The Nameless Island: A Story of Some Modern Robinson Crusoes

  CHAPTER VII

  THE EMBLEM OF EMPIRE

  "You've been a long time," remarked Mr. McKay, as the three youths madetheir appearance.

  "Yes," admitted Terence, "I'm afraid we have; but we must blame Hoppy'sbull."

  "Hoppy's bull?" asked Mr. McKay.

  "Yes, the ox turned out to be a bull--and a tough customer he was,"replied Terence, who then proceeded to give Mr. McKay a graphicdescription of how they had tried to unload the bull from the wreck.

  "And how do you feel to-day?" asked Ellerton.

  "Considerably better," replied the injured man.

  "You've been moved," declared Andy, pointing to some marks in the grass.

  "I plead guilty," replied his father with a smile. "Quexo dragged mycouch out in the sunshine. I wanted to take an observation at midday.Just hand me that chart. I've pricked our position. Here it is.Reduced to English degrees the latitude is 21 deg. 4' 15" S. and thelongitude 134 deg. 17' 14" W. of Greenwich. As I suspected, we are on thefringe of the Low Archipelago, well away from the Great Circle routebetween Panama and New Zealand, and equally remote from the regulartracks between the Sandwich Islands and Cape Horn. That means thatunless a whaler or stray trading vessel puts in here, or that we makethe cutter seaworthy enough for a thousand-mile voyage, our stay hereis likely to be indefinitely prolonged."

  "I'm sure I don't mind," observed Andy.

  "Nor I, if only my people knew we were safe," added Terence, andEllerton expressed himself in a similar manner.

  "Isn't the heat oppressive?" said Andy. "It's like an oven here."

  "Yes," assented his father. "I can see we've made a mistake inchoosing this spot. It's splendidly sheltered--too much so--for whatwith the rocks behind us and the palm groves on either side, the aircannot circulate. We must find a more open spot on the next terrace."

  "There's no reason why we shouldn't have two camps--one for stormyweather and the other for the dry season," replied Andy. "Once we'vefinished with the wreck we can set to and build a more substantialhome. But what do you say? Hadn't we better unload the boat?"

  "I'm game," replied Ellerton.

  "What did you bring ashore?" asked Mr. McKay.

  "Mostly provisions, bedding, and clothing, though that beastly bulltossed a lot of stuff overboard. We've also brought the rest of thenavigation instruments."

  "Are you making another trip to-day?"

  "I hope so," replied Ellerton. "I shall not be satisfied till thosepoor sheep are safely ashore. By the by, Andy, you might tell Quexo tobuild a fence between the rock and the edge of this terrace. It won'ttake long, and it will inclose enough pasture land to feed the sheepfor some time to come."

  "I'll tell him directly we've had lunch; but come on, unloading theboat will take all our spare time before lunch, and we mustn't work toohard in this broiling sun."

  By the time the cutter's cargo was brought up to the camp Quexo hadprepared the meal. This over, the inhabitants of the Nameless Islandindulged in a siesta till the sun was sufficiently low in the heavensto enable them to resume work.

  "Don't forget to bring some lamps ashore," said Mr. McKay, as the threelads prepared to set off to the wreck. "And a bundle of signal flags,while you are about it."

  This time the salvage operations were uninterrupted. The sheep,securely trussed up, were placed in the boat, while the bunting, lamps,a portable galley, and a set of blacksmith's tools, including a bellowsand anvil, were also lowered into the cutter without mishap.

  "Let's get the hatch off and see what is in the forehold," suggestedEllerton.

  The hold was full of water, as the lads had expected, but a hastyexamination showed that the part of the cargo nearest the opening wascomposed of several sheets of galvanised corrugated iron.

  "This is fortunate," exclaimed Andy. "We'll be able to knock up adecent house. But what's that I can see for'ard?"

  "Looks like farming implements," suggested Terence.

  "You are wrong," replied Andy. "I know; it's what the Americans term arunabout."

  "A what?" asked Ellerton.

  "A runabout--otherwise a motor-car."

  "Fancy a motor-car on the Nameless Island!" exclaimed Terence, and thelads burst into a fit of hearty laughter at the incongruous idea.

  "We'll have it ashore in time," observed Andy. "It will come inuseful."

  "How?"

  "Never mind how. I have an idea, and, all being well, I'll fix it upto a good purpose."

  "Suppose we try and find the bill of lading and the charter-party; theywill give us some idea of the nature of the cargo."

  A search revealed the required documents, but, being in Spanish, theapprentice could make no meaning to the text.

  "Snakes!" ejaculated Andy. "There's enough to set us up as universalproviders! Woollen and cotton goods, boots and leggings, hardware ofAmerican manufacture, nine cases of rifles--for some bloominginsurgents more than likely--30,000 rounds of ammunition, and--hullo,this looks dangerous!--two tons of dynamite; building and railroadmaterials, agricultural implements, and one petrol-driven runabout,consigned to Monsieur Georges Lacroix, Grand Bassin, Tahiti. Well, I'mafraid Monsieur Georges Lacroix will have to wait for his motor-car!"

  "By Jove, we are lucky!" ejaculated Ellerton. "That is, provided weget the stuff ashore."

  "We'll do it," replied his chum resolutely. "Only give us time andgood weather, and we'll leave precious little on the _San Martin_, Ican assure you."

  "Time to be off," exclaimed Terence. "It will be dark in an hour."

  So, thrusting the documents into his belt, Andy dropped over the side,and received the rest of the articles that the lads had collected.Then, well laden, the boat returned to the shore.

  "We've much to be thankful for," exclaimed Mr. McKay, after he hadperused the ship's papers. "There is, I think, no need for anxiety asto our future. You brought the signal flags, I hope?"

  "Yes," replied Ellerton, "and a couple of Peruvian ensigns."

  "Good! I'm going to make up a Union Jack. There are two reasons fordoing so. The first is that it can be used as a means of attractingpassing vessels; the second, and more important to my mind, is that itsignifies that the island becomes part of the British Empire. I'vebeen going into the question pretty deeply. You may be aware that theLow Archipelago belongs to France. These islands consists of a numberof flat coral islands, hence their name. Now, as this island is loftyand of volcanic origin, I cannot see that it can be classed asbelonging to the Low Archipelago, even though it is not far distantfrom that group. Neither does it appear to have been inhabited, so wemay be pretty safe in claiming it. Terence, there's a pencil and paperclose to your elbow; will you please sketch a plan of a Union Jack?"

  Terence did so, but the result was not to Mr. McKay's satisfaction.

  "You try, Andy."

  Nor was Andy's attempt any more satisfactory, so Ellerton was put tothe test.

  "Shame on you, lads!" exclaimed Mr. McKay reproachfully. "Threemembers of the good old British Empire, and unable to draw its nationalensign correctly. Here, hand me that pencil."

  "Now do you see," he continued, after he had explained the variousminute particulars of the flag. "There's a broad white diagonal abovethe two portions of St. Patrick's cross next to the pole, and a broadwhite diagonal below the two portions farthest from the pole. If theflag is hoisted in any manner but the correct the ensign becomes asignal of distress. Often in bygone days hostile ships have attemptedto sail under British colours, and in nine cases out of ten theirignorance of its peculiarities has led to their undoing. However,we'll postpone the cutting out till the rest of the boat's cargo isbrought up."

  "How is Quexo getting on?" asked Ellerton.

  "He's been away the whole afternoon. I guess your fence is nearlycompleted by now."

  "Then I'll go and see how he is progressing," remarked the apprentice.

  The mulatto had indeed made rapid strides, for only a few feet moreremained t
o be done, so Ellerton returned to the boat to liberate thesheep. Ere nightfall the pen was tenanted by a score of animals,frisking with enjoyment at finding themselves once more in pasture.

  That evening three large lamps contributed to the comfort of the tent.The lads, tired out with their exertions, were "taking things easy,"lamenting the fact that there was no literature to beguile the time.

  Mr. McKay, having been raised to a sitting position, called for thebunting. Laboriously he threaded a needle and commenced his lengthytask.

  "One moment, sir," exclaimed Ellerton. "Wouldn't a sewing machine bebetter?"

  "A what? Bless the lad! Where's a machine to be had?"

  "On board, sir. I noticed a couple in the fo'c'sle. You see, a seamanhas to make his own duds."

  "Very well, I'll put off the job till to-morrow, if you'll remember tobring one of the things ashore."

  "Any need to keep watch to-night, pater?" asked Andy.

  "I think it would be advisable till we've explored the island. Notthat I anticipate any interference, but forewarned is forearmed."

  Mr. McKay's words proved to be correct. Nothing occurred to disturbthe camp during the second night ashore.

  "Do you think that Terence and you can manage by yourselves?" asked Mr.McKay during breakfast.

  "I think so," replied Ellerton.

  "Then Andy can take Quexo and make an exploration of the interior. Iparticularly want him to reach the summit of the hill, so as to findout if there are other islands in the vicinity."

  "You understand, Andy?" continued his father. "Keep a sharp look-outfor signs of past or present inhabitants, any animals you may comeacross--there may be a few pigs--and, above all, note the generalextent of the island and the position of its neighbours, if visible.Don't overburden yourselves; a revolver and twenty rounds apiece, awater-bottle, and some provisions will be quite enough to carry. Reston the summit of the hill during the heat of the day, and get back herewell before sunset."

  Having seen the explorers on their way, Ellerton and Donaghue pushedoff the cutter and rowed to the wreck.

  It was again an ideal morning, and without the faintest hitch the boatwas made fast alongside the battered hull of the _San Martin_.

  "I've a mind to try and patch up that gig," remarked Ellerton, gazingat the battered boat.

  "Take too much time," was Terence's reply.

  "No, I mean to fasten some painted canvas over the hole and nail somecopper sheathing outside the canvas to protect it. It won't be a longjob, so meanwhile you might clear all the light gear out of the cabinsand saloon."

  Two hours sufficed to effect the temporary repairs, and the gig onbeing launched let in very little water. Ellerton was overjoyed withhis success.

  "We'll take a double load ashore, Terence," he exclaimed. "We may aswell make a start by clearing the for'ard hold."

  So saying, Ellerton began to strip off his clothing. He was an expertswimmer and diver, and these qualifications stood him in good stead.

  Taking a strong hook attached to a rope in his hand, he dived from thecoaming of the hatchway. The top of the stacks of galvanised iron wasbut a few feet below the surface, and in a few seconds the hook wasaffixed to the wire rope that held the plates together.

  Then, regaining the deck, the apprentice assisted his companion inhauling their booty out of the hold.

  Six times the operation was repeated, till the deck resembled a "tin"city in the western plains of Arizona.

  "It takes it out of you," remarked Ellerton. "I wish we could get ridof the water in the hold; though I'm afraid the vessel's too badlystrained to be able to patch up her sides."

  "Even then we would have a bother to get rid of the water," repliedTerence. "Still, we've done very well up to now."

  "There's all that railway line material underneath the iron sheeting;that will want some shifting."

  "We'll do it some time, but now we'll get off home."

  It seemed natural for the lads to talk of the camp as "home," foralready they were becoming attached to the free, yet none the lesscomfortable, manner of living.

  "Wait while I get the sewing machine from the fo'c'sle. But you may aswell come, too, and we'll take both of them."

  With this, Ellerton, accompanied by Terence, made his way for'ard. Inthe gloom of the stuffy fo'c'sle, the sight of which forcibly remindedhim of his quarters on the _Tophet_, Ellerton found the requiredarticles.

  "Hullo, here's a find!" he exclaimed, holding up a concertina.

  "Sling the blessed thing overboard," replied Terence laughing. "If youtake it ashore it's bound to make trouble in the camp."

  "It may come in handy."

  Ellerton looked upon everything as being likely "to come in handy." Hewould have overstocked the island with useless things in the hope thatthey might be of use at some distant date. In this case, did he butknow it, the concertina was fated to play a most useful part.

  "All right, then," assented Terence good-humouredly. "To look at usnow one would think we were going to run old women's sewing meetingsand popular Saturday night concerts."

  With the gig in tow, the lads returned to the shore, putting off theunloading of their boat till the evening, though they brought thesewing machines with them to the tent.

  "Now I can get on," exclaimed Mr. McKay. "It's slow work lying hereand unable to do a decent bit of hard work."

  Lunch, followed by the customary siesta, occupied the rest of theafternoon. By the aid of a telescope Andy and Quexo had been seen onthe summit of the hill, and their descent followed till an interveningspur hid them from sight. Mr. McKay calculated that they would be homewithin a couple of hours.

  "You might cut down a suitable palm tree--one about forty feet inheight--Terence," he added. "I should like to have the flag flying ontheir return."

  The tree was easily felled, and a small block, with signal halliardsrove, was fastened to its smaller end. This done, a hole was dug toreceive the pole, and by the aid of a pair of guys the flagstaff waserected and set up in quite a professional style.

  About five in the afternoon Andy and the mulatto returned. Theyreported that from the summit of the hill the island appeared to benearly circular, without any noticeable bays that might serve as boatharbours.

  The reef extended completely around the island, approaching it closelyon the southern side, while there were three well-defined entrancesbesides the one they already knew about.

  Andy reckoned that the extreme length of the island was about sevenmiles, its breadth barely a mile less. There were no other islandsvisible, but as the sea was hazy away on the north-west it was possiblethat land might lie in that direction.

  "Then, assuming the altitude to be one thousand feet, your horizonwould be approximately forty-two miles off," remarked Mr. McKay."Well, in that case we are not likely to be troubled by our neighbours,for the nearest island cannot be less than fifty miles away. Did youfind any signs of the island having been inhabited?"

  "Yes," replied Andy, "we found this," and opening a leather sling casehe produced a pistol. It was a quaint specimen of a flint-lock weapon,its large-bore barrel eaten with rust and its silver-mounted walnutstock pitted and rotted by exposure.

  "I don't think the gentleman who dropped this article is in a fit stateto call upon us," observed Mr. McKay. "Nevertheless, it shows that weare not the first civilised people to set foot on the island. What isthe interior like?"

  "There are distinct signs of a volcano about. The top of the hill ismost certainly an extinct volcano, while the base is honeycombed withfissures like the volcano of Monotombo. Otherwise the island is wellwooded."

  "You've done well," commented Mr. McKay. "Now it's nearly sunset, sothere will be just time to hoist the Union Jack."

  "Finished it, then, pater?"

  "Rather! Now, Andy, you hoist the emblem of empire!"

  Amid the cheers of the band of Britishers the ensign was broken at themasthead. For a few minutes it fluttered idl
y in the breeze, then, asthe sun sank beneath the horizon, the Jack was slowly lowered.

  They had asserted the King's authority over the island to which theyhad now given the name of McKay's Island.