The Search for the Silver City: A Tale of Adventure in Yucatan E-Book

James Otis

• Herausgeber: Bauer Books
• Kategorie: Für Kinder und Jugendliche
• Sprache: Englisch
• Veröffentlichungsjahr: 2018

Beschreibung

In 1880, under the pen name James Otis, he authored his first, and still most famous (largely by way of a filmed version by Walt Disney), children’s book, Toby Tyler, or Ten Weeks with a Circus, a story about an orphan who runs away to join the circus. Following the book's success he went on to author numerous other children’s books, mostly historical and adventure novels.

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James

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Table of contents

Instead of releasing his hold on Neal the reptile held firm, etc. CHAPTER I. THE SEA DREAM.

Three years ago last August, it is unnecessary to specify the exact date, Teddy Wright was not only a very lonely fellow, but considered himself abused by circumstances.

During the previous season he had studied very hard at the military school on the Hudson which he often referred to slightingly as “the barracks,“ and as a reward for the flattering reports sent home by his teachers, had been promised a long vacation in the Adirondacks with a schoolmate who lived in the northern portion of New York state.

Teddy‘s parents and sisters intended spending the summer at some one of the fashionable watering places; but with three long months of “roughing it“ where game could be found in abundance, he had no desire to accompany them.

“Life in the woods knocks staying at a big hotel on the sea-shore, where a fellow is obliged to be dressed up all the time,“ he said when one of his sisters expressed surprise at his choice. “We shall regularly camp out, and father has given me a doubled-barreled breech-loader, to say nothing of his own rod and collection of flies. Jack and I will have the jolliest kind of a time while you‘re moonin‘ on the hot sands trying to think it is fun.“

Teddy went to Jack‘s home, and, to his sorrow and dismay, found that young gentleman so ill that there was no hope of his being allowed to take the long-contemplated trip.

He remained there, however, until perfectly certain of this unpleasant fact, and then returned home to the house which had been left in charge of one servant, and, as he expressed it, “just to spite himself,“ refused to join the remainder of the family.

Of course this was a most foolish proceeding; but Teddy was in that frame of mind where a boy of seventeen is prone to foolish deeds, and there he stayed in a frame of mind very nearly approaching the sulks, until he received a letter from Neal Emery, another schoolmate, whose father lived in Bridgeport.

Mr. Emery owned a large factory in that city, and Neal had intended to spend his vacation at home where he could enjoy the use of a small sloop-rigged yacht his mother had presented him with the year previous.

The letter contained a very pressing invitation for Teddy to visit Bridgeport, since his trip to the Adirondacks had been postponed, and concluded with the startling announcement:

“Father has just bought the Sea Dream, a beautiful steam yacht of an hundred feet in length, and I don‘t know how many tons. He proposes to cruise around three or four weeks while mother is at Bar Harbor, and is perfectly willing I should invite you to join us. We will have a jolly time, and if nothing prevents I want you to come at once. We are to start Wednesday morning.“

The letter had been received Monday afternoon, therefore Teddy had but little time for preparation.

He first sent a long telegram to his father, repeating the substance of what Neal had written, and asked permission to enroll himself on the Sea Dream‘s passenger list.

Not until late in the evening did he receive a favorable reply; but his traps, including the gun and fishing tackle, were packed, and on the first train Tuesday morning he started, all traces of ill-humor having vanished, for a cruise on a steam yacht promised quite as great pleasure as had the stay in the woods, with not so much certainty of hard work. Neal met him at the depot, and after going to the former‘s home only long enough to leave the baggage, the two set out to view the yacht which, in all the bravery of glistening paint and polished metal, lay at anchor in the harbor.

Although not an expert in matters pertaining to marine architecture, Teddy could appreciate the beauty of the little craft while she swung lazily to and fro at her cable as if husbanding strength against the time when speed and endurance would be required. Neal signaled from the pier, two of the crew came ashore in the captain‘s boat, and the boys went on board where, during the remainder of the day, they were busy examining and admiring the jaunty little craft.

Leading from the main saloon were two state-rooms on either side, and in one of these Neal had already stored such of his belongings as he intended to take on the cruise.

“This is our room, and now that we are here I wonder why we were so foolish as to carry your baggage up to the house. If it was with us we would remain on board, for it is very much more pleasant than in the hot town.“

“There is nothing to prevent our bringing it down,“ Teddy replied with a laugh. “I had certainly rather stay here to-night.“ “Come on, and then we shall feel more at home when the cruise begins.“ The boys were rowed ashore, and the sailors instructed to remain at the pier until their return.

Then a short visit was made to Mr. Emery‘s office, where Neal explained what they proposed to do, and having received permission to occupy the quarters slightly in advance of sailing time, Teddy‘s baggage was soon in the small apartment which to both the boys looked so enchanting.

“I wish we were to be gone three years,“ Teddy said as he threw himself on a locker and gazed around.

If he could have known just at that moment how long the cruise would really last it is very certain he would not have expressed such a desire.

“Next year father says he will start early in the season, take mother with us, and not come back until it is time for me to go to school.“

“And you must get an invitation for me,“ Teddy replied, his eyes glistening with pleasure at simply contemplating such an excursion. “There won‘t be any difficulty about it. He has already promised that if nothing happens he will speak to your father.“

“And in the meanwhile we‘ve got before us the jolly fact that we‘re to stay on board a month.“

“Yes; but there‘s no good reason why we should remain below where it is so warm. Come on deck for awhile, and then we‘ll have a look at the engine-room.“

The engineer, Jake Foster, was under the awning aft, and Neal introduced his friend, saying as he did so: “Teddy has never been yachting before, not even in a sailing craft.“

Jake, a stout, jolly looking fellow hardly more than twenty-five years of age, gazed at the visitor curiously a moment, and then said with a hearty laugh:

“He‘ll have a chance to find out what an acquaintance with the ocean means, for I understand that Mr. Emery is going to run well over to the Bahamas before he comes back.“

“Father has business there which it would be necessary to attend to not later than next fall, so intends to make it a portion of the pleasure trip.“

“Are we likely to have much rough weather?“ Teddy asked, realizing for the first time that it was more than possible he might be called upon to pay Neptune a tribute.

“Not at this time of the year; but its more‘n probable the Sea Dream will kick up her heels enough to show something of what is meant by a life on the ocean wave before she pokes her nose into this port again.“

Then the engineer was summoned from below, and the boys remained aft recalling to mind all they had studied relative to the Bahama banks.

The stores were on board; everything was in readiness for the start as soon as the owner should arrive, and when the steward summoned them to supper it seemed as if the voyage had really begun. CHAPTER II.

UNDER WEIGH.

It was a long while before the boys could close their eyes in slumber on this first night aboard the Sea Dream, owing to the novelty of the surroundings. It seemed as if Teddy would never cease admiring the snug quarters with the guns and fishing rods hung where they could be seen to the best advantage, and Neal had very much to say regarding the plans he proposed to carry into execution during the cruise.

Despite such enchanting topics of conversation they were not able to remain awake all night, and when finally the journey into dreamland was made, neither returned to a full realization of the situation until quite late in the morning.

Teddy was the first to open his eyes, and in a very few seconds the throbbing of the screw, as well as the invigorating draught of cool air which came through the open port-hole, told him that the voyage had really begun.

“Neal, Neal,“ he cried, shaking his friend vigorously. “Wake up; I think we are at sea.“ Neal was on his feet in an instant, and after one glance through the tiny window he replied with a laugh: “There‘s no question about our being under way; but we sha‘n‘t see the sea to-day.“ “Why, we are on it now.“

“If you have forgotten your geography as soon as this you‘ll be obliged to do some mighty hard studying when we get back to school. The Sea Dream must go through the sound before we reach the ocean, and most likely we shall make harbor at Martha‘s Vineyard to-night.“ “Of course I knew about the sound; I had forgotten, that‘s all,“ and Teddy looked just a trifle ashamed at having displayed so much ignorance.

Never had the boys made their toilets more quickly. Both were eager to be on deck in order to extract the greatest possible amount of pleasure out of this first day of the cruise, and when they finally emerged from the companion-way an exclamation of surprise and delight burst from Teddy‘s lips.

The yacht was steaming at nearly full speed over waters as placid as a pond, and here and there were craft of all kinds darting back and forth like active fish.

“I tell you there‘s nothing in the way of sport to beat sailing,“ Teddy said enthusiastically.

“There are times when it isn‘t quite as nice as this. When it storms, and the yacht dances around so that it is impossible to come on deck you will think camping in the Adirondacks is much better.“

“I thought vessels always went into a harbor at such times.“

“If you are at sea it is necessary to take whatever comes in the way of weather, but there is no reason why we should speak of such things now. Let‘s have a look at Jake and his engine before breakfast.“

During this first day of the cruise the boys were very busy. Considerable time was spent eating three decidedly hearty meals, and what with inspecting every portion of the steamer and watching the passing vessels, they managed without much trouble to find something in the way of amusement until the Sea Dream arrived off Cottage City, where Mr. Emery proposed to stop a day or two.

The wind had come up quite strong toward night, and when the little craft swung to her anchors some distance from the shore Teddy was feeling decidedly disagreeable.

There was not sea enough to trouble the greenest fresh-water sailor that ever “caught a crab;“ but to poor Teddy, who had never been on the water save when crossing from New York to Brooklyn or Jersey City, it seemed as if the Sea Dream was very like a hideous nightmare.

She danced lightly on the long swell as if courtesying to the craft in her immediate vicinity, and each graceful movement caused Neal‘s guest to fancy his stomach was turning somersaults.

“You are not going below now?“ the former said as Teddy staggered toward the companion-way. “I am if it is possible to get there,“ was the impatient reply. “But we shall have a chance to see the town. Father is going ashore presently.“

“In one of those little boats?“ and Teddy pointed to the davits where four polished tenders hung glistening in the sun like some articles of adornment.

“Of course. How else could he get there?“

“That doesn‘t make any difference to me. This boat is bouncing around enough for a fellow to wish he‘d never heard of such a thing as a yacht, and in one of those egg-shells I‘m certain it must be terrible.“

“But it isn‘t. Try not to think of being sick, and come on shore with me.“ “How can I help not thinking about it when I feel as if I was dying?“ Then, as if unable to prolong the conversation, Teddy ran below, while his friend followed more leisurely.

Neal could offer no inducements sufficiently strong to tempt his companion out of the berth, and there he remained until next morning when, in half a gale of wind, Mr. Emery decided to take a party of friends to Nantucket.

Only this was needed to give Teddy a severe attack of seasickness during which, when he spoke at all, it was to repeat over and over again his intention of going home as soon as the Sea Dream arrived at Cottage City.

Probably he would have carried this threat into execution if the excursion had not been prolonged; but it was four days before the yacht returned to Martha‘s Vineyard, and by that time he had, as Jake expressed it, “found his sea legs.“

Now no matter how much the little craft tumbled around he remained undisturbed, and the sight of food was no longer disagreeable, but very pleasing to him.

Therefore it was that when the Sea Dream left Cottage City for the Bahamas, the delightful portion of the cruise, so far as Teddy was concerned, had but just begun.

Inasmuch as there was no especial reason why they should arrive at any certain time, and the owner wished to remain at sea as long as possible while making the voyage, the yacht was run at half speed, thus not only saving considerable coal; but unnecessary wear and tear of the machinery.

That it could be very warm on the water had never entered the minds of the boys; but as they journeyed southward the heat became intense. During two days it was almost a perfect calm, the only air stirring being that caused by the motion of the steamer, and the cabin seemed like an oven. There the thermometer stood at 84 degrees, while in the galley it was twenty degrees higher, and in the engine-room it frequently rose to 130 degrees.

Neal and Teddy could do little more than lie under the awning aft, working hard but unsuccessfully to keep cool by the aid of fans and such iced drinks as the steward prepared.

The novelty of yachting had passed away in a measure, and they were already counting the days which must elapse before the Sea Dream would be in a less torrid climate.

Jake had assured them that when the yacht came to an anchor and the fires were drawn it would be much cooler on board, therefore both the boys were delighted when Bridge Point at the entrance to the N. E. Providence Channel was sighted.

There was a light breeze blowing off the banks, and the yacht was running slowly as she passed within a quarter of a mile of the low lying land, when suddenly a most disagreeable odor from the shore caused Neal to say impatiently:

“If such perfumes as that are common to the Bahamas I had rather endure the heat than stay a very long while, no matter how cool it may be when we cease steaming.“

“What is it?“ and Teddy covered his nose with his handkerchief. “I don‘t know; but I wish Jake would put her ahead faster, for it is absolutely sickening.“

His desire for more speed was not gratified. To the surprise of both the boys the engine-room gong sounded for the machinery to be stopped, and as the headway was checked Mr. Walters, the sailing master, came from the wheel-house to where Mr. Emery was sitting.

The boys could not hear the short conversation which followed; but their surprise increased as the order was given to lower away one of the port boats.

“What are we stopping here for?“ Neal inquired of his father. “Doesn‘t the odor give you any idea?“ Mr. Emery asked with a smile. “None except that the sooner we get away the more comfortable I shall feel.“

“When I tell you that we are likely to find as the cause of your discomfort something nearly as precious as gold, it may be a trifle more bearable.“

Both Neal and Teddy looked perplexed, and the latter said laughingly: “It is strong enough to be worth a good deal; but do you really mean what you say, sir?“

“Every word. Mr. Walters thinks he can find ambergris which has been washed up on the rocks, and that is quoted at ten dollars per ounce. Now you boys have been at school long enough to know exactly why it is so valuable.“

“I have heard of it as being the base of the finest perfumes,“ Neal said slowly; “but that must surely be a mistake if it smells anything like this,“ and he did violence to his stomach by inhaling a long breath of the disagreeably laden air.

“It is true, nevertheless. Ambergris is believed to be the product of a sort of ulcer or cancer which has formed in the bowels of a whale. After a certain length of time, or because a cure has been wrought by change of feeding place, the mass is dislodged. It floats, and is often found far out to sea; but more particularly among the cays in the Turks islands. It is the foundation of nearly every perfume, and in ancient times was used for spicing wine.“

During this conversation the boat had been lowered, and, with Mr. Walters as steersman, was being pulled toward the land. Now Neal and Teddy were sorry they had not accompanied the sailing master; but it was too late for regrets, and the odor did not seem to be nearly as disagreeable since they knew from what it proceeded.

“Never mind how much the stuff is worth,“ Teddy said, as he and Neal leaned over the rail in company with Jake, who had come on deck to ascertain why the yacht had been brought to a standstill, “it isn‘t a nice thing to smell of, and I shall remember this afternoon whenever I see perfume.“

“It isn‘t always the most agreeable things which are of the most service,“ Jake replied with an air of wisdom; and then as a loud shout was heard from the shore, the boat having reached the land some time since, he added, “It‘s ambergris for a fact, or they wouldn‘t be makin‘ such a fuss.“ Five minutes later the little craft was seen approaching the yacht, and each instant the odor became stronger until both the boys were forced to cover their organs of smell.

In the bow of the boat was a black mass looking not unlike coke, and weighing, as was afterward ascertained, forty ounces.

“I thought I couldn‘t be mistaken, although I never run across anything of the kind but once before,“ Mr. Walters said triumphantly, as he handed the precious substance up to one of the sailors, who took it very unwillingly.

“We shall be driven out of the yacht if you try to carry it home,“ Mr. Emery replied, moving aft as far as possible. “It won‘t trouble us many hours. We will sell or ship it at Nassau, and I reckon all hands can manage to live until we arrive there.“

The valuable substance was wrapped carefully in several thicknesses of canvas, and placed in the hold where it is not probable any odor from it could have been perceptible on deck, although both the boys were quite positive the yacht was thoroughly permeated.

After this short delay the Sea Dream continued on her course at a higher rate of speed, for now that she was so near land the heat seemed unbearable, and when night came Neal and Teddy stretched themselves out in the hammocks which had been slung under the after awning, wishing, not for a glimpse of Nassau; but that they were off the New England coast instead of being so near the tropics.

Then, despite the profuse perspiration, both fell asleep, not to waken until the rattling of the cable through the hawse-holes told that they were in the harbor. CHAPTER III.

NASSAU.

A semi-tropical port in midsummer is by no means a pleasant place however diversified and picturesque the scenery may be, and when the boys awakened from their restless slumber the lassitude which beset them told how great an effect the climate could exert.

Even Mr. Emery was disinclined to any severe exertion; but his business must be transacted, and, after a breakfast eaten on deck, he ordered the boat to be made ready.

“If possible I shall leave to-night,“ Neal and Teddy heard him say to the sailing master, “therefore it will be well to get your ambergris on shore before noon.“

Neither of the boys cared to see the town at the expense of walking around under the blazing sun, and when Mr. Emery was being rowed toward the dock-yard they joined Jake who, in the coolest spot under the awning, was watching the fishermen near by.

The water was clear as crystal, and of a bright greenish tinge which admitted of their seeing very distinctly the tiny fish of silver and golden hues as they darted to and fro; the violet and blue medusæ, and the cream-colored jelly-fish as big as a watermelon. There were angel fish of a bright blue tinge; yellow snappers; black and white sergeant majors; pilot fish; puff fish which could inflate their bodies until they were round as a ball, or flatten themselves to the shape of a griddle cake.

The cow fish attracted the boys‘ attention more particularly, for it had two horns, and its head was shaped exactly like a cow, and when one passed with a “calf“ as Teddy called it, swimming by her side, both agreed that it was well worth suffering so much from the heat to see such a sight. Fish of all colors and sizes swam around the yacht as if examining her hull, and the effect of such brilliant hues displayed through the crystal-like water was actually startling because of the gorgeousness.

Before they were weary of admiring this aquatic panorama Jake called their attention to a fisherman who, in a small canoe, was pursuing his vocation in a very odd manner.

In his boat he had a hideous looking sucking fish, around the tail of which was tied a long cord with a wooden float at one end. While the boys were watching him he dropped the monster overboard, and in an instant it darted at a medium-sized Jew fish, attaching itself to the latter by means of the sucking valve on the top of its head. Having done this he remained motionless, his victim seeming to be literally paralyzed, and there was nothing for the boatman to do but pull in on the float, disengage his animated fishhook by a dextrous pressure on the sucker after both had been drawn aboard, and send the repulsive looking servant out again.

Although the Jew fish must have weighed at least a hundred pounds, he was landed without difficulty, and Jake gravely assured his companions that a sucking fish could “pull up the whole bottom of the ocean providin‘ the rope on his tail was strong enough to stand the strain.“

Then the engineer told a story which did not bear quite so hard on the imagination since it was absolutely true, and began by saying as he pointed toward the little fortification known as Montague fort:

“That place has been the headquarters of at least a dozen pirates, the worst of which was called Black Beard, a bloodthirsty villain who sunk two vessels right where we are anchored this blessed minute. The feller‘s real name was John Teach, an‘ that big banyan tree over there is where he used to hold what he allowed was court martials.

“He was drunk about three-quarters of the time, an‘ allers had a great spree when there were any prisoners on hand. He an‘ his men would get the poor wretches to the tree, go through all the ceremony of a reg‘lar trial, an‘ allers end by stringin‘ every blessed one of ‘em up in such a way as to prevent ‘em from dyin‘ quick, when a fire‘d be built underneath, so‘s to roast the whole lot.

“They do say he buried all the treasure among the roots of the banyan, an‘ many‘s the one who has dug for it; but so far as I ever heard, not a single piece has been found. While he lived this wasn‘t a very pleasant harbor for them as cared about a livin‘ to make.“

“What became of him finally?“ Teddy asked.

“An English man-of-war got hold of him after awhile, an‘ he was strung on the yardarm to dry. If I‘d been in command of the vessel he should have found out how it felt to be roasted. Say, don‘t you boys want to go over to Potter‘s cay?“

“What is to be seen there?“ “The sponge yards, an‘ it‘s a great sight if you never visited one.“ “It is too hot,“ Neal replied with a very decided shake of the head.

Jake did not urge the matter, for just at that moment the second port boat was lowered, and Mr. Walters made ready to go ashore with his precious bundle of aromatic ambergris.

Idly the boys watched the perspiring party, pressing handkerchiefs to their faces meanwhile, since, despite the wrappings of canvas, the valuable mass gave most decided proof of its being in the vicinity, and when the boat started for the shore Neal and Teddy clambered into the hammocks, for even leaning over the rail was an exertion in the sultry atmosphere.

During the middle of the day both the boys slept, for a siesta is as necessary as food in hot climates, and when the light breeze of evening crept over the waters Mr. Emery came aboard with the welcome intelligence that his business had been concluded.

“We will get under way again before midnight,“ he said as he stepped over the rail, and was received by Mr. Walters. “Now that a breeze has set in it should be cool enough to permit of the men‘s working without fear of prostration.“ “It would use me up to walk fore and aft twice,“ Neal said in an undertone to Teddy; “but it isn‘t for us to complain of the heat if we can get out of this furnace.“

Jake was nowhere to be seen. It was as if after his invitation to go on shore had been declined he betook himself to some other portion of the yacht, where he could perspire without allowing the others to see his suffering, and the boys swung to and fro until the hour came when the singing of steam told that preparations for departure were being made.

There could be no doubt but that Nassau would be a pleasant place in which to spend the winter months; but it was by no means desirable during the summer, and when the Sea Dream left the little harbor where the water was hardly more than sufficient to float her, both Neal and Teddy gave vent to a sigh of relief.

“We are to run south until it is possible to give the banks a clear berth, and then stand straight up the coast for home,“ the former said as the yacht glided almost noiselessly over the phosphorescent lighted waters down the eastern side of the shoals. “If a good head of steam is kept on we should be in a colder latitude very soon.“

“We can‘t get there any too soon to please me,“ Teddy replied, as he waved the palm-leaf fan languidly. “I believe it would be a positive comfort to have my nose frost-bitten.“

“It isn‘t possible you will have such comfort as that for some time to come; but we may be able to make your teeth chatter in a few days,“ Neal replied laughingly, and then as the breeze caused by the movement of the yacht over the water fanned his face, he added sleepily, “Good night; I don‘t believe I shall open my eyes until after sunrise to-morrow.“

As a matter of fact this prediction was not verified; before evening a wind had come out of the sea which caused the yacht to bow before it like a reed in a storm, and the hammocks that, a few hours previous, had seemed so rest-inviting, were swinging at a rate that threatened to throw their occupants to the deck. “I fancy it is time we went below,“ Neal said, as he awakened his friend by a series of vigorous shakes. “If we stay here half an hour longer it will be doubtful whether we‘re on board or in the water.“

The Sea Dream‘s lee rail was already so near the surface that the green waves curled over it now and then, and before the boys could reach the cabin they were thoroughly drenched.

It was the greatest possible relief to crawl into the bunk and pull up the bed-clothes to defend themselves against the cold wind which came through the port-hole, and so delicious was this sense of being chilly that they failed to realize the cause of the sudden change in the weather, until they heard the sailing master in the cabin reply to Mr. Emery‘s question:

“You are getting your first taste of what is known as a norther; but there isn‘t the slightest danger if we can crawl away from the land, and we shall have no trouble in doing that so long as there is a full head of steam on.“

“What does he mean by a norther?“ Teddy asked of Neal, who had shown, by rising on his elbow, that he was awake.

“A wind coming from the north, more frequently met in the Gulf of Mexico, when the temperature falls very suddenly, as was the case this evening, and a furious gale is often the result.“

“So long as it holds cold I don‘t see that we have any cause to complain,“ was the sleepy rejoinder; but before the night came to a close he had good reason for changing his mind on the subject.

It was about midnight, as near as the boys could judge without looking at a watch, when the yacht was flung on her beam ends with a sudden force which threw both out of the berth, and before the port-hole could be fastened, flooded the state-room with water.

Teddy might well be excused for the shrill cry of alarm which escaped from his lips, for at that moment even an experienced sailor would have fancied the little craft had struck upon a reef, more particularly since it was known they were in a dangerous locality. “We are sinking!“ he cried frantically as he tried in vain to open the door, and Neal was of the same opinion.

After what seemed to be a very long while although in reality it could have been but a few seconds, the Sea Dream slowly righted, and then it was possible for the boys to gain the cabin.

Here they were met by Mr. Emery, who had just succeeded in leaving his own room, and before any conversation could be indulged in the steamer began pitching and rolling about in a manner that showed she was not on the reef even if the first shock had been the result of striking one.

It was only by holding with all their strength to the immovable articles of furniture that they avoided being flung from one end of the cabin to the other, as the yacht plunged and tossed, throwing violently to and fro everything which had not been securely fastened.

The cabin lamp was burning dimly, and the faint light only served to reveal more clearly the general confusion. Once amid the tumult the boys heard Mr. Emery shout: “Don‘t be frightened; if there was any immediate danger Mr. Walters would warn us.“

“He may not be able to come where we are,“ Teddy thought; but he refrained from giving words to such a dismal foreboding, and in silent fear waited for—he knew not what. CHAPTER IV.

A NEW DANGER. “We are laying-to,“ he said to Mr. Emery. “There is a nasty sea on, and I didn‘t care to take the chances of fighting against it.“ “How does she stand it?“ “It didn‘t seem like such a very pleasant fashion to us,“ Teddy said to Neal, who had succeeded in gaining a chair near his friend. “It appeared to me as if she kicked pretty hard about it,“ Neal replied, and then Mr. Emery asked: “What are the weather indications?“ “Because it has been a matter of impossibility to remain in the berths.“ “You can do so now without much difficulty. Come, boys, let me help you to turn in.“ “Why didn‘t you call one of the stewards to mop this up?“ the sailing master asked as he lighted the swinging lamp. “We haven‘t seen one since the gale begun,“ Neal replied with a laugh. “I fancy they were as much frightened as Teddy and I.“ “It won‘t take long to turn them out,“ and Mr. Walters started forward in a manner which boded no good for the skulkers. “Is it possible that you have been sleeping?“ Neal asked in surprise. “Why not?“ “I don‘t see how you could even lie down while the yacht was tumbling about in such a furious manner.“ With this remark the steward, having finished his work, left the room, and the boys were alone once more. “I‘m going on deck. It can‘t be much worse there, and it wouldn‘t be a bad idea to see what the ocean looks like in a gale.“ “I‘ll go too: but don‘t let‘s venture out of the companion-way, for the waves must be making a clean sweep over the decks.“ “What are we to do for breakfast?“ “Why, I thought we were hove to,“ Neal exclaimed in surprise as the engineer assisted him and Teddy to a seat by his side. “So we are; but it is necessary to keep the screw turning, otherwise it might not be possible to hold her in the proper position.“ “How long have you been on duty?“ “Since I saw you last.“ All this Jake explained when the boys visited him just previous to retiring, and he added in conclusion: “Will it be possible to get home as soon as father intended if we go so far out of the way?“ Neal asked. “If he don‘t do any cruisin‘ after he gets up north I reckon it could be done; but there‘s no sense in figgerin‘ on that till we‘re off Hatteras.“ In this he was correct. Twenty-four hours later the awnings were up, and all hands were panting under the blazing heat of a tropical sun. “What do you see that is so very interesting?“ “I was wondering what had happened to the galley pipe.“ “How do you know that it isn‘t all right?“ “I suppose it is; but it looks queer to see that smoke coming up as if from the deck.“ “Tumble up, boys, the yacht is on fire!“ CHAPTER V. FIGHTING THE FLAMES. How the fire had started no one knew, nor was any time spent in trying to ascertain, for every person had been detailed to some duty. “Of course. If the hold is filled with water she surely can‘t burn.“ “Are there boats enough to carry us all in case the fire does get the best of us?“ “Certainly; but it won‘t come to anything quite as bad as that.“ Before Teddy could ask another question one of the stewards shouted down the forward companion-way: “Mr. Emery says that his son is to come on deck. There is no need of two there.“ Neal obeyed the summons thinking he was to assist at the pumps; but in this he was speedily undeceived. He could find nothing there; but on searching the starboard gig he discovered a small quantity of wearing apparel. “I wonder if that is the craft he intends to go in, or have the clothes simply been thrown anywhere.“ “But you must keep her going, Jake. It would be terrible to take to the boats when there was no land in sight.“ “I‘m bound to do my best; but a man can go only so far. Do you know where we are?“ “No.“ “What is being done on deck?“ “The sailors are pumping, and the stewards are provisioning the boats.“ “A dead calm, as it was this morning.“ Jake remained silent a few moments as if revolving some plan in his mind, and then he said abruptly: “Neal, if we do have to put off you and Teddy must try to go in the same boat with me.“ “Unless father makes different arrangements.“ “How are things going on here?“ he asked, forcing himself to speak in a cheerful tone. “Can you get any idea of the fire?“ Neal obeyed, and immediately drew his hand back with a cry of mingled pain and fear. The planks were already so hot that it seemed as if the flesh must be burned. “Has father been here within a few moments?“ “He has just left.“ “Did he say anything?“ “I believe now that he does; but I didn‘t when I left you. Everything is ready for us to abandon her when nothing more can be done.“ “Are we to go in the small boats?“ asked Teddy, excitedly. “It will be horrible,“ Teddy whispered as if to himself, and Neal added: “I‘ll tell father what Jake said, and then come straight back to stay with you.“ “Don‘t be away long. It seems as if I had been deserted, when there is no one here.“ After repeating the engineer‘s message he asked: “Can I go back where Teddy is? I think it frightens him to stay there alone.“ THE LAST RESORT. “Have the crew been told off?“ “I will attend to that now.“ Nothing save the clank of the pumps and the throbbing of the screw could be heard. “Shall we come with you, father?“ Teddy shouted. “I don‘t think it will be advisable to make any change now, and you are as safe in one boat as another.“ “I‘ll answer for them,“ Jake cried cheerily, and the sailing master added: “Jake can handle a small boat better than any one here, therefore you need not fear an accident will result through carelessness.“ “How am I to steer?“ the engineer asked. “The poor thing can‘t swim much longer,“ Jake said, as if speaking to himself. “The boiler will explode——“ “Ay, ay,“ the engineer replied, as he looked around in vain for some sign of the wind, and then he added in a low tone to the boys: “I allow Mr. Walters is off in his reckonin‘ this time, for there isn‘t a breath of air stirring now.“ “We may get it later,“ Neal said apprehensively, and Jake muttered to himself; but yet so loud that Teddy could hear him: “It‘ll be tough on us if it comes out of the wrong quarter.“ The breeze which Mr. Walters predicted came up from the east, and as its first influence was felt Jake shouted in a tone of relief: “Where are the others?“ “Considerable distance astern. I knew this one could show them her heels.“ “But the orders were that we must not separate,“ Neal exclaimed in alarm. “But suppose we never see them again?“ “Don‘t worry about that; we‘re all headin‘ in the same direction, an‘ have only got to wait till they overtake us after land is sighted.“ Just as the day was breaking Neal awoke, and then he aroused Teddy by asking Jake: “Can you see the other boats?“ “Not yet; but some of them may be in sight at sunrise. It isn‘t possible their lights would show up more than a mile off.“ ON SHORE. “How long do you think it ought to be before we sight the land?“ Neal asked. “No signs of land yet?“ “No sir; but the Cuban coast, if that‘s what we‘re headin‘ for, is so low that we wouldn‘t be likely to raise it till we got close on.“ Jake ate supper before taking his seat at the helm, and then the boys were advised to lie down as on the preceding night. “You‘ll be comfortable there, and won‘t stand so much of a chance of gettin‘ wet.“ “It seems as if my bones were coming through the skin, and I‘m sore all over.“ It seemed as if twenty hours instead of ten had passed when one of the men in the bow cried joyfully: “If I don‘t see the loom of land now it‘s because I never saw such a sight before.“ “Where away?“ Jake asked, straining his eyes in the vain effort to discern anything amid the gloom. “Dead ahead as we are running. It must be somethin‘ more‘n a cay, or it wouldn‘t show up so big.“ Now the roar of surf was heard, and Jake said in a troubled tone: “I don‘t see how we are to make it after all, unless we plump her straight on, an‘ that‘s likely to be a dangerous experiment.“ “Why not take in the sail, and work the oars; then you can pick a landing place?“ “All right, let go the halyards; but instead of furling the canvas you can stow it under one of the thwarts.“ “Hold on, boys, it would be worse than folly to attempt to run in there while the sea is so high.“ “Can‘t you find a better place?“ one of the men asked. “It appears to be the same all along for a mile or so in either direction.“ The sailors were determined to make the attempt regardless of his warnings, and after a few moments he refused to argue longer. “So she‘ll strike higher up on the beach, of course, otherwise she‘d be stove before you could say Jack Robinson.“ “Do as you please, an‘ so will I. Shall I steer her in now?“ The sailors kicked off their boots, and began pulling vigorously at the oars while Jake said in a low tone to the boys: The boat was shot suddenly forward with the water dashing above the stern and sides, and Jake shouted: “Over with you now!“ “Take hold and shove her further up!“ Jake shouted. “Work now as you never did before, or we shall lose all our stores!“ “Where are they?“ Jake watched the boiling waters several seconds before he replied mournfully: “Do you mean that all three have been drowned?“ Neal cried. Teddy and Neal followed him, and when five minutes passed there could be no further doubt. SUSPENSE. How long they remained on the shore in an apathy of despair not one of that party ever knew. “When do you think the other boats should arrive?“ Neal asked. “Of course they are bound to land here?“ “Of course. Where else would they come?“ “It wouldn‘t be a bad idea for us to hunt a little while for something in the shape of a vegetable, or we shall soon run short of provisions.“ Not until late in the afternoon did the boys awaken, and then Neal said as he sprang to his feet: “You needn‘t worry about that, lad. I‘ve kept honest watch, and not so much as the wing of a sea gull has appeared above the horizon.“ Before going very far he saw the engineer‘s footprints on the sand, and shouted excitedly: “Some one has been here! Perhaps father arrived before we did.“ “There‘s no such good luck,“ Jake replied. “While you fellows were snoozing I went a long bit in that direction.“ “All right, provided Jake is willing to stay here alone.“ “Not more than half a mile,“ Teddy replied. “What is the general appearance of the country?“ As he spoke Teddy pulled up his shirt sleeve, and pointed to several black specks on his skin. “Are you going to cut them out?“ Teddy asked in alarm. Jake set about the work in a methodical manner, causing Teddy to cry aloud very often as the insects were pulled or dug from the flesh. ACROSS THE COUNTRY. For the first time Neal began to despair concerning his father, and returning to the camp he said in a voice choked by sobs: “Then you do believe that they won‘t come here?“ “Yes.“ “Why haven‘t you proposed to make some change?“ “Do you think we are likely to be taken off by a vessel?“ “What do you want to do?“ “Why not follow along the beach?“ Neal was silent for a moment, and Teddy took advantage of the opportunity to ask: “You know best what should be done,“ Neal said, speaking slowly, “and I am ready to do as you propose.“ Jake advanced as if unable to believe the evidences of his own senses, and said hesitatingly: “I can‘t promise that you won‘t be troubled by such visitors; but you are welcome to do as you choose.“ Jake threw himself on the ground, asking as he did so: “You are now in Yucatan, and probably know perfectly well how near to the coast, for——“ “In Yucatan?“ Jake repeated in surprise. “Exactly, and not so very far from the famed Silver City of the Chan Santa Cruz Indians.“ “Tell me how such a mistake was made.“ “That is exactly what I don‘t know myself; but it won‘t take long to explain why we are here.“ “I fail to understand how,“ Jake replied in perplexity. A STRANGE STORY. “Now if you wish to hear the story I promised to tell there is nothing to prevent.“ “I would certainly like to know how it happens that you are living alone in this forest,“ Jake replied. “Is that the name of a town, or do you mean that the precious metal is so plentiful there?“ Teddy interrupted. “Have you remained here two years doing nothing else but studying how to reach the village?“ Neal asked. “Where is the man you speak of?“ “He went to Merida three days ago; but will return by the day after to-morrow if no accident has befallen him.“ “When are you going to make the attempt to get through the swamp?“ “Very soon if you accept my proposition.“ “What have we to do with it?“ Jake asked in surprise. “How can that be possible?“ “But you said the old Indian would not return for three days,“ Jake interrupted. “And what is your idea?“ Cummings asked as he looked toward Teddy. The young man then turned to Neal questioningly, and the latter said hesitatingly: “And since that cannot be done you have no objections to joining us in the visit to the Silver City?“ “I don‘t know. You would not go until to-morrow, so we have a chance to discuss the matter among ourselves.“ “Very true. I‘ve some work to attend to, and while I am away you will be able to talk privately.“ Then Cummings arose, went toward the house and when he disappeared from view Neal said to Jake: “First explain that we must leave Yucatan on the next steamer which starts from Progresso.“ “I‘ll do it, and if he is so certain that we shall be out of the Silver City in that time there can be no reason for any fault-finding.“ THE JOURNEY. “We are near the canoe, and it only remains to watch for Poyor, who should be here by morning. I‘ll stand guard while the others sleep.“ “Do you want to give up the job now?“ “I‘d be ashamed to do that, for it would look as if we were afraid; but I‘m sorry we agreed to the plan;“ and Teddy replied heartily: “So am I.“ “It‘s time to start. The Indian has come, an‘ ain‘t half as bad a lookin‘ man as I counted on seeing.“ “Poyor has just arrived,“ Cummings said by way of explanation; “and according to his belief it is well for us to start at once.“ “Where has he gone?“ Teddy asked. “After the canoe; it is but a short distance from here.“ “Don‘t you dare to cook breakfast?“ “Now you have a chance to finish your nap,“ Cummings whispered as, kneeling aft, he began to assist Poyor in propelling the craft. “Don‘t you want us to help?“ Teddy asked. “No, there will be nothing you can do until we enter the Silver City.“ “What is the matter?“ Neal asked in a whisper, and Cummings replied in the same cautious tone: “Nothing. It would be in the highest degree dangerous to travel very far now that it is light.“ “How long are we to stay here?“ “Until the darkness comes again.“ “Wouldn‘t it be safe to go on the bank where we can stretch our legs?“ “We must not leave the boat. It will be only for a few hours, and then we shall have plenty of exercise paddling.“ There was nothing left for it, however, but to continue on since they were in the swamp, and after a time Neal said petulantly: “Well make the best of it, and if an opportunity should occur to go to Once, about midnight, when they halted a moment for Poyor to reconnoiter, Neal whispered to the leader: “How many nights of this kind of traveling is necessary before we reach the city?“ THE SILVER CITY. Cummings dealt out some food; but none of the party ate it. Hunger had been banished by suspense, anxiety and anticipation. Gradually the gloom was dispelled, and it became possible to see the varied forms of life everywhere around. One glance appeared to be sufficient for the leader of the party, and as he descended he whispered to Neal: One singular fact was noted by Teddy, and he called Neal‘s attention to it. “After that anything seems possible,“ Neal replied with a sigh as if weary of gazing at so much magnificence. “Save some adjectives expressive of admiration until we are in the city, when I fancy you will see very much that is more curious.“ “If that is the case how are we to get in there?“ Neal asked. “But suppose he stays away until a party of Indians take it into their heads to come in this direction?“ “But suppose the Indians get hold of us?“ “Even if we succeed in reaching the city I can‘t understand how it will be possible to carry away much gold.“ “Nor I; but yet you know a small package is valuable, and five persons could lug a great deal.“ “Do you fancy he brought us simply to carry the treasure for him?“ “If he did that what is to prevent us from doing the same?“ Jake asked as the leader paused for an instant. “Is he to go on alone?“ Jake asked. “How long are we to stay there?“ “A week if necessary.“ “A week!“ Teddy and Neal cried in concert. “Yes, and I hope we shall be able to remain concealed in the house during that time, otherwise it may go hard with us.“ IN THE CITY. “What shall we do in case he refuses?“ “We are three out of a party of five, and should be able to arrange matters to our own liking.“ “Are you sick?“ Teddy asked in alarm. The young man shook his head. “It is time. Poyor shall lead the way, and I will bring up the rear.“ The decisive moment had arrived. “Now what is to be done?“ Neal asked as Cummings started toward the stairway. “I wish to bar the lower door, for it would be exceedingly inconvenient if we should have callers.“ “It strikes me that there will be very little chance to get gold if we are to stay shut up here.“ “What is the matter?“ Teddy asked, and Cummings replied carelessly: “Go back; I do not wish to die.“ This remark silenced Jake, but he was by no means convinced of its truthfulness, as could be told by his whispered remark to Neal: THE FESTIVAL. It can well be imagined with what anxiety the party in the building looked through the narrow apertures at the crowd below. “If they have got nothing but arrows we ought to be able to hold a large number in check with our guns.“ “Do you think they have learned that we are here?“ Five minutes later the cause of this sudden change of demeanor became apparent. “There are many of the same kind in the city.“ Cummings added, “and we should be able to get off with some before a week is ended.“ “Then that is the plan you have formed?“ Neal said interrogatively. “Do you think anything has happened to him?“ Neal asked. “Of course I can‘t even guess; but it is very strange he has waited so long.“ Noon came, and once more the streets were nearly deserted, for the inhabitants of the city were indulging in a siesta. Now Cummings stationed himself at the window, peering out eagerly; but all in vain. “It‘s no use, I can‘t even force it down. Why did we come here, knowing at least a portion of the danger?“ “Could you find the way to the boat if we never saw him again?“ Teddy asked. “Yes, although we might have some trouble in doing so.“ It was as if every one was perfectly happy, and this condition of affairs caused Cummings to feel less despondent. “Such as what?“ “It was necessary we should know exactly the strength and whereabouts of the searching party. That he has discovered.“ Jake was silenced, and Poyor continued to tell his story, but still speaking in his own language. While this was going on Teddy whispered to Neal: “Don‘t speak of such horrible things, Teddy. We are not captured yet, and there is no sense in looking trouble in the face.“ A RETREAT. “Isn‘t it possible the Indians will think it is a craft belonging to some of their own people?“ Neal asked. “Then we‘ve got no chance of escaping,“ Jake cried passionately, and Cummings replied calmly: “Then you have given up all hope of carrying away any treasure?“ “Then we are to say that the attempt has been a failure,“ Jake added in a tone of reproach. “But how are we to be paid for the time spent?“ Jake asked fretfully. “What do you propose to do?“ Neal asked, with a glance at Jake which should have silenced him. “Our scheme necessitates an immediate move, for, as yet, no attempt has been made to learn if there are any strangers in the city.“ “Then you propose to go without making any effort to carry away gold?“ Jake asked. Jake remained silent, and Neal said: “Don‘t waste any more time talking. Let us start at once.“ Cummings spoke with Poyor, and the latter replied with the air of one who considers himself vanquished, after which the former said: “We will start for the sea coast. There is no immediate hurry, for there is yet at least six hours before the inhabitants will be stirring.“ “There must be sentinels on the east as well as the west side,“ Teddy suggested. “What does the Indian say?“ “He thinks we can go through the swamp even if we have no boat: but, in my opinion, the danger of contracting the fever is too great.“ Jake had the appearance of a man who is about to make some protest, and Neal whispered to him: Neal paid no attention to the latter portion of this remark, but said as he turned toward the leader: “It is all right; we are ready.“ “Do as you think best,“ Neal replied, and then, falling back by the side of Teddy, he whispered: “If it hadn‘t been for me you wouldn‘t have gotten into this scrape; in case anything happens try not to believe it was my fault.“ DISCOVERED. “Go on, Jake. Don‘t stop now when we have a chance of getting away in safety, for what is gold in comparison with life?“ By this time Poyor turned back to learn the cause of the halt, and when it was explained he said gravely: “I am goin‘ to have one of them images, no matter what happens,“ “But think of us,“ Teddy whispered. “We all run the risk of being killed because of what you propose to do.“ “There‘s no need of your waitin‘ here. Go on, an‘ I‘ll take care of myself. I ain‘t such a chump as not to be able to find my way out.“ “It is cruel to leave him when you know he will be killed,“ Neal said as he struggled in vain to release himself from the Indian‘s grasp. “He has toppled over one of the columns, and discovery is now certain. He has insured our destruction as well as his own.“ “I can hold out as long as Neal; but neither of us are a match for Poyor.“ “He could run all day.“ “There is one close behind who must be stopped. Will you do it, or shall I?“ “Help Teddy along, while I try it.“ “Don‘t shoot! It‘s me!“ a familiar voice cried, and as Cummings turned to resume the flight he muttered to himself: “It‘s a pity they haven‘t caught you. But for your folly we could have passed through the city unobserved.“ There was a loud report, a cry of pain from one of the pursuers, and all halted for an instant to aid their wounded companion. When Cummings turned to continue the flight Jake was by his side, saying as they ran: This confession and the proposition to sacrifice himself had the effect of dissipating Cummings‘ anger, and he said decidedly: Nearer and nearer come the pursuers. Once more Cummings halts, discharges his rifle, and then presses forward. “If he can keep that up long enough we shall give them the slip after all,“ Jake said, speaking with difficulty as he gasped for breath. “There are others to be met. Between here and the coast is a line of sentinels who may be more vigilant than those in the swamp.“ “It hasn‘t been such a very hard job; but I‘m perfectly willing to give it up if you are feeling better.“ “We are both in fair condition,“ Teddy replied, and being relieved of the burdens the men were able to travel more rapidly. During the next ten minutes not a word was spoken, and then Cummings said as he halted: “We‘ll take a little rest, for I am nearly blown.“ All threw themselves on the ground where they lay panting until, recovering somewhat, Jake asked: “How is Poyor to find us in this thicket? He can‘t follow a trail in the darkness.“ “He will succeed in doing so as—— Say, are you wounded?“ “One of those fellows cut my cheek open with a rock; but beyond the pain I don‘t reckon there‘s been any great damage done.“ A HALT. “But you also came hoping to take away their treasure,“ Neal said, smiling at Cummings‘ vehemence. “It is not a good watch you keep,“ he said to Cummings, speaking in English. “We cannot guard against such an approach as yours. Where are the enemy?“ “Shall we go on now, or will you rest awhile?“ “I am ready. We have no time to lose.“ Cummings rose to his feet, the others following his example, and the Indian started forward without delay. “How far are we from the sea-shore?“ Cummings asked as the march began. “But we may have to stay two or three weeks.“ “Better that than to be captured,“ Cummings replied, and then he relapsed into silence. “I must rest awhile,“ he said. “My feet are sore, and it seems impossible to take another step.“ Poyor halted, was about to seat himself, and then, as if suddenly remembering something, he said: “Wait here. I will soon be back.“ An hour passed before the apparently tireless Poyor returned, and he awakened the sleepers by saying: “I have found that for which I sought. Come with me, and repose until labor will seem a pleasure.“ “What is it? A cave?“ Neal asked sleepily. Cummings led the way, and while he was doing so Teddy asked Poyor: “Have you been here often before?“ “This is the first time.“ “How could you see a small hole like that while it is so dark?“ “I don‘t understand where the food comes in unless we are to live on bats,“ Neal said laughingly, as he in turn entered the aperture.