
was

their

on

nothing

in

an

to

they

more,

had
hour

course

after

and,

that

that,

he

happen.

they

been
or

wholly

were

sighted
so,

when

that,

being

have

or

no,

light
search-

them.

could
and

destination

result

the

opinion

whether

to

her

changed

mistaken

been

distant

declared

Barney
had

the

attitude.

no

to

she

that

masts

former

suddenly
Still, there

her

Once,

light.

watched

who

boys

anxious

very

he

decided

uncertain

up

aloft.

up

still

Yeen,'

look.

good

at

dying

the

descended

they

had

sight

course

out

Pang

she

her

was

make

will

her,

two

were

in

steamer

then

'

the

chances

to

sun

there

chum

us."

missed

he

the

change

her

see

"

glanced

Barney

is

had

his

funnel.

one

the

but

certain,

for

join

to

to

easy

it

think

Yes,

was

and

masts

two

"

it

and

Ught,

LAST

just set, but

had

sun

long

Jack

take

not

AT

do,
wait

save

for

work

slowly

what

might

ASHORE
None

of the
time

From
saloon

time,

one

been

working up

were

all

overstrung.

who

men

When

but

also

found

they
"

Jack

The

mouth

there, about

Raja's

the
tidal

side

found

them
to

could

"

miles

away," Jack said,

loot

to

is fifteen miles

I wish

...

sign of

'

the

any

"

for which

sigh of

he

be

anchor

to

of

the

the

I suppose

stream, which

is

aloft,Barney, and

go

"

careful

scrutinyof

not

was

gunner,

creek.

water

mid-stream, and

the

sail in

sight;
singlewhisp

for

land

who

It is
the

'

in the

was

at

the

high tide, and

Molly

Hawk.'

dinghy,hiding

bushes."

strange silence fell

At

and

"

shore, not

on

the

rehef.

said

plenty
in

hfe

once.

the still air.

straightinto

run

in the

signof

risingin

heaved

We'll

creek.

^but it

"

birds' nests, is

Pang Yeen.'
most

the

the

up

would

you

later,after

see

was

will

from

at
Lung recognisedthe locality
Raja Seyed's river,where we saw

three

is any

there

her

entrance

trying

Very well,"

wheel,

of the

mile

close in

so

things

crew

bare

been

town

he

of smoke

Jack

the

get

horizon, Barney reported that there

nor

of

of

mess

had

minutes

Five

the

Ah
of

far.

so

if there

see

case

chart, the chances

exactlyoppositethe

and

which

junks

make

on

they

now

making.

were

Both

sleep. They

darkness, for the mouth

place, and

intended

not

them

the

your

was

spread just

in the nervy

were

on

Dawn

had

they

"

luck

like real

the

on

verj' first alarm.

marked

the

Hawk."

Molly

shore

is not

miss

you

at the

night.

dozed

boys
blanket

not

Really,they

rolling,in

sen

which

generally;
"

had

in that

to this crisis that

long

so

shoot

are

you

that

are

would

creek

Lung

Ah

of the foremast, but it was

had

of

of the

other

or

skylight,whilst

forward

of

reallyturned

ship'scompany

to

LAST

AT

last

they

on

were

them

all

as

they entered

the

actually in Borneo, actually

194

"

nodded.

Chinaman

The
"

evidentlygoing to hold good," he said.

is

luck

Our

found

They
the

tree

out

on

trunk, made

There

knew

and, at first,it was

bush

dense

the

hand,

other

be

to

spoor

Once

they

undergrowth
both

The

immediate

were

away

they breasted

to

Barney

the

the

the

could

the

on

human

no

natives

had

creek, however,

make

the

out

familiar

of the

able

which

they

fairly
marks.
land-

Kanderong

dawn

was

the

possible

was

to travel

back

first rise, he

it

and

visible since

through

gap

but,

the

path,

through

way

was

troublesome, and

been

course,

of

all

neighbourhood.

of hills at

range

as

there

of

Jack

were

nature

Evidently

from

less

foot

do.

to

creek

fairlystraightcourse,

had, of

Caves

the

Already Jack

quickly.

side of the

glad to note,

was

became

follow

to

the

loads

to force one's

anywhere.

seen

villagesin

no

along
Jack

as

task

the

got their stuff

had

in the

nothing

easy

no

he

answered.

wasted.

was

what

exactly

of course,

was,

moment

everything perfectly,the

each

ready, and

Not

he

at

dinghy fast, then

their

bank.

the

to

landing-place,just

easy

an

arranged

had

plenty quick that snake,"

killee you

Him

LAST

AT

ASHORE

; but

to

now,

point out

would

have

to

pass.
"

"

Smoke

The

Only

the

have

mile
Black

Barney

breathless.

out

of

the

if

start.

but

During
the

did

he
the

and

not
possible,

was

to

were

not

voyage

said,

we

shall

The

he

had

got distinctly

was

his very

and,

tellingon
not

let his companions

iq6

he

first

heat, the toil of pushing

branches,

determined

Already

answer.

this

course,

Tropics.

load,
He

1 Then

man

he

Pearl."

leaves

unaccustomed

beyond that,"

of that, old

training, whilst, of

experience of

the

Think

nodded,

was

aside

is only a mile

Hole

him
to

of

course,

sorely,even

the
at

give in, determined,

see

how

distressed

ASHORE
he was,

yet when

which

had

How

to be
he

was

For

the

he

went

the

if in

as

like

it ;
At

the

on

ground,

the

with

the

Lung

managed
with

up

to
the

seemed

venture

bis

suflerings.

own

During the
he

suddenly,
sound

round.
and

he

mile

next

afterwards, he could recall little

then,

stone, Jack looked

was

Ah

dream

log.

zero.

keep

to

dangers of

and

the distance

saw

it ?

compared

now

Jack

nothing of

down

do

to

manfully, fightinghard

nothing

as

forward, and

couple of miles, however,

he envied

or

going

Somehow,

to be

How

looked

LAST

fell to
covered, his spirits

next

struggle on
others.

he

AT

of his load

he

collapsed,going
fallingagainst

later, his

moment

the assistance

hastening to

was

kit

own

of his chum.
"

the Chinaman

both

What
to make

be

done

would

quarter of

inward
not

march

face that

The

sun

good

pace.

They had
native

last

Things seemed
seen

no

all,the chances
needed.

being
reduce

Barney
After

By

Barney's load

to

allow

Barney

Jack

would

gave

in, with

all,he knew

listen
an

he could

full load.

the

high

intense, but

become

had

now

was

and

protested strongly against the

at

with

Jack long

take

sufficed

rest

of thankfulness.

sense

day.

Ufe-savingsuits

of the gear, but

and

argument,

no

would

provisions.

own

first he

proposed abandonment
to

not

After

possibleto

his

Barney

riflethat

one

spare

hour's

an

At

recover.

the

be

rifle and

to the

did

of those

One

greatly against

down

It

than

be left behind.

must

leaving it, it

better.

knew

heavier

his mind.

up

smoke-helmets
were

Jack

anything

to

was

; but

quiteall right, Barney gasped

and

not be fit to carry

to

"

I'llbe all rightsoon,

in

the

heavens, and

still they started

to be

in their

sign of natives, had

footpath.
197

ofi

the

again

heat
at

favour, after all.

not

even

crossed

AT

ASHORE

LAST

Then, suddenly,Ah Lnng brought his rifle to his shoulder

fired.

and
:i

bush,
"

then

Jack,

who

he

had

dashed

trying vainly to get

with

"

There

clean

was

gloomy

look

another

a-.yay with

the

httle

gave

been

very

grunted;

Celestial

the

and

now,"

But

into the

air from

behind

collapsedinertly.

Palapog,"

kiUee

figuresprang

brown

a
on

"no

do any

more

grin of satisfaction.

behind

the

bush, and

sight of something, came

had

back

his face.

of the

beggars," he said,

news."

198

"

he's got

CHAPTER
DOWN

THE
was

be.

possibly

Raja

short

very

know

would

would

"

It

"

the

Ah

Lung might slipthrough

would

Hawk

the

and

Jack

as

and,

Celestial

their

the

country, which

know

of

the

presence

the

though

boys

reach

fingers,and

and

safety,

before, the motor-boat

done

had

and

Humm

in the

even

within

inevitably be found.

The

would

gunner
He

sure.

were
so

Molly

der

they would

could

any

that,

now

Van

presence

of

as

grave

certain

was

of their

HOLE

as

time, Piet

too, that

mean,

SMOKE
about

JACK'S
new3

XXXII

long

of

off hundreds
both

from

be

would
attack

the

as

put up

all

was

the

and

they

"

able

opponents

banks,

good fight of that

to

the

use

on

one

but

once

Maxim,

and

could

beat

side, he
let them
would

gun-screen

open

fire

no

longer

once,

if he

protect him.

hard

was

been

had

He

pressed, to

killed

or

secure

his

Barney

Able
a

and

wise

he had

captured

assume

it

"

he would

put

that

the

though

he

stubbornness
stand

it
which

to his guns

shore

he

end,

very
on

came

he

that

at

sea

had

party
thing

same

would

was

to

the

meant

fight to the

counsellor, when
a

to

absolutely certain

would
cool

orders

safety. But

own

were

old hero

given

"

do

it ?

would

sooner

and

Jack
not.

than

been
to
and

The

retreat.

all

ordinary occasions, and

to

question of retreating

verged on stupidity.Literally,
to the

199

very

last.

for the

As

still

on

suits

smoke-helmets,

and

Ah
"

Have

lived

In addition

that, they shed

to

could, stripping themselves

boots.

What

The

lightening of

immediate,

of

their

straight course.

whilst

Jack
and

in the

mud

hurried

and

and

on

they

were

and

On
of

trek, by

the

very
last

At

Hole, the
a

mile

cost

so

It

the

he

Hole

many

were

Black

get out

Barney,

came

had

their

the

up

over

the

most

were

the devils

Pearl

200

of that

of them

out

to
a

win

fact.

nightmare
physical

strain, but

still,

faltered
"

or

to

in

die.

mile of the Smoke

breathe

smoke,"

of Peihoo, which

lives.

three

pursuers,

the sheer

mental

it,none

the

any

trek, a veritable

the
to

eyes,

time, the

goal.

start

to make

terrible

of the

their

in the gap, within

where

range
Never

to

seem

his heels

in

towards

degree. They

they

in the

reached.

of the heat, the mud,

tuned

least

of that

locality,

hills,strugglingthrough the

apart from

were

"

was

reason

even

they

They

sense

rear-guard.

determined

on

exertion,
once

of

gap

was

on

perspirationalways smarting
On

for the

the

great increase

dips, panting horribly most

treasure-seekers

at stake

were

with

to

jungle, did

as

toilingup

on,

well

splendid sense

Close

acted

now

led

Hole

thickest

of the

On

had

Smoke

the

in the

even

once,

who

heading always

which

through

as

Black

only the

not

loads, combined

the

Lung,

in front,

strode

lives

pressing danger,

Ah

speed.

when

own

again."

do

vests, trousers, and

to

shirts matter

of Peihoo, but

Pearl

of

did

Barney.

clothingthey

rag of

every

down

Can

time.

long

fruit before,

on

for

he reserved

the order.

wisely at

nodded

Lung

except
provisions,

all the

package, which mentally

small

one

life-saving

still further

decided

Jack

now

hurry

to

was

of their

one

by shedding

loads

chance

one

shed

had

They

more.

lightenthe

to

party, their

shore

HOLE

SMOKE

THE

DOWN

had

within

already

DOWN
In the gap,
then

looked

Below
the

Jack stopped abruptly,drew

back

the

'

shut

in.

shook

Jack

But

"

creek

and

on

in which

steamer.

"

exclaimed.

Barney

and

him,"

the

"

east.

quietly.

"

be

She's
he

got
a

gave

could

the

seen

turned
can't

We

the

as

sea

It

pointed to
puS

of

That

Hole
And

they

comes

round

remarked

finger,the boys

They

before, yet

them

he

headland,

creek.

in the least

help things

now

some

have

must

apparently her

degree.

the

rest."

before

Jack

cloud

of

such

clutched

smoke

might

as

alter

is to

business

Our

is concerned.

can't

we

things,so
secure

Barney'sarm

the

and

floatingslowly upwards,
been

have

blown

out

by

smoker.
from

the

place,"he said,

itself. It is intermittent, not

then, almost
were

impatiently.

away

smoke,

monstrous

some

time

disturb

long

not

was

of the

some

to chance

Pearl, and

of the Celestial's

mouth

steamer

did not

presence

Jack

the

got

by."

and

by

largejunks coming

from

five miles

trouble

not

pointed towards

the sleeve, and

pirate junks,"

the direction

three

see

craft has

ordinary trader."

an

Cantonese

Plenty

Following

This

Pang Yeen.'

Lung plucked him by

Ah

"

of the

was

They'll have

She may

fiddle-bow.

"

serene,

his head.
'

the

It's not

far

hidden,

was

of green.

sea

blue,

sea,

mouth

amongst

jungle through

vast

"

come.

little sob.

queer

"

"

Yeen,'

Pang

gunner

the

was

opposite the

Hawk

Molly

The

the

jungle

their way

lost

the

was

had

they

almost

dips

deep breath,

whence

forest trees,

just forced

almost

sea,
"

"

of the

that

Beyond

direction

hills and

the

had

they

that

in the

them,

immensity

which

HOLE

SMOKE

THE

before

standingon

the

they
very
201

hke

knew

"

typicalvolcano."

what

edge

from the Smoke

had

of that

happened,
awful

pit,

Jack, in

and

the

matter-of-fact
box
"

Black

The

repeated the
stillthere.
Then
and

words

No

to dash

had

less

is

it."

puSs of

from

away

Viceroy's

mechanically. "It

found

terrible

of those

the

that, in that," he

is in

or

else has

one

another

they

more

strangely

"

them.

of Peihoo

Pearl

tones

to bis chum

pointing out

was

ledge forty feet below

the

on

quiet,matter-of-fact

most

"

HOLE

SMOKE

THE

DOWN

the

smoke

came

up,

edge, choking and

half-blinded.
One

certain

was

began,

he

had

glance

that
in

sufficed
the

the

ladders.

He

not

was

been

not

matter-of-fact

most

the

gear,

soon

taken
to

way,

minute

he

as

already,
untie
the

smoke-helmet,

lose

going to

As

Lung.

had

treasure

packages of

various

for Ah

the

ropesecond

; every

precious.

was

set the

example

His

anywhere

the

near

boys

edge

of that

plenty of huge boulders,

and

consequently, it

their

fixingfor
Ah

Lung

horrible

pit,but

had

they

was

some

difficult matter

to

tree

no

there

were

spare

rope ;

get

sound

rope-ladder.
to be the

was

deadly

were

not

was

There

too.

on,

keen

to have

the

Celestial

prevailed. The

them, far less hkely

to

to descend.

one

honour, but
far

was

tougher

giddy, or

turn

Both

Moreover, if he went, there could

be

to

no

the

boys

common-sense

than

either

lose his

of

nerve.

rivalrybetween

them.

Whilst

fixingthe rope-ladder,their companion

were

arranging his smoke-helmet

was
"

"

they

No

No

can

The

do

can

do.

"

No

Chinaman

intense

disfavour.

trying to arrange it.

boys turned sharply at the words.

The
at

use

was

or

"

regarding the helmet

Then

horrible oversight,when

they had

all I

"

also abandoned

they

understood.

they abandoned
part of this
202

with

one.

the most

By

the

It

8om"

other

suit,

was

quite

THE

DOWN
"

Can

HOLE

SMOKE
"

do," he repeated.

haste, or Palapog

Better make

come."

men

Very reluctantlyJack
put

on

so
carefully,

for

breathing, but,

gave

to allow

as

much

as

then, it

even

bandage

The

way.

chance

was

possible

as

semi-

of

case

was

sufiocation.
The

rope-ladder

huge puffs of

one

of the

the

ledge easily,and,

fumes,

the

simple

very

the

Ah

Lung

ten

feet.

Yet,

it

more

he

within

was

terrible
who

puffsof

had

been
to

attempted
with

feet

down,
all

he

than

fro

there seemed

that

foot

all

smoke

suddenly

leaning over
keep off
; but

the
Ah

Pearl

as

the

untroubled,

down,

but

hkelihood

at

his

of his

and

boys

smiled,

ledge,just as he
itself,
one

upwards.

brink, jumped

fumes

Lung

far

so

was.

no

the

burst

the

they knew.

right.

was

above

was

whether

Outwardly,

he

the

at

was

descended

and

he went

as

what

had

fear.

been

of those
The

boys,

back, and

by covering their faces

was

down

below, rightin

of it.
the

moment

dreading to

find the

faithful Chinaman
Yet

of

feet of the Black

their hands

the horror
The

few

say

For

ghastly

have

could

before

glanced up

his

as

and

and

sure,

though tellingthem
Then, just

would

at all.

nervous

to

swung

was

box

man

sense

any

far

were

slipping.Once,
as

no

those

for

absolutelycalm

was

without

ladder

grip on

bronze

atmosphere forty

he

see,

least,they

been

It reached

less,he did descend, and,

the

none

absolutely
The

the

ascended.

it not

But

immediately after

down
had

possibleto breathe
might be suffocated

could

boys

had

matter.

of

be

smoke

of the

recovery

nature

it would

lowered

was

there he was,

smoke
ladder
had

was

clear the

boys

hanging loose,to

fallen

headlong

into

clingingdesperatelyto
204

were

back,

find that
that

the

inferno.

the ladder, bis

DOWN
bead
man

and

on
lolling

but

in the

back,

was

one

still he

bag
the

SMOKE

THE

which

HOLE

side, like that of

hopelesslydrunken

strugglingupwards,

was

he had

bronze

box

taken

with

"03

by

him, slung over

containing

of Peihoo.

rung

the

Black

rung,
his
Pearl

XXXIII

CHAPTER

Ah

Lung

until

he

WOULD
out

The

strugglingto keep

the

last of his

be

should

he

of the

it ?

do

It

and

man,

from

is

the

top of

man

the

into

their

knelt

they

he

moment

within

came

nostrils and

them

they

from

feet

groaned.

Was
to

were

the

top, Ah
done

he

safety?

terrible

The

puffs of

Chinaman's

seemed
the

boys

to have
had

edge,

at

seize the

to

The

was

fumes

rose

of this.

those

Was

few

he

seconds

of the

could

man

below

stopped.

The

going

fail

to

and

more,

be

would

What

due.

boys
when

one

Yet

of

there

do, nothing at all.

lost all
a

man

very

reach.

all

were

that

chance

Lung

smoke

head

not said

nothing they could

was

that, during

say

the

on

barely conscious

sufferingsbe compared with

those

to

choking them, half-blinding

eyes,

their

close

fightingto
puff of smoke

next

which

ladder, waiting for

; but

so

the

treasure

them

Six

they watched

as

slippingaway,

only fair

of the

not

carrying. Together
the

self-control,
strugglingto prevent

pit before

terrible

surface

agonising seconds, the boys' thoughts

few

those

the

strength hold

his

him.

on

Would

his

Would

their breath

held

strength

of that

out

it ?

do

reached

boys

him

be

OUTSIDE

STEAMER

THE

had

fallen

of where

sense

word

forward

; but

206

now

he

now,
was.

and

he

Hitherto

Jack hailed suddenly.

THE
"

Ah

STEAMER

Lung

Hurry

To

their

had

intense
the

words.

eyes,

then

very

rung^two
seized

which

the

pit.

and

the

The

into

bare

the

thing

water.

For

ga^p and

blink

see

then

"

felt for

do

the

few

two

yellow

man

shot
awful, blood-

with

effort,began

he

both

give

the
him

bandage

from

brandy

some

do

could

his

on

of

out

Celestial

the

little else

he could

neither

his feet, looked

staggered to

into

lost for ever.

remove

though

as

bag hanging

the

and

he

him

flung

puffs whirled

been

to

seconds

it seemed

"

regardless of the rocks

smoke

to

next

Strong young

flesh, and

have
was

last I

at

"

more,

would

to

Lung's mouth,

nor

the

obvious

an

sharply,

ship.

up,

up,

of the

or

Pearl

Black

bis

next

second

first

four

"

him

right

cut

three

"

him, dragged

safety,justas

Ah

looked

cried

he

that

saw

slowly,with

"

again.

One
arms

board

on

He

on

relief,they

heard

chmb

to

I Come

up

command

though giving a

as

OUTSIDE

back,

round

and

and
than

speak
wildly,

seemed

to

remember,

aaid hoarsely, with

attempt

an

at

before

quick,

muchee

ship

to

Pearl

Plenty big Viceroy's Black

"

of Peihoo
"

grin.

Palapog

here," he

We

man

get back
and

come

catchee."
recalled

words

His

position. Probably
since

the

raised

searching for
once

have

Uttle

for

was

examining

and

secure,

had

of

been

had

seen

picked

was

plenty

long
be

of rain

natives

the

up,

their

out

lately
would

dif"culty in following it.

Really, there
even

had

There

danger

already partieswould

alarm, and

spoor

the

to

Palapog they

the

them.

their

and,

boys

the

might

not

the

box

easdy

moment

which

cost

so

to

lose, not

had
much

cost
more

a
so

"

moment
much

to

in human

Uves.
It

was

only

the

work

of

few

207

seconds

to toss the

now

useless
with
to

start
"

"

with

it out

held

his head.

he answered,

knowing

get

that's where

bit of

You

pit,then,
ready

were

we

the

taken

how

the trust would

Lung.

keep it. Ah
be

may

had

little

Jack.

to

through

out

to the

sweep

"

follower.
Let's

you.

"

Celestial

The

the latter shook

his faithful

the

back.

way

his back, and

No,"

into

spoken, they

having been

this."

takee

oS

But

can

word

their

on

You

bag

smoke-helmet

rope-ladder and

hardly a

OUTSIDE

STEAMER

THE

the gap

trapped

as

we

will make

we

from

right,to keep away

It's safer

quickly

as

^then

"

please

former

our

track."

their

Pearl, and

the

Beyond

loads

only

reallydescending
better

was

be

It must

their

on

that

Jack
his

at

trail

every

heels.

deadly

they

entered

one

more
"

words

wait

rises,they

were

not

the

alarm, it

gap

prayers

dash

hardly

victims.

undergrowth.

three
The

cautiously,expecting
to have
still,

worse

But

nothing

life.

the

other

gratitude.

the

side of the
One

gap,

great peril,

creek," Jack began, but

of his

came

followingclose

in their flesh.

of

the

at

was

safelypast.

to

out

twenty yards away,

Instantly the

round

jungle on

nervous

very

got

sign of

were

party of Palapogs had

for their

little darts

was

breathed

for the
were

the

over,
more-

up.

rifle-shot,or,

great peril,was

Now

and

all three

peered

hear

to

There

boys

coming

after

weapons

food,

consequently, their pace

If any

probably

They

moment

the

been
that

quickly

happened.
As

time

of their

dips

of

package

first,his rifle ready, the others

went

of those

one

all the

the gap.

would

they

many

admitted

reached

they

as

were

it had

than

small

one

consisted

now

there

though

the

mouth,

the

sounds

treasure-hunters

speakers

were

208

when, from

the

bare

of voices.
sank

hidden

down

from

into the
them

by

THE
a

of bush

screen

of

; but

of which

OUTSIDE
obvious

was

; there

that

came

consisted

they

voice, the sound

made

Jack grip Barney's arm fiercely.

got them," it said in English. They've
"

We've

the

there, amongst

on

it

of natives

largebody

"

STEAMER

there's

rocks, and

other

no

"

The

Yellow

suspects
"

Dwarf,"

have

we

been

Another

EngUsh

I'm

we're

glad

It's

give us

Piet

answered

in the tone,
rocks

"

that
if

; and

"

skunk

that

Van

never

chance."

der

Humm.

there

was

horrible

seems

they

see

place,

first and

us

evident

the

gap.
I don't

"

Now

that

hke it.
a

the

then
for

the
which

by

the

Not

party

sign of

here

that

the

be

would

too,

record

rotten

voices died

Hole.
could

left

track

us.

any

to the creek

natives

as

he

spoor

no

they

see,

distance.
stood

up

and

all that

gear

on

those

rocks

there."

whilst, having

in their

amazing

209

haU-

strangelyuneventful.

the Black

succeeded

the

still somewhere

going appeared very

knowledge that they had

they had

Sebag

heard

They'll perhaps spend

seemed

did

they

heaved

we

We

we're

"

it

then

again,through

on

in the

away

glad

am

and

negative from

short, savage

loads, the
was

moving

was

Can't I wait

"

tramp down

The

his men,

to

creek," Jack said

Smoke

they

Dwarf

searching,thinking

hours

scared

from

whispercame

hands, and had such

the

the

stretched himself.
down

sound

he

from

heard
protesting,

caste, and

This time the

has."

order

curt

was

"

Doesn't

in the Dwarf's

were

I"

Sebag Tolhurst

Barney.

as

It will

He

"

shoot

if I

"

whispered.

quick.

so

voice

all those

amongst

Jack

going to get the Pearl, but,"

distinct shudder

"

I've got

watch."

on

men

out,

way

except that through the Kanderong Caves, where

gone

easy.

Then,
Pearl

no

too, there
of

venture.

Peihoo,

THE
Yet
what

it is doubtful

they

long

so

had

that

portion of

they

were

all

Their

minds

adventure

their

had

do

to

now

to

was

the

that,

over,

to

was

the

on

grasp

Hole

fully

realised

been

had

Smoke

concerned, the

they

of them

any

difficult for them

was

that

that

whether

done.

it

OUTSIDE

STEAMER

subject

fact that
far

so

as

longer existed,

no

with

get away

their

booty.
the

At
"

We

that

head
must

some

blunder
It

of the

is

sound

luck, the
a

in the

anchor, the gunner

at

reflectively
; and
left the

had
As

of

dinghy,

delight,which
that

success,

insisted
the

of

tears

have

must

"

I've

those
we're

been

had

all anxious,

see

and
what

hands

see

when

that

other

the

with

he

Pearl

it

they

them

hail

gave

learnt
with

of their

them.

again

sliowinghow

but

'

That

and

He

again,

great his anxiety

then

he

advice

wouldn't

down

came

anxious,

jewels it might
210

sign of

no

that

Yeen

to

contain

up.

Yellow

here."

examine

contain

sooner

that

or

of

any

turn

may

waters,
be

the

'

very sensible.

was

really did

"

think

Pang

in these

Tolhurst

than

place where

position.

heathen

The

skylight,smoking

great, overhanging

alarms, sir," he said,

more

may

motor-yacht

them, and

of

their absence

of their

nodded.

we

still there.

the

redoubled

during

young

are

unnecessary.

the

the
was

under

she's somewhere

and

Jack
box

no

and

been

saw

reached

little craft

from

the better.

away

Dwarf

the

in his eyes

murdering

know

We

joy

have

to

they actually had

necessities

to the

they

was

shaking

on

chances

day of astonishing

the cabin

sittingon

caught sight

gunner

that

on

jungle,they

when

they emerged

tree, the

The

them."

policy,yet,

break

"

Molly Hawk,'

precautions appeared

Through

halted.
said.

'

the

watching

right into

was

Jack

carefully,"he

go

one

creek

They
the

the

Black

as

well ;

were

bronze

Pearl,
but

it

CHAPTER

XXXIV

TWO

BETWEEN

IT

occurred

never

doubt

to

The
had

he

had

grim, unswerving

was

The

fully on

now

make

to

she

hand,

unmistakable
in the
with

the

day

with

his

strange vessel

for

alone

would
She

have

lacked

the

the

in

that

"

companions.

paint,

but,

smartness,

searchlight on

he

splendidly

so

equaUty

made

of

determination

Moreover, she seemed

stern.

What

Jack.

"

going

we

are

safer with

nothing

at

them

and
"

do

to

fellows

Those

He

was

only

two

"

bridge,

bow

simply
Barney

on

the

and

an

and

another

be

swarming

to

to

get it.
the

Our

Yellow

trying

to

turned

after

out

are

with

than

Jack nodded.

anxiously

the

Pearl, and

hves

be

will

no

Dwarf."

calculate

distances

out

speeds.
There

We

are

fight her,

must

four

pounders,
board

Hawk,'
Ah

hero

and

seven-pounder

they'll stick

"

the

Chinamen.

"

to

had

Lung's information.

suspicious.

that

gunner,

courage

anyone

poUsh, everything
other

an

Ah

the

to

or

of his great nation

of the

appearance

suf"ced

been

honour

the

boys,
of

correctness

Chinaman

vindicated

its

"

the

the

to

FIRES

her

and

Lung

and

of

or

try

us

we

and

I did

courses,"

our

he

answered,

one-pounders against

against
must

reach

the

all land,
British

before."
?I3

hundred
abandon

her

or

the

territoryon

at

last.

seven-

more
'

on

Molly

foot,

as

BETWEEN
All
"

ruiming

We

fire at

on

fightI Just fancy the

must

from

Chinese

is out

of the

away

were

for

As

piratesI

once.

shame

landing

"

again
"

FIRES

Barney's pugnacious instincts

Fight,Jack

of

TWO

I think

cut him

that
"

short.

Jack,

who

there,on the bank

Look

gunner

of the creek."

wheel, merely glanced

the

at

was

question,sir," the

The

shoulder, but Barney stared in amazement.

his

over

whole

of

Raja Seyed'sarmy seemed to be crowding down, hundreds

of the horrible Palapogs,and
three
were
amongst them
figuresin European
that

boys recognised the

the

the Yellow
"

have

been

skipper

young

shore, and

on

great

close

smiled
he

now

on

The

pirates.
they

sink

must

the

were

free to

their enemy.

sink

their

"

bow,"

Jack said.

their

seven-pounders. They'll try

rifles.

But

the guns,

to use

we

can

end.

steer from

der Humm

suddenly disappearedinto

swung
a

few

how

to

best

of course,

was,

''

what

that

of

latter

the
to

was

that

on

But

no

the

and, therefore,

I doubt
shoot

below, and

if

down

us

if

they

we

have

they have shields,luckily."

Meanwhile, Piet Van

their sense,

decide

to escape,

cross

but,

the

Hawk."

We'll

had

were

Those

seen

meant

MoUy

wanted

merely

had

of the

Pearl, which

of the latter

had

"

at

position and

object

one

the

He

There

sea.

crew

with

they

heels

our

trying to

their

between

possessionof

account

use

once

short

so

muttered.

grimly.

was

at

enemy

difierence

Cantonese
obtain

the

with

deal

"

at

was

fightingchance. Jack.''

The

to

three

landing now," Barney

no

beggars must

was

distance

Dwarf, Sebag Tolhurst, and Ralph \\'iUiams.

There's

It's

The

attire.

for, without
his Maxim
seconds

and
the

his

party of savages

jungle,therebyshowing

waiting for orders,

round,

so

that

it bore

the
on

gunner
them

later,they proved that they had

ai3

;
no

FIRES

TWO

BETWEEN
intention of

allowingtheir

the bush,

ragged volleysquibbed out.

of the bullets flew

high, well

but

the

Most
deck

another
"

knocked

one

heel

the

over

Jack's boot,

o"E

lamp.
get below," Jack cried.

to

motor-yacht's
whilst

the binnacle

smashed

Time

for,from anioagct

to escape,

prey

"

Go

down,

you

fellows."

Barney and
had

hold

too

glad

wheel

of the
to

Lung obeyed, and,

Ah

coming

thick

behind

the shield of the Maxim

they
the

of

yeU

and

the

from

deUght went

the

saw

out

Backwards
almost

by

the

large.

returned
the

no

time

The

out

of the

being, they

Chinese

latter

would
as

others

the

of

few

creek, into the

to

to tackle

hawk,

let
hoitility,

close

in

ready
see

guns

as

The

it."

314

the

open
Ah

about
to

For

Lung.
their

mile

pounce

what
set

Jack

sea.

foes

the foe outside.

was

Jack

adopt.

her havs

to

been

ripped
splinters

practicallyclear of

had

waiting

going to keep
see

have

must

done.

was

pirate steamer

Molly Hawk,"

the

hit,but, judging

back, but, though

came

were

they now

shore, waiting, hke

"

he

have

to

hiding. It

were

deck, followed by Barney and

on

shore, and

on

damage

suddenly

seemed

they

dented, and

real

moment

herself,but

steer

gunner

number

was

deck,

them.

on

shrieks, the

futile shots

now

on

the Maxim

as

many

few

to

to guess how

and

they got

As

remained

Palapogs the

of where

groans

deck,

the

hail of bullets

sense

uncanny

shield of the Maxim

ofl the

from

forwards, the

and

were

gun.

to consternation

veritable

impossibleeven

was

the gunner

up

his chum

as

bullets, which

yacht apparently left

delightchanged

belched

an

fast ; but

soon

cabin, Jack followed,only

in the

get away

as

his

the

course

crew
"

face hard.

she

little

the

on

dare," he said.
moment

off the

"

of
I'm

Will you

shows

sign

BETWEEN
The
"

put

gunner

Aye, aye, sir,"he

His

words

"

"

'em have

There

the

boys.

just enough
which

the barrel.

Then

he

it,and

behind

the

spiteof

him

Molly

Hawk."

half

cut

ensign,

heart

Richardson

into
was

He

had
do

intended

the

he

had

he

just

as

deckhouse

the

shape
the

through

of

shell

foremast,

explode.

to

had

face

grown

very

stem.

He

he

time
a

in the least

sUence

would

feet

over

degree. From

in fascinated

unusually fast.

certainly overhaul

to

steadily. Another

his head, without

the stem, the

silence, whilst

ready

was

her gun.

long and

aimed

couple of

last he

she

firstof all,before he tried to do

But
must

statue beside him,

At

the

out

rippedthrough

disabled, she

were

anjrthingelse, he

him

Joseph

shabby appearance,

her

she

passedby

the

everythingdepended on his skill,for the pirate

now
gathered speed,and it was obvious that,

vessel had

This

past

put fresh

to

immediately, in

Richardson's

that

"

flew

Portuguese gunboat, but

pirates,which

Joseph

the

one

gun.

the

Unless

from

seven-pounder, to

though, fortunately,it failed

in

blow

to

old

his Uttle shell

reply came

knew

flash

colours, Barney.

our

pulledthe trigger.

of the

case

missed

from

was

against the rest, squintingalong

the

dismount

in the

The

minute

hitherto,
stationary

up

breeze

gun,

his shoulder

done

Run

seemed

bow

the

At

try and

almost

seven-pounder shell

leaning with
to

quarter of

bow.

sight of

mere

long to wait."

it.Gunner."

was

the

there

signalto stop.

Into hii cheek.

shan't have

had been

"

Hawk's

That's

Let

and

tobacco

to be correct.

proved

guns,

MoUy

We

gather speed, then

to

her

of

"

said.

later,the pirate,which

began

plug of

fresh

FIRES

TWO

Ah

help him

Lung

shell

disturbing

boys
stood

watched

like

reload.

pulledthe trigger.A yell of delightbroke

ai5

BETWEEN
both

from

the

FIRES

TWO
He

boys.

had

hit

the

other

fairly,

gun

unshipping it.
The
"

gunner

That's

the

little grunt of satisfaction.

gave

Navy

the

way,

British

way,"

Navy

he

muttered.
All this time

there

another, and
of water

the two

between

successful

The

shot

that

left shoulder
Ah

This

fix her

he

to

had

was

him

the

behind

her

gunner's
bulwarks

side, poured

shootingbeing
had

far

been.

hat

more

Jack's

carried

away,

heap, his leg broken.

below

again. I've got the

not

risks
the

been

"

I'U

allow

to

first time

steersman

they

have

the

fore-companion,

of his young

masters

wheel

and

useful,but

been

Chinese
at

shot

the
down

be

to

reason

the

grateful

periscope.

this occasion

on

the lives of ail of them.

minute

must

had

of the second

useful before, very

hved

one

fiercely. Already

his behalf.

on

saved

helpthe Chinaman,

to

back, almost

shooting of those

have

forward

to shelter down

going

arrangement

the

could

to

Palapogs
in

alreadysprung

undoubtedly

was

From

lessened

being

was

yards

protect me," the old sailor shouted.

not

was

for the

it

the

do, sir. Get

to

extra

It had

which

and, Uning her

up,

dragging himself

run

It

eight hundred

some

pirates' answer

down

Lung waved

he

and

approaching one

yet."

Ah
was

space

been

grazed. Barney's

went

won't

Barney
but

of

was

Lung

shield

gun

but

sprang

than

accurate

"

now

hail of rifle bullets,their

whilst

had

quickly.

came

fifty Chinamen
down

was

them,

moment.

every

vessels

So accurate

riflemen,that

ordinary
and

the

no

wheel.

one

The

motor-yacht

captured.
Still,the
was
a

main

coming down

question of

danger remained.
on

them

minutes

The

rapidly. It

before

2l6

she

was

pirate vessel

seemed

to be

only

alongsidethem,

BETWEEN
before
"

her

MoUy

Hawk's

Why

did

"

cut-throats

pouring

was

the

him

fire

gunner

Barney

What

again ?
his

put

but after this shot he waved

Got

her I

"

he

"

cried.

smithereens, sir. Now,

she

head

had

her

Molly Hawk,"

with

can't

crash

over

and

which
the

do

was

the

side.

217

them

sailor

of excitement,

her

much

wheel

whilst
a

to

I'm

sieve."

just aiming, to plant

there

damaged

all of

old

the

gleefully.

smashed

engine-room, when

rending of timber,
"

I've

alreadyreloaded, and

shell in

his cap

of

out

I'llriddle her like

finishing
smashing her up.
He

the

the

was

and, as he did so, the

companion cautiously,
puUed the triggerof his one-pounder.
Not often did Joseph Richardson
show traces
"

to

on

deck.

not

with

matter

of

crew

FIRES

TWO

was

foremast
had

sudden
of

the

forgotten,fell

CHAPTER

XXXV

THE

IN

ordinary circumstances,

in

fine

such

serious

could

Ah

who

Lung

remained

made

up

"

aft

shield

wiU

of their
The

only

his mind

Get

to

the

Maxim,

could

to

I'm

the

shell

one

bullets
the

at

\vith
a

an

few

this time

the

close

axe,

That's

the

and

the

rifle-barrel

"

to

so

latter

stop

appeared,

the

was

he

made

though

rifleman

the

rifle fire started

218

was

on

not

dash

for

of

he

had

to shelter.

Barney sprang

turned

if

began

score

later

moment

shooting

most

pirate's

which

pirate'sportholes,but, perhaps
which

The

steampipe,

began cutting furiouslyat

the

"

the

into

of steam

Chinese

way

seconds, however,
from

adrift."

main

skylight,then

the

able

clean

clouds

past him.

of the fear of the Maxim,

a

dense

work, driving every

Hurrah

help ;

The

shouted.

mast

reaching it unharmed,

whizzed

gun

"

In

through

Maxim,

the

the

he

you'll be

cutting

plugged

judge by

out

pour

Barney.

Gunner,"

and

protect 3'ou,

gunner

it to

quickly.

the

fire whilst

of

task

fore-cabin

the

as

danger.

leave

not

and

gunner

engine-room, apparently hitting

one

of supreme

wheel, could

it

exposed

now,

riflemen, the

one

any

and

handy,

But

absolutelyhelpless,in

was

there

be

involved

axes

fire of the Chinese

at the

was

were

foremast

the

have

not

adrift.

cut

clearing the wreckage would

Jack,

fall of

the

would

There

been

the

to

were

weather

danger.

easily have

they

LAST

on

deck

rigging.
again,
because

to wherever
30

accuratt

LAST

THE
both sides ; and

from

us

Chows

the

turned

Jack
"

will shoot

Let's

the

Maxim

the

on

little protection; and

companion

all the

Palapogs,

once."

at

again.
They'll be

mattresses, Barney.

our

up

try the

down

us

towards

fetch

if I

rifles and

belts.

We'll

fight

to the end."
"

The
far

so

Molly

Hawk

they

could

as

about

mile

boys

set

they

would

ever

of the mattresses

came.

Hardly

had

shore buried

so

of

Ah

Lung,

would

who
on

deck

have

his race,

he

respect,and

would

the

which

the

marvellous

the

munition
am-

following
motor-boat

would

ceased
ashore

go

doubtless

they

Though

every

of Peihoo

bind

up

was

fight

decided.

his wounded

lyingdown,

Though
and

one,

looking at

he

was

suffering. Like

only expressionof

and

likelihood

No

powers

not

better armed

were

to

the

Palapogs

were

then.

stillshoot

220

Out

would

strange, three-sided

Pearl

pain

last

rifles and

again, and joinedthe others.

imagined
had

and

seemed

the

to die game.

the

the

hand, had

vessel

come

managed

stand, he could

determined

be

the

moment

Palapogs,they

had

lose, and

rifle bullet from

Molly Hawk,"

the Black

point

readily available when

the other

slaughterbefore

possessionof

not

the
on

on

it would

creek, and

Certainly, there

shots.

he could
was

the

as

leg, crawled

of the

their chance

that

horrible

for the

be

when

attack

"

to

arranged

being. Their

the

to

time

skylight. Already

Chinamen,
time

numerous

better

should

ashore

of screen,

then
little,

end

to

kind

go

quickly as possible.

as

"

made

the

The

quite close
thought

to do

no

perhaps

"

itself in the

the

firingfor

have

they

ready

grounded.

task

they finished

got round
up,

would
was

their

that

the crisis

them

There

them

so

she

see,

they

probably save

had

was

away.

about

driftingfairlyrapidly,and,

"

of endurance

his features

his

he

face,
all

in that
was

one

THE
which

told of

enemies

grim determination

bullets from

the

shore

began

quicker,though

the

kept, as

possible,out

the

to kill

ol his

many

as

possible.

as

The

LAST

far

as

boys got

warned

enemy,

glimpse of

of

was

quicker and

come

by past experience,
sight. Once,

Dwarf

the

there

companions, though

to

his two

and
chance

no

however,
white

shoot

to

at

them.
"

Two

We

three

or

better shake

had

glanced

gunner

The

minutes

handshakes
so

it

not

was

bared

while

boys echoed

The

his

so

few

"

distance.
There

silence.

httle time, that

very
then

the

old

sailor

broken, halting phrases,

Almighty God.

their souls to the

commended

in

beginning;

in

head, and

his

shore, gauging the

stiU to say, and

worth

we

"

say

exchanged

were

much

seemed

the

ground.
The
good-bye.'

'

and

hands,

towards

sir, before

more,

Amen,"

Ah

whilst

Lung

nodded

gravely.
"

Very good Joss,your Joss," he

No

partiesof

enemies

struggle.

The

far

and,

so

after

they

fallen

to have

so

for

was

minutes
must
a

break

to

they

wanted

was

very

close

the

shore, but

this continued,

though

strike,as
ahead

fightwould

be

of scoundrels.

the
to

there

was

of her.
221

in

owing

parallelto

httle way

doomed,

silence which

get it all

over,

ended.

moving almost

soon

was

final

awful, nerve-shattering.

was

something
;

"

real

both

for the

the rival gangs

waiting

suddenly

the agony

though

as

Hawk

the

see,

dead, between

twenty yards from

she

Molly

could

anyone

motor-yacht

The

"

of the

the

seemed

reservingthemselves

were

crew

boys,

longed

They
had

were

the

To

as

It

firingnow.

was

one

muttered.

it
a

the
was

only

now,

to

some

cross-current

beach.

For

five

obvious

that

she

long spit of sand

only

LAST

THE
who

Suddenly,Baraey,
piratesteamer,
"

Look

surprise.
those

see

you

'

be the

It must

Jack nodded

"

grimly.

'

Pang Yeen

Then

showing above

masts

coming in."

Pearl

the

wiU

to

go

the

Dwarf, after all."

Yellow
"

cry of

Do

there

point ?

the

gave

at th" djaeibled

glanced round

had

Unless

the luck to shoot him,"

have

we

Barney growled

viciously.
A

later,a volleyburst

moment

boys had

If the

the

found

wounds,

of

whirr

amongst

write

of

account

an

of the

Maxim,

just a

was

what
have

minutes, they would

smell

the

in earnest.

impossible. It

of the

blurr

cordite, the ripping

of blood

flowingfrom

shore, of yellingChinamen

on

nightmare.

of

sense

fear.

AH

they thought of

ofi their enemies

kill, to beat

to

few

veritable

lost all

They

next

yellingsavages

the water,

on

to

acrid

the

of bullets,the

had

almost

task

noise, and

of

the

during

occurred

begun

fighthad

last

The

trees.

from

out

until

the

last

was

possible

moment.

Already Jack
It could

lasted

Suddenly
It's

The

the

end

was

the

amongst

very close
a

Palapogs
"

cried,as he seized

gunner
now.

terrible
what

rifle.

explosionon

could

it mean

shore, right

the first to understand.

was
Joseph Richardson
to
knew
a
twelve-pounder shell, and looked round

it could

whence
"

was

stopped.

the

flash of flame,

streaming with blood.

was

long.

so

Maxim

jammed,"

face

longer. Really,the wonder

last much

not

that it had

"

Barney's

whilst

hand,

disabled,a bullet through his right

was

have

cruiser, lads, a

He
see

come.

Biitish

shouted.
222

cruiser to

our

rescue," h"

THE
H"

right. The

\^'as

"

those of the
the White

Ensign

Look

but

which

going

wait

to

man-of-war, with

placed, was

followed

rifle-shots

more

by

The

came.

"

Barney had wiped the blood

pointingat the disabled steamer,

was

just grounded.

to
preferred

for

the

Her

the

to

of ruffians

crew

cruiser's

take their chance

head-hunters

and

no

piratesI

the

at

had

trim

been

not

fleeingwildly.

of his eyes, and

out

but of

had

leea

her stem.

at

of shrieks ;

Palapogs were
"

"

Yeen

had

they

masta

shell, equally well

Another
chorus

Pang

LAST

boats

shore

on

not

were

arrive.

to

They
Palapogs

amongst the

certaintyof being hanged by the

British.
Ah

Lung

watched

"

ready.

Huh
1

Colombo

Their

fate.

he

few

man.

"

"

the

there.

have

congratulateyou

captain of

sent

them

off to the

"

could
not

not

party

look
with

held

up.

round
me.

Colombo.

sea

for

Their

them

declared

"

when

theory

defence, gentlemen,"

fine

he

bring

aboard

came

to be the firstto say

compliment

shave," the
out

And

brought with

I have
have

have

turned

to

explained

the

he

"

the
it."

might easily

message,

and

officer went

on.

to fetch

warship.

narrow

very

at

same

be true.

I wished
the

at

Ueutenant

have

on

"

boys flushed
a

from

in

his

the

satisfaction and

cruiser said when

the

stranded motor-boat.
The

with

waiting

proved to

stayed

met

man

port in their junk, he

afterwards

his rifle

fired,bringingdown

enemies

been

have

second

later, a

his two

glittering
eyes,
Better

exclaimed, then

were

must

which

with

slayergrunted

left the

they

Him

seconds

briefly. They
steamer

them

whilst

now,
me,

on

minutes

many

attends
shore.

333

longer if

the

surgeon,

to your

wounds,

I have

Afterwards, you

"

can

we

You
had

whom
we

will

strong landing

tell

m"

all about

LAST

THE
He

it."

justturning

was

the

old

his

eyes.

"

surpriseand

of

Richardson

Gunner

why

I know

look

sailor.

that

joy, a captain

him

the

cruiser's surgeon

The

"

Hawk's

"

yacht," he
'

Hawk

for

"

"

British

the

the

be

"

Royal Navy

but many

Now

of

use

any

attend

can

fresh

"

of the

wounds

shook

times.

taking them

on

Molly

all ofi to the

board

on

this

to you

properly if

crew

the

cruiser's launch.

At last the Black

Flag.

found

when

them

And

into

came

on

'

Molly

you."

box.

We've

once,

captain will put

The

bronze

the

can't

they entered

As
a

You

deUght

he exclaimed.

in the

dressed

insisted

said.

come.

not

then

crew,

man-of-war.

you

hand,

"

caught sight of

is disabled," and, to the

piratesteamer

other's intense

heartilyby

he

when

to go,

he

lot of dead

savages," the captain told

aboard

came

youths. Englishmen,

"

again.

And

crawling along

came

Tolhurst

Williams.

and

their

names

were

dragged into the affair by

are

in

was

carrying
under
safety,
was

Pearl

Jack

surrender

to

They

scoundrel

that

white

two

say

they

Van

der

Humm."

Jack smiled.
"

"

will say

He

patch up

course,

twinkled,

"

partners."

on

crew

that

oS.

your

piratesteamer,

some

unless

you've got

such

and

take

there.
his
a

gravely.

Well, gentlemen,

yacht for

prizemoney

share, unless," and

answered

he

now,"

more

half his head

will be

There

glad of your
need

nothing

going to put

am

his

were

his head.

firstshell blew

Our

too.

they

say

captain shook

The
"

would

He

you,

and, of

her into

You

port

may

kindly grey

be
eyes

big prizeyou don't

it."

The

he know

boys

looked

of the Black

at

him
Pearl

in astonishment.

a24

How

could

THE
He
"

"

"

their

saw

expressionsand

smiled.

I'llexplainlater.

May

We

it ourselves

haven't

seen

There's been

so

LAST

May
Lung ?

now.

of Ah
It

was

Lung

no

had

and, in

the
"
"

"

task

to

All

end, it

was

had

to do

afiected

"

from

Pearl

of that

considerably,
and

chisel.

all

simultaneously.

or

imagined,

even

sank

back

his cot.

on

indeed," he muttered.

now."

captain nodded.
right. It is

"

Gobind

"

Yes," the

him.

He

Chand

to other
You

will all be rich.

try and

Barney

"

turned

"

You
he's

that

the

somehow

That's how

you.

shall have

exclaimed.

that

Chand

exclaimed.
"

old

he found

he heard
save

of

Gobind

me."

to

Barney

me

and, when

"

"

the Koh-i-noor

pearlswhat

officer smiled.

knows

after you

He

fumes

hammer

Ah

when

even

The

seen,

of Peihoo

didn't exaggerate in his cable

"

do it in front

bronze

use

then

Plenty rich

is to other diamonds.

to

it.

them

of them

any

is Black

He's

banker

we'll do

"

pearl !

box,

the

to

necessary

Oh, what

right now.

The

but

bay, and

the

open

way

had

Hole

before

That

the box

"

anything to approach it.

Ah Lung gave it one
look,
"

"

jewel?

yet," Jack answered.

into the sick

go

expression broke

Never

the famous

see

to open

explained the

Smoke

The

we

easy

deadly
Then

chance

no

"

owe
an

enormously

Chinese
he

I know

to

rescue

your

rich

pirateswere

cabled

asking me

of the Pearl."

to his chum.
the

first chance

to

Jack agreed readily,and,

Pearl

purchased,not only the

in
jewels which were

Black

sufficient to render

four of the

aU

the

225

in the

it

then," he

end, the Hindu

but also the other

itself,

box, the

rich for the rest of their lives.

buy

"

sum

he

being

gave

Molly Hawk's

"

crew

LAST

THE
"

And

about

now

the

laid, when

box

precious bronze

"

I don't

we

except attempted murder,

and

that

fighting for

the

Raja.

as

they

be

punished."
The
"

were

in the

them

for half

ashore

would

be

When

even

any

account

of the
after

so,

solid

attack

"

gunner

what

been

take

They

them.

He

it aU,

news

boat's

crew

appeared

GREAT

could

BRITAIN

L"NDON

shore.

volunteet

learnt his lesson.

half

over

for,

on

ever

the
as

British

in

an

century,

over,
light. Moreresult

of

the

Government

never

have

the Great

was

as,

BV
AND

THE

few

English newspaper.

badly," Barney

ended

No, lads, it

to

difficulty

well," Jack remarked,

the

we

returned

some

saw

the

any

do it at once."

had

more

me

Raja Seyed'sindependence.

to

ends

read

tell

Don't

happened

lost for

once

of

end

luck

IN

and

men,

retorted.

WHITEFRIARS

TONDRInGI?.

"

If

got through."

Skipper'shelp,"the

put in quietly.

PRINTED

to

to find

had

Molly Hawk,"

jolly nearly

Luck

o%'er

the

proceedings.

that

had

to

Ralph Williams

whilst

came

an

later he

hadn't

we

put

All's well

It

"

the

to

months
"

and

of Peihoo

good

on

decided
"

"

better

had

having

Pearl

Black

two

father, at home, did Sebag

to his

Not

the

You

ladder

the

considerablyamused

And

talk

later,they seemed

hour

mounting

in

have

me

hour, and

Sebag Tolhurst
an

they ought

Yet

I would
cat-o'-nine-tails,

an

it.Gunner.

the cruiser

with,

possible

be

not

up

afterwards."

sorry

about

more

might

right,"the captain laughed.

All

locked

charge them

can

let

would

of

way

captain

present, saluted.

was

think, sir, if you

something

"

who

gunner,

see

the

been

had

what

in the safe.

"

prisoners?

wretched

those

PRJf^^,

LTD.,