The Dry Wilderness.--Despair.--The Coming-down of the Waters.--The
Discomfited Savages.--Hunger and Thirst.--The Footsteps in the Mud.--A
Pond.--The Talegalla and its Nest.--The Valley of Promise.--The River to
the South.
It was indeed on a wilderness they now entered, where low entangled
brushwood spread as far as the eye could extend, unvaried by the
appearance of a single tree rising above it; and as they toiled through
or over this perplexing ground, carrying the bark sledge, which it was
impossible to draw over the bush, they were often deceived by the sight
of a line of tall reeds, the border of the bed of some river, now wholly
dry, or merely muddy with the rain of the previous day. They saw no
animals, except two or three emus, which swiftly fled from pursuit; and
they were too eager to escape from the dry desert to waste time in the
chase. For two days, successive morning suns showed them the same
trackless and unwatered heaths spread before them; then the water was
exhausted, and they turned away with loathing from the dry bread and
potatoes.
Slowly and languidly they dragged on their weary way, still watching and
hoping in vain. Another day of suffering dawned on them; and now the
scorching air, the dry food, the fatigue, and the consuming thirst
overcame them one after another, and before evening Mr. Mayburn said,
"Let us lie down here, Arthur. God has chosen, in His wisdom, to put
this termination to our efforts. Nature is exhausted; let us lie down
and prepare for death."
"Not so, my dear father," answered Arthur. "God wills that we should be
active, and strive to surmount difficulties, or He would not have
bestowed on us the bounteous gifts of thought and action. Margaret, I
know your faith and resolution; encourage my father."
"You look to me in vain, my dear brother," said Margaret. "I am unable
to think or to move. Save our beloved father, and leave me beneath these
bushes to die. I feel that death must be near at hand."
"I beseech you to rally your energy, my darling Meggie," said her
brother, in a broken voice. "Surely, after the rain that fell yesterday,
we must soon find some pools. We must not be so weak as to remain here,
with our pursuers so near to us, and drought and death around us. Let us
try at least to cross this muddy and deceitful gorge, and be thankful;
for remember, my dear sister, if this had been now a foaming river, we
should have been unable to ford it, and must have been lost in this
desert."
Margaret was too weak to reply, and Arthur, lifting her with difficulty
in his enfeebled arms, descended the banks, and crossed the wide bed of
a river which was scarcely moist enough to leave the traces of his
footsteps. Wilkins and Jack supported Mr. Mayburn across, and the rest
languidly followed. They crawled slowly up the rocky banks of the
opposite side, which were covered with thick scrubby bushes; and then
beneath a spreading acacia, they sat down to rest a few moments, and
endeavored to nerve themselves to endurance and exertion.
"Surely, Wilkins," said Arthur, "that lofty line of mountains which we
can still see at the east, though so distant, ought to supply springs
and streams to these plains, and there must be water at no great
distance. You and I are pretty stout; can we not leave these feeble
folks here, and go on to search for some relief for them?"
"Look yonder, Mr. Arthur," answered Wilkins, "just atween us and them
mountains, and say if we ought to leave 'em behind us."
Arthur beheld with dismay, at about a mile's distance, a dark mass
moving over the bare plain. He saw that the savages were returning, and
even his firm heart failed, for here was no shelter--no hope of escape.
He remained struck dumb for a minute; then he whispered to his brothers
the dreadful fact, adding, "They must be nearer than they appear to be,
for I surely hear them as well as see them. Certainly, some sound breaks
the stillness of this solitary desert. It must be the murmur of many
voices."
"It seems to me like men felling wood," said Jack.
"It is more like the blessed sound of water," said O'Brien, springing
up.
Still the mass of figures, though now more defined and plainly
recognized to be the savage host, approached slowly; and they could not
produce the strange rumor, which momentarily grew louder, crackling,
tearing, roaring, like the mighty elephant, forcing its way through the
thicket. All the party now heard in trembling fear this unaccountable
phenomenon, and the weeping women knelt down to pray for aid amidst
accumulated distresses.
"Father," murmured the almost unconscious Margaret, "I smell water. Oh,
give me some, or I die."
"It is water!" shouted O'Brien "I said it was water. It is the river
coming down. Come on, Hugh, let us meet it;" and he leaped down into the
bed of the stream.
"Stop the lad!" cried Wilkins, following and dragging him up the bank
again. "We'se ha'e water enough, and more nor we want soon. Look ye!
look ye!" and they saw a slender thread of water come crawling over the
bed like a silver snake.
"Sharp! sharp! hand us a bucket!" called Wilkins; and, provided with a
bucket, he descended and quickly procured a small quantity of water to
relieve the worst sufferers; but before a second supply could be
obtained, he was compelled to retreat in haste, and an amazing spectacle
burst on the eyes of the beholders. A mighty tower of water was seen to
approach, rushing, pouring, foaming; casting up from it trunks of trees,
drenched garlands of creeping plants, and showers of pebbles. In an
incredibly short space of time the resistless torrent had filled the
deep gorge, and was splashing over the rocky banks.
Gradually the torrent subsided into a smooth, deep, and flowing river,
from which the pining sufferers obtained the refreshment they had so
long sought, and then, with bended knees, offered up a thanksgiving to
that Great Power who had by this providential event rescued them from a
painful death, and interposed an insurmountable barrier between them and
their vindictive enemies, who, having now approached near enough to be
aware of this unexpected obstacle, saw, with evident wrath, their prize
snatched from their grasp. At the command of their implacable and
well-known chief, Peter, some of the most skilful threw their spears;
but the river was not less than fifty yards across, besides which, the
strong east wind drifted away the weapons from their intended aim; and
the invigorated and uninjured family lost no time in leaving the
dangerous spot, and were soon beyond sight of the stubborn natives, and
the malicious bush-ranger.
"It is plain they have no means of crossing the river," said Arthur;
"but, Wilkins, what can have induced them to return from the mountains?"
"I reckon they'll have somehow missed their comrades as was to be,"
answered Wilkins. "Maybe they'd an inkling as how we were behind 'em and
not afore 'em; and they'd niver reckon on t' water coming down; and not
a soul among 'em can swim, barring Peter, and he knew better nor trust
hisself among us alone. We've stopped 'em a bit now, master."
"Not we, Wilkins, but God," said Mr. Mayburn. "It was 'the Lord that
brought again the waters upon them,' and saved us. To His name be the
glory."
"We have still before us a long struggle through these sterile wilds,"
said Arthur; "but this deliverance must give us renewed courage for
labor and privation. Now we may afford to eat our supper, and take our
rest without fear."
The strongest of the party, before they left the river, had filled all
the vessels with water, and brought them off, and very soon, almost
within hearing of the noisy savages, they made a fire, and enjoyed again
the luxury of tea to their potatoes, before weary nature sought repose.
But as soon as it was light, they set out, after again having tea to fit
them for another day of toil. The march was resumed with renewed health
and spirits, but still the monotony of the matted rough desert, which
rarely afforded a clear spot for them to draw the sledge, fatigued and
depressed them before the day was over. And when they rested for the
evening, and Jenny produced the scanty remainder of potatoes, and the
still smaller portion of grain, dismay sat on every countenance, and
Jack was the first to demand that Ruth's basket might be lightened, and
the contents given up to satisfy the hungry and healthy appetite of the
public in general.
It was found on inspection that besides three full-grown fowls, the girl
was still carrying six good-sized chickens, the rest of the brood having
perished, from accident or scanty food. Immediately, as a matter of
expediency to save the oats, to lessen the burden they had to carry, and
to feed the hungry, sentence was passed that two chickens should be
executed each day, and it was hoped, before all were eaten, some region
of more plenty might be attained.
With great reluctance, and floods of tears, Ruth relinquished her pets,
and at the end of the three days, only the old fowls were left, and
every potato, grain, and drop of water was gone. Then, indeed, they
realized the misery of famine; strength and cheerfulness left them, and
they tottered reluctantly forward, slowly and in mournful silence.
Sometimes an emu was seen at a distance, but none had energy or strength
to chase it, and Arthur, whose mental vigor supported him, when all were
sinking round him, tried in vain to rouse them from their apathy.
"Let us struggle on a little longer," he said. "Once more I see a tall
line of reeds, and by God's mercy, we may not be disappointed this time.
Come, Jack, you and I will make a forced march in search of succor for
those who are weaker than ourselves; and if we succeed we will return to
refresh and bring them forward."
With buckets slung over their shoulders, and leaning on their long
spears, the two young men strained every nerve to reach the reeds like
those which had so frequently disappointed them, and, cutting or forcing
their way through the tall canes, they came again on the bed of a
river--moist and muddy, indeed, but not a pool of water was to be seen.
"Let us ascend higher; we may find a little," said Arthur. "But, surely,
Jack, here are footsteps on the soft earth. Some one has been here
before us."
"Sure enough there has," replied Jack. "Men have been here; booted
chaps, too; none of the savages; anyhow, not them that we reckon
savages, but like enough, they'll be little better. Ay, their track runs
upward; what say ye, Mr. Arthur, are we to follow it?"
"We must follow it, Jack," answered Arthur; "we must find water, or
death is inevitable to us; and we are better in the rear of suspected
foes than before them. And yonder are pools before us, God be thanked.
Let us drink and then we will carry life back to those who are in
greater need than ourselves."
The pools afforded ample supplies. The young men drank, and bathed their
burning faces and heads, and then hastened back, refreshed and vigorous,
bearing full buckets for the anxious party who awaited their return, and
after they had drunk, and were able to converse, they were informed of
the appearance of the footsteps.
"I'd like to see 'em wi' my own eyes," said Wilkins. "If it be ony of
our chaps from t' colony, run-a-way fellows, I ken t' make of their
boots at t' first sight. But it's a long step for 'em to have marched,
poor rogues. What think ye if we stirred from here? for I'd like to tell
ye what I ken about them tracks."
The whole party went forward more briskly than before, and reached the
bed of the river, where Wilkins carefully examined the marks, and then
said,--"Bush-rangers, as sure as ye stand there, Mr. Arthur. Here's been
four on 'em; and look ye here, what call ye them tracks? I say, beasts
and horses. I ken their game: they'll have druv' off a lot of stock, and
they'll reckon to squat here somewhere north. But they'll find they'll
have to seek out a cannier bit nor this. Like enough, master, it'll be
them chaps as Black Peter was lighting on finding."
By this time the two younger boys had ascended considerably higher up
the bed of the river, and reached a large pond covered with water-fowl.
They were fortunate enough to shoot four ducks, and came back laden with
this grateful relief to their utter destitution. They dined as soon as
the birds could be cooked; and this rest, and abundant food, invigorated
and cheered them to set out once more.
They would gladly have continued to travel along the bed of the river,
where they might certainly have depended on a constant supply of water,
as well as wild ducks; but, on consideration, it was decided that to
follow the steps of lawless robbers was a dangerous experiment, and that
it was advisable still to continue the southern course over the dreary
desert. Their progress was, however, rendered more tolerable, by the
knowledge that they carried with them water for two days, at least; and
they began to perceive there was beauty, even in that wide, solitary
wilderness, though it appeared unknown to all the living world.
Yet it was not altogether without living inhabitants; for, the second
day, Gerald surprised them by crying out, "A turkey! a turkey!" and
spears, arrows, and boomerang, were speedily sent after the luckless
bird, though the sight and the cries of the strange multitude had caused
it to spring from the bush where it was feeding, to the lowest branches
of a tree somewhat taller than the unvaried dwarf bushes; and from
thence, rather by leaps than by flight, it ascended to the high
branches, where it only exposed itself more to the weapons of the
inveterate sportsmen, and was speedily brought down.
It was beyond the usual size of the English turkey, to which it bore a
strong resemblance, and delighted Ruth with the idea that they were
coming among poultry again. The young naturalists had more opportunity
of observing this specimen than the last they had killed, and they
agreed that this curious bird belonged to a family peculiar to this
strange country, the _Megapodidæ_, but so nearly allied to the family of
_Meleagrinæ_, that it might familiarly be called the Australian turkey.
"There can be no doubt that it is, as I formerly believed," said Mr.
Mayburn, "the _Talegalla_ of the prince of ornithologists, Gould. The
massy claw is a striking characteristic, so conformable to the habits
and haunts of the bird, enabling it to run amongst the bush, or climb
trees to escape its enemies, the chief of which is the _Dingo_, or
native dog, which has been rather troublesome to us from its nocturnal
yelping than from its appearance. Now, concluding this to be the
_Talegalla_, we must endeavor to discover the remarkable nest of this
bird, which, like the ostrich, leaves its eggs to be hatched by the sun.
These eggs we are told are delicious; but above all, the sight of the
peculiar nest would gratify my curiosity."
They had not proceeded far, when they saw, a little out of their course,
a curious mound or pyramid, which they all went up to examine. It might
have been the work of man's hand, so regularly and artfully the ground,
for a considerable space round it, was entirely cleared of vegetation,
and the decayed grass and brushwood thus removed formed the remarkable
mound. The lower part seemed to have been erected some years, the decay
being complete; the upper part was fresher, as if recently renewed.
"It is apparent that this pile must be the work of years," said Mr.
Mayburn, "and is probably accomplished by numbers laboring in common to
raise this vast hatching oven. I am reluctant to disturb a work which
has cost so much labor; but I think we might partially uncover it, to
observe the internal arrangement."
The boys mounted the pile, which was six feet in height, and carefully
unpacked the upper layer of the hot-bed, when they soon discovered a
vast number of large white oval eggs, nearly four inches in length,
which were buried standing on end, with the broad end uppermost, about
ten inches apart from each other. One of the eggs was partially hatched;
and the young bird might be seen, covered, not with down, but with
feathers.
At the sight of the feathered bird in the shell Ruth turned away with
disgust from the long-desired poultry. "Nay, Master Gerald," said she,
as the boy held out the egg to her; "ye'll not catch me touching an egg
like that, niver sitten on as it ought to be, and t' bird chipping
ready-feathered. It's unnat'ral, and they're uncanny creaters, they
are."
"Why, one of these unbroken eggs would make a custard, Ruth, as good as
that of an English Turkey," said Gerald.
"That's what I'se niver credit, sir," answered she. "Not a custard fit
for Christians. Them black folks 'll eat aught 'at falls in their way.
Oh! Miss Marget, this is a queer, awesome country!"
They did not take any of the eggs, which appeared to be in an advanced
state for hatching; but they roasted the talegalla, and found it
delicious meat, though it must be remembered appetite was keen and
turkey a rarity.
"Now, to-morrow morning," said Arthur, "we must make for yon distant
green hills; and I trust we shall find a pleasanter region. If we could
but meet with one of the rivers that flow towards the south, we might
try boating again, and make our journey on an easier plan. Surely we
ought to have reached the division between the northern and southern
waters."
"It would be a rare hit to light on a good river," said Wilkins, "for
we're gettin fearfully into t' midst of a nest of bush-rangers, and
we'll ha'e little chance of slipping 'em, trailing on in this way."
The morning view of the green hills was so flattering that they indulged
in the luxury of tea for breakfast, though the water was nearly
expended, and then proceeded hopefully over the scrub, now diversified
with various species of acacia, a Stenochylus bending under its large
scarlet blossoms, and a Boronia laden with lilac flowers. Cheerfully
hailing the fertile regions once more, they soon reached the steep
wooded ascent of the hills, where the lively notes of the birds again
gave life to the solitude; while their brilliant plumage lighted up the
gray foliage of the acacia and the dark gloom of the evergreens.
After an hour's laborious ascent they reached the table-land, where the
fresh breeze and the balmy fragrance announced a pleasanter region. They
rested, and looked round with admiration and delight on the glorious
prospect below them. On the east and on the west distant ranges of
mountains were visible, between which lay a rich valley studded with
lofty forest trees, while here and there arose green hills crowned with
rocky masses resembling towers and fortresses, or ruined castles, in
picturesque beauty.
From the western range of mountains might be seen a long, dark-green
line, stretching to the south-east, which they decided must be the
boundary of some large river. This line they impatiently desired to
reach; and, after a short rest, they continued their march over a plain
rich with rare shrubs and many new and curious grasses now in seed,
amongst which they hailed with pleasure their old friend the oat-grass,
with which they filled the emptied bags as they passed through it. A
dark and luxuriant wood formed the green line they had seen from the
heights, and crossing it, they stood on the rocky banks of a rapid river
which flowed to the south-east.
For a few moments they stood silently contemplating this pleasant sight,
beneath a graceful _Acacia Pendula_. Then Mr. Mayburn turned to his
family, with tears in his eyes, and said, "My children, let us give
thanks where thanks are due. We are again rescued from famine,
captivity, or death. Let us praise His name who has brought us from the
dark valley of the shadow of death, to life and hope."
All kneeled down, and the little Nakinna was the first to raise her
infantine voice, saying "Our Father;" and to that simple and sublime
expression of heavenly trust, Mr. Mayburn added the prayers of humility,
hope, and gratitude.
"To-night we must rest," said Arthur, when the prayers were concluded;
"but to-morrow we must, if possible, make two canoes."
"We will bark the trees to-night, Mr. Arthur, if you please," said Jack.
"The bark will dry, and I'd like all ready to start. To-morrow's never
so safe as to-day."
"Jack's right," said Wilkins. "I were feeling a bit idle mysel', but
there's no sense in't; so lend us hand on an axe, and I'se be none the
worse for a stroke of work."
While the young men were engaged in cutting away the bark for the shells
of the canoes, and the fibres of the stringy bark for tying them, and
collecting the strong gum for cement, Baldabella descended to the river,
and soon speared two immense fish, which seemed to be a species of
mullet; and she also brought in a quantity of the fresh-water mussels,
the shells of which were so useful for domestic purposes.
The broiled fish and hastily prepared oat-cake--or damper, as Wilkins
called it--formed an excellent supper; and though the nights had now
become cold, even in that tropical region, they slept on beds of heath,
covered with opossum cloaks, without injury or disturbance.