The old warrior, growing impatient of this indecisive manoeuvring,
began to press his adversary harder, and to follow him up with an
apparent determination to bring matters to a speedy issue. Atollo
retreated before him, until he was driven to the edge of the brook,
where he paused, as if resolved to make a stand. Wakatta now seemed to
think that he had brought his foe to bay, and whirling round his club,
he delivered a sweeping blow full at his head with such fury, that when
Atollo avoided it by dropping upon one knee, the momentum of the
ponderous weapon swung its owner half round, and before he had time to
recover himself, his watchful adversary, springing lightly up, brought
down his keen-edged weapon full upon his grey head, inflicting a ghastly
wound.
And now Atollo's whole demeanour changed: the time for caution and
coolness was passed; the moment for destroying his disabled foe had
come. While his followers set up an exulting yell, he darted forward to
follow up his advantage: the triumphant ferocity of his look is not to
be described. Wakatta was yet staggering from the effect of the blow
upon his head, when he received a second, which slightly gashed his left
shoulder, and glancing from it, laid open his cheek. But to my
astonishment, the strong old man, cruelly wounded as he was, seemed to
be neither disabled nor dismayed. The keen-edged, but light weapon of
Atollo was better calculated to inflict painful wounds than mortal
injuries. Either blow, had it been from a weapon like that of Wakatta,
would have terminated the combat.
Before Atollo could follow up his success by a third and decisive
stroke, the old warrior had recovered himself and though bleeding
profusely, he looked more formidable than ever. He at once resumed the
offensive, and with such vigour, that the other, with all his surprising
activity, now found it difficult to elude his rapid but steady attacks.
He was now thoroughly aroused. Atollo seemed gradually to become
confused and distressed, as he was closely followed around the circle
without an instant's respite being allowed him. At last he was forced
into the stream, where he made a desperate stand, with the manifest
determination to conquer or perish there. But Wakatta rushed headlong
upon him, and holding his club in his right hand, he received upon his
left arm, without any attempt to avoid it, a blow which Atollo aimed at
his head: at the same instant he closed, and succeeded in seizing his
adversary by the wrist. Once in the old man's grasp, he was a mere
child, and in spite of his tremendous efforts, his other hand was soon
mastered, and he was thrown to the ground. It was a horrible scene that
followed. I wished that the life of the vanquished man could have been
spared. But his excited foe had no thought of mercy, and shortening his
club, he held him fast with one hand, and despatched him at a single
blow with the other.
CHAPTER THIRTY THREE.
THE MIGRATION.
A TEWAN MD--EXCHANGE OF CIVILITIES--MAX'S FAREWELL BREAKFAST--A GLANCE
AT THE FUTURE.
"We go from the shores where those blue billows roll,
But that Isle, and those waters, shall live in my soul."
As the victor rose to his feet, his followers uttered a fierce yell, and
precipitated themselves upon the opposite party, which instantly
dispersed and fled.
Wakatta cast a half-remorseful glance at the corpse of his adversary,
and, raising his powerful voice, recalled his men from the pursuit.
Then wading into the brook, he began to wash the gore from his head and
face: one of his people, who from his official air of bustling alacrity,
must have been a professional character, or at least an amateur surgeon,
examined the wounds, and dexterously applied an improvised poultice of
chewed leaves to his gashed face, using broad strips of bark for
bandages.
Meantime Arthur hastened over to the islet, and released our companions
from the ligatures of tappa which confined their limbs. Eiulo was no
sooner freed, than he ran eagerly to Wakatta, who took him in his arms,
and embraced him tenderly. After a rapid interchange of questions and
replies, during which they both shed tears, they seemed to be speaking
of ourselves, Eiulo looking frequently towards us, and talking with
great animation and earnestness. They then approached the place where
we were standing, and Wakatta spoke a few words, pointing alternately
from Eiulo to us. Arthur made some reply, whereupon the old warrior
went to him, and bending down his gigantic frame gave him a cordial hug;
his fresh bandaged wounds probably caused him to dispense with the usual
ceremony of rubbing faces.
"I expect it will be our turn next," said Max, with a grimace, "if so,
observe how readily I shall adapt myself to savage etiquette, and
imitate my example."
It proved as he anticipated, for Wakatta, who must have received a
highly flattering account of us from Eiulo, was not satisfied until he
had bestowed upon each one of us, Johnny included, similar tokens of his
regard, Max rushing forward, with an air of "empressement," and taking
the initiative, as he had promised. The "surgeon," who seemed to think
that some friendly notice might also be expected from him, in virtue of
his official character, now advanced with a patronising air, and in his
turn paid us the same civilities, not omitting the rubbing of faces, as
his chief had done. Another one of our "allies," as Max called them, a
huge, good-natured-looking savage, picked up Johnny, very much as one
would a lap-dog or a pet kitten, and began to chuck him under the chin,
and stroke his hair and cheeks, greatly to the annoyance of the object
of these flattering attentions, who felt his dignity sadly compromised
by such treatment.
As soon as these friendly advances were over, Arthur entered into a
conversation with Wakatta, which, from the earnest expression of the
countenance of the latter, appeared to relate to something of great
interest. Presently he spoke to his men, who seized their weapons with
an air of alacrity, as if preparing for some instant expedition, and
Arthur, turning to us, said that we must set out in a body for the inlet
where we had seen the canoe of the other party, as it was thought of the
utmost importance to secure it if possible. We started at once, at a
rapid rate, Wakatta leading the way, with tremendous strides, and the
big, good-natured fellow, taking Johnny upon his back, in spite of his
protestations that he could run himself, quite as fast as was necessary.
But on reaching the inlet we found that the other party had been too
quick for us; they were already through the surf, and under sail,
coasting along towards the opening in the reef opposite Palm-Islet,
probably with the intention of returning to Tewa.
It is now eight days since the events last narrated took place. On the
day succeeding, we buried Atollo on the shore opposite Banyan islet,
together with one of his followers, who had also been killed or mortally
wounded in the conflict with us. Two others of them, who were too badly
hurt to accompany the hasty flight to the inlet, are still living in the
woods, Wakatta having strictly forbidden his people to injure them.
I ought here to explain the circumstances, as Arthur learned them from
Wakatta, which brought the natives to our island. A civil war had
recently broken out in Tewa, growing out of the plots of the Frenchmen
resident there, and some discontented chiefs who made common cause with
them. One of the foreigners, connected by marriage with the family of a
powerful chief, had been subjected by the authority of Eiulo's father,
to a summary and severe punishment, for an outrage of which he had been
clearly convicted. This was the immediate cause of the outbreak.
Atollo and his followers had issued from their fastnesses and joined the
insurgents; a severe and bloody battle had been fought, in which they
were completely successful, taking the chief himself prisoner, and
dispersing his adherents.
Wakatta, attended by the six followers now with him, was at this time
absent upon an excursion to a distant part of the island, and the first
intelligence which he received of what had taken place, was accompanied
by the notice that Atollo, with a formidable band, was then in eager
search of him. Knowing well the relentless hatred borne him by that
strange and desperate man, and that Tewa could furnish no lurking-place
where he would be long secure from his indefatigable pursuit, he had
hastily embarked for the island where he had once before taken refuge,
under somewhat similar circumstances. Hither his implacable foe had
pursued him. This statement will sufficiently explain what has been
already related.
All our plans are yet uncertain. Wakatta meditates a secret return to
Tewa, confident that by his presence there, now that the formidable
Atollo is no more, he can restore his chief to liberty and to his
hereditary rights, if he yet survives.
An experiment has been made with the yawl, in order to ascertain whether
she can safely convey our entire party, savage and civilised, in case we
should conclude to leave the island. The result showed that it would
scarcely be prudent for so great a number to embark in her upon a voyage
to Tewa, and Wakatta and his people have now commenced building a canoe,
which is to be of sufficient size to carry twenty persons.
Browne's prejudices against the "heathen savages," have been greatly
softened by what he has seen of these natives, and he says that, "if the
rest of them are equally well-behaved, one might manage to get along
with them quite comfortably." Max has taken a great fancy to Wakatta,
whom he emphatically pronounces "a trump," a "regular brick," besides
bestowing upon him a variety of other elegant and original designations,
of the like complimentary character. This may be owing in part, to the
fact, that the old warrior has promised him a bread-fruit plantation,
and eventually a pretty grand-daughter of his own for a wife, if he will
accompany him to Tewa and settle there.
As the preparations of our allies advance towards completion, we are
more and more reconciled to the thought of embarking with them. Johnny
has already commenced packing his shells and "specimens" for removal.
Max has ascertained, greatly to his relief, for he had some doubts on
the subject, that the gridiron and other cooking utensils can be stowed
safely in the locker of the yawl, and he anticipates much benevolent
gratification in introducing these civilised "institutions," among the
barbarians of Tewa.
The intestine feuds which still rage there, and the probability that
"our side," will find themselves in the minority, furnish the chief
grounds of objection to the step contemplated. But we would cheerfully
incur almost any danger that promises to increase our prospect of
ultimately reaching home.
There is some talk of a preliminary reconnoitring expedition, by Wakatta
and two or three of his people, for the purpose of getting some definite
information as to the present position of affairs at Tewa, before
setting out for it in a body. Max, yesterday, finished his miniature
ship, and exhorted me to "wind up" our history forthwith, with a Homeric
description of the great battle at the islet, and our heroic defence of
the banyan tree. He declares it to be his intention to enclose the
manuscript in the hold of the vessel and launch her when half-way to
Tewa, in the assured confidence that the winds and waves will waft it to
its destination, or to use his own phrase,--"that we shall yet be heard
of in Hardscrabble."
Five days ago, the canoe was completed, and on the succeeding afternoon,
Wakatta, accompanied by "the doctor," and two other of his people,
sailed for Tewa, for the purpose of endeavouring to learn whether it
would be prudent for us to venture thither at present.
We have been living of late at the cabin, and our "allies" have made an
encampment by the lake, within a hundred paces of us. The state of
feverish expectation naturally produced by our present circumstances,
prevents any thing like regular occupation. We do nothing all the day
but wander restlessly about among the old haunts which were our
favourites in the peaceful time of our early sojourn here. Max has
endeavoured to relieve the tedium, and get up an interest of some sort,
by renewing his attempts against the great eel. But the patriarch is as
wary, and his stronghold beneath the roots of the buttress tree as
impregnable as ever, and all efforts to his prejudice, whether by force
or stratagem, still prove unavailing. To escape, in some measure, the
humiliation of so mortifying a defeat, Max now affects to be convinced
that his venerable antagonist is no eel after all, but an old
water-snake, inheriting his full share of the ancient wisdom of the
serpent, and by whom it is consequently no disgrace for any mortal man
to be outwitted.
For several days past we have even neglected preparing any regular
meals, satisfying our hunger as it arose with whatever could be most
readily procured.
Max pronounces this last, "an alarming indication of the state of utter
demoralisation towards which we are hastening, and, in fact, the
commencement of a relapse into barbarism."
"One of the chief points of difference," he says, "between civilised and
savage man, is, that the former eats at stated and regular intervals, as
a matter of social duty, whereas the latter only eats when he is
hungry!"
_Two days later_. Wakatta has returned from his expedition, full of
hope and confidence, and actually looking ten years younger than when I
first saw him. He says that the position of affairs at Tewa is most
promising. The recently victorious rebels have fallen into fierce
contentions among themselves, and a large faction of them, with the
leaders of which he has entered into communication, is willing to unite
with him against the others, upon being assured of indemnity for past
offences. Eiulo's father still lives, and has already gathered the
nucleus of a force capable of retrieving his fortunes.
All is now finally determined upon, and we only wait for a favourable
breeze to bid adieu to these shores.
The morning of Wakatta's return, also witnessed another event of nearly
equal importance. I allude to a great farewell breakfast, given by Max
in celebration of our approaching departure, as well as for the purpose
of stemming the current of the demoralising influence above alluded to.
The "founder of the feast," together with Eiulo and Johnny, was up
preparing it with his own hospitable hands, a full hour before the rest
of us were awake.
It consisted of all the delicacies and luxuries that our island can
afford: there were roasted oysters fresh from the shore, and poached
eggs fresh from the nest, (Max had despatched one of the natives to
Sea-birds' Point after them before daylight); then there were fish
nicely broiled, and mealy taro, and baked bread-fruit hot from a
subterranean Polynesian oven.
In the enjoyment of this generous fare, our drooping spirits rose, and
Max, as was his wont, became discursive.
"What a humiliating reflection," exclaimed he, "that we should have
permitted ourselves to be so disturbed and fluttered, by the prospect of
a slight change in our affairs! Why should we distrust our destiny, or
shrink from our mission? Why these nervous apprehensions, and these
unreasonable doubts?"--(Hear! hear!)
"`There _is_ a providence that shapes our ends,
Rough-hew them how we will.'
"Let us accept, then, the belief which all things tend to confirm, that
a glorious future awaits us in our new sphere of action at Tewa!"
"Ah!" sighed Browne, after a momentary pause, "Tewa may be a fine
place--but I doubt if they have any such oysters as these there." The
action accompanying these words must have given Eiulo a clue to their
purport, for he hastened eagerly to protest, through Arthur, as
interpreter, that the oysters at Tewa were much larger and fatter; he
added, "that since we liked them so much, he would have them all
`tabooed,' as soon as we arrived, so that `common people,' wouldn't dare
for their lives to touch one."
"I used to regard the `taboo,'" said Browne, "as an arbitrary and
oppressive heathen custom. But how ignorant and prejudiced we sometimes
are in regard to foreign institutions! We must be very careful when we
get there about introducing rash innovations upon the settled order of
things."
"We will establish an enlightened system of common schools," said Max,
"to begin with, and Arthur shall also open a Sunday-school."
"And in the course of time we will found a college, in which Browne
shall be professor of Elocution and Oratory," said Morton.
"And you," resumed Max, "shall have a commission as Major-General in the
Republican army of Tewa, which you shall instruct in modern tactics, and
lead to victory against the rebels."
"In the Royal army, if you please," interrupted Browne; "Republicanism
is one of those crude and pestilent innovations which I shall set my
face against! Can any one breathe so treasonable a suggestion in the
presence of the heir-apparent to the throne?--If such there be,
Major-General Morton, I call upon you to attach him for a traitor!"
"And I," cried Johnny, "what shall I do!"
"Why," answered Max, "you shall rejoice the hearts of the Tewan
juveniles, by introducing among them the precious lore of the
story-books. The rising generation shall no longer remain in heathen
ignorance of Cinderella, and Jack of the Bean-stalk, and his still more
illustrious cousin, the Giant-killer! The sufferings of Sinbad, the
voyages of Gulliver, the achievements of Munchausen, the adventures of
Crusoe, shall yet become to them familiar as household words!"
"And Archer's mission shall be no less dignified and useful," resumed
Browne, "he shall keep the records of the monarchy, and become the
faithful historian of the happy, prosperous, and glorious reign of Eiulo
the First!"
THE END.