`We spend our years as a tale that is told,' said King David. These
words recurred to me again and again as I reviewed ten years, of which
the story lay chronicled in the pages of my journal.
Year followed year; chapter succeeded chapter; steadily,
imperceptibly, time was passing away.
The shade of sadness cast on my mind by retrospect of this kind, was
dispelled by thoughts full of gratitude to God, for the welfare and
happiness of my beloved family during so long a period. I had cause
especially to rejoice in seeing our sons advance to manhood
strengthened by early training for lives of usefulness and activity
wherever their lot might fall.
And my great wish is that young people who read this record of our
lives and adventures, should learn from it how admirably suited is the
peaceful, industrious and pious life of a cheerful and united family,
to the formation of strong, pure and manly character.
None take a better place in the great national family, none are
happier or more beloved than those who go forth from such homes to
fulfil new duties, and to gather fresh interests around them.
Having given a detailed account of several years' residence in New
Switzerland, as we liked to call our dominion, it is needless for me to
continue what would exhaust the patience of the most long-suffering, by
repeating monotonous narratives of exploring parties and hunting
expeditions, wearisome descriptions of awkward inventions and clumsy
machines, with an endless record of discoveries, more fit for the pages
of an encyclopaedia, than a book of family history.
Yet before winding up with the concluding events, I may mention some
interesting facts illustrative of our exact position at the time these
took place.
Rockburg and Falconhurst continued to be our winter and summer
headquarters, and improvements were added which made them more and more
convenient as well as attractive in appearance.
The fountains, trellised verandahs and plantations round Rockburg,
completely changed the character of the residence which on account of
the heat and want of vegetation had in former days been so distasteful
to my wife. Flowering creepers overhung the balconies and pillars;
while shrubs and trees, both native and European, grew luxuriantly in
groves of our planting.
In the distance, Shark Island, now clothed with graceful palms,
guarded the entrance to Safety Bay, the battery and flagstaff
prominently visible on its crested rock.
The swamp, cleared and drained, was now a considerable lake, with just
marsh and reeds enough beyond it to form good cover for the waterfowl
whose favourite retreat it was.
On its blue waters sailed stately black swans, snow-white geese and
richly coloured ducks; while out and in among the water-plants and
rushes would appear at intervals glimpses of the brilliant Sultan,
marsh-fowl, crimson flamingos, soft blue-grey demoiselle cranes, and
crested heron, all associating in harmony, and with no fear of us,
their masters.
The giant frogs, Grace and Beauty, delighted Jack by actually
attaining in time to the size of small rabbits; and, perfectly knowing
their very appropriate names, would waddle out of the marsh at his
call, to eat a grasshopper or dainty fly.
Beneath the spreading trees, and through the aromatic shrubberies, old
Hurry, the ostrich, was usually to be seen marching about, with grave
and dignified pace, as though monarch of all he surveyed. Every variety
of beautiful pigeon nested in the rocks and dove-cots, their soft
cooing and glossy plumage making them favourite household pets.
By the bridge alone could Rockburg be approached; for higher up the
river where, near the cascade, it was fordable, a dense and
impenetrable thicket of orange and lemon trees, Indian figs, prickly
pears and all manner of thorn-bearing shrubs, planted by us, now formed
a complete barrier.
The rabbit-warren on Shark Island kept us well supplied with food, as
well as soft and useful fur; and, as the antelopes did not thrive on
Whale Isle, they also were placed among the shady groves with the
rabbits, and their own island devoted to such work as candle-making,
tanning, wool-cleaning and any other needful but offensive operations.
The farm at Woodlands flourished, and our flocks and herds supplied us
with mutton, beef and veal, while my wife's dairy was almost more than
she could manage.
My boys retained their old love for giving names to the animals. They
had a beautiful creamy-white cow, called Blanche, and a bull with such
a tremendous voice, that he received the name of Stentor. Two fleet
young onagers were named Arrow and Dart; and Jack had a descendant of
his old favourite Fangs, the jackal, which he chose to call Coco,
asserting that no word could be distinguished at a distance without `o'
in it, giving illustrations of his theory till our ears were almost
deafened.
Excellent health had been enjoyed by us all during these ten years,
though my wife occasionally suffered from slight attacks of fever, and
the boys sometimes met with little accidents.
They were all fine handsome fellows: Fritz, now twenty-four, was of
moderate height, uncommonly strong, active, muscular and
high-spirited.
Ernest, two years younger, was tall and slight; in disposition, mild,
calm and studious; his early faults of indolence and selfishness were
almost entirely overcome. He possessed refined tastes and great
intellectual power.
Jack, at twenty, strongly resembled Fritz, being about his height,
though more lightly built, and remarkable rather for active grace and
agility than for muscular strength.
Franz, a lively youth of seventeen, had some of the qualities of each
of his brothers; he possessed wit and shrewdness, but not the arch
drollery of Jack.
All were honourable, God-fearing young men, dutiful and affectionate to
their mother and myself, and warmly attached to each other.
Although so many years had elapsed in total seclusion, it continued to
be my strong impression that we should one day be restored to the
society of our fellow men.
But time, which was bringing our sons to manhood, was also carrying
their parents onwards to old age; and anxious, gloomy thoughts relating
to their future, should they be left indeed alone, sometimes oppressed
my heart.
On such occasions I would not communicate the sense of depression to my
family, but turning in prayer to the Almighty Father, laid my trouble
before Him, with never-failing renewal of strength and hope.
My elder sons often made expeditions of which we knew nothing until
their return after many hours; when any uneasiness I might have felt
was dissipated by their joyous appearance, and reproof always died away
on my lips.
Fritz had been absent one whole day from Rockburg, and not until
evening did we remark that his cajack was gone, and that he must be out
at sea.
Anxious to see him return before nightfall, I went off to Shark Island
with Ernest and Jack, in order to look out for him from the watch-tower
there, at the same time hoisting our signal flag, and loading the gun.
Long we gazed across the expanse of ocean glittering in the level
beams of the setting sun, and finally discerned a small black speck in
the distance which, by the telescope, was proved to be the returning
wanderer.
I remarked that his skiff sailed at a slower rate than usual towards
the shore. The cannon was fired to let him know that his approach was
observed, and then we joyfully hurried back to receive him at the
harbour.
It was easy to see, as he drew near, what had delayed his progress. The
cajack towed a large sack, besides being heavily laden. `Welcome,
Fritz!' I cried. `Welcome back, wherever you come from and whatever you
bring. You seem to have quite a cargo there!'
`Yes, and my trip has led to discoveries as well as booty,' answered
he. `Interesting discoveries which will tempt us again in the same
direction. Come, boys, let's carry up the things, and while I rest I
will relate my adventures.'
As soon as possible all assembled round him. `I think my absence
without leave deserves reproach instead of this warm reception,
father, and I must apologize for it,' he began, `but ever since I
possessed the cajack it has been my ambition to make a voyage of
discovery along the coast, which we have never explored beyond the
point at which I killed the walrus.
`In order to be ready to start without delay when a convenient
opportunity offered, I made preparations beforehand, such as
provisioning my skiff, fixing the compass in front of my seat,
arranging conveniently rifle, harpoon, axe, boat-hook and fishing-net.
I also resolved to take with me Pounce, my eagle, and this I always
will do in future.
`This morning dawned magnificently; the calm sea, the gentle breeze,
all drew me irresistibly to the fulfilment of my purpose.
`I left the harbour unperceived, the current quickly bore me out to
sea, and I rounded the point to the left, passing just over the spot
where, beneath the waves, lie the guns, cannon balls, ironwork, and all
that was indestructible about our good old wreck. And would you believe
it? Through the glassy clear water, undisturbed by a ripple, I actually
saw many such things strewn on the flat rocky bottom.
`Pursuing my way, I passed among rugged cliffs and rocks which jutted
out from the shore, or rose in rugged masses from the water. Myriads of
sea-fowl inhabited the most inaccessible of these, while on the lower
ridges, seals, sea-bears and walruses, were to be seen, some basking
lazily in the sun, some plunging into the water, or emerging awkwardly
from it, hoisting their unwieldy bodies up the rocks by means of their
tusks.
`I must confess to feeling anything but comfortable while going
through the places held in possession by these monsters of the deep,
and used every effort to pass quickly and unnoticed. Yet it was more
than an hour and a half before I got clear of the rocks, cliffs, and
shoals to which they resorted, and neared a high and precipitous cape,
running far out to sea. Right opposite to me, in the side of this rocky
wall, was a magnificent archway, forming as it first appeared to me, a
lofty entrance to an immense vaulted cavern. I passed beneath this
noble portal and examined the interior.
`It was tenanted by numbers of a small species of swallow, scarcely
larger than a wren, and the walls were covered by thousands of their
nests. They were rudely built, and their peculiarity was that each
rested on a kind of platform, something like a spoon without the
handle. I detached a number, and found that they had a curious
appearance, seemingly made of something fibrous and gelatinous, and
more like a set of sponges, corals, or fungi, than nests of birds. I
have brought them home in my fishing net.'
`If we had commercial dealings with the Chinese,' said I, `your
discovery would be of value; these are doubtless edible birds' nests.
The bird is called the esculent swallow, and the trade in this strange
article of diet is a very large one. The nests are of different value,
but those which are quite new, and nearly white, are held in such
esteem that they are worth their weight in silver.
`There are tremendous caverns in Java and other places where, at great
risk, these nests are procured; the annual weight obtained being
upwards of fifty thousand pounds, and the value more than £200,000.
`When placed in water and well soaked, they soften and swell, and are
made into soup of very strengthening and restorative quality.
`I think you might try your hand on these, mother, just for
curiosity's sake.'
`I can't say I fancy the look of the queer things,' said she, `but I
don't mind trying if they will turn to jelly; though boiling birds'
nests is cookery quite out of my line.'
`Oh do, mother, let us taste birds' nests as soon as you can, though
the idea makes me fancy my mouth full of feathers!' laughed Jack.
`It is really a most curious formation,' said Fritz. `From whence are
the swallows supposed to get this kind of gelatine?'
`It has never been exactly ascertained,' I replied, `whether the birds
discover or produce this curious substance. But whatever may be its
basis, it is clear that a very large portion of it is furnished by
certain glands, which pour out a viscid secretion.'
`After laying in my store of nests,' continued Fritz, `I pursued my way
through this vaulted cave or corridor; which, presently turning, opened
into a very lonely bay, so calm and lake-like, that, although of
considerable size, I concluded at once it must be nearly land-locked.
Its shores, beyond the rocky boundary through which I penetrated,
extended in a fertile plain towards what seemed the mouth of a river,
beyond which lay rough and probably marshy ground, and a dense forest
of cedars, which closed the view.
`The water beneath me was clear as crystal; and, gazing into its
depths and shallows, I perceived beds of shellfish, like large
oysters, attached to the rocks and to each other by tufts of hairy
filaments.
`"If these are oysters," thought I, "they must be better worth eating,
as far as size goes, than our little friends in Safety Bay," and
thereupon I hooked up several clusters with my boat-hook, and landing
soon after on the beach, I flung them on the sand, resolving to fetch
another load, and then tow them after me in the fishing-net.
`The hot sun disagreed with their constitution, I suppose; for when I
came back the shells were all gaping wide open; so I began to examine
them, thinking that after all they were probably much less delicate
than the small oysters we have learnt to like so much.
`Somehow, when a thing is to be "examined", one generally needs a
knife. The blade met with resistance here and there in the creature's
body; and still closer "examination" produced from it several pearly
balls, like peas, of different sizes. Do you think they can be pearls?
I have a number here in a box.'
`Oh, show them to us, Fritz!' cried the boys. `What pretty shining
things! And how delicately rounded! And how softly they gleam!'
`You have discovered treasure, indeed!' I exclaimed. `Why these are
most beautiful pearls! Valueless, certainly, under present
circumstances; but they may prove a source of wealth, should we ever
again come into contact with the civilized world. We must visit your
pearl-oyster beds at the earliest opportunity.'
`After resting for some time and refreshing myself with food,' pursued
Fritz, `I resumed my survey of the coast, my progress somewhat impeded
by the bag of shellfish, which I drew after me; but I proceeded without
accident past the mouth of the stream to the further side of the bay,
which was there enclosed by a point corresponding to that through which
I had entered; and between these headlands I found a line of reefs and
sand-banks, with but a single channel leading out to the open sea; from
which, therefore, Pearl Bay, as I named it, lies completely sheltered.
`The tide was setting strongly in shore, so that I could not then
attempt a passage through it, but examined the crags of the headland,
thinking I might perchance discover a second vaulted archway. I saw
nothing remarkable, however, but thousands of sea-fowl of every sort
and kind, from the gull and sea-swallow to the mighty albatross.
`My approach was evidently regarded as an invasion and trespass; for
they regularly beset me, screaming and wheeling over my head, till, out
of all patience, I stood up, and hit furiously about me with the
boat-hook; when, rather to my surprise, one blow struck an albatross
with such force, that he fell stunned into the water.
`I now once more attempted to cross the reef by the narrow channel, and
happily succeeding, found myself in the open sea, and speeding
homewards, joyfully saw our flag flying, and heard the welcome salute
you fired.'
Here ended the narrative; but next morning Fritz drew me aside, and
confided to me a most remarkable sequel, in these words:
`There was something very extraordinary about that albatross, father. I
allowed you to suppose that I left it as it fell, but in reality I
raised it to the deck of the canoe, and then perceived a piece of rag
wound round one of its legs. This I removed, and, to my utter
astonishment, saw English words written on it, which I plainly made out
to be "Save an unfortunate Englishwoman from the smoking rock!"
`This little sentence sent a thrill through every nerve: my brain
seemed to whirl. I doubted the evidence of my senses.
`"Is this reality, or delusion?" thought I, "Can it be true, that a
fellow creature breathes with us the air of this lonely region?"
`I felt stupefied for some minutes: the bird began to show signs of
life, which recalled me to myself; and, quickly deciding what must be
done, I tore a strip from my handkerchief, on which I traced the words,
"Do not despair! Help is near!"
`This I carefully bound round one leg, replacing the rag on the other,
and then applied myself to the complete restoration of the bird. It
gradually revived; and after drinking a little, surprised me by
suddenly rising on the wing, faltering a moment in its flight, and then
rapidly disappearing from my view in a westerly direction.
`Now, father, one thought occupies me continually: will my note ever
reach this Englishwoman? Shall I be able to find, and to save her?' I
listened to this account with feelings of the liveliest interest and
astonishment.
`My dear son,' said I, `you have done wisely in confiding to me alone
your most exciting discovery. Unless we know more, we must not unsettle
the others by speaking of it; for it appears to me quite possible that
these words were penned long ago on some distant shore, where, by this
time, the unhappy stranger may have perished miserably. By the "smoking
rock" must be meant a volcano. There are none here.'
Fritz was not disposed to look at the case from this gloomy point of
view; did not think the rag so very old; believed smoke might rise from
a rock which was not volcanic; and evidently cherished the hope that he
might be able to respond effectually to this touching appeal. I was in
reality as anxious as himself on the subject, but judged it prudent to
abate rather than excite hopes of success which might be doomed to
bitter disappointment.
After earnest consultation on the subject, we decided that Fritz
should go in search of the writer of the message, but not until he had
so altered the canoe as to fit it for carrying two persons, as well as
provisions sufficient to admit of his absence for a considerable time.
Impatient as he was, he could not but see the wisdom of this delay. We
returned to the house, and saw the boys busily opening the oysters,
which they had had no time to do the previous night, and greatly
excited as ever and anon a pearl was found.
`May we not establish a pearl-fishery at once, father?' shouted they.
`We might build a hut on the shore of the bay and set about it
regularly.'
An excursion to Pearl Bay was now the event to which all thoughts
turned, and for which preparations on a grand scale were made. It was
to form, as it were, the basis of the more important voyage Fritz had
in view, and to which, unsuspected by the rest, he could devote all his
attention.
I took an opportunity, one day, when all were present, to remark in a
serious tone:
`I have been considering, dear wife, that our eldest son is now of an
age to be dependent on himself. I shall, therefore, henceforth leave
him at liberty to act in all respects according to his own judgement;
and, especially in the matter of voyages or excursions, he must not be
hampered by the fear of alarming us should he choose to remain absent
longer than we expect. I have such entire confidence in his prudence,
and at the same time in his affection for us, that I am certain he will
never needlessly cause us anxiety.'
Fritz looked gratefully towards me as I spoke; and his mother ratified
my words, embracing him affectionately, and saying, with emotion, `God
bless and preserve thee, my boy!'
It took some time to make several raking or scraping machines, which I
invented for the purpose of detaching and lifting the oysters from
their native rocks; but that gave Fritz leisure to change the fittings
of his canoe, so as to have a spare seat in it.
His brothers naturally concluded he meant to take one of them as
shipmate on board, and he allowed the mistake to continue.
They occupied themselves in making various articles they expected to be
of use, and bore the delay with tolerable patience.
At last came the day, when, taking leave of my wife and Franz, we went
on board the yacht, accompanied by some of the dogs; while Jack,
proudly occupying the new seat beside Fritz in the canoe, shared with
him the honour of leading the way in the character of pilots.
We passed safely through the rocks and shoals near Walrus Island into
an expanse of calm water, sheltered by jutting cliffs, where the sea
glanced like a mirror, and for the first time we observed the
fairy-like shells of the paper-nautilus sailing lightly over the
dazzling surface.
It was impossible to see these lovely seafarers without wishing to
obtain specimens; and the canoe accordingly gave chase, presently
securing half a dozen, which were handed to us in the yacht to be
carefully preserved for the museum, and the place was ever after called
Nautilus Creek.
Further on we rounded a short promontory, flat, with an abrupt rock at
the extremity, to which we gave the name of Cape Pug-Nose; and then, at
some distance, appeared the grand cliffs of a headland running far out
to sea.
This I supposed we should have to weather, but my pilots made no
change in our course, and, following the canoe, we soon came in sight
of the majestic archway which offered us a short passage to Pearl Bay.
The wonderfully architectural appearance of the pillars, arches and
pinnacles, surrounding and surmounting this noble entrance, struck me
with admiration, resembling parts of a fine gothic cathedral, and
inducing me to propose for it the name Cape Minster.
A perfect cloud of little swallows darted from the cavernous entrance
on our approach, divided into flocks, soared, wheeled, flew right and
left, and finally returned in a body as swiftly as they came, to the
sides of the long dark tunnel, which were festooned with their nests.
We detached a number of these as we passed, taking care to leave those
containing eggs or young. The best were at a considerable height, but
the broken and shelving rocks afforded, in some places, footing for
such daring and active climbers as Fritz and Jack, and they quickly
obtained as many as we could possibly require.
Our progress was much assisted by the tide, which, like a current, bore
us onward along the nave of this natural cathedral; aisles, transepts,
screens and side-chapels appearing between the columns and arches which
in the `dim religious light' were revealed to our wondering eyes.
On emerging into the dazzling sunshine, we found ourselves floating in
the calm expanse of Pearl Bay; but it was some minutes before we could
look around on the bright and lovely scene.
Fritz had not overrated its beauty, and the romantic islets which
studded its waters seemed to give the effect of a pleasant smile to
features already perfect.
We cruised about for some time, surveying the coast with its fertile
meadows, shady groves, gently swelling hills and murmuring brooks,
seeking a convenient landing-place in the vicinity of the shallows
where lay the oyster-beds.
This we found, close to a sparkling streamlet; and, as the day was fast
declining, we made speedy arrangements for burning a watch-fire; after
which we partook of a hasty supper, and leaving the dogs, with Coco,
the jackal, to sleep on shore, we returned on board the yacht for the
night, anchoring within gunshot of the land.
The coast being quite strange to us, I knew not what wild beasts might
frequent it; but, though I did not fear that any would approach us by
swimming, yet I was glad to have with us our lively little ape, Mercury
(the successor of our old favourite, Knips, long since gathered to his
fathers), for he occupied at night a cosy berth on deck, and was
certain to give vociferous notice should anything alarming occur.
Fritz moored the cajack alongside, and came on board. The night passed
in peace, although for a time we were disturbed by the yelping of
jackals, with whom Coco persisted in keeping up a noisy conversation.
We awoke at daybreak, and after breakfasting a la fourchette*, we
repaired in haste with nets, scrapers and all other requisites, to the
oyster-beds, where we worked with such diligence and success that in
the course of two days we had an immense pile of shells built up like a
stack on the beach, and left to decay. I collected a quantity of
seaweed to spread over them, which was afterwards burnt to make alkali,
when we returned to secure our harvest of pearls.
* lit. in the manner of a fork; from a French saying that
translates "the fork of Father Adam." In other words, they
ate hastily with their fingers.
Every evening we went out shooting in the neighbourhood, and kept
ourselves supplied with game of one sort or another. The last day of
our fishery we started earlier, intending to make a longer excursion
into the woods.
Ernest set off first with Floss; Jack and Coco strolling after them.
Fritz and I were still employed in taking on board the last load of our
tools, when we suddenly heard a shot, a loud cry of pain or fear, and
then another shot.
At the first alarm, the other two dogs rushed away from us towards the
spot, and Fritz, who had just called Pounce from his perch, to
accompany us in the ramble, let him fly, and seizing his rifle darted
off in the same direction.
Before I could reach the scene of action, more shots were heard, and
then a shout of victory; after which appeared through the stems of the
trees the disconsolate figure of Jack, hobbling along like a cripple,
supported on each side by his brothers.
When they came near me they stopped; and poor Jack, moaning and
groaning, began to feel himself all over, as if to search for broken
bones, crying out:
`I'm pounded like a half-crushed pepper-corn!'
On examination I found some severe bruises. `Who or what has been
pummelling the boy?' I exclaimed. `One would think he had been
beaten.'
`It was a huge wild boar,' said Ernest, `with fierce eyes, monstrous
tusks and a snout as broad as my hand.'
We took Jack down to the yacht, bathed his bruises, gave him a cooling
drink, and he soon fell fast asleep in his berth, where I left him and
returned to the shore.
`Now, Ernest,' said I, `enlighten me on the subject of this adventure!
What you and the boar did, is quite a mystery to me.'
`Floss and I were going quietly along,' replied he, `when suddenly
there was a rustling and snorting close by, and a great boar broke
through the bushes, making for the outskirts of the wood. Floss gave
chase directly, and the boar turned to bay. Then up came Jack with
Coco, and the gallant little jackal attacked the monster in the rear.
In another moment, however, he was sent sprawling upon his back, and
this so provoked his master that he fired a hasty ill-directed shot.
The brute's notice and fury at once turned upon Jack, who prudently
took to his heels, while I attempted to check the career of the boar by
a shot, which, however, only slightly wounded it.
`Jack stumbled and fell over the root of a tree, just as the animal
came up with him. "Help! Murder," shouted he; and if the other dogs had
not then arrived, and all together tackled the boar, I fear it would
have been a case of murder indeed! As it was, the poor fellow got
mauled and trampled upon dreadfully.
`As I was waiting for an opportunity to fire without any risk of
hitting Jack, Pounce rushed through the air and darted upon the beast,
and Fritz came quickly up and shot it dead with a pistol.
`While we were helping Jack along, and passing a place where the boar
had been grubbing, I noticed some such curious knotty roots or
tubercles, that I brought away specimens. Are they worth anything, do
you think? They have a strong smell.'
`If I may trust my nose,' said I, `you have brought something by no
means to be despised. Yes,' I continued, putting them to my lips,
`these are very fine truffles! Taste them, Fritz.'
`Indeed they are excellent,' said he, `very different from the tough,
leathery things I remember in Europe: these are tender and
well-flavoured.'
`Because they are fresh,' said I. `You have before tasted those only
which have been brought from a distance.
`They are found in different parts of Europe, buried at a depth of ten
or twelve inches in the soil of oak or beech woods. A small dog is
employed to hunt for them, who perceives their musky odour in a
singularly acute way, and at once scratches at the spot where they
lie.'
`Have the truffles no leaves or stalks,' inquired Fritz, `by which they
might be found without the help of the dog?'
`They have nothing of the sort,' I replied. `They are discovered
simply by scent, and are considered to belong to the tribe of Fungi.'
By this time it was late: we took supper, made up the watch-fire, and
withdrew to our yacht, where we slept peacefully.
Early next morning we proceeded to visit the field of battle. The wild
boar, which I had not before seen, proved to be much larger and more
formidable in appearance than I had imagined, and Jack's escape seemed
to me perfectly marvellous.
The boys took it as a matter of course that we were to cut out hams and
flitches; and we therefore did so, though I warned them that they need
not expect much pleasure in eating bacon from a tough old African boar
like this. We conveyed the mighty hams to the beach, each on a sledge
of plaited boughs and twigs, and drawn by one of the dogs. The
monstrous head travelled in the same way, and we collected a large
number of truffles before quitting the forest.
As soon as the dogs were released, they rushed back to the scene of
operations in the wood, comprehending that they were now free to feast
on what remained there.
There was so much to be done in consequence of this affair, that
Fritz, who had hoped to set out on his solitary expedition that day,
deferred it until the next; and was, therefore, fortunately with us,
when late in the evening we desisted from our labours, and having
supped, were preparing to retire to rest. All at once a deep fearful
sound echoed through the neighbouring woods. It made our blood curdle
in our veins. We listened with straining ears, hoping it would not be
repeated. With a shudder we heard the dread voice roar again, yet
nearer to us, and an answer peal from the distance.
`We must find out who are the performers in this concert!' exclaimed
Fritz, springing to his feet, and snatching up his rifle. `Make the
fire blaze, get on board the yacht, and have all the guns in readiness.
I am off to reconnoitre in the canoe.'
We mechanically obeyed his rapid orders, while the bold youth
disappeared in the darkness; and, after heaping fuel on the fire, we
went on board and armed ourselves with cutlasses, besides loading all
the guns, waiting in readiness either to land again, or to quit the
coast.
We presently saw the whole pack of our dogs, as well as Coco, the
jackal, and the little ape, Mercury (who had been tempted by the
truffles to stay with them in the woods), come galloping at full speed
up to the fire.
Mercury was evidently excessively discomposed at finding us gone; he
gnashed his teeth, and chattered, as though in fear, looking
hopelessly at the water, through which he could not venture.
The dogs planted themselves by the fire, gazing fixedly landward, with
ears erect, and occasionally uttering a barking challenge, or a
suppressed howl.
Meantime, the horrid roarings approached nearer, and I concluded that a
couple of leopards or panthers had been attracted by the scent of the
boar's carcase.
But not long after I had expressed this opinion, we beheld a large
powerful animal spring from the underwood and, with a bound and
muttered roar, approach the fire. In a moment I recognized the
unmistakable outlines of the form of a lion, though in size he far
surpassed any I had ever seen exhibited in Europe.
The dogs slunk behind the fire, and the lion seated himself almost like
a cat on his hind legs, glaring alternately at them, and at the great
boar hams which hung near, with doubtless a mixed feeling of irritation
and appetite, which was testified by the restless movement of his tail.
He then arose, and commenced walking up and down with slow and
measured pace, occasionally uttering short, angry roars, quite unlike
the prolonged full tones we had heard at first. At times he went to
drink at the brook, always returning with such haste, that I fully
expected to see him spring.
Gradually his manner became more and more threatening; he turned
towards us, crouched, and with his body at full stretch, waved his
tail, and glared so furiously, that I was in doubt whether to fire or
retreat, when through the darkness rang the sharp crack of a rifle.
`That is Fritz!' exclaimed everyone; while, with a fearful roar, the
lion sprang to his feet, stood stock still, tottered, sank on his
knees, rolled over, and lay motionless on the sand.
`We are saved!' I cried. `That was a masterly shot. The lion is struck
to the heart: he will never stir again. Stay on board, boys. I must
join my brave Fritz.'
In a few moments I landed: the dogs met me with evident tokens of
pleasure, but kept whining uneasily, and looking towards the deep
darkness of the woods whence the lion had come.
This behaviour made me cautious; and, seeing nothing of Fritz, I
lingered by the boat, when suddenly a lioness bounded from the shadow
of the trees, into the light diffused by the fire.
At sight of the blazing faggots she paused, as though startled; passed
with uncertain step round the outskirts of the illuminated circle; and
uttered roarings, which were evidently calls to her mate, whose dead
body she presently discovered.
Finding him motionless, her manner betokened the greatest concern; she
touched him with her forepaws, smelt round him, and licked his bleeding
wounds. Then raising her head, she gnashed her teeth, and gave forth
the most lamentable and dreadful sound I ever heard; a mingled roar and
howl, which was like the expression of grief, rage, and a vow to be
revenged, all in one.
Crack! Another shot: the creature's right forepaw was lamed; and the
dogs, seeing me raise my gun, suddenly gathered courage, and ran
forward just as I fired. My shot also wounded the lioness, but not
mortally, and the most terrific combat ensued.
It was impossible to fire again, for fear of wounding the dogs. The
scene was fearful beyond description. Black night surrounded us; the
fitful blaze of the fire shed a strange, unnatural light on the
prostrate body of the huge dead lion, and on the wounded lioness, who
fought desperately against the attack of the four gallant dogs; while
the cries, roars and groans of anguish and fury uttered by all the
animals were enough to try the stoutest nerves.
Old Juno, staunch to the last, was foremost in the fray. After a time,
I saw her change her plan of attack, and spring at the throat of the
lioness; who, in an instant, raised her left paw, and at one blow the
cruel claws had laid open the body of the dog, and destroyed the life
of the true and faithful companion of so many years.
Just then, Fritz appeared. The lioness was much weakened, and we
ventured to go near enough to fire with safety to ourselves; and
finally I dispatched her by plunging a hunting-knife deep in her
breast.
Ernest and Jack were summoned from the yacht to witness the completed
victory; and I regretted having left them on board, when I saw how
greatly the noise and tumult had alarmed them, unable as they were to
ascertain what was going on.
They hastened towards us in great agitation, and their joy on seeing us
safe was only equalled by the grief they felt on learning of the death
of Juno.
The night was now far advanced; the fire burnt low; but we piled on
more wood, and, by the renewed light, drew poor Juno from between the
paws of the lioness; and, by the brookside, washed and bound up the
torn body, wrapping it carefully in canvas, and carrying it with us on
board the yacht, that it might be buried at Rockburg, whither, on the
following day, it was our purpose to return.
Wearied and sorrowful, but full of thankfulness for our personal
safety, we at length lay down to sleep, having brought all the dogs on
board.
Next morning, before quitting Pearl Bay, we once more landed, that we
might possess ourselves of the magnificent skins of the lion and
lioness, whose visit, fatal to themselves, had caused such a commotion
during the night.
In about a couple of hours we returned to the yacht, leaving the
flayed carcasses to the tender mercies of the birds of prey sure to be
attracted to them.
`Homeward bound,' sang out the boys, as they cheerily weighed anchor,
and prepared to stand out to sea. I could see, though he did not
complain, that poor Jack had not yet recovered from the boar's rough
treatment, and moved very stiffly.
`You must pilot us through the channel in the reef, this time, Fritz,'
said I; adding, in a lower tone, `and then is it to be "farewell", my
son!'
`Yes, dear father--Au revoir!' returned he, brightly with a glance full
of meaning, while he threw into his canoe a cushion and fur cloak.
`Thanks, Fritz! But I'm going to honour them with the care of my
battered bones in the yacht here. You are awfully considerate though,
old fellow,' remarked Jack, not for a moment doubting that his brother
expected him to return, as he came, beside him in the cajack.
Fritz laughed, and commended his decision. Then, springing into his
skiff, he led the way towards the open sea.
We followed carefully and soon passed the reef; after which the boys
were very busy with the sails, putting the vessel on the homeward
course, when, waving his hand to me, Fritz turned in the opposite
direction, and quickly vanished behind the point, which I afterwards
named Cape Farewell.
When missed by his brothers, I said he had a fancy to explore more of
the coast, and if he found it interesting, he might, instead of only a
few hours, remain absent for two or three days.
Towards evening, we sailed into Safety Bay.