CHAPTER XV.
The Tea-Shrub.--Another Canoe.--A Skirmish with the Natives.--WoundedHeroes.--An Attempt at Voyaging.--A Field of Battle.--The WidowedJin.--Wilkins's Sorrows.--Baldabella in Society.--The Voyage resumed.
"When are we to dine--or sup, rather--commander?" said Hugh; "I am sofamished, that I could eat one of those noisy cockatoos half-cooked, andMargaret looks very pale and weary."
"We must try to reach one of those green hills before us," said Arthur;"we shall there be pretty certain to meet with some cave or hollow,where we can at least, stow our luggage; and then our cares and oursleep will be lighter; and as we go along, we will plunder some nests,that Margaret may have eggs for her supper."
They took as many eggs and young birds as they required, and went ontill they found, among the hills, a hollow, capacious enough for anight's lodging, and here they made a fire to cook the birds and to boilthe tea in a large mussel-shell. Ruth bemoaned again her awkwardness inbreaking the tea-cups; for now they had to sip the infusion of leavesfrom cockle-shells. Wilkins declined the luxury; but the rest enjoyedit, and declared that it not only had the flavor of tea, but even of teawith sugar, which was an inestimable advantage.
"The plant is certainly saccharine," pronounced Mr. Mayburn.
"If it had only been lacteal too," said Hugh, "we might have had aperfect cup of tea; but, papa, don't you think it has a little of thearoma of the camomile tea with which nurse used to vex us after theChristmas feasts?"
"It is certainly not the genuine tea," answered Mr. Mayburn, "thepeculiar _Thea_ of China; but, doubtless, custom, would reconcile us toits peculiar flavor. We are surrounded with blessings, my children; and,above all, have reason to be thankful for this sweet tranquillity."
But, just as he spoke, a distant _coo-ee_ from the woods proclaimed thatthey were not out of the reach of the usual cares of life; and theyhastily extinguished the fire and retired into the rocky shelter,trusting that the darkness would prevent any discovery.
As soon as the daylight permitted him, Jack commenced to make thecanoes, which the dangerous vicinity of the natives rendered immediatelynecessary. He roused his young masters, and Hugh and Gerald readilyagreed to assist him; while Arthur made his way through the marsh to theside of the river, to select a convenient place for crossing it.
But he could see no possibility of landing on the opposite side, whichwas guarded by perpendicular cliffs; and with much uneasiness heproceeded up the river in hopes of seeing an opening, to which theymight venture to cross. But after walking some distance, he thought itbest to return to the family, to propose that they should take a hastybreakfast, and then move at once higher up the river, with watchfulnessand caution, till they found the south banks more favorable for theirattempt. There was no time to prepare tea, to the disappointment of thewomen: cold pheasant and cockatoo formed the breakfast. Then every oneshouldered his burden, and the half-finished canoe was carried off, tobe completed under more favorable circumstances.
They had walked without interruption for about two miles, when Margaretobserved to her brother Arthur, that an opening in the mangrove belt,that ran along the banks of the river, would allow them to pass through,and afford them a safer and more advantageous track than their presentexposed road. They could then select at once a shallow ford, or a flatstrand, on the opposite banks, to facilitate their crossing.
"Let us hasten over the swamp," said she, "and secure this importantadvantage. Dear papa is in continual alarm on these open plains, and Iam quite losing my usual courage."
But as they drew near the opening to the water, Arthur, alwaysthoughtful, felt a distrust of this singular interruption of the closeentangled belt of the river. "See here, Margaret," said he. "Beneath theroots of this mangrove you have a perfect leafy arbor, with walls ofbrilliant and fragrant creepers. In this pleasant bower I propose thatwe should leave you and your maidens, my father, and all our property,while I lead my brave little band forward to reconnoitre before weproceed farther."
The tears stood in the eyes of the affectionate sister as she submittedto this prudent arrangement, and saw her dearly-loved brothers and theirfaithful attendants prepare to set out on this service of danger.
"You can keep Ruth tied to one of these root columns," said Gerald,"and gag her if she opens her mouth for a scream." Then making a grimaceat the trembling girl, the laughing youth followed his friends.
"Gerald is not in earnest, my poor girl," said Mr. Mayburn; "but it isnevertheless important--nay, it is even imperative--that you shouldpreserve absolute silence and immobility."
"That is, Ruth," said Margaret, interpreting the order, "you must sitquite still and hold your tongue, whatever may happen."
The little band marched on till they came to the opening of the road,and they now saw that the trees had been burned down, and the spacepurposely cleared. This was a startling sight, and before they coulddetermine whether they should retreat or go forward, two nativesappeared, approaching from the river-side, who no sooner set eyes on theformidable strangers, than they turned back hastily, and fled out ofsight.
"Let us be prepared for defence," said Arthur; "but, if possible, wewill meet them amicably. We will stand abreast in a line, and look asbold as we can."
Loud yells were now heard, and soon a number of men confronted the smallband, armed, as usual, with spears and throwing-sticks. They wereapparently much excited, though not painted for war. Arthur held out agreen bough, and made friendly signs to them, continuing slowly toapproach with his companions. For a minute or two the savages seemedstruck dumb and motionless with astonishment; then at once, they resumedtheir yells, leaping and whirling their spears in a threatening manner.
Still undeterred in their wish for peace, the bold youths walked forwardtill a spear flew amongst them and wounded Wilkins in the shoulder; whothen rushed forward, uttering a loud execration, and, with a huge clubhe carried, struck the man who had thrown the spear senseless to theground. With frightful cries the natives flung more spears, while two ofthem seized Wilkins; but he shook them off, as if they had been infants,and a volley of arrows from his friends directed the attention of theassailants from him; for every arrow had done execution. Wilkins thendrew back into the ranks and cried out, "The rifle, sir! the rifle Isay, or we're all dead men!"
There could indeed be no hesitation now, and Arthur fired one of hisbarrels, intending the charge to pass over the heads of the enemy; butone tall savage, who was leaping at the moment, received the shot in hischeek and head, and fell back into the arms of his companions, who borehim off with dismal lamentations, and the rest followed hastily,carrying away the senseless body of the man struck down by Wilkins.
They saw the savages force their way among the mangroves higher up theriver, and flee to the hills at the north; and, confident that they wereat present in safety, Arthur anxiously reviewed his forces. Wilkinslooked very pale, and the spear was still sticking in his shoulder. Hughwas stretching out a bloody hand, grazed somewhat severely, while Geraldwas waving triumphantly a large sombrero hat, woven of rushes byMargaret, and which now bore the noble crest of a spear which hadpierced, and carried it from his head, without injuring him.
"Sure, and won't the Lady Margaret bestow her glove on me," cried thewild boy, "when she sees the honors I have brought away upon my knightlyhelmet?"
"It's been a close shave, young fellow," grumbled Wilkins, as hesucceeded with a groan, in drawing out the spear, which was followed bysuch a flow of blood, that Arthur thought it expedient to send the twoboys with him to Margaret, that his wound might be dressed; while Jackand he hastily surveyed the field for which the party had fought andbled.
A wide cleared space, sloping gradually to the river, was covered withvarious articles hastily abandoned. Clubs, boomerangs, heaps of wildoats, with shells of the fresh-water mussel, and bones of fish. Largesheets of bark were placed round the spot, lined with grass, andapparently used as beds. On these Jack cast a longing eye and said,"Bark is cheap enough for them
that have arms and knives, Mr. Arthur,and these come quite convenient for our boats just now; and no harm atall, I think."
"Well, Jack," answered Arthur, "I think my father's scruples would notoppose such an appropriation. But can we cross at once? There seems atolerable landing-place nearly opposite."
"We must get the canoes ready for launching as fast as we can," repliedJack; "for we cannot do better than cross, to get out of the way ofthose fellows, who will be sure to come back for their things. I'll justborrow this handy axe a bit: we can leave it behind us when we go."
Jack did not lose time; two of the bark beds were nearly transformedinto canoes by the time that Arthur had gone to the mangrove bower andbrought up all the party, with the unfinished canoe and the luggage.
Wilkins had his arm in a sling; but, though he certainly was sufferingmuch, he made light of his wound, and Hugh had his hand bound up.
"This is a bad job, Mr. Arthur, for two to be laid off work when we'reso sharp set," said Wilkins. "I say, master, ye'll be forced to lend ahand," addressing Mr. Mayburn.
"My good man," replied he, "I am willing to undertake any labor suitedto my capacity; but I fear that I am but an indifferent mechanic."
Hugh and Gerald laughed heartily at the idea of papa with a hammer or anaxe in his hand.
"Nay, nay, master," continued Wilkins, "ye'll turn out a poor hand wi'yer tools, I reckon; but we'll learn ye to paddle these floats. I'se befit for a bit work, 'cause, ye see, I've gettin my right arm; but thatpoor lad's quite laid off wi' his right hand torn. Gather up some ofthem bits of bark to make paddles, Master Gerald."
"But no spears or weapons, Gerald," added Mr. Mayburn. "We must notcarry off the property of these men, however inimical they are to us."
"Why, begging yer pardon, master," replied Wilkins; "there's them therespears as was stuck into us, we'se _surelie_ keep. Ye couldn't expect onus to send them things as rove our flesh off our bones back to 'em wi'our compliments and we were obliged to 'em."
"That would certainly be an excess of honesty," said Arthur; "and Ithink with you, Wilkins, that we are entitled to the three spears thatinjured us. For oars and paddles we have abundance of materials; I onlygrieve that we have so few hands; but those are able and willing towork; so let us hasten to get ready for the water."
Two hours elapsed, however, before the three sound workmen were able toget all ready for the launch. In the mean time Wilkins and Hugh hadsearched for the nests of the water-fowl, and taken a supply of youngbirds, which the women had roasted for present and future provisions.
Finally, three bark canoes were launched, each containing three persons,and the river was crossed in safety. Finding they could manage theirlittle barks satisfactorily, they then agreed to row up the river aslong as it was practicable, which would, at all events, be lesslaborious than walking with heavy burdens.
Without any alarms, except from seeing the smoke of distant fires on theshore they had left, they had passed through beautiful and diversifiedscenery for many miles, before the rapid close of the day warned them toland; and under an overhanging cliff on the south bank of the river,they drew their canoes on shore, and encamped for the night.
Satisfied with their pleasant and expeditious mode of travelling, theyresumed their route next morning, and with the necessary interruptionsof landing for supplies of the plentiful food that surrounded them, andfor needful rest, they continued for many days to voyage on the samebroad river; and though they occasionally saw smoke rising on the northside, they never met with any of the natives.
But at length this desirable tranquillity was disturbed; for one daythey were alarmed by sounds which they recognized as the angry yells ofthe savages in their fury, and they knew some fearful contention wastaking place. The sounds proceeded from the south shore, and the riverbeing at least two hundred yards broad at this part, they rowed to thenorth bank, in order to place a wide barrier between themselves and thecontending savages.
Loud and louder grew the yells and cries when they drew near the sceneof action, and curiosity induced them to rest on their oars, though theycould not see the combat; but gradually the sounds died away, and it wasplain the contending parties had shifted their field of battle.
After all had been quiet for some time, the boys begged earnestly thatthey might be allowed to land and view the scene from whence thesediscordant cries arose; and, at last, leaving Jack, Hugh, and Mr.Mayburn in charge of the canoes, Arthur with Gerald and Wilkins steppedon shore, and making their way through the jungle, came on awidely-spread, woody country, and saw, at no great distance, thescattered spears and clubs, which indicated that they were really uponthe field of battle.
Cautiously drawing near, they were shocked to meet with the bodies ofnative men, transfixed by spears or destroyed by clubs. They gazed withdeep distress upon this sad sight, and were preparing to return, whenthey were startled by hearing a low sobbing sound, followed by a shrillfaint cry, and searching round among the low bushes, they found a nativewoman mourning over the body of one of the slain, while clinging to herwas a child about four years old. They approached hastily; but no soonerdid the woman see them, than she caught up her child, and would havefled, but Wilkins caught her arm, and pointing to the dead body, spokea few words to her in a jargon he had acquired during his residence inthe colony, which she seemed to understand, for she replied by somewords in a low, musical voice.
"It's the poor fellow's _jin_, ye see," said he.
"His _jin_!" said Gerald, laughing. "What is a _jin_, Wilkins?"
"Why, all one as we should say his wife," replied Wilkins; "and there'snought to laugh at, Master Gerald, for she seems, poor body! like to diehersel'. I'se a bad hand at talking in their way; ye see its mair like abird chirruping nor our folks rough talk. My big tongue cannot frame tosing out like a blackbird. Now there was Peter----"
The woman uttered a scream of terror as Wilkins pronounced the name, andlooking wildly round, she clasped the child, repeating distinctly, inaccents of fear, "Peter! Peter!"
"She knows the rogue, I'll be bound!" exclaimed Wilkins, endeavoring bywords and signs to obtain some information from her.
The woman pointed to the bleeding body at her feet, made a sign ofstabbing, and again uttered in a vindictive tone, "Peter!" And onexamining the wounds of the corpse, Wilkins pointed out to Arthur thatthey were not inflicted by the spear; for the man had been evidentlystabbed to the heart by a sharp long-bladed weapon.
"That's been Peter's knife, I'd swear," said he, "and the sooner we takeoff, the better, for he's an ugly neighbor;--poor body! she may wellhave a scared look!"
As they turned away, the woman, it appeared, had read pity in theireyes, for she put her child into the hands of Arthur, and pointingtowards the west, again murmured the name of Peter, and signified thathe would return to murder her child and herself. Then lying down by thebody of her husband, she closed her eyes, indicating that she must diethere.
"What are we to do, Mr. Arthur?" said Wilkins, with tears on his roughcheeks; "my heart just warks for her. But ye see--maybe as how masterand miss wouldn't be for havin' such an a half dementet, ondecent bodyamang 'em. What are we to do? Will ye just say? Sure as we're here, ifwe leave her, that rascal will kill her; for ye see this dead fellow,he's a big 'un, and likely he'd been again Peter, for he'd be like ahead amang 'em."
"Oh, let us take both the woman and her child," said Gerald. "I will runforward to carry the child to Margaret and bring back some clothes forthe unhappy mourner;" and without waiting for any sanction to hisproceedings, he set off to the canoes with his prize. The alarmed womanstarted up, and looked anxiously after her child; but Wilkins made herunderstand she should also follow it, and she appeared satisfied. It wasnot long before O'Brien returned, accompanied by Jenny, who brought aloose garment for the astonished woman, on whose scanty toilet the neatold woman looked with unqualified disapprobation, as she assisted inarraying her more consistently with civilized customs; or, as she termedit, "made her decent."
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Somewhat uncertain of the prudence of making this addition to theirparty, Arthur led the way to the boats, determined to consult his fatherand Margaret before the matter was determined. When the poor widow sawher child, dressed in a temporary costume of silk handkerchiefs, andholding Margaret's hand, in great contentment, her eyes glistened withpleasure, and going up to Mr. Mayburn and Margaret, she threw herselfdown on the strand, with her face to the ground, in an attitude ofsubmission to her protectors.
"Poor creature," said Mr. Mayburn; "can we not restore her to herpeople, Wilkins? You know something of her language--inquire herwishes."
"I can partly make out what she says, master," answered he; "but I framebadly in hitting on them singsong queer words. I take it, all herfriends have been killed right away, and she wants to stay wi' us."
"She's not a fit body to be company to Miss Marget," said nurse. "You'relike to see that yourself, Wilkins."
"And if I did see that, Mrs. Jenny," answered Wilkins, in a sharp tone,"and I can't say I did see 't, it's wiser heads nor yours and mine asought to settle that. They say God made us all akin, and it's, maybe,true; but there's a strange deal of difference among us, nowadays, Iconsate. Now, I'd not like to say that monkey-like, dark-avised poorcreater were born sister to my bonnie Susan Raine, as I ought to havewed, Mrs. Jenny, if I hadn't turned out a graceless."
"It is strange, Wilkins," said Margaret, "that there was a fine,well-behaved young woman, named Susan Raine, came over with us in the_Amoor_. She was with one of the emigrant families that Mr. Deverellbrought over from England."
"It's now better nor two years sin' I got a letter wrote to her, Miss,"said Wilkins, greatly moved; "but, like me, ye see, she's no scholar,and I heared nought from her, and I judged she'd wed another. Then Icared nought what came on me; and I consorted wi' Black Peter, and suchchaps, and took any job of work to get away from yon gallows hole, whenI found as how she'd not look at me. What like was she ye talked on,Miss?"
"She was a fair, blue-eyed woman," answered Margaret, "with yellow hair,and a bright color; and she spoke with a north-country accent."
"God forgive me all my sins, and bring me to that lass," said Wilkins,"for I'se clear on 't, it was just my Sue. Mind ye tie me up, Mr.Arthur, if that bad fellow, Black Peter, comes nigh us; I ken he'll wantto nab me, and make a rogue on me again."
"You must ask God to give you strength to resist the temptations of sucha wretch," said Mr. Mayburn, "and your prayers will be heard. A greatand good man has said of prayer, that it is
'A stream, which from the fountain of the heart Issuing, however feebly, nowhere flows Without access of unexpected strength.'"
"Ay, it seems a grand hymn," answered Wilkins; "but I mind short prayersbest, and I'se try, master, to stick to 'em; for ye ken I'se but a softgood-to-nought. But it may please God to make summut out on me yet; andwi' my own will, I'se niver leave ye."
The question of admitting the unfortunate woman among them was soondecided. She crouched down in the stern of one of the canoes, holdingthe child on her lap; and the river being fortunately very smooth, theywere enabled, though much crowded, to row off with the additionalweight, being anxious to leave the spot before the natives should returnto collect their spears. Besides, from the woman's words and signs theycomprehended that the victorious combatants would come back to take herlife and that of her child.