TEN YEARS AFTERWARD--A STRANGE MESSAGE
"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, 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 fulfill 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 encyclopedia 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 verandas, 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 favorite retreat it was.
On its blue waters sailed stately black swans, snow-white geese, and
richly colored ducks; while out and in among the water plants and rushes
would appear at intervals glimpses of the brilliant sultan, marsh-fowl,
crimson flamingoes, soft, blue-gray, 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 dovecots, their soft cooing
and glossy plumage making them favorite 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
favorite Fangs, the jackal, which he chose to call Coco, asserting that
no word could be distinguished at a distance without the letter "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 honorable, 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 onward 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 toward 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
harbor.
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, ax, 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 fulfillment of my purpose.
"I left the harbor 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 near 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 bird's 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 upward
of fifty thousand pounds, and the value more than L200,000.
"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 toward 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 shell-fish, 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 shell-fish, 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 inclosed 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 homeward,
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 judgment; 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 toward 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 the mother 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 honor 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 of 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 over-rated 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 favorite, Knips, long since gathered to his
fathers), for he occupied at night a cozy 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
afterward burnt to make alkali, when we returned to secure our harvest
of pearls.
Every evening we went out shooting in the neighborhood, 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 toward 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 pommeling 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, when 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 up quickly 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
flavored."
"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 odor 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 marvelous.
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 traveled 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 labors, and, having supped, were
preparing to retire to rest.
All at once a deep, fearful sound echoed through the neighboring 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 reconnoiter 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 carcass.
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 movements 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 toward
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 toward the deep
darkness of the woods whence the lion had come.
This behavior 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 fagots 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 toward us in great agitation, and their joy on seeing us
safe was only equaled by the grief they felt on learning 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 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 a fur cloak.
"Thanks, Fritz! but I'm going to honor 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 toward 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 afterward
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.
Toward evening, we sailed into Safety Bay.