A FLAGSTAFF AND LOOKOUT TOWER ERECTED--A CANOE BUILT--MORE GAME CAUGHT--
A SAIL IN SIGHT--CAPTAIN TREDEAGLE FINDS HIS CHILDREN--HIS ADVENTURES--A
WRECK--A VESSEL BUILT--VOYAGE TO SYDNEY--THE WHOLE PARTY SETTLE IN NEW
SOUTH WALES--CONCLUSION.
The first impulse of all the party was to rush along the shore of the
harbour in search of the boat. Their worst fears were quickly realised.
Fragments of the wreck lay scattered along the beach, giving certain
evidence of her fate. The sea, aroused by the gale, which struck
directly on the coast, had rushed up the harbour; and the water rising
much above its usual height, had floated the boat and then dashed her to
pieces on the rocks.
Alice, giving way to despair, wrung her hands. "Oh, poor papa!" she
exclaimed; "we shall never be able to go in search of him, and he will
think that we are all lost."
Walter felt very much as Alice did, but after being silent for some
time, he took her arm and said, "Remember, our father always told us to
trust in God; and I am sure we ought to do so, and must do so, if we
would not live in constant anxiety and fear. He will guide us and
direct us, and find a way for us to escape."
"I know that. I was very weak and wrong to say what I did; but it seems
so impossible now that we shall ever get home, that I cannot help it,"
answered Alice.
"Perhaps it is the very best thing that could have happened to us," said
Walter; "and I am sure of it, as God ordered that it should be so," he
added.
In the meantime the rest of the party were giving vent to feelings of
dismay and sorrow at what had happened, till Nub made a remark very
similar to Walter's.
"You are right, Nub," said the mate. "I always doubted the prudence of
putting to sea in that boat. I know well that God could, if He chose,
have enabled us to reach Sydney in her; but we have no business to run
risks which our sense and experience tell us are very great: and it's my
belief that had a storm of half the violence of that which has passed
over this island overtaken us, we should have foundered. We must now,
like wise men, make the best of our position. The first thing we have
to do is to see what damage our house has suffered, and to repair it.
We must then set to work to collect provisions. After that, I tell you
what we must do: we must establish a lookout place on the high point at
the south side of our harbour, from whence we can obtain a wide range
over the ocean, and signal to any vessel which may heave in sight.
There is every reason to hope that one may come near us some day or
other; and we have a much better chance of getting off from an outlying
island, like this one, than we should have enjoyed had we landed an the
mainland, or on any dangerous cluster surrounded by reefs. So, my
friends, you see we have plenty to do to keep our minds from dwelling on
our misfortune; and I have good reason to believe that help will come in
time."
The mate's remarks restored cheerfulness to all the party, who no longer
spoke of the loss of the boat as an unmitigated misfortune.
"We must depend on the land, however, for supplying us with provisions,
as we cannot go out fishing," observed the doctor.
"Not so _sure_ of dat, sir," said Nub. "We build a canoe, which go out
quite far enough to catch fish. No bery difficult job, I tink."
"You are right, Nub," said the mate; "and we will put her in hand as
_soon_ as our lookout station is established."
"Capital!" exclaimed Walter. "That is the very thing I thought of
doing, for I have very often fancied how delightful it would be to
`paddle my own canoe.'"
On visiting the house, the settlers found that the water had penetrated
in all directions, and that the wind had torn away part of the verandah,
as well as the roof, and blown down their safe. Bamboo canes had
therefore to be cut and palm-leaves collected; and by the evening of the
next day all was set to rights, and Alice and Walter took possession of
their snug little cabins.
A tall tree, suitable for a flagstaff, was found and cut down. It took
some time to fit the rigging to it; and as it was formed of creeping
vines, the mate acknowledged that it had not a very ship-shape
appearance. It was set up on the highest part of the point, and a flag
manufactured with the mate and Nub's red handkerchiefs and the linings
of the jackets of all the party. (Alice wanted to contribute a portion
of her dress, but this was not accepted.) The flag even then was not of
sufficient size to be seen at any great distance.
"We ought to be able to manufacture a material to answer instead of
bunting," observed the doctor; "I cannot help thinking that it can be
done."
"Of course it can," said the mate. "We should deserve to be left here
for ever if we cannot do that."
After considering the matter for a short time, the doctor constructed a
large frame, the size of the intended flag. Then procuring an ample
supply of fine fibre, it was soon woven into material scarcely inferior
to bunting. It had, however, to be coloured. Here, again, the doctor's
science was of use. From the trunk of the sandal-wood he produced a
fine red dye.
The flag, when finished, presented a large red cross on a white ground.
It was hoisted with loud acclamations, and was soon floating in the
breeze. At the foot of the flagstaff a substantial hut was next
erected, so that one of the party might be there from daybreak to dark--
and also at night, when the moon shone brightly; a quantity of faggots
was next collected, and a pile got ready at a little distance from the
flagstaff, that fire might be set to it should a ship appear during the
evening.
The doctor and Dan went out hunting the greater part of each day. They
found an ample supply of fruit, which the storm had shaken down; and
though some had been attacked by insects or birds, enough remained to
supply their wants. They managed generally on each excursion to bring
down three or four birds, Dan having by degrees found how to make his
bow shoot straight. He one day killed what he took to be a large bat,
but on showing it to the doctor, he was highly delighted to find that it
was in reality a flying lemur. It had a largely developed membrane,
connecting the fore limbs with the others, and the hind limbs with the
tail. With this apparatus the animal can fly from one bough to another
separated by a wide distance, which it could not possibly reach by a
mere leap. Dan caught sight of it as it was making its way through the
forest; but at each flight it reached a bough somewhat lower than the
one it had left, till it pitched very near the ground, when, closing the
membrane round its body, it ran nimbly up the trunk, its sharp claws
enabling it to do so with great ease and speed. After this Dan killed
several smaller animals, the flesh of which was found to be palatable.
Nub, also, who had an especial fondness for turtle, made an excursion in
the hope of finding some along the seashore. He brought back the
satisfactory report that he had turned a couple, which were waiting to
be brought home and eaten; while he exhibited a dozen eggs which he had
discovered in the sand. He then, accompanied by the doctor and Dan,
returned and dragged home the two turtles; one of which being placed in
the shade, and kept constantly covered with wet grass, was preserved
alive till required for food.
The sago bags left in the pool had remained undisturbed, with the
contents perfectly good. The doctor, however, made a further supply, as
the consumption of it, from the want of farinaceous food, was
considerable.
A proper tree having been found for the canoe, it was cut down, and the
mate, with Nub and Walter, began to shape it. They afterwards hollowed
it out with fire. It was somewhat heavy; but when a weatherboard was
placed round it, the mate considered that the craft was fit not only to
paddle about in their harbour, but to go out to sea in fine weather.
Walter having manufactured some more hooks and fish-lines during the
evenings, an ample supply of fish was procured.
Thus day after day and week after week went rapidly by, and had not the
mate kept careful note of the time, in Robinson Crusoe fashion, by
cutting notches on a stick, the settlers would soon have forgotten how
long they had been on the island. The Sabbath was duly observed, as far
as they had the means. Although they had no Bible, the mate recollected
large portions of Scripture which he had learned in his youth; while
Walter and Alice knew the Sermon on the Mount and several psalms by
heart. The mate was also well acquainted with the subjects of many
other parts of Scripture, which every Sunday he explained in simple
language to his hearers, while one or more psalms were repeated; and
thus they were able to keep, if not to the form, at all events to the
spirit of a Sabbath service.
They had many causes for thankfulness. Notwithstanding the hardships
they had gone through, their health was excellent--even Alice never had
an hour's illness--while the products of the island and the ocean
supplied them with an abundance of wholesome food. Besides, they had
plenty of work to keep their minds occupied. Alice, taking a hint from
the doctor's frame for forming a flag, contrived a loom, with the
assistance of Walter, with which she set diligently to work to
manufacture material which would serve as clothing when her own garments
were worn out. The doctor also took into consideration various means
for replacing their shoes when these should come to pieces,--which his
and Dan's already gave signs of doing.
By the mate's calculation they had already been three months on the
island; and though a good lookout had been kept from their watch-house
during that time, not a sail had appeared in sight. One evening Dan had
been keeping the afternoon watch, when Nub, whose turn it was to keep
the first watch, went to relieve him. He soon came running back,
however, dancing, leaping, and clapping his hands, as if he had gone
mad, while he shouted at the top of his voice--
"A sail! a sail! She come dis way."
The doctor was away shooting and botanising; but the mate and Walter
immediately hurried towards the point; while Alice, who had heard Nub's
shouts, dropped her work and quickly followed them. They all looked out
eagerly in the direction Dan pointed, where, in the north, just rising
above the horizon, was seen the white sail of a vessel, lighted up by
the rays of the setting sun. The wind came from the point where she was
seen, and it was evident that she was standing towards the south; but
whether or not she would pass near enough to observe their signal was
extremely uncertain. The wind being fresh, sent the stranger rapidly
along; and though she was still too far off to see the flag, it was at
once hoisted. How the hearts of all the party throbbed with anxiety!
Darkness was coming on, and would soon shroud her from sight, and also
prevent those on board from seeing the flag.
"We must make our fire blaze up brightly as soon as night falls," said
the mate.
"Yas, Massa Shobbrok, we make it blaze, neber fear," said Nub,
readjusting the faggots, and shoving in a few handfuls of dry leaves
under them.
"If the wind holds, she will be down in time to see our signal,"
observed the mate.
"Oh, I do hope so," exclaimed Alice. "Is the ship standing towards the
shore, do you think?"
"She is certainly not standing away from it," answered the mate; "but I
doubt whether the wind will keep up. It has dropped since I came here."
They stood intently watching the sail, too anxious to talk. Already the
shades of night were stealing over the ocean. The sun went down, and
the vessel's white canvas changed to an inky hue. Still the mate could
discern her, and he declared that she was a brigantine or a
square-topsail schooner. Gradually, however, the wind dropped, and the
ocean assumed a glass-like appearance. There could be little doubt that
by this time the stranger was becalmed. But darkness now came on, and
completely shut her out from sight.
The mate having struck a light, the fire soon blazed up brightly. "Put
on more faggots, Nub," he cried. "She may stand nearer the shore if the
breeze gets up again; but she is as likely to stand away from us, and we
may not have so good an opportunity of being seen as now."
Walter ran off to a distance, so as to be out of the glare of the fire,
and peered with all his might into the darkness; but no vessel could he
see, and he began to fear that she must, as the mate had thought
probable, have stood away from the land. His heart fell, but he did not
like to tell Alice.
All of them were still too anxious to leave the spot. They were at
length joined by the doctor, who surmised where they had gone from
seeing the glare of the fire in the distance. The mate advised Alice
and Walter to go back to the house; but they both declared that they
should not sleep a wink, and would much rather remain where they were.
"Perhaps the fire may be seen, and a boat sent on shore from the vessel
to ascertain the cause of it," said Walter.
"She is too far off, I suspect, for the fire to be seen," answered the
mate. "We must have patience. Daylight will come at last, and the
matter will then be settled."
"But suppose she has sailed away," said Walter.
"Oh, don't think of such a dreadful thing," cried Alice.
"If she has, we must have patience still," said the mate. "We talk a
good deal about putting our trust in God; this is an occasion which will
show whether our trust is real. We are _always_ to trust Him."
"So I try to do," said Alice. "I will not doubt again that He will
order all things for the best."
"Well, my little girl, you must take my advice, and go back to the house
with your brother. Your staying here won't bring the vessel nearer; and
I will send for you at daybreak should she be seen."
The doctor, approving of the mate's advice, accompanied Walter and
Alice, and promised to stay in the house with them; while the mate, Nub,
and Dan remained at the station to keep the fire burning. Alice thought
that she should not go to sleep; but she did, notwithstanding, and
afterwards confessed that she dreamed all sorts of delightful dreams--
and, what was not altogether wonderful, some of them came perfectly
true.
The light was streaming through the chinks in her shutters, when she was
awakened by Nub shouting out, "De vessel in sight! de vessel in sight!"
Walter was so fast asleep that she had to call him, and she was ready to
leave her room as soon as he was. The doctor had waited for them, and
all three followed Nub, who had run back to the flagstaff.
A light breeze was floating out the flag, and filling the sails of a
small schooner, which came gliding on towards the mouth of their
harbour. When at about a mile distant she hove-to, and a boat was
launched from her deck, and, impelled by four lusty rowers, rapidly
approached the shore.
The mate watched her eagerly. "She is a whale-boat," he exclaimed; "and
I cannot help thinking that I have seen her and her crew before, as well
as the man standing up and steering with an oar. Alice,--Walter, can
you guess who that man is?"
"Yes! yes!" exclaimed Walter; "I know his attitude. Alice, it is our
father!"
Alice did not faint, but she cried for joy. The mate waved with his
hand, pointing to the entrance of the harbour; and then they all hurried
down, and along the shore to the nearest spot where the boat could
safely put in. The doctor and Walter had to support Alice; while Nub,
frantic with joy, eagerly rushed on ahead.
The boat had hardly reached the rocks when the father recognised his
children, and in a few minutes he had sprung on shore and clasped them
in his arms. Neither could speak for some minutes. He then shook the
mate and the doctor warmly by the hand; while Nub and Dan were
exchanging greetings with the crew, and learning something about each
other's adventures. The captain then accompanied the party to the
house, and on the way they briefly told him what they had gone through.
He also had a long story to tell. He was much pleased with the
appearance of their house, and expressed his deep gratitude to the
faithful men who had so carefully watched over his children. On seeing
the pile of sandal-wood, with the nature of which he was well
acquainted, he remarked that it was of considerable value, and although
he could carry but a small portion of it at present, it would be well
worth while to send a vessel back for a cargo. As he had several people
on board the small schooner, he was anxious to continue the voyage to
Sydney--to which port he was bound--without delay. He therefore took
off his children, with the doctor, Nub, and Dan; while the mate remained
to ship the provisions they had in store,--which the captain said would
be very welcome,--as well as a small quantity of sandal-wood.
By noon the whole party had embarked, and the little schooner, under all
sail, was standing on her course for Sydney.
"She's a strange-looking craft this of yours, captain," observed the
mate, as he stepped on board.
"Not more strange than the way in which she was built," answered Captain
Tredeagle.
"Oh father, that's what Alice and I want so much to hear about!"
exclaimed Walter.
The captain, however, had no leisure to satisfy his children's curiosity
till they were seated at tea in the cabin. They had in the meantime
recognised many of their old shipmates, besides whom there were several
strangers on board.
Alice having resumed her old place at the table, and poured out tea for
those assembled, the captain began the narrative of his adventures:--
"You may imagine my agony of mind, when I reached the neighbourhood of
the spot where I had left the ship, and found only a few blackened
pieces of wreck, which too surely told me what had happened. Still I
hoped that some, if not all, had escaped, and that I should be picked
up; so I searched all round. But the necessity of making land where we
could obtain some provisions and water compelled me to direct our course
towards the nearest island I knew of. A heavy gale coming on, severely
tried the boat, and we were almost despairing of reaching a place of
shelter, when we caught sight of a small island, and steered towards it.
We were going round to the side on which I expected to land with least
danger, when I made out a vessel on a reef at some distance from the
shore. I was able to approach her. As I did so I was hailed by a voice
I knew, and I discovered that she was the prize we had taken, and which
had afterwards been driven on shore. The masts were gone, and the
vessel was evidently a complete wreck. Some of the people were clinging
to the bowsprit, and waving frantically to me. In a short time, the
wind having fallen still more, I was able to board her; when I found
that many of the French crew had attempted to escape and had been lost,
and that those on the bowsprit were the only survivors. Happily, the
hull of the vessel had not suffered so much as I had feared, for though
she was bilged, and her bulwarks and boats had been washed away, the
greater part of her cargo and stores were uninjured. I therefore at
once set all hands to work to build a raft, on which we might land them.
The weather holding fine, we got everything of value on shore; but as
the island was utterly barren, I saw that before long we should be
reduced to starvation. I therefore at once determined to build a vessel
from the wreck. Fortunately, the brig had a fresh suit of sails, and a
good deal of the rigging was still clinging to her. The French
carpenter and one of his crew had been among the saved, and I had two of
my carpenters; so, without loss of time, we pulled the wreck to pieces,
and set up a new vessel on the stocks. She was launched but a week ago;
and we were steering a course for Sydney, when we were driven back by a
strong southerly gale. We thought it a great misfortune, as our
provisions were running short; but it has proved to me indeed a happy
occurrence."
"And _we_ thought, when our boat was wrecked, that it was a great
misfortune," exclaimed Walter; "but now we see that it was ordered for
the best: for had we sailed away, we might have been lost; or had we
reached Sydney, we should very likely have gone up the country, and have
been a long time before we heard of you."
"Depend upon it, my children, everything is ordered for the best in the
affairs of those who trust God," said the captain solemnly.
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The little schooner, notwithstanding the way she had been built, reached
Sydney in safety; when Captain Tredeagle, weary of the sea, took
advantage of the liberal offers made by Government to settlers, and
accepted a grant of land--having determined to take up his abode there
with his children. Dr Lawrie followed his example, and settled near
him.
Alice and Walter, growing up and marrying, had estates of their own; and
often at social gatherings they would talk over with old friends their
adventures at sea and their residence on "Refuge Island." But their
great delight was to narrate these to their children, and to urge them
to put implicit confidence in the love and mercy of Him who guides those
who trust Him through darkness and trouble, and ever orders all things
for the best.