Facing the World Part 23

"I am quite at your command, captain," said the Yankee.

Nothing suited Harry better than to make one of the expeditions. He and Jack clambered up the s.h.i.+p's sides, and chased each other in boyish fun. Jack had no fear of a stern rebuke from Mr. Holdfast, who had a sympathy with the young. He would not have dared to take such liberties with Captain Hill.

"How long do you think the s.h.i.+p will hold together, Mr. Holdfast?"

asked Stubbs.

"For a week, perhaps, unless the sea becomes rough, and dashes her against the reef with violence."

"At present she seems motionless."

"Yes, she is not at present receiving any damage. It will be a sad day when she goes to pieces," continued the mate, gravely.

"Yes, but it will hardly make our position worse. There is no chance of our making any use of her, I take it."

"You don't quite understand me," said Holdfast. "A sailor gets to feel an attachment for the craft he sails on, and she seems to him something like a living creature. This is my first voyage on the old Nantucket, but it will grieve me to see her disappear."

It was not easy to decide of what the boat's load should consist. In the main, provisions were taken as an article of first necessity. Some clothing, also, was selected, and among the rest, at Harry's instance, an extra pair of Mr. Clinton's trousers.

It was decided not to make another trip to the s.h.i.+p that day.

Mr. Holdfast expressed the opinion that the Nantucket was not in any immediate danger of going to pieces, and there was much other work in hand.

"Do you know anything about the climate here, Mr. Holdfast?" asked the professor.

"I don't think it is ever cold. It is too far south for that."

"I mean as to the chance of rain. I am told that in these tropical places, rain comes on very suddenly at times."

"I suspect that this is the dry season, professor."

"Still, it may be wise to provide ourselves with some shelter."

"True; have you anything to suggest?"

"It occurred to me that we might procure some of the sails, and use as a roof covering to s.h.i.+eld us from the heat of the sun, and from any unexpected showers."

"A good idea. I am glad you mentioned it. On the whole, I think I will make one more trip to the s.h.i.+p this afternoon for the special purpose of bringing back materials for a roof. Then we can put it up to-night."

"Better bring hatchets, if there are any on board, some nails and cordage."

"Also well thought of. You are a practical man, professor."

"We shall all have to think for the general benefit. I am sorry I can't do more work, but I never was handy with tools."

"I am," said Stubbs. "In fact, most Yankees are, and I am a Yankee.

You can command my services, Mr. Holdfast, in any way that you see fit."

Mr. Holdfast made another trip to the vessel, and brought back quite an expanse of sailcloth. All hands, with the exception of Mr. Clinton, went to work at once, and by sunset a considerable s.p.a.ce was roofed over, which the little company regarded with complacency.

"Aren't you going to have any sides or doors?" asked Clinton.

"That can be considered hereafter," said Holdfast. "I don't think we shall need any, since the probability is that the island is not inhabited."

The next morning a great surprise awaited them.

It might have been because it was the first night on land, or perhaps because they were unusually fatigued, but at any rate the little party slept unusually late. The first one to awake was Harry Vane. It took very little time for him to dress, since he had only taken off his coat. He glanced at his slumbering companions, who were scattered about in different postures.

"I'll go up to the spring, and have a wash," Harry decided. "I won't wake anybody, for there's no hurry about waking up."

Returning from the spring, Harry for the first time looked in the direction of the s.h.i.+p. What he saw filled him with amazement. The wreck which he had thought deserted, was alive with men. He saw a dozen on deck, including two who were obviously not sailors. He could not immediately discern the figures, and ran hastily to the top of the bluff. Then he made the startling discovery that these intruders were the captain and his companions, who had abandoned the s.h.i.+p in the expectation that it was doomed, and, after floating about in the long boat, had by a wonderful coincidence drifted to the very point which they themselves had reached.

The news was too important to keep, and he returned to the encampment, and entering, approached the mate, who was sleeping soundly. He leaned over and shook him gently.

"Mr. Holdfast!" he cried.

The mate slowly opened his eyes and started up.

"What's the matter?" he asked. "Has anything happened?"

"I've got great news for you, Mr. Holdfast. Captain Hill has arrived."

"What!" exclaimed the mate, in amazement. "Arrived--where?"

"He is at this moment on the Nantucket, with all the men that accompanied him in the long boat."

Uttering an expression of amazement, Mr. Holdfast sprang from the ground, and hastily made his way to the edge of the bluff.

"By Jove!" said he, "you're right. I never heard of anything more wonderful."

Harry could not tell from the expression of his face whether he considered the news good or not.

"Go and wake up the rest, Harry," he said. "They will be surprised, too."

It is needless to say that the news produced surprise and excitement.

All hurried to the edge of the bluff.

"Will they come on sh.o.r.e, do you think?" asked Harry of the mate.

"They will have to; but I shall at once go out to the s.h.i.+p and report to my superior officer. You and Jack may go with me."

It is needless to say that both boys were very glad to accept this invitation. The rest of the party remained on sh.o.r.e and watched the boat's course.

"What will be the issue of this, Mr. Stubbs?" asked the professor, thoughtfully.

"I am afraid there will be friction. The captain is a natural despot, and he will undertake to control us."

"He can have no authority after the s.h.i.+p is wrecked."

"He will claim it, as sure as my name is Stubbs. The fact is, I am rather sorry he hadn't managed to drift to another island.