STELLA AND THE MIDSHIPMEN SAIL FOR JAMAICA IN THE SARAH JANE--VOYAGE--
ARRIVAL--JACK'S DELIGHT AT RECOVERING TOM--STELLA GOES TO THE
BRADSHAWS--HIGSON PROMOTED--THE PLANTAGENET AND TUDOR SAIL FOR
CARTHAGENA--THEY QUICKLY SETTLE ALL DIFFICULTIES--PROCEED TO THE
MOSQUITO SHORE--BOAT EXPEDITION UP THE SAN JUAN DE NICARAGUA--NIGHT
ENCAMPMENT--VISIT OF A PUMA--A CHASE--SCENERY OF THE RIVER--BIRDS AND
MONKEYS--VOYAGE CONTINUED--AN UNPLEASANT BED ON AN ANTHILL--APPROACHING
THE ENEMY--A SAD ACCIDENT--ALARM--THE CAPTAIN ATTEMPTS TO RESCUE THE
DROWNING MEN--DOES NOT RETURN.
The _Sarah Jane_ meeting with fine weather and a fair wind glided
rapidly across the Caribbean Sea. Higson felt proud of his first
command, and soon gained that self-confidence which long years spent in
a subordinate position had made him doubt that he possessed. The
midshipmen supported him well, and Needham, who acted as boatswain,--and
a more thorough man-of-war's-man never stepped,--assisted to keep the
rest of the crew in good order. Tom Rogers was declared "First
Lieutenant," and he walked the deck with all the air and consequence of
one. He had already become a fair navigator, and Higson could depend on
his calculations. Gordon was dubbed the "Master," and it was voted that
Desmond should be "Second Lieutenant."
"I say," exclaimed Tom, "we ought to have a doctor, and so I propose
that we give Master Spider the rating, since we haven't got a better one
to fill the post; he at all events won't drench his patients with
physic, and if he has to bleed them he will do it artistically with his
teeth." So Spider was dubbed "Doctor" from henceforth. Higson
appointed Archy Gordon also to do the duties of "Purser," so that he had
plenty of occupation.
It was impossible to be more attentive to poor Miss O'Regan than were
the young midshipmen, or more thoughtful in all they did. Although she
still looked pale, she endeavoured to show her gratitude whenever she
came on deck by her cheerful conversation and her smile, which Desmond
declared beat everything in the way of sunshine. The midshipmen enjoyed
the voyage and quickly regained their strength, somewhat lost during
their imprisonment; as to their spirits they were of too buoyant a
nature to be kept down the moment the pressure was removed.
At length the Blue Mountains beyond the harbour of Port Royal appeared
in sight, the sea breeze, which still blew fresh, wafting the brig
rapidly towards the shore.
Miss O'Regan, with her faithful attendant by her side, seated on deck,
watched with much interest the magnificent view which gradually rose
before her eyes. The three midshipmen were standing near her.
"I cannot help hoping that the frigate and corvette have been sent to
sea; if not, Higson will have pretty soon to give up his command, and we
three, degraded from our rank, shall be ignominiously sent back into the
midshipman's berth," said Tom, with a laughable grimace.
"Then the sooner we make up our minds to sink into insignificance the
better," observed Desmond, who had a telescope to his eye. "I make out
clearly enough the frigate and corvette at anchor; however, we shall
have a jolly time of it giving the other fellows an account of our
adventures. I vote that we make old Scrofton believe that `Master
Spider' played a gallant part in the capture of the Carthagenan fleet,
and led the boarders when we took the corvette."
"But we didn't board at all, in the first place," said Tom, "so that
won't be true to begin with."
"No, but when one's about spinning a yarn it's as well to spin a good
one," answered Desmond.
"To my mind a joke's a joke, and a lie's a lie," observed Tom.
"Although it would be very good fun to quiz old Scrofton, we certainly
should not tell him what is not the truth, and I won't vote for anything
of the sort."
"Nor will I," observed Gordon, "and after all the adventures we have
been preserved from, it's time that we should knock off our midshipmen's
tricks. Where should we have been if my cousin Murray hadn't come in at
the moment he did, and so bravely captured the fleet? We should to a
certainty have been shot, as was the poor colonel."
"Hush!" said Tom, pointing to Miss O'Regan, "she may hear us." Paddy
Desmond looked rather vexed. "I don't consider humbugging an old bo'sun
telling a lie, as you choose to call it," he said, turning away.
"Truth is truth, Paddy, though," answered Tom; "I didn't mean to offend
you, and I dare say we shall get a rise out of old Scrofton without
descending to falsehood." Paddy's anger was as usual quickly appeased,
and he joined in the hearty laughter which "Master Spider" produced, as
at that moment he came hopping aft rigged in a white shirt with blue
turn-down collar, white trousers, a straw hat secured to the top of his
head, and a wooden cutlass made fast to one of his paws, and which, in
his efforts to free himself from it, he appeared to be flourishing about
as if engaged in mortal combat.
"There!" exclaimed Paddy, "if he didn't board the Dons he shows that he
would have done so if we had run them alongside, and he would precious
soon have driven them overboard."
Even Stella could not help indulging in a smile such as had not for a
long time lighted up her countenance, while Polly clapped her hands, and
shrieked with laughter.
Gradually the fortifications and buildings of Port Royal and the long
line of the Palisades appeared in sight, and the brig passing close
round the works of Fort Charles steered in and anchored a short distance
from the frigate. Blue Peter was flying from the mastheads of both
ships, a signal that they were about to put to sea, so there was no time
to be lost. Higson ordered a boat to be lowered, and leaving the brig
in charge of Needham, accompanied by the three midshipmen, pulled
alongside the frigate. Stella naturally preferred remaining on board
the brig until she could be conveyed to Kingston.
Captain Hemming was on shore, but Mr Cherry and Jack Rogers were on
board, while Adair was seen walking the deck of the corvette.
"A boat coming alongside, sir," sang out Norris, addressing Jack, who
was officer of the watch, "and if I can believe my eyes, there's Higson,
with your brother, and Gordon, and Paddy Desmond in her." The
announcement produced no small excitement on board, all who heard it
hurrying to have a look at the three long-lost midshipmen.
Jack, his warm heart beating with joy, rushed to the gangway. He was
soon shaking hands with Tom and his companions, who were warmly welcomed
by their other shipmates. Spider, who had accompanied them, made his
own way up the side, and seated on the hammock nettings, holding on by a
backstay, was received with shouts of laughter by his old friends, he
chattering away, seemingly as glad to see them as they were to greet
him. Singling old Ben Snatchblock, with whom he had been a favourite,
he sprang on his shoulders and was quickly carried in triumph forward,
where he was lost to sight among the crew, who gathered round him as
school girls are wont to do round a small child introduced amongst them.
Higson and the midshipmen were in the meantime relating their adventures
as rapidly as their tongues could wag; as soon as they had given a brief
outline of them, they inquired what had occurred during their absence.
The corvette had been repaired. Commander Babbicome, though still as
much afraid of the West India climate as at first, had not resigned, as
it was thought he would do. Her complement had been made up of the crew
of two merchant vessels wrecked on the coast, with other volunteers, and
a few hands from the frigate, and they were now only waiting the return
of Captain Hemming to proceed to the southward, application having been
made by her Britannic Majesty's consul at Bluefields on the Mosquito
shore for the assistance of some ships of war, to protect British
interests in that part of the world. A variety of outrages and insults
of which he complained having been offered to Englishmen, work of some
sort it was expected would be cut out for them, and all hands were
delighted at the thoughts of having something in the way of fighting to
do.
"Then the sooner I get up to Kingston the better," exclaimed Higson.
"It won't do to be left behind. I can't go, however, without delivering
my despatches to the admiral."
He accordingly hurried back with the three midshipmen to the brig, where
Jack and Adair, who were anxious to pay their respects to Miss O'Regan,
presently followed. They said all that was proper to her regarding her
father's death, and expressed their hopes that Murray would soon return
to Jamaica and receive his well-earned honours.
"He is sure to be promoted," said Jack. "When he is, I have great hopes
that the admiral will appoint him to the command of the corvette, should
Captain Babbicome resign her, as I think he is very likely to do, for he
evidently wishes himself looking after his cows and pigs at home."
Miss O'Regan and her attendant, with Higson and the three midshipmen,
proceeded up at once to Kingston. Fortunately, on landing, they met the
admiral, who was delighted to hear of Murray's success. "I knew the lad
would do something if he had the opportunity," he exclaimed, rubbing his
hands, "and very well he has done it, that all must allow. He will
obtain his promotion, and you, Mr Higson, may depend on receiving
yours."
On being introduced to Miss O'Regan the old admiral exclaimed, "You must
come up to the Pen, my dear young lady, and remain there till you can
communicate with your friends. Mrs and Miss McAlpine will be delighted
to see you on your own account, and also that of my kinsman Lieutenant
Murray. He is an officer in whose welfare I am much interested, and I
can assure you that he has not disappointed my expectations." Then
turning to the midshipmen, he added, "And you youngsters must come up
too; the ladies will want you to spin them a yarn about your adventures,
and I'll take care that the frigate does not sail without you."
Though Stella would have gladly set off at once for her relations the
Bradshaws, she could not refuse the admiral's kind invitation. He drove
her up to the Pen, where Higson and the midshipmen followed.
Stella was kindly received, and as little as possible was said to recall
the painful scenes she had gone through. The admiral, with Murray's
despatches before him, questioned Higson as to further particulars, and
then made the midshipmen recount their adventures to his wife and
daughters, being especially amused at the way Desmond roused up the
vice-consul and his household.
Tom ever afterwards declared that he was the most jolly old officer he
had ever met with--excepting, of course, Admiral Triton.
"I see, Mr Higson, that Lieutenant Murray speaks in the highest terms
of your bravery and courage in this affair," said the admiral. "I have
great pleasure, therefore, in giving you an acting order as Third
Lieutenant of the _Plantagenet_; and I have no doubt that when the
affair is known at the Admiralty, it will be confirmed; and I can
congratulate you on the step, which has been entirely gained by your own
merits."
Higson felt his heart jump nearly into his mouth; for often before as he
had expected promotion he had been disappointed, and he had almost given
up hopes of obtaining it.
He thanked the admiral warmly. "Say no more about it, mon," he
answered. "I wish that I could reward every one on board the
_Supplejack_ as they deserved. You may possibly before long have an
opportunity of distinguishing yourself, and I am very sure that I shall
hear a good account of you."
Captain Hemming soon afterwards went up to the Pen, when he received
fresh instruction as to his course of proceeding. Instead of going
direct to Nicaragua as he had before been ordered to do, he was to touch
Carthagena to settle the affair of the capture of the Carthagenan fleet,
and the recapture of the merchantman; it being considered that a visit
of two or three ships of war might somewhat assist in bringing the
diplomatic part of the transaction to a satisfactory conclusion.
When the midshipmen went to wish goodbye to Stella, she had a letter for
Murray, which she entrusted to Archy Gordon. "You may depend on me for
delivering it safely; for I should otherwise never be able to look my
cousin in the face," he answered.
After an early dinner the admiral dismissed them. Higson wished to get
several things in Kingston before they returned on board; he had also to
deliver over the brig to the agent, who had to find a fresh crew in lieu
of the men-of-war's men, and some of the others who volunteered for the
frigate. It was thus past midnight when they got on board.
Higson received the hearty congratulation of his old messmates as well
as those of the midshipmen whose berth he was leaving.
"Pardon me, Mr Higson, I'm right glad that you've got this step,"
exclaimed Dick Needham, "you deserve it, that you do; though it's not
always those who are most deserving that gets their due."
By daybreak next morning the _Plantagenet_ and _Tudor_ sailed with the
land breeze for the southward. About the usual length of time was
occupied in the run across the Caribbean Sea to Carthagena. The
_Plantagenet_ hove-to outside, while Captain Hemming went on board the
_Tudor_, which stood into the harbour. There lay the little
_Supplejack_, like a bull-dog watching his charge, with Long Tom still
pointed at her prize, while her young commander, ever vigilant, walked
her deck.
Very great, as may be supposed, was his delight when he saw the corvette
glide up to an anchorage, and when Captain Hemming came on board.
"Since the _Sarah Jane_ sailed, I have not once set foot on shore," said
Murray, after the first greetings were over; "I acted, as I thought, for
the best, and I hope that the admiral was not inclined to find fault
with me for what I have done."
"Find fault with you! On the contrary, my dear fellow, he is
delighted," answered Captain Hemming. "He also told me in confidence
that you may depend on your promotion. By the bye, your young relative
Gordon is the bearer of a despatch which will give you further
information. I'll leave you to read it while I have a talk with the
consul who, I see, has just come off."
The despatch which Archy delivered to his cousin need not be made
public, though it afforded him intense satisfaction.
The consul, after a brief conversation with Captain Hemming, returned on
shore to communicate with General Carmona. It was reported on board
that the general had offered, as he could not restore the British
subjects he had shot to life, to give up an equal number of natives to
be dealt with in the same manner, should the English commander be so
disposed.
Although he talked a little big about being compelled to give up the two
merchant vessels which had been legally captured, he was glad enough to
drop the subject on condition that his corvette and schooners were
restored to him, while he promised in future never to shoot, hang, or
imprison any British subject without a legal trial; thus the matter
being settled, "Long Tom" was once more housed, and the _Supplejack_
sailed out of the harbour.
Murray, not supposing that anything of consequence was likely to take
place, was much disappointed when, instead of proceeding to Jamaica, he
was ordered to join the other ships on their way to Nicaragua.
Both the three lieutenants and the three midshipmen, though on the same
service, were now separated, Gordon having remained on board the
frigate, Desmond having joined the corvette, while Tom continued with
his brother.
Various were the surmises as to the sort of service in which they were
to be engaged. All they knew was that the President of an insignificant
republic having ventured to "beard the English," he was to be punished
accordingly, and brought to reason. How this was to be done was the
question, as the ships could not get near enough to the shore to batter
down any of his towns.
Captain Hemming had, however, received sufficient information regarding
the interior of the country to be enabled to form his plans.
The ships having reached the neighbourhood of Bluefields on the Mosquito
shore, a pilot-vessel from one of the numerous keys situated off that
dangerous coast came out. The pilot being taken on board, they
proceeded with the lead going, to the anchorage off the town, which is
situated on the border of a wide extending plain, out of which several
volcanoes could be seen continually puffing forth smoke.
The British consul at once came on board, and expressed his satisfaction
at their arrival.
"There will be some work for you to do, Captain Hemming," he observed.
"A certain Colonel Salas, belonging to the precious Republic of
Nicaragua, who is at the head of a band of ruffians, has carried off two
persons from San Juan, falsely accused of breaking the laws of the
country, and he has, besides, offered numerous other insults to the
British flag."
A short time only was spent in making the necessary preparations, the
consul, Mr Wilmot, being a man of action, was eager himself to proceed
with the expedition, accompanied by a spirited young man, Mr Halliday,
who also begged leave to join the party. They offered the use of their
own boat, manned by natives, which was at once accepted.
The following morning the vessels got under weigh, and proceeded towards
the mouth of the San Juan river. Bluefields, it should be understood,
is one of the chief towns belonging to the dark-skinned monarchs of the
Mosquito shore, and Graytown, at the entrance of the last-mentioned
river, is the capital.
At noon-time the following day the expedition arrived off that not
over-delightful spot. It contains about 2000 inhabitants, and is
situated on perfectly level ground, so completely closed in by
impassable forests or water, that a walk in any direction is impossible,
unless along the sea-beach. The inhabitants consist of a few
Englishmen, and a greater number of Germans and Americans, employed in
the engrossing work of dollar-getting.
The grog-shops, however, drive a most flourishing trade. But few
natives live in the town, and from the colour of those seen paddling
about in their canoes, it is evident that they are a mixture of the
mulatto and Indian. They came alongside the ships, eager to dispose of
the turtle which they are chiefly engaged in catching, and to sell a few
eggs and chickens.
They were merry fellows, most of them speaking English; as they were
ready to take any price offered, they soon got rid of their merchandise.
The Consul advised Captain Hemming to be prepared for hostilities, and
as he was too wise an officer to despise a foe, he ordered all the boats
of the squadron to be got ready for the expedition. No one was allowed
to go on shore; indeed, scarcely a place on the face of the globe can
have fewer attractions than Graytown.
The seamen were busily employed in sharpening cutlasses and examining
their pistols, and the soldiers in furbishing up their arms ready for
active service.
Not a breath of wind stirred the glass-like surface of the water; the
sun came down with intense heat, making the pitch in the seams of the
decks bubble and squeak, so Paddy Desmond declared; even those most
inured to tropical suns felt the heat, which even the awnings stretched
over the quarterdeck could scarcely mitigate. Poor Captain Babbicome
was seen pacing up and down with a large bandanna in his hand, puffing
and blowing, and wiping the perspiration from his brow. He received but
little consolation when he heard Terence remark that it would be hotter
still up the river.
"Oh, dear! oh, dear! what shall I do?" he exclaimed; "if this continues
I shall be reduced to a skeleton."
The doctor strongly advised him to remain on board. "A sunstroke would
finish you, sir," he observed, "and you would be a loss to the service."
Still Commander Babbicome was too brave a man to give in willingly.
Even when Captain Hemming directed him to remain in charge of the
squadron during his absence, he begged to be allowed, should he feel
better, to proceed up the river.
"Act as you think best. Should you recover sufficiently to stand the
fatigue, of course I shall be glad to have your assistance," answered
his superior officer.
Murray, in the meantime, took his place as second in command. Twelve
boats were prepared for the expedition, consisting of the ships'
launches and barges, the consul's boat, a spare pinnace, and the
captains' gigs.
The next morning at daybreak the boats shoved off from the ships' sides,
saluted with loud cheers by those who remained on board. Captain
Hemming and Murray went in their respective gigs, and Jack, who had
command of the pinnace, took Tom with him, while Desmond accompanied
Adair in one of the barges; the soldiers and the marines were
distributed among the boats. The whole, including officers, bluejackets
and soldiers, mustered upwards of 250 men. The two gigs, accompanied by
the consul's boat, went ahead. They had not proceeded far before they
felt the strength of the current, for although the river was wide it was
shallow, and so great was the mass of water coming down that it ran with
the rapidity of a mill-stream. The men had to bend to their oars with
might and main, and even then, the heavier boats in several places
scarcely seemed, at times, to go ahead. Though the sun struck down with
intense heat, the gallant bluejackets took no notice of it, nor relaxed
their efforts, but hour after hour pulled on, encouraged by their
officers. In some places, the water was so shallow that the boats could
with difficulty move along, and frequently they had to shove off till
another channel was found; undaunted, however, they laboured on till
midday, when they landed at the most convenient spot to be found on the
banks of the river to dine and recruit their exhausted strength.
An hour only was allowed for rest, and once more they embarked and
toiled on as before.
The forest on both sides of the river came close down to the water's
edge, the lofty trees towering high above their heads, shutting out
everything behind. Here and there a few clearings were seen, with huts
and other buildings, tenanted by settlers, and now and then a native in
his light canoe paddled by, but few inhabitants were seen; the views as
they proceeded consisted chiefly of the tumbling waters and the forests
as the hand of nature had left them. At length night approached; the
captain gave the order to land, and the hardy crews, their strength
taxed to the uttermost, pulled in quickly to a somewhat more open spot
than was usually seen on the banks, where they might find room to
bivouac for the night.
The boats were made fast, and all hands leaped on shore and began with
their axes to cut away the underwood. A space sufficient for their
object was soon cleared. The campfires were lighted, pots and pans
brought on shore, and the men, told off to act as cooks, set to work to
boil the coffee and cocoa and warm up the messes of turtle which had
been prepared.
The only spots where they could rest with anything like comfort was
round the fires, the thick clouds of smoke rising from which helped to
keep off the myriads of mosquitoes which forthwith commenced an
onslaught on them. The officers assembled in the neighbourhood of one
of the fires, while the soldiers and sailors gathered round the others.
A person ignorant of the cause might have supposed that every man of the
party had been seized with Saint Vitus' dance--not a man could retain
his seat or keep his hands quiet for a moment, for while he tried with
one hand to get his food or a cup to his mouth, the other was employed
in slapping right and left, now at his cheek, now at his other hand or
at his feet, in vain endeavours to destroy his persevering foes; for the
instant a wreath of smoke blew to one side, a whole host of ferocious
insects darted forward to assail their victims on the other. Cigars and
pipes were quickly lighted, in the hopes of driving off the pests, but
in vain; the fumes of tobacco had but little effect, for if a puff drove
them off a man's nose, in an instant they attacked some other part of
his body.
In spite of this inconvenience, Murray had again to give the account of
his recent exploit, while the midshipmen recounted for the twentieth
time their adventures and imprisonment in Carthagena.
No sooner had night closed down on the camp than cries of all
descriptions came forth from the forest--the croaking of frogs, the
chirping of crickets, the howling of monkeys, mingled with strange
groans and shrieks, which made the seamen draw closer together, some,
even among the stoutest-hearted, declaring that without doubt the place
was haunted, while many a brave tar cast a glance over his shoulder,
expecting to see some fierce creature stalk out from among the trees.
At last Captain Hemming gave the order for all hands to turn in, with
such shelter as they had provided, and to get some sleep to prepare
themselves for the work of the next day. Some went on board the boats,
hoping to be free of the bites of the mosquitoes, though hopeless were
their efforts to escape from their tormentors.
The three lieutenants seated themselves side by side, while their young
relatives, the three midshipmen, had collected not far off.
"Well, I suppose we must go to sleep," said Tom Rogers, stretching
himself out. He had rolled up his flushing coat to serve as a pillow,
and prepared to enjoy as much comfort as circumstances would allow.
"Faith, we have music at all events to lull us to sleep," exclaimed
Gerald Desmond; "but I wish those beasts would put a stopper to their
singing, though!"
"They may sing as long as they like, provided they don't bite," remarked
Gordon, following his companions' example.
In a short time the whole camp was at rest, with the exception of the
few sentries, the only sounds being the mysterious ones which came at
intervals from the forest, and the loud snoring of some of the soldiers
and seamen. The fires still kept blazing, casting a lurid glare over
the foaming waters as they rushed past, on the tall trees of the dark
forest on the other side, and on the figures of the officers and men
stretched in various attitudes on the ground.
Tom Rogers suddenly awoke; a mosquito had fixed its sharp proboscis in
his nose. He had dreamed that a serpent had got hold of it. Starting
up, he saw, between the trees near which he and his companions lay, a
pair of bright eyes glaring at him. They were contained in the head of
a creature which appeared crouching down, as if about to make a spring
towards him. He knew it at once to be a puma, the so-called lion of
South America. Leaping to his feet, he shouted to his companions to be
on their guard; the next instant it seemed that the animal would be upon
them. His voice awoke the lieutenants and the other officers who had
been sleeping near at hand, and quickly brought a sentry to the spot.
The man, catching sight of the puma, fired his musket; the report, of
course, aroused the whole camp. "A lion! a lion!" shouted several
voices, and in an instant the greater part of the bluejackets were in
hot chase after the animal, which, of course, rapidly bounded away far
out of sight.
They would have quickly lost themselves in the forest had not the
captain and officers called them back, and ordered them to lie down and
go to sleep again. The sentries were, in consequence of the visit they
had received, doubled and cautioned to keep a better lookout, not only
for human foes, but for any of the savage denizens of the forest which
might attempt to pay them another visit. At early dawn the camp was
again astir, and as Tom and the other midshipmen opened their eyes, they
saw grinning at them from among the branches a number of little hairy
faces chattering and grinning. They belonged to troops of monkeys who
had come, attracted by curiosity, to look at the strangers invading
their domains. As soon, however, as the men began to move about they
took fright and scrambled off to a safer distance. Just then loud caws
were heard, and several flights of magnificent-coloured macaws flew
across the stream. Cocoa and other beverages having been served out and
rapidly swallowed, the party embarked, and once more the toils of the
day began. It was harder work than ever. The boats had frequently to
pass right up rapids and among rocks and sandbanks; thus it was only by
the greatest exertion that the heavier boats could be forced along.
Except that the toil was greater and the heat more intense, there was
but little variation from the events of the preceding day. Whenever
they neared the banks troops of monkeys appeared in the branches of the
lofty trees, chattering and shaking their heads, or screaming in anger
at this invasion of their territory; flights of macaws and other birds
of gorgeous plumage flew overhead, generally in pairs; and here and
there, perched on the lower branches, were seen huge white ducks, which
nodded their heads and gabbled as the boats passed slowly by them.
Among the monkeys, of which various species were seen, were several
little Congo apes, who, in their anger, attempted to roar like lions,
affording infinite amusement to the crews.
"I say, Paddy," cried Tom Rogers to Desmond, their boats being at that
time close to each other, "we must catch one of those fellows; he would
make a good playmate to Spider. I suspect that old Scrofton will
declare that he is embryo lion. I wonder how many thousand years it
will take before he will turn into one?"
"Nine thousand nine hundred and ninety-nine, young gentlemen!" cried the
boatswain, who was in charge of one of the launches with troops, and,
being at the time close astern, overheard the question. "In my opinion,
howsomedever, it doesn't take half that time for a spider-tail to turn
into a powder-monkey; but I'll see what my book says about it when we
get back to the ship."
There was, of course, a general laugh among the boats' crews. Jack did
not think it necessary to interfere, though he suspected that had they
not been on duty the boatswain would have used the word "midshipman" in
lieu of "powder-monkey."
Every now and then the boats grated against a snag, which reminded them
of the danger which they would have to encounter when returning. The
rocks and snags could not, as they were then steering, do them much
injury, but it would be a very different matter when coming down.
Even the gigs' crews found it trying work at best. Sometimes it
appeared as if it would be impossible to get up the heavier boats unless
they could be warped; still by the determination and perseverance of the
crews all difficulties were overcome, and after an hour's rest for
dinner, under the shade of the trees, they pulled on again much in the
same fashion till near nightfall. They then landed at a deserted
clearing, and congratulated themselves at finding a place so well suited
for their encampment. As they were getting nearer the territory of the
enemy sentries were placed at the edge of the forest, and cautioned to
be vigilant to prevent a surprise.
Jack and Terence, who had landed with their fowling-pieces, were
fortunate in shooting a capybora, a rodent animal as large as a
middling-sized pig. Soon afterwards they knocked over a couple of
little peccaries, which furnished a welcome addition to the supper to
all hands. The officers and men collected as before round their
respective fires; the mosquitoes were somewhat less troublesome, or
perhaps the people were more inured to their attacks. It was, however,
necessary to sit within the limits of the clouds of smoke to enjoy any
comfort.
Songs were sung, stories told, and all hands were apparently enjoying
themselves. Mr Wilmot made himself very agreeable, and his companion
became a great favourite, from his fund of humour and his frank and
unassuming manners.
"Do you really think that this colonel and his men will give us anything
to do?" asked Jack of Mr Wilmot.
"The fellows are ferocious enough when they fight among themselves, and
brave as such fellows generally are, though, they would not venture to
resist us with double our forces if they were on equal terms, but if
they thought that they could take us at an advantage, they would
probably hold out and afford us some trouble," answered the consul.
"I some time ago visited the fort of Serapaqui, in which the colonel and
his troops are posted, and it is a remarkably strong place, standing on
a point of land about fifty feet in height, which projects directly into
the river, while behind the fort is a dense forest, which completely
defends the rear. In front is an abattis formed of large trees, with
their trunks fixed in the ground, and their branches projecting into the
river, so that it would be impossible for boats to reach the bank, or
for men to land exposed to fire. The defences of the fort consist of
six angular stockaded entrenchments, formed of exceedingly hard wood.
They are eight feet high, and four feet thick; one side of each stockade
looking towards the river, and the other down the reach. The only
landing-place is commanded by the principal stockade, and guns have also
been placed on it. This landing-place you will understand is above the
stockades, and as the current there runs nearly five knots an hour, we
shall have to pass the stockades, exposed all the time to the fire from
the batteries, before we can descend to the landing-place. The reach,
at the head of which the fort is situated, is about a mile and a half
long, while the forest comes down on either side, close to the water,
and affords an almost impenetrable shelter to a concealed foe. I tell
you this that you may know what we have to encounter, but at the same
time I am sure that the gallantry of British officers and men will
overcome difficulties of far greater magnitude. Why I wished to
accompany you was that I might render all the services in my power."
Captain Hemming thanked the consul for his bold determination, adding,
"I trust that we shall not disappoint you, Mr Wilmot, and that you will
live to share such laurels as we may gain."
"I hope so too, captain, but I do not shut my eyes to the dangers which
we may have to meet," was the answer.
"That consul is a brave fellow," whispered Tom to Archy; "I look upon
those as the bravest who know the full extent of the danger they may
have to encounter, and with calm determination go into it."
Mr Wilmot had an awning rigged to his boat, and had brought mattresses
and pillows, so that he and his friend made it their sleeping-place.
The other boats contained also a few occupants, but the larger number of
the party preferred sleeping on shore, where they could stretch their
limbs, they having discovered that the mosquitoes annoyed them as much
on board the boats as on the banks of the river.
Tom and his companions had noticed a mound of no great height, at a
little distance from their camp fire, and they agreed that the ground at
its base would afford them a comfortable sleeping-place. As soon,
therefore, as the order was given to cease talking and singing, and go
to sleep, they carried their coats and blankets to the spot, and rolled
themselves up, expecting to pass a quiet night.
As they could not be overheard they talked on for some time, as
midshipmen are accustomed to do under similar circumstances, then first
one and then the other began to feel drowsy, and lying down forgot all
sublunary matters.
Tom had not, however, been long asleep before he dreamed that he was
attacked by a host of stag-beetles, assailing every part of his body,
and that though he slashed at them with his cutlass they came on in
greater numbers than ever, till he felt ready to turn tail and bolt.
Suddenly he awoke, and finding that the sensation he had experienced in
his dreams were a dreadful reality, began to jump and beat himself
furiously. His companions, just then, started up from the same cause,
and also began jumping, twisting, turning, and striking their bodies and
legs with their hands as if they had gone mad.
"I'll be eaten up entirely if I don't get rid of these beasts,"
exclaimed Paddy Desmond, jumping and beating himself more violently than
before.
Their cries awoke their nearest neighbours, while the sentries rushed
forward, expecting to find that a band of Indians had secretly
introduced themselves into the camp.
Jack and Terence were really alarmed, believing that the youngsters had
been bitten by a snake, or attacked by another puma. Nothing, however,
could be found on them till some brands brought from the fire threw a
light on the subject, when it was discovered that they had chosen the
neighbourhood of a nest of ants, of a species addicted to nocturnal
rambles.
When they first lay down the ants were quiet in their abode, and
remained so till their usual time for sallying forth in search of prey.
The first objects they had met with were the bodies of the three
midshipmen, on whom they would have undoubtedly feasted till they had
consumed them to their bones, had not their sharp pincers aroused their
victims.
The midshipmen found it no easy job to rid themselves of the fearful
little pests, even with the assistance of their friends, and they had
literally to strip off their clothes, and capture each creature singly,
and throw it into the fire, before they were got rid of.
One of the surgeons, taking compassion on them, produced some ointment,
which allayed the irritation from which they were suffering.
They were not the only people whom the ants had attacked, and
complaints, piteous and loud, came from all parts of the camp, of the
attacks made by the fiery little pests. Many of the men, however,
appeared bite proof, and only growled and swore at having their slumbers
disturbed.
"We have, however, learnt a lesson, and I vote that in future we look
out for ants' nests, before settling on our camping-ground," observed
Archy Gordon, with his usual gravity, as they once more lay down on the
other side of the fire, at a respectful distance from their former
resting-place.
"I'd sooner face an electric eel, or a boa-constrictor, than an army of
those diabolical little pests," exclaimed Desmond, who had suffered even
more than his companions; "you may tackle them, but I defy any one
except perhaps Spider, to defeat their attacks, and he would have to
keep his paws pretty active to catch them."
"I wish that we had him with us," groaned Tom; "I am still itching and
smarting all over, and they are at me again, I am sure of it."
"A big ant-eater would help us more effectually," observed Gordon. "He
is a curious creature, with a thick bushy tail and a pointed snout, in
which he has a long tongue, to enable him to lick up an army of ants and
swallow them down at a gulp."
"I wonder that the ants are such fools as to come out of their castles,
then," remarked Desmond.
"The ant-eater does not wait for them to do that, for he has got
powerful claws with which he pulls down their castles, and when they
come out to repair the breaches, he sticks out his tongue and captures a
whole army at once," answered Gordon.
"Faith, then, I wish that we could have a few such creatures to inspect
our camp in future before we lie down to rest," said Desmond.
"Silence there, you youngsters," cried an officer; "if you can't go to
sleep, take a round turn of your tongues."
The hint was not neglected, and notwithstanding the irritation they were
suffering, the midshipmen were very soon snoozing away as soundly as any
one.
Every night similar scenes occurred; and during the day, except when
stopping for dinner, the boats' crews pulled on with as much vigour and
resolution as at first.
At length, after a pull of not less than seventy-two hours, the boats'
crews had the satisfaction of hearing that they were only two or three
miles from the fort in which the Nicaraguan forces were posted.
A somewhat limited space only could be found on the shore for their
encampment, so that a greater number than usual took up their quarters
in the boats.
As may be supposed, a careful search was made for ants' nests,
rattle-snakes' holes, and the abodes of any other creatures likely to
disturb them. A larger number of sentries than usual were also posted
round the camp and directed to keep a vigilant watch, while one of the
gigs under charge of Higson, with Needham as coxswain, was sent on some
way ahead to keep a lookout for the enemy, should they take it into
their heads to descend the stream, and make a night attack on the camp.
A pleasant supper was made on shore, though singing and loud talking
were forbidden, lest any stragglers from the fort might hear them and
give notice of their approach. The thick forest, however, effectually
screened their fires, and the smoke could not be seen at night.
Mr Wilmot spoke hopefully of the work before them. He had little doubt
that the Nicaraguan commander would yield immediately he saw the force
brought against him, though he probably at present did not believe that
such heavy boats as theirs could be forced up the stream. Mr Halliday
was more silent than was his wont. Some of his friends inquired what
was the matter. "I have felt the heat very great during the day," he
answered; "but I dare say that when our work is accomplished, and we are
pulling down the stream, I shall recover my spirits."
Mr Wilmot had kindly invited the three midshipmen to take up their
quarters on board his boat, having fitted up a place amidships for them;
here, at all events, they might be free from the ants; and as to the
mosquitoes, they were nearly inured to them.
At an earlier hour than usual all hands not on the watch went to sleep,
with the exception of those in Mr Wilmot's boat. He and his friend sat
up some time talking together, but what they said neither Tom nor his
companions could hear, as they themselves were soon lulled to sleep by
the loud rushing of the strong current which swept by the boat.
Tom was suddenly awakened by a loud cry and an exclamation from Mr
Wilmot, "Where is Halliday?" and the next instant he exclaimed, "Good
heavens! he is overboard! I must save him!" and before he could have
had time for thought, he himself plunged into the boiling waters, and
swam towards his friend, who was being carried rapidly down by the
current. The midshipmen being aroused, Tom, who saw what had happened,
was about to plunge into the stream to try and assist the consul, when
Gordon, more prudent, held him back, exclaiming, "You will be drowned,
my dear fellow, if you do." Tom had happily thus more time than Mr
Wilmot had taken, to reflect on the fearful danger he would run. Their
cries awoke Captain Hemming, who, immediately arousing his men, slipped
his cable and pulled down the river, in the hope of rescuing his
drowning friends.
The whole camp and those in the boats were now awake, and on learning
what had happened looked anxiously out for the return of the captain's
gig, the only hope being that he might discover and pick up the two
gentlemen before the waters had overwhelmed them.
The time went by, and every one felt that their gallant leader and his
crew were running great danger in venturing down the stream at night.
Several of the officers indeed expressed their fears that his boat might
strike against a snag, or be dashed on the rocks, and all on board lose
their lives. Among those on shore several endeavoured to make their way
along the bank, but were soon stopped by the impenetrable jungle, and
compelled to return. No other boat could venture to slip her moorings.
Adair had command of the sternmost one of the squadron. His old
shipmate, Ben Snatchblock, who was with him, roused by the shouts of
those ahead, as he sprung up caught sight of a person rapidly carried
astern of the boat. "I'll try and save him whoever he is," he
exclaimed; and before Adair could warn him of his danger, he plunged
overboard into the boiling water. Though a powerful man and a bold
swimmer, he in vain attempted to overtake the person he had seen passing
and struggling for life. Whoever it might be it was the same to him.
On he went, and just as he fancied that he was about to succeed, the
person he had gone to save sank, drawn down by an eddy, which very
nearly sucked him also into its vortex. "He's gone, poor fellow, be's
gone!" his voice was heard exclaiming, though he could not be seen.
Directly afterwards the captain's gig passed Adair's boat. She was also
soon lost to sight. Adair hailed and told them to look out for Ben; but
whether or no they had succeeded in picking up the gallant fellow he
could not tell, and with the rest was long left in doubt as to what had
happened.
The accident had caused all caution to be forgotten, and Murray and the
other officers expected that their cries and shouts must have been heard
by any scouts which might have been sent out from the fort. He
therefore warned the sentries to be on the alert, and ordered the men to
keep their arms ready for immediate action.
The unaccountable and sad accident threw a gloom over the spirits both
of officers and men, and but few went again to sleep during the
remainder of the night. The next day they would probably be engaged
with the enemy, and who could tell whose fate it might be to fall? To
pass slowly up against the rapid stream with both its banks affording an
almost impenetrable shelter to a concealed foe was likely to cost them
many lives, and from the account they had heard of the strong position
of the fort they were aware that it would give them severe work to
capture. Still it was to be done, and no one doubted that it would be
done, whatever might be the sacrifice. The more reflective had their
minds fully occupied, and all were in a state of anxiety on account of
their captain, and the persons he had risked his own safety to rescue
from destruction. Adair, who heard what Ben had cried out, had little
hopes that he would succeed, and was afraid also that his old shipmate
had lost his life.
At dawn Murray had all hands roused up that they might get ready to
start. Should the captain unfortunately have lost his life the command
would devolve on him, and he resolved to do his best to secure the
success of the expedition.