CHAPTER I
Tyler Richardson
It was a balmy autumn day four years after Queen Victoria ascended thethrone, and the neighbourhood of Southampton Water was looking perhapsmore brilliant and more beautiful than it had during the long summerwhich had just passed. Already the leaves were covering the ground, andaway across the water pine-trees stood up like sentinels amidst otherswhich had already lost their covering. A dim blue haze in the distancedenoted the presence of Southampton, then as now a thriving seaport town.
Situated on a low eminence within some hundred yards of the sea, andcommanding an extended view to either side and in front, was a tinycreeper-clad cottage with gabled roof and twisted chimneys. Behind thelittle residence there was a square patch of kitchen-garden, in whicha grizzled, weather-beaten individual was toiling, whilst in front along strip of turf, in which were many rose beds, extended as far as thewicket-gate which gave access to the main Portsmouth road.
Seated in the picturesque porch of the cottage, with a long clay pipebetween his lips, and a telescope of large dimensions beside him, was agray-headed gentleman whose dress at once betokened that in his earlierdays he had followed the sea as a calling. In spite of his sunkencheeks, and general air of ill-health, no one could have mistaken himfor other than a sailor; and if there had been any doubt the clotheshe wore would have at once settled the question. But Captain JohnRichardson, to give him his full title, was proud of the fact that hehad at one time belonged to the royal navy, and took particular painsto demonstrate it to all with whom he came in contact. It was a littlevanity for which he might well be excused, and, besides, he was such agenial good-natured man that no one would have thought of blaming him.
On this particular day some question of unusual importance seemed tobe absorbing the captain's whole attention. His eyes had a far-awayexpression, his usually wrinkled brow was puckered in an alarmingmanner, and the lips, between which rested the stem of his clay pipe,were pursed up in the most thoughtful position. Indeed, so much was heoccupied that he forgot even to pull at his smoke, and in consequencethe tobacco had grown cold.
"That's the sixth time!" he suddenly exclaimed, with a mutteredexpression of disgust, awaking suddenly from his reverie. "I've usednearly half the box of matches already, and that is an extravagancewhich I cannot afford. No, John Richardson, matches are dear to you atleast, for you are an unfortunate dog with scarcely enough to live on,and with nothing in your pocket to waste. But I'd forego many littleluxuries, and willingly cut down my expenditure, if only I could see away of settling this beggarly question. For three years and more it hastroubled me, and I'm as far now from a solution as I was when the matterfirst cropped up. There's Frank, my brother at Bristol, who has offeredhis help, and I fully realize his kindness; but I am sure that his planwill fail to satisfy the boy. That's where the difficulty comes. Thelad's so full of spirit, so keen to follow his father's profession, thathe would eat his heart out were I to send him to Bristol, but what elsecan I suggest as a future for him?"
Once more Captain John Richardson became absorbed in thought, and,leaning back against the old oak beam which supported the porch, becamelost to his surroundings. So lost indeed that he failed to hear thecreak of the wicket, while his dim eye failed to see the youth who camestriding towards him. But a moment later, catching sight of the figurescreened amidst the creepers in the porch, the young fellow gave vent toa shout which thoroughly awakened the sailor.
"Sitting in your usual place, Father, and keeping an eye upon every footof Southampton Water. Why, you are better even than the coast-guard, andmust know every ship which sails into or out of the docks."
"Ay, and the port from which she set out or to which she's bound in verymany cases," answered the captain with a smile, beckoning to his son toseat himself beside him in the porch. "And talking of ships reminds me,my lad, to broach a certain subject to you. A big overgrown fellow likeyourself, with calves and arms which would have been my admiration had Ipossessed them when I was your age, should be doing something more thanmerely amusing himself. You've the future to look to, your bread andbutter to earn, and how d'you mean to set about it? Come, every youngman should have his choice of a calling, though I think that his parentor guardian should be at hand to aid him in his selection. What do youpropose to do?"
Captain Richardson once more leaned back against the oaken prop andsurveyed his son, while he slowly abstracted a match from a box which heproduced from a capacious pocket, and set a light to his pipe once more.
"Come, sonny," he continued, "in a couple of years you will be almosta man, and you are as strong as many already. You were seventeen threemonths ago, and since that date you have amused yourself withouthindrance from me. But your playtime must come to an end. Your father istoo poor to keep you longer at school, and has so little money that hecan give you nothing but his good wishes towards your future."
For more than a minute there was silence in the porch, while TylerRichardson stared out across the neat stretch of turf at the dancingwater beyond, evidently weighing the words to which the captain hadgiven vent. That he was strong and sturdy no one could deny. Thiswas no little vanity on the part of his father, but a fact which wasapparent to any who glanced at the lad. Seated there with his capdangling from his fingers, and the sunlight streaming through thecreepers on to his figure, one saw a youth whose rounded featuresbore an unmistakable likeness to those possessed by the captain. Butthere the resemblance ceased altogether; for Tyler's ruddy cheeksand sparkling eyes betokened an abundance of good health, while hislithe and active limbs, the poise of his head, and the breadth of hisshoulders, showed that he was a young man who delighted in plenty ofexercise, and to whom idleness was in all probability irksome. Then,too, there was an expression upon his face which told almost as plainlyas could words that he was possessed of ambition, and that though he hadat present nothing to seriously occupy his attention, yet that, once hisvocation was found, he was determined to follow it up with all eagerness.
"I know the matter troubles you, Dad," he said, suddenly turning tohis father, "and I know what difficulties there are. Were it not somy answer would be given in a moment, for what was good enough for myfather is a fine profession for me. The wish of my life is to enter theroyal navy."
"And your father's also. If I saw some way in which I could obtain acommission for you, why, my lad, you should have it to-morrow, butthere!" (And the captain held out his palms and shrugged his shouldersto show how helpless he was.) "You know as well as I do that I cannotmove a finger to help you in that direction. I must not grumble, butfor all that, your father has been an unfortunate dog. I entered theservice as full of eagerness as a lad might well be. I was strong andhealthy in those days, and the open life appealed to my nature. Thencame an unlucky day; a round-shot, fired from one of the French fortswhich our ships were blockading, struck me on the hip, fracturing thebone badly. You are aware of this. I barely escaped with my life, andfor months remained upon the sick-list. Then, seeing that I was uselessupon a ship, the Lords of the Admiralty gave me a shore billet, and fortwo years I struggled wearily to perform the work. But the old woundcrippled me, and was a constant source of trouble, so that in the end Iwas pensioned off, and retired to this cottage to spend the remainderof my life. I'm a worn-out hulk, Tyler, and that's the truth. Had Iremained on the active list I should no doubt have made many friendsto whom I could have applied at this moment. Perhaps even were I tostate the facts to the Admiralty they would find a commission for you,but then my means are too small to equip you for the life, and youwould start so badly that your future might be ruined. But there isFrank, your uncle, who lives at Bristol, and conducts a large tradewith foreign parts; we never had much in common, but for all that havealways been excellent friends, and on more than one occasion he hassuggested that you might go to him and take a post in his warehouse.If that did not suit you, he would apprentice you to one of his ships,and the life for which you long would be before you. There, I have toldyou everyt
hing, and seeing that I cannot obtain a commission for you inthe royal navy, I urge upon you to consider your uncle's propositionseriously. Who knows, it may mean a great future. He is childless, andmight select you as his successor; and, if not that, he would at leastpush on your fortunes and interest himself on your behalf."
Once more the old sea-captain leaned back in his seat and groped wearilyfor his matches, while he fixed a pair of anxious eyes upon his son. Asfor the latter, he still remained looking steadily out across the water,as if searching for an answer from the numerous vessels which floatedthere. At last, however, he rose to his feet and replaced the cap uponhis head.
"It's a big matter to settle," he said shortly, "and, as you say, Ihad better consider it thoroughly. I'll give you my answer to-morrow,Father, and I feel sure that I shall do as you wish. Every day I seethe necessity of doing something for my living, and as the navy is outof the question I must accept the next best thing which comes along. Ishould be an ungrateful beggar if I did not realize the kindness of myuncle's offer, and if I decide to take advantage of it, you may be surethat I shall do my best to please him in every particular. And now Iwill get off to Southampton, for there is a big ship lying there which Iam anxious to see. She's full of grain, and hails from America."
Nodding to the captain, Tyler turned and strolled down the garden. Then,placing one hand lightly upon the gate-post, he vaulted over the wicketand disappeared behind a dense mass of hedge which hid the dusty roadfrom view. A moment or two later his father could hear him as he ran inthe direction of Southampton.
Half an hour later Tyler found himself amidst a maze of shipping, withwhich the harbour was filled, and at once sought out the vessel of whichhe had spoken. She was a big three-master, and lay moored alongside thedock, with a derrick and shears erected beside her. A couple of gangwaysled on to her decks, while a notice was slung in the rigging givingwarning to all and sundry that strangers were not admitted upon the ship.
A few minutes before Tyler arrived at his destination the stevedores hadknocked off work in order to partake of their dinner, whilst the handson board had retired to their quarters for the same purpose. In fact,but for one of the officers, who strolled backwards and forwards on thedock-side, the deck of the ship was deserted, and Tyler could have goneon board without a soul to oppose him. But he knew the ways of shippingpeople, for scarcely a day passed without his paying a visit to theharbour. Indeed, so great was his love of the sea that during the lastthree months he had spent the greater part of his time at the docks,and, being a cheerful, gentle-mannered young fellow, had made manyfriends amongst the officers and crew of the various vessels which hadput in there with cargoes for the port. Without hesitation, therefore,he accosted the mate, who was strolling up and down upon the quay.
"May I go aboard?" he asked. "I hear that you carry a cargo of grain,and I'm anxious to see how it's loaded."
"Then you've come at the right moment, sir," was the answer. "Step rightaboard, and look round as much as you want. We've been terrible hardat work these last two days getting a cargo of cotton ashore, and nowwe've just hove up the lower hatches, and shall be taking the grain outof her when dinner's finished. It's come all this way for your navaljohnnies--at least that's what the boss has given me to understand;and we are expecting a party of officers along any moment to take alook at the stuff. I suppose they'll pass it right away, for it's goodright down to the keel. Then these fellows will tackle it with shovelsand bags, and you will see they'll hoist it up in a twinkling. Helloo!Blessed if that ain't the party coming along this way!"
He turned, and indicated his meaning by a nod of his head in thedirection of three smartly-dressed naval officers who had just put in anappearance.
"The party right enough," he said. "Just excuse me, sir, and get rightaboard if you care to."
Having obtained permission to go aboard, Tyler at once stepped to thegangway, and was quickly upon the deck. Then he went to the hatchway,which occupied a large square in the centre of the vessel, and leantover the combing so as to obtain a good view of the scene below. Beneathwas a lower deck and a second hatchway of similar dimensions, thecovering of which had evidently been recently removed. A glance showedhim that the hold was filled with loose grain to within some six feet ofthe hatchway, and he was occupied in wondering how many sacks of cornhad been necessary to fill it, when he was aroused by a voice at hiselbow. Turning swiftly, he found the three naval officers and the matestanding beside him.
"A fine cargo, and in splendid condition," the latter was saying. "We'vejust hove up the hatches for your inspection, and that's the way down."
He pointed to a perpendicular ladder which led from the upper hatch tothe one below, and stepped aside to allow the officers to approach it.At the same moment Tyler caught the eye of the elder of the three navalgentlemen, and at once, standing erect, he raised his hand as his fatherhad long since taught him to do.
"Ah, the correct salute, and I thank you for it!" said the officer,acknowledging it swiftly. "Where did you learn it, my lad? I can seethat you have been taught by someone who was no landsman."
"My father, Captain Richardson, late of the royal navy, instructed me,sir. He lives close at hand, and would spend his days here upon thedocks were it not that he is crippled and cannot get about."
"By a gun-shot wound--obtained in warfare?" asked the officer withinterest.
"Yes, sir. He was struck by a round-shot fired from a French fort, andwas pensioned from the service."
"That is sad, very unfortunate," said the officer; "but his son musttake his place, and repay the wound with interest when we have warwith France again. But I must see to this cargo. This is one of themany duties which we sailors have to perform. At one time sailing athree-master, and then conning one of the new steam-vessels which havebeen added to our fleets. Another day we muster ashore, and then anofficer can never say what he may find before him. He may have to visitthe hospitals, the barracks, or inspect a delivery of hammocks beforeit is divided amongst the men. To-day we are here to see this cargo ofgrain, and to pass it if in good condition."
"Which it is, right away down to the keel, you guess!" burst in theAmerican mate. "Say, sir, there's the ladder, and if you'll excuse me,the sooner the inspection's done with the sooner we'll clear the holdand get away out to sea."
"Then oblige me by slipping down, Mr. Maxwell, and you too, Mr.Troutbeck. Take one of those wooden spades with you, and turn the grainover in every direction. Be careful to see that it is not mildewed oraffected by the damp. You can bring a specimen on deck for my benefit."
Hastily saluting, the two officers who had been addressed sprang towardsthe steep gangway which led below, and swarmed down it with an agilitywhich was commendable. Then they paused for a moment or two upon theedge of the lower hatch until a wooden spade had been tossed to them,when they leapt upon the glistening mass of grain which filled the hold.Meanwhile Tyler and the officer who had remained above stood leaningover the upper hatch, looking down upon the figures below. Indeed, theformer was fascinated, for the sight of a naval uniform filled himwith delight, while to be able to watch officers at their work was atreat which he would not have missed for anything. It was queer to seethe way in which the younger of the two juniors tossed his cane asidewith a merry laugh and commenced to delve with the spade; and stillmore quaint to watch the second as he thrust his two hands into thecorn, and, having withdrawn them filled to the brim, walked towardsthe edge of the hatch with the intention of spreading the grains therethe better to inspect them. But--that was stranger still, for, missinghis footing, the officer gave a violent swerve, and with difficultysaved himself from tumbling full length. The sight, the exclamation ofastonishment and disgust, brought a smile to Tyler's lips; but a secondlater his expression changed to one of amazement. Why, the officerhad again all but lost his footing, and--yes, as Tyler stared down athim, he staggered to one side, threw one hand up to his face, and thencollapsed in a heap, where he lay with hands and toes half-buried int
he corn. Almost at the same moment his companion, who had been diggingvigorously, let his spade drop from his fingers, and looked about himas if dazed. Then he struggled towards his comrade with a low cry ofalarm, only to stumble himself and come crashing into the grain.
"There's something wrong down there!" shouted Tyler, realizing thatsome terrible misfortune had suddenly and unexpectedly overtaken thenaval officers. "Look, sir, they are on their faces, and appear to beinsensible!"
He tugged at the sleeve of the senior officer without ceremony, anddirected his attention to those below, for the former had been engagedin conversation with the mate, and had not witnessed what had happened.
"Something wrong!" he exclaimed in astonishment. "Why, what could bewrong? Ahoy, there, Troutbeck and Maxwell! Why, they are on their faces,and, as I live, they are insensible!"
His amazement was so great that he stood there dumbfounded, and staredat Tyler as though he could not believe his eyes. But a shout of alarmfrom the mate quickly aroused him.
"It's the gas!" he cried in shrill anxious tones. "Quick, or they'll besuffocated! Hi, for'ard there! All hands on deck to the rescue!"
He went racing towards the quarters in which the men were enjoying theirmeal, leaving Tyler and the naval officer alone. As for the latter, hisastonishment was still so great that he remained rooted to the spot,leaning over the hatchway, the combing of which he grasped with bothhands, whilst he stared down at the two prostrate figures huddled belowupon the corn as though the sight was too much for him. Then he suddenlystood erect and screwed his knuckles into his eyes, as though he fearedthat they were misleading him.
"Gas!" he murmured doubtfully. "What gas? How could there be such athing down there?" Then, suddenly recollecting the condition of hisjuniors, and realizing that they were in the gravest danger, he sprangtowards the ladder which led to the hold below, and commenced todescend it as rapidly as possible.
But Tyler was before him, for though dumbfounded at first at what wasbeyond his comprehension, the shout to which the mate had given venthad instantly caused him to understand the danger of the situation.There was gas in the hold, some poisonous vapour unseen by those whoentered through the hatchway, but lying there floating over the cornready to attack any who might enter into the trap. What should he do?The question flashed through his mind like lightning, and as quickly theanswer came.
"We must get them out of it," he shouted hoarsely, "and by the quickestway too. Hi, there, get hold of the winch and lower away!"
As in the case of the officer who had stood beside him, his firstthought had been to rush for the ladder, and to descend to the hatchbelow by that means. But a quick glance at the figures lying half-buriedin the corn, and an instant's reflection, told him that rescue wouldbe difficult, if not impossible, in that way. For, supposing he leaptfrom the lowest rung on to the cargo of grain, could he hope to be ableto lift one of the victims and carry him up the steep ladder which ledto safety? Such an attempt would require more than double the strengthwhich he possessed, and besides there was the deadly gas to be reckonedwith. Like a flash the thoughts swept through his brain, for Tyler wasa sharp young fellow, and ere another moment had passed his plan forrescue was formed. Pointing to the winch, from which a stout rope ranthrough a block attached to the boom above, and from thence dangleddown into the hold, he called to the mate, who now came running alongthe deck with three of the hands, to get hold of the levers and prepareto work upon them. Then, tearing his handkerchief from his pocket, hehastily tied it round his face, fastening the knot behind his head astightly as possible, so that the thickest folds came across his mouthand nostrils. A moment later he had grasped the rope which hung at oneside of the hatchway, and at once passed it around his waist. A rapidhitch which his father had taught him secured it there, and a momentlater he had thrust himself over the hatchway and was swinging inmid-air.
"Lower away!" he shouted, "and when you see me pass the loop round oneof them, hoist as fast as you can. Now, let her go!"
Grasping the length of rope which dangled beneath him, and which hehad been careful to leave, he tied it into a strong loop as the menabove lowered him into the hold. Then, holding it in both hands, heawaited the moment when he should alight upon the corn. Ah! He wasthere, and his feet were already sunk ankle-deep in the cargo. Then hebecame aware of the fact that, though perfectly clear, the atmospherewas stifling. He felt as though he were choking, for in spite of thethick handkerchief about his face the biting gas seemed to fly into hislungs, and at once set him coughing violently. But, determined not to bebeaten, he overcame the spasm, and, carefully holding his breath, movedtowards one of the prostrate figures.
It was no easy matter to pass the loop around the helpless man, butTyler worked vigorously at the task. Placing the coil of rope upon thecorn close to the feet of one of the officers, he held it there with onetoe, and at once grasped the man by the ankles. A lusty heave broughthim sliding along through the grain, and scarcely three seconds hadpassed before the loop was about his body and securely fastened beneathhis arms.
"Hoist!" he endeavoured to shout, but his muffled face and the chokinggas deadened the words. But for all that, his wishes were clear to thoseabove, who stood staring over the hatchway, for Tyler stood erect andwaved eagerly to them. There was a shout, the rope tautened, and then atfirst slowly, and afterwards with a rush which showed that willing handswere at the winch, Tyler and the officer for whose rescue he had sogallantly descended were hoisted out of the hold. With a swing the boomwas brought towards the side, a couple of men rushed at the danglingfigures, and ere the naval officer who witnessed the scene had time togive the hoarse command, "Lower away!" the two were lying upon the deck,while the mate of the freight-ship was eagerly removing the loop fromthe figure of the unconscious officer. As for Tyler, he sat for a shortspace as if dazed, while he gasped and struggled for his breath. Butthe knowledge that one victim still remained below, that a second lifewas at stake, roused him to energy. With a shiver which he could notsuppress in spite of every effort, he struggled to his feet and dashedat the hatchway.
"Lower again!" he managed to call out between the paroxysms of coughingwhich shook him. "Now, let go!"
There was no doubt that the real danger, the urgency of the situation,was impressed upon all who were helping in the rescue; and it did notneed the frantic gestures and husky words of command of the elderlynaval officer to stimulate the hands to rapid action. By now, too,some fifteen men had assembled, and while a few promptly carried theunconscious officer aside, and set about to restore his animation, theremainder at once leapt to the winch, and set the handles whirlinground at such a pace that the rope and its burden were swiftly at theirdestination. At the same instant the American mate swung himself on tothe ladder and went swarming down till he reached the deck below, wherehe remained ready to lend assistance should he be called for. And wellwas it that he did so, for that stifling gas well-nigh overcame Tylerin his work of rescue. Holding his breath as he had done before, thelatter dashed towards the second prostrate figure once he had obtaineda foothold. Then, following the same tactics, he placed the loop inposition and grasped the man by his ankles.
"Heave! Pull ho!" As if the words would help the gallant young fellowbelow, the anxious watchers above gave vent to them, their shoutsincreasing almost to shrieks of encouragement in their eagerness."Heave! He's almost through. Once more, and you will have him inposition. Ah! he's down!"
A feeling of consternation and dismay suddenly silenced the voices, anda crowd of eager, anxious faces hung over the hatchway, while a coupleof volunteers sprang at the ladder.
"Stand aside!" shouted one of them huskily, a big, raw-boned Americansailor. "The lad's down, and we're not the boys to stand here looking onand see him die. Say, maties, pitch me the end of the rope, and I'll goin for him!"
Swiftly descending the ladder, he had almost reached the deck below, andwas looking eagerly about him for the expected rope, when another voicereached the ears of the onlooker
s.
"Easy there! I'm nearest the spot, and I'll pull them out, whatever thecost. Jim Bowman, you can make a turn about your body with the rope, andstand ready if there's need. I'm for it right away as I am."
Stuffing a bulky red handkerchief between his teeth, the mate glancedswiftly at his comrade to see that the words were fully understood. Thenwith a bound he leapt over the low combing of the hatchway, and alightedon the piled-up corn.
"He'll do it! He's the right man to tackle the business! Stand ready,boys!"
Those above stared down at the scene below with eyes which threatened toburst from their sockets, so great was each one's eagerness. And all thewhile, as the plucky mate tugged at the prostrate figure of the officer,they sent hoarse shouts echoing down into the hold. Breathlessly theywatched as the loop slipped upwards till it encircled the body, and thena dozen lusty individuals rushed towards the winch, ready to lend a handshould those already stationed there prove too weak for the task.
"Hoist!" The big American, who stood on the lower deck, bellowed thecommand so loudly that it was heard far away along the dock "Hoistsmartly, boys!"
Round went the winch, but on this occasion less swiftly than before, forthe load to be dragged from the hold was heavier! But still the handlesflew round rapidly, and within a short space of time Tyler, the officer,and the American mate lay in a heap upon the deck, where they wereinstantly pounced upon by those who had helped in the rescue.