Five Cent Wide Awake Library vol. 2 1895 06 07
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} He and Harvey ete aha 1 his: aaa pueden pie phate he might in some . sy rf HARKAWAY AMONG THE SAVAGES. _ 00000 DD eee 00> arrived at the spot where the savages had been singing foy songs over the capture of Hunston. Had they got him again ? A giance sufficed to show him that the victim tied to the bamboo stake was not Hunston, nor did he see any trace of that young gentleman. Fascinated by the expectation of some horrible spectacle, Jack halted, being well concealed, and looked on. “ Hore’s the show, gratis for nothing, and I don’t seo why I shouldn’t peep at it,’’ was Jack’s remark. Awsharpened prop was placed under the prisoner’s ebin, so that he could not move his head. One look at the wretched man’s face proved conclu- sively that he had given up all hope of life. - It was possible to read nothing there but blank, hopeless despair. Presently the barbaric chant ended. The Tuan Biza stepped forward with a large, sharp knife in his hand. As the chief, it was his privilege to cutout of the living victim any piece he liked best. The parts of the human body which are esteemed the atest delicacies by these cannibals are first, the palms of the hands, and then the eyes. When the chief has gratified his choice, the others are entitled to advance and cut out bits. The savage feast proceeded quickly, and the victim’s moaus were piteous to hear. Jack ground his teeth with rage, but on looking to his rifle, found that he had lost his percussion cap off the nipple, and had not another with him. Besides, khe man might have been a criminal for what he knew. It was evident that those men did not eat human flesh for lack of animal food. go ar of game was to be met with, as Jack ew. They spared their appetites in this beastly manner because they liked it. It was a very long time before Jack got the sight of the hacked and bleeding form trom his eyes. j | Sick at heart, and faint, he glided from the spot, and truck out for home, When he reached the castle, he related his adven- tures to Harvey, who listened with increasing horror at each fresh detail. Maple was equally impressed. “I’m glad you got away trom the crocodile,” said Maple. . “But it would have been worse to fallin with the natives. Do you think they would eat us?” “Yes, like a shod,’’ answered Jack. ‘ But I don’t mean to give them a chance.” “ Will they attack us ?”’ said Harvey, “that is the question,” “Yes, a hundred to one on it,” answered Jack. “ Funston will make his peace with, and become one ofthem, solely by promising them the plunder of our castle, and the enjoyment of our bodies. I don’t ex- pect him to-night, though we shall not be safe from one hour to the other.” “Let me watch, Jack,’ exclaimed Maple, “and give meagun. I’m sure I,can shoot.” “TI can’t trust you,”’ replied Jack. g “Not when our lives are in danger?’ Ishould not, for my own sake, let the natives capture us.” “Yes, you might, if Hunston got hold of you and promised you your own life. That’s what it is to have a bad character,’ Jack continued. ‘ You might in this erisis help us a great deal, but we know what you are; #0, while Harvey and I do the watching and Henting, you must be the indoor servant, Sally the housemaid, and Polly the cook, rolled into one; so set about your business at once, and let me have some drial venison andsomething to drink.” Maple slunk away, ashamed of himself, and annoyed at not being allowed to act the part of a man, { Tt was his own fault, however, and he had only him- self to thank for it. . “You're dull, Jack,” observed Harvey, pouring him outa glass of wine. “My nerves are a little skaken,” answered Jack, drinking the wine at a draught. **No wonder.”” « And I’ve got an idea that stirning events are going to happen.’’ “'T wish a ship would come and take usaway,” said Harvey, with a sigh, as he thought of home. * So do I, but I don’t know that I should goin her,” replied Jack. “Why not ?’”’ asked Harvey, in rg a “You heard what Hunston said about a ship being wrecked on another island?” — \ “Yes.” } “ And an English girl being saved ?” continued Jack, © “And taken into the interior as a captive or slave, or something,” said Harvey. “That was it,’' replied Jack, adding, ‘‘well, I want to gave that girl, and bring her away with me; and I shouldn’t think myself a man, or be happy all my life, if I had the chance of going away, and did not make something more than an effort to rescue that English Te / , * By Jove! you’re right, Jack. I always said you were a fine fellow,” cried Harvey, his eyes speaking the admiration he felt. ‘myoluntarily the boys’ hands met in a cordial grasp. It was a silent compact between them to save their _ mir and unfortunate country woman at all hazards. CHAPTER U1. . KEPT IN SUSPENSE. A rew days passed without bringing any cause of warm to the castaways. * Jack did not decrease in vigilance. i ept a good lookout, distrusting od as their drudge, for they knew ay be in communication with Hunston. ‘ ra ws here att BY owe ae oom aS The captain’s dog, was tied up outside the castle, so that he might give notice of the approach of any foe. He would not bark at any of the boys, and not know- ing what Hunston’s real character was, he rather liked him in return for meat and biscuits he had given him, but the slightest tread of a strange footstep would make his loud bark resound through the woods, “T wish I knew the worst,” Jack remarked to his friend. “If Hunston is going to lead the natives to attack us, he might do it and get the thing over.’’ Perhaps he’s not so bad as we think him, and will change his mind,” answered Harvey. “Not he,” said Jack, witha shake of his head, ‘“‘T know him of old. He only cares for himself, He would like to be king of the savages, and have all our stores and firearms, but he hasn’t got them yet.” “That reminds me of an idea I had,” said Harvey. “Out with it then; don’t be afraid of it.” “Tf we were attacked it would be from the clearing we've made, as the enemy could act more compactly together. My idea is to load, say twenty guns, and fix them nearly all together, so that we could tie a string to the trigger, pullit and fire a volley, which would kill the lot.” “All right,” said Jack. “I loaded about thirty guns yesterday, and put them in a ¢orner, so that lL could take up one after another and let fly at the niggers on the principle of one down, t’other come on.” This idea of Harvey’s was adopted, and a formidable battery erected in a few hours. The boys felt more comfortable when they had taken every precaution against a surprise that prudence suggested, “Some of these guns are oldish. I hope they won't ‘ bust up,’’’ remarked Jack, with a smile. © “Tf you think that,” answered Harvey, regarding the battery fondly, “Jet’s make Maple pull the string. If he was blown into little bits and smithereens jhe wouldn’t be much loss.” j “] should like to take a stroll and see what is going on,” Jack said, anxiously. “You musn’t venture a yard from the castle, Jack,” eried Harvey. “I won’thaveit. Our only chance is in the bundle of sticks dodge. We must hang to- gether. How do you know that we are not being watched now from some bush, and that your departure on a stroll would be the signal for a rush in and a sur- eit of the place, It makes my hair curl to think of “All right. I won't leave you,” Jack replied, “though this continued suspense is not at all to my liking. Perhaps the natives have left the island, their game of jinks being over, and Hunson can’t find them.” “No,” said Harvey,, thoughtfully. “He’s found them. If he hasn't, he'd have been baek. How could he live without arms to kill birds and things? He's met with them, and is getting up something for iis.” “He'll meet with a hot reception, Our guns will astonisit the weak nerves of his new friends.” “That's what he’s afraid of. He wants to catch us napping.” “Don’t he wish ho may get it?” answered Jack, adding, ‘I say, Dick. have you noticed those fine birds that look like pheasants—the beggars that eat our corn up? Look at them now; they’re wiring in like steam. Here, Maple, you Jittle humbug, why don’t you go and bird-flap ? It’s all you’re fit for.” ‘ “They won't go away,’’ replied Maple, who was hoe- ing the weeds out of some potatoes that had just begun to sprout, “You've only got toshow your ugly mug and they’ll have fits,” replied Jack. “‘ Whistle, howl, do some- thing. Give them a ‘lul-li-e-ty’ like that we used to wake old Crawcour up with, and drive Mole mad on the winter evenings at Lillie Bridge.” \ “T wish I was back there again,” said Maple, almost tearfully. “You ungrateful little viper,” exclaamed Jack, sar- castically. ‘“Doyou mean to say that you don’t ap- preciate the honor of being head cook and bottle- washer to King Harkaway and Duke Harve J, his prime minister, home secretary, and all the rest of it.” “Duke Humbug,” muttered Maple. } “What's that you say?” asked Harvey. “I'll you something, my fine fellow. Come here an homage. Come on.” “Do what?” said Maple, laying down his hoe and advancing. \ “Do homage. ‘Kneelon both knees. and put my feet on your head in token of submission. You won't ? Lend me that stick, an’ it please your most gracious majesty. I must welt this disobedient servant.” | Jack handed him a stick hecarried in his hand, and laughed heartily. “ Lamm in to him,” he said. “Oh, don’t hit me, Harvey,’’ roared Maple. ‘I’m sore all over from the last hiding you gave me, I'll do homage or any other act you like.” | Accordingly Harvey retrained, and Maple, kneeling down, put his head under the prime minister's feet, and was afterwards allowed to resume his work. E “That will teach you not to be cheeky,” observed Harvey. “We don’t allow any Radicals here.” Maple gave him a spiteful look, and went to the corn- fields to drive away the gaudy-plumaged birds that were making such sad hayoe with the corn. Thay rose ina body as he approached but when he went away they soon came down again. Jack tried to get a shot at them, and found them too wary, for they would not let him get near them. In appearance they resembled phesants, and seemed as if they would be excellent eating. “J never saw such wary brutes,” Jack) observed : “Tt’'s a nuisance, too, because if we could kill a few, we could see what they would be likein the pot, and we should also be able to make some scarecrows to keep the rest away. Iecan’t get nearthem. “V1 tell youa dodge,” remarked Harvey. “ Although ry ‘ , , y eyes ‘ive do. ets er 08 uk Nero, of which we have spoken, ; ’ma ‘Londoner and the gov's aclerk in the City, Iv been a good deal at myyuncle’s farm in Gloucestershire and 1’) tell you how he gets his game.” “ Shoots it, [suppose ?”’ *‘No ; he doesn't shoot it either ; so you’re out there, The landlord wouldn’t let him start a feather with a gun,” answered Harvey, with a knowing wink.” “ How is it done, then ?” asked Jack. “T’ll showyou. You know those fowls we saved from the wreck ?”” “Yes; they’re inthe coop now. A cock and three hens. I had an egg for my breakfast this morning. What of them ?”” “Go and bring the cock, will you? He’sa regular old Turk to fight, and I'll show you some fun,” Jack went to the hen coop and brought out the cock, which was a thoroughbred game fowl. During his absence, Harvey bad broken off two blades from his penknife, which he had in his pocket. Taking the bird from Jack, he fixed the blades on ta the creature’s legs. i “Those don’t make bad spurs, do they ??’ he asked. “ Not at all,’ answered Jack. ; “ Follow me, then, and you shall see amatch between se English barndoor fowl and the East Indiam nonde script.” They approached the cornfield, and tho handsome birds flew away, perching as usual some distance of on high trees. arvey put down the cock, which began to crow loudly. and the boys hid behind the trunk of a tree. The birds came cautiously back to their food, and one of the males, not liking the appearance of a stranger on the scene, flew down and gave battle. The birds flew at one another, and the issue was not tone: doubtful. 3 The English bird struck his enemy, and the blade of the penknife cut into his head, causing him to fall down with a death flutter. * Dead as mutton,’ whispered Harvey gleefully. ™« What a lark !’’ said Jack, in the same tone. “Hold your noise,” cried Harvey. ‘'There’s another coming to have a pitch in. Hoe was right. Another of the beautiful birds came to fight the in- truder, and with an angry screech, which the cock met with a crow of defiance, the battle began, and ended quickly with the same result, _ inashort time, half-a-dozen fine cock-birds were ly» ing on their sides. Harvey thought that enough, and took the victorious game-fowl back to the coop, having previously removed his formidable spurs. and then he rewarded him for his prowess with a handful of corn. “ What do you think of that?” asked Harvey, rejoin- ing, Jack, who was examing the spoil. “Stunning. Your uncle was a genius, Dick,” replied Harkaway, 7 “'Phat’s how we used to get the squire’s birds, as the keepers never heard a gun fired, they never twigged the caper. But I’llshow you something else. My aunt was very fond of partridges, and we used te give them her. First of all we spotted a covey, and when this was done, we were bound to have them.” ** How’??? “Give me aboutanhour, and I'll show yeu. I’ye got to make my preparation,” answered Harvey. “Cut along, then,” said Jack, adding: * Maple.” « Yes, Jack,”’ answered Maple. “Don't ‘yes Jack’ me,”yexclaimed Harkaway, with am affectation of anger. ‘I’m king. Speak tome with pro per and becoming respect.” “Very well, my lord,” said Maple. “That won’t do, It’s not grand enough,” “What does your majesty require? Will that do ?* “It’s better. Take a brace of those birds ; pluck them, and stick them before the fire. I want to see how they eat. , : Maple sat down and began his task with a groan, He hated plucking and cleaning birds. But grumbling was no use and he had to do it, OHAPTER Ty. { / HUNSTON'’S RECEPTION BE THE NATIVES. To use his own expression, Hunston was rather “down in the mouth,’’ as he threaded his way though the luxuriant vegetation of the tropics, The day had brokex with its usual spleudor, and though not insen- sible to the beauties of nature, he had no inclination just then to give rein to his admiration, s His mind was full of dark black thoughts, \ “TI hate Harkaway,” he muttered ; “I always did dislike him, and nowI detest him more than ever We neyer cottened at school, and it’s clear we can’t Pirie Tengot that Jack's ostilit e forgot that Jack's hostility was entirely ‘ byihis own bud conduct, | Le e had neyer kept faith with his companions, he had not hesitated to act in the Es ee manner towards them. i A Was it any wonder that Jack was obliged to use hassit and BRone peas are ? : f rf But the wicked are always slow to blame themselve®. Their evil thoughts led them to think eas of the virtuous and good, : As he went along he passed groves of nutmeg trees: sPhis Sasetal, tree 4 in such abund land s useful tree is in such abundance that the ig full of it without it being planted by yah: : A All the islands in the Archipelago produce it more # ess. : , dered nee VR When June and September come, the nutmeg, which produces the mace outside iho aber is ready for gather> ing, and when the’ natives are incline a, te ‘for trade, brings arich harvest. aad aan he ey Feeling thirsty, Hunston throw @ heavy stone at @ j 1 % +} i 4
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and they have an advantage over us.” i) Mil _. guns and the stores?” according to our customs, We not live here, @ocoa-nut pakn, and brought down arich cluster of the ripe frnit. Cutting them open with his knife, heputhis mouth to them and sucked out the rich juice. Then he stooped down and eut a pineapple. The Malays and Javaneze call it nanas, and are very fond of it. | : “Pancy a fellow cutting pineapple and sucking cocoa nut,’ said Hunston. ‘‘Those who go so sea have a chance of meeting with strange things. Some chaps like it. Idon’t. I’drather be smoking my pipe and dipping my beak into a foaming pewter of malt in some quiet pub, going out of the Strand er Tower Hill, than running wild in this beastly hole.” He had not gore much further before he saw 2 tall dark form in front of him. _ * Scissors !’’ he ejaculated, He had come face to face with s native whom he bail not much difficulty in recognizing as the Tuan Biga. The recognition was mutual, “Ha!” exclaimed the chief. went you to us again,” A cruel smile played round tho corners of his ugly black mouth. “iddlesticks,” said Hunston. “I’ve nothing to do with spirits, although I shouldn’t mind four of pale brandy, cold, with a lump oficeinit. This land of yours isso jolly hot.” “Why do you seek our camp then?” confinued the Tuan Biza, who did not know whether to regard Hun- ston as a friend or enemy. “To put you up to a good thing. English enough to understand that?” The chief nodded his head in token of assent. “T want to be your friend,’ continued Hunston. “Let us enter in to an explanation, When you eaught pe afew days back,I had had a row with my compan- ms.’” “ANI said the Tuan Biza, with a significant look, “Those who with you were wreck.” “Just so.”’ “How many ?”” i 7 The chief counted on his fingers, one, two, three, four. | Then Hunston stopped him. “There were four,” he said, but one is dead. That | is to say, we were five in all. Ono being dead, and I; being here, the number is reduced to three. Do you understand ?”’ “Yes,” replied the Tuan Biza, “Very well. They have arms, guns, pistols, and powder. Do you know what those are?” “No,”’ replied the ¢hief. ‘I learn English when I work in the hold ofa ship ; butI never see what you speak of., I go to tho coast, but not know much.” “T'}) enlighten your ignorance, then,”’ said Hunston. «You remember Buru being hurt, as you thought, by tho spirit? Well it was a shot fired from a gun held wy one of my late companions.’? The chief intimated that he had heard of such won- derful things, though he had never handled them, and he thought he had seen them, but he had never taken any particular notice of or interest in them. n fact, the Tuan Biza knew very little about the habits, customs and weapons of civilized countries. Hoe had obtained his knowledge of English from some traders to whom he sold spice, and who employed him to load the cargo; but that was long ago. With great difficulty Hunston made him understand that guns could kill anything at a certain distance, and that his three companions had a good store of them, together with powder and shot. : He added that they lived ina house he had built, not far from where they were then standing, and that they had saved a variety of valuable things from the ' wreck of their ship, ‘ “as the great spirit Do you know | The Tuan Biza was a sharp man in his way, and he|- eens Hunston’s meaning go far as to say: “You want to be ono of us, a head-hunter?”’ *Yos, [should like to have Jack’s head and Har- vey’s,”’ replied Hunston, savagely. ~ “Who Jack? Who Harvoy?” asked the chief. “The people in the castle—Jack’s castle. “ And the other, the three one?” He meant the ‘‘ third” one. “*Oh, he’s a pal o’ mine; a friené I mean, and I'll entice him out. I don’t want his head.” “And you will show us how to get the lightning “ Of course I will. YouandI with your men can do it,” answered Hunston. “But tell me, why are you ato} ping here ?” \ “Buru is badly hurt,’ replied the Tuan Biza, “TI thought the spirit struck him by lightning, but I now ‘gee it was the fire-gun. We came here to have a fest ur ee many miles, fifteen, twenty, thirty from here. When Buru well, we go back in two boat.’ __ “Oh, that’s it? Will you take moe with you, and make me your king.” “¥irst give us the fire-gun and the ship’s things. | Do this for us and we will make the Tuan Biza, cautiously. “That's an agreement. I'lllead you against Jack’s eastioc.”” \ “When ?” re _, “Ou, there’sno hurry, We'd better wait a fow days, as they expect an attack now, and if we are quiet, they will not be so watchful. You see we have no guns, you ‘king,” answered 7 “Come with me,” said the chief. “I will make you. {a / friendly with my young men, You are tattooed, and “they will not ‘hurt you, because they think you are | wnder the protection of the great spirt.” You won’t let Keyali have my head? Keyali wants \ a head, you know,” remarked Hunston. sy , am Tuan Biza,” answered the chief, drawing him- walt w aly.<# } _M ti right. T only want tobe ou the safe side. No | he came toa rock-boumd pool, clear as crystal. HARKAWAY AMONG THE SAVAGES. tricks upon travelers. Don’t you try any games on with me. It won’t wash.” This speech way not very comprehensible to Tuan Biza, but he seemed to catch the sense of it, and’ tak- ing Hunston by the hand, led him some little distance to the camp. The warriors were surprisod to see Huston. His appearance, owing to his recent tattooing, was rather savage and ferocious, but they might not have received him favorably, unless the chief had told them that he was their great friend, and was to get them heads and many good things belonging to the white men. When the Tuan Biza’s companions understood the benefit -tnat Hunston was going to confer upon them, and realized that their chief had madea compact with him, they crowdod around Hunston, and gaye him signs of friendship. This was enough for Hunston. When he felt that his life was safe, he became arrogant once more. “Give me some of the spirit stuff you make out of the palm,” he exclaimed. | They brought him what he required in the half of a cocoanut, Then he threw himself down onsome leaves under & tree and prepared to go to sleep. “Keep your friends away from me, will you?” he continued to the chief. “Imay be a worthy object of curiosity, but I want to be quiet fora spell, and your nigger friends don’t smell nice when the wind blows this way.” The Tuna Biza ordered the open space around Huns- ton to be kept cloar. He collected his companions in another spot, and told them al! that Hunston was going to do for them. At the prospect of heads,and plunderinto the bar- gain, they all grew jolly. The palm spirit passed freely from one to another. War songs were sung, and they talked of nothing else than the coming murder of the whites, against whom their new associate Hunston was to lead them. Hunston and tho savages had made friends. The alliance boded no good to Jack and his compan- ions in the castle. But some people’s consciences are elastic, At all events Hunston slept calmly and did not seem to be troubled with bad dreams. CHAPTER V. A MESSAGE FROM THE SEA. In about an hour Harvey came out of the castle with a basin full of peas. “What have you got there?” inquired Jack. “Peas—soaked in oil of vitriol,’ replied aetrey: “you'll see the birds pick them up and roll about quite groggy, when we can go and wring their necks. The eas will burna hole in their crops, and fall ont of themselves, so that the game won’t be injured at all.” “You and your uncle were up to a few rummy dodges,” remarked Jack. ‘‘I should call hima scien- tific poacher.” “Te was all that. It was alark.to hear the squire’s keeper come and say ‘I can't make out, Mr. Harvey, where all the birds go to. Covey after covey vanishes. There must besome desperate poacher about some- where,’”’ replied Harvey, laughing as he thought of it. Walking to the edge of the clearing, Harvey scattered the peas about, and retired to watch the result. The timid birds did not come down from the trees until the coast was clear, When the flock found out the peas, which had been partially boiled in hot water, and then soaked in vit- riol, they snapped them up savagely. The effect was soun visible. They were unable to fly, and staggered about in ec- centric circles. ; Jack and Harvey rushed up'and seized them easily, wringing their necks, and bagging several dozen, which thinned the flock considerably. The finest they reserved for eating—the others they tied to stakes driven in the ground, and used as scare- crows to frighten the others away. “We might have tried that dodge on with old Mole’s pigeons at Crawcour’s, remarked Jack. i Maple now appeared with Jack’s dinner. The birds were done to a turn, and found fave excellent eating. “T don’t know what this fowl is called, but it eats better than parrot,” Jack remarked, “and your plan of kUling these things will save our powder and shot, of which we haven't got toomuch, ‘Try a wing ?’” “Don’t mind if \f do,” answered Harvey. Jt/was the custom of Maple to go to the signal station that Mr. Mole had built, for an hour every (ay, to sweep the sea with a glass in the hope of seeing a passing sail. Approaching Jack, he exclaimed : “Shall I go to the look-out now?” Posty you done your work ?” replied Jack. “Yop,” “Cut along, then, and don’t go asleep as you did the other day. If Icome up and find you winking even, Tl take it ont of you,’’ Jack said. Maple put the telescope under his arm, and went to the beach., ‘ Harvey and J: aot liked the birds so much that they cooked another brace. 4 lt was a lovely day, and after looking through the glass and seeing nothing in the sign of a ship, Maple thought he would like a bath. “The sea looks jolly tempting,” he muttered. ‘I'l chance a walloping. Jack's gorging those birds, and he's abeggar to eat when he gets anything he likes. Tll have adip, if [die foritv’’? | Quickly throwing off his clothes, he walked along the hot sands, which almost burned his naked feet, until , } j j ‘| dackstraightened the paper and prepared " ' pole 1 ? me Ne The retiring tide had loft it full of water, and ita depth was about thrée feet, while the circumferamce might have been a couple of dozen yards. Beautiful shells and sprigs of coral glistened at the bottom, which, like the beach, was Hned with soft, golden sand. Plunging in, Maple splashed about ikea young and sportive porpoise. # “This is something like,” he exclaimed, as he beat the water back in childish sport. “The sun has just made the water deliciously warm. This is Jack an¢ Harvey's bathing-place, They’ll warm meif they catch — } me.” ; Suddenly his eye caught something round and black lying on the top of the wafer, half hidden by a patch of sea-weedin which it had got entangled. “ What's that?” he cried, “it looks like a bottle, ’ Tt was a bottle. Wading up to it, he grasped an ordinary black bottle, which upon a time might have contained port or sherry. If seemed very light. A cork was stuffed into the neck, and asit rode on the surface of the water, if could have had nothing but air inside it. “Only a bottle somebody has shied overboard for & lark,’’ he muttered, being about to throw it away. He, however was struck with a brilliant idea. “T’ll make a cock-shy of it,” he said todimself. Selecting a prominent piece of rock at the edge of the basin in which he was bathing, he placed the bottle om it. ee he picked up half-a-dozen of middle-sized peb- es. The first one he threw at the bottle misssd it, but the second caught it plumpin the middle, and it fell down cracked in twenty pieces. “Well shied, sir; good shot indeed, sirl’’ he ex- claimed, exulting over hisown prowess, just as if he was applauding the delivery of a ball from “ Long on’”’ in a cricket field. Just at that moment Jack came up and thought Maple had gone mad, but the latter soon stopped the noise he was making when he heard the king’s voice. “What's all this*thullaballo about?” criedJack ; “and what do you mean by leaving the signal station when you're on duty ?”" “T wanted a bathe,” replied Maple. “T believe you will be all the sweeter for washin and on that ground I won’t say anything more abou it,” Jack exclaimea with a smile. ‘But what is that I heard brake? It sounded like glass.’’ “So it was. I found a bottle and made a cock-shy of it. There is what remains of it.” v Jack approached the broken bottle, and the wird gently walted apiece of paper towards him, He bent down and seized it between his fingers. “T say ?”” he cried 3 “ it’s lucky I came up.” «(Why ?”” asked Maple. \ “ Because it’s amessage from the sea.” What's that ?”’ f “Don’t you know that very often when a ship is ‘sinking, people will very often write something on a piece of paper, and putting it into a bottle, cork it down and chuck if into the sea, in the expectation at its being washed ashore or picked up by some one ?”” «Andis that a message ?”’ asked Maple, coming out of the water and basking in the sun to dry himself be- fore putting on his clothes. Jack was too much absorbed in the persmal of the message to pay him any further attention. “What isit, Jack? You might tella fellow,” con- tinued Maple, who really felt curiows. «Find out,” answered Jack. Holding the paper in his hand, he hastened back to the castle, to"find Harvey, of ’ The latter was lying under a tree in front of the castle, to protect him from the heat, which, being ia — the middle of the day was very great, As near as possible the sun was in its meridian. “ What's the shindy, Jack ?” asked Harvey, noticing that he was agitated. — “« Come inside and I'll tell you,” replied Jack, «Just my luck,” muttered Harvey; -‘I no sooner settle myself down for,a snooze, than somebody arouse sesme. I’m like the oid woman in the story, who said she was doomed to be flusterated.” He entered the castle afterjack, singing— “T feel—I feel—I feel : I feel like a morning star; I feel—I feel—I feel” —— “T wish you’d make some allowance for my feelin; Dick, and not be howling that rubbish in my ear,’’ in- terrupted Jack, “What's come to your royal highness?” asked Har vey. « A message from the sea.”” “The deuce there has! That's interesting. Let’s have it,” Harvey exclaimed, adding: “The most devoted and obedient subject of your august majesty impatiently awaits your pleasure. Speak, oh, king, and don't make any bones about it.” “Tl break your bones, Dick, if you chaff,” answered Jack, good-humoredly. | “Start with Maple or send him into the woods to catch a nigger if your majesty is ina savage humor,” replied Harvey. : a “Do you wan’t to hear the message?” " . “Yes. What did I leave my nest under the palm treefor? I'd Haged up a punkah—a beautifulone. “It's and old door, hung on abranch; have tied a piece of string to it, and can moveit up and down, which makes a splepdid draught just over one's head, 4 i ye. ¢ “T shouldn't haye loft it, Iean assure you, unless I thought urgent affairs of state required’ my presence maya in the council chamber. Fire away.”
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HARKAWAY AMONG THE SAVAGES. { CHAPTER VI. WIDE AWAKE. Tams was the message from the sea: “Having come to the conclusion that I might im- proye my circumstances by emigration, I embarked with my wife and child in the, ‘Eastern Monarch,’ but on gaining the Indian Ocean we encountered bad weather, which ultimately made us a wreck. “At the time I write, the boats are being lowered, and we are going to seek safety where we may find it. “This to let my friends in England know how dread- fal our situation is. God help us!” Jack paused, and looked up. , *¢ Well, what is there in that?” inquired Harvey. “The signature is ‘J. Scratchley, late of Highgate, London,” answered Jack, “ What then?” “Haven’t I told you that I was brought up by a Mr, Scratchley ?’’ “ Ah, I see.” “And Emily, his dear little daughter, is the only girl Teéver loved in my life.” ; **Excuse my forgetfulness,”’ said Harvey. “I re- member it now. Of course you were spooney on Emily, and you think shat she has been wrecked with’ her father in the ‘Eastern Monarch.’ It’s as plain as a pikestaff néw. But don’t fret. She’s somewhere about. Wo doubt she’s saved.” i a : don’t know,” replied Jack, with a shake of the ead. “Oh, yes; sheis. It’s better than if she’d ‘gone to Brigham Young, a mormonite to be.’ ”? “Tl tell you what I fancy,’ continued Jack. fancy Emily is that girl that Hunston’s savages spoke about. It’s my firm impression that she is on one of those islands.” “Shouldn’t worder,””? answered Harvey, after think- iIngamoment. “It’s very likely ; and it it is Emily, won't it be jolly to saye her?’ “She must be getting abig girl now. Who’d have thought old Scratchley would have emigrated ?” «‘ Who'd have thought of Mole going to China. “True,” said Jack. ‘“ It’s a curious world; so full of changes. Wenever know one year where we shall be next.”’ ue ee this letter corked up in a bottlet” ** Yes.” « What's the date? ”? “Tt isn’t dated. I suppose Scratchley was too much flurrid to think of dates; andif it were it wouldn’t help us, for I don’t really know the day of the week or the month of the year. I can only guess at them.’”’ ‘““What’s the odds, so long as you’re happy?” said Harvey. “Tam not happy,” answered Jack. ‘I don’t mind being here because I’ve got you, and it’s always jolly to have afrioend. Robinson Crusoe is all very well on _ paper, but in reality it becomes tiresome whem it goes \entoolong. I must rescue Emily.” ; Pm She’s getting a big girl by this time,” observed rvey. f “Yes; and I’ma big boy. Within the last few weeks I feel as if I had become a man, Dick.” f “So doI, Being in one’s own house makes one feel “ » manly.” “ What’s that ?” cried Jack, suddenly. “What?” “Hush!” Jack continued, putting his finger to his lips; adding as he lowered his yoice to a whisper: ~Tnereis some one in the bushes to the left. Keep a sharp lookout. I'll go and fox him.” In a moment Jack had glided away. Before Harvey had recovered from his astonishment, he had disappeared. Five minutes had elapsed. It was an age to Harvey. Then Jack returned. ; “ That’s worth something,” ho exclaimed, “I’ve fond out what’s going on. Wasn’t there a cove in an- cient history who had a hundred eyes?” “Argus, Mythological sort of buffer,” replied Har- \ vey. “That's the man. Well, one ought to be like him to keep one’s head on one’s shoulders. What do you think? You'll never guess.’ “Tshan’t try. Put me out of misery at once,” an- _swered Harvey.” ‘ “Tsaw Maple talking to Hunston.” eNOS “{ did, though, and no flies,” replied Jack, i “You should say mosquitoes. Mosquitoes are the ' ‘gustomers one meets here,” remarked Harvey. 7 “It’s all the same. A ‘*muskeeter’ is only a big, evergrown, stinging sort of fly. But listen to me. Maple has been talking to Hunston, and he has agreed to betray us.” “Did you hear that?” “Yes ; I was just in time. If]’d had my gun, I do think Ishonld have felt justified in peppering Mr. Hunston.” “The brute!” said Marvey. «There’s tu be awnight attack ,’’ continued Jack, “When 2??? \ — “To-night. Maple is to ask us to be on guard, and to kill the dog. Then the niggers, led by Hunston, are / 40 come up and tomahawk us.” “A very noat'arrangement,’ ” “Tsn’t it? Fortunately wo are wide awake, and they've got to spell ‘able’ before they do it,” “Tt doesn’t matter so much now we know what their little game is,” said Harvey. ‘Because we can choke them off if they don’t surprise us. “J don’t mean that enterprisin young nigger! {4 Keyali, I told you of, to have my head,” replied Jack. ’ A‘ And he shan’t have mine. Not much. I guess we shall be too many for them.” ; “Rather. Just afew,” answered Jack. “ Still it is a well to know what we've got to me \ / i ‘ y “We ought to have started Maple when we kicked Hunston out.” “So we ought. They always did hang together.” “What a reptile he is,” Harvey observed. “Reptile. He's worse than that. I’d rather make friend of a boa constrictor than of him,” replied Jack, indignantly. “What shall we do with him? Drown him like a kitten, or kill him with a back, hander like a rabbit?” “Neither one nor the other. When we are attacked he is to go over tothe enemy with as many loaded guns as he can carry. He knows where the loaded guns are. Woe will change the position, and put some empty ones there.’ “That's not bad, but he ought to be done something to,”’ said Harvey. “Wait till the battle begins. The savages will think their guns, stolen by Maple, are loaded, and they will adyance pluckily. You’ll see Maple and Hunston among them, and if I get a cool shot at either of them, I shall think I’m justified in pulling the trigger.” “T should think you would too,” said Harvey. *‘We shall kill the whole boiling of them, and a good jobit will be. It’s very hard we can’t be left alone. We're not interfering with anyone. However, they'll get it hot this journey, or I’m very much mistaken.” Presently Maple came up, looking rather sheepish. “Hullo, Maple, what’s the row ?” asked Harvey. “I’m all right,” replied Maple, ‘“‘bar the heat. This country takes it out of a fellow,and makes him want to sleep half his time.” “Oh! I thought you'd seen somebody ?”’ “T haven’t seen anybody, and don’t want to.” * Don’t stand there jawing. Go and do something,” exclaimed Harvey. -‘‘ What do you suppose we keep you for??? Maple slunk away, and pretended to busy himself in some way. *Tt'll soon be over,’ he said to himself. “They don’t know as much as [ do.” And he chuckled quietly. In the afternoon Jack placed some empty guns where loaded ones had been, and transferred the latter to another spot. He and Harvey did not appear to have any idea of what was going on, and treated Maple just as they had done before. This threw the latter off his guard. Jack was on guard, but he lay down, and Maple thought he was asleep. Taking advantage of his apparent slumber, he re- moved the guns and put them under a tree in the clearing. All this was observed by Jack. It was about twelve o’¢lock when Maple disappeared altogether. Jack rose and touched Harvey on the shoulder. “Now for it,’’ he exclaimed. «“‘ Are they here ?” asked Harvey, who, in accordance with their arrangements, had been haying a nap. “T don't think they are far off. Wake up Maple’s stepped it,” “Are the guns gone ?” *Yes.”? “Tm ready,” said Harvey. “Give us your hand, Jack. Think of me if I’m picked off.” ‘God bless you, Dick. If you die, Ishall lose the only friend I ever had,” answered Jack, whose eyes wore moist with tears. neal, Coe say the same, But I say, this won’t do. You're blubbering, and so.am I. Suppose you turn the cock on in another direction. Let’s have a drop of something.” Jack produced a bottle of brandy, and they both took a sip. Nero began to growl. “The dog’s growling,” exclaimed Harvey. “Then they’re coming. Look out. The loaded guns are in that corner. I haye made two loopholes, one on each side of the door. You take one. I'll take the other.’ “Right you are,” replied Harvey, who was freshened up by the brandy, « Cover your man before you fire. There are a dozen of them, besides Hunston and Maple. “They've got nothing but spears,” exclaimed Har- vey. “They’re not worth their salt as fighting men against us.” All at once the dog gave a moan. Jack peeped out, and saw him lying on his side, It was evident that he had been killed by an arrow. Setting his teeth together, Jack said: “ Stand close, Dick. They've killed the dog. There is justlight enough to enable us to see the dark-skin- ned brutes. It’s their lives or ours.” “« So it is,” replied Harvey. ‘I don’t like the idea of shooting any one, but it’s their lookout, and not ours, We don’t attack them.” Ashe spoke, a troop of dusky savages emerged from the trees that skirted the clearing, and approached the castle, } The natives, with Hunston, walked behind Maple who was some yardsin front. f Jack sank on the ground, and simulated sleep again, «‘ Jack—Jack, old man,” said Maple. There was no answer. “Tsay, Jack,” continued Maple. Still no answer, Maple retired. “Tt’s all right. They're both asleep, and I’ve stolen the guns,” Jack heard him say. Then Hunston spoke to the Tuan Biza, and the na- tives, in obedience to a sign, again advanced. “ Now, Dick, let °em haveit. Remember it’s us or them. Aim low,” whispered Jack. In an instant a couple of reports were heard. These were followed by another and another in quick succession, Loud crios arose of every side. % aa A ES SA SDP AEE RSS MS ESTE SEIS STONEY FSAI IO ORS ETI OS EET 2 DILL? f All was darkness and confusion. The defenders of the castle continued to fire as rap- idly us they were able. It must be: acknowledged that Hunston displayed great courage. His voice could be heard incessantly urging the say- ages whom he had led against his former friends, and when he found that the guns Maple had supplied them with would not go off, his rage knew no bounds, The defenders of the castle kept up a steady fire. Such weapons as the natives possessed were of nv use against the walls of the castle. i Seeing his companions falling around kim, the Tuan Biza gave the order to advance ina body, and storm the castle. This was what Jack was waiting for. With his own hands he pulled the string connected with the battery of firearms. There was the report of a volley of musketry, loud eries followed the discharge, aud then there was a solemn stillness, which intimated that the attacking party had either all perished, or had thought it advis- able to beat a retreat. Jack was completely victorious. He did not, however, cease his vigilance—for it was impossible to tell what plans the savages might have made. They might have had reinforcements, or be medita ting an attack in another quarter. So two weary hours passed, and then the much longed-for daylight came. Neither Jack nor Harvey had made more than.a pass: ing remark occasionaly. Now they joined one another, and cautiously vem tured outside. Their victory had been more complete than even they had anticipated. Eleven dead bodies lay upon the ground, First of all they passed the da, which had beer cen atan early part of the engagement, and Jack baid: ‘* Poor Nero!?? Ten of the bodies were these of fine, handsome, full. grown natives. The eleventh was a white. Passing in front of the corpse, Jack said sorrowfully : “ He has brought it upon himself. In the confusion and the darkness, I cannot say whether you or I caused his death, Dick.’’ F Jt was Maple. The boy was lying on his back, and a tranquil ev. pression sat upon his features, as if death had been im stantaneous, which perhaps it was, there being a wound in the region of the heart, through which the bullet probably passed. * Poor little beggar,’’ remarked Harvey. “ I'm sorry he’s gone. It makes one feel lonely, though I can’t say Ireally liked him. He never did anything to deserve pity at our hands.” ; “ Still,” said Jack, “it’s one more gone, We were five when we were cast on this island. Mole was the ae to go, then Hunston left us, and now Maple is ead,”” “ He'd have killed us, Jack, if he had won the fight,” “So he would, but I would rather Hunston had been killed. Maple wasled by him.” . “ Not always. Maple had a wick mind, though, as he’s gone, I won’tsay anything againsthim. If you look at the matterin thelight I do, you will think that it’s a good thing we are lett to ourselves. It strikes me we shall get on better.’”’ “You and I, Dick, could jog along anywhere; we were made to run together in double harness.”” “ There, don’t fret any more about Maple,” replied Harvey. ‘He was killedin a fair fight, and deserved his fate ; fora more treacherous trick than to steal our guns, was never though tfof.”’ “We and Hunston arranged it; by the way, I sup- pose Hunston has got off clear with the Tuan Biza. I don’t see the chief among the slain.” “We have killed nearly all of them—that’s a come fort,” Harvey temarked. « After what has happened, Hunston will never come back to us,” Jack said. ‘He'll go over to the Tuan Biza’s island and perhaps organize a frosh expedition against us.” “1 can’t understand two English fellows like Hunston and Maple fighting against their own friends,” Harvey said. ‘It licks me altogether.” “T’ve been thinking about it,” replied Jack; “andit — seems to me that when aman givés way to his bitter thoughts and passions, ever so little, he opens the door to temptation, and he goes on doing low and dirty things till it becomes a habit with him, and he doesn’t know when to stop.” “There’s a good deal of truth in that; a fellow be- comes a villain by degrees, not all at once.” “Txamine the history of a thief,” continued Jack, “and you will find that he has been bad in other things, © before he brought himself to steal. People arenot born bad, It’s giving way to temper, idleness, and one’s pas- sion, and being selt-willed, that does it; but I don’t want to preach a sermon, Maple’s dead, and we must bury him decently, as well as those others.” “Better dig a trench for the natives,’ Harvey suge gested. ; \ “Very well,” answered Jack, “and give Maple a grave by himself. Fancy, Dick, our having killed all dhose. \ It ae very dreadful, doesn’t iv?” ) «*Killing’s no murder in self-defense. Wo didn’t be- gin the row. Take a spade and make a start. in on this side and meet you half-way.” They selected a sequestered spot some little distance . from the castle, and in about four hours had dng a trench sufficiently deep to bury the nativesin. . Reyerently they placed the bodies in the holé*and covered them up with the soil, for they knew that all, whether Christian or savage, go, after death, to meef — their Creator. f ra ie \ Tl wire \
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bai _ HARKAWAY AMONG THE SAVAGES. Their next care was to bury Maple, which they did in | & green spot, on which the sunshine played, and around which the birds sang and sported. Neither Jack nor Harvey said anything, but they both eried heartily as they laid the little fellow’s body in the rave. “ They were not ashamed of their tears. Nor had they any reason to be so. We like a boy or a man either, for that matter, to be able to shed a tear when there is oceasion for it. _ It shows that he’s got s heart and not a bit of stone in his bosom. ‘ When the last sod had been beaten down, Jack fell on his knee: d said something in a low voice. Haryey'did not hear every word, but he knew that it was & prayer. When Jack had done, Dick said slowly : «Amen.”” All the rest.of that day Jack was busy carving a little cross, which he placed at the head of the grave. As they went away after performing their last office of respect for the memory of the dead, Jack's eyes moistened again, He seized Harvey’s hand, and wringing it, exclaimed : “JT can’t help it, Dick. I know I’m an old-fool; but I thought I should make a decent man of him some day if I could only get him away from Hunston’s influence,” “When sow’s ears make silk purses, then ?—— began Harvey. “TI know all that,” interrupted Jack. ‘Perhaps you're right. Let's talk about something else. Come for a stroll; we are safe énough now. The savages have had enough to last them some time, and they won't bother us again, I'l] bet.” **T don’t like to leave the castle,” replied Harvey. “There’s no danger. I think we have killed the lot with the exception of Tuan Biza and Hunston.” “The very two I should haye liked to see fall.” “Yes, they are the ones who are likely to give us fu- ture trouble,” replied Jack. As thev went along they remarked that the volcanic mountain was in a state of agitation. On the southwest side, about one-fourth of the dis- tance from its summit, was a deep, wide gulf. » Out of this arose thick opaque clouds of white Bas, which in the still, clear air, was seen rolling gradually upwards in one gigantic, expanding column to the sky. On its top were thin, vail-like clouds, which occa- sionally gathered and then slowly floated away, dis-: solving into the pure ether. , These cloud masses were chiefly composed of steam and sulphuric acid gas. : As they poured out they indicated what an active laboratory nature had deep within the bowels of this old volcano. ' “Look out, Jack ?” cried Harvey, all at once. In a moment Jack raised his gun to his shoulder. “What is it?” he exclaimed. “I don’t know exactly, but unless I am going to fan cy things, I could swear I saw a nigger in the bush.” As he spoke. a native emerged from his concealment in the jungle. He advanced on his hands and knees in token of stib- mission, and finding that no harm was done him, be stood upright in a submissive attitude. Ot middie height, the fellow had a good-humored, ingenuous countenance, though he appeared to have suffered recently from hunger. His only clothing, was the inner strip of the bark of a tree, beaten with stones, until it looked very much like rough white paper, and which we have described @9 being peculiar to these islands. It passed round the waist, and covered the loins in such a way, that one end hung down as far as the knee. He was unarmed, and Jack refrained from firing at him as he didnotseem agif he had the slightest inten tion ofharming them. “Take care,” said Harvey, as ha saw Jack lower his gan perhaps there are more behind, and it’s only a odge.” , “1 don’t think so. You keep guard, while I make signs and try to find out what his game is.” é CHAPTER VII, MONDAY. THE native went through a performance which, as 8ack said, would have puzzled a deaf and dumb man. it was clear that the signs he made were intended to convey tothe boys that he claimed their protection, aad would be their servant. 4 The native climbed up a tree, and bringing down fruit, placed it at Jack’s feet, kneeling before the boys; and taking Harvey’s hand, he struck himself on the head with it, meaning he would not resent a blow. Then he pointed to the sea with every expression of horror, as if his enemies were in boats. \ | “It’s quite a pantomime,” remarked Harvey. _ “Now Maple’s gone we shall want some one to drudge about. Suppose we enlist Mr. What-d’ye-call-him.” “Old Bob Crusoe had his man, and he called him ' Friday. I vote we christen Thingamagig there Monday. ‘Ilike Mondays. We used to get our pocket-money at’ Crawcour’s on a Monday, And he sang: \ “He had a man Friday To keep his house tidy; Fortunate Robinson Crusoe f Or we might aay: , “It happened one day, @ came across Monday; : * * * x Finish the verse for me, Jagk. I was never good at poetry.” ’ ay “TJ couldn’t finish it, if you paid me for it,” replied Jack. ‘But I'll bet a pound of snuff, that this will turn owt an honest tellow.” While they were talking, the native appeared very anxious, as if he thought they meant to kill him. Jack, however, took him by the hand, and shook it, giving him to understand by a variety of signs that they would do him no harm. . They led him back to the castle and fed him on such food as they had ready to hand, which he seemed to like very much. Jack showed him how to do various things, and he evinced an aptitude and willingness that made hima valuable acquaintance. He began to learn English, and acquired a great pro- ficiency in a short time, being singularly quick. If he once heard a word and was given its meaning, he never forgot it, and would repeat it over again to himself to impress it on his memory. Monday was not more than two-and-twenty, strong and healthy and not bad-looking, for one of his people. It was to Jack that he attached himself more than Harvey, though he Jiked both and obeyed orders from each, Still he was more Jack's man than Harvey’sif any distinction could be fairly drawn. Both the boys used to take the greatest interest in teaching bim their own language, to which they devoted several hours each day. Of course, when he knew English, he would be of more use to them and a better companion, Fully three months passed. ) Their corn and their potatoes came up and were gathered into the warehouse in the castle, before the rainy season began. Nothing had been seen or heard of Hunston. Whether he was alive or dead they did not know. But Jack had made a tour of the island which took him twee days, and he saw no signs anywhere of other occuma its th in themselves. The 3.488 Was growing green and waving over Ma- ple’s 9.4 "¢. Both “4 mston and Maple were in a measure for- gotten. At length Monday began to talk. His English was broken and imperfect, as is generally the case with those who are commencing to learn a language, for it takes time to make one’s self proficient in the moods, tenses, etc., of a stratige tongue. However he spoke weli enough to enable Jack to un- derstand him, This is in effect what he said: About twenty-four miles off, or six hours sail, there were two islands not more than one hour’s sail from each other. One was called Ship Island, which was the one Hun- Ston had heard of from the Tuan Biza. The other was named Limbi. From this one Monday came. In his own country his name was Matabella, but he was quite reconciled to the name given him, and even seemed rather flat- tered at it. i The inhabitants of the two islands were pretty near- ly equal in point of numbers, and they were all head- hunters, They continually made war upon one anothor/ The victorious party always ate its captives, and generally in fine weather, made a yoyage to another neighboring island, and had a sort of picnic. “Lively amusement,” remarked Jack to Harvey, as Monday was proceeding with his recital. “ Nice neighbors,’? answered Harvey. Once, Monday said, a Hukam Tua, or a missionary, - far as Jack could make him out, came to Limbi in a ship. © eon day after his arrival the natives killed and ate im. F “Did you have a bit?” asked saan ‘ ‘Yes,’ replied Monday ; “me have bit. Hukam Tua good, fat, much nice, Monday eat him up quick.” “You cannibal beast, I shall never like you again,’ eried Harvey, turning away in disgust and loathing, which the horrrid confession was quite calculated to produce in the breast of an European. Monday saw the expression of his face. “No eat mans now,” he said hastily. ‘Monday know better, and never more eat up mans, No; never —no.’”’ The poor fellow kept on saying this until Harvey told him he forgave him, because in those days he did not know any better. “Are you sure you won’t wake up some night and make a meal of me?” asked Harvey. . Monday said there was no chance of that. The teaching he had received and the affection he had for his masters, would prevent him from doing anything of that sort. Some little time after this conversation Jack thought of a question which he wished to put to Monday. From what Hunston had told him of the remarks of Tuan Biza and from the letter in the bottle that Maple had picked up, he fancied his dear old friend Emily was acaptive in the hands of the savages. The latter was signed by Mr. Scratchley of Highgate, and it wasn’t likely that there would be two people of that name. Nor was it surprising that a scheming, unscrupulous man like Scratchley should make ap his mind. to emigrate. 4 Thousands of people do the ces tig every year. “Tf then, Mr. Scratchley, his wife and child didn’t remain on board the “Eastern Monarch,’’ when she was deserted, it was fair to suppose that they escaped in the boats.” ts } Still there was a stretch of the imagination on Jack’s part in supposing that the girl in captivity, of whom the chief had told Hunston, was Emily. 1 . Nevertheless, Jack had got hold of the idea, and when, as he said, “he got a thing fixed in his nut, it wasn’t easy to get it out again.” f So he touk Monday on oneside and said: 4 “Did you hear in your country of an English giz being shut up ?” He did not say in captivity, or use any long words, because he thought they would be beyond Monday’s comprehension. For this reason he always used as plain language as he could pitch upon. ‘Mot my country,”’ answered Monday ; ‘‘on Ship Island, a girl ; that’s why call Ship Island.”” “Oh, indeed,”’ said Jack ; ‘then on Ship Island they have got a girl from an English vessel ?” “Yes,’? answered Monday, nodding his head up aud down. “ How do you know this ?” “Oh, I hear from one my people who go there to make war. We beat them last time, though they take me and one more, and carry over here to eat.” ; ‘““Which are the best warriors, your people or the other Islanders ?”’ “Sometimes one, sometimes another. It’s not al- ways one,” answered Monday. ‘ . “Tshould like to go to your natives and help them to make war, and save this English girl,” continued Jack. : i Monday’s countenance brightened. ““Come, come,’’ he cried, ‘You shoot your powder shot, you kill all, and we never have no more war.’’ As he spoke, he danced round and round in a sort of / ecstasy. ‘ “But I thought your people liked war,’’ said ack, i “Me teach them better. If no one make no war on them, then my people no more war,” said Mon- day. “Do you think we could build a boat and go over te your country ?”” “Oh, yes ; me build boat.’’ 4 Jack knew that the natives could build boats. They have no iron, and therefore, the whole boat is made of wood ; but it is not the less sea-worthy on that aceount. The central part is low, and the bow and stern curye wp high. These boats generally resembled those used in the South Sea, “Give Monday axe,” exclaimed the faithful fellow. “He soon make boat, but’’—and his face assumed a sorrowful expression—‘no send Monday away. Save Monday’s life. Kill Monday if you part him.’ By which he meant to say that he should die if Jack sent him away. i “IT wont part with you,” answered Jack, “so long as you do asI tell you. ButI want to go to your island and make friends with your chief.” y f ¢ “Why make friends ?” r “ Will they not thank me for being kind to you ?” “Oh, yes! Much thank. You be great chief.” “Very well. I will lead them against their en- perc and we will rescue the English girl,” said ack. It was annoying to him to think that Emily, if it was she, should be amongst the natives with whom he supposed Hunston had gone to live. : Sending Monday about his business, he sought Harvey, who was having what he called ‘‘a jolly,’’ that is, he was lying on his back under a tree, and sipping - eaiuik he had made through a straw, while he read a ook. “Dick,” cried Jack, “we're going to build a boat.” “Bully for you !”’ answered Harvey. ‘ “ And we're going over to Monday’s savages, and im. tend trying to make them fight Hunston, and rescue English girl.’ ~ “Good again. I’m one.” “It's worrying me to that Emily may be in the power of Hunston and Tuan Biza,’’ “Gall and wormwood, as the novels say,” remarked Harvey. “What do you say to it?” continued Jack. “Tike the idea much,” replied Harvey. “To tell the : truth, this sort of life is all very well for a month or two, but it gets very wearing after abit. I’d do any- thing for a dust up.” " “All right. Help us to make the boat,” “Like ashot. Is Monday a naval architect?” “ He says so,” replied Jack. | “His accomplishments come out one by one. First of all he knows how to cook and eat a human being, next he learns English, then he builds boats. Monday’s developing. It’s a good dodge in a wild and unknowa island, fo have a tame nigger.” Jack smiled. : That afternoon they commenced building the boat, in which they were to make the adventurous voyage which had for its object the rescue of the girl Jack sup- posedto be Emily. Whether he was right or not we shall goon see. CHAPTER VIII. ‘BUILDING A Boat, \ boys. He grew very much attached to them. . They could both sleep at night, for the young gavage soon learnt to load and fire a gun, and kept watch while his masters slept. ( j His progress in learning English was very quick, and showed him to be sharp and clever. ‘ The project of building a boat Proceeded satis factorily. Monday had helped to make boats an his own island , of Limbi. ; 2 T Selecting a spot noar the sea, he set to work. The trees in the tropics grow for centuries, and ~ then fall down from decay, literally dying, from ld age. : A constant source of danger in these Tegions arises — t . c Cf : ie f ‘ Tue arrival of Monday proved very valuable to the \!
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from falling trees, which topple down without any warning. Choosing a hty tree which had just fallen, Mon: Gay began to hollow out the trunk. It was a work that took seme time. onday calle@ this species of boat a “ leper-leper,” though ia th, far west it would bespoken of asa “ dug-out.”” When the uree was sufficiently hollowed pieces of plank were placed on the sides to raise them to the *. \proper height. | Both sides are sharp and curve upwards, ' About four feot from the bow a pole is laid across, @nd another the same distance from the stern. These project outward trom the sides of the boat, and fo them is fastened a bamboo, the whole forming what is known as an outrigger. This is necessary, because the canoes are narrow and , erank. ’ Ff Monday declared that with a small triangular sail and a paddle he could manage a leper-leper in the fiercest storm. ’ Jack’s inventive genius supplied a rudder, of the use ef which Monday seemed profoundly ignorant. Jt was rare fun for the boys when at work, singing, laughing, and talking. hey kept up their spirits in spite of the danger that . surrounded them and their lonely position, ; Tmagine them on the skirts of the thick woods, where troops of large black monkeys kept up a perpetual hoot- al ing. or trumpeting. / Their cries resembled a score of amateurs practicing on trombones. Sometimes the din they made was quite deafening, and Jack could not hear himselt speak. Then he fired his gun amongst them, and they scam- __ pewed off, their chattering ceasing tor a time. , But they would return, as if they took a curious in- terest in what was going on, and rather liked boat- building than otherwise. / __, Beth Jack and Harvey were rather sorry at the idea of feaving the island, __ ‘Bheir corn and potatoes were got in, and the castle had become quite a dear spot to them. te “It's no use grumbling,” remarked Jack, “ We must go some time or other, and if we don’t like Mon- _ day’s friends, we can come back here again.’’ _“I know what is driving you on, Jack,” exclaimed | Harvey. “What 2”? “A wish to rescue Emily, if it should, indeed, be your little friend who isin the hands of the savages.” _ “Idon’t mind owning it,” answered Jack. ‘Fancy _ Emily in the power of the head-hunters, and the indig- nities she may be daily and hourly subjected to,” 2 ‘d Hunston is with the savages, and he would protect ‘a ler,’ “Would he?’ said Jack, angrily. ‘That’s all you fkmow about Master Hunston. He is much more likely ‘© add $o her worries.” " @ Why 2” “ Because Emmy is 4 pretty girl, and Hunston’s got am eye for a handsome face.” “ Well,” replied Harvey, “I am game to go anywhere with you, and if there’s any fighting to be done, old boy, I shan’t shirk my share of it, as you know.” “Give us your fist, old fellow; you’re a trump,” said Jack. dj ' %. The boys shook hands, and no more was said about Fmily just then, for Jack’s eyes filled with tears, and CRAENSY saw that ho felt deoply about the matter, aie had an additional reason for leaving the island. He never knew at what moment Hunston and Tuan p23 one mightsweep down upon them with an overwhelm- ing force. ale Phat the chief would wish to revenge the death of his comrades who had perished in the attack upon the castle, there was no doubt. t _ Asecond assault might be more successful. : _ What were three people against perhaps a hundred, ‘In the island of face with Monday's friends, they would be safe, There was just as much achance of a ship passing by _ Tdmbi ane raking them off, as there was of one approach- 5 ing Harkaway Island, 4 it was resolved to abandon the castle, for atime at _ According to Monday's account, Limbi was only about twety English miles off, | Not a very formidable voyage after all. They had scoured Harkaway Island from one end to _ thefother, by making a circuit round it, and they had a ee ee that Hunston and Tuan Biza had od it. + Theisland upon which Tuan Biza and his followers : hin was visible from Limbi, and had the name of ; sang. _. Limbi and Pisang were always at war. ‘ In the last battle between the rival tribes, the Lim- __-ians had been surprised, and Monday was captured. But Mondoy said; “We much fight, and more win than M, lge® time we take plenty Pisangs and cut off their “heads.” r) ’ mh “You won’t cut off heads and eat your enemies any “piore, will you ?”’ asked Jack, looking crossily at him, _ * “Not me. Monday no cut and eat,” replied the poor 5 fellow. “My people not know what you told me about the Bible, and that it wrong to eat man flesh. Monday tell them all and then they must change, alter.” ; “Wo'll wake up the Pisangs or whatever they call _ themselves,” observed Harvey. j Yes,” replied Jack, ** we shall have to go on tho war- ath for Emily’s sake,’? ‘e'll lick ’em into eternal smash,” replied Harvey, ly. “Ishould like to see the half-dozen niggers cul f one pure-born Britisher.”” continued Harvey, ene there’s 1 r aod tp me ier ee pd ata) Pt; y . ™ ¥ ee #0) SoH ? d ih ed. ow ay jag," 4 the Pisangs. | HARKAWAY¥ AMONG THE SAVAGES. something about an Englishman that scares a nigget anda Frenchman. I suppose it’s our roast beef.’’ “Not much of that here,’ Jack said. ‘“Taat’s the worst of this outlandish hole,’’ Harvey replied, “you can’t get your proper grub. If ever we are licked, I shall put it down to that,” “So 1 would, Dick.” “It's a theory of mine that a man ought to have his proper grub,’ Harvey said, sagely. ‘‘ Do we ever have puddings? Have we seen a cow, dead or alive, since we janded 7” “T've seena calf,” remarked Jack. “Jack, who’s your friend?” demanded Harvey. “ You are, I hope.” “ Then don’t ran the risk of losing him through idle chaff. You called me acalf. Veal's all very well in its way, but to call me a ealf, and before Monday, too. It’s lowering the dignity of your lieutenant.” ' “JT apologize, Dick. It shan’t oceur again,” Jack said, anxious to soothe his friend’s wounded yanity, “Taccept the apology, but it wasn’t kind,’’ Harvey answered, becoming good-humored again. “ Let's see, as the blind mansaid, what were we talking about ?’” “ Grub.” “So we wer’ Now TI’ll tell you what I should like to have a turn at, that’s tripe and onions. Oh, myl ‘ancy a go in at tripe, Jack ?” “| can’t fancy anything halfso beastly in this fhot climate,” replied Jack ; ‘and Lam surprised at your Vulgar tastes. Mark thatpoll parrot. There he goes— flying over our heads, Mark | mark !’” “Ve'ssettled, I see him.” “So dol,” answered Jack, as he fired. “ Monday will stew the bird with a clove of garlic, That will beat all the tripe in Whitechapel,” said Jack, “ Nevor mind,” said Harvey with a grave shake of the head, “ Parrot's are not bad, but I'll stick out fer stewed eels and tripe.” “ What next will you want?” asked Jack, adding—“I wish you'd be more like the sailor’s parrot.” “ What did he do ?” i “He didn’t talk much, but he was a beggar to think.” “Thank you,” said Harvey, biting his lip. ‘‘ Sorry Ispoke ; but I’m much obliged to your majesty, and T’ilnot torget you,” The boat was nearly finished. All that remained tobe done was to step the mast, and rig a sail, the rudder being already shipped. Monday was digging achannelin the sand to float her. In appearance the boat was not exactly handsome, butshe was very long and deep. It was Jack’s intention toloadher with all sorts of stores almost up to the gunwale, as he knew that guns, powder, and bullets, would be of the greatest use to him and the savages with whom, through Mon- day's influence, he hoped to make friends, Provision did not matter so much, as the natives were known to be good hunters ; but a case or two of spirits would not be unacceptable, he thought, to the chief and his principal advisers. j Jack turned away from Harvey, and watched Monday as he was digging. Each spadeful he cast up glittered strangely in the sun, Peering more curiously into the sandy mixture, he stooped down, aud took up some in his hand. Then he blew away the lighter particles, and there remained some golden dust, among which were a few large rugged lumps about the size of a small pea. ** What have you got there, Jack ?” inquired Harvey. “ Gold,’ replied Jack,'quioetly. u “ Nonsense.” “If Lhaven’t, I’m a Dutchman,” Jack exclaimed. ' Harvey approached nearer, and looked wonderingly at the auriferous particles, “ Well,’ heejaculated, “ that’s the greatestluck out. Fancy finding gold here.”” : “Why not?” said Jack. ‘We're inthe land of ro- mance, my boy, andif I founda diamond as big as a pigeon’s egg, Lshouldn’t be surprised ; though, to tell you the truth, 1 never thought there was gold here, but I have heard the sailors say that the natives of thése islands trade in gold dust.” “ T say, Monday,” cried Harvey. 3 “ What now, t’ Harvey ?” asked the black. “ Have you ever seen this stuif before ?”” He showed himsome ofthe glittering ore which he took from Jack's hand. Monday looked at it carefully before he replied, Hoty CHAPTER IX. ¥ THE VALLEY OF DEATH. ** Ox, yes,” answered Monday, aftera moment’s ex- amination. ‘“It’sgold. We find much like this and sell, We make things for the nose and ears.” “ Rings ?”” “Yes, rings. Plenty stuff like that. Woe think noth- ing,’’ said Monday, in a tone of indifference. “They wouldn’t say thatin Europe,” remarked Jack. “ Not exactly,” answered Harvey. “ It wants wash- ing andsitting ; but its my opinion one might make a very tidy little fortune out of this island.” Itisa fact that gold is found in the western and southern parts of Borneo, as well as in Luzon and the Philippines, and in the peninsula of Celebes. f The gold is bought and sold in the form of dust, as the natives do not understand the art of coining. “We have no time to spare to collectit,”’ said Jack, looking wistfully at the beautiful golden grains in his hane. ‘ d “Tt’s all very well for you to talk like that, Jack,” ex- claimed Harvey. ee why i" ! j “You arerich, andyour guv’s got lots of tin, while pAb tay ahr ok mine is poor, and it’s a scramble at home often eieugh among the kids for the potato skins.” “You can get some if you like.” “I do like, if your majesty will graciously condescend to finish the boat and give me a day or two’s aoliday, I'll just roam about this island, and see if | ~an turn up a nugget.” “You won’t do that. Goldis only deposited in the shape of dust in these islands,” Jaek replied. “Allright. Ill have a go in and chance it. I want to make a pile, and when I’ve got # belt full, I’ll cry a ‘go,’ as they say at cribbage.’ | “Out along at once. then, Dick. J’ll see to the boat, and dodge that -up all serene,| foy I want to he off at once.” ) “ At once ?’’ asked Harvey, who saw that Jack’s man- ner was urgent. ‘Oh, I don’t suppose that a day or two will make A much difference, but I’m anxious. Jt's some time now since Hunston hooked it off with the Tuan Biza, and he’ll be back again without lettiag the grass grow under his feet.” “He can’t hurt us. Iwouldn’t give arap of a coms mon for him and his niggers.”’ After the way in which the Dlackskins were beaten offin the last attack, Harvey had got into this manner of deriding them. ‘You hold them too cheap,” exclaimed Jack. “But it doesn’t matter. If you must go gold-seeking, go, though you’d get more by raking this dust up.” Harvey would have his own way, however, and, armed with a pistol, in case of accident, he started on his journey. He fancied that if they found deposits of gold on the sands, they would certainly discover lumps inland. Jack had given him his opinion on the subject, and, muttering to himself: . “T suppose he’ll be back when he’s tired ef it,® went on with his work, By the evening the boat was ready for launching, and knocking away some supports, Jack and Monday, witha good English hurrah, let her slide into the dock they had dug for her, This dock communicated with the sea, and all they had to do, when they wanted her to start,was to push ber along till they got clear. Monday said that he knewa break in the coral reef which surrounded the island, through which they eould sail. The next thing to do was to get in the cargo ; butYas it was growing late, Jack deferred this till the morrow. «Where Mast’ Harvey ?” asked Monday, as he shoul ‘dered some tools to take back to the castle. “Oh! he’s up to the castle I should think,” answered Jack, “Perhaps he thought we should have returned before this.” j “$'pose him got much big gold lump !’’ cried Mon- day, with a smile, \ “You heard my opimion, Monday. Whatis your ex } perience ?”” fied “All dust—no much good—no lump. Poor Mast’ Harvey! How him grin wrong side of him face |’ re- plied Monday, laughing, They entered the castle, and Jack was surprised, and not alittle alarmed, to see nothing of Harvey, who cer- tainly ought to have returned before this. x Jack’s first thought was that the savages had landed again, this time under the command of Hunston, | if so, Harvey would fall an easy prey to them, as he B ie wandering about the island. “You stop here, Monday,” he said, shouldering hig rifle, “ and I will take a stroll.” 1 te “What for you go?” asked Monday. “1 can’t make out what has come to Harvey. I must look for him. I don’t take kindly to sitting home when a friend may need my services.”’ a : h “Me go with you?” asked Monday. Shea “Nol Stop at home, and keep a shi. lookout, Shoot at the first darkskin you sea |’’ | Monday wasalready too well trained to dispute his master’s will, : \ues Jack set out alone, Not knowing in what direction he was likely to find Dee yey: he wandered about in much perturbation of Spirit. . i “Td rather haye my right hand cut off,” he mut- tered, ‘‘than any harm should happen to Dick {” ; And he was sincere in what he said, _ The purest and most romantic friendship existed — between the two boys, which had been strengthened by their solitary exile. - He might have walked for half-a-dozen miles in the interior of the island, when he came toa barren plain, which he had néyer remarked before. ! The yoleano mountain towered high into the clouds behind him. Not a. shrub or a blade of grass was to be seen on this desolate plain. é Sulphurous gases appeared in the moonligh from fissures a holes in the earth, sat ; The ground was of a pale gray or yellowish color. | Avoiding the steaming gases, Jack walked a little along the valley. : On all sides of him he saw a number of dead animals of yarious kinds. ’ { Deer, tigers, birds, and eyen snakes spread their ghastly skeletons upon the ground, All these had lost their lives in the fatal place. I¢ was a veritable Valley of the Shadow of Death, 1 Sulphuric acid gas broke out under his feet, and he retreated, half suffocated by the noxious vapor. , That it was which had caused such certain destruce tion to all the animals he saw lying around him, who had wandered thither, i PSS oe The soft parts of many of the dead victims, as the | skin, muscles, hair or feathers, were entire, but the hones iaG partially crumbled. 4: 3. »No fabled upas tree could have w x swifter desolation, ; te: bbc nee * 3 - i } ‘ .
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‘ \ HARKAWAY AMON@ ae SAVAGES. The amell of the gas which assailed Jack’s nostrils ‘Was just like the smoke of a common lucifer match when first struck. It may be readily imagined how dangerous and sonous it was. / This vapor was generated under the mountain, and when the volcano was not in action, it escaped through the earth as we have described. Just as Jack was hastily turning round to retrace his steps, a dim object on his right caught his eye. It had the form of a man, and was stretched out on Ske ground, “Can that be Dick?” was the exclamation that in- voluntarily escaped him. Making a circuit to ayoid a dense volume of gas which came up from a hole, he approached the singular @bject. A glance sufficed to show him that it was Harvey. He was lying on his back, and though breathing, seemed to be perfectly stupefied and insensible. It was no time for deliberation or hesitating. Jack himself felt dizzy, and was sure that if he re- mained long in that dreadful valley he would sink down like his friend, probably to rise no more. Tightly clehched in Harvey’s hand was the end of a jor ek of gold. glitter of this piece of precious metal had prob- ably attracted him. Gas might have broken out near him and caused him to fall down half suffocated, for the deadly yapor springs out at all times from all sorts. of fissures, and does not steadily emanate from any particular one, Jack put the gold in his pocket. It was, fromits appearauce and weight, worth some hundreds ot pounds, and quite a rarity in that region. At all events he considered it a windfall for Haryey, which would prove most acceptable to him if he should ever return to civilized life again. It would be hard indeed to lose it after having risked 80 much to obtain it. When he had secured the lump of gold, Jack seized Harvey in his arias, and with a desperate exercise of strength, carried him away from the valley. Several times he stopped and staggered like a drunken man, for the pestilential gas assailed him, and very nearly subdued his energy. At length the end of the open and blighted space was reached, Reeling a few yards further, Jack let his friend sink to the ground on the grass, which even here was sparse and stunted. The blight of the Valley of Death had tainted it. Now Jack could understand how animals coming into this dreadful espace sank down to die. Now he could imagine birds flying over it compelled to flutter to the earth in deadly agony. Now he could conceive @ horrid serpent, which had crawled to the fatal precinct to enjoy the promised heat, inhaling the poison rising frem the earth, and ‘twisting about in useless convolutions. He always carried a little flask of brandy in his pocket in case of an emergency like the present arising, and he poured a few drops down Harvey’s throat. _ It stimulated the action of the heart, which was beat- ing slowly. resently he opened his eyes, and stared wildly round “Ts it you, Jack?” he gasped. “Yes, Dick. It's all right. Do you feel better?’ re- plied Jack. “I'm getting better; but I’ve had a dream. I thought some one was choking me with the smoke of matches. How wasit?”’ “You went alter some gold, didn’t you?” said Jack, trying to help his memory. “That's it. I was going home, as it was getting dark, and I had found acta when I saw something glit- tering in the imperfect light, on a dry-looking plain.” “It was lucky I came up when I did. Youcould not have lived long there.” “Tt wasn’t more than halfan hourago. I remember Pence up the gold. Such a whopping big lump! and hen this beastly smoke I tell you about came up. tried to run, bnt couldn’t; and then I went to sleep, dreaming this horrid dream. “That is the valley of poison. It is full of deadly gases, and nothing can live long upon it.” “T have heard of such places near the base of volea- noes. But how can Ithank you, Jack, for rescuing | me?” ‘*Perhaps you'll have achance some day of doing as much for me.” “ Won’t I, that’s all! Give us another pull out of the flask, and I shall be as right asa trivet,’” replied Harvey, who was rapidly regaining his strength. “T couldn't rest,” continued Jack, handing him the brandy, “ when I found youdid not come home. That there was something wrong, I felt positive.” sé eon enought the niggers had got me.” “By the way,’’ exclaimed Harvey, ‘‘where’s jhe bullion? Was it bullion, or was that part of the dream ?”” “No, here it is, you, and a very tidy-sizéd lump it is.”’ Harvey clutched the lump eagerly. “This is worth running a little risk for. It must pe worth a lot,” he said, gazing at it with admira- on, j “It may lay the foundation of your fortune if ever we get back again to England.” “Tell you what, Jack,”’ said Harvey, “I'll giveit to * you. After what you’ve done forme, I ought to think more of my life pelhy saved than what good money will do forme. Take it, old fellow, and my love with / i.” A - Jack was much affected by this proof of his friend’s generosity of heart, and liberality. Reep it, Dick,’’ he replied, “ though I thank you . Icollared that at the time I rescued all the same. have plenty. My father’s well enough off.” ** Won’t you have it?” “No. It’s all your own, Dick.” Harvey reluctantly put the gold in his pocket, and, leaning on Jack’s arm, they returned tothe casfle, where the faithful Monday was anxiously awaiting their coming. From the acoount Harvey gave of his adventure as they went along, Jack gathered that he had not long been insensible in the valley. The jet of gas which had assailed him, had darted suddenly out ofthe earth, and as quickly died away again. if it had continued, life must have been speedily extingushed. Those fumes are forever rising and yanishing all over the fatal spot, and sweeping hither and thither in white, dense clouds. It was a narrow escape, and one for which the com- panions were both deeply grateful. That night Harvey did not forget to say his prayers, which he uttered with rather more than his usual earnestness. A little danger is sometimes a wholesome stimulus to our devotion, and to the proper regulation of our thoughts. It checks our pride, and makes us remember what helpless creatures we really are. i. Le next day was occupied in taking stores to the oat, She was carefully laden, and moored near the signal station, so that all the crew had to do was to jump in, and push off. The wind being rather high, the boys deferred their departure for a few days. This delay gave rise to a peril which, though not un- expected, came upon them with all the severity ofa surprise. —— CHAPTER X. BURNING OF THE CASTLE. As we have stated, all was in readiness for the voyage to Limbi. Jack was only waiting for the wind to 1ull a little, as he did not deem it prudent to embark in half a gale with a roughly-made and heavily-laden boat. The stores which they had placed on board were chiefly guns, powder, and shot. Both Harvey and Jack were sorry to leave the castle, where they had spent some pleasant months; though Maple’s death, and Hunston’s desertion, with Mr. Mole’s sad'end, had damped their enjoyment. Trouble, however, makes people selfish. They thought a good deal of themselves, and saw the necessity of making some move, unless they wanted to spend their remaining days on the island. This was not an agreeable prospect to the high-spiri- ted boys, who wished to take their places in the world once more, and rise amongst their fellows. . Monday was delighted at the chance of seeing his friends and relations again. “My father prince. Much great chief,” he said. “Is he the king of Limbi?’’ asked Jack. 3 “Yes; him king. Tuan Biza. Great chief, we call im.” «Will he make us welcome 1” “You save Matabella’s life. That me—Monday,”’ re- plied the black. “Ho much thank for saving Mata- bella—him only son.” “What's your governor’s name, Monday ?” inquired Jack. : “TLanindyer him call.” “That's a nice crackjaw name. Isuppose you'll be king some day ?’’ “No. Make Master Jack king. Monday be him ser- vant, as he is now.” “Oh, so you want metobe your king. All right,” replied Jack; “I'll astonish the natives,” “ Lead them against Pisang with shot-gun, and make Limbi one big, great peoples, with plenty heads,’’ said Monday. “T won’t have any head-hunting. Drop that idea,” said Jack. Monday looked contrite, and said that he had for- gotten for the moment that head-hunting was wrong. “You no fight. No war where you come from in big canoe ?”’ queried Monday. “Well, yes, we fight when we’re attacked,” replied Jack, ‘ “So wedo. N- tack,nofight. Live quiet at Limbi, if Pisamg not come take head.” Jack did not care to continue the conversation, be- cause he knew, from what he had read of the history of his own and other countries, that the Buropean nations had waged wars as dreadful as any fought by the say- ages of the Eastern Archipelago. “‘Monday,” he cried, “get the guns ready. I am going to have one more ramble over the island before we leave it—perhaps forever.” ; «‘Happy have we been, and happy may we be,’! re- marked Harvey. “like this jolly old place.” “So del; but it does not do to s ate and stand still. We must push on, Dick,” said Jack. “So we must; and I wonder where we shall push to at last.’’ - Harvey was in a tearful mood at the prospect of leay- ing theisland; but Jack shouldered the rifle Monday brought him. “ Are you coming ?” he said to Harvey. 4 “Ofcourse Iam. You don't think I am going to shirk behind, when there is sport going on,’” replied the latter. “ Give mea gun, you, Monday.!’ ' “ Yes,’’ replied the latter, handing him ore, “What did I tell you to call me?” asked Harvey, severely. , ce . “Sare. I forgot, sare.” \ \ As you reminded me this morning, I “No; it wasn’t ‘sare,’ either. It was gir. So dom you forget another time, or” —— ‘ He lifted his foot threateningly. ; greed grinned, and showed his white, gleaming eeth. i . a0 kickee, sare. No kickee poor Monday,” he cried, “Well, I won’t this time; but I will have proper respect paid to one who was until lately an officer in the British mercantile marine. That licks you, old sharp shins, doesn’t it ?” “Yes. Mast’ Harvey, that one lick for me,” replied Monday, who only yet imperfectly understood the : slang terms of his young masters. «That's what you may call a lick for the mind, and it’s better than a lick on the head,” said Harvey, laugh ing. tabk now led the way into the interior of the isiand, but they did not see anything to shoot at. After walking some distance, they felt tired, and lay down under a spreading palm tree, while Monday ee down some clusters of the rich, ripe cocom nuts. ‘ They wero filled with a delicious cool water, which: belek peculiarly grateful to them during the noontide eat. : “We shall get a shot or too when the sun'goes down,” remarked Jack. f “Everything has gone to sleep now, and I’m golng to follow everything’s example,”’ replied Harvey. “You always were a lazy beggar, Dick.” “Why shouldn’t I be? I hate taking trouble, amd if this climate wouldn’t make a fellow lazy, I should like to know what would.” a HE rs ane Say exclaimed Jack, ‘‘ where's the powder ask ?” “Ts it him powdare)? Monday been and forgot him,” answered the black. “Oh, have you? then you’ll have to tramp back te the castle and get it.” , “Well, I'm blowed,”* exclaimed Harvey, “ you're 'a nice young man for a small tea party, up Islington way, I don’t think.” “Let him alone; walking to the castle and back wild be asufficient punishment for him without bullying,” cried Jack. } Monday did not walt to be told twice; he set off ate jog trot to the castle to repair his forgetfulness. ; “How that fellow runs,’ remarked Harvey. ea eta cut out the pace like that if anyone paid me for it.” Without appearing to put himself to any great exer. tion, Monday could run a mile in about seven oreight | minutes. \ Half an hour elapsed, during which time the boys remained in the shade. Then Monday was seen coming up with the wings of the wind. ; “It's wonderful. I believe he’s going quicker now than when he started.” Monday came np, but with his hands empty: he rom no powder, though ke had been sent expressly for His manner was agitated, and his breast heaved with exertion. For some moments he waa unable to speak, , “Something’s up,” observed Harvey. “Yes, he’s had a scare,” answered Jack, “he’s forced the running to such an extent that he is pumped out —can’t find wind enough to speak with,’ “Shall I stir him up ?” “Tf you like.” “. aban! gave him a digin the ribs and a slap on the ack. “Wake up, you imp of blackness,’’ he exclaimed, “Have you seen your own face in a pool of water, or discovered that there isastrong family lUkeness be- tween your nose and a parrot’s beak? Speak, you sable duffer, and put us out of our misery at once |” “Oh, Mast’ Jack! oh, Mast’ Harvey |’ was all he on like — could reply. “Oh, oh!’ repeated Harvey. “If you go that we shall take you for a West-end swell who has got into debt and ‘Oh’s’ everybody.” “Be quiet, Dick. There’s something serious abont this,’ said Jack. ‘Keep a look out; he may be pure sued, or perhaps he’s wounded.” Harvey grew grave as this \view of the ease was pre sented to him, It was not at all unlikely that he had seen some of his old enemies, with Hunston at their head. He waited eagerly for the black to speak, which he did as soon as he could command his voice. | “Oh, sare!” he exclaimed, addressing himself to Jack. “Ob, such a sight! ‘Ten, twenty, hundred Pisang on Island! The Tuan Biza and white man with the strange face, both near the castle.” : “He means Hunston,” said Harvey. “No doubt,” answered Jack, turning pale, and set+ ting his teeth together, which was a way he had whem anything put him out. “Go on, Monday.” “They take much thing out of castle and pile in heap. Many Pisang drink much strong wine, spirit, They sing; they dance.” : “Getting drunk, eh?’ remarked Harvey. ‘‘They’ve not lost any time over it?’ © day. % “Fancy face |” repeated Harvey, laughing. “That's not bad. Monday makes shots at his English, but he's hit the mark this time. Hunston’s mug is of a fancy character. You might say of it, “He was all my fancy painted him.” «Let Monday, speak !"” companion’s ¢) eee interruptions, “We can’t afford to lose valua! if time with your confounded im terruptions.”’. - “All right. swered Harvey, who never disputed Japk’s will, - “l cried Jack, in a rage at his f “ I'll subside. Monday proceed,” am \ } “White man with the fancy tace’’——continued Mon-" | Es
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: “White maa with the face,’’ continued Monday. ® Him take stick frem a fire, which some Pisangs make, and throw itinto the castle. Soon it all one, much large blaze,” “They've burnt the castle, Dick !’’ said Jack. “ Blow them !”’ was all Harvey could say. «“ White man take more fire and throw it in the corn,” Monday went on. “Soon it all one big smoke, fire. White man do everything. All Pisangs look to him as # he great.chief. Oh! how all burn, The Pisangs— ._ they aces: they laugh and drink, and he white man, ke much grin like me when I cut off my first head.” ‘ “f 4 ef they ' pegs of po It was clear, from Monday's confused account, that Hunston had suddenly landed on the island, with an overwhelming force of savages. Rhese were buoyed up by the hope of plunder, and burning, no doubt, to have revenge for the death of} friends and relatives who had fallen by Jack’s rifles in | the late attack, How Hnuston felt towards him Jack knew well enough. Hunston was sufficiently vindictive to wish that Jack had halfia dozen l'ves, that he might take them cru- elly, one after the other. The enemy was on the island. j hgh were dancing eyen then round the burning wastle. F The corn, upon which the boys had intended to sub- siet when tho ship’s provisions were exhausted, was in the flames. All the havock and mischief of which sayages are tapable was accomplished in a few hours. - . Nowonder a a escaped Jack at the distressing news ‘wrought him by Monday. CHAPTER X. A GHOST FROM THE GRAVE, * THs is bad news,” said Harvey, dolefully.”” “Mot so bad as it zalght hgve been, had we been geught napping,” replied Jack. Fancy our dear old castle being burnt. But after all, it does not matter so much, as we were going to cut our stick and leave it. Hunston does not know that we have our boat ready.’’ «His plan is to destroy everything we have belonging fo us and condemn us to starvation. He would like to geo us wandering about with no powder and shot to ‘ll our food or protect us from the wild beasts, and no poof to shelter us—that’s his game.” “and a villainous plot it is too.’’ “So Jong as our boat is not discovered, it is all right. find that, Heaven help us!” said Jack. « What’s that ?” cried Harvey. All listened intently. i A loud noise, coming from the direction of the castle, gas heard, It resembled a clap of distant thunder, ' “You remember What I called the magazine?” “ we ane an pe warehouse, in which you put ‘the wader 2” “Exactly. After stewing away as much as I could the boat, there still remained a considerable quan- ity." ay see,,’ cried Harvey. ‘The flames have caught it, pnd therd has been an explosion. What a jolly lark! hope some of the noble savages have copped it hot.’ “$0 do I, and Hunston into the bargain. You may "et eran it has done some damage. Butnow to get off 7 t _ Like, this.” island. We must make the attempt, wind or no wind.” ““T shan’t bother myself to sweat about it till the sun sdown,” Harvey said with a yawn. « Be firm, Dick; no foolishness,” cried Jack, ina tone ptencouragement, ‘Every hour wo stay here is fraught with peril, and though our enemies are sfivages, we pan’t afford te despise them, more especially as they are led by Hunston.” : “T wish Hunston was afflicted with all the plagues efEgypt. What a nuisance the brute is, bothering us _ Purning to Monday, Jack continued : _ “What do you say ?”” 4 ‘The black had been listening to their conversation attentively. x iy “Me say gonow. No wait for night. When him dark, um boat not go easy through the reef,” replied Monday. ' “Your opinion and mine are alike,’’ answered Jack, ¥ We will get down to the coast, going as cautiously as ~ ecan, and if we meet with the Pisangs, as Monday + % ealls them, we must either show them a clean pair of heels or make the best fight we can.” / » “Tdon’tlike the idea of running away from niggers,”” lied eanveye ; : “Neither do I, but there isno help for it,” answered _ Jack. ; ! _ “Tet vs go in Indian file. I'll take the lead, Mon- day shall be in the middle, and you bring up the rear, ” They started in this order, and walked at a quick ‘pace, in spite of the sun’s heat to the sea shore. ' Each kept his eyes on the alert, in case of a surprise. ‘and to avoid the castle and the savages they made a considerable circuit. : : ‘They reached the boat which was lying in the water, cealed under some rocks, near the place where the ‘boys had first landed and Jack had taken possession of the island in the name of the queen. - He wished now that he had placed the little vessel fh another spot, as she was too near Hunston, and his “@Ayages to make her builders feel comfortable. As they etatd within halfa mile of the castle, a thick smoke y | Se alt | ate : ail kota. f puba whl ku HARKAWAY’S AMONG THE SAVAGES. | ‘ the skirts and along tract ofrank grass, fringed tow- | and his phiz looked so comical when he came to Be ard the sea with sand, stretched down to the shore. Hitherto they had not much cause for apprehension, as the trees in the woods had sheltered them. But now the case was altered, If the savages had spread themselves over that part of the Island, there was every reason to believe, they might observe the fugitives as they crossed the open space, * Halt,”’ said Jack, in a low tone. Harvey joined him, and Monday stood still, scouring the plain with his quick eve. The explosion, for such it was, had done considerable damage. Hunston had never been allowed to go into the ware- house, and therefore did not know where the powder was kept. He had, when the castle was taken possession of, searched everywhere for it. His hunt had been unsuccessful, A case of spirits was found, and acask of wine. Asis usual in such cases, the marauders had all helped themselves to some intoxicating liquors, ot being accustomed to such strong drinks, the Pi- sangs became uproarious. They danced, and sang, and went roaring and bellow- ing about. Their leaders were unable to control them, They yelled for heads,and demanded to ve led against Jack and Harvey. Of Monday’s existence they knew nothing. Hunston’'s annoyance at not finding the powder was very great. It is true he had captured a large stand of arms, but the guns were useless without powder, Suddenly the explosion took place, The savages wero dancing round the burning castle, unsuspicious of danger. Several were killed when the magazine was blown up. Hunston was thrown on his back, and much hurt. His face was gettting well, for, to his great joy, he found the dye used by the Retdyes in tattooing him was not lasting. The marks were gradually dying out, Every day they grew fainter, There was a prospect of his recovering te usual ap- pearance in a few months, : The explosion, however, blackened his face and singed his hair, making him look hideous, Roaring with rage, he rose to his feet, dizzy, and looking unutterably hideous and ferocious, While Jack was onthe lookout, he saw some one crossing the sandy plain between himself and the sea. “Dick,” he exclaimed, ‘who is that ?—his face is white!” “Blessed ifI know. It isn’t Hunston; but, as you say, it is a white man,” answered Harvey. “Cover me well with your rifle,” continued Jack; “and you, Monday, dothe same. Fireif you see me in-any danger. Iam going #0 reconnoiter.” He stepped into the open. “«Who goes there ?” he exclaimed. A well-known voice replied: « Afriend.’”” Jack advanced boldly. The next moment he was face to face with the in- truder. The latter was tall and gaunt, his hair hung down his neck in tangled locks, his clothes, which were of Huropean cut, were tattered and torn, and his broad- brimmed straw hat had more than one rent in it. “Why, bless me! it is—and yet itcan’t be! Zsit Mr. Mole?” cried Jack. “ My dear boy |’ replied the voice of Mr. Mole. “It is I. No wonder you do not recognize me,”’ “Buti thought you fell down the mountain and perished in the eruption,’’saidJack, beside himself with amazement. i “1 did fall down, but only a little way. Providence was good tome. Iclimbed up again, but, in seeking \to rejoin you, Ilost my way, and fell into the hands of the savages.” “Tt’s a wonder they did not have your head.” “Tam indebted to Hunston for my life. The sava- gesintended me for agrand sacrifice, but Hunston, who seems to have acquired great influence with the savages. caused them to spare me,” replied Mr. Mole. “ And since then ?’”” «Since then they have mado me theirslave. I have been ahewer af wood and drawer of water. Truly, my lot was hard.” “Where did they keep you?’ “They took me in aboat to the island of Pisang,” said Mr. Mole. “But though absentin the body, in spirit [have been with you.” “Well, this is the most out-and-out extraordinary thing I ever heard of!’ cried Jack. ‘Dash my bute tons ! I can scarcely believe it. We have been mourning you as dead,” «“How aro Harvey and Maple?” asked Mr. Mole. “ Dick’s all right, and is hiding in the wood. Mapl is dead, But am Ito regard you asa friend oran ibe. my?” replied Jack, with a long look ofdistrust. “Agafriend. Itia true that your castle is burnt, and that the island swarms with yous enemies, the Pi- sangs; you will be hunted, even to the death, I fear, yet will not desert you.’ Isaac Moles heart is in the right place.” ~ ; “Things are not quiteso dicky as you! imagine,” Jack said, with asmile. “Did youknow the castle was buent and that the Pisan, ad landed in force ?”” . “I did.” “You are on your guard?” ‘ ; « Rather,” replied Jack. ‘I have too much regard for my head to let Hunston steal a mareh upon me. - By the way, how is he?” \ ‘Getting better, [t was acrwel Joke you played him, a : F ror He 4 ~ ate / sang that I laughed in derision, whereupon he kicked me—me, Isaac Mole—upon my seat of honor.” « Just like him. “How did Maple die ?’” You heard of the attack on the castle,which failed? « Yes,” “Maple betrayed us and joined theenemy; but this treachery cost him his lite.’”” “Hoe was always of a shifty disposition. 1 will no¢ let fall a tear to his memory,’’ said Mr. Mole, ‘nor would I to that of Hunston, should vengeance over take him, for he hath used me sorely and his kicks rankle in my mind.” “Took here, Mr, Mr Mole,” said Jack. ‘This is a critical time, but you have always acted like a gentl man, and T esteem you for it.” : } “Thank you, Harkaway.”’ “There is my hand oa #t.”” “TI grasp it as that ofan honest man,” said Mr. Mola as they sliook hands, “I can’t tell whether you mean to betray us or not, Ifyou try it on,I shall feel no compunction in shoo jyoulikeadog. Iam, however, disposed to trust you. You think our position desperate, yet you have offered to join us ?”” “Verily, L-will cast my lot with you. Hunstonisag arrogant upstart. There was over much liquor found in the castle, but to me he denied a drop when I would fain have solaced myself with a gill of brandy; and he allowed his friends, thle savages, to wallow in Martell’s best and Kinahan’s LL whisky, like the swine they are. *T’ve got whisky, and I’ve got powder and shot,* said Jack, ‘‘ 0 come on.” L, « Believe me or not,’ continued Mr. Mole, “it wae my intention in seeking you—for I did set forth te seek you—io warn you of your danger, and I thamked heaven when I found you were not at home in the castle.” “Tt is lucky, perhaps,” answered Jack. “ Hunston has promised your head and that of Har. vey to the Pisangs, and you are to be killcd with great pomp and display.”” “ When captured,” repeated Jack. ‘‘It is as well to catch your hare before you think of cooking it. But come on. It is not safe to stand here.” “Lead, Harkaway. [ willfollow you, for you were alware . brave boy. Your country shall be my coun. try, as tie Scripture hath it, for truly my spirit is muck vexed with over-serving,” answered Mr. Mole. Jack, looking cautiously around to prevent @ sure prise, led the way back to the wood, where he had left Haryoy and the black. CHAPTER XI. MR, MOLE’S VALOR, Tux singular meeting between Jack and Mr, Mole wes like an incident in a romance, j His story, however, was intelligible enough, Ho had struck upon a ledge in the uneven’ shaft of the crater of the mountain. By dint of great energy and perseverance ha suc- ceeded in reaching the top once more. Losing his way in trying to retrace his steps to the ed he had been captured by the Tuan Biza and hie ~ and. \ The savages would have abel killed him ha@ not Honston interposed in his behalf. | For two days before he was captured Mr. Mole had wandered about, lost, subsisting on -u%h fruits as he could find. Jack bad always had a liking for his old master, an@ he was much pleased to meet with him-again. i Harvey was as much surprised to see Mr. Mole aa Jack had been. “Ts it a ghost?” he exclaimed. “Can I helieye my eyes? Have youcome back from the grave, sir?” “No, my dear Harvey, I have been simply a servitoe to a degraded race of negroes. I, the proprietor of a tea-garden in China, have been beaten by thém, and made to toil in the fields, while Hunston has amused himself by brutally kicking me,” replied Mr. Mole, He then briefly related his adventures, to whick Harvey listened breathlessly. “ What made them bring you here to join in the at tack on us?” asked Jack, who could talk more at his ease, while concealed in the dense fo¥iage of the wood, “Twas to be a decoy. Iam even how sent out imto the ae to find you, and throw you off your uard.”” « And you accepted such a post?” said Jack, eyeing him suspiciously. Harvey grasped his rifle tighter. f «TI did, though in my heart I secretly determined te warn you of yourdanger. It is not supposed that you knew of the landing and what has followed it,” ans- wered Mr. Mole., b «* Did you see the explosion ?” x “J did not, J came up at the sound, and found Huns. ton, who is much, blackened by the powder, cursing like the Pagan he is at the disaster, has guas ix bape i eg tn ly ii ce ; i f «Hal hal’’ Jaughed Jack, ought his lordship would be nicely done in that direction” re “Six Pisangs are killed by the explosion and five more wounded, The Tuan Bias raves like a mantac, and his amiable feilows call loudly for heads. Whats my dear boys, shall you do to avoid the cruel death that menances you?” “Step it,” replied Jack. «Whither ?” \“ Across the wild sea.” | c e “You cannot swim the distance,” sald Mr. Mola — doubtingly. : ‘ ey luk “I don’t mean to try, but our name is Walker botre ated a eet ren : \
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-Sapages who are thirsting for your blood,” ‘Mtr. rg another hour is over. We meant to hook it to-day, and | all our preparations are made.” «Indeed | may Linquire the nature of your convey- ance and your destination.” “We have a boat, and we're going to Limbi, that’s the name of the crib, isn’t it, Monday ?” said Jack. “Him Limbi, safe enuf,’ answered the black, who had been hidden behind a tree. “Dear me,” exclaimed Mr. Mole, “is that a friendly black? He gave me quiteaturn. I thought he was ~Pisang. ‘They all have a family likeness.” / “He is Monday.” ‘And why Monday?" “Because we found him ona Saturday,” said Jack, laughing. “That is an absurd reason. I am, however, content to know that he is not an Amalekite, that is to say a Pisang. ButI will also make ajoke, When you get to Lim, mind you don’t find yourselves in Limbo.’’ “Not bad for Mole, eh, Dick?” remarked Jack, with & smile. “He's improving,”’ answered Harvey. * You may make as many bad puns as you like, sir,” sxclaimed Jack; ‘‘ we're too glad to have you amongst as again to find fault with anything you do or say.” “Harkaway, you're a good boy,” replied Mr. Mole, much touched with his kindness; ‘‘you have placed mo under several obligations to you at various times, and I shall esteom it a favor if you can give me to drink a small portion of your spirituous liquor.” “ Here's my flask, lay hold, and don’t pitch into it ” - too hard,’”’ answered Jack. Mr. Mole snatched it eagerly, and a quick gurgling sound was soon audible. “The patriarch was right when he said that wine, whereby he meant fermented liquid generally, as well as distillations, gladdens the heart of man,” remarked Mr. Mole. Again he raised the bottle to his lips. A second time was the gurgling audible. “Dash my wig,’’ exclaimed Jack, “ you’d drink the sea dry, sir, if it was filled with gin and water.” ‘No water, Harkaway. I abominate adulteration, and will take my stand on pure spirit.” “You won't stand at all, if you don’t watch it. Give me my flask. Well, I'll be hanged if it isn’t empty,’’ exclaimed Jack, regarding the bottle. “Now,” said Mr. Mole valiantly, “I have courage. Show me the villain Hunston, and give me a sword that I may hew him in pieces,” “ Here’s a pistol, sir,” replied Harvey, handing him a -evolver; “ mind you shoot straight.” “Tam incapable of a crooked action. I hope you believe that 1am thoroughly incapable of a crooked action. ‘True as steel’is my motto, and I have re- solved to defend you poor helpless boys t the Mole {r@oined. Harvey laughed. The late senior master af Pomona House rolled his eyes in a peculiar manner, and staggered a little bit on - one side. / skim, when the Mole an ihequality im the groun “ How infinitely superior is the brandy of the Chris- tian,” he observed, “‘to the palm spirit of the sa’ in which I indwiged deeply this morning on the sly.” “J wish you’d talk less and do more,’ exclaimed Jack. “Look alive, sir, and just put a stopper on your tongue till we’re afloat, then you may jaw for amonth if you choose.” Thus rebuked, Mr. Mole was silent. Jack gave his orders, and soon the little party were engaged in crossing the open space, to gain the boat, oe ie was concealed under the rock about half-a-mile off, _ Apath led down from the rocks to the seashore, and when the commencement of this was reached, Jack, who led and was some yards in advance, looked below. Tn an ivetant he held up his hand. This was a signal. ( Harvey halted and did the same. Mr. Mole and Monday, who followed, imitated his example, Each looked to his weapon. “Monday,’’ observed Mr. Mole, “I perceive that you have attached yourself to the white people, and I trust you_are prepared to acquit yourself like a man.” “Monday fight till no use fight no more. Then he run’ way,” replied the black. “A very sage native upon my word,’? remarked Mr. Mole. “There is more wisdom in you, Monday, than I thought there was. You mean to do the very thing I had intended to do myself.” “ What good one fight twenty? What use um die? No more brandy drink,” Monday said, grinning. “My \worthy black creature,” Mr. Mole answered , ; Leap “you are facetious, but you must not make kes at my expense, or I shall, as my friend Harkaway would put it, be under the painful necessity of tanning your hide, though nature and the hot sun of the tropics have done that pretty effectually already.’’ “ Mast’ Mole, mind um pistol,” exclaimed Monday, as Harvey made a second to them to be on the alert. \ “Do you think there will be ahy fighting, my sable . Mole. , Much fight soon.” Sriend ?” asked Mr. Mol ins eet a far off. . lear me! I perceive a sm: fissu aand. I will step within it. fell there a black. ghting is over.” ; in fact, there happened to be justin front of Mr. » which he called s socky fissure. : hale ak honeney, & : in bye sort. ad dug a hole in the sand to serve as a rife-pit, fyom which he could fire at the enemy, and bee ‘eealed himself if he should be attacked, Tato this Mr. Mole crept, __ He was securely hidden in the hole, eae 1 ‘ ; f it . my good black- | HARKAWAY AMONG THE SAVAGES. CHAPTER XIII. ESCAPING FROM THE ISLAND. Mownpay was much incensed at what he considered Mr. Mole’s cowardice. “Sare!’’ he exclaimed ; ‘ you, dat. Won’t you help fight? Come out dat hole, sare!”’ “Not if I know it, my amiable negro,” replied Mr. | Mole. “ You want this hole yourself, but I’ve been too quick for you. I shell relinquish this hole tono man breathing. Not much!” aye must now describe what had excited Jack's arm. The path in the rock was about five-and-twenty yards in length. Immediately below lay the boat. i To his surprise he beheld six Pisangs standing near er. , They had evidently not been there long, for they were talking rapidly, and making wild gestures, as pleased with their discovery. Two were overhauling the stores, though they ad not attempt to remove anything. If the savages took possession of the boat, Jack knew that his doom was sealed. It was a time for action. Retreating a few steps he was joined by Harvey. “ What isit, old fellow ?” asked the latter. “You look as if you had found sixpence and lost s shilling.’”’ “ The Pisangs have found the boat.” “‘ Nonsense !’’ “ They have, though,”’ replied Jack. “ How many of them are there down there ? ” “Six. Come and look.” “Six |’ repeated Harvey. “‘ That’s three to one.” “You forget Mole.” “Oh! Mole’s an old woman. He don’t count, And besides, he’s been swigging the natives palm spirit till he's top-heavy, and your brandy will about settle him.” “ Twish we hadn't methim. He'll only be inthe way. Yet we must nvt grumble. It will bea charity to get himaway fromthe Tuan Biza and Hunston,” said Jack. : The boys approached the edge of the cliff and looked down. They retreated almost immediately. One ofthe Pisangs was ascending the winding path. “ He’s going totell his friends of the find they’ve made,’’ said Harvey. “ That’s just the idea. Stand fast, Dick, and back me up like brick. Idon't like taking a man’s life, but it’s a case with us, if Idon’t stop this cove.” “We shall all be up agum treeif he gets away. Shall I tackle him ?”’ replied Harvey. “No. Leave him to me.” Shall you shoot ?”* Jack replied by drawing 4 case-knife from its sheath. : “It'll be arough and tumble, butIshall have the best of it, as he will be taken by surprise. If you see me getting worst’o, shoot Dick." “* Never fear.”’ / Marvey laid down on his side, and Jack crawled on his hands and knees to the edge off the cliff, with the knife opened, and held between his teeth. He did not want to shoot if hecould help it, as the noise of the shot would arouse the attention of the main body of the sayages. The messenger must, however, be stopped at a2 hazards. Scarcely allowing himself to breathe, Jack crouched as he waited for his enemy. The ighabitants of Pisang Island had come over un- der Hunston’s leadership to attack him, and were even then searching for him to cut off his . t Could he be blamed for taking life in self-defense A few moments of breathless expectation. Then a head appeared over the summit of the cliff. This was followed by the shoulders of the native, Stretching out his arm, Jack threw it round the man’s neck. He drew him forward with a hug like that ofa bear. “ How do you find yourself, old boy ? he said, glee- fully. Tho ae turned his eyes upon him, filled with a look of deadly terror. Jack’s grasp tightened, The native laid on his back. Disengaging one hand, Jack took the knife from his mouth and plungedit into his body, burying it up to the hilt. The native made a convulsive spring. Thinking that all was over, Jack had relaxed his grasp, which allowed the spasmodic effort of the na- tive to jerk his body over the cliff. He rolled down a corpse. When the body fell at the feet of his companions they crowded around htm, gazing at him with wonder not unmixed with terror. ? This passed away, and raising a horrible war whoop, they looked upwards for their enemies. «“ T managed that badly,” said Jack, “but it can’t be helped. Callup Mole and Monday, Dick, and follow my fire.’’ Selecting the most prominent of the natives, Jack discharged his rifle. The fellow started forward and fell dead on his face. The Pisangs began to run. “ Fire, Dick, fire,”’ cried Jack, while he reloaded. Harvey took a steady aim, and a native fell to the MBAS SBT a} a \ earth biting the sand in his death agony. By this time Jack was ready to discharge his piece a second time. i A fourth native fell. Monday came up and also fired his piece, but/the two remaining Pisangs, running with credible celerity, were out of er. | ears. “Now for it, Dick,’ exclaimed Jak, “ It’s no use fok lowing those two skunks. We couldn't catch them we did. “ What shall we do?” “ Get down to the boat and make a start ; the wind sare! Come ont | is still blowing stiffly from the shore, though notso roughly as it did this morning ; now then, Monday, down with you; look slippery, Dick. I'll bring up the rear.” «* Where’s Mole ?”’ asked Harvey. “Mr. Mole, where are you, sir? ’’ cried Jaok, “ We're off, come along.” A head appeared above the sand. “J—I felt a tittls faint, Harkaway,” said Mr. Mole in aconfused voice. ‘‘ But I’m all right now.” “ Come on then,’’ exclaimed Jack. Harvey and Monday were already half way down the cliff, slipping down like wild cats. Jack followed them. zoey, knew that theirlives depended upon their speed. : The Pisangs had come overin boats, and they could mgt them, and perhaps there would be a battle on 6 sea. A hundred Pisangs, in perhaps ten boats, woulda be CY formidable fleet to attack or resist. Mr. Mole emerged from his place of concealmen’ and looking around him saw nobody. “Oh, Jack ! good Jack | don’t leave me,” he exclaim. Sa “‘T’m taken very bad all at once ; don’tleave me ack”? There was no answer, “ Harkaway, my dear boy, this is wrong,” he con tinued. ‘Jamonoof you. I have joined you, and yet you desert me. Why, where the deuce have you gone? Have you found a hole as well asl?” He ran to the edge of the cliff, and looking down, saw them already in the boat. Harvey was in the middle setting the sail ; Monda: stood at the bow with a paddle in his hand ; and Jac manfully grasped the tiller. J “Whoa!” cried Mr. Mole. ‘*I say, hold hard, I’m coming. Whoa, there ! whoa!’ In his hurry to gt down the cliff, he missed his footing after he had gonea few yards. This caused him to roll down very he reached the bottom. He was bruised and breathless, _ Picking himself up with a naughty exclamation, he ran to the boat, and stepping into the watér, srawled on board andlay down exhausted at Jack's feet. “Away we go. Brayo! Mole, you’ve doneit. Off we are, Dick,” cried Jack, in a loud voice, “ Right,”’ replied Harvey, allowing the little sail te belly to the breeze. if “We've got the start of the wretches. Hurrak : Steady, Dick, steady,” added Jack, as the heayy-laden craft heeled over a little. } “Steady she is,’”” answered Harvoy, slackeniny the “She'll weather it, sir, Bravo!’ continued Jack. “« We've got our ballast on board,” remarked Harvey, pointing to Mr. Mole. ‘ The late senior master heard the observation. “ Balast, Harvey, is not a Atting noun substantire to apply to me,’’ he said. : “ Got your wind again sir, have you ?”’ “T thank heaven for allits mercys, and thatis one of them.” ' “You came down that hill with a fine run. Tt was @ proper come down, sir,’? Harvey said with a laugh, “You may jeer, my young friend, but should the savages overtake ea I trast that my influence with them may be sufficient to save your lives. Ballast, ine deed! Anice term to apply to one in’ my position, Ballast! Well. it isn’t worth talking about; but f£ never was called ballast before—no, not even by the Pisangs,” said Mr. Mole in high dudgeon, ““T didn’t mean any offense, sir.’ “ When none is meant, none is taken. Iaccept your | apology, Harvey, and will you be good enough to ask your triend Harkaway for some stimulating beverage ? Ibore myself bravely through the scrimmage, and I have reason to believe that one, at least, of the savages fell before my unerring aim.” “Not now, Mr. Mole,” replied Jack, smiling in spite of his preoccupatiom ; “ wait a bit, please, till we get. clear of the reef.” Sgracefully untih “As you please, Harkaway. Can I make myself of y ad further use?” said Mr. Mole, with a sign of resignw on. “Lie still where you aro, that’s all you can do.” “TI should like Mr. Craweour and all our friends, if - any of us reach England again, to know that I bore | myself bravely, and id not shrink in the hour of dan- — er.” ' ph i to that, sir, It shall be put down in my ary.’ “With that promise I am content. Call upon me, pea when peril is pressing ; Mole will be to the ‘ore.”* “Right you are, sir. Steady, Monday; mind the reef |” replied Jack. 3 4 one boat was laden pag to the water's edge. 6 was now nearing tlie passage in the ree: threugh which Monday intended to vondtot her. . $e He lifted his paddle first one side, then the other, aa i he wanted Jack to steer. 1 It was evident that he had been in a boat before, and knew well how to handle one. i he ro) Pisangs are?” Scare: Nr al ' Turning round to look from wh: n08 they proceeded — he saw a confused mass of men, iabons: they hurdeed : yards from the spot at which they had embarked. i > on ‘, In five minutes she would be floating fairly on the Ss “TI wonder,” said Harvey, * where the boats of the ly had he spoken when loud cries assailed bia a 7 a
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~ mr en € ‘ HARKAWAY AMONG THE SAVAGES, i] \ i = Several boats, which he had not before noticed, were | them an advantage over their pursuers, who only had fying on the beach, : What is it, Dick 2” asked Jack, who could not turn his bead round. “Pisangs,” answered Harvey, “and a jolly good heap of them, too. They swarm like flies!’ “What are they doing ?”” “ Getting into their boats. They have unfortunately landed close to the castle, and will be after us in a twinkling.” “Never mind; we sball be through the reef in a brace of shakes, and perhaps they don’t know this pening.” “What a pity they don’t! they must have come through it.” .“ Perhaps so,” said Jack, thoughtfully ; “at any rate, wo have one advantage over them. They have no guns, er, at least, if they havo stolen ours, they have no pow- der; so we shall best them that way.” “Keep um boat straight, Mast’ Jack,” replied Mon- day. 4 The opening in the reef was reached. As it was @ very narrow channel and the wind was high, the utmost caution was necessary to steer clear, onday used his paddle in the water with great dex- terity. The surf ran up in a dangerous manner, but Jack did not allow the boat time to get broadside on, and so whe did not ship at sea, : She rode gallantly upon the waves, and showed her- golf thoroughly seaworthy hnuder good management. Jack kept her well before the wind as she met the surf with her bows, steming the tide beautifully, “ Well done, Mast’ Jack,’® cried Monday, “that your sort, all ri’ soon.” In the meantime the cries of Pisangs redoubled, They were rapidly taking to their boats, The chase threatened to be a hot one, Hunston’s blackened figure was discernible in their faidst, and from his frantic motions he appeared to be freadfully annoyed at the escape of his former friends. “There's Hunston,” said Harvey, “I’d swear to his ly mug in a thousand.” “Tf there’s mischief brewing he’s sure to be in it,” replied Jac “Don’t he look wild, that’s all?” continued Harvey. “ Perhaps he'll be wilder, when he sees us scudding ‘bofore the wind, and finds that we've slipped our cable Just in time to put him in the hole, Steady, Monday, that’s it, my man; another moment, and we shall be clear,”’ Jack exclaimed, in his usual tone of command. They were half through the dangerous passage. The enemy were in hot pursuit of them, and a short time would decide their fate. Several boats, manned by the enraged Pisangs, started {a pursuit of Jack and his companions. - Their fury knew no bounds when they saw their prey Oscaping. Tho megicsion which had killed and disabled several of their number, had first of all put them out of tem- Loss of the powder they had expected to capture, and without which their guus were of no use, made them worse. The death of #he larger part of the party who had discovered the boat did not tend to increase their good humor. r ts And the eseape from the island of those whom they had regarded as three sure victims, put the finishing touch to their Res Hunston and Keyali were in the first two boats that wont after the fugitives. ‘Tho Tuan Biza and others followed puch tye : Hunston had promised Keyali Jack’s head, aud as Keyali could not marry until he got a head belonging to somebody, he was very anxious to have it. He had mado sure of catching Jack on the island, and in his danger of being disappointed, he danced about in the boat at the risk of upsetting it. Hunston had to remonstrate with him and makehim ait down. ; His loud cries and exclamations were heard by Jack and Harvey, who had learnt agood deal of the native language from Monday, . win was the natural consequence of learning Mendsy lish, . Mole also understood the hig Se, spoken by the Pisaugs and the Limbians, owing 8 having been captive among tho former. The same tongue was common to both thetribes. “ J’ll have your head 1” shouted Jack, in derision, as bis boat shot through the narrow opening in the reef. He had heard Keyali’s ravings and meant to chaff kim and Hunston, But he spoke in the native language so that he might be comprehended by both, 4s Hunston was by this time thoroughly well able to converse in the dialect. “Take care we don’t have yours,” replied Hunston, shouting in the same loud sone “No fear, old boy,’ replied Jack, " T don’t know that,” replied Hunston. = Take a fool’s advice,” continued Jack, “ and don’t geome too near us, We've got guns and yon haven't,” _“ What of that? We've got bows and arrows and Bpears, and our arrows can fly as straight as your shot.” -« Perhaps, but they can’t carry as far, and we shan’t" det you get within shot of us,” Hunston was silent. He saw the force of the argument. _“ Give me hishead; you promised me his head, and “‘fecona, my beloved, will not be my wife tillI geta apes gentialy I will have his head” Keyali contimued out, _ Keep that great calf quiet, cantt you ?” cried Jack. «& ie ana his rights, replied ‘unston. Then he'll haye to want.” a Ba was hard at work setting the sails, and he had rial Fock by rigging up aflying jib, which gave ¥ ete - y ‘ Fe a eB a ES A PR a Se staat Se e @ mainsail. \ “Bravo, Dick |’? exclaimed Jack, as the breeze caught her and she sped onward like a thing of life. Monday stood at the bows till the boat was clear of the rocks. Then he sat down and looked contentedly at the pur-. suers, “ They plenty of them, Mast’ Jack,” he said, with a long face. . a suall bea match for them, Monday,” replied ack, i “ Hope so, sare; no want lose head. I hear Keyali ery for you. He do same for me once; but ‘scape and you save me. Keyali hayé mine ’fore yours,” said the good-hearted fellow. «*1'll take precious good care he don’t have either,” returned Jack, dryly. ‘‘Ifhe does, I'll forgive him. Which way shall I steer, Monday ?”” oe made a gesture which indicated west by north. And following the direction of his arm, Jack put the boat about. “ Wire in, Jack, and get yourname up. That’syour sor,” said Harvey, “ You shut up, and mind that flying jib of yours,” gaid Jack, laughing. “You look fine, standing there and coaching the canoe, Hunston’s also standing up, but he isn’ta patch upon you,” continued Harvey. ; “ Stow it, Dick,” answered Jack. ‘ Idon’t want any buttering, and it isn’t a time for humbug.” In fact it was not a time for chafing, But the boys kept their spirits up wonderfully well, and were delighted at getting away from the enemy. They were showing them what sailors call a “ clean pair of heels.” Mr. Mole was with them too. They had every reason to believe him loyal and true. Ifso, he was an addition to their strength. The boat ran splendidly before tee freshening breeze. Tho gale had lulled, but began to get upagain, though Jack did not anticipate much more ot it. pone in those latitudes often sinksas rapdly as it rises, “ There will bea fine sunset,” remarked Monday} * So I think,’ replied Jack, “and worse luck for us.” Everyone looked, as he spoke, at the pursuing boats, It was true that they were distancing them, and that everv moment left them father behin: But in the event of a suddencalm, they could not strike their sails and use their oars. Jack had no oars, He had not thought of being chased on theocean, and for that reason did not make any. Harvey attended to the sails with great skill, and’‘ob- tained praise from Jack, who said: “Bravo, Dick{ A better fellow than you never loosened a topsail.” ee Wo only want aflag to make us perfect,” replied rvey. ‘ “Run up Mr, Mole’s tile. It won’é look bad, and I seo the owner has gone to sleep.” “ Right you are,” said? OY He took Mr. Mole’s hat, and, without much exertion, secured it at the head of their small mast. “We can call jt the British standard waving at the topmast, he observed. “ But it will show them that we have got Mole on board, and they will know: there is one more of us to fight.” “Hurrah for the blue sea!” said Jack, as they shot ahead, and the cries of theirenemies grew fainter be- hind them. ; At this exclamation, Mr. Mole was aroused, and looked languidly around him. “ Harvey,” he said, “I will thank you for my hat, You imagined me asleep, but I was only revolving mighty ideas in my mind, and I saw you make free with my Panama straw.” Harvey pointed upwards, ‘i ke, nd’s caught it, sir, and it’s stuck up aloft,” ere’ A “Stop your ship, Harkaway, and get down my hat.” “Strike our flag? Not if Tknow it. That's the ban- ner of independence, and meaut asa defiance to the Pisangs,”’ nae: Jack, “Oh, if it’s meant as a defiance to thePisangs, all right,” replied Mr. Mole, wrapping a handkerchief of the bandana species round his head, “ Mast’ Jack,” said Monday, “give um Monday a drink of rum.” *Certainly,’’ answered Jack, taking out a bottle, and haniling it to him. “You’ve had some hot work, and you deserve it.’” ‘The bottle was given to Monday, who took a pull, and seemed much relieved, Mr. Mole eyed at it wistfully, and said in alow voice: ‘My faithful savage, hand me that bottle. I will replace it in asecure position.” Monday gave it to him, and he pretended to stow it away, but, when no one was looking, he solaced himself with a secret draught, which did not tend to improve his usefulness to the pete s In fact he soon fell into such a deep sleep, that he did not wake, although important events were passing around him. As Jack had anticipated, the wind fell towards even- f. Their pursuers were out of sight, but they could not be far eff. Toe boat made slow progress, and such advance as she did make grew less every five minutes. . In the tropics, when the sun sets, it ie high time for everyone tohurry home, There is no fading twilight. Darkness presses closely on the footsteps of retreat- ing day, and ot once it is night. , / “Now that’s a curious thing,” remarked Mr. Mole, | ti In addition to the coming darkness, a thick mist be gan to rise. : This might serve to conceal the runaways from ths prying eyes of their pursuers. In the absence of wind it was necessary to remain quiet till morning. ; There was no current that would run the boat back to the rocks. She might drift a little with the motion of the waves, but that was all. Furling the sails, a watch was set. Harvey and Monday lay down inthe bottom of tha Lge and sought that sleep of which they were im need. Jack sat on one of the thwarts and kept his ears open, for his eyes were not of much use in the thick mist and darkness, Hours passed aud nothing was heard but the rolling of the waves. } The boat was some miles from the shore, and Jack could not distinguish the breaking of the surf upon the rocks. A speck of light appeared in the east, Day was about to break. * Jack, who was nearly worn out, touched Harvey on the shoulder. The latter sprang up. 4 What is it?” he exclaimed ; “are the Pisangs upon us? “No. Ican see no signs of them, but I want tohave a pitch, and asI’ve been on duty for so many hours, § thought you might take a turn,” “Of course,” replied Harvey, “ why didn’t you wake me before ?” “It’s time eneugh. I wonder how long the calm going to last!” said Jack; ‘* we must lock out, for expect the beggars will be upon us as soon as the mis§$ Tises.’ _He was about to lio down in the boat, when his prar ticed ears detected the sound of oars in the distance, “Hark 1” he said, “do you hear that, Dick ?” “Oars,” replied Harvey ; “they are cruising about for us, knowing that we are stuck somewhere ia thi infernal mist.” “Tf it’s only one boat, I don’t mind,’ Jack contine ued, “or wemight tackle two, butif the whole fleet are together it’s a case of Jack’s up the orchard with us.” “Ishould think they have been separated in the night, and that the one we hear is a solitary vessel, which willbe as much astonished at seeing us as we are at meeting her,” observed Harvey. “I'd give something if the wind would blow, if it was only acapful, it would show what’s behind, ang thy soon let them know what stuff our craft is made of,” The sound of the oars, which fell into, and wero re covered regularly from the water, grew more distinck, “Stand close, but don’t fire till I give the order,” exclaimed Jack, Harvey nodded, and his companion woke Monday, and Mr. Mole, whispering to them not to speak above their breath, as the enemy were not far off, Monday grasped his rifle tighter, and looked to hie pistols. Mr. Mole handled a revolver, which was hie only weapon, with a carelessness that suggested dane ger to those around him, rather than to the enemy, - His contempt for the latter may perhaps be account+ ed for, from the fact that they were up to this time gehen tus “Don’t let a shot be fired till I'give the signal,” Jack again said. “Let them run, alongside of 19 nearly, 80 that we cin make sure of our men.” “Four of us,’”” remarked Monday under his breath, “um Pisang boat generally carry six to row. and ona tosteer,” pis “That's seven. It’s odds against us, but we have or shot, and they have none, so that makes ug equal. “*Mr. Mole must get um head,” said Monday. “ then him marry black princess at Limbi.’? att “Thank you, my worthy friend,” replied Mr. Mole, ina fone of disgust. *‘I don’t care about dusky beawe 88. “With us a great chief can have three wife, . Mole great chief, Hoe cut off Pisang head, and aaa have three wife,” continued Monday with a i “The Lord deliver me from such a fate!” said Mr, Mole, inwardly shuddering at the prospect, - aoe was about to speak again, when Jack said, Hus' Satie poee ot ane ees me in sight, e ir breath, and nerved themse)] coming encounter. veengane ‘The battle woudd be short, sharp, and decisive, CHAPTER XIV 4 FIGHT UNDER THE gra, Presenrty a shout from the oc ’ showed Jack that he was perosived. Pe baitisicsaiee It was useless to remain on the dofensive any ton. ger. | ; “Det them have it. Pour in lley,’? he exclaim ** Aim low, and hurrah for old ‘mupanytn® { il There was no white man in the boat but Jack nized as the one who was steering Keyall, who bed evinced such a longing for a white man’s head. Keyali was evidently in command, t son sya ge oye he was so near those of whom he was in pursuit, and would h: " ae a it not been too ey i datums aio. © Pisangs ceased rowing, and seized spoars. With such force had the beat bore propellah tine 1a ale threatened to carry it alongaide of tne As soon as Jack had gi 4 weiee etek et f port of firearms, t . a bes ozs ae Md a 1 /
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hae 2 / HARKAWAY AMONG THE SAVAGES, \ At the same momenj, the wind began to lift, the fog A faint breeze was inging up. Four of the Pisange fell under the well directed shots, The paren three sprang from their boat into Jack’s and a hand-to-hand fight ensued. Keyali, with an eye like a hawk, singled out Jack, whom he caught round the neck and waist, with such a determined grip that he could not use his fire- arms. Harvey was wounded in the thigh by aspear, and lay at the bottom of the boat helpless. Monday tackled one Pisang, and Mr. Mole, in self- @efense grappled with another. Jack and Keyali rocked to and fro in deadly embrace. Suddenly they lost their balance, and fell into the sea. ipo down, they sank, ag tf they wana 8 een lead. Jack feared they would both be drowned, and it was impossible to live long under water. 7 Mr. Mole saw them disappear and was so alarmed that he forgot to go on fighting, and|the Pisang with whom he had been battling was about to"stab him with a murderous-looking knife, when Harvey crawled up.) Nye seized the savage’s leg and made his teeth meet in the flesh. \ This caused him such pain, that he dropped his knife, and fell on his knees, howling loudly, . Mr. Mole had_ begun to say his prayers, thinking it was all over with him. : He regained his courage, however, and fired a pistol close to his ear. The Pisang fell forward with a groan. Taking up thezknife, Mr. Mole prodded him with it in various parts of the body. “That will do, sir. He’s dead as mutton,’’ said Harvey. “Tlike to make sure,” replied Mr. Mole, inflicting more savage thrusts with the knife, At the same time, Monday settled accounts with his antagonist; and, cutting off his head, held up the bleeding trophy in triumph. “You all right, Mist’ Mole? You nuch hurt, Mast’ Harvey ”’ exclaimed Monday, adding with a look of bewilderment, “‘Oh, de debbel! Where Mast’ Jack? Him gone!” “¢Gone |’ said Harvey. ‘Isn't Harkaway here ?” “T saw him fall overboard not long ago,” replied Mr. _Mole, “ locked in the arms of one Keyali, whom I know to be a very truculent ruffian.”” Monday and Harvey looked blankly at one another. In the meantime, Jack had continued to descend into the bosom of the deep. Ho managed to keep his senses about him. Keyali would not let go, but suddenly Jack felt one arm relax which allowed him to make us¢ of his right hand. He remembered that he had a sheath knife in his lt If he could draw this he might deal his adversary a blow which would save his life. Apparently the same idea occurred to Keyali, for he began to feel for his knife. uckily for Jack it had fallen out in the struggle, be- ing only slenderly secured with a string round his waist. It did not take more than a second to assure Keyali of this fact. He now struggled to regain his hold of Jack, and en- deavored to move one hand to his throat, so as to atrangke him. j Being the stronger of the two, the Pisang might have succeeded in this effort, had he not given Jack an opportunity when he first loosened his grasp to feel for his knife. This was a fortunate chance for Harkaway. Had it not been for this he tvould probably have soon floated a blackened and swollen corpse, before the eyes . of his friends. As soon as he had drawn the knife, hestabbed Keyali Tepeatedly about the legs. | The water was soon crimsoned with blood. Keyali tightened his grip, and Jack, whose strength began to fail him, and whose head grew dizzy with the pressure of the water, made frantic efforts to reach a vital part of the Pisang’s body. This fight under the sea was terrible. They had been beneath the waves nearly three-quar- ters of a minute. , Short as the time in reality was, it seemed a lifetime ack,’ ||, \ | Maddened with pain, Keyali succeeded in grasping his opponent's throat. 6 stifling sensation that had attacked Jack in- A mist swam before his eyes, Making one last effort, he plunged his knife up to the hilt in the Pisang’s body, Gradually his hold relaxed. ‘The arms fell down, and the man was dead. Ae _ Raising his feei, Jack struck the lifeless body, send- it down into the sea, day—give me some brandy to wash the salt water out of my mouth.” : Monday did as he was requested, and Jack began te revive sensibly. “Ineed not ask how you got on,” he continued, for I see you have disposed of your enemies. Are you hurt, Dick?” Harvey was tying a bandage rouud his leg, and he replied : “Tye got an ugly thrust in the leg from a spear, but it’s not much.” “Throw the carrion oyerboard,”’ Jack said, pointing to the two dead Pisangs. Monday proceeded to do so. “Tthink you will all bear witness to my bravery,” observed Mr. Mole. ‘TI dispatched that wretched creature whom Monday is about to consign to the deep. I, Isaac Mole, dispatched him with my own hand.” “Tf Thadn’t bit him in the leg with my teeth,” said Harvey, ‘‘ you would have gone to the mole country, sir.’’ * No jokes, Harvey; you may have distracted the poor fellow’s attention, but Ihad him well in hand through- out, and was never for one moment afraid of him. Harkaway, pass the bottle in a friendly spirit, and let us drink to our noble selyes.’’ Jack granted his request, and Mr. Mole took a deep draught. “Drink deep, the poet says,” remarked Mr. Mole. “And truly he was right, for this spirit comforteth the inner man and keepeth out the rawness of the fog, which I perceive is disappearing.” In fact, as he spoke, the sail which had been lying idly by the mast began to flap to and fro, “Hurrah,” cried Jack, “ the wind is coming.’” “T’m sorry I can’t lend a hand,” said Harvey. “You be still,” replied Jack, who put some boating jackets under Harvey to make his position more com- fortable. : “You want to rest as much as I, for you were on the watch all night.” A “Never mind me. I can’t sleep when there is any- thing to do, but I make up for it afterwards. If the wind lasts, and Monday is right in his steering, we shall make Limbi in four or five hours.” Jack set the sails, and the little craft, as the wind caught her, ran before it in splendid style. The sails bellied to the breeze, and Monday took the he!m. i “ “ Harkaway,’”’ said Mr. Mole, “ take the rest, of which you stand so much in need, and leave the management of the boat to this trusty savage and myself.” “Very well,” said Jack, who thought he might safely do so, as there was nothing of consequence to attend to. Accordingly he threw himself down, wet as he was, mooning. that the hot sun would dry him, and fell fast asleep. Mr. Mole applied _his lips frequently to the bottle, much to Monday's delight. “Mist’ Mole got um best friend,” he observed, as Mole hugged the bottle tightly. “If that observation is intended to this case bottle,” replied Mr. Mole, ‘‘all I can say is that you are a very rude and impertinent negro.’’ “No offense, sare; beg um pardon,” said Monday. “Me ‘fraid of you, sare; you fight so well,” This compliment mollified the object of it, “You are rignt,” he said; “by my bravery I have saved you all from a dreadful fate. I hewed mine adversary in pieces; but you must not repeat your remarks, In this climate the European requires stimu- lants to protect himself from the trying effects of the weather. What I take is taken with reluctance, and strictly as medicine.” “*Monday not mind a drop of same sort of medsun.” “Notadrop. Itis not good for you who are young and strong, and accustomed to the climate,”’ “Very well, Mist’ Mole know best. Monday get him [three wife.” “If you suggest such a thing,’’ cried Mr. Mole, in a rage, ““V'll—I'll wring your neck like—like a spar- row’'s.’? : “No wring um poor Monday neck, Monday do what him like in Limbi, His name Matabella, and his father, Lanindyer. Great chief. King of island. All obey Monday. If Monday say Mole great chief, him cut off all Pisang’s heads, the women all love him and he be ’bliged to have one, two. three wife.” “Js your father really the Tuan Biza of Limbi?” asked Mr. Mole. } Monday nodded his head vehemently, “It's quite right,” exclaimed Harvey, who could not sleep through pain, and had been an amused listener to this conversation. — “Js he not joking? {have found him of a facetious tendency.” “No. Monday’s a howling swell in his own diggings, | ain’t you, Mon?” said Harvey. ' “Matabella, him show Mist’ Mole,” answered the black, drawing himself up proudly as he stood in the stern, rudder-lines in hand. “Take the bottle and help yourself, my young and bar! intellige.t friend,’ exclaimed Mr. Mole. / Monday did so with a grin. Monday was alone in command of the bost. He could not steer and see to the sails as well, and when the force of the wind increased, and the see rose, he thought it advisable to wake Jack. P Nearly five hours had passed since the dispersion of the Pisangs. i Jack had had time to recruit his wasted energies. The boat made one or two dangerous lurches over, and Monday was afraid she might capsize. Jack started up with alacrity. “What is it ?” he asked. Monday explained to him, and pointing toa dark ridge visible on the verge of the horizon, added: “That Limbi.” ~ “Oh,is that Limbi?” asked Jack, “You know ha way about in these waters. How shall we and ?’* “No land in the surf—not in this bost,’”’ answered Monday. ‘‘They send out boat when see us, and them we land in our fashion.” “Very well. I leave it all to you,” replied Jack, well pleased at the prospect of reaching their journey’s end without further danger. The land was not more than five or six miles dis tant, Their voyage would soon be over. ¢ . CHAPTER XV. RECEPTION AT LIMBI, Tre first sight of Limbi was not as reassuving one, A straight open beach descended abruptly beneath the sea, so that the high swell never once broke before finding itself suddenly stopped in its rapid course. } The water rose up in one huge wall that rolled forward and fell on the steep shore with a roar like thunder, Every few moments the water would rebound from the sand until it rose twice and a half as high as the natives standing near it, for several of the islanders had collected at the novel sight of a vessel standing in for their shore. be “My dear Harkway,” said Mr. Mole, who was roused from his sleep by the breaking of the surf, “ you surely do ae intend to run the risk of landing on such @ coast ?’* ; 5 ere. says he will make it all right,’ replied ack. ot “We near ‘nuff now,’’ exclaimed Monday; “~ please take in sail, Mast’ Jack.” Jack did so, and the boat ceased her merely drifting a little with the tide. Monday put his hands to his mouth, and gave utter- ance to a peculiarly shrill and piercing cry, which he repeated three times. “That to let them know me come, sare,” he ob- served, The noise awoke Harvey, who, looking round him in astonishment, said; “ What's that beastly row ?”” “It’s only Monday,” answered Jack. | : ey pe it was um Pisangs, as he calls them. I never heard such a din in my lite. It was like a baked ’tater boy on a cold night in winter, singing out,‘ all tot, all ‘ot !’”’ { “That our war cry,” explained Monday; “all my people know my voice ; they say that Matabella, and my father.come out to mein a proa and take us all on shore.’”’, Is he on the beach ?” onward career, | “Your father. “Yes. Monday see him. Look, look; he telling them it me, and they shake head, Now he order boat, be- cause they all think me dead—killed, eat up by Pisang. See | father, how um run Mast’ Jack ; how um skip, Mast’ Harvey, how um talk, sare.” The black grew quite excited at the prospect of meet ing with his father. eae: " n fact, Jack saw that the few natives whom he had at first distinguished on the beach had grown into a crowd, which numbered upwards of two hundred, An elderly man moved in their midst; and to him they paid the strictest attention, as if he were entitled — to command, I } His manner was that of a prince, and it was clear that Monday’s peculiar cry had produced a singular effect upon the inhabitants of the island. silt : For a few minutes it was not evident what the Lim. bians were about. ‘ They ran to and fro carrying pieces of wood, and all seemed confusion, ny, “What are \the beggars trying todo?” asked Har — vey. “Blestif I know,” replied Jack. “ They are like bees : in a hive, when they’re gong swarm.” ‘ The natives did not kee; em long in suspense. i They soon made a rude skid or wide ladder wiv” large poles on the sides and small green ones with the torn off for the rounds, This was laid down on the beach while the wave was forming, and a heavy boat, with a sort of awning in the eat , { ht the same time he began to ascend. It was see A very sho’ mi and he w have gone the bottom, locked in that death = ag ’ ne “{ hope nothing I have said bas given you offense,”,| middle to keep off the spray, was pushed on to { as continued Mr. Mole; “I had no idea you were a prince | the wave broke and abroad sheet of surge partially in your own country. But for heaven's sake, say no } buoyed her up. 5 more about the wives.” _ Saddenfy he appeared above the surface close to the beat. Monday stretched out his arms, and dragged him on beard, Poediinioeas panting and exhausted. ( Ht was some time before he could speak. Wher he was able to use his yoice, he gave an ac- pount of the fight beneath the waves. “ Toank ‘§° ess Tam none the worse for it,” he adéad. “But I hope never again to havesuch a tus- _ fe, Here, you Kafoozlum—what’s your name, Mon- The conversation dropped, and the boat went on her course, the wind continuing to rise, as if impatient at having been still during the night. ree more boats belonging to the Pisang fleet were visible. The sun rose high in the heavens, and the heavily- ladened craft which carried the boys and their fortunes slowly ploughed her way along the deep. Harvey and Mr. Mole covered themselves with a tar- paulin and sought forgetfulness in slumber. nad Ue by \ ‘| tien. of his son. As this wave receded, she was successfully launched. The boat, guided/by native hands, reached Jack'a boat, and an affectionate greeting passed betweem Monday and his friends. pes - His father, the| Tuan Biza of Limbi, was aman of come manding stature, but his self-possession was great. He had given up his son aslost. cat When a prisoner falls into the hands of the enemies, he rarely, if ever, escapes. Wed eS is To see Matabella again, t NA was to Lanindyer a resurroo {
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t Monday threywhimself on his neck and kissed him affectionately, bu the old man displayed no emotion. Tt was evident, \ough, that he wasaffected, for tear- drops trembled in his eyes. When Monday recovered himself, he pointed to Jack, Haryey and Mr. Moly, and told them in the native language who they were and what they had done for him. In teaching Menday English, Jack and Harvey had, of necessity, learnt his language. So that the conversation bet ween father andson was intelligible to them. Mr. Mole also knew the native dialect, which was eammon toall thetribes about these islands, for he had picked it up during his captivity. Turning to Jack, the aged chief said : “Saviour of my child, you are welcome to Li,,, »f, and you shall live like a prince among our people.” “Thank you,” replied Jack. ‘It is my pride to be the friend of so great a chief as Lanindyer who is alike renowned in war and peace.” The Tuan Biza now set his men to work and all the stores were moved out of Jack’s’ boat into the proa, and in the latter they all embarked, leaving their own erafts to ride at anchor in charge of a native. Harvey was lifted carefully from: one boat to the other. being unable to walk, as his wound was painful in the extreme, and his leg much swollen. When all was ready, they ran into the shore over the heavy rollers. Other natives appeared on the shore witha huge ceil of rattan an inch or more in diameter. Two or three ofthem seized an end, ran down and plunged into a hugs wave ascoolly and unhesitatingly as a diver wduld leap from the side of a boatintoa quiet bay. The end the boat. The other was carried upa long way on the beach, andthe natives ranged themselyes in two rows, each grasping it with one hand ready to haul in when the _ signal was given, A number of heavy seas now rolled in and broke, but the natives on board kept the boat from being swept backward er forward. _ Asmaller swell now came on. Kvery native gaye a wild yell, and those on shoro hauled in with all their might. Away darted the boat on the crest of a wave with the swiftness of an arrow. Soon the boat was in the midst of the sur, The next instant it wason the skid, and away it glided with the speed of a locomotive. of the cord was fastened to the front part of | ~ Before Jack could realize the fact, they were high and ary upon the bank before the next wave came in. In this way was their landing in Limbi effected. Monday had not éxaggerated his influence with the matives of Limbi, They were about a thousand in nnmber, livingin a town called Tompano, which was built on a hill. This made it healthy, and afforded some security rom attack. Monday’s father had ruled over the inhabitants for sore years, as his father had done before him. tae was, in fact, descended from a long line of ' princes. The people who lived in the neighboring island of Pisang were the hereditary enemies of the Limbians. War was almost always going on between them, and with varying success. The town in which the Pisangs lived, was called Palembarg. ' A few year ago the Lin:bians had inyaded Pisang, and being victorious, burnt Palembarg to the ground. This mado the Pisangs very angry and vindictive. They had vowed vengeance ever since, and threatened an invasion of Limbi. of powder, shot and was exhibi- _ Jack’s suppl, ted to the Linbiang, and their use explained to them. ¥ | atructe k ae fl SN hailed Jack and his friends at once as great chiefs. A house was given them to live in near the king’s palace. . They were delighted at the restoration of Matabella, or Monday, who was much beloyed, These simplo people, savages though they were in their habits, were not wanting in gratitude, Tack As all their fighting men together, and in- them in the uso of flrearms, j But he was very sparing with the powder and shot, because when the supply was gone be could get no _ more. ' He knew nf what advantage it would be to him and his friends in the event of an invasion of Limbi. That Hunston would carry on tbe war he did not doubt. Tf, indeed, the Pisangs should be afraid to invade ey he determined to land and army on their is- . 4 _ For some time everything went on quietly, The Pisangs did not show themselves, Bs _ Monday would not leave Jack, _ Both Jack and Ihdce a tikes 16 ' He might have lived in his father’s palace, bet his attachment to the boys wasso great that ho lived in their house, and was Jack’s body guard. _ He never allowed him to stir ouy unless he accom- ‘panied him. “You save my life, and won teach me do what right,” he said. “TL nd my life with you. It is your life, _ smd Monday still your servant.” — “My friend, you mean, Monday,” replied Jack. “You do as you like with me, Mast’ Jack,” continued grateful fellow. ‘‘ You ask me to die for you, I do because then give back the life you save.” arvey were much attached to Mon- Wire aits ye wal in. coout ch ‘yey’s leg got well in abou x weeks, and he walk agai, Ee par ieee ar | Baey had p' vis of servants, and didnot allow Mon- ash if Prue. y My vt Ee F 4 PON A? elite eee ar HARKAWAY AMONG THE SAVAGES. day to do any menial work, though he was always ready to lend ahand when necessary. As the Pisangs did not show themselves, Jack planned an invasion of their country on a large scale. A fleet was provided, and the army, which numbered four hundred men, was drilled every day. The inhabitants of Pisang and Limbi were about in equal number. %, eign, an allowance forthe women and children, the aged and the infirm, they All were very fond of dancing. The principal dance was called the minari. © It consisted of men and women arranging themselves in two rows, They slowly twisted to the right and left, at the same time moving the extended arms and open hands in circles in opposite directions. The only motions of the naked feet were to change the weight of the body from the heel to the toe, and reverse it. Monday hat two cousins, Alfura and Ambonia. They expressed a wish to marry the white men, as a mode of showing their gratitude for their having saved Monday’s life. _ The king summoned a council to discuss the idea, Monday heard of it. Alfura and Ambonia were his near relations, and he hastened to tell his masters the news. Jack and Harvey were together, talking about Emily. Mr. Mole had gone out for a walk, to think alone about his tea gardens in China. “* Mast’ Jack,”’ exclaimed Monday, coming into the house, “‘ what you think ?” , T don’t know,” replied Jack. ‘‘Have the Pisangs come after us?" “No; not them, but Tuan Biza and all the chiefa meet in council to-day.” “What about?” “alfura and Ambenia—you know them. They are my father’s brother's daughters.” “That's a roundabout way of describing them ; but nomatter. Go ahead,’’ remarked Harvey. “ They have said they want to marry a white man, and the chiefs are to decide whether they are or not.” ‘Scissors !"’ exclaimed Jack. “Suppose the white man don’t see it?” «Then he must leave the island,” replied Monday. “Tf one of the Tuan Biza Family want to marry and choose a man, and he not have her, then he go.’’ “Oh, that’s it,isit? Iwish I’d got areturn ticket,” Jack remarked, “Tf the chief say yes, they send for you, and it is our custom ‘to Place sometimes seven, eight, nine women together.” “Fos,” “Then you go and pick out one, two, three if you like, but of course you take those who have asked for ou.” tg Isee; you-pick out the ones who have honored you with their preterence,” replied Jack. “That's the dodge to spare their blushes, if they haye any,” observed Harvey. “Yes,” said Monday, quickly. “You not supposed to know they ask for you.” “ But I don’t want to marry,”’ exclaimed Jack, “Nor I,” said Harvey. «You should have kept us out of this, Monday, It's not kind of you,” Jack continued. Monday grinned. “Why do you stand grinning there like the ugly baboon that you are?” said Jack, in a rage. “’Scuse me, Mast’ Jack. I not grim at you,” replied Monday. “Then you are indulging at my expense,” said Har- vey. ‘“Where’s my crutch? Ill lamn into you, Master Monday, if you’ were twenty king's sons,” “No lamn in, sare,” Monday criedin alarm, “You say you too young to marry, You wait a year and let Mr. Mole. marry Alfura and Ambonia; that my idea— that why I grin, sare.” Jack smiled, and Harvey put down the crutch with which he had walked while his leg was bad, “That's a rattling good idea, too,” said Jack. “It will be a rare spree to see Mole with—how many did you say, Monday?” \ “Two at first.’’ “Oh, yes, two to start with, Alfura and Ambonia. Two beauties they are, too—aren’t they, Dick ?” “Stunners,”’ replied Harvey. *’ Alfura’s nose js like a squashed pumpkin, and her ears stick out like a cow's, while her mouth would enable her to eat mince pies whole.’ « «And Ambonia’s fat and pudgy, with a teniper like a f ea j * ‘ : LAN | ee hyena. I saw her chivey acove dowm the street the other day and wallop him awfully,” said Jack. ‘What for?’ “ Because he bagged something out of her fathers | garden. She did give it him and no mistake,” f ‘* Monday's a genius,” said Harvey. «If they send for me to the council,’’ continued Jack, “JT shall treat them to a little ventriloquism, and say that the great spirit does not wish us to marry for x year, as we are too young.” “And that Mole is to have Alfura and Ambonia, or be cast adrift in a boat without oars, sails, rudder of grub,’’ put in Harvey. Exactly.” sit “That’s the ticket,” Harvey went on. ‘' You'll fog them beautifully with your ventriloquism.” “Monday,” exclaimed Jack. “Yes, Mast’ Jack ’ replied the black, with his usual respectful manner. “Don’t you let on to anyone about my gitt.’’ ‘About you talkee in the air?”? “That's it.”? “ Monday never say nothing.” “Then you say something, ‘Never say nothing* isn’t grammar, Monday. You ought to go to Craw- cour’s, if ever you reach England with us,’’ observed Harvey. Monday shook his head. This speech was beyond him. But he protested that ha never mentioned anything that the boys told him to keep secret. _ He had heard Jack ventriloquize once or twice, and the mystery had been explained to him Jack and Harvey felt perfectly happy when they raw a bir out of the new difficulty which now presented itself, It was nothing unusual in the archipelago for girla of thirteen to marry boys of sixteen. The natives arrive at maturity so much enrlier in warm climates than we do in our colder latitudes. To plead that they were too young would have been a poor excuse, “Mole shall be the victim,’’ said Jack. _“How many wives shall he have?” asked Harvey, “Monday says he can’t have more than three by the law of theland, I'd give him a dozen if I could work it.’ “Let him have Alfura and Ambonia to commence with. Mole hates women,I think. He was never very civil to them, and if he doesn’t care about marrying English beauties, he’ll faint at the idea of having two full-blown niggers,’’ observed Harvey, “As brave a fo’eastle man as ever broke biscuit would steer clear of them,” Bly naturally a loblolly-boy like Mole will fight phy.’?\ “He’s in a narrow channel and he’d better take soundings,” said Jack; ‘for, if I’m not much mis- taken, here’s a messenger coming up the street to ted me to come to the council. 7 “That's right, sare,” replied Monday. “Him de message, sure enuff.” f “hen it’s all ‘u-p’ with Mole; for, to get myself out, I must get him into the mess.’’ It was assMonday had predicted. Alfura and Ambonia, ladies of high rank, had, in ag- cordance with the custom of the country, expressed themselves willing to bestow their hands and jearty upon the adventurous stranger. ' This proposal, owing to their high position, had te be considered by the chiefs in council. : They had come to the determination that the ladies’ wish should be granted. In the event of non-compliance with the desires of the +g ones, expulsion from the island would be the result. The council consisted of twenty-five members, whe sat on mats in a sort of barn, Room was made for Jack. The Tuan Biza himself informed Jack: that he might have his choice of his relatives, or take them both for his wives if he liked. Jack coughed, and replied that he was indeed a fax tunate man to be so highly honored. He shouldn’t mind one of the ladies. With one, however, he would be content, and his friend Harvey might have the other. A murmur of applause arose. Then, Jack, throwing his voice into the center of the apartment, near the ceiling, changed the tone, which became serious, if not awful. “Forbear,”’ he said, “1, the spirit of the white mem, speak,” 2 A general consternation seized the chiefs in council, They look ut one another horror-stricken, for, ag we have said, they were all superstitious, and believed | in witchcraft. ; < “ Jack and Harvey are your guests,’? he continurd «“ They are about to lead you against your enemies, the Pisangs, over Whom you shall ba victorious, U “Their customs are not your customs, and they must not marry until one year has passed, for they are too young to have wives.” igen Amurmur of approbation, mingled with astonish. ment, ran through the council, Bn “But,” continued Jack, “I, the spirit of the white men, do not wish the ladies Alfura and Ambonia to re- meer Whot then, O spirit eS «Who, then, O spirit!” asked the king, “is worthy to have their matchless charms ea & a . “Who but the Tuan Biza of the white man—who qualified himself for spirit of the white man speaks the words of wisdom. It is very good.” Grit “Let Tuan Biza Mol once,” Jack wenton, i
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uu HARKAWAY AMONG THE SAVAGES. “Tt shall be done, 9 spirit!’ said the council, as| ‘Goon, sir,” said Jack. ‘“ Who’s afraid?’ with oxe voice, asd bowing their heads. Jack pretended to be disppointed at this interrup- tion, and said that he had taken a fancy to Alfura. “We have other beauties,” replied the king, ‘‘and you shall marry when the year has run, ‘O friend of my soul!” 5 “J was afraid the spirit would interfere,’ continued k “Does he often do so ?’” «Always, when we do anything against the laws of our priests.” «Aud is it unlawful to marry before a certain age?” asked the king. “Of course it is; that’s at the bottom of the mis- ehief.’’ answered Jack. \ “Rest easy, O son of my adoption!” replied the Ring. ‘“ You shall do no wrong through us.” “Rising, the chief said a few words to his friends, and they dispatched a messenger to fetch Mr. Mole. “Shall I go, O Tuan Biza, and acquaint my country- man with his good fortune ?” asked Jack. eo was accepted, and Jack went in search of Mole. He lett the chiefs in council, holding Jack in higher veneration than ever. ; They bad not the slightest idea that they had been A4mposed upon. o their simple minds the great spirit of the whites ad spoken. His dictates must be obeyed. Though Jack and Harvey were for a time lost as hus- bands to their princesses, they had Mole to fall back pon. For him there was no escape. Little did he suspect what news was in store for Yim as he wended his way back to Tompano. CHAPTER XVII. MR. MOLE’S DESPAIR. WaHeEn Jack returned to Harvey, who was waiting for him with impatience, he began to laugh heartily. “T’ve done it, Dick,’’ he said, when his merriment was over. “ We’re under the protection of the spirit. Has Mole turned up ?”’ “Not yet. It’s feeding-time, though, and Mole is enerally pretty punctual at knife-and-fork-time. How d you do it?” “Ttold the council that you and I were highly honored, and would marry the ladies. There was - psd tack e af this. Then I changed my voice, and you should have seen the beggars stare.” ‘‘Of course the spirit forbade the banns, and sug- ee Mole as the bridegroom. Which is- he to ave ?”” } \ , ‘Both of thom.’” “Both ?” repeated Harvey. ‘* My eyo, Jack! It will give him fits. Hoe’s always going on about women, and gaying he shall die as he lived —a bachelor.” “Will he? We shall see him with acouple of young Bee on his knee. I wonder what color they will ar i Chocolate and cream—half-and-half.” “Piebald, perhaps. What a lark!’ said Jack. “It’s all a spree,’ romarked Harvey. ; ast this juncture Mr. Mole entered, looking hot and tired. He had been botanizing, and carried in his hand some rare specimens of the flora of the island.. _ “Something more for my collection,’ he remarked. “*T shall have quite a cabinet of curiosities soon.” ¢ “TJ think you will, sir,” replied Jack. “What do you mean? Your observations have a doubtful tendency in them sometimes, Harkaway.”’ “No doubt about the last start, sir.” . “What onearth are you talking about ?’” “The council is waiting for you,” replied Jack, “and you are destined to a high honor.’’ “Ah! I suppose they want to make me prime minis- ter or chancellor of the exchequer; very good! I will give these sayages a constitution,and bring in an education-bill. We must have a school here.” “Tt isn’t that, sir, though that may eome after- wards.” ’ “What is it then?” | Xon're to be married. sir.” Mr, More gayo = nigh Douna. _ Harvey sang: : ‘ For I’m mar-ry-ed to a mer-may-ed ' At the bottom of the deep, blue sea.’” “You are joking, Harkaway. Do not indulge in merri- ment at my expense. Explain this tome. Ne fodlish- ness !’’ exclaimed Mr. Mole. “It’s quite true, sir. Two ladies’ have chosen you, and by the law of the land, you must marry them, \ PaseRy, , ry “Or what ?” “Leave the islandin an empty boat—no provisions, no oars, no anything.” “Why, that is certain death!" replied Mole, with a , adding : “Who are the—ahem ! the females?” “Miss Alfura and Ambonia, relatives of the royal ai “What, those she-dragons? I know them,” exclaim- ed Mr. Mole. “ Alfura’s fort y@f she’sa day, and has ‘Jost all her front teeth. Amboniahas got the temper of the old gentleman himself, and squints awfully.” “Consider the honor, sir."” ; _. “Honor be——bnt no,I will not give way. I will cominand myself. I shall proceed to the council- _ eaamber, and remonstrate with those savages.’ i Pay Jack laughed. ee fy that you have got this up for me, ’—1’ll”—_ | Mr. Mole eould not find words dreadful énough for «What isfun to yon is death to me,and if I find J chimed in Monday. Harkaway, stand my friend in this matter, and get me out of the mess.”’ ““Oan’t be done.*’ “Why not?” “Tf you don’t at oncemarry those ladies you'll be put into the boat.” “T don’t know which is the worst prospect,’’ Mr. Mole said, ‘Confound the natives! Confound every- thing.” He began to tear his hair, and danced about like a madman. When he stopped with a handful of hair in each hand, Jack said : “‘ That's lively, sir. Can’t you favor us again ?’” “ He's as good as a dancing dervish,” cried Harvey. “Jack, dear Jack,’”’ said Mr. Mole, you always were my friend, anda generous fellow; tell me your only | “J didn’t mean anything,” Mole replied. ‘Come, | chaéiing.”” “T’m not indeed.” “Then I'm a lost man. Two wives! Oh, Lord!” “In amonth’s time you'll be entitled to take a third.” “Athird!” cried the wretched Mole. “Tell me, Harkaway—-tell me, if you love me, if there are any lunatic asylums in this beastly country ?” “Not that I know of.” “Tf not, [shall wander about the island a nk maniac. Oh, Isaac Mole, why were you ever born Wretched man, what have you done to deserve such a fate?” Monday, who had been down to the council-room. again, now came back. “They all “The council has broke up,” he said. Are the furies coming here?” asked Mr. Oh, Lord! gone to bring Alfura and Ambonia here.” “ Here! Mole. “They not long first.”? / “But they can’t take me until the ceremony is per- formed.” “Wenoceremony. They say they have you, and the council decide. Then itall ever. No ceremony, sare. They come take you home.” “Now? Do you mean this instant?” “In one, two short minute,” replied Monday. Mr. Mole began to dance again. } “This how it done. Mist’ Mole,’”’ continued Monday. “They bring p’raps ten women. All stand ina row. You look at them. One by one they come to you and you shake your head at all but Alfura and Ambonia, to whom you kneel. That all the ceremony.” “Never ! I'll die first,” said Mr. Mole. “They put you in boat else,” said Monday, grinning. “Dick, give him some whisky,” said Jack. Harvey poured some brandy into half a cocoanut shell, and Mole quaffed it eagerly. | “You're agone coon, sir. Better make the best of it,” he observed, ‘ Mr. Mole shook his fist in Monday’s face, saying : “You confounded black lump of ugliness, you haye done this for me! sBut I'll have your life!” Harvey forced him imtoa seat. “Let me get at him! I'll do him an injury! TU have his’’—— j “Tife,” he was going to say, when Harvey ively put in “head,” which made Jack burst out atigninig: “Harvey,’’ said Mr. Mole, in a faint tone, “‘ you are low and vulgar. You are raised but little above those poor, benighted savages in the social scale.” “TI wouldn’t bullyrag them if I were you,” replied Harvey. “ Remember you are going te marry a couple of the poor benighteds.” “Come, sir, don’t give way. I’m sure Alfura’s got beautiful shiny skin,’ said Jack. “And Ambonia’s’ haix is curly and oily,” exclaimed’ Harvey. BA atalaits fone “ Better not say much,” remarked Monday. “They beat you sare ; they scratch, they kick.” “Well, it’s only for life, that’s one comfort; and I shan’t live long under the infliction,” answered Mr. Mole, with a moan. As he spoke, a loud noise was heard in the street. The procession was approaching. First came the band, which consisted of a score of men carrying gangs. ‘The gongs increased regularly in size from one of five or six inches to one of a foot or fifteen inches in diameter. Each had a round knob or boss in the midéle, which was struck with a small stick. When made to reverberate in this manner, their music was very agreeable. It resembled closely that made by small bells. - This instrument was called the bonang. After the bonangs came the chiefs of the town. Behind these were the nine virgins, Ambonia and Alfura being in the center. The rear was brought up by a guard of soldiers, and behind these again came the rabble of the town of Tompano, wie, like crowds all over the world, had col- lected to witness what they could of the unusual cere- mony. CHAPTER XVIII. TAKING HIM HOME. WHEN Harvey heard the bonangs, he exclaimed: “Chingarings and chopsticks! hongs and gongs! That's yoursort! Go it, yecripples ! ‘ave some more whisky, sir?’ Mr. Mole began to recover his composure a little. « T think I will even follow your advice,” he answer “if only to nerve myself for the dreadful ordeal, want a little something. : j _ “Nothing like a drop of whisky for a nerver,” replied ““That’s righj, Mist’ Mole. Show um pluck, sir,” “Long live the ‘Tuan Biza of the “Very well, my black friend,” replied Mr. Mole. “2 owe you one—yes, sir, I owe you one—and we'll square — ct accounts some day. = “Keep up your pecker. Let them see what stuff | you're made of. Don’t funk, sir.” f ej “T hope an Englishnan never shows ‘the white feather. Harkaway. Nor will I. No, mot even under the most trying circumstances,” a “Good again," cried Haryey, who was in an ecstasy of delight at the anticipated fun. : af “T will bear myself bravely, like one advancing tos ; the sacrifice I have before my eyes the gladiators of : ancient Rome.”’ ‘ “Who were they, sir?” “Haye you so soon forgotten the lessons of your early hiya youth, Harkaway? I cry shame upon you.” wg “Set of coves who fought in the arena,” observed Harvey. pet. “You are right,”’ continued Mr. Mole. “But I object — to the word ‘ccves.’ However, Jet it pass. They had ~ their Ave ‘Cosar,’ or ‘Hail Cesar!’ and they added ‘ Morituri te salutamus,’ which, being translated, means ‘Being about to die, we salute you. My fateis worse a than death, but I will be brave.’’ ‘ Wise “Thave remarked, sir,” said Harvey, ‘that these Limbi ladies have a own.” “Smell—odor. Don’t be delicate, Harvey. Callita — smell, which is highly suggestive to polecats.” , “ All right, sir, anything to please you.” | te “However disagreeable it may be to native noses, my _ :f English nasal organ revolts at it. They are rank, Har- vey, very rank; and all the perfumes in Rimmel’s shor — K would not convince mé to the contrary.” it, sir, when you're used to it, ex: — ; peculiar scent or odor of their ie 5 ‘You'd like claimed Jack. : Mr. Mole darted 2 ferocious look at him. 4 The noise of the bohangs increased, and the hearse shouts of the multitude grew nearer. B Again the wretched man applied himself to the — whisky bottle. . ‘ . eae aie Go it, sir; nip away,” exclaimed Harvey, sing: | ng: Y : { “Whisky killed my poor dad; ~ Whisky drove my mother mad. Whisky, whisky, ¥ Whisky for my Johnny!” 19 Fortified with asort of Dutch courage, Mr. Mole awaited the coming of the procession with the resigna- — tion of alamb going to slaughter. * hat a * Paik do you find yourself now, sir?” asked ‘ack. oe = “ Agonized, my young friend.” ay “Pity the sorrows of poor old Mole,” said Har- — vey. f a Ay Mr. Mole was about to reply when the band halted outside, and ceasing playing, allowed the members off — the deputation to enter. ‘ Re yaa First camg the chiefs of the council-ch; ber, and those were closely followed by the nine qian, Fe hag The soldiers kept guard at the door. ‘ Ranging themselves in arow, the young ladies cast down their eyes and prepared themselves for the cere — mony. 5 ay 3 The king, addressing Monday, exclaimed ; - “Matabella, does the Tuan Bizaofthe white men know what is required of him by our customs?” ’ Re He does, O king, live for ever,” answered Mom: i y- } ase; “Is he aware of the high honor the alliance will com. — i fer upon him?” ‘4 ‘He is ; and feels deeply gratified, O king, may thy ~ victories increase,” replied Monday. i “Let the rites commence.” i a “ At once, Oking. r,’? said Monday. ' ethen filled a calabash with whisky, of which Spirit the Limbians had learnt to be very fond, an handed it round to the company, em All partook of it but the women. be “Now, then, sir,” said Jack to Mr. Mole, “go in and: win. All eyes are upen you.” f ’ “Faint heart never won fair lady,’ exclaimed Harvey. ‘Keep up the honor ofold England.” The nine virgins stood apart, and Mr. Mole staggere® rather than walked towards them, in Fin ae Deep groans broke from him. : The perspiration stood in beads upon his forehead. At asignal from Monday, the band again struck up * quick, jig-like sort of tune. si ay The nine virgins looked up. : i; First one left the rank, and walking past Mr. Mole, he shook his head at her, and she took up a position ab the other end of the row. _ . _ The second did the same with o like result. Y The third was Alfura. B As soon as Mr. Mole saw Alfura, he sank gracefully ‘ May you always be victorious in 1 y on one knee before her. j This was the signal of acceptance. She took a place on his left side. ‘ Aloud shout of applause from the assembled spectae Mer rent the air, which was taken up by ‘he mob out. side. bss, Numbet four now passed Mr. Mole, and was re- lected. | : ¥ : The fifth shared a similar fate. ee 5 So did six, seven, and eight. t ‘ aAmbonia was the ninth ‘and before her Mr. bowed as before. SG Nee Again the shouts arose as she pines herself right side, Each wife seized an arm, j grip, as ifafraid that he was going to run em. | z f ‘ . The calabash was refilled, and she health bridegroom drunk heartily, : 1 bie sa ‘and hela! hime To 8 Hane away fron ie
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arcane! cere the kimg, ‘‘and may his children people the and.” The chiefs now filed out of the room, and the seven yirgins, surrounding Mr. Mole and his wives, followed them. | He was dragged from the apartment, and the proces- sion, led by the band, proceeded down the principal street of Tompano, at the end of which was the house of Alfura and Ambonia. Mole cast anapppealing glance at Jack, who was look- jag out ot a window. * Never say die, sir,” cried Jack. * They’ll comb your hair for you, sir,” exclaimed Hax- yey. A curse, not loud but deep burst from the unhappy man, who was soon lost to sight by a bend in the street. The ceremony was over. Mr. Mole was a married man, very much married in- deed, and his wives were taking him home to the nuptial board, It was not until two days had passed that the boys beheld their old friend and instructor. On the morning of the third day, Mr. Mole paid them | a visit. He looked wistfully around him as he entered, and ' seemed afraid of being followed. es none sir!’’ exclaimed Jack. “How goes it with yo you?” H “Badly, my dear boy, very badly, replied Mr. Mole, _ “How's that? We call you'the Great Pasha, the ' Grand Turk.” i" “Brigham Young is nearer the mark,” said Harvey. “Mole’s a Mormonite.’? “Bring ’em young, you should say,” returned Mr, , Mole, “Tempers grow with age, and Ambonia’s a perfect fiend. It’s too late in life now to correct either of them.’ - “What's happened, sir? We thought you’d have _' Jooked us up before now.” q “So 1 should have done, but I’ve been locked in, bolted in, barred, and had the liberty of the subject painfully infringed.” ; “Bolted up, eh, sir? That’s nothing extraordinary im married life, isit?’’ replied Jack. i, “Tdon’t know. It’s all newto me,” f “You ought to be an authority in these matters. Perhaps it’s a custom of the country.” “When you’rein Turkey, you must do as the Tur- . keys do.” remarked Harvey. / 4 “Oh, the life I’ve led!’ continued Mr. Mole, witha _ wmigh. “ Alfura’s not so bad, but Ambonia’s an incarnate fiend. She has boxed my ears, and has threatened me with a bamboo cane” / “So you have come out on the loose, sir?” “J escaped through the window, and, thinkin, Would comfort me with some spirtuous liquor, sought you.” “It’s very wrong to encourage @ married man in gtaying away from his home; but for the sake of old times, you shall have what youllike,” said Jack, gravely. “Spoken like yourself, Harkaway.. Whisk», if you wlease, and plenty of it.’’ Monday supplied his wants, coming in as Harvey slapped his hands, as a signal for him to appear. He could not help laughing at Mr. Mole, but a sign from Jack caused him to withdraw. “t's very hard to be jeered and gibed at by a_miser- _ Wble sayage like that,” observed Mole, ‘and I think - gotought not to encourage him, Harkaway.” “What did he do, sir?’ asked Jack. “Never mind, he is gone; and the memory of his affense shall go with him.” “Have you put your marriage in the paper, sir?’ sked Harvey, innocently. “How, could Idoso when there are no journals in the island, and the natives are unable to read ?”” _ “Oh, I forgot that,’ { “T think, sir,” Jack remarked, “you might have beon content with one wife atatime. Itis a bad form to have two.” * You know as wellas I, Harkaway, that I had no voice in the matter.” ' **You must have liked the girls in your heart; sir.” * Harkaway,” said Mr. Mole, very gravely, “ did you eyer soe a snake ?” . “T’m sorry to say Ihave seen a good many since I have been in this part of the world,” replied Jack, - “Did you ever take a fancy to one?” “T’ve admired them ata distance, but I can’t say I ever thought of cuddling one up in my arms.” “Thon don’t ask me ifLlike the Limbiwomen. Let ae talk of something else. Lam degradedin my own eyes. Harvey, you keep that bottle too much on your pe. side. Iam afraid you haye taken to drinking ately. f “YT, sir!” cried Harvey, ‘No, sir. A sailor, always jikes his allowance, I don’tgo beyond it.” Mr. Mole helped himself, and his temper improved. i you have OHAPTER XIX. ; BTARTLING NEWS. “Have you heard the news, sir ?’’ asked Jack, after a alse, y ‘: “News,” repeated Mr. Mole. “I was not aware that i inthis wretched country they had anything of the , sort.” ‘ \ % “You ought to take an interest in anything that is - moving, because you have a stake in the country.” “Tfit would gratify you, Harkaway, I will say that T have a feeling of intense interest in auy thing that may befall this unhappy land,” continned Mr. Mole, adding, _ “Harvey, oblige me by letting the bottle alone. Iam “quite capable of taking care of it.’”’ sof HARKAWAY AMONG THE SAVAGES. “He's thinking of his wives,” said Harvey. Harvey,’ exclaimed Mr. Mole, in a tone of rebuke, “it is unkind of you to remind me of my misery—let the bottle alone, if you please.” Repeated application to the bottle of whisky made Mr. Mole’s eyes swim in his head. « § war,’’ he said to himself. ‘* What dol care for a dozen wars.” “We are to start to invade Pisang this day week, sir, and you shall have an independent command,” said Jack. “An independent humbug,” answered Mr, Mole, “What, sir 2?” “Humbug, I said,” repeated Mr. Mole, who, in spite of his growing inebriety, grew alarmed at the prospect of war, “Isaid humbug, and I'll stick to it. What havé I got to do with war?” “Weare going to fight Hunston.” “Fight him and welcome, Killhimifyoulike, It’s proper for you todoso. Youand Harvey are young. J am—ahem !—I am a married man, settled down, you, know, Harkaway, and it would not be right to take me from my wife.’’ “Wives, sir,’’ “T stand corrected,’ continued Mr. Mole, with a bland smile, ‘Go, by all means, Harkaway, and fight those despicable Pisangs. I will stop at home and organize the militia, or whatever the reserved forces may be.” “Won't you come with us ?’? af “No, My place is here at Tompano. I am a family man, Harkaway. No fighting for me, unless it is for hearth and home; then Isaac Mole will be to the fore, and woe to the foe.” “That’s a rhyme, sir. Harvey. ‘*I do wish. I wish most devoutly that—that there will be an earthquake which will swallow up Ambonia,” replied Mr. Mole. “Then you don’t mind Alfura ?” “Sho’s ugly, but she’s not vicious,” said Mr. Mole, “Tcan put up with Alfura; that it to say, for a time.” “Until you can. get to your tea-garden ix China, sir ?”’ hazarded Jack. “Precisely, my dear boy.’” “You can sing, sir, ‘Happy could I be with either, were t’other dear charmer away,’’ said Harvey. “With your usual impulsiveness, you have jumped to a wrong conclusion, Harvey,’ answered Mr. Mole, **T could not be happy with either, and my only time of peace is when they are fighting amongst them- selves.” “Fighting |’ f “Yes, like Dull-dogs. When they are not throwing stones and vegetable refuse at me, they are engaged in the mild amusement of tearing each other’s cheeks, whieh is a pleasing pastime for a husband to stand and Zook or at.” “Sorry for you, sir. Knock ’em down and jump on tem,” said Harvey. “You are a brute,” replied Mr. Mole. “Alittle while ago you exhorted me to keep up the honor of my country, and behave like an Englishman.” “Dick, shut up,’ said Jack. “No,’”’ Mr. Mole went on, “I will not reduce myself to the level of a Whitechapel costermonger. I will not even floor them. What though Alfura punches me on the nose, and Ambonia hurls a dead cat in my eye.” «That's nothing, sir,’’ exclaimed Jack. “Nothing? Isn’tit? Did you ever have a dead cat settle on your lett oye?” cried Mr. Mole, sharply. ‘*No, sir, and don’t want to. But let me tell you the news. It's rather startling.” “What is it, Harkaway ?”’ said Mr. Mole, handling the bottle with an unsteady hand, “Excuse me a minute, and then I'll tell you,” re- plied Jack, as Harvey came over and whispered to him, “Make Mole tight, and carry him home to his wives.” Jack nodded, and went on; § “Help yourself, sir. Don’t be afraid of it. more where that came from.” “T wish you'd come to your news,” said Mr. Mole, snappishly. «*We are going to invade qineng at once. I take the lead, Our fleet is reac ber four hundred, and it’s either to be victory or West- minster Abbey.” “You told me that before, and I persist in my resolve to patrol the town. I will be governor of Tompano,” answered Mr. Mole. “T thought you imagined I was joking, sir, and did not believe what I said,’’ Jack rejoined. ; Mr. Mole got up and staggered towards the door, “1g your floor straight ?’’ he asked, “Tie down and try, sir.” Mr. Mole sat down with an imbecile chuckle, and said : : “Toll Ambonia I’m very jolly. Say we're jol” good flows ev'ry one. Idon’tcare,Ambonia, Vlllet*bonia know if she givesh me any of her nonshensh,”’ “ Here’s your health, sir, and death to Hunston and tho Pisangs. You'll drink that toast, won't you?” said Harvey. He fendered him a glass which Mole tossed off. It was the finishing stroke, for he rolled backwards, laughing heartily as if it was a good joke.” ‘(He’s a settled member,’’ exclaimed Haryey, “Collar his legs, Dick; I’ take his nut and we'll cart him off home.” ; “T pity him when Ambonia gets her fingers nicely twisted in his hair,’ replied Harvey. They took him up, cbt were not long in conveying You should wish’’—— said There’s Harvey and him into the preséncefof his wives. The ladies had wondered what had become of their husband, and had been indulging in a little quarrel on their own account, Yarious articles of domestic use lay about the room in some confusion. j Thore were all the signs of a free fight. / 3. our soldiers num-/ | harm,” replied H: b When Mr, Mole was deposited on the floor, the wives guessed what had bought him into that state. Each abused him in the choicest and the most flowery terms which their language allows them to employ. The boys turned round and went away, leaying them at it, lest they might Jall in for their share. « Ambonia’s @ caution,” said Harvey. ‘‘Didn’t she slip in a good un?" Jack made no answer. “You might have the civility to answer me when I speak to you,” continued Harvey. “Excuse me, Dick. I was thinking of something else. Shall we find the king in, do you think, if we call at the palace ?”’ replied Jack. “Sure to, I should faney.” “Step up with me, will you? We must arrange all the details of our inyasion, and see how the guns are to be given out.” “Every man in Limbi wants agun, and two-thirds of them would only shoot their nearest neighbors or pot themselyes.”’ “YT think I shall give two guns to every five-and- twenty men, and select the best shots.’? Harvey agreed with him, and talking of military matters, they strolled along. Suddenly an old woman, fantastically dressed, stepped in front of the boys. “Who is this ?”’ said Jack. “Hush !” said Harvey. “Don’t anger her,’’ ““Why not?” “It's Nuratella,” said Harvey, under his breath. «Whoisshe?” returned Jack, as much in the dark as ever, " “Nuratella is a sort of sorceress, witch, prophetess— what you like. All I know is that the people here think a lot of her,” replied Harvey. Nuratella raised her arms, as if commanding silence. She did not understand the English they were speak- ing, but she saw from their faces that they knew who she was, and that her appearance had produced some . impression upon them. CHAPTER XX. NURATELLA, TH) WITCH, Wn have already hinted that all the inhabitants of the numerous islands in the East Indian Archipelago were strong believers in witchcraft. ale was regarded as a prophetess of the highest order. She professed to have power of divining futue eventa and had been known to stillthe wind when raging a its highest fury. Perhaps her knowledge of the weather was superior to that of those around her, and she did not attempt the hazardous task of commanding thestorm until she saw some indication of a cessation of the tempest. At all events she imposed upon the ignorant beings amongst whom her lot was erst. Her influence over them was remarkable. Strange, weird, thrilling stories were told about her. It was said that in her youth she had meét with, and dared to love, an illustrious chief of the Pisangs. For this offense she was condemned to death by her own countrymen. i It was treason of the worst sort for a woman of Limbt to look favorably upon a Pisang warrior, . On a man, in fact, whose hands were red with the blood of her kindred. \ She was led forth to die. At the moment when the executioner had uplifted ioe fatal sword, a yolume of light shot out from the sky. The lightning, for such it was, struck the executioner, and killed him on the spot. This was considered as an interposition of Providence on her behalf, She had called down fire from heaven. _ The lurid flame was supposed to be of her ewn con- | juring, and she was liberated in all haste. Ever afterwards she lived a secluded and wild life, ' but her influence as a witch was established. All feared ber, if none loved her. It was suspected by some of the shrewdest amo: the Limbians that she was still in correspondence with © the Pisangs. That she could not forget her early love. j Sometimes the Pisangs obtained information of the movements of the people of Limbi in a mysterious manner, Nurateila was known to set sail in a frail canoo, and’ bates ta several days. ¢ i i Who so likely as she was to visit Pisang, and inf the chiefs there of the plans of the Stet? ii She was allowed to attend the councils of her own peoplo, and her advice was much valued. Yet no one liked to denounce her, nor had they done so, was there any proof of her guilt. The boys had often heard of her strange and mysteri- ous power. ‘ They did not believe in her magical gifts, but they did not at the same time think it advisable to slight or offend her. : ; } Far better would *t have been for Jack if he had never listened to her. “Well, mother what do you want ?”’ exclaimed Jack, addressing Nurutella in her own language, j ae ay me, and you shall quickly learn,’’ she re« plied. “Shall I come ?”” asked Harvey. ; “Perhaps I had better ask the old girl,” said Jaek, ~ Be put one aie on to Nuratella, “No,” she answered decisively. « ; Let zone friend Kote his aoe a, “SAR air “She says no,” said Jack, addressing Harvey. “SoTheard. I suppose the old on reagatig you mo i vey. of her, though théy all funk her.” “They don’t speak too well —
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a HARKAWAY AMONG THE SAVAGES. SS “She won't hurt me. hat does it matter if she isa witch and rides on broomstick1? I den’t think she’d find me a light weight if I ride behind.” “ All right ; you know best. Good-bye, old fellow.” Harvey shook his head as if he did not half like his friend to go away with Nuratella. But Jack was not to be interfered with when he had made up his mind. There were few things that frightened him, and as he said to himself, he was not going to be afraid of an old woman, Nuratella led the way into the country, and walked for about a mile, keeping ahead of Jack, to whom she did not address a word. Occasionally she turned her head to see if he was fol- towing her. The road was simply a rough path, a few large stones having been removed. The ragged coral rock everywhere projected so com- pletely through the thin soil that it was a wonder to Jack how his conductor could travel barefoot with such apparent ease. They soon came to acircular hut, anclosed by a low stone wall. ¥t was the most wretched abode for a human being igs eter possibly be imagined. e walls, instead of being made of boards or flat- tened bamboos, as in the town of Tompano, were com- posed of small sticks, about three feet high, driven into ), the ground. These supporters 4 conical roof, thatched with palm leaves. An ugly-looking pig, with long bristles on his back, was raking about this detestable hovel. Near the hut was s burial-place. A low wall enclosed a small angular plot that was filled with earth. This contained one or more graves, each of which had for its foot and headstones small, square, pyramidal blocks of wood, with the apex fixed in the ground. A pack of wolf-like dogs saluted Jack with a fierce yelping and backing a he approached the miserable dwelling. A word from Nuratella calmed them. Sitting down upon a rude block of stone outside her dwelling, she motioned Jack to stand before her, which he did. Perhaps if she had been talking to any of her coun- érymen, she would have had recourse to some mystic rites. She rightly judged, however, that on one of Ja\’s education and sense such conduct would not ma.‘e much impression. Nevertheless, there was something weird if not awful } about the hag. “They say she was good-looking once,” thought Jack ; “if so, it must haye been a precious long while . age, ad no mistake.” “Young man from the great kingdom over the sea, where the lightning owns the power of your wise men, end machines carry nee faster than the birds can fly, | fasten to the words of Nuratella, the sorceress of Limhi,” ( she exclaimed. — The speech showed that she had enjoyed some inter- course with white me, and had gained an insight into "their civilization. But when, where, or how, it was difficult to say. “At your service, mother,” answered Jack, ‘Ease her! stop her! go ahead!’’ he added in English, as he was unable to put the latter into what he called “ under -gtandable”’ Limbian. “You are going to place yourself at the head of my ople and invade Pisang,”’ she continued. — “Tt didn’t require a witch to tell me that, when all the island knows it,’’ Jack answered. “And the Pisangs.too. They are prepared for your coming.” “Are they?” Jack replied. ‘Have you been kind . enough to give them information ?” Nuratella raised her arm threateningly. “What have I to do with the enemies of my coun- try ?” she exclaimed. ‘To meit is given to pierce the future and to know what has happened in the past, as well as what is taking place in the present.” _ “Do you méan to sit there calmly, old girl,” said Jack, “ and tell me that you can prophesy ?”” ” “Put me to the test,” she answered. ‘‘Ask me any- thing you like, and as I reply to you, so will I be judged.” Jack thought a moment, “VlLask her about Emily,” he thought. Nuratella + vegarded him with her wild-looking eyes, which seemed to possess the fire of insanity, tempered at times by gleams of reason. “Can you tell pang ?’”’ he said. ¥ «There are two,” she replied. “Two! Men or women ?”’ “One a man, the other a fair-haired girl, barely seven- teen,’ , ; ‘Perhaps you've been there and seen them,” cried ‘ack, who guessed at once that she referred to Mr. Seravchley and his daughter Emily. Agam Nuratella threatened him with her upraised mo if there is a white ceptive in Pi- irl,” she exclaimed. Wreolion sade. ‘ And she loves you-”’ at ee “i \ ie ') “That is stale news,” replied Jack, imperturbably, “though how you got to know it, it is a puzzler.” “You must meet again. Emily—that is your dar- ling’s name—is in peril,” continued Nuratella. “Of what nature ??” “The persecution of a wicked and bad man.” “Hunston.” The name escaped Jack involuntarily. “That is he,’ continued Nuratella. ‘‘Hunston wishes to make Emily his wife. She, mindful of you, will not consent.” “Of course not.” “ But Hunston is the chief adviser of the Pisangs,”’ Nuratelly proceeded. ‘Heis their great chief. What he orders, they do.” “T feared this,” said Jack, almost tearfully. “I have been wrong to delay so long. We should haye at- tacked the Pisang brutes long ago, but I’ll give them a lesson.” His tone was bitter, and his manner almost ferocious. “Will you not try to save your Emily ?” asked the with watching his growing anger with a smile. “ What's the use of asking such a stupid question?” he replied, sharply. “Wonld you like to see her?” “When ?” he cried. “Atonce, This very night. My power will suffice to bring her here.” “Here? On this island?” “Yes, here ; at this very spot. I will ask the spir- its with whom I deal to transport her hither.”” “Spirits be blowed!” Jack said in English. Adding immediately afterwards, “I don’t care how you do it, so long as you get Emily.” “Tt shall be done. I awear it to you. I, Nuratella, say that you shall meet with the flaxen hair here, when the darkness falls upon the earth.” “YT will reward you fortit,”” said Jack. “No reward does Nuratella want. You will lead their victorious army against the Pisangs, and Limbi will enjoy the blessings of peace.” “I'll do my best for it,”” Jack answered. “Come hither at sundown, and you shall clasp your Emily im your arms.” “Tf you can do this, Ishall say you are a very clever old woman, and our fortune-tellers are not apatch up- on you, but ’’—— He hesitated. She interrogated him with her eyes. “Tf you trifle with mae,’’ he continued, xegenting her with a savage look, “I will shoot you with as little compunction as I would knock that bird offhis perch.” As he spoke, he took his gun and fired at a bright- plumaged bird in a thicket. The creature fell dead almost at his feet. Nuratella saw that she had made an impression upon her listener by the mention of Emily’s name. She followed up her advantage. “Tf I, by my arts, contrive that you shall see Emily,” she continued, ‘you must promise me one thing.” “What is it ?”asked Jack. ' “Do not mention the circumstance to anyone.” “T generally tell my friend Harvey everything,” h exclaimed, hesitatingly. j “This time you must not do so.” “T should ike him to come with me.” “No, no!” said the witch, imperionsly. “You will break the charm if you do not come unattended.” “What's the odds ?” Jack replied. “You must trust me. Are you afraid ofa poor old woman ?” said Nuratella with a scornful smile. “I'm afraid of nothing and nobody, if it eomes to that. You shall have your way. I'll come alono."’ “And you will keep your purpose a secret ?"! Twill”? \ ; “ Can I depend on you ?” she asked. “Tam not inthe habit of breaking my word,’ re. plied Jack. ‘If I say a thing, I mean it; so good-bye, mother, for the present. I shall be here at dark.” “For your own sake and that ot Emily, mind you do not fail,’ she answered, impressively. Jack turned on his heel, amd walked back to the town of Tompano, His mind was filled with eonflicting emotions. At one moment he was delighted with the expecta- tion of meeting Emily, whom he had belieyed to be on one of the islands ever since he read the message from the sea, and the next he feared treachery. qoangh what shape this danger would take he could not say. If was a great fact to have ascertained that Emily had really Yeen wrecked, and that he was near her. ee heart warmed towards the little playfellow of his youth. ~ \ With the romantic passion of a young man he loved her dearly. His blood boiled when he thought she was in the ‘| power of Hunston and his associates. Yo liberate her he would sacrifice everything. CHAPTER XXI. MRS. MOLE NUMBER TWO. | Jack was very thoughtful when he reached his house in Tompano. } His native servant told him that Harvey had gone to Mr. Mole’s habitation. ! ) Having nothing better to do, he strolled down in that direction. When he neared the house, he heard the sound of crockery being smashed. / An earthenware pan flew through the window near his head. “That’s a close shave,” he muttered. “I suppose Ambonia’s showing her/nasty temper.” i eik o met, him at the door, ' i / “ Look out, Jack,’* he said; “Mrs. Mole, Number Two, is going it in fine style.” “What's the row ?”’ asked Jack. > ‘“‘Ambonia slipped into Alfura, who has gome to an ek, somewhere near here, and now Mole’s catohing ot.” Jack stepped inside. : Every article of furniture in the room was upset, and Mr. Mole was standing in a corner, in vain striving to stem the storm. A bucket of water had been thrown over him, which had brought him to his senses, and the effect of the spirit he had drunk was going off. Am bonia, looking like a fury, held a handful of her husband's hairin her hand, and occasionally amused herself by throwing about in various directions any- thing she could lay her hands on. : “My dear sir,”’ said Jack, ‘‘ what is the meaning of this scene? Is Mrs. Mole mad?” “You may well ask that question, Harkaway,” re plied Mr. Mole. ‘‘I was a littleovercome when you brought me home.” Alfura took my part, and she has been obliged to fly the house. Mrs. Mole secundus, as we used to. say at school, is behaving very strangely, but now there is not much more leff to break, she will probably calm down soon.” Ambonia was doing a war dance, and she chattered all the time like a monkey im her native language. Presently the leg of a chair caught Jack on the side of the head. ‘*Draw it mild,’ he observed, rubbing his injured part. “Don't stand it, Harkaway. Resent it,” cried Mr. Mole. ‘1 wouldn’t if I were you.” : ‘* It's for you, sir,’ replied Jack, “to keep orderin your own household.” “Ican’t doit. Its beyond me.” fi “Shall I put her in the water-butt?”’ asked Jack. “We haven't got one. That article of civilization is minusin this establishment’’—— Mr. Mole would have said more, but a bunch of ripe cocoanuts hit him on the nose, and he held the injured ps ‘Nas both hands while he capered about with e pain, : “That's a flop—if you like,’ said Harvey, grinning, “Never laugh at afellow-creature in distress, Har yey,” exclaimed Mr. Mole. “I wish you had my nose, Oh! my nose, my poor ill-used nose !’’ Ambonia advanced witha long light bamboo, and hit her angry spouse on the head with it. “One for his nob,’”’ remarked Hary Jack advanced, thinking Mr. Mole would he senioualy injured, and caught Ambonia in his arms. He drew her to the window and gave her a kiss. “Now, my little beauty” said Jack, holding her tightly, “‘ what are you going to do?’ “T shall do nothing. Iam calm now,’ Ambonia re: plied. ‘If he would only treat me with kindness, | should not behave like that. He likes Alfura best, and —and’—— “And you're jealous, eh ?”” t She nodded her head while she lay passively in Jack's arms. ° “Will you promise me not to kick up any more row ?” asked Jack. «It's all ever now,” she sighed, “Bravo!” cried Harvey. ‘‘The way to manage a woman is to be kind to her. Mr. Mole emerged from his corner. i He looked very grave. “Harkaway,” he exclaimed, “ what are you deing with my wite ?”’ . A “Doing, sir?” “Yes ; you have her in your arms.” sve “You may take her, sir. Iam not ambitious of the honor,”’ replied Jack. - Mr. Mole ventured to embrace his spouse, but she no sooner felt him touch her than she begaa to scream and kick, He laid her down on the floor, and the screaming and kicking continued. She was in a fit of violent hysterics. Oh, Lord! what shall I do?’ cried Mr. Mole. He stood with his hands upraised, the picture of despair. i Ambonia went on with her hysterical symptoms. ‘Holler, boys!’’ said Harvey; ‘ here’s another guy!” “A pair of ‘em,’ remarked Jack, dryly, “ Ambonia’s in high strikes,’’ continued Harvey, “and Mr. Mole’s'’’-—— “Silence, Harvey,” interrupted Mr. Mole. “When you speak of my wife, mention her as Mrs. Mole. To me only is she Ambonia.” “ Allright, sir. Sit down and take it easy fora spell,” replied Harvéy. “ She’ll be a good ten minutes before she come round, and she'll bave worn herself out then and want to go to bed.” “It’s a mercy,” said Mr. Mole, “ for which I am de- voutly thankful. Make fast the window, Harvey. I will fasten the door, and we'll adjourn to another apart- ment. Besure you fasten the window. I should not ~ like Mrs. Mole to be interrupted.”’ : “No fear, sir ; only isn’t it rather heartless, not te say brutal, to leave her like this?” * Harvey,” replied Mr. Mole, “ Thave no hesitation in saying that you’re a humbug.” 2 “Say it eke sir,”’ answered Harvey ; ‘we're old friends, andI shan’t punch your head,” : They left Ambonia in her hysterical fit, and, locked the room up. k On a table in another apartment were some very fme shell-fish resembling enormously large oysters. — They had just been brought up on the seashore, and laid open in their shells for Ambonia’s refreshment. “Ah! oysters! big ones, though,’ remarked Mr, Mole. ‘‘ Try one, Harkaway.”” . i a Jack looked at the shell-fish and tookoneup. It was about fifty times the size of one | v
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sere and he did not know how to get it into his euth. “How am I to do if, sir?” he asked, * Bolt it,’ suggested Harvey. Jack made an effort and the oyster disappeared, He for breath, and Harvey patted him on the back with a large board. “ How do you feel?” “Very thankful it’s down; and even now I can’t help | thinking I’ve swallowed a small baby,” answered Jack, Harvey laughed, and Jack continued: “ Ta, ta, sir; I must toddle.”” “Don’t leave me, Harkaway. taid Mr. Mole. “Urgent private affairs, sir.’’ “You haye rendered mea service. You have soothed the savage breast, Harkaway, and it is the only gleam of sunshine I have yet had in my married Jife.’’ ‘Sorry I can’t stay, sir,’’ answered Jack. tmust knock under.” “ There she is again,’’ cried Harvey. As he spoke a furious yelling was heard, and ades- eee. kicking at the door of the room in which Am- @ was shut. , Am Til leave you to it, sir,” exclaimed Jack, with a ugh, In vain Mr. Mole tried to stop him. Taking Harvey’s arm, he left the house, and the happy couple within it. Why go so soon?’ “You —— CHAPTER XXII. SACK WON'T TAKE ADVICE, Ag Jack and Harvey proceeded towards thir own house in Tompano, the latter could nof fail to perceive that his friend was full of thought and care, “Has anything happened ?’’ he asked. “No,” replied Jack, rather more sharply than Harvey liked. ‘“ What should happen ?” * “You need not snap me up like that. I only asked kindly, but I eg that you went away with that old witch hag, and [I dare say that has upset your royal highness.” ' “Suppose it has, what then ?” “You are more of an ass than I took you to be. She 4s a rank impestor, and is said to be friendly to the Pisangs. Has she advised you not to undertake the in- vasion, warning %ou that you would be beaten ?” Jack made no answer. «Oh, if you have lost your tongue, and don’t like to - er please yourself,” said Harvey. “I'll talk to mday.” “Don’t be annoyed, Dick,” exclaimed Jack, at last. “T’ean’t tell you what passed between Nuratella and myself.” “Why not?” “ Because I promised I wouldn’t.” ‘ “That is a pity.. Two heads are better than one,” said Harvey; ‘and I might beable to adviso you. Not’ that I want to know anything out of idle curiosity.” “No; you never did, Dick,” said Jack, with a smile. “That’s what I call a nasty snack,’’ replied Harvey. “ Well, you know you were a nice cup of tea at Craw. sonr’s, Dick; and if you could get tothe far end of anything, you always did.” f “You mean to say that 1 was a regular old washer- woman. That’s not kind, Jack, and I did not expect it from you. If we are tobe really triends, there ought to be perfect confidence between us.” -* So there should be; and so there shall be. Only wait for to-night,” rejoined Jack. “I'll tell you all then.” He shook Harvey cordially by the hand, and the lat- ter’s wounded dignity got better. } “JT don’t think you mean to worry ‘me,’ he said! “* Still I wish you would take my advice.” « What is it ?”” | / “Don’t listen to anything that old hag says.’* “Toolate. I have made her a distinct promise,” re- plied Jack. * f “Are you going to meet her again\?”” “Don’t ask me any questions, Dick, thero’s a good fellow, because Ican’t answer them.” . “Very well; I'll dry up,’’ was Harvey's responso. When they reached the house, they found Monday, whose eager face denoted that he had important news to communicate. : “Oh! Mast’ Jack,” he exclaimed, “there have been | am fight; um sea fight.” “ Where ?”’ asked Jack. | : \ “Off the island. Two boats Pisangs meet one boat Timbians. They fight quite close here.” : “Which licked ?” questioned Haryey. “Um Pisang lick, ’cos they more number; though we kil one, two, three, four.”” He counted his fingers as he spoke. , “ Killed four,eh? And the others got off. What did they waut cruising round our coast ?”’ said Jack. “There's mischief brewing,’ remarked Harvey. “We'll double the guards round the city to-night,” aaid Jack. ‘“ It won't do to be surprise.” “J don’t like those fellows being near us. It doesn’t took healthy,’’ observed Harvey, | “Nord It isn’t rosy, anc it is like their cheek to bla \ it. f “They kill three our men; others came hack with news,” Monday went on., ‘Did they see Hunstom with them ?” asked Jack. Monday nodded his head violently, as he always did when excited, ¥ | © Yes, they muy white man chief—Tuan Biza white face with them,” he answered, ; Jaek walls d wp and down the room ‘impatiently. Sad T don't half Tik it,” he exclaimed, as ifttalking to himaelf, “Thore is something in all this.” » } + HARKAWAY AMONG THE SAVAGER Alter a time, feeling fatigued with the heat, he threw himself down upon a rude bed, telling Harvey that he should be obliged if he would rouse him at sunset. He was soon asleep. / In a couple of hours the sun sank to reat, and Harvey touched him on the shoulder. He jumped up, uttering the name “‘ Emily.” “You're dreaming,” said Harvey, “T believe I was,”’ replied Jack, rubbing his eyes. “Tthought Emily was by my side.” “ Are you going out ?”” asked Harvey, as he saw him | put on his cap. “Yes ;Ishant belong. Don’t funkabout me.” “Tecan’t helpit. You’re going to see that witch Nuratella. It’s no use denying it.” “You're welcome to your own opinion, Dick,” re- plied Jack, “Well,” answered Harvey, ‘‘God bless you, 7'*‘. I wish you would take my advice, that’s all, or’’ «What 2” * You might let me come with you, if there is any danger.” i * But there isn’t.“ **Tam not so sure ofthat. Nuratella has been sus- pected before now of playing her own people false. The Pisangs have been seen off the island this very day. Eunston was with them ; and, hang it all, if there is any danger, you might let me shareit with you.’ *« You've got a good heart, Dick, and lam very grate- ful to you. However, don’t fret on my account. Ishall be all right,‘‘ replied Jack. ‘ Squeezing his friend’s hand, he rushed out of the house, leaving Harvey gazing with pity after him, He took the direction ofthe witch‘’s dwelling, and was soon out of sight. CHAPTER XXII. THE MEETING. nce. em to NURATELLA was anxiously awaiting his appe Still sitting on the rugged stone, she did not s have changed her position since he left her, “Well, mother.” exclaimed Jack, ** here I am, like Regulus returning to Carthage—though, as that is a little beyond your comprehension, I will say that I re- semble the bad penny which is sure to turn up, whether it is wanted or no.” “ Ave you alone ?” she inquired. “ Yes.” «You have no one within call ?” “Not asoul,”” «¢ Good |” exclaimed the old woman, over whose for- bidden countenance stole an expression of satisfaction. The shades of night had fallen with the rapidity pe- culiar to the tropics after sunset. “* was difficult to discern objects at afew yards dis- VB 4 —-vratella clapped her hands, Once, twice, three times. At the third signal a fairy-like form stepped out of a thicket of trees to Jack‘s right, and though the light, airy European garments were torn and travel-stained, he knew that a country woman of hisown was near. How his heart throbbed at that moment. “Emily,” he ejaculated. The form halted when close to him, and then as if obedient to an irresistile impulse, she threw herself into his arms. «Oh, Jack,” she exclaimed, stances do we meet again ?? “They’re not very lively, certainly,” hesaid. “But Tam so delighted at seeing you that hardships vanish, and I seem to be treading on enchanted ground.” “Thave so much to tell you,” she continued, “though Lam afraid I ought not to waste {precious time.” “Tellme, at least, how you came here.” “It was decided by the Pisang council that 'T should be given up to the Limbians, where a man named Hun- ston informed me that { should meet you.” “That is unlike Hunston. He’s not usually so gen- erous,”’ said Jack, musing) y. « And it is unlike the treatment I have recetyed all along on the Pisangs. My father is dying, I fear, from their ill-usage.’”? “Mr. Scratchley 1” « “Yes, and my poor mother went down in the wreck.” ‘Have you any reason to think there is a plot hatch- ing against us ?”’ asked Jack. : “Indeed I fear so,” returned Emily; “for we came over to Limbi, as we call this island, in two boats, full of armed men.” “And you encountered a hostile Boat, which you drove off.”” “We did,” «‘How were you conducted hither ?’’ asked Jack, “By Hunston, and one they called Tuan Biza, They brought me here, and left me with this old woman, who fold me to remain in the thicket tillshe clapped her hands.” «What became of your guides ?”” “They said good-bye, gnd left me, I cannot under- stand their generosity ; it seems too good to be true. But had we not better fly »t once ?’’ said Emily. “At once. We will talk, at our ease. Take my arm, dear Emily. Weshall soon bein Tompano. It is not far off. I know every inch of the way and once amongst friends, we can enjoy onr newly found happi- messi?” win / Emily placed a trembling hand on Jack’s arm, and without taking any further notice of Nuratella, who, by the way, had dtsappeared, they turned to make their escape. Lee i { * ander what circum- water, then they were ready for the start. | Suddenly dark forms appeared behind them, A voice exclaimed ; ‘‘ Not so fast my fime fedow. You and I haye a score to settle.” Jack’s heart leaped in his bosom. “« Betrayed, by Heaven!” he cried. He faced the foe, but ere he had time to draw a wea. pon in his defense, 2 heavy blow on, the head felled | him to the ground whers he lay insonsible. Emily uttered skrick upon shriek. Her misery was complete when she saw Jack borne off by the Pisangs throug the darkness. It was for her sweet sake that he had ventured inco this ambuscade, The Pisangs, with serpentine cunning, had made hes a decoy, “Stop that noise!” exclaimed the harsh voice of Hunston, as he seized her brutally by the arm. “Oh, do not kill him,” she replied. “Not yet. I'll make him feel his position and suffer alittle first. Come along; you’ve done your work, and we must get beck to Pisang.” Again Emily uttered piercing shrieks. ‘*Hold that row, miss,” exclaimed Hunston again, “orIshall have tohit yonon the head as Idid Kin Harkaway. Be quiet, for your own sake; you wil neither do yourself nor your friend any good.” ‘i Emily remained silent, and was hurried along a n' row path which leq to the coast. “Did you think,” continued Hunston, “that I was such a very innocent baby as to give you up to the only man I hate like poison?” ‘“*T did not know what amount of villainy you were capable of,” she answered. “You'll know in time. You’ll findit all out when Fou’re my wife.” “Heaven defend me from such a fate, sooner !"* she cried, horror-stricken. _ ‘You'll have to do one or the other. Death or mar- riage. Take your choice when the time comes.’’ Emily shuddered. , _ “It was nota bad dodge‘of mine to get Harkaway into our power,”’ he went on with a loud laugh. “Tt was mean and eowardly to use me as a means of entrapping him.” ( “ All's fair in love and war. I knew he’d nibble ag the hook if you were the bait at the end of it.” “What will be his fate ?”? she ventured to ask. ‘ ity Death ! Acruel, horrible and lingering death, un- 088"? — “Unless?” she repeated under her breath, as her companion broke off abruptly. * Unless you consent to is mine.” His fierce, gray eyes seemed to pierce her soulinthe, — darkness. i “Then he must die, and I will perish with him,” she murmured. As the words left her lips a feeling of faintness came. over her, and she would have fallen had not Hunst caught her. t She lay like a log in nis arms, 4 He carried her insensible form for the remainder ef the distance, The Pisangs were waiting for him, Springing into the boat which was nearest to him, he gave the word and tho sails were set. 5 is ene boat contained Harkaway, the other his beloved Emily. ‘ They were both in the power of Hunston, from whose tender mercies they had as much gentleness te expect as the dove receives from the cruel hawk, It was an infamous stratagem. But at the same time it was a clever and imporiemd capture, My. I would die CHAPTER XXIV. HARVEY GETS UNEASY. Tne hours glided by and nothing was seon of Jack, i rac GARE ba ae lye ont * ae ideals omething happen to at? Jack. at b asked the black. Ai ny se “Tmore than half suspect that treachery has beon af | work,” replied Harvey. “‘ Where him go ?’’ **T am nearly sure that he went to see Nuratela,” “She bad woman, sare,” said Monday. “We al? pant ‘fraid Nuratella, because she um witch-pro- phetess,’ “Wasn't she a friend of the Pisangs once?” “Yes, one very, great friend Tuan Biza, and now she go to their on n Ran boat.” “Do you know where she hangs out— lives, I mean ?”? asked Harvey. ! ' Se i “Yes, Monday him know.” “All right. Let's lie down till daybreak, and we'll go and Jook after him. Poor Jack! I shall never for give myself if anything had befallen him. I ought to ae followed with half a dozen rifles, whether he liked or no. i Ht In spite of Harvey's impatience, nothing could be done in the dark. > cs (i < Ange He slept little, and he wasup as soon as the fires rays of light streamed through the mat-covered windows. ¥- i f “Now, Mon, look alive!’ he said. “‘ Alive him is, sare,”’ replied Monday, yawning. : They ate a pieos of rough bread and drunk some est witeh’s they supposed had not y i SALE ied I did not take them long to reach the dwelling, { \ She was nowhere abvat, ant yet arigin, 4 eta, conte “What's this !” cried Harvey, casting lis syes on the ground.. , aay : The object that attracted aa ie res Oi 4,
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BY paper, such as might be tora from the pocket-book of a European. 4 On if was written in pencil : “Hinglish, by Jove!”’ he said ; and in a Jady’s hand- writing too.” . Bo did not hesitate to read its contents, which ran thus: “J, Emily Scratchley, having fallen into the hands ef the Pisamgs, have been liberated by them to-day, and left in concealment im this thicket, until an eld woman shall give mea signal that my old friend Jack Harkaway, who I hear is on this island, comes to take ime to the chief town of Limbi. “Feeling doubtful about the good faith of the Pi- sangs, Whom I have since my captivity found cruel and treacherous, I fear some villainy is intended, and write these hurried lines in the hope that some friend may find them, in the event of any foul play taking place.” Harvey set his teeth tightly together. “T see it all now, Monday,” said he. ‘What him all ‘bout, sare?’ asked the black. “‘Nurateltla has helped the Pisangs to take Jack a prisoner.” “Mast’ Jack taken! That bad news. But we go after him and lib’rate him, or we kill and burn all Pisangs.’? “Of course we will, but they may kill him before we get there.” “Look here, sare! Mast’ Harvey, come here, quick ! See um blood on the ground !” cried Monday, excited at the red looking spots he saw. Harvey came to his side, and fully. “Tt’s as clear ag daylight,” he observed; “ Jack’s been taken by surprise, and they’ve tapped his ciaret for him. Well, it can’t be helped.” “ Matabella go to King Lanindyer, and he make Nur- atella say all she know,” said Monday. ‘No one like her. All glad she die.” “T’d roast her over a slow fire. Does she live in that kennel ?”” \ He pointed to the hovel as he spoke. } “That where she lives.” ‘Have her out, Monday. We'll take her back with us to the town, lest she gives us the: slip, and goes to join her precious friends the Pisangs.”’ Monday hung back. He could not forget the superstitions of his youth, and the prejudices of his nation. “ What are you afraid of?” asked Harvey, contempu- tuously. “She put some charm on me, Nuratella very great witch. She make and unmake storms. She held the lightning in her hand,” replied Monday, trembling. “Go dn, you great cake!” said Harvey. ‘I'll dig her out, wite’ or no witch, or I’ll burn her den about her ears.” i Putting his shoulder against one side of the hut, | Harvey gave it a shove, which made it rock like a poplar in a storm. “Come out, you old cat!” he said in the native language. There was no answer. Not being in a humor to be trifled with, Harvey gaye the hovel another shove, and down it went in a heap. Presently the form of Nuratella appeared from a | thicket a few yards off, the same in which Emily had been concealed, and from whence she had watched the destruction of her house with rising wrath. “Why do you come to my dwelling and scatter ruin around ?” she asked, “Tam quite ready to answer for what I have to the Tuan Biza of this island and his chiefs assembled in eouncil,” replied Harvey. “Do you not fear my power?” asked Nuratella, still more threateningly. i “No more than that,” said Harvey, snapping his fingers. “T could make the earth open and swallow you up. I could call down tbe lightning from thesky, and sum- mon wild beasts from the forest, together with veno- mous serpents, to destroy your life.” “Go ahead, then. Let the music strike up and the show st al exclaimed Harvey. Ee la glared at him with the savageness of a tiger. . “The fact is yeu are an impostor,” continued Harvey, “TJ repeat that I am ready to answer for what I have done and mean to do, though I don’t think you will get off 80 easily.” o “Go, rash boy,”’ she exclaimed. with you.” p “Oh, it's like that, is it?’’ Harvey said, derisively. “You find that you can't frighten me, so you slacken Rail. Now it’smy turn, I don’t boast of what I can do; you'll seein time. So come along with me.” He seized her by the arm, and attempted to draw her along. 4 "ig But she threw herself on the ground and refused bo stir. . Like most sailors, Harvey generally had some cord in | bas pocket. 5 sh OR dared he produced, and quickly tied her hands and Rt Pees regarded them mourn- “ Thave no quarrel together. j AY, he ordered Monday #o lift up her head, while he took her feet. In this way they earried her to Tompono, in spite of i her cries; struggles and protestations. _ They proceeded at once to the king's palace, where the king and his chiefs were assembled in council: war a pio ais ee that the white chief had mysteri- , eared, Ye Harvey demanded an audience, which was granted to ; LO i eal \ - 3 5 4 ¥ f A large crowd followed them, hearing that Nuratella |. ais HARKA WAY AMON@ THE SAVAGES, Leaving the witch in the passage guarded by Monday, he entered the great hall. r All eyes were instantly turned upon him, for alarm- ing rumors had already reached the council, * CHAPTER XXY. THE WITCH’S DOOM, Born Harvey and Jack possessed great influence over the savages of Limbi. Cruel and vindictive as they were to their enemies, they possessed the invaluable properties of gratitude. | The boys had saved and treated kindly Matabella, the heir apparent, the son of their Tuan Biza, the Prince of Wales of Limbi. This was sufficient in itself tomake them popular. In addition to this, they had given them powder and shot ; they were going to lead them against their old, old enemies, the Pisangs. We can fancy the English in the days of their hatred to France, when war was waging, hailing an alley in a similar manner. Besides this, the boys were not at all haughty in their manner. They did not show or boast of their superiority in cultivation, and the arts of civilization. Of the contrary. ‘They made friends with the simple deared themselves to one and all. Mr. Mole who no one knew exactly why, was ac- counted a great chief, had married'two princesses. It was gravely debated whether or not he should have athird wife. The Limbians thought they could not have afforded him a greater honor. Mr. Mole, thought otherwise. He had certain domestic reasons of his own for think- islanders, and en- ing so. ; But he had not yet found eut the secret of governing a wife. The Limbiang did not hesitate to lay a bamboo cane across the shoulders of their refactory spouses. Mr. Mole had yet to make that important discovery. Unlike the Chiefs of the Red Indians, about whom we have read so much, the inhabitants of the great Indian Archipelago were fond of talking. They did not confine themselves to the utterance of grunts, and the gutteral “yah, yah!” with which we have been nauseated. They were genial, and, what is more, they possessed a good deal of sound common sense. hes told his tale as clearly and shortly as he could, He had to struggle with and keep down his very natural indignation at the outrage to which his friend Jack had been subjected throngh a Limbian woman. He translated the letter that Emily had written, al- luding to the meeting with Nuratella, and ended by declaring his convictiom that she was the authoress of the mischief. : After some consultation the chiefs were of the same opinion. The religions men or priests who were members of the council had long been patrons of Nuratella. Tn was their barbarous custom once a year to sacri- fice a human being to the evil spirits, : The time was at hand. They were searching for a victim. The custom was, after the harvest of corn and fruits, to carry a certain quantity of sugar cane, rice, fowls, eggs, pigs, dogs, anda living being to the southeast point of the island. The wretched creature selected for these rites were left on the shore, bound hand and foot, for the croco- diles to devour. j After the consultation of the council, Nuratella was ordered to be brought in. F She was unbound and surrounded by a strong guard, which rendered her escape impossible. Some of the chiefs feared hor fabled power, but the majority did not evince any emotion. 3 When the cise was stated to hershe made no reply. Harvey stood up and said: ‘ “The silence of Nuratella‘is proof of her guilt. T de- mand her life shall be taken, as in all probability my poor friend by this time has ceased to exist.” “Oontess,’’ exclaimed the king, Lanindyer. “ Of what use would it be for me to make any con- fession, when you are all hungering for my blood like a pack of wild beasts,’’ she replied. “Do you deny the charge which has been brought against you ?” asked another chief, “I do,’ sho replied. “Let her be put to the torture,” said the king. “No,” said Harvey. “ Let her suffer the penalty of her crime, but torture would be barbarous.” “ Thave said it,’’ answered the king, calmly. ‘Let the officers do their duty.” Nuratella was dragged into another apartment, and her cries were soon heard at intervals, She was beaten with bamboos. Fire was plaeed under her feet. Red-hot stones were applied to various parts of her body, and band of twisted reeds was tied so tightly round her forehead that her eyes threatened to burst | from their sockets. At length her fortitude, great though it was, gave ye A ; i She confessed her intrigue with the Pisangs, purpose to betray him, and she declared that she alone was to blame in the matter, } When this was made known, the indignant council Mr. Mole, as if speaking to himself. She admitted that she beguiled Jack to her house on clamored loudly for her instant death. ‘he ory wag taken up by the populace out of doors. Protected by the soldiers, she was led, accompanied iY almost all the inhabitants of Tompano, to the sea shore. Near this fatal spot was the mouth of a small river, where the crocodiles were wont to assemble in large’ numbers. She was securely bound and laid upon the beach. When the procession started, Harvey ran to Mr. Mole’s house, and found him looking out at the door- way, while Altura and Ambonia, who had made friends again, were anxiously looking at the crowd. Mr. Mole had succeeded in Pree peace, for a time, to his distracted household, and he listened te the alarming rumors with impatience. He hailed Harvey's arrival with delight. “T say, sir,” cried Harvey, “ come Ries he “Come where? What is all this? Why fret the angry crowd, $0 I think my friend Horace has it?’ re- plied Mr, Mole. 4 “ Haven't you heard the news ?” “Not I.” “At least if Ican't save Harkaway, I will avenge his death |’! exclaimed Harvey. ‘ ‘Dear me. Is Harkaway in danger? Don‘t say that? With all his faults he was a fine fellow. Don’t tela me, Harvey, that he is’’—— t A tear sprang to Mr. Mole’s eyes. He could not pronounce the word ‘‘dead.’’ “ Come with me, sir,” said Harvey, ‘and I will tel% you all about it as we go along.” Harvey quickly told Mr, Mole the distressing news, “The wretch !’’ exclaimed the latter, when he heard of Nuratella’s treachery, “she deserves to die, but I wish they wouldn't do the thing in this cruel way. 7 think I shall interfere and stop it,” “ Stop your grandmother !”’ replied Harvey. 4 “ But an execution ought to be properly conducted,’ Mr. Mole walked along thoughtfally. They were in the rear of the crowd, but the skouts of the people were distinctly audible. The doom of the witch had been decreed, Execution was to follow suon upon judgment, ssi CHAPTER XXVI. THR PREY OF THE CROCODILES. Presentuy Mr, Mole said: “ Hunston is with these Pisangs, is he not?” y “Yes, and directs all their councils,” replied Har, vey. , “Tthoughtso. Well, surely Harkaway’s life will be safe in his hands,” \ «« Will it ?—over the left,” answered Harvey. “Do you mean to tell me that he will not spare an old friend ?”’ “You know all about the tattooing, and how we had to kick him out after he tried to murder us, and how — he made an attack on the castle 2?” \ “Yes, I have heard of those things.’ xz “Is it likely, then, that he'll show Jack any mercy ?” | answered Harvey. “I believe Hunston has become aa ferocious a brute as any one of the Pisangs he is amongst.’” : oa “Do you, indeed ?” said Mr. Mole. “T do, and I think he would not hesitate to eat Jack if the others did.” “That's going a little too far, Harvey,’’ said Mr. Mole with a half smile. ; “ By mixing with savages may not a man get savage himself ?"’ * Thope we are not so.” “IT mean a vicious mar.’’ replied Harvey. % “Let us hope that Harkaway is in no danget, that he will be restored to us.’ “YT wish I could think so. I fear, however, we shall only find his head in the house of some chief. At all events, I shall hurry on the expedition for the Invasiow of Pisang.”’ : “Do so, by all means,” rejoined Mr. Mole; “ant now Lrecollect that ashort time ago, I elected to re- main here as governor of the islandin the absence of the fighting men.’” ; “That was your wish, sir.” “That is so no longer,” continued Mr. Mole. “ Wher one of my companions, one of my dearest friends,; may say, is in danger in a foreign country ; a boy whos mind was educated under my own personal supervis ion, I cannot remain idle,” x “Brayo, sir! You’re a trump !” cried Harvey. “‘ Harvey, do you know my motto?” Ved : “No, sir. What is it?” yt “Jt is,”? said Mr. Mole, ‘‘‘death before dishonor,’ J may not be a fighting man, but I will hurl spear and and draw trigger for Harkaway.”’ “Goo ain, sir! You're made of the right stnff.”? “And I shall get away from my wives,” continned “Oh! that’s it, sir!’” said Harvey, laughing. aap “What, did I say?’ asked Mr. Mole, in some com- fusion. ; i ‘‘Nothing, air,” replied aries: '“ Here we aro.”” ' ; The pushed their way ecngy the crowd, the soldier i U the white man. (aan Aring of armed men kept the throng back from acer- Her youth had been a guilty love, Hor life had been an imposition and a cheat. re
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‘Her death was to be an atonement. The people were at such a distance from the shore, aat they could only see the dim outlines of the wretch- Lyictim. The chiefs were assembled in a group somewhat eurer. , ‘To these Harvey and Mr. Mole attached themselves. As the tide rose, the bodies of the crocodiles could be seen rolling sluggishly up and down. Presently they would scent their victim, Then her end would draw near. Not far off was the river of which we have spoken, and which drew the rainfall dawn from the hills. As the water began to circle in riplets round Nura- tella, the excitement of the onlookers was intense. Scarcely a word was spoken by the vast assembly. Occasionally the priests uttered a low, monotonous ehant. At length two crocodiles saw the bodyjjand advanced towards it. There was a snap of the huge jaws, and a dreadful ebrick. ; This was repeated. Nuratella’s cries redoubled as first an arm and thena leg was torn away. Other crocodiles, attracted by the smellfof blood, ap- proached. Soon the cries ceased. The witch was still, and though the cruel fangs of the monsters tore her flesh, she felt them not. Nuratella was dead. Turning to Harvey, the king said; “ Are you satisfied ?’” = hieg had turned his head away from the sickening sight. “Yes,” he muttered, feebly. A gong was loudly beaten as a signal that justice had been done. Loud shouts rent the air, and the crowd, who had just before thrilled to their marrow of their bones, experienced a sense of relief. “Let us get out of this,” said Mr. Mole. He and Harvey retreated along the shore, and tried to forget what they had seen by listening to the ripple of the waves as they broke on the beach. “ At least she deserved it,”” remarked Harvey. “No doubt ; but it was horrible forall that. [thought Tshould have fainted when that first crocodile took off her leg with as much ease as asurgeon at an hospital would amputate alimb.” “T'ye no pity for her,” said Harvey. ‘I’ve only got to tiink of Jack, and I shouldn’t care if she had got to die again.” “ Kemember, Harvey, what you said about people living amougst savages and becoming like them,” said Mole, warningly. ‘But isn’t it enough to make a fellow wild?” began Harvey impatiently. \ “No, it ia not enough,” interrupted Mr. Mole. “We re told to forgive our enemies seventy times seven.” “Then you'd better forgive Mrs. Ambonia Mole the ‘ext time she goes into her tantrums and tears your tair.”’ f ~ Mr. Mole was silent. ( ' «That's a closer,’’ thought Harvey. As they neared the city they were met by Monday, who had came out to look for them. “ Well, Monday, old man,” exclaimed Harvey,‘‘ what’s your opinion of things in general ?”” “Not up to much, sare. Me miss Mast’ Jack. Me grieve much. Monday very bad,” _“*So am I, and that’s the truth.” “ The king has decide to start to-night with all men for Pisang. ‘That good news,’’ continued Monday. : “Has he, though? Then your governor's a brick, Monday,” cried Harvey, joyfully. : “Yes,” said Mr. Mole; that is indeed cheerful intelli- gence, and I will solace myself with a drink of that rom i see sticking out, of your pocket,my worthy, but somewhat dusky friend.” Monday had a flask in his pocket, for he had thrown an old jacket of Harvey’s over his shoulders, the sun being very hot, and Monday not being disinclined to elothing when he could get it. ‘Me not know, sare,’ he replied; “it Mast’ Har- yey's old jacket, Monday take him.” - Mr. Mole received the flask, drank once, and then took another dip, and sighed deeply, whilehe put the flask into his own pocket. “ Circulate the liquor, sir !’? exclaimed Harvey. ( “Ah, gees me! It was a fit of abstraction,” being detected in his base attempt to appropriate it all to himself. . The spirit was aftewards handed to Monday, and they all felt exhilarated by it. “T begin to think,” said Harvey, “that Jack won’t be a croaker just yet. I'll bet a new hat !’’ am, “Which you want badly, Harvey, that I must say,’ - interposed Mr. Mole. | “Ditto, the same to you, sir,” said Harvey, laughing ; ; at £0 make any unkind remarks about your continu- atious.”” ¥ t . “What's the matter with my trousers? I hope noth- ees gone amiss with them,’’ exclaimed Mr. Mole, arm. “Phere is only ahole as big as a besom, sir, in the rear.” Ne “Dear me, what an unfortunate thing. Does my eoat-tails cover it?” | “When the wind doesn’t blow. As you’re a house- holder since your marriage, sir, it doesn’t matter, - because you’ve got your ‘rent’ ready!’ exclaimed Harvey. : . “Ah | well, I suppose we shall have to resort to the _ garments of onr first ancestors, which we have author- Be day cae te were chiefly fig leaves,’ replied Mr. _ Mole with a sigh. _ . “You interrupted my observation, sir,” continued _ Harvey, “‘ which was, that I’d make a bet Jack fogged HARKAWAY AMONG THE SAVAGES. “T hope sincerely he may. However, we will haste to the rescue. Monday !” “Yes, Mist’ Mole; what up now, sare ?”’ **See to my pistols, will you? And first take care that my rifle is not overloaded ; I have a great horror of agun that bursts.” ‘All right, sir! Monday, him see to that.” “You may leave it all to Mon,” exclaimed Harvoy. “ He'll put you straight, and send you out tothe fight like a warrior of old, up to the knocker.”’ “JT wish we had armor in thesedays, It would be a great protection,” Mr. Mole observed wistfully. “A bold spirit is the only armor a brave man re- quires,” replied Harvey. ‘By the way, did your spear-wound hurt much?” “Didn't it ?’ said Harvey. “Ishould think it did, just.” “What was it like!” “Like ? Oh! like having all your muscles pulled out one by one by machinery, und then haying them put in again.”’ f “Ah! waris a dreadful thing ; nevertheless, I will rescue our somewhat rash and foolhardy friend, Hark- away. You shall reeeive an example from me, Rich- ard.’ : «« Thank you, sir,”’ replied Harvey, dryly. When they reached the town they were sent for to the council, The chiefs had decided upon an immediate attack. Atter some discussion, it was found that the men could not be got ready, embacked, and disembarked on the island of Pisang for a few days. There was much to be prepared, and it was not ad- visable to risk defeat by indulging in too much haste. Even Harvey, impatient to be up and doing, and to strike a blow for his friend, was obliged to admit that. Mr. Mole accompanied Harvey to his house, and a fresh’ bottle was produced, for, though the store of | liquor was running short, Harvey carefully concealed and took care of what they had left. Inashort time Mr. Mole got what Harvey called “ jolly,’’ with his frequent attentions to the bottle, and was only prevented from singing a song by being re- minded that Harkaway was in danger. At length Harvey rose, andsaid: “Twon't say your room is better than your com- pany, sir, but Ifmust make myself scarce.” “Why break up our little party ?” asked Mr. Mole. “T don't like keeping a married man out, that’s one reason; and anotheris, have to drill an awkward squad of soldiers before sunset.” “Ah, duty before all things. Haryey.” ° “And, as Tdon’t want my castle stormed, I think you'd better be stepping t, sir, or you'll have the rival beauties after you.” “Mist?. Mole shewul€ use um_ stick,” Monday. — “What's that my valiant black ?’’ asked Mr. Mole. Monday brandished a stout bamboo, and replied. ‘All Limbi men beat their wives, You beat Ambo- nia, sare and then you see.” “Ts itso? A good suggestion. vice, Monday, and apply the rod.’’ Mr. Mole took the stick which Monday offered him, and went away. “Tsay, Monday, are you up to your larks with Mole ?”) asked Harvey, when he was gone. - “Yes, Monday haye um lark with him,” was the reply. “Do the Limbians beat their wives ?” “No; only sometimes, Ambonia never beatin her life. Won't Mist’ Mole catch it?” said Monday, grin- ning. : “Hot and strong, I expect,’’ replied Harvey, who could not help laughing at the prospect which awaited the proprietor of a tea-garden in China, When Mr. Mole reached his house, he found his wives sullenly awaiting him. Alfura said nothing. But Ambonia asked him where he had been, and why he stopped away from them. Mule was just sufficiently inebriated to be valiant, and he-replied : “To sea the execttion,my dear, Wine thing an exe- eution ! Crocodiles fine; Nuratella fine.” “ We went also, but we have been back some time,’’ I will not detain you, observed T’ll follow your ad- answered Ambonia. “ You have been somewhere else.” “Only stayed to crack a bottle withafriend. Eng- lish custom, my dear.’? « And what is that stick for ?’’ “ Yor you, my pet,’’ replied Mr. Mole. Ambonia made a dash at him, and attempted to seize the stick. t Mr. Mole brought it down sharply over her naked and unprotected shoulders. “ Must be firm.” he muttered. - Monday told me to be firm, and I will be firm.” “With akind of howl, Ambonia sprang upon him, and grasping the stick broke it into two pieces. ) “Playful creature?’ exclaimed Mr. Mole, with an imbecile smile, Y Ambonia seemed to be determined to let him know whether she wasin play or not, for she began to beat him unmercifuily with the higgest end of the bamboo, } which remaind in her hand. Mr. Mole fell on his knees before her, unable to withstand the torrent of blows. «“Ambonia,’’ he said, “ be merciful as you are strong; that stick hurts.” «You have hit a princess of Limbi,’’ she replied. “Tt shall not occur again.” Thwack, thwack, descended the stick on his head) and back ; ¢ “Behold me, Ambonia, on my knees,’ he said. ‘I repeat, behold me, for it is asad sight! Tama great chief who has cut off heads in battle.” p Ambonia danced before him in “ And moreoyer.’’ he added, “I am going to the wars with the Pisangs. You may never see me again.” This declaration altered the complexion ofaffairs. Alfura’s tender heart melted, and she endeavored to calm Ambonia. The Limbian women had a great respect for warriors. When they were satisfied that their husband was going to fight, they litted him on a seat, and sat round im “‘Ambonia will sing the white chiefthe deeds of her ancestors,” she exclaimed. “Yes, do; that’s sensible! By all means letus hear the song,”’ said Mr. Mole, glad to escape so easily. While Mrs. Mole, No. 2 sang to him in a tone ot voice not altogether unpleasing, her husband pillowed his en in Alfura’s lap, and soon slept the sleep of the ust. CHAPTER XXVII. MONDAY’S NEW CLOTHES. TuoucH Harvey was gratified at the punishment which Nuratella had received at the hands of the Tuan Biza, he was ill at ease. In vain he tried to sleep. The night was warm and sultry, but towards morn. ing a heavy storm of rain, accompanied by thunder and lightning occurred. is lasted about an hour with all the violence peculiar to such tempestsin the tropics. After this, the wind rose and blew in fitful gusts, Harvey thought he heard the sound of big gums being firdd. ' From the direction of the sound he imagined that they came from the sea. They were discharged atintervals of a minute, Nothing is more exciting than to hearaship in digs tress fire the minute gun at sea. As soon as day broke, he went into an adjoining apartment and roused Monday. The black was soon on his feet. “What um up to, Mast’ Harvey?” exclaimed Mon- day, as Harvey gave him a poke in the ribs to wake him up. “JT want you to go down to the shore,’’ replied Har- vey. “What for? Mast’ Jack come back 2?’ “T wish to goodness he had; nosuchluck. But I fancy some ships have been driven on the rocks. Guns have been firing.” ; “P’r’aps you been dreaming. sare,’’ said Monday. “No; I hayven’t been dreaming either, so you are out there,’ replied Harvey, who had been like a wasp ever since Jack disappeared. “It I didn't go to sleep, I couldn’t sleep, could 1?” This argument was convincing. “Monday be off like um shot,” cried the black. “Don’t be long! IfI am right,’’ said Harvey, “ we will take a boat and go to the wreck, before your coun- trymen can know anything about it. Some lives may be saved.” ! Fortunately, Monday did not require much dressing, and was ready to start in less than no time. An hour passed, during which Harvey, paced the room impatiently. He reproached himself with being inactive while Jack was in danger. , The Limbians were too slow in their movements to please him. ‘ It appeared that before they started for the invasion of Pisang, the priests had to go through certain cere. © monies, to bless the expedition. hay be killed by his ene. During this delay, Jack might mies. x “Tshouldn’t care,” thought Harvey, “ifIcould die. with him.” It was a relief to his oppressod mind when Monday came back. . ( ; 3, The black danced up and down in an extraordinary manner,’ f “Stop that, hanky panky,”’ said Harvey. ‘“ What are you cutting all these capers for, just for all the world like a bear on hot bricks'?”” f ‘‘Him one big ship, sare,” said Monday; “not far from land, and him struck on um rocks’’ “Ts there a boat anywhere near ?”’ “ One boat, the one we have come from our island in, not far off.” , “That willdo. Just stay your dancing performance, and come with me. When a ship is wrecked, and the - people may be dead or dying, it is no tims for larking,” said Harvey. ; ‘ “Monday, him dance, because him think him get things.” A ‘ “Jf you touch so much as a ship’s biscut without my permission, I’ll skin you. Now then, lead the way; — trot,” replied Harvey. f Monday said no more, and they were quickly on the ~ way to the shore. ; The firing was over now, and the fate of the crew most likely decided, iv : With the utmost impatience, Harvey hurried on, and getting into the boat, set the sail, steering directly for the wreck ofa merchantman, which seemed to ‘bo fast - if lodged in between two rocks about half a mile or more / trom the beach. . { As he cast his eyes back, he saw two dead bodies | stretched out upon the sand, looking gastly white in’ the reddening sun. Y Ta “Tm afraid we're too late, Monday. They’re all. dead as mutton, I expect,” remarked Harvey. / “ What’s mutton, sare?’’ asked Monday. atl “Sheep.” f J : “If um sheep, why call him mutton?” asked Mom __ the niggers somehow, _He’s clever.” derision, day, puzzled, pee! } oY oe he H Zid \ \ A Vi i ; r { je on Oe Oe ee ee ee a 7 i Las Lt he A a
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"greasy than you mght of. WARKAWAY; AMONG THE SAVAGE. ——a—a———060—0—0NNNEEEE ee oeeeeeeeeeeeeeeessSsSsSsSsSsSsSsSsSsSsSSsSeeeeeeeewZ “ Mist’ Mole, him swear when Amboniagoonathim/, “Never mind, sare. Itake her head, you take he “Tcan’t explain now! I’ve something else to think You’ve no sheepin your forsaken country, but if you ever come to England with us, you'll know all about it.” Monday was silent for a while. Then he said : “Great, much, wonderful place England, Mast’ Harvey ?”’ : “Rather! You'll say so when you get there, But would you really like to come with us, if we geta passing ship to take us off!” “Yes, Monday him come.” «And leaye your friends here?” “Monday come back some time, and lay him bones in Limbi. Not like to die out of his own country,” he replied, thoughtfully. : They had now reached the wreok, which was a China @ipper of moderate tonnage. The storm had done her fearful damage, and from her appearance she seemed to have been drifting water- logged forsome days, so that she must have encount- ered more than one tempest, and have made bad weather before she was drivem out of her track to Limbi. Making the painter fast, Harvey sprang on board, fol- lowed by Monday. : Three corpses lay on the deck, and not a single liy- ing soul was to be seen above or below. Perhaps the majority of the crew had taken to thé boats before she struck, and had been carried away in an opposite direction, for there were some obstinate eurrents im the seas, When Harvey satisfied himself that the crew were be- yond his help, he went below and found that the cargo was chiefly tea and silk. She was the “Johnny Sands’’ of London, and he could only deplore the fate of the brave fellows who had manned her. “We may as well load our boat,’’ said Harvey, “ with such things as we want. Tea and coffee are luxuries we haven’t had fora long time; powdur and shot, if we can find any, will be useful, and acasu of spirits will not be a bad present for Mole. Lend a hand, Monday, and let’s overhaul the wreck.”* Monday willingly complied, and in about an hour a eouple of chests of tea, acase of spirits, some wine, a bag of coffee, a keg of powder and some shot, and yari- ous other little articles, none the worse for water, were handed on deck. Harvey packed the boat as full as it would hold, and made frea with some seamen’s chests containing clothes, as his own were peeing rather ragged, When all was ready for astart, he looked round for Monday, who was nowhere to be seen. “Where's the beggar got to?” he muttered, Going to the companion-ladder, he shouted—* Mon- 1" iy 7 Coming, sare,” replied Monday, “ Give um mom- emt."’ “VL ive you ® hidingif you keep me waiting,” replied Harvey. ‘What ate you doing below there? . It Loatch you swigging’— “‘ Monday no swig. sare.’ replied a yoice from the depths of the ship. “Him only rig himself up!” “Do what?’ said Harvey in surprise. “Fim all right, Mast’ Harvey ; him right boot not “et Never mind. One will do. Blow him right jot!” “What on earth is he talking about?” thenght Harvey, Presently Monday made his appearance, and Harvey could not help laughing at the singular spectacle he presented. , He had seen his young master overhauling the sea- mon’s chests, and the idea occurred to him that he ought to do the same thing. “Mast’ Harvey him dress: why not Monday? Him dress also,” said Monday to himself. He tried to put.on a pair of white trousers, but tore them in the attempt, and got his left footinto atop boot, which he found in the captain's cabin, The right one was wet and wouldn’t go on,s#o he managed to put one with side-springs on, Upon his head he put a white hat with a black band wound it, and this was perched a little on one side, A white shirt was thrown over his shoulders and tied around his neck by the sleeves. Finding a paper collar, he had stuck that on with a fied a black ribbon round it. “Monday, old man, this won’t do,” said Harvey, as soon as he could check his laughter at his ridiculous appearance ; “you are aregular swell.” “‘Saro |’ exclaimed the black, drawing himself up. “You're going it,” replied Harvey. “Monday go to England. When him go him dress. “T don’t see any particular reason. You're all the cheese ; ‘quite np to the knocker,’ as we say.’” At this compliment Monday grinned, as if he was im- mensely gratified. “Monday him what you call um swell,” he said, re- garding his onl¥ boot with complacency. __ “Tshould think you were a swell,” replied Harvey. “ Niggors can do it.’” ; “Why doyou call moe nigger, Mast’ Harvey ?”’ “ Because you are not white, and you’re rather more ~ pin, and Why not Monday dress now ?” and not your fault, You'd do well to sit over the wheel gf an engine; it wouldn’t want much train oil.” “Have him dress right ?” asked Monday, not under- standing Harvey's chaff. : ae : OST ig “Monday, him feel rather funny.” \ At this Harvey burst out laughing again. **You'ro all right,” he said, “don’t flu You might as well have started two bo wore about it.” i x “Him cuss boot not go on,” said Monday, in a tone ef vexation. — ‘ “Don’t swear, Monday, Where did you leasn that?” “EA our fat. s white you he, only that’s your misfortune | He say, ‘cuss the women.’”’ “Does he? ‘That’s very wrong of him,’’ replied Har- yey; and don't you follow a bad example. Jump into the boat; never mind the other boot. You’ll do, You’re up to the nines, and would make a sensation in Hyde Park,” “Monday, good Englishmans.” “Stunning, I never saw a better,” answered Harvey, wishing to gratify his harmless yanity. “That's all right,”’ said Monday, smiling from ear to ear, | “Tl have you presented at court some day. It would read well in the papers. His royal highness Prince Matabella Monday of Limbi, present on the happy occasion of his finding a top boot and white hat, both rather the worse for wear.” Monday did not understand all this, “ But,’’ he said, “now, Mast’ Harvey, you chaff poor Monday.” “Chaff? I’m not chafing. Ain’t youa prince? And haven't you found a top boot and a white hat?” “Yes, that all right.” ! “Dry up then, and I'll steer the boat while you look after the sail.’” They embarked with the cargo, Harvey congratulat- ing himself upon being first in the field. Had the natives discovered the wreck first, they would soon have carried away everything that was worth having. As Harvey looked at Monday the more absurd his appearances seemed, | “Why you laugh, Mast’ Harvey ?”’ asked Monday. | “Because Ican’t help myself, and shall burst if I don’t,” replied Dick. “Anything wrong with Monday?” “l’ve told you there isn’t; you're a toff!’”” “Why um laugh then? Monday think him better dress than you, sare. Him got no tear in him ""—— But not knowing the name for shirt, or forget- ting it in his excitement, he pointed to his covering. “*Oh, your shirt’s fine,” replied Harvey. “ No holes in him?” “TI know mine is more holy than righteous; never mind, Monday. I’ve got Zomething in those chests, and T’ll cut you out. You shan’t take the shine out of me like this,” Monday laughed, and was evidently much pleased with himself, “ Him Englishman, now," he said. “You've done the trick, Monday,” answered Harvey. They'll take you for the British consul at least, if we get to Singapore.” They ran their boat into a sheltered nook, and left the contents within it, intending to send down for them when they reached Tompano, At ashort distance from the city they saw a female Pins under a tree, In her hand she held a bottle of spirits, which Har- vey recognized as one he had given Mr. Mole. She had twined some flowers in her hair, which hung down her back in untidy masses. “Look, sare !’’ said Monday, “that Missy Mole.” “go itis. Whatis she doing, I wonder?” replied Harvey. . 4 Monday put his hand tohis mouth, as if to signify that she had been drinking. Her wild appearance seemed to bear out the truth of this suggestion. “If she has been ee her husband’s* example, we had better give her a wide berth,”” Harvey said. Mrs. Mole Number Two, however, was too quick for them. Jumping up, she ran with unsteady steps to Harvey and seized his arm. “You make my husband drink,” she exclaimed. “When he comes to you, he goes home and beat me.” “My dear lady,” replied Harvey, I assure you I do all 1 can to stop him.” y “No, no!” cried Ambonia, raising her voice to a high itch; “ yoh send him to me with a bamboo, and then e@ beat me.” “Tl swear I didn’t.” “To-day,” she continued, I have taken away his spirit, and I have tasted it.” “Is it good?” Ambonia raised the bottle to her lipsand took a deep draught. oe it goes like fire through the blood,” she answered; but it has not taken away my senses. You caremy hus- band’s enemy, and thus will I punish you.” > As she spoke she aimed a blow at him with the ottle. He jumped on one side, and narrowly escaped having his head broken. “Tsay,” exclaimed Harvey,“ stash it. Here Mon- day, speak to your amiable countrywoman. This won’t io at all.’ Ambonia danced around’ Harvey, and made a snatch at his hair. She grasped it, and tugged away at it till Harvey danced too. | “Pull her off, Monday! Look sharp, or I shan’t have a hair lett.” ** Monday come, sare.’* Monday seized Ambonia by the waist and dragged her to the ground. Harvey fell with her. She loosened her grip, and turned her attention to Mondgy, whom she abused in fine style. Harvey soon tied Ambonia’s hands behihd her. She kicked and screamed, buf was unable to help herself, ; “Tl be revenged,” she cried, with a hysterical sob. «7’)1 kill him.’? ‘ “ What we do with her?” asked Monday. ~ “Tl De hanged if I know.” x . “I s’pose we carry her home, sare.”” * She’s heavy,” said Harvey. y \ Toes 4 ~ hat, which disconcerted him greatly. _ legs; we carry her like that.” If they had not decided to do this, it is doubtfaa — whether Ambonia would have got home. The whisky she had been taking had got into her head, and she staggered about in a ludicrous manner, First she rap. to Monday, and tried to bite him; them she ran towards Harvey, and tried to kick him, and then lost her balance, and fell gracefully on her back. “Now's your time, Monday; lay hold!’ exclaimed Harvey. “Me got her, sare,” replied Monday, “Lie still, mum. It’s all right,” continued Harvey; ‘‘we don't wish to hurt you.” She was a good weight, and it was lucky they had not far to go. It was a ludicrous procession. Ambonia sereeching, struggling, and making horri: ble faces. Monday fantastically dressed, and grinning like baboon. Harvey enjoying the fun, but rather wishing he wag out of it. At length they got her home, and gave her into the charge of Alfura, d Then they made their way to their own home, to which Mr. Mole had previously gone. The news of the wreck had spread. Mr. Mole had heard of the wreck, aud was looking for Harvey, to know if he wonld go with him to the stranded vessel. The Tuan Biza and many chiefs, had already started. A wreck was a great event in those islands, and eyery- one, from the highest to the lowest, strove to get as much plunder as ie could. Suddenly Harvey and Monday met Mr. Mole. “ Hullo, sir! cried Harvey, ‘‘ Where are you pelt- ing offto!” : “There is a wreck, Harvey,” answered Mr. Mole; and I am going to see what good I can do for the poor / P creatures. Won't you come ?” “ We've been there, sir.” “ Been there! ’’ said Mr. Mole, stopping and drawing his breath quickly, “Are there not some casks of spirit on board?” ; “We got a few, sir. You’d better make haste, or you'll be too late for your share.” / . “I'll stick up for my rights. Share and share alike in English, or at least Y-rkshire. 1’ll have Tights, or my nameis not Isasc Mole: but who, in the name of wonder, is the strange looking animal? Is he some One saved from the wreck?” . He yointed to Monday as he spoke, wlrom he did not recognize in his attire. : ‘« That's the King of the Cannibal Islands,” replied Harvey. : “Indeed |” “Yes; he’s eaten more men, considering his size an@ roe than any other of his nation in existence.” “ What a dreadful creature |’? “Dance, you uncultivated beast!’ cried Harvey. “Show the’gentleman what you can do.” “And he began to sing: +i “‘Hoky poky, wanky fum, How do you like your taters done? The King of the Cannibal Islands,” Monday stood still and obstinately refused to move. “*Dear me |’’ said Mr. Mole, “ he looks to my imagima- tion, like a wandering Christy minstret out of work. Fancy his being an anthropophagos, or man-eater, as we should say at school.” “Don’t irritate him by looking at him in that way, sir; he might do you an injury,” ssid Harvey. “He’e subject to fits.’’ ' me “Fits! Bless me! Keop him off. I wonder at y fondness for such savage pets, Harvey. There is wretched Monday, now ”—— Iluuday showed his teeth. He advanced to Mr. “tole with an angry look, fully entering into Harvey’s ‘oke. “Keep him off, Harvey ’’ cried Mr, Mole, im an agony of apprehension; “I dou < want to hurt him.” “Prop him, sir!’ said Harvey, delighted. ‘Don’t funk him ; prop him in the eyes! Give him a domino! Tl see fair play !’”’ i “Perhaps he bites!’ exclaimed Mr. Mole, drawin; Again Monday showed his teeth in a vicious manner, Mr. Mole got behind Harvey, saying: 4 *“Trotect me, Harvey. lt is hard py ped in thie Sar nnn Iam hastening to the wreck to do Christian work.’ , “You needn’t hurry, sir; the poor fellows are be» eet lumen aid.’? \ - 'y spoil, end that confounded Tusn Biza will “+ Ocllar the lot, eh, str ?”? ‘ «ust so, Harvey ; but lintreat you to protect from that truculent-looking savage.” Harvey glided ae and Monday approached Mr Mole threateningly. } Mole fell on his knees, and lifting up his hands, said “Good, kind Mr. Cannibal, don’t do anything des bare I’m only a poor schoolmaster. Don’t eat me!” : rey ‘He'll only takea mouthful; he’s not hungry,” exclaimed Harvey, who was exploding with laughter, — Mr. Mole’s distress was ludicrous in the extreme, d : hy CHAPTER XXVIII. eg _ BARVEY’s RESOLYR, | Suppenty a gust of wind blew off Monday's . ‘ i iad wit Pa \ # mm. \ you so? Then their belongings are lawful YF, ore : 4 7 oy
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y : “Don't Harvey. We “You've lost your tile,’’ cried Harvey. ; “Monday, him soon catch um tile,’ exclaimed the | when they get the chance, and the chiefs will be as black, forgetting his assumed part of the King of the | drunkas flies fora week. I can see that.” Cannibal Islands. Mr. Mole’s eyes were opened. As soon as he saw Monday without his hat, he recog- ¢ | out of the way is a proof that they want to conciliate nized him, and rising to his feet, said: “Why, what sort of a trick is this, Harvey ? Such deception is shameful. The poor creature is Monday.” “T could have told you that, sir,” replied Harvey. “Come here. you black thiet,”’ continued Mr. Mole, *as Monday approached, having captured his ranaway hat. “I'll thrash you within an inch of your life.” **Monday king; him eat um up, sare,” answered Monday, who, however, kept at a respectable distance. “l'll attend to you afterwards, my jocose friend ; at present Lam engaged. Ishall be late at the wreck.” * There is no occasion to go, sir,” said Harvey. “I have secured all that is worth having. She is only a merchantman, laden with tea chiefly, and if yon want acask or two of rum or Hollands, you are welcome to them.” Mr. Mole shook him cordially by the hand. ““My dear Harvey,” he replied ;“ my greatest con- solation in this my exile, is that I havea’ friend like you so near me. Your words go straight to my heart. Where are the casks ?”” ‘“*In our boat, sir.” “(Ts it safe ? Will not the Limbian thieves deprive us ef our lawful spoil ?” “They’ve got to find it first.’”’ “Their noses are keen, and their scent sure. wouldn’t trust the descendents of Ham,” “Gammon !”’ replied Harvey, by the way of a joke. “The Tuan Biza would notice anything his people took. First come, first served, that's the law here; and Iwill say this for them, if their laws are few, they respect what they have got.” “With that assurance I will rest contented. I have over-oxerted myself already in the morning sun, for no sooner did I hear thenews than I hastened away—not for what Icould get, Harvey, but to dod good! Don’t think fora moment I went for what I could get.’’ “Not you, sir. You’d put whisky in a bottle and ‘throw stones at it.’’ _ “Well, I don’t think that, exactly,” replied Mr. Mole; but I would not make capital out of the misfortunes of my fellow-creatures.” “‘Monday,’’ cried Harvey, “cut on to the little vil- lage and get some fellows to bring the stores out of the boat to our house ; and look sharp, or I pity you.” “All right, Mast’ Harvey,” said Monday, adding, ‘no . eat Mr. Mole this time.’’ “You impudent black slave, begone ; or I shall lose my temper and be tempted to play the part of Mosesin Reypt,” answered Mr. Mole. " \ ** What that, sare ?’’ “What that, sir? Why this, sir,” Mr. Mole answered, bringing a bamboo he carried in his hand with some @erco down upon Monday’s posteriors. Monday uttered a yell and put hig hands behind him, as if to conceal the injured part, and then he started off uta run, { j “Must be firm with these fellows, Harvey,” said Mr. ,Mole, complacently. Give them an inch and they’ll take anell. No foolishness. You seo that I havetamed that savage, who, by the way, wouldn’t be half so cheeky if you didn’t encourage him.”’ 4 jo His hide’s touch enough, sir. You didn’t hurt a Sache ming Idid not wish to inflict any brutal- _ zing punishment. All I wanted was to assert my mthority.; that done I am satisfied.” /» “Walk back with me, sir, will you; I want to have a alle with you,’’ said Harvey. “ Certainly, my boy.” Side by side they retraced their steps towards Tom- _ pano, « “You see, sir,’? began Harvey, “I’m what the sail- ers call flummoxed.” ‘And what may that be ?”” _ “Knocked out of time, upset, worried, bothered. I ~ didn’t sleep a wink last night.” \ “ Why is that?’ demanded Mr, Mole. ; “Because [am so anxious on Jack's account. If I _ was with him, and could share his danger, Ishouldn’t care half so much.” t \ ; “E too am deeply grieved at Harkaway’s disappear- ance, but I make bold to hope that no harm has be- . fallen him,’’ replied Mr. Mole, gravely. “ Ho’s in Hunston’s power.” _ “Well, so much the better !’? “So much the worse you mean, sir. He’d have ten times more chance, if he had todeal with natives only,” _ answered Harvey. © _“Tknow Hunston to be bad and vindictive. He has little or mo feeling. Mole, the proprietor of a tea-garden in China.’’ * And also proprietor of two wives in Limbi.” If you love me, don’t joke on that subject, it is a sore one,’’ said Mr. Mole with agroan. - “Very well, sir; I woa’t,’’ replied Harvey. “Some- ting ought to be done to help Jack at once.’’ ‘ ~ Are we not going in force to rescue him ?” “We are; but by the time we get to Pisang we may uy find his dead body.” — “Nonsense, Harvey ; I eannot believe that Hunston ould be such an abandoned wretch as to murder an aha eh aid CY eer | _ _ * Wouldn’ ow the beast better than you Lap ila asl : fee tne why I em ftinking” “Tbo Tuan Biaa @ ready to (fold this time.” ; Y to sailin two days “Not now.” ‘ 2 f be et sakod Mr. Mole. — “ Because there is & lot of drink on boaed' the wreck, \ oe the Limbians are not above temptation. They'll 2 on the apres until it’ eo Loki EES: you think on ertia : ‘ Day fee m2 i k re b bert [itt +. Fm rar HARKAWAY AMONG THE SAVAGES, “Tm sure ofit. Savages are awful beggars to lush; ; “Perhaps you are right,’ replied Mr. Mole, moodily. “They respect us, and they like us,’’ continued Har- vey ; ‘the prompt way in which they put Nuratella us ; but, after all, Jack is not one of them, and it does not matter to them whether he lives or dies.” “Your reasoning is cogent, very cogent. What then do you propose to do ?”’ “This. Iam determined to strike a blow for Jack at once, even if I lose my own life in the attempt.” “Tecommend your pluck, Harvey. Shall I accom- pany you? Harkaway is adear fellow, and I will cast in my lot with you, even to the death, as you say,” exclaimed Mr. Mole, animated with sudden and un- usual valor, : “No; that won’t do!” replied Harvey. “You won’t have me??? said Mr. Mole, secretly rejoiced ; ‘and why not? Am I not worthy to fight in a good cause ?” “JT want you to stay here, sir!’ answered Harvey. “You shall do your share of fighting when tho time comes, but the Limbians want some one to keep them bang up to the mark.” “Ah! I perceive.” “They have been badly beaten once or twice lately by the Pisangs, and they don’t like attacking them without a white leader.’ “Quite so.” “Tt may be a month,’’ Harvey continued, ‘ before they would inyade Pisang of their own accord.” “Very possible.” : «You are accounted a great chief,” Harvey went on, “and have influence amongst them. They respect you, sir.” “And dol not deserve it, Harvey? Have J not al- ways borne myself bravely when there _was any fight- ing to be done ?” asked Mr. Mole. ; “ Certainly, sir, You’rea second Agamemnon, You can do it when you like ; and I want you to stop here and organize the forces.’ Seo how he kicked me, Isaac “That is just within the scope of my administrative ability. You could not have given me a more congen- ial task.” “See that they take proper supplies, keep their pow- der dry, and that every five-and-twenty men have their proper officers.”” “And you ?” “Tshall leaye Limbi, with Monday, in a couple of hours.” ** How ??” “In our boat,’”’ replied Harvey. ‘I can’t stop here. Pisang is only afew hours’ sail, and I may be of some use to dear old Jack,’’ Y “The odds are against you.” “Have they not always been against the man who has atvempted a daring enterprise, sir?’’ asked Hanyey. “That is true. History abounds with instances of succeseful daring.” “Pat me on the back, sir, and tell me to goin and win,” said Harvey. “Of course | will. But here we are at your house, Let us have a glass—a parting glass, to drink success to your expedition !”’ exclaimed Mr. Mole. “You are welcome te what you like, sir. As for me, I shall not touch a drop. I never drink when I haye anything to do, and keep my head cool. A glass or two when you’re ashore and on the spree is another thing,’ answered Harvey. “(As you please, my boy. My blood is colder than yours, and wants warming. I'll drink your share and mine too,”’ said Mr. Mole. Harvey placed a bottle before him, and said: “Polish it off, sir; there’s more where that come from. It’s a pure spirit.” “ ‘So it is, Harvey, and there isn’t a headache in a gal- lon of pure spirit,” replied Mr, Mole, who soon made himself at tiome. Harvey went away to look for Monday, and apprise him of the determination he had come 6. ; He knew that the faifnful fellow would follow him to the end of the world if he asked him, and he was also sure that he could not propose any expedition ‘to pad which he would like so well as one to rescue ack, s Monday loved Jack with all his heart. It would have comforted Jack in his captivity, if he had known how wildly the two hearta were beating on his account, ; CHAPTER XXIX. AT HUNSTON’S MEROY, For some time after he was knocked down, Jack did not recover his senses, and when he did, an acute pain at the back of the head informed him that he had re- ceived a severe blow. Gradually the fresh sea air revived him, and the diz ziness consequent to his hurt passed away. } The répple of the waves against the sides of the boat, and the swarthy faces of the Pisangs, visible by the pale moonlight, sufficed to tell him that he was being carried into captivity. Ai He was furious at the thought of it. _ Up to the present time he had been singiMlarly suc- cessfulin defeating Hunston’s designs. To be in his power andeat his mercy was a reflection akin to madness. However, Jack liked danger. At school he always said that the fun of } scrape was getting out of it. . _ ‘** As long as they don’t knock me on the head 2Y, I don’t care,” he said to himself, i gin a tire- Thinking that when the landing was effected, he would be taken tosome prison, he determined to glya them as much trouble as possibie. It he pretended to be worse than he really wae and did not appear able to walk, they would have to carry him. It was as he expected. When they reached the coast of Pisang, he wae lifted out of the boat, and placed upon a couple of planks tied together with reeds, and carried by four meh. The town called Palembang was reached before day- break, and Jack found himself deposited in a square- built bamboo house, thatched with palm leaves, Tt was strongly built, and no doubt guarded outsided As soon as he was left to himself, Jack took the bear- ings of his prison. He tied his bandana handkerchief round his head to keep the air and the flies from his wound. “T don’t feel much the worse,” he said, ** Wonder what they’re going to do with me.” He could see through the chinks in the wall that day- light had appeared. “We used to sing,” he remarked, ‘*‘I shan’t go homa till morning.’ lt doesn’t look like going home at all, Suppose we have a look round.” Getting into a corner, he climbed up the bamboog till he reached the roof of his prison, which was made of sticks, covered with palm leaves, It did not take him more than five minutes to push a hole in through these big enongh to get his body through. F F Then he climbed on to the roof, and, sitting down, took a survey of the city. There were few people about, though numbers of. houses stretched away in all directions. ‘ At the door of the bouse,if the one-story bamboo hut was worthy of the designation, paced two sentries, armed with spears, and bows and arrows. “it’s no good trying to escape,” thought Jack. “Not just yet at least. I should be seen, and there would be ahueandecry. Don’t see why I[shouldn’t have a game though with one of those niggers,” Some pieces of rock were laid over a weak part of the thatch, to prevent the wind blowing it away. Taking up a little bit, he threw it on the head of a drowsy-looking Pisang. “Morning, old fellow. It’s nice and airy up here,’ he exclaimed. The soldier rubbed his eyes with astonishment when he saw Jack. “You're a prisoner, and it’s against the rules,’’ “Ts it? Blow me, I shouldn’t have thought it, What time do you breakfast in these parts ?’”” ‘ “You will have something when the other guard comes; but godown. You’ve no business up there.’ said the soldier, who wondered at Jack’s speaking his language so well. if «Come and fetch me!” “Tl call the white Tuan Biza,” threatened the guard. “Call him a thundering scoundrel, and you won’t be far out,”’ answered Jack. Giving some orders in alow tone to his fellow-sol- dier, the Pisang went to a house a little distance, and presently returned with Hunston, cay The latter looked very sleepy and very cross; his face, | however, was not now disfigured by a single tatoo mark. The stain was not lasting, It had faded away. “Come down off there!’’ exclaimed Hunston, say- . agely. \ «« Shan’t!’”’ Jack replied, coolly. y “Won't you, by George? ThenI shall have to make you.” } “Try it on, old son; you're welcome.” / “Give me that spear,"’ exclaimed Hunston to the sol- dier, : : He took it, and cast it at Jack, who bobbed on one{ side, and very cleverly caught it in his hand as it was whizzing by over the thatch. / ; «That’s one to me,”’ he exclaimed. ‘Now, look here, _ if you try to knock me off my perch, TH give you one for yourself, Mister Hunston.? } The latter looked amazed at this cool effrontry. “Don’t you know you're a prisoner ?’? he replied. ‘“ What of that? Itmay be your turnsoon. By the by I'm glad to see that ugly mug of yours has improved a little since we last had the pleasure of meeting.” Hunston stifled a curse. { RS - “ Youshall have an ornamental phiz befereI’m done with you, and one you'll never get rid of,”? he said. “ How's that ?” asked Jack, unconcernedly. f “Because you'll carry it down to the grave with you, in a brace of shakes.” ay “Thank you; much obliged, I’m sure,’’ replied Jack. “ How’s your mother?” GOES . “Come down off there,” thundered Hunston. ; “Not if know ft. Ishall stay here until broakfast’s ready, and then I'll descend. Pray give me something nice; I'm rather hungry.” d ‘ Hunston foamed at the mouth with rage. ft “Fine city, this!’ cried Jack, surveying the ble with a critical air. ““Butnota patch toTompano. Pity we shall have to burn it about your ears.” aeret “We?” repeated Hunston. “I don’t think you'll have much to do with it.” r t tras “Don’t you? Well, it’s only a difference of opinion, and yours isn’t worth much. I say, how’s the Tuam Biza?” } ee “ He’s right enough. Come down!” — % r “Not by any manner of means. Can’t afford it. Can’t be done at the price; how’s Keyali ?”’ - Ay “You know deuced well he’s wiped out. We found — his body-stuck ba and through with knives." “His own fault. He was a plucky fellow, but, like you, a little too headstrong,” said Jack. ried » © Will you come nv ?” ghouted Hunston, who was 7, 1 Y beside himself with rage” ey 4 . ¢
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t HARKAWAY AMONG THE SAVAGES. “Not much; unless you behave like a gentleman, and take my parole.” r * What's that ?’’ « There,’’ said Jack, in. a tone of mock compassion,” you see the necessity for learning when one’s young. I always thought your education was neglected. You should haye made better use of your time. Didicisse artes I forget the rest, but I will risk Mole for your edification ; I'll make a note of it.” He took out his pocket-book and coolly wrote, read- img as he put it down: “Mem. Ask Mole as to quotation—something—artes —to coach up Hunston, ‘* However,” he continued, putting away his book, *T’ll explain parole. It means that I will give you my word of honor, not tohook it if you will let me walk about the city.” “ You haven't got such a thing as honor.” **Don’t judge others by yourself, old boy. Never mind; it don’t much matter, I’m very jolly where I am. Best part of the day, morning. Nice cool air— breeze—not much sun.” Jack played with the captured spear. * Fool!” hissed Hunston through his teeth. Don’t you know you're at my mercy ?” “No, I wasn’t aware of the fact,” replied Jack, inno- cently. Hunston gave the guard some additional orders, and stalked away to his house, unable to contain himself amy longer. CHAPTER XXX.j} TRUE TO HIS COLORS. Having succeeded in annoying Hunston, which was all he wanted to do, Jack crept through the hole and sat down on the floor of the prison. Presently the guard was changed, and something to eat and drink was brought him. « Only a loaf of bread and some water,” he muttered. “Well, that’s better than nothing; and thereis one comfort in it—they don’t mean to eat me, or they’d fatten me up a bit first.’ A tew hours glided by, and he began to feel very mis- erable. | Suddenly the door opened, and Emily came in. '“This is a gleam of sunshine,’”” he exclaimed. “ Emily, you are as welcome as the flowers of May.” . “Oh, Jack,’ she replied, tearfully, “can you ever forgive me for getting you into this trouble?” “Tt was my fault. I ought to have been more wide awake. Why, I haven't thought aboutit since last ©s might,” ‘y | “But they will kill you !” she answered. “Will they? When?” __ “To-morrow morning. _ thas been held,’ “How are they going to do it?” asked Jack, feeling y eurious as to the mode to be adopted in putting him { out of the world. ¢! “You are to be hanged at daybreak. I can hardly _ find courage to utter the dreadful words,” said Emily, with a shudder. : Jack put his head on one side and let his tongue hang out ot his mouth, as a pantomimic way of describing \ the tragedy. ( *“Oh, don't joke, Jack dear,” she replied. “Itis too horrible; and to think that it is all my fault.” ' , “All through my love for you, eh, Emmy. Never _ mind, darling; they won’t find mo show the white feather,” Jack exclaimed, firmly. “T don’t think there is much chance,” she said. ; “Ts there any 2” he inquired, regarding her earnestly, y “ Ye—es.”’ “What is it?” , f “ Hunston says he will spare you, if I—I will marry him,” replied the girl, blushing. “Hang his impudenee, Emma,’’ answered Jack, in- dignantly. “ You marry a sweep like him. Don’t you t Itis all settled. A council _ ‘doit. I won't accept my life on those terms. I thought you cared for me.” ’ a 3. 7 Bo Ido, dear Jack, Ilove you, very, very much in- eed.” She threw herself on his breast and wept bitterly. _, ‘Thave no one to think of but you now, since father died,’ she went an. _ “Ts Mr. Seratchley dead ?” vy _ “Yes; he died yesterday, while I was taken to Limbi; all through Hunston’s violence. He struck Kim, and he never got over it.” “Did he? That’s another chalk to Hunston,” said Jack, savagely. . 2 _ “I didn’t expect to meet you in these islands, and _ when I beard you were also wrecked, I thought what a ' Pleasant meeting we should have, but how bitterly I _ have been deceived.” “I knew you were here, Emma,” said Jack. _ ‘*How did you find it out ?” she asked, checking her os 4 ‘tears, und looking up. He told her about the message from the sea. “How wondertul things happen,”’ she exclaimed. Poor papa got very needy after you left us, and he pmesolvad to emigrate, Fancy our meeting here so i mer miles aver from home!” | way sont ne over to Limbi principally to' rescue you,” continued Jack, “for I heard that a white girl was | Saved from the wreck and a prisoner among the Pi- fangs. After read: 2 ed it-was you,” ing the message, you know, I guess ty i iar thank you? But look per mee sad Te ened ; a sharp Malay knife, f#om the Tuan Biaa’s owen? Sogo ae Thank you. res Shey We ea What shall I do with it—cut my throat. and disappoint the Pisangs ?”’ he said, concealing the weapon in his waistcoat. She smiled sadly, for she knew he was not in earnest. “You are still the same old Jack,” she replied, ‘ fear- less in the midst of Qanger, and ready at all times to laugh at death.” “Why shouldn’t I? Being miserable won’t mend matters! Shall Iset down and cry?’ But tell me how did you get leave to come and visit me ?”’ “T begged permission from Hunston, and he wouldn’t give it me until—until ’—— "© Well?” “Tlet him havea kiss. I didn’t mean to, Jack. It was only a little one after all; don’t be jealous!’’ she said, bashfully. Jack set his teeth together. “That’s another chalk to Hunston. Tl have it out of him,” he exclaimed. “It felt like the touch of a snake, Jack dear,” she went on. “So ITshould think. The brute, to think that he had a kiss, when I haven't dared to ask for one. May I though, Emmy, may I?”’ “You know you may, Jack—a dozen if you like.” And Jack did like. He construed this into permission to help himself, and he covered her pretty face with kisses. “There, Jack,” she said, pushing him away; “ that will do. Don’t be stupid.’ “That's a nice thing to say to a fellow who's got to dance upon nothing to-morrow morning,” he rejoined. ‘Oh! there’s another thing, Jack,” exclaimed Emily; “T forgot to tell you. Hunston is coming here to ex- amine you presently.” “Tshe? What about?” “ The plan of the Limbian attack, which they expect soon. The number of men and firearms: and if you tell them, they will promise you your life, though they don’t mean to keep their word any the more for that.” “T shouldn't ae tiees they would. They’re all thieves and liars, Ishan’t split on my party, so they yan ae have got a word out of me, even if you hadn’t told me.’”* “Spoken like yourself, Jack. Bo true to your color. Ishouldn’t like you if you weren’t,’”’ replied Emily. “T’ve got one comfort,” eemtinued Jack, “and that is you will be safe.” “How?” “We're sure to lick them—at least Harvey is. He will fight like a. Turk forme, and you will be rescued.’? “Harvey, who was with you at Crawcour’s? Is he at Limbi ?’’ “Rather. Alive and kicking too, and as gooda friend and as fine a fellow as ever lived,” replied Jack. “But without you—oh! Jack—without you, how could I—how can I liye?” sobbed Emily, her fears overcoming her again. “Don’t worry, Emmy dear!’”’ he replied, kissing away her tears. “The beggars haven’t done it yet; they’ve got to do the trick.’ “Can you sig he ge i “T think so. ereis plenty of time between this and to-morrow morning,” _ “To do what?’ “To cut my stick. IfI’m not mistaken, they'll find the cage door open and the bird gone,” he said. “Have you got any plan?” she asked, “Not yet. I’ve got to think it over: ideas generally come when I want them. I’m not going to stop here, to be strung up like a dog, that’s flat.” “You put new life into me, Jack,” replied Emily; joyfully. ‘Oh, if you only could escape !” “Wouldn’t it be a lark ?? Jack went on. “Hunston would have a fit,and he wouldn’t be able to sleep, night or day, for thinking of the reckoning he’d have to pay me.” A head was put in at the’door. *Time’s up,’’ cried the voice of Hunston. “Good-bye, Emily,” exclaimed Jack, pressing her hand, and giving her a wink which was intended to reassure her, and make her believe that he was quite prepared for anything that might happen. She returned his farewell, and stepped, with as much bravery as she could summon to her aid, into the open alr, The door closed again. But Jack was not alone, Hunston stood leaning agaimst a post, with his arms ae a regarding Jaek with an air of gratified malignity. —s CHAPTER XXXI. KEPT IN SUSPENSE, “'T SUPPOSE you've come to crow over me,” exclaimed Jack, annoyed at his visitor's sullen silence, Go on; T can stand it.” “It won't be for long,” replied Hunston. “ We are going to sg tees old aii ose Scr oily. ; “If you'd any generosit: 4 eg answered Tae generos “ you'd forget and forgive, os It is not my nature to do either the one or the other. You've made me suffer, and you shall die to-morrow morning. I’d hang you to-day, in sight of all the peo- ple, only I want you to think over what I’m going to tell you.” “*What’s that?” { “You love Emily. Don't deny it. I remember at ceaetine, she was your playfellow, and you grew up “JT don’t mean to deny it,” replied Jack, \ “It wouldn’t help you if you did, for I shouldn’t be- lieve you. Well, chance has thrown you both into my power. You 1 die, and wh re ay een mye a when you're dead, I will Jack made no reply. ‘*Do you hear me. “Think of that 1” j { My wife’ continued. Hunston. The shaft went home, In the imperfect light which reigned in the bamboo house, Hunston could see his former companion writhe and bite his lips till he quivered with the pain. “She shall see your body blackening in the sun, and the birds of prey picking your fiesh from the bones.’’ “You’re a cowardly bully, to come and exult over me like this,” replied Jack, forgetting his assumed in- difference.” a: “Tt's a part of my revenge. Iknewit would come some day. I’ve worked and waited for it.” “Twas a fool,’ said Jack,*“ not to have shot you when I bed a chance.” i “Perhaps you were. However, you’ve lost the op portunity, and you've not likely to have another,” re- plied Hunston. , “You might think of one thing,’ replied Jack, “and that is, [saved you from the Pisangs when you were bound %#o the stake.’ Hunston smiled sardonically. : “You wouldn’t have done it if you could have fore- seen this day,’ he said. fi “Yes, I would,” answered Jack. “I would, upom my word. Icould not see a former friend in distress, and nothelp him. But it’sno use talking toyou. One might as well speak to a stone for mercy.” Re “‘T don’t know the word. Still Imight be indwwed to spare your life,” remarked Hunston, carelessly. “On what terms?” “Tell me the plan of the Limbian attack, for our spies have informed us you mean to invade Pisang im force.” “You got that from Nuratella.” “Never mind where the intelligence camefrom. We can rely upon it.” Jack thought of what Emily had told him. “Nothing would induce me to betray my frienda and allies,” he exclaimed, : “Nothing? Think a moment. Life is sweet.” “Not on such terms,’ answered Jack, resisting the voice of the tempter. “Die, then! Die like a dog,as you deserve!’ said Hunston, in a rage: ‘‘ and think over all I have said to you,” “ Get out!” cried Jack, “ or, prisoner as Iam Ill punch your head,” Hunston stepped back. , “Touch me!” he exclaimed. “If you dare lay so much as feb little finger on me, I will have you si your flesh torn off with jagged stones made -hot.”” “* Coward |” was all Jack ventured to reply. “Igo,” eontinued Hunston, “but you will see me at your side to-morrow morning when you @re execu ted, and I hope that my presence will add one more drop to your cup of misery.” j “Thank you,” replied Jack ; “I am not afraid to die, and the prospect isn't half so bad as being obliged te be shut up here with such a beast as you.” Saying ‘‘to-morrow!” Hunston left him alone, and Jack brightened up a bit. “Ican, breathe now that serpent is gone,” Jack said to himself. to me.” than “What a relief—he’s worse a snake The day passed, and they brought him neither pre- visions nor water. His fate being decided upon they did not seem te take any further notice of him, knowimg that he was well guarded. “Til take a squint sound, and see what’s going on,” thought Jack. . ? He climbed up the wall, as he had dene before, and got on the roof. In,an open space before Hunston’s house some men were busily at work with poles, They were making a huge gallows. j “That's for me,” said Jack. And then he thought what a triumph it would be # he could only get away, join his friends, capture bang, and hang Hunston on his own gallows, Presently he saw the Tuan Biza going by, _ “ Hil” he cried, “Tuan Biza, hi!” The chief looked up in astonishment. - “ It’s all right,” cried Jack. ‘ Hunston said I take the air; but I’m very thirsty. Chuck us apa cocoanut or sémething.”” ; Appareutly satisfied that, Hunston having given him permission to get on the roof, there was nothing . the Tuan Biza gave orders that he should be supplied, with what he wanted. . “They will bring you something presently,” he said. ° “And some grub. What do you callit in your lingo? ‘Prindu;’ that’sit. Send me asmall parrot, or a bit of pork, cold, Isee you’ ve got some likely pigs running, aboutloose,”’ continued Jack. ~ The Tuan Biza nodded, and passed on. When Jack saw some Pisangs coming with refresh-: ments, he descended again, and began to attack the viands with a good appetite. meet “ That’s something like” he mw “JT wanted site it will set me up for the work I’ve got to. de te- night.,”’ : His face assumed a determined expression. Throwing himself on the ground in a corner, he closed his eyes. But he did not sleep. | / His brain was at work, and he thinking how could outwit his enemies. - peas! 7 aes The gallows he had seen had anu look; thought of it quickened his peroapeatens des ead THE VOYAGE OF DISCOVERY. Harvey had not long to wait for hi ‘ followers, 7 ide etic A ’ t Ba !
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Po e- P e AD pare , HARKAWAY AMONG THE SAVAGES. i He came foiling along with about a dozen ether Limbians, heavily laden with the spoil of the wreck. They brought the packages and cases into the house, and laid them down. ' “Bexcellent,” said Mr. Mole, rubbing his hands. ‘‘You are a capital caterer, Harvey. _ fruly my heart rejoices within me at the sight of all these good things.” “Help yourself, sir! - You can unpack them when we are gone,” replied Harvey. ‘©J will not fail to do so.” « There is one thing I should like you to do, “You have but to name it, my young friend.” “‘There are several bodies of Englishmen, some washed ashore and others on the wreck.” ‘*'Yes.\” “Have them brought on shore, and see them decently buried, will you?” *‘ Certainly, Harvey; a most proper request. I will see the last obsequies paid to my unfortu- mate countrymen. ‘Their bodies shall be brought up to-night and interred to-morrow,” replied Mr. Mole. “Now, Monday, look alive!” continued Har- vey. ‘* What um Monday do now, sare?” asked the black. ** First of all, take off those toge.” “Take off um beautiful dress? No, sare; mot if him die for it!” replied Monday in alarm. ‘But you must! You can keep them for Sunday ; that hat will make a splendid Sunday- going beaver. You and I start soon.” *< Start for where, Mast’ Harvey ?” **To go after Jack. Heis in the hands of the Pisangs, and we must see what we can do for him. If you wear those things, you won’t have freedom of action on the war path!” ‘© Go after Mast’ Jack?” cried Monday, de- lightedly. ‘‘That’s ’nother thing, sare; Mon- day undress, and get um ready.” ‘*T knew you would. I’d have sworn you’d go like a bird, after Jack?” ; #* Like one, two, three, bird, sare. where and do anything for you and Master Jack?’’ said the savage, who, under his dusky skin, had as good a heart as ever beat beneath a white one. : -“@et the boat ready at once; put in any dried stuff you can lay your claws on, and bread, with some fresh’ water, enough, say, to last us a fortnight.” ** All right, sare,” replied Monday, running Mr. Mole was overhauling what he called the ae salva ge. ” : “‘ Glorious salvage, Harvey,” he said, open- ing 2 case of Hollands. ‘‘The Dutchmen know what is good; this is veritable schnaps. I feel I want taking up a peg or two. We must sample this, Harvey.” oat away, sir. It’s all yourown,” replied ‘‘Very good; I will proceded to do s0. Splendid fellows, those Dutchmen! They man- age to put a true taste of smoke into their whisky, which is what. I like. I will drink to ee ane of Holland.” Mr. Mole did so, and found theliquorso good that he repeated the experiment. ° Harvey busied himself in making up a few packages, and was favored with Mr. Mole’s critical approval. “Be careful,” he said, ‘‘to take plenty of powder and shot. The only argument these ‘savages understand, is, as we used to say at ‘school, the argumentum ad hominem. An ounce of lead is a powerful pursuader !” __“T know all that,” replied Harvey. ‘Don’t bustle me, sir.” 7] “ Reject my advice, if you like. I know I am right, and I have your welfare at heart.” “‘Coach up those Limbians then, sir, and eeme over to Pisang as soon as you can; we}, tall have hot work, and Jack will want friends. _ ‘Which he shall find.” vie “Tam going to tell the chiefs of my depart- Anis Go any-. ure, sir, and shall be off in attwinkling. Good bye!” said Harvey. “* Good-bye, and God bless you, my brave boy ! I will take care of your belongings here,” replied Mr. Mole. They shook hands, and Harvey hurried off. He had determined to try and save Jack at all hazards. The Limbians were sorry to lose his leader- ship, but they promised to obey Mr. Mole, whom they regarded as a great chief. And they also undertook to start on the ex- pedition as soon as possible. They had made great progress in their drill, and proved themselves expert shots. Joining Monday, Harvey hurried down to the house to get his packages. “Twill see you off!” cried Mr. Mole. ‘‘I do not mind walking with you now Monday has taken off his grotesque dress, but if he were disguised as he was a short time back, I should have thought I was walkingin the Zoo with the chimpanzee or the ourang-outang’s brother.” Harvey began to. hum. ‘‘The O. K. thing at Limbi is walking in the Zoo!” “Ah!” said Mr. Mole, witha sigh. ‘‘ What a thing youth is. Ivwish I had your spirits, Harvey.’ The latter pointed to an empty bottle, and replied: ‘«T think you have had your share, sir.” “‘T mean animal spirits, Harvey. You have mistaken my remark.” ' Mr. Mole rose as he spoke, and staggered a little to one side. ‘« Dear me,” he said ‘‘ this is odd; I appear to have lost my center of gravity!” ““Groggy on your pins, eh, sir!” replied Harvey, laughing. “Rather so, my juvenile. bws still intelligent friend. There is an inclination in my right leg to go sideways. ‘This is more than odd—this ‘| is passing strange.” ** Mind the wall, sir,” exclaimed Harvey, as the late senior master of Pomona House came into violent collision with the bamboos. ‘‘Your warning came too late, Harvey; I have collided, that is to s@y struck, and the ef- fect is painful,” : ‘Which was the hardest, sir; your cocoa- nut or the wall ?” “‘ Much of amuchness, Harvey,” replied Mr. Mole, sitting down onthe floor. ‘Ido not think I will go with you, yet Ihope you will manage to effect a start without my valuable assistance. I have over-fatigued myself to-day, and exhausted nature must have rest, Fare- thee-well !” ‘His head fell back, and he was soon snoring ‘thirteen to the dozen,” as Harvey said. Harvey and Monday, laden with packages, now made their way to the coast. Tt was growing late, and darkness would soon fall. They got into the boat, and, hoisting the sail, began to leave Limbi behind them. “Do you think you can manage to steer all serene at night ?” asked Harvey. “Monday know him way, sare,” replied the black. “Allright. I leave it to you; but don’trun us into any er.” F Night fell, and Monday, looking at the stars, kept the boat’s head well before the wind. They were both armed with revolvers and knives, while rifles lay at the bottom of the boat, ready for use at a moment’s notice. It was clear that if they encountered twenty Pisangs they would not be taken at & disadvan- tage. Their firearms would give them asuperiority, provided they were not struck by spears or ar- rows. In the use of the latter weapons all the na- | toria tives of those islands were very expert. The night ed quickly, as it does in those sudltudes, anid Harvey snatched a few hours’ sleep. % Ho dreamt that he saw Jack hanging on a / high gibbet, with his enemies singing war-congs around him, Waking in a fright, he found himself bathed in a cold sweat. On the verge of the horizon was a dark speck. “That's land, Monday !” There was no answer. Monday, worn out, had fallen asleep, and the boat had drifted at the merey of the wind and waves. | It was lucky that the breeze was not a stron one, or they would have capsized. They were traveling at a rapid pace towards the land, and it was evident they had been caught in a current, which set in strongly te the shore. Shaking the black, Harvey succeeded in rousing him. ‘*Where the dickens are we?” said Harvey. ‘‘Monday goto bed. Thatbad, Mast? Har vey him kick Monday, who much ’shamed,” said the black, looking crest-fallen. “Never mind; I suppose you couldn’t hekp it. I shan’t bully you, though you deserve a blowing-up. Do you know what island that is ahead of us ?” Monday shook his head. He was out of his reckoning. “This delay is vexatious,” continued Har. vey. ‘‘Every moment is precious, Jack’s lif may hang by a thread, as they say. Why th deuce couldn’t you keep your swivel eye open?* ‘‘Monday big stupid donkey; he worse thay um child.” “IT suppose we’d better runin and see. it isn’t Pisang, we must start again.” “Look!” cried Monday, as they neared a dangerous reef of coral. “At what?” \ ‘ “That post, sare. That one flagstaff. This ourisland ; what we call Ship Island, you know. that where you save Monday from him enemies.” Harvey looked again, shading his face witk his hand. “You're right,” he replied. ‘‘ That’s Mr, Mole’s signal station. Itisourisland. Shall we land.” “Tf got time, sare.” ‘Tt: won't make above an hour or two’s dif- ference, and we can take our bearings.” ‘See um old castle, Mast’? Harvey; that much jolly !” cried Monday, in delight. ‘«Ves, I should like to have a look at the old place.” 3 F “‘Monday him like it too. We very happy in um old castle, Mast’ Harvey.” ‘« We hadn’t much to grumble at, if Hunston and his savages had Jet us alone. Dq youthink you could start afresh, now you kkow where you are ?” ‘Start’ from here, sare? Easy.” “And make Pisang.” ‘‘Pisang over. there; away ;” replied Monday, pointing to the north- west, after taking his bearings. ‘* All right, steer steadily. Run her through the reef, and we will have a squint round,” ex- claimed Harvey. They had christened the boat ‘*The Jack Harkaway,” and riding the waters like a thi of life, she bounded joyously along, as if torevisit the old spot that gave her birth, j CHAPTER XXXIIL REVISITING THE CASTLE, There was little difficulty in passing the reef during daylight, and it was with mingled emo- tions that Harvey stepped on that shore where. he and Jack had landed, the latter taking session of the'island in the name of Queen 5) ; Walking first to the signal station, he saw that the wind had torn the flag to rags, fluttered feebly if not sadly in the breeze, ~He then proceeded to the castle. | Nothing was to be seen but its “a { many, muck miles which.
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- ! ing in self-defense. remains, for the fire kindled by the Pisangs had done its work eifectually. Some of the trees were throwing out tender shoots again, but the trunks were bare and black. Everything of utility or value had been car- tied off. ‘ It was a scene of wreck and desolation. The birds have pmyed havoc with the corn, | and other creatures had routed among the po-| tatoes, until the farm was like a wilderness choked up with weeds. The skeletons of the Pisangs who were kill- ed by the explosion lay on the ground, whiten- ing in the sun. ‘‘Who would think,” said Harvey, ‘‘that this was once a flourishing little settlement ?” “‘ Him look wild enough now, sare,” return- ed Monday. Harvey strolled on a little further. Before him was Maple’s graye. He remembered how tenderly they had laid the poor misguided boy in his last resting-place, and a tear fell from his eye. The little mound was overrun with rank . grass and weeds. They had planted flowers upon it, which were choked by the luxuriant growth of the tropics. , The rough wooden cross, which Jack had in the piety of his heart erected, had fallen on one side. Stooping down, Harvey took out his. knife and cut away the grass and weeds, tr'mming it round neatly. Thon he replaced the cross, and firmly se- cured it. “Tf ever I see his mother,” he thought, ‘‘she willask me about her boy.” : He did all he could to respect his memory, though that was little enough. ' He was engaged in a perilous and desperate enterprise, and he did not know how soon he might be in a similar position. " Stricken down in his youth, and laidlow in the eeld unsympathizing ground, with no kind | hands to deck his grave andshed a tear to his) memory. ; Itis in times of danger, and in tho hour of solitude, that the thought of death affects us most. Who shall say that death does not lose half its terrors when we know that weeping friends are around us, and that sincere murners will bear our body reverently to the grave? Sinking on his knees, Harvey prayed shortly but fervently. : He prayed that the poor dead boy’s sins might not be remembered against him, He supplicated that he might be forgiven for his bad faith, and his desire to injure those who had endeavored to be kind to him, ; When he rose to his feet and returned to the ruins of the castle his face was wet with tears he could not suppress. : i ; * Monday had been watching him and said: “Why you cry, Mast’ Harvey ?” Harvey made no rsply. “Why you let fall tear, sare? Why you . neel down there, and put your face in your hands?” continued Monday. us “You don’t understind our religion, Mon- day,” replied Harvey. ‘‘ That's a grave. !” **Sonie one dead lie there, sare!’ “Yes, a friend of mine; not much younger \than Iam.” . 2 \ ‘How did he come to die, sare ? “Perhaps I killed him. I know not. It was either Jack or myself, but we were fight- It isa sad story, Mon- day,” said Haryey. ‘* We won't dwell upon it. : ‘Let us get back to the boat, and goon with _ the work we have in hand.” ‘ Monday held his head down, as if he wished to sympathize with his master’s grief, and they __ slowly retraced their steps to the seaside, , Suddenly Piss. heard a sound like the growl : 1 y ing of a mastiff. ‘ Though Harvey had been some months in the Archipelago, he did not understand noises made by animals half so well as Monday, who taad been bred and born amongst them. HARKAWAY AMONG THE SAVAGES. He was about to advance, when Monday laid his hand upon his arm. ‘“‘ What the blazes is the row now?” asked’ Harvey, annoyed at the interruption. Monday pointed to a clump of trees on one side of them. “ Tiger!” he answered, with an evidence of terror he could not conceal. “Oh, Jerusalem!” replied Harvey. ‘I fancy I could wop my weight in wild cats, but tigers are pussies of another color.” They both started back. The growling increased in intensity. Placing his mouth near the ground, the monster’s noise reyerberated around until the ' dreadful roar could be heard for miles. When the king of the forest isin a passion, every living thing is stricken with terror, even the birds ceased singing. No sound broke the stillness of the air. Presently the beast emerged from her cover, and Monday declared she could smell human flesh. “She was a magnificent tigress, about four years old, and Harvey conld not help admir- ing her beautifully-marked skin, as she walked up and down under a tree, lashing her striped sides with her long tail, which she sometmies threw right over her back. , ‘ I have seenthem do that in the Zoo,” said Harvey, in a whisper, as if speakigg to him- self. ‘‘That’s just how they go on. before feeding time, She's getting excfted. Softly, my pretty dear ; I am coming.” All at once she stooped the fore part of her body, put her ears back, and opened her huge cavernous mouth, d “Stand close, Monday,” said Harvey. He levelled his yifle, for he thought she was going to spring. : Monday trembled too much to allow his fire to be of any use. : With his quick eye Harvey saw this, and continued ; ‘Don’t shoot. Hold your gun ready for me, if I don’t stop her.” Monday could only nod his head, vey heard his teeth chatter. He had no time to say more. Away she flew, making a splendid bound of many feet, eyes flashing, jaws open, paws out- stretched. Harvey took steady aim, and let her have his one barrel fullin the chest. Monday now recovered his presence’ of mind, and violently pulled his young master on one side. Tt was lucky he did so, for the shot did not stop her. Had he remained where he was, she would have alighted straight upon him, so well had she calculated the distance, and her own power of springing. ; : Seizing Monday’s gun, which, unlike the rifle, had two barrels, and was a breech- loader, Harvey fired twice quickly, not daring to take ap Soap aim, and make a ‘ pot-shot” of it from the shoulder. : ; He had dropped his own piece, and the in- furiated creature fell upon it witha plunge, growling over it like a cat with a mouse. She laid hold of it with her massive teeth, and twisting it as if it had been a straw, broke it in half. ' Then she jumped up, staggered a few feet toward Harvey, and fell down dead. He waited for a minute or s0, to seeif she was really done for, and feeling satisfied, that she was pa% further mischief, walked up to her, and fired arevolyer intoherhead. ~~ ‘That will make sure,” he said. Monday also came up and began to make faces at the dead tiger, just as if she could understand him. Leith ; He danced before her, spit at her, kicked her in the side, and palies her ears in childish spite. : ‘What's the caper now?” asked Harvey. “That beast is dead.” ane ' “Tigers, sare, kill many Limbi peo plied Monday, ‘‘that’s, why me Now I tell her what I thimk of her.” , oy and Har- le,” ees righten. i } ( And he began to abuse herand all her fam- ily, especially her father and her mother and _ her children and her cubs if she had any. “You're a neat thing in niggers, to go on like that,” exclaimed Harvey, laughing. ““We believe,” replied Monday, “that the tiger spirit listen to us. Ah!” he continued, “you old wretch, hew many Limbians you eaten —how many Pisang! Your father is a cow- ard, he fiy away from a monkey; your mother never fight fair, and your family not worth one pig.” “Shut up,” said Harvey. ‘You can’t be such an ass as to think that the tiger can hear you. Ithought you had thrown off your old superstitions. Try and be more sensible.” Monday did ‘not speak any more, but he shook his head, as if he had his own opimion about things in general, and that in particular. » “T should like that skin,” continued Harvey. “Set to work and skin the beggar, and look _ slippery over it.” Monday produced his knife, and soon had the creature’s handsome skin off. He rubbed it with sand to clean it, and Har. vey hung it over the boat to dry in the sun, “Tf ever we get back to Limbi, I'll keep that asa trophy: Spolia say,” remarked Harvey. ving embarked, they set sail, and by dint of tacking against the wind made fair progress. Monday declared that he knew his way, and that he would reach Pisang before night, “Tf you go to sleep again, [ will pound you,” said Harvey. . ‘“No sleep any more, till land in Pisang, Mast’ Harvey,” replied Monday. ‘*Mind you don’t, that’s all.” Harvey was dreadfully nervous about Jack. optima, Mole would He feared that he was in great peril, for he knew Hunston’s character, and his influence over the Pisangs. _ Jack was an enemy to be got rid of, for var- ious reasons. Nuratella had told the Pisangs that an inva~ sion was thought of, and that Jack as the heart and soul of the Limbians. _ Therefore, to kill him and get him out of the way was half the battle. ; » Only let me have a slap at them, and I'll Bies fam what for,” said Haxcet between his teeth. The adventure he had embarked in, however, was more hazardous than eyen he imagined. _ It is one of the advantages of being young— or, shall we say, one of the disadvantages— that we do not stop to consider the conse- quences. { Young people usually act upon impulse, and impulsive actions are very often successful. Monday was right as to the duration of the voyage. It was no longer than seven hours, and they reached an island, which he declared to be — Pisang, before night fell. Running the boat ashore, Haryey jumped out, and said; : : ‘* What's to be done now?” Monday did not know. “Til leave all to Mast’ Harvey,” he said. ‘‘ Where him go, Monday follow.” ‘* There is such a thing as going into the lion’s den, and [ don’t mean to do that,” an- swered Harvey. “ They have one big town like us,” continued Monday ; ‘‘it call Palembang. Once we have small towns.” { ‘* Villages !” “Yes; but when war come all villages burn, — now we all live together. Our town call Tom- pano, their town Palembang.” i ‘«Then there is not much chance of finding any one inthe wilds. Shall we camp in th open, and keep watch, or sleep in the boat? nf Monday could not offer an opinion, ‘ He was not at any time very brilliant, and was rather formed for obeying than leading. | He had come to rescue Harkaway, and would fight for him, but how to set about rescuing him he knew no more than a baby. _ me ‘“T think,” said Harvey, after some reflection, ‘that we had best camp in the woods, j \ ee Bsa Nth eee ul
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work our way up to Palembang in the morning. | You speak the same language as they do, you are all a species of Malay. Can’t you get into the town, and find out what’s going on?”’ ‘Yes, sare; Monday do’ that, though they eut um throat if they catch him.” ‘¢ But you musn’t allow yourself to be caught; we can’t spaze you, Monday.” “When um go? Now?” asked the worthy fellow. ‘©On consideration, no,” replied Harvey. ‘We'll wait for morning, which will come in afew hours, and then we will work our way into the interior.” i Hiding the boat as wellas they could, they took a good supply of arms and ammunition, and made a camp in the woods, formed of the boughs of trees which they tore down. “You slept last night; it’s my turn now. Though, in fact, we were both in fault,” ex- claimed Harvey. ** Monday take first watch, sare.” | “All right. Keep your weather eye open, and kick me at the slightest sound.” Harvey was soon asleep. Monday stood with his gun tightly clasped, listening for the least noise with an eagerness that the danger of their position rendered ne- cessary. He was sorry for his fault the night before, and wished to make amends. _ They were in the enemy’s country, and the least cessation in vigilance might cost them their lives. ‘¢ Monday near eaten once,” he said to him- self; ‘‘no catch and try eat him second time.” The were about two miles inland, and, though they did not know it, they were not more than half a dozen miles from Palembang. During the day preparations for hanging Jack were sinished, f On the morrow he was to die. \ —— CHAPTER XXXIV. THE, ESCAPE, Wn must now%lodve Harvey and his faithful follower in their rude camp, while we return to Harkaway. The position in which we saw him last was not a pleasant one. But he had kept up his spirits From a short distance the sounds of revelry reached him, and he concluded that the Pisangs were making merry at his approaching death. Rude songs were being sung, and the sound of musical instruments could be distinguished at intervals. ““They are making a night of it. I should like to have a look at them,” he. thought, ' « There is.time yet.” Climbing up to the roof, as he had done be- fore, he saw his guard standing in front of his prison door. Lamps, trimmed with palm oil, illuminated a large, barn-like building near Hunston’s house. It was from this eréction that the noise pro- eeeded. Jack rightly supposed this to be the council- chamber, for it was ‘very similar to the one in Limbi, where the chiefs assembled for the dis- cussion of public business. One of his guards he recognized as Buru, _ who had accompanied the Tuan Biza, on his - geution. / ph first expedition to the island. The other he had heard addressed as Hadang. Throwing his voice in the direction of the ar ra ag he imitated Hunston, and said : i “ Buru, it is our wish that you briug the white prisoner before us.” . Buru was not at all astonished at this com- _ mand, and at once proceeded to put it in exe- Opéning the door of the prison, he exclaimd : _ “Come the council, with me. You must appear before | vi 4 ’ HARKAWAY AMONG THE SAVAGHB ‘All right,” answered Jack. ‘What is| Several chiefs, thinking Hunston the cause going on?” ‘¢ All'the chiefs in Pisang sing the song of triumph, because the white man is in their power.” ‘*And a jolly noise they make. Will they give me anything to drink?” asked Jack. «They have the palm spirit of Pisang, but wa- ter is the fare of the condemned,” answered Buru. The guards put themselves on each side of Jack, and conducted him to the council. He passed through an open door, and found himself in the presence of about fifty chiefs, who were sitting on mats placed on the side of the spacious hall. Hunston was at one end, and the Tuan Biza at the other. Both of them occupieda seat slightly raised above the others, asa token of high rank and precedence. ‘How is this?” asked the Tuan Biza, in surprise, as he beheld Jack. Hunston was about to ask the same question, when Jack made him say : “T sent for him, O chief, to make sport of him,” : An old chief rose and said: “Tt is cowardly to insult the fallen.” i ‘Tf itisthe pleasure of our white friend, why do you, O Wahar, fly in his face?” in- quired the Tuan Biza. The old chief was about to protest that he had not intended to offend their white friend, when Jack, imitating his voice, said: “The white chief is not worthy to be one of us. Let us hang him to-morrow instead of the prisoner.” An indeseribable confusion arose at this sug- ‘gestion, and another chief rose. But before he could open his mouth, Jack made him exclaim: — ‘The proposal is good. Let us hang him and dance over his grave.” The uproar increased. Making Hunsten speak, Jack went on: “The Tuan Biza and his chiefs are old women. What care I for them? I will fight them all single-handed, and give their bodies to the birds, and their wives shall lament them in| gri vain,” ‘¢ What!” cried the Tuan Biza. ‘‘ Do you at- tack me, O, Hunstani?” for so they had al- tered his name. and say that Iam a woman!” “Daren’t 1?” Jack caused Hunston to ans- wer. ‘You are worse than the timid deer, and your soul is as a reed.” “T have slain my foes in battle,” replied the Tuan Biza, ‘* You speak bitterly,O Hunstani ; but I have the power to make you eat your words |” “Tlaugh at your beard,” said Jack, still making Hunston speak. ‘‘ You. shall die and your grave shall be defiled !” i “This is too much! Give me my spear!” shouted the Tuan Biza. eles Changing his tone, Jack threw his voice close to Buru, and made him say: ‘The white chief will eat you, O Tuan Biza, for he says truly that your soul is as a reed.” “Oh !” returned the Tuan Biza, ‘‘ you are against me also. Take that!” He had seized his spear by this time, and dealt Buru a heavy blow over the head with it. Now Buru was also a great chief in his own estimation, and he did not like this sort of treatment. ; Spears are hard, and if well laid on are apt to hurt. > So he retaliated; and gave the Tuan Biza a blow with a sort of mallet he carried, and hit him under the ear. — This caused him to roll over and over, utter- ing dismal cries. j Some friends of the Tuan Biza resented this, and attacked Buru. s fle was supported by Padang, his compan- ion, and they returned the blows with interest. Jack jumped on a rude table, and surveyed the scene with satisfaction, ‘“‘You dare ‘not come to me, |, of all the mischief, made a charge at him, against which he defended himself with diffi. culty. Seeing he was getting roughly handled, Jack made his way to the end of the room, and pulled him ixto a corner. The fight had now become general, and the Pisangs were engaged in a hard hand-to-hané fight amongst themselves. The jealousy existing at all times among those distinguished warriors was easily excited, and they were only too glad of a quarrel. During a disturbance of this sort they could pay off old scores. They had been drinking their palm ‘spirit, and were more or less excited by the songs they had been singing. Hunston had been disarmed in the conflict, and looked sullenly at Jack, who held before his eyes the handkerchief which Emily had supplied him with. “You have got this up,” said Hunston, ‘but you cannot escape.” \ “That's all you know about it,” replied Jack; ‘‘ but don’t tremble; I’m not a coward. I might kill you in a stand-up fight, but I shall not harm you now.” ‘What did you want to upset the couneil for? They don’t understand your ventrilo- quism,” continued Hunston, who wanted to keep Jack in conversation till the riot lessened and the combatants came to their senses once more, “T was getting dull in that shed place where ‘you shut me wp, awfully slow, in fact; and when I heard you fellows enjoying yourselves, and haying a bit of blarney, I thought I’d join in and sing you ‘ Rule Britannia,’ or something lively.” ‘*T shall never have the same influence over the Mal again. Look how they are fight- ing!” - “The Kilkenny cats are nothing to thém,” Jack remarked. «Say something and stop them; you cando it,” exclaimed Hunston. “And get taken back and be hanged. Thank you, no; Pd rather not,” replied Jack, with a n. “Pll promise you your life,” f { “Will you ?” ‘*Yes, [ will, indeed.” “What is your promise worth, do you think?” answered Jack, derisively. ‘‘ You'd tell a bushel of lies for a dollar, and say your prayers afterwards with a good conscience.” “You most trust me for old acquaintance sake. Stop the row, and give them a specimen of your ventriloquial powers. It will put them in a good humor.” ‘* You're very kind,” Jack said. ‘‘ Perhaps they’d enjoy the entertainment very much, es- pecially as the show wouldn’t cost them any- thing. But I’m sorry I can’t stop.” — ““Can’t stop? What do you mean?” said Hunston, laying his hand on his arm. ‘*Paws off, Pompey!” cried Jack, angrily. ‘If you want a domino, just say which eye ‘you would prefer to be temporarily darkened ?” ‘‘But I say you can’t'go. You must stop, You're a prisoner,” continued Hunston. Jack’s knife flashed before his eyes, and he retreated further into the corer. Taking up a lamp which stood near, Jack looked at it. The wick, made of a bit of dry pith, floatedin the half of a cocoanut filled with oil. “Tt will do,” he said. “Do!” repeated Hunston. ‘Do for what?” “You'll see, if youlivelong enough. Thought ‘you were going to hang me, did you?” replied Jack, laughing. He held the lamp to the side of the council- chamber. { ; ‘It was built entirely of bamboo, which, beitig - as dry as tinder, was exceedingly inflammable. ‘‘You'll set the place on fire!” exclaimed Hunston, in alarm. sirubeteatan “« Just what oceurred to me, my pippin; and as the wind is rather high, I shouldn't wonder — ‘fi 1
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7 ton . a £ eRe o HARKAWAY AMONG THE SAVAGES. - % se x oe oe Se ae eS i | = ih Vis . i - Mle a A i pomtx ff bas ‘ fe oN ie if all Palembang was to go to blazes before! The idea was suggested by his natural daring | sulted in twelve chiefs, with Hunston in com morning,” Jack answered. © ‘‘Help! here, he’s”—— began Hunston, when the point of Jack’s knife penetrated the clothes he wore, and pricked his breast. “Do you want to go to kingdom come?” said Jack. “No,” muttered Hunston, sullenly. ‘Then shut up. I don’t want to kill you now ; but necessity has no law, and if you ut- (ser a sound loud enough for a dumb man to swear by, you shall have six inches of coldsteel in the neighborhood of the fifth rib immediate- fy, if not sooner.” The bamboo framework had by this caught fire, and the flames began to spread with a loud crackling noise. ‘ Those Pisangs who had been fighting were getting tixed of the amusement. The elder chiefs, who had been trying to pacity the combatants, were beginning to suc- eced in their efforts. “Good-bye,” said Jack. **You shan’t go! I’l’?—— Jack looked for a momentas if he was going to use his knife. But he put itin his belt, and clenching his ety let Hunston have what he called *‘ one, wo.” Hunston feli back heavily, half stunned, as he had often done before, when he madeac- quaintance with Jack’s sledge-hammer fists. His hat fell off, and Jack took it up and. put it on. It was made of straw, and it had a conical shape. “Rummy sort of tile,” mused Jack: ‘but I suppose it is a badge of distinction, or some- |/as thing. ‘‘T’ll sport it, and they may take me for him; not that I shall be flattered at the mistake, only it may help me to make tracks.” The flames had made incredible progress in the few minutes that had elapsed since Jack eet fire to the bamboo framework with the lamp. “They'd better call out the engines and send for the fire-escape,” Jack said to himself, in- dulging in that dry humor which he could not resist even in the hour of extreme danger. The thick smoke and the crackling of the fire alarmed everyone. In an instant the din ceased, the uproar had subsided, and the men, who_had been strug- gling together in a sort of Irish row, looked blankly at one another. Jack passed quickly amongst the crowd. ey raised a cry of ‘Fire! fire!” and ran hither and thither wildly. » A panic had seized them. Suddenly Hunston, who had picked himself up, shouted in a commanding voice, which trembled with rage: : ‘*Gnard the door! The prisoner has done this! Let him not escape!” Cries of ‘‘Guard the door!” ‘‘The white prisoner!” ‘Death to the prisoner!” arose on all sides. * : “Its getting hot,” said Jack to himself. “‘T wasted precious time with that beast Huns- ton.” The smoke grew thicker, and obscured the feeble light of the oil lamps, many of which “had been extinguished in the scufile. The dimness was much in his favor. : It was at the door itself where the real peril lay. There Buru and some others, including the Tuan Biza, whose faces presented the appear- ance of so many crushed tomatoes, had con: gregated. ‘Now for it!” exclaimed Jack, as he was ons a few paces of the door, “‘ Never sa 4 ger / 4 —— ij | AOROSS THE BRIDGE. i "Ya had not been Jack’s hope or intention to "escape when he determined to visit the council. i. i ; 2 and love of fun. He thought it would create a sensation of fea sort, and give him an opportunity; which it had done. How he would be able to avail himself of | that opportunity was another thing. | So far he had succeeded beyond his expecta- tions. He had got up ill blood between Hunston and his savage friends. ; The Tuan Biza and the other chiefs had en- gaged in a dreadful riot, which had resulted in more than one broken head. Hunston had been ‘‘chaffed and punched,” as Jack said, when he was reckoning up the damage afterwards. And to crown all, the council-chamber was in flames, the chiefs in frantic terror, and only afew cool hands guarding the door in obedi- ence to Hunston’s ill-timid summons. Such was the situation of affairs. Up to the present time Jack had decidedly the best of it... One of Buru’s eyes was rapidly closing, and the other wasn’t of much use. But he had heard Hunston’s voice, and with native cunning guessed that the prisoner had set the place on fire, hoping to escape in the inevitable hubbub that would ensue. “Tf,” he argued, ‘‘ Hunston is at one end of the council-chamber, he can’t be at the other.” He did not believe that even a white chief, clever though he might be, could be in two places at the same time. So Jack’sconical hat did not impose upon him. Imitating Hunston’s voice again, Jack said, he neached the door: ‘Let me out, my good Buru. ston, the white chief.” “You are the prisoner,” replied Buru. ‘< Yield yourself to me.” Jack’s only reply was to draw his knife, and plunge it up to the hilt in his body. Buru fell without a sound. The Pisangs saw the deed committed, and were silent for a moment, through terror and amazement. But an instant afterwardsa dozen spears were leveled at him, and half as many ugly-looking clubs aimed at his head. y Cutting right and left with his knife, he backed through the crowd. He reached the burning portion of the apart- ment, which was fringed by an eager knot of spectators. The wall was burnt nearly through, and the roof had fallen in. ‘ Fierce cries assailed him, and if he hesitated be was lost. Hunston made a snatch at him, hoping to hold him fast till he could get assistance. But Jack threw him off, saying, “‘ You didn’t do it that time, old boy!” and dashed boldly into the burning space and falling timber. With a wild plunge he dashed through the hole in the wall, and half blinded, half suffo- cated, found himself outside. The air was cool and refreshing. At present the alarm of fire had not spread, and the inhabitants of Palembang were sleep- ing in fancied security. His hair was singed, and his hat was on fire. This he cast from him as a useless encum- brance, and taking one look at the burning building, ran at full speed up the street. When his enemies had recovered from their I am Hun- surprise, they rushed through the oven, door, and gave chase. ; Hunston was at their head. : ‘ ‘After him!” he cried. ‘‘He will take to the woods. After him! He cannot escape. Brave will be the chief who takes his head, and all the women of Palembang will smile upon hin.” / Jack's forn: could be clearly seen in the moon- light. | “The pursuers halted at the extremity of the town, satisfied that they knew the direction the fugitive had taken. J ioe | They held a brief conversation, which re- mand, being told off to pursue the runaway. The rest returned to the burning council. chamber, to assist in putting out the fire, which had assumed formidable dimensions. ; No sooner had Jack reached the open ground than he turned and skirted the town to throw the Pisangs off the scent. As he moderated his pace and went round the town, he could hear the cries of the affrighted populace. 2 4 Gongs were beaten in every direction. Dense clouds of smoke and bright flashes of flame showed him that the fire, driven by the wind, had seized on other dwellings, and was making great havoc and devastation. “Tt’s as good as burning out a wasp’s nest,” he remarked. For more than two hours he ran without halt- ing. 2 was his impression that when those whe followed him found themselves at fault, they would return to the burning town. Three several parties of explorers would be formed, arid dispatched in various directions. When day broke he had reached a dense’ forest, and feeling tired, he climbed into a tree to enjoy a little rest. Lashing himself with a handkerchief to a bough, he closed his eyes. For some time he could not go to sleep, ows ing to the sharp hiss of the serpents and the dread cries of the wild beasts. He thought with horror of Sindbad the Sailor when in a similar position. Sindbad had two companions with him, and they were lower down in a tree. On the first night a huge snake climbed, and dragged down one of the men, ; Would the snakes of this island attempt to gratify their appetites in a similar manner? _ “No serpent shall land me,” he said to him. self. ‘Ill sleep with one eye open.” } But at length exhausted nature had its way, and he slept soundly. Not for long, however. i KADR He was awake before the sun had acquired any considerable power, and unlashing himself he descended the tree. Afl nature was smiling under the grateful night dew and the cheering sun’s rays. He pushed on slowly through the forest, not daring to retrace his steps. y a His.only hope was to subsist in the jungle as _ best he might until his friends from Limbi had come over and captured the island, if they could succeed in doing so. He felt sure that Harvey was doing his ut- most for him. But he did not suspect the length to which Harvey’s devotion had led him. Nor did he even faintly imagine that he and | Monday were at that véry moment on island. “Dick won’t desert me,” he thought. ‘““Dick | will stick to me like a leech. Thats one com- fort.” ; He was in high spirits as he trudged along through the dense underwood. To have outwitted the Pisangs, bearded Hun. ston amongst his friends, and set the town o- Palembang on fire, was no slight achievement Suddenly he felt a peculiar sharp and itchin; sensation at his ankle. y Looking down he found his socks stainea with blood. Turning them down, he saw both ankles perfectly fringed with little insects like leeches, which had filled themselves till they wero ready to burst. | Some of the blood-suckers had even crawled down to his foot, and made an incision which allowed the blood to trickle through his shoe. Jack had heard of these annoying and dis. quieting pests from Monday. ‘ Sometimes the stinging worms would drop the | o fiom the leaves of the trees upon the heads — and into the necks of those who pass und them. t It was almost unendurable to think that they were lancing him and sucking out his blood, © i \ \ ; ‘ : Pie a
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S ss \HARKAWAY AMONG THE SAVAGES. However, he knocked them off as well as he ‘ould, and traveled onwards. At length he came to a river which ran through a ravine, the rocky bottom of which churned its impetuous waters into foam. Cautiously he made his way by the side of the rocky channel. Jack pushed-along in a j listless manner. He wished to find a cave in which he could rest, with a few palms in the vicinity to supply him with ecocoanuts. ' He had not gone far before he came to a hanging bridge, which was thrown across the ravine, On each side was a road, if an ordinary clearing in the forest might be dignified with that name. It was a suspension bridge of rattan; at the middle it rested on the top of tall trees, which ew up from a small island in the torrent elow. It was constructed by stretching across these large rattans. in these, narrow slips of board were placed, and fastened at each end; other rattans start- ing from the ground on the bank, passed above the branches of high camphor trees that grew on the edge of the chasm in which the torrent flowed ; descending from these branches in a sharp curve, they rose again steeply at the further end of the bridge. From these rattans, were fastened other rat- tans below them, just as in our own suspension bridges, and thus all parts were made to aid in supporting the weight. As it was so light, it vibrated and shook ter- ribly when anyone ventured to cross it. ! Jack had been told of these bridges, of ‘which there are several in the islands, and had been cautioned against grasping the side, lest it might swing over and cast him into the abyss. : The difficulty in crossing this bridge, which __-was flexible as a manilla rope, was so great be- * cause it oscillated from left to right, and its whole floor did not move in one piece, but like ® series of rolling waves. *‘T don’t think I will venture across that,” _ said Jack. ‘‘ But I'll go down the rocks, if I can manage it, and have a drink of water.” ' As he was speaking, he heard a loud shout behind him. The next moment an arrow buried itself in a 7 _ tree close to him. He looked round and saw a party of Pisangs, probably forming one of the divisions that had been sent out to search for him. Now he blamed himself for not remaining hidden. i He could not have acted more foolishly than exposing himself to view, on one of the few - public roads in the island. t To retreat into the forest was to court instant death or capture. : The road was blockaded. | The sides of the ravine were just there | almost perpendicular, and impossible of de- scent, \ ‘ ‘Tf he would escape there was nothing for it but a bold attempt to cross the dangerous | e. ‘ ‘ Without any further hesitation, he got on the bridge, with a hurried walk, which he hoped would break up the rolling motion, It was nearly four hundred feet long. ‘Having got half way across the first span, he saw that one of the cross boards, on which he _ 1 bad been in the act of placing his foot, had ' become loose, and slipped on to one side. _ He drew back, for had he gone on carelessly, ‘he must have fallen through and been dashed _ #0 pieces on the rocks below. pat topping instantly, he stood still, and the bridge swung to and fro, as if it was being purposely shaken. ‘ The Pisangs continued to fire arrows at him, but the motion of the bridge interfered with the correctness of their aim. : ae Going on again, he reached the center, and - seeonnoitered his enemies. — | eee One Pisang, more adventurous than the rest, was following him. ‘« Wait a bit!” said Jack, between his teeth. He had gained confidence now, and crossed the remaining half at a quick run, hiding him- self behind a tree when on land. The Pisangs shouted to one another, and flattered themselves that their prey was not far off. When the whole five were together, on the second half, Jack slashed away with his knife at the supports of rattan. , Three or four parted, and the remaining ones, unable to support the weight, snapped with a loud sharp crack, like the report of a pistol. The large rattans that supported the sides, and went over the high branches of the cam- phor trees, had parted. Then the bridge gave a fearful lurch, and finally the whole structure fell with a crash into the boiling torrent, Fearful cries arose from the poor wretches thus hurled into eternity, but Jack smiled imly, for it was their lives or his, and again he ad triumphed. ; His exultation was premature, however. Straight in front of him he saw five more Pisangs, who were attracted by the cries of their countrymen, They hurried forward, but all was still. Probably the party had divided, one-half crossing the bridge, the other, which had perished, remaining behind. They peered down the sides of the ravine, and talked hurriedly among themselves. On., more curious than the rest, examined the ra‘tans, and saw that they had been cut with a knife. ‘ He pointed this out to his companions. Yells of fury arose, and Jack, who was gently stealing off along the road, was per- ceived. Instantly a hue and cry was raised. _ “Now for it!” thought Jack, as he seudded along the road. ‘‘I must step out, or make up my mind %o be ‘cooked for dinner, and eaten without salt.” ' : He had a slight start, but it was a question whether or not he would keep it. His pursuers made the woods echo again with their savage outcries. Jack’s training in hare-and-hounds at Mr. Grawcour’s academy for young gentlemen, stood him in good stead now. It was a race for life, CHAPTER XXXVI. THE RACE FOR LIFE. As the Pisangs knew the road and the country so much better than he did, Jack was afraid to take refuge in the forest again. He ran on at the top of his speed, not daring to look how the chase progressed, lest he should lose time. No arrows were fired at him; no spears thrown. } Either the Pisangs had received orders to bring him back alive, or they would not stop to adjust their bows or hurl their spears. It scarcely could be that they had regard for his life, or an arrow would have been shot at him when he was bent on his perilous journey across the bridge. Good runner as he was, he had not gone three or four miles before he felt his strength failing him. ‘ lo Jack’s head grew dizzy, and his legs seemed to"drag one after the other. ; The wound inflicted upon him when cap- tured had caused him to lose blood. ” This would create weakness, and even ver- tigd, if compelled to undergo unwonted ex- ertion. | ! For some hours he had not had anything to eatand drink, a, AS fo4 f J i J 8 thy ‘in his usual careless way. He was also running under a hot sun, whick made the perspiration pour from him in streams. All this told against him. The Pisangs had nothing to impede the free exercise of their limbs. He had. Therefore it was an additional disadvantage. “Tm coopered,” was Jack’s mental ex. clamation. He turned round, and saw that the pursuers had him well in hand—three in front and twe behind. They had never once lost sight of him. On they came; bodies a little inclined for- ward, é:vows pressed into the side, legs going like machines. “They've got the wind of a bellows,” Jack said, with a groan. ‘‘I shouldn’t care if I had anything to fight with.” : Like the stag, hunted to the extremity of his endurance, he turned round, faced his pursuers, and stood at bay. ‘“T'll die with my eyes open,” he exclaimed, ‘*at least, I'll see what kills me, and how it’s done. It will be a comfort to know the modus operandi.” When the Pisangs saw that he did not run any further, they halted also. ‘The foremost made signs that they wanted to speak, and Jack said that he was listening. “Are you armed ?” said the Pisang. ‘‘No; you can see I’m not. I shouldn’t have cut and runif I had anything to fight with,” exclaimed Jack. ‘‘That was why I heaved anchor.” “O*white chief,” continued the Pisang, ‘come back with us to the ruins of our city, for Palembang is now in ashes.” — , “‘That’s a blessing; only it will make the beggars more savage,” said Jack. “You must die the death that has been de. cided on; I can hold out no hope of mercy, but I doubt not you will die like a brave man.” “That depends upon circumstances. What is the particular pleasant death?” “Tt is the punishment of the stake. Every warrior in Pisang will be entitled to a piece of your flesh, about an inch square in size, till all the flesh is gone and nothing but bones re- main. “Thank you, then I shan’t come,” said Jack, The Pisang raised his bow. , | ‘*¥You can tell them Iam obliged for their kind invitation, but I have a previous appoint- ment in another direction. I hope to enjoy the pleasure another time.” : ; “The white chief cannot escape ; his Pisang. ” enemy will shoot him down and carry him wounded to the city,” replied the warrior, ‘Let fly,” exclaimed Jack impatiently, ** per- haps I can dodge you after all.” He remembered his- knife, and prepared to dash forward and close with his assailants, so as to perish, as,it were sword,in hand. The Pisang did not waste any further time in talk. | Ry : He drew his bow to the utmost capacity of tension. : The arrow quivered on the string. Suddenly there was a loud report, and th Pisang,struck with a leaden messenger of death, fell heavily forward on his face. Three other reports made themselves heard, and as many Pisangs fell; and the fifth strick- en with a deadly terror, plunged into the tan-: gled depths of the forest and was seen no more. Jack could scarcely bring himself to believe the evidence of his senses, Guns in Pisang, and people to firethem, | and, what is more, to fire them in his behalf. " The age of miracles was come. back again. : “Tf that isn’t Dick’s doings,” he muttered, — ‘*it must be something that rhymes with Dick, — and that’s Old Nick.” me fs j Just then two forms emerged from some — dense brushwood. ~ j . One was Harvey, and the other Monday, yt Advancing towards Jack, they shook him _ eaely. by the hand. j SL NR i 5 4 , ty } Peed Ml, he | ‘ t Stes! ae Sy
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HARKAWAY AMONG THE SAVAGES. Monday daneed and capered about in the wildest glee. Jack was too much affected to be able to speak for some seconds. ‘Well, cockalorum, ‘how goes it?” exclaimed Harvey. “ Dick,” replied Harkaway, ‘‘how you man- aged it I don’t know, but you came up justin time to save my life,‘and I’m deeply grateful for it.” “Don’t say anything about that, old fellow,” answered Harvey. ‘‘I'm modestly inclined, and don't like to be praised.” “*T was dead beat; a four mile run in this elimate is a pipe-opener, I can tell, and it was six to four on the niggers.” ‘“‘T knew you’d want me, and that’s why I eame.” ‘Have you landed in force ?” asked Jack. ‘No; Monday and I are alone.” « Have you ventured all by yourselves, into the enemies’ country for my sake?” asked Jack, deeply moved. ‘“Why not? You don’t think we came to explore the beauties of Pisang, in the interest ef high art, do you?” “Not exactly; butitis more than Thad a right to expect.” “Ttisnot. You hada right to expect that we should do everything we could for you,” returned Harvey; ‘‘and as the bloated old Limbi chief wasn’t ready, we put on steam and started. If you’d sent usa telegram we should have made a move sooner.” “There is such a thing as electricity of the heart, Dick; and I think our hearts spoke to ene another,” said Jack Harkaway. “Very likely. I dreamt about you, and I thought you wanted me, Didn't I, Mon?” said Harvey. ‘Yes, sare. You say, ‘Goto Mast’ Jack.’ He in much big danger, and so we come,” re- plied the black. “You arrived in the nick of time. sewed up—regularly licked.” ‘‘Pell us all about it. done?” — ' “Tye seen Emily, and made it all square with her,” replied Jack. ‘‘I’ve checked Huns- on, and got up asmall Donnybrook Fair in the council-chamber. I’ve been the death of ix Pisangs, and I’ve burnt Palembang to’ the - ground.” . ““By George, Jack, you’re a wonder! Ex- plain all this-to 10¢,” said, Harvey, in astonish- - ment. “J will, directly. It was more a fluke. after all, than anything else; but just now I’m like @ parched pea. Oan you lay your hands on any civilized or uncivilized sort-of grub ?” ‘Certainly we can. Our ship is hidden not far off, and we have afew odds and ends in her, I’m not exactly a pocket Soyer or a sea- cook, but I can rig you up a good breakfast.” “Fire away, then. If it’s boiled snake I’m en, like a hundred bricks,” replied Jack. Harvey gave Jack his arm, for he trembled violently and needed support. I was What have you They walked to the shore, where the boat} _. was concealed, and were quickly engaged in discussing an excellent breakfast, when we consider the materials they..bad to work with. - A kettle was boiled, and some tea made from some.of the hyson found on board the wreck. This was very grateful and cheering. After he had satisfied his appetite, and gained the strength he stood so much in need of, Jack related his adventures to Harvey. | “ By Jove!” replied the latter, ‘‘you had a ' closer shave than even I imagined.” _“Tsaw Hunston meant it,” answened Jack, - **aud that put me more on my mettle,” _ ** You are all right now, thank goodness; and the best thing we can do is to jump on oad, and set sail for Limbi,” remarked Har- sey. vw he ** No,” replied Jack shortly. " _ “ What!” cried Harvey in astonishment, _ do you want to stop here???) _ “'Phat’s precisely what I mean to do.” 6 Are you mad?” 1 7 = ts seats 7 7 ‘T don’t think so. All I want from you Dick, isa rifle and a few charges of powder and shot.” ; : “« But think a bit; the Pisangs will have you ; i’s a moral. You'ye burnt thir city, and they'll swarm all over the place after you.” “T'll chance it. Wecan but die once.” Harvey reflected a moment. “ The Limbians wont be here for a day or two. You know what slow coaches they are, as well as I do,” he exclaimed. “Tye got work to do here, Dick.” ‘What work ?” ‘‘Oan’t you guess?” asked Jack. “No; hang me if I can!” replied Harvey. ‘‘Then I will tell you. But first of all give me another half cocoanutful of that Souchong, or whatever it is.” Harvey did so, and Jack proceeded to drink the tea with calm enjoyment. } CHAPTER XXXVIL. TH sun was now rising high in the heavens. Jack began to get merry. “Tl trouble you, Mr. Monday,” he said, ‘« for another of those dried fish. They’re not equal to bloaters, but they’re not bad.” “‘Um dried fish, sare? Yes, sare, very fine,” replied Monday, ‘‘T didn’t ask you for your opinion; the fish is quite sufficient. You can dry up,” answered Jack. Harvey was dying with impatience to know what Jack’s intentions were, though the latter did not show any signs of being in a hurry to gratify his curiosity. “Fine day,” said Jack, wiping his mouth with the back of his hand, in the absence of a pocket handkerchief. ‘What's the use of telling a fellow that, when it always is fine here?” answered Har- vey. ‘ “Don’t ruffle your feathers, Dick! As I’m going to stop in the island, I like to study th signs of the weather.” - ‘“ What are you going to stay for?” “*Can’t you guess ?” ‘«T’ve told you I can’t once,” replied Harvey. “T never was good at riddles, as a kid.” “But you're not a kid now, and you ought to have improved. Why does a miller wear a white hat?” ‘To keep his head warm, I suppose.” “Exactly,” replied Jack, ‘‘That shows you're not quite a Simple Simon.” Harvey looked angry, and pressing his lips together, remained silent. ‘“Dick, you've lost something,” exclaimed Jack, quickly. ‘* Have 1? What?” asked Harvey. ‘Only your tongue that’s all. You're sulk- ing because I won’t speak fast enough for you. Did they tease the poor! old boy ?” eried Jack, coaxingly. i “Go on; I don’t mind,” teplied Harvey. “Forgive me, Dick. I feel so jolly at get- ting away from those Pisangs that I must chaff or die,” exclaimed Jack, in a good-natured voice. ‘You would if you were me.” . “So I should, Jack. I’m not angry.” “Tt's so freezingly delightful—that’s the phrase out here—to have licked the skunks, that I can’t help exuberating.” ‘That's a big word,” said Harvey, smiling. ‘‘Big words suit the occasion,” answered Jack; ‘‘and now I'll tell you why I want to stay here. Emily isin the’ hands of the Pi- sangs; and, what is worse, in the power of tha- brute Hunston, who is a Pisang double dist tilled.” . ‘*T see; don’t say any more, Jack. I was an unfeeling wretch not to think of that be- fore,” Harvey hastened to say. \ “T don’t want to stay,” continued Jack. ‘We may be Damon and Pythias, but it would ‘be too much to ask you to play the part of Pythias, to empty boxes.” 9) X (RNAS epics ‘No, it wouldn’t; and the boxes ‘wouldn’’ be empty, for my heart and my conscience are big enough to fill the house.” ‘* Close the show,” exclaimed Jack. ‘‘ You’re a good sort; you’re a trump, and you shall help me to rescue Emily.” “Or die in the attempt.” ** Good again, Dick; they’ve got to kill us though, now we have these little pop-guns ;” and Jack handled the rifle and revolver whic Monday had given him, looking at them affec- tionately. “Monday help too, rescue Missey Emly,” cried Monday. ‘*8o0 you shall. plied Jack. **You should have seen Monday’s getting . up before we left Limbi; there was a wreck— all the crew were dead, and we had the first overhaul,” exclaimed Harvey. “What didhe do ?” asked Jack, ‘*Togged himself out till he was quie nob- by, didn’t you, Mon ?” “Never mind,” replied Monday; ‘“*me show Mast’ Jack one of these days. All very fine make fun of poor Monday ; he know what him do know.” —~ . “Don’t be riled, Prince Matabella,” con. tinued Harvey; you shall sport your things when we get back again.” Monday retired to pack up the remains of the breakfast, and from the way in which he talkad to himself in his own language, he did not seem well pleased at the ridicule Harvey cast upon his newly-acquired Huropean clothes. To him, his attire was simply perfect. It whipped that of his young master’s alto- gether, and threw Mr. ole’s rather shabby dress quite into the shade. } ‘You say you have seen Emily ?” observed All hands are welcome,” re. ‘Harvey. ¢ ‘Yes, I did enjoy that happiness, but not for long, and under very trying circumstances,” replied Jack. ‘*T should have liked to see you stir up the os in Palembang ; what a lark it must have een “Té wasn’t all fun, I msut confess I was in a dismal funk all the time.” “‘What do you think of doing about Emi- ly?” asked Harvey. ~ “T fancy,” replied Jack, ‘‘that as the city is burned down, they will be up a tree; that is to say, camped out anywhere, and in the con- fusion we might make a dash.” } “‘Just like a man-of-war’s boats cutting out an armed vessel in harbor.” ‘‘Something’ of that sort,” answered Jack. ‘* When shall you try it on?” at “To-morrow. I’m 80 knocked out of time that I must sleep all day.” “Pil join you. Suppose we sleep under this tree, and leave Monday to watch,” said Har- vey. ‘* That's the idea,” replied Jack; ‘‘ call him ; T'm_so beastly tired, and can’t raise my voice.” “Monday !” cried Harvey, ‘ you're wanted.” “What um want him for, Mast’ Harvey?” asked Monday. ‘““Weare going to recruit exhausted nature; in other words, to sleep, and you must keep a good lookout. If you don’t”—__— ‘What den, sare ?” and turn — ‘We will get some chemical stuff you white.” ““He, he!” laughed Monday. ‘‘ You have um joke, Mast’ Harvey.” “Yow ll find it no joke when you're all cream and no chocolate. So keep your eyes open, anc stick something under your eyelids.” Monday promised to exercise the greatest vigilance, and there was some necessity for it. The Pisangs were evidently swarming about the island in pursuit of Jack. A party might discover them, and if no watch was kept they might be surprised be- fore they could use their guns. © Ina very short time Jack and Harvey fast asleep. ! 5S SN They had every confidence in Monday. The latter stood near the trunk of a tree, re Hi mae were, mS K
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ee HARKAWAY AMON® THE SAVAGBS. OOO —._ 0.00 gw * fie in hand, revolver in his belt, and looked gearchingly by turns in every direction. “Monday like to see um Pisang take him in,” he muttered. ‘‘Monday smell um Pisang mile off.” A couple of hours passed, and the heat of the day was at its height. 7 onday, like the other natives of the islands, owned the power of the sun at this particular time. He felt drowsy, and nad the greatest difficul- ty in keeping himself awake. His eyes closed, and he was aroused in ashort time by a slight noise. A large monkey of the ourang-outang spe- eies had crept up, and was hurrying off with his rifle, which he had placed against a tree. He did notlike to take Jack’s or Harvey's, for they had put them under their heads, to be ready at a moment’s notice. If he touched them he should wake them. So he followed the monkey. It went slowly into the forest, and Monday, not caring to go into the jungle after it. drew a, revolver from his belt and fired. The monkey threw up its ungainly arms and fell upon its back. ‘ Monday advanced to take possession of his Pifle, and was astonished to find the skin I) off. A full-grown Pisang was revealed to his ~ew, | It was a disguise. j As he stooped to take possession of his rifle half-a-dozen stzong hands seized him, He had fallen into a trap. | The Pisang who had assumed the disguise had paid the penalty with his life. But he had enabled his ‘companions to suc- ceed in their enterprise. Almost before he could realize the fact, Monday was strongly bound. He cast his eyes towards Jack and Harvey, and found thatascore of dusky figures were busily engaged in securing them. They had been surprised while they slept. “Hullo,” cried Jack, as he felt himself strongly grasped. “What's this ?” “ Mionday—Monday !” cried Harvey. “You may go through all the days in the "week, and it won’t help you,” said a voice in his ear. He looked up. “ Hunston |” he ejaculated. “Yes, my boy. We've been one too many : you,” said Hunston, with a malevolent ugh, Monday was marched up to the spot where his young tuasters were safely bound. He hung down his head and was ashamed to speak, ‘This is your fault,” siad Harvey, angrily. “They come one dodge over Monday. Him think it um monkey and shoot, but then it too late.” : “Tis no good howling,” said Jack. «‘ We're copped and there’s an end of it.” ‘“*T’m glad to see you bear it with resigna- tion,” rejoined Hunston. ‘‘WhenI set out after you I did not expect to make such a haul _ as this.” / “Didnt it burn well? It was a proper flare up. I mean Palembang,” said Jack, smiling. “You'll suffer all the more for it, and we can make another gallows, big enough for the _ three of you,” answered Hunston, round the captives. Jack laughed again. “You'll langh on the wrong side of your face soon,” said Hunston. “Not I,” answered Jack; ‘‘I haven’t got a ‘wrong side. I leave that sort of thing to you. [ can’t help laughing when I see you.’ “Let them laugh) who win,” replied Hun- aston, savagely. ge eye He spoke a few words to his attendants, and the Pi placed themselves ina triple line _ Their legs were free, though their arms wore tightly bound behind their backs. ' Hunston took their revolvers away from | i ‘them and placed them in his own belt, z + Ly 7 r ’. ae iP Mf >) yo a . y The rifle he told the Pisangs to carry. ‘* March |” he cried. The party moved forward, going towards the interior. ‘Cheer up, Dick,” said Harkaway. ‘Tm all right,” said Harvey. ‘‘Only I can’t help thinking that Monday’——. “Don’t bully the poor beggar. They had him just as they might have had you or me. It was a dodge,” interrupted Jack. i ‘* Silence, there! No talking,” cried Hun- ston. “Who are, you when you're at home?” asked Jack, with his usual impudence. Hunston, delighted to have a pistol. gain, flourished it in his face. “Shut up,” he said, ‘ or I’ll let you know.” “ Will you?” “‘Yes; and I'll pistol the first who disobeys my orders. Silence! March!” The prisoners moved on again, and nota word was spoken. “Don’t rile him,” whispered Harvey. is as well to bide our time.” Jack made no reply, but his pale face and compressed lips showed that evil thoughts were passing in his mind. He regretted now that he had not killed Hunston the night before, when he had the chance, But the chance was gone. It was too late to think of that now. ae It CHAPTER XXXVIIL GRIN AND BEAR IT. Tux captives were placed in the midst of a guard, and the procession, if such it can be called, started for the ruins of Palembang. Jack, Harvey, and Monday were together, their arms being bound behind them, “Tt’s all your fault, Monday,” said Jack, with just the least tinge of anger in his tone. “How on earth he could be such an ass, I don’t know,” said Harvey. *«Monday one fool,” said the black, ‘* Him deserve to be eaten.” ‘Perhaps they’ll do 1%, rsvlied Harvey; “only they may prefer white meat first, worse luck |" **T don’t know how the deuce to get out of this scrape,,” remarked Jack. ‘‘I shouldn’t care so much about myself, ag you and Monday Iamina funk about. you could get away, Dick” “Taye thee, leave theo, lad; I'll never leave thee.” said Harvey, quoting the words of an old Scotch song. He hit Harkaway in tho face with all his might, and as Jack could not use his arms to steady himself, he fell backwards. The blood streamed from his nose, and he was a good deal hurt. -‘That’s plucky,” he said. ‘*Do you want another?” asked Hunston. ‘*You can pitch inas long as you like to be coward enough. I can’t stop yon,” replied Jack. ‘* But just untie my arms, and I'll give you a toko for yam, my boy! ” ** Get up.” ‘*Tshan’t. You knocked me down, and you may pick me up, or ask some of your niggers to do it.” : “Not likely,” said Hunston. ‘If you don’t get up, Pil kick you till you do. How would you like a toe in the ribs?” He suited the action to the word, and Jack contrived in some way to get on his feet. All right, Mister Tuan Biza Hunston,” he said, ‘‘T’ll be one with you before long.” “You won't have the chance,” said Tainstobs “You can’t tellthat. I’ve spared you once or twice, but the next time—if ever it dose come—it will bé a case of a tombstone with something written on.” “What?” “Oh! something like this: Here lies Harry Hunston, the biggest blackguard that ever dis graced the name of Englishman.” ‘‘You dare to say this to me?” cried Hun ston frantically. “Why shouldn’tI? Do you want to give me another nose-ender? Do it if you like; you are cock now, I’m only a hen.” ‘Wait till you dance on nothing, and ther yowll alter your tone,” “Think so?” said Jack, beginning to whistle ‘The night before Larry was stretched !” Going up to Harvey, Hunston said; ‘“ Walk on with me. ** All right,” said Harvey. They separated themselves from the other prisoners and went on a little ahead. *T’ve no particular ill feeling towards you,” — coutinued Hunston, in a slightly embarrassed Harkaway’s.” “Tm not ashamed of it. Jack and I are like brothers,” said Harvey. “You won't be long, for Harkaway will be as dead as a door-nail before this time to« morrow.” r “And 1?” ‘Your fate depends upon yourself, Tam all powerful with the Pisangs, though I do not think my influence would suffice to save Hark- away, even if ['was prod to try.” “Why not?” asked Harvey. “The chiefs are so ashamed of being hum- ‘ bugged by him last night, and they are enraged — ‘1 know you're a brick, and you'll stand to | as well at the burning of Palembang. He set your guns as long as anybody,” said Jack. | the place on fire, and there is scarcely a house ‘¢ But hang me if I can help being riled at this | left standing. All the people are camped out.” turn up. It oughtn’t to have happened.” Hunston was not far off, and hearing voices, he came up to the captives. ‘No talking there,” he said. mit it.” “You can’t well stop it unless you gag us,” answered Jack, “Oan’t 1? We'll see about that. What do you suppose you are going to do? ” *¢ Can’t they be generous toan enemy?” _ *‘'They don’t understand the word,” replied Hunston, ‘but you I can save. They will be *“‘T don’t per- jontent with torturing and hanging Harkaway, and that Limbian thief of a servant you've got.” “ Monday ?” : ““T do not know what you call him.” ‘Oh! he’s harmless enough. Show yourself a man for once, Hunston, and let usall go free. «Grin and bear it,” said Jack, with a laugh. | We will undertake not tomolestyouany more.” *‘CQan’t be done at the price, my boy. There *‘That’s what you'll have to do, until you’re strung up,” said Hunston. — - “You said that before, and yet you didn’t do it,” Hunston gnashed his teeth with rage. is an.old score between Harkaway and myself, which must be rubbed out this time, and i would not spare him if I could.” ity “If thatis all you have to tell me, youmight ‘Perhaps I shall have better luck next time,” | have spared me the pain of listening to it,” he said. ‘*T’ve got yousafe enough now.” “‘Didn’t Palembang burn finely, and didn’t Iset your chiefs milling like steam ?” “Don’t cheek me. yourself in the wrong box,” said Hunston, angrily. ~ you “You can tie my arms, but my tongue, unless you've got a gag,’” “Can't? What ddeathnt taste like! ” was Hunston’s answer. sh V4 fbi f “ Ks bie re t hs If you do, you'll find | the society of a butcher.” __ ,, can’t stop | ba . said Jack. | You are not so good by sage, vindictive glance in his snak said Harvey, in a tone of disgust. “Tt is not all.” sy “‘Let me go back toJack. Idon’t care about ‘“*Who’s a butcher?” “You are; and an inhuman brute into the — is kil me for it, — “Take care,” exclaimed Hunston, with » save if e-like eye, 1) I will say it, if a long chalk.” ) i? } Prt y NX ‘ “4s Afar! r ‘i ha! 2x a, manner, though you were always a friend of | vs p I want to talk toyou.™ My, {
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te '¥ AMONG THE SAVAGES. repeat that I don’t wish to harm you. Listen tome. I feel rather lonely among the Pisangs, having no one to talk to except Emily,” ‘* And her father.” «He is dead.” “* How was that?” ‘« She swears I did it; but I didn’t want the fool to kick the bucket. He insulted me, and I! had him publicly flogged with bamboos, and I suppose his constitution couldn’t stand it, though I only ordered him to receive two hun- dred strokes.” “*Why, it’s barbarous !’’ said Harvey. ‘* At all events,” said Hunston, ‘it knocked old Seratchley off his perch, and Emily, hates me like bricks for it. So you see I want a chum, **You’ve got your Pisang chief,” said Har- vey. a No good at all. I could cut a better chum out of a cocoanut than any of them would make. You be my friend, Harvey, and you shall not die.” “What!” replied Dick, with a feeling of loathing and horror ; ‘‘I pal up with you?” “ Why not ?” “* After what you’ve just told me—after your vindictive hatred to Jack—your flogging old Bcratchley to death—and your determination to _ make the daughter marry the murderer of her father, whether she will or not?” ‘You put it.rather strongly,” said Hunston, cowering beneath the withering look Harvey gave him. ‘*Not a bit too strong,” answered Harvey. ‘Do you consent ?” “Consent? I should think not, indeed. I'd die a thousand deaths first. You won’t satch me buying my life at sucha price. Td rather chum with a burglar. The most des- perate convict is a greater gentleman than you.” “Die, then!” replied Hunston savagely, ‘‘you’re a bigger fool than I took you to be.” “Tf T had my hands loose, I'd punch your ugly head for insulting me by such an offer,” cried Harvey. ; : ‘Don’t provoke me.too far,” said Hunston; *‘ or Pll serye you as I did Scratchley.” Harvey, turned round and walked away, without giving him any answer. Hunston was mad with rage. Speaking in the native language, he cried, “Halt !” Instantly the Pisangs stopped, and looked to thir leader for orders. ““Two of you seize that feNow,” Hunston went on; ‘‘strip him, and tie him to a palm Two more of youbreak of a couple of long bamboos, and give him twenty cuts as hard as you can lay them on. ‘Twenty from each of you. In an instant Harvey was seized, and tightly, bound with thick rattans. His Jacket and shirt stripped off, and his back laid bare. “Tll teach you to cheek me, my hearty,” said Hunston, smiling bitterly. here, and you shall know it.” rvey made no answer, feeling that it would be of no use to appeal to his tormentor. There was nothing for it, as Jack had said, but ‘‘to grin and bear it.” ; _ Nevertheless, he gnashed his teeth angrily, and waited with a sinking feeling at his heart for the first strokes of the bamboos. He was not kept long in suspense. Whish! whish ! i like a hiss through the yielding air, and his felt as if some one was stripping off the a | skin with @ sharp knife. u Be _-‘MONDAY's DODGE. t fy dy Huaston to have the triumph of hearing his yicttm howl and cry for mercy, he Was disappointed. __ _ He bore the infliction bravely. # “ce Tm king they came with a sound 5 At times low wailing moans éscaped him, which were wrung from him by the severity of the pain. But that was all; and when they cast him loose, after giving him the last cut, he trembled violently, while they dressedhim again, and then rejoined Jack, who powerless to help him, had looked on with frantic rage. ‘Did I bear it well?” asked Harvey in a whisper. ‘Like a trump. Never mind, Dick, I hope its only lent. We'll pay him back again before long. What was it for?” ‘*He offered me my life if I’d be his friend, |and I told him to go to Jericho,” answered Har- vey. “Did he say anything about me?” ““Yes. You’reagone coon. Your case is past praying for; but now we’re both tarred with the same brush, and I suppose the cow- ardly brute will have it all his own way.” “* Perhaps Mole and the Limbians will come soon,” : ’ ““They will come,” replied Harvey. ‘‘ Of that I’m certain; but the mischief is, they may come too late. How my back burns.” **T should think so. I’ll ask Hunston if his fellows have got any oil,” said Jack, who added aloud—‘‘ Hunston.” ‘* What is it?” was the reply. ““May your men rub some oil back ?” “Not a drop.” ‘You are torturing him,” said Jack, whose face flushed angrily. ‘Just what I want to do. You don’t sup- pose I had him flogged for nothing, do you? And you'd best shut up, or I’ll give you a dose of it. Tell him he'll be out of his misery to- morrow,” added Hunston, with a Jaugh. Jack was about to make some reply, when Harvey touched his sleeve. “Don’t,” he said, ‘‘it’s no use. You might as welltalk toa stone wall; and I shouldn’t like you to cop it as well as me.” : fee against his will, Harkaway remained silent. : “You're right. We must bide our time; though I should like to have five minutes’ play with him with my fists in the open. He might tie one hand behind me if he liked, and then I'd back myself to lick him.” ‘*He’s a nice pup; but we'll make him yelp before we've done with him,” replied Harvey, smarting with pain. Ina short time a halt was ordered, and a guard being established, the ‘Pisangs\ threw on Harvey’s | themselves down to rest. The heat of the sun had been great, which made the march very fatiguing. © Glad to follow their example, the captives sank on the hard ground. Presently Monday looked around him; all was still. “You sleep, Mast’ Jack?” he whispered. ‘*‘No,” replied Harkaway, ‘‘for my mind is so full of disagreeable thoughts that I'm not like- ly to be.” ‘* Lie still. Monday use um teeth.” ‘What for ?” “Cut in two the rattans; then Mast’ Jack make a dive for the woods, and get off,” con- tinued Monday. “It’s not a bad dodge, but I’d rather you did itfor Harvey. I can take care of myself; something always turns up for me,” answered ack. ‘Very well,” replied Monday. He rolled over a little, and got nearer to Har-| vey, to whom he communicated his plan, and soon his teeth were at work. — In ten minutes Harvey was free. ore “‘Run, Dick, for yourlife,” whispered Jack; ‘‘and go zigzag, so that they won’t be able to hit yduifthey fire. There is only Hunston who knows how to use a gun, and the lazy beg- gar is snoring.” : ‘*Aren’t you coming too ?” asked Harvey. ‘‘No. Monday and I will stop. We can't allhope to get away.” > ‘*T can’t leave you.” ! \} **But you must. Think how much you can do forme. There are arms in the boat, and you can come and rescue me. Whether you are successful or not, you must try to get away- I got you into this mess by asking you to stop to help me to carry off Emily from Hunstom Poor Emily. Jack sighed. “Tf anything should go wrong with ma, Dick,” he continued, ‘‘ promise me you'll be # brother to Emily. She musn’t marry Hune- ton.” ; ‘‘ She shan’t if I can help it.” ; ‘I may be a croaker by this time to-mor- row; there’s no telling.” lass abs “Well, 'l go, in the hope of being of use to you,” said Harvey. ‘‘ Good-bye.” ‘*Good-bye, old flick,” replied Jack, trying to be jocular once more. ‘*God bless you!” said Harvey. | The next moment he was crawling on his stomach towards a dense jungle. He had reached it, and was about to plunge into it, when a Pisang saw him. - Uttering a fierce yell, he discharged the gun Hunston had given him. So bad was his aim, that, instead of hitting Harvey, he shot a comrade who stood near him. The native fell to the ground with a groan. Hunston sprang up. ‘You blundering fool!” he exclaimed, ‘« What’s the matter ?” The Pisang explained that one of the white chiefs had esca, ‘* Which one ?” cried Hunston. He ran to the spot where he had left the prisoners.. : Jack and Monday pretended to be fast asleep. Kicking them in the ribs, he exclaimed, ‘‘ get up. Where’s Harvey?” ba ‘You needn’t kick a fellow like that in the middle of his first sleep,” replied Jack, in a, tone of remonstrance. ‘‘ It is very hard a may can’t have a nap for a few minutes.” He rubbed his eyes and yawned drowsily. ‘* Where’s Harvey ?” thundered Hunston. 1‘ ‘«How should I know? Don’tI tell you I’ve’ been nodding,” replied Jack. Turning to the Pisangs, Hunston said: ‘after him! Tl have all your lives, if you don’t catch him.” é ; By this time, however, the fugitive had got a good start, and, though the Pisangs ran hither and thither, they could not find him. Hunston foamedat the mouth with rage. ‘‘He didn’t appreciate your kindness at all. You were going to hang him to-morrow, and he’s stepped it. Dick ought to be ashamed of himself!” ‘ \ Py Jack’s broad grin irritated Hunston. ‘“What do you want to work me up for?” he © exclaimed. ‘‘T'll treat you as I did him, and make a cat scratch your back.” ~ “Don’t get wild. Dick’s a very good fellow, but he shouldn’t have taken his hook without saying he was going,” replied Jack. _ unston turned away, and assisted himself in the pursuit of Harvey. It was fruitless however. He had got safely away. y Then the order to resume march was. given, and leaving the body of the dead Pisang, they continued their way to the town of Palembang, or, more strictly what remained of it. Hunston was more sullen than ever; bnt he eomforted himself with the reflection that Jack and Monday were still in his power. i The reached the smoking ruins of the town about nightfall, weary and footsore. __ | The people had made themselves rude shek ters of boughs and grass. Loud were shots fem ee sot over thei burnt property, and their old utensils, for few ial oven even the necessary imple. ments of domestic use. ate The fire occurring in the night time had takes” all by surprise. pace ‘ Owing to the high wind prevaling, its pres gress had been very rapid. 5 Jack and Monday were placed in one of the \¢
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few houses, which, owing to their isolated posi- tion, the flames had not reached. The door was shut and they were left to brood ever their coming fate. “Well, Mast? Jack,” said Monday, ‘‘ how um like it now?” ‘*Oh, tol tol; I’m pretty bobbish,” replied Jack. ‘‘I think if I was going to be hanged “in five minutes, I should sing my prayers instead of saying them.” **Tt what you call possum up gum tree now, sare.” “A very tall gum tree, too,” said Jack. _“P'raps Mis’ Mole come in night and walk into um Pisang.” 3 “No such luck, I’m afraid.” There was 2 great noise outside, and looking through a crack in tbe wall, Jack saw the Pisang ‘warriors beating back the crowd. They had heard that Jack was the cause of the destruction of their city, and they wanted to get at him and tear him in pieces. But Hunston reserved him for'public execu- ; oy and thé wild untamed mob was driven back. , “ Want to lynch us,” remarked Jack. ‘* Amia- ble beings, these Pisangs. I wish my hands ‘were not tied.” “Suppose Monday try um teeth, sare; and then you untie Monday when you free!” Stunning!” said Jack. ‘‘Cut along old chocolate and cream. You've got some sense in your noddle,” ° Monday set to work as he had done in Har- ‘yey’s case, resembling the mouse which liberated the lion, by gnawing the meshes of the net in which he was caught. “Bravo!” cried Jack, springing up in a short time, and stretching himself. ~ “That all right, sare!” asked Monday. - ‘Ripping! I don’t know if my grinders are 80 sharp as yours; but I'll have a go in.” / ae, dint of biting and pulling, he contrived to ltberate Monday. “Now um fight, before they take us to die,” said the black. ! Just then there was a crash, and something 5 a HAREAWAY AMONG THE ‘‘ What that, sare ?” asked Monday. : “‘T don’t know. It’s so beastly dark I can’t see; but it looks to meas if somebody’s teeth had dropped out.” “Oh! Mast’ Jack, how you make um poor; Monday laugh! Why him do it, when there so much misery ?” said Monday, chuckling. ‘* That's the time to laugh, ugly mug,” an- swered Jack, groping about in the dark. Presently he stumbled upon a heavy stone. _‘‘Lucky,” said he, ‘‘that this little pebble did not light on my nut. I know which is the hardest.” “‘ Ah! de debble !” cried Monday, ina voice of pain. ; “* What’s up up now ?” said Jack. ‘Mosquito bite him on the nose,” answered Monday, ruefully. ‘“ How um sting.” ‘Squash him then,” cried Jack. I thought T heard one of the beggars buzzing about.” “How him know that, sare?” i ** Because I can feel a bit of paper tied to it.” » “Yes; and I shouldn’t wonder if there was something written on it. Blow the darkness. It’s no good asking youif you’vye got a match im your pocket, as one could in a civilized country; and as we're not cats, we can’t see in the dark,” said Jack. “The moon him shine through that erack, sare.” ‘* By Jove! That willdo. There are more ways of killing a dog than hanging him, Mon- day,” Jack said, in high glee. He knelt down near the crack, and saw that the bit of paper, a very small one, had been Written on with a pencil. The writing was that of a woman. ‘* Emily, for a hundred!” he muttered. With some difficulty he contrived to read: “* Dearest Jack,” * ‘* Dearest!” he said, ‘I like that.” Then he went on. **Ttook a walk near the coast to-day, and saw a quantity of boats lying off near the to hear you were recaptured; but I expect a - night attack will be made, and rest assured J will open the door of your prison before they can come and kill you. ‘Byer your own loving j “ Eurny.” “She’s a brick!” said Jack, in great exulta. on. “What that, sare?” asked Monday, who was all curiosity. “ A friend has sent this letter attached to a stone. The Limbians are off the island.” **My people. That jolly! hang um after all,” said Monday joyfully. “TI never thought they would, though it looked uncommonly black an hour ago. Hur rah, Monday! You weren't born to be hanged, you scoundrel!” said Jack. “‘Mist’ Mole come and fight. like um tiger, sare, Monday like to see Mole fighting.” *T think Mole will be like the Yankee, whe said to his men, ‘ Fight till all your powder is ‘one, and thon run away; and as I’m rather me, I'll start now, before the enemy comes np,’” said Jack, laughing, ti “Ha, ha! him brave man,” exclaimed Mon- day, also laughing. ‘‘Hunston will be sold this time.” The door suddenly opened, and a voice said, «Will he ?” It was Hunston. ‘ ‘You're rather too fast, Harkaway ; and you shouldn’t talk so loud,” he exclaimed. ‘‘'These walls are not very thick, and you didn’t think I’ was listening.” A. diabolical smile played round the corners of Hunston’s mouth in the moonlight, Jack's heart fell within him; and Monday would have turned pale if his skin had permit~ ted him. j Here was a disastrous interruption to their plan. Their hopes were crushed in the bud, H i ¢ foll through the frail roof, shore, hidden partly by the rock. They must ~ Hallo!” said Jack, ‘‘Who’s chueking | be your friends the Limbians. 5 ; dy pricks?” t “Keep up your spirits. Iwas deeply grieved {Zo be continued in Wipk Awake Liprary, No, { : [THE END. ] 1228, entitled “ Jack Harkaway's Escape.’ and Instructive Books. “Useful HOW TO MAKE MAGIC TOYS—Containing full directions for 1 HOW TO DO TRICKS WITH NUMBERS—Showing many curi- ¢ * making Magic Toys and devices of many kinds. By A. Ander- _ son, ally. illustrated. Price 10 cents, For sale by all news- dealers, or sent, post-paid by mail, upon receipt of price. Ad- dress. Frank Touse , Publisher, 34 and 36 North Moore Street, New York. P.O. 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