The sorely-battered Lion pursued her course across the wide Pacific.
The island of the black savages was soon lost sight of.
"It was the wretches' skins made them so fierce and savage," observed
Dick Lizard to a messmate in the minister's hearing.
"White or black thou wilt find it the same, Dick," he remarked. "The
skin is in no way to blame. It is the heart of man which is by nature
so desperately wicked. Maybe we shall fall in with some white savages
and find them no wise better than the black who have destroyed our late
shipmates and from whom we have escaped."
The health of the survivors of the once-gallant company of officers and
men of the stout ship became worse and worse. Scarcely one but showed
some signs of the dreadful disease which had attacked them. It appeared
too probable that the fears of those who predicted that they and their
ship would rot away in that mighty ocean--their fate unknown--would be
realised. Again scarce a drop of water remained, but when the last drop
was gone, clouds gathered and grateful showers gave them a supply for a
few days longer.
"Were those showers sent without design?" asked Master Walker. "Surely
not; let us hope on, still trusting in the Lord."
On, on they glided, sometimes becalmed if driven west, always regaining
their lost ground and advancing to the east. Once more their water
failed. With parched mouths they began to wish for death to end their
sufferings. There was a shout from those on the lookout on deck--"Land!
land!" Nearer they drew: they could not miss it. An island with hills
and groves of trees; pure water must be there. Some spoke of savages to
oppose their landing. As they advanced, a reef was seen over which the
sea broke. Were all their hopes to be disappointed? A passage appeared
through the reef, wide enough, it was hoped, for the ship to pass.
Could she be taken through? Anxiously all watched her progress. A
temporary steering apparatus, which in smooth water partly served the
purpose of a rudder, had been rigged. It required, however, the united
strength of all on board who could be spared to work it. Thus no one
was idle. Raymond was stationed at the bowsprit end to watch for the
appearance of sunken rocks or reefs and to give timely notice to
Waymouth, who stood aft to direct the steering and to manage the sails.
The land looked more and more beautiful as the Lion approached; greater
would be the disappointment to the suffering mariners should they be
unable to land. Before them rose the land as if just painted by the
hand of Nature. There were the glittering sands, the palm-trees laden
with refreshing fruit, the shady groves beneath which the cool breeze
played wantonly, fertile valleys, hills of fantastic shapes covered with
a rich verdure, rugged rocks projecting from their sides, and amid them
sparkling waterfalls leaping downwards and sending up wreaths of snowy
foam as they reached some crystal pools or rushing streamlets at their
base. What rest, what quiet, what luxury might be theirs if they could
but reach that lovely land! No natives were seen to impede their
landing or to interrupt their enjoyment. That dreadful reef of hard
coral was still before them, the sea, elsewhere so calm and blue,
dashing against it with fury as if enraged at the barrier it offered to
its approach. Still there was that one narrow passage clearly defined,
and within they hoped to find a calm lagoon where the ship at length
might be brought to an anchor if they could pass through it in safety.
The breeze increased, driving the Lion either to safety or to utter
destruction. Raymond stood pointing right ahead, with his hand now
diverging slightly on one side, now on the other.
"Haul away, lads, haul away!" shouted Waymouth. "Now steady! steady!"
The foam rose high on either side, curling over and falling in showers
on the inside of the reef, the wind blowing it here and there, and, as
the ship plunged onward amid it, almost concealing Raymond, who,
however, made no sign of alarm. The ship pitched violently, the
breakers roared, the foam flew around her, and then gliding, on, her
crew perceived that she floated in a tranquil lagoon sheltered
completely from the howling gales or raging seas. A cheer burst from
their throats--very different from the battle-shouts of former days
which were wont to make the Portugals tremble in their shoes. The sails
were furled, the anchor let go.
"Brethren, let us, as is becoming, offer our humble thanks to a merciful
Heaven, which has brought us into this haven of safety," exclaimed
Master Walker, and all joined heartily in the good minister's prayer.
Those were days when men were not ashamed to worship together and to
acknowledge the loving Providence which guarded them from danger. Boats
were lowered, and while one-half of the remnant of the once-gallant crew
remained on board to guard the ship in case of surprise, the other, well
armed, proceeded on shore to explore the island, and to procure, without
delay, the much-longed-for fruit and water. The party in the boats, led
by Waymouth, proceeded cautiously. They had had evidence of the
treachery of the natives in those regions, and they every moment
expected to see a band of savages rush out from among the rocks and
trees to attack them. All was silent. Eagerly they stepped on shore.
Waymouth posted a few men on the lookout, while the rest proceeded to
knock down the cocoa-nuts and to suck out the delicious juice, not
forgetting to take some to their comrades on guard. Then they hurried
on to the nearest fountain, which gushed forth from the rocky side of a
hill. Here filling their water-casks, they rolled them down to the
boats, one of which, laden with them and cocoa-nuts, forthwith returned
to the ship. Waymouth, with his small band, next proceeded to examine
the island. He could scarcely believe that so lovely a spot should
remain uninhabited, yet so it seemed--no sign of life, at all events,
was there. The whole circuit of the island was made, and not a human
being was seen. On their return, however, Ap Reece, who was exploring
in a sheltered bay hitherto unvisited, shouted to Waymouth and the rest
to come to him. They descended, and a spectacle met their view which
told too clearly the sad history of those who had once inhabited that
lovely island. Scattered about above high-water mark lay the fleshless
bones of numbers of men, the spears and arrows or darts which had
deprived them of life still remaining. They were warriors, for the bony
fingers of some still grasped the spears or clubs with which they had in
vain attempted to defend their native shore. But where were the women
and children? They had undoubtedly been carried off by the conquerors.
It was a melancholy scene, on which, probably, from the day of the
battle no human eye had rested--no tear had been dropped for their fate.
A stricter search was now instituted. Fields were observed in which
roots and various plants were cultivated. On ascending the hills, in
sheltered nooks, and always in some picturesque situation, habitations
were discovered of curious and neat workmanship, apparently not long
deserted. Ap Reece declared it as his opinion that the island was of
volcanic origin, and that probably a burning mountain would be found in
it. They continued their explorations, and on reaching the summit of
one of the highest hills in the island they observed in the distant
horizon what looked like faint blue clouds resting on the water, but
which Waymouth pronounced positively to be land. It was, therefore,
probable that, although the island on which they were was uninhabited,
they had neighbours from whom a hostile visit might some day be
expected.
"Lest they should come we must be prepared for them," said Waymouth.
"What we have seen, dear friends, proves that, lovely as is this earth,
wherever man is found there a paradise does not exist," observed Master
Walker. "Those who search for such a spot search in vain, believe me."
Many of those who heard Master Walker's remarks might at other times
have refused to acknowledge their justice, but suffering had tamed the
pride of all, and all were inclined to agree with one who had ever shown
himself a true friend and counsellor. One thing was certain, that the
island would afford them ample means for refreshment, and a delightful
abode; the land was evidently fertile in the extreme, the scenery
lovely, and the climate delicious. Having come to this conclusion, they
returned on board to take the place of their comrades, who had been
panting to put foot on shore.
Waymouth had a consultation with his officers, and it was agreed that
their first work should be to land the guns, and stores, and freight,
and to heave down the ship that her damages might be examined, and, if
possible, repaired. Short-handed as they were, this was a work of time.
The freight was very great, and although the mutineers had carried off
much gold, still a vast quantity of immense value remained. There was
gold and silver in bars and coins, and in numberless utensils, and
figures, and crucifixes, and candlesticks, and there were precious
stones, and silks, and spices, and all sorts of rare and rich
commodities; but as their owners hoisted them with aching arms out of
the hold, and conveyed them to the shore, they sighed as they thought
how utterly valueless they were to them now, and how, too, probably they
might never reach England, where they could be enjoyed. Huts were built
in which all these valuables were stored, even before the adventurers
erected habitations for themselves. Those were warlike times, and,
accustomed to fighting as they were, their next care was to dig trenches
and to place their guns in position, so that they might defend
themselves and their property should any foes attack their island. A
considerable time was consumed in these labours, though, Waymouth
setting the example, the officers worked as hard as the men. Often,
indeed, so unequal at first was their strength to the task they had
undertaken, that even the strongest fell fainting to the ground from
their exertions. Gradually, however, with the pure air and water, and
the ample vegetable diet they enjoyed, they regained their health and
strength, even though the rest they so much required was denied them.
Having completely emptied their ship and dismantled her, even her
ballast being got out, they waited till a high tide, and placed her on
shore. It was with anxious eyes that they watched the carpenter as he
made an examination of her hull. With auger and mallet in hand he went
over every part of the ship. He then desired to speak to the captain
alone. It was some time before Antony Waymouth again appeared among
them.
"Friends, hear me," he said in a firm voice. "You are brave men, and
will dare all that men can dare, but it is the opinion of our carpenter
(and you know that his judgment is good) that our once stout ship is not
in a fit condition to continue our voyage. Had we the means of
repairing her we might do so, but they do not exist, and we must be
content to abide our time here, or to proceed by such other means as
Providence may send us."
This address of the captain was warmly received, and his spirit appeared
to be infused into theirs. Raymond probably heard the announcement with
more pain than any one else. His hopes of returning home seemed forever
cut off. Should he ever again see his beloved Beatrice? What
probability was there of a ship visiting that island? In building the
boat carried off by the mutineers they had exhausted so large a portion
of the remnant of their stores that they had not sufficient to build
another. One thing he was determined to do. He would cherish his love
for Beatrice to the last gasp of life, and would make every effort which
strength and means would afford to return to Old England. Waymouth
highly applauded his resolution.
"Beshrew me, dear coz," he said, "it was a cruel wrong that I
unwillingly did thee when I induced thee by my persuasions to come out
to these savage regions; yet I did it for love of thee, and with good
intentions, and thus I know that thou harbourest no ill-will towards me
in consequence. But keep up thy heart, Ned; we know not what happy turn
fortune may take. Perchance, after all, we may patch up the old Lion so
that she may perform the remainder of the voyage across this wide
Pacific. We have well-nigh performed half of it already. Then courage,
Ned, courage. Let us live on in hope."
"Thanks, dear captain. I neither blame thee nor allow hope and my heart
to part company," answered Raymond. "I know not how it may happen, but
still I hope to see the white cliffs of England before I die."
"So, marry, do I," exclaimed Waymouth, his own spirits rising as he
talked with his friend. "We'll make the old Lion swim. There are trees
for planks and spars; we must set our saws to work, and try what can be
done. It may take time, but what matters that, provided we succeed in
the end?"
The people generally, however, made no complaint of their lot, and as
Waymouth kept them constantly employed without over-exerting them, they
had no time to contemplate the future.
The most important question which arose was how they should support
existence after the provisions which they had brought in the ship were
exhausted. Fish might be caught, and there were roots, and fruits, and
herbs which Ap Reece and Master Walker pronounced to be nutritive and
good when properly cooked, but such diet would scarcely suit the
stomachs and support the strength of Englishmen accustomed to the meat
diet of their native land. There were no beasts on which they could
feed, and the birds, which were mostly water-fowl, could only be
obtained by being shot. Now although there was no want of fire-arms,
nor of lead for bullets and small shot, there was only powder enough
left to enable them to discharge the great guns once, or fire a few
rounds of musketry. This matter caused the officers considerable
concern. Should they repair the ship or build another craft, they must
have provisions, and powder for their defence and for procuring
provisions; crossbows, to be sure, might be manufactured, but they were
inefficient weapons compared to fire-arms, though several on board were
well accustomed to their use.
There was a great probability, also, that they would be attacked some
day by the natives of the islands they saw in the distance, and although
victory would be certain if they could use their fire-arms, without them
they might be overwhelmed by numbers and conquered. Still they went on
strengthening their fort, improving their dwelling-houses, and making
experiments in the cultivation of the various roots and fruit-bearing
plants and shrubs they found in the island, as if they fully expected to
remain, at all events, some time on the spot. They then began
fashioning planks and spars for the ship, setting up a forge for the
iron-work, and, as their canvas had been almost exhausted, in converting
some of their rich silks--damaged, however, by the water--into sails by
sewing many folded together, thus making them far stronger than any
ordinary canvas. All these were works which must of necessity occupy a
length of time. There was but one carpenter and one artificer who
understood the blacksmith's craft. All the others had to be instructed
before they could render any efficient aid, but as all were anxious for
the result they laboured willingly and learned rapidly.
On examining the stores which had been landed, four well-secured casks
were discovered which had been taken out of one of the last prizes
captured. The contents were not known till one day Ap Reece, searching
for a chest of drugs, examined one of them, and pronounced them to
contain saltpetre.
"Ah! that villainous drug of which Will Shakespeare speaks," exclaimed
Waymouth. "To us it might be precious if combined with charcoal and
sulphur; but whence is the latter to be procured?"
"We'll see; perchance it may not be so hard to find as my noble captain
supposes," answered Ap Reece.
On hearing this Waymouth cheered up greatly.
"Many are the obligations we are under to you already, my good friend,
and a still greater debt shall we owe to you if you discover the means
of thus supplying our chief wants. Sulphur, I know, is brought home in
ships from Italy, but in what other parts of the world it is found I
know not," answered Waymouth, who made no profession of scientific
knowledge.
"In a few days I hope to prove that I am right in my conjectures,"
answered the surgeon. "At all events, I pray thee have the saltpetre
carefully guarded. I will set forth at break of day to-morrow in search
of this article we so much covet."
When Master Walker heard of the search for sulphur, he shook his head,
exclaiming--
"Alack! alack! but the other day we were all pronouncing this isle to be
a paradise on earth, and now are eagerly seeking for the means of
destroying life. Believe me, no paradise can exist where the shafts of
death can reach."
Ap Reece was right in his conjectures. After searching for several
days, he not only discovered a large amount of sulphur, but the crater
of a volcano whence it had proceeded. Charcoal was next to be made, and
when that was produced the surgeon commenced his preparation of
gunpowder. Great was the disappointment, however, when the result
appeared to be a complete failure. A black powder was produced, which
burnt, but its explosive qualities were very imperfect.
Nothing daunted, however, he again set to work. Numberless experiments
were made, and at length success crowned his efforts. The powder was
pronounced as good as that in the small cask they had remaining.
Months, however, had rolled on from the time of their first landing till
the powder was produced. Though all had worked hard, the repairs of the
big ship had made no great progress. Want of skill and want of tools
was the cause of this. They had now, however, forged tools, and were
gaining skill. Necessity truly is the mother of invention. Those who
had never before handled axe or hammer were becoming fair carpenters and
smiths. Sometimes as they examined the old Lion, and timber after
timber and the whole lower part of the planking was found to be rotten,
they were almost in despair. Some even declared that it would be
useless to continue the work, till Waymouth's cheerful voice aroused
them.
"Look at those noble trees, lads! Cannot they be made to produce as
good timbers and planks as those that are rotten, think ye?" he
exclaimed. "See the planks we have already formed! All we want is
time. What we may not effect in six months we surely can in twelve.
Cheer up, brave lads! cheer up!"
Such were the encouraging words he was wont to address to his men, and
they had their effect. Two canoes had been formed; they were merely
trunks of trees hollowed out, but they served the purpose for which they
were intended--to fish from in the calm lagoons round the coast. Since
a supply of powder had been obtained they were used for shooting wild
fowls, whose haunts could be approached by their means on the water far
more easily than by land.
Such was the state of affairs when one day Edward and Carlingford, with
the two young cabin-boys, Dick Lizard, and another man, had gone out in
the canoes prepared either to shoot birds or to fish. The weather being
calm, and they also being on the lee side of the island, they ventured
outside the reef to a greater distance than was their custom in order to
visit a rock some little way off on which they expected to find an
abundance of birds. They reached the rock in safety, and found not only
birds but eggs in vast quantities, which would afford a healthful and
pleasant change of diet. Well pleased with thus obtaining an ample
supply of food with little trouble--for the eggs were to be had for the
picking up, and the birds by knocking them down with sticks without
firing a shot--they at once began to fill their canoes. They had
well-nigh completed their cargoes, when, on looking seaward, Edward's
eye fell on an object on the water seemingly approaching them. They
soon discovered it to be a large double canoe. They had had proof of
the treacherous nature of the savages of those regions. They soon came
to the conclusion that unless they wished to engage in a sanguinary
contest with the people on board the big canoe it would be wiser to
return forthwith to the mainland. By the aid of their fire-arms they
might undoubtedly come off victorious, but not without killing many of
the savages, and this Edward was most anxious to avoid doing. All the
scenes of battle and bloodshed through which he had gone had not
hardened his heart, and he longed for the time when he might sheathe his
sword and never draw it more.
The Englishmen took their seats in their small skiffs, and the savages
in their large vessel approached the rock. They had come probably for
the purpose also of collecting eggs and birds. The canoes had got about
half way to the main island when they landed on the rock. They could
not have been long there before they must have discovered that it had
been visited, and their eyes being directed towards the island, they
must have discovered the canoes.
Although the large double canoes of those seas sail at a prodigious rate
when once launched, they are so heavy that they cannot with ease be
pushed off from the land. Before this was accomplished the wind had
risen, blowing from the island towards the rock. Edward and his
companions paddled on with all their might. Their fire-arms would avail
them nothing if the strangers were to attempt to run them down. It was
with great satisfaction, therefore, that they saw the breeze rise, which
as they drew near the shore offered no opposition to their light canoes.
"Very probably those savages are some of the people who destroyed the
inhabitants of this island," said Carlingford. "They will have
discovered our traces on the rock, and will fancy that some of their
enemies must have escaped them."
"Whatever they think, we may expect a visit from them ere long,"
answered Edward. "We must be prepared for them, and as maybe there is
no time for delay and we cannot afford to lose these birds and eggs, we
must load ourselves with them and carry them across the island."
Drawing their canoes out of the water and concealing them in the bushes,
they loaded themselves with the birds, carrying the eggs in baskets, and
hurried on, leaving Mr Carlingford to watch the proceedings of the
strangers.
On receiving the information brought by Edward, Waymouth summoned his
followers from all directions into the fort and made arrangements for
their defence. The canoes which had pursued them must have each carried
a hundred men or more, and as they did not muster altogether more than
thirty souls, they could not expect without some difficulty to drive off
their assailants. All their preparations were completed when the
lieutenant brought word that the strange canoes had sailed away towards
the land in the north-east. This incident showed them more than ever
the necessity of being on their guard against surprise, and consequently
lookouts were stationed on two high points in different parts of the
island to give notice of the approach of any strange canoes.
Fortunate was it for the adventurers that they had a leader possessed of
so much judgment and discretion as well as bravery. Some had begun to
grumble at having two persons taken off every day from the important
work of repairing the ship, when, ten days after the circumstance above
mentioned, one of the watchmen came hurrying in to announce the
appearance of a large fleet of double canoes--there might be fifteen or
more, but it was difficult at the distance they were off to count them.
The other lookout-man having been sent for, the first, with Lizard, went
out to watch the proceedings of the strangers. Waymouth, urged by
Master Walker and Raymond, resolved, if possible, to treat them as
friends, and to avoid bloodshed as long as he could. One of the chief
objects in building the fort was to defend the ship, and some of the
guns were so placed as to play upon all approaching her.
Every possible precaution had been taken, when, in the evening, Lizard
arrived, bringing the information that the enemy had landed, and
appeared to be making preparations to encamp on the shore. He computed
that there could not be much fewer than a thousand of them. There were
no women or children; and as they were all armed, and decked out with
paint and feathers, there could be no doubt that they had come with some
hostile intention. Night came on, and the savages did not approach. It
was possible that they might not be aware of the presence of the white
men; or if they had by any means discovered the erection of the fort,
they might purpose to attack it during the night. At all events, it was
necessary for the adventurers to keep a vigilant watch.
The hours of darkness passed away. No foes had appeared. It was
possible, however, that they might be watching in ambush in the
neighbourhood to rush into the fort as soon as the little garrison were
off their guard. Waymouth was not a commander to be thus taken by
surprise. As soon as dawn had broke he sent out scouts to examine the
thickets around. No foes were there concealed; they therefore advanced
farther and farther. Gaining a height which commanded a valley along
which the savages would probably approach, a party of them were seen
advancing along it and examining the country on either side; some going
first were evidently scouts, and tracing out the track made by the
adventurers as they crossed the island. The savages were seen to halt,
and they remained stationary till they were joined by a considerably
larger body. The English scouts hurried back to the fort. They had not
long reached it when the scouts of the enemy were seen emerging from the
valley. They drew back when they caught sight of the fort, and
evidently understood its object. One thing, however, it was very
evident that they did not understand--the power of the guns mounted
within it--for in a short time their whole army collected within range,
so that it would have been in the power of the English to have destroyed
a large number without giving them warning.
At Master Walker's suggestion, Waymouth, before allowing a shot to be
fired, resolved to try what negotiation might effect. A white flag was
hoisted in the fort, but it was totally disregarded: the savages did not
understand its meaning. Several then volunteered to go out and speak to
them; but as no one comprehended their language, that would be of no
use. Master Walker recommended that some presents should be carried and
placed on the ground midway between them. This was done; but the
savages, instead of placing others in their stead, rushing forward,
carried them off with shouts of derisive laughter, taking the gifts more
as a tribute than as a token of amity.
Another effort was to be made. Edward and Carlingford advanced, making
signs of amity, but it seemed that they were not understood, for
suddenly some hundreds of the savages, with fearful yells, rushed
forward, with clubs uplifted as if to destroy them. Such evidently was
their intention. Waymouth saw that there was but one way to save the
lives of his friends, and he gave the order to the arquebusiers to open
their fire to the right and left of the English and over their heads,
while at the same time the great guns belched forth flame and shot on
the advancing masses. The effect was magical. Numbers fell to the
ground overpowered by fear rather than by wounds, some fled, others
stood still, but none advanced. Before any had recovered from their
panic, Edward and his companion were in the fort. The savages, after a
short time regaining courage, collected in vast numbers on the land side
of the fort, gazing with wonder at it, and at the ship, of which they
could obtain a good view. The artillery had not done sufficient
execution to show them its power; and once more flourishing their clubs,
and leaping and shouting, they advanced towards the fort.
This was no time for trifling. Should they persevere in the face of the
fire-arms, they might by their numbers alone overwhelm the little
garrison. Waymouth ordered the guns to be fired this time directly at
the foe. The effect exhibited when the smoke cleared off was indeed
like the work of magic; the space lately filled with leaping, shouting
beings was entirely emptied, except here and there a few dark forms
which lay writhing or stretched at length and motionless on the ground.
Not another savage was to be seen.
A shout was bursting from the lips of the adventurers at this speedy
repulse of their foes, when there was a burst of flame, a terrific roar,
the earth shook under their feet, earth, and rafters, and clods of grass
came showering down on their heads, and the cries and groans of wounded
men struck the ears of the rest with alarm. Their magazine had
exploded, and every grain of powder, except such as was in the guns
turned seaward and in the pouches of the arquebusiers, was destroyed.
Two of their number had been killed by the explosion, and several were
wounded by the falling fragments of the building. Even the bravest
began to despair, and to believe that they were about to be slaughtered
by the savages. The voice of Waymouth once more restored their
confidence.
"What, lads I are we, who have for years past fought and conquered
countless numbers of Portugals, Turks, and infidels of all sorts, to be
downcast because a few casks of gunpowder blow up and a few score of
naked savages are shrieking away in front of us?" he exclaimed. "Cheer
up! What has happened is but the fortune of war. Probably the savages,
having had a specimen of our prowess, will not venture again to molest
us, and if they do we have still some powder and sharp swords with which
to defend ourselves."
These words had the effect intended. Ap Reece attended to the wounded.
The two poor fellows who had been killed bringing out the powder were
buried, and the adventurers waited with calmness for the return of the
savages, should they again venture on an attack. Waymouth was certain
that they still remained in the neighbourhood, as now and then a person
could be seen passing in the far distance, and he was loath to send out
a scout lest he might be set on by any natives lying in ambush and
carried off.
Darkness returned. Strict watch was kept, and few of the adventurers
closed their eyes in sleep. Long and dreary seemed the night. Would
the savages pluck up courage and return to the attack? If they were of
the same character as those who had destroyed the mutineers, more
ferocious savages it would be hard to find. Sounds were heard during
the night, but the stars were obscured by clouds and mist, and no object
could be discerned at any distance from the fort.
Morning at length returned, and by the light of day it was discovered
that both the dead and the wounded had been carried off. It was
important to ascertain whether the enemy still lurked in the
neighbourhood. Several of the party volunteered to go out for this
object. Waymouth accepted the offer of Carlingford and young Martin.
Their progress was anxiously watched from the fort. They at length
disappeared among the trees. Their friends trembled lest the savages
might set on them. Now two objects were seen moving on a hill in the
distance: it might be them. Two hours passed away. They did not
appear. Either the enemy having taken their departure, they had
proceeded across the island, or they had been set upon and destroyed.
Several wished to go out to search for their friends, but this Waymouth
would not allow. Their fears were, however, banished when their lost
friends were seen approaching. They brought the intelligence that the
savages had embarked in their large canoes and had sailed away. This
was satisfactory news.
In vain, however, did they endeavour to manufacture some powder instead
of that which had been destroyed. Without saltpetre they could do
nothing. For some time, also, they could make no progress with the
ship. The carpenter and smith had both been injured by the explosion,
and the two men killed had been among the best artificers. Often as
Waymouth and Edward examined the work, they agreed that it might have
been wiser to have built a new vessel altogether of much smaller
dimensions. Still, notwithstanding all their disappointments and
difficulties, they proved themselves to be true men by perseveringly
labouring on. One error was allowed to be committed. When all fears of
the return of the savages had subsided, the desire to obtain birds was
so great that the powder was expended to shoot them, those on the rock
having been mostly frightened away. Many more months passed away. Had
it not been for good Master Walker, who ever reminded them of the
Sabbath, and exhorted them on that day to refrain from work, they would
have lost all note of time.
The hull was at length almost completed; the sails were manufactured,
and a supply of cordage; the masts had next to be formed and got in, as
also the spars. The larger trees best suited for the purpose were on
the opposite side of the island, and a party had gone across to select
some for the purpose required, when, after a time, they were seen
hurrying back with looks of consternation. They had cause for alarm. A
fleet of canoes twice as numerous as that of their former visitors was
seen approaching the island, and would soon be on shore. Signals were
made to recall all those at a distance into the fort. Every means which
could be thought of was taken to strengthen the fortifications. An
examination was made of the remaining powder. The error which had been
committed was evident; there was not enough to load all the great guns,
leaving none for the smaller pieces, and of that little which remained a
considerable portion was damp, and would require to be dried before it
could be used.
Waymouth, in this emergency, endeavoured as before to inspire his
followers with courage. He ordered three guns to be loaded pointing in
the direction by which it was expected the savages would approach if
their purpose was to attack the fort. The rest was divided among the
arquebusiers, who were charged not to throw a shot away. There were a
few crossbows which were eagerly brought into requisition, and every man
had besides a pike, battle-axe, and sword, so that, compared to the
savages, they were well armed. Still it was fearful odds for eight and
twenty men to contend against a thousand. The night was approaching.
The sun went down in an angry mood, and the wind began to blow strongly,
and went on increasing till it raged fearfully among the tall
palm-trees, which bent like willow wands before its fury. Fiercer and
fiercer it blew.
Sentinels were posted round the fort, for it was conjectured that the
savages might make their approach during the darkness, in the hopes of
taking the garrison by surprise. The grey dawn appeared. No foe was in
sight. Just, however, before the sun should arise--for his beams could
not penetrate through the dark canopy of clouds overhead--suddenly from
every quarter on the land side appeared from among the trees large
bodies of savages dressed with their war ornaments, and wildly
flourishing their weapons, while, as they rushed on, they uttered the
most fearful shrieks. Nearer they approached. At a signal from
Waymouth the guns opened on them; but though many were laid low, this
did not stop the rest. The guns no longer roared. The foe came on as
before; like ants they swarmed round the fort. The arquebusiers
reserved their fire till the enemy was close upon them. Now began the
fierce strife. As the savages rushed on they were driven back with the
bullets which hailed on them, with thrusts of pikes and blows of
battle-axes. Still more came on. These were no ordinary savages. It
was evident that they were well accustomed to scenes of bloodshed: they
fought more like demons than men. They were driven back only to return
with greater fury, like the waves of the stormy ocean.
Three of the adventurers lay dead, several more were wounded; still the
brave band encouraged each other to persevere. They mostly fought with
desperation, not expecting to escape, but resolved to sell their lives
dearly. More savages were coming on, when suddenly they paused. Those
who were fighting drew back with astonishment in their countenances.
Waymouth, who was everywhere, rushing here and there to aid those the
most hard pressed, turned his eyes seaward, and there he beheld a fine
ship with her tacks aboard, endeavouring to beat off the island, which
it was evident she had discovered at daybreak, when too late, close
under her lee. She might escape the most dangerous reef, but there was
a point of land on which he judged that she must inevitably strike. All
the canvas she could carry was set, and heeling over to the gale she
plunged furiously through the foaming seas. He shuddered to think what
would be the fate of her crew should they fall into the hands of the
savages, and he longed to be able to hurry to their assistance. The
savages, meantime, it seemed, believed that she was some being sent to
the assistance of those with whom they were fighting, and, calling
loudly to each other, they sprang back out of the conflict, and the
whole body rushed away into the cocoa-nut grove, and were soon hid from
view.