THE "YOUNG CRUSADER" SAILS--VOYAGE ALONG THE COAST--A STORM--SCHOONER
PUTS INTO HARBOUR--FATE OF THE MUTINEERS--THE "YOUNG CRUSADER" PROCEEDS
ON HER VOYAGE--STORMY PASSAGE--NEW ZEALAND SIGHTED--ENTERS A BEAUTIFUL
HARBOUR--HOSTILE APPEARANCE OF NATIVES--MR PAGET ADVISES FLIGHT--THE
SCHOONER MAKES SAIL--ESCAPING FROM THE HARBOUR--PURSUED BY CANOES--
MAN-OF-WAR APPEARS--THE CANOES GIVE UP CHASE--ON BOARD THE "RANGER"--
GOOD NEWS FOR THE SETTLEMENT--HOW THE "RANGER" WAS SAVED--RETURN TO THE
AUCKLANDS--ALL SAFE ON BOARD "RANGER"--HARRY OBTAINS HIS REWARD--OUR
FRIENDS SETTLE IN NEW ZEALAND--CONCLUSION.
The whole of the little community, men, women, and children, collected
on the shore of the bay to witness the "Young Crusader" take her
departure. Loud cheers burst from their throats as the anchor was
tripped, the sails set, and with a fine westerly breeze she glided down
the harbour.
Emily and May, with Mrs Clagget, stood at the stern, waving their
handkerchiefs, the Miss Morleys returning the salute with tears in their
eyes, for they could not help thinking of the dangers to which their
friends would be exposed on board the little vessel.
"Good-bye, kind friends, good-bye," cried Mrs Clagget. "We will send
you relief; don't be afraid. It won't be our fault if your condition is
not made known." She continued, at the top of her voice, uttering these
and similar expressions long after it could possibly have been heard by
those on shore.
Flagstaff-hill was rounded, and they could look into the small harbour
where the schooner had been built. On its shores stood the huts they
had occupied, with the reef before them, on which a small remnant of the
wreck was still visible. They soon reached the mouth of the sound, the
wind enabling them to haul up and stand to the northward, parallel with
the coast. They had, however, to keep some distance from it, to avoid
the reef which ran out from the shore.
The little schooner had nearly reached the north end of the island when
the fickle wind changed, and a heavy gale right ahead sprang up. Though
the "Young Crusader" behaved well, the captain was unwilling to expose
her, with so many people on board, to its fury; and the mouth of a
harbour being clearly made out, he determined to run in and take shelter
till the wind had abated. After running up some way, the schooner came
to an anchor in a small cove, where the captain hoped she might lie in
perfect security. Darkness came on soon afterwards, the sails were
furled, and all was made snug.
Though disappointed at being delayed on their passage, those on board,
as they heard the wind howling above their heads, and the sea roaring in
the distance, were thankful that they were safe from the fury of the
tempest.
The usual watch was set, and most of the passengers retired to their
narrow berths. The ladies had a small cabin aft, in which Mrs Clagget
declared that there was scarcely room to allow her to move her tongue,
an observation which brought a smile on the countenances of her
companions.
Willy was walking the deck with Bill Windy, with whom he had become very
friendly, when he caught sight of a dark object moving towards the
vessel. "There is a boat," he exclaimed; "where can she come from?"
"She is the cutter, depend on it, which those scoundrels ran away with,"
answered Windy. "They may mean mischief. Call the captain and the
watch below; it's as well to be prepared for them."
Captain Westerway and all hands were quickly on deck. The boat
approached cautiously, as if those in her were doubtful whether or not
they were perceived. At length she came alongside. The schooner's crew
stood ready for an attack, and it was then seen that she contained but
three people.
"Who are you, and what do you want?" asked Bill Windy.
"Oh, take us on board and give us some food," answered a voice. "We are
dying of hunger."
"Make fast the boat and lend them a hand," said Captain Westerway, and
the three men were helped up the schooner's side.
They were found to be two of the emigrants and one of the seamen who had
mutinied. They appeared thoroughly humbled and wretched. As soon as
they had taken a little food, they gave an account of their sufferings.
They stated that they were themselves the only survivors of the party--
two having fallen down precipices, one having been killed by a seal
which he incautiously approached, another having been drowned when
scrambling out on the rocks in search of mussels, and the rest having
died of starvation. Job Mawson, they declared, had been their
ringleader. They had last seen him lying in a sinking state in the
woods.
Although the vessel had already as many on board as could be
accommodated, the captain humanely received them, and the next morning
the cutter was sent on shore to be hauled up on the beach, as she was
too large either to tow or to be taken on board.
The patience of the passengers was greatly tried; but at length, after a
detention of three days, the weather moderating, the "Young Crusader"
again put to sea. Still she was doomed to experience contrary winds.
Provisions were running short, and all hands, with the exception of the
ladies, were put on short allowance. Day after day they beat backwards
and forwards, the captain being anxious, if possible, to make the
entrance of Cook's Straits, should he be unable to reach the more
northern settlement of Auckland. At that time the natives of many parts
of New Zealand were in open hostility with the settlers, and he was
therefore unwilling to run the risk of landing on any other part of the
coast.
The stormy weather still continued, but at length a slant of wind from
the westward enabled the schooner to lay her course. Water and
provisions were running fearfully short, and her passengers and crew
were already beginning to feel the effects of their scanty fare. Many
anxious eyes kept a lookout for land. The thick weather had prevented
an observation from being taken for three days. Willy had the morning
watch with Bill Windy. As the day broke, and the sun, rapidly rising
above the horizon, shed its beams across the foaming sea, they lighted
up the snowy summits of a range of mountains. "Land! land!" he shouted.
"You are right, Mr Dicey; but I am afraid it's a long way from
Auckland," observed Bill Windy.
The deck was soon crowded with eager spectators. As the sun rose
higher, and the little vessel sailed onwards, the intermediate lower
shore could clearly be perceived. The vessel stood on till the mouth of
a harbour of sufficient size to admit the schooner appeared ahead. Sail
was shortened, that she might approach it cautiously, and a bright
look-out kept ahead for sunken reefs. Captain Westerway was in hopes
that, by going in, even though no settlers might be there, he would be
enabled to obtain a supply of water, as well as wild-fowl or other
birds, to support the people till some more hospitable place could be
reached. The schooner, under easy sail, sounding as she went, entered
the little harbour, and after making several tacks, brought up at no
great distance from the shore. It was a lovely spot, and the eyes of
all were gladdened by a sparkling stream which ran down the hillside.
The boat was lowered, the empty casks were put into her, and Charles
Dicey, with two other gentlemen, carrying their fowling-pieces, went on
shore.
How delicious was their first ample draught of water! A cask being
filled, they sent back the boat with it to the ship while they filled
the others. This done, they proceeded over the hills in search of game.
They had not gone far before they perceived, in a little cove that was
not seen from the deck of the vessel, several large canoes drawn up on
the beach.
"There must be natives in the neighbourhood, and we may probably obtain
provisions from them," observed Charles. "Their village cannot be far
off."
"What is that curious-looking stockade on the top of the hill?" asked
Jack Ivyleaf.
"A native pah or fort," said Mr Paget. "We must approach it
cautiously, for we cannot depend on the friendliness of the inhabitants.
See, there are several men gathering close outside. They have arms in
their hands. Their numbers are increasing. Take my advice, and let us
make the best of our way to the boat. They may attack us before we can
explain that we have no hostile intentions."
As he spoke, the natives were seen running down the hill towards the
canoes. Charles urging the party to follow Mr Paget's advice, they
hastened to the place where they had landed. The boat had returned and
taken on board several of the water-casks.
"Never mind the remainder," cried Mr Paget. "The water will be dearly
purchased if we wait to allow these savages to overtake us. Shove off,
shove off!"
Captain Westerway was on deck, surprised to see the boat coming back.
Willy was standing near him. They observed Mr Paget making signs to
them. "He is telling us to get under way, sir," he observed.
"So I believe he is," exclaimed the captain. "Mr Windy, turn the hands
up and make sail."
The people, who were below, jumped on deck, wondering what was the
matter. The boat was quickly alongside; those in her leaped on board,
and she was hoisted in.
"Shall we weigh the anchor?" asked Windy.
"Not if we wish to escape from the savages' canoes," said Mr Paget.
"Captain Westerway, these people are not to be trifled with."
"We will slip the cable, then," said the captain. "It is better to lose
that than be cut off, as several vessels have been, by these people."
The headsails quickly filled, the wind blew out of the harbour; the
after-sails were set, and the "Young Crusader" glided rapidly towards
the ocean. As she got into the middle of the harbour, the cove in which
the canoes lay opened out, and a large number of savages were seen in
the act of launching them. They were soon afloat, and, filled with men,
made chase after the schooner. Of their hostile intentions there could
now be no longer any doubt. On they came, paddling at a rapid rate over
the smooth surface of the water. All the sail the schooner could carry
was set; but still it was too evident that the canoes, unless the wind
freshened greatly, would overtake her. The few fire-arms on board the
schooner would avail but little against the vastly superior numbers of
the savages. The wind increased; still the canoes were gaining ground.
Had the captain waited to weigh the anchor, the "Young Crusader" would
to a certainty have been captured; even now there appeared little
probability of her escaping.
"The savages are gaining on us fearfully," observed Willy to his
brother. "We shall have to fight for it; at all events, we may kill a
few of the savages before we are taken."
"That would be but a small satisfaction," observed Charles. "I little
expected such a termination to our adventures."
The breeze continued to freshen. Notwithstanding this, the schooner did
not gain on the canoes.
"Captain Westerway," cried Willy, suddenly, "there is a sail to the
northward."
"Yes, and she is standing this way," said the captain. "We will haul up
for her. Starboard the helm, Windy. Get a pull at the fore and
mainsheets."
The savages had probably not seen the stranger, or perhaps they wanted
to overtake the schooner, before she could get within signalling
distance. The ship was a large one, and under all sail. With the
freshening breeze she came on rapidly. A shot was now fired from the
leading canoe, another and another followed. The ladies who were on
deck were hurried below. Loftus and Ivyleaf were about to discharge
their fowling-pieces in return. "Don't fire, my friends," said Mr
Paget. "It will be useless. Let us rather trust to the protection of
Heaven. When the savages discover that yonder ship is a man-of-war, as
I have no doubt they soon will, they will give up the pursuit."
In another minute his words proved true. The canoes were seen to stop,
then to sweep round, and to paddle back again at full speed towards the
land.
Willy intently watched the ship as she approached. He rubbed his eyes
again and again. "What is the matter?" asked Charles, seeing him almost
gasping for breath.
"Why, Charles," he exclaimed, "she is the `Ranger.' Yes, I am as sure
of it almost as I am of my own existence."
In a short time the "Young Crusader" was hove to, and the boat, with
Willy and Peter Patch in her, was pulling towards the ship, which, it
being seen that the schooner wished to speak her, was also brought to
the wind. The two midshipmen quickly scrambled up the side. On the
quarterdeck stood Commander Newcombe, with Mr Tobin, the
first-lieutenant, and several of the other officers.
"Come on board," said Willy and Peter, going aft, and touching their
hats.
"What! are you the midshipmen I thought lost, with so many other poor
people?" exclaimed the captain, starting back with astonishment, and
then holding out his hands towards them. "Yes, I am surely not
mistaken; and have the rest, too, escaped?"
"Yes, sir; Mrs and the Miss Morleys, Harry Shafto, Mrs Rumbelow, and
the boatswain are all safe, though they would be very glad if you would
run down to the Auckland Islands, where we left them a fortnight ago,
and take them away. They are very hard up for food, I am afraid, and it
is not the pleasantest of countries to live in."
Willy and his companions received the warmest congratulations from all
the officers; and the news soon ran round the ship that those whom they
supposed had long been numbered with the dead were still alive and well.
"It will do the sergeant's heart good when he hears that that first-rate
wife of his is all right and well," observed the quarter-master, who was
one of the first to catch the news.
Willy and Peter felt great satisfaction on hearing that Colonel Morley,
with his regiment, was at New Zealand, and though grieving at the
supposed loss of his wife and daughters, had been greatly supported in
his affliction, and enabled to perform his duty like a true soldier.
"But how, sir, did the `Ranger' escape?" asked Willy. "We thought we
saw her go down."
"She was well-nigh doing so, my lad," answered Commander Newcombe; "but
by the courage and perseverance of the men, through God's mercy, she was
kept afloat till we could get an additional sail under her bottom, when,
as we steered to the northward, we fell in with a ship which towed us to
the Mauritius. There the ship being repaired, we were sent on to New
Zealand to land the troops. So confident were all on board that the
boats had gone down, it was at first deemed hopeless to look for you.
At length, however, from the representations of Colonel Morley, I was
despatched to visit the islands at which you might possibly have
touched, on the merest chance of gaining some tidings of your fate."
As soon as the commander heard of the requirements of the schooner, he
sent a supply of provisions and water on board. The "Young Crusader"
then steered for Auckland, near which Colonel Morley was stationed, to
convey to him the glad tidings of the safety of his wife and daughters,
while the "Ranger" proceeded to the Auckland Islands. She quickly
arrived at Charnley Sound, and brought up in the deep bay near its
entrance, on the north side. Hence, with Willy Dicey as pilot, her
boats were sent up to the inner harbour. As they approached, Willy's
heart beat high at the thought of the joyful intelligence he was
bringing. The first person he met was Harry Shafto who, on seeing the
boats approach, had hurried down to the bay. Harry recognised several
well-known faces of his old shipmates. A few words served to tell how
the "Ranger" had escaped. The two friends hurried to communicate the
intelligence to Mrs Morley and her daughters. On their way they met
Mrs Rumbelow, who had seen the arrival of the boats. She, too, had
recognised the faces of their crews. Willy took her hand, and shook it
warmly.
"Happy news, Mrs Rumbelow," he exclaimed; "the sergeant is alive and
well. I heard of him on board; and I hope in a few days you will see
him in New Zealand."
"You are a good angel, Mr Dicey, to bring me such tidings," she
exclaimed, putting her arms round his neck, and bursting into tears.
"My good brave husband! I'll never forget who it was that told me I
should meet him again down here on earth, for I felt sure we should be
joined up aloft there." And the strong-minded energetic woman, who had
held out so bravely, never allowing a tear or complaint to escape,
sobbed for very joy.
They found Mrs Morley, with Fanny and Emma, just leaving their cottage.
"God has indeed been merciful to me," were the only words Mrs Morley
could utter. Fanny unconsciously gave Harry Shafto her hand. "How my
dear father will thank you for all the care you have taken of us," she
said. "We can never sufficiently show our gratitude." Harry kept the
hand thus offered him. What Harry said in return it is not necessary to
repeat.
As there was but little property to carry away, in a few minutes every
individual was ready to embark. Harry Shafto was the last person to
leave the shore. The boats, laden with passengers, pulled down the
harbour. The sea was smooth, and without accident they, before
nightfall, got alongside the "Ranger."
A bright moon enabled them to put to sea that night, and, the weather
continuing unusually fine, within a week they landed in New Zealand.
Harry Shafto gained his well-earned promotion, and in two years became a
commander and the husband of Fanny Morley.
A remittance sent out by Mr Nicholas Steady, when he heard of the loss
which the Diceys had suffered from the wreck of the "Crusader," enabled
Charles to commence his career as an emigrant. His nearest neighbour
was Mr Paget, who, it surprised few to hear, became the husband of his
sister Emily. Sergeant Rumbelow got his discharge, and he and his wife
settled near them; while Mrs Clagget, who took up her abode with her
relatives in the town, paid them frequent visits, and never failed to
tell all the news of the place, which she detailed with her accustomed
volubility. Charles won the heart of Emma Morley, and, when his sister
May married Tom Loftus, she became the mistress of his house. Dr Davis
settled in their neighbourhood, and was a very constant visitor at the
houses of his old friends, not only in cases of sickness, which were
rare, but on all festive and other interesting occasions.
Little Bessy, left an orphan, was adopted by Sergeant and Mrs Rumbelow,
and, growing up a good, steady girl, married young Broke, who, become a
warrant officer, found his way at length to New Zealand, where he
ultimately settled.
Willy Dicey is now a post-captain, and Harry Shafto, though still young,
an admiral. Ensign Holt sold out of the army, and forming a partnership
with Peter Patch, who had got tired of a seafaring life, they became
successful settlers at no great distance from their former friends.
The old "Ranger" has long since been laid up in ordinary, and the "Young
Crusader," under the command of Bill Windy, to whom Captain Westerway
presented her, traded for many years between the settlements and
Australia, till she had gained a comfortable fortune for her owner, who
at length settled on shore near the friends his courage and kind heart
had gained for him.
The former passengers of the two ships often met at the gatherings of
the settlements; and a new generation, which sprang up in their midst,
delighted to hear them recount the adventures they met with during their
voyages in the "Ranger" and "Crusader."