THE EMBLEM OF EMPIRE
"You've been a long time," remarked Mr. McKay, as the three youths made
their appearance.
"Yes," admitted Terence, "I'm afraid we have; but we must blame Hoppy's
bull."
"Hoppy's bull?" asked Mr. McKay.
"Yes, the ox turned out to be a bull--and a tough customer he was,"
replied Terence, who then proceeded to give Mr. McKay a graphic
description of how they had tried to unload the bull from the wreck.
"And how do you feel to-day?" asked Ellerton.
"Considerably better," replied the injured man.
"You've been moved," declared Andy, pointing to some marks in the grass.
"I plead guilty," replied his father with a smile. "Quexo dragged my
couch out in the sunshine. I wanted to take an observation at midday.
Just hand me that chart. I've pricked our position. Here it is.
Reduced to English degrees the latitude is 21 deg. 4' 15" S. and the
longitude 134 deg. 17' 14" W. of Greenwich. As I suspected, we are on the
fringe of the Low Archipelago, well away from the Great Circle route
between Panama and New Zealand, and equally remote from the regular
tracks between the Sandwich Islands and Cape Horn. That means that
unless a whaler or stray trading vessel puts in here, or that we make
the cutter seaworthy enough for a thousand-mile voyage, our stay here
is likely to be indefinitely prolonged."
"I'm sure I don't mind," observed Andy.
"Nor I, if only my people knew we were safe," added Terence, and
Ellerton expressed himself in a similar manner.
"Isn't the heat oppressive?" said Andy. "It's like an oven here."
"Yes," assented his father. "I can see we've made a mistake in
choosing this spot. It's splendidly sheltered--too much so--for what
with the rocks behind us and the palm groves on either side, the air
cannot circulate. We must find a more open spot on the next terrace."
"There's no reason why we shouldn't have two camps--one for stormy
weather and the other for the dry season," replied Andy. "Once we've
finished with the wreck we can set to and build a more substantial
home. But what do you say? Hadn't we better unload the boat?"
"I'm game," replied Ellerton.
"What did you bring ashore?" asked Mr. McKay.
"Mostly provisions, bedding, and clothing, though that beastly bull
tossed a lot of stuff overboard. We've also brought the rest of the
navigation instruments."
"Are you making another trip to-day?"
"I hope so," replied Ellerton. "I shall not be satisfied till those
poor sheep are safely ashore. By the by, Andy, you might tell Quexo to
build a fence between the rock and the edge of this terrace. It won't
take long, and it will inclose enough pasture land to feed the sheep
for some time to come."
"I'll tell him directly we've had lunch; but come on, unloading the
boat will take all our spare time before lunch, and we mustn't work too
hard in this broiling sun."
By the time the cutter's cargo was brought up to the camp Quexo had
prepared the meal. This over, the inhabitants of the Nameless Island
indulged in a siesta till the sun was sufficiently low in the heavens
to enable them to resume work.
"Don't forget to bring some lamps ashore," said Mr. McKay, as the three
lads prepared to set off to the wreck. "And a bundle of signal flags,
while you are about it."
This time the salvage operations were uninterrupted. The sheep,
securely trussed up, were placed in the boat, while the bunting, lamps,
a portable galley, and a set of blacksmith's tools, including a bellows
and anvil, were also lowered into the cutter without mishap.
"Let's get the hatch off and see what is in the forehold," suggested
Ellerton.
The hold was full of water, as the lads had expected, but a hasty
examination showed that the part of the cargo nearest the opening was
composed of several sheets of galvanised corrugated iron.
"This is fortunate," exclaimed Andy. "We'll be able to knock up a
decent house. But what's that I can see for'ard?"
"Looks like farming implements," suggested Terence.
"You are wrong," replied Andy. "I know; it's what the Americans term a
runabout."
"A what?" asked Ellerton.
"A runabout--otherwise a motor-car."
"Fancy a motor-car on the Nameless Island!" exclaimed Terence, and the
lads burst into a fit of hearty laughter at the incongruous idea.
"We'll have it ashore in time," observed Andy. "It will come in
useful."
"How?"
"Never mind how. I have an idea, and, all being well, I'll fix it up
to a good purpose."
"Suppose we try and find the bill of lading and the charter-party; they
will give us some idea of the nature of the cargo."
A search revealed the required documents, but, being in Spanish, the
apprentice could make no meaning to the text.
"Snakes!" ejaculated Andy. "There's enough to set us up as universal
providers! Woollen and cotton goods, boots and leggings, hardware of
American manufacture, nine cases of rifles--for some blooming
insurgents more than likely--30,000 rounds of ammunition, and--hullo,
this looks dangerous!--two tons of dynamite; building and railroad
materials, agricultural implements, and one petrol-driven runabout,
consigned to Monsieur Georges Lacroix, Grand Bassin, Tahiti. Well, I'm
afraid Monsieur Georges Lacroix will have to wait for his motor-car!"
"By Jove, we are lucky!" ejaculated Ellerton. "That is, provided we
get the stuff ashore."
"We'll do it," replied his chum resolutely. "Only give us time and
good weather, and we'll leave precious little on the _San Martin_, I
can assure you."
"Time to be off," exclaimed Terence. "It will be dark in an hour."
So, thrusting the documents into his belt, Andy dropped over the side,
and received the rest of the articles that the lads had collected.
Then, well laden, the boat returned to the shore.
"We've much to be thankful for," exclaimed Mr. McKay, after he had
perused the ship's papers. "There is, I think, no need for anxiety as
to our future. You brought the signal flags, I hope?"
"Yes," replied Ellerton, "and a couple of Peruvian ensigns."
"Good! I'm going to make up a Union Jack. There are two reasons for
doing so. The first is that it can be used as a means of attracting
passing vessels; the second, and more important to my mind, is that it
signifies that the island becomes part of the British Empire. I've
been going into the question pretty deeply. You may be aware that the
Low Archipelago belongs to France. These islands consists of a number
of flat coral islands, hence their name. Now, as this island is lofty
and of volcanic origin, I cannot see that it can be classed as
belonging to the Low Archipelago, even though it is not far distant
from that group. Neither does it appear to have been inhabited, so we
may be pretty safe in claiming it. Terence, there's a pencil and paper
close to your elbow; will you please sketch a plan of a Union Jack?"
Terence did so, but the result was not to Mr. McKay's satisfaction.
"You try, Andy."
Nor was Andy's attempt any more satisfactory, so Ellerton was put to
the test.
"Shame on you, lads!" exclaimed Mr. McKay reproachfully. "Three
members of the good old British Empire, and unable to draw its national
ensign correctly. Here, hand me that pencil."
"Now do you see," he continued, after he had explained the various
minute particulars of the flag. "There's a broad white diagonal above
the two portions of St. Patrick's cross next to the pole, and a broad
white diagonal below the two portions farthest from the pole. If the
flag is hoisted in any manner but the correct the ensign becomes a
signal of distress. Often in bygone days hostile ships have attempted
to sail under British colours, and in nine cases out of ten their
ignorance of its peculiarities has led to their undoing. However,
we'll postpone the cutting out till the rest of the boat's cargo is
brought up."
"How is Quexo getting on?" asked Ellerton.
"He's been away the whole afternoon. I guess your fence is nearly
completed by now."
"Then I'll go and see how he is progressing," remarked the apprentice.
The mulatto had indeed made rapid strides, for only a few feet more
remained to be done, so Ellerton returned to the boat to liberate the
sheep. Ere nightfall the pen was tenanted by a score of animals,
frisking with enjoyment at finding themselves once more in pasture.
That evening three large lamps contributed to the comfort of the tent.
The lads, tired out with their exertions, were "taking things easy,"
lamenting the fact that there was no literature to beguile the time.
Mr. McKay, having been raised to a sitting position, called for the
bunting. Laboriously he threaded a needle and commenced his lengthy
task.
"One moment, sir," exclaimed Ellerton. "Wouldn't a sewing machine be
better?"
"A what? Bless the lad! Where's a machine to be had?"
"On board, sir. I noticed a couple in the fo'c'sle. You see, a seaman
has to make his own duds."
"Very well, I'll put off the job till to-morrow, if you'll remember to
bring one of the things ashore."
"Any need to keep watch to-night, pater?" asked Andy.
"I think it would be advisable till we've explored the island. Not
that I anticipate any interference, but forewarned is forearmed."
Mr. McKay's words proved to be correct. Nothing occurred to disturb
the camp during the second night ashore.
"Do you think that Terence and you can manage by yourselves?" asked Mr.
McKay during breakfast.
"I think so," replied Ellerton.
"Then Andy can take Quexo and make an exploration of the interior. I
particularly want him to reach the summit of the hill, so as to find
out if there are other islands in the vicinity."
"You understand, Andy?" continued his father. "Keep a sharp look-out
for signs of past or present inhabitants, any animals you may come
across--there may be a few pigs--and, above all, note the general
extent of the island and the position of its neighbours, if visible.
Don't overburden yourselves; a revolver and twenty rounds apiece, a
water-bottle, and some provisions will be quite enough to carry. Rest
on the summit of the hill during the heat of the day, and get back here
well before sunset."
Having seen the explorers on their way, Ellerton and Donaghue pushed
off the cutter and rowed to the wreck.
It was again an ideal morning, and without the faintest hitch the boat
was made fast alongside the battered hull of the _San Martin_.
"I've a mind to try and patch up that gig," remarked Ellerton, gazing
at the battered boat.
"Take too much time," was Terence's reply.
"No, I mean to fasten some painted canvas over the hole and nail some
copper sheathing outside the canvas to protect it. It won't be a long
job, so meanwhile you might clear all the light gear out of the cabins
and saloon."
Two hours sufficed to effect the temporary repairs, and the gig on
being launched let in very little water. Ellerton was overjoyed with
his success.
"We'll take a double load ashore, Terence," he exclaimed. "We may as
well make a start by clearing the for'ard hold."
So saying, Ellerton began to strip off his clothing. He was an expert
swimmer and diver, and these qualifications stood him in good stead.
Taking a strong hook attached to a rope in his hand, he dived from the
coaming of the hatchway. The top of the stacks of galvanised iron was
but a few feet below the surface, and in a few seconds the hook was
affixed to the wire rope that held the plates together.
Then, regaining the deck, the apprentice assisted his companion in
hauling their booty out of the hold.
Six times the operation was repeated, till the deck resembled a "tin"
city in the western plains of Arizona.
"It takes it out of you," remarked Ellerton. "I wish we could get rid
of the water in the hold; though I'm afraid the vessel's too badly
strained to be able to patch up her sides."
"Even then we would have a bother to get rid of the water," replied
Terence. "Still, we've done very well up to now."
"There's all that railway line material underneath the iron sheeting;
that will want some shifting."
"We'll do it some time, but now we'll get off home."
It seemed natural for the lads to talk of the camp as "home," for
already they were becoming attached to the free, yet none the less
comfortable, manner of living.
"Wait while I get the sewing machine from the fo'c'sle. But you may as
well come, too, and we'll take both of them."
With this, Ellerton, accompanied by Terence, made his way for'ard. In
the gloom of the stuffy fo'c'sle, the sight of which forcibly reminded
him of his quarters on the _Tophet_, Ellerton found the required
articles.
"Hullo, here's a find!" he exclaimed, holding up a concertina.
"Sling the blessed thing overboard," replied Terence laughing. "If you
take it ashore it's bound to make trouble in the camp."
"It may come in handy."
Ellerton looked upon everything as being likely "to come in handy." He
would have overstocked the island with useless things in the hope that
they might be of use at some distant date. In this case, did he but
know it, the concertina was fated to play a most useful part.
"All right, then," assented Terence good-humouredly. "To look at us
now one would think we were going to run old women's sewing meetings
and popular Saturday night concerts."
With the gig in tow, the lads returned to the shore, putting off the
unloading of their boat till the evening, though they brought the
sewing machines with them to the tent.
"Now I can get on," exclaimed Mr. McKay. "It's slow work lying here
and unable to do a decent bit of hard work."
Lunch, followed by the customary siesta, occupied the rest of the
afternoon. By the aid of a telescope Andy and Quexo had been seen on
the summit of the hill, and their descent followed till an intervening
spur hid them from sight. Mr. McKay calculated that they would be home
within a couple of hours.
"You might cut down a suitable palm tree--one about forty feet in
height--Terence," he added. "I should like to have the flag flying on
their return."
The tree was easily felled, and a small block, with signal halliards
rove, was fastened to its smaller end. This done, a hole was dug to
receive the pole, and by the aid of a pair of guys the flagstaff was
erected and set up in quite a professional style.
About five in the afternoon Andy and the mulatto returned. They
reported that from the summit of the hill the island appeared to be
nearly circular, without any noticeable bays that might serve as boat
harbours.
The reef extended completely around the island, approaching it closely
on the southern side, while there were three well-defined entrances
besides the one they already knew about.
Andy reckoned that the extreme length of the island was about seven
miles, its breadth barely a mile less. There were no other islands
visible, but as the sea was hazy away on the north-west it was possible
that land might lie in that direction.
"Then, assuming the altitude to be one thousand feet, your horizon
would be approximately forty-two miles off," remarked Mr. McKay.
"Well, in that case we are not likely to be troubled by our neighbours,
for the nearest island cannot be less than fifty miles away. Did you
find any signs of the island having been inhabited?"
"Yes," replied Andy, "we found this," and opening a leather sling case
he produced a pistol. It was a quaint specimen of a flint-lock weapon,
its large-bore barrel eaten with rust and its silver-mounted walnut
stock pitted and rotted by exposure.
"I don't think the gentleman who dropped this article is in a fit state
to call upon us," observed Mr. McKay. "Nevertheless, it shows that we
are not the first civilised people to set foot on the island. What is
the interior like?"
"There are distinct signs of a volcano about. The top of the hill is
most certainly an extinct volcano, while the base is honeycombed with
fissures like the volcano of Monotombo. Otherwise the island is well
wooded."
"You've done well," commented Mr. McKay. "Now it's nearly sunset, so
there will be just time to hoist the Union Jack."
"Finished it, then, pater?"
"Rather! Now, Andy, you hoist the emblem of empire!"
Amid the cheers of the band of Britishers the ensign was broken at the
masthead. For a few minutes it fluttered idly in the breeze, then, as
the sun sank beneath the horizon, the Jack was slowly lowered.
They had asserted the King's authority over the island to which they
had now given the name of McKay's Island.