When they awoke the next morning and looked out, not a vestige of the
vessel could they see, but the beach was strewn with the wreck, while
here and there lay the dead bodies of their shipmates.
"Sad fate, poor fellows!" said Stephen. "We should be thankful to
Heaven for being preserved, to Captain Roberts for sending us on shore;
but, alack, what will become of the cargo? It will be a heavy loss to
Kempson and Company, and we might try to collect whatever is driven on
shore."
"I am afraid if we did that the natives would soon come down and deprive
us of our property. If we can find some food among the things cast on
shore it will be more to the purpose."
They searched about, and at length, to their infinite satisfaction,
discovered a cask of pork and a case containing bottles of wine.
"We are in luck," said Sam. "And I have a notion that the savages of
these parts will not drink the wine or eat the pork, so that we may have
a chance of its being left to us."
They broke open the cask of pork. Having no means of cooking it, they
were obliged to eat it raw, while the wine did little towards quenching
their thirst.
"I would give much for water," said Stephen, "though not a drop do I see
anywhere."
"There may be some, notwithstanding," observed Roger. "Many springs
exist in the interior which lose themselves in the sand. We must push
inland in search of one, and carry as much food as we can on our backs,
while we hide the rest, with the wine, in the sand."
Acting on this suggestion, the party provided themselves with broken
spars to support their steps and serve as weapons of defence. Before
starting they climbed to the top of a sandhill to take a look-out, but
no vessel was in sight. The foam-covered sea came rolling in and dashed
sullenly on the beach.
"While the gale lasts no vessel will willingly approach near the shore,"
observed Stephen. "Water we want, and water we must have, or we shall
perish."
They accordingly set out, and all that day pushed on eastward, and the
next, and the next. Their salt pork had turned bad, and the wine was
nearly exhausted, and they were well-nigh starving. At last, getting to
the top of a sandhill to look out, Roger fancied he saw some green trees
in the distance.
"There may be an oasis out there," he said; "we must try to gain it."
In spite of the hot sun beating down on their heads they went on. Still
the oasis, if such it was, appeared as far off as ever. Roger, whose
strength, though he was the youngest, held out, did his best to cheer
them on. At last old Sam declared that he could go no farther, and sank
down, begging the others to bring him water if they could find it. In
vain they tried to persuade him to move along, and they supported him
for some distance till they came to another sandhill, where they placed
him under some bushes which might afford some slight protection. Having
no fire-arms they could only leave him a pointed stick with which to
defend himself. They now hurried on, eager to obtain water not only for
themselves, but that they might rescue their shipmate from death. They
were almost sinking when their eyes were cheered by a grove of trees,
though still far off. Roger acknowledged that they could not have been
visible from where he had supposed he had seen them.
"They are date-trees!" he exclaimed. "They will afford us food, and
water we may hope to find under them."
As they reached the oasis their eyes were gladdened by the sight of a
small pool formed by a spring bubbling out of the earth. Falling on
their knees they eagerly baled the water into their mouths with their
hands. Thus revived, Jumbo was able to climb one of the trees and
obtain as many bunches of dates as they wanted. They now thought of
their old shipmate, but when the sun went down the sky became overcast,
and to find him in the dark seemed impossible.
"We cannot let him die," said Roger. "I am ready to run the risk."
"And I will go with you," said Stephen.
"I go too," said Jumbo.
And much as they would have enjoyed the rest under the trees, they
started without delay. Roger thought he knew the direction to take, and
in the cool air of night travelling was easier than in the daytime.
They did not trouble their heads about lions, or leopards, or beasts of
prey; though ready to sink with fatigue, they went on till they fancied
that they had reached the spot where they had left old Sam. They
shouted his name, but no answer came. They searched about, keeping
within hail of each other. At length Jumbo cried out, "Here he is, and
he no speak." They hurried up, but poor Sam was apparently at the last
gasp. Having poured some water, however, down his throat, he somewhat
revived.
"Thought you would never come back, mates," he said; "but give me some
more water and I will soon be myself again." After a second draught of
water Sam was able to eat a few dates, and now declared that he was
ready, if they wished it, to go with them to the oasis; but Stephen and
Roger were both too tired to walk so far, and throwing themselves down
under the shelter of the bushes they fell asleep. The sun had already
risen high when Roger awoke, and on going to the top of the sandhill to
look out for the oasis, he saw between it and where he stood a number of
objects. He called Stephen, who joined him.
"There are two parties on camels and horses, it seems to me," said
Stephen, "one flying from the other."
Descending the sandhill they concealed themselves behind it lest they
should be discovered; but Roger, unable to restrain his curiosity, crept
on one side whence he could see what was taking place. The fugitives
had turned round to meet their pursuers; a fierce fight was going
forward, in which the camels on both sides seemed to be taking part by
kicking and leaping at each other, and he could hear their peculiar
cries amid the clash of the weapons and the shouts of the combatants.
Presently he saw a person, who had apparently been thrown from his
camel, come rushing at headlong speed towards the sandhill. Roger drew
back, and in another minute the stranger came round to where the party
lay. He was a mere boy, dressed in loose trousers, a silk jacket, a
shawl round his waist, and a turban on his head. His alarm at seeing
them was so great, that he was running on to avoid them, when Jumbo,
who, it will be remembered, spoke Arabic, called to him gently, telling
him that they were friends. On this he came and crouched down close to
them, trembling in every limb.
"Ask him from whom he was flying," said Stephen to Jumbo.
"From the Ouadelins, who carried me off from my father's camp," said the
young Arab.
"But were your friends not pursuing?" asked Stephen. Jumbo as before
put the question.
"No; those who attacked my captors are equally enemies of my people, and
had they taken me I should have fared worse than before," answered the
young Arab.
From the sounds which reached their ears Stephen and his companions knew
that the fight was still raging, but moving farther and farther from
where they lay. The young Arab could not refrain from trying to see
what was going on, and had not Roger pulled him back, would very likely
have been discovered. At length the sound ceased, and crawling to the
brow of the hillock, so as just to look over it, Roger saw the two
parties apparently still carrying on a straggling fight in the far
distance. They were by this time getting very hungry and thirsty.
"Come, gentlemen, let us be going to the date-grove," cried old Sam; "my
throat is like a dust-bin."
"Should the Arabs come back they will carry us off if we do," observed
Stephen. "Better bear our hunger and thirst till the coast is clear."
It was somewhat difficult, however, to restrain themselves. Seeing
this, Selim, for so the young Arab was called, said Stephen's advice was
good, and counselled them to remain concealed for the present. At last
old Sam declared that he could stand it no longer, that he had eaten up
the dates of the rest of the party and drunk up their water, and that it
was his business to go and forage for them. Stephen again warned him,
but in spite of this he set off, running for the date-grove. Roger, who
had climbed to the top of the hill, watched as far as he could see his
figure. At last he appeared to have entered the grove, and had been
gone for some time, when Selim, who, accompanied by Jumbo, had been
looking out from the top of the hill, said that his enemies were coming
back and were making for the date-grove. Roger feared that old Sam
would be on his way to rejoin them, and, being seen by the Arabs, would
lead them to their hiding-place. The Arabs came nearer and nearer, and
Roger fancied that he saw the old sailor just coming out of the grove,
but on perceiving the Arabs, he darted back again, probably to conceal
himself. His capture seemed certain. The Arabs reached the date-grove,
and to the dismay of the shipwrecked party, appeared to be preparing to
pass the night there. Their sufferings now became intense; they feared
also that the old sailor would be compelled to betray them. The evening
was approaching, and Roger and Stephen agreed that they could scarcely
hope to live through the night unless they could obtain food. Suddenly
Selim, observing their countenances, which showed how much they were
suffering, put his hand in his pocket and produced a quantity of dried
dates, which he offered to them. Though their thirst was great they
were able to eat the dates, and felt much revived.
"The Arabs will go by daylight to-morrow," said Selim, pointing to the
grove, "and then we may obtain water."
When night came, they lay down to rest. There was little risk of being
discovered by their enemies, but a lion or some other wild beast might
scent them. Both Roger and Stephen were, however, too tired to keep
awake, but Selim seemed to divine how matters stood, and offered to sit
up and watch while they slept. He was faithful to his trust, for when
the dawn broke and Roger awoke, he saw him still sitting, with his eyes
fixed on them.
"Ouadelins are on the move," he said, "but we must lie close or they
will discover us."
Roger, however, went to the top of the hillock, on which a few bushes
completely concealed him, and from thence he could see the date-grove.
In a short time the Arabs, mounted on their camels, were seen moving to
the north-east. Stephen and Roger, with their two dark-skinned
companions, waited till the Arabs had disappeared in the distance; they
then all four hurried to the grove. On reaching it they lost not a
moment in quenching their thirst, and as soon as they had recovered
their voices they shouted for old Sam, but no answer was returned. They
hunted about in all directions, and at last came to the conclusion that
the Arabs had carried him off. They had taken away a large portion of
the dates, but a few remained, which Selim and Jumbo, climbing the tree,
got for them. They remained in the grove all day eating dates and
drinking water.
"I say, Stephen, we cannot live here for ever," said Roger, "for we
shall soon have eaten all the provisions the country supplies. We must
consult with Selim as to what course to pursue."
Selim, through Jumbo, advised that they should move northward.
"It is a long journey to tents of my people," he said, but he thought
that he could conduct them there in safety.
Accordingly, after another night's rest, and having loaded themselves
with dates and filled their bottles with water, they set out. Selim
advised them to be very careful of the water, as it might be many days
before they reached another spring. With their sticks in their hands
they trudged over the plain. Though the heat was great, the country as
they advanced was less arid and sandy than farther south. After
travelling for five or six days they unexpectedly came upon another
date-grove shading a pool. Here they replenished their provisions and
water, and after a whole day's rest again set forward. Stephen
suggested that they should return to the coast, where they might be
taken off by some passing vessel.
"You forget that passing vessels are more likely to be enemies than
friends," observed Roger. "We cannot be very far off from Sallee and
those ports out of which the rovers sail. Having thus unexpectedly met
a friend, it will be better to stick by him, and he may, through his
relatives, find the means of enabling us to escape from the country."
When they spoke on the subject to Selim, he advised them not to go to
the coast, but to continue on till they could meet with his people, who
would be sure to show their gratitude for the service they had rendered
him. Day after day they trudged on, sometimes almost starved and ready
to die of thirst. Occasionally they saw what they supposed to be
caravans moving in the distance, but Selim recommended that they should
not attempt to join them, as he feared that the Arabs might carry them
off to sell as slaves. At length one day they were traversing a wide
open plain without either hillocks or bushes, when they saw some objects
moving towards them. On they came rapidly, and were soon discovered to
be a party of men on the backs of camels.
"The camels are of the Bu Saif breed," cried Selim; "we cannot escape
them."
"Let us stand still and not make the attempt," said Stephen.
They accordingly stood, as Stephen advised, close together, he in front,
Selim and Jumbo on one side, and Roger on the other. As the camels drew
nearer, it was seen that they were ridden by dark-skinned fellows, who
were brandishing in their hands long spears and scimitars. Uttering
loud shouts, the strangers dashed forward as if about to cut down the
shipwrecked party, when suddenly Selim sprang forward, and raising his
hands, exclaimed, "I am Selim Ben Hamid, the son of the chief of the
Malashlas. Spare these white men, they are my friends."
The Arabs instead of cutting down the party, instantly reined in their
animals. One of their leaders took up Selim behind him, the three
others--Stephen, Roger, and Jumbo--in their fashion treating the white
young men with great respect; then, turning their camels' heads, they
again set off at full speed northwards.
"I say, Stephen, how do you like it?" asked Roger.
"Not at all; but it is better than being killed," he answered.
Indeed, in a few minutes, from the rough motions of the camels, the skin
was nearly worn off their legs. For the remainder of the day they
travelled on till they reached another oasis, where their friends
encamped, and very glad Stephen and Roger were to get some rest. Selim
told them that they had still many more days' journey before they could
reach the town, or rather the camp, where his father was chief. When
Roger observed that they did not think they could bear the bumping, he
replied that they would soon get accustomed to it; indeed, a night's
rest and some black biscuit, in addition to the dates, restored their
strength, and next day they proceeded on their journey.
"I am afraid I shall have to give in," cried Stephen, as the enduring
camels went jogging on for twelve hours together without stopping.
"What they and their masters are made of I cannot conceive, for the
Arabs have eaten but a few dates each day since we started; for my part
I feel nearly starved."
"We must keep up, notwithstanding," said Roger; "it won't do to give in,
or they will look on us with contempt;" for Selim had told them that
would be the case.
They got accustomed to that style of travelling, and by drawing their
handkerchiefs tight round their waists, they did not suffer much from
the pangs of hunger, though they in a short time became merely skin and
bone. At length Selim told them that in two or three days' time they
would reach his father's camp, and they were looking forward to the rest
they so much needed. They were now passing over a hilly country covered
with low shrubs of a peculiarly brittle character, between which the
camels had to pick their way, winding in and out among them, which
greatly increased the length of the road traversed. They observed that
the Arabs moved with more caution than heretofore, several men being
sent in front to act as scouts. Evening was approaching, and they were
looking out for a spot on which to encamp, when, as they were passing
the base of a rocky and precipitous hill, a party of horsemen dashed out
from a narrow ravine on the left, where they had remained concealed from
the scouts. At the same moment, another party of men on foot appeared
on the heights above them. The chief of their own party, with whom
Selim was riding, immediately turned his camel's head and made off to
the eastward, calling on his men to follow. Some did so, but the
horsemen dashed in between them and the remainder, whom they furiously
attacked, shooting some of the camels and ham-stringing others. Stephen
and Roger had in vain endeavoured to follow Selim and the chief, but
both of their animals were brought to the ground. They fully expected
to be cut down, but Jumbo, who had been riding near them, disdaining to
fly, threw himself from his camel, which was uninjured.
"These are white chiefs!" he shouted out. "They wish to be your
friends; do not harm them."
The Arabs as they heard these words paused for a moment. The horsemen,
in the meantime, were pursuing Selim's party; but as no animals were
faster than the Bu Saif breed of camels, they failed to overtake them.
Roger and Stephen believed that their young friend had made his escape.
Each of their assailants now inquired who they were, and where they were
going.
Turning to Jumbo, they desired him to reply that their ship had been
wrecked, and that they wished to make their way to Mogador, or some
other place whence they could get aboard an English merchantman or a
man-of-war.
The chief laughed. "It will be a long time before they reach their
native land. They must understand that when Christians come into this
country they have to work for us, their masters."
"This is not pleasant news," observed Stephen, when Jumbo had translated
what the chief said. "Cannot we try to move the barbarian's heart?"
"We will see what Jumbo can say, but I am afraid there is no chance of
doing that," said Roger.
Jumbo confirmed Roger's opinion.
"We must bear our misfortune as best we can," remarked Stephen.
"However, we will lose no opportunity of trying to make our escape."
The chief of the marauders now gathered his prisoners together, and
ordered them to move forward, surrounded by his men on foot, while his
mounted followers brought up the rear close behind them. They proceeded
some distance, when, just at dusk, they encamped at a spot, a stream on
one side and a hill on the other. Fires were lighted, sentries placed
in the more exposed part, and the remainder of the people began cooking
their provisions. Stephen and Roger had some camel's flesh given to
them and a handful of dates, and Jumbo brought them water from the
river.
"Me stop here and do talkee," he said, as he sat himself down before the
fire to assist in cooking the camel's meat.
"Come, we are better off than we might have expected," said Stephen.
They were allowed to lie down, covered up with pieces of camels' hair
cloth, which one of the Arabs gave them. They woke before daylight.
Jumbo was sitting up by their side.
"Who is this robber chief; have you been able to learn anything about
him?" asked Roger.
"He called Sheik Beirouc, great man in his own country; me fear he make
us all slavee," answered Jumbo.
"Tell him that we would pay him well if he will liberate us and send us
back to England," said Stephen.
"He no trust us till he see de money in his hand," answered Jumbo, "and
dat de difficulty."
"So it is, but we must manage to overcome it," said Stephen. "Speak
fair, and say that we are grateful to him for having given us food and
this cloth to cover us."
Jumbo promised to do as he was directed.
At daybreak the whole camp was astir, when the Arabs went down on their
knees looking towards Mecca to say their prayers, an impressive sight,
for every man seemed in earnest. Soon afterwards the Sheik approached
and inquired whether Stephen and Roger could ride.
"Tell him, since we were children," answered Stephen. "If he will let
us have horses we will show him."
Some more dates and water were brought them for breakfast, shortly after
which a man appeared leading two active little steeds. The lads,
supposing that they were for them, leaped into the saddles, and at once
galloped off into the open country.
"If we knew our way to the coast it would be a good opportunity of
escaping," said Roger.
"It would be an act of folly to make the attempt," said Stephen. "Let
us turn now and go back, and show the Sheik that he may place confidence
in us."
They returned at the same pace at which they had gone out. The Sheik
smiled grimly at seeing them come back.
"You shall have the horses to ride on for your journey," he said.
"How are you to travel, Jumbo?" asked Roger.
"Me go on camel," he answered. "The Sheik know that you can't run away
without me. You can't talkee to the people."
In a short time the order was given to march, and the Sheik led the way,
accompanied by the two young Englishmen, and Jumbo rode behind another
man on the camel. After proceeding for some miles they began to climb a
range of mountains covered with heath, along beaten paths. On the
summit there was suddenly a change of scenery. Behind was the
monotonous sterility of the desert, and before a cultivated country, in
every part of which were considerable camps in circular enclosures of
from sixty to eighty tents over the plain. They perceived numerous
horses and mules, as well as camels, while travellers continually passed
them on the road, some mounted on camels, but the greater number on
horses of a small size, all well-armed. About an hour after noon they
arrived at a well, surrounded by a vast number of animals, camels,
horses, mules, donkeys, goats; and so completely blocked up was the
approach that it was with the greatest difficulty that they reached the
water to satisfy their burning thirst. In the evening they reached some
tents belonging to Beirouc, where they passed the night. He told them
that the next day they would arrive at his town, where they were to
spend some time. This was agreeable news, as they hoped to obtain some
means of communicating with the coast. Towards evening Beirouc pointed
out to them his habitation. At first they looked everywhere without
perceiving any building, but at length discovered towards the east, at
the foot of a mountain, a circle of reddish walls, in the middle of
which rose a tower of considerable height. It had the appearance of
being what it really was, a shelter for brigands. On their right was a
forest of palm-trees, and some cultivated gardens, while a number of
Moors were lying carelessly about outside the walls. The news of their
arrival was soon circulated among all classes, and from every direction
came men, women, and children, running to see the Christians, whom they
looked upon as some singular wild beasts. At length Beirouc told one of
his attendants to conduct the three prisoners to their habitation. The
whole town was composed of houses built with sun-dried bricks of a
yellowish tint. They were conducted into a square, out of which opened
several chambers, or houses with small doors; one of these they were
told to enter. It had a miserable and dirty appearance; at first,
coming out of the glare of day, they could see nothing, but as their
eyes got accustomed to the gloom they were much dismayed at perceiving
the number of chains hung to the walls. Jumbo, however, relieved their
anxiety by saying that they were merely to fasten up horses, the place
having been used as a stable. Though the chief hitherto treated them
with more humanity, still, as might have been expected, they felt that
they were slaves, and they asked Jumbo to make inquiries.
"Yes, we all slavee," he said. "Beirouc, he make us work; he sell us."
Jumbo brought them further intelligence that they were not to remain at
their present station long. They had little rest, being exposed from
morning to night to the gaze of the Moors, who came to look at them from
feelings of curiosity alone, without the slightest tinge of compassion.
Many amused themselves by mocking at them, inquiring whether they wished
to become gardeners, carpenters, bricklayers, or masons. At all hours
of the day their unwelcome visitors appeared, regarding them much as if
they were wild beasts shut up in a cage. There were really no bars nor
any guard placed over them; indeed they might without difficulty have
got out into the country. But Beirouc well knew that they would have
been unable to find their way, and that they would either have been
starved, or made prisoners by the inhabitants, or killed by wild beasts,
and he told Jumbo to give them a hint that such would be their fate
should they attempt it. They had therefore to submit as best they could
to the indignities offered them.
At length one day a new character, who accompanied Beirouc, made his
appearance; he was a tall, fine-looking man, with a white beard, and
handsome though somewhat stern countenance. Having seated himself on a
carpet in the centre of the court, he ordered the two captives,
accompanied by Jumbo, to approach him, and inquired who they were,
whence they had come, and how they had hitherto been employed. Jumbo
evidently took upon himself to give such a report of them as would
increase their importance in the eyes of their captors. He declared
that they were chiefs in their own country, that they were officers on
board the ship, wonderfully expert navigators, and were possessed of
great wealth, their object in leaving home having been to see the world.
Stephen, who guessed that Jumbo was going on a little too far, stopped
him.
"All right, massa," he answered, "me tell the truth presently."
Jumbo's account had certainly the effect of raising their value in the
estimation of the new arrival. Jumbo informed them that the chief's
name was Ibraim, that he resided in the northern part of the country,
towards which they were forthwith to set out. Soon afterwards Jumbo on
his return to their cell burst into tears.
"What is the matter?" asked Stephen.
"Beirouc say he no sell me, and that I stay here."
"Tell him that we cannot do without you," said Stephen.
"Me tell Ibraim; that more use," said Jumbo.
Jumbo was evidently looked upon as a very clever fellow by the Arabs,
and he so managed the matter that Ibraim purchased him as well as the
two young Englishmen, and they immediately set forward on their journey
northward. The whole party rode on horseback. Their steeds were small,
active little animals, which managed to scuffle along at a great rate,
up and down hill being apparently the same to them. Stephen and Roger
agreed that it was far more pleasant riding than on camel-back. They
were happier also when travelling than when stopping at night, when they
were compelled to sleep in some dirty hut, with Jumbo and a number of
Arabs as their companions. They were badly fed, and could seldom get
any tolerable water to drink. At first they fancied that they were to
be carried to Marocco, but they found Ibraim had no intention of
visiting the capital, which he left far away on the right. On and
farther on they went northward.
"So much the better," said Roger. "The farther north, the more chance
we shall have of escaping."
At length, on passing over a lofty hill, Roger observed the blue ocean
glittering brightly to the left, while in the far distance he made out
the minarets, towers, and flat roofs of what appeared to him to be a
large town. He pointed out the spot to Stephen.
"That is a town, no doubt about it, and probably it is to be our future
abode; we must get Jumbo to learn its name."
"Dat Rabatt; they call it also Sallee," said Jumbo.
"Why, that is the place where the Sallee rovers sail from!" exclaimed
Roger. "For what we can tell, the one who attacked us came from there."
"I think she was an Algerine; Captain Roberts thought so," remarked
Stephen.
Descending from the high ground they had been traversing they crossed a
river, the third they had passed since morning. Continuing down its
bank on the north side, they found themselves before an extensive and
strongly-fortified town, with high walls, towers, and battlements.
Ibraim, having passed through a gateway, continued on along narrow
streets and alleys crowded with people of all colours, though mostly
dressed in Moorish costume. Their arrival did not appear to create much
interest; some stared at them, a few abused them as Christian slaves.
At last Ibraim led the way into a court-yard, when he ordered them to
dismount. He pointed to a cell much like the one they had before
occupied, where he told them they might take up their abode. It had the
advantage of being more airy and less damp than might have been the
case, though they were somewhat exposed to public view.
Ordering them to remain there, and to move out at their peril, Ibraim
stalked away. Several persons made inquiries about them of Jumbo. This
continued till dark, when they were allowed to rest on the bare ground
in quiet. As no one brought them any food, and Ibraim seemed to have
forgotten them altogether, they had to go supperless to sleep. Next
morning they awoke very hungry, and as there was no other way of getting
food, they told Jumbo to entreat their visitors to bring them some, but
the hard-hearted Moors refused. At last a white-haired man, habited as
a Moor, his dress of nautical cut, his turban set somewhat rakishly on
one side, came in. He started as he saw them, and stood gazing at them
for some minutes.
"Who are you?" he exclaimed. "Did you really get off with your lives
from the robbers?"
"Is it possible that you are Sam Stokes?" exclaimed Roger.
"I was Sam Stokes, but am now Mustapha Mouser."
"Well, Sam, I cannot congratulate you on having turned renegade, but am
glad to see you," observed Stephen.
"Could not help myself, Mr Battiscombe; did it to save my life. Now I
have found you, I want to see how I can help you. Maybe you are
hungry?"
"That indeed we are," exclaimed Roger.
"Then without further palaver I will be off and try and get you some
food," said Sam.
"I hope he will be quick about it," observed Roger when Sam moved off,
"for I am well-nigh starved."
Old Sam did not disappoint them, for in a short time he returned with a
flask of water and dried goat's flesh, bread, and dates.
"Make haste, lest anybody should come by and my feet get a taste of the
bastinado." They did ample justice to the repast, helped by Jumbo, who
was as hungry as they were. Sam sat down and tried to look as much like
a Moor as he could.
"How are you employed?" asked Stephen.
"I have been assisting in fitting out one of their vessels. She is a
fine craft for her size, but I cannot say I quite like the work, for I
suppose we shall go robbing on the high seas, and if we are caught shall
be strung up like the rest."
"Nor do I, Sam, for your sake," observed Stephen, "though you will only
be engaged as Prince Rupert and Prince Morris were after the civil war;
not that their example is one to be followed, and I would advise you to
get clear of the pirates as soon as you can."
"More easily said than done," answered Sam. "The Moors always keep a
look-out on those whom they suspect, but I will not forget your advice
if I have the opportunity of escaping; but I must not stop talking here,
or I may be suspected of favouring you." And old Sam, getting up,
rolled away with his hands in his pockets, looking as independent as any
of the passing Moors.
"I wonder what is to be our fate," said Roger.
They asked Jumbo to make inquiries. His idea was that they were to be
sold, but he said that he would try and find out. Though looked upon as
a slave, he was allowed more liberty than they were, it being supposed
that he would not desert them. Had they possessed money they would thus
have had no difficulty in procuring food, but as they had been deprived
of every coin they had had about them, they were entirely dependent on
others. The appearance of old Sam Stokes somewhat relieved their minds
on that score, as they hoped he would find means to supply their wants.
When Jumbo came back late in the evening, he looked very melancholy.
"Me afraid Ibraim sell us. Cruel master. Make workee; little food;
plenty stick."
"Patience," said Roger. "We must try to work hard and avoid the stick;
and as to the food, we must be content with little if we cannot get
much, and hope some day to get away."
A guard was placed at the door of the yard, so that Jumbo could not get
out during the night. The next morning Ibraim appeared with several
other persons, one of whom, by his dress and the way he swaggered along,
appeared to be a person of some consideration. Ibraim summoned the two
lads and Jumbo much as he would have called as many dogs, and seemed to
be expatiating on their various qualifications. The stranger, whom they
heard called Hamet, then put several questions to them through Jumbo,
chiefly relating to their previous mode of life. He seemed satisfied,
and at once turning to Ibraim counted out the money which he had
promised to pay for them. Scarcely looking at them, or uttering a word
of farewell, the old Sheik pocketed the coin and walked away, while the
new purchaser beckoned to Stephen, Roger, and Jumbo to follow him.
"This is unbearable," exclaimed Stephen; "the old fellow treats us like
goods and chattels. He fancies that we are willingly to be turned over
to the man to whom he has thought fit to sell us. We must show him that
we do not intend to be treated in that way."
"What had we better do?" asked Roger.
"Stay where we are, and refuse to follow him," said Stephen.
"Oh, massa, don't do dat," cried Jumbo. "Dey soon show wid de bastinado
dat dey got de power."
Hamet, their new master, by the frown gathering on his brow as he
observed their hesitation, soon showed them what they might expect, and
they agreed that it would be wiser to submit to circumstances. They
accordingly followed him as he led the way through the streets till he
reached another court-yard, in which a number of persons were collected,
dressed in all sorts of costumes, many in rags, and looking thin and
careworn, their countenances being those of Europeans.
"These must be Christian slaves," observed Stephen.
"Yes, and it is very clear that we are to be compelled to labour with
them," said Roger.
They were not long in doubt as to this, for a number of persons gathered
round them, and two addressed them in English, and inquired where they
had come from, and how they had been captured. While they were
narrating their adventures, others gathered round to listen. There were
French, Portuguese, Spaniards, Italians, and Dutchmen. They all, it
appeared, belonged to Hamet, who employed them in building a new house.
At a signal from Hamet they formed into order, and were marched off to
perform their daily task, under the charge of four guards with loaded
fire-arms. Stephen and Roger were obliged to follow, for to refuse
would have only brought down blows on their heads and backs. They
walked along very unwillingly, though they tried to keep up their
spirits. On arriving at the spot they were at once set to work. Though
accustomed to manual labour, they found their tasks very severe in
hauling up blocks of stone, carrying heavy beams and rafters. They were
very thankful when the day's work was over. All the time not a particle
of food had been given them, and it was with difficulty, suffering from
hunger and thirst, that they could get back to their prison.
"You will soon get accustomed to it," said one of their companions in
misfortune.
On reaching the yard the only provisions served to them and the rest of
the slaves were some brown bread and some almost putrid water, which
they could scarcely drink. Most of the prisoners were too low and
broken-spirited to complain, but Stephen and Roger were very indignant;
hunger and thirst however compelled them to eat the coarse bread and
drink the water, bad as it was. At night they had to lie down in a
place which had been used for stables, with a scanty supply of straw,
and that not of the cleanest, for beds. Their companions in misfortune
moaned and groaned in their different languages till they moaned
themselves to sleep.
"I wonder how long this is to last," said Roger.
"Till we are set free," said Stephen.
"But how are we to get free?" asked Roger. "Cannot we devise some means
of escaping?"
"We must try and let our friends at home know where we are in the first
place, so that they may ransom us," said Stephen.
"The difficulty will be to get a letter home. There is no communication
between this place and any European port, as far as I can learn. Our
unhappy companions have been here for years," said Roger.
"If we cannot get off ourselves, perhaps Jumbo can make his escape and
carry a letter for us," said Stephen.
"A bright idea," exclaimed Roger. "He is asleep now; still we can think
it over to-morrow and see how it can be managed."
At length they top, merely with the toil they had gone through, closed
their eyes, happily to dream of far distant scenes. They were awakened
by their companions moving about, and another dole of brown bread and
water was served out to them. Just, however, as they were about to be
marched off to their daily toil, they caught sight of Sam Stokes, who
was peering about in the court-yard, apparently in search of them. They
eagerly beckoned to him.
"I have been hunting for you young gentlemen since daylight," he said.
"Here's some meat and sweet biscuits, some oranges, and a bottle of
goat's milk; it is better than any water I could get. I should like to
have brought you some stronger stuff, but if I was to be found with any
I should have my head chopped off in a twinkling. It is against the
rules of the Koran. Though I have not had time to learn much about the
book, I know that."
They thanked Sam cordially, and shared the provisions he had brought
with Jumbo. He sat by to see that their companions did not rob them,
which, from the wolfish glances they cast at the food, they seemed much
inclined to do.
"Stow away the remainder in your pockets, you will want it for dinner,
and I will try to come back in the evening and give you more. I must
now be off to my work," said Sam.
The day was passed much as the former one had been, though they had a
short time allowed them to eat the food Sam had brought. It was very
hard and trying work, and they were well-nigh knocked up by the evening,
when they had to return to their dirty prisons. Hunger had compelled
them to begin munching their brown bread, when Sam appeared bringing a
small quantity of provision.
"It is all I could get," he said. "I am much afraid that I shall not be
allowed to bring you much more. Captain Hamet, who bought you from the
old Sheik and commands a vessel I have engaged to serve aboard, has
found out that I bring the food to you, and does not seem well pleased.
Why, I cannot exactly understand, as I should have thought he would
rather have you strong and well than weak and sick, as you would be if
you had no better food than that brown bread; however, I shall know more
about the matter to-morrow. I will bring you word if I can."
The morning came, but Sam did not appear, and, as before, they were
marched away with the rest of the slaves to their daily toil. For three
days after this they heard nothing of Sam, while they were obliged to
subsist on the coarse fare supplied to the slaves. Their condition was
now becoming very trying. They talked over all the plans they could
possibly think of to effect their escape. Jumbo was willing to try and
get off to carry a letter to Tangiers, but he warned them that he might
very likely be captured and lose his life in making the attempt, and
they were unwilling to expose him to so much danger. The other slaves
told them of the dreadful punishment which had been inflicted on several
of their number who had attempted to escape, while, so far as they knew,
not one had succeeded. It seemed to them that they were doomed to spend
the remainder of their lives in bondage, and worse bondage than that of
Israel. The Jews, at all events, had plenty to eat, whereas they were
almost starved; still, like brave lads as they were, they endeavoured to
keep up their spirits. At length one morning, after they had endured
for upwards of a fortnight the sort of life which has been described,
their eyes were gladdened by the sight of Sam walking into the
court-yard just as their morning meal had been served out.
"I am thankful to say that I have been able to bring you some food,
young gentlemen, and Captain Hamet has sent me to say that you are to go
aboard the _Tiger_, the ship he commands."
"But the vessel is a pirate!" exclaimed Stephen, "and we shall be
assisting them in their evil deeds. I would rather remain here and toil
as a wretched slave than turn corsair."
"So would I," said Roger. "Tell Captain Hamet that we will not obey his
orders."
"Very sorry to hear you say that, Master Willoughby," said Sam. "You
see it is not a matter of choice; the Captain has the power to make you
do what he wishes, whether you like it or not."
"There is an old saying that you may take a horse to water, but you
cannot make him drink," said Stephen; "he may carry us aboard by main
force, but he cannot compel us to do any duty when we are there."
"Now, just look at the matter in this way, young gentlemen," said Sam.
"The Captain has heard that you understand navigation, and he wants some
one to navigate his ship, for, as far as I can learn, these Moorish
fellows do not understand much about that thing. He will make officers
of you and treat you well, and I do not suppose he expects you to
fight."
"How could he know that we understood navigation?" asked Stephen.
"That is more than I can say," answered Sam. "I know that I did not
tell him; he heard it by some means, and that was the reason he bought
you of the old Sheik, and paid such a high price for you too. So you
see he is not likely to be balked, and I'd advise you to come with a
good grace. I am very sorry that you should have to do what you do not
like, but you see you have no choice in the matter; when he asked me I
had to confess that it was right."
"Me tell how it happened," said Jumbo. "Me tell Captain Hamet that
Massa Battiscombe and Massa Willoughby were two officers, and that if he
buy dem he some day get a good ransom, but neber tink at de time dat he
want dem to serve aboard his ship; dat's how it came about."
"That explains the mystery, and we don't blame you, Jumbo," said
Stephen. "But we cannot go and serve willingly on board a pirate."
"Still I must obey orders, young gentlemen," said Sam, "and I came
ashore with a boat's crew to carry you on board, and I will bear witness
if we ever fall into the hands of a king's ship that you did not come
willingly."
As he spoke Sam made a sign to several men who were standing at the
entrance to the court-yard, who at once, marching in, surrounded the two
young Englishmen and Jumbo, and seizing their arms, began to drag them
along into the street. They struggled to free themselves, but the
Moors, strong muscular fellows, quickly mastered them, and conducted
them along through the narrow lanes towards the port. On reaching it
they were shoved somewhat unceremoniously into a boat, which immediately
pulled away for a large vessel which lay at the entrance of the harbour.
"Very sorry, gentlemen, that you should be treated in this fashion,"
said Sam. "If you had come willingly it would not have happened. It is
not my fault, you will understand; but if I did not carry out the orders
I receive, I should have my head whipped off in a moment."
Stephen and Roger were too indignant just then to make any reply, though
they saw clearly the position in which poor Sam was placed. Captain
Hamet was walking the deck when they arrived alongside. He received
them in a somewhat stern fashion, and calling Jumbo, told him to say
that their treatment would depend on the way they behaved themselves.
"Tell him that as he has compelled us to come on board, we desire to
know what he requires us to do," said Stephen.
On this Captain Hamet beckoned them to come into the cabin. He then
placed several nautical instruments before them, with charts of the
Mediterranean, the western shores of Africa and Europe, extending as far
as England.
"He wants you to make good use of these to mark down every day the
course the ship has run,--her position at noon. He does not require you
to fight; indeed, if we meet an enemy, he will allow you to go below and
keep out of harm's way if you wish it."
"Under those circumstances I do not think we should wisely refuse to
obey him," observed Stephen.
"I would rather not have to do it," said Roger.
"But I do not see how we can get off, and we shall certainly, by
remaining on board, have a better chance of escaping than if we were
kept in slavery on shore," said Stephen. "Tell the Captain, Jumbo, that
we will do as he desires, though we would rather have been allowed to
pay a ransom for our liberty."
Hamet, smiling grimly, nodded his approval, and then sent for Sam, who
showed them a cabin which he told them they were to occupy.
"I am glad to hear, gentlemen, that you have agreed to do as the Captain
wishes. It would have been no earthly use to refuse, as he could have
compelled you with a pistol at your heads."
"I do not think he would have fired it, considering that he had paid a
high price for us, though he might have ill-treated us till he could
have obtained a price for setting us free."
"Well, as far as I can see, all you have got to do is to put a good face
on the matter, keep up your spirits, and navigate the ship carefully. I
warn you that if you do not do that, he will heave you overboard without
the slightest ceremony."
"Then we will do our best to navigate the _Tiger_ wherever the Captain
wants her to go; it won't be our fault if he some day catches a Tartar,
or runs his nose into a lion's den."