II CHARLES LINCOLN Frederick Young A NOVEL By CHARLES LINCOLN PHILLIPS * Illustrated Boston & & Henry A. Dickerman & Son Publishers Copyright, 1900, by Charles Lincoln Phillips. Copyright, 1901, by Henry A. Dickerman & Son. First impression, May, 1901. Second impression, June, 1901. H. M. PLIMPTON & CO., PRINTERS A BINDER*, NORWOOD, MASS., U.S.A. CONTENTS. CHAPTER I. Young, Clark & Co. An earnest conversation The Aus- tralian office needs personal supervision Who shall we send to Melbourne? None of the members of the firm want to go Why not send Fred? An excellent open- ing for him Marion Should the young lovers be parted for two* or more years? 1-5 CHAPTER II. Mr. Young's up-town residence In the library Father and son have an interview A generous offer I think I shall accept Must start by December 1, 1878 What route to take to the Antipodes Via San Francisco, Honolulu, Auckland, and Sidney to Melbourne Fred wishes to break the news to Marion 6-10 CHAPTER III. Fred presents himself at the Stillman mansion Important news I am going to Australia Marion sorrowful It will be for the best, and the time will soon pass away A dangerous rival Robert hates Fred Marion fearful that Robert will work harm 11-13 . CHAPTER IV. The Australian agent cables his resignation Fred departs for San Francisco Robert Clark makes himself obnox- ious to Marion Marion speaks plainly Robert is cool and collected superficially, but angry within A mur- derous plan formulated Chemistry and natural philo- sophy methodically used by the villain 14-17 IV CONTENTS. CHAPTEK V. Marion receives a letter from Fred, post-marked Honolulu, Hawaii A pleasant voyage Semi-tropical islands Kilauea Marion in better spirits Eobert Clark con- spicuous by his absence Another letter Fred arrives safely at his destination 18-20 CHAPTER VI. Eighteen months have elapsed since Fred went away He will sail for home about February 1, 1881 Marion meets Eobert Clark The latter goes to Europe Rob- ert in Egypt Up the Nile to the interior of Africa Deception To Australia in disguise An assumed name Rivals meet, but only one recognizes the other.21-25 CHAPTER VII. Fred prepares to sail for home The steamship Polynesia Fred engages passage Robert Clark and his infernal machine A chest of dynamite Robert makes a doubt- ful shipment on the Polynesia The villain allowed to perfect his plans 26-32 CHAPTER VIII. The future looks bright and promising to Fred A wedding in prospect Fred absent from New York for over two years He longed to see Prince, his noble St. Bernard dog The Polynesia ready for sea The rivals again meet, but Fred does not penetrate Robert's disguise Down Port Phillip Bay Robert leaves Australia 33-35 CHAPTER IX. At sea Bass Strait, Victoria, and Tasmania North Cape, N. Z. Fifteen hundred miles from Melbourne Tropi- cal islands and coral reefs Natives A new acquaint- ance An animated encyclopedia Samuel P. Ells- worth, of Watertown, N. Y. Melbourne five thousand miles astern A dense fog A huge shark A naturalist expounds on various subjects A terrific explosion CONTENTS. V Fire The ship is sinking Terror and confusion The first life-boat The second boat is made ready The steamship sinks in mid-ocean A sad catastrophe Two men at the mercy of the waves 36-43 CHAPTER X. In peril A discovery On the broad ocean in a small boat A disagreeable night An improvised sailing craft The fog clears away No land and not even a sail in sight Mr. Ellsworth talks on history and science... 44-58 CHAPTER XI. To the southwest Ancient history and astronomy A phosphorescent sea The scientist explains Rain pre dieted The life-boat in danger Fred discovers land.59-69 CHAPTER XII. An isolated peak An unknown island A gale of wind and a turbulent sea A gallant little boat Coral reefs An interesting shore A dangerous barrier directly ahead A miraculous escape In a harbor of safety Intense darkness and torrents of rain On guard Inhabited or uninhabited? Cocoanuts in great abundance Fruit-eating pigeons and eggs A tropical forest Rocky foot-hills Return to the beach Mys- terious disappearance of the life-boat 70-81 CHAPTER XHI. Castaways in trouble A rough habitation Up the moun- tain On the summit An uninhabited and solitary islet An entrancing bird's-eye view Empire Island A signal Sylvan lake Limestone cliffs A stalactite cave; Aladdin's discovery could not have been more beautiful 82-100 CHAPTER XIV. At work on Mount Ellsworth The construction of Cocoa- nut Grove Cabin Hunting and fishing Coastwise ex- VI CONTENTS. plorations Grouse and custard-apples Scientific discussions Flying-foxes Sulphur-crested cockatoos Mangoes Mangrove forests Bread-fruit Home again Mr. Ellsworth takes observations Approxi- mate latitude and longitude of Empire Island Send- ing inscribed planks to sea 101-126 CHAPTEE XV. News from Fred Why does he not come Bad tidings received in New York Marion very low with an inter- mittent fever The months slip by and nothing is heard from Fred Marion better News from the lost ship Mr. Young makes a suggestion Captain Ashton, of Mr. Young's private yacht The palatial Altair At the pier The Youngs and Stillmans depart for the Southern Hemisphere The shores of home fade in the distance Bermuda Dolphins Nearing the equa- tor; it is passed 127-143 CHAPTEK XVI. Cape St. Roque Falkland Islands A remarkable vegetable production Through the Magellan Strait Wonderful scenes Big game A dead shot Natives In the Pa- cific Valparaiso Off for the Island World Prince mystifies the voyagers The Society Islands Pa- peete 144-162 CHAPTEE XVTI. The steamship Qermania arrives from Europe Robert Clark one of the passengers Mother and son Balked Robert confused A diamond robbery Detective Slocum 163-168 CHAPTER XVIII. Empire Island again Mr. Ellsworth speculates on un- known things Two remarkable events Ignored Dis- appointed Castaways W T e must act for ourselves A practical mind to the rescue Hewing planks from tree butts Boat building Science talks 169-186 CONTENTS. Vll CHAPTEE XIX. Searching 1 Tahiti A little comedy Among the Tahitians An attack A narrow escape Back on shipboard A big reward offered Atolls Beautiful, verdant islets 187-204 CHAPTEE XX. The twenty-pounder arouses the natives A night attack The Altair the scene of action Killed and wounded Where is Marion? Abducted by savages Volunteers to the rescue Prince missing Prince is found A perilous moment A superhuman intelligence Happi- ness reigns on the Altair 205-222 CHAPTEE XXI. Cocoanuts and luscious fruits in abundance A huge che- lonian Fishing for pearls Pitcairn's Island A strange episode The French captain Hope Off for New Zealand An appalling phenomenon The yacht roughly handled by Neptune 223-243 CHAPTEE XXII. Auckland Adolphe Duran At sea Napier To the Taupo Lake region Umbrageous tracts of country The lands of ferns Captain Ashton talks entomology The Kaimanawha Mountains Tongariro The Kain- garoa Plain Taupo Lake , . . . , .244-262 CHAPTEE XXIII. The mshing Waikato Chief Hemipo Stalagmite deposits Geysers and sulphur springs Fumaroles and solfa- tars Mischievous wekas Strange specimens Orakei- Korako An entrancing scene Eeihana's pah The old chief himself Skilled diplomacy wins 263-278 CHAPTEE XXIV. Three strangers Disappointment Emancipated from slavery Treachery feared The natives thwarted A Vlll CONTENTS. violent electrical storm Under the cliffs. An inter- ruption Eoto Mahana The pink terraces Natural baths Nature's wonders revealed Back to the Wai- kato 279-298 CHAPTER XXV. Another route to Napier A large geyser An eruption Fossil Moas The advent of a wild boar Surprised by savages An exciting fight Repeating rifles win A second alarm The Altair in sight Prince again displays a remarkable power Marion not disappointed Auckland again 299-311 CHAPTER XXVI. At sea once more Kermadec Islands; the Hervey group Noukahiva Sea turtle's eggs Amusing visitors The search formally declared at an end Polynesia left astern Flying-fishes The wandering albatross In the Bay of Valparaiso 312-329 CHAPTER XXVTI. Juan Fernandez A short visit to Robinson Crusoe's Island History in brief On the heights Peculiar vegeta- tion Seals and sea-lions Prince strangely excited An investigation 330-341 CHAPTER XXVHI. Work at Empire Island Astronomical lore A new sun A wonderful phenomenon Is it aberration of the brain? The scientist explains The significance of carbon crystals in a meteorite Mr. Ellsworth lost by his own imagination Fred puzzled The palolo of Polynesia 342-357 CHAPTER XXIX. The boat nears completion The Hope; our hope The scientist makes a compass Magnetism discussed A new theory explained An original idea advanced CONTENTS. IX Half a gale The island trembles A cruel catastro- phe Out in the storm Circumstances could not have been more merciless Despondency A strange sound on Empire Island A welcome visitor in Coral Bay 358-378 CHAPTEK XXX. Supreme joy The lovers, after years of separation, meet Prince the hero of the hour Empire Island not on the charts The scientist's reckoning proved to be sub- stantially correct The Manatee A technical compari- son Homeward bound Castaways for two years The New York Press comments on the return of the Altair A happy wedding A cable message from Europe A stranger calls on Fred A startling revela- tionA letter from Mr. Ellsworth The end. . . .379-401 FREDERICK YOUNG. CHAPTER I. THE NEW YORK OFFICE. Within the richly appointed office of Young, Clark & Co., importers and wholesale dealers in cotton and wool, on a dismal day in November, sat the three members of the firm in earnest conversation. It was one of those disagreeable days when New York city, the metropolis of the Western world, was enveloped in a cold fog which had blown up from the lower bay. Occasional showers of cold rain added to the discomfort of those who were unfortunately obliged to be abroad. I say obliged to be, for surely if one had any choice, he, on such a day as this, would prefer the comforts of home to nature's hospi- tality, which is served out alike to all, regardless of sta- tion, wealth or potentiality. The rain spitefully hurled itself against the plate-glass windows ; sudden gusts of wind made the shutters rattle ; water-proof covered pedestrians hurried restlessly to and fro; huge umbrellas constantly darkened the' win- dows, but those within anpeared to be unconscious of the inclemency without. And why should it have been otherwise? A cheerful fire burned in the grate; a com- fortable warmth pervaded the apartment; the rich cherry furniture and finish added a harmonious half-tone to the surroundings, while the heavy Turkey carpet and the comfortably fashioned, leather-covered chairs in which the three gentlemen were seated, completed a tout ensem- ble which those of worldly means only can enjoy. 2 FREDERICK YOUNG. The senior partner, William C. Young, was a short, portly gentleman of about sixty years of age. His fea- tures were regular and very pronounced; his eyes were of a clear, bluish-gray, while a frank and genial expres- sion lurked within their depths. The heavy eyebrows were surmounted by a broad and full forehead, which denoted comprehensiveness, while his hair and long, full beard were quite gray, as became a man of his years. Mr. Young was very thorough and just in his business transactions; his disposition was kindly, and he was much esteemed by all who came in social or commercial contact with him. Benjamin T. Clark was forty-seven years of age, and nearly the opposite of Mr. Young, as he was tall, slimly built, very dark complexioned, and had a sort of distin- guished bearing. By his business colleagues he was called handsome. His eyes were dark and piercing; his features regular, while his jet-black hair and closely cropped beard were glossy and silky, and they were always brushed and trimmed with faultless exactitude. In his business dealings he was said to be keen, but hon- est and courteous, and he was generally liked both by rivals in business and by contemporaries in general. Allen E. Stillman, who came third, was the youngest of the trio, being but forty-four years old. He was tall in stature, but rather light complexioned; his hair in- clined to curl; his face was cleanly shaven and his gen- eral features indicated a religious benevolence. On the whole, Mr. Stillman might be called a plain appearing gentleman, but this absence of superficial attractiveness was offset by his exceptional conversational powers. All these gentlemen were wealthy; in fact, their busi- ness, to be carried on successfully, required a large capital. Mr. Young established his first enterprise about thirty years previous to the opening of this narrative. He started as a cotton broker, and by assiduous labor and FREDERICK YOUNG. 3 the cooperation of his partners, who were taken into the firm several years later, he gradually built up one of the best wholesale houses on the western continent. The name of Young, Clark & Co. was universally known, and by its rivals, even, was acknowledged to be integrity personified. The Australian branch office, located at Melbourne, Victoria, had for some time been in a state of decline. In fact, it lacked the vitality of personal management, which, by the way, is very essential to the success of such a branch. A trusted agent had charge of the foreign office, and he was perfectly honest and gave satisfaction as far as his regular duties were concerned. The members of the firm had discussed this matter jointly, and they had mutually agreed that more inter- ested supervision abroad would have a tendency to in- crease the returns of the office in question, at the expira- tion of the fiscal year. The earnest conversation previously referred to, con- cerned this vital question. The enigma to be solved was : "In whom shall we vest the authority of reestablishing the Melbourne branch to its former maximum of pros- perity?" The interrogative was more easily propounded than answered. It by rights ought to be a member of the company, but which one? Mr. Young thought he was too old to make the journey and stay away from home so long, and then, he was the bone and sinew of the home office. His part- ners, even, agreed that Mr. Young could not be spared, much to that gentleman's satisfaction. Mr. Clark objected to going on the ground that he could not leave home and his social connections for two years, which was the time deemed necessary to live in kangaroo land. In fact, he would much rather that someone else accepted the commission. "Perhaps Mr. Stillman will relieve our anxiety by grasping the opportunity to see this far-off country. Re- 4 FREDERICK YOUNG member, Mr. Stillman, the adage, 'Opportunity has hair in front, but is bald behind/ and act accordingly," said Mr. Clark. "Many thanks, Mr. Clark, but I must decline to clutch opportunity by the forelock this time. My wife and my daughter, Marion, positively refuse to accompany me, and I cannot leave them for such an extended period. I would not mind if it were for a short time, but as Marion says, 'Twenty-four months; seven hundred and thirty days, just think of it; why, the idea is preposterous!' " It was very evident that someone outside of those di- rectly interested would have to be sent to Melbourne. There were many objections to doing this, but it could not be helped, for there was no alternative. At this juncture Mr. Young said: "Gentlemen, I suggest that we send my son Fred, who I think is capable of conducting the business in a manner satisfactory to all concerned. He has been in our office a great deal during his vacations, and he is well informed regarding our routine business; he has made an excel- lent record at Yale University, and graduated with hon- ors. This will be a fine opening for him, and, I think, an advantage for us. It is not my purpose, gentlemen, to eulogize my son, and I would not speak of him in such laudable terms to strangers, but you know my boy nearly as well as I know him myself." "You do quite right, Mr. Young; your son is a com- mendable young man and I am sure he would handle our foreign affairs with ability and success, and I, for my part, approve of sending him," responded Mr. Stillman. "I also approve of sending Fred, for he is a young man with whom we may place our foreign business with con- fidence, but have you conferred with him regarding this matter?" said Mr. Clark. "No, and I presume I ought to have done so before broaching the subject here, but then, I think he will be pleased with the offer and the confidence placed in him." FREDERICK YOUNG. 5 "I can think of but one obstacle," said Mr. Dark. "To what do you refer?" Mr. Young inquired. "I refer to the attachment existing between Marion and Fred," replied Mr. Clark. "Yes," reflectively, "they think a great deal of each other, and they may object to being parted for so long, but they are just from school and too young to marry. If Fred should go they can write each other every mail if they choose, and then the two years will soon pass*by." "Marion will take it greatly to heart, I am sure," said Mr. Stillman. "No doubt but that they both will," said Mr. Young, "but I think it will be for the best for Fred to go. I will lay the proposition before him this evening, and in the meantime we will let the matter rest." Marion Stillman and Frederick Young had been to- gether from infancy. The parents had always been on intimate terms and their children had been brought to- gether constantly. Fred was Marion's hero and she was his especial favorite. When playmates they avowed life- long constancy to each other, and as the years went by the- juvenile attachment, at maturity, ripened into the deepest and purest love. Constance, Fred's sister, was a pretty and lovable child, and she had, at the time we are now considering, devel- oped into a beautiful young woman of eighteen summers. She was two years younger than Marion and four years younger than Fred. While the kind brother was diligently pursuing his studies at Yale the two girls were no less busy at Vassar. Since graduation the lovers had been enjoying each others society almost constantly, and it was with great difficulty that their parents could bring themselves to the point of broaching the subject which was destined to part these happy young people for so long a time. FREDERICK YOUNG. CHAPTER II. FRED DECIDES TO GO TO MELBOURNE. That evening, Mr. Young sat in his comfortable and well-filled library in his up-town residence. He had finished the evening papers and had fallen into deep medi- tation; his eyes were fixed on the heavy walnut cases, which were filled with uniformly bound volumes, and yet he did not appear to see them. Evidently his mind was occupied with thoughts that made him oblivious to his surroundings. Suddenly, as if he had at that moment arrived at a conclusion, he arose and touched an electric button. A few seconds later the heavy oak door noise- lessly opened and a neatly dressed servant appeared. "James," said Mr. Young, "is Fred at home this even- ing?" "Yes, sir." "If he is at liberty, please ask him to step in here." "Yes, sir," said James, retiring with a deferential bow. A moment elapsed, when the door again opened and a rather light complexioned young man, with a blond mustache, frank, dark blue eyes, a broad and intellec- tual forehead, surmounted with light curly hair, entered the room and closed the door softly. He then respect- fully said to Mr. Young: "Father, have you something to say to me?" "Yes, Fred, be seated, I have something of importance to communicate to you." Mr. Young occupied an arm-chair on the right of the open grate, which was well filled with cannel coal, and the clear, yellow flames gave the room a cheerful home-like appearance, while the warmth was most agreeable on this particular night, which was cold and wet out of doors. FREDERICK YOUNG. 1 Fred drew a luxurious plush chair up to the left of the fire, seated himself, and turned to his father inter- rogatively. "Fred," Mr. Young began, "you are now through with your studies, the future lies before you, a closed book, as it were, and you know not whether it is good or bad; but, my son, it depends on you, to a great extent, how that book shall begin and how it shall end. It is for you to cut and pave the way to success, or failure, as the case may be. It is needless, perhaps, to say that the former is much more difficult to attain than the latter; but, I think you will be successful, that is, if you continue to do in the future as you have done in the past. I have been eminently successful in my business, and in a few years I intend to retire from active commercial life and transfer my interests in the firm to you. I am not quite ready, however; I want to see a little more service before pass- ing into disuse. Now, before saying anything more, have you any choice regarding vvhat you are to do in the future? Have you thought the matter over, and have you an inclination for any particular line of work?" "Yes, father, I have thought this matter over a great: deal, and I have concluded that business will be more agreeable to me than a profession. In fact, I have had a taste of commercial life, under your tuition, and I am really eager for more." "Capital, Fred! I like to hear you talk in that way, and I think you will fall in with my plans, which I will now unfold to you. You know we have not been satis- fied with the management of the Australian office of late?" "I have heard you say so, father." "Well, our agent there is like the majority of agents; that is, he attends to the routine business in a sort of me- chanical way, but he lacks the spirit and interest necessary to the success of such a branch office. Messrs. Clark, Stillman and myself have jointly talked this matter over, 8 FREDERICK YOUNG. and we have concluded that it will be advisable to send someone who is personally interested to the Melbourne office for about two years, to take charge; to rejuvenate it; to again bring it up to its former standard of pros- perity. Whoever goes, at the end of two years can select a good, capable man, to leave in charge on his return. After that, if we deem it expedient, one of our firm can visit the office periodically and inquire into its condition, financial and otherwise. All the members of our com- pany have cogent reasons for declining to go, although we are fully aware of the fact that one of us ought to go ; but we have compromised and concluded to send an able representative, that is, if he will accept the trust. Can you guess whom we have selected?" "I cannot possibly imagine, father." "We have chosen no other than yourself, Fred." "You have chosen me!" the young man exclaimed, astonished. "Do you think I am capable of doing what is required by your firm?" "Yes, my son, you have had considerable experience in our office during your vacations, and we think you can manage the foreign office with credit to yourself and to our entire satisfaction." "You are very kind, father, and I fully appreciate your confidence in me and the honor conferred by your gener- ous offer; but have you thought about Marion and myself? This will part us for a long time." "Yes, Fred, we talked the matter over in full this very afternoon. I think it will be better for you to wait a few years; you are both young and inexperienced in life's hardships. Take my advice; accept the position pro- f erred you; go to Australia; write to Marion every mail if you choose; come home after two years, an ex- perienced business man, and if you come up to my expec- tations I shall not hesitate to assign my interest in the firm of Young, Clark & Co. to my son, and thus perpetu- FREDERICK YOUNG. 9 ate the long-established name. You can then marry your sweetheart, settle down and enjoy life." "Really, father, your oral picture is very pleasing to contemplate, but the reality may be otherwise. There are many unforeseen pitfalls in the future, some of which may upset your castles in the air." "That is true, Fred, but if we wish to accomplish any- thing in this life we must not hesitate to act on account of unforeseen difficulties." "That is so, father, and if you and your partners concur in sending me on this commission, I think I shall accept, but I would like a few days to think and talk the matter over." "We do, Fred, and if you decide to go we will draw up the* papers and attend to all the details as soon as pos- sible. We would like to have you start by December ist, so as to arrive in Melbourne and take charge of the busi- ness by the I5th of January, 1879." "I think I can start by that time, if I go, for I shall bear in mind the fact that the quicker I start the sooner I may return." "If you go, Fred, I would suggest that you cross the United States by rail and see the magnificent scenery of your own country, and it will teach you what a vast amount of territory is comprised within our borders. It will also give you a material idea of the productive and the commercial importance of our domains. From San Francisco you can sail on one of the steamships of the Oceanic Company's line to Sidney, New South Wales; touching at Honolulu, Hawaii, and Auckland, New Zea- land. That will be a very interesting trip; I almost envy you now." "Perhaps you had better go and let me stay at home," replied Fred with a smile. "Let me see how those ships sail," said Mr. Young, taking down a late issue of the "Universal Railway and Steamship Guide," and completely ignoring Fred's re- 10 FREDERICK YOUNG. mark. After a moment's consultation he said: "Ah! I have it; you can make good connections. The steam- ship Mariposa leaves San Francisco December loth, at three o'clock in the afternoon. She is a through boat to Sidney, touching at Honolulu. It will not be absolutely necessary for you to leave New York before December 3d or 4th, unless you wish to stop over at interesting points en route to the Pacific coast." No doubt, father, that will be the best route, and then it will be the most direct also, but we will decide about those things later on. I must beg to be excused now, for I have three letters to write before retiring." "Very well, Fred." "Oh, by the way, father," said Fred, as he was about to leave the room, "I would prefer to tell Marion of this matter myself." "You may, unless Mr. Stillman has already told her of our conversation in the office." "Well, I shall see her in the morning. Good-night, father," said Fred, as he left the apartment. "Good-night, my boy," replied Mr. Young, resuming his reading. FREDERICK YOUNG. 11 CHAPTER III. FRED VISITS MARION. The following morning, at an early hour, Fred pre- sented himself at the Stillman mansion. He was ushered into the drawing-room, which was rather dimly lighted. The blinds were partly closed, and what rays of sunshine found the way into the richly furnished apartment gave it a sort of rich, mellow appearance. Marion soon came in. She was dressed in a dark, close-fitting gown, which set off her graceful form to per- fection; her dark, expressive eyes and wavy black hair presented a rather strong contrast to her creamy white face, which was unusually pale this morning. But her dimpled cheeks and cupid-like red lips gave her a very sweet and attractive appearance. When she saw Fred her face became wreathed in a sweet smile of welcome, and she came quickly forward, extending both hands in greeting. "What brings you so early this morning, Fred? You must have something of importance to tell me, I am sure," she said. "Yes, Marion, I have very important news indeed; news which may affect our future lives, but do not be alarmed, dearest; it is undoubtedly for the best, and I trust it will culminate in our happiness." "Tell me what it is, Fred, you know I dislike suspense." "Well, Marion, to cut it short, our fathers' firm has de- cided to send someone abroad to look after the Australian business, and they have chosen me for their agent." "You, Fred! Are you going to that far off land?" "It is a splendid opportunity for me, Marion; father urges me to accept the offer, and I have decided to do so." 12 FREDERICK YOUNG. -9 "How long will you be away?" she inquired, her voice becoming tremulous. "Two years, they think, will be necessary." "Oh, Fred!" she exclaimed in a reproachful voice, and her eyes filled with tears. "Must you leave me for so long a time?" Fred drew her trembling form to him and clasped her in his arms, gently imprinting a kiss on her quivering lips; then he looked into her eyes and said: "Marion, father says we are too young to marry, and that if I will go to Melbourne and do my best for the firm, on my return, if I prove satisfactory, he will assign his share of the stock to me, and that I can then marry my sweetheart, settle down and enjoy life. In the meantime we can write each other every mail if we choose." "He is very good, Fred, but but " letting her head fall on his breast and sobbing, "it is so so far away, and I shall not see your face or hear your voice for so lo-long." "Do not take it so to heart, Marion, or you will dis- suade me from going. I dislike to leave you, but think, dearest, what a benefit it will be to us later on. Two years will soon pass, and then, perhaps, you can persuade your father to take a trip to Australia, and you and he and anybody else that may accompany you can spend a few weeks or months with me." "If you go, Fred, I shall surely go to see you if I can possibly get father or someone to go with me, and noth- ing happens to prevent." "Of course you will, and then we will write often, so it will seem that we are near each other, instead of being separated by oceans." "Fred, I dread your going away, on one account in par- ticular." "And what is that, dear?" "It will give Robert Dark a better opportunity to force his attentions on me. He does it whenever possible, no matter how coldly I treat him ; he does not heed my cold- FREDERICK YOUNG. 13 ness, but seems determined to annoy me with his unwel- come presence. I dislike the fellow very much, Fred, and sometimes I almost fear him. I am afraid he will try to harm us in some way; he is so revengeful by nature." "Do not mind him, Marion, I do not think he has cour- age enough to injure us in any way. The trouble with him is his father has lavished too much money on him; he has never done any work and he is really nothing but a spoiled child. They say he gambles and drinks more wine and champagne than he ought to, but that is not strange under the circumstances. I fear his end will be bad, but if he troubles you while I am away you had better have your father take the matter in hand; that is, if the fellow will not heed you." "I think he fairly hates you, Fred, and it is all on account of our attachment." "Never mind, Marion, I pay no attention to him, more than to be civil when I meet him, and I do that for his father's sake. I respect Mr. Clark very much." "Yes, Mr. and Mrs. Clark are very nice people, and they are much respected by all who know them. It is too bad that they should have such a son, but they think he is nearly perfect, and they seem to be blind to his faults, though I suppose that is natural with parents." 14: FREDERICK YOUNG. CHAPTER IV. FRED DEPARTS. At last the first of December arrived; all the business matters had been settled. Mr. Isaac Boutelle, the Aus- tralian agent, had been notified that Mr. Frederick Young would arrive to take charge of the office on Janu- ary 1 5th, and Mr. Boutelle immediately cabled his resig- nation. The papers had been drawn up and signed and Fred had written authority to take charge on his arrival at Melbourne. He had engaged passage on the ship Mariposa, of the Oceanic Steamship Co., which was ad- vertised to sail from San Francisco December loth, and to reach Sidney, New South Wales, January 5th. This would allow him ten days to reach Melbourne, make the transfer and settle down in his new quarters preparatory to taking charge of the foreign office. December 3, 1878, Fred departed from home and friends for the Pacific coast. He had spent the pre- vious evening with Marion, who had become, in a meas- ure, reconciled to the parting. Numerous pledges of love and constancy, it is needless to say, were made, and, without doubt, in full sincerity that they would be faith- fully kept. Unforeseen events were destined to occur, however, which would smite those hearts which were spiritually united, with pain, anguish and suspense. After Fred's departure everything ran along smoothly and in the usual channels for a fortnight, when Robert Clark, thinking the coast to be clear for him, commenced to harass Marion Stillman with his attentions. He be- gan by making himself obnoxious at the theatre; he would, on some trivial pretext, force himself without invitation into the Stillman box and endeavor to make FREDERICK YOU NO. 15 himself agreeable to the occupants, and especially to Marion. His advances, however, were met with a cold, dignified silence which exasperated him, although he did not show externally the chagrin that he felt. He asked permission to accompany her home and was curtly re- fused without explanation. All his schemes to gain access to her presence met with as little success. This state of affairs continued for several weeks, and Marion became exceedingly annoyed by his importunities and told him that she would prefer not to be bothered further by his invitations or even his presence. She plainly told him that she was engaged to marry Fred on his return, and in the meantime that she should accept no gentleman's favor. "Miss Stillman," he replied, "I beg your pardon, but I must assure you that you mistake my intentions, for I have sought to lessen your sorrow occasioned by the parting with your lover by entertaining you and thus diverting your thoughts into more pleasant channels." "I thank you, Mr. Clark, but I am amply entertained without your kind assistance, and I trust that it will not be necessary for you to put yourself out in the future on my account. And, I may add, that you will much oblige me by not doing so." "Miss Stillman, I respect you very much, and I will endeavor to accede to your desire, but I am at a loss to understand your attitude toward me." In appearance Robert Clark was handsome; he was very dark, and his black, silky hair and mustache were but little darker than his eyes. If one's mouth is an exponent of one's character, however, his thin lips be- tokened a cruel and a treacherous disposition and his uneasy and restless glance but added to this conception of him. His figure was well proportioned and his dress was rather too flashy to impress one favorably. The above conversation between Robert Clark and Marion was conducted with superficial politeness, but 16 FREDERICK YOUNG. on his part it had a tendency to augment the hatred which he already harbored against Fred. Marion anticipated a violent exhibition of anger from Robert, and she was greatly surprised at the nonchalance which he displayed during the interview. His manner, however, left her more uneasy than ever, for she knew that his apparent indifference was assumed and not real. And there was something about his glance that she feared; she knew it boded her no good. When Robert Clark left Marion that day he was in an angry mood, and he mentally vowed that he would yet woo and win her if he had to resort to forcible means to accomplish his purpose. He loved Marion, in his way, and her animosity toward him but added fuel to the flame. As he walked through the park toward home he meditated on the subject. "By George, I have it!" he suddenly exclaimed in an audible tone. Then to himself "If Frederick Young never steps foot on American soil again I can win the beautiful Marion, but if he returns in two years I cannot. He must not and he shall not return if it lies in my power to prevent him!" The last exclamation was fairly hissed between his closely shut teeth and an evil expression took possession of his countenance, while his tightly clenched right hand was brought down on his left in a manner that forcibly em- phasized his determination. "I have never wanted to accomplish an object yet but that I have done it, and this one shall not balk me. If Fred Young never returns no suspicion of foul play must rest on me. A shipwreck at sea or something of that sort will do, and then it will be attributed to carelessness on the crew's part, or a freak of the elements," the villain said to himself, while a cruel smile lurked around his lips. That evening, in the solitude of his sleeping apartment, Robert Clark evolved a villainous scheme for ending his rival's earthly career. Whatever the plan adopted was, it was carried out in a FREDERICK YOUNG. 17 methodical manner, for books on chemistry and natural philosophy were carefully studied, while frequent refer- ence was made to a chart of the world and a disk calen- dar for the nineteenth century. The programme was carefully written out, and the gong of the marble hall-way clock had announced the hour of midnight before the schemer had perfected his murderous plan. 18 FREDERICK YOUNG. CHAPTER V. FRED AERIVES AT MELBOURNE. When Marion entered the dining-room at breakfast time on the morning of January 4th, she found a letter beside her plate bearing the post-mark "Honolulu, Hawaii, December i/th" and the superscription caused a slight flush to mantle her cheeks and brow, while a pleased smile played around her lips. The letter was from Fred, and it read as follows: "Pacific Ocean, on board steamship Mariposa, Decem- ber 17, 1878. "My Dearest Marion: "This, my first of a long series of letters to you, is writ- ten on the rolling deep and within sight of the Hawaiian Islands. "My trip across the States was interesting, but un- eventful, and so far my sea voyage has been delightful. I have, to the present time, enjoyed good health, and I trust my sweetheart and all my dear friends at home are likewise favored. "These volcanic islands of perpetual green, which are favored with a semi-tropical climate, can now be plainly seen, while my powerful binocular telescope enables me to study them in the minutest detail. Beautiful and stately palms can be seen gently swaying in the light breeze, scattering thatched-roof huts are to be occasion- ally noted beneath the abundant shade, while the smoky- blue mountains form a rugged and picturesque back- ground. At one time we could see a thin column of smoke arising in the distance, which the captain said came from the great crater of Kilauea, which is said to be the largest active volcano in the world with its unquench- FREDERICK YOUNG. 19 able liquid lake of sulphurous fire. Even at a distance this isolated group of islands presents a beautiful appearance. South of us lies the small island called Molokai, with an area of 270 square miles. It is universally known on account of having been the site of a lepers' settlement, established by the Hawaiian government. There are about 800 lepers there now, but the verdant shore shows no sign of the misery and sadness that must be experi- enced by these unfortunate people, who are ruthlessly torn away from home and family and sent to this solitary island never to return. "Twenty-three miles northwest of this land of leprosy lies Oahu, another island of this group. Honolulu, the capital of the kingdom and the residence of the royal family, is located on this island. The interior is very mountainous; the highest peak attains an altitude of some 6,000 feet. South of this point about 100 miles lies the island of Hawaii, and there great peaks tower some 14,000 feet above the level of the ocean, or nearly as 'high as the twin summits of Mount Shasta, whose snow-capped peaks you saw during your Californian tour. "Honolulu is now plainly visible, and it looks very pretty and quite civilized. It lies at the mouth, so to speak, of a valley, on quite a good harbor, and the low houses, the scattering public buildings, and church spires nestled in the luxuriant semi-tropical vegetation, with lofty, smoky-blue mountains in the background, combine to make an entrancing scene. "Just think, Marion, what our Christian people have done for the natives. In 1820 our first missionaries set foot on these islands; then the people were in a state of barbarous idolatry; now the immaculate spires of God's temples first meet the stranger's gaze as he approaches their capital city. We will make but a short stay at Honolulu. I will tell you more about the city and the people therein later. 20 FREDERICK YOUNG. "I am now 2,100 miles from San Francisco and 4,500 miles from Melbourne; so over half my journey has been traversed. "You are, no doubt, enjoying yourself during my absence, and you must continue to do so until I return. My chief pleasure will be in writing to and receiving letters from my dearest Marion, to whom I must now say adieu. Yours affectionately, "FRED." That morning Marion ate her breakfast with relish; Fred's letter had put her in exceedingly good spirits. One twenty-fourtn of that two years had already flown, and the massive electrical, synchronized clock on the opposite side of the dining-room from her was methodi- cally beating off the seconds which were to make up the minutes, hours and days of that long period of time. "Oh, dear!" exclaimed Marion, as she thought of this, "'old clock, I do not want to wish away time, but I do wish you would move a little faster; your very regularity irritates me!" Robert Clark had respected Marion's request and had not disturbed her since she plainly told him that she pre- ferred not to be troubled by his presence. On this ac- count she thought more of him, but at the same time she could not refrain from thinking that perhaps his silence meant more than she anticipated. Perhaps he was working up some secret plan for revenge; she well knew his disposition and she could not think it possible that he would give up so easily. February I5th Marion received another letter from Fred; it was dated, "Melbourne, Victoria, January 12, 1879." He had experienced a very pleasant voyage and had arrived at his destination safely. In a few days he would take charge of the branch office, when he expected to write Messrs. Young, Clark & Co. an exhaustive report regarding the condition of the Melbourne business. FREDERICK YOUNG. 21 CHAPTER VI. ROBERT CLARK GOES ABROAD. A year and a half had passed away since Frederick Young left his native land, to fight his way to success in a foreign country and among entire strangers. By diligence and perseverance he had succeeded in improv- ing, in a marked degree, the condition of the Australian affairs. His employers were well satisfied with the finan- cial returns since this branch had been under Fred's supervision. He had written home saying that he had decided to return to New York about February 1,1881, leaving the Melbourne business in charge of his head clerk, Mr. Red- mond Willis, whom he had found to be not only capable, but honest and faithful. He thought there was no doubt but that Mr. Willis could manage the business satisfactorily. The Stillman family had not been to Australia, as had been proposed; Fred's return was now so near at hand that the idea of going was abandoned. Mrs. Stillman had been very ill and Marion had been in constant attend- ance, so it had been impossible for the faithful daughter to visit her distant lover. However, she had received letters about every week from him, and she had found time to answer each one promptly. It was expected that Fred would reach home some- time in the month of March, when the consummation of his own and Marion's hopes were to be realized if noth- ing intervened to prevent. Preparations for the nuptials were already in progress. Marion had not been subjected to Robert Clark's ad- vances since the time she plainly told him her wishes. 22 FREDERICK YOUNG. She was both pleased and surprised to have freed herself of him so easily, for she had anticipated some trouble with him. He always politely saluted her when they met, and he had approached her but once since that memorable interview. That was one warm, sunny au- tumn day, when Marion was walking in Central Park. She suddenly came face to face with Robert. He raised his hat, and said with an ironical smile: "I beg your pardon, Miss Stillman, but may I bid you good-bye?" "Why, are you going to leave the city?" she coolly asked. "I sail for Europe next Saturday, and I may be gone one, two, or possibly three years," he replied. "This is a surprise. I have not heard of it before. Your parents must feel badly about it," she returned. "They appear to do so. I wonder if any one else will care," he said, watching her narrowly. She understood him and sought to end the conversa- tion before it became more embarrassing. "No doubt but that your friends will miss you, Mr. Clark. You must excuse me now, for I have an errand of importance to attend to, so I will now say good-day and wish you a pleasant tour." So saying, she passed him and continued on her way. Marion felt relieved to hear that Robert Clark was about to leave the country, for she still entertained the idea that he had not given her up but was only biding his time to act. She little thought vvhat his real purpose in going abroad was and how it might affect her future ; if she had she would have preferred that he should remain in New York. Robert Clark, after the short interview, watched Marion until she disappeared around some shrubbery, then he turned on his heel, while a cynical smile played around his lips. "She is very cool," he muttered to him- self, "and she is glad to get rid of me, but if she knew that FREDERICK YOUNG. 23 I am going purposely to dispose of my hated rival, Fred Young, she might change her tune." At the time stated Robert Clark sailed on one of the ships of the Hamburg Line for Europe. Six weeks later Mr. Clark, Robert's father, received a letter from his son, and it was a significant fact that the letter, although dated it Nice, bore the Monaco post-mark. Could it be pos- sible that Robert was spending his time around that gam- bling resort, and had dated his letter Nice to mislead his parents? One acquainted with his habits would say that the Casino at Monte Carlo would be just the place to find him. Robert intimated in his letter that he intended to travel through Italy, visiting Venice, Florence, Rome, Naples, Mount Vesuvius, the ruins of Pompeii and Herculaneum, and thence across the Mediterranean Sea to Egypt, where they might expec to hear from him next. The second letter was from Khartoom, and, to the pain and surprise of his parents, Robert announced that he had decided to accompany an exploring party, which was then preparing to visit the upper Nile, and that be- fore the letter in question reached them he would have started on the journey. "So," he wrote, "do not be alarmed if you do not hear from me again for a year or more. If I have a chance to send a letter to the coast I will do so, but I really do not expect to have an oppor- tunity to send one in that way." Instead of going up the Nile, as Robert had informed his parents that he would do, he retraced his steps to Cairo, after spending a few days at the Pyramids and at the ruins of Memphis. Then he engaged passage on a steamship bound for Sidney, N. S. W., Australia, and under the assumed name of Oscar E. Richards. Why had he deliberately falsified in his letter, and why was he sailing under a fictitious name? These questions are easily answered. Robert Clark went abroad mainly to prevent the return of Frederick Young; his plans for 24 FREDERICK YOUNG. accomplishing that object will be disclosed as this narra- tive progresses. His purpose in saying he was going up the Nile, when he really had no such intention, was a scheme of his to account for a period of time which he intended to otherwise employ. If he had gone to Aus- tralia without notifying his parents of the fact, and had not written to them for a long time, they would have be- come anxious about him. If he had written, it would have revealed his true location, which he was very careful to keep secret; hence his reason for fabricating the story regarding the trip into the wilds of Africa. In case anything should happen to Frederick Young, and Robert should become open to suspicion, it would be very awkward to have the authorities, upon investiga- tion, ascertain that Robert Clark, on a certain date, left Egypt on a steamship bound for Australia. To prevent such an occurrence he sailed under a false name and in disguise. When he stepped off the train at Melbourne, one morn- ing in the month of January, his most intimate friends would not have recognized him as the natty young swell of the New York club rooms. For he wore a rather loose, ill-fitting light suit, which made him appear to be stouter in build than he really was. A broad-brimmed, light-colored, soft felt hat was pulled down over his eyes; he wore a full beard and what could be seen of his fea- tures were tanned nut-brown, as were also his hands, from long exposure on land and sea under a tropical sun. On arriving at the city he engaged a cab which soon landed him at the Victoria Hotel, one of the best in Mel- bourne. This, for a time, was to be his headquarters. During the day he tested his disguise by frequenting Bourke Street, where the office of Young, Clark & Co. was located, and it happened that just as he was passing the entrance Fred came forth, and the rivals met face to face. Their eyes met also, but on Fred's part there was no look or sign of recognition. He little thought that FREDERICK YOUNG. 25 this man had come 10,000 miles purposely to prevent him from ever seeing his native land, parents, or his affianced bride again. I^ow much trouble, sorrow and suspense it would have saved Fred if he could have known his enemy's plans and have checkmated them in time! 26 FREDERICK YOUNG. CHAPTER VII. AN INFERNAL MACHINE. Fred found it impossible to get ready to sail for San Francisco on the ship which was to leave Sidney Janu- ary 25th, and he did not want to wait until the next boat, which would not sail until February 22d. Therefore, he sought some other out-going ship, and he was so fortu- nate as to find the fast twin screw propeller Polynesia, which was expected to clear for Callao, Peru, South America, February 3d. She was fitted up for a few pas- sengers, but she made a specialty of freight. Fred ex- perienced no trouble in getting passage. He would have preferred going more direct, but he ascertained that good connections could be made at Callao for the California ports ; so he would arrive home much quicker than he possibly could by waiting for the Sidney boat, even if it did go more direct. Therefore, he decided to sail on the Polynesia. This would afford him the pleasure of seeing the beautiful scenery of many of the South Pacific islands, and also the picturesque Peruvian coast, backed by the lofty, snow-capped Andes. He did not think much about these things, but he was a true lover of nature, and he could not fail to appreciate her beau- ties as they were unfolded to him along the route. No person liberally educated will ignore nature's charms, and it matters not whether that education be obtained within the precincts of the lucubrator's chamber, or whether it be acquired while environed by college walls. The same delicate perception and refinement of nature are the outcome. When Fred left his office to go to the Sandridge piers in quest of an outward bound ship, a man in a light suit, FREDERICK YOUNG. 27 and wearing a soft felt hat pulled own over his eyes, sauntered along after him. This, as the reader has pro- bably surmised, was Robert Clark, and that he had some villainous scheme in his head we have no reason to doubt. Robert followed Fred everywhere he went, adroitly keep- ing in tfhe rear, or on the opposite side of the street, so as not to excite suspicion. Finally Fred went on board the steamship Polynesia, but his shadow did not follow; he loitered around the dock until Fred came ashore, when Robert again followed his rival. Fred went but a short distance, when he hailed a passing cab, jumped in, and instructed the driver to take him to the Bourke Street office. "Let him go," thought Robert, "he has evidently en- gaged passage on this ship, and I think I will learn if such is a fact before going further." He then again went to the extremity of the pier and there accosted a seaman who was leaning over the rail of the ship and puffing laboriously away at an old black pipe. "Do you belong on this ship?" inquired Robert. "I reckon I do, boss," replied the sailor, indifferently. "Where is she bound?" asked Robert. "Callao," said the tar between his puffs. "When does she sail?" continued Robert. "Next Tuesday at high water, 'less something breaks," returned the sailor. "Do you carry many passengers?" "A few, mostly freight; the cap'n just booked a pas- senger, and he was a mighty fine appearing chap, too," said the sailor, becoming communicative. "Oh, is that so? I just met a gentleman, dressed in a steel-colored suit, with a light mustache, coming off the dock. Was that the one you refer to?" "That's the identical chap, and I like him, though I never said a word to him. You see I heard him talking to the cap'n, and I liked his looks, and I am glad that he is going to Callao with us." 28 FREDERICK YOUNG. "I wonder who he is, it seems as if I have seen him around the city considerably," said Robert, reflectively. "I don't know. His name is Young, and he is going to New York. You see he wanted to go to San Francisco, but the 'Frisco steamer don't sail 'till the latter part of next month, and he seemed to be in a mighty hurry to get to York, so he is going by the way of Callao. He said he could not wait for that other steamer." "I am in luck ! That is Fred Young he means without a doubt," thought Robert. Then aloud he said, "Yes, that was a fine appearing man." He then opened his cigar-case, extracted two cigars and handed them to the sailor, saying, "I suppose you smoke these occasionally?" "You bet I do, boss, especially when I go up town on a lark." Robert had now learned all that the sailor knew con- cerning Fred, so he paid no further attention to the tar, but went aboard the ship in search of the captain. He met that individual on the deck and made inquiries of him in regard to shipping goods to Peru. "What do you want to ship?" the captain asked. "I shall only have a small consignment, consisting of five bales of wool and a case of dry goods for Lima," Robert replied. "Well, I will take them, and you must get them down here with dispatch, for I have got a large cargo to stow away and I want to close the hatches by Monday night without fail." "I will have the bales sent down this afternoon, but it will be impossible for me to get the case here before Monday." "Very well, get it here early then." "I will do so," said Robert, bidding the captain good- day and leaving the ship. He then immediately proceeded to Melbourne and en- tered a wholesale dry goods house, where he purchased a case and had it filled with a* cheap cotton textile fabric FREDERICK YOUNG. 29 known as print cloth. This he instructed the clerk to send to his hotel. Next he sought an office where raw wool was bought and sold. He ordered five bales of a low grade and had them stencilled for Shultz & Co., Plaza de Bolivia, Lima, Peru, S. A., and then he engaged the services of an express team and instructed the driver to deliver the bales to the steamship Polynesia, at the Sand- ridge dock. The following Monday morning Robert Qark received the case of print-cloth and had two porters carry it to his sitting-room at the hotel. He then entered the apart- ment, closed and locked the doors and hung handker- chiefs on the knobs so that they covered the key-holes which were destitute of metallic covers. He next closed the lower sections of the Venetian blinds so the room would be well lighted and at the same time make it im- possible for any one outside to look in. Evidently some- thing of a private nature was to be done. After everything had been arranged to his satisfaction he proceeded to open the case and remove about two- thirds of the contents; he then knelt before a heavy oak chest, unlocked it, and very gingerly removed some of the articles therein contained. He finally came to a heavy sheet-iron chest which weighed about 100 pounds. This was lifted out and placed on the floor with great care, and it was well for the villain that it was, for it contained that powerful and destructive agent known as dynamite; an explosive endowed with a force thirteen times greater than that of gunpowder. Robert lifted the lid and ex- posed the contents to view; the chest was nearly full of a gray, pasty appearing substance, and it was of his own manufacture. He had feared that if he attempted to pur- chase such a quantity of dynamite it would create suspi- cion, so he secured the ingredients from different sources and compounded the dangerous mass himself. This operation was necessarily attended with considerable risk, as it was carried on in a moderately warm room. A 30 FREDERICK YOUNG. low temperature materially lessens the danger of a prema- ture explosion. In the center of the dynamite tnere was a cavity about eight inches square, and a small, hard-wood box which Robert Clark took from the large chest, would just fit into this place, which had evidently been made for it. This small box contained a remarkable mechanism. One side was pierced by six holes, through which pro- jected as many dynamite percussion cartridges. If the explosion of the dynamite depended on one cap it might fail, on account of that cap being defective; but as there were six, and each had been selected from a different box, the chance of failure would be very small. The interior of this machine was of an exceedingly complicated na- ture. The main parts, however, consisted of a large balance wheel, driven by powerful springs, which were slowly liberated by a noiseless escapement. An exterior dial, bearing on its periphery numbers from one to thirty, indicated the number of days after being wound that the interior machinery would liberate the strikers and sim- ultaneously explode the caps. The indicator on this dial could be set at any desired number of days from one to thirty. Robert had repeatedly tested this infernal con- trivance, letting the strikers fall on blank caps, and he was confident that it would not fail him on its next and last trial. Robert Clark was a cunning and an intelligent rascal, as was made evident by the means he was preparing to employ in order that his enemy might be swept from his path. For the contrivance described above was invented by him, and it was purposely designed to send the ship in which Frederick Young was to sail for America, to the bottom of the Pacific. Robert Clark, fiend in human guise as he was, had no compunction in taking this step to send his hated rival, as he was pleased to call Fred, to eternity. He cared not how many precious lives were destroyed, so long as his end was accomplished. Many FREDERICK YOUNG. 31 must suffer in order that vengeance might be wreaked on one; it was but a repetition of the decree of Herod, and let us trust that it was not to be more successful. At last all was ready and Robert carefully wound his death-dealing machine, placed the indicator at the I5th day, and set the balance wheel in motion. It was then placed in the central cavity of the dynamite chest and snugly secured by tamping wool around it. A layer of the same material was placed on top of the explosive, so that when the cover of the box was closed and fastened the contents would remain firmly in place, thus prevent- ing a premature explosion. If he had used paper or cotton for this purpose, it might have absorbed some of the nitroglycerin from the dynamite and have become exceedingly dangerous, exploding by the least concus- sion. The iron chest, containing the dynamite and the infer- nal machine, was next placed within the case, and the cotton cloth was carefully packed on and around it until the case was full. Then the cover was securely nailed on, and as a double precaution the case was securely enclosed within malleable iron straps. It was then marked for Shultz & Co., the same as the bales of wool previously mentioned. Robert then made a copy (?) of his invoice, which, of course, was fictitious, as there was no original. This was to accompany the shipment, and it would allow the goods to be properly manifested, obviating examination. It was fortunate for him that the custom officials rigorously inspect imports, instead of exports. During the afternoon an expressman carried the case to the dock where the ship was moored, and Robert ac- companied him to Sandridge to see that the case was properly handled and to see it lowered into the hold of the ship. His villainous heart gloated with satisfaction as the infernal package disappeared down the hatchway. If the crew had but known of the base plot on foot they 32 FREDERICK YOUNG. would have been justified in stringing the perpetrator up to the yard-arm ; but, alas ! they were ignorant of it and the scoundrel was allowed to go his way. FREDERICK YOUNG. 33 CHAPTER VIII. FRED SAILS FOR HOME. For the last few weeks Frederick Young had been working almost night and day to get his business closed up in time to sail at the appointed hour. He was cheer- ful and light-hearted, in spite of the press of business, and his future now looked bright and prosperous. Fred had managed the foreign branch with great skill, and the returns showed a marked increase since his ad- vent. He had his father's assurance that on his return to New York he would supersede him in the firm. That is, after he had been the chief participant in a brilliant wed- ding which had been set to occur March 31, 1881. After that important event Fred would take his bride on a tour, then return and resume his business career. Fred had not seen Marion or heard her voice for over .two years, and he looked forward with eagerness to the moment when he could again clasp his darling in his arms, and rain loving kisses on that face which he fairly adored. He also longed to see his kind parents and his good sister, whom he loved very much. He even im- agined how glad Prince, his intelligent St. Bernard dog, would be when his master returned. Prince would not forget him; he was too sagacious an animal for that. Fred would have been greatly surprised had someone told him that Robert Clark, with whom he had played in happy childhood days, was now deliberately planning to wreck his future happiness by ending his earthly exist- ence. Ignorance, however, is bliss many times, and Fred continued on his happy way. At 9 o'clock on the morning of February 3, 1881, the deep-toned whistle of the steamship Polynesia announced 34 FREDERICK YOUNG. that she was about to put to sea. The usual hissing of escaping steam from the valves, and the quick motions of the chief officers and their subordinates in putting everything in ship-shape, further attested that the ship was about to leave port. The bustle of the passengers, freight handlers, draymen, cabmen, venders of fruit and confections, people taking leave of their friends, and the crowd of spectators, added to the din and confusion. Fred's luggage had been brought down early in the morning, but he arrived just in time to get aboard and bid his numerous friends adieu. They were very sorry to part with their genial acquaintance. As Fred mounted the plank to go aboard he caught the gleam of Robert Clark's eyes, and Fred looked him squarely in the face. "I wonder why that man stares at me so? I do not re- member having met him before, and yet, those eyes, although wicked in appearance, have a familiar look," thought Fred, and then he passed on and saw the man no more. Robert Clark had come down to the quay that morn- ing to see Fred with his own eyes go aboard the ship, and he staid on the dock unt the Polynesia had passed from sight down Port Phillip Bay. Then he gave vent to an exclamation of satisfaction, that his scheme, thus far, had gone well, and in an exultant frame of mind he ordered his cabman to carry him back to the city, and he soon arrived at the hotel. After dinner that day he said: "Now I must make tracks for Egypt, and after a few months I will write the old folks at home that I have just returned from the White Nile, and what I think of Vic- toria and Albert Nyanza, and so on. Then I will return to the metropolis and win sweet Marion by fair means or foul. Ha, ha, ha! That was quite a little scheme on FREDERICK YOUNG. 35 my part ! Well, Fred Young will never trouble me again, unless I am very much mistaken!" A week later Robert Clark left Australia, incognito, as he had come, and returned to Cairo, where we will leave him for the present. 36 FREDERICK YOUNG. CHAPTER IX. A DISASTER AT SEA. Fred had taken no time for pleasure and recreation since 'he left home, and it was now a change and a great pleasure to stand on the deck of the Polynesia and have the exhilarating sea breeze play on his pale face and to inhale the pure air impregnated with the odor of the salt water. The Polynesia was nearly new and she, in good weather, could make between seventeen and eighteen knots an hour. She was cleanly built; had two masts, and carried canvas to save coal when the wind was fair. Her di- mensions, were 320 feet over all; forty-two feet beam; depth seventeen feet and gross capacity 3,158 tons. Her saloons and staterooms were finely furnished, and Captain Handford, her commander, was pleasant and sociable, so there was no apparent reason why those on board should not enjoy the trip to Callao. In about an hour after leaving Sandridge and Williams- town, which are three miles below the city proper and at the mouth of the Yarra River, those places had been left far in the rear, and the ship was passing between Point Lonsdale and Point Nepean. After clearing the capes she headed a little north of east to pass through Bass Strait, when they would enter the South Pacific, leaving Tasmania on their right and Victoria on the left. Nearly a straight course could be laid from this point to Callao, only a few deviations having to be made among the Polynesian islands. After getting into deep water a full head of steam was given the engines; the hull vibrated, while the inky- black smoke which poured from the funnels could be FREDERICK YOU NO. 37 traced by the eye to the horizon. The patent log then indicated a speed of seventeen knots. Fred's spirits were constantly on the rise, as every revolution of the screws carried him nearer his loved ones at home. But just a glimpse of the outlying islands of Tasmania was caught, and even Fred could not get a view of the mainland through his powerful glasses. The ship was keeping too near the Australian coast for one to see Tas- mania. Fred knew, however, that a beautiful island, comprising 24,600 square miles within its borders and covered with rich vegetation, was just below the south- ern horizon. He could seem to see the interior moun- tains, which reach an altitude of 5,000 feet or more, with great elevated lakes nestling among them, some of the lakes being 4,000 feet above the sea level. Then he could see, in his imagination, the tiny cable threading its way through the subterranean depths of Bass Strait and con- necting Tasmania with Australia. And he knew that by means of that potent force, electricity, intelligence was constantly passing between the sister colonies. He turned from the south with a sigh and gazed ahead at the playful sea-birds as they skimmed in graceful circles over the dark-blue ocean. The fourth day out North Cape, the northern ex- tremity of New Zealand, was sighted in the distance. This cape is about 1,500 miles from Melbourne, so it will be seen that the ship had made good time thus far. In fact the sea had been reasonably calm, only a light trade wind had been encountered, so the Polynesia had serenely plowed the deep at her maximum speed. The following seven days were spent with great en- joyment by the passengers, for good weather still pre- vailed. Occasionally the ship would run quite near some of the numerous islands, and those on board were charmed with the fine views afforded. Some of these islands were of volcanic origin, with one 38 FREDERICK YOUNG. or more rugged mountain peaks near the center, while massive buttresses of jagged rock extended to the coral- bound shore. Around the beach and part way up the precipitous slopes, the most luxuriant tropical vegetation grew in unlimited abundance and variety. Palms of many species nodded their heads in the breeze, and scantily clad natives could occasionally be seen on the shore watching the ship, amazed at the handiwork of their superiors. Through the glass some of these natives appeared hideous, with their faces bedaubed with cocoa- nut oil mixed with colored pigments. As the ship progressed eastward the great atoll zone was entered, and these peculiar coral formations were occasionally seen. Some of them entirely inclosed the central lagoon, but the majority were broken on the lee- ward side, so that the ocean waves constantly washed into the interior briny lakes. Sand and refuse have drifted and washed, by the ceaseless action of the wind and tides, upon the encircling reef, and after a long period have produced a thin soil, which has become sparsely covered with vegetation. Cocoanut palms are almost always present on these islands, and they form the most conspicuous vegetation on the atolls. Nearly all the species of trees and plants found on the coral shores pro- duce seeds having thick external integuments, and this accounts for their presence. Man has never known spontaneous generation to oc- cur, and it has not in this case. The seeds have doubt- less floated to the atolls from other islands, and only those having good protection from the saline medium which brought them have been able to germinate and thus reproduce their kind. The resuscitating effects of this ocean voyage, through the Polynesian archipelagoes, could only be fully appreci- ated by one who had been closely confined to business for two years, as Fred had been. He gradually made the acquaintance of the passengers, FREDERICK YOUNG. 39 but there was but one of his fellow-countrymen on board. That was Samuel P. Ellsworth, of Watertown, New York. This man was about fifty years of age, of a medium height and excellent physique. His head was rather round and full; his hair and full beard were slightly gray; his eyes were clear, frank, exceedingly brilliant for a man of his age, and dark, bluish-gray in color; his nose was prominent, but well formed; his mouth was cleanly cut and firm and his forehead was full, broad, and a phrenolo- gist would have said that it denoted great intellectual power. In fact, the general contour of his head implied scholarly instincts and great mental endurance. The conversational powers of this man, Fred thought, were unexcelled; he seemed to be a man with a very retentive memory and a clear understanding, especially of those scientific subjects which are so wonderful and interesting, but of which the majority of people are ignorant and for which they really seem to have an antipathy. This man appeared to be well read, liberally educated, and he had evidently traveled a great deal. He was constantly on the alert for anything instructive, and his eye took in everything of interest with quick perception. Fred made Mr. Ellsworth's acquaintance before the Polynesia had been at sea twenty-four hours, and they mutually observed and enjoyed everything that occurred around them. They soon confided in each other. Mr. Ellsworth said he had been studying the Tasmanian fauna and flora for the past three years, under the auspices of the University of Watertown, and the geology of the island on his own account. As the ship proceeded on her voyage there was some- thing new to talk about almost constantly, so the days passed very pleasantly. The scientist told Fred the name of every species of aquatic bird that they saw; all about their peculiarities of nidification and general habits. Such fishes and mammals as were seen in the sea he was also familiar with, and he never failed to give Fred a 40 FREDERICK YOUNG. popular account of each one that appeared. He also expounded on the islands that they passed; he spoke of their probable age, original formation, the people who now inhabit them, their manners and customs, their his- tories and an endless variety of subjects. In fact, Mr. Ellsworth represented the circle of knowledge ; he was a veritable walking encyclopedia, and his knowledge was classified and indexed,as it were, for immediate reference. After leaving North Cape, New Zealand, the ship next passed to the south of the Kermadec Islands, then about thirty miles south of the Austral group, when she en- tered the labyrinth of the Taumotu or Low Archipelago, passing just north of Minerva Island, and again entering the clear sea. They were then over 5,000 miles from Melbourne, and Callao was but a little over 2,000 miles away. Previous to the thirteenth day from port, fine, clear weather prevailed, but on this day a dense fog was en- countered, but fortunately the ship had cleared the great island groups and she was now favored with plain sailing, or steaming rather. This fog continued throughout the night and it was as thick as ever on the following morn- ing, which was the i/th day of February. The whistle was blown periodically to obviate a collision with other ships, and after a time the regularity of these danger signals became exceedingly monotonous to the passen- gers; but this is something we all have to put up with when at sea. The series of panoramic views, which had been so en- trancing- to Fred and his friend, were now cut off by the moisture-laden air; the fog was so thick that one coulc not see five yards from the ship. About 2 o'clock in the afternoon, when nearly all the passengers were on deck, a little excitement was created by the advent of a huge shark. He came quite close to the stern of the ship, and Captain Handford said that the monster would measure fifteen feet in length. The FREDERICK YOU NO. 41 greedy eyes of this great fish could be plainly seen as he dashed rapidly through the water like a trout around a bait, while his great triangular, dorsal fin cut the water like a huge blade. Mr. Ellsworth explained to the passengers, who had collected aft, that this was the "Basking Shark," or Sclache maxima of scientists, called erroneously "Sun Fish" by sailors. He further said: "This fish sometimes attains a length of thirty feet, and by some is considered peculiar to the North Atlantic fauna, but these large fishes are great rovers and they are liable to be found in any sea. This fish," he continued, "is not very danger- ous, as the teeth, although numerous, are small, arranged in series, conical in structure, and of not much use. The mouth, however, is large and capable of taking a large object, and At this juncture, when all were deeply interested in the antics of the cannibal of the sea, and when they were concentrated aft, a column of fire shot up forward, near the pilot-house; followed by a deafening detonation. The ship trembled from stem to stern, the forward part was a total wreck; one mast, the pilot-house, two life- boats and the greater part of the deck had been carried away. The remaining woodwork had caught fire; the lurid flames and clouds of murky smoke were already roll- ing upward, while the shattered bow was rapidly sinking into the briny deep. The passengers huddled together near the stern; the women shrieked in terror; the men stood white and mo- tionless. Two or three lay on the deck stunned by the violent concussion. "What has happened?" they asked. Nobody answered, but the captain comprehended the situation at a glance, and shouted: "Work livelv, lads! Clear away and man the boats at once! Everybody get life preservers right away, the ship is doomed; she cannot float ten minutes!" 42 FREDERICK YOUNG. The men rallied ; they understood, and sprang to obey the captain's orders. The Polynesia was sinking fast ; the fire was rapidly en- croaching on the terrified passengers. Robert Clark and his infernal machine had done their fiendish work. One boat was cleared, lowered and floated, and the women, children, four sailors and the second mate em- barked and pushed off. Two casks of water, a quantity of sea-biscuit and other provisions, together with a lot of spare canvas, had been put into each boat. "Keep us in sight until we clear the other boat I" shouted the captain to the second mate. "Ay, ay, sir!" responded the mate. The captain, Mr. Ellsworth, Fred and the other men passengers now made hurried preparations to launch the other boat. The Polynesia was already two-thirds submerged and she could remain on the surface but a moment longer; possibly her time was limited to seconds. "Make all possible haste, or we shall get caught on board when she sinks!" said the captain. The flames were making rapid headway and it was getting too hot to comfortably remain in the stern. The second boat was safely launched and Captain Handford only remained on deck. He glanced over the doomed ship to see if any one was left on board, but the deck appeared to be deserted. He then clambered over the rail to lower himself into the boat, but he was a second too late; the ship gave a sudden lurch toward the life- boat, and, catching the small boat's rail under her ribbon, she capsized it and the two went down together with a sickening, gurgling sound. Clouds of steam arose, while the water boiled and hissed as it came in contact with the fire. The first mate, Mr. Ellsworth and Fred were standing in the boat when the ship lurched, and the sudden motion FREDERICK YOUNG. 43 of the life-boat under their feet upset their equilibrium and caused them to fall backward and strike the water head first. It was the salvation of the naturalist and Fred, for it cleared them from the boat, and as they had taken the precaution to secure life preservers before leaving the ship they immediately came to the surface unharmed. The poor mate fared differently; when he took the backward somersault his head struck a piece of floating wreckage, which evidently stunned him, so he could do nothing to save himself, and unfortunately he had no life-belt. He was never seen again. 44 FREDERICK YOUNG. CHAPTER X. IN A LIFE-BOAT ON THE BROAD PACIFIC. When Mr. Ellsworth and Fred came to the surface not a soul could be seen. Even the first life-boat, the com- mander of which the captain had admonished to keep the ship in sight, was now lost to view in the dense fog. All those that were engulfed with the Polynesia were doubtless drowned, as none arose to the surface. The dynamite had done terrible work; souls had been sent to eternity; a valuable ship and her cargo were lost, and it was all done to satisfy the animal nature of one man. But, after all, Robert Clark's villainous scheme had been a failure in one sense, for his enemy, Frederick Young, had escaped the dangers of the wreck, though he was adrift in the South Pacific and hundreds of miles from land. Was he to escape from his perilous position? The sequel will tell. "Let us keep each other in sight and collect what wreckage will be of use to us before it floats away," shouted Fred to his friend. Fred had become proficient at swimming, thanks to his college training, and his elderly companion was no less skilled in the art, and it now came in to their advantage. Fred struck out for a mass of splintered woodwork which had been thrown from the ship by the explosion. There was a piece of cordage attached, which he removed and made into a coil about his neck. Next he espied three dark objects, nearly submerged, just ahead of him. Upon examination they proved to be casks, and he thought they must contain something heavier than air or they would be more buoyant. After FREDERICK YOUNG. 45 a few moments of skillful work he succeeded in fastening the casks together with the piece of cordage. Here Fred was interrupted in his work by the scientist, who was shouting. "What is it?" asked Fred, as he turned in the water so he could see Mr. Ellsworth. A long, dark object was floating some six or seven rods from Fred, and Mr. Ellsworth was clinging to it. "Come and help me, please; the life-boat has risen." "All right," Fred replied, and he immediately com- menced to swim toward the boat, towing the three casks after him. It was slow work, but as the sea was calm he made snail-like progress. While swimming Fred's mind for some unaccountable reason reverted to the huge shark he had been gazing at but a short time before. What if the monster should again make his appearance? The very thought caused a chill to creep down his back. The life-boat had really come to the surface, and right side up, too, but it was brimful of water and only the bow and the top of the gunwales projected from the sea. The oars were gone. The poor men who went down with the boat did not rise. Perhaps, even then, sharks and other voracious fishes were quarreling over the men's remains. After a gallant struggle of five minutes Fred managed to reach Mr. Ellsworth with the casks. He anchored them to the boat by tying the end of the tow-line to a ring-bolt in the stern. The naturalist had been trying to bail some of the water from the boat with his hands, but they were not very well adapted to the purpose. However, he had succeed- ed in removing some water, but more by splashing than by bailing it out. Fred had retained his soft felt hat, and with this he commenced to transfer the water from the boat to the sea, while the scientist continued with his hands. In three- 46 FREDERICK YOUNG. quarters of an hour the water had been lowered enough so that one of the workers could climb into the boat over the stern. Mr. Ellsworth being the older, Fred helped him in. Then the naturalist took Fred's hat and by using it vigor- ously with both hands, he rapidly lowered the water. Finally Fred got aboard, and in a short space of time the boat was emptied of water and it floated as buoyantly as ever; but it was now destitute of oars, mast, sail and rudder. Before the boat was sucked below the surface it was provided with all these conveniences and necessi- ties. The three casks were hauled into the boat, and then the two men paddled with two large splinters of oak board, which they had picked up. They worked industriously collecting what wreckage they thought would be of any value to them. They found the shattered foremast, with boom, gaff, sail and ropes attached. This mast had been carried away at the time of the explosion. They took all the rope and canvas, and also the gaff, with which they proposed to improvise a mast for the life-boat. Further search revealed two more casks, and what was very valuable to the survivors, the rudder. So with what they had it required no great ingenuity for them to con- vert the life-boat into a respectable sailing craft, but two hours were consumed in the work. When it was com- pleted darkness was near at hand. They next sat down to discuss their troubles and to de- cide how to extricate themselves from the predicament into which they had fallen. Mr. Ellsworth, after a few moments' meditation, said: "We must be nearly 2,000 miles from the American coast, and, I think, about 300 miles east of the Dangerous Archipelago; so if we sail to the west we will probably sight some of the numerous islands which lie in that di- rection." "That is my opinion also, but as we have no compass FREDERICK YOUNG. 47 and are enshrouded in fog, I think we will have to drift until fair weather sets in," said Fred. "Exactly, and in the meantime I would suggest that we ascertain what these casks contain. I feel greatly in need of food to recruit my strength." "Now that you remind me of it, I feel a certain inani- tion, too; but, truly, I did not realize it before," returned Fred. They next examined the casks. Presently Fred said: "This one contains water; at least it is so branded on this head." "And this one is likewise marked. I trust some of them contain something more substantial than water," remarked the scientist. "Ah! here is one branded 'sea-biscuit,'" exclaimed Fred. Two casks proved to contain fresh water and three hardtack. This was fortunate, as these two men might have to be at sea some time in their frail little craft. After considerable effort on Fred's part he succeeded in breaking in one of the heads of a cask of biscuit with a piece of plank, and with his knife he managed to punc- ture a water-cask, so they supped that night on bread and water. But it was eaten with gusto by the castaways, who were ravenously hungry. The labors to which they had subjected themselves during the afternoon had sharpened their appetites. Their hands necessarily served as drinking cups, but the water was just as refreshing as if it had been sipped from golden vessels. By the time supper was over darkness had come. The night was divided into watches. Fred was to remain awake and look out for any danger there might be, until midnight, when he was to awake his companion, who would watch until morning. Thanks to the superior workmanship of their time- 48 FREDERICK YOUNG. pieces, the salt water had not penetrated the joints, con- sequently the works remained uninjured and the two men knew the correct time. They had no matches, and as everything was wet and sticky it proved to be an extremely uncomfortable night. At last, daylight came; the fog, however, was as heavy and dense as on the preceding day, but about sunrise a light breeze sprang up from the east and the mist soon began to break. When the sun had gotten two hours high the fog clouds had become entirely dissipated and the solar orb, by his radiations, caused the sea to sparkle as if it were set with gems of the first water. The two men scanned the ocean closely; the horizon presented a circle unbroken by any object, while the sea on all sides was a barren waste of wafer. Not a sail; not a column or cloud of smoke, nor a sign of the other boat gladdened their sight. "The second mate and his crew evidently got farther away from us yesterday than they intended, and lost us in the fog," remarked Fred. "No doubt, and, too, they might have struck a strong current which did not influence us, or vice versa, and thus we became widely separated," returned Mr. Ells- worth. "It will be useless to look for them, or even to expect to meet them again, I suppose. But, then, we may acci- dentally come together, for they will evidently sail to the west, as the nearest land lies in that direction," said Fred, reflectively. "You must remember, Fred, that the ocean is very large, and that our chance of again meeting our fellow- passengers is correspondingly small," returned the natu- alist. "Well, to change the subject, Mr. Ellsworth, do you not think we had better hoist our sail?" "Yes, for the breeze is now strong enough for us to FREDERICK YOUNG. 49 make headway, and if we sail to the west we will be favored with a fair wind." "Are we not too far away from the American coast to attempt to reach it?" "Certainly, it would be foolhardy to make such an at- tempt, for it is surely 2,000 miles away, while the Low Archipelago cannot be more than three or four hundred miles to the west." "And we must be guided on our course by the sun, for we have no compass," said Fred. "Assuredly, the sun by day and the stars by night shall guide us." The roughly rigged sail was hoisted. It bagged con- siderably, but nevertheless it served its purpose admira- bly, as was made evident by the eddies left astern and the rippling of water around the bow. Yes, the life-boat was moving, and she was headed a few points south of west. Fred took the tiller and held her as steadily on her course as an experienced seaman could have done. It was a beautiful morning; there was a gentle ripple on the dark-blue ocean in addition to the ordinary swell, which, in the sunlight scintillated resplendently. The sky was of a clear cobalt-blue tint and numerous white, fleecy clouds scudded over its surface; they were all moving westward, and it almost seemed that they were racing the life-boat. The atmosphere had that soft, balmy ap- pearance which no pen can adequately describe, but which all who have traveled in or near the tropics are fa- miliar with. The monotony of their surroundings was occasionally broken by a frigate pelican, with gular pouch distended, or a petrel, or an albatross silently skimming over the cerulean sea. Then, occasionally a denizen of the deep would disport on the surface. Mr. Ellsworth enjoyed himself in spite of the hardships through which he had recently passed. He took pleas- ure in observing the birds and fishes and classifying them in accordance with the best nomenclature. Durinc: 50 FREDERICK YOUNG. the day he saw and recognized numerous species of gulls, petrels, terns, phalaropes, shearwaters, jagers and many other interesting birds. Mr. Ellsworth and Fred had removed part of their wet clothes, and they soon dried, as also did those that were not removed. The sun soon got unbearably hot, and Mr. Ellsworth erected an awning over the stern with the spare canvas and some pieces of wood from the wreck, which he used as stanchions. This alleviated the uncomfortableness of the scorching solar rays to a great extent. "Mr. Ellsworth," said Fred after a long silence, "how, in your mind, was that explosion caused which wrecked the Polynesia yesterday?" "Well, Fred, that is a difficult matter to decide upon, especially when I am ignorant of what the cargo consisted. It was not a boiler explosion, for it was too far forward, and then there was no steam to speak of. In all proba- bility there was a quantity of some powerful explosive in the hold, and through some means, unknown to us, it exploded." "It was an unfortunate affair, and many good men, not to mention the ship and her cargo, were lost through it," Fred remarked. The boat kept steadily on her way during the forenoon. Not a sail nor a bit of land did the two men see; the il- limitable expanse of ocean apparently remained un- changed, although they must have moved many miles to the westward. Just after partaking of their frugal dinner, which in substance was necessarily a repetition of their previous meals, Fred said: "Mr. Ellsworth, has it occurred to you that our de- liverance from the dangers to which we were subjected yesterday must have been a decree of Divine Providence?" "It has not, Fred, because I do not attribute it to a di- vine power, but to a natural sequence of natural events. FREDERICK YOUNG. 51 The hand that caused that explosion to occur was not staid by Divine Providence; yet if it had been many lives and much property would have been saved. If, when we were about to embark in this boat yesterday, the sinking of the ship had been postponed by the Omnipotent but a few moments many lives would have been spared. "No, Fred, my experience has taught me not to regard these things as being the work of a divine hand. Study the past and you will notice that the natural forces of nature have always been merciless in their dealings with men, and, in fact, with all organic beings. No warning was given to the people of Pompeii and Herculaneum on that awful day in the year 79 A. P., when V esuvius pre- cipitated ashes and hot water upon those fated cities. And yet we cannot think that all of their inhabitants were so wicked that their Creator wanted to destroy them. Recent excavations have taught us otherwise; we have learned that those unfortunate people were completely surprised while pursuing their various vocations. Their destruction was caused by the two elements, carbon and oxygen coming in contact and forming confined combus- tion, which necessarily culminated in an eruption. "If you were to search the records carefully you could sum up thousands of instances where people have been maimed and killed in the very act of worship, and by the violence of natural forces. Clergymen have fallen dead in their pulpits when preaching the alleged word of God to their parishioners; church spires have been struck by lightning when services were being held in the churches, and as a consequence hundreds of people have perished in that way. If we study statistics perhaps we will note that more churches, in proportion to their number, com- pared with other structures, have been struck by electri- cal discharges than dwelling houses or public buildings. This is caused by the prominent spires, which offer an excellent conductive medium for the lightning. "To return to the events of yesterday. Our friends 52 FREDERICK YOUNG. lost their lives through the life-boat being submerged by suction, which was caused by the sinking ship. The boat came to the surface because it was constructed of wood and had air compartments, and was, consequently, lighter than the medium in which it was immersed. The casks of fresh water were lighter than the salt water of the ocean, and the same may be said of everything that arose. "We were fortunate enough to escape the dangers to which we were exposed and to find many things which were useful to us. Our escape I attribute wholly to the fact that we did not happen to be in the way of those nat- ural forces which sent our fellow passengers to eternity, and not to any divine intervention." "Truly, Mr. Ellsworth, there seems to be considerable logic in your remarks, but I have been taught from in- fancy to regard these things in a different light. I was admonished to thank our Father in heaven, who reigns supreme over the universe, for those things that are granted us for our personal welfare and earthly good," said Fred, reverently. "I was taught that also," said the naturalist, "and I was sent to a sectarian college to a Methodist institution to study for the ministry, but I had a predilection for natural history and the sciences. I read all the books and periodicals that were devoted to my favorite subjects that I was able to procure and could find time to peruse. I liked to study geology, astronomy, botany, mammalogy, ornithology, embryology and kindred sciences. I read the works of Aristotle, Kepler, Herschel, Dana, Gray, Dar- win, Audubon, Wilson and in later years, Giekie, Huxley and Wallace. The words of these great men had a potent influence over my future, and when I left college I refused to follow the life for which I had been fitted. I devoted body and soul to science, and I have never regretted that I did so. "Of course the university curriculum included some of the studies which I was partial to, but they were re- FREDERICK YOU NO. 53 stricted in their scope; they were taught in an elementary form so that a student was unable to obtain liberal ideas out of any of them. Such is the method in our theologi- cal institutions to-day. In fact, it would be unwise for the faculty to teach the sciences exhaustively. It would engender much discord if they did so." "Why do you say that?" asked Fred. "Because the records of the ancients, excluding history and the modern sciences, do not harmonize, and this fact might have a tendency to divert the minds of the students into other channels of thought, and they might become estranged from the calling which they had originally intended to follow. "As science gradually progresses the authenticity of many ancient ideas is doubted more and more. In fact, our age has indicated a remarkable epoch in liberality of action and thought, and I think this progressiveness will be augmented instead of being retarded by the genera- tions which are yet to come. If you doubt that this is an age of free thought and action, you have but to compare the present with the past, when you will become con- vinced that it is. For instance, remember how poor Gal- ileo was treated 275 years ago by the papal church, be- cause he claimed that the sun was immovable in the center of the world, or solar system, as it is now called, and that the earth had a diurnal motion of rotation. This,' Car- dinal Robert Bellarmine said, 'was absurd in philosophy and formally heretical, because expressly contrary to Holy Scripture.' Scientific research has since vindicated Galileo and proved that the sun is stationary in the solar system, although it has a forward motion in space, and that the earth has a daily motion of rotation. "If one were to claim in this modern age of enlighten- ment, whether Jewisih history advocates it or not, that the earth is the center of the universe and that the sun, plan- ets, stars and other celestial bodies revolve around it, he 54 FREDERICK YOUNG. might be considered harmless, but at the same time a pretty sure candidate for an insane asylum." "Well," said Fred, "if I remember rightly, Galileo was acknowledged to be correct by some of the prominent followers of the Roman Church." "That is true, but years after he was made to recant his theories, and then only by a small number of Roman- ists. The greater part stubbornly refused to entertain the idea that the papacy could possibly be in error." "There is an evolution of ideas, as well as of species, as the centuries roll by," said Fred. "Yes, indeed. Regarding the history of the Jews, we all know that many miraculous events were said to have taken place in ancient times. No doubt but that there were strange occurrences, for in our time occult manifes- tations, which have greatly puzzled some of our greatest scientists, have occurred, and at the present time there seems to be no abatement in the aforementioned manifes- tations. Whether there are potent natural laws yet un- discovered or not I do not know, but I am inclined to believe there are. We shall probably never know, but doubtless our posterity will fathom and understand what is now a mystery to us." "Then you do not have implicit faith in the records left us by the ancients?" "I do not, my friend; you must take into consideration the fact that the deeper we penetrate into the history of the remote ages the nearer we come to the savage, barbar- ous man. And the further we go back the more super- stition, and, consequently, the more ignorance we en- counter. The records that we have were written by a superstitious people who lived in a mythic age, therefore, we must make proper allowances for extravagant ideas; imaginary happenings. "Now, if we want to get an idea regarding the probable age of the earth, we naturally first turn to the ancient records. For instance, we refer to a chronological table, FREDERICK YOUNG. 55 and we read that according to the Hebrew text of the Scriptures the world was created 4,004 B. C; according to the Samaritan version 4,700 B. C., and according to the version of the Septuagint 5,872 B. C. Allowing a liberal margin to the latter calculation, it was only about 8,000 years ago that the earth came into existence. The ordinary man will think that was a very long time ago, and then he will pass on to other things, but it will be decidedly different with the scientific man. He will say: 'There must be some great mistake here; either the records have been wrongly interpreted, or they were not correctly written. No, surely 8,000 years is too small a period of time; even if it were tenfold that number it would not do ; the earth is much older than that.' "Why does the scientific man shake his head dubiously and say these things? We will open nature's great stuiie book, that has infallible leaves of strata, and there we will find our answer. "We will turn to the geological records and we will read that the human skull which was, in 1866, found in the gold-bearing gravel under Table Mountain, near Sonora, California, encrusted with gravel and iron de- posits, had evidently been there previous to the formation of the mountain itself. And further that expert geolo- gists examined the gravel and the location where the skull was found and that they decided that the gravel had not been disturbed since it was alluvially deposited there. Still further, that some of the best scientific scholars of the United States, after a very careful investigation, have decided that the skull had been under the mountain for 100,000 years at the least calculation. "If we continue our investigations in the very highest authorities extant, we will learn that the prevalent and generally accepted conclusion is, that 100 million years must have elapsed since the first organic form appeared on the surface of our globe." "On what are these conclusions based?" asked Fred. 56 FREDERICK YOUNG. "The conclusions are based on diverse methods of com- putation and procedure, which when summed up unitedly agree on our planet's vast antiquity. This fact lends great strength to the existing theories. But, to answer your question: Sir William Thomson, the well-known physicist and mathematician, calculates the age of the earth by three kinds of evidence: First, the internal heat and rate of cooling of the earth; second, the tidal retardation of the earth's* rotation; and third, the origin and age of the sun's heat. The laws of sedimentation and erosion are also much employed in making calculations as to the age of the earth. By this method the Post-glacial period has been computed to represent 7,000 years; the Post-Co- lumbia, 200,000; the Post-Lafayette, 10,000,000; the Cenozoic, including the Lafayette, 90,000,000; the Me- sozoic, 300,000,000; the Paleozoic, 2,400,000,000; and the age of the earth as six billion years. These calcula- tions are neither the minimum nor the maximum num- ber of years, but the mean in each instance. This subject is too large for me to deal with exhaustively now without proper references, but by what I have said you will un- derstand that the ancient and the modern computations differ widely." "Truly they do, Mr. Ellsworth, I never knew that there was such a vast difference before. It seems hard to real- ize that our globe has lived so long," remarked Fred, thoughtfully. "True, and yet the casual observer cannot help re- marking that the changes in the organic world proceed very slowly; and in the stratified rocks of our earth we have convincing evidence that the whole fauna and flora of this sphere have passed through many revolutionary cycles species, genera, families, disappearing and reap- pearing in modified forms, and not only once, but again and again. The geologist learns of these astonishing vicissitudes in the past organic world, from the great book of nature, which never lies. Its teachings may be FREDERICK YOUNG. 57 wrongly interpreted, but in itself is embodied truth in- fallible. It is man's duty to learn the contents of this great compilation, and I am happy to say that thousands upon thousands of men are not only willing but eager to devote their lives to this great work. Among this vast army of geologists there are many who make mistakes; there are many who advance untenable theories, but on the whole, they all agree that a vast period of time must have elapsed since the first protoplasmic cell appeared on the surface of the earth. A few thousand years, or even a few million years, will not answer, but instead, it will, at least, take 100 million years to cover the period in ques- tion, in the estimation of our modern scientific scholar." "How do you suppose all the erroneous, ancient ideas; the abundant mythological nonsense of the past, origi- nated? Fred asked after a few minutes' meditation. "The so-called sages undoubtedly invented a great many extravagant ideas in order that their standing among their followers might not decline and their repu- tation wane. And, then, dreams were probably directly instrumental in instituting many absurd fallacies. If dreams, as is claimed, are in anywise governed by the thoughts and actions of the dreamer during the day, surely the ancient dreams must have been much more extravagant than those experienced in our time. "Speaking of dreams reminds me of one that I had when quite young, but it was so peculiar and realistic that I can vividly recall it now. In this dream I saw a stately, white-robed figure, with long, flowing, yellowish hair, which was surmounted by a golden crown. In one hand was a long-handled trident with a golden head. The features resembled those of Jesus which I had seen de- picted. The figure was gracefully seated on a white cumulous cloud, which entered my range of vision in the south and passed to the north, going to the west of me. The figure had its face turned toward me, and it was silent and motionless while in view. I know not how the 58 FREDERICK YOUNG. idea was conceived, but at the time it seemed to be a fact that I was gazing on the Omnipotent himself, and i looked at Him, not with fear and trembling for I had done no wrong but with respect, and I may say, with awe. I have often thought that if some of the writers of antiquity had had this dream they would have said that it was a vision wherein God personally appeared to them, and it would have been thus inscribed on their tablets; and perhaps many, even in our day, would place implicit faith in the statement. But I do not think God revealed himself to me; it was but a dream pure and simple." "Mythology is still with us; but it is now used in poetry more than in prose; it is not taken so seriously as it used to.be," said Fred. "The people of our time are more matter-of-fact than those who lived before the advent of Christ. We do not now have time to pursue imaginary beings and harbor puerile fancies." FREDERICK YOUNG. 59 CHAPTER XL FRED SIGHTS LAND. The boat held steadily to her course throughout the day and night; the wind blew from the same point and the boat maintained her speed of the morning. A great many leagues of ocean were traversed during the day and night, but still no land or signs of human life appeared. The following morning, after breakfast, Mr. Ellsworth revived and enlarged upon some of the topics of the pre- vious day. Gazing on the waste of ocean became very monotonous, so Fred was glad to have an interesting con- versationalist at hand to pass the time away. "Fred," said the scientist, after meditating some time, "has it never occurred to you that Christians have im- plicit faith in the Bible, and that Mohammedans have un- bounded faith in the Koran?" "I have never given the Koran much thought, Mr. Ellsworth." "Then you will be surprised when I tell you that there are over 200 million people, in the Oriental countries, who believe that the Koran is the true word of God, given to the people by the aid of the prophet Mohammed. Such is the fact, however, and as the Koran is much more ex- tensively used by its followers than the Bible is by Chris- tians, the former is said to be the most widely-read book on the globe." "Is it possible? And I have never seen a copy of the book." "It is not voluminous, being a trifle smaller than the New Testament. I have often wondered which of the sacred books is correct. What do you think about it, Fred?" 60 FREDERICK YOUNG. "The Bible is correct, of course." "And if I were to put the same question to a Moham- medan, what do you think he would say?" "He would undoubtedly be willing to stake his very life on the veracity and authenticity of the Koran." "Exactly, and just think how many different religious ideas and beliefs have existed since the beginning of human life upon our globe. Nearly every nation and tribe from pre-historic times to the present, have had re- cords or traditions of creation, and of some being or beings who reigned over the universe." "Does not that very fact indicate that there is some spiritual connection between the material and the after life? Does it not evidence the fact that primeval man was instilled with these ennobling thoughts that he might rise above his lowly condition, and become so intelligent that he would recognize the blessings showered upon him by a beneficent God?" said Fred, earnestly. "That analogous ideas should arise among different people, at divers times and in localities widely separated, surely evidences a remarkable coincidence; and pure science contends that without a cause or influence it is inadmissible," returned the naturalist, slowly and thought- fully. "Science, my friend, is incompetent to limit the power of the Omnipotent," returned Fred. "Scientists, Fred, do not wish to do anything of the kind; they are simply students of nature; they wish to learn of and thoroughly understand the great natural laws which control the universe; they seek to learn the pure unadulterated truth, and they are men who can accept the absolute truth whether it is in harmony or at discord with preconceived ideas. "Now, to return to the ancients; their ideas, whether inspirational or otherwise, did not go an iota beyond their times. In those days, according to the ideas of the people, the sun, moon, planets, stars, and all other celes- FREDERICK YOUNG. 61 tial bodies, were set in the firmament for the especial benefit of the terrestrial inhabitants. The sun to illumine the earth by day, the moon to rule by night, and the stars to stand for signs and for seasons. The ancients little thought that some of those twinkling points, which they regarded as lights set in the sky, were so large that it would require 22,500 bodies the size of our sun to radiate as much light as one of them. I especially refer to Rigel, one of the brilliant gems of Orion. Neither did the an- cients suspect that light traveling at the rate of 5,860,000,- 000,000 miles a year would require 490 light years to tra- verse the space which lies between Rigel and the earth. "At the time under consideration the earth was thought to be flat, and all sorts of mythical fancies were brought forward to account for the manner in which it was sup- ported. In one instance it was held up by a massive giant, in another it rested on the back of a large elephant which stood on the back of a huge tortoise. The an- cients failed to tell us what the giant or the tortoise rested or stood upon. In those days the earth was thought to be covered by a massive dome, and it was supposed that all the heavenly bodies moved on the interior surface, while heaven beautifully crowned the exterior, occupying the top like a city on a hill. This idea explains why peo- ple raise their hands or faces upward during prayer and other religious devotions. This custom, to me, seems very puerile. My reason I will explain. Supposing a clergyman lifts his hands in supplication to God at the morning service, and he does likewise at the evening meeting. Are not his hands pointing in nearly the oppo- site direction in the evening from what they were in the morning? In other words, the earth, between times, has turned nearly half around on its imaginary axis and the speaker, consequently, has reversed his position, or nearly so." "Mr. Ellsworth, I must say that your mind is filled with many ideas which are new to me. The latter supposition 62 FREDERICK YOUNG. seems to be simple and true, but as you say or intimate, the custom of raising the hands to heaven during supplica- tion is the continuation of an old habit. As a rule, I think people now believe that the after life will be spent in some place that is now unknown to us, or that heaven, like God, is ubiquitous, and that we will be able to go where we choose." "The latter idea is surely the more consistent with nature, for if heaven has a fixed place exterior to our system, how quickly our spirits would be left by the earth upon which we were born and reared. I refer to the motion of the solar system through space. Its velocity is said to be five miles a second, and if we were to remain behind imagine how rapidly the earth would recede from us. Even when I die I do not want to leave the dear old earth for all time. I should want to visit all those places that I had been unable to see while in the flesh, and I am sure a righteous and just God would not deny me these harmless pleasures. I should then want to visit the deep recesses of the South American and African forests, for the material animals and reptiles could not then harm my spirit form; deadly bacteria could not then be inhaled to pollute and to poison my being, and I could then enjoy all the wonders of nature without hurrying, for eternity would then be mine. I should want to visit the abysmal depths of the great oceans and study the habits of the peculiar phosphorescent forms which there exist in total darkness year in and year out. I should then visit the poles, for neither extreme heat nor cold could then injure me; I should not expect to find open seas there, for I do not think there are any. It is a place where eternal cold reigns supreme, and it is against the law of nature to think that liquefied water and intense cold can exist in unison. Now we are in uncertainty regarding the condition of the poles of our earth, and where there is uncertainty, there are pretty sure to be false ideas ; but I listen to them not, for if we cannot see our earthly poles we can take a large FREDERICK YOUNG. 63 telescope and examine the polar regions of our neigh- boring planet, Mars. On the Martial globe we see no open seas at the poles, but a distinctly white, circular patch, which common sense tells us is solid ice and snow. If it is thus on Mars, we can confidently say it is likewise on the earth, for the further we enter the realms of science the more apparent it becomes to us that all the visible and much of the invisible universe is governed by like laws. "But I should not be contented to visit terrestrial places only, I should want to travel over the rugged craters and broad plains of our satellite, and then I should want to visit every member of the solar system in turn. I could not remain passive until our brilliant and fuga- cious little Mercury had been fully explored; until Venus, or Lucifer of the morning and Hesperus of the waning hours of the day, as the ancients had it, had been visited and fully understood; until I had traversed the ruddy continental areas and floated over the blue lakes and green seas of our martial neighbor, and then of course, I would have to visit the diminutive Deimos and Phobos, before leaving the magnetic field of Mars; and after that I should want to visit the Jovian system ; the Saturnian rings, and even far off Uranus and Neptune. It might occupy thou- sands of years to complete these tours through infinite space, but it would not matter, for, as I have said, eternal time would be mine; and I could defy all sorts of specific gravities, as gravitation would then have no effect on my immaterial presence. When the solar system, even, had been explored to my entire satisfaction I cannot possibly think that I would be contented. That would not be human nature; it would not represent my own earthly individuality, and I believe one's natural characteristics are retained for all time. I am willing to admit that natural tendencies are more or less modified by external environments, but I maintain that one's innate individu- ality is unchangeable. But, I am wandering from my 64 FREDERICK YOUNG. subject. I should, if it were possible, want to go to those massive systems which lie in the great infinite beyond. If it were my privilege to gratify that desire, which one would I choose to visit, when the great system centers are perhaps represented by billions, trillions, or even quad- rillions? Truly, I would be confused, but probably those great but distant suns which had been attractive to me when I was on earth would then lead me on to know more of them. Yes, the beautiful reddish-orange stars, An- tares, Betelgeuse and Aldebran; the immaculate white Sirius and Canopus; the golden Arcturus, Capella and Pollux, and the incomparable bluish-white Vega, would all offer charming inducements. I cannot say which one I would choose first to visit, but I will wait for the hour of decision. If it ever comes I will be guided by the im- pulse of the moment. Now I am confused ! Lost in my own imaginings!" "What a man ! What a mind ! Are there any more on earth like you, Mr. Ellsworth?" Fred asked, evincing profound respect. "I do not know, Fred, but nature as a rule, never pro- duces two beings precisely alike," said the scientist, smil- ing at his companion's remarks. "I am afraid all your hopes will not be realized, Mr. Ellsworth, but I trust that they may be. The Bible teaches us how to prepare for the spiritual life, but we are not told the details of that after life; in fact, our knowl- edge concerning it is extremely meagre. The Scrip- tures, although pregnant with admonitions relating to our mundane existence, do not give us a concrete idea of what we are to expect in the future. However, I con- cur with you in believing that God is just and that our in- dividual desires, if harmless and edifying, will, in a meas- ure, be gratified. Possibly the natural laws of the universe will be such, or are such, that you can fulfill your inclina- tions, and visit those distant suns and planets in which you take such a great interest. Be that as it may, we have FREDERICK YOUNG. 65 but a little time to wait, when we shall either know about these things or pass into eternal oblivion." During the day the life-boat, under Fred's guidance, had been scudding before a continually increasing breeze. The sea as a consequence became rougher, and the little craft labored considerably, but nevertheless she rode the waves gallantly and covered many miles of ocean. How many miles the voyagers had no means of knowing. When night again enshrouded the Pacific no land had been sighted, while the wind had materially increased in force, and the sea was more turbulent than in the morn- ing. Mr. Ellsworth and Fred grew discomforted; they feared that their little boat would meet with some mishap. If the waves did not swamp her she might run upon some coral-reef in the darkness. The castaways knew that the Dangerous Archipelago could not be many miles away, so they kept a very close watch during the night. After long hours of watching and waiting morning came. To the voyager's great surprise the horizon was still unbroken by land or sail. "Can it be that we have laid our course too far south?" questioned Fred. "If so we may not sight land until the Antarctic Continent is reached." "We must change our course if we do not sight some- thing in a day or two," returned the naturalist concern- edly. Hitherto the sky had been clear and the sun had shone brightly ; now the heavens were becoming overcast ; the sun grew dim, while the wind was constantly augmented, although in an almost imperceptible manner. Mr. Ellsworth become cognizant of an increased at- mospheric pressure, and he knew that if he had a barome- ter it would have recorded a decided fall in the past few hours. He apprehended a storm and feared for its result. During the afternoon he imparted his conclusions to his 66 FREDERICK YOUNG. companion, and they took every possible precaution to meet the expected storm. That night the boat was at the mercy of the wind and sea, for the stars were obscured and the course could not be maintained with any degree of accuracy. The only alternative was to sail directly before the wind, as they had been doing for the past three days. Although no stars illumined the aqueous surroundings of the voyagers that night, a phenomenon did occur which materially modified the darkness. It was the abnormal phosphorescence of the sea, rt'he unusual intensity of which aroused the scientific instinct of Mr. Ellsworth to action. For miles around the sea resembled a lake of fire, and the dashing waves but added to the effect. Here and there points of more intensity of phosphoric light were noticeable, while a tenuous white smoke or vapor seemed to rise from the sea, but it disappeared when but a few inches above the surface. "Mr. Ellsworth," said Fred, "this is a wonderful sight; I have never seen anything to equal it, although I have seen a phosphorescent sea time and again. Can you explain the phenomenon?" "It is generally understood by the scientific world that this class of phenomena is occasioned by myriads of ma- rine animalcules, of a luminous nature, coming to the ocean's surface. This display, however, surpasses every- thing of the sort of which I have ever conceived," replied the scientist, becoming interested in the subject, and oblivious to the dangers of their position. "Have you noticed that there seem to be spots or points of luminosity more intense than their surroundings?" inquired Fred. "I have noticed the spots, and I think they are caused by copepods and small crustaceans, which have come to the surface in vast numbers for some reason, which I am at a loss to explain. This phosphoresence in mid-ocean FREDERICK YOUNG. 67 is generally attributed to a minute organism, known to science as Pyrocystis. Occasionally, however, it has been ascribed to floating putrescent matter." "Now, Mr. Ellsworth, may I ask you how the phos- phorescence itself is accounted for by those who have investigated the matter analytically?" "Well, my friend, on this subject scientists disagree; the causes attributed are manifold. Light is often emitted from organic matter after stimulation, which may be caused by electrical, chemical or mechanical means. The juxtaposition of the nervous system and the luminous organs indicates some connection between them. The phenomenon may be caused by the volition of the animal, or by the reflex stimulation of the sensory nerves. It has been demonstrated that carbonic acid deadens this lu- minosity, and on the other hand that oxygen intensifies it, so any student of physiology can draw his own conclu- sions." "Then you think it is some form of slow combustion wherein carbon and oxygen chemically unite?" inter- posed Fred. "No doubt but that those two elements play an im- portant part in the operation, but, I think that fat cells, which contain a small percentage of phosphorus, are the true cause of the phenomenon under consideration," the scientist replied. "Is the peculiarity of any obvious advantage to those organisms possessing it?" questioned Fred. "Yes, of decided advantage; for instance, the strange forms of life brought up from the abysmal depths of the ocean, where eternal darkness reigns; where the sunlight never penetrates, are the possessors of this apparently involuntary phosphorescence. These forms often have abnormally large eyes, which, no doubt, enable them to see the phosphorescent bodies of their kind, as they move around in the lower strata, if I may so term it, of the deep sea. 68 FREDERICK YOUNG. "The well-known glow-worm is easily located by the opposite sex on account of its luminosity, and I might enumerate many other instances where animal organisms are benefited by the possession of this peculiar property." Morning again dawned. For four days and four nights the life-boat had been sailing to the southwest. The sail had not been lowered during that time, and it had not hung useless for a moment; the wind had blown with a steadily increasing force and the voyagers must have traversed many hundred miles of sea. Mr. Ellsworth began to think that they had missed the Low Archipelago, or else they had passed through some of the broad passages by night, and now the group of islands was far in the rear. It was certainly strange that they should entirely miss these islands, when they are so abundant and cover so wide an area. In the meantime the atmospheric molecules rushed on in their mad career, stirring the ocean up to a high pitch of tumult and carrying the life-boat forward at a rapid rate of speed. Fred unconsciously let his thoughts wander. He thought of Marion in far away New York, and wondered if 'he would ever see her dear face again. Then he thought, "we may reach some land, or meet a ship so that we can get home before the loss of the Polynesia is made known to the public. If those who embarked in the first life- boat were fortunate enough to be spared, and reach some port, they undoubtedly will report that the Polynesia has been lost at sea. If they do not reach land the fate of the steamship will not be known, and she will not be given up by her owners until she is several weeks overdue at Callao; for it will be a matter of speculation whether she has been wrecked or whether she has met with an accident or adverse gales, which might have driven her from the great ocean routes and have caused much delay." The clouds were growing murky and the sea-fowl darted hither and thither uttering their hoarse cries; FREDERICK YOUNG. 69 elated that the prevailing confusion of the sea would throw food to the surface for them. Mr. Ellsworth predicted a heavy precipitation of rain before night. Just after the mid-day meal, on this 2ist day of Febru- ary, 1881, Fred was closely scanning the horizon, when he suddenly jumped to his feet and exclaimed in a joyful tone : "Land, Mr. Ellsworth! At last, I see land!" Fred waved his hat enthusiastically, but his companion was less demonstrative. "In what direction, Fred?" asked the scientist. "Almost in our course; to the southwest." Yes, Fred was not mistaken; but a point or two north of their course, and far ahead, a light, smoky-blue, coni- cal mountain peak appeared on the horizon; a mere speck in the distance. 70 FREDERICK YOUNG. CHAPTER XII. A MYSTERIOUS DISAPPEAEANCE. "Yonder solitary summit is probably on some volcanic island of Polynesia," said Mr. Ellsworth. "How far away do you think it is?" inquired Fred. "That is a very difficult matter to decide, for we do not know whether that peak is 1,000 or 5,000 feet above the sea." "That is true, Mr. Ellsworth, but is there no other way to get at the distance?" "The mountain appears very indistinct, as if we were looking through a great many miles of atmosphere at it; and by that fact I would estimate that the peak is five or six thousand feet above the level of the sea, and per- haps fifty or sixty miles away," replied the naturalist. "We ought to reacn it before night then, for this wind must be pushing us along at a very rapid rate," said Fred. Fred changed the boat's course so she headed directly for the distant land. The sea was now running high and white-crested waves were breaking on every hand, while the wind blew with more violence than it had in the morning. It was truly astonishing how the life-boat could stand upright and make headway in such a sea. One moment it would be on the crest of a monstrous wave and the next nearly out of sight in the trough of the sea. At 5 o'clock that afternoon the island, for such it ap- peared to be, was not more than six miles ahead. It did not seem to be very large. The peak which they had first sighted was in the center, and it evidently reached an altitude of 5,000 feet. On the west it was flanked by FREDERICK YOUNG. 71 a minor elevation. These were all the mountains that could be seen on the island. No rain had yet fallen. If no accident occurred the boat would reach the land before dark. "Fred," said Mr. Ellsworth, "now that land is near by we must act wisely and not jump from one predicament into another. We have got to land on an unknown coast ; we know not whether it is inhabited by white men or savages; if the latter we had much better keep at sea and trust to luck. And, then, it will not do to run directly for the rocky western coast in this gale and in such a heavy sea. Our boat would be shattered like an egg- shell if we should get on those rocks, and probably we would share a like fate. The boat must be saved; we may want to leave this island in search of more congenial quarters." "I would suggest that we clear the northeast cape and follow the north coast until we find a sheltered indenta- tion, or get on the lee shore. By so doing we can beach our boat with more safety, and it will also enable us to closely scrutinize the coast for hostile inhabitants as we sail parallel to it." "Your plan seems to be the proper thing and we had better adopt it. We must keep a considerable distance off that promontory, however, for in this latitude we are very liable to run against hidden coral-reefs, and at this time such a misfortune could only be extremely disastrous to us," said the naturalist. "Is there not a certain depth beyond which the coral polypes do not form reefs?" asked Fred, as he braced himself for an extra exertion on the tiller, which was now very hard to control. "Yes, twenty fathoms is the limit." "Then I will not have to keep very far off the point for it has every appearance of descending abruptly into the sea, and there is evidently a good depth of water there," said Fred in a confident tone. 73 FREDERICK YOUNG. "Those things are often deceiving. I would keep off a mile surely, for if the incline of the coast should happen to be gradual we may get into trouble. I have seen many reefs two and three miles to the seaward of these Polynesian islands," said Mr. Ellsworth. A few moments later the cape was safely doubled and the long northwest coast lay before the voyagers. The island as seen from the boat looked dark and unin- viting, but this impression was partially caused by the dismal nature of the day. The dark, smoky-blue moun- tain peaks were rugged and barren near the summits and their bases were supported by radiating buttresses, which in some places extended to the coast where they seemed to abruptly descend to the sea. These ledges formed many valleys inland, and bold precipices and pro- montories along shore. This peculiar formation re- minded Mr. Ellsworth of the great crater, Tycho, on the lunar sphere, and, indeed, the same great Plutonic forces had brought this island above the sea, as it perhaps once brought Tycho above the water on our satellite. Along the shore of this island the most luxuriant tropi- cal vegetation grew in great abundance, and it extended part way up the mountains. The great cocoanut palms waved their verdant heads frantically in the gale, while the more diminutive representatives of the family nestled together in the background, protected by union. No sign of human life could be detected, but it might exist on those gloomy shores nevertheless. The life-boat was racing madly along about one mile off shore. The spray flew over her bow and drenched the occupants to the skin, but she was held steadily on her course. The two men had their hands full to manage the boat in such a wind and sea. It was growing dark when Fred discovered a long curved line of boiling foam extending seaward from the coast and bending to the west. It probably made out into the ocean three-fourths of a mile, and at first it puz- FREDERICK YOU NO. 73 zled him. Soon, however, he heard the roar of the breakers and he then realized that the line of foam was a coral reel on which the giant billows were dashing with relentless fury. Danger was ahead! Could it be averted? The boat had gradually drawn nearer the coast as dark- ness approached; now the dangerous reef was directly ahead of them and in a few minutes, unless something was done quickly, the boat would be upon it. The little craft, unfortunately, was poorly rigged, and Fred knew that it would be extremely hazardous to undertake to change her course in such a storm. He grasped the tiller firmly, stood on his feet and made a hasty survey of the reef. It could now be seen; dark-gray, menacing, and the white foam in strong contrast, dashing over it. Fred observed all at a glance. A second thus, and a thrill of hope shot through his being; he had discovered a break in the coral barrier. "We must make that passage or we are lost!" Fred shouted to his companion. So saying he pushed the tiller hard to port; the boat answered to the helm; she veered and headed for the narrow and dangerous passage. Whether the breach in the reef was of a sufficient depth to allow the life-boat to pass or not was unknown, but under the circumstances there was no alternative; they must attempt the passage. The boat bounded swiftly forward; the roar of the breakers was deafening; the scene extremely wild and the situation thrilling. Fred's face was ashy white, but his countenance bore a firm look of determination. He guided the boat with a strong arm and steady nerves. At last the second was at hand; the voyagers' hearts almost stood still, the suspense was so great. The boat rushed into the breach; the foamy billows surged and boiled around them; the voyagers could almost touch the jagged coral on either hand; a sudden grating was sensed under the keel; the boat seemed to rise from the sea, then it pitched forward and with a sudden impetus 74 FREDERICK YOUNG. again rushed through the water. It had safely navigated the dangerous strait and now the boat was sailing in a small but well protected bay. There was a noticeable indentation in the coast, and the natural breakwater of the coral animalcules broke the force of the ocean waves and made what appeared to be a harbor of safety. Fred fervently thanked God for their deliverance from a great danger, and Mr. Ellsworth bowed his head in silence. Night had now come. The boat was carefully sailed up the bay until the dark and gloomy shore was but a few rods distant, when the sail was noiselessly lowered. The impetus of the boat was sufficient to carry it to the beach and the bow soon grated on the shingle, when the boat remained motionless. The two men sat still, each grasping an improvised paddle, so as to immediately push off on the first sign of hostility on shore. Finally Mr. Ellsworth said: "If there are any natives on the island, they may have discovered the boat heading for the shore, and even now a score of the dusky demons may be lying in ambush but a few rods from the beach, ready to jump out and capture or massacre us when we leave the boat." As a precaution the castaways remained in the boat nearly an hour, listening and watching for signs of natives, but nothing occurred to arouse their suspicion. The only sounds heard were the wind shrieking through the trees and the roar of the waves as they dashed against the out- lying reef. The gloom had grown impenetrable, and to make mat- ters worse, the patter of large raindrops on and around the boat was heard. Soon the water descended in tor- rents. "Fred, I think so long as we are sheltered from the wind, we had better push off a few rods and anchor. We FREDERICK YOUNG. 75 cannot find any suitable place to rest on shore in this in- tense darkness," said Mr. Ellsworth. "I am agreeable, but where is our anchor?" Fred re- plied. "The shore is rocky; we ought to be able to find a fragment that will serve that purpose," returned the nat- uralist. "Very well, Mr. Ellsworth, if you will take care of the boat I will endeavor to procure a stone." So saying, Fred sprang ashore and commenced to search for an anchor rock. It is perhaps needless to say that he also kept a sharp lookout for hostile bipeds, for he expected to see dusky forms emerge from the murky forest any second, but he was happily disappointed, for none came to disturb him. After a short hunt, or feel, rather, a fragment of basalt weighing seventy or eighty pounds was discovered, and with Mr. Ellsworth's assist- ance it was placed in the bottom of the boat. They then pushed off a cable's length, tied the painter to the rock and dropped their anchor over the bow. After paying out about four fathoms of rope they felt the stone strike bottom and their craft was anchored. The awning which Mr. Ellsworth had rigged over the stern now served to shelter them from the rain. They also spread the sail and spare canvas over the rest of the boat in such a manner that it would shed water and thus save them the trouble of bailing. "I think we had better divide the night into watches, the same as usual and, if possible, we must be more on the alert than we were at sea, for savages are more danger- ous than the perils of the ocean," remarked the scientist. "We do not know what may happen, therefore, we can- not be too careful," returned Fred, as he munched a sea- biscuit and washed it down with water. The rain pattered on the canvas roof far into the night and the wind whistled and shrieked like evil demons. The two castaways had reason to be thankful that this 76 FREDERICK YOUNG. place of refuge had been reached before the gale overtook them in all its fury. The next morning they were both awake at break of day. The northeast storm had not abated in violence, although the rain had ceased. On shore the palms, screw-pines and the leguminous acacias twisted and bent in the wind. The greater mountain had its peak hidden in the moisture-laden air or clouds. The beach was bare, as the tide was at its ebb, and the amphibians barked and gamboled on the shingle, apparently unmindful of the presence of their superiors. Over the agitated water the sea-birds, as they were caught by the wind, dashed in reckless evolutions and their hoarse cries, which were destitute of melody, added to the din and confusion. After the frugal breakfast had been eaten, Mr. Ells- worth and Fred pulled ashore and fastened the painter to a heavy rock. As they had seen no signs of natives they had concluded that there were none on this side of the island, at least, but they deemed it expedient to be constantly on their guard, for their supposition might be incorrect. As they walked up the beach the naturalist found many things to interest him and he never failed to call his com- panion's attention to his discoveries. At this point the shore was strewn with clusters, branches and fragments of corals of the most beautiful construction; shells of unique forms and delicate hues were lying around in profusion ; sea-anemones of varied forms were nestled here and there, while crustaceans^ sponges, sea-fans and numerous other marine producv tions were seen. Truly, it is a treat for even a layman to visit a tropical beach at low water. "Well, Fred," said Mr. Ellsworth, "we ought to ascend the larger mountain and carefully examine this island from its summit, but that is out of the question at present, for the clouds hang so low that they would cut off our FREDERICK YOUNG. 77 view. To-morrow the weather may be more favorable; let us wait." "And if we find no settlement or sign of human life, what will we do?" questioned Fred. "That will depend on circumstances. We may have to resort to the sea again ; sail away in our little craft for a more congenial shore, for it will be no satisfaction to re- main on a solitary, uninhabited islet." "By to-morrow, perhaps, the wind will have subsided so we can ascertain whether the island is inhabited or not. In the meantime let us search in the neighboring forests for eatables. Almost anything that is edible will be ac- ceptable to me, for I have become tired of hard-tack and stale water," Fred returned. "Very well, Fred, we will be purveyors to-day for the mutual benefit of the crew," said the scientist humor- ously. Fred had searched the boat thoroughly, and as a result he became the possessor of a marline-spike and a hatchet, which had survived the submersion at the time of the wreck by being securely inclosed in a small locker aft. These were thankfully appropriated as they would serve for tools, and weapons also. For all the sea-biscuit had become odious, the casta- ways did not forget to fill their pockets with them before starting. On entering the forest Fred cut two long hard-wood clubs, which were to be used in defense if necessary. The soil on this island appeared to be fertile; the cli- mate hot and moist; consequently the vegetation was wonderfully rich. Several species of ferns, dracaenas, crotons, and many plants, shrubs and trees of curious forms grew abundantly. Parasitical climbers flourished and so interlaced the undergrowth that traveling was slow and tedious. In fact, it was found absolutely ne- cessary to resort to the hatchet frequently, to clear the 78 FREDERICK YOUNG. way. Orchids of unique forms and rich colors grew in profusion underfoot. Fred's attention, since first landing, had been centered on a group of graceful palms which grew a short distance to the east of the landing place. The largest tree must have attained a height of ninety feet and the butt a diame- ter of two feet. The great pinnate leaves, nearly twenty feet long, which grew from the crown, waved wildly in the great atmospheric disturbance. At the base of the leaf stems were clusters of large ovate productions, one end being more acute than the other. "Mr. Ellsworth," Fred said, "if I mistake not those are cocoafcmt palms yonder, and if they are we can get some palatable and nourishing food from the matured nuts." "Yes, Fred, those are cocoanut trees; let us go over there; this gale must have detached a goodly number of the nuts." Sure enough, under the palms, on the ground, the pur- veyors found nearly a hundred nuts in their bulky oblong husks, some twenty inches in length. After stripping these fibrous integuments from several ripe nuts and puncturing the shells with the marline-spike, the casta- ways partook of the delicious milk within. It is needless to say that these nuts differed materially from the hard, insipid cocoanuts which are exposed for sale in our north- ern cities. Those are shipped while green and hard; these had become ripe on the tree, and some of them were so ripe that the pulp had absorbed the milk. This made the kernal soft so it could be scooped out with a spoon. The luscious flavor cannot be imagined, much less de- scribed; one must sit beneath the trees and feast on these nuts as these men did to appreciate their good qualities. After satisfying their desire for nuts the castaways selected about fifty of the best ones and made a pile among some luxuriant ferns, then they covered the pile with mammoth leaves which had been wrenched from the FREDERICK YOUNG. 79 trees by the gale, and piled stones on and around the heap. This supply was for later consumption. "There," said Mr. Ellsworth, "we shall know where to find these nuts when we return." "Unless some native man or a quadruped appropriates them before we get back. Perhaps even now one of the former individuals is watching us and is biding his time to pilfer our store," said Fred with a smile. "I have no fear or anxiety on that score for animals can find plenty of nuts on the ground, and it is yet to be proved that man exists on the island," returned the scien- tist. On leaving the palms the two men entered the dense forest, and by a vigorous use of their clubs and hatchet they made fairly good progress toward the mountains. Birds of brilliant plumage, but with harsh notes, were constantly startled from the trees and thickets. The fruit-eating pigeons seemed to have their curiosity, but not their fears aroused by the appearance of strangers in their midst. As a consequence, several fell victims to the clubs of the hunters, and Fred climbed to a number of nests, and he was fortunate enough to find twenty-three fresh eggs. Those that were badly wood stained and ap- peared opaque when held to the light, he left in the nests; but those which were of a beautiful translucent flesh-tint, he knew to be fresh, and he handed them down to his companion. None of the nests were over fifteen feet from the ground. "We will have to eat these pigeons and eggs raw, Mr. Ellsworth, unless we can improvise some means to obtain fire, for we have neither matches nor flint and steel. The native method of producing fire by rubbing two sticks together is said to be more tiresome than profitable to a novice, so I do not think we would succeed," remarked Fred. "When the solar orb next appears you shall have all the fire you want, my friend." 80 FREDERICK YOUNG. "And how will you obtain it?" asked Fred in some surprise. "I happen to have a powerful pocket lens with me, which will concentrate the sun's rays sufficiently to ignite inflammable substances; so we need not apprehend any trouble concerning the production of heat to cook our game," returned Mr. Ellsworth. "Ah! we will have a feast then, by and by," said Fred. The wind still blew fiercely, but it seemed that it had abated a trifle since morning and it had shifted a few points; it now came from the east. The trees creaked and groaned; their branches lashed against each other overhead and green leaves and dead twigs were con- stantly falling. The hunters pushed steadily forward in quest of pro- visions and in hope of learning something of the land on which they had been cast. They had not traveled far by mid-day, for the difficulties to be overcome were numer- ous, and the time seemed to pass away very swiftly. Up to ii o'clock the rank vegetable growth continued to obstruct their way, but after that a more rocky country was reached and the trees became more sparse and the undergrowth less dense. The rocky foot-hills of the interior mountains had evidently been gained. After eating their lunch among the great irregular fragments of lava and spending a short time for rest, Mr. Ellsworth said: "Let us return to the boat. We have all the eatables necessary for the present and it will be useless to attempt to push forward any farther in this direction." "I am agreeable, for I was just thinking if we did not turn back soon we would have to spend the night in the forest," returned Fred. It was a difficult matter to regain the coast, for they strayed from their path of the morning and the sun had set when they emerged from the forest. The sea was .FREDERICK YOUNG. 81 still very rough and the billows had not yet ceased to break in white foam over the reefs. Mr. Ellsworth and Fred slowly wended their way to the beach where they had anchored the boat in the morn- ing. The tide had risen since then. They stood on the wet shingle and looked up and down the shore of the little bay; then they looked at each other, and dismay was de- picted on their features. The life-boat had disappeared. 82 FREDERICK YOUNG. CHAPTER XIII. EMPIRE ISLAND. This, indeed, was a serious calamity. The boat was not where they had left it in the morning, and furthermore, it was in no part of the bay. The force of the incoming tide had probably broken the painter and the life-boat had been carried out to sea. Fred hastened to the rock to which he had secured the rope in the morning, it was not submerged by high- water; after a momentary examination he said: "The boat has broken the rope; the end is still fastened to the rock, and the break looks chafed and frayed." "This is an unfortunate affair, Fred, and I am afraid we shall never see our boat again, for the wind is just right to have carried it directly out to sea. Hitherto the great natural forces have been in our favor, this time, however, they have worked against us." "It is too late now to remedy this unlucky occurrence," returned Fred, "but had we not better search up and down the coast for a half mile or so? It is possible that we may find some trace of the boat." "It will, at least, satisfy our minds to make the search, but I have no expectation of finding our boat," replied Mr. Ellsworth in a tone of resignation. Accordingly the scientist followed the shore to the northeast, while Fred went to the west, after agreeing to meet his friend later near the anchor-rock. They were tired after the fatiguing explorations of the day; but, nevertheless, they searched diligently for some trace of the missing boat. When, an hour later, they arrived at the rendezvous it was dark, and their hunt had been fruit- less. They agreed that the life-boat had probably been FREDERICK YOUNG. 83 driven out to sea by the strong cast wind, and that they would never see it again. Their water, biscuit, canvas and everything excepting what clothes they wore, what they had in their pockets and the hatchet and marline- spike, were irrecoverably lost. "Now," said Mr. Ellsworth, as he and Fred sat down on a rock to rest their weary limbs, "we will have to find or make some kind of a shelter to sleep in, and it will pro- bably be the latter, as we have seen no place during the day, and it will surely be impossible to find one in the dark." "Let us go over to the cocoanut grove," said Fred; "we can find plenty of big palm leaves there, and we can construct a temporary shelter with them. We can also eat some of the nuts which we collected this mofning." The wind had greatly abated and the clouds had dis- persed. The dark vault of space was all aglow with the resplendent southern constellations. To the south Crux Australis, or the Southern Cross, as that beautiful star group is called by sailors, shone in the sky. To the north, Orion, which is visible to nearly all the world, and Canis Major formed an interesting study. Sirius, a Centauri, Rigel, Betelgeux, Bellatrix, and numerous other well- known stars twinkled brilliantly in their respective places. The castaways slowly and sadly groped their way through the semi-darkness to the grove. They found the nuts without difficulty, and these, together with the few remaining sea-biscuit, formed their supper. After this simple repast they collected a lot of palm- leaves and dead limbs. They then took four strong sticks and broke them so that a crotch or fork was left at one end of each. Then they inclosed a rectangular plot of ground six by eight feet, by sticking the four forked sticks into the ground, so that they projected about five feet. Two straight poles were then laid in the crotches for side stringers; cross-piece* were then laid on these and placed about one foot apart, and on top, the great palm-leaves 84 FREDERICK YOUNG. were laid and weighted in place by sticks and stones. The ends and sides were also covered with leaves, whicli were held in place by flat stones. An opening was left on one side. Two hours were consumed in building this rude structure. The castaways, that night, slept sou'ndly between the watches. The following morning it was comparatively calm and perfectly clear. At sunrise the forests resounded with the notes of the avain inhabitants. In fact, animated nature kept up such a continuous hum and chatter that the sounds intermingled, and one became confused while listening to them. Mr. Ellsworth and Fred made another search for the boat, but no trace of it could be found. It was so late when they had finished that they deemed it expedient to postpone the mountain climbing until the next day. During the forenoon Mr. Ellsworth succeeded in get- ting fire by the aid of his pocket sun-glass, and a cotton- like substance which he procured from a species of fern indigenous to the island. They soon had a good fire and Fred prepared and roasted the pigeons on a pointed stick, which he held over the flames and turned by hand. The eggs were baked in the hot ashes, as were also some bivalves and cray fish, which Mr. Ellsworth had pronounced to be edible. While Fred was attending to the culinary duties, the scientist was collecting fruit and evaporating sea-water on a large flat stone, which provided salt enough for their immediate demands. After their sumptuous repast had been partaken of, the question arose whether they should build a more substan- tial and commodious habitation or not. It was finally decided not to do anything until the island had been thoroughly explored. Then they would be cognizant of their position and they could act for the best. FREDERICK YOUNG. 85 The following morning, which was Thursday, Mr. Ellsworth and Fred were preparing to ascend the moun- tain by daybreak, and before the sun appeared in the east they had eaten their breakfast and had gotten some dis- tance on their journey. By so doing they reached the base of the greater elevation before the atmosphere had become very warm. They followed the path through the forest which they had previously made, and a great deal of time was saved thereby. It was slow and tiresome work, toiling up the steep, rocky slopes; climbing 'nearly perpendicular walls; mak- ing their way over acres and acres of pumice-stone trachytic rocks, obsidian and other volcanic debris; and in places vines and shrubs combined in forming a tangle that seriously impeded their progress. Nevertheless, by 10 o'clock, the climbers were on a level with the lower peak. At this point the vegetation had become very sparse, only growing in crevices and on rocky terraces where disintegrated rock and mold had formed a slight soil. This lack of vegetation was not due to the altitude, but to the rocky formation of the moun- tain. Traveling was here greatly assisted by the strong alpenstocks, which Fred had cut in the lowland. At 11.30 o'clock the castaways stood on the summit. They were nearly exhausted. Mr. Ellsworth sat down, but Fred stood and made a careful survey of the land and water. After a moment's examination he said: "We have landed on'a solitary, uninhabited islet." "I am not surprised, Fred, I have felt from the first that it was so. But'is there no other island in sight?" "No, not a speck of land nor even a sail can I see," Fred replied. The cool air and breeze were refreshing after the ex- treme heat which had been experienced below. No doubt but that it was as hot at the sea-level then, but the more rarefied condition of the atmosphere at this altitude, 86 FREDERICK YOUNG. which Mr. Ellsworth, by angular computation, had cal- culated to be 5,300 feet, gave them a very agreeable tem- perature. After Mr. Ellsworth had become sufficiently rested he joined Fred in examining the surroundings. The scene from the summit defied description; but a faint concep- tion can be had of it. Under their feet and around them were acres of trachyte, dolerite and basalt, broken into jagged rocks and piled and thrown up in the most pro- miscuous confusion. The air at the tree line, so to speak, was so hot and moist that many species of beautiful club and creeping lichens covered the slopes, and the whole island, excepting a narrow strip around the beach, the cones of the two mountain peaks and a small interior lake, were covered with a rich, verdant vegetation. From the shore the boundless ocean extended in all directions to the distant horizon line, and not an island, a reef, a ship, nor anything to suggest hope to these isolated men, ap- peared to break the sameness. Indeed, this part of the world seemed utterly deserted. The island in form resembled an irregular wedge, its greatest length being about five miles, and the width, at one end about three miles. The apex, as it were, of the island, lay or extended to the southwest. There were two well defined capes; one to the southwest and the other to the northeast, the latter being the promontory that the life-boat had doubled during the gale. The only indentation was the little bay on the northwest coast, where the castaways had landed. The little lake which was at the southwest of the smaller mountain, shone in the sunlight like a large body of mercury. A small stream, which was evidently an outlet for the lake, flowed from it to the northwest, where it doubtless emptied into the bay. Another small stream meandered through the emerald- hued forests to the south, having its source at the base of the greater peak. This bird's-eye view was grand and I 5 /f.-L FREDERICK YOUNG. 87 picturesque, and the combination of nature's colors was very pleasing to the eye. "This is grand, Fred, and if we but knew how we are going to leave it, how we would enjoy this scene" re- marked the scientist. "Yes, Mr. Ellsworth, this is truly beautiful, but I do not want to be confined against my will even in paradise," re- turned Fred. "True, my friend, and I trust we shall not have to re- main here long; but while we are here, let us profit thereby. The island appears to be destitute of man or his handiwork, but, of course, we cannot examine it at this altitude minutely without some sort of a magnifying glass. Now, to make a proper beginning, let us make a rough map of the land and its configuration. No doubt this islet is known to navigators and geographers, and it is probably marked on the charts, but we neither know its name, nor position on the planisphere. Therefore, for our own convenience, I think we ought to name the island and its principal diversifications. If the island is known, our names when we are done with them, can pass into innocuous desuetude. If it is unknown to the world, they can stand to shed honor on the discoverers of "Empire Island," interposed Fred. "A happy thought, my friend; in honor of our native state this land henceforth shall be known as Empire Island," said the scientist, carefully inserting the name on a map which he had accurately sketched in his note-book while talking. Fred looked over Mr. Ellsworth's shoulder and watched the process of map-making. The scientist was an adept with the pencil, and soon, under his practiced eye and trained hand. Empire Island, in miniature, appeared on the paper. The sketch embraced the minutest details. Only the names were lacking. "Shall we call the breakwater Harlem Reef?" ques- 88 FREDERICK YOUNG. tioned the scientist, holding his pencil in readiness to insert the name. "I am agreeable," returned Fred. "The reef is named. What shall we call the bay? It is your turn, remember," said Mr. Ellsworth, smiling. "Coral Bay it shall be, then," returned Fred. "And the stream that empties into it I will call Palm River," said the scientist. "And the body of water which forms the source of the river I name Sylvan Lake, from the vast forests which encircle it," Fred said. "The stream that flows southward from the base of this mountain shall be known as Handford River, in com- memoration of our late captain, whom we and our fellow- passengers greatly respected," said the naturalist in turn. "And the summit that we now occupy I name Mount Ellsworth, in honor of one of its discoverers," said Fred. "And I object," returned the scientist. "But I persist, as a discoverer's name should be per- petuated," returned Fred. "Very well, I will take you at your word and call the lesser elevation to the west Mount Young," the naturalist said. "Now you have got even with me, Mr. Ellsworth, and as it is my turn, I will call the elevation to the west of Coral Bay, Metropolitan Hill/' said Fred. "And now only the capes remain to be named, and the one at the smaller extremity I will call Southwest Cape," the scientist said. "And the promontory to the northeast shall be known as Cape Garfield, in honor of our president-elect," con- cluded Fred. Mr. Ellsworth now had a tolerably accurate map of this solitary islet, and the principal features now bore names. The details could be inserted later as they were discov- ered during future explorations. "I think," said Fred, "that we cannot do better than to FREDERICK YOUNG. 89 make our headquarters near the cocoanut grove. We will have to remain here until we can construct some kind of a boat, or until a ship comes this way. But, then, we cannot build a boat unless we have tools to work with." "We will manage in some way to build a substantial house, and possibly later on we will devise some means of leaving the island. We are not so badly off as we might be, for vessels are liable to appear on the horizon at any moment; and then inhabited islands cannot be far away," returned Mr. Ellsworth. "Ships may pass and yet not stop here. We may be out of the regular ocean routes, and I am inclined to think we are, or this island would not now be in its present de- serted condition. We must do something to attract ves- sels to us. I would suggest that we erect some sort of a conspicuous signal on this summit," remarked Fred. "We must do so, and before we descend, for it is very laborious work climbing this mountain." "We ought to erect a tall mast and cap it with some large object. It will be necessary to descend some 2,000 feet to obtain a sufficiently large pole for our purpose," said Fred. "It was now two hours after noon. The castaways had been at the summit long enough to recuperate from the fatigue of the ascent, so they descended to that part of the mountain where large trees grew. They soon found a pole that would answer their purpose; it was a dead tree which had been broken off by some gale. It had become entirely denuded of its bark and the exterior was hard and showed no sign of decay. It was not difficult to remove the branches from the tree, but over two hours were consumed in carrying it, and a few smaller poles for braces, to the summit. The castaways spent the night on a sheltered ledge near the peak. The next morning Mr. Ellsworth suggested that they 90 FREDERICK YOUNG. again descend the slopes and carry out an idea, which he had conceived during a dream in the night. Fred as- sented and followed his venerable companion. Mr. Ellsworth descended to the line of vegetation and stopped where a dense growth of some sort of small ever- green trees flourished. He took the hatchet and cut four trees that had a remarkably thick growth of branches, and requested Fred to assist him in pulling them up to the summit. When the peak was reached the naturalist securely bound the evergreen trees to the small end of the pole with some tough creeping-plants that grew below. The scientist's idea at once became apparent to Fred. These trees when bound together formed a dense globu- lar mass six feet in diameter and impenetrable to light; so that at a distance it would appear like a dark opaque body and, consequently, would make an admirable signal. "There," said Mr. Ellsworth, when the work was com- pleted, "if I mistake not, this signal, When we get it in place, can be seen from a ship when the vessel is fifty or sixty miles away." "With the naked eye?" questioned Fred. "No, with marine glasses." "How do you know that they will look at it through marine glasses?" "If we had been the possessors of magnifying glasses when we first sighted this peak would we not have scru- tinized this mountain with them?" "Probably." "Others will do likewise. All ships carry glasses, and if this summit is sighted you may depend on this signal being seen." "How will a strong wind affect it?" "It may break the mast off but it will not wrench these trees from the top; they are too securely bound on for that." "Good, my friend! Now let us raise the signal to an erect position." FREDERICK YOUNG. 91 This was no easy matter to accomplish, as some strength and considerable skill were essential to assure a successful termination of the undertaking. The big end or butt of the mast was placed at the brink of a crevice, which was about five feet deep. The small end of the pole was then raised; first with the castaways' hands and then with forked push-poles. As the pole was raised the butt slid into the crevice and became firmly footed. After maneuvring for half an hour the signal pointed to the zenith. To make it secure, large stones were piled, driven and wedged around it until it remained firmly upright, when the braces were removed. The castaways were not satisfied, however, until the rocks had been heaped to the height of six feet around the mast. When this was done, it was immovable, and it would un- doubtedly stand for years. After lunch the two prepared to go below, but their movements were somewhat retarded by the peak suddenly becoming enveloped in huge masses of nimbus clouds. The clouds were very dense and the castaways could see but a few feet ahead of them, while large, drops of water condensed on their hair and beard and ran down their faces. Singularly the moisture globules did not condense on the castaways' clothing, so that remained compara- tively dry. "This is my first experience among the clouds," re- marked Fred. "Clouds do not differ much from the fogs we have at the sea-level." "This is more dense than any fog I have ever encoun- tered," replied Fred. "If the temperature should now fall below the dew- point, or the point of saturation, we would be drenched to the skin by a heavy aqueous precipitation," said Mr. Ellsworth. "I trust that will not occur. We will soon be below 92 FREDERICK YOUNG. this cloud, when we can make better progress, said Fred. "It has just occurred to me that our signal is rendered useless during the prevalence of clouds, especially cumu- lus, stratus and nimbus clouds." "That is true, Mr. Ellsworth, and a ship is just as liable to approach Empire Island in cloudy as in clear weather. We must think of some other means to make our pres- ence known." The cataways soon got below the stratum of moisture and before dark they were again at the cocoanut grove, near Coral Bay. The sun rose the next day in a clear sky. It was Sat- urday, February 26th, and the inhabitants of Empire Island had decided to follow up the east bank of Palm River. Their larder needed replenishing and they were curious to explore the unknown parts of the island. Mount Ellsworth was clearly denned against the cobalt sky, on this morning, and the signal showed up well from the beach of Coral Bay. "I think," said Fred, "that we can manage to construct and paint a large sign and attach it to the mast, so as to make it understood by mariners." "We will do so; it is an excellent idea." "Mr. Ellsworth, do you really think this island is known to navigators?" "I think it must be known, for it lies between America and Australia, not far from the oceanic routes, and the prominent mountains make it conspicuous from the sea." "If it is known, I should think it would be inhabited, for it appears to be fertile and has everything necessary to support human life." "Yes," assented the scientist, "but islands are so plenty in Polynesia that small ones are not of much ac- count. If I had a quadrant, a chronometer and a chart I could soon tell whether this island is known to the FREDERICK YOUNG. 93 world or not and I could also correctly locate its position in the Pacific." "Cannot you ascertain our longitude and latitude with- out these instruments?" "Not accurately; I may be able to make a rough esti- mate. We will make the attempt soon, at any rate," answered Mr. Ellsworth. It was 8 o'clock when the castaways started up Palm River. For a quarter of a mile the stream ran through open land, but after that the dense forest was encountered and their progress was necessarily slow. Hitherto the stream had been some four rods wide and the sloping shores were covered with a dense growth of flags, rushes; lilies which bore rich, white, blue and yellow flowers, and many other plant forms, which were intermixed in pleasing profusion. Now the stream was not over half as wide; the banks were steep and the forest grew to the brink of the fern-covered abutting shores. The branches and leaves of the peculiar tropical trees met over the stream and they were fantastically draped and festooned with pendant lichens and parasitical climbers. Numer- ous species of the Orchidaceae grew among the branches, their singularly shaped flowers representing many of the most brilliant prismatic colors. The fruit-eating pigeons cooed overhead; the brilliant parrakeets peered down at the intruders and uttered their hoarse notes, while the numerous other forms of animated nature enlivened the damp, umbrageous recesses of the forest. Just before reaching the lake the ground seemed to ascend as if higher land were ahead, and the placidity of the river was frequently broken by rapids and miniature falls. This led Mr. Ellsworth to remark that the lake was evidently considerably elevated above the sea-level and that its waters were probably derived from mountain springs. Finally the castaways emerged from the tangled vege- tation and Sylvan Lake in all its splendor lay before them. 94 FREDERICK YOUNG. It was, indeed, beautiful beyond compare. It appeared to be about three-fourths of a mile long and one-quarter of a mile wide; it was surrounded with a luxuriant forest of palms, tree-ferns, acacias, screw-pines, etc., excepting on a portion of the northeast side, which was lined with white limestone cliffs. These precipitous rocks were backed by the rugged slopes of Mount Young. The sur- face of the lake was like a mirror; no breeze ruffled its waters, and the white cliffs, the verdant borders of vegeta- tion; the cerulean sky and the White, fleecy clouds, which had recently appeared, were all reflected in its crystal-like depths with remarkable distinctness. "Oh, Mr. Ellsworth, how serene! how beautiful! Have you ever seen anything more lovely?" asked Fred in an ecstasy of delight. "In all my travels and they have been very extensive I have never come upon a scene to equal this. Why, Fred, one could give up social and business ties to abide in such a paradise as lies before us," said the scientist. "And what constitutes this loveliness. The scene is neither grand nor picturesque, waiving the mountains on our left," said Fred. "It is the innate serenity of nature ; the delicate color- ing of sky and water; the harmony of the component parts and the general repose of the surroundings." "I wish we had a boat, for we would certainly enjoy a sail on our Sylvan Lake," remarked Fred. "As we have none, let us make our way along shore to those cliffs," returned the scientist. Nearly an hour was consumed in cutting a path through the rank undergrowth to the cliffs. Just before the castaways arrived they were startled by the sound of some large amphibian floundering off the margin of the shore into the lake. What it could have been the castaways could not possibly imagine, but it certainly made noise enough to have been a large hip- popotamus, but, of course, that great pachyderm does FREDERICK YOUNG. 95 not occur in Polynesia. The explorers were unable to catch even a glimpse of the animal on account of the in- tervening thickets, although they hastened forward when the splash occurred. When they reached the bank a few eddies on the surface of the water were all that met their gaze. "If we stay here long, Fred, we must ascertain what sort of creatures inhabit this lake. That must have been some massive mammal, as is made evident by the grass and shrubs yonder," said the naturalist, indicating a part of the shore where the vegetation was trampled down. The base of the limestone cliffs was soon gained. There was a narrow beach of hard, chalky sediment between the foot of the rocks and the water. In places these calcar- eous walls rose perpendicularly 200 feet above the water and on the numerous sheltered shelves or ledges, count- less numbers of sea-birds were breeding. In places the water had eaten or washed out deep holes or caves in the soft limestone, and occasional, tiny rivulets poured out of an enlarged seam and produced a miniature cascade. The castaways continued their journey along the nar- row strand, constantly on the alert for something new or interesting. It amused Fred to watch Mr. Ellsworth, for the scien- tist was as enthusiastic as a child is when at play. The old gentleman was constantly picking up or chipping mineral fragments ; intently examining some plant, shrub or tree; excavating fossils from the calcareous rocks, collecting shells and algae along shore, stopping to study the habits or nidification of some bird, and constantly jotting down items in his note-book. He was observing, extremely active, and was always delighted to expound the views of the professional world on all subjects per- taining to science. The castaways had not followed the cliffs far when they became cognizant of a rumbling musical sound 96 FREDERICK YOUNG. ahead. They accelerated their steps, and the source of Sylvan Lake was discovered. At this point the precipice seemed to attain its maxi- mum altitude, and at a 'height of fifteen feet above the beach a stream of water poured out from the face of the cliff and fell on an incline of crystal stalagmite, which led the milk-like liquid, after forming many foamy cascades, into the lake. The peculiar color of the water was caused by the amount of lime which it held in solution, and the whiteness of the lake for some distance from this point indicated that the water of that body was impregnated with the same mineral substance. On either side of the stalagmite incline, natural bul- warks, of immaculate splendor, had been builded up by the water itself, so it was confined to a channel of its own construction. Above the stream, at that point where it issued from the limestone facade, a vertical opening was noticeable, which had evidently been cut out by the ero- sive water. This opening was apparently some fifty feet from top to bottom and in width, twenty feet at the top and not over eight feet wide where the water came forth. The castaways gazed at this beautiful and wonderful freak of nature with awe. At last Mr. Ellsworth said: "Fred, undoubtedly somewhere in the interior of these cliffs there is a large spring, which has its source in one of the mountains. A great many years ago that spring came into existence through volcanic or seismic force, in all probability; the overflow percolated through these calcareous cliffs, or followed some seam, until a tiny stream of water made its way into the lake ; then it com- menced cutting for itself a larger channel of egress. This was accomplished in two ways, viz.: by mechanical fric- tion and by the carbonic acid in the water acting chemi- cally upon the rocks. Soon a passage sufficiently large for the water was made, and then it commenced to wear and erode its own bed, and in the course of time it FREDERICK YOUNG. 97 formed a large aperture in the cliffs and lowered its channel to its present level.'* "I should infer," said Fred, "that the volume of this stream was once much greater than it is at present." "Yes, my friend, the shape of the aperture certainly indicates as much." "And I suppose this stream will continue to wear away its bed until it falls to the level of the lake," remarked Fred. "Probably, and this great deposit of stalagmite will have to be worn away unless the stream changes its course," returned the scientist. "And what becomes of the mineral matter that is car- ried into the lake in solution?" "No doubt but that the majority of it is deposited on the lake bottom, but a great deal finds its way into the ocean, where it is used by the Mollusca, Echinodermata and the Foraminifera in building up their bodily struct- ures. These organisms die; their bodies sink to the bot- tom of the sea, become disintegrated, and in time their re- mains become a solid mass, which may be lifted up by subterranean forces and again pass through the same series of changes. Of course, these changes do not hap- pen in a day or in a year, but in the course of ages, and they are not so likely to occur in the future, as they were liable to take place when the earth was young. "Someone has said that the cycle of carbonate of lime is a never-ending one, from the land to the ocean, from the ocean to the land, and so it has been since the first stratum of limestone was formed out of the exuviae of the inhabitants of the sea," answered Mr. Ellsworth. "It is very strange and one gets lost, metaphorically speaking, when thinking of mysterious nature," Fred reflectively remarked. The castaways had but a few hours left that day for exploration, so they climbed up the stalagmite water- course and peered into the entrance of the cavity in the 98 FREDERICK YOUNG. cliff. They were greatly surprised to find that the inte- rior was much larger than the exit and that they could walk in with ease, as the water only occupied a narrow channel compared with the largeness of the cavern. As the cave, for such it was, did not make any abrupt turns, but followed a nearly straight course, the light was quite good for some distance in. The explorers soon came to numerous ramificating passages of unknown depth, and about 100 feet in the main passage terminated in a massive circular chamber of impenetrable height. In the semi-darkness the farther wall of the cavern could be dimly seen, and Fred esti- mated it to be 200 feet distant, which represented the diameter of the rotund cavern. Faint gleams of scintillating light in the darkness above intimated the nature of the upper part of the cave, and what beauties might be revealed when artificial light was brought to bear on the scene. "The sun is now shining at the entrance of the cave; let us go back, procure some dry wood and resinous fagots, if possible, and we will return here and build a fire. I think our trouble will be amply repaid by the sight that will be unfolded to our gaze," said the scien- tist. "You think this is a stalactite cave?" said Fred. "Yes, and one of rare beauty, too," rejoined the scien- tist as he and Fred returned to the outer air. They collected as much dry wood as they could carry and left it at the entrance of the cave. Then Mr. Ells- worth ignited some vegetable down with his sun-glass, and with this cotton-like substance he easily lighted some resinous branches. Fred went ahead with all the wood he could bear and deposited it in the center of the large cavern, on the smooth stalagmite floor; and while the naturalist was ar- ranging the fuel and applying the torch, his companion FREDERICK YOUNG. 99 returned and brought the balance of the wood to the place selected for the bonfire. The fire crackled cheerily and the tongues of flame leaped six feet into the air, shedding a mellow light even to the remotest parts of the cave. The explorers were wonderstruck ; they were almost blinded by thousands of rays of reflected light, which came from the crystalline walls of this fairy-like cavern. Some fifty feet above them was the great, irregular, dome-shaped roof of the chamber, and this covering was embellished with pendant stalactites daintily colored with various oxides; with unique clusters of floral displays; with garlands and tassels of translucent crystals, and myriads of rosettes composed of gypsum, so that the gray limestone was nearly hidden from view. Here and there masses hung some twenty feet from the roof, resembling chandeliers of peculiar patterns, richly bedecked with cut-glass prisms. In places real columns had been formed, completely uniting the calcareous boss on the floor with the stony draperies overhead. The sides of the cavern were as rich in resplendent crystallizations as the roof. In places the luster of the crystals was intensified by their being set, as it were, in beds of black oxide of manganese. Again a medley of gypsum rosettes, and those peculiar crystals known as oulopholites, were encountered; and these would be fol- lowed by a drift of those immaculate crystals of the sul- phate of magnesia. Next a bed of curiously wrought tufa, and thus were these beauties of nature unfolded to the view of the castaways. Is it strange that they gazed on these wonders in silent awe? "Aladdin's cave could not have been more wonderful than this," said Fred after a while. "Not more beautiful, but much richer in precious stones and metals, according to the ancient fabricator," added the scientist with a smile. "These wonderful productions are of no intrinsic 100 FREDERICK YOUNG. worth, from a worldly point of view, but the inspirations and the conceptions they instil in one's soul of nature are more valuable to us than material riches." "True, Fred ; and yet how few there are that can regard these things in that light. The majority would say: 'How beautiful/ and in the same breath, 'What are they worth?'" The bonfire had now burned low, and it warned the castaways that considerable time had been spent within the cavern and that night was fast approaching. "We cannot finish exploring this labyrinth to-day, but we can give it a name so it can be properly entered on our map," said Fred. "Will not Stalactite Cave be both appropriate and euphonious?" asked the scientist. "Are you a mind reader, Mr. Ellsworth?" "Not to my knowledge. Why?" "Because you selected the very name I had chosen/' "Then our choice is unanimous; let it be so recorded." It was a mile and a half to Coral Bay, and when the explorers arrived at the palm grove, the sun had set be- hind Metropolitan Hill. FREDERICK YOUNG. 101 CHAPTER XIV. LATITUDE AND LONGITUDE. The next Monday morning, which was the 28th of Feb- ruary, Fred commenced on a sign for the signal mast on the summit of Mount Ellsworth. He felled a large acacia tree and chopped off a section of the butt about seven feet long, which he carefully split into rough planks, aided by some iron-wood wedges. These boards he then hewed down thin and* smooth on one side. Near the limestone cliffs on Sylvan Lake Fred had found quite a large deposit of a substance resembling chalk, and it was undoubtedly of crinoidal origin. He now rubbed the smooth sides of his planks with this chalky substance until they were as white as driven snow, and no better results could have been obtained with the real Dover production. A stick of soft charcoal, which he had made by smoth- ered combustion, served as a marker. He printed in large plain letters: "TWO CASTAWAYS ON NORTH SHORE. COME TO THEIR RESCUE." This could be read several miles away by the aid of marine glasses. Fred next covered the chalk and charcoal with a coat- ing of a transparent resinous pitch, which, when dry, would protect the letters from the weather for some time. A few days later the pitch had hardened, when the planks were punctured to receive some strong wooden pins, which were designed to hold the boards in position on the mast. On the 7th of March the castaways again ascended Mount Ellsworth. Fred shinned the signal pole, which was no easy matter to do, and then drew the signs up by 102 FREDERICK YOUNG. means of rope made of creeping- plants. After consid- erable labor and persistency, he managed to get the planks in place ; one on the east and one on the west side of the pole. Next the long, hard-wood pins, with large heads, were slipped into place and the projecting points split and wedged. Then wedges were driven between the pole and the planks and tough creepers were tightly bound around the whole, when the signs were found to be held firmly in position. Mr. Ellsworth suggested pointing the signs east and west, as most of the travel in tne South Pacific is in those directions, and if a ship should come in sight it would un- doubtedly pass north or south of Empire Islaind, when the signal would be seen to the best advantage. March I5th the castaways commenced on a house, which was located near the cocoanut palms and on the shore of Coral Bay. At first it was deemed expedient to build their habitation on Metropolitan Hill, but after mature de- liberation they abandoned this idea and decided om the aforementioned site. The summit of this hill was objec- tionable, as it was fully exposed lo the disastrous storms which were liable to occur in this latitude. The structure was about fifteen feet square, and it was constructed of tree trunks from four to eight inches in diameter, and built in the regular log-cabin fashion. The roof was thatched with palm leaves, and the interstices were caulked with a species of moss which grew near by. On the north side was a door-way which led to a spacious veranda, from which a good view of the bay and a long stretch of the ocean could be 'had. The other three sides each had a square window, which was provided with strong shutters. These openings allowed excellent ven- tilation, and as the cabin was located on a dry knoll, it could not be otherwise than healthful. The interior was furnished with two three-legged stools, a square table and two single bedsteads. These FREDERICK YOUNG. 103 articles were rough and clumsy, but they served their purpose in the absence of more elaborate household ne- cessities. Mr. Ellsworth placed a commodious shelf in the back part of the cabin, for the reception of his collections, which were varied and multitudinous. He very seldom returned, from even a short excursion, without adding to his store. On the 28th of March the house was pronounced fin- ished, and on that day it was entered on the map as Cocoa- nut Grove Cabin. Up to this time no sign of human life had been de- tected on Empire Island, and the horizon had not been brokefn by the appearance of a sail, or even smoke from a distant steamship, to the knowledge of the castaways. The two men felt lonely and deserted and they sometimes thought that their whole lives might have to be spent on this isolated island. They had talked of building a boat large enough to put to sea in, but when they thought of the tools they had to work with, they became discouraged and postponed the undertaking indefinitely. They were now due at home, and perhaps already the news of the loss of the Polynesia had reached their families and friends, and they were being mourned for as dead. Fred would lie for hours, some nights, thinking of his parents and of Marion, whom he had not seen for over two years. How many times these lovers had imagined how sweet the meeting would be and with what pleasure they would approach the matrimonial altar, when their hap- piness would be complete. It was cruel to part them at this time. The scientist was no less affected, for he had been away from home and family much longer than Fred, and he longed to see his kind, loving wife and his little girl, whom he adored. How she must have grown since he saw her last! It was very difficult to bear this invol- untary detention from home and family. 104 FREDERICK YOUNG. The two unfortunate men unreservedly confided in and sympathized with each other. This was consoling, but it did not materially assist them. In the meantime they continued to hope that some- thing would happen whereby they might be rescued from their present exile. However, they wisely continued to do as if they were to remain on the island for the balance of their earthly existence. On the day that the house was finished, Mr. Ellsworth suggested that they spend a few days in more completely exploring the islet. He wished to follow the coast until they had been entirely around the island making such interior excursions during the tour as circumstances seemed to make advisable. Fred was perfectly agreeable, as he thought some- thing to their advantage might be learned, and then it would take up their minds, divert their thoughts from their troubles, and possibly add to their list of edibles. The castaways had made some very serviceable bows and arrows and Fred, by diligent practice, had become proficient in using them. He could hit a fruit pigeon distant two or three rods nearly every time, and he had no difficulty in keeping their larder well supplied with their delicate flesh. Mr. Ellsworth had made fish lines of a tough fiber which he obtained from the leaf of a species of palm, and hooks of bone. While Fred was hunting in the forests the scientist would angle for the denizens of the deep, and he was unusually successful; consequently their table was well supplied with fish and game, and also with numerous fruits indigenous to Empire Island. The scientist was skilled in the piscatorial sport, and he was undecided whether he would rather spend his time at Coral Bay or at Sylvan Lake, so he would go to those places alternately. Wednesday morning, March 3Oth, the castaways start- ed on their tour of investigation before the sun appeared FREDERICK YOUNG. 105 above the eastern horizon. They followed the northeast shore and found that quite rapid progress could be made. Even at high tide there was a narrow pebbled beach on which they could walk with ease and freedom. Above this there was a belt of tough grass with sharp edges and needle-like points. It was very uncomfortable walking in this grass, as the sharp terminations would not only puncture the clothes, but the skin as well, so the explorers kept to the shingle, unless something attracted their attention, when they would carefully investigate it before proceeding. This beach was strewn with beautiful shells and many strange forms of marine life, while the salt grass was fairly alive with crustaceans, which were constantly running under the feet of the travelers. Occasionally, too, marsh birds would be flushed, but they were too quick for Fred to secure with an arrow, for so far he had been unable to shoot game on the wing. Before the sun appeared over the water the explorers were half way to Cape Garfield. The solar orb appeared large and very red as it peeped above the slightly agitated Pacific, and radiated a broad ray of dazzling light from the distant line where earth and sky seemed to meet to the shore of Empire Island. The dancing waves afford- ing a chance for thousands of brilliant scintillations, and the ocean seemed to be ablaze with gems of the first water. It was an exhilarating morning and the delicious ozone of the atmosphere, which was impregnated with the odor of the sea, was invigorating for the lungs to inhale. While tramping along in silence Fred detected a cluck- ing sound in the adjacent forest; he cautiously ap- proached the spot and succeeded in getting within two rods of the authors of the sounds. In an open space just ahead, was a flock of gallinaceous birds which resembled the spruce or Canada grouse of America in size and mark- ing. Possibly they were a trifle more sombre in color. 106 FREDERICK YOUNG. After admiring these proud and graceful birds for a few seconds, Fred took deliberate aim at a plump male and liberated the shaft. The twang of the bow-string was followed by a deafening whirr as the frightened flock arose and disappeared in a dense thicket. One bird was left behind lying on the ground, transfixed with Fred's unerring arrow. Grouse are excellent eating, and this one was very ac- ceptable to the castaways. Fred tried to get another shot, but the birds were too wary for that; he could not find them again. That night camp was made on the southeast extremity of the island. A rounded rocky promontory, fringed by a coral reef formed the termination of latnd in that direc- tion. The explorers had not progressed rapidly; they were not over six miles, by the shore route, from Coral Bay. As they were approaching the promontory Mr. Ells- worth made a valuable discovery. It was a custard-apple shrub, from which he plucked a goodly quantity of the ripe fruit. The exterior integument of these apples was dark-brown, regularly pitted, imparting the appearance of an over-baked cracker; the soft, reddish-yellow pulp was sweet and very palatable. This find formed an im- portant acquisition to the supper. The scientist admonished Fred not to eat the seeds, as they are said to be poisonous. Fred did not give this statement much credence, but it did not matter, as he wanted to save the seeds. The castaways might not remain on the island long, but it would surely do no harm to plant these seeds in the vi- cinity of Cocoanut Grove Cabin. That evening the moon, planets and stars illuminated the island and the broad expanse of ocean with a calm, mellow light. The southern constellations, especially the Southern Cross, glittered in the firmament; the atmos- FREDERICK YOUNG. 107 phere was clear, and the water was not rippled by the slightest breeze. The castaways sat on the conglomerate rocks and si- lently drank in the incomparable beauties of nature, while the huge bats and insects, in countless numbers, flew around, and their combined utterances made a continu- ous hum and chatter. Mr. Ellsworth had no star chart, but he was able to tell all the principal groups, and the first and second magni- tude stars. He had become familiar with these during his sojourn in the southern hemisphere. As he gazed at some of the distant orbs, which he knew to be suns much larger than ours and so far away that light years have to be employed in order that one may comprehend their remoteness, he could not help thinking what insig- nificant things human beings are. "May I ask of what you are so deeply thinking?" in- terposed Fred. The scientist told his thoughts and then continued: "The earth itself is nothing but a molecule compared with some of the giant bodies which are rushing through space, and we are but parasites feeding and living but a short time on its surface. Then just think how some men pass their lives, carrying their heads high and thinking themselves far superior to their fellow-beings. These men are to be pitied; they have but a superficial knowl- edge of science and of nature ; they may have had a sys- tematic education and still be ignorant of a thousand and one things which have a tendency to make a student humble, instead of self-conceited and arrogant. The latter class of men are usually subservient to the golden god, and in their rush for the almighty dollar they be- come bigoted and blinded to those things which lift the soul, so to speak, to the higher realms of thought. They are ignorant, as a rule, of the greater part of the knowl- edge possessed by mankind; so they think they know it all. If you should ask these men their opinion concern- 108 FREDERICK YOUNG. ing the nidificaticn of the Apteryx, the probable size and nature of the ichthyosaurus, or pterodactyle ; the future revelations of Sanskrit, the climatic effect of the preces- sion of the equinoxes, the probable origin of the first protoplasmic cell, or the reoccurrence of the glacial epoch through orbital eccentricity of the terrestrial sphere, they would undoubtedly want to know what those things were." "And I should not blame them much if they did," thought Fred, and then aloud he said: "Do you attribute the great ice age to the shifting of the polar inclination?" "The causes which brought the glacial epoch about may never be known as positive facts, but there are many existing theories to account for it. I, on this subject, like a great many other important questions, am in doubt as to the actual cause or causes. However, I am not for or against any one theory. It may be that the earth was drawn out of its orbit by some large body approaching it near enough to, in a measure, overcome the sun's mag- netism, or the northern hemisphere may have been turned away from the solar orb long enough, through the pre- cession of the equinoxes, to have caused the period of glaciation. "It is now generally understood that the solar system has a forward motion in space of about five miles a second. Now, suppose that from the nebulous stage of our sys- tem to the present time, is represented by a period of 400 million years, and this is neither the minimum nor the maximum estimate; does it not follow that the point of space that we occupied in the beginning is now so far away that the largest sun known to astronomers, if placed at that point could not be seen from the earth even if we searched for it with our largest telescope?" "Yes, unless we have not been moving at the velocity which you state, all of the time from chaos to the pres- ent," Fred replied. FREDERICK YOUNG. 109 "If any thing, I think we were moving with greater speed in the remote ages than we are now; it is more ra- tional to conjecture that the velocity of a body through space is diminished as it progresses, than it is to think that the speed of a body is accelerated. "If we base our conclusions on the established velocity of five miles a second, the result is astonishing. You make the computation and you will find that we have traveled over sixty-three quadrillions of miles. Of course one cannot comprehend that vast distance, so I will endeavor to make it more apparent by illustration. Do you know the star group called Orion?" "I do, and I see it now, off over Mount Ellsworth," Fred replied. "And you know which star of that group is called Rigel?" "Yes." "Well that distant sun is 490 light-years away accord- ing to recent calculation; and that is nearly three qua- drillion miles, or about one twenty-first of the distance that I have calculated that the solar system has traveled from Alpha to the present." "By that I am to understand that it takes light, at the normal velocity of 186,000 miles a second, 490 years to flash from Rigel to the earth; and over 10,000 years to traverse the path over which our system has traveled," said Fred. "Exactly, but this, you must bear in mind, is a rough calculation. An accurate one would give a slightly greater number of years." "It is very evident that as an atom is to the earth, so is our system to the universe," said Fred, and then a long silence ensued. After a while Fred suddenly said: "Are you aware that the Polynesia is overdue at Callao some three weeks, and that the owners and underwriters must be anxious for the safety of the ship by this time?" 110 FREDERICK YOUNG. "Yes, Fred, I thought of that ten days ago, but I did not want to create unpleasant thoughts then by referring to it." "I wonder if they have heard of it at home yet? Poor mother! Poor Marion! I am afraid they will take the news greatly to heart when it reaches them. They have been looking forward to my home-coming so long, and now we may be separated for years. It is very hard to bear." "I would not trouble myself about these things," said the scientist, "for we may reach home before the news of the loss of our ship does. The company will not give the Polynesia up for lost for a month yet, unless they have positive proof of the disaster." "You forget the other boat, Mr. Ellsworth, she may have reached some port before now." "Or it may have met with no better fate than our own. If the first life-boat was in mid-ocean during that storm I am afraid she fared badly. Then the people in that boat did not know but that the second boat and the balance of the crew and passengers escaped safely from the wreck. You will recollect that the first boat had gotten out of sight in the fog, before the accident which swamped our boat happened." "I sincerely hope that all in the first boat have been or will be safely delivered from their perilous position, and I also hope that we will reach home before an account of the catastrophe is published in the newspapers," said Fred. "Let us trust that all will end well," added the scientist. After a time Fred said, to break the current of their thoughts : "Mr. Ellsworth, how do you account for the origin of the earth and other bodies in space?" "In space," Mr. Ellsworth began, "there are cloud-like masses called nebulae. These masses are so large that we cannot conceive of their vastness. This matter, accord- FREDERICK YOUNG. Ill ing to the infallible spectroscope, is composed of gases and solids similar to those that go to make up the sub- stance of the earth. Through some cause this matter, back in the impenetrable vistas of antiquity, was set in a circular motion; possibly a meteor or a comet plunged into the mass and formed a sort of whirlpool, or unequal temperature may have caused the motion. One mole- cule followed another by the force of magnetic attraction, or gravitation as it is called, until a large disk-like mass had been set in rapid motion. This disk did not assume its shape in a day, and possibly not in a million years; its diameter was so large that trillions of miles were perhaps necessary to represent its size. At a distance it shone like a massive sun. The motion of the mass caused fric- tion of the component molecules ; which in turn produced heat sufficiently great to melt if not vaporize the whole disk, and, consequently, expand it to greater dimensions than it had originally. This was our solar system in its primary form. Finally on the outer part of the disk the centrifugal force became more powerful than the cen- tripetal, and as a consequence a ring was thrown off inde- pendent of the great central mass. After a time this ring lost its equilibrium and broke, when the matter which constituted it gradually came together and formed what is now known as the planet Neptune. Of course this mass at that time was much larger than it is now, and it was also intensely hot. Since, it has contracted and crusted over, but it has retained the motions of revolution on its axis and the orbital motion around the great central nucleus. Uranus, Saturn, Jupiter, Mars, Earth, Venus and Mer- cury were evidently formed in the same way by successive rings being thrown off. The central mass concentrated and formed the sun. "When the rings broke and formed separate masses they had a rotatory motion, and probably they in turn threw off rings which formed satellites to the various planets. Saturn's rings were undoubtedly formed in the FREDERICK YOUNG. same way, only they did not break; they maintained their equilibrium. "This theory originated with Laplace, and since he expounded his ideas astronomers have discovered many facts to uphold and strengthen the theory. "Powerful telescopes have revealed ring-like masses of nebulae in the constellations Orion and Andromeda which are, without doubt, new systems forming. When they reach a life-bearing stage our system will probably have been dark and lifeless for millions of years." "The universe is, indeed, wonderful to contemplate, and it is astonishing how such insignificant beings as ourselves can learn as much as we do concerning bodies beyond the atmosphere of our globe/' Fred added. "Anyone can become reasonably familiar with these things by a little study. A small achromatic telescope of, say thirty-five diameters magnifying power, will reveal many beautiful views. With this instrument one can see the larger fields of meteoric dust, Saturn and his rings, the disks of the nearer planets, and many things of great interest." "Do you think there is any limit to the universe? or, in other words, do you think if we should travel on a line into space, that after a time we would pass beyond the heavenly bodies, so that in time none would be visible?" inquired Fred. "Fred, you ask more than man, at the present state of our knowledge, is capable of answering. I have pon- dered over this and kindred subjects a great deal, and sometimes I almost get lost when trying to follow my own ideas. "At the present time our most powerful refractors, in conjunction with the camera, are capable of revealing some 400 million stars; and only a few of these have been measured. In fact, our methods of procedure and the instruments at our command, are not capable of giving a perceptible parallax, save when applied to a few of the FREDERICK YOUNG. 113 nearest stars. I have told you about Rigel, and that is the best example of star remoteness that I can now give. It has been suggested that 36,000 years would be con- sumed for light to travel from the most distant visible star to our system, and it is my opinion that if we were to go as far again beyond this distant body, that we would see just as many suns off in boundless space. Of course, human beings cannot conceive of anything without end, and we apply this reasoning to the universe; it may be vast, but we cannot think that it is limitless. The future may reveal these things; at least, it is useless to say that we shall never know what now so much mystifies us." "We may learn about these things after death," re- turned Fred. "Yes, and our posterity may learn them before their spirits leave the fles'h," rejoined the scientist. "That seems impossible, Mr. Ellsworth." "It is useless to say that, Fred. I remember reading of a noted European philosopher who gave a scientific lecture before an audience about 100 years ago. He said that it was unwise to say that anything is impossible, but we may say that we shall never know what the stars are made of; we cannot reach them, and we cannot ob- tain elements from them ; we have but the sense of sight and, of course, we cannot scrutinize a body, even with a powerful magnifying power, so as to tell of what it is com- posed, especially when it is separated from us by millions of miles. Now, this philosopher thought he was per- fectly safe in making these assertions, and probably each person present coincided with him in his remarks. And yet to-day we know, thanks to the spectroscope, of what the sun, stars and other self-luminous bodies are com- posed. It makes no difference how far away a body is, nor how fast it is traversing space, the little glass prism and the spectroscopic scale will not only reveal its in- gredients, but its velocity of recession or approach as veil." 114 FREDERICK YOUNG. "You may be right," said Fred. "The theory regard- ing the origin of the earth and the other members of the solar system, is surely worthy of serious consideration and, in fact, I am quite sure it accounts for a great many things .which have never been otherwise accounted for. "Now, Mr. Ellsworth, may I ask how, in your opinion, man and other animated beings came on the earth?" "When the earth first assumed a spherical form, as I have previously stated, it was in a molten condition. Its temperature was so high that scientists cannot possibly admit that life germs could have survived such excessive heat, even if they existed in the original nebulous mass. Therefore, if man or the first protoplasmic cell was not spontaneously generated, where did the germ spring from? Possibly a meteor from outer space contained this germ, and it may have reached the earth's surface intact." "But," interposed Fred, "if this germ was near the ex- terior of that meteor would it not have been killed by the heat generated by atmospheric friction?" "It might have been." "And if it was in the interior how could it have become liberated?" "It often happens that these bodies from the great beyond, just before reaching the ground, break into frag- ments. The one which I am supposing arrived back in azoic times, may have burst in the same way, and safely landed its precious burden on the soil it was destined to populate with many strange forms." "Your argument is certainly plausible, but it does not account for creation to my entire satisfaction," said Fred. "No doubt you want to know how the protoplasmic cell originated." "That query naturally suggests itself." "To this question I cannot reply, but I have no doubt that a great many of the millions of suns known to as- tronomers have inhabited worlds revolving around them, FREDERICK YOUNG. 115 and there are numerous ways that germs from these spheres might find their way to this planet. I do not mean to say that this is my opinion, for it is but a supposi- tion. My mind is unsettled on these questions. The majority of scientists, I am inclined to think, lean toward the single cell theory and evolution. They think that development and modification will continue as long as the external environments are suitable for organic ex- istence. "Now, we must take into consideration," continued the scientist, "the fact, that for a long period after the crust was formed on the earth, a high temperature necessarily existed; that the atmosphere was heavily charged with moisture, carbon, and gases that would be fatal to man. Men of science have never studied those conditions, and they never can do so. We do not know what chemical combinations took place in those days, under those pe- culiar conditions; it is possible that therein lies the ex- planation to the very mystery that we have been discussing the origin of life. "There is still another idea to be considered. We computed the distance the earth 'has probably traveled from nebulosity to sphere, and during that long journey we do not know but that the earth passed through por- tions of space that were much different from that which we are now traversing. It may have been so constituted, that life germs were created by its influence. Because chemists have only discovered some sixty-five elements on the earth, it is no reason to suppose that there are no more in the make-up of the universe; and because we know the laws of the known substances, it is no reason that we should presume to understand, or even surmise, what the peculiarities of elements foreign to our sphere are." "Mr. Ellsworth, it is very hard for me to believe that the existent, complicated, terrestrial forms ever came from a rudimentary mollusk." 116 FREDERICK YOUNG. "It is also very difficult for me to believe it, Fred; but, then, remarkable modifications are known to have taken place. If it is true, the development took place so slowly that millions of years must have elapsed during the process of evolution. Minor changes have taken place during the history of man, especially in the vegeta- ble kingdom; and the vegetable and the animal king- doms are so closely connected that it is almost impossible to draw the line of demarkation between them. It is not yet known for a certainty whether the Diatomacae belong to -the animal or the vegetable family. At first it was classed with the former, but it is now included with the latter. A recently discovered peculiarity of these minute organisms teaches me to believe that they belong to the animal kingdom; they are certainly endowed with ani- mation. Many sea forms closely approach each other; the sponges and sea-anemones when hastily examined seem to belong to the vegetable side, but they really belong to the opposite class. "Who would think to look at the modern, perfected orange, that a few centuries ago it was an insignificant pear-shaped fruit no larger than a cherry, and of an ex- ceedingly acrid flavor? Many other fruits by careful cultivation and a change of environments, have been greatly modified. An exhaustive knowledge of emby- ology 'helps one to a better understanding of evolution. One perfectly ignorant of kindred studies cannot be ex- pected to accept evolutionary theories; but he is the one who heaps ridicule upon the shoulders of the scientist. One will be greatly benefited by following up this line of thought, and I would advise all who can spare the time, to do it. They will be greatly impressed; their ridicule will be changed to awe." The next morning, after eating a cold breakfast of baked grouse, crayfish and cocoanuts, the castaways con- tinued their journey along the coast. The character of FREDERICK YOUNG. 117 the country was about the same as that traversed the day previous. About 8 o'clock Handford River was reached, and the explorers found it impossible to cross the stream without taking to the water. It was surely one-fourth of a mile wide at the mouth, and the banks were steep and rocky. There was no alternative; they must swim across the water-course; so they did their clothes up in compact bundles, fastened them on their heads and entered the water. The explorers were soon on the west bank, when they proceeded on their journey. During the forenoon many of the so-called flying-foxes were caught napping. They were hanging from the hori- zontal branches of the forest trees in the deep umbrageous seclusion ; and with the folds of their membraneous wings gathered around their bodies they resembled pendant, shriveled leaves. Where one was found a dozen or more were sure to be discovered in the near vicinity. "Mr. Ellsworth, do you know anything about these huge bats? Are they the blood-sucking vampires we read of?" questioned- Fred as he poked one of the animals with a stick. "I am somewhat acquainted with these strange mam- mals, which are known to naturalists by the name of fox- bats. There are sixty-five species now known, which are strictly frugivorous, and not blood-sucking animals. Their habitat covers an extensive territory, and they are indigenous to the islands of Polynesia and Australia; they are nocturnal, gregarious, going in large companies, and sometimes being found suspended from the trees by the thousand. You can imagine how destructive a large flock would be on an inhabited island, for they feed on all kinds of fruit and especially on the cocoanut and mango. About twilight they leave the forests and sally forth to devastate the gardens and plantations of the natives, and unless the owners take the precaution to protect their trees waste and desolation follow. The flying-foxes are 118 FREDERICK YOUNG. exceedingly voracious and very intemperate. They drink the sap, called 'toddy' by the natives, from the chatties in the cocoanut trees, and they imbibe so freely that they are often found the next morning at the foot of the trees in a state of semi-intoxication, when they are easily cap- tured. These bats have one redeeming quality; their diet is strictly confined to fruit, so their flesh, which re- sembles that of the rabbit, is tender and by many is es- teemed a delicacy." Whack! went Fred's stick, and down fell a fruit-eat- ing fox which measured four feet from tip to tip. "We will dine on roast bat to-day," said Fred as he felled three of the animals and gathered them from among the ferns and orchids. Mr. Ellsworth laughed at Fred's enthusiasm, and then they continued on their way, leaving the remaining foxes undisturbed. The scientist caught the sound of a peculiar note some rods from the beach, shortly after leaving the resting place of the flying foxes. He immediately entered the forest to investigate. Fred followed, with arrow placed. They soon came to some stately trees fifty feet in height, which spread out branches densely clothed with foliage of a beautiful glossy green; and among the ver- dant leaves was a flock of birds, delicate in coloring, graceful in form, but their harsh utterances were sadly lacking in harmony. "Ah, I thought so !" exclaimed the scientist as he saw the beautiful birds. "Cockatoos," said Fred. "Assuredly, my friend, a species of Cacatuidae, known as the sulphur-crested cockatoo, and in my mind one of the most delicately colored birds found in the South Pacific islands." There were surely fifteen individuals in the flock; some were pruning their feathers, apparently unconscious of FREDERICK YOUNG. 119 the explorers' presence, but the majority were comically turning their heads and peering down at the intruders. In general these birds were pure white; their crest, which was five inches high, and their ear and tail coverts were pure sulphur-yellow, while their large beak was short, strong and much curved. "Fred, I want a pair of those," said Mr. Ellsworth. "Are they good to eat?" "Possibly, some scansorial birds are. I want them for their skins; they will form a valuable acquisition to my collection." Fred raised his bow and drew the bow-string; he sighted along the arrow an instant, and then let the shaft fly. It did not leave the bow squarely; it went sidewise, as it was skillfully designed to do, and a pair of cocka- toos were struck by it just below the head. They fell to the ground with skins unbruised, but their necks were broken; death had been instantaneous. It was, truly, too bad to kill such birds even in the interest of science. "Well done, you will soon rival Dr. Carver in accurate markmanship," said Mr. Ellsworth, as he carefully plugged the mouths and nostrils of his specimens and slipped them into palm leaf cornucopiae. The cockatoos, when the arrow struck among them, arose into the air, circled around a few times and then foolishly alighted in the branches of the same tree from which they had flown. Fortunately for them the scien- tist had obtained all the specimens that he required. Meanwhile Fred had found some sort of greenish-yel- low fruit lying among the leaves, and he was curious to know what it might be. He carried it to Mr Ellsworth. "Why, this is a wild mango, and a valuable find. Where did you discover it?" "Beneath those trees where the cockatoos were," an- swered Fred. "Really, these are mango trees; I was so enrapt with the birds that I did not notice." 120 FREDERICK YOUNG. Fred sampled one of the mangoes, but the contortions of his countenance, and the way that the fruit was sent whizzing into a neighboring thicket a second later did not forcibly vouch for the lusciousness of the mango. "Is it good, Fred?" asked the scientist, with a smile. "Good! Are vinegar and turpentine generally good when mixed together?" Mr. Ellsworth was shaking with laughter. "You must have a sensitive palate, Fred, for your remarks exactly describes the flavor of the wild mango. One has to cultivate a taste for them. Dinner that day was served on the extremity of South- west Cape, and the flying-foxes were roasted to a turn and they proved good eating, although they were not relished as the grouse had been; the thought of dining on bats, no doubt, was somewhat instrumental in con- demning these mammals as a staple of food. At any rate, the castaways did not seem to be very anxious for more. That afternoon the progress of the explorers was con- siderably impeded by the mangrove forests which abounded on the northwest coast. The shore was low at that point and the tangle of trunks, branches and ad- ventitious roots, which extended below high water mark, rendered traveling difficult and uncomfortable. The castaways could not go around this natural barrier; there- fore, they went over the top ; that is, they crawled over the thickly interlaced branches, much to the annoyance of the water-fowl that were breeding extensively among these eccentric trees. Under and around the roots my- riads of crustaceans, echinodermes and other marine forms were noticed. Mr. Ellsworth called Fred's attention to the peculiar way in which the seeds germinate; that is, they send down roots before falling, so that they often become firmly es- tablished in the ooze below before the parent tree relin- quishes its offspring. FREDERICK YOUNG. 121 In consequence of the difficulties encountered night overtook the castaways when they were over a mile from Coral Bay, so they made camp. The next forenoon Metropolitan Hill was reached and rounded. At the foot of this elevation and on the west shore of the bay Mr. Ellsworth made a valuable discov- ery. It consisted of four bread-fruit trees, on which there was an abundance of the globular, tuberculous fruit. The scientist explained that these productions when baked resemble mashed potatoes mixed with milk, and that the large amount of starchy matter which they con- tain makes them exceedingly nutritious, and that they are a staple of food throughout Polynesia. Cocoanut Grove Cabin was reached just before midday, after an absence of sixty hours. The castaways had been completely around the coast of the islet, and now they felt positive that there were no human beings, excepting themselves, on Empire Island. Two of the bread-fruit productions were baked in hot ashes for dinner, and they proved to be an acceptable acquisition to the bill of fare. The whitish contents were scooped out and a little salt added, which made a very palatable substitute for bread and potatoes. The next morning, which was April 1st, Fred made known to his companion a project which he had been thinking of for a day or two. It was to hew out several planks, about four feet long and one foot wide, of some light wood ; then to chalk them over and mark on them in black that two Americans were castaways on a solitary and uninhabited island in the South Pacific, approximate latitude and longitude to be determined and added to the planks, and also any other information that might be deemed expedient. These markings were to be pro- tected by a thick coating of resin, the same as the signs on Mount Ellsworth had been previously treated, and when the planks were perfectly dry they were to be con- 122 FREDERICK YOUNG. signed to the sea from different parts of the coast and at intervals of a few days. There was a slight possibility that some vessel might pick one of these boards up, and come or send to liberate the castaways from their involun- tary detention on the island. Mr. Ellsworth approved of this scheme, and he de- termined to commence that very afternoon on some in- struments which would be required to obtain the data necessary to compute the latitude and longitude of Empire Island. His gold watch, which kept very accurate time, would serve as his chronometer, and his knowledge of astronomy would now be of great assistance in solving this important problem. While the scientist was thus engaged Fred was no less busy in selecting some suitable tree butts from which his planks were to be laboriously wrought. It was April 2oth before Fred had gotten out thirty boards and allowed them to dry sufficiently for use. Mr. Ellsworth had assisted in the work at times, but he had occupied many hours in trying to get the correct position of the island. All he had to do with were: Mel- bourne time, a roughly constructed compass of his own manufacture, and a thorough knowledge of astronomy and mathematics. He needed a reliable chronometer, a perfect quadrant or sextant with graduated vernier, and above all a recent Nautical Almanac. Mr. Ellsworth had done some telescopic work while in Australia, and in consequence thereof he was quite fa- miliar with the exact positions of the principal stars, and his wonderfully acute memory for figures now served him incalculably. He worked steadily and patiently at the great problem of latitude and longitude; he made several measurements of the meridian altitude of the sun; he also obtained the right ascension of several southern, first magnitude stars, making in each instance proper corrections for atmospheric refractions and parallax. The scientist worked long and earnestly in figuring out FREDERICK YOUNG. 123 these observations, and during- the time he drew on his storehouse of knowledge unsparingly, using- data that was absolutely essential, and yet there would have been no way of obtaining it had not his brain furnished the ne- cessary rules and figures. I suppose it will be useless to burden the reader with weary details concerning the meas- urements and computations, as many who peruse these lines will be conversant with the various formulas for obtaining latitude and longitude, and it is a subject that is easily accessible to nearly all. So let it suffice us to say that Mr. Ellsworth's observations of southern celestial objects unitedly concurred in placing Empire Island sixty-one degrees north of the south pole. On the other hand, calculations derived from measurements of north- ern celestial bodies invariably indicated that the observer was twenty-nine degrees south of the equator. The for- mer number of degrees deducted from one-fourth of the terrestrial circumference gave a result exactly corre- sponding with the latter number, thus corroborating the northern and southern computations much to the satis- faction of the scientist. By this we are to understand that Empire Island was supposed to be in about 29 south latitude. It was very easy to estimate the longitude, as they had Melbourne time, providing their timepieces had not varied, and it was very evident that they had not more than a few seconds, as both watches had kept the same time with remarkable exactness. So Mr. Ellsworth found true noon at Empire Island, and the difference between Greenwich and Melbourne time being known, he easily computed the difference in time between Melbourne and Empire Island; and as a difference of one hour of time is equal to fifteen degrees of longitude, and so on, it took but a few minutes to ascertain that Empire Island was 136 west from Greenwich. "Now," said the scientist, "we have some idea in what part of the Pacific we are. Of course my instruments 124 FREDERICK YOUNG. and methods are crude, and evidently my angles were not concisely measured, but I have worked with great care and I feel confident that my calculations are not many degrees out of the way. I think, Fred, that you may safely inscribe on the planks that the island is located in about 29 south latitude and 136 west longitude." "And if I mistake not," said Fred, "we are directly south of the Low Archipelago and probably not over 500 miles from Pitcairn's Island." "You are correct, and if our other plans for bringing assistance to us fail, we must construct some sort of a boat and make an attempt to reach Pitcairn's Island. Once there, and we can soon find means of taking passage to America,, as vessels frequently take refuge in Bounty Bay. April 25th two planks were liberated from Empire Island ; one from Cape Garfield and the other from Cape Hudson. Each succeeding week two planks were thrown into the sea until the whole thirty had departed on their uncertain journeys. The castaways would stand on the beach and watch each plank until the ocean currents had taken it far out to sea. Weeks and months came and went and still no tidings from the outer world; mariners seemed to completely ignore Empire Island. Meanwhile the unfortunates continued to hunt, fish, explore and talk. It was an easy matter to gain suste- nance on the islet, for game, fish, fruit, nuts and vegetables were to be obtained in unlimited abundance. Frequent visits were made to Sylvan Lake and the interior of the island, and something new and interesting was found on nearly every tour they made. One day they followed a little brook that emptied into Palm River, to its source, and there they found a spring of clear, cold water. It was not over ten minutes' walk from the cabin, and ever after that day all drinking water was obtained at the spring". FREDERICK YOUNG. 125 The castaways constructed a raft which they used on the river and bay, but it would have been a poor thing to put to sea in, or on, rather. They thought and talked much about constructing a boat in which they could sail to Pitcairn's Island, but then their tools were limited to a hatchet, a marline spike, if such a thing can be properly included with tools, and two pocket knives. They had no saws to get out or cut planking, nor nails or screws to fasten it to the ribs with, and a very substantial boat would be required, to navigate those seas, as violent storms are of frequent occurrence in the South Pacific. These difficulties seemed too great for the castaways to successfully overcome, so boat-building was indefinitely postponed. Mr. Ellsworth continued to amass natural history speci- mens, and Cocoanut Grove Cabin soon resembled a small museum. There might be found mammals, reptiles, birds of brilliant hues, rocks, minerals, fossils, botanical forms of many species; and the products of the seashore was especially well represented by many varieties of sponges, sea fans, corals, radi-ates, univalves, bivalves and other forms too numerous to mention. The scientist's note-books, with the exception of four pages which had been left for a purpose, had long ago been filled with finely written items, and he was now making entries on pieces of bark carefully prepared. "What are you going to do with all your treasures?" Fred asked one day. "We will leave here some day, Fred, and my collection will accompany us; and when I get home I shall write a book on the fauna and flora of Empire Island," the naturalist returned. "I am glad that you expect to leave here sometime. I have about lost all hope of ever seeing home and friends again," said Fred, in a dejected tone. When the morning of February 21, 1882, arrived, sixty- three planks had been sent to sea; the first one had 126 FREDERICK YOUNG. been liberated about ten months previous, and yet there was no response from the civilized world; no ship had come to the assistance of these unfortunate men. Yes, the anniversary of their arrival had come; one year had been spent on this solitary island in the South Pacific. FREDERICK YOUNG. 127 CHAPTER XV. OFF FOR THE SOUTHERN SEAS. We will now turn our attention to New York City and the events which transpired there. On March loth Marion received a letter from Fred dated Melbourne, Victoria, February 2, 1881. It stated that he was to sail the next morning on the steamship Polynesia, for Callao, Peru, from which place he was to sail for California, and from there he would journey to New York by rail. He said he would arrive home sooner by taking this route than he would by waiting for one of the ships which sail directly to San Francisco. He fur- ther stated that a few days after his letter was received he expected to arrive at home. After receiving this letter the days went by very slowly to Marion. She could hardly wait for her lover's ap- pearance, he had been absent so long; but days merged into weeks and Fred did not arrive. Then Marion and Mr. and Mrs. Young became worried, for they feared that some mishap had befallen him. Finally Mr. Young sent the following telegraph: "New York, N. Y., April 15, 1881. "Agent Australian Steamship Co., Callao, Peru, S. A. "Steamship Polynesia left Melbourne February 3d. When did she arrive at Callao? "WILLIAM C. YOUNG." April iQth an answer was received, which read as fol- lows: "Callao, Peru, S. A., April 18, 1881. "The Polynesia has not been heard from since leaving Melbourne February 3. We fear she is lost. "A. P. STETSON, Agent." 128 FREDERICK YOUNG. This news nearly prostrated Mrs. Young and Marion, while Mr. Young, although feeling as badly over the reply as they, bore up under it and tried to console the sorrowful ones. He said there were many chances of the passengers being saved even if the ship was lost. They must have had life-boats, and possibly a collision had taken place and the survivors might have been taken on board of one of the ships. Often such cases occur when the passen- sengers are carried to some distant port and are not heard from for months. He used every possible argument to mitigate the pain caused by the sad news. In reply to a telegram to the Australian office, Mr. Young learned that Fred had left on the Polynesia Febru- ary 3d as he had written he would do ; and also that the ship was reported as safely passing North Cape, New Zealand, February 7th, and that was the last news he could get of her. The agent, however, further stated that inward bound ships reported a violent storm on February 2ist and 22d, which raged in the vicinity of the Astral Islands and the Low Archipelago. From this informa- tion Mr. Young concluded that the Polynesia had been wrecked at sea during the storm, although he kept his con- victions to himself. Marion was so affected by this culmination of these two long years of waiting for her lover to return that she became prostrated and an intermittent fever set in. She was unconscious of her surroundings for several weeks, and she raved frightfully during that time and almost constantly moaned for Fred to come to her. Her physician was doubtful at one time if she would ever recover, but the crisis came after several days of painful suspense, the fever turned for the better and her recovery was assured. By June loth Marion sat up a little while each day. She did not talk of her lost lover, but the sad, far-away FREDERICK YOUNG. 129 look in her eyes and the painful expression around her mouth, spoke plainer than words. September came ; nothing had been heard from Fred, and Mr. Young despaired of ever seeing him again. The old gentleman had grown old in appearance in the last few months; the loss of his boy was a terrible blow. He often called at the residence of the Stillmans, and he and Marion sympathized with each other. Monday morning, September 5th, Mr. Young sat in his library looking over the New York daily papers, as was his wont. He took up one of the leading journals, and his eyes suddenly fell on an article set off by prominent headlines. It read as follows : "News from The Steamship Polynesia. "A despatch dated Valparaiso, Chili, September 3d, reads : 'Yesterday the three-masted ship Eldorado, of this port, returned from an extended cruise among the Pacific islands, where she had been trading. April 22d, when she was near the Friendly Islands, she picked up a life-boat containing five seamen and a number of women and children. They were all in a pitiful state, having been wandering at sea for about two months in their small boat, and for some time subsisting on short rations. They were all taken aboard the ship and cared for, and yesterday they arrived at this port. " 'One of the sailors when interviewed, said: I was sec- ond mate on the steamship Polynesia, which sailed from Melbourne February 3d, with passengers and freight for Callao. We had a good run up to the I7th when we encountered fog; we must have been some 300 miles east of the Dangerous Archipelago at that time. During the afternoon a huge shark came up astern and, of course, this attracted the passengers and some of the ship's hands aft to see the monster. While we were watching him a terrific explosion occurred in the forward hold; the fore part of the ship was blown to splinters, and the pilot and I do not know how many more men were killed, Sey- 130 FREDERICK YOUNG. eral aft were prostrated by the concussion, but they soon came to, not sustaining any serious injuries. We in- stantly made for the boats; there were only two, for those forward were destroyed by the explosion. The ship be- gan to sink forward and the woodwork caught fire. The women, children, four sailors and myself, embarked in the first boat; the captain, first mate, and the men pas- sengers were lowering the second boat when we pushed off. " "The captain told me to keep them in sight, and I intended to do so, but the fog was so thick and we struck a strong current which influenced the boat, so before I realized it the ship was hidden from view in the mist and we could not find her again. ' 'The next morning the fog cleared away and not a sail or the other life-boat could be seen. We raised our sail, which together with the necessary mast and spars we were thoughtful enough to put in our boat, and laid our course a little north of west, expecting to sight some of the numerous islands which lay in that direction, but "we evidently missed the easterly groups by laying our course too far north. When fully satisfied that we had missed our reckoning we changed our course to the southwest. After wandering at sea under the fierce rays of an equatorial sun for two months we were picked up by the Eldorado and nursed b?.ck to health and strength by the kindly disposed captain and crew, to whom we feel greatly indebted. When picked up we were in an emaci- ated condition and our suffering from exposure was in- tense. We thought it best to remain on ship board until fully recovered, so we did not land at any port until the captain had gotten a full cargo and returned to Valpa- raiso.' "In reply to questions concerning the probable cause of the explosion the second mate said : " There must have been quite a quantity of some pow- erful explosive in the forward hold, but how it came there FREDERICK YOUNG. 131 and how it was exploded is beyond my comprehension. I saw all the manifests, and I saw the freight stowed away, and I am positive that the captain did not know of any explosive agent being in the hold of the Polynesia. I am inclined to think that some person with evil intent caused the wreck of our ship, but for what purpose I am at a loss to understand.' "Concerning the other boat, the second mate said: " 'I should have thought that the other boat might have been lowered and manned before the ship sank. The boat may have foundered in the gale that raged for a day or two after February 2oth. We had a hard time of it and came very near being swamped several times. It was miraculous that we escaped to tell the story.' "It is understood that the underwriters will make every possible effort to discover the cause of the explosion which wrecked the ship, before paying the company's claim." This news gave Mr. Young a faint hope that Fred might yet be heard from, but it was a very faint hope. The old gentleman secretly feared that the Polynesia had gone down before his son and the rest of the passengers and crew could embark in the second boat. Mr. Young imparted the news to his wife, and then he immediately sought Marion and read the newspaper article to her. She received the communication calmly, and at its conclusion said: "Mr. Young, I believe that Fred still lives ; something seems to tell me that he does; he may be at sea this very moment, suffering from hunger or thirst, or possibly he may be on some of those solitary Pacific islands, where he cannot send us word." As Marion spoke her face became suffused with a deli- cate color, her eyes expressed earnestness and conviction, and Mr. Young was much impressed by her words and manner. 132 FREDERICK ^ YO UNG. "Let us trust that Fred still lives and that he will be safely returned to us. If he is dead, he was a good boy, and we must hope and pray that we shall meet him in the great beyond," Mr. Young reverently said. Marion was sobbing. "Oh, Mr. Young!" she finally said, "cannot we do something to save him?" Marion was now on her knees at Mr. Young's feet, she convulsively holding his hand, he stroking her glossy hair. "Marion, I have thought much of that lately, and I h^-e the means to carry out a vigorous search. Money is no object; I do not spend my income, and down at the dock lies my p^asnre y?cht, Altair, a fast steam craft capable of making an extended ocean voyage. Why not man her, sail for the Pacific and search every island on its vast surface if we can but find Fred? I can hardly contain myself here when it lies in my power to go to his assistance. Even if we do not find him, we may learn his fate, and then we shall know that we have done our duty, that is, all that we could do to find him." Mr. Young said this with a sad enthusiasm that was impres- sive to behold. Marion drank in every word he said, while tears of joy ran down her pale cheeks. "Oh, Mr. Young!" she exclaimed, "do go, and let me help you; let me accompany and assist you to prose- cute the search; I feel confident that we shall find your boy," and she looked beautiful as her face flushed with excitement and her eyes sparkled with expectancy. "If I go I shall take my wife with me, and it will give me much pleasure to have you and your parents accompany us. Mr. Clark can manage the business while we are away. I do not take the interest in it that I once did, and on my return I shall sever my connection with the com- pany, whether Fred is found or not." "Thank you so much, Mr. Young, you do not know FREDERICK YOU NO. 133 how much I appreciate your kindness/" she said, and then added; "I hope Constance will go with us." "Certainly, we must not leave Constance at home ; and then it has gone as hard with her as with any of us. She and Fred always thought a great deal of each other." "When will you start?" asked Marion, anxiously. "As soon as we can make the necessary preparations and get the Altair ready for sea. I will telephone Captain Ashton to call on me this very day, and after talking with him I can tell you when we can start. We have not been farther than Newport and Bar Harbor on the yacht since we went to Cuba three years ago, and, of course, consid- erable will have to be done on her before she will be ready for a cruise that may occupy years." "Mr. Young, before you go I must again thank you for your kindness in inviting us to accompany you." "Marion, I cannot do too much for the noble girl that was to honor my son with her heart and hand." Marion came quickly forward and impulsively grasped Mr. Young's hands, and he noticed, with a pang of deep sympathy for the poor girl, that her eyes were full of tears. "Mr. Young," she said, "Fred has had possession of my heart for many years, and my hand was all that I could give him." "Of course, Marion ; that was understood." "Oh, why did he go away and leave me so long? Why could not someone else have been sent to Melbourne? If we had but known how matters were going to turn! I would have gone too, and we would have died together. But, he is not dead; it cannot possibly be that he has left me behind! No, that mysterious, impenetrable inner consciousness tells me that it cannot be so, as I have but just intimated, and we will surely find Fred and bring him home with us. I know we will! It cannot be other- wise! I shall not want to live myself if he is not restored 134 FREDERICK YOUNG. to us ! I suppose I am foolish to run on in this way, Mr. Young, but I cannot help it." "Not at all, Marion, I feel just the same about it my- self." After talking the proposed trip over to their satisfaction Mr. Young sought Mr. and Mrs. Stillman and told them the plans, at the same time requesting them to accompany him to the South Pacific. They at once consented to go for Marion's sake, and, then, they could not refuse Mr. Young's kind and gener- ous invitation. Mr. Young, after talking with Marion, felt confident that Fred still lived. Captain Ashton, of the steam yacht Altair, made his appearance at Mr. Young's residence shortly after the old gentleman's return home, in response to a telephonic message. "Captain, please be seated," said Mr. Young. The caller comfortably installed himself in an easy chair in the spacious library. He was a fine looking man of about forty-five years of age, of ordinary stature, erect in carriage and well proportioned. His features were regu- lar; his hair and full beard were rather dark and the former inclined to curl, while the latter was neatly trimmed; his expressive eyes were of a clear dark blue color, and they denoted frankness and intelligence, while the dark, drooping lashes by which they were over- shadowed, rendered them very noticeable. On the whole, Elwin C. Ashton was a man that a stranger would not hesitate to make a confidant of at first sight, and his appearance did not belie his nature. The captain was well informed, fond of the sea and natural history, and he had an especial liking for the gun and rod, and with these he was an adept. He had commanded the Altair since she was built, which was four years previous to the period under consideration, and he was a close friend of the Youngs. FREDERICK YOUNG. 135 "I presume you have heard that the fate of the Polynesia has at last been learned," said Mr. Young. "Yes, I read the despatch in the morning papers regard- ing the arrival of the second mate at Valparaiso, and as Fred was a great favorite of mine you can imagine with what avidity I devoured the article." "I know you thought a great deal of Fred, captain, and I think you will readily fall in with my plans ; but before disclosing them to you, may I ask your opinion con- cerning the fate of my boy?" "I think, Mr. Young, that Fred has either been picked up by some outward bound ship, or else he and the other unfortunates have reached some of the Polynesian islands, and he has been unable to communicate with you. If the former theory is correct it seems to me that you ought to have heard from him before now; if the latter it may be years before you hear from him. They may have been taken prisoners by the natives or their boat may have been stolen from them. I might enumerate a hundred-and-one reasons for Fred's non-appearance, but it is useless to do so. However, we cannot help speculating over these matters. I cannot think that Fred was drowned; I feel confident that we shall see him again. You remember the mate thought they had time to put off in their boat, and if so, and the first boat outrode the gale, why should not the second have been as fortunate?" "God bless you, captain, for the encouragement you give me!" said Mr. Young, grasping Captain Ashton's hand warmly, then continuing, he said: "You feel just as Marion and myself do about it; we feel that Fred must be alive, and we have decided to save him if it lies in our power. Down at the North River pier lies your pride, the Altair; why should we not take her around the Horn and search the Pacific for our lost boy?" "I know of no reason why you should not do so, Mr. Young, and that very idea has been in my mind for some time, but I did not like to broach the subject to you. 136 FREDERICK YOUNG. When you requested me to call to-day, I secretly rejoiced, for I had a presentiment that my desire was to be gratified; that at last we were to go to the rescue." "It is well, captain. Now, to come to the point, how soon can you get a good crew and fit the Altair for a long voyage? Remember, we may be away for years; the Pacific, you know, is an immesise body of water, and the islands are numerous and some of them are large. Our search must be thorough, or when it is over, if unsuccess- ful, we shall feel that we have not done our best." "I think I can get the yacht ready for sea by October 1 5th." "Very well, captain, that will be satisfactory. Fit her out in good shape regardless of the expense. We will need a large supply of provisions and all the coal we can possibly carry, so as to make as long a run as possible without replenishing our supplies." After talking the matter over in detail Captain Ashton left Mr. Young and commenced immediate preparations for the long voyage. The Young and Stillman families also began to make the necessary purchases in clothing, delicacies and nu- merous articles which were deemed essential to their welfare and comfort. During the next month workmen were busy on the Altair; she was cleaned, painted, and slight alterations were made in her interior. At the same time she was put into the dry-dock and her exterior was put into first-class condition. October loth she was pronounced ready for sea. Captain Ashton had reason to congratulate himself on the assistant officers, engineers and crew that he had secured for the cruise, and the fine trim and general con- dition of the Altair. In fact, all the men he had engaged to accompany him seemed to take great interest in the obiect of the voyage. Mr. Young had withheld nothing from the reporters FREDERICK YOU NO. 137 concerning the proposed search, that he thought would interest the general public. As a consequence, appli- cants were so numerous for positions on the yacht that Captain Ashton had a large number of men to select from, and as he was an excellent judge of human character he succeeded in picking out a crew that he was well pleased with. Everybody concerned in the undertaking was impatient to sail, and when the morning of October I5th dawned, clear and sunny, all were prepared to leave their homes for an indefinite period. The yacht was to sail at 9 A. M., and by 7 o'clock the pier to which she was moored was crowded with spectators who had learned the motive of the voyage, and there were many present who deeply sympathized with the afflicted ones. It was a heteroge- neous crowd, but each individual had a heart that was human beating within his or her bosom, and commisera- tion for the Youngs and Stillmans was felt by everyone. At 8 o'clock the white steam began to escape from the valves, and the air over the stack was so unsteady that it was evident that currents of hot air were arising from the furnace. The Altair was vibrating under a full head of steam ; she was ready to put to 1 sea. At 8.30 o'clock two closed carriages, drawn by spirited horses, dashed upon the wharf, where they were suddenly stopped by liveried drivers. Mr. and Mrs. Young and Constance, their graceful, fair-haired daughter, alighted, then came the great, intel- ligent, faithful, St. Bernard dog, Prince, who was to ac- company the expedition in search of his young master. They immediately proceeded on board the yacht. Their baggage had been brought down the previous day. From the second carriage appeared Mr. and Mrs. Still- man and Marion. When they walked up the bridge a murmur went up from the crowd ; the spectators instinct- ively knew that Marion was the heroine of the expedition; 138 FREDERICK YOUNG. that she was going to the far off Pacific in search of her lost lover. As the city clocks with synchronistic exactness, pealed forth the hour of nine, Captain Ashton, in regulation dress walked out upon the bridge of the Altair and gave the order to clear away. At the same time the stars and stripes were run up to the yard-arm of the foremast, and to the peak of the mizzen-mast, while the union jack was unfurled at the bow. The captain touched the button which was electrically connected with the bell in the en- gine-room; a commotion of white, boiling foam sprang up under the stern; with a slow retrograde motion the yacht slowly moved out into mid-stream ; the bow swung around until it headed for the Narrows. The engine- room bell again sounded, an increased vibration was felt by those on board, and the yacht was under steam for the southern seas. A deafening cheer went up from the many people as- sembled on the pier, accompanied by waving of hats and handkerchiefs, which brought forth three deep, rich- toned whistles from the Altair in response to the vocifer- ous farewell. The busy North River, with its ferry-boats and triple- decked steamers loaded with humanity, vessels of various nations going hither and thither, and the massive Euro- pean liners lying at the Jersey City docks, was soon left astern. Nearly all the voyagers stood on deck and watched their native city fade away in the distance. Before the Battery at Castle Garden had /disappeared from view, the Narrows were in the rear, and as the passengers saw the flags flying on forts Tomkins, La Fayette and Hamil- ton, they thought that years might elapse before they would again see the red, white and blue bunting floating over the fortifications of their native soil. When the Altair again entered this passage would she FREDERICK YOUNG. 139 bear Frederick Young, or his disappointed friends and relatives only? At 10.30 o'clock the yacht was off Sandy Hook, having steamed twenty-six miles in an hour and one-half. The next land they would sight would be the Bermuda Islands, which were 750 miles away. The Altair was a fine sea-going ship. Her hull was of steel and modeled for fast sailing; she had powerful triple-expansion engines, which operated twin screws. Her hull was painted black with a gold ribbon, name and figure-head; her deck work was finished up in natural wood, with burnished metal trimmings; her masts and stacks were quite rakish, and she carried a full set of sails which had not been used since Mr. Young had her built. Her length over all was 149 feet; water line, 137 feet; beam, 17 feet and 3 inches, and draft, 10 feet 2 inches. Her mean speed was eighteen miles an hour. The interior of this yacht was luxuriously fur- nished, and nothing which would add to the material comfort of the passengers was lacking. The Altair sped along at her maximum speed; the faint blue streak of land on the horizon had disappeared, and now all that could be seen was an occasional sailing craft or steamship, gulls, shearwaters, terns and petrels circling and skimming over the sea, or an occasional shark or dolphin disporting on the surface. The voyagers sat on deck in groups enjoying the view of a beautiful cobalt blue sky, and a sea that was only rufHed by the ordinary ocean swell and a light breeze from the southwest. It was, indeed, a pleasure to sit on deck on such a day as this and inhale the air which was im- pregnated with the saline odor from the sea. More pleasure, however, might have been derived from this trip if those on board had not been depressed by dubious thoughts which they could not drive away. The object of the voyage and its probable termination were almost constantly on their minds. 140 FREDERICK YOUNG. Mr. Young had instructed Mr. Clark to despatch any news of importance, concerning Fred or the ill-fated Polynesia, that might be learned, to Valparaiso, Papeete, or Auckland, as the yacht would put in at those ports. Of course, Mr. Clark would forward his information to the point where it would be received by Mr. Young the quickest. Just after I o'clock on the morning of October i/th, or forty hours from New York, the Bermudas were sighted by the bow watch. The passengers did not catch a glimpse of these beautiful semi-tropical islands, how- ever, for before morning had dawned they were below the horizon, astern. The next land that would be sighted, Captain Ashton informed Mr. Young, would be 'Cape St. Roque, Brazil, S. A., which was about 3,100 miles from New York. Every* day the sun's heat became more intense as the yacht neared the equator. This heat, however, was tem- pered, in a degree, by the boat's speed, which caused a continual rush of air across the deck. The monotony of the voyage was occasionally broken by a large school of dolphins accompanying the vessel for an hour or more. They would be ahead, astern, and on either side of the yacht, easily holding their own with her, and at the same time going through many playful maneuvers. They would jump bodily out of the water, and the impetus gained would be sufficient to carry them several feet before again splashing into their native ele- ment. Next they would make a subaqueous plunge un- der the ship, and their bodies could be followed by the eye until they disappeared under the hull. Their antics proved a constant source of amusement to the passengers, but after awhile the graceful mammals would become fatigued by following the fleet yacht, and they would be seen no more. Another school, however, was liable to be encountered at any moment. FREDERICK YOUNG. 141 These dolphins afforded Marion and Constance much pleasure, as the exhibition was a novelty to them. "Captain," said Marion, "you are familiar with ani- mated nature. Can you tell us about these fishes?" "Perhaps I may be able to tell you a little about them," said the captain, smiling. "They belong to the whale family, or, more properly speaking, they are a species of the Cctacea, and are known to naturalists as Dclphinus delphis. Formerly they were thought to be true fishes, and Roman Catholics partook of their flesh on those days when the priests forbid the members of the church to eat meat. It seems, however, that these people unknowingly trans- gressed their religious laws, for the dolphin belongs to the mammal family, and the Romanists were eating meat instead of fish. These mammals attain a length of seven or eight feet, and the dorsal fin, which you probably noticed, is nine or ten inches long. You also observed that their color appears to be dark olive-green above, but they are described by naturalists as being black above, lighter on the flanks, and white beneath. The blow-hole on top of the head is crescent-shaped,. and the pointed jaws are set with from 160 to 200 slightly curved teeth. These mammals are very agile, and instances are on record where they have leaped from the water to the deck of a vessel. Sailors regard their appearance as a good omen, although they are often the harbingers of storms, according to the mariner." "And must we have a storm because these fishes ap- peared?" asked Constance, anxiously. "Constance, you do not profit by what our good cap- tain has just told us. These are not fishes," interposed Marion, with assumed sternness. "Excuse me, captain, I will substitute mammals for fishes," added Constance. "You need not fear a storm on the dolphins' account, Miss Constance, for my experience has taught me to re- gard the saying as a sailor's fallacy," said Captain Ashton. 142 FREDERICK YOUNG. "What do the dolphins subsist on?" asked Marion. "Fishes, squids and crustaceans. On the English coast they feed on mackerel and pilchard, and they are often caught in the nets of the fishermen." At 8 A. M., on the morning of October 22d, land was sighted far to the westward; and when it was examined through a powerful glass it appeared to be covered with a luxuriant, tropical vegetation. Captain Ashton said it was Cape St. Roque, the most eastern point of the South American Continent. "Then we must have crossed the equator yesterday," said Marion, "and I wanted to see the fresh water stream which pours from the mouth of the Amazon." "You could not have seen it, Miss Stillman, for we were over forty miles from the coast, and you know that is the extreme distance that the current of the great river makes into the ocean. If you had spoken of it yesterday your wish would have been gratified, for I could have gone nearer the coast," said the captain. "How does it look?" asked Constance. "The current is hardly perceptible ; the outpour has a little greener cast than the surrounding salt water. If one tastes of it the freshness is noticeable, even when one is forty miles from the mouth." The sun was now intensely hot and 'the ladies and gen- tlemen sat under the awnings and talked and read of the places they were to visit. When they left New York their faces were pale, but now they were of a nut-brown hue ; the equatorial winds having spread a coat of tan on each and every one. Marion had recuperated wonderfully during the few days out, much to her parents' satisfaction. Mr. Young had also improved much, and he was in better spirits than he had been for some time. Prince majestically walked up and down the deck, and occasionally he would put his forefeet up on the bulwarks and gaze long and earnestly off to sea. This noble FREDERICK YOUNG. 143 animal had made fast friends with all on board, but Marion seemed to be his especial favorite. Meanwhile the days slipped by one after the other, the yacht regularly logging off 420 to 450 miles each twenty- four hours. 144 FREDERICK YOUNG. CHAPTER XVI. IN THE PACIFIC. October 29th, at 10.20 in the morning, the bow watch sighted the Falkland Islands after an unimpeded run from Cape St. Roque. Captain Ashton announced that they were now over 6,000 miles from home, and 'he deemed it advisable to put in at Port Stanley, the only town of any importance in this group, to replace what coal they had consumed dur- ing the voyage and to allow the machinery a rest. "Do the engines require rest after an exertion?" in- quired Mr. Young, with a smile. "Our engines have necessarily become heated during the strain and continual action of the past fortnight, and it will be better for them to cool off and to have a thor- ough cleaning and oiling before proceeding on our voyage. We need not be delayed over twenty-four hours," answered the captain. "Always do what you think is for the good of the Altair," returned Mr. Young. The yacht was soon approaching East Falkland Island, and the proximity of land was made evident by acres of floating kelp-weed, the discoloration of the sea and the nauseating fishy odor which prevailed. Ducks albatrosses, murres, and many other aquatic birds were swarming around these shores in countless numbers, while thousands of penguins occupied the beach and the rocky declivities, forming regular military columns. Nu- merous seals and sea-elephants disported in the surf near shore. Falkland Sound, which lies between the East and the West islands, Captain Ashton avoided; passing to the FREDERICK YOUNG. 145 eastward of the main islets, he soon guided the yacht into Port Stanley Harbor, where she came to anchor just after noon. East Falkland, the largest of the 200 islands contained in the group, has an area of 3,000 square miles, w'hile West Falkland has about 1,000 square miles less. Some parts of the coast were really grand, the land reaching an altitude of 2,000 feet, but the prevailing dark brownish color of the landscape gave the country a sort of solemn aspect. Then, at this time the sky was overcast with leaden-hued clouds, which added to the gloom. It has been said that rain falls on an average 250 days in the year on these cold, wet, and inhospitable shores. It either descends in a fine drizzle or in showers, so the total rainfall is not so large as might be expected. Trees are conspicuous by their absence; dwarf shrub- bery, and the woolly ragweed, which attains a height of four feet, are the largest representatives of vegetation found on the group. The captain made immediate preparations to take in coal. After dinner had been served the steam launch was lowered, and all the Youngs, Stillmans and Mrs. Ashton went ashore to see the sights, and to promenade again on terra firma. Marion and Constance had been studying the botany of southern latitudes, and they were now anxious to see the "boulder plant" or "balsam bog" of which they had read. It is known to science by the appellation, Bolax glebaria. None of the girls' companions had heard of this curious plant, but Mr. Stillman accosted a native regarding it, who graciously consented to guide the party to a spot where the vegetable rocks could be seen in abundance. The party started off through the town, which had about 700 inhabitants. The houses were low, square and whitewashed, while the roofs were neatly covered 146 FREDERICK YOUNG. with gray slate. Many sheep were seen and some swine and cattle. The pastures produce more moss than grass, which is due to the extreme humidity of the climate. Along the hills were veins of white quartzite, which had been washed bare, and also here and there ledges of limestone. The soil was loose and black, and tufts of grass, daisies, honey- suckles, geraniums, dwarf cranberries, white and yellow heath flowers, and liverwort grew sparingly by the path- ways. After walking a half mile outside of the village, the guide pointed out a peat-bog, which was apparently cov- ered with large boulders on which lichens and grasses grew. Where the surface was exposed it appeared weather-beaten. Marion at once pronounced these to be balsam plants, but her father and Mr. Young concluded that they were composed of mineral substances. Marion persisted in her conclusion, and she finally tri- umphed, for upon close examination these weather- beaten, moss-covered boulders were found to be of vege- table origin. These plants originally started from seeds. The outer surface was found to be covered with hexa- gonal markings, like the calices of coral which has been long exposed. These, Marion explained, were the cir- clets of leaves and leaf-buds terminating a multitude of stems which have, perhaps, been slowly branching dichotomously for an unknown period ; possibly for cen- turies. A slight aromatic odor could be perceived which came from these plants, and there were exudations of a yellow astringent gum on their surfaces. Marion expressed a desire for a piece of one of these strange growths to preserve as a souvenir of the visit, but their frail pocket knives made no impression on the plants. The guide solved the problem by producing a hatchet, and after much vigorous chopping he managed to detach FREDERICK YOUNG. 147 some large chips, which supplied the wants of the tourists. They all returned to the Altair at night, well pleased with the novelty of everything they had seen about Port Stanley, but they had no desire to remain long on the damp and chilly shores. The next day at noon the yacht left the harbor, and after clearing the islands, her bow was headed for the Magellan Strait. Spring in this latitude was now well advanced, and Captain Ashton had determined to save time and avoid the danger of the outside passage by passing through the Magellan Strait and Smyth's Channel instead of doubling Cape Horn. He had excellent charts, but it would be impossible to make any headway at night on account of the absence of light-houses and the sinuous course of the channel; he had no doubt, however, but that they could make the passage safely under easy steam. About an hour after daylight the next morning the Altair passed between Cape Virgins and Cape Espurita Santo and entered the strait. The Magellan Strait is 317 miles long and from two to seventeen miles wide. Smyth's Channel is 338 miles long and from one-fifth to five miles wide, so it will be seen that the yacht would have to pick her way through 655 miles of a dangerous passage. They might have avoided Smyth's Channel, but as they were going to Valparaiso first, it was nearer through the passage, and they would escape the heavy ocean swell which was sure to be en- countered on the outside course, so they wisely chose the inside passage. As the yacht progressed the scenery kept growing more wild and picturesque; the brown lichen-covered rocks lined either shore, and these were backed by dark- green forests of the evergreen beech, among which the winter bark and a tree laurel were intermixed. In the still more distant background lofty snow-capped moun- 148 FREDERICK YOUNG. tains reared their frigid peaks into the leaden-hued clouds. When Elizabeth Island was reached, which is twenty miles from Punta Arenas, Mount Sarmiento was seen in the distance. Mr. Stillman said regarding that notable mountain: "That peak is ninety-six miles away, and it is the high- est elevation on Terra del Fuego. It is 7,330 feet high, and its summit is covered with perpetual snow and ice. Mount Darwin, which lies in the same direction, is nearly as high, and many other mountains and glaciers in that vicinity reach an altitude of 4,000 feet." During the day all the voyagers were busy noting the points of interest along the route, which seemed to pass their range of sight panoramically. It was extremely interesting for them to watch the constantly increasing boldness of the rocky shores; the mild-eyed seals gazing at the yacht in unfeigned wonder, and the thousands of stately penguins which lined the rocky clefts in rows, each as erect as the best disciplined soldier. Gulls, ducks and geese existed in profusion, while occasional alba- trosses went by the yacht on silent wings. The camera was in great demand, and many instantaneous views were obtained. Captain Ashton's charts fairly bristled with ominous warnings concerning the dangers of this strait, and he felt well pleased when just before nightfall anchor was dropped off Punta Arenas, which is about one hundred miles from the Atlantic coast. On the morning of November 3d the Altair emerged from the Magellan Strait and entered Smyth's Channel. At this point that peculiar and dangerous headland called Cape Pillar was seen. The gloomy and jagged rocks rose high in the air, and they leaned toward the water in such a manner that they reminded one of the serrated edge of a huge splitting saw. The waves from the Pacific dashed against this cape with tremendous violence, and FREDERICK YOUNG. 149 the white foam produced thereby could be seen for miles away. Myriads of sea-fowl hovered around, apparently delighted at the wildness of their surroundings. The views as the yacht passed up the channel were grand, imposing, and picturesque beyond description. Snow-capped elevations rising to altitudes varying from 3,000 to 6,000 feet were common, and often glimpses of the towering Cordilleras in the distance were obtained. November 4th Mr. Young requested the captain to anchor in a small bay which was unusually grand and beautiful in its surroundings. The ladies were desirous of visiting the shore, and the gentlemen were not reluctant to accompany them. It was just after midday, so the afternoon was at their disposal. The launch was lowered and the ladies and gentlemen embarked. The former carried cans for botanical speci- mens, while the latter carried a double breech-loading shot-gun and a belt full of charged shells, or a Winchester repeating-rifle with the magazine charged,, as suited his taste. The captain was a remarkably fine rifle marks- man, so he naturally chose that weapon. The water at this point was so still and clear that the black and white conglomerate rocks could be seen twenty feet below the surface. As the launch neared shore sea- weeds of gigantic proportions were noticed gently sway- ing in the crystal-like depths, while a species with crimped leaves of an amber hue floated on the surface. The shore was very rocky; granite, porphyry, lava, and basalt existing in huge masses, and it was piled and tum- bled together in confusion. That part of the rocky shore which came in contact with the water at half-tide was coated with mussels, which are eaten by the Indians. Back of the rocks a dense forest grew, which was draped with many varieties of vines and lichens. The ground, on account of the excessive moisture, -was also carpeted with many beautiful species of moss into which one's feet would sink several inches. Here the fibrous ice moss, 150 FREDERICK YOUNG. the green coral moss and many other remarkable forms grew in unlimited exuberance. It has been said that twenty kinds of moss can be collected from a single square yard of shore along this channel. Along shore among the rocks were many seals and pen- guins, and an occasional sea-otter would expose his rounded head to view. The ladies were delighted with some of the strange plant forms, which they plucked and made into attractive bouquets. The rose-colored azalea, a delicate carmine bell flower, and the prickly holly and glossy myrtle leaves when combined artistically, formed beautiful contrasts. The great five-leafed tree-fern, with its glossy black stem, which the early navigators wrongly called palm tree, was a great addition to the landscape. Besides this fern, were the jume and calafate bushes, the former yield- ing forty-one per centum of soda, the latter a bluish pur- ple berry which is quite pleasant to the taste, and is known as Magellan's grape. Evergreen beeches, alerces, cipres and auaucarias grew in great abundance, while underfoot ozorellas, adesimas, chuquiragas and other perennial herbs, unknown to the voyagers, were seen in tangled profusion. Captain Ashton and Mr. Stillman entered the forest in quest of game, while Mr. Young remained with the ladies, as they needed a protector in this wild region. The hunters had proceeded but a few rods into the mazy forest when a peccary was started from his cover; at first he could not be seen on account of intervening masses of pendulous moss and bushes, but a moment later he was observed crossing a glade with his head to the ground and the bristles on his back erect. He was rushing away at a remarkable rate of speed. Captain Ashton was ready, with his right foot placed firmly, and his rifle held in readiness. Simultaneous with the animal's appearance the rifle butt came to the captain's shoulder; his trained muscles had brought his FREDERICK YOUNG. 151 sights to bear on his prey without an effort; a flash and a detonation immediately followed, and the peccary was lying motionless among the lichens. An unerring snap shot had been his doom. The hunters went forward; the captain ejecting the old shell and inserting another cartridge with the lever move- ment as he approached his game. It was well that he did, for when the two men were ten feet from the dead animal, a puma, sleek and beautiful, dropped from an overhanging bough, and before the thoroughly surprised sportsmen could collect themselves, the feline beast was dragging their peccary toward a neighboring thicket with thievish intent. When Captain Ashton saw his intended roast disap- pearing, his rifle again came to the rescue with remarkable promptitude. A second report reverberated through the primeval forest, and the puma with a terrible shriek dropped the peccary and rolled over on his back with a conical bullet in his shoulder. He was not dead, how- ever, for the next instant, with eyes flashing apparent fire, and with a mad snarl, he dashed at his foes. They nimbly jumped aside, and the infuriated beast passed be- tween them in his furious bound, landing among a tangle of bushes and vines. He tried to extricate himself and make another spring, but before he could do so a second ball from the Winchester rifle struck him between the eyes and entered his brain. The poor beast was instantly killed. "Well, captain, you are having all the sport this after- noon," said Mr. Stillman, stroking the glossy hair of the beautifully-colored puma. "You ought to have chosen a rifle, my friend, this seems to be a hunters' paradise," returned the captain, as he began to remove the skin of the carnivore. When he was done, the skin and the peccary were taken back to the launch, when the hunters again sallied forth in quest of more sport. They walked nearly one-fourth 152 FREDERICK YOUNG. of a mile before any thing worth shooting was met with, then a flock of green parrakeets, with very long tails, was discovered in the tree tops, and Mr. Stillman slipped in two shells loaded with number ten shot and dropped a pair of the emerald-hued birds for the benefit of his com- panion, who was an enthusiastic ornithologist. "Is it possible," said Mr. Stillman as he examined the scansores, "that the parrot family is represented in this cold country?" "Yes, indeed, these parrakeets have been recorded time and again as occurring on the north shore of the Magel- lan Strait, and what is more surprising humming-birds are often seen in this latitude swiftly darting around amid falling snow." "That seems strange, for we associate those resplendent little bodies with fragrant blossoms and sunny skies." At this point in the conversation, a sound resembling the neigh of a horse, and yet much different, was heard. It seemed to come from the right, and Mr. Stillman held up his hand signifying silence. In a moment it was repeated; the sound surely came from the right of the hunters, and the animal that made it could not be over ten rods away. "Deer!" whispered the captain. "Let us go forward carefully." The two men crept forward as swiftly as possibly, and the carpet of moss facilitated stealthy progress. In a few minutes an opening was discernible through the trees ahead of them. They approached it very carefully, and when they peered cautiously through the thick under- growth, a sight met their gaze that was beautiful to behold. The opening proved to be a rocky glen through which a small brook coursed its way to the channel. At this particular spot, a pool of crystal-like water had collected in a depression, and the moss-draped trees across the valley were clearly reflected by the water's surface. This FREDERICK YOUNG. 153 pool was not over forty feet in diameter and on the farther shore a group of graceful deer was drinking, standing up to their knees in water. They were of a rich fawn color above; white beneath, and their limbs were slender and indicated great speed. "Guanacos!" said the captain, softly. Mr. Stillman nodded assent, as he slipped two shells heavily loaded with buckshot into his breech-loader. "You take the one this way, Mr. Stillman, and I will aim at the buck on the extreme left." "Ready?" said the captain. "Ready," responded his friend. "One, two, fire!" and as the captain said fire, two triggers were pressed and the reports sounded as one. The pool was no longer clear; its surface had been ruffled by the commotion, and two deer were lying on the opposite shore, one dying, the other dead, and their blood was fast discoloring the water, which but a few seconds before was being admired for its crystal-like clearness. The rest of the deer had dashed off through the forest, and they were out of sight and hearing in a few seconds after their companions fell. The hunters were elated at their success ; they had pro- cured venison enough to last some time, and now it must be gotten to the yacht. Mr. Stillman fired three shots into the air in regular succession. This was a previously arranged signal for help. He waited a few moments, but there was no reply. He then repeated the triple discharge. A moment later a distant boom was heard; the brass cannon on the Altair had answered the signal. After that one shot was fired by Mr. Stillman at inter- vals of three minutes, until Mr. Young, accompanied by four sailors emerged from the forest. They immediately cut two poles, suspended the deer from them, and then two men could easily carry the game by resting the ends of the poles on their shoulders. 154 FREDERICK YOUNG. That night venison, tender and delicious, was served for supper, and both the hunters for their marksmanship, and the steward for his culinary skill, were much praised. About twilight, when all hands were congregated on deck, and just as the numerous owls in the forest were beginning to utter their solemn and mournful cries, two canoes containing natives were seen approaching the yacht from the east shore. They were soon alongside, when the boats and their owners could be minutely observed. The canoes were made of bark, the ribs and cross- pieces being of wood firmly bound together by leather thongs, and ropes made of some sort of tough grass. The interstices of their crude boats were caulked with moss and clay. The first boat contained four men, and the second two men, an aged woman and two young women one of whom had a baby slung on her back. These people had brown skins, large dark eyes and long, straight black hair, which was allowed to hang over their faces. They wore no clothes excepting old blankets, which were thrown over their shoulders. The young women were much better looking than the men. Their features were regular; their eyes large and brilliant; their faces round and full, and their teeth were as white as snow. On the bottom of the rear boat was a mass of clay on which a small fire was burning, and the women kept adding dead twigs to the blaze. "What do you people want?" asked Mr. Stillman as the canoe came to a standstill under the side of the yacht. "Si, si, senor. Galletas, tobacco, cachimba, cuchillo" they said, in mixed English and Spanish. "They want biscuit, tobacco, pipes and knives," said Mr. Stillman, for the benefit of those around him who did not understand the natives. "What will you give us for galletas and tobacco?" asked Mr. Young. FREDERICK YOUNG. 155 "Skins, baskets," they shouted in unison, and then they laughed and nudged one another. Finally two of the men were induced to come on deck with their grass baskets and skins, but they were reluctant to do so; they seemed to fear treachery. They were given what they called for, and the sailors made several exchanges with them. Mr. Young obtained three fine silver fox skins from the natives, but he paid them well with calico, old clothes and trinkets, with which they were much pleased. The ladies made the native women some presents of old shawls, strings of beads, and some brilliantly colored handkerchiefs. The recipients were delighted with what was to them luxuries, and they evinced their pleasure and gratitude by hand shaking and giggling like children. As darkness came on the natives said adois and left the Altair. The course they took could be traced by the fire they carried in the smaller canoe, and their gleeful voices could be heard until finally they got beyond hearing in the distance. On the morning of November 7th, which was Monday, the Altair passed out of Smyth's Channel into the Gulf of Penas, leaving Wellington Island on the left. The gulf was soon crossed and Tres Montes Peninsula doubled when the fleet yacht was again in the open sea. The great expanse of the Pacific Ocean was before them and Valparaiso, their next coaling station, was but 1,000 miles away. The sense of being in the Pacific, in the sea where the Polynesia was lost, aroused many sad and painful recollections among the voyagers. They were again im- pressed with the object of the trip. Their minds had been somewhat diverted during the train of interesting events and sights, incident to the last fortnight of travel. Now those concerned were thinking of Fred, and won- dering if any clue to his fate would be obtained during the next few months. 156 FREDERICK YOUNG. In the meantime the Altair was rapidly traversing the beautiful Pacific. She was headed due north under full steam, and the graceful black and white cape pigeons were soon left in the rear, but a persistent albatross fol- lowed the yacht for six consecutive hours. His only re- ward was a few bits of bacon and some broken hard-tack which the ladies threw him. These morsels he skillfully scooped from, the waves and swallowed with apparent gusto. At this time the voyagers sat in the saloon or walked up and down the deck in wraps, discussing the course to be pursued after leaving Valparaiso. Of course, they might receive news at that port that would terminate the voyage; if not, by what would their future actions be governed? Messrs. Young, Stillman and Ashton con- curred in the belief that the second life-boat which left the Polynesia sailed in the direction of the Low Archi- pelago, and that the survivors either landed on some of the islands of that group, or on the Society Islands which lie just beyond. These men could not possibly think that those in the life-boat would boldly make for the dis- tant American coast, when they must have known that land was but a few hundred miles away in the opposite direction. The captain of the lost ship was supposed to have been in that small boat, and he must have been a man of considerable knowledge and a competent naviga- tor, or the owners would not have intrusted him with a large ocean ship. He, certainly, would not have been foolhardy enough to endeavor to reach the South Ameri- can coast. It was finally decided to sail direct to Papeete, Tahiti, which is the emporium of the Society Islands and the neighboring groups. If nothing was learned there con- cerning the missing boat, a thorough and systematic search was to be made of all the islands in that vicinity. After an uneventful run of two and one-half days, Point Angelos was sighted, and late in the afternoon of FREDERICK YOUNG. 157 November Qth the AUair came to anchor in the Bay of Valparaiso. The city lies on the south shore of the harbor, which is two and one-half miles across, semicircular in form and well sheltered except from north winds. The bay affords excellent anchorage. Near the city are two large floating docks capable of accommodating vessels of from 1,400 to 3,000 tons burden. The city proper oc- cupies a narrow strip of low land, which lies between high hills in the background and the margin of the bay. It also extends back into the valleys which run toward the water. The Government palace and the custom-house were the most conspicuous buildings noted. It was a noticeable fact that two-thirds of the hetero- geneous mass of shipping in the bay floated foreign flags ; only a very small proportion bore the red, white and blue flag of Chili. The Altair had come to anchor in the roadstead, and not far from the docks. A few hours were at the voy- agers' disposal, so Mr. Young, his wife and Constance, Mr. and Mrs. Stillman and Marion and Captain Ashton went ashore in the launch. They hired two carriages, which were drawn by mules and driven by swarthy Chilians, who wore sombreros and ponchos, which were somewhat the worse for use. The Americans were first driven to the office of the Australian Steamship Co., where they were so fortunate as to find Mr. Lawrence, the agent, who was an English gentleman. Mr. Young produced several letters of in- troduction and handed them to the agent. "I am pleased to meet you, Mr. Young," said Mr. Lawrence when he had perused the letters. "I remem- ber receiving your telegram just after the Eldorado arrived with the survivors of the wreck. I was sorry that I could not learn anything further for ybu concerning the second life-boat." Mr. Young introduced his companions to the agent, 158 FREDERICK YOUNG. and then that gentleman produced a telegram which had been received four days previous from Mr. Clark. He said that nothing new had been learned in New York since the departure of the expedition. "Mr. Lawrence, can you give us any information or advice concerning this unhappy affair?" asked Mr. Young, after he and his companions had had a long con- ference with the agent. "It was a very mysterious affair, that disaster. I can- not account for the explosion which sank the ship. It cannot be laid to the company, for they lost money by the wreck. The Polynesia was not insured for a sufficiently large amount ^o cover her value and that of her cargo. Regarding the second life-boat, I am afraid it was cap- sized in the storm which occurred a few days after the wreck of the ship, for if it survived that gale I think we would have heard from the captain long ago," said the agent. "But," said Mr. Young, "suppose they landed on some of the small uninhabited islands of the Pacific. It may, in that case, be years before we hear from them." "If they had a boat to reach land, there is no reason why they should remain there; they could sail from one island to another until they reached civilization," re- turned Mr. Lawrence. "That boat," continued Mr. Young, "may have been destroyed through some cause unknown to us, after the survivors reached some solitary islet, and they were unable to communicate with the outer world or to leave the island. Or, both men and boat may have been taken prisoners by some of the savages which inhabit many of the Polynesian groups." "I am sorry to disappoint your hopes, ladies and gen- tlemen, but you asked my opinion, and I cannot conscien- tiously do otherwise than give it. I do not expect to hear from the second boat again, nor the men who were in it. For their sake and for yours, however, I hope I FREDERICK YOUNG. 159 am wrong, and I sincerely hope that your search will be rewarded by success." "We have a strong presentiment that our son still lives, and we shall not abandon the search for him until its further prosecution, to us, seems hopeless," said Mr. Young, evincing considerable feeling and indignation. He did not like the position taken by the agent. The voyagers soon left the office, depressed in spirits and sad. They then spent a few hours sight-seeing and shopping. It was a novelty to drive around this Chilian port and see the wealthy senors cantering along on horseback with their long cape-like coats made of all sorts of rich materials and lavishly trimmed with silver and gold, and their broad-brimmed hats embellished in a like manner. Some wore golden spurs, and their horses' accoutrements were resplendent with expensive decorations. They greatly enjoy equestrian sports, and they take great pride in their thoroughbred horses and their equipments. After making the necessary purchases the voyagers returned to the Altair. Early the next morning the yacht steamed out of the bay on her voyage to the Society Islands. Marion and Constance were in the stern, and they re- mained there talking of the lost lover and brother until the bold, rocky shores of Chili had disappeared below the eastern horizon. It almost seemed to them that this voyage was near its termination, and that they were to meet Fred soon. Let us trust that their hopes were to be realized. Captain Ashton had laid his course south of the Low Archipelago, so as to avoid the danger incident to navi- gating among those coral-bound islands. Good weather prevailed and the yacht maintained her mean speed of eighteen miles an hour. During the morning of November i6th, when the Altair was about 100 miles southwest of Pitcairn's Island, a 160 FREDERICK YOUNG. peculiar circumstance occurred. Prince had been walk- ing the deck with his numerous friends, as was his cus- tom, but it was noticed that he had been very uneasy since breakfast. About 9 o'clock he climbed up on the bridge and gazed long and earnestly to the southwest, then he sniffed the air as if he scented something, and the next moment he uttered a long, tremulous howl that at- tracted the attention of everybody en deck. "What is it, Prince? Tell us what you see!" said Marion, going on the bridge. The St. Bernard answered by another long, soul-stir- ring howl. "What can be the matter with Prince?" said Marion to the captain, as he joined her. "I cannot possibly imagine," he replied. "There are no ships or land in sight, and I see no birds or fishes that could excite him to such a pitch." The intelligent animal was now looking up at Marion and begging as he had never done before. He seemed to want to make her understand what he knew ; it was a pity he could not have had the power of speech for a few moments. "Poor old fellow! I wonder what it is," said Marion, stroking the dog's head. "In all probability, Miss Stillman, a shark or some other large fish came alongside and Prince saw or scented it. You know that the sense of smell and the sense of sight, as a rule, are much keener in animals than in hu- man beings," said Captain Ashton. "Perhaps," returned Marion, but she looked very thoughtful, and it was evident that the captain's explana- tion had not fully satisfied her. Everbody on deck was more or less puzzled over this little episode, but Prince made no further demonstra- tions, so the occurrence was soon forgotten by the ma- jority. There were a few, however, who did not forget it, and Marion and Mr. Young were of this small number. FREDERICK YOUNG. 161 They knew what a sagacious dog Prince was, and they were positive that he had cogent reasons for acting so strangely. At this time the Altair was not over 500 miles from Empire Island, and consequently that near the object of their search Frederick Young. Could it be possible that Prince had become cognizant of his young master's proximity, through some occult power or sense unknown to the voyagers? It does not seem possible, and yet the yacht's nearness to Empire Island and the strange be- havior of the dog at that time, certainly indicated a re- markable coincidence. What sorrow and suspense might have been averted if the pilot could have been instructed to turn the bow of the Altair to the southwest. In a little over twenty-four hours Mount Ellsworth would have been sighted, and then the signal, and then the lost Would have been found. Ignorance destined it to be otherwise, and the yacht, impelled by the untiring motion of the twin-screws, rap- idly widened the breach between parents and son; brother and sister yes, and between the lovers, Marion and Fred. Friday, November 18, 1881, the Society Islands were sighted directly ahead. The volcanic island of Tahiti was, of course, first seen. The great double-peaked mountain called Orohena, which towers to an altitude of 7,340 feet can be discerned from a ship when it is far out at sea. Tahiti, the main island of the Society group, has an area of 600 square miles and a population of nearly 10,000 souls. About one-eighth are foreigners, the majority of whom are French and half-castes. Pa- peete has a good harbor of fair size and depth, and it is entered by two passages in the outlying reef. Papeete to the north with a depth of seven fathoms, and Taunos to the east, the wider and more convenient, but not so deep. The Altair entered the bay through the latter passage. 162 FREDERICK YOUNG. Papeete has a population of three or four thousand, and it is the emporium of trade for the islands of that section. The principal exports are cocoanuts, mother of pearl, cotton, sugar, oranges and vanilla. By 4 o'clock that afternoon the yacht had entered this beautiful harbor, the anchor chain rattled through the hawse-hole, and the Altair was at rest after running a distance of 3,000 miles under full steam. FREDERICK YOUNG. V 163 CHAPTER XVII. THE VILLAIN AT HOME. One fine morning in October, when the Altair had been gone from New York about ten days, the swift steamship Germania of the Blue Star Line arrived from Liverpool. She moored at her dock near the foot of West loth Street, North River, and one of the first passengers to descend the gangway bridge was our old acquaintance, Robert Clark. Yes, the man who had stooped to a dastardly crime to put his rival out of existence, was once more on his native soil, to carry out the balance of his preconceived plan to complete his villainous ideas. Six weeks previous to his arrival his parents had re- ceived a letter dated Alexandria, Egypt, from Robert, saying that he had just returned from a long trip in the interior and that he expected to start for New York in a few days. He was received by his father and mother with open arms. He was their only son and they thought he was about perfect. Of course they knew that he had been rather wild and dissipated when at home, but they were in hopes that he had reformed during his sojourn abroad. They were fortunately ignorant of the fact that he had gone deeper into the mire, and that through his instru- mentality many souls had been sent to eternity. Robert did not want to appear too anxious, but as soon as he had told his folks about some of the sights and pleasures abroad, he commenced to inquire about his old acquaintances, and finally asked if Marion and Fred were married yet. As he asked this question his voice was unsteady and his face grew slightly pale, and his mother 164 FREDERICK YOUNG. noticed the change, but she attributed it to his feelings toward Marion, and this preference for the young lady Mrs. Clark had really favored. If he could have won Marion for his wife, she thought, it would have made him more steady, better and more manly. "No, Robert, they are not married, and I do not think they ever will be," replied Mrs. Clark. "Why, mother, what is the matter?" anxiously in- quired Robert. "Well, my son, the truth of the matter is, the steam- ship in which Fred left Melbourne was lost; blown up in the Central Pacific, and we fear he was drowned, although the Youngs and Stillmans will not have it so. They really think that Fred will yet be found; that he will be heard from again, and I hope he will, for he was an excellent young man, but it was last February that the wreck occurred and no tidings have been received from him as yet." "Have none of the passengers that were on the Poly- nesia been heard from?" "How did you know that Fred was on the Polynesia, Robert?" "Why I I think you said so, mother, or or of course I should not have known," replied Robert in a confused manner. He had made a mistake and the slip caused a dark, slim man in the adjoining room, who had been an at- tentive listener to the foregoing conversation, to utter a slight exclamation. He then applied his ear to the, in- tervening draperies more assiduously than before, if such a thing were possible. 'Perhaps I did mention the Polynesia, but I cannot re- member of doing so," said Mrs. Clark, reflectively. "It does not matter any way, but you have*not told me yet if the passengers were all lost," said Robert. "The women, children, and some of the sailors were saved; they put off in the first life-boat and sometime FREDERICK YOU NO. 165 afterwards they were picked up by a vessel and taken to Valparaiso. The second boat, in which Fred is sup- posed to have embarked, has never been heard from and most of his friends have given him up for lost. You see the wreck happened in a thick fog, and the boats became separated; so the fate of those poor passengers is un- known." "Do they think the boiler exploded?" innocently asked Robert. "They say not; something exploded in the forward part of the ship and blew the bow all to pieces and set the woodwork on fire. It has not been satisfactorily ex- plained, I believe, how the explosive came in the ship's hold and why it exploded at that time. The second mate claims that he knew what each package that was in the hold was supposed to contain, for he handled all the mani- fests, and if any explosive was stowed away he thinks it was smuggled on board with a malicious purpose." "I am sorry for Marion and Fred's parents; it must have affected them severely," hypocritically said Robert, trying to appear sad and sympathetic. "Yes, poor Marion has suffered a great deal through that unfortunate affair. At one time they did not know as she would live through an attack of fever, which was undoubtedly brought on by her worrying so much." "I must go over this evening and condole with the poor girl," said Robert. "I am afraid, my son, you will have to go a long way to see Marfon to-night." "Why, mother, where is she?" he said in an alarmed tone. "She is thousands of miles from New York to-day; she is on the way to the South Pacific to search for her lost lover." "You are Joking with me, mother!" "No, Robert. Mr. Young and Marion planned it between them, and on the 15th of this month all the 166 FREDERICK YOUNG. Youngs and Stillmans left on Mr. Young's yacht, Altair, for the place where the wreck occurred. If they do not find Fred or learn his fate, they may be gone for years. They have got plenty of money, and they can spend the balance of their lives on the search if they choose." As Robert Clark heard this he gnashed his teeth with rage, and inwardly cursed the fate that had frustrated his plans for several years at least. Outwardly he did nor show his feelings so much, but he could not help letting Mrs. Clark see how matters stood. There was no alter- native; he was balked and must make the best of the situation. His only consolation was that the searching party would soon get tired and discouraged, abandon their object and return home, when he would woo and win the fair Marion. After a few days he again fell into the old ruts and fre- quented drinking saloons and gambling holes as in the days gone by. The evening before the steamship Germania left Liver- pool a fancy dress ball was given in London, and Robert Clark accompanied a former New York friend of his to the gathering. A certain Lady Trevor was present, and Robert was quite attentive to her during the evening. When Lady Trevor arrived home shortly after mid- night she was astounded to find that her diamond neck- lace and hair ornament were missing. Someone, with remarkable adroitness, had relieved her person of them, and they were valued at 4,000 pounds sterling. She im- mediately thought of the attentive stranger of the evening, and her suspicion after mature thought centered on him. It was so late that she postponed action until morning, which was a mistake on her part, when she communi- cated with Scotland Yard, and a detective was detailed to investigate. It so happened that on that very morning Robert Clark FREDERICK YOUNG. 167 left London for Liverpool on a limited express. He ar- rived just in time to board the Germania. Just three hours after the great Atlantic liner had put to sea, the detective learned that the suspect was on board of her. He could do nothing to detain his man, so he cabled New York the particulars and instructed his breth- ren there to be on the lookout for Clark when the Germania arrived at that port. The custom-house officials, as a consequence, were ready on the arrival of the ship, as was also a detective, who was a dark, slim man, noted for his prowess in run- ning down criminals. When Robert came ashore he and his baggage were subjected to a rigorous search by the custom inspectors, assisted by the detective. The diamonds could not be found, and the inspectors were willing to stake their reputation that the gems were not in the suspect's pos- session. On the strength of this assertion the detective refrained from arresting his man, but he did shadow him to the Clark residence, gained access by passing himself off as an inspector of gas meters to the servants, and overheard the conversation between Robert and his mother. When young Clark slipped up, so to speak, in his con- versation regarding the wreck of the Polynesia, the de- tective heard, saw Robert's confusion, and drew his own inference. Detective Slocum, for such was his name, had read of the disaster and he knew that a large reward had been offered for the detection of the person or persons who shipped the explosive which caused the loss of a valuable ship, her cargo and many lives. "Ah, my friend! So you know something about the loss of the Polynesia!" the detective said to himself. "Perhaps I will recover the diamonds and find the man that the Australian Steamship Co. are after at the same time. This Robert Clark surely had a motive for sink- ing that ship, for his hated rival was on board, and young 168 FREDERICK YOUNG. dark certainly knows something about that affair. I have studied human character too long to be deceived this time. I have not much work on hand at present, so I will ascertain where Robert Clark was and what he was doing- about the time the Polynesia was lost. If I mistake not I have a strong clue, and one that it will pay to inves- tigate." FREDERICK YOUNG. 169 CHAPTER XVIII. CRUEL FATE. We will now turn our attention again to the castaways on Empire Island. Mr. Ellsworth and Fred were still go- ing through the monotonous routine of their lonely life, which was passed away by hunting, fishing, cooking, sleeping and talking. This was about all they could do, for they had no tools to construct a boat with; and it would be madness to put to sea on a cumbersome raft, which might be broken to pieces by the first heavy sea it encountered. And then by mistake they might land on some isle frequented by savage tribes, when they would be worse off than ever. They had now been on Empire Island for over a year, and during that time they had not been disturbed by man or beast. It had been a calm, peaceful existence. Fred little thought that on the i6th of November pre- vious the Altair had passed but 500 miles north-east of him. One beautiful night in April, the autumn of the south- ern hemisphere, when the moon was shining in a clear sky, the castaways sat on the veranda of their cabin and talked long and earnestly of their homes and friends. The only things to break the stillness of the night were the incessant hum of insects; the occasional notes of night-birds as they passed on noiseless wings, and the wash of the waves as they ran up on the shingle of Coral Bay. "Is it possible," said Fred, "that of all the planks we have liberated bearing our story, not one has reached the eye of an intelligent human being?" 170 FREDERICK YOUNG. "The surface of the Pacific, Fred, is almost boundless, and it would be nothing strange if the planks are never heard from. They could easily get lost on its vast ex- panse, and it is possible that the markings have been washed off before now." "It is possible, but not probable. If there be a Merci- ful Father above, I trust that he will assist us in our trouble and guide those planks to a place where they will be found by those who can come tc us, or send us succor!" said Fred. After a long silence Mr. Ellsworth broached another subject. "Fred," he said, "can you imagine anything without a beginning; in other words, can you imagine anything that never had a non-existence?" "No, Mr. Ellsworth, it seems to me that there must have been a time when everything that now exists, did not then exist." "You think, then, that enough ciphers and figures can be placed at the right of a numeral to express in years the date of the creation of all matter, whether it be animated or inert?" "That is my opinion." "Then you must admit that there was a time when God himself did not exist. If such is a fact, who was God's creator? When and by what means did the Omnipotent come into existence?" "No one on this sphere can intelligently answer those questions." "That is probably true, but human beings can theo- rize, and theory often paves the way for truth, especially if the former is founded on intelligent thought. "If God was brought into existence, his creator must have been equal if not superior to his creation, and now the question naturally presents itself, What became of that being? Does he still exist? We certainly cannot admit that he has passed out of existence. Such a po-: FREDERICK YOUNG. 171 tent being surely must have been endowed with eternal life. But we cannot stop at this point; we must con- tinue our suppositions. We cannot but admit if God was created, his creator was also created ; so we might go back into the infinite remoteness of the past, until finally we would become lost and confused by our own thoughts, and end the matter by saying that sometime in the past ages, power and intelligence, by unknown chemical action, came into existence spontaneously. Now, if we have to fall back on this old theory for a beginning, why not apply this natural creation, from inert elements, to man himself and reason thus? There must have been a time when the Omnipotent was not, therefore he must have been created; but if he was created he must have had a creator, and we cannot account for God's creator unless we fall back, so to speak, on natural causes; consequently, we will reject all these ideas concerning one being creating another, and conclude that man was brought into exist- ence by spontaneous generation." "You truly do have some original ideas, Mr. Ellsworth," said Fred, laughing. "I do not know that it matters to me how God came into existence. I have faith in him, and sometime I think our curiosity regarding the mys- teries of nature will be gratified. It seems incredible to me that any rational and moderately intelligent person who observes the fine and harmonious adjustments of God's handiwork, can attribute it to an accidental com- mingling of a few terrestrial elements, even if the com- bination thus formed is subsequently modified by envi- ronments." "The Omnipotent," continued the scientist, "must ex- ist as a universal energy and intelligence. The universe is too large; the bodies therein contained are too nu- merous, and the incalculable distances by which they are separated are too great, for one body, or organized form, to control, unless that body has innumerable assistants scattered throughout his domains. The illogical idea 172 FREDERICK YOUNG. of God and man having a common likeness is not toler- ated in these latter decades. "Man is fitted for the earth; he is built just strong enough in frame to overcome the specific gravity of our sphere. If that gravity should become more powerful through any cause, 1 have no doubt but that man would be subjected to a rapid process of evolution. He would soon grow stronger in body and limbs, and he would be- come adapted to the new order of centripetal power. The respiratory organs of man are perfectly adapted to the air pressure of the earth, and if he changes his habitation from the sea-level to a high mountainous country, his nostrils become expanded and his lungs become more ca- pacious. The reason is obvious; the air at great alti- tudes is rarefied; that is, there is more space between the molecules, so the lungs necessarily have to inhale greater quantities of this tenuous gas in order that the body may be supplied with the requisite amount of oxygen. "As man is adapted to his surroundings, so, no doubt, are the inhabitants of other planets adapted to the gravi- tation of the spheres on which they live. There are probably three and possibly more planets in our system which are inhabited by organic forms. I have no doubt but that there are millions of bodies, having their orbits around the myriads of suns exterior to the solar system, which 'nave animated beings upon their surfaces. In all probability it would be impossible to find two spheres among the many, which have the same density, the same depth of atmosphere, and the same amount of heat and light radiated upon their surfaces. Therefore, it is very unlikely that beings of a like nature, as to size, strength and form, exist on any two planets. "Now, if God and man are modeled after the same pat- tern it is very strange, for man is modified to terrestrial existence, while his ruler is supposed to be everywhere throughout the universe. He is supposed to have con- trol of the souls and destinies of the pigmies of Mercury FREDERICK YOUNG. 173 as well as the giants of Jupiter. Is it not a strange co- incidence that God should be like the insignificant beings which live upon this molecule-like sphere which we call earth? The explanation is simple to every reflective mind. The idea originated in some puerile brain of antiquity." "You understand all those Mosaic assertions to have been made in a literal sense, while perhaps they were em- ployed figuratively by the early writers, or they may have been wrongly translated subsequently," returned Fred. "Perhaps, Fred. We must wait for the next act in our drama of existence. In the meantime we can observe the evidence of a high intelligence as universally displayed by nature, and speculate and surmise as to the origin thereof." During the few weeks that followed the foregoing conversation, the peaceful existence which the castaways had hitherto experienced was disturbed by the occur- rence of two remarkable events. The first happened April 20, 1882, in the afternoon. Fred had been on a short hunting excursion in the direction of Cape Garfield, and he was returning to the palms by the shore route. When he was a little over a mile from the cabin, and just east of the cliffs, he saw a long, yellowish object floating on the sea some ten rods from shore. Perhaps his at- tention was first directed to it by a number of obstreper- ous gulls which hovered over the object. The coastwise current seemed to be carrying it along quite rapidly to the west, and in all probability it would not touch the land unless the wind should change to the north and drive the object ashore. Fred, after a careful and somewhat prolonged observation, decided that he had discovered a derelict mast from a large ship. Of course he could not tell from whence nor how far it had come, but it seemed rational to conjecture that it had been broken and wrenched from some vessel during a hard blow. It was not likely that it came from a sunken ship, as in such cases 174 FREDERICK YOUNG. the masts usually go down with the hull. This discovery seemed to be an entire mast, including cross-tree, top- mast and some rigging; things that might be of great value to the castaways. Fred realized this and immedi- ately hastened to apprise Mr. Ellsworth of the discovery. Twenty minutes later Fred arrived at the cabin, having run all the way, and breathlessly told the scientist about the mast. "You say, Fred, the mast appears to be some ten rods off shore?" "About that far." "And it seems to be moving parallel with the coast and toward Harlem Reef?" "Ytis, and I think it may get stranded there or on Cape Hudson." "Possibly, Fred, but we must not trust to chance; we must save this wreckage without fail. Let us take the best and strongest of our fiber rope and walk along shore until we meet our visitor. If there has been a wreck in this vicinity other pieces of more valuable wreckage may come this way, and we must be on the alert and cap- ture everything that is possible." "Very well, Mr. Ellsworth. It will not be long, how- ever, before the mast will be off the reef, for wind and cur- rent seem to be carrying it along quite rapidly." "I want to see it and study the situation before it gets here, then we shall know just what is best for us to do." Fred brought out two coils of half-inch fiber rope that had been made at odd times. It was very tough and strong, and there must have been a hundred yards in the coil; that is, each one contained about fifty yards. Fred let his friend take one coil, and they then proceeded to- ward the cliffs to intercept the wreckage. Quite a fresh breeze was blowing, but the sea was not much agitated as wind and current were in harmony; both were moving in the same direction. Before the castaways got to the cliffs Fred espied his FREDERICK YOUNG. 175 mast; it had moved to a point west of the rocks, and it would shortly be abreast of Harlem Reef. "It is farther off shore than when I first saw it," said Fred. "It is surely fifteen rods from the beach at the present time," rejoined the scientist, standing with folded arms. They had deposited the rope on the pebbly strand. "Do you think it will go ashore on the reef?" asked Fred. "I should judge not, but it will come very near our coral breakwater, and it will move very slowly until it doubles the reef. The current will keep it off shore, and after passing the point it will work to the northr-west, and if we do not detain it there the mast will soon be miles away." "We will stop it, and the point of Harlem Reef will be the proper place to work." "Exactly, and let us hasten there without further de- lay." Fifteen minutes later they were on the extreme point awaiting the advent of the mast. They had swum the breaks in the reef, and they were prepared to capture the wanderer. They had but a little while to wait, for the mast soon came and Mr. Ellsworth's prediction came true, for the stick was not over six rods from the point. Fred now tied the coils together; stripped off his clothes, tied one end of the rope about his waist and plunged into the sea. He swam with little exertion and Mr. Ellsworth paid out the rope as it was needed. Fred soon reached the mast and made the rope secure to the cross-tree. He then climbed on top and rested a minute before returning to the reef. When he arrived at the point the scientist had drawn the rope taut. The mast was just abreast of them at that time. Fred now assisted, and their united strength, gently but firmly applied, overcame the force of the current, and the mast slowly turned the point and headed into Coral Bay. 176 FREDERICK YOUNG. In a few minutes they were walking shoreward, and the wreckage was gradually progressing toward the cabin. As the water was comparatively calm and entirely free from refractory currents within the bay, the castaways easily beached the mast directly in front of their domicile. They noticed, however, that the wreckage did not move so easily as it came into shallow water, and when they got it ashore the cause became apparent. The back-stays were of large, galvanized wire rope, and the ends had been dragging on bottom. Of course when the mast was floating in deep water these stays did not touch bottom, and consequently they did not retard the motion. The mast had evidently been in the water some time, as in places it was encrusted with barnacles, and sea-weed had become attached to it in large masses. There was now no doubt but that it had been broken off, as the bot- tom was a mass of jagged splinters. The castaways carefully examined their prize and found that quite a quantity of rope of various sizes was attached, also much iron-work around the cross-trees, including some very large bolts with nuts four inches across, nails, screws and several tackle blocks, but no canvas. Mr. Ellsworth carefully examined the back-stays and he noticed that the wire of which they were composed was larger than telegraph wire. He also paid considerable attention to the large bolts. "Fred," he finally said, "we have got over a hundred feet of this wire rope, and it may be of great service to us by and by." "I cannot imagine to what use we can put it," said Fred. "We will wait a little while and see," simply said the scientist. After this episode the castaways watched the shore and the sea for several days, but no more wreckage drifted to the island. They finally decided that the mast was all that had been lost by the ship and gave up the search. FREDERICK YOUNG. 177 On May 2, 1882, the second remarkable event trans- pired on Empire Island. It was about n o'clock in the forenoon. Mr. Ellsworth was cleaning some fish and preparing crustaceans for the mid-day meal, while Fred was arranging the fire to cook the freshly caught deni- zens of the deep. The scientist happened to see a large sea-bird skimming over Coral Bay ; he paused a moment in his work to watch the graceful evolutions of the bird, when another object met his astonished gaze, apparently just over the bird's back, but in reality many miles be- yond. Mr. Ellsworth jumped to his feet and an involuntary ejaculation of surprise escaped him, as he recognized the top-sails of a three-masted ship under full sail. She was heading north-east; running nearly parallel with the coast; her hull and the lower parts of her sails were below the horizon. Unless her attention was attracted to the island she would be out of sight within an hour if she held her present course. Fred was immediately attracted by the scientist's ex- citement, and upon inquiring the cause thereof, the old gentleman pointed at the distant ship. Fred saw it, and said in an excited tone: "What shall we do to bring her to our assistance?" "Set fire to our wood-pile; heap on leaves, seaweed, green grass, or anything else that will make a dense smoke," returned the scientist, in a calm and steady voice. They were both excited and their steps were rapid as they commenced to carry out the only project that they considered feasible at the time. A large pile of dead wood had been collected near the cabin; it had been gradually added to for the past year, and at this time it must have contained two or three cords. Fred ran to the edge of a neighboring forest with a large home-woven basket, and shortly returned with a bushel or more of dry, dead leaves. These were crowded 178 FREDERICK YOUNG. under one side of the pile and a blazing fagot from the fire ignited them. Twigs were tucked in on top of the burning leaves, and the whole pile was soon a roaring mass of flames. While Fred was thus engaged Mr. Ellsworth was no less industrious. The scientist had collected a goodly quantity of green grass and leaves, and also a basket of rock-weed, which grew abundantly around the bay. This material was thrown on the big fire and it had the desired effect, for a column of dense, murky smoke arose several hundred feet into the air. Green stuff was con- stantly added until the commingled smoke and steam seemed to have reached an altitude greater than that of Mount Ellsworth, but the ship kept steadily on her course. Was it possible that they did not see the smoke, or the imposing mountain peak? They must have seen both, but they, no doubt, thought that the smoke came from some low volcano or a savage's camp-fire. At any rate the ship did not change her course, and in two hours after being sighted she disappeared from view below the north-eastern horizon. Cruel fate ! Poor castaways ! The first ship they had seen for fourteen months had ruthlessly passed them by; the signal on the mountain; the efforts just made to at- tract the ship to them, had both been of no avail. Mr. Ellsworth and Fred felt heart-broken. Their momentary hopes had been unfeelingly shattered. They had lost all appetite for the freshly caught fish and the newly gath- ered fruit which they were, but two short hours before, preparing in anticipation of an appetizing repast. It took some time for the castaways to get over the shock occasioned by the failure to attract the attention of the vessel. "Mr. Ellsworth, something 1 must be done! We have been here, utterly deserted by the outer world, for over a year. Now a ship appears; she could easily have seen what we have thought was an island unknown to naviga- FREDERICK YOUNG. 179 tors, but she unconcernedly kept her course and she is now beyond our reach. We may stay here another year, and even longer, before we see a second ship, and if one does appear in the future, it may completely ignore us, as this one has done. This lesson should spur us on to renewed activities. Cannot you devise some means whereby we may be enabled to leave this lonely island?" said Fred in an earnest tone. "Fred, I have been trying to evolve that subject in my mind for some time, and the events of this day have given my plans a fresh impetus. We will build a boat large enough to reach some of the inhabited islands, which are not a great way from us." "But, Mr. Ellsworth, we only have a hatchet, two pocket-knives, and a marlin-spike to work with." "True, but we will improvise some more tools before commencing on our boat. I have removed the four large nuts from the cross-tree on the mast. We will make some hard-wood handles; screw them firmly into these nuts, and we will then be the possessors of some quite serviceable hammers. Then I have removed six steel bars from the cross-tree. These bars are eighteen inches long and three-fourths of an inch in diameter. I shall make a number of ordinary chisels by breaking these bars into three equal parts, heating one end of the pieces red; pounding the heated part flat, and then tempering it to the desired degree of hardness. These can then be ground sharp and fitted into handles. We have plenty of indurated sandstone for sharpening purposes, and there is no lack of suitable hard wood. I shall also make cold- chisels for cutting iron, and perhaps some other tools that we may need." "It certainly seems easy enough, so far as you have told me, but how will you work out all the planks and timbers that will be required to build a large boat, and how will you fasten the parts together?" inquired Fred rather skeptically. 180 FREDERICK YOUNG. "We will hew out our timbers from hard wood, and the planking from those evergreen trees which split and work so easily. That wood is tough and light, and, conse- quently, perfectly adapted to our purpose. We will split the tree butts at the center and then hew one plank out of each half. It will be slow work, but we will not require a great many planks, and by working steadily the desired number will soon be at our disposal. The woodwork does not trouble me, all we require are time, patience and some ingenuity to get that out. Now you want to know how we shall fasten the parts together. Well, from the mast we will get several bolts, screws, nails, and an abund- ance of wire rope, which, when unstranded, will furnish us with plenty of large, tough, malleable iron wire. This wire cut into short pieces, perhaps three inches long, with our cold-chisels, will make very good rivets to fasten our planking to the ribs. We can form crude heads, or simply bend one end of the wire on itself, and then clinch the wire on the inside. These wire nails can, no doubt, be forced through the soft planking with very little trouble; it will be difficult to drive them through the hardwood ribs ; but we can manufacture awls or bits to puncture the ribs, and then we can drive the wire through them very easily." "If the awls or bits do not prove successful, we can heat wires and burn holes for the rivets," said Fred. "Certainly, we will manage all of those little things without very much trouble, I think." The castaways spent some time in designing their boat. Both assisted in planning it. Stability was considered of more importance than speed, therefore, it was designed to be rather wide in proportion to its length, and as strong as they could possibly build it. When this work was dis- posed of, and all the dimensions were known, the casta- ways were ready to begin what would seem an arduous task, but they looked forward to it with pleasure. On the morning of June 2oth, the scientist and his com- FREDERICK YOUNG. 181 panion set out for the forest, up Palm River near the spring. They worked all day felling and trimming trees, and selecting and procuring suitable pieces of timber to construct their boat. Sticks were carried to Coral Bay, which the keel, stem, knees and braces could be worked out of, and the following day thirty tree butts were floated down the river and bay and beached at the base of the limestone cliffs at the north-east entrance of the indenta- tion. When all the timber that was considered necessary was collected at the boat-yard, the ribs were split out, bent and properly fastened to the heavy keel, which had been hewed out with much labor; and then the castaways undertook the hardest part of their work. They began to hew and split planks from the large tree butts, and with their single hatchet .the work did not progress rapidly, but they manfully kept at it, and the boards of the re- quired thickness were piled up one by one. It was not many days before they had enough ready to begin plank- ing their boat. While Fred was hewing out timber, Mr. Ellsworth made his chisels, hammers, some drill-like bits of soft iron, which w.as not quite the proper thing, but they worked very well when used carefully, a screw-driver and a large quantity of wire nails with fairly well-formed heads. He also obtained many bolts, screws and spikes from the derelict mast, which had proved a great blessing to these castaways. They might have devised other means for prosecuting this line of work, but it certainly would have been much more difficult and laborious than their present method. It required no little skill to work out the planks so that they would bend into place and form nice joints, and it is useless, no doubt> to tell the reader that at times the work caused much vexation and even discouragement. Fortunately when one became discouraged the other would try to be cheerful, and then both would renew their activities and apply themselves more assiduously than 182 FREDERICK YOUNG. before, and the trouble would be overcome. It aston- ished even the castaways to learn what their pocket-knives could accomplish when diligently and ingeniously used. The hammers answered every purpose, and the first plank was neatly fitted and put on just as firmly as if they had possessed the most approved boat nails or rivets. They reasoned that what could be done with one plank ought to be accomplished with the others. The castaways now hoped for success, and they worked day after day cheered on by what they had already achieved. One Sunday the conversation of the castaways again turned on science. Fred liked to hear the scientist ex- pound his ideas on the various scientific problems of the day; so he would make some remarks leading up to the subject, when Mr. Ellsworth would pick up the thread, so to speak, and continue. "When I was at college," said Fred, "I remember some professor of geology I cannot recall his name now gave us a very interesting lecture on the pre-glacial in- habitants of North America. Among other things he stated that birds originally came from reptiles. He said that nearly a complete series of fossils, representing the modifications, are now in our museums. Specimens, he said, showing the transformation of scales into feathers, and the gradual diminishing of the fleshy caudal append- age into the long tail feathers of the bird, are extant. Also specimens showing the horny bill with rows of sharp, reptile-like teeth, which in later years completely disap- peared, and mandibles devoid of teeth were the result. He further stated that there are now really no missing links in the evidence pertaining to avian evolution." "That is all true, Fred, and one of our most eminent ornithologists and osteologists recently said that no man of ordinary intelligence, who is at all versed in the his- tory of our avi-fauna, will dispute that our living species are lineal descendants of ancient reptile-like forms." "I presume the scientists are correct, but it is strange FREDERICK YOUNG. 183 and it seems impossible that such gentle and delicate crea- tures as some of our birds came from repulsive reptiles," said Fred. "It does seem impossible, Fred, but there is no truer maxim than; 'Truth is stranger than fiction.' There used to be a time when I could relish a good, spicy novel, but after I commenced to read history and travel, I laid fiction aside, and finally those subjects were superseded by science. Now I cannot possibly content myself with fiction, unless it be a historical or scientific work wherein much truth is incorporated with a little untruth. Life is short, and what is more elevating to the mind than a steady accumulation of knowledge, especially when that knowledge is directly concerned with our past, present and future life; the origin and the natural laws of that matter of which we are constituted, and of what every- thing around us is composed? Our own physical beings, the animated organisms around us, all inert bodies, in- cluding the earth on which we live, the remote bodies which we see moving here and there through infinite space, are all made of this previously mentioned matter. Chemists have divided it into sixty-three independent substances called elements. Some of these may yet prove to be compounds, and new elements will, no doubt, yet be discovered. This matter seems to be uni- versal, and when we learn its terrestrial laws, we at the same time learn the laws of those substances which go to make up the celestial bodies that are so distant that the comprehension of man becomes bewildered when he tries to consider their remoteness. "It is true that the spectroscope has shown a few lines, when applied to orbs exterior to the solar system, that are unlike any lines that can be derived from the known ele- ments, and it has been suggested on this account that many elements exist in the universe that do not occur on 184 FREDERICK YOUNG. the earth. This hypothesis is probably true, it would be strange if it were otherwise, but it need not change the axiom propounded by Newton, for these new elements are undoubtedly governed by the same potent magnetism, called gravitation, which is a common law among the known substances. "When geologists," continued the scientist, "first com- menced to discover and study the organic remains in the earth's strata, they met with great difficulty in surmount- ing the barriers erected in their path by skeptics. People then held the idea that the world and every thing on it had been created in the preceding 6,000 years, consequently, when these geologists advanced their theories based on geological evidence existing beneath the earth's surface, they met the most acrimonious opposition. What the skeptics claimed had taken place in a few thousand years, these scientists said must have taken hundreds of thou- sands if not millions of years to transpire. Of course the geologists were sneered and jeered at, for they were pro- mulgating a new supposition, and history shows that this is a peculiarity of mankind; when a new idea is first started, no matter how valuable and truthful it is, it must be fought with the utmost tenacity by a certain class of mortals, which seem to inflict all ages with their unintelli- gent presence. "In the case under consideration, nature's storehouse of knowledge, or in other words the earth's crust contain- ing the organic remains of ages, brought forward more evidence than the great objectors could assimilate and argue down ; so it made a steady gain and finally secured a firm footing on human intelligence, and it has been steadily and firmly progressing ever since. To-day all our more eminent scientists accept the cogent teachings as a matter of fact. These men are not afraid to face and believe the infallible interpretations of nature's great stone FREDERICK YOU NO. 185 book, which can be read as easily by those versed in the science as a book fresh from the publisher. This stone book is very ancient and at the same time it is entirely free from superstitious fancies. The geological record is going on to-day, and it will continue until the earth becomes devoid of air, water, and consequently life. Then changes will almost entirely cease to occur, for rain will then no longer fall on the land, and molecules from the continents will no longer be washed into the sea. That powerful factor of disintegration oxygen will also cease to exert its influence on the surface of our globe. The only changes that we can imagine that will take place at that time will be those caused by the alterna- tions of heat and cold. That is, if the sun has not by that time become crusted and past the power of radiating light and -heat. If it has, darkness and intense cold will reign supreme. If we doubt that the earth will ever reach this stage of decline, we have but to study our satel- lite through a good telescope, for the moon is an ominous example of the earth's destiny." "There is one consolation for us," said Fred, "and that is we shall never see that day. We are fortunate in not having to live during the last years of our earth's life." "We need not worry about that surely. The most im- portant thing for us to think of now is, when will our boat be completed, and will it be the means of delivering us from our present solitary existence?" "Those are difficult questions to answer," said Fred, reflectively, "but by the beginning of the new year, by January I, 1883, we ought, if nothing befalls us, to be ready to set sail from Empire Island." "We ought to be ready by that time, Fred, but it is going to be slow and tedious work planking and rigging the boat. The sails will be especially slow and difficult to plait from palm leaves; and we should have a spare 186 FREDERICK YOUNG. mainsail, at least, for we may meet with an accident, when another sail will be imperatively necessary. We will also need a large quantity of rope, an anchor, a number of large earthen jars for carrying water, and an abundance of provisions." "Let us thank God that we are able to provide all those things," said Fred, and then the castaways entered their cabin and retired. FREDERICK YOUNG. 187 CHAPTER XIX. SEABCHING POLYNESIA. It was Friday, and late in the afternoon, when the Altair came to anchor in the beautiful harbor at Papeete, Tahiti. Those on board deemed it best not to land until the morrow. After supper the ladies and gentlemen sat on deck and talked and enjoyed the beautiful effect of the sunset behind the mountains and hills. The more distant ele- vations appeared of a dark smoky-blue color, while the nearer mountains and hills were of a greenish-blue hue, and they were sharply defined against the roseate tinted sky. The magnificent palms which were plentiful around the town, gently waved their stately heads in the light even- ing breeze. The beautifully colored sky gradually lost its rich tints, and became dark; the brilliant southern stars shone resplendently in the firmament; the low-roofed houses of Papeete faded away in the night, but their presence was made manifest by the scattering lights that appeared. The silhouettes of the lofty mountains could now be dimly discerned, while to complete the effect the sound of some wild but harmonious native music drifted over the water. It was a lovely night, and the peculiar surroundings, which were decidedly foreign to those on the yacht, impressed the voyagers strangely. Silence ensued, and all hands mechanically fell to thinking of the absent son, and wondering if the search was to be rewarded with success. They were now near the scene of the disaster, and at the point for which they thought the survivors would have been likely to have steered their boat. Certainly 188 FREDERICK YOUNG. a thorough search ought to be made of these islands, and the more easterly groups. Next morning, which was November 19, 1881, it was clear and hot. The sun appeared above the horizon, red and fiery, but its fierce tropical heat was soon greatly mitigated by a cool breeze which blew from the north- east. Mr. Young announced that all who wished, among the passengers, could go ashore after breakfast. The tender was attached to the davit tackle, and swung over the rail and then gently lowered until it floated on the surface of the water. Steam had been gotten up before the launch was lowered, so the handsome little steamer was ready for immediate service. At 8 o'clock, local time, the Youngs, Stillmans and Captain Ashton went ashore. The Altair was left in charge of the first mate, in whom the captain had implicit confidence. The party soon reached the beach, and they found themselves in a town which was decidedly French in character, and the majority of the population seemed to be of that nationality. There were a few other foreign- ers and some natives in the village. Mr. Young at once sought some English-speaking people and made known the object of his visit, and one gentleman, a merchant, became deeply interested, and said that he remembered perfectly well when the Polynesia was lost, but he 'had not heard that any of her passengers or crew had ever landed on Tahiti, or any of the adjacent islands. He volunteered to search out several persons who would be likely to know if any of the survivors, or any of the wreckage from the lost ship, had ever come ashore near Papeete. Mr. Young gladly accepted his services, and the mer- chant found the persons in question, and made the in- quiries in French. None of these gentlemen had heard of any one or any thing ever straying to the island from FREDERICK YOUNG. 189 the wreck, and they were positive that they would have if any thing from the lost ship had come to Tahiti. After making numerous inquiries around the town and feeling sure that nothing could be learned there, Mr. Young made arrangements to completely explore the coast of the island, which was quite an undertaking, as Tahiti is thirty-five miles long, and it has 120 miles of sea-coast. Fortunately a good road surrounds the entire island. A driver and guide with a span of mules attached to a strong, low cart, capable of carrying the gentlemen of the party, was secured, to start the next Monday morning. "This excursion," said Mr. Young, "may occupy sev- eral days, and it will necessarily be attended with no small amount of tediousness and fatigue. It will be conducted under a fierce, tropical sun, and we shall make many stops to inquire of the natives regarding wreckage or strangers coming ashore; so, I think the ladies had better remain on the yacht while we are away." "We do not object to staying here a few days, for it is a delightful place," said Marion. "Be very careful how you go ashore; do not think of going unless you have a gentleman escort, and do not allow strangers on the Altair," admonished Mr. Stillman. "We will have Prince with us, and his superior instinct is capable of discriminating between good and bad char- acters, so we will trust to his judgment," said Constance, smiling. Monday morning came clear and hot. The driver, who was a Frenchman, appeared early with his team. Mr. Young, Mr. Stillman and Captain Ashton went ashore with their baggage, which consisted of blankets, firearms, camping utensils, canned meats, and a lot of trinkets to trade with, or to give to the natives. At 7 o'clock the party started amid the waving of hand- kerchiefs and the exchange of adieus. They were very comfortable on the two seats of the canvas-covered 190 FREDERICK YOUNG. wagon, which protected them from the sun, in a measure. The mules set off at a lively gait to the south, along the shore road. A bend in its course soon hid the harbor and the town from view. The road soon grew steep, and the mules came to a walk; and then they displayed their power at pulling. They were sure to have a great deal of hard work before the trip was over, for this volcanic island was very hilly and rough. When a considerable altitude had been reached a beau- tiful view of the surrounding country was obtained. A peculiarity of the elevated land was the dense banana thickets which grew in prolific abundance, and the wild fruit was to be seen in all stages of growth. Cocoanut, fan and cabbage palms grew on every hand, while the peculiar screw-pines and many other unique vegetable forms attracted the attention of the travelers, as they whirled along. They made a stop of three hours in the hottest part of the day, and rested themselves and the mules under a mass of acacia trees, whose fern-like leaves and elongated clusters of flowers furnished an abundance of shade. The acacia of Australia has an inhospitable way of turning its leaves edgewise to the sun, and, consequently they afford very little shade; but these Tahitian trees did not serve our travelers in that manner. It was comparatively cool in the shade ; and the party, after eating their lunch, stretched themselves on the luxuriant growth of grass and ferns and enjoyed life to the best of their ability. The mules seemed to appreciate the situation, and they did ample justice to the succulent grass, while the French driver lay on his back and he was soon within the grasp of Morpheus. Meanwhile a green tree-lizard, more hideous than dan- gerous, performed acrobatic feats overhead. This rep- tile was probably thirteen inches long, and during his antics he incited the displeasure of a long-tailed parra- FREDERICK YOUNG. 191 keet and a fight ensued. The lizard did not relish the ugly claws and the sharp mandibles of his antagonist, and while attempting to avoid the attack he missed his footing and fell. As chance would have it, the reptile was pre- cipitated on the face of the sleeping driver, and to make a bad matter worse the lizard got his feet entangled in the blouse of the Frenchman, and a comedy followed. The lizard struggled; the Frenchman screamed, danced, and tried to brush the horrid reptile off; the Americans laughed until their sides ached. On the countenance of the driver surprise, fright and consternation were de- picted; and the forest reverberated with his mingled French and English utterances. The author of the ex- citement fell off the driver's blouse and scampered away. The Frenchman then turned to his employers with a sickly smile, and a look of suspicion. "It was not our fault, Pierre," said Captain Ashton, trying to restrain his mirth. "The lizard fell from the tree over your head and we could not help having a little laugh at your expense." Pierre, then laughed too, as he recollected how comical it must have been. At 2 o'clock the mules were again hitched up, and the party reluctantly left the refreshing recesses of the grove and braved the fierce solar rays. Late in the afternoon the party came to the first typical Tahitian village. The huts were low, quite long and open at the sides, while the roofs were covered with thatch. Goats, pigs, and hens were roving around at will, while the numerous naked children disappeared, but their places were taken by men and women, who flocked around the team in great curiosity. The Frenchman saluted the natives, but he drove to the center of the village before stopping. These Tahitians were representatives of the true Poly- nesian race. The women were quite graceful and pretty ; they were, as a rule, small in proportion to the men. 192 FREDERICK YOUNG. The skin varied from light olive to dark brown; the wavy or curly hair, and the large expressive eyes were black, or nearly so; the mouth was large but shapely, and it was set with even rows of white teeth. The men were large and well formed. Both sexes were scantily dressed. Men and women of good birth could be selected, as they were tall, fair, and often noticeable for their enormous corpulence. Tattooing was practiced to a large extent, and much significance was attached to some of the forms of ornamentation. The driver spoke to the chief, and Mr. Young made the native some brilliant presents, which he valued more than nice and costly ones. They made inquiries con- cerning any boats or wreckage that had come ashore during the last year, but the chief could give them no information. After being told what was wanted, the chief said: "Me and my people go along the edge of the sea for many miles. No little boats come; no strange white man come; no pieces of big ship come for long while." This reply did not disappoint the travelers, as it was ex- pected. Tahiti was being searched because the expedi- tion came there first for information, and Mr. Young did not want to have to retrace his steps. If Fred or any trace of him was found, his father expected it would be on some island uninhabited by civilized people. Pierre had previously informed the gentlemen of his party not to refuse the chief's invitation to spend the night in the village if he gave them one, on account of personal safety, as the people could be trusted. Farther on some tribes might be encountered that were treacherous and not trustworthy. The chief did proffer Mr. Young and his companions the use of a house or hut for the night, and his kind offer was thankfully accepted, and they spread their blankets there that night. The chief and two of his subordinates spent the evening FREDERICK YOUNG. 103 with their guests, and the natives brought in an abun- dance of food, consisting of turtle, fish, Chinese bananas, bread-fruit, taro, poi, and a narcotic drink called kava, which was made of some kind of pepper root. They par- took of this drink very sparingly. The night dragged away quite slowly to the Americans, for unbroken rest was out of the question. It seemed to them that dogs were barking and howling continuously through the hours of darkness, and before the first rays of light had appeared in the eastern sky the cocks tried to outdo each other in vociferous and discordant rivalry. That morning breakfast was eaten early, the mules were harnessed to the wagon, and after bidding their native friends good-bye and making a few more presents among them, the party proceeded on the journey. As the team passed out of the village the orb of day made its appear- ance. That day and the succeeding one passed off without anything of note occurring, but on the fourth day out, which was Friday, their first difficulty was encountered. It was about two hours before sunset, when they met a party of natives who were very impertinent in their re- quests for presents. No attention was paid to them and they made many threats, and stood in the road and watched the team until it passed out of sight. "We must keep watch for those fellows; we have not seen the last of them yet," said Pierre. "They had better let us alone, unless they want to learn how a repeating rifle works," said the captain. "We do not want to hurt them ; I want to avert all the trouble possible during the search," interposed Mr. Young. "I think we have seen the last of them," Mr. Stillman said. "Monsieur is mistaken. These natives are very re- vengeful," said the driver. Nothing more was seen of the natives during the after- 194 FREDERICK YOUNG. noon and the little episode was nearly forgotten by night. Camp was made that evening among a large group of palms near the ocean beach, but on high land. A watch was kept all night as was the custom. The mules were tethered out about two rods from the wagon in which the travelers slept. The sky was overcast; the night gloomy, and the wind sighed and rattled the big palm leaves overhead. Mr. Stillman had the first watch and Captain Ashton the second. It was about 2 o'clock in the morning that the cap- tain heard the mules making more noise than common; he walked toward them but he could see nothing at first, but he gradually discerned a shadowy form just beyond the animals; then he saw a second form, and beyond the two several more. They were as immovable as statues, but he had no doubt that they were natives, and that they were there for no good purpose. He was in a quandary ; if he went to the wagon to awake his companions the natives might run off the animals before anything could be done to prevent the theft; if he made an outcry, the natives might spring upon him and do him harm. He, after a second's thought, determined to stand his ground, discharge his revolver to intimidate his foes, and at the same time give warning to his slumbering friends. He immediately grasped a revolver in each hand, and dis- charged the one in his left into the air, then he changed his position, and it was lucky that he did, for several spears whizzed over the spot that he had just vacated. The men in the wagon tumbled rather than jumped out, while the natives beat a hasty retreat, and Captain Ashton sent a round of leaden pellets after the dusky forms to teach them a lesson. At this juncture Mr. Young, Mr. Stillman and the Frenchman appeared on the scene, with their rifles held in readiness for immediate action. The captain informed them that the fun was over, but that they came very near losing the mules. FREDERICK YOUNG. 195 To guard against another attempt to steal the animals, they were fastened to the wagon. The travelers, after this incident, did not feel like sleeping so they sat up and smoked, with the exception of Captain Ashton, who stood leaning on one of the wheels with his Win- chester rifle near by. He was narrating the events which had just occurred, in detail, when he was interrupted by a sharp flash in the forest some ten rods away, which was followed by the crack of a rifle. He instantly felt a burning sensation on his right arm; the ball had just grazed the flesh and caused a slight wound. He saw where the would-be assassin had fired the shot from, and with remarkable promptitude his rifle came to his shoulder and eleven balls were sent into the forest, at that point where the shot had been fired, in as many seconds. When the echoes of the detonations had died away, a crashing and cracking in the woods showed that the natives had been routed, and that they were making tracks for a harbor of safety. They evidently did not appreciate the good qualities of a repeating rifle. "There," said the captain, "I do not believe those na- tives will trouble us again to-night, but I would put out the fire at any rate, for they may be aggressive enough to take us for a target again." The Frenchman immediately smothered the burning embers by throwing dirt on them, and darkness threw its protecting mantle around the camp. "Are you hurt?" inquired Mr. Stillman as he saw Captain Ashton remove his coat, roll up his shirt sleeve and feel of his arm. "The ball from that confounded negro's rifle just grazed the flesh, and it burns like fire, but I ought to be thankful that it did not do me any more injury," returned the captain. "It was a narrow escape," said Mr. Young. "We know now what Pierre said was true. That we had not seen the last of the natives." 196 FREDERICK YOUNG. Daylight soon came and nothing more was heard from the savages. The provisions were getting rather low, so Captain Ashton and Mr. Stillman went in search of something in the form of eatables, and they found more than they bargained for. Hogs are not indigenous to Tahiti, but they were introduced by the early settlers, and are now found wild in the unsettled districts. The two hunters came in contact with a drove of these uncouth- appearing animals. The old boars, with long, curved tusks and a row of coarse, elect bristles on their backs, grunted and charged. The purveyors were completely taken by surprise, and they just had time to catch some low horizontal branches, and pull themselves up into a tree as the ferocious boars dashed under their feet. Mr. Stillman in his haste dropped his double-barreled shot- gun, but the captain managed to retain his Winchester, and he at once prepared to disperse the inhospitable drove of quadrupeds, which consisted of about twenty individuals. The boars after their unsuccessful charge, turned and gazed up at their victims with their vindictive little eyes, and grunted to each other in disgust. It was certainly a ludicrous position for the hunters, but matters were destined to be expeditiously reversed. "Shoot that big, fat sow first, captain, for we can get some good fresh pork from her. The flesh of the boars is strong and unfit for food," said Mr. Stillman. "All right, Allen, but I may have to shoot the whole of them before we can get down," returned the captain, as he took a snap shot at the sow. The bullet took effect just back of her shoulder and she fell to rise no more. The report seemed to daze the pigs for a second, then they grunted in unison, and the boars renewed the attack by trying to fell the tree in which the men were perched, but this was too great a task for their tusks and incisors. However, they made the bark fly from the butt, and if sufficient time had been theirs, FREDERICK YOUNU. 197 the tree might have been laid low by the infuriated ani- mals. Next the captain turned his repeater on the boars, and the forest resounded with the rapid reports, and the squeals of the wounded and dying hogs. The boars were soon no more on this earth, so to speak, and the younger members of the drove and the old sows were rapidly fall- ing under the captain's skillful manipulation of the deadly Winchester, when the remaining animals realized that they were being worsted, and, consequently, they beat a hasty and precipitate retreat. They were soon out of sight and hearing in the dense undergrowth. The sense of triumph in these fatuous beasts had been but a fugacious pleasure, for the majority of them were now lying beneath the umbrageous trees in the quiescence of death. Mr. Stillman and the captain lowered themselves to the ground, and they found that thirteen hogs had been killed. Modern invention, as usual, was too much for brute force. The hunters cut several hams from their game, and other parts that were particularly desirable for food, and returned to camp with an abundance of meat. The breakfast that morning consisted of fried fresh pork, baked yams and breadfruit. These were eaten with much gusto, as the travelers had excellent appetites; caused by their exercise and constant exposure in air heavily charged with oxygen. The journey was resumed after breakfast, and nothing of note occurred during the day. Nothing was seen or heard of the natives that had troubled the camp during the night. Beautiful scenes were constantly exposed to view; they were combinations of smoky-blue mountain peaks, hills and bluffs, deep and wild valleys, splashing or roaring waterfalls, the prolific tropical vegetation which clothed the island in perpetual verdure, the coral- bound shores and the cobalt sea. The forests were beau- tifully draped and hung with parasites and moss forms, 198 FREDERICK YOUNG. birds of brilliant hues, but with discordant notes, were seen in great profusion, and the captain obtained many fine specimens. Inquiries were made at every village along the route and a sharp lookout was maintained for any sign of wreckage on the beach. Everything went to show that the second boat from the shipwrecked steamship, Poly- nesia, did not land on Tahiti. Sunday, November 2/th, was spent with one of the district chiefs, in a village on the north coast. This island is divided into eighteen districts, and each is under a chief and a municipal council of which he is president. That afternoon the villagers treated the party to a per- formance in surf bathing. Both sexes indulged in the sport, and they were very dexterous and graceful in the water. Some would swim out a half mile and ride back on the crest of a large breaker at a rapid rate of speed; often standing and performing marvelous feats on their plank. The next afternoon the party arrived at Papeete, having occupied over a week on their journey around the coast. Much joy was manifested by the ladies at the safe return of the expedition. "I am not disappointed, Mr. Young, to hear that no news of Fred or the second boat has been obtained," said Marion. "If Fred is ever found it will be on some isolated island, where communication with the outer world is im- possible." Nearly everyone on the Altair had the same opinion, for if Fred had been landed on an inhabited island he would have communicated with his parents, or arrived in New York before then. That evening the future actions of the yacht were dis- cussed in detail. The whole party sat in the luxuriously appointed saloon and planned the course to be followed after leaving Tahiti. They held diverse opinions. Mr. Stillman said : "I am in favor of searching the Low FREDERICK YOUNG. 199 Archipelago first, and I should commence to the extreme south-east taking Ducie, Elizabeth and Pitcairn's islands in turn. These islets, I think, were as near the spot where the Polynesia was lost as any in the Pacific." "Is not Guardian Island nearer?" asked Constance. "Possibly, but it is east of the point in question, and I am sure that the life-boat would make to the south or west," returned Mr. Stillman. Mr. Young and Captain Ashton acknowledged the soundness of Mr. Stillman's ideas, but at the same time they argued that it would not take long to search the whole group, and if they went back it would merely be a waste of valuable time. "But," interposed Constance, "Fred may be in such a strait that a difference of a few weeks or months may be the means of sparing his life." "My dear Constance, we all want to find Fred as badly as yourself, and we intend to do all that lies in our power to accomplish that end; but suppose we should retrace our course and search Ducie Island and then work in a north-westerly direction, and after all Fred should be on an island in this vicinity. Even then, if our work termi- nated successfully, would not my boy have remained in solitude longer than he would have if we had started to search the Societies?" said Mr. Young. "It is useless to be contrary, Constance ; you must go with the majority," remarked Marion, smiling. "I presume I shall go with the Altair, and I think you will do likewise, unless you prefer remaining at Papeete," retorted Constance, a little piqued. "I am with the majority any way, but I do not expect to go with the yacht ; I would rather have that go with me," Marion added. "Well," said Mr. Young, "let us consult the charts and decide what island we shall visit next." Captain Ashton thereupon spread the charts out on the center table, and the ladies and gentlemen drew their 200 FREDERICK Y'OUNG. chairs up and gazed on the thousands of coral and vol- canic islands laid down on the planisphere of Polynesia. What a task was before them; to prosecute a search in such a labyrinth! Could they possibly hope for success? "I would suggest that we search Taquaimanu, Mopelia, Scilly, and Bellinghausen islands, and then work back through the northern part of the group," said the captain after a brief reference. This plan seemed to be the best; therefore, it was adopted. The Altair was to sail the following day at noon. The next morning, which was Tuesday, November 29th, Mr. Young had some notices printed in both French and English, and posted in conspicuous places through- out the town. They read as follows: "$5,000 REWARD! ! "February 17, 1881, the steamship Polynesia, from Mel- bourne, bound for Callao, was wrecked at sea in the vicinity of the Low Archipelago. Frederick Young, of New York, U. S. A., was one of the passengers on her, and he has not been heard from since the disaster occurred. His father is very anxious to find him if living, or to learn his fate if dead. "To any person or persons that will furnish information that will be instrumental in finding the aforesaid Fred- erick Young if living, or if he is dead they will establish that fact to the satisfaction of the undersigned, the above reward will be given. "The steam yacht, Altair, with parents and friends of the person for whom this reward is offered, on board, is now engaged in searching the Society Islands and the Low Archipelago, and while this work is being carried on, the yacht will return to Papeete at intervals for any information that may be had. "WILLIAM C. YOUNG. "Papeete, Tahiti, Nov. 29, 1881." FREDERICK YOUNG. 201 As Papeete was the great emporium of trade in this section of the Pacific, and as vessels were constantly arriving from and departing for all parts of Polynesia, Mr. Young confidently expected to learn something through the reward offered. Sailors would circulate the fact that such an amount had been offered, and ship's crews would be constantly on the alert for a clue to the fate of the second life-boat. Even before the Altair left the harbor crowds had gathered where the notices had been posted, and gesticulated and talked in loud tones among themselves. It was a remarkable event to have, what they considered, a fortune offered for one man. They concluded that Mr. Young must be very rich, or his lost son must be some one of much importance. At midday the yacht steamed out of the harbor as ar- ranged, and nearly the whole heterogeneous population of the town was on the shores and quays to see her depart. The notices had done some rapid advertising, and every- body seemed anxious to witness the departure of the Altair. A great deal of sympathy was manifested for the afflicted parents by these kindly disposed people. The relation which Marion bore the lost son fortunately was unknown, or the demonstrations on her account would have been more pronounced. The Altair, after she had cleared the harbor and island, was headed a few points north of west, and before night had settled over the broad Pacific the dark-blue peak of Orohena was far astern and below the eastern horizon. This was a difficult and dangerous sea to navigate, but Captain Ashton was a careful and thorough seaman, and his crew were well disciplined, so Mr. Young had no fear of meeting with any serious mishap while the present commander was on board. That part of the Pacific covered with the multitudinous islands of Polynesia, is, when possible, avoided by mariners. 202 FREDERICK YOUNG. Polynesia consists of 350 basaltic, 290 coral and forty mixed continental, volcanic and coral islands. All stages may be met with, from the coral reef just emerging from the blue sea, to the verdant oasis whose age is beyond the reckoning of the terrestrial inhabitants. The circular atolls of incomparable beauty, with their placid central lagoons and palm trees waving in the breeze, may be met with here and there. Also the rugged basaltic cones, whose acute summits have, as yet, not been abraded or disintegrated to any considerable extent. These irregu- lar mountains are often divided by deep gorges, and sur- rounded by abrupt precipices over which torrents reck- lessly dash on their way to the sea. Vast craters still show what forces were at work in the past, but now the active peaks are very few compared with what there were in the long ago. At a distance these islets look like blue cones or hummocks, but on near approach they arc sublime with their luxuriant verdant loveliness and rugged grandeur. Some are surrounded with almost impregnable coral ramparts or reefs, against which the mighty blue billows of the Pacific have been dashing and thundering for ages without destroying their con- centric lines. The little coral insect is minute, slow and short lived, but even the great waves of a mighty ocean are unable to destroy its work. Many are the hundreds of square miles of land that these little organisms have regained from their massive foe, for their superiors to inhabit long after the makers ceased to exist. The next afternoon Maupiti, or Mau-rau, the most western island of trie grout*, was reached. Mr. Young did not consider it advisable to land on all the small coral islets, so he grave orders for the yacht to circle around each one at a sufficient distance to clear the encircling- and dangerous reefs. The twenty pound brass, breech-loading cannon which was mounted for- ward, was fired at intervals while making the circuit. FREDERICK YOUNG. 203 This not only startled the birds and natives, but it would also carry bright and soul-stirring hopes to castaways if they existed. The yacht lingered around each island treated in this manner, from five to eight hours, so if any one should happen to be involuntarily detained there, he would have plenty of time to make his presence known. During this time several powerful achromatic telescopes were pointed at the islets, and the land was minutely ex- amined by careful observers. Constance and Marion did their share of this work. In this way the weeks slipped rapidly by, and one fine morning in December the beautiful atoll called Tetuara was sighted. The yacht came to anchor about half a league off shore. The searching party had become tired of staying on shipboard and being confined to the narrow limits of the deck. One can become tirea of a thing, no matter how agreeable it is at first; and it was so with the people on board the Altair. The sea breezes were refreshing, the many panoramic scenes unfolded to their view would have delighted any lover of nature ; the fishes both large and small that were pulled out of the sea would have pleased the palate of a professional epicure, but this morning a jaunt on mother earth was the one thing de- sired by all, even if that land was decayed drift, accumu- lated on a coral foundation. All of the passengers, together with four sailors, went ashore in the launch. This atoll was six miles long, and the lagoon could be entered by a narrow passage. The tender steamed directly through this entrance into the enclosed sea. Many sea-birds were on the beach, while thousands were circling overhead. The sailors set about filling baskets with cocoanuts, bread- fruit and plantains. The coral-lined shore, backed by tall, graceful palms, and an azure hued sky, presented an entrancing scene 204 FREDERICK YOUNG. which was much enjoyed, especially by the young ladies. They gathered immaculate specimens of coral from the coral-shrubbery which fringed the interior beach; shells of unique forms and resplendent colors; sea-anemones, crustaceans and echinodermes; these many beautiful productions were too numerous to carry away, and too attractive to leave. They were destined, however, to be gradually eroded by the ceaseless ebb and flow of the tides and the action of the weather, and by alluvial deposit, to form the limestone strata of future geological epochs. No natives were seen and at noon the party returned to the Altair. The launch was well loaded with curiosi- ties, fruit and edible productions of the sea. FREDERICK YOUNG. 205 CHAPTER XX. PRINCE DEMONSTRATES A REMARKABLE INSTINCT. The atoll was completely circumnavigated during the afternoon, and the detonations of the twenty-pounder aroused a tribe of natives on the eastern shore. They ran about wildly gesticulating, bandishing ugly-looking spears and tough bark shields, and appeared as if they expected an immediate attack. The glasses failed to reveal the presence of any white men, but this did not satisfy Mr. Young. He thought that they might be there, but held prisoners and concealed by the savages. The reports of the cannon had brought natives to the shores of several islands so far during the search, and in each instance Mr. Young had been ashore and satisfied himself that the one whom he sought was not there, and that no information was to be obtained relating to him. The launch was again lowered. Mr. Young, the cap- tain and ten sailors embarked in her, all armed with seventeen-shot rifles, but these were concealed in the bottom of the boat so as not to alarm the natives. A lot of notions were put aboard, as was the custom, to obtain the good-will of the negroes. At last all was ready and the launch steamed shoreward. The natives held their ground until the boat was about fifteen yards from the beach, then they could stand it no longer. They broke and fled in precipitate confusion. The detonations of the brass cannon, and the launch, which moved rapidly through the water without any visible means of propul- sion, were too much for them. The natives had fled to the rank undergrowth among the palms and, no doubt, they were intently watching 206 FREDERICK YOUNG. every movement of the men who were approaching their domains. The bow of the tender soon grated on the coral-sand and debris and Mr. Young and Captain Ashton stepped ashore, while the sailors remained seated and ready to push off or defend themselves, as the case might be, at a second's notice. The two gentlemen who went ashore carried two 44 calibre revolvers each, but no rifles. They also took a few notions and several yards of brilliant red and yellow figured print of a low grade, but it was just what the natives most admire. Mr. Young waited a few moments for some of the people to appear, but not a sign of human life was to be seen ; so he climbed up on a huge mass of tree-coral and unrolled his cloth so the natives, if they were watching, could see it. Next he pointed at the cloth and then toward where the savages were supposed to be. This ruse had the desired effect, for a single man appeared and slowly came toward the boat, but when he had gotten within ten rods of the shore he stopped and could not be induced to come any nearer. "Be very careful and look out for treachery," said the captain, as Mr. Young went to meet the native. "I shall be as discreet as possible," Mr. Young replied. When he arrived within speaking distance of the native, Mr. Young said "Can you talk English, my friend?" "Me talk Inglese," replied the native." "What is your name?" inquired Mr. Young 1 . "Me Chulka, great chief." "Well, Chulka, I want to talk with you, and I have brought you some presents," said Mr. Young, handing the chief a piece of print. Chulka gazed on his prize with unfeigned admiration, but he kept casting furtive glances at the men in the boat. "They will not hurt you, Chulka," Mr. Young assured the native. FREDERICK YOUNG. 207 "We have come to find out if there are any white men on your island." "No white men here now. White men come some- time in big ship, but gone now." "If I should give you a lot of cloth, wire, beads and knives, Chulka, could you find any white men here?" Mr. Young inquired, watching the chief narrowly. "No white man here, so Chulka no find him." Mr. Young was satisfied that the savage was telling the truth, and as the rest of the natives had gained courage and were coming toward the shore, he thought it expe- dient to end the interview. He took a string of large gilt beads out of his pocket and gave them to Chulka, and then thanked him and returned to the boat. When Mr. Young had gotten aboard of the launch, and they were returning to the yacht, he saw that a hun- dred or more natives had emerged from the forest and joined Chulka. They were, no doubt, admiring the pres- ents that the chief had received, and also learning what the white men wanted. As it was almost night and the Altair had a sheltered anchorage, it was decided to remain there until morning. There was no moon and the atoll appeared dark and gloomy after night had fallen over the scene. Not a sound was heard from the natives during the evening and not even a light could be seen on shore. Their camp was evidently on the interior or lagoon beach. It was warm and close below, so the voyagers sat on deck and conversed of the islands they had searched, and those that were yet to be visited. "I had no idea of the vast extent of Polynesia before coming here, and now I have seen but a very small part of it," said Mr. Young. "It covers a very large area, some 19,000 square miles I believe," Mr. Stillman remarked. "Do you not think it a very large undertaking, this 208 FREDERICK YOUNG. search, when we have nothing to go by?" asked the cap- tain. "Yes, captain, but we had an idea where the wreck occurred, and we could judge which way the life-boat would be most likely to sail, and we know what land lies in that direction. I did not come to the Pacific with the intention of searching the whole of Polynesia, but if Fred is not found, I would as soon cruise about among these islands for a few years as to return to New York. I shall not lose hope until these islands are thoroughly searched, and I may not then." "We shall find Fred yet," said Mrs. Young, "and we will carry him home with us when we go." "Yes, Mrs. Young, something tells me that we will find Fred soon. I think we are within a few hundred miles of him this very moment," Marion said earnestly. "It seems strange," interposed Mr. Stillman, "that if Fred got safely away from the sinking ship in a boat, that he did not use it to make some port among these islands. Even if he did land on an uninhabited shore in the first place, after learning that fact he could have put to sea again, for he knew, of course, how numerous the islands are in this vicinity." "We do not know," said Constance, "but that Fred has arrived in New York by this time." "I have often thought of that, but if Fred should hap- pen to reach home, Mr. Clark would write immediately, and I will receive the news as soon as we return to Pa- peete," rejoined Mr. Young. "There is no question in my mind but that something happened to the second boat or the men therein, or we should not be here searching for Fred. If they landed on some island and were taken prisoners by the natives, they surely could not reach port, or if after they landed their boat was stolen from them, it would be impossible for them to depart for more congenial shores," said Captain Ashton. FREDERICK YOUNG. 209 "Let us trust in the Heavenly Father, do our duty as well as we know how, and await developments," said Mr. Young, and they all thought he was right. The party went below about 9 o'clock that night, and by 10 o'clock everything was still and quiet on deck, excepting the soft tread of the night watch as he walked back and forth from bow to stern. It could not have been much after midnight, when a long, dark form noiselessly came alongside of the Altair. It was so dark, the sky having become overcast with murky clouds, that the watch did not see this object until it was under the ship's side. Then he sprang forward and dis- charged the cannon, and went below with all possible haste. He had seen that it was a canoe loaded with natives, and that they were well armed. The report of the twenty-pounder in the dead of night had aroused everybody on board, and they were appear- ing in the main cabin from all quarters, nastily dressed, when the watchman entered. "Captain, a war-canoe full of savages has come along- side, and even now they may be swarming on deck!" the the night watch said, incoherently. Captain Ashton immediately, but quietly, gave orders for all the sailors to arm themselves with repeating rifles, revolvers and swords. The rest of the men needed no bidding to do this. Each man also took a bull's-eye lantern, and attached it to his belt, lighted, but with the light covered. "Now fasten all the doors but the one leading to the companion way and those connecting with the state- rooms," said the captain. Two sailors were detailed to guard the door, and the ladies were admonished to remain in the saloon and not to come on deck under any pretext whatever, until they were told it was safe to do so. Not a sound could be heard above, but the captain had no doubt that the natives were on deck and pilfering 210 FREDERICK YOUNG. everything that they could lay their hands on, for he well knew that they have a natural propensity for stealing. It was not over two minutes after the cannon was fired that Captain Ashton stepped on deck followed by fifteen armed men. He peered into the gloom and saw that the deck fairly swarmed with dusky forms, going hither and thither hunting after plunder, but they moved in such a stealthy manner that no sound was produced by their agile movements. "What are you fellows doing?" the captain shouted in a sonorous tone. No answer was given by the intruders, but their hither- to rapid motions instantly ceased. "Call for Chulka, for this is undoubtedly his tribe," said Mr. Young. "Chulka!" called the captain. "Chulka!" he repeated. "Chulka, why do you not answer?" the captain again shouted, and in a still louder tone of voice. If the chief was there he did not intend to make that fact known, for the natives remained as still as death. A second later, however, a whizzing sound was heard and Mr. Young dodged to one side just in time to avoid being pierced, perhaps fatally, by a heavy iron-tipped spear, which, as it was, grazed his clothing and sank deep into the hard wood casing by his side, while the long bamboo shaft retained its horizontal position and quiv- ered by the concussion. The natives had not only in- truded on private property, but now they had openly, without provocation, declared their hostile intentions by attempting to murder the leader of the expedition. The captain needed no further demonstration from the savages. "Forward, boys, and spare none of the wretches!" he shouted, and simultaneously his unerring Winchester jumped to his shoulder with a promptitude that combined FREDERICK YOUNG. 211 thought with action, and the sharp report was immedi- ately followed by the fall of a savage. The dark lanterns were then opened and a flood of dazzling light was thrown on the natives, who were re- vealed in all their hideousness. They were specially gotten up for a fight, as was evidenced by the daubs of ochre and pigments on their faces, and the colored feath- ers worn in their hair. They were momentarily blinded by the brilliancy of the light, and before they could act the deadly repeating rifles in the hands of the sailors sent volley after volley into the negroes' ranks; and their num- ber was being cut down rapidly, when they realized their danger and tried to escape by plunging head-first over the bulwarks into the sea. At this time a momentary cessation of hostilities oc- curred, but it was soon followed by a flight of spears and arrows from the bow. The sailors immediately reversed their position and opened fire on the natives in the fore part of the ship, and the inroads of the balls from the repeating rifles soon checked the advance of the screeching mass of savages, and they found that the white men were too much for them. When the magazines were empty, the sailors slung their rifles, and then drew a brace of revolvers each and continued the defense. A mimber of natives had fallen, but still they stood their ground and hurled their crude weapons with skill and pre- cision, and several sailors were wounded by them. It was soon made evident to the dusky sons of Polynesia that they could not overcome their foes, and when the whites drewtheir sabres and charged, the natives tumbled rather than climbed over the rail into their canoes. Those of the attacking party that could not reach the huge dug-out or the small canoes, jumped into the water and swam ashore. Before the sailors could get more ammunition to give the fleeing savages a few parting shots, their canoes had 212 FREDERICK YOUNG. disappeared in the darkness. The rout was complete, and the natives had been taught a lesson that they would long remember. Five sailors were wounded, and one had an ugly spear thrust in his side that might prove to be quite serious. The wounded were taken below to have their hurts dressed and properly cared for, while those who had come out of the fray unscathed staid on deck and threw the corpses of the savages overboard. It was estimated that seventy natives had boarded the yacht, and surely one-fourth of that number had been killed. No doubt but that those who were so fortunate as to leave the ship alive, would be sensible enough to let peaceable white men alone in the future. The ladies were huddled close together in the cabin, perfectly terrified, during the fight on deck; and it was a joyful relief to them from a painful suspense when Mr. Stillman and the captain, followed by Mr. Young, entered and said the savages had been dispersed and that the ship's crew were all alive. "Oh, Allen! is anyone hurt?" anxiously inquired Mrs. Stillman. "Five sailors are slightly wounded, Lydia, but it is nothing very serious, and the first mate, who is quite a surgeon, is attending to them," answered Mr. Stillman. "Where is Marion?" asked Mr. Young, who had no- ticed that she was not in the saloon. "She went into her state-room a few minutes ago," said Constance, "and I suppose she is there now." "I will go and see what is detaining her," said Mrs. Stillman, arising. "Poor girl, she must be terribly frightened !" Marion's room, as did several of the private cabins, led off the main saloon, and Mrs. Stillman rapped on the door of her daughter's room; lightly at first but louder when she received no reply from within. She pushed the door open and the light shone in. The window was FREDERICK YOUNG. 213 open ; the blind had been torn from its fastenings, and it now hung in a shattered condition ; the chairs were over- turned, everything was in disorder and the room was not occupied by any human being Marion was gone. Where could she be? "Oh, my God, Allen, the savages have stolen our dar- ling child! What shall we do?" and with this heart-rend- ing exclamation she threw up her arms and fell in a swoon. Unconsciousness had leniently come to relieve the suffering mother from the pain and sorrow attendant upon such a great calamity. Mr. Stillman was no less affected than his wife when the terrible reality dawned upon him with full significance. His limbs trembled beneath him, and he had to lay his hands on the mahogany table for support, while a mist seemed to arise before his eyes, and his head buzzed with conflicting sounds. His pet, his only child, whom he loved more than life, had been torn away from him, and even then, perhaps, she was being subjected to the evil ruthlessness of a savage tribe maddened by defeat. There was no knowing with what a terrible fate his darling was menaced. The thought seemed to resuscitate him, and he braced himself up with a superhuman effort. He must not be weak; he must act; he must tear Marion from the black demons or die in the attempt! The ladies had Mrs. Stillman taken to the sofa, and they then applied restoratives and chafed her hands. She soon came to under the vigorous remedies applied, but a groan was her first utterance after regaining con- sciousness. The news of Marion's disappearance spread among the sailors like wild-fire, and every one volunteered to go to her rescue; even the wounded were ready to start, for Marion was a general favorite on board. She was kind and pleasant to all, and she felt above none, if they were good and pure, no matter how humble their station in life might be. All gathered around in the cabin in respectful 214: FREDERICK YOUNG. silence, until their captain spoke, and they did not have long to wait. "Mr. Stillman, be not alarmed; your daughter shall be saved," said the captain, and then to the crew: "Boys, four of you collect and reload all the rifles and revolvers and lay out a good extra supply of ammunition. The rest of you thoroughly search every part of the yacht for Miss Stillman; if she cannot be found on board report to me!" The orders had scarcely left the captain's lips, when the sailors rushed to perform the duties assigned to them. During the few moments occupied by the search, the probable way in which Marion had been abducted was discussed. It was decided that a native had forced his way into her cabin before she entered, and when she did go in he grabbed her and stifled her cries, and then she, no doubt, lapsed into unconsciousness. The savage then probably took his captive through the window and into a canoe, for there were several boats in the attack. The din and confusion on deck helped to drown any noise that might have been made by the struggle, or while the native was carrying his burden to the canoe. The disor- der of everything in the state-room indicated that a brief struggle, at least, had taken place between the poor girl and her captor. The captain had the launch lowered, preparatory to pursuing the savages. It was very evident that they would fare badly at the hands of the sailors if found. The crew which had been commissioned to search the Altair reported that Marion was positively not on the yacht, and further, that Prince was missing also. One of the sailors was sure that the dog was on deck during the fight. Mr. Young feared that the noble animal had been transfixed by a Sawaiori's spear and thrown over- board. No more time was lost. The five wounded sailors, the first mate and an able-bodied seaman were left to guard the yacht; while fifteen determined, well-equipped men FREDERICK YOUNG. 215 stepped into the tender, and it immediately left the ship for the atoll shore. She was recklessly given a full head of steam. Captain Ashton knew that a mile of clear water intervened between the yacht and the island. Day- light was near at hand. The natives did not have over fifteen minutes' start of their pursuers, and the greater speed of the launch, compared with the natives' dug-out canoes, would cut off quite a considerable part of the latters' lead. The savages could not much more than have reached the island when the launch started after them. The captain argued that they had not seen any canoes when on the atoll the day before, or while circumnavi- gating it, therefore, they must have been pulled up and hidden, or else they were in some indentation of the lagoon shore. If the latter theory was correct, the natives probably headed for and entered the passage connecting the interior sea with the ocean. Mr. Young and Mr. Stillman coincided with Captain Ashton, and it was a question whether they should follow the captain's sup- position or be guided by circumstances. It was finally decided to go directly ashore and trust to the natural sequence of events. As they approached the land the steam was shut off and the launch was allowed to run ashore by the impetus gained. As the bow grated on the sand the captain stepped upon the beach and tried to penetrate the dark- ness on either hand, but nothing suspicious could be seen or heard. This was a time when nyctalopy might have been advantageous to him. All landed but the en- gineer, who was instructed to lie just off shore, within easy calling distance, and not to vacate the vicinity unless the natives appeared and compelled him to do so for his own protection. If this should occur, he was to signal the party by blowing two long whistles repeatedly. It was decided to march to the lagoon passage with all possible haste. It was difficult walking along the beach, 216 FREDERICK YOUNG. as their feet sank deep into the dry sand and coral debris, while large masses of branch coral were encountered in the darkness. They reached the inlet just as the first rosy rays of dawn began to beautify the eastern sky, but they felt depressed and sad over the events of the night, and not in the mood to enjoy the artistic embellishments of nature. The party followed up the lagoon shore, and as it be- came light they scrutinized the beach for any trace of the savages, while they concealed themselves as much as possible among the rank undergrowth, for they expected that the natives would be watching for them. They had probably walked three miles from the inlet when a large, dark object sprang out of a thicket and landed at Mr. Young's feet. A dozen rifles were synchronically cocked and raised, but they were immediately lowered. The dark object was Prince, and he was now whining and licking his master's hand. Joy and hope of Marion's proximity now pervaded every soul. "Where is Marion?" Mr. Stillman said, stroking the noble head of the dog. "Where is she, Prince? Lead us to her, old fellow! Quick, Prince! Find her!" Mr. Young said. Prince seemed to understand, for he started right off and looked over his shoulder and whined, and the party followed in Indian file. Possibly a half mile was tra- versed in this fashion, when Prince stopped and sniffed the air, and then he went forward slowly and so carefully that not a twig snapped under his feet. The men fol- lowed, exercising the same care. Prince soon made another halt, and by his actions Mr. Young knew that the savages were near at hand, but still nothing could be seen of them, the thickets were so dense. Parkins, one of the sailors, who had been among the Sawaioris considerably on previous voyages, volunteered to turn scout and to make a reconnaissance. "Very well," said the captain, "we will wait here until FREDERICK YOUNG. 217 you return, and be as careful and as expeditious as possi- ble." Ten minutes later Parkins returned, and reported that about thirty natives were in camp not over six rods ahead, and that he had seen Marion. She was in the middle of the camp bound hand and foot, and two warriors were guarding her. Two more natives were guarding the camp, while the rest appeared to be sleeping. The guards did not seem to be on the alert; they evidently felt ab- solutely secure in their sheltered retreat. Mr. Stillman anxiously plied the scout with questions concerning Marion, but all the information he could elicit from the sailor was, that the girl was very pale and her eyes were closed, while her head was resting against the butt of a fan-palm. "What is your idea regarding the attack?" the captain inquired of Parkins. "Well, cap'en, I think we can creep up near enough to shoot Miss Marion's guards, then make a rush, surround her, and attack the sleeping savages before they can get their eyes fairly open," answered Parkins. "Your plan seems to be an excellent one and we will adopt it, and we will let you lead," returned Captain Ashton. Thereupon the scout led the way, and cautioned his followers to exercise the utmost care not to make the least noise. They moved forward, Prince following; the noble dog knew that his services were no longer required. Not a word was spoken; not a twig snapped; even the dead leaves were not allowed to rattle. Soon the sailor halted, and he and the captain had a short conference. "Mr. Stillman, has this affair unnerved you? Can you hold your rifle steadily?" Captain Ashton asked. "Try me! I want a chance on those brutes, to teach them a little common sense." "Good! You and I will go forward and doctor Mar- ion's guards, and the second we fire, the rest of you 218 FREDERICK YOUNG. charge on the camp, surround the prisoner, and open fire on the savages," said the captain. The two marksmen then crept stealthily forward until they could look into the camp through the underbrush. Marion was not over forty feet from them, reclining at the butt of a palm, and the camp was just as Parkins had described it. The natives were still sleeping. "Mr. Stillman, you take the guard on the left of Marion, and I will drop the one on the right. Let us be careful of our aim and not hit Marion. When I count three we will fire. Are you ready?" "I am ready," answered Mr. Stillman in a whisper, and the two rifles came to a horizontal position. "One, two, three!" counted the captain, and as he said three the two repeaters flashed simultaneously; two de- tonations sounded as one; the two savages fell without uttering a sound; the bullets had done their fatal work. Marion opened her eyes and turned her head. She did not appear surprised; she was evidently expecting the attack; she knew her parents and friends would rescue her from the perilous position or die in the attempt. As the reports 'reverberated through the forest Mr. Stillman and Captain Ashton sprang forward. One of the warriors who was on guard an ugly look- ing savage six feet high and large-framed, saw his com- panions fall, and bounded toward the prisoner. He evi- dently sought vengeance, for to the horror of Marion's friends he stood over the poor girl with upraised spear. In a second it would be driven through her body. She gave a piercing scream, but she could do nothing to avoid the cruel spear; she was bound hand and foot. Mr. Stillman could do nothing; the sight had almost paralyzed him ; a groan escaped his lips. Captain Ashton tried to recharge his rifle, but he in- stinctively knew that he could not work the lever, aim and fire in time. FREDERICK YOUNG. 219 "Oh, God save her!" her father cried in an agonized tone of supplication. What was that? A dark, tawny body fairly shot through the air; it struck the savage on the breast; he fell backwards; the upraised cpear did not descend. God be praised! Marion was saved! Prince had the savage by the throat, and they were struggling on the ground. A ball from the captain's rifle fixed the native, and the struggle between dog and man ended. The rest of the savages sprang to their feet with wild, blood-curdling yells, but only to be cut down by their merciless enemies, who were now around Marion en masse pouring a rapid and deadly fire into the natives. Many were stretched out on the ground, never to rise again, before they had a chance to collect their wits; the others made a break for cover, and a few seconds later had disappeared in the forest toward the lagoon. The surprise had been complete; the whites had ac- complished their object, for Marion was sobbing for joy on her father's breast, and good old Prince, the hero of the hour, was complacently looking on. The rescue and the perilous situation of Marion but a moment before brought on a reaction of feeling that made the tears steal down the cheeks of the sturdy mariners, even, and it seemed that the loving father and the tender child could not caress each other enough. After becoming composed Marion told the following story: "I went into my cabin to look out of the window; I closed the door so I could see without being seen by those without. The very instant I shut the door someone grabbed me in the dark, and before I could scream or make any outcry he put his hand over my mouth and tried to pull me toward the window, but I struggled des- perately and tried to make all the noise that I could. Then he choked me and I seemed to be whirling around, and then I felt as if I were falling, and then oblivion 220 FREDERICK YOUNG. came. I suppose that I lost consciousness then, for when I came to myself again I was in a long boat full of those wretches," pointing shudderingly at the dead Sawaioris lying on the ground, "and after a long time they entered an inlet with trees on both sides, and I was made to get out and walk through the dense brush to this place. They then bound my hands and ankles and left two savages to guard me. They did not treat me badly, but I was so afraid that you could not find me, and I expected to be tortured or killed when those savages got through sleep- ing. I knew you would do everything in your power to save me, and when I heard your guns I was not startled or surprised; I knew my father and friends were near. You know the rest, and, papa, if it had not been for brave, noble Prince, your daughter would now be lying here dead pierced through the heart by that brute's spear." "Yes, my darling, you owe much to Prince, who must have been guided by the Almighty above, whom we must thank for your rescue from this savage tribe," said Mr. Stillman, imprinting a kiss on Marion's pale brow. "May I ask you a few questions, Miss Marion?" said Captain Ashton. "As many as you like, captain." "When the natives brought you here in the boat, was Prince with you?" "He was not." "Did you see or hear him around this camp?" "No, captain, the last time I saw Prince, before he sprang over me and attacked this savage, was on the yacht sometime yesterday afternoon." "Friends, we now know what a remarkably sagacious animal Prince is," said the captain. "He knew when Marion was abducted, and he must have swum after the canoe; and after the savages landed he must have trailed them to this spot. During that time he was wise enough to refrain from barking, and he knew enough not to make his presence known, even to Marion, to whom he is much FREDERICK YOUNG. attached. He probably had the camp under surveillance, and when he became cognizant of our approach he met us and guided us to this spot, and still he made no sound that could reach the ears of the savages. He seemed to know that concealment and silence were imperatively necessary. To cap the climax, he saw Marion's danger, and before we could act, his courage and intelligence prompted him to avert what we thought was destined to be a sad calamity." "Prince has, indeed, exhibited a wonderful intelligence. I always thought him a remarkably sagacious dog, but the events of this day have revealed his true worth/' said Mr. Young. "But had we not better hurry back to the ship and relieve the suspense of those on board?" "Yes, of course. I forgot about everybody but myself when I found my darling," said Mr. Stillman. "Do you feel strong enough to walk, dear?" he said to Marion. "Yes, indeed, papa; let me take your arm." The party then crossed the narrow strip of land between the lagoon and the ocean. When they reached the beach they found it was a good mile to the launch, which could be plainly seen. The captain ascended a slight knoll and fired three shots into the air. The engineer heard the signal and answered by three whistles. He saw where the smoke arose and steamed for that point. No doubt but that those on the Altair saw that smoke also, as the ship could be plainly seen not more than two miles down the coast. "They will see me through the telescope," said Marion. "Get up on this high ground and wave your handker- chief to them, Marion," said her father. She did as requested, and a moment later a puff of white smoke was seen to issue from the bow of the yacht, and nine seconds later the detonation of the twenty-pounder was heard. "You are seen, Marion," said Mr. Young. 222 FREDERICK YOUNG. Mrs. Stillman received her daughter with open arms, and an effusion of joy. A few short hours before these people had been de- pressed, not knowing whether Marion would ever be re- covered alive or not. It was truly sad to think that they had come so far to search for Fred, and that his affianced wife should also be lost during the prosecution of that search, and if her friends had not acted promptly she might have been subjected to a life worse than death. But kind Providence had ordained that it should not be thus, so sadness merged into joy, and happiness reigned from bow to stern on the Altair. FREDERICK YOUNG. 223 CHAPTER XXI. A CLUE. Monday, January 2, 1882, the Altair again put to sea. All were pleased to leave this atoll, which had proved to be inhabited by the most sanguinary and inhospitable tribe it had been their fortune to encounter. The yacht sped along on a moderately calm sea, her sharp bow transforming the cerulean waves into a white foam, and leaving a track astern that could be traced by the eye to the horizon. It was extremely beautiful and exhilarating on deck, and everybody appeared to be in good spirits. Even Prince bounded up and down the deck in a lively manner. He always seemed happier when the yacht was heading toward that point where he had acted so strangely some time previous. Marion and Mr. Young paid especial attention to this fact, and they often commented to each other regarding it. There was surely something mysterious about these peculiar actions. The remarkable instinct or intelligence displayed by the St. Bernard at the atoll had a potent influence on Mr. Young, and that gentleman now ad- mitted to his confidante Marion that he truly thought Prince knew more about Fred's location than anyone else on the ship. The days, weeks and months went by and still no news of the lost one was obtained. The routine of the some- what monotonous search was continued and the same thoroughness previously observed was rigorously ad- hered to. Was it possible, many of the voyagers began to think, that Fred had never escaped from the spot where the ill- fated Polynesia, went down? It would be nothing 224 FREDERICK YOUNG. strange if it were so. This idea became., after a time, generally diffused among the sailors and they intimated to one another that it was a foolhardy undertaking this expedition. Of course, they did not reveal these thoughts and conclusions to their superiors, for Mr. Young and Captain Ashton firmly believed that Fred still lived; and as the two gentlemen named, were respectively owner and chief officer of the Altair, it did not concern the rest what the promulgators and the promoters of the scheme did. If part of the crew wanted to leave the yacht and return home, they were at liberty to do so at the next port, but as the sailors had a kind master and good pay they really had no reasonable ground for complaint. Yet they were dissatisfied. Six months later, or July 3, 1882, the bow watch sighted the largest island of the Tuamoto Archipelago, known as Nairsa (Dean's) Island. Not an iota of news had been obtained of Fred, during these months of diligent search, but the leaders of the expedition still hoped for success. They were people that clung tenaciously to a conclusion, and when they made up their minds that Fred was still living they would not abandon the idea until everything possible had been done to verify it. It mattered not to them how much time or danger was involved in the un- dertaking, and Fred was to be congratulated on having such stanch relatives and friends. The island then looming up ahead was an atoll forty- five miles long and about fifteen miles wide, and the broken shore formed some twenty islets. The Altair came to anchor near this group, which is spoken of in the singular number, and a day or two on shore was promised those who were anxious to tread terra firma once more. Nearly all wanted to avail themselves of this opportunity, therefore, it was arranged so that both passengers and sailors could gratify their desire. These islands are generally healthy and, as a rule, they have a lower mean temperature than Tahiti. The FREDERICK YOUNG. 225 easterly trades prevail, while rain occurs during the dry season. In other words, the dry season, so-called, is at times wet. From November to March hurricanes occur and a heavy ocean swell is common, in consequence, which renders the coasts dangerous at that time. Some of the islets of this group were marked on the charts, "Hostile inhabitants." Fortunately this atoll was not so inscribed. When the launch touched the land all got out with alacrity and gamboled like children on the inviting coral- bound shore. They found an abudance of luscious co- coanuts under the stately trees, and it was refreshing to puncture the shells of the unripe nuts and partake of the rich milk therein contained. They broke the ripe fruit and then they scooped out the soft pulp, which is highly palatable and very nutritious. The cocoanut palms and the pandanus thrive on these islands, while the arum, banana, pine-apple and bread-fruit have been introduced, and they do exceedingly well. The captain had no difficulty in procuring a large supply of these commodities from the natives, to send aboard the yacht. The sea around Nairsa was fairly alive with fish, turtle, mollusks, crustaceans and zoophytes, and a goodly quantity of the edible varieties was captured, including several sea-eggs or echinis, which were really a species of the well known sea-urchin. Marion and Constance, while collecting shells and corals on the sand, unexpectedly came upon a huge Chelonian of the green variety. They knew its value as an edible, as specimens nad been captured at other islands, but this turtle was larger than any they had previously seen. "Let's capture it ourselves ; it will be rare sport, and it will teach the gentlemen that all ladies are not afraid of reptiles," said Marion. 226 FREDERICK YOUNG. "It may bite us. I don't want to touch the horrid thing," Constance added, with a shudder. "It cannot bite us if we manage it right. All we have to do is to take hold of the side of the shell and turn it over on its back, and we must hurry, too, for if it awakes it may escape into the sea." "But, Marion, it is too heavy for us. Let us call the captain." "No, Constance, you are afraid. I shall try to turn it over alone, if you will not help me," and so saying she approached the sleeping Chelonian. "I am not afraid," said Constance, following Marion, but her face belied her words. The two girls suddenly and unitedly exerted all their strength on the huge reptile, and he was completely sur- prised. They had lifted him up on edge before he com- menced to wield his great flapper-like feet in an effort to regain his equilibrium. "Push him over, quick!" said Marion. "There, old turtle, you are our captive now !" The girls had accomplished their purpose; the great sea-tortoise was struggling on his back. "The captain was about ten rods down the beach, and in response to a call from the girls he approached them, and the rest of the party saw, heard, and did likewise. "Bravo!" exclaimed the captain, when he saw the captive, and learned that the girls had been brave enough to turn it over. "Why, ladies', this turtle will weigh 200 pounds, and we will have a feast." The rest of the voyagers had now gathered around and they were profusely enthusiastic, when they were told the particulars of the capture. Marion and Con- stance were the heroines of the hour. The launch was brought up to that part of the beach where the turtle was, and the strong arms of the sailors soon had him on board. To everybody's surprise, when the reptile was turned over, there, plainly incised on one FREDERICK YOUNG. 227 of the epidermal shields of the carapace was the following inscription, "P. L. T., 1823." "This is remarkable," said Mr. Young. "It indicates that this turtle was captured fifty-nine years ago, and that the captor cut his initials and the year in the shell. How interesting it would be to know who this P. L. T. was and where he was located. "It may have been thousands of miles from here, but we cannot place implicit confidence in that date, for it may have been cut quite recently, with a mischievous intent to deceive some future captor," said Mr. Stillman. "True, my friend, but I am inclined to think that the year is correct, as the order Chelonia is noted for its longevity," returned Mr. Young. That afternoon the party visited a native village. The inhabitants were found to be more muscular and darker skinned than those on the more western islands. Their huts were poor, being constructed of poles and leaves, usually square. Their outriggers and canoes exhibited much more skill and exactitude than their homes. They used nets and bone hooks to fish in the lagoon. On this very day a large party were diving for pearl oysters, and the launch made its way under careful guid- ance to the spot, and the voyagers observed the modus operandi. Men and women were both employed in this business, and before diving from the anchored canoes, they anoint their bodies with some unctuous substance, which greatly facilitates their movements in the water. They do not use a stone to weigh themselves down, as those similarly employed in the east do. These divers were naked, with the exception of a girdle, to which the basket for receiving oysters was attached, and they would remain below the surface of the water, as a rule, from one minute to one minute and a half. Some can remain below much longer, and instances are on record where they have staid under water for five and six consecutive minutes. Of 228 FREDERICK YOUNG. course, this is very remarkable and also exceptional. After coming to the surface, these natives would rest for two or three minutes before repeating the operation. This work is unhealthy and those that follow it are short- lived, but the remuneration is often great. Nearly all of the island groups in this section export pearls and pearl oysters. About thirty canoes were on this fishing ground, and a great many oysters were brought to the surface. "Captain, I suppose you can tell us all about these oysters and how the pearls are formed," Mrs. Young said. "No, I do not pretend to know all about them." "The captain is modest," Marion said. "Tell us what you know about them, please." "Well, a large number of mollusks secrete nacre, or mother-of-pearl, but only a small proportion of them pro- duce the globular pearls which are so highly prized for ornamental purposes. It has not yet, I believe, been definitely settled by conchologists just what foreign sub- stance is the chief cause of these nacreous concretions, but the loose pearls are undoubtedly caused by the pres- ence of some foreign body within the mantle of the mol- lusk. The extraneous particle may be a grain of sand, some animalcule, or a minute fragment of the oyster's own shell. Whatever it is, it produces irritation, and the mollusk, as a consequence, covers it with a layer of nacre, which makes it smooth and round. This deposition seems to be involuntary, for layer after layer is added concentrically until the pearl becomes large enough to be of some commercial value. The longer it remains within the mollusk the larger it grows. These pearls differ widely as to clearness, lustre, size and regularity, and color also. The perle bonton of the jewelers is but half-convex, and it is detached from the interior of the shells. From the West Indian conch shell we get the beautiful pink pearls, and from the pearl oyster of the FREDERICK YOUNG. 229 Mexican Gulf, the black pearls, which are highly prized. "I might talk an hour on this subject, but for fear of tiring my hearers I will now cease." "It is a very interesting subject, captain, and I think you will get fatigued by talking, sooner than we will by listening," smilingly returned Mr. Stillman. After purchasing some fine shells and pearls from the natives, and making futile inquiries concerning the wreck of the Polynesia, the party returned to the Altair. On Sunday, October 15, 1882, or just one year after leaving home, the yacht came in sight of Pitcairn's Island, and this ended the search in the Society and the Tuamotu groups. This isolated islet is about three miles long and two wide, and, unlike the majority of the islands of this sec- tion, it has no outlying coral reef, and its bold basaltic shores rise abruptly from the ocean. The great billows beat against the high, rugged cliffs with great violence. The yacht had to proceed to the west end to anchor, this being the only suitable place. Bounty Bay might be a good harbor if the waves were less violent, and the cur- rents were not so strong. The island is exceedingly grand and conspicuous from the sea, as a high range of hills extends through the cen- tral part, and at Outlook Ridge the maximum height is attained, that is, 1,008 feet. The vegetation was similar to that on the other islands visited by the Altair; the sweet potato is raised here, however, in great abundance and it is a very valuable article of food. A good supply of these farinaceous roots was obtained by the voyagers. Adamstown, the principal village, is built on a plateau about 400 feet above the sea, and here the majority of the inhabitants, which, by the way, consist of less than a hundred souls, live. Nearly every reader is familiar with the historical mutiny of the English ship, Bounty, which occurred on the 28th of April, 1789. Subsequently the leader of the 230 FREDERICK YOUNG. mutiny with his companions landed on and took posses- sion of this island, while the ship was burned. The pres- ent inhabitants mainly descended from these mutineers and their Tahitian wives. They are a kind-hearted, gen- erous people, and they are very hospitable to strangers. In fact, ships visit them so rarely that it would be difficult for them to be otherwise to their visitors. The usual search and inquiry on this, as on the other islands visited by Mr. Young and his crew, failed to elicit any information concerning Fred Young. This was the last island they were to search of that group of which they had expected so much, but their labor and patience had been unrewarded. "Our only consolation is that we have done our duty," Marion said. "It is not yet done, Marion, for I intend to continue this search for an indefinite period," remarked Mr. Young. "What are your intentions regarding our future move- ments, if I may ask?" inquired Captain Ashton. "I think, captain, that we had better steam directly to Papeete, Tahiti, from this island, and ascertain if there is any mail from home for us, and also if the notice of our reward has reached the ears of any individual who has information that will be of service to us. If we learn nothing of material value from these sources we will again take up the search with the Austral Islands, and continue by visiting Cook's, Friendly, Navigators', and lastly the Marquesas Islands. After that we will be governed by circumstances." A week was spent by the voyagers at Pitcairn's Island, and they occupied a great deal of that time on shore, roaming around the great cliffs of black basaltic lava. One pleasant morning they ascended Outlook Ridge, and from this altitude of over 1,000 feet they had an ex- cellent view of the island and the surounding sea. Prince , was not left behind, and when he had attained the top of FREDERICK YOUNG. 231 the ridge he gazed long and earnestly to the southwest. Marion was persistent in trying to attract his attention to objects in other directions, but he would only notice them for a second, when he would turn to the southwest again and gaze over the great expanse of ocean as if he would penetrate far beyond the horizon line and see that which seemed to occupy his mind. "What is it, Prince, good old fellow, can you tell me?" said Marion to the faithful creature. Prince looked up into her face in a wistful way and uttered an indescribable moaning sound in a very plain- tive tone, and he seemed much distressed. "Where is Fred, Prince? Is he there?" said Mr. Young, pointing to the south. Prince uttered several sharp barks and pleaded longer and louder than ever. "Oh, father!" said Constance, "you do not imagine that Prince has any idea where Fred is, do you?" "Constance, carrier pigeons are often carried off hun- dreds of miles from their homes and when liberated they, without hesitation or difficulty, immediately return to their old haunts. The tiny ruby-throated humming-bird which spends the summer with us in the State of New York, goes as far south as the West Indies, Mexico, Cen- tral America and South America in winter, but he has no trouble in returning to his northern home the follow- ing Spring, or even in finding the very tree that he occu- pied with his minute, downy domicile the previous year. I might enumerate many more instances where what we consider inferior beings display a knowledge or instinct that is really superior to our own. Our St. Bernard has already given us evidence of his superiority, and he knows now a great deal more than we give him credit for. He may know more about Fred than we imagine." "Yes," said Marion, "and he would lead us to Fred, too, if he but tiad the power to guide the ship." "Absurd, Marion! The key to these, so-called mys- 232 FREDERICK YOUNG. terious actions is simply this: Prince is homesick; he knows that we came from the south, and he is anxious to go back that way," said Constance. "Constance, you have struck the nail fairly on the head. That will account for the hitherto mysterious actions of our dog. He simply kept his bearings, and he is trying to tell us that he is tired of the South Sea islands' and everything connected with them, and is longing to once more tread the pavements of our metropolis/' said Mr. Stillman in a slightly humorous tone. They all laughed at Mr. Stillman's remarks excepting two persons. Mr. Young and Marion looked at each other and seemed to tacitly say, "Time will perhaps tell." October 2$d the yacht left Pitcairn's bold, rocky shores, and her course was laid north of west. They had a fine run, and on the morning of the fourth day out Tahiti was sighted, and by 10 o'clock that forenoon the Altair was at anchor in the picturesque harbor at Papeete. Mr. Young, Marion and their friends went ashore. The objective point was the post-office, and the mail in waiting for the party was of a sufficient quantity to nearly fill an ordinary mail bag. It seemed that everybody had friends at home, for not one of the party was for- gotten. A large number of letters were also deposited in the mail-box, the majority of which were addressed to friends living in the metropolis of the Empire State. After Mr. Young had carefully perused all of his letters he said: "Well, friends, it seems that no news has reached New York from him for whom we are searching, and, there- fore, we must continue our voyage on the plans pre- viously laid out." "Before doing so, had we not better remain here a sufficient length of time to make our presence known. There is a slight likelihood that some one has seen your reward notice, who has news for you," said Mr. Stillman. FREDERICK YOUNG. 233 "Oh, most assuredly, we will remain here a few days," rejoined Mr. Young. Four days were spent at Papeete, but no one came forward with the least scrap of information. The Tahi- tians had, by no means forgotten the magnificent reward offered by Mr. Young, but they knew nothing that would erititle them to the money, or any part thereof. Meanwhile the voyagers spent their time walking and driving and collecting vegetables and fruits for consump- tion during the next trip. Tuesday, October 3ist, at midday, the anchor was weighed and the Altair moved slowly down the harbor, destined for the Austral islands. She had but just cleared Tauno-s Passage, when a small schooner, such as cruise among these islands, was met heading for the harbor. The two ships were coming quite near together, and Constance called the captain's attention to the fact that the schooner was trying to intercept the yacht. "They may have news for us," suggested Marion. By this time the ships were within speaking distance, and a burly, dark-featured man, who was apparently the captain of the craft, placed a speaking trumpet to his lips and said: "Parks vous Francais?" "Oui, monsieur. Je le park un peu" shouted back Cap- tain Ashton. "What ship is that?" inquired the Frenchman, for such he proved to be. "The Altair of New York, U. S. A.," returned the captain. "This is La Republique of Papeete, Tahiti, and I have what I think will be news of importance for you," said the captain of the schooner. This announcement caused a flutter of excitement on the yacht, for they could not but think it was something concerning the loss of the Polynesia. 234 FREDERICK YOUNG. "All right, lie to, and I will return and anchor near you," shouted Captain Ashton as the two vessels passed each other. The yacht was brought about on her course and she was soon alongside of La Republique, which was evidently named after the owner's mother country far across the seas. The French captain immediately came aboard, and he was invited into the saloon, and seated in a comfortable plush easy-chair. He was a rough-looking sailor, of a thickset form, with large, square jaws and a Roman nose. He was very dark complexioned and his eyes were sharp and piercing in expression. His hair and bushy black beard were unkempt and neglected, but, after all, the face taken as a whole, had an honest ex- pression in spite of its roughness. He gave his name a Louis Gauthier, and his business a coaster among the South Pacific islands. * Mr. Young said to the Frenchman: "Do you know for what purpose we are cruising in these waters?" "I do, and so does nearly everybody in Polynesia. Your reward notices have been read by hundreds of sail- ors, and the news has become diffused throughout these islands, and no doubt but that it has reached the conti- nents ere this." "Well, have you anything to tell us? If so, please not keep us all in suspense," said Mr. Young. "About three months ago," commenced the French- man, "I had occasion to visit Auckland, New Zealand, and while there I met a friend who had been down to Mahaka, on Hawke Bay, and there he accidentally learned from some natives that a life-boat had landed between Mohaka and Napier, and not far from Ahuriri Harbor, a little over a year previous. This boat contained three white men, and they were seized by the savages and taken into the interior as soon as they stepped on the beach. FREDERICK YOUNG. 235 They are probably held as slaves at the present time, unless they have made their escape or have been ran- somed. Now, my friend, who is a Frenchman by the name of Adolphe Duran, lives at Auckland, and he has heard of the magnificent reward which monsieur offers for his lost son ; and he Adolphe wanted me to see you and direct you to him, or leave word at Papeete so it would reach you. Subsequently I made a cruise to Santo, and Mallicolla islands of the New Hebrides group, so three months have elapsed since I saw Adolphc, and I came near missing the Altair, for if I had been a few hours later I would not have seen you. Adolphe has not said anything about this matter to anybody but me, as he wanted to get your reward, if the white men are those who escaped from the danger attendant upon the wreck of the Polynesia." Captain Gauthier spoke in good Parisian French, and his listeners were much interested and also agitated at his succinct account of the landing and the capture. "Could not your friend learn anything further?" in- quired Mr. Young. "I do not think Adolphe told me all, but I am quite sure that he does not know who the men were, nor from whence they came, but he thought it possible that one of them is he for whom you search. If you wish I will give you my friend's address, and you can go to Auckland and interview him personally," said Captain Gauthier. "Do you know when this boat went ashore, captain?" questioned Mr. Young. "If I remember rightly it was in the month of April, 1881." "What do you think, friends?" said Mr. Young to his companions, who had been silent listeners to this conver- sation, which they thought perhaps portended so much to their future actions. "I think," said Mr. Stillman, "that we had better in- 236 FREDERICK YOUNG. vestigate this matter. These three men landed on the New Zealand coas-t, according to our informant's ac- count, just about the right time to have come from 'the spot where the Polynesia was lost. It is possible that Fred was one of their number, but I would not place too much reliance on that, for we are very liable to disap- pointment. It is always best to leave the better part of supposition alone until it has been verified." "I am sure the man is telling the truth about this matter, father," put in Constance. "He may be, but his friend may have conceived this scheme to extort money. At any rate I would advise that we move cautiously in the matter and not rush head- long into any skillfully devised trap," interposed Captain Ashton. "And what does Marion think about it?" inquired Mr. Young, turning to her with a smile. Marion made a beautiful picture, reclining in a red silk lounging chair, with her head resting on one slim, white hand. Her dark eyes were partly veiled by her long lashes, and her glossy hair, which inclined to curl, had become loosened, and it fell gracefully over her hand and shoulder. To complete the effect, Prince was resting his large head on her lap and looking up into his favorite's face. "I suppose, Mr. Young, that we ought to follow up this clue, for it will relieve our minds, and then we may be so fortunate as to rescue those poor unfortunate men from the savages," replied Marion. "Then you do not think, Marion, that we shall find Fred there?" "I do not. I believe in the instinct of good old Prince, and he does not think Fred is in New Zealand. If Fred is ever found it will not be a great way from the Taumotu Archipelago," replied Marion, stroking the noble head of the St. Bernard. "Why, Marion, I thought that idea had been aban- FREDERICK YOUNG. 237 doned, and that the mysterious behavior of Prince had been satisfactorily accounted for," said her mother. "The explanation at Pitcairn's Island did not, by any means satisfy me," Marion returned in a serious tone. This conversation had been carried on in English, and the French captain did not appear to understand its sig- nificance. Mr. Young looked at Marion silently and thoughtfully for a few seconds, while he was pondering over the mat- ter, and then he turned to Captain Gauthier again and said: "Captain, I think we had better go to Auckland and see Adolphe Duran." "It will be best, monsieur; I will give you his address," and he extracted a piece of paper from a rather dilapi- dated pocket-book, and handed it to Mr. Young. It bore the requisite directions, written in a cramped style of chirography. A few minutes later the Frenchman arose, saying: "I must go; I want to anchor at Papeete before even- ing falls, and I have told you all I know about the cast- aways." Mr. Young generously rewarded Captain Gauthier for his kindness and they parted. La Republique was soon some distance away entering Taunos Passage, and our voyagers were left to think and to act. "Well, captain," said Mr. Young, "our plans have been interfered with, and our thoughts have been directed into another channel ; so we must abandon the Austral islands, for the time being, and turn our attention to New Zealand. If our search there does not terminate successfully, we will then carry out the line of work from which we are now diverted." "Shall we sail at once for Auckland?" inquired the captain. "The sooner the better, captain, and, by the way, do 238 FREDERICK YOUNG. you know the distance from this point to our new des- tination?" "It is surely 2,000 and possibly 2,300 miles." "Nearly a week will then be consumed by this voyage," said Mr. Young-. "We can cover that distance in less than six days, bar- ring bad weather and accidents," returned the captain. The interview with the Frenchman had detained them two hours, but, nevertheless, before night had cast its Cimmerian mantle over the waters, Tahiti, and even the conspicuous mountain peak, Orohena, were below the northeastern horizon. The Altair had a fair wind so the sails were set, which greatly accelerated the speed pro- duced by the twin screws. Nearly a perfect line can be made from the Society islands to Auckland, and the course necessarily brought the Altair near Cook's islands, or the Hervey Archipelago as they are sometimes called. This group was sighted the second day out, late in the afternoon, and it was de- cided to pass them by as a definite clue to some castaways had now been obtained. This cluster of islets is in 160 W. Ion., and about 20 S. lat. Cook discovered them in 1777, but nothing was done toward introducing a civilized mode of life until. 1823, when the missionary, John Williams, under- took to diffuse religious knowledge among the natives, who belong to the Malay race. Mangeia, Raxatonga, Aitutake and Atiu, which comprise some 300 square miles, are the more important islands of the group. The natives are said to be skilled in house building and in manufacturing their utensils and wares, which are numer- ous and of considerable variety. Water is very scarce, and this is a serious obstacle, and one which it is difficult to overcome. There are about 7,000 people existing on this isolated group, and their villages present an ex- ceedingly neat and well-kept appearance. Before morning dawned on the following day, the FREDERICK YOUNG. 239 palm-covered shores of these interesting islands were far astern. A clear sky and a moderately calm sea were enjoyed until the fourth day out, when the western sky became obscured with dark cumulous clouds and the air grew humid and oppressive. The captain and Mr. Young anxiously examined the barometer; it was falling fast. "Captain, what do you think? Are we going to have a storm?" asked Mr. Young. "Everything indicates that we are going to have a severe atmospheric disturbance." "Of what nature?" "I fear an electrical hurricane. We are now on the southern border of the cyclone zone." "But, captain, I understand those only occur between the months of December and April." "They are liable to occur a little out of season. At home, you know, tempests are usually associated with summer, but they sometimes occur during the winter months." "Take every precaution possible to guard against dan- ger from wind and sea," said Mr. Young. Meanwhile the murky clouds passed the zenith and left the whole western sky an ominous mass of boiling vapor, while the wind freshened and in a short time it was blowing a stiff gale; in fact, it fairly whistled through the rigging. The gale of wind soon lashed the sea into a white foam, and the massive waves were soon dashing against the bow of the yacht, but only to be divided by her sharp prow and reduced to spray and foam. Captain Ashton ordered all the canvas furled, except- ing a small stay-sail to steady the ship. He had the deck cleared; the iron hatches securely screwed down, and everything in general put in ship-shape. As the wind continued to increase the little steamer rolled and pitched as she never had before. All but the crew were ordered below, as it became unsafe on deck. 240 FREDERICK YOUNG. They were liable to be swept off the yacht at any moment, for the billows were running almost mountain high. The captain saw their danger; it would not do to hold their present diagonal course, so he instructed the pilot to face the gale; to head due west. At the same time the engines were slacked by order of the commander. The gallant little craft held her own nobly, but the strain made the joints and seams in her interior snap and crack in an alarming manner. The wind continued to blow for an hour, and then it suddenly increased in a furious manner, and it was noticed that the water was frightfully agitated. Clouds, water and air seemed to be in a state of violent concentricity. Directly ahead there appeared to be a massive foamy cone of water. The rotary air currents seemed to have heaped the water up, so to speak, and as those on deck looked, a pendant, tapering, whirling mass of clouds, or partially condensed vapor, with the apex down, appeared to drop from the murky clouds and connect with the cone of water on the surface of the sea. This appalling phenomenon, ap- parently, was approaching the yacht. An encounter with this waterspout, for such it was, might prove extremely disastrous to the Altair. Captain Ashton, ever ready in an emergency, sprang forward, brought the brass cannon to bear on the ap- proaching vaporous pillar as well as he could, and dis- charged the cannon. His intention was not to rupture the spout by a solid shot, but to break the column by the concussion of the air molecules, which would be caused by the detonation. The project failed; the waterspout still continued to approach, and unbroken. The pilot then rang on a full head of steam and tried to steer clear of the danger, by the captain's order. The attempt was useless ; the rotary cones were moving along the line of progression too swiftly. The waterspout was not over five rods from the yacht, when a blinding flash of green- ish-blue electrical fluid descended the pillar of vapor, and FREDERICK YOUNG. 241 the waterspout was shattered, as it were, while a deafening crash of thunder simultaneously resounded over the sea. After the flash the whirlwind came on, although the connection between clouds and sea was broken. It swept over the deck with unparalleled violence; the yacht careened fearfully, the sailors had all they could do to hold on to whatever they chose for a support, with both hands; below they thought the Altair was doomed; and to cap the climax the mainmast was snapped off like a reed, and as it fell into the turbulent sea the monstrous waves caught it and ripped off the halyards and back- stays. The yacht was then in a perilous position; she was in the midst of the massive boiling waves, which were the remains of the water-cone, and the captain feared that the Altair was lost; that she would be swamped by the force of the conflicting elements. "Forward lively, lads, or we are lost!" the captain shouted above the din and confusion. Eight strong seaman followed their commander to the bow, where he had caused four barrels to be lashed when the storm was first coming on. They cut the ropes, grappled the barrels and slung them over the rails. They swung so violently on the tackle that the sailors could hardly manage them, but the captain was ready with an axe and at an opportune second he smashed in the barrel heads, and in much less time than it can be told, four bar- rels of oil were emptied on the boisterous sea. The effect was magical; the yacht was almost at a standstill; the oil spread over the ocean around the ship; the sea became comparatively calm; the thoughtfulness of the com- mander had saved the Altair. Everbody thought she was doomed, but the unctuous fluid allayed the anger cf the ruffled water, and proved to be the salvation of the expe- dition. A second after the electrical discharge and the rupture of the waterspout, rain descended in torrents, and the flashes of lightning and the roaring, crashing and crackling of thunder were incessant. The falling of 242 FREDERICK YOUNG. this deluge of condensed moisture was instrumental in extricating the yacht from her great difficulty. The water laden air not only greatly mitigated the force of the wind, but it materially leveled the sea; that is, it militated against the force of the waves and calmed the water to a remarkable extent. It had been a terrible ordeal for those confined below, for the motion and noise seemed much greater in the cabins than they did on deck. Every giant wave that struck the yacht made her shiver from stem to stern, and this, coupled with the rolling, pitching, creaking and the screeching of the wind through the rigging, caused a din and tumult that were almost terrifying. To be confined between decks when it was uncertain whether the ship would outride the gale, or go to the bottom of the Pacific, was indeed, not one of the pleasantest things in the world to contemplate. But the captain was justi- fied in giving stringent orders regarding the matter of remaining below, for now they were all alive, but if they had been on deck some might have been swept away by wind or sea, or injured by the falling mast. The sailors, even, had to lash themselves to the bulwarks or some stationary object to prevent being washed overboard. This hurricane was the most severe that the voyagers had encountered during the search, and the Altair had been used very roughly. Her rigging and sails were badly damaged and one mast was lost; it would be ne- cessary for her to undergo repairs at Auckland. The passengers had missed the wonderful phenomena produced by the conflicting elements, and the gentlemen when told of the waterspout and the electrical display, expressed their regrets that they could not have wit- nessed the unusual spectacle. "Never mind, my friends, you shall see them in a few days," said Captain Ashton, smiling. "What do you mean, captain? Is it possible that you FREDERICK YOUNG. 243 expect a repetition of this cyclone?" Mr. Young anx- iously inquired. "While on deck I did not forget my snap-shot camera, and the film now has a dozen or more pictures of the waterspout and the accompanying phenomena thereon impressed; and when I develop and mount these pic- tures, I expect to have a remarkable series to add to my collection." "Captain, I not only thank you for saving the Altair and the expedition, but I also congratulate you for your phlegmatic temperament and your remarkable fore- thought and presences of mind," returned Mr. Young, grasping the captain's hand. 244 FREDERICK YOUNG. CHAPTER XXII. TO THE INTERIOR. On the following morning the storm had entirely passed, but the sea still ran high and it continued to do so all that day, notwithstanding the fact that the wind had nearly ceased blowing. November 6th, Great Barrier Island, which lies at the east entrance of Hauraki Gulf, on which the city of Auck- land is built, was sighted. A few hours after sighting the north island, Hauraki Gulf had been crossed, Waiheki Island passed, and the yacht then entered Waitemata Harbor. Auckland, the capital of the province bearing the same name, is located on the south shore of the harbor, and the city looms up advantageously to those who approach it by water. The city is surrounded by small villages or suburbs, and just across the peninsular lies the prosperous port of Manukau, on the harbor of the same name. Among the more prominent buildings of Auckland, are the man- sion of the governor, the cathedral, Auckland college and grammar school and many other notable structures. It was 3 o'clock in the afternoon before the Altair came to anchor near the extremity of the wharf, which extends about 1,690 feet into the harbor. This massive struc- ture, which represents no small amount of labor and en- gineering skill, enables quite sizable vessels to land their cargoes. Considerable shipping was to be seen around the city, and a number of non-colonial ships were noticed loading, and others were discharging their cargoes. Night was near at hand, and as a consequence it was deemed best to postpone going ashore until the next morning. The passengers, after supper, came out on deck FREDERICK YOUNG. and formed a sociable group aft. It was very refreshing this cool, equable New Zealand climate, after spending several months among the islands of the torrid zone. They were really again in a country whose climate was analagous to that of their native state; they were south of the imaginary line of demarkation known as the tropic of Capricorn, and consequently in the south temperate zone. In other words and to be more precise, they now were in 36 51' S. lat. and 174 50' E. long. On this particular evening the sky was very blue and clear," only a few fleecy-white clouds being visible, and those that occupied the western portion of the landscape had their edges fringed with gold, as they were bathed in the last rays of the setting sun. A cool, salt breeze blew down the gulf, and as evening came on the voyagers found that wraps and thin overcoats were once more welcome. During the past few months they had fallen into desuetude. When these people wanted any information concern- ing animated nature, they had but to apply to Captain Ashton; he was well informed on all those things per- taining to the birds and mammals of the mountains, plains and forests, as well as the denizens of the deep sea. When they wished to learn of the country they were to visit, and of the people that inhabit it, they the voyagers naturally asked Mr. Stillman, as he was uncommonly well read on those subjects. So this evening Mrs. Young was desirous of learning of the city and the people they were to visit on the morrow, as well as of the surround- ing country. "Mr. Stillman, will you please tell us something about this city and the country we are now gazing upon?" she asked. "The city of Auckland," he began, "is located in the northern part of a large province also called Auckland. This province has an area of 17,000,000 acres, but 11,275,- ooo are still retained by the natives, or Maoris, as they 246 FREDERICK YOUNG. are called. The white people, however, keep buying tracts of this land at small prices, and thus the govern- ment becomes the possessor of large areas from year to year, just as we have in purchasing from the Indians in the States. Within the borders of Auckland there are large fertile plains, swamps, fern-heath, mountain ranges; volcanic districts which are not mountainous, but their peculiar characteristics have become famous throughout the world; richly- wooded jungles and rocky plateaus. The country is well favored with coastwise indentations, which afford many excellent harbors, and the interior is drained by many water courses, some being navigable rivers. The largest stream is the Wai- kato, which has its source in Taupo Lake, in the central part of the island. Unfortunately the mouth of this great river is encumbered with sandbars, which will not allow large ships to pass. The city which now lies before us was founded in 1840 by Governor Hobson, and up to 1865 it was the seat of Government which was then changed to Wellington. The census of 1871 returned the population of the city proper as 12,937, and with the suburbs added as 18,000; and I think there are now some 21,000 people including the rural and urban inhabitants." When morning dawned over these New Zealand shores, which were extremely varied in character, the captain landed, charged with the commission of securing a competent ship-carpenter to make the necessary repairs on the Altair. Captain Ashton was absent but few hours, when he returned accompanied by one of the most expert workmen, in this particular line of business, to be found in the city. The carpenter, after a careful inspec- tion of the ship's injuries, made the announcement that he could make all needed repairs in eight or ten days' time. This gentleman happened to have sticks on hand from which he could work a new mainmast and the ne- cessary spars, so considerable time would be saved thereby. FREDERICK YOUNG. 247 The contract was finally given to the builder, and he agreed to be as expeditious as possible; and he asserted that he could command the services of a large corps of workmen, and he would engage them at once. This would greatly facilitate matters. While Captain Ashton was making these arrange- ments, Messrs. Young and Stillman were no less busy. They went up to the city accompanied by the ladies, and hunted up Adolphe Duran, whom they had little trouble in locating. He was a man in whom one would not hesitate to place considerable confidence. There was an honest expression on his broad, open countenance, which led the Americans to believe implicitly in him. The general appearance of this man was decidedly French; he was of a medium height, thickset and strong; his hair, mustache and side whiskers were dark, but just beginning to be intermixed with gray; his eyes were dark, and they could at times appear fiery; his prominent nose was surmounted by a broad, high and full forehead. Adolphe seemed to be much surprised and pleased to see Mr. Young and learn who he was. After the pre- liminary inquiries had been made on both sides, Mr. Young came to the point and the Frenchman told the following story, which in substance they already knew through Louis Gauthier. "The middle of April last," Adolphe began, "I went down to the town called Mohaka, which lies on the south bank of a small river bearing the same name. While there I mingled considerably with the Maoris, and a young native became very friendly with me, and he told me many things which his more reticent companions would have withheld. He told me that during a heavy storm, when the waves were beaten to a white foam on the beach of Hawke Bay, sometime previous, a life-boat containing three white men was thrown ashore, and that a tribe of Maoris immediately seized them and their effects. None were harmed to his knowledge, and I FREDERICK YOUNG. afterwards learned that the tribe who captured the three men lived in the interior, near the Taupo Lake region, and that they had returned there and taken their prisoners with them. Upon my asking what would be their fate, I was told that they would either be used as slaves or killed and eaten. In all probability they would be made to work for their captors, as cannibalism is not now gen- erally in vogue. When it is practiced it is usually done to satisfy vindictiveness engendered by tribal discord. In this case there appeared to be no enmity, so undoubt- edly plunder was the object of the natives. Further in- quiries elicited the fact, that the life-boat had been de- stroyed, so no trace was left near the coast of the captives or their boat. I could not learn who the white men were, nor from whence they came; neither could I obtain a reliable description of them." When Adolphe had finished, Mr. Young remained silent for a moment, as also did his companions. He was thinking if Fred was one of those three, what a hor- rible fate he had perhaps already met. Possibly his flesh had been stripped from his bones and eaten by those bloodthirsty demons in the guise of men; incarnate fiends rather than human beings. The poor old man trembled as he thought of his lost boy, and the question flashed across his mind: "If Fred died a cruel death at the hands of these cannibals, would it not have been better for me to have remained at home and died in ig- norance of it? But, then, if Fred does live, he should be rescued, and I must push on to the last and find him! It is no time to back out now, I must persevere in the search and know the worst!" All present were more or less affected by this news, and it made Marion feel heart-sick to think of it. Mr. Young at last broke the silence. "Do you think," he said to Adolphe, "that it will be possible to find the tribe who took these white men prisoners?" FREDERICK YOUNG. 249 "The name of the chief of that tribe was Reihana, and I think he can be found if he still lives." "Are you acquainted with the country around Taupo Lake?" questioned Mr. Young. "I have been near the lake many times, monsieur, and I am quite familiar with the whole interior of this North Island." "If we decide to form a party, march into the interior and search for the three captives, will you accompany and guide us, Adolphe?" "With pleasure, vnonsieur" earnestly responded Adolphe. "And what route would you advise us to take?" "There are so many routes to the great lake that I am at a loss which one to advise mansicur to take." Mr. Stillman at this juncture produced an excellent map of the island, and Mr. Young requested Adolphe to point out the routes from the coast to the big lake. "The one that travelers follow a great deal is the road which runs from Bowen, on the Bay of Plenty, across the country to the east shore of Taupo Lake, and thence over the highlands to Napier on Hawke Bay. You can reach the interior by this road from either Bowen or Napier. Travelers also often follow up the Waikato River from its mouth to where it forms the outlet of the lake, and still others go overland from Auckland. There are many other routes, monsieur, but the first two named, in my estimation, are the best." "What is your idea?" said Mr. Young, addressing Messrs. Stillman and Ashton. "I would advise you to go to Napier and learn anything further that is possible concerning this sad affair, and then follow up the course taken by the natives until we find Chief Reihana, and then demand the prisoners from him," Messrs. Stillman and Ashton. "I also advise the same plan, simply adding that if 250 FREDERICK YOUNG. Reihana does not accede to our request, we take the cap- tives by force," said the captain. "That is the correct thing, gentlemen, and I think it will be far better for us to start at the point where the seizure was made, and where they started for the interior with their captives," said Mr. Young. It was finally settled that Adolphe Duran was to ac- company the expedition as guide and interpreter, for he had been among the Maoris so much during the past that he had become quite familiar with their language. He also understood their habits of life, mode of warfare, etc., and his services would, without doubt, be of great ad- vantage to the searching party. Captain Ashton hurried the carpenters, and the repairs on the Altair, in consequence, progressed more rapidly than had been previously anticipated. One week after arrival the yacht was pronounced ready for sea; she was once again in perfect order. Tuesday, November i4th, the Altair weighed anchor at daybreak, and steamed out of Waitemata Harbor and entered the gulf. Their destination was Napier, and all on board seemed cheerful and happy with expectancy. It seemed to them that the crisis of the long suspense was near at hand. By 8 o'clock that morning the fleet yacht had crossed the gulf, passed through the entrance, or exit in this instance, between Great Barrier Island and Cape Col- ville, and laid her course to the southeast, toward East Cape and across the Bay of Plenty. The moment that the bow swung around on this course, one individual on board made his presence known by his joyful vociferations. Yes, Prince began to gam- bol and bark in delight. He attracted everybody's at- tention. The sailors shook their heads ominously when- ever these mysterious demonstrations took place. They were somewhat superstitious, as nearly all tars are, and, consequently, the actions of Prince troubled them. They FREDERICK YOUNG. 251 thought the dog must be actuated by some occult power, and that it portended no good for the ship. Marion feared that her pet would suffer, as a conse- quence, and to prevent his being harmed she kept close watch of him by day, and by night he had to remain below. "Poor old Prince," she said to him one day, "your superior knowledge or instinct is detrimental to your welfare, as it often is to human beings." At 8 o'clock in the evening Cape East was doubled and the course was then laid a point west of south, which fact Marion became cognizant of by a peculiar mourning noise which issued from the St. Bernard. Marion spent many hours pondering over this strange subject, and sometimes she would seek Mr. Young and reveal her thoughts and fancies to him, but at the end of these interviews they would be as far from a definite conclusion as when they began. No tangible explana- tion could be advanced; it was still an unfathomable mystery. At Pitcairn's Island Prince was attracted to the southwest, and at this point he seemed to want to go east or possibly southeast. What could it mean? Was it possible that he did really want to go home? That might be it after all. Early the next morning a large whale was sighted less than a mile to the leeward, but the Altair did not swerve from her course; her passengers were not searching for these mammoth cetaceans. Thousands of parti-colored sea-birds gracefully wheeled over these waters on untir- ing wings; and an occasional wolf of the sea would be enticed to the surface, but he would only look at the numerous birds with greedy eyes; they were beyond the grasp of his merciless jaws. When the orb of day began to disperse the darkness of the night, the rugged shore of Hawke Bay County was looming up just ahead. The Altair had run under easy steam during the night, as Captain Ashton did not 252 FREDERICK YOUNG. want to enter Ahuriri Harbor until daybreak. The shores are dangerous and the light-houses few and far between. About sunrise the yacht entered the roadstead, and she came to anchor one and a quarter miles west of Napier; the point from which the Americans were to depart for the interior. At breakfast Marion asked her father about the town and he gave the following description of it: "Napier is the chief town in this section, and it was named after Sir Charles James Napier, an acknowledged hero of a family of heroes. I must say, however, that some of his actions, in my estimation, were far from laudable; they evidenced a soul more animal than human. Especially his attack on the Baluch army during the absence of Col. Outram; he seemed determined from the first to conquer and subdue the Ameers, and he suc- ceeded in doing so. But to return to my subject, Napier is built on a peninsular locally called Scinde Island. The town is located in 39 29' S. lat v 176 44' E. long., and 200 miles by water from Wellington. The village proper, as you have, without doubt noticed, lies along the low- land near the harbor, while the residences of the more wealthy people mostly occupy the more hilly country to the north. There were a number of stagnant salt lagoons at the south margin of the village, but these have been reclaimed and utilized. The census of last year returned the number of dwelling houses as 1,300, and the inhabi- tants numbered 5,756, which represents a municipal area of 879 acres. Napier is the emporium of a large agri- cultural and pastoral area; the bishop of Waiapu is sta- tioned here, and the town returns a member to the New Zealand House of Representatives." At 9 o'clock the passengers, accompanied by Adolphe, went ashore, and thev made immediate preparations for a journey inland. The guide obtained the services of six trustworthy Maoris for the expedition, also quite good horses for the entire party, which tvas to consist of seven- FREDERICK YOUNG. 253 teen persons. Mr. Young provided a repeating rifle for each member of his force, and some were to be armed with revolvers and swords, so they would be a formidable band for aggressive natives to encounter. Great care was exercised in selecting provisions for the trip. Nutritiousness in the most concentrated form was the main point to be taken into consideration, in order that excessive weight might be avoided. The attention paid to this part of the preparations culminated success- fully, for when the expedition was ready to start each individual was encumbered with but about thirty pounds extra weight. It was arranged that all but seven of the crew were to form part of the expedition inland; this seven, under the command of the first mate, were to remain on the yacht to protect the ladies during the gentlemen's absence. Taupo Lake is but seventy miles, from Napier, so the journey ought to be made in two days, and the guide ex- pected to reach there in that time. Adolphe's story was confirmed by several natives, whom Mr. Young closely questioned, but no new facts could be learned. The tribe, of which Reihana was chief, it was ascertained, had its village on the lake, and about four miles west of the point where the lake overflows into the Waikato River, so the guide did not anticipate much trouble in finding the savages. The one who furnished this information had visited the lake region some six months previous, but he knew nothing of the white cap- tives. On the following morning, which was Thursday, No- vember nth, the little cavalcade filed out of Napier and entered the rough, hilly country hrough which the road to Taupo Lake meanders. The leave taking of the loved ones on the Altair, occurred before the break of day. Many touching caresses and heart-felt good wishes were exchanged, and as the launch steamed away for the beach many silent tears were shed on deck. 254 FREDERICK YOUNG. It was a beautiful morning, and it was neither too hot nor too cold. In fact, it was a characteristic New Zea- land morning, for North Island has a very salubrious climate. It is said that the variation in temperature throughout the year does not average over twenty de- grees. The equatorial winds almost constantly impinge, and the rain falls frequently. Droughts are extremely rare, although localities vary considerably. For instance, the north half of the island has a very even temperature, while the south is very changeable. Also the west coast has a nicer climate than the east, there being several degrees difference in the mean temperature. When Napier had been left behind by the Americans and their native allies, a sharp trot was struck up by the horses, and it was maintained for several hours. Adolphe and Captain Ashton led side by side, where the width of the rough road would permit. Mr. Young and Mr. Still- man came next, followed by the natives, while the sailors brought up the rear. It was feared that the natives might become intimidated and desert the expedition, which would be an unlucky occurrence, so the tars were placed behind them to prevent such a mishap. The way led through vast tracts of forest land; massive tree trunks loomed up on every hand, draped with creep- ing vines and lichens; bush fringed the pathway, innumer- able mosquitoes were driven from their coverts, and they were, if such a thing were possible, more bloodthirsty than the sand flies which had been encountered in swarms * the previous day on and around Ahuriri Harbor. Harm- less brown lizards scampered under foot, while their green congeners did likewise among the branches over- head, much to the terror of the superstitious Maoris. It is strange but true, that the natives utterly ignore the ground lizard, but the green variety, which lives among 1 the boughs of the trees, strikes terror to the Maori's heart. FREDERICK YOUNG. 255 "These are remarkably fine trees," the captain said to Mr. Stillman as the horses came to a walk. "They are, indeed," he replied. "It is a well known fact that the arboreous productions of this island are as rich as those of any country in the world. Many of these trees are very valuable for building purposes, and as a consequence these magnificent forests are rapidly disap- pearing before the rapid inroads of the woodsman's axe. The decrease is hastened by forest fires, and by waste- ful and reckless consumption. It is remarkable that out of a flora of about 1,000 species, 113 of them are timber- producing trees." As they moved along the umbrageous road, many fine specimens of the hauri tree were seen with butts from five to twelve feet in diameter, and reaching a height of 150 feet. This is one of the most valuable trees to be found in New Zealand, and it has been exported for years to be used in making masts for ships. Other majestic and stately trees seen were the totara, matai, New Zealand teak, tea-tree, sandalwood, and many other kinds. The native flax, which is a very useful article, grows in great profusion. The lily-like flowers grow on stalks ten or twelve feet high, and the long, narrow leaves are said to be very valuable, as the natives produce an ex- cellent substitute for rope or string from them. Their fiber is long and very tough. The natives use this natural product for constructing mats, fishing nets, etc., while large quantities are prepared for exportation. Adolphe pointed out a tree in which a lot of bees had made their home, and if the party could have spared time a large quantity of wild honey might have been obtained, but under the circumstances hey must not delay. Adolphe said he had taken 250 pounds of honey from one tree, and if one had time tons might be collected, for the woods fairly swarm with bees. Several species of enormous dragon-flies destroy countless numbers of these honey-producing insects. The dragon-flies especially 256 FREDERICK YOU NO. desire the bees when they are laden with honey, and the flies are intelligent enough to bite off the sting before eating their sweet captives. At midday the party halted for rest and lunch, both of which were enjoyed reclining among the dense under- growth of indigenous ferns and other cryptogramic plants. The New Zealand pigeons and the kaka of the Maoris made things lively overhead. The latter bird was a species of parrot. The upper parts were olive-brown, each feather being tipped with a darker shade, giving a scaly appearance above; the top of the head was light gray; ear-coverts and nape purplish-bronze, and the rump and abdomen were crimson. A large species of the same family (Nestor), having its plumage varied with green and blue, is generally disliked on account of its sheep-destroying propensities. The parrot attacks these animals with its powerful hooked beak, and it usually punctures the sides and intestines, causing the death of the sheep. The true cause of this wanton destruction has not, as yet, been fully and satisfactorily explained. After two hours' delay the journey was resumed, and the Waiaoao River was soon reached and forded without any difficulty. The country had now become more mountainous and, as a consequence, travel, to a small extent was retarded. After crossing the river a short stop was made at the village of Mohaka. Meade aptly describes this town as, "A settlement curiously situated on the banks of a river traversing an apparently oval piece of table-land surrounded by mountains, suggesting the very unromantic idea of a deep and gigantic dish, divided by a crack, through which flows the river Waiaoao." The time was limited, so the company did not tarry long in this native village. Where the nature of the road would permit, the horses were urged into a trot, but the country being very uneven they were allowed to walk a great deal. However, when the sun disappeared behind the smoky blue heights of the FREDERICK YOUNG. 257 Kaimanawa Range that afternoon, Adolphe announced that Napier was a good forty miles in the rear. Over half of the journey had been accomplished without anything of moment interfering with their progress. That evening the party bivouacked at the foot or base of a mountain, which, with its verdant tree-covered slopes and terraces, and massive proportions, presented a picturesque grandeur that was truly beautiful to be- hold, as it stood boldly outlined against the roseate- tinted sky. As the encroaching shades of night obliter- ated the grand but wild scenery around them the brilliant stars appeared one by one, rapidly forming the well- known constellations, and the firmament was soon re- splendent with their combined beauty. As the Maoris were much afraid of the dark, a camp- fire was kindled, which enlivened the scene; and there, was no danger of the natives allowing it to die out. At first Mr. Young objected to the fire, as he thought it might be the means of making their presence known to hostile tribes, and, as a consequence, work harm to the expedition; but Adolphe pointed out the sheltered posi- tion which they occupied to Mr. Young, and that gentle- man finally acknowledged that the light could not be seen far away, and gave his consent to have the wood ignited. Many moths, myriads of mosquitoes and other noctur- nal insects were attracted from the fern growths by the fire, and these in turn brought many bats, of two species, around the camp. These winged mammals, no doubt, had a feast on the large fat moths, some of which were peculiarly but beautifully marked. "Gentlemen," said the captain, "are you aware that there are five times as many species of insects on our globe as there are of all other living things put together?" "The number of insects must be immense then, for just think how many different kinds of mammals, birds, reptiles, fishes and fresh and salt water organisms there are," rejoined Mr. Stillman. 258 FREDERICK YOUNG. "Yes," the captain continued, "and there are probably thousands of species for our future entomologists to dis- cover. It is said that the pine tree alone supports about 200 species, while the oak is the home of 450 varieties; and over 100,000 kinds of beetles have already been dis- covered, and naturalists are constantly adding to this number." "There are a great many insects that people in general do not know are in existence," interposed Mr. Young. "Now I have a microscope that magnifies some 600 diameters, and it is astonishing what it will reveal. For instance I take a thin slice of limestone, put it under my instrument and it is at once transformed into a conglomer- ated mass of cretaceous sediment whose component parts plainly indicate that it is but the remains of minute crustaceans that swam in the oceans when the earth was young. Again I take a drop of stagnant water and sub- ject it to the same scrutiny, and behold, it is fairly alive with beautiful animacules dodging hither and thither, playing with each other, and apparently enjoying life just as much as if they were big enough to be seen by their superiors. And some of these little bodies are graceful in form, delicately colored and truly pleasing to the eye. These, friends, are but two citations of the uses that I put my microscope to; it really seems to transport me into other worlds, and when I get fatigued by my work it affords me not only a diversion from business, but a pleasurable and an instructive recreation." "The modern microscope embodies a wonderful piece of mechanism, and very few people, comparatively speak- ing, are aware of its capabilities," returned Captain Ash- ton. "True, and the wonders that the compound instrument reveals seem to be unlimited. That is, the stronger the power and the finer the adjustments, the more infinitesi- mal are the bodies, whether animated or inert that are re- vealed. In this respect the microscope resembles the FREDERICK YOUNG. 259 telescope, for the future of the latter instrument is beyond our comprehension. They constantly produce larger and stronger telescopes, and each successive triumph in that direction adds to the knowledge of the number and nature of the bodies which are traversing the infinite beyond," said Mr. Young. At this juncture the scantily clad Maoris amused the other members of the expedition, by singing or chanting some of their wild native songs, and keeping time by a weird but not ungraceful dance. Their maneuvers were extremely grotesque in the flickering firelight. Their dark forms, against the murky blackness beyond the camp, were only relieved by the whites of their eyes, their teeth, and the small pieces of light-colored cloth which constituted their habiliments. On the whole, it reminded the observers of the black art as it is now practiced. After the entertainment was over a large quantity of ferns were collected. The blankets were spread over them and they made excellent beds, and had it not been for the bothersome mosquitoes rest might have been greatly enjoyed. A detailed watch was kept during the night, but nothing occurred to disturb the camp. Captain Ashton and Mr. Stillman as usual were the chief purveyors. The mode of traveling and sleeping had a tendency to produce inanition, consequently what game the hunters brought into camp was well appre- ciated. On the morning following their first New Zealand camp, Captain Ashton arose early and sallied forth with his pet repeating rifle, and accompanied by one of the natives. As has been previously stated, indigenous game is scarce and of a very limited variety on these islands. If it had not been for the rabbits which had been pur- posely imported and liberated on this soil, and a few pigs which had escaped from their domestic life, and propa- 260 FREDERICK YOUNG. gated their kind among the wilds, game would hardly have been worth hunting. The rabbits introduced, how- ever, have been exceedingly prolific, and the land is over- run with them, much to the distaste of the agriculturally inclined residents. Mankind, will, no doubt, some time become aware of the fact that it is best not to try to increase the fauna of a country by introducing exotics. The fallacy thereof has been demonstrated time and again. These rabbits were abundant around the camp, and they made rare sport for the captain, and when he marched up to the fire just after sunrise, and threw down six of these long-eared mammals, and two pairs of pigeons, it was an agreeable surprise to all. The finely flavored flesh of this game proved to be a valuable acquisition, and a welcome addition to the bill of fare. Progress that day was necessarily slow, for the steep eastern incline of the Kaimanawa Range had to be climbed, and if it had not been for the roadway, which does not make any detour, it would have been slower still. When the ridge was reached a peak was climbed for the purpose of viewing the surrounding country, and the bird's-eye view there obtained was well worth the effort. The greatly diversified island for a radius of one hundred miles or more could be distinctly seen. The coast line to the east, however, was hidden in part by the intervening peaks of the Ruahine Range. Taupo Lake and its radiating rivers presented a very attractive ap- pearance, surrounded as they were by miles and miles of a luxuriant primeval forest. Columns and jets of smoke and steam were arising in numerous places around the lake, and Adolphe explained that they came from the hot springs and volcanoes which are such an attractive nat- ural feature around the lake shore. He also indicated nearly the spot where Reihana and his tribe were sup- posed to be located. FREDERICK YOUNG. 261 The thought involuntarily came to Mr. Young that Fred might, at that very moment, be where he could see the peak on which they were. He banished the idea as quickly as it came; he wanted to nurture no hopes that might, later on, be blasted by unrelenting reality. Some fifty miles to the southwest the towering volcano, Tongariro, could be seen and the murky cloud of smoke which hung around the summit gave evidence of the active fires which lurked within, ready to belch forth at any moment. The blackness of this mountain was vividly contrasted by the still higher peak, Ruapehu which is clad in perpetual snow, and which is located eight or nine miles beyond. Both summits penetrated the clouds; the former reaching an altitude of some 6,500 feet, and the latter over 9,000 feet. Some travelers have estimated that Ruapehu is 10,200 feet above the level of the Pacific. But three-fourths of an hour was spent in taking a cur- sory survey of the Taupo Lake country, for no time could be thrown away, as there was too much work to accom- plish in the future. The families of the travelers were impatiently awaiting the safe return of the party to the coast, consequently, Mr. Young urged his followers to be as expeditious as possible at all times. It was faster and easier descending the western slope of the range than it had been ascending the eastern in- cline. The horses were urged forward and they seemed to cheerfully respond to their riders' wishes, and the Kain- garoa Plain was rapidly traversed. Here the ground was littered with ashes, basaltic rock, pumice stone and other substances, which betokened that the great volcanic belt was near at hand. The slight hills and gentle undulating country were rather barren; patches of stunted ferns, tufts of tussock grass, and the disagreeable sword grass, which would penetrate the flesh like daggers, grew here .and there, while the tea-tree scrub grew very sparingly. 262 FREDERICK YOUNG. Mount Tauhara was approached and passed, and while traversing the foot-hills to the south the great lake was caught sight of ahead, and just before the sun disappeared in the west the party emerged from the scrub, and Taupo Lake at that point where its waters rush into the Waikato River, was spread out before them in all its entrancing beauty. FREDERICK YOU NO. CHAPTER XXIII. THE VOLCANIC DISTRICT. Taupo Lake covers about 250 square miles, and it is some twenty-five miles from the northern to the south- ern extremity, while in width it is about twenty miles. It is an exceedingly deep body of water, and it is noted for its clearness. The many streams, and the numerous springs both hot and cold together, pour an enormous quantity of water into the lake, and this mass has to make its exit into the Waikato River through a rock-bound passage not more than 225 feet in breadth, but quite deep. This remarkable convergence naturally produces tremendous speed, and many foaming, rushing, miniature maelstroms are the result. The river retains its great depth for some distance from its source, but it becomes considerably wider. That part of the lake shore at which Mr. Young and his companions had arrived was very irregular, and it was bordered by precipitous banks, as was also the Waikato. The surrounding country was verdant with vegetation; the brown exposed declivities presented a pleasing con- trast, and the smoky mountains in the distance added to the attractiveness of the landscape. A native village was near by, as was made evident by the stockades on a neighboring height, and by the canoes, well filled with Maoris, which were seen near the shore. Adolphe informed the Americans that this tribe was friendly, so the expedition need not apprehend any hos- tilities from these natives. Many different tribes had been encountered since leaving Napier, and all had treated the travelers with due respect. The party did not tarry in their midst, however, as delay was not on the programme. 264 FREDERICK YOUNG. It was considered advisable to make a brief stop at each village and to exchange a few presents, as the natives considered it a breach of etiquette on the travelers' part to fail to do so. To have ignored this custom might have engendered hard feelings, if it did not prove instrumental in provoking an attack. The native village was on the opposite shore from Mr. Young's company, and the rushing stream could not be crossed at that point by a boat. A flimsy rope bridge of Maori construction stretched across the river, but the travelers were loath to trust themselves upon it. As night was near at hand, and several miles would have to be traversed before reaching a fordable place in the river, it was decided to encamp on the lake shore, at the base of a hill, in a sheltered locality. A high terraced eleva- tion a little east of the Waikato was the spot chosen. During the evening some natives, led by their chief, Hemipo, came to visit the "pakehas," as they called strangers. Civilities and compliments were exchanged, and Adolphe, by adroitly referring to the chief, Reihana, learned from- Hemipo that the tribe Mr. Young was in . search of had changed their village to a point on the northwest bank of the Waikato, and one day's journey up the river. This, in one sense, was a disappointment, as it would necessitate the searching party making a longer journey than had been previously anticipated, and, con- sequently, their having to remain in the interior longer than was originally calculated. On the other hand, none were sorry that the extra journey would have to be made, for it would take them into a section of country that has no equal on the face of the earth for natural phenomena, excluding Iceland. Yes, along this route they would see the geysers, solfataras, fumaroles, natural baths, steam jets, all sorts of hot chemical springs, and the natural beauties along the famous fiver. The next morning, November 18, 1882, after Mr. Still- man and Captain Ashton had bagged a fine lot of ducks FREDERICK YOUNG. 265 around the lake, and all hands had enjoyed a bath in the clear sparkling water, the journey was resumed. This time it was up the east bank of the river and through a wild, unbroken country, over which there was no regular road. The Waikato follows a tortuous course and it is over 20 miles long. It was veritably a trip in paradise down this river; along the rocky shores, where calcar- eous, basaltic and tufaceous deposits were strangely inter- mixed, backed by picturesque, partly wooded heights; and then the river itself was a succession of rapids and beautiful cascades. Mineral substances are held in solu- tion and white stalagmite deposits border the water's edge and cover the rocks so that on that morning they sparkled and reflected the sun's rays like crystallized limestone. Charming clusters of translucent stalactites were gathered from the overhanging precipitous banks, and all the colors of the spectrum were noticed on the stones along shore, caused by various oxides in the rush- ing steam. During the afternoon several notable geysers were passed, and sulphur springs were recognized by the chok- ing fumes which arose from them. In fact, hot springs and mud volcanoes, whose naturally-baked hemispherical coverings collectively looked like a prairie dog's village on the western plains of the United States, were so plenti- ful that considerable care had to be exercised to avoid stepping into them. Vapor was rising from miniature craters in the tops of these mud domes, in which soft mud was boiling and occasionally being thrown several feet into the air. Then the fumaroles, from which vari- ous vapors issued, were met with here and there, and also solfataras, with columns of sulphurous and acid vapors arising from them. The most beautifully colored crystals imaginable encrusted the periphery of some of these springs, which hold numerous combinations of mineral substances in solution. Various writers and travelers have said that the geyser 266 FREDERICK YOUNG. district of this island is much more grand and beautiful than similar districts in Iceland. This is not due, how- ever, to the geysers alone, but to the other natural phe- nomena which exist in such profusion, and the beautiful effects produced by the deposits and encrustations of a siliceous nature, and the exquisite coloring of the same. If it had not been for these natural attractions, and the fear that some of the horses or their riders would meet a horrible fate by being precipitated into one of these boiling cauldrons, better time would have been made. Adolphe informed his fellow travelers that many natives had fallen into these natural traps, and that some had been fairly boiled alive; others had sustained injuries before being rescued that had crippled them for life. At midday the party halted on a favorably situated slope, which gently inclined to the margin of the water. The opposite shore rose to an abrupt height of 1,200 feet, and the surrounding pumice stone hills and vales covered with tea scrub and stunted trees presented an exceedingly novel scene, which did not lack in grandeur and general attractiveness. This spot was particularly chosen because a large gey- ser was in the near vicinity, and the hot effervescing water came near the top of the circular mound of siliceous formation in which the geyser basin was situated. This concavity was nearly ten feet in diameter and the captain could but just touch bottom near the center with his bamboo fishing rod, so the basin must have been six or seven feet in depth. The central shaft, which connected with the subterranean depths, was calculated to be about three feet in diameter. Owing to the comparative small- ness of the shaft, and the great depth of the basin, erup- tions would undoubtedly be of great violence, but the water could not be expected to reach a very great altitude. Mr. Young saw that the water in the center of the basin was boiling, and he tested the temperature near the edge, with his mercury thermometer, and it registered FREDERICK YOUNG. 267 198 Fahr., while by attaching the instrument to the rod and immersing it in the center of the water the thermome- ter was made to read 223 Fahr., or eleven degrees above the boiling point of water at the sea level. While camp was being made, Captain Ashton tried his hand at angling in the Waikato, and he was unusually successful, much to his surprise, for New Zealand rivers as a rule, are not very productive of edible fishes. Eels and several varities of small unimportant fishes, are the only indigenous representatives of the great ichthyologi- cal family to be found in the fresh water streams. It is perhaps needless to say that the captain could hardly believe his own eyes when he netted, after a strug- gle, a brown trout weiging eighteen pounds and three ounces, by his pocket scale. The second cast was no less successful, for the elated captain, who was a great lover of this sport, brought to land a beautiful fish whose body was covered with regularly arranged silvery scales, and it was of a very graceful contour. It much resembled the American white fishes which abound in the northern part of North America. In fact, the captain thought he had captured the very same species from Bras d' Or Lake, Cape Breton. Following this catch, three large eels and several small fishes were hooked and landed. "Captain, why did you remove that trout from your hook?" asked Mr. Stillman. "To catch another fish. But why do you ask?" "Because you ought to have followed the custom said to be in vogue in the Yellowstone Park. There the anglers catch their fish, and then dip it into a boiling spring and cook it without removal from the hook. Now, this geyser basin would serve admirably for cooking your fish in the Yellowstone style." "Excuse me, but I prefer to have my fishes cleaned before they are cooked, and I do not desire to follow the custom you mention." The fishes were soon cleaned and cooked in the big, 268 FREDERICK YOUNG. natural kettle. The water seemed to be free from alka- loids, so it was used in the coffee, and by its aid a nice lunch was quickly prepared. While resting and getting dinner the peculiar birds called "wekas," came around the camp in great numbers. Their shrill whistles first resounded through the thickets, then they appeared on the margin of the clearing, and their inquisitiveness was comical to behold. Strange to relate these birds were soon running around among the travelers like so many domestic fowl, and they peeked into everything that was opened. At first they were amusing, but when one appropriated a small cake of soap, another a tin drinking cup, and still another tried to run off with the captain's pocket-knife, forbearance ceased to be a virtue and the thieving wekas had to be dispersed. The curious birds were soon driven out of the camp, but they were more scared than hurt, for the light porous pumice-stones which were thrown at them could not be hurled with any great force. Captain Ashton was considerably puzzled over the fish he had caught, they were so utterly at variance with what he had read of as occurring in New Zealand. He had almost decided to take upon himself the honor of adding two new species to the ichthyological nomenclature of New Zealand, when ,he thought to make an inquiry of the guide, and the matter was soon made clear. Adolphe said that numerous kinds of fish had been brought to New Zealand by acclimatization societies and private indi- viduals and liberated in the lakes and rivers; and those that had just been taken from their natural element were evidently descended from these foreign ancestors. While the horses were resting and feeding Mr. Still- man and Captain Ashton took their guns and made a short inspection of the forest lowland in the near vicinity. A few brilliantly colored parrots, and one of those re- markable wingless birds called by naturalists "Apteryx" and by the Maoris "kiwi" or "kiwi-kiwi," were cap- FREDERICK YOUNG. 209 tured. The specimen was as large as a medium-sized domestic fowl, and it was of a dark reddish-brown color, longitudinally marked with a lighter shade. The feet and bill were strong, and the latter was slightly curved at the tip. These birds are nocturnal in their habits, and, in their worm-probing propensities greatly resemble the American woodcock. These strange birds are peculiar to New Zealand, and they have been the cause of much controversy among ornithologists, on account of the diffi- culty of properly classifying them in the avian nomencla- ture. Captain Ashton had not forgotten his case of taxider- mal instruments, cotton and arsenical soap, hence his object in collecting these birds on the bank of the pictur- esque Waikato. At his leisure he intended to use his keen-edged scalpels, curved scissors, forceps, etc., on his specimens, so that they would be in a suitable condi- tion to deposit in the moth-proof cabinets in far away New York, on the return of the Altair. Before the hunters returned they bagged, near the river, a brace of the stupid blue ducks, and a male specimen of the handsome and wary paradise duck. The former were bluish gray in color, and the latter was a dark brown with a conspicuous white head. During the afternoon many natives were seen and two Maori villages were passed. The same grand, but rather barren scenery prevailed. Many beautiful foamy rapids and thundering falls were passed, while steam jets and mud volcanoes were seen in countless numbers. Owing to the sinuosities of the river, Adolphe kept off some dis- tance on the Kaingaroa Plain, thereby saving many miles of travel, and at the same time avoiding the extreme un- evenness of the country adjoining the Waikato. To be sure many beautiful bits of picturesque scenery escaped their notice, but this was inconsequential compared with the object of the trip. As night drew near, Adolphe stated that Reihana's 270 FREDERICK YOUNG. camp could not be over five miles away, but it was on the opposite side of the river. He the guide based his supposition on the information obtained from Chief Hemipo at Taupo Lake. The country had been very rough, but, nevertheless, it was estimated that thirty miles had been traversed since morning. Now the Pairoa Range loomed up on the right, and just across the river was the kainga called "Orakei-Korako." The road from Auckland and Maketu converge at Oruanui, and cross the river at this point, and thence continues to Taupo Lake and Napier. It was determined to cross at the ferry, spend the night in the village, and push forward in the morning. As the party approached the river several native canoes put out from the opposite shore. Adolphe said the Maoris would take the baggage over and anybody that wanted to go by boat, but the horses would have to swim, as there was no fordable place near by. The na- tives, of course, would expect some remuneration for their services, and, in fact, their livelihood is derived in this manner, for there is no small amount of travel by this route. Before darkness had obliterated the mountains and valleys the expedition with all effects had safely reached the village. The natives were hospitable and they seemed to greatly enjoy the presence of the "pakehas." A whare of not very large dimensions was put at the disposal of the party, and they at once proceeded to comfortably install themselves for the night. The village of Orakei-Korako is built on a hill affording a fine view of the falls and rapids of boiling hot water, which flow or fall into the Waikato just across the stream. The broad margin of white stalagmite on either side of the falls, makes them appear larger than they really are. The Pairoa Range on the opposite shore, reaching an altitude of 1,000 feet, and extending thirty-five miles in a FREDERICK YOUNG. 271 northeasterly direction, added to the attractiveness of the surroundings. Just at the foot of an incline, near the village, is a large geyser, from which the place is named. At certain sea- sons of the year this great spring is said to throw a column of boiling water forty feet into the air. The geyser is near the river bank and it is surrounded with what at first appears to be a huge snow-drift, but on close inspec- tion it proves to be deposits of crystal-like stalagmite. This immaculate mound is punctured with several large shafts, and one can hear the hissing and bubbling of the agitated water in the somber profundities below. After supper had been disposed of, and a goodly quan- tity of cherries had been eaten for dessert, all hands, in- cluding the greater part of the native population, went down to the natural bathing place, which was near by. These baths are commodious, and the water, which is chemically colored a deep blue, is just warm enough to be enjoyed, while the bottom of the bath is as smooth as glass. The siliceous substances held in solution have formed layer upon layer on the bottom and sides of this nature's big bath tub making the interior as smooth as porcelain. The Maoris spend a great deal of their time in this tepid water. It was new to the searching party, and it was a great enjoyment to them; and then it was extremely refreshing after the dusty, fatiguing jour- ney of the day. During the evening Mr. Young obtained much infor- mation concerning Reihana and his village, but no one knew of his having any white men in his possession. Mr. Young was warned to be cautious in dealing with the chief, for Reihana bore a bad name, and he was in- clined to be aggressive to all white people. The Ameri- cans did not fear the old chief, however, for their expedi- tion was made up of brave, trustworthy men, and they were all provided with the most approved of modern arms, and they knew how to use them effectively. But 272 FREDERICK YOUNG. Mr. Young anticipated no trouble, as he intended to be perfectly fair and square with the savage. The next morning was quite cool and Mr. Stillman hap- pened to be the first one of his company to emerge from the whare, and the sight that met his view was truly novel and charming beyond description. He immedi- ately called his friends to see what the sun would soon dis- sipate. There are thousands of vents around the river banks at this point, which allow the gas and steam to escape from the great subterranean furnace, and on this particular morning, when the thousands of columns of steam of various sizes came in contact with the cool air, they combined in producing one of the most remarkable sights the Americans had ever had the pleasure of wit- nessing. The low temperature of the atmosphere had a tendency to condense the minute water globules as they arose in picturesque spirals and columns, and they ap- peared snowy white against the verdant hills beyond. Some of the jets in the still air assumed the shape of re- versed cones, and they were apparently as immovable as statues. It is impossible to imagine what a peculiar and yet an entrancing scene they presented. "Nature is indeed wonderful," said Mr. Young, "and this scene forcibly impresses on one's mind that we must live on a very thin crust; that the great molten interior is but a little distance beneath our feet." "Scientists, I believe, estimate that the crust is from twenty-five to fifty miles deep," said Mr. Stillman. "And they base their computation on what?" "On the increasing temperature as they descend below the surface of the earth in mines, artesian wells, and spe- cial deep borings for scientific purposes. The thermal increase is regular, so it can be easily calculated at what depth matter becomes so hot as to exist in a molten state." "Well, if water and mud boil on the surface here, it cannot be that the crust is over ten miles deep at the utmost, and it may not be half that depth." FREDERICK YOUNQ. 273 "Possibly not. There are several volcanic districts on the terrestrial surface where the phenomena indicate a remarkably thin crust." After the frugal breakfast had been eaten and leave taken of the kindly disposed Maoris, the cavalcade moved out of the village and up the southwest bank of the Wai- kato toward Reihana's headquarters. All were alive with suspense and expectancy. "Was the object of the expedition over sea and land about to be accomplished?" they asked each other. Probably before night all would know. The route lay along the river bank at the foot of a range of heavily wooded hills. The massive timber producing tree butts ran up twenty to forty feet, when theyramificated and the great limbs were fantastically draped with supple- jack and pendant mosses. The great pigeons cooed to each other from their verdant environments; the gayly colored parrakeets hung in comical attitudes and hawed and chattered in discordant notes to the intruders below, while the green tree-lizards ran up the big butts and scampered away among the branches with surprising agility. Under foot the ferns grew in prolific luxuriance, and many brilliantly colored orchids broke the monotony of the eternal green. In the glades and along the river grew the merciless Spaniards in clumps, and the riders had to exercise great care to prevent their horses from coming in contact with the cruel bayonet-like leaves, for they will lacerate flesh like so many sabers. The little band continued through this diversified country for two hours, when Adolphe announced that Reihana's village was near at hand, and they halted for consultation. The method of approach and the plans to be carried out, in case anything definite concerning the white captives could be learned, were discussed in detail. The leading gentlemen in the party finally concurred with Mr. Young. They were to go boldly forward and interview the chief, and keep together as much as possi- 274 FREDERICK YOUNG. ble, and be ready to defend themselves at a second's notice in case of an emergency. At last all were ready and they moved forward. A few minutes later, as they rounded the base of a hill, Rei- hana's pah came into view, less than a quarter of a mile away. It occupied the crest of an elevation some 500 feet above the river, and it was completely encircled by a high wooden palisade. A staff was set in the center of the enclosure bearing grotesquely carved wooded images, which, no doubt, were of great symbolic import to the Maoris. A massive image of hideous aspect was located over the main entrance, and it had a tendency to give one an uneasy sensation when entering the gate, as the Americans soon learned. These peculiarities, which are typically New Zealand, were noted by aid of powerful binocular glasses. Two native guards were on duty without the enclosure, and when they observed the approaching strangers, one disappeared within the palisade, but he soon returned ac- companied by a dozen or more of his companions, five of whom descended the hill to meet the cavalcade. When they had gotten half-way down, however, they halted to await developments. The searching party continued to approach, Adolphe in the lead. They soon came near enough to speak to the dark-skinned and half-clad natives, who stood with folded arms and in majestic silence. Adolphe saluted them, and spoke in their own tongue. He inquired if the pakehas could see Reihana, whom they had come a long distance to visit. The natives, at this question, appeared to be somewhat disturbed and irresolute. They evi- dently expected treachery of some sort, for they cast numerous suspicious glances at the party. Adolphe al- layed their fears by saying that the white men were come to pay the chief a friendly visit, and that they had brought him some presents. As a guarantee of good faith, the guide gave the Maoris each a small package of tobacco, FREDERICK YOUNG. 275 which they prize highly. The ruse had the desired effect, for one of the natives immediately started for the pah as fast as his bare limbs could carry him, to apprise his chief of the white men's advent. Several Maoris soon appeared and motioned for the party to approach the entrance to the pah. Adolphe rode slowly forward fol- lowed by his companions, and a few seconds later they were within the palisade. The interior probably spread over an acre of ground, and it was well covered with small whares, arranged around several large ones in the center, toward which the party was conducted followed by a crowd of men, women and children, all in scanty attire, as is the custom in New Zealand. The whares were constructed with wooden frames, neatly fitted and bound together, and thatched with a marsh plant called "raupo," which is remarkably well adapted to the purpose. These small habitations were about eight by sixteen feet inside, and their fires were built in the center. They were waterproof, and they pro- tected the inmates from wind and cold. A few mats spread on the ground or floor served as beds. At last, a large whare occupying a central position and being more noticeable than the others on account of the rude exterior decorations, was reached, and a halt was made. "Mr. Young," said Adolphe dismounting and turning to his employer, "this is Chief Reihana's quarters and we are requested to enter." "We will comply with the request, in a measure. Mr. Stillman, Captain Ashton, Adolphe and myself will enter; the rest must stay here to protect our horses and traps," said Mr. Young. "Yes, boys, and be careful and not have any trouble with the natives while we are within," added the captain. The entrance to the big whare was so low that the visitors had to stoop to pass through it, but there was 276 FREDERICK YOUNG. plenty of room inside. In the center on a pile of rugs sat the old chief, Reihana, the individual for whom Mr. Young was searching. The chief was an intelligent- looking Maori, and his dress was fashioned after the English style. Originally it was of white linen, but it had become somewhat the worse for wear. A good wash- ing and a little mending would have improved it won- derfully, but then it did very well for a barbarous chief in the wilds of New Zealand. Reihana wore many brass and green jade-stone ornaments, and his face, neck and hands were tattooed in many places, which did not im- prove his appearance. There was an evil expression lurking within his eye, and the general contour and ex- pression of his mouth denoted a cunning and cruel nature. On the whole, he failed to impress his visitors favorably. Several of the chief's subordinates, in scanty attire but gaudily decked out in colored leathers and shell and bone ornaments, flanked either side of their superior, while about a dozen ugly-looking guards, armed with heavy spears, formed a semicircle in his rear. Surely if num- bers were to be taken into consideration, the chief had his callers at a disadvantage. The three Americans stepped forward and saluted the chief in roysil style, much to that gentleman's satisfaction. Then they placed several presents before his honor, and Adolphe broke the silence by telling the chief that his visitors had come from America, from the United States, and that they had heard of him as a great chief. Reihana was naturally corpulent, but these compli- ments, made up for the occasion, seemed to swell him up to greater proportions than ever. Much to his visitors' surprise he said : "Me talkee white man ung little." Mr. Young at this juncture stepped forward, and after making a few preliminary remarks, said: "Reihana, a long time ago my boy went many miles away to a strange country, and after staying away some FREDERICK YOUNG. 277 time he started to return home. Do you know where the big land called Australia is?" "Me know," returned Reihana, pointing to the west "And do you know where America is?" "Ye-es, long way," and the chief pointed to the east. "Well," continued Mr. Young, "my boy's home was in America and he went to Australia, and the vessel in which he started for home went to the bottom of the sea, and I have never seen my boy since. I loved him very much, and I have come here with my friends to try to find him." It was necessary for the guide to repeat some of what Mr. Young said before the chief could comprehend its import. "Mebby he die when big boat go down in water," sug- gested Reihana. "I think he may have got away from the ship in a little boat, and the little boat may have come to New Zealand, and he may be held prisoner by some great chief, like you, Reihana," Mr. Young said, looking the chief searchingly in the face as he spoke. Reihana twisted on his rugs and seemed ill at ease under the combined scrutiny of his visitors. "What white man want see Reihana for?" "Over a year ago," returned Mr. Young, "you went to the coast near Napier, and while you were there a boat was thrown up on the beach during a big storm; and in that boat were three white men, and you took them prisoners and carried them back to your village far from the sea and near the big lake. I have come, Reihana, to see if you have got my boy." All were narrowly watching the crafty Maori, while Mr. Young was speaking, to note the least sign of be- trayal or guilt. Reihana was utterly disconcerted ; the suddenness and the directness of Mr. Young's remarks or assertions, up- set the chief's accustomed equanimity. Perhaps there is 278 FREDERICK YOUNG. nothing more admired by these natives than the power to control and to conceal one's feelings, and to present a phlegmatic and unmoved demeanor in the time of danger or surprise. This trait Reihana had previously prided himself upon, but now he had shown signs of weakness, and those of his followers who were present had not failed to take note of the fact; neither had the Americans. "What was boy's name?" the chief finally inquired. "His name was Frederick Young, and Reihana, if you have any white men in your village let me see them at once. I have not come to do you any injury, but to find my son, and if you have not done him any harm to pay you for him." The chief at this juncture turned to his guards and apparently gave an order in his own language, and two of the guards immediately left the whare. Adolphe did not impart to Mr. Young the meaning of what was said, as the chief would have heard it. Reihana presently said: "Me got white men; they work for me; they come soon." This announcement caused a thrill of hope to agitate Mr. Young, and he and his companions remained silent and anxiously watched for the appearance of the pris- oners. FREDERICK YOUNG. 279 CHAPTER XXIV. A RESCUE. A moment elapsed, and then the covering to the door was lifted; the ugly-looking guards appeared, leading three men who were a pitiful sight to behold. Their emaciated bodies and limbs were but half clad in ragged and filthy remnants of what had once been their civilized dress; their hair and beard had not been cut or even trimmed, and it hung in unkempt masses around their necks and shoulders; their faces were wan and pinched, while their limbs were weak and unsteady. These poor men had evidently been confined for a long time; de- prived of the necessities of life, and treated, no doubt, more like dogs than men. The Americans could with difficulty control themselves during this trying ordeal. Mr. Young, Mr. Stillman and Captain Ashton observed the prisoners carefully, but they were sorely disappointed. Their journey through the wilds of New Zealand had been on a fool's errand, for Frederick Young was not one of the prisoners. They were all older men than Fred, and, notwithstanding their unnatural appearance, Mr. Young could see that none of them resembled the one for whom he was searching. It was a noticeable fact that the faces of the captives perceptibly brightened when they were brought into the presence of white men. Hopes which had long lain dor- mant now arose with renewed vigor. Liberty, home, friends and happiness, they dared to think, might yet be theirs once more. Mr. Young tacitly interpreted these thoughts, for ac- tions often speak plainer than words. "My friends," said he, addressing the three unfortu- 280 FREDERICK YOUNG. nates, "we have come from Napier in search of you, for all you seem to be strangers to us. We heard that you fell into Reihana's power, and as we were searching for a young man by the name of Frederick Young, who was one of the ill-fated passengers that sailed from Melbourne on the steamship Polynesia, February 3, 1881, and who has not been heard from since, we followed up the clue of your capture, but we are now disappointed to find that he is not one of you. Have you ever heard of him, or of the steamship that I just mentioned?" "I have heard of the ship, but not of Frederick Young that I can recollect," one of the prisoners, who seemed to be a sort of leader of the trio, returned. It now became more apparent that the searching party had gotten on the wrong scent, but this had happened so often since reaching the South Pacific islands, and dis- appointment had followed hope so many times, that the members had become used to it. But this clue had coin- cided so well as to time with the wreck of the Polynesia, that strong hopes had been entertained by nearly all of those on the Altair that something would be learned of Fred by following up the clue. Mr. Young was deeply pained at the termination of his efforts, but he showed no outward signs of it. The truth was, he thought his boy was not found by this ven- ture, but could he not restore these poor men to their homes and country? Perhaps it was the work of Divine Providence, his coming to this place; perhaps it was ordained that it should be so, for this very purpose. A noble resolve filled the grand old man's kindly disposed heart; these men must be saved; it was his duty to rescue them; humanity demanded it? He said a few words to his companions in French, and they assured him that they would support him in this Christian act. Next he spoke to the captives in the same language, and he was pleased to hear the spokesman of the party fluently respond. FREDERICK YOU NO. 281 "Do you want to leave this village?" Mr. Young asked. "Leave it, my dear sir, we would gladly sacrifice our lives to leave it, and we want to leave New Zealand, too. It has been a perpetual hell on earth to us. If you can help us, I pray you to do so for humanity's sake!" the prisoner vehemently returned. Mr. Young saw by the expression of the chief's face that he understood the turn that matters had taken, so he told the captives that he would do all he could to rescue them, and then he spoke to the native potentate again. "Reihana," Mr. Young began, "why are you keeping these men? They have never done you any harm, and what good can it do you to keep them prisoners?" The old chief drew back his broad, muscular frame; the green jade-stones which were pendant from his ear- lobes swung to and fro as he threw his ugly-looking head back, while his eyes seemed to flash fire, as he said: "Have not the white pakehas come and cheated us, and murdered us, and driven us from our lands, and made war with us? We hate the pakehas, and we will have revenge for our wrongs ! These slaves," pointing at the captives, "shall do our work, and sometime they shall make a feast for us!" "Where did you come from?" inquired Mr. Young of the prisoners, as coolly as if the chief had not spoken in such revengeful terms. "We are all natives of California," one replied. "Reihana, these men came from California, a part of the United States, and we came from the same place. It is the English of Europe that have taken your land, and it is they that have sent their red-coated soldiers here and killed your people, because you fought for your rights. The English tried to take our land away from us long ago; they came to our country at two different times with many big ships, loaded with soldiers and big and small guns, but we drove them off both times and they have not dared to trouble us since. We killed lots 282 FREDERICK YOUNG. of their soldiers and they killed many of ours. Our sol- diers dress in blue, you have never seen any of them here, they stay at home and let other people alone. Now, why should you bear hard feelings against us, or against these three men, when our people have never wronged you or done you any harm? There might be a tribe of Maoris near by with whom you were at war, and you might hate them bitterly. A little farther away there might be a tribe with whom you were on friendly terms, and you would not harm any of them any more than you would a mem- ber of your own family, and yet these two tribes might be of the same color and appearance. Because you dislike one you would not hate the other simply because they looked alike. Is it not the same with white men? These prisoners came from America, the people you hate came from Europe, and a big sea like the one around New Zealand separates them. Why do you dislike these men because they happened to be of the same skin, as those that took your land and killed your people?" "The white man speaks wisely, but Reihana does not know where the slaves came from." "But I asked them before they Knew why I did so, and you heard the answer, and I think they spoke truthfully." "What does the pakeha want?" the chief asked dog- gedly. He had become subdued, in a measure. "I want you to let me take these men to the coast, so they may go back to their own land, to their own wives and children; and if you do this, Reihana, the Great Spirit will remember you when you leave this earth, for your kindness." "If I let the white slaves go they will want revenge; they will get more of their kind, and they will come back and try to murder Reihana and his people." "No, Reihana, I will promise you that they will not come back; I will not let them." "Reihana is poor, and he must keep the slaves for ran- FREDERICK YOUNG. 283 som," replied the cunning old chief, as an avaricious gleam stole into his restless eyes. "I will give you a handful of money for each of the men, if you will let them go with me." "If the pakeha will give Reihana the money and a nice gun, the slaves may go." "You may have the money and a nice gun, and the pris- oners may then go with me?" "Reihana has spoken," replied the chief majestically straightening up and trying to assume a royal air, as became a monarch of his domains. Skillful persistency had won; the bargain was com- pleted, and the prisoners, after having been subjected to much abuse and privation, could now go free. It was deemed politic to leave the village with the least possible delay, for Reihana might demand more ransom or go back on his word, if they tarried. The captives had been patient and silent listeners to Mr. Young's pleadings for their liberty, and when the negotiations terminated successfully their very souls were filled with joy; tears came to their eyes; their faces silently expressed undying gratitude to their benefactor, but they made no audible demonstrations of happiness, it would not do in the presence of the natives. If they had, the chief would have been sure to retract from the bargain. Mr. Young had come provided with an ample supply of small coins to barter with the natives. They think a great deal more of a handful of silver bits than a bank- note representing ten times the value of the coin. He gave Reihana three liberal handfuls of money, being- equivalent to about two pounds sterling, and the rifle which the chief coveted. The mechanism of the arm, however, was too much for his understanding, so Cap- tain Ashton became his tutor and taught Reihana to use the repeater, and gave him twenty rounds of ammunition. The chief, when he was able to load and fire himself, 284 FREDERICK YOUNG. was very proud of his possession, and, consequently, he enjoyed good spirits. Mr. Stillman suggested that they return to Orakei- Korako as soon as possible, and they all recognized the logic of his suggestion, and immediate preparations were made to retrace their steps. Owing to the weak and attenuated condition of the now free men, it was agreed that they should ride, and that those of the expedition should walk by turns to make room for the captives that were. Reihana pressed them to make a longer visit, but Mr. Young kindly refused, saying that a ship was waiting for him at the coast and they must return without delay. This was not the only reason, for it was noticed that the chief was the only one of his tribe that appeared to be pleased with the course that matters had taken. In fact, this was perfectly natural, as Reihana had been the recip- ient of the ransom. His subordinates, no doubt, were extremely jealous, and they did not appear to enjoy the loss of their slaves. Sullen faces and vindictive looks were the result, and as the Americans mounted to depart, the Maoris gathered in small groups, and from their ac- tions it was judged that heated discussions were taking place. They kept looking toward their visitors, and Mr. Young had no doubt but that the controverted question or questions concerned him and his companions. At last the leaders of the troop bade Reihana good day, made him a final present of a gilded hand-mirror with which he was as pleased as a child, and filed out of the enclosure. As the cavalcade passed through the gate and descended the hill toward the forest, Mr. Stillman said: "We have not seen the last of Reihana's tribe yet, and if they do not follow us and make trouble if they can, I am very much deceived." "I am afraid that last present did more harm than good ; it set the already angry natives to boiling with rage," FREDERICK YOU NO. 285 and as the captain spoke one of the sailors called his at- tention to a large body of Maoris which was skulking down the hill toward the forest, and they were armed with their rude weapons, which was a significant fact. "The rascals know the route we are going to take, and they are preparing to execute a flank movement, and we must do something to thwart their plans. If we were to meet them face to face I have no uoubt but that we could give them a reception that they would long remember, but they will probably lie in ambush and surprise us," said Mr. Young. The three men whom Mr. Young had done such a great service had not had time to say much, but they had warmly pressed his hand and assured him that they would never forget the obligation to which he had subjected them. Mr. Young replied that he had but done his duty, and later he would like to hear their story and make arrange- ments so that they could reach home. When the forest was reached the horses were urged into a sharp canter, and when some two miles had been placed between the party and the village, a short halt was made by Joel Stanton's advice. He was one of the rescued men, and he said that there was another path from the village leading toward Orakei-Korako, and that it met the path they were now traveling about a mile ahead. He thought the Maoris had followed that path with the intention of making an attack at the convergence mentioned. This information was accepted as probably true, and a plan to frustrate the savages was at once formulated. As a momentary precaution the men all dismounted and led their horses into the dense forest a quarter of a mile from the road. The hard, rocky bed of a running brook was chosen for a path, so no tracks were left for Maori trailers to follow. When an almost impenetrable mass of Nor- folk Island pines and rimu trees, which have a striking 286 FREDERICK YOUNG. resemblance to the common cypress, were reached, a halt was made. A flock of noisy birds kept up a constant chatter over- head, and by their generally green plumage and a con- spicuous red throat band, Captain Ashton recognized them as the kakariki of the Maoris. A taupo was also made out by his prominent black whiskers. Supple-jack grew in abundance overhead ard the everlasting ferns formed a verdant growth underfoot. "Now," said Mr. Young, "what shall we do? What route shall we follow?" "I have a plan, Mr. Young, which I think will outwit the natives, but at the same time make rather rough traveling for us," said Adolphe. "What is your plan?" "It is that we abandon the idea of returning over the Lake Taupo route, and also via Orakei-Korako. My plan is to make directly for the Waikato, cross the river, follow its northeast bank until we pass the loop just be- yond the Pairoa Range, then make a straight course for Tarawara on the Napier road. This will necessitate crossing the Kaingaroa Plain and Raimanawa Range at a point where the country has not been much broken by men, but I do not think we will experience any great difficulty by so doing; and we will, I am sure, throw the Maoris off our track. Another thing, it is much nearer and it will probably be quicker than returning the same way we came." "The plan seems to be a good one," said Mr. Stillman, consulting his pocket map of the North Island. "We will adopt what you approve of, Adolphe, be- cause you ought and probably do know better than we," added Mr. Young. The party immediately moved toward the river, and while they traversed the dense growth of trees and scrub they continued to lead their animals. Even the liberated prisoners, by partaking of some concentrated food and FREDERICK YOUNG. 287 stimulants, had become strong enough to walk with their benefactors. The river was near, and as the expedition approached it the trees were more scattering and the ground became more rocky and uneven. Huge tree ferns, the most beautiful representatives of the vegetable kingdom, grew here and there and made one almost think that one was living in the carboniferous age; but there were no huge moas stalking around, and the pterodactyl had long since ceased to shriek overhead. The fumes and stench from the hot sulphur and saline springs, too, but added to the delusion ; and they seemed, at this par- ticular point, to exist on every hand. Excellent speci- mens of the rata and pohutukawa trees here grew to large dimensions, and Mr. Stillman stated that both of these trees were much used in ship-building and that the former make durable railway ties. Adolphe informed his companions that large quanti- ties of gum were exhumed from the soil at this point, which came from the kauri forests which have moul- dered away in past ages. This gum is exported, and it is said to form a valuable substitute for gum-mastic, which is so extensively used as the base of fine varnishes. The rushing Waikato was soon reached, but at a point where the precipitous banks and tumbling cascades ren- dered the river impassable. The little troop, however, was not at all disheartened by this obstacle. They phil- osophically resolved to follow the bank until a fordable place was found. At last, nearly a quarter of a mile be- low, at a place where the rocks gently inclined to the margin of the stream, the river was safely crossed. To be sure the horses had to swim the channel, but compel- ling one's animal to swim is an absolutely necessary ad- junct to New Zealand equestrianism. As the sun neared the western horizon it was covered by piles of inky-black clouds, which were rapidly rising toward the zenith, and Adolphe said they portended a violent tempest, and vivid flashes of lightning which 288 FREDERICK YOUNG. occasionally shot from and partially illuminated the murky mass, but served to corroborate his prediction. The horses were urged forward at a more rapid rate, for the Pairoa Range, which was then in sight, the expedition had determined to reach before the storm overtook them. A shelter might be obtained there, and a refuge during a genuine New Zealand tempest is very acceptable, as the electric storms around these islands are usually very severe. It was quite good traveling and the fire flew from the horses' feet as they struck basaltic debris underfoot, while the light pumice stones were sent flying in all di- rections. Great care, too, had to be exercised to avoid the boiling springs, as a plunge into one of them would be very uncomfortable, if it did not end the earthly exist- ence of the victim. The dark-blue range ahead soon appeared more dis- tinct. The rabbits were scared from their coverts in the tough, wiry grass and tea scrub, and they bounded away in fright. The captain might have had great sport with these quadrupeds, had not the rumbling of the approach- ing storm warned him not to tarry by the way. Even the harriers scaled by on silent wings without paying any attention to the rabbits, which at other times, they the birds would have pounced upon with vicious fury. Adolphe was quite well acquainted with that section of the country lying around the Pairoa Range, and he had in mind a sheltered nook, on the side of the hill; and he was, in the semi-darkness, trying to reach this spot before the storm broke upon them. Before any rain had fallen the head of the range had been reached, and the Maketu road was passed. The whole western sky was as black as ink ; zigzag flashes of electric fluid shot across the heavens; the distant rolling and jarring of thunder were almost incessant; directly over head the edge of the dark cumulus clouds were boiling and surging ahead in a violent manner, indicating considerable wind and great meteorological disturb- FREDERICK YOUNG. 289 ances, while at this time the air was calm and animated nature was awed into silence. The horses' hoofs resounded as they rapidly struck the rocky bank of the Waikato. The great buttress of the mountain range had been doubled when big drops of cold rain began to fall on and around the travelers. Adolphe at this time announced that their goal was at hand. It had grown dark rapidly, but thanks to their guide's knowledge of the country, before the storm was really upon them they were under an overhanging cliff and protected from wind and rain. The rocky covering was about twenty feet above their heads and it projected some ten feet beyond the base of the declivity. Kawaka and Matai trees grew around the bluffs, raising their shapely forms sixty and seventy feet above the ground. They assisted, in no small meas- ure, in protecting the little camp that night from wind and wetf. The weary horses were tethered under the cliff and the ferns which grew there in abundance provided a com- fortable bed, and the succulent grass did not go a-beg- ging, for the hungry animals devoured it with avidity. It was not considered safe to light a fire, for Reihana's tribe might still be on the trail; however, they had not been seen since leaving the village, and it was thought that they had been misled and left in the rear. The pro- visions stored in the saddle packs were resorted to, and the supper was eaten in darkness, periodically illumined by dazzling flashes of lightning, which were followed by deafening crashes of thunder that fairly made the rocks tremble. The rain seemed to come down in sheets, and especially after a heavy detonation, the water, it was noticed, descended in torrents. In a little while the country became flooded, but luckily the ground under the cliff was much higher than the sur- rounding land, which was evidenced by the ingress of rabbits, huge rats and ground lizards. Even the Apteryx 290 FREDERICK YOUNG. visited camp that evening. It was a happy family, how- ever, for they had all sought a shelter and high land to escape a common danger, and they did not notice or dis- turb each other. The storm continued throughout the evening with unabated fury and the wind blew with such violence that many giant trees were prostrated with a crash, never to rise again. Great boulders were dislodged from their elevated sites, and they came rolling and crashing down the declivities with frightful velocity, leaping over the precipices, and ending their career by a splashing thud on the flooded ground below. The great disturbances of nature without did not dis- turb the Americans and their allies under the sheltering cliff. In fact, the confliction of the elements made it seem more cozy and comfortable to the expedition. The bluish glare from the nearly incessant electrical flashes only served to enliven the scene, and the water which continued to descend with unrelinquishing copiousness could not harm the men and beasts snugly ensconced under the rocks. Reihana's treacherous and bloodthirsty cannibals had been baffled, and by this time they had undoubtedly re- turned to their pah and consoled themselves by feasting their sight on their vast and multitudinous collections of human skulls which profusely adorn their whares. These bony relics probably recall many feasts and triumphs to the carnivorous Maoris. Mr. Young, during a slight lull in the storm, asked the Californians how they came to reach the North Island in such a helpless condition and in such a storm. "Well," said Joel Stanton, the speaker of the trio, "our ship was a trader; she was a rakish, cleanly built schooner, and she could show a clean pair of heels to any craft of her size that cleaved the waves of the South Pa- cific. I refer to the Olivette of San Francisco, commanded by Captain William C. Elkins, of Riverside, Cal. We FREDERICK YOUNG. 201 left the Golden Gate in January, '81, and we had visited the Friendly and Tonga Islands, when we were caught in a heavy gale from the northeast, and the best thing we could do was to scud before it, which we did. When the storm subsided we found ourselves between Cook's Strait and Chatham Island. We were short of fresh water and so we put into Hawke Bay for a supply, and we three were detailed to replenish the casks. The Olivette was anchored a half-league off shore, and when we had obtained a sufficient quantity of water and were ready to return to the ship, we found that a dense fog covered the bay and completely hid the vessel from us. We had no compass, but thought we could locate the ship, so we started to return but got confused, and then we could neither find our vessel nor the shore. We rowed around nearly all night, in the vain hope of acci- dentally coming in contact with the ship or the shore. Toward morning the wind freshened and a heavy sea was the result, but the gale which soon sprang up had one good effect; it completely dissipated the fog and we could see the shore some two leagues away, but the Olivette was not in sight nor, in fact, any other craft. Our boat was small and the sea threatened to swamp her every moment, and then the wind kept increasing in force, and " At this juncture the narrative was forcibly interrupted. A fine kawaka tree, nearly one hundred feet high and three feet in diameter, which stood thirty feet from the camp, was shattered by a thunderbolt. The flash was blinding; the crash made all in camp deaf for several minutes, while the horses snorted and tugged at their fastenings in terror. The majestic giant of the forest had been shattered so that only a part of the dilapidated trunk remained. The potent fluid, which in this enlightened age even, is imperfectly known, had destroyed in a sec- ond what had been perhaps a hundred years or more in growing. Such is the fickleness of all-powerful nature. "The lightning," said Mr. Stillman, "impolitely inter- 292 FREDERICK YOUNG. rupted you, Mr. Stanton, but we may consider ourselves extremely fortunate in not being served in a worse manner." "That was a close shave," said Stanton, "and I really believe I have forgotten where I left off talking." "I believe you were telling us about the violence of the storm after the fog cleared away," said Mr. Young. "Well," continued Stanton, "the sea was so rough and the wind so strong that we concluded to row ashore and find some sheltered inlet, before we were capsized in the middle of the bay. We finally got in near shore, but there was no suitable landing place, and then we lost control of the boat by first losing our rudder, and next by breaking an oar. This disaster was followed by a monster wave catching us and driving us ashore at rail- road speed. We were landed high and dry on the shingle in short order, and unharmed with the exception of a few bruises. We were just congratulating ourselves on our good fortune, when a tribe of Maoris, who had evidently wit- nessed the whole proceeding, pounced upon us and we were soon their prisoners, with our arms bound behind our backs and our pockets rifled of their contents. The savages immediately set out for their village, which was then near Taupo Lake, just a little west of the Waikato. Subsequently we were moved up the river to the point where you found us. At first we were treated decently, but we were subjected to forced marches and on short rations. After we reached the village, however, we were treated like dogs and made to do all of the dirty drudgery of the village, like slaves, which we really were. "For over a year we lived that loathsome life; our food was miserable, our clothes got ragged and dirty, and we could not procure new habiliments. At times we were subjected to cruel indignities that fairly made our blood boil within our veins, but if we had retorted by word or FREDERICK YOUNG. 293 act a worse fate would have been our lot. Acquiescence to our inhuman masters was our only course. When Reihana said that we would return for vengeance he knew how we had been treated, and how we would feel toward him and his tribe of cannibals. They are canni- bals and nothing else. Many are the sickening feasts of these ogreish monsters that we have witnessed, and their meat was human flesh, too. When they took prisoners in battle, they would have one of their demoniacal gath- erings and a grand feast, after their victims had been tor- tured nearly to death. If we had not been white, we would have been served in the same manner, but it is pro- verbial amongst the tribe that the white pakehas' flesh is not fit to eat. The fact is that civilized man takes too much salt and too many condiments into his system, with the result of imparting to his flesh a flavor not relished by the Maori connoisseur. "I would like to go back there, and so would my com- panions in misery, and exterminate Reihana and his whole tribe. It would be a great satisfaction to us and a blessing to humanity in general." "I advise you not to attempt to do anything of the kind, Mr. Stanton. Now you are safe, but if you return for vengeance it may not be yours, for the savages might again make you prisoners, and probably you would then be treated worse than you were before. And further, what has passed cannot be undone; you had better let the Almighty punish these misdeeds, and thank him for your present deliverance," said Mr. Stillman. "Yes, friends, follow Mr. Stillman's advice, li we ar- rive safely at Napier, where my yacht is in waiting, I will take you to Auckland and give you money enough to enable you to once more pass through the Golden Gate and reach your homes," added Mr. Young. "God bless you, sir! We can never repay you for your kindness to us," Stanton said in an agitated voice. "Never mind repaying, my friends; a knowledge of 294 FREDERICK YOUNG. doing good, and one's duty, is an ample remuneration," Mr. Young kindly replied. It was getting late, the rain still continued to descend, but in lesser quantities; the lightning still periodically illuminated the surrounding country, but it seemed to be farther away than it was in the early part of the evening, and the thunder rumbled in the distance. Practically the storm was over. All hands were tired after the exertions of the day, and when they came to roll themselves within their blankets and to lie on the beds of fern, sleep came quickly to relax and to recuperate the strained tissues of their bodies. Everybody was astir early the following morning. The violent tempest of the night before had entirely passed away; the flooded plain had been drained into the Wai- kato; all of the vegetation appeared brilliantly green; diamond-like drops of water vibrated on every leaf; the sky was of a pure azure hue; the ozone-like atmosphere was exhilarating in the extreme; the sun shone resplend- ently as it rose over the rugged heights of the Kaimanawa mountains; the birds sang joyfully, and the fresh and pleasant environments seemed to act as a tonic on the spirits of the members of the expedition. During breakfast Adolphe announced that they were but fourteen miles from the terraced baths of Roto Mahana. "Is it possible? In what direction are they?" asked Mr. Stillman. "Directly north of us, and the route there is easy travel- ing, as the Maketu road leads in that direction." "Mr. Young, cannot we spare time to visit the natural baths? It is a chance of a lifetime; I have been longing to see Roto Mahana for years," said Mr. Stillman. "We really ought not to delay. How long will it take us to visit the lake and return to this point?" Mr. Young asked the guide. "We can do it in twelve hours easily, and then we need FREDERICK YOU NO. 395 not return here, we can strike off across the plain toward the Napier road from the terraces. The lake is well worth a visit, monsieur; there is nothing more beautiful in New Zealand than the terraces," returned Adolphe. "Well, we will go and see the lake; lead the way, Adolphe," said Mr. Young. Five minutes later the party was dashing along the bank of the Waikato, bound for Roto Mahana, At 9 o'clock Kaiteriria was passed. Lake Tarawera was next sighted, and at 10 o'clock the party arrived at Roto Mahana, which empties its warm waters through a small river into Lake Tarawera. They all dismounted at the white terraces, and left the horses in the care of the Maoris. The white terraces are on one side of the lake, and the pink terraces, so-called, are on the other. In reality both are pink, but the latter are much deeper colored than the former; in fact, the pink in places merges into a beautiful salmon color. The white terraces in form and grandeur are much finer to contemplate than the pink, but the latter are used more for bathing purposes. The white are 200 feet high and about 300 feet in width. They are formed of a soft, friable silica, deposited by the hot springs above, which pour their contents over the terraces into the lake. Shell-like baths have been formed from top to base arranged in stair-like terraces. The hot water falls over the upper edge into the first row of baths ; these in turn overflow and precipitate their surplus water into the next lower row of concavities, and thus they con- tinue until the "blue liquid reaches the lake level far below. At the top the water is nearly boiling, but when it falls into the lower baths it is but just tepid; so one may choose any temperature one desires for his ablutions. "These are indeed beautiful, and they are worth com- ing from the Waikato to see," Mr. Young remarked. "The natives say we should not bathe here, but go to 296 FREDERICK YOUNG. the pink terraces for that purpose, for they are much more attractive," said Mr. Stillman. "Let us look these over and then we will cross the lake," Mr. Young rejoined. As they ascended, new beauties were unfolded to their view. The natural baths varied from one to five feet in depth, and they reminded the visitors of huge pink and white shells set in the terraced declivities. The edges were hung with delicately tinted clusters of stalactites, forming charming combinations of color, in which sul- phur-yellow, sap-green, and pink prevailed. After climbing to the top and looking at the big pools of boiling hot, cobalt blue water, and taking a hasty survey of the surrounding country, the party descended to the lake shore. A dozen canoes were in waiting, and the Maoris in charge soon carried the Americans to the opposite shore and landed them at the pink terraces. Roto Mahana is about one mile long and a half mile wide, and the numerous hot springs around the shore of the lake keep the water perpetually warm. The pink terraces were beautiful beyond compare; the rich colors, the delicate fret work, the exquisitely wrought cornices and pendants were too magnificent for any pen to adequately describe. "In all my travels I have never seen anything to equal this," said Captain Ashton rapturously. "The immutable laws of nature lavishly adorn her handiwork regardless of time or expense," Mr. Stillman added. "Yes, and nature cares not whether wild beasts, sav- ages, or the acme of her labors civilized man enjoy the benefits of her exertions," said Mr. Young. "But, never mind about that, the world-famous baths provided by an occult but potential hand are before us. Let us test their efficacy to cleanse and to soothe." FREDERICK YOUNG. 297 A moment later they were sporting in the baths. The leading gentlemen of the expedition ascended some fifty feet, and on these elevated terraces they found a salmon- colored concavity in which the three could plunge and sport with perfect freedom from observation. The water was five feet deep in the center, and its temperature was just right to suit the bathers. The water trickling down from above produced harmonious sounds ; the surround- ings were lavishly embellished with well blended tints; the deep blue sky was begemmed with fleecy white cloud- lets; the view below was charming; the blue lakes, the verdant hills, the white terraces; the native village pic- turesquely situated, and the canoes moving here and there over the surface of the water combined in forming envi- ronments that the Americans would long remember. The rock was soft to the touch; they could strike their limbs or bodies against it, but it would neither bruise nor cause pain; they could rub against it, but the friction was not unpleasant, for the vitreous-like deposit of silica mitigated the roughness of the terraces from top to base, and the bathers could wander from bath to bath without hurting their bare feet. It was a sensual pleasure to wander over the terraces testing bath after bath, but as the bathers got near the top the water became too hot for their flesh to bear. An hour was spent among the baths, and then all hands dressed and ascended to -the top of the terraces. The great pool there was one quarter of a mile in diameter, and the water boiled constantly. The mineral sub- stances held in solution gave it a decidedly blue cast, which formed a pleasing contrast to the clouds of white steam which were continually rising from the ebullient liquid. The rocks in places were beautifully encrusted with sulphur deposits, which had assumed a delicate green hue where they were anexposed, and in places white, pink and salmon colored masses were pleasingly intermixed. 298 FREDERICK YOUNG. "These terraces are the most wonderful and the most beautiful of any freak of nature I have ever seen," Mr. Young remarked, as the party was recrossing Roto Ma- hana. "And how convenient they are for the natives. I really wish I had one of these baths at home, provided it was operated by nature, like these," Mr. Stillman added. "It would, indeed, be a luxury, but one we can never enjoy," Mr. Young replied. At 2 o'clock the cavalcade filed out of the Maori village on the return to the Waikato. The idea of crossing the mountains had been abandoned ; it was thought that time would be saved by again rounding the southern spur of the Pairoa Range. FREDERICK YOUNG. 399 CHAPTER XXV. DISCONTENTED SAILORS. The party arrived at the river before dark that after- noon, and early the following morning the journey was resumed. The route led into and across the Kaingaroa Plain, which was about fifteen miles wide at this point. A small tributary of the great river was crossed without much difficulty, and on its east bank a giant geyser was discovered with a basin thirty-two feet in diameter and from one to two feet in depth. The rim of the basin, composed of siliceous concretions, sparkled in the sun- light and the ebullition of the clear, sea-green colored water in the central part imparted an entrancing beauty to this particular geyser. Steam arose in a fleecy column, especially from that part directly over the subterranean shaft. "I wish we might be so fortunate as to witness an eruption," remarked Captain Ashton as the troop rested and observed. "It has been said that the frequency of the eruptions of certain geysers has been greatly accelerated by throw- ing rocks, turf and other debris into the shaft. Those affected in this way, it is supposed, have shafts which con- verge at the bottom, and the foreign matter cast in partly closes these openings. The objects thrown in offer re- sistance to the inclosed steam and gas, and as a natural consequence the debris and the superincumbent water are ejected with great violence, and the promulgators of the scheme witness an eruption," said Mr. Stillman. "Let us try to induce this one to a similar artificial activity," said Mr. Young. Everybody seemed to be agreeable and they fell to 300 FREDERICK YOUNG. gathering all the stones and other heavy substances that they could find in the near vicinity. Soon quite a pile of basalt, lava and a black vitreous stone, much re- sembling obsidian, all of volcanic origin, was collected. At a preconcerted signal the stones and fragments were simultaneously cast into the hot silica water. Consid- erable agility was required to escape being wet with the boiling liquid, which was splashed recklessly about by the falling debris. A great many fragments, no doubt, failed to enter the shaft, but a great many did go in, as was soon made evident by the rumbling sounds, and by the trembling of the ground. Soon a rushing noise was heard, and the Americans and Maoris had but barely time to retreat when a magnificent column of water shot from the subterranean shaft twenty-five or thirty feet into the air. The descending drops sparkled in the sunlight like so many brilliants of the first water, and the reflected rays of light revealed every color of the solar spectrum. It was beautiful beyond description, but the sight was a fugacious pleasure; it lasted but a few seconds, when the water fell, and that which had been previously contained in the basin nearly all subsided into the shaft with a gur- gling sound. A natural phenomenon, which it is the good fortune of the few to witness, had been viewed by an interested and appreciative audience. Another eruption was not likely to occur for some time, so all that could remount their steeds, did so, and continued their journey across the plain toward the distant hills. The country was level, but not the best of traveling, Tea-tree scrub, ferns, Spaniards and the everlasting pumice stone districts made the passage slower than it would have been had these impediments been absent. Captain Ashton was disgusted with the country, for there was no game for him to capture with his trusty rifle, and their supply of food needed replenishing. Mr. Stillman, on the other hand, thought that the small FREDERICK YOUNG. 301 and insignificant fauna of New Zealand ought not to be grumbled over, for if the country were infested with large carnivorous animals, as most of sparsely inhabited lands are, matters might be a great deal worse. "Give me the carnivora; the change would be agreea- ble," said the captain. "I have not met a boar, a single rabbit, or even a rat on this plain, and by the way, the latter animal, the natives 'say, makes an excellent soup." "I for one can do very well without that kind of soup," interposed Mr. Young. It was warm and dusty traveling, but nevertheless be- fore the sun had disappeared behind Mount Taubara the plain had been traversed and the mountains crossed. By good luck an easy passage was discovered leading across the range, so much time was saved thereby. Al- lowing for deviations surely thirty miles had been left in the rear since morning. A few scattering natives had been seen during the day, but they sensibly kept their distance. Camp was made that evening on the eastern slope of the mountain range. Plenty of pigeons, rabbits and the edible root of a fern were found among the forest-clad foothills, and these eatables were a welcome acquisition to the bill of fare. Early the next morning the little troop set out with the expectation of striking the Napier road by 3 o'clock, but instead they reached it before noon, and they dined at the village of Tarawara. During the afternoon the Waiaoao River was recrossed and camp that night was made ten miles to the east. Napier was not more than thirtv miles away, and if nothing happened the town would be reached on the morrow and the journey would be at an end. The camp was made in a large kauri grove just off the trail, in a dry and sheltered locality. Of course, ferns, supple-jack and Spaniards existed there in prolific abun- dance. Many unique epiphytical plants of rare beauty 302 FREDERICK YOUNG. were collected at this point for the girls, who would admire them from a botanical point of view. The following morning Mr. Stillman and Captain Ashton sallied forth with their rifles and shot gun before sunrise, as camp purveyors. It was delightfully cool and refreshing. In fact, it would have been a perfect morning if the miniature vampires, commonly called mosquitoes, had not been so abundant and so persistently bloodthirsty. Several parrakeets of peculiar form, and gaudily marked with different shades of blue, green, red and other colors, were secured to increase the richness of the captain's collection. Perhaps a mile had been passed over when the hunters came to a picturesque valley littered with igneous and calcareous rocks, while the slopes were clothed in luxu- riant verdure. A part of this valley had been torrent swept, and at a point where the surface of a post-pliocene deposit had been laid bare, huge avian bones, in an ex- cellent state of preservation, were found partially im- bedded in the calcareous sandstone. Mr. Stillman made the discovery, and he called the captain's attention to the find. "What are they, the remains of some saurian of an- tiquity?" inquired the captain. "I think they are the remains of some gigantic bird that once roamed over this land. The giant wingless moa or Dinornis of naturalists is found in this section, and these fossils may belong to a bird of that species." "This huge bone would lead one to think so," the cap- tain said, pointing with his rifle at a massive tibia three feet in length. "Yes, and if I mistake not these gravel stones you see imbedded with the bones came from the crops of the birds." "It has been estimated that the moa stood ten or eleven feet high, and that it resembled the Apteryx and casso- wary in some respects," the captain added. FREDERICK YOUNG. 303 "And it has been said, too, that not more than five cen- turies ago about twenty species of moas frequented the hill sides and valleys of New Zealand. The Maoris have traditions that their ancient progenitors hunted these birds, and that story has been substantiated by finding moas' bones in ancient ovens, and if you remember an egg of this bird was found resting in the hands of a human skeleton. This skeleton, osteologists say, .be- longed to one of the New Zealand aborigines," said Mr. Stillman. "I remember of reading about the egg you mention, and if I recollect rightly, it was ten inches long and about seven inches in diameter. I hope we may meet one of those giant birds this morning, it would be quite an addi- tion to my ornithological cabinet," jovially exclaimed Captain Ashton. "No doubt, my friend, but that day has passed away never to return. In my mind the mammoth Dinornis will never tread the surface of New Zealand again. The islands have been too well hunted of late years for the moa to still exist unknown to man." At this point the conversation was interrupted by a wild hog which came tearing through the scrub that fringed the valley side, and he headed almost toward the two hunters in his wild career across the depression. His eyes had a wild and fiery gleam and the coarse bristles on his back were erected either in anger or in fright. The gentlemen were taken by surprise and they did not know whether the animal was charging them or sim- ply flying from a foe. The captain did not care, for his ready rifle sprang involuntarily to his shoulder and simultaneously a sharp report reverberated through the valley. The hog was not more than twenty feet away when the captain fired, and his unerring Winchester did not fail him, for the conical ball struck the pigf squarely between the eyes and the poor animal dropped his head and turned a complete 304 FREDERICK YOUNG. somersault. When the two men walked up to him, he was lying on his back dead. "He is your pork, captain," said Mr. Stillman as they approached. "Yes, but what could have started him toward us is what puzzles me," said Captain Ashton, looking toward the hill from whence the hog had come as if he would find a solution of the mystery there. Sure enough he did, for some twenty ochre-bedaubed Maoris had just emerged from the forest, and they were now approaching the two hunters as swiftly as their naked limbs could carry them. They were on the war-path, as was made evident by their hideously painted faces and plume-bedecked hair, while they fairly bristled with their crude weapons. A few, however, waved percussion-cap guns over their heads, which weapons they had probably gotten from traders. The instant they left the scrub they made the air in the valley resound from end to end with their hideous cries. The Americans had no doubt but that the natives were hostile, and so the white men immediately looked around for a place of refuge. The woods were too far away to be reached before the fleet unburdened Maoris overtook the hunters. A mass of volcanic rocks not over fifty feet from where the two men stood caught the captain's eye. "Run for the rocks," he said, "we cannot reach the forest in time !" Both men rushed for the shelter, which was a sort of natural fort, for there were massive rocks on all sides and an elevated opening in the center, into which the flee- ing men clambered with remarkable alacrity. The savages saw the retreat and they redoubled their cries and sent a cloud of arrows and several bullets after the two men, which left no doubt in the Americans' minds regarding the malicious intention of the pursuers. For- tunately arrows and bullets both went wide of the mark and the whites were not harmed. FREDERICK YOUNG. 305 When the natives saw the position that their intended prey had taken, they halted about ten rods away, and the chief stepped forward and took deliberate aim at the stronghold. As he fired, both of the inmates ducked their heads, and the ball went a little low, striking the rock which protected Mr. Stillman, and then it ricochetted and went singing over their heads. The dusky fiends had openly declared war, and the chief was the first to suffer the consequence of his rash act. The second after the chief fired, Captain Ashton leveled his rifle and sent a ball through the Maori's villainous heart. The captain kept his rifle to his shoulder, and sent a dozen bullets into the ranks of the attacking party. He was a dead-shot, as the natives to their sorrow soon learned. Mr. Stillman was not idle by any means, but he was not so good a shot as his companion so he laid his repeater with magazine fully charged in reach of his friend. Then he slipped two shells, heavily charged with No. 2 shot, into his shotgun. The natives seemed to realize that something must be done immediately, as surely half their number had then fallen. They gave a blood-curdling yell and charged the rocks, dancing about in a grotesque manner, so as to make themselves more difficult to hit; but they counted without their host, for the captain still dropped them one by one. To complicate matters, Mr. Stillman fired his two charges of shot into the midst of the Maoris, which action caused them to shriek with pain, and it also turned the tide of the battle. The natives could not stand the shot: the survivors broke and fled in precipitate terror, howling and screeching in pain and fright. In two min- utes not a live savage was visible. The odds against the white men had been great, but inventive genius had triumphed over brute force over- whelmingly, as usual. "Well," said the captain, "I rather think those remain- 306 FREDERICK YOUNG. ing savages will act more cautiously in attacking white men the next time. It is very evident that they have yet to learn the merits of a repeating rifle." "Operated by a dead-shot," added Mr. Stillman. "I do not think they will trouble us again." "No, they are probably running now, and they will put many miles between us before they stop," replied the captain. "Let us see if our game has been disturbed," said Mr. Stillman, leaving the improvised breastwork and going to the spot where the pig had fallen. He had not been disturbed, and they were preparing to cut off the most desirable parts to carry to camp, when they were again startled by a shout from the forest. The hunters tightly grasped their rifles and whirled to again defend themselves, but it was unnecessary. Mr. Young, Adolphe and three sailors were emerging from the tea trees. They had heard the sounds of the conflict, and they had come to the rescue, but they were too late; the victory had been bravely won. The news in detail was soon told, and the dead bodies of the Maoris lying around, further attested to the nature and to the victorious termination of the fight. "It was very fortunate that you did not fall into the hands of the natives, for they would have shown you no mercy after you had killed some of their tribe," said Adolphe. '"We did not intend to be taken alive," returned the captain. "This encounter," said Mr. Stillman, "will teach us to be more careful in the future, when we are traveling in a hostile country." The weapons of the dead natives and the hog were car- ried back to camp. When bre ikfast was over the com- pany once more formed and proceeded toward Titiokura, which place was soon passed. Excellent progress was made during the day, and when FREDERICK YOUNG. 30? about 3 o'clock in the afternoon a hill was reached, the blue waters of the Pacific could be seen not over three miles away. To the south two small lakes were notice- able, for they resembled argentine settings in a base of malachite, and the sinuosities of the Tuki-tuki River could be easily traced through the verdant country. The sojourn in New Zealand was nearly at an end. The search in some respects had been more successful than had been at first anticipated. Reihana had been found without much trouble and inconvenience ; no ser- ious obstacle had arisen to retard their progress, which had been exceedingly rapid; the atrocities with which some of the interior tribes had been imputed were not manifested toward the searching party, with two excep- tions. The Maoris, had, as a rule, been very hospitable and kind. Certainly the paramount object of the expe- dition had failed; Frederick Young had not been found, but the three prisoners had been found and liberated from a humiliating servitude, and Mr. Young was glad to think that he and his supporters had been instrumental in rescuing the Californians, but he knew that general disappointment would prevail on the yacht when the party returned without Fred. An hour later the cavalcade rounded an elevation, and Napier and Ahuriri Harbor came into full view. The water was disturbed by a fresh breeze which caused white- crested waves to break on the sandy shore. Numerous white, gray and sooty-black gulls and other sea-fowl were gracefully circling and scaling over the waves. At about ten cables' length from shore, almost in the spot the party had left her seven days previous, calmly rested Mr. Young's pride the Altair with the stars and stripes flying in graceful folds from the top of her mizzen mast. The captain carefully scanned the yacht through his achromatic binocular telescope; the craft was a mile and a half away, but her commander recognized all on deck. His wife, Mrs. Young, Mrs. Stillman, Marion, Constance 308 FREDERICK YOUNG. and the sailors, appeared to all be there. Some were reading, others were walking up and down the planks. Marion was perusing a book, and Prince was stretched out in a comfortable position on a rug at her feet. As the captain was observing, Prince jumped up, sniffed the air, ran to the bulwarks, put his paws on the rail and gazed toward the hill which the expedition had just rounded. Next Prince opened his mouth, and by the motion of his head Captain Ashton knew that the saga- cious animal had scented his master's approach, and by his barking he had aroused the ship. The ladies and sailors quickly came to the side of the yacht and looked toward the shore. "Mr. Young," said the captain, "here is additional proof of the remarkable instinct of your wonderful animal. We are over a mile from the ship, and yet that dog scented us and he has given the alarm." As Captain Ashton spoke a puff of smoke issued from the bow of the Altair, and seven seconds later the detona- tion of the cannon reverberated among the hills. This salute of welcome was cheerfully responded to by the members of the expedition by firing a volley into the air. The launch met the party at the beach, and they were soon on board the yacht, where they were met with open arms and kindly words of welcome. The hope, disap- pointment, joy, sorrow and the words and actions cannot be here adequately depicted or described, but it is per- haps needless to say that the poignancy of the sorrow created by not finding Fred was, in a measure, mitigated by the safe return of the expedition, and joy soon reigned supreme. The men who had been subjected to savage tyranny for over a year were made extremely happy by again hav- ing the privilege of coming in contact with modern civili- zation. It was a new life opening up to them, for they had lost all hope of ever mingling with their kind again. FREDERICK YOUNG. 309 Their coercion was now a thing of the past, and the future looked bright and promising. After the first excitement of Jhe reunion was over many expressions of disappointment were heard. In fact, there were but three persons on the yacht that now thought that Fred still lived, and those three were Mr. Young, Marion and Captain Ashton. Singularly enough these three were not much disappointed at the termination of the search in New Zealand; they seemed to think from the first that the Hawke Bay episode had no connection with the wreck of the Polynesia, and Marion said as much when the French captain first told his story. Mr. Young pur- sued the clue until it was exploded because he thought it was his duty to do so. The sailors had for some time been uneasy; they wanted to go home. The enthusiasm, which had once been so apparent among them, was no longer manifested. Mr. Young and Captain Ashton were much pained to note this element of discord which prevailed on board. Men are, as a rule, willing to work and struggle so long as their object for exerting energy is being accomplished, but when the labor is being lost or unsuccessfully applied, even if their remuneration continues, they become dis- satisfied. This law seems to be universal among men, and its presence was not lacking on the Altair. The sailors had made up their minds that Frederick Young had not survived the wreck, and they had gotten tired of searching for him, when they had no hopes of ever finding him. The trip into the interior of the North Island had been but a brief cessation, a recess, as it were, in the continuation of this feeling. After lying dormant for a week it broke out with more force than ever. It was the almost constant topic of conversation among the crew; they talked about it in the forecastle, in the mess- room, in the saloon, and, in fact, in all part? of the yacht. Mr. Young was not yet ready to abandon the search, 310 FREDERICK YOUNG. so the state of affairs troubled him. He could have in- structed Captain Ashton to dismiss the malcontents and to ship a new crew to prosecute the search, but the old gentleman did not like to do this. The sailors had been kind and faithful thus far, and Mr. Young did not blame them now. If it had been anybody's son but his own that hung in the balance, he might have felt just as the crew did about it. After carefully considering the matter, Mr. Young concluded to make a compromise with the discontented element; so he called them all together the next morning and laid the situation before them in its entirety. "Friends," he said, "I am aware what an amount of discontent has lately sprung up among you, and what occasioned it. I am very sorry that it is so. Now, from this point we shall sail for Auckland, and from there to the Marquesas islands, where the search will be continued. If nothing is learned at that group, the Altair will sail for New York unless important evidence is secured, which will warrant a continuation of the search. By this you will not infer that I have lost all hope of ever finding my son, but owing to the discontent which prevails among you I make a compromise by omitting several groups of islands which I had intended to explore. If Fred is not found on this trip, I may fit out another searching party and return to this island world to pick up the thread of investigation which circumstances compel me to drop at the Marquesas. "Now, the yacht will immediately proceed to Auckland to leave the three men we rescued from the Maoris, so the ex-prisoners can sail for their Californian homes. Any one who wishes may leave the Altair with Mr. Stanton and his companions, and return to New York. I would prefer, you will understand, that none will take advantage of this opportunity ; I would much rather have our crew return to New York unbroken, when the search for my boy is abandoned. Now, men, think the matter carefully FREDERICK YOUNG. 311 ovei*before we reach Auckland, and if you must go home, do so, but remember I shall be grieved to have you leave us." Thursday, November 22, 1882, at 10 o'clock in the forenoon, the anchor was raised and the Altair steamed out of Ahuriri Harbor, toward Portland Island, destined for Auckland. An hour later the attractive environments of Napier were left far astern and the dark blue hills and mountains became hazy and indistinct. The next day at noon the yacht, after a favorable run, dropped anchor off the city of Auckland. Mr. Young, who was a true philanthropist, went ashore with the three men he had saved from slavery, and pur- chased such wearing apparel as he thought they needed, and gave them money enough to reach their homes. It was then Friday and the next ship was to sail for San Francisco the following Monday. The three men must wait, so Mr. Young sought suitable hotel accommoda- tions for them and paid the bill in advance. He also fur- nished them with a little extra money for incidental pur- poses. They were so overcome by Mr. Young's benevo- lence that they shed tears when he left them, and they repeatedly assured him that his kindness would be re- warded. The crew had thought over what Mr. Young said to them at Napier, and as a consequence not a single indi- vidual left the yacht. They wanted to go home, but they were unwilling to leave their comfortable quarters and kind master. And then they thought it would not take long to search the Marquesas islands, when their next objective point would be New York. 312 FREDERICK YOUNG. CHAPTER XXVI. THE SEARCH ABANDONED. Monday, November 27th, at flood tide the Altair steamed out of the harbor, crossed the gulf, passed be- tween Great Barrier Island and Cape Colville and entered the South Pacific, bound for the Marquesas islands. As this cluster of islets or archipelago, lies about 3,200 miles to the northeast of New Zealand, a sea voyage of eight or ten days' duration was on the programme. On the morning of the second day the Kermadec group was passed, and five days after leaving the North Island the Hervey islands were left astern, while the Societies were sighted to the east on the following day. On the morning of the eighth day out from Auckland the lookout announced land directly ahead, and it was a pleasant surprise to all when Captain Ashton said they were approaching the northwestern or the Washington group, a part of the Marquesas. These islands are of volcanic origin and the peaks, which at the maximum attain an altitude of 3,500 feet, can be seen many miles out at sea. It was these mountains that had been sighted. These islands lie about 500 miles south of the equator, so the vegetation belongs to the tropical flora. It was a remarkably hot day, and the fierce tropical rays of the solar orb made the sap fairly boil from the planks. The sailors, to obviate this difficulty, flooded the deck with water at short intervals. The ladies and gentlemen were assembled on deck, sheltered by an awn- ing aft which partially protected them from the torrid sun. They watched the sea-birds circling around the ship; the FREDERICK YOUNG. 313 big fishes which occasionally came to lazily disport on the surface of the sea, and the verdant shores and rugged heights of the Marquesas, which grew more and more distinct each moment. "Captain," said Mr. Young, "you had better make di- rectly for Noukahiva or Marchand Island, for it is the largest in the group we are now approaching." "Very well, sir; it will not be necessary for us to change our course much, if any, to touch at that island," the cap- tain replied as he went forward to consult the pilot in charge. "Father," said Marion, as she reclined in an easy canvas chair, "please tell me about these islands we are about to visit. I intended to read up on them, but I have been so busy during the voyage that I have neglected to do so." "Well, pet," said Mr. Stillman, "according to good authority the Marquesas or Mendafia Archipelago com- prises twelve islets lying from four to seven hundred miles south of the equator, and having a total area of 489 square miles. They were discovered July 21, 1595, by Alvaro Mendana. He only knew of the southeast group, to which he gave the name of Marquesas de Mendoza, in honor of the viceroy of Peru. The northern group was discovered by an American, Ingraham by name, in 1791. The southwest, or original Marquesas cluster, consists of Fatouhiva, Motane, Tahouata and Hivaoa islands. The latter has a coast line of over sixty miles. The northern group consists of seven islands, the largest of which are Roa-Poua, Houahouna, Noukahiva and Hiaoa. It will be useless to go into further details, Marion, as we shall soon see these interesting islets ourselves." These islands, as the Altair approached them, truly resembled brilliant emeralds on an azure field. As the island called Noukahiva became clearly outlined against the sky and sea, its grandeur deeply impressed the voy- agers. The bold, rugged, central mountain ridge loomed up to an altitude which, no doubt, appeared greater than it 314 FREDERICK YOUNG. really was, as the abruptness with which these islands rise from the sea makes an estimate of their height very diffi- cult. The timber trees and ferns were absent here, and they were replaced by palms and tropical vegetation which grow to perfection in the humid atmosphere of the Mar- quesas. The calorific rays of the equatorial sun produce a fervid torridity, which would be unbearable if it were not for the easterly trade winds, which sweep across these islands for nine months of the year. Before the yacht came to a standstill several canoes loaded with natives put out from the shore to trade, the occupants also wanted to gratify their curiosity, and pos- sibly they entertained the idea that an opportunity to steal something would present itself, for the Marquesans are said to be subject to this propensity. The men much resembled the Tahitians, and they were muscular and exceedingly well developed. The great blue-black patches of tattooing en their faces, arms and bodies, sadly disfigured their appearance, and some of them really looked hideous. The women, of whom there were several in the canoes, had their lips and ear-lobes tattooed, which did not im- prove their otherwise quite good-looking countenances. In form they were graceful, and their skin was rather light-colored, while their eyes were large, dark, lustrous and expressive. If they would only restrain themselves from distorting the natural beauty which is theirs, they would be quite attractive. However, we ought not to think it strange that these simple children of the Pacific know no better, when customs as ridiculous and as puerile are in vogue among our so-called civilized races. A goodly supply of cocoanuts, yams, bananas, plan- tains and bread-fruit was obtained from the natives, and also a large green turtle, which would add materially to the bill of fare. In return for these commodities it was necessary to give the natives fire-arms, gunpowder, cloth and tobacco. They wanted liquor, but Mr. Young posi- FREDERICK YOUNG. 315 tively forbade anybody on the yacht giving them intoxi- cants. The following morning the gentlemen went ashore to make the customary search. They were surprised at the fertility of the soil, and they thought what might be ac- complished by these islanders if they but had the thrift and enterprise necessary to develop the great natural resources which nature has lavishly bestowed upon them. Indolence, the great barrier to progression, however, reigns supreme in the Marquesas. All kinds of vegetation, natural to these islands, grow prolifically, but rather than to cultivate a variety of fruits and vegetables, the lazy inhabitants live almost wholly on bread-fruit, bananas and fish. Eighty years ago some 20,000 people thrived on the Marquesas, but civil wars, infectious diseases and other minor causes have greatly reduced their numbers, so that only five or six thousand are now left. These are now under a French protectorate, which has existed since 1842. A small garrison is maintained at Noukahiva. It was no small undertaking to properly explore this island, for it is seventeen miles from east to west and about seventy miles in circumference. Mr. Young and his co-workers, however, had by experience become adepts in this line of business, and the search was begun in the usual systematic manner. After making- inquiries enough to become satisfied that nothing could be learned in that way, Mr. Young- marshalled his small force and commenced the march alone shore, traveling- to the southeast. It was his inten- tion to follow the coast until he had been completely around the island. Marchiner on Noukahiva was much more irksome than in New Zealand, on account of the fierce tropical heat and the absence along shore of the umbrageous trees. If it had not been for the refreshing- trades it would have been an exceedingly disagreeable undertaking. 316 FREDERICK YOUNG. In spite of the extreme torridity the searching party enjoyed the trip along the margin of the verdant shore, where the dark blue billows unceasingly roared and beat themselves to a white foam at the feet of the travelers. Both delicately and richly colored shells and crustaceans had their hues repeatedly intensified by the saline water which momentarily washed over their surfaces. Beau- tiful clusters and fragments of red or pink coral, together with numerous other strange forms of marine life, were lying along the strand in promiscuous profusion. These laymen were astonished at the beauty and the variety of nature's handiwork as here displayed; a professional con- chologist would have been too enthusiastic to contain himself, for these oceanic productions were wonderfully rich specifically. Only about twenty species of birds inhabit the Mar- quesas and the majority of that number belongs to the marine fauna. The abundance of a few species, however, makes up for the deficiency in variety; for at certain points the beach and the adjacent water looked, at a dis- tance, as if patches of snow covered their surfaces; but on near approach great numbers of sea-birds would arise, circle around and settle near the spot from which they were flushed. Captain Ashton secured several fine specimens' some of which were quite palatable when cooked, but the majority of the sea-fowl was unfit for food; their flesh was strong and unsavory. Hogs and fowls are very prolific on the Marquesas, and the former were met with in a half-wild state. Dur- ing the afternoon of the first day on Noukahiva, one of these animals was noticed on a sandy part of the beach industriously rooting and digging. When he saw the party approaching he grunted several times and then made tracks for the forest. Perhaps he mistook the Americans for a pork-hunting party. Upon investiga- tion it was found that sea turtles had come to the point FREDERICK YOUNG. 317 the pig had just vacated and deposited their eggs in the sand, and the hog had smelt them out, and if he had not been interrupted he would have had his fill of these nutri- tious eggs. These great turtles, which are much esteemed for their meat and eggs also, come ashore in numbers during the night, and each female deposits from 100 to 250 large, spherical, white, translucent eggs in the sand. The am- phibians dig in a hole or a trench to receive their eggs, and when the turtles go back to sea, which happens before daylight, they carefully cover the eggs with sand and hide all traces of the nocturnal pilgrimage ashore so adroitly that it is exceedingly difficult for one to discover the spot. The natives know at - hat season of the year to expect the turtles and what locality they are most lia- ble to choose for an incubating ground, and the wily blacks watch for the representatives of the order Chelonia and carefully mark the spot where the eggs are laid, and the following morning a raid is made and they are col- lected in large numbers, and they form an excellent article of food. "We are fortunate/' said Mr. Young. "The hog dis- covered the eggs, and we will reap the harvest." "That is the way of the world," said Mr. Stillman. "One seeks and finds, another appropriates and enjoys." They began digging in the sand after the eggs, and in twenty minutes 200 were excavated, when Mr. Young signified that they had better desist, as a sufficient quan- tity had been exhumed for the immediate needs of the expedition. The eggs were so fresh that Captain Ashton concluded that they had been laid the nitrht before, and that the tropical sun had not incubated the eggs in the slightest degree. That evenine camp was made in a grove of cocoamit palms near the beach. The turtle's eg-frs. top-ether with bananas, plantains a.rM bread-fruit, nil of which were baked in hot ashes, formed an agreeable repast. It was 318 FREDERICK YOUNG. washed down by cocoanut milk which could be obtained in large quantities from the unripe nuts. Fresh water streams course down the rocky valleys from the central mountainous country and form beautiful cascades inclosed in verdant surroundings. Irregular masses of basalt and lava were constantly encountered in these valleys, and they added materially to the difficulty of traveling. Bamboo thickets grew around the rivulets, and finely flavored cray fishes were caught in the pools. Mammals, reptiles and insects were conspicuous by their absence here, as in the other Polynesian groups. This scarcity of animal food has by many, been adduced as the cause of cannibalism which has existed in many of the islands, but is now fast dying out. It was thought that the absence of animal food, and the desire for it, caused the barbarous tribes to eat each other, and truly this hypothesis seems very plausible and it is very likely the true one. Since white men have visited and settled on the islands, many domestic animals have been introduced, and the efforts of missionaries have, to a great extent, abolished many of the superstitious and inhuman customs formerly in vogue. Four days were consumed in searching Noukahiva Island, and still nothing was learned of Fred Young. As a consequence, doubt of Fred's existence on earth constantly increased among the members of the expedi- tion. Many were impatiently waiting for the announce- ment that the search was at an end, and that the Alt air was next to steam for Cape Horn, on her way to New York. Marion even appeared less hopeful than formerly; her eyes had a solemn, far-away look, and her face was paler and thinner than it once was. Her beauty, however, was increased by these changes, and nothing on deck formed a prettier picture than she and Constance walking up and down the planks, each encircled by the other's arm, and FEEDS RICK YOUNG. 319 good old Prince majestically walking beside them. The girls thought worlds of each other, and it was pleasant for them to enjoy this mutual affection. Many were the long talks they had, when alone, of the lost brother and lover, of whom they thought so much. Now matters were changed; the search was nearly finished, and they must soon abandon the idea of ever seeing the handsome and genial face of their loved one again. Marion, by other's ridicule, had almost lost faith in Prince. The superior instinct with which he was en- dowed, she at one time thought might be instrumental in restoring her lover, but now so many years had elapsed since the intelligent animal had seen his young master that it did not seem possible that Prince could do much toward discovering Fred if he were still living, which now seemed improbable. These instincts had by no means waned in the faithful animal, and it was beyond human power to measure their scope or to fathom their depth. They were lying dor- mant, awaiting an opportunity which might never come. Marion did not think this, but she thought that they would never come near enough to Fred for Prince to exercise his gift to advantage. At times she would get to thinking deeply, and Mr. Young would come up to her, gently place his hand on her glossy hair, and say: "Of what is my gentle friend thinking?" She would look up into the old gentleman's kindly, careworn face, and reply: "You and I, Mr. Young, think on the same subject." "Yes, Marion, and soon the search will be over and we will return home, but it will be a sad home-going, for I now besrin to think that Fred will not accompany us." As Mr. Young- spoke he turned his head toward a dis- tant ship on the blue sea horizon, to hide the tears which involnntprilv ptole rlown his cheeks. And Marion's voice was tremulous W^PI <=he <=?ud: "I, too, begin to think that our efforts will not be 320 FREDERICK YOUNG. rewarded here; but, Mr. Young, we will meet him in the hereafter, and the balance of this life will be spent know- ing that our duty has been done to the best of our ability." "True, Marion, and we will be comforted thereby." While the Altair was lying at anchor at Noukahiva, many native men and women came aboard to trade, and they showed great curiosity regarding the ship and her belongings. One man, who seemed more intelligent than the Marquesans in general, the captain took into the engine-room, the pilot house, and through the richly fur- nished saloons and sleeping apartments. The native was fairly wonder-struck, and he made the fact known by exclamations of delight and surprise when he saw any- thing particularly attractive or unusual to his eyes. He liked to feel of the polished black-walnut and bird's-eye maple finish in the cabins, and of the glittering brass and silver work, much to the annoyance of the stewards, who had to keep it brightly burnished. This diversion af- forded great amusement to all on board, and Kaureka, which was the native's name, laughed when the others did, so all were apparently pleased. Constance, by the captain's suggestion, invited the native into the ladies' parlor, where he was seated in a blue silk and plush lounging chair, which was the recip- ient of much admiration from Kaureka. He intimated that the seat was too good for 'him, but Captain Ashton told him to sit there as they had plenty more good seats. When Constance struck up a lively march on the piano, the native, who seemed to be fond of music, could hardly contain himself. There was such a contrast between the soft, melodious tones of this instrument and those of native manufacture, that he became entranced by the for- mer. And, then, the lively airs were so much different from anything that he had ever heard that they worked him up to such a pitch of excitement that he jumped up, apparently unconscious of those who were regarding him, and kept time in an uncouth but amusing dance. FREDERICK YOUNG. 321 When the music finally ended he stopped dancing and then he seemed abashed at his own boldness, which he had but just realized. Kaureka was assured by his entertainers that no harm was done, and he again became seated. Constance played several more selections for his benefit, and he kept quite good time by moving his head, arms and feet simul- taneously. The native by special invitation remained to dinner, and his curiosity and surprise at the way a meal was served in a civilized manner created much tacit amusement around the spread. The cut glass and silver received more of 'his attention,'however,than the daintily prepared viands, much to the chagrin of the cook, who prided him- self on his culinary skill. When this untutored son of the Pacific was put on shore from the launch, he had many things to remember and much to tell his friends, who immediately flocked around him. Another day Marion and Constance enticed two shy, but graceful and pretty native girls, aboard. At first the native young ladies were reserved and taciturn, but after awhile they became more communicative, and before they left the yacht much had been learned from them re- garding the habits and customs of their people. The white girls made their dusky callers a number of pres- ents, which delighted them 1 very much. Much wonder was manifested by the natives, while their entertainers were pleased at the novelty of the situation and the pleas- ure they were the means of creating for their visitors. The feats of these dusky maidens were sometimes won- derful. At one place, when the yacht was a good half- mile from the beach, one of the native girls swam out to the ship with a large bunch of bananas on her back which she wanted to sell or exchange for print or beads. Mr. Stillman related a tradition which is current in the South Pacific regarding the creation of the world. The 322 FREDERICK YOUNG. Polynesians, like nearly all other classes of men, have it that in the beginning the earth was void and empty and darkness was on the face of the deep. Jupiter's daughter, a mythological character in the form of a snipe, was sent by her father from heaven to find dry land, and after many failures she found a single rock which was barren and cold. She came again with a creeping plant and a little earth in which it was to grow, and thus the verdant islands of Polynesia, according to the native idea, came into ex- istence. They do not go on to explain how all of the dif- ferent vegetable and animal forms were created, but one would infer from the foregoing narrative that later and higher forms came into existence by the process of evolu- tion. That is, that they all developed from the single creeping plant which was brought from heaven by the daughter of Jupiter, in the form of a snipe. "Probably," said Captain Ashton, "this puerile concep- tion of the beginning was introduced by some of the an- cient progenitors who passed themselves off as sages of renown, and this story was conceived by one of them and diffused among their ductile followers as a great truth." Saturday, December 3Oth, the search for Frederick Young was formally declared at an end, unless something of importance came up which would warrant further ac- tion in that direction, and that was very improbable. The luxuriantly clothed valleys and hills, and the verdant shores of both groups of the Marquesas Islands had been explored and success was not the reward for those who had been so diligent and faithful in the work. Monday morning the Altair was to sail for Valparaiso, and from there to New York via the Strait of Magellan or Cape Horn. This announcement created the wildest ex- citement on board; the sailors were jubilant that home was to be their next objective point, and they were unable to restrain themselves. Mr. Young felt thankful that his little band had not been broken into by accident, infectious maladies or dis- FREDERICK YOUNG. 323 cord, and that he was now able to give his men pleasure by sailing for their native state. He and others that were closely bound to Fred by family and friendship ties felt sad and despondent when the moment came to abandon the hope which had once thrilled through their souls with joy and expectancy. However, they thought, it might be all for the best that it should be thus. Perhaps the sad termination of the search affected Marion more than any one else, at least, the poor girl when in her state-room with her bosom friend and con- stant companion, Constance, laid her head on her confi- dant's breast and wept bitterly. And even Constance, who had a less demonstrative nature, gave way to silent tears for the dear brother who had always been so kind, loving and gentle to her. The afflicted girls wept in mutual sorrow. Previous to this turning point a spark of hope had remained, but now that was ruthlessly ex- tinguished. Sunday was spent in rest and religious thought and action. The Altair lay at anchor oft the attractive island called Mofane or San Pedro. The plans for future pro- cedure had been thoroughly discussed the day before. Mr. Young wanted to reach New York as quickly as possible, now that the object of the voyage was no longer an issue. Captain Ash ton said that it would be absolutely ne- cessary that they put in at Valparaiso to replenish their supply of coal, as they had not enough on hand to carry them to Cape Horn. "How far is it to Valparaiso, and how long will it take us to traverse the intervening- sea?" asked Mr. Young. "It is about 3,800 miles, and if the Altair can average her eighteen miles per hour, w'e will reach that port in nine or ten days," the captain returned. Monday, January i, 1883, at dawn, a lively scene was visible on deck. The steam was escaping from the safety valves and preparations for departure were being made. 324 FREDERICK YOUNG. It was clear, warm and calm. A hot tropical day was predicted. The sea-birds swarmed around the ship and tried to out do eac'h other in vociferousness. Just as the sun peeped above the horizon and made the water scin- tillate in its rays for miles around, the Altair put out to sea. The yacht made a pretty picture. Her long, narrow, black hull divided the water easily and gracefully; a track of white foam was left astern which could be traced for miles on the calm surface of the sea; a column of black smoke arose from her stack and flowed astern, growing thinner and thinner until it apparently gradu- ated into invisibility; the sails were neatly furled and the deck was thronged with members of the expedition. "Farewell, Polynesia!" said Captain Ashton as he stood aft watching the land fade away in the far west. "Yes, Captain," said Mr. Young, "we may never see those islets of eternal summer again, nor the blue waters in which poor Fred met his fate." "What, Mr. Young, have you abandoned all hope?" inquired Mr. Stillman in a constrained voice. "Yes, I now think that my boy found a watery grave at the time the Polynesia was lost, nearly two years ago." "If it were so, let us trust, Mr. Young, that we will meet him in the great beyond where pain and sorrow are unknown." "We will meet him there, for he was as honest and good as the day is long," said the kind father, and then he turned and gazed long and wistfully astern. The weather was so fine that the ladies and gentlemen spent the greater part of their time on deck. The fact was, it was too close and hot below to be agreeable. The rays of the tropical sun beat on the deck intensely hot, and the interior of the ship, as a consequence, became very oppressive. The forward motion of the yacht caused a pleasant, perpetual breeze on deck which was extremeiy FREDERICK YOUNG. 325 refreshing. The passengers walked, played games, talked, read and did all manner of things to pass the time away. Prince kept his friends company on deck, and although he had not moaned any for some time he had shown un- mistakable signs of uneasiness. He would often ascend the steps to the bridge and gaze long and earnestly across the blue water, and what was a remarkable fact, two-thirds of the time his great intelligent eyes looked to the south- west. Several people on board remarked this action, but it passed without comment although considerable think- ing was caused thereby. Now the yacht was heading for home, but Prince apparently took no interest in her movements, so the theory which had been brought for- ward to explain away his mysterious demonstrations at Pitcairn's Island, was tacitly contradicted. When Prince was on the bridge, Marion would sit with a book in her lap apparently reading, but a close observer would have noticed that her eyes were constantly di- verted from her volume by the dog, which she kept under strict surveillance, and the puzzled expression on her face was evidently not occasioned by her reading, as Prince got the majority of her attention. The days passed off one after another. The Altair sped onward. It would not be long before the Andes would loom up ahead. Sailing craft and steamships were often seen, but the speedy yacht soon left them astern. Even the flying-fishes which were constantly jumping out of the water and scaling ahead, could not hold their lead as several fell on deck and they found their way, by the captain's assistance, into the museum, where they were preserved in a proper manner. One day, just after a peculiar specimen had been cap- tured, Constance said: "Captain, will you please tell us about these bird-like fishes?" "Yes, do, Captain," chimed several voices. "Well, friends, I will tell you what I know about them, and that, I fear, is not much. You must remember 326 FREDERICK YOUNG. that it is a very difficult matter to study the habits of deep water fishes, and, consequently, not a great deal is known about them. However, it is known that there are two kinds of flying-fishes. One is sometimes called the fly- ing herring, although it is more closely allied to the gar- pike. Its general appearance is a great deal like a her- ring, but the abnormally large fins render the likeness less real. These fins are the only wings the fish can boast of, and these he is unable to flap, but they are admirably adapted to scaling. The flying gurnards, so- called, have larger and differently shaped fins. The head is more blunt, and it is covered with spines, while each scale has a bony keel. The pectoral fins in both species are greatly prolonged to perform the function of leav- ing their natural element. "Some claim that these fishes only leave the water in rough weather or when pursued by an enemy, but I think they do. These that have just fallen on the Altair's deck were evidently trying to get out of her way, but she proved too fast for them. As a rule, the flight of these fishes is rapid, and it gradually decreases as they lose their forward motion by friction with tne air, but despite this fact they often scale for 500 feet with quietly distended wings. They cannot turn in the air unless in rough weather they touch their caudal fin on the wave tops, and by this means slightly change their course. Also in rough weather they have a slight, undulating motion as they rise over each wave crest, rising by the pressure of the rushing air. In calm weather the flight of these fishes is without deflection, just as if they had been shot from a gun. On the whole they are a peculiar and inter- esting fish and volumes have been written about them." "Then, captain, when we see a flying-fish emerge from the sea some distance from the yacht, we may assume that there is a foe beneath the waves?" said Constance, interrogatively. "Yes, usually, and some of those foes are so avaricious FREDERICK YOUNG. 327 that they follow the flight of their aerial congeners, and the instant the wings or fins of the flying-fish become dry and the fish drops into the sea the pursuing fish seizes and devours his prey." "Poor, little fishes, they, as well as nearly all other beings on this earth, have their enemies," said Constance. Good weather prevailed and the Altair kept up her average speed day after day with ease. On the eighth day of the voyage one of the crew made a capture. For six consecutive days a large bird of a dusky- white color, with darker wings and back, had followed the ship. It was the largest and strongest of the sea-birds and among the sailors it was said to be a "gony," but Captain Ashton said it was the wandering albatross or Diomedea exulans of scientists. This bird had not only kept up with the fleet yacht all of this time, but it had cir- cled around the Altair repeatedly and with apparent ease. During this time the bird had not been observed to alight on the water or on the boat, and its powers of endurance, which are well known, were here remarkably illustrated. Perhaps the ladies and sailors had coaxed the big bird along by occasionally throwing morsels of table refuse to it, which it would skillfully pick from the water, without arresting its flight. By thus leading it on it fell an easy prey to Parkins, a sailor, when he threw a strong line overboard with a hook attached to the end, but artfully concealed in a piece of bacon. That is, the bird was easily hooked, but it was a different matter to haul the mammoth sea-fowl aboard, though it was suc- cessfully accomplished after considerable maneuvring and muscular exertion. To the mariner this is a bird of good omen, so the crew were unanimous in regard to sparing its life. The hook was found to be caught in the back part of the lower mandible, and the steel point was soon removed without 328 - FREDERICK YOUNG. the captive being any the worse for the misfortune which had befallen him. The bird was now free in one sense, but a prisoner in another. He was not fastened, yet he could not leave the deck for the bulwarks were an obsta- cle that he could not surmount. It is a well known fact that these birds have to take a long run, whether on land or water, to take flight, and the deck of the Altair did not afford sufficient space for the captive to rise into the air, consequently, he was really a prisoner. Those coming near him at first had to exercise considerable care and not get within striking distance of his sharp-edged, hooked beak or his powerful wings, for he could inflict a strong blow with either, and a severe wound might be made with the former. By kind treatment he soon became semi- domesticated and he would then take food from one's hand. One day the bird was weighed, and he just raised the scale-beam at twenty-three pounds, and his stretch or measurement from tip to tip was fifteen feet, six inches. Captain Ashton pronounced this to be a remarkably large specimen, although larger and heavier ones are on record as having been taken. It has been said repeatedly that Prince was an uncom- monly sagacious dog, but he was foolish enough to try to make a friend of Mr. Albatross. The big bird, how- ever, resented the intrusion by giving the dog a sharp blow on the nose, and ever after Prince kept a respectful distance from the albatross. In fact, the St. Bernard seemed to realize that his good intentions were not re- ciprocated, and that they had really been insulted, so he completely ignored the presence of the bird during his sojourn on the yacht. January gth, which was Tuesday, Captain Ashton an- nounced that if the good weather, which they had enjoyed up to that time, continued twenty-four hours longer, they would reach port. FREDERICK YOUNG. 329 On the following- day at 1 1 o'clock in the forenoon, the lookout at the mast-head reported land to the east. An hour thereafter the mountainous Chiliean coast was dis- tinctly seen stretched out before them, and at 1.15 o'clock the Altair came to anchor in the Bay of Valparaiso near the amphitheatre-like location of the city. 330 FREDERICK YOUNG. CHAPTER XXVII. STRANGE ACTIONS. All that could went ashore at Valparaiso, while the coal bunkers of the Altair were being filled. Many letters were received and many were sent. The latter told the friends in New York that the expedition was journeying home amid sorrow and disappointment. Many needful articles were purchased, and the ladies could not resist the temptation of going shopping for the sake of old times. Monday morning, January 15, 1883, the yacht left the harbor under full steam, and she was destined for the Ma- gellan Strait. As Point Angelos was being doubled Marion and Constance came on deck, arm in arm, pre- pared for a promenade. Captain Ashton was near the lee rail scrutinizing through his marine glasses a Spanish brig which was trying to make port under an adverse wind. The breeze at that time was quite brisk and it blew from the north- east "If it is very interesting, captain, we would like a peep," said Marion. "You may look through the glasses if you like, ladies, but I will assure you that it is hardly worth the trouble. I was watching the rather clumsy maneuvers of yonder ship; she carries the Spanish flag." "We will not trouble you then," said Constance. "Oh, by the way, captain, are we not near Robinson Crusoe's Island?" inquired Marion. "Yes, Miss Marion, we shall go within a day's sail of FREDERICK YOUNG. 331 Juan Fernandez, but unless we alter our course we shall not even see the famous islet." "I would so much like to see it and always have desired to since I was a little child and used to read about Crusoe in toy books. Cannot you change your course a little so we may see the island, if nothing more?" ques- tioned Marion in an unrefusable tone. "I am perfectly willing to do so, if you will get Mr. Young's consent. In fact, I would like to see the island myself," returned the captain. "I want to see it, too, and we will never have a better chance," said Constance. "Let's go and see Mr. Young," said Marion, and the two young ladies gayly tripped off on their errand, fol- lowed by Prince. The girls readily got Mr. Young's consent. It would not take long to see Juan Fernandez, and everybody seemed willing- to spare the time in order that they might see the land where Selkirk used to live. Ten minutes after the foregoing conversation oc- curred, the Altair was plowing the sea in the direction of Juan Fernandez. The island is about 400 miles west of Valparaiso and if the sea did not run any higher than it was then running, the east island, the voyagers thought, ought to be sighted the next forenoon. Two stay-sails were set which not only steadied the yacht, but also augmented her speed, for she was favored with a fair wind. During the night the strong wind nearly ceased to blow, and by morning the ocean was comparatively calm. Eager eyes watched for the first sight of land, and at 10.30 A. M. El Yunque, as the Spanish call the highest part of the island, appeared. A sailor, with keen and experi- enced eyes, first sighted the land of Robinson Crusoe fame, and thus took the honors. The highest peak, which resembles a huge pinnacle 332 FREDERICK YOUNG. broken off at the top, reaches an altitude of 3,000 feet. The island itself is thirteen miles long and four miles wide. It is volcanic, extremely rugged and precipitous, while several inaccessible peaks rear their barren heads into the air. The Spanish call this island Mas-a-Tierra, meaning, "more to land." A small island nine miles west of Juan Fernandez is called Mas-a-Fuera, or "more to sea." Captain Ashton suggested that it would be prudent to steam to the north coast and anchor in Cumberland Bay, which is the best harbor that the island affords. This bay is so deep that it is difficult to get a good, safe an- chorage, but the stay would be short and fortunately the weather was fine, so no danger need be apprehended. Mr. Young always acquiesced to Captain Ashton's pro- posals regarding the minor details of the voyage, as the owner considered his commander a competent navigator. Juan Fernandez grew clearer and clearer to the view and finally the island was rounded; the Altair passed into the harbor and came to anchor. The bay seemed to be nearly surrounded with mountains and precipitous cliffs of basalt and greenstone, while light green vegetation clothed the mountain slopes to their very summits. A settlement consisting of thirty rude huts nestled near the shore, and they were occupied by Chilians who till the soil in the valley which slopes toward the harbor. Exclamations of delight and surprise broke out from the passengers, for this was a rare sight and one that would be long remembered; it was truly an entrancing scene. The sea-green water; the dark verdure-dotted cliffs; the narrow valley; the blue sky overhead, and thousands upon thousands of sea-birds on the water, on the cliffs, and in the air, mad,e an extremely picturesque scene. No doubt considerable excitement would be created among the islanders, as ships do not visit them very often, FREDERICK YOUNG. 333 and it would not be surprising if the Altair was the first palatial pleasure yacht that had ever entered Cumber- land Bay. The yacht had no sooner come to anchor than several row-boats put out from the village and approached her. They contained several swarthy natives of Spanish de- scent, who could not wait for their visitors to come ashore. When the islanders learned that the Americans had sim- ply come to see the island several of the natives offered their services as guides. They were cordially thanked for tendering their services, but none were engaged at that time. Mr. Young intended to go ashore after din- ner when all necessary arrangements could be perfected. The natives did not tarry long, but while they remained they expressed great admiration for the yacht. During 1 dinner the ladies importuned Mr. Stillman to give them a brief sketch of the history of Juan Fer- nandez. "Well," he commenced, "a pilot by the name of Fer- nandez discovered this island and also the one nine miles west of us in the year 1563. He succeeded in obtaining a grant of this islet from the Spanish government, and he brought several domestic animals here and made quite an extensive sojourn on this isolated land. After this pioneer left, some goats and pigs remained and they flourished, and soon the island became well stocked with their descendants. For a long time after there were no human beings on Juan Fernandez, but the contiguous sea contained many edible fishes and so Chilian fisher- men came to fish, and naturally they paid occasional visits to these rocky shores. Schouten and LeMaire put into this bay in 1616, and they reported goats, pigs, fish, sandal wood and wild quinces as being exceedingly abundant. "Next Admiral 1'Ermite made a short stop at the island, and when he departed six of his seamen remained be- hind, and what their fate was has never been learned. The bold and much dreaded buccaneer, Sharp, entered 334 FREDERICK YOUNG. Cumberland Bay in 1668, and he found pigs so abundant that besides what were killed and eaten fresh, a hundred were salted for future consumption. In 1687 five men, from a pirate ship commanded by Edward Davis, volun- tarily remained on this island, and it was not until 1690 that they left on an English ship which happened to call here. Dampier visited here in 1700, and while at this island Captain Straddling, of the Cinque Port galley had trouble with his men, and forty-two deserted, but they were finally taken on board by Dampier. A few of them, however, eventually remained on shore. "In 1704 the Cinque Port came back and found two of these men. The others had been captured by the French. During this visit Captain Straddling had a difference with one of his subordinate officers, by the now familiar name of Alexander Selkirk, who after the trouble insisted on being left on the island, and his wish was complied with; he changed his mind later and wanted to return to the ship, but was not allowed to do so. He had but a few necessaries left with him, and he remained here for four years and four months in solitary exile. He was rescued by Captain Rogers of the ship Duke, in 1709. From this man's story the narrative of Robinson Crusoe was suggested to Defoe and, consequently, Selkirk's ex- perience was the cause of that popular book being writ- ten. "Commodore Anson," Mr. Stil'man continued, "in his ship Centurion, anchored in this bay in June 1741, and after his return home he decided to form an English set- tlement here, but the Spaniards heard of the project and they hastily occupied and garrisoned this island. When Carteret came here he found the Spaniards hostile and so he did not land, but he visited the western island instead. Later Juan Fernandez came into the possession of the Chilians, and it has been used as a convict station by them, but it is now occupied by families who have come here voluntarily." FREDERICK YOUNG. 335 "This isolated land has surely had an interesting and an eventful history," Mr. Young added as Mr. Stillman con- cluded. "Now, let us go ashore and see how we like Crusoe's home," said Mrs. Young, and they all arose from the dining table, went on deck and prepared for an excursion ashore. The launch was in readiness and all of the ladies and gentlemen descended the steps, and, accompanied by a few sailors, they steamed toward the village. Mr. Young obtained guides, and it was decided by the party that they ascend the heights first so as to get a gen- eral view of the island, and also to see the tablet erected on the hill road in 1868, by the officers of the H. M. S. Topase, in memory of Selkirk. The afternoon was short, so they started off at once, accompanied by Prince, who seemed to take an enthusi- astic part in all these inland excursions. Marion and Constance amused themselves by collect- ing strange and rare plant forms by the path-sides, while Captain Ashton was ever on the alert for specimens be- longing to the great animated kingdom of nature, and it is perhaps needless to say that he found an abundance of material on this isolated land. The other members of the expedition took pleasure in noting and commenting on the wonders and freaks of nature as displayed along the mountain road. The great pinnacles and buttresses of rock, of the older trappean series, were particularly noticeable, and their irregularity denoted a volcanic origin. It was very tedious work climbing the basaltic slopes, and even the shrubbery was so unfirmly attached to the light soil that a bush would come up by the roots if one took hold of it for support. This made the climbing extremely hazardous, and especially so to one unac- quainted with this peculiarity of the vegetation on the mountain slopes. 336 FREDERICK YOUNG. After awhile the party reached an elevated gap called "Selkirk's Lookout," and a beautiful bird's-eye view of the island and the surrounding sea was obtained. The Altair could be seen in the bay far below, and she looked no larger than a small row-boat, the yacht was so much diminished in size by the immutable law of perspective. At various beaches along the coast, seals could be seen in large numbers, and numerous species of sea-birds swarmed around the precipices and rocky declivities in myriads. The captain's binocular glasses revealed these and many more interesting features. At this place the guide pointed out the tablet which bore the following inscription: "In memory of Alexander Selkirk, mariner, a native of Largo in the County of Fife, Scotland, who was on this island in complete solitude for four years and four months. He was landed from the Cinque Port galley, ninety-six tons, sixteen guns, 1794 A. D., and was taken off in the Duke privateer, I2th February, 1709. He died lieutenant of the Weymouth, 1723 A. D., aged forty-seven years. This tablet is erected near Selkirk's lookout by Commodore Powell and officers of H. M. S. Topaze, 1868, A. D." "Poor man, how he must have suffered! He must have been lonesome and discontented on this islet night and day for over four years, with nothing but wild birds and animals for his companions," said Mrs. Stillman. "And then," added her husband, "at first he must have had strong hopes of being taken off, but as the years went slowly by and no ship came, how sad and disap- pointed he must have felt. But when the Duke sailed into the harbor, how happy he must have been! Why, I should think that his soul would have thrilled with joy." "I hope Fred is not being subjected to that solitude, it would have been far better for him to have gone down with the Polynesia" said Mr. Young, agitatedly. FREDERICK YOUNG. 337 * "Oh, I do not think so! While there is life there is hope," said Marion earnestly. The descent was made by another route that led through dense growths of trees and shrubberies. A few palms of one species and two kinds of magnificent tree- ferns were seen. Also scattering sandal-wood trees, which were once abundant, but now thinned out by the avaricious hand of man. Ferns of many and curious forms grew in verdant exuberance underfoot. Mr. Still- man said that twenty-four species had been found on Juan Fernandez. Flowering plants of brilliant hues, and pleas- ing odoriferous propensities were constantly met with, and humming birds of many colors and of beautiful iri- descent plumage were around the flowers in the greatest profusion. Their sheeny bodies seemed to bear all the metallic lusters known to art and science, as they darted from flower to flower gathering the minute insects which feed on the enticing nectar. Remarkable plants with gigantic leaves grew in semi-tropical luxuriance, while procumbent rhizomes ran along the ground and their leaves grew eight and ten feet high, supported by mas- sive stalks, under which a horse and rider could pass with ease. While descending the mountain slopes Captain Ashton secured several varieties of resplendent hummers; a pair of thrushes, the male a cinnamon color, while the female was green, which is a remarkable differentiation of sex; and a male flycatcher of a somber hue. The guides, by a short cut, conducted the party directly to the north beach, on which the seals delight to take sun baths, and to gambol among the breakers. The sun was probably two hours high when the guides, followed by the people of the Altair, descended a steep and dangerous greenstone cliff by a narrow and circuit- ous path, and after a few minutes of careful and tedious descent the sandy beach was reached. The ladies were nearly all exhausted, so a short rest was in order, and the 338 FREDERICK YOUNG. fragments of igneous rocks scattered round at the base of the declivity served as improvised seats. This beach was probably one-fourth of a mile in length and it formed an arc of a circle the convexity being inland. The incline to the contiguous sea was quite steep and the shore was comparatively narrow. Overhanging cliffs appeared to completely hem the sandy shore in, and it suggested a dangerous locality for a stranger at high tide, but the guides said that they had never known the water to completely submerge the beach, and to sub- stantiate their assertion they pointed out the line of drift wood, sea-weed, etc., which was the maximum high water mark. It was but a few feet from the base of the preci- pice. Prince gamboled on the sand and pebbles and ran up and down the beach, apparently enjoying the presence of the seals and sea-lions in the surf and on the shore. The amphibians barked and grunted at him as he passed them, and some of the more timid ones floundered into the sea. Marion and Constance feared for his safety among the mammoth sea-lions, but he was so pleased with the seals that he was deaf to the call of his friends. "O, dear! I am afraid he will attack some of those big- seals, and they may kill him," said Constance. "Don't be alarmed, Miss, he can't catch the seals and they won't hurt him," said one of the guides. "Are they perfectly harmless? Have they not got teeth?" inquired Constance. "Oh, yes, Miss, but they won't use them if they can help it. If your dog should go toward the seals, they would dive into the water and get out of sight in almost no time." The ladies smiled; they were re-assured. Prince had wandered some distance down the beach, FREDERICK YOUNG. 339 and as the party was quite rested, some of them began to think about returning to Cumberland Bay. "Come, Mr. Young, Captain Ashton, father, and every- body, are we not sufficiently rested? Let us walk down the shore and see the seals," said Marion. "Very well, Marion, the sun is getting low, perhaps it will be better for us to see the amphibians and then return, to the village," returned Mr. Young, arising. The others arose and followed their leader. As they sauntered along the pebbly shore the Waves continually broke in a white foam at their feet ami the colored stones showed up to the best advantage; in fact, they looked as if they had received a fresh coat of var- nish to set forth their beauty. The seals sniffed the air, gave a few barks and then clumsily slipped into the water as the party approached. The amphibians' heads, however, would appear a few sec- onds later from the sea and but a few feet from the shore. They were very timid, but their curiosity overcame their diffidence to a certain extent. Their smooth, rounded heads; large, soft, and expressive eyes; and branching smellers gave the animals a gentle and an attractive aspect, as they wonderingly gazed at the intruders. These seals were the smaller variety, and they were some four or five feet in length; in color light below; yellowish gray above, and spotted irregularly with dark brown. The larger species, which was of nearly the same. color, al- though the spots or blotches did not appear to be as dis- tinct, were not much afraid of their superiors. These were the sea-lions, so called, and they were eight or more feet in length, and they were better adapted to locomotion on land than their smaller congeners. The former, Cap- tain Ashton said, belonged to the eared seals, and they were undoubtedly the Otaria fubata of mammalogists. It was, indeed, a strange sight to see these gentle crea- tures in such proximity. It was very evident that these 340 FREDERICK YOUNG. seals were not much hunted by men. Everybody was delighted, and' some of the party felt as if they would like to caress and make friends with the innocent looking amphibians, but it was impossible to approach them near enough to do so. "These mammals," explained Captain Ashton, "are very awkward on land but extremely agile in the water. They habitually feed on fishes and crustaceans, and in the far south or polar regions they lie on the icebergs and floes apparently unconscious of the cold." "Can they be kept alive?" inquired Constance. "Yes, indeed, have you not seen them in menageries or zoological gardens?" "Perhaps I have, but one sees so much in those places that it is difficult to remember every thing." "True, but these seals are often kept for a long time in captivity, and they are said to soon become firmly attached to their attendants, and feed out of their hands with a total absence of hesitation or fear." Prince had now returned to his companions and he seemed inclined to stay with them. The ocean drift at the base of the rocks next received the attention of the party. It was a heterogeneous mass which the waves had been depositing there for unknown ages, but, of course, the older drift had become decom- posed and it then only served as a foundation for more recent accumulations. Among this drift were found many perfect univalve and bivalve shells, well preserved crustaceans, echinoderms of various forms, dried fishes and their skeletons, sponges, sea-fans and many beauti- ful species of sea-algae. All were enthusiastic collecting these unique produc- tions of the briny sea. The shells with delicate pink and purple tints were perhaps more sought after than the richly iridescent pearls, which were numerous. An hour was spent searching for conchological speci- mens, when Mr. Young announced that it was getting FREDERICK YOU NO. 341 late, and that all ought to return to the Altair without further delay. But Marion moved a few steps farther down the strand, accompanied by Prince. The St. Bernard was walking on the drift. Suddenly "he smelled of a particular spot for a few seconds, then he raised his head, barked long and loudly, and seemed strangely excited. Marion went to the spot. Prince was digging with his paws; trying, seemingly, to get nearer the object that he had scented. "What is it, old fellow? Tell me!" she said. The dog looked up for a second and his great, honest and intelligent eyes met her gaze, then he uttered that pe- culiar moan, with which his friends had become familiar, and resumed his digging. "He has evidently scented some animal," said Mr. Young, procuring a strip of board and assisting the dog. All manner of ocean productions were thrown aside, and about eight inches below the surface of the drift, Mr. Young's stick struck something hard and slippery. Prince put his nose to it, then he raised his head and gave vent to an unearthly, soul-stirring howl that was really mournful in its character, and yet it seemed to indicate a certain degree of joyfulness. 342 FREDERICK YOUNG. CHAPTER XXVIII. A FOREIGN VISITOR. The two castaways on Empire Island continued their labors unconscious of the vicissitudes of hope and despair that the searching- party was passing through. Fred, especially, had no idea how his parents and friends had worked and suffered for him. It would have pained him deeply to have known that succor had at one time been so near, and that cruel circumstances had widened the breach between him and his family. Surely ignorance was bliss. The 26th of June, 1882, labor at boat-building was re- sumed. Mr. Ellsworth and Fred were working from day- light until dark every week day in order that the comple- tion of the boat might be hastened as much as possible. All of the time that was spared from this work was while food was being procured, prepared and eaten, and while the necessary rest and sleep were being- obtained. The overhanging basaltic cliff under which the work was being- carried on afforded excellent protection from -sun and wet. It was about 150 feet high and it projected over the beach twenty or twenty-five feet. This great rocky promontory was really a continuation of one of the numerous spur buttresses of Mount Ellsworth. The influx of the sea at even an abnormally high tide did not approach the ship-yard nearer than fifteen feet, so the work under the rocky roof progressed uninterruptedly, but not rapidly. The most difficult and tedious work encountered was getting out sufficient material from the tree butts to con- struct their craft. However, when August 5th came it was decided that enough lumber had been gotten out to FREDERICK YOUNG. 343 complete the boat, and preparations for finishing their work went on quite rapidly. August loth came; the day's work was done, supper was eaten and the lonely castaways sat on the veranda of their cabin and talked and enjoyed nature's charms. It was a lovely night, the sky was clear, and not one of the lustrous gems set therein was obscured by intervening clouds. As darkness spread its Cimmerian mantle com- pletely over the island, and the last glow from the solar rays became obliterated in the west, numerous minute meteors were noticed shooting through the upper strata of the atmosphere, and there leaving perfect lines of lu- minous dust to mark their course. "How uncommonly abundant shooting stars are to- night," Fred said. "Let me see, this is the loth of August," slowly said Mr. Ellsworth. "Yes." "Then, for the next forty-eight hours the earth will be crossing the orbit of the meteor swarm known as the Perseides. So that accounts for the unusual display of meteors to-night, and we may expect a repetition of the phenomena to-morrow evening." "Are not meteors, like other members of the solar system, governed by gravitation?" "Certainly." "Then how does the earth cross the orbit of these meteor swarms? If the sun is the common center of attraction for both meteors and planets, one would natur- ally suppose that their circular orbits would preclude all possibility of contact." "Astronomers were long misled by following that very- hypothesis, Fred, but now they know by actual proof and observation that their predecessors were wrong. It is now an established fact that the planets and asteroids have nearly circular orbits around the great central lu- minary, while certain erratic bodies, including come's 344 FREDERICK YOUNG. and meteors, 'have oval or oblong orbits. This, you will readily understand, accounts for the periodicity of these so-called star showers." "And how far from the sun do these meteors wander through space?" "That question has not been definitely determined, but it is known that the shooting stars which appear to di- verge from a certain point in the constellation Leo have a period of thirty-three and a quarter years. Of course, after knowing their period and velocity it is not difficult to compute the point of aphelion, which in the case under consideration, is near the orbit of the distant planet Ura- nus. The Leonids, as the thirty-three year swarm is called, travel at the enormous velocity, compared with terrestrial motions, of twenty-six miles a second, and since the earth is traveling in nearly the opposite direction and at a rate of nineteen miles a second, it follows that the meteors plunge into the upper strata of our atmos- phere at the rate of forty-five miles a second. The friction caused by this encounter immediately heats and burns the smaller meteors to dust, which falls on the earth by the hundreds of tons yearly, thereby adding to its bulk, weight, and gravity. In the course of countless ages the earth may grow to be as large as Jupiter is at the present time, or it may rival the sun itself in size ; we cannot pos- sibly limit the probable growth of our sphere. But, of course, as the size of our globe is increased by the impact of foreign bodies from interstellar space, so are the other members of our system enlarged in a like manner. This growth is probably universal, and all bodies now travers- ing space were once much smaller than they now are." "That is a new idea to me, Mr. Ellsworth, and it sug- gests many trains of thought which I have never fol- lowed." "People who think of these things are like Confucius, Pliny, Galileo, and others; that is, they are many years FREDERICK YOUNG. 345 ahead of their time. Their unconcerned contemporaries are unfortunate in not having reached that stage of evo- lutional development. Fred, mark my word, the time is yet coming when a private observatory, containing the most modern and approved instruments for examining the bodies of space, will be a necessary adjunct to the dwelling places of all well-informed and well-to-do peo- ple. The time has not yet come, but the tide of popular interest in cosmic phenomena is setting in, as is evi- denced by the way astronomy and kindred sciences are treated of in the unscientific periodicals of the day. The tidal wave has not yet appeared on the horizon of en- lightenment, but its advent is sure to agitate our poster- ity, and thunder at the gates of ignorance, and conquer and subdue the many who linger behind the portals." "It may be as you say, but I am afraid the glitter of gold will obscure the sight and dull the intellect of future generations as it does the present. But to return to the meteors, can you tell me how many come in contact with the earth in a given period of time?" "The best calculation, based on careful study, gives the mean number of these bodies entering our air envelope daily as not less than 20,000,000. Many of these are visible through powerful telescopes, but invisible to the naked eye." "And how large are these meteors ordinarily?" "Many are no larger than a grain of sand, and some of the brighter ones are perhaps as large as a pea, while some which reach the surface of the earth weigh many tons. One may get a very good idea of the appearance and structure of these foreign bodies by examining and study- ing the excellent collection in the National Museum in Washington. There you may see large quantities of meteors and meteorites ranging from the size of a num- ber six shot, which are preserved in small phials, to the great masses weighing hundreds of pounds," 346 FREDERICK YOUNG. While the foregoing conversation was being carried on a remarkable display of shooting stars was observed. The castaways left the veranda, crossed Palm River, and ascended Metropolitan Hill, that they might have a better view of the sky. They stood on the crest of this emi- nence, awed into silence by the celestial pyrotechnics, which was indeed beautiful to behold. The sky was fairly ablaze with the phosphorescent appearing trails of the meteors. An hour had passed, and the castaways had become fatigued and they were just going to return to their humble abode, when an incident startling yes, appal- ling in its character, took place. The shooting stars were hidden from view by a yellowish light, which suddenly overspread the sky, and the island became as light as day. Mount Young and Mount Ellsworth stood out in bold relief against the heavens; every thing visible could be seen plainly. The scientist turned to the northwest, from whence the light seemed to come. "Look!" he shouted. "A new sun has appeared to us!" Sure enough, a body more brilliant, more dazzling, and as large in appearance as the midday sun, blazed in the sky. The observers had but just time to look, when the dazzling visitor seemed to pass over their heads like a flash of lightning, and simultaneously the air reverber- ated with a series of crashing detonations that a hundred cannons could not have equaled. The frightened men covered their ears with their hands. Their ear-drums could not. stand such air vibrations without becoming impaired thereby. The castaways had never before wit- nessed or heard anything like it, but it only. lasted a few seconds, when the light disappeared as quickly as it had come, and with its disappearance the island trembled as if shaken by an earthquake. Surely it seemed that the celestial powers were uniting with the Plutonic forces FREDERICK YOUNG. 317 to disturb this solitary islet and its two human inhabi- tants. "Hurrah! Hurrah!" shouted Mr. Ellsworth, gesticu- lating wildly. "For mercy's sake, what is the matter? Are you hurt, or has this event caused aberration of your brain?" said Fred, in perplexity. "At last! At last, the privilege has been mine!" con- tinued the scientist. "He is certainly suffering from alienation of the mind!" thought Fred. "Do you not understand, Fred? We have seen an un- usually large meteor, and a big meteorite has fallen on Empire Island, and I know the spot. I saw it when it struck the earth. It was just this side of the limestone cliffs, on the northeast shore of Sylvan Lake. Come, let us hasten there. I will not sleep until I find the visitor from the infinite beyond." So saying the scientist dashed down the hill, and Fred 'had no choice but to follow his eccentric companion. It was a mile and a half to the spot indicated by Mr. Ellsworth, but they had cut a good path along the river to the lake, and by following this well known course they soon reached the cliffs. A three hours' search failed to reveal any trace of the meteorite. The scientist was too far away to locate the exact spot where the stranger from outer space fell, and he now recognized the fact that it would be futile to pro- long the search in the semi-darkness, so he reluctantly re- turned to Cocoanut Grove House with his companion. "We will find it in the morning, Fred." "It may not be an easy matter to locate it in the day- light." "I anticipate no trouble, as I took the range between Metropolitan Hill and the cliffs, and it must be on the 348 FREDERICK YOUNG. line between those points, and very near the rocks, I think." "Well, let us get some sleep ; it is already late." "I said I would not sleep until the meteorite was found, or other words to that effect, and I shall undoubtedly keep my word whether I wish to change it or not, for after the excitement of this evening insomnia will surely be my lot for the balance of the night." When Fred awoke the next morning his companion had gone. Fred looked at his watch. It was ten minutes before 5 o'clock. Mr. Ellsworth had gotten up early, and as his friend was sleeping, the scientist went out alone. "He did not want to wake me, and he was too impatient to loiter here," thought Fred. "I will get a morsel of food and follow him." When Fred got near the cliffs he shouted. An answer came from the neighboring forest. He went in the di- rection from whence the reply had come, and he soon came to where his friend was. Mr. Ellsworth had a wooden shovel and he was making the earth fly at an amazing rate. A pile four feet in height had already been thrown out by the industrious scientist, and he had excavated to the depth of five feet. "I have found it, and it is a big one," said Mr. Ellsworth, when he saw Fred appear. "Where is it?" "Eight feet below the surface of the earth. We will have a difficult time in getting it out, I am afraid." "How did you find it?" "Do you see that tree," pointing at what had once been an acacia tree with a trunk two feet in diameter. "I see a shattered butt. It looks as if it had been lightning-struck." "Worse than that, my friend, it was struck by a red hot five ton meteorite last night, and when I found this un- FREDERICK YOUNG. 349 fortunate tree, I soon found a big hole in the earth, and my prize at the bottom of it." Fred knew that no more work would be done on the boat by Mr. Ellsworth until the meteorite was unearthed so he got one of the steel bars which had been sharpened at one end and assisted in the excavation. It was 3 o'clock in the afternoon before the celestial visitor was laid bare, and an incline had been dug to it. It was a massive meteorite with a blackish, pitted crust, and very irregular in shape. Fragments had probably been thrown off when the sharp detonations were heard, but the sound which resembled thunder was undoubtedly caused by displacement of the air molecules and the crea- tion of a partial vacuum in the track of the rushing body. When the air rushed in to fill this vacuum, the violent concussion caused the crashing sounds. "Well," said Mr. Ellsworth, when their work was done, "I did not estimate the weight of our ultramundane visi- tor too high, I think. It is surely five feet long, three feet wide and two and one-half feet thick, and by its crust I should judge that considerable iron and nickel are contained in its mass." "Of what are meteorites usually composed? I have had an idea that they were principally made up of iron." "The chief elements found in these foreign bodies are: iron, magnesium, silicon, oxygen, nickel, cobalt, chro- mium, manganese, titanium, tin, copper, aluminium, po- tassium, sodium, calcium, arsenic, phosphorus, nitrogen, sulphur, chlorine, carbon, hydrogen, lithium and anti- mony." "And is the production of the Widmannstatten figures by etching an infallible proof that a body came from in- terstellar regions?" "It was once thought to be, but when Nordenskiold discovered huge masses, of what resembled meteoric iron imbedded in the igneous rocks of Greenland, and when it was subjected to the acid test and the peculiar lines ap- 350 FREDERICK YOUNG. peared, the former theory'was abandoned. It could no longer prove that a mineral mass came from regions foreign to our sphere." "Where do you think this meteorite came from, and what set it in such rapid motion?" "Those are simple questions, Fred, but they are far in advance of the present state of our knowledge. This rock may have been traveling through dark, cold space since time was a babe. Perhaps our numerals are inca- pable of representing the time that this meteorite has been traversing the great void which man cannot or has not measured. The enormous velocities with which the various bodies of the universe travel are probably caused by the magnetic attraction one inert body has for another. How these bodies were set in motion in the beginning is beyond the conception of humanity, and how tftiey originated, or, rather, how the component elements originated, we, in all probability, shall never know. Of course the majority will say: 'God made the matter of which everything in the universe is composed.' Perhaps he did, and probably this simple explanation will satisfy the knowledge-craving of a great many individuals, but it does not satisfy my mind. If something was created out of nothing, I want to know by what process it was ac- complished. To say that it was simply will power is puerile, absurd, preposterous!" "We might surmise and speculate on these subjects all our natural lives, I suppose, and then the truth would be as far beyond our reach as it is at this time. The meteor- ite now lies exposed before us. What shall we do with it?" said Fred. "I wish we could get it to our cabin; but it is too heavy for us to move unless we manufacture apparatus for the work," Mr. Ellsworth replied. "If we get it there it will be impossible to take it away in our boat, so we had better save our strength and time for more profitable work," FREDERICK YOUNG. 351 "True, Fred, and if we ever reach home we will send after this meteorite, and I will buy your share and pre- sent the foreign visitor to the Watertown University." "I claim no part of this meteorite, Mr. Ellsworth, you may consider the whole of it as your own." "But, Fred, these are very valuable; they sometimes bring, when cut, etched and polished, as high as two dollars an ounce, so you see this rock, to a great many, would be a fortune." "I would rather see home and friends once more than to own that metallic mass, even if it were composed of twenty-four carat gold." "That is right, Fred, I only mentioned the worldly value of meteorites for your information. It is of no intrinsic worth to you and me, so we will leave it here and con- tinue our good work." Before the scientist returned to Coral Bay he chipped a fragment from the meteorite to deposit among the mineral treasures at Cocoanut Grove Cabin. His col- lections there were assuming massive proportions, and Fred suggested, jocosely, that they build an addition to the cabin as a museum hall. As the castaways meandered slowly homeward, Mr. Ellsworth closely examined the fragment, and suddenly he uttered an exclamation of surprise ; he had evidently made a discovery.' "What is it?" asked Fred. "I cannot be deceived, and yet it does not seem possible, but if I am right this will revolutionize science. I will make tests, and I think my conclusion will be verified," muttered the scientist, unconscious that Fred had spoken. "May I ask what you are talking about?" Fred again ventured. "Why, my friend, this is one of the most interesting and important discoveries of modern times, it may be the means of solving many scientific problems. Yes," con- 352 FREDERICK YOUNG. tinued Mr. Ellsworth, "this fragment undoubtedly con- tains several minute diamonds." "I fail to understand wherein the great importance lies, your gems are not large enough to be of any commercial value," returned Fred. "You do not understand the true significance of this discovery, my friend. Now, of what do diamonds mainly consist?" "Of carbon," responded Fred. "And you have studied chemistry?" "Yes." "Then you must know that all unoxidized carbon on our globe 'has been formed by the action of organic life; in other words, it is absolutely necessary, so far as \ve know, for the action of life to be the medium whereby carbon is separated from its combination with oxygen." "I now recollect that what you say is claimed by modern chemists." "Now, Fred, the natural laws that are in force on the earth are evidently immutable throughout the universe; at least, some we can prove are. If carbon cannot be produced without the action of organic life on the earth, we naturally infer that it is so on other bodies, and as diamonds are nearly pure carbon, does not their pres- ence in this meteorite indicate that our ultramundane visitor came from a part of the firmament where plants and perhaps animals once existed, if they do not at the present time?" "Ah! I see your point. If pure carbon in this me- teorite is evidence that life of any sort has existed outside of the earth, the discovery is, indeed, of incalculable im- portance." "I think, Fred, that this straggler from the unknown realms may be the silent bearer of a sad tale. It pic- tures in my mind a beautiful sphere teeming with wonder- ful forms of animal and vegetable life, of a world that had passed through the epochs of nebulosity and reached iiiV FREDERICK YOUNO. 353 maximum of its life-bearing stage, at a period so remote that the vaporous state of our solar system in comparison is but as yesterday. I can imagine the decline of this ancient world, when the great central luminary, from which the organic forms derived their light and heat, be- gan to shine with a lurid glare, then it became incrusted in places, forming ominous black patches upon its sur- face, and finally its intense heat became entirely quenched and the cold of outer space reigned in nearly total dark- ness, only the distant suns, which were then in their infancy, shone as points of light and feebly illuminated the system that had died a natural death. A fate that our system, and all other systems must succumb to, for it is but a natural sequence of natural events. "When darkness came over this remote body of an- tiquity which we have under consideration, all life upon its surface ceased to exist; all liquids became congealed, and silence and eternal darkness took the place of the beauteous life and animation which were no more. But this was not the end, for I doubt if the proper places can be assigned to Alpha and Omega in nature. No, this ancient world had passed its most attractive stage, but it had not lost its forward motion through space, and perhaps it traveled for a period of time that vigintillions of years would not express, and then it came in violent contact with another sphere which had been moving in an opposite direction. Energy is never lost, therefore, the impact of these two bodies ; the arrestation of their centrifugal forces was instantaneously followed by intense heat. The energy of motion had by the col- lision been converted into a heat which was so great that the two bodies were completely liquefied if not vaporized, and a new nebula of great heat and brilliancy shone in space, which was perhaps destined to form a new system and to follow in the track of supremacy and decline of its predecessors. .When the collision occurred, no doubt, numerous heated fragments were thrown off and they, by 354 FREDERICK YOUNG. the law of gravitation, followed various courses through the great infinite vacuum. The heat generated within them was perhaps sufficiently great to crystallize the car- bon which was contained within their mass, and thus diamonds were formed. Many years later one of the frag- ments in question met and entered our system ; came in contact with the earth's atmosphere, and amid frictional heat and deafening detonations it fell on Empire Island, after an exceedingly eventful career. Two castaways " "You need not go any further with your story ; I un- derstand it perfectly. And I have concluded, Mr. Ells- worth, that modern scientists can have fertile imagina- tions as well as the ancient sages," said Fred, laughingly. "But," the scientist hastened to say, "my imaginary pic- ture was not made out of whole cloth, it was based on scientific principles accumulated by generations of orig- inal and laborious research." After this episode nothing of moment occurred on Em- pire Island for many weeks. Mr. Ellsworth and Fred worked steadily, and when the month of October came the boat had assumed a very ship-like appearance, for the hull looked much larger on the beach than it would when on the water. The planking had all been put on and it was comparatively well done. The builders con- sidered it useless to spend much time on the interior fit- tings and finish of their craft, but great care was used in bracing, so she would be able to withstand rough seas and heavy winds. This idea was kept constantly in mind, and, as a consequence, the boat became possessed of re- markable stability. One fine evening, a few days later, the castaways sat on the veranda, as had become the custom after the labor of the day was done. "Fred," said Mr. Ellsworth, after silent meditation, "this is the month of October." "Certainly." "And on what day is the third quartering of the moon?" FREDERICK YOUNG. 355 "If you mean this month, the third quarter of the moon comes to-day." "I thought so, and to-morrow morning I am going to arise at 2.30 o'clock so as to be out on the reef at 3 o'clock. If I mistake not a strange sight may be seen there, and I would like you to accompany me." "I fail to understand why you are so precise about the moon, time and location; but, however, if you think it will be worth the trouble I will accompany you." "We may be disappointed; what I have in mind may not occur on this island, but I think it will." The next morning at 2.45 o'clock, two figures emerged from Cocoanut Grove Cabin and went toward Harlem Reef. They both carried lanterns, and one carried a large earthenware pot, and the other a bundle of resinous sticks for torches. The lanterns were made by Mr. Ells- worth, and they need a word of explanation, for the reader may think it strange that the castaways should be the possessors of such luxuries. Mr. Ellsworth some time previous had constructed these lanterns. Among the cliffs he found large masses of imbedded muscovite which cleaved easily into thin, transparent laminae, and these when cut, formed an ad- mirable substitute for glass. He fitted these plates into neat but strong wooden frames, and lighted them by candles which he made from a combination of seal fat and palm wax. For wicks he used a vegetable fiber which was found on the island in pods, much resembling cotton in growth. An abundance of these candles had been made at odd times, and they were used to light the cabin or for any purpose deemed expedient. When the castaways got out near the extremity of Harlem Reef they found the tide low and the sea calm. Mr. Ellsworth lighted some torches and by their light the water was made plainly visible, and what a sight met their gaze! The water around the reef was a writhing, squirm- ing mass of worms, which were about one-eighth of an 356 FREDERICK YOUNG. inch in diameter and from nine to eighteen inches in length. The scientist soon filled the earthern pot with them, but Fred looked on without molesting the repulsive annelides. "Fred, these are the palolo of Polynesia; they are much sought after by the natives for food, but the strange fact of the case is that these worms only come on two mornings in the year, and at about this time. When the sun rises their end will be near, for they will break into pieces and by 9 o'clock they will all be dead. The liber- ated ova, however, will produce young, but they must meet the same fate a year hence that their parents will meet this morning." "This is a very strange thing," said Fred. "But tell me, pray, what the moon has to do with their appearance at certain times." "The fact that these worms appear at about 3 o'clock on the morning in October which follows the third quar- tering of the moon has been well established. And also that they again appear, although in smaller numbers, at the same time each November. They appear on these two mornings only, each year, and invariably around coral reefs and in certain localities. This explains why I was not sure that we would find them here this morning. The parents, you will understand, are broken up and de- stroyed to propagate their kind, and the eggs sink and are hatched below the surface of the sea. The worms are said to keep true lunar time, so that they appear just on the hour when custom has made them due. It probably takes about twelve months for them to reach maturity, when the moon exerts some occult magnetic power on them that arouses them to action. At any rate, their regularity of appearance in Samoa is so well known that the spring 1 season is called 'vaepalolo' or the time of palolo." "There are many strange things in nature, Mr. Ells- FREDERICK YOUNG. 357 worth, but these worms truly lead a life that is remarkable beyond compare." As the sun came up the worms began to break into sections and the incoming tide seemed to hasten the pro- cess of destruction, so that when the solar orb got three hours high not a whole palolo could be found around Harlem Reef. The worms taken to the cabin were found to be sweet and palatable, but they were not relished; they were too suggestive of serpentine forms. 358 FREDERICK YOUNG. CHAPTER XXIX. CRUSHED HOPES. By the middle of December the castaways' boat was really nearing completion. After bracing to their entire satisfaction, the deck timbers were put in and she was completely decked over excepting a small cockpit aft, where was an entrance to the rough, unfitted interior. This companion-way was so arranged that it could be hermetically closed, and after calking the boat, deck and all were expected to be water-tight. It was designed so that if a heavy sea broke over her bow none of the water could penetrate the interior, and even the cockpit had been protected by high and substantial wash-boards. It will be useless to burden the reader with weary de- tails, so we will not follow the castaways in the daily pro- gression of their prodigious undertaking. They worked earnestly and faithfully day after aay, and when Saturday night, January 13, 1883, came, the woodwork of the hull, the mast and the sails had been completed. These sails had been woven or plaited laboriously by hand from strips of palm leaves, and it was thought that they would give excellent service. The rope, a goodly quantity of which had been pre- pared, was made of a species of wild flax which was found quite plentifully on Empire Island. This rope was very pliable and exceedingly tough and strong. They had re- moved several pieces of iron and steel from the mast, which after heating and hammering was to be used on the boat, and it would all be in place in a few days, they then thought. It is perhaps superfluous to say that the casta- ways, thus far, were delighted with their work and their success, and what would be the termination of their FREDERICK YOUNG. 359 labors was the almost constant topic of their conversa- tion. "Well, Fred, what shall we name our boat?" Mr. Ells- worth asked that night after supper. Fred did not reply at once. His sweetheart's name "Marion" immediately came into his mind, she of whom he had thought and even dreamed of so much since he had been confined on this solitary and isolated island "But, no," he thought, "he must not put her name forward, for did not his companion share in this enterprise as much as himself, and would it not be selfish on his part to gratify his own sentimentality in this way? Certainly it would," and he tried to evolve a more suitable name one that would be mutually applicable. "The Hope, Mr. Ellsworth, how does that sound?" he at last ventured to say. "That will do nicely, Fred. No doubt we might think of many more euphonious titles, but The Hope admirably expresses the faith which we put in our boat." "Now that matter is disposed of the next question which occurs to me is, when shall we launch The Hope?" "We ought to have her ready for sea by the last of this month, and after we have tested her tightness and sailing qualities around the island we can, I think, get ready to leave our exile by the loth of next month." "God grant that we may !" fervently said Fred. "Fred," Mr. Ellsworth said a few minutes later, "you have undoubtedly noticed that I have spent considerable time away from the boat-yard lately?" "I have, and also that your mind seemed to be much occupied of late." "I will now explain what I have done," said the sci- entist, bringing out a lantern, a box and some minerals from his collection. "Here are three mineral substances which occur on our island, and they are all magnetite, but still they differ materially. This greenish fragment is composed principally of chlorite schist, but those minute 360 FRKUETilCK YOUNG. points which emit reflected light are magnetite crystals. This specimen, which resembles anthracite coal, is mainly made up of iron, but it has the peculiar property of mag- netite. This third and last mineral is the most important of the three, it is the true lodestone and it possesses an exceedingly strong degree of polarity. You will notice that it resembles iron, having a distinct metallic luster, and that the oxide in the form of dust clings to the min- eral in spine-like protuberances. This is caused by the strange power which is contained in the substance, which is analogous to that power displayed by the common magnet. Lodestone was called magnes by Pliny, from the name of the country, Magnesia, where it was found; and hence it gave the terms magnet and magnetism to science. Now, to come to the point, when I discovered these specimens of magnetite I conceived the idea of using the unknown ; the invisible force which they con- tained within their mass, for promoting our undertaking to a successful termination. "At the cliffs I hammered out and tempered a well bal- anced needle and an axle for it, the latter being pointed at either end. When this needle was finished I rubbed it with lodestone until it became strongly magnetized, when I found that I had an excellent compass needle, but it was unmounted. I next made a circular card, which is really a piece of thin, light wood covered with paper from one of my note-books. This card is divided into thirty-two parts, the four cardinal points being made more promi- nent than their divisions and subdivisions, while the positive or north pole is indicated by the conventional fteur de Us. After I attached the needle to the card I mounted the axle in a light ring of hard wood, which has a small stone weight at the bottom to keep the axle in the proper perpendicular position. This ring I mounted within a slightly larger ring, wliich, in turn, I hung on pointed bearings within my binnacle or compass-box. The only iron or steel that I used was the needle and FREDERICK YOUXG. 3G1 axle, and all the bearings are of the best and hardest stalactite I could find in the crystal cavern on Sylvan Lake. "I worked long and patiently, Fred, and my labor was well rewarded. We can put to sea when we are ready, with confidence that The Hope can be guided with some degree of intelligence, instead of in an irregular manner; we will neither be deterred by clouds nor fog, the sun will not then be our guide; we will watch the compass needle, which I will warrant the waves cannot disturb, and by its aid The Hope, our hope, shall be guided to a harbor of safety. There, my friend, is the fruit of my secret labor," and the scientist handed his young companion the box which was previously mentioned. Fred took and carefully examined the compass. The box was six inches square and six inches deep, the cor- ners were dovetailed together, the cover was neatly fitted and the whole bore a good polish. The needle was three inches long, and it pointed invariably to the north pole of the earth. Fred inclined the box in all directions, but the magnetic point maintained its horizontal position, and persistently pointed in a direction which lay intermediate between the boat-yard and Harlem Reef, and which the castaways, by the sun, had long ago determined as being north. "This instrument will be a valuable acqusition to our limited means, and I congratulate you for your success in making it, and I thank you also, for you have ren- dered me a great service as well as yourself. This com- pass may be the means of our returning to those whom we have longed to see for nearly two years." "Fred," the scientist said' after a long pause, "you may think I am what laymen call a 'scientific crank/ but I can- not help liking to think, talk and speculate on the won- ders of nature." "And I like to hear you; what condition would the world be in to-day if there had been no men gifted with 362 FREDERICK YOUNG. the faculty of original research? Why, Mr. Ellsworth, if it had been thus, I verily believe that our civilization of to-day would have been no further advanced than that of the Scythians of antiquity. But those who laugh, jeer and ignore the thoughtful mind, are not the ones who leave an original thought, or an invention of any impor- tance for their posterity, and that is the reason that civil- ization would never have progressed if it had been in their keeping." "True, Fred, thought is the mother of invention and research is the only medium by which intrinsic knowl- edge can be accumulated." "Your compass, for instance, would never have come into existence if careful thought had not invented the means for a careful arrangement of the component parts. Give me a thoughtful mind every time," said Fred. "That reminds me," said Mr. Ellsworth, "of a matter of which I have thought much of late. It is a new idea, so far as I know, and it concerns those mighty and occult forces which collectively are termed magnetism. It has often occurred to me that there must be a great power analagous to animal and terrestrial magnetism which scientists in general overlook. In fact, this power is classed under the same head, but there must, I think, be two or more forces which are radically different, but are now erroneously classed as one. From Newton's great theory of gravitation may be adduced the fact that our sun as the center of our so-called solar system is, meta- phorically speaking, an immense magnet holding the planets in their respective orbits by its invisible but no less potential power. Whether this is the same power which holds the minute molecules of the earth together and draws everything toward its center or not, I cannot positively say, but I am inclined to think it is. However, when we come to compare the laws of magnetic iron with the aforementioned power or powers we find a discrep- ancy in their action which I have been unable, thus far, FREDERICK YOUNG. 363 to eradicate. It has been demonstrated that the mag- netism which affects the mariner's needle is in excess at the poles of the earth. In other words, this power goes to the extremities of the body in which it is contained, thus forming the positive and the negative poles, as it does in the common bar, or horseshoe magnets. If this power were identical with the energy which attracts the elements, and their various combinations, toward the earth's center, would not the compass needle or the arti- ficial magnet draw gold, silver and other metals having a greater specific gravity than iron, to it with greater force than those having a lesser compactness of atoms and molecules? It surely seems so to me, and yet the magnetism which we are the most familiar with is not attracted by gold and numerous other substances, or rather the metals themselves are not attracted, while they are acted on by the terrestrial magnetism with greater force than iron and steel. "To make it plain I will use a simple illustration. For example, take a cube of gold, one of lead, one of alumi- num, and one of cork, and all of the same size. Weigh these separately on a delicately adjusted scale and we will find that the gold is the heaviest and that they decrease in weight in just the order I first named them. Now, these weights simply illustrate the power that terrestrial mag- netism displays in drawing all substances toward the earth's center. As we put these cubes on the scale we will hold a powerful magnet over each one, and we will notice that the weight is exactly the same when the mag- net is near the metal as it was before the magnet was used. "Next we will put a cube of iron on the balance, and if it is the same size as the other metals, it weight, or the magnetic force which the terrestrial magnetism exerts on the iron cube, will place its specific gravity between aluminum and lead. If we hold the artificial magnet over this iron cube while it is on the scale, we will notice that 364 FREDERICK YOUNG. it weighs less than it did when the magnet was absent. The difference in weight will depend, of course, on the power of the magnet used. To sum up, we have found that the five cubes are attracted toward the center of the earth by terrestrial magnetism, but only one is acted upon by the artificial magnet; and this one, which is iron, has neither the least nor the greatest specific gravity. "Taking these facts into consideration, how can we do otherwise than conclude that the power which acted on all five cubes was radically different from the force which acted on iron only? So I claim there are, at least, three kinds of magnetism, namely: terrestrial, which really seems to be universal; animal, which exists in organic forms; and lastly, that which as yet has no distinctive name, but exerts its occult power on a limited number of substances, including iron, cobalt and nickel." "Mr. Ellsworth, you have called my attention to what seems to be a great truth, of which I have never thought or heard before. I have often watched magnetic experi- ments at the college laboratory with wonder, such as we always experience when gazing on that which is beyond our comprehension, but I have never seen any tests that would indicate that there are more than two natural forces which come under the head of magnetism." "If I ever get home, I intend to investigate this matter thoroughly, and if my hypothesis can be substantially cor- roborated, I shall publish a synopsis of my ideas," the scientist thoughtfully returned. The next day was Sunday, and it was spent in much needed rest. After dinner, however, the castaways went out for a stroll. They finally came to the great cliffs under which the boat was being built, and as the promon- tory was covered with scattering trees, they thought it would be a pleasant place to rest. By mutual consent the two men ascended the height and walked across the pla- teau, until they came to that part next to the beach which overhung the boat-building yard. FREDERICK YOUNG. 365 Some soil had collected on the top of this rocky bluff and it was more or less covered with vegetation. A great many of the trees had gained a foothold in the crevices, and they had attained quite a considerable size. About thirty feet from the edge of the precipice there was a row of trees across the plateau, which was not over one hundred feet wide at that point. Fred first called his companion's attention to this peculiarity, which, in its symmetry resembled the handiwork of man. Investiga- tion, however, showed that there was a crack or crevice extending the entire breadth of the promontory, and in this crack vegetable mold had collected and the trees had sprouted and thrived, so their noticeable geometric posi- tion was explained. They simply grew in the crevice from one end to the other. The castaways examined the crack and found it over one foot wide in places, and it was nearly concealed by ferns and other cryptogramic plants. "These trees," remarked the scientist, "in growing, evi- dently keep crowding the rock apart, and sometime they may cause the part of the cliff on which we are now standing to break entirely off and fall to the beach below. This mass contains hundreds if not thousands of tons of rock. It would make an appalling crash. All is, I hope it will not occur while we or our work are under it." "I do not think we need worry about that, for one would judge, by the weather-beaten appearance of the fracture, that it has been in its present condition for many decades, and it may not grow any worse for years to come," said Fred. "That is so, and then I suppose that there are fifty or seventy-five feet of solid rock below the crack, but you know that a fracture will almost always encroach on a solid interior, and especially if there is any strain to aug- ment its action as there is here." "Well, it will not be long before we will vacate our 366 FREDERICK YOUNG. work-yard, and I apprehend no danger from the cliff while we are to be there," returned Fred. "Nor I either, unless something unforeseen occurs to hasten such a catastrophe as we have imagined." After this conversation the companions in misfortune sauntered to the extreme edge of the bluff and seated themselves comfortably on the verdant herbage, and in the shade of a stunted tree. The view from this point was truly beautiful. Coral Bay, partially inclosed by Harlem Reef, seemed to be just below the observers. Its sandy shores were fringed with lofty palms, which were swaying very gently in the light breeze. To the southeast the dark-blue mountains seemed to penetrate the dome of azure above, which was sparsely dotted with fleecy white cloudlets floating lazily along. To the northwest the calm Pacific extended as far as the eye could reach, a sheet of ultramarine blue unbroken by boat or sail, the only thing of life visible being the swallow-like gulls and terns, which were always skimming over and around Empire Island. Overhead sweet songsters caroled in- cessantly, and even the guttural utterances of the bril- liantly colored parrakeets did not sound inharmonious, while the cooing of the doves really seemed consistent with the peaceful surroundings. The antics of the birds overhead were a source of con- stant amusement to the castaways. "It is wonderful," thoughtfully said Fred, "how much intelligence is displayed by birds in migrating, although it is really, I suppose, an instinct which cannot be fath- omed. How do you account for it, Mr. Ellsworth?" "I consider the migration of birds to be governed by knowledge and not instinct, as a great many people be- lieve. My reason is this: Birds know that their heat and light are derived from the sun ; they know that when the sun sets the day ends, and when it again appears warmth and light return. Consequently, when after the 2ist of June, in the northern hemisphere, the orb of day FREDERICK YOUNG. 367 seems to gradually recede to the south, and later in the season the heat becomes insufficient for the birds of pas- sage, they move in the direction of the retreating body, until a zone of sufficient warmth is reached to satisfy their bodily comfort. The different times of departure for the south, or vice versa, depend on the constitution of the species. Again, in the spring, when the heat becomes too great, the migrating birds move away from the source of high temperature until a clime congenial to them physi- cally is reached, where they remain until a change of sea- son compels them to again take up the line of march." "If that theory is correct the so-called migratory in- stinct of birds is really knowledge derived from individual observation and reason," Fred said. "Exactly, and the younger birds are perhaps aided by the knowledge of their elders, who have made the jour- ney in previous years." "Then you think this knowledge is perpetuated from generation to generation, as facts and fancies are among men?" inquired Fred. "Not exactly the same way. The experienced birds lead or guide their offsprings to their winter home in lieu of transmitting the knowledge verbally. You will un- derstan that this intelligence gained by experience is not the cause of the ebb and flow of the birds, for, I think, if midsummer could be suspended, so to speak, and con- tinue for an indefinite period, that the migratory birds would frequent their summer haunts as long as the sus- pension lasted," explained the scientist. "I understand, and it seems very probable that you are correct." "It was not a great many years ago," continued the sci- entist, "when it was thought that swallows and several other species that periodically disappeared hibernated in mud or other equally absurd places. I remember seeing a clipping from an old newspaper which told of the submersion of swallows as being witnessed by many 368 FREDERICK YOUNG. people. It commenced about 5.30 P. M. on a certain day and year, which I cannot now recollect, and lasted until sunset. This shows how weak-minded our race is and to what absurd notions they will adhere. It has been thus from the beginning, and I suppose it will con- tinue until the end. As we show up the glaring faults and mistakes of our ancestors, so will our posterity reveal and repudiate our conclusions, which have been wrongly drawn." "That reminds me," said Fred, "of how time smooths off monstrosities and how many faults are overlooked if only time enough intervenes between the occurrence and the judgment. I especially refer to the so-called heroes of antiquity." "Which is your favorite of the vast number who em- bellish the annals of the past?" Mr. Ellsworth smilingly asked. "The ignorant man who listened to the heathenish ora- cles at Susa, and later endeavored to punish the Helles- pont by giving it 300 lashes, and to Chain it by casting golden fetters into its depths, is not my favorite hero. No, not even if he were called Xerxes the Great. Neither is the man who followed him in supremacy of empire, but died at an early age by imbibing once too often from the Hercules Cup. "No, Alexander the Great is not my favorite among the ancient men of note, nor the wiley Themistocles either, although Greece owed him some honor, for he undoubtedly saved the empire from the Medo-Persians. But the man who was taught in the Spartan schools, and who obeyed the laws as laid down at Lacedaemonian, and who gave his life at Thermopylae, rather than to retreat when his country's independence was at stake, is my hero. Neither Belshazzer, Cyrus, Xerxes, Them- istocles, Alexander, the Ceasars, nor Bonaparte, in my estimation, is to be compared with Leonidas, the brave general who gave his life in the defence of his country." FREDERICK YOUNG. 369 "You are right, Fred, and I coincide with you in every particular. Those men around whom modern scholars have thrown a halo of sentimentality, are too much lauded. Why, if they had lived in more recent times and carried on their cruel and fiendish actions as they did 2,200 or more years ago, they would have been called brutes instead of heroes." "What silly ideas even the most learned of those times entertained," said Fred. "They had a god or goddess for nearly every thing; the oracles were consulted before an important undertaking was begun, and it made a great deal of difference whether the verdict portended a disastrous or a propitious culmination. And, then, in those days many events wherein the forces of nature came to the aid of one side or the other of the conflicting parties are recorded. For instance, you remember when the Barbarians were marching toward the Delphian Temple, how the god therein answered that he was able to take care of his own, and thereupon he was deserted, and when the Persians came near they were repelled by the rain, thunder and lightning from heaven, while huge masses of rock rolled down on them from' Parnassus and crushed many of the invaders, and also how two giant warriors participated in the defeat, and the Del- phians recognized the warriors in question as their do- mestic heroes, Phylacus and Autonous." "Fred, the annals of the past, back to pre-historic epochs, teem with those foolish myths, and how did they all originate? Certainly, to use a modern saying, the majority of them must of have been made up out of whole cloth, and what is more astonishing, many of these fallacies, which cannot be proved or disproved, still hold sway over certain persons who are susceptible to super- stitious and extravagant ideas." Night was fast approaching, so the castaways descend- ed to the beach and returned to Cocoanut Grove Cabin. 370 FREDERICK YOUNG. On the morrow the work for deliverance from solitude was to be resumed. The days slipped by one after another, and it at last began to look as if Mr. Ellsworth's prediction regarding the time of the completion of The Hope would be realized. That is, by the last of the month of January, for when January 27, 1883, came, the boat was ready to launch. But about this time a heavy southeast wind set in and caused an exceedingly turbulent sea, which dissuaded the castaways from consigning her to the mercy of the billows. Mr. Ellsworth suggested that they wait until the ocean had again become pacific, for a few days' delay would not matter much after waiting so long. Meanwhile the wind increased in force, the sky be- came overcast with murky clouds, and on the night of January 29th, which was Monday, the storm was at its height. The two men sat in their rude house during the even- ing, which was inky-black without. The structure was well sheltered and it protected the inmates from the fierceness of the storm. It made their minds revert to the night they first landed on Empire Island, but this storm was much worse than the one of nearly two years previous. The wind whistled and shrieked through the palms of Cocoanut Grove; the massive trunks twisted and groaned under the violent strain; the rain, in big drops, rattled and pattered upon the roof and sides of the house; the great waves in dashing over Harlem Reef sounded like distant thunder, and the roaring flames in the fire-place, to which new fagots were almost con- stantly added, did not decrease the wildness of the scene or the surrounding-s. It was a terrible night, and the castaways felt thankful that their boat, which repre- sented months of incessant labor, was not afloat and at the mercy of the elements. It was fortunately up high FREDERICK YOUNG. 371 and dry, beyond the reach of Neptune and in the lee of the storm. The raging gale prevented much conversation be- tween the castaways; its very fierceness was too im- pressive; they listened and thought. How the cabin vibrated, and how the wind whistled, screamed and shrieked without! Their abode, too, was on a sheltered shore. Suppose they had chosen Metropolitan Hill for a site, as they had at one time thought of doing? The view from that point would have been fine, but this 1 gale would have surely caused a direful catastrophe. Its force was amply sufficient to carry Cocoanut Grove Cabin half-way across Coral Bay, and if the cabin had been on the hill, on this awe-inspiring night, a calamity would have surely occurred. The two unfortunate men retired to their beds at 9 o'clock, as was their wont, but sleep was out of the ques- tion. However, it is cozy and comfortable for one to be warm and protected, and to lie and listen to the roar- ing elements, when one knows that they cannot do him harm, and the castaways at Cocoanut Grove Cabin ex- perienced these very feelings on the eventful night under consideration. People who live among the tree-covered hills and val- leys of the continents cannot realize what fierce storms sweep over the broad expanse of the ocean surfaces. On the larger bodies of land, severe storms have their air currents broken by forests and by the undulating character of the country, and in civilized sections the inhabitants are often prepared for severe atmospheric disturbances by the weather prognosticators, who have stations at various advantageous points. An unpro- tected island, on the other hand, is hundreds or thous- ands of miles from a continent. A storm may sweep with great violence over the broad unbroken surface of water, and dash on to the first obstacle, in the shape of !and, that it meets with inconceivable fury. The islander has no 372 FREDERICK YOUNG. knowledge of the approaching gale, until he detects the storm on the horizon, when it is soon upon him. Many such sudden gales had visited Empire Island, but none were to be compared with the one in question. As Fred reclined in the darkness he let his thoughts wander to his far away home, and he thought of his loved ones there. It did not seem so sad to think of home now, for The Hope inspired encouraging thoughts. It seemed to Fred that he was about to go to his native city again, and he unconsciously built many castles in the air, during the raging of the gale, that were balm to the mind even if they were never to be realized. Synchronism of thought is not uncommon, and on this wild night it so happened that Mr. Ellsworth and his companion let their thoughts run in similar channels. The scientist was thinking of his kind and affectionate wife whom he had not seen for so many years. "She must think him dead now. Had she mourned for him much ?" he thought. "Yes, of course she had," he con- cluded. "The little fair-haired girl, Bessie, his baby that he used to fondle and caress; she must be a grown young lady now." Oh, how he longed to be at home once more. Silent tears stole down the old gentleman's cheeks, but a sudden recollection cheered his heart. "The Hope, was it not to be launched when the sea again became quiet, and was it not a strong, seaworthy little craft that would safely carry its builders to civilization? Certainly," he thought, and he was much comforted thereby. Next, Mr. Ellsworth thought of how many new things he could write when he got home, how much new ma- terial he had become possessed of during his sojourn in these southern seas, and then Here his thoughts were rudely interrupted. A tre- mendous crash was heard that resounded high above the storm and made the combined tumult of the wind, rain, and sea insignificant in comparison. It really FREDERICK YOUNG. 373 sounded to the castaways as if tons of dynamite had ex- ploded simultaneously, and as if the force thereof had rent the island in twain, and the land trembled as if shaken by an earthquake. The detonation and the vibra- tions ceased as suddenly as they had occurred; the great force had surely been but momentary. The two men sat up in bed and listened. "What could it have been?" they asked each other, and the wind seemed to howl and shriek more fiercely than before. "Can it be possible that Mt. Ellsworth has burst forth after years of inactivity, or have we experienced an earthquake shock?" breathlessly asked Fred. "My friend, I am afraid it was not either. I hope and trust it was, but what I have long apprehended I fear has at last occurred." "What do you mean? I fail to understand your allu- sion." "You remember the Sunday we sat on the cliff?" "Yes." And do you recollect the crack in the precipice?" "My God! Do you think that cliff has fallen? If it has our boat and all our labor are irrecoverably lost. All our hopes are irretrievably shattered. Oh, it cannot be! It would be too cruel!" said Fred in an agonized tone. "Let us go and see; we cannot rest until we know the worst," said the scientist. "No, and if our boat is ruined, just on the eve of suc- cess, I do not know when I shall ever rest again," re- turned Fred as he and Mr. Ellsworth hurriedly donned their clothes, wrapped themselves in heavy palm-leaf mats and pushed out into the wild and ebon night. The castaways had to feel their way, but the path to the cliff was well known to them; they had traversed it hundreds yes, thousands of times in the past, and now they made rapid headway, nerved on by desperation. The wind in its fierceness made them stagger, and it caught the extremities of their wraps and made them 374 FREDERICK YOUNG. snap and crack like whip-cords, while the angry billows dashed and thundered on the beach with a deafening roar. For all the darkness, the froth and foam of the briny sea could be seen as it rolled up on the shingle of Coral Bay. The driving rain would have wet the two men to the skin if it had not been for the palm-leaf mats, which shed water remarkably well. At last the cliff was reached, and what the scientist had apprehended was a reality; the overhanging cliff had disappeared, and where it had once been was a huge declivity sloping back to the southeast, while at its base was piled a mass of debris fifty or more feet in height. The boat, and most of the tools, were beneath the rocky mass, lost to their makers forever. They could not be extricated from under the avalanche, and even if they could they would probably be crushed, broken and worthless. Mr. Ellsworth stood with folded arms and compressed lips, while a deep sigh escaped him as he looked on the work of destruction. He was a phlegmatic man and he took things philosophically. He knew what had hap- pened, and he, at a glance, comprehended that their work was totally and irreparably lost; for all the murky shadows of night this much could be dimly seen. The scientist further understood that it would be useless to lament what could not now be undone. Fred was more easily moved and he covered his face with his hands and -several heart-rending sobs convulsed his person. His hopes, which had been raised to the highest point of anticipation, were now cruelly shattered. Visions of home and friends could no longer be indulged in; surely fate had been merciless to these two already unfortunate men. "If there be a just God, why are we treated in this way?" Fred exclaimed bitterly. "This event but tends to support my theory, Fred. The Omnipotent leaves us to take care of ourselves, and FREDERICK YOUNG. 375 if we or our handiwork are in the way of any of the great natural forces, we or our work must take the conse- quences. The combined forces of wind and gravitation here destroyed months of patient and laborious work. A change of temperature on some part of the globe evi-. dently set the air molecules in violent motion and pro- duced what we call a gale or hurricane. This strong wind gained a hold on the trees which surmounted the bluff, the crack had already weakened the hold of the overhanging rocks; they could not overcome the extra strain applied, and, consequently, the huge mass fell re- gardless of what there was below. It would have been the same if we had been there or any other person who has ever been born on the earth. The avalanche was simply obeying the immutable law of gravitation as ex- pounded by Sir Isaac Newton, and nothing, unless it had been a more potential material force, could have averted the calamity." Nothing could be done at the scene of the catas- trophe, and the wind and rain made it disagreeable out of doors, so the castaways sadly returned to their humble abode. There are times when life seems hardly worth living, and these two men experienced that feeling that night if they ever did. Sleep was out of the question. The scientist paced the single apartment of their home un- easily, while Fred knelt and prayed to his Creator that mercy might be shown them and that they might be de- livered safely from the cruel fate Which seemed to per- sistently pursue them. After many long, dreary hours morninsr came, and with it a noticeable decrease in the fury of the storm. The wind became greatly modified; the nimbus clouds broke up; stray rays of sunlight penetrated the aper- tures and shone on Empire Island, but the great foarnr billows continued to run high, and thev broke on the beach like incessant thunder. The sea-birds constantly; 376 FREDERICK YOUNG. reiterated their harsh cries; they were elated by Nep- tune's commotion which threw an abundance of food upon the shore and to the ocean's surface for them. The poor castaways did not notice these things; mis- fortune had come upon them so suddenly that they were fairly dazed by its acuteness,and they wandered aimlessly about like persons in a dream. They went to the cliff again and viewed the wreck by daylight. It had been complete in its work of destruction for not a vestige of their handiwork could be seen. Their boat, The Hope, was buried under forty or fifty feet of huge fragments of the cliff mixed with earth and mangled trees. A score of men working as many days could not unearth the boat-yard and its equipment. Mr. Ellsworth and Fred looked at the termination of their hope, of their work, long and silently; then they left the spot and re- turned there no more. After the midday meal was finished, and it was not par- taken of heartily, for the events of the night had de- stroyed the castaways' appetites, Mr. Ellsworth ascended Metropolitan Hill. From this elevation the scientist scanned the broad expanse of ocean. The rough- ness of the sea had abated greatly since daybreak, and it was then comparatively calm, although white-caps still broke from the pebbly strand below to the distant hori- zon. No sail or steamship's stack spouting murky smoke gladdened the observer's eye; the same monoto- nous sea, that had become so familiar to him, was all that met his gaze. Would a sail never appear? Would succor never come? Were these unfortunate men des- tined to be cut off from the world for the balance of their natural lives? How many times such questions had entered their minds, but no reassuring answer came; no event transpired to fill their souls with hope. It was 3 o'clock in, the afternoon; night would soon come again. Yes, the 3Oth of January, 1882, was draw- ing to a close. In a few days the second anniversary of FREDERICK YOUNG. 377 the castaways' confinement to this solitary land would arrive. And they had been long-, weary years to these unfortunate men. It really seemed as if ten instead of two years had flown. During all of that time but one sign of human life had been seen, and that was when the ship appeared, but even that passed them by as if they were of no account. These men had been enterprising, and in boat-building they had been eminently successful, but an unfortunate accident had destroyed the fruits of their toil. Fate truly seemed to be against them. Silence reigned witihin Cocoanut Grove Cabin. The sun was nearing the western horizon, and its golden beams stole through the window and shone on the east- ern wall, making the stalactite laden shelf sparkle with dazzling splendor. The castaways sat near the table. One nearing the decline of life, the other in the prime of manhood, and both involuntarily held in exile from all that they loved on earth. Is it any wonder, kind reader, that their faces were gloomy and that sorrow and disappointment were depicted in every lineament? Neither had spoken for some time ; they were in deep thought. Disappointment following in the rear of ex- pectancy produces a painful reaction, and it takes time to blunt its poignancy. They neither heard the swash of the waves on the beach, nor the notes of the birds, nor the hum of the multitudes of insects, for these sounds were too common. Nor did the castaways notice with what a soft, mellow light the declining orb of day had illumined their domicile. They were too sad and de- spondent to notice common things. Suddenly they were startled by an unnatural sound on Empire Isiland; it was a loud, sharp bark. Could it be a sea-lion on the shore, or was there some species of fox or wolf in the forest of whiclh they were ignorant? They looked at each other inquiringly", and then they were about to arise and look out of the open doorway, when the pebbles were heard to rattle and strike against the 378 FREDERICK YOUNG. exterior of itihe cabin, and the doorway immediately afterwards was darkened by a 'huge animal form bounding through it. The new-comer was as large as a mastiff ; he was gray, marked with dark tawny brown; his nose was black; his eyes and head were large, expressive and in- telligent, while his ears were pendulous. He did not notice Mr. Ellsworth, but bounded at Fred; put his paws on Fred's knees, then on his shoulders, licked his face, and moaned and cried almost humanly. "My God! Prince! Prince! My dear old Prince! exclaimed Fred, and his face grew as pale as death, while he threw his arms around his faithful dog and hugged and kissed him as he would have his own child after long separation. Mr. Ellsworth looked on in unbounded surprise; he thought the dog to be some wild beast at first and he was about to jump to Fred's rescue with the hatchet, which he had seized, when he heard Fred's exclamations and saw the demonstrations of joy and affection between the man and the animal, and then the scientist was more puzzled than before. "Come, my friend," said Fred arising and staggering to the door with the dog joyfully leaping and bounding before him, "this is my dog, Prince, and friends and deliverance must be near at hand." Just at that instant the loud report of a cannon re- verberated through the hills and valleys of Empire Island. The thoroughly surprised and agitated castaways stepped out upon the veranda and looked out over the sea. There met their astonished gaze the sight of a beau- tiful yacht under easy steam within Coral Bay and slowly approaching the shore. As they looked a puff of smoke issued from her bow, and a second report echoed from hill to hill. "The Altair!" exclaimed Fred, and he leaned heavily on his companion. The revelation had unnerved him. FREDERICK YOUNG. 379 CHAPTER XXX. A HAPPY REUNION. The moment Fred saw the familiar outline of his fath- er's yacht he recognized the Altair, and to see her slowly steaming up Coral Bay was too much for him to calmly bear up under at the moment. However, joy seldom has a disastrous effect, and Fred, in anticipation of more surprises, went down to the beach, followed by the sci- entist and accompanied by the joyful dog to whom he owed so much. Prince was exuberant with animation; he barked, leaped, moaned and licked Fred's hands. The long lost master was at last found, and the poor dog could not be demonstrative enough. The castaways acted like children. Tears came to their eyes, caused by excessive joy; they waved their hats and shouted and cheered lustily. They hardly knew what they were doing. Meanwhile a boat was lowered from the yacht and several ladies and gentlemen descended the steps to it. The oarsmen hurriedly took their places, and the boat was soon approaching the beach at a terrific rate of speed, impelled by three pair of oars, which were plied by as many muscular seamen. Those in the boat were all strangers to Mr. Ellsworth, but Fred recognized one after another and called their names aloud. Father, mother, sister, Marion, his be- trothed wife, and many friends. They were all there. Those on earth whom he loved best were but a few rods away. It must be remembered that Fred had not seen these dear relatives and friends for over four years, or since the time he departed for Melbourne. It seemed to 380 FREDERICK YOUNG. him ten years previous. Now he was so eager to greet the approaching party that he could not wait for the bow of the boat to grate on the shingle; he waded out to meet it. Here, kind reader, your imagination must assist the writer. My pen is inadequate to depict to your under- standing how the father, mother, sister, affianced wife; laughed, cried, and did all sorts of ridiculous things, while the good son tried to embrace and caress them all. They were all too overflowing with joy to speak coher- ently at first, but complacency and volubility soon fol- lowed. The kind father and gentle mother shed happy tears in unison ; the affectionate sister embraced her long-lost brother and received loving caresses in return, while Marion, although happy in her lover's arms, did not relish a dozen kisses being rained on her cherry-red lips before all her friends, as was made evident by her blush- ing cheeks. However, such a demonstration of affec- tion, after such a long parting, was not, by those present, considered as being improper. After these mutual interchanges of love and friend- ship had taken place, Fred said: "Friends, allow me to make you all acquainted with my kind and learned companion, Mr. Samuel P. Ells- worth, who is the only survivor, excepting myself, of the second life-boat which left the wreck of the Polynesia nearly two, long, weary years ago." "My friend, I am glad to meet you and trust that I may be the means of returning you to civilization," said Mr. Young, grasping the scientist's hand, and then everybody present followed suit, and Mr. Ellsworth was besieged with kindly greetings and good wishes. "And this," said the naturalist, "is Miss Marion, of whom Fred has spoken so many times during our exile," and he cordially pressed her hand. "Now, Mr. Ellsworth, if you will show us where you FREDERICK YOUNG. 381 have lived these two years, we will leave Marion and Fred to look after the boat while we are gone," said Mr. Young- with a smile. "Certainly," returned the scientist, and they all fol- lowed him toward Cocoanut Grove, excepting the lovers, who were left alone on the beach. Mr. Young had considerately done this, so that Marion and Fred might enjoy each other's company a little while, unobserved by the curious sailors. The sun had set and the shadows of night were fast spreading over the South Pacific, when the whole party, including the castaways, went on board the yacht, where a sumptuous spread had been prepared in the dining saloon for the occasion. Empire Island was once more destitute of human beings. "Father," Fred said, after the repast had been partaken of, will you now please tell us how you found this island, and why you came?" Mr. Young related all the events of the voyage in de- tail. Up to that point where Prince behaved so strangely on the beach, at Juan Fernandez, the reader is already informed. The later events we will obtain from Mr. Young's narrative. After the happy father had told how Marion had insti- gated and promoted the expedition, he told of their wanderings among the South Pacific groups, of their adventures; how Marion was captured by the savages on Tetuara atoll ; how she was rescued by the wonderful instinct of Prince; how strangely he had acted at times, and especially on Pitcairn's Island; how they had been diverted by a false clue to the interior of New Zealand; how the three men were taken from the Maoris and liber- ated, and finally how hope was lost, the search aban- doned, and amid what disappointment the Altair's bow was turned toward Cape Horn. And then he told of Marion's happy thought; how she wanted to see Cru- soe's island, and how they all went ashore. Then Mr. 383 FREDERICK YOUNG. Young dwelt at length on the visit to the shores of Juan Fernandez. "We thought," said Mr. Young, "that Prince had dis- covered some burrowing rodent, but when we helped the dog to unearth his find, and upon turning a board or plank over and found nothing but sand and seaweed beneath it, we were puzzled. When Prince smelled of the plank and then redoubled his strange demonstrations we were led to attach some importance to it, and we im- mediately cleaned the sand off. What was our surprise to note that one side of the plank was covered with quite well preserved black inscriptions you can imagine." "Ah! so we owe our deliverance to the planks after all. We made and liberated many, but it was so long ago that I had almost forgotten about them," said Fred. Yes, you owe much to the planks; and incalculably more to our Father in heaven, who must have guided us," interposed Mr. Stillman. "To continue the story," said Mr. Young, "Marion was the first one to see your name on the plank. They say love is quick-sighted, and it certainly proved to be in this instance. Well, to cut it short, the finding of the plank told us that you were alive or, at any rate, that you lived after the Polynesia went down, and further, it told us where to look for you." "Everybody on board was made happy when we had almost become, in a sorrowful way, reconciled to failure. It was dark when we had eaten supper, but we did not 'hesitate to leave Cumberland Bay that very evening in search of your island. That was on the i6th day of January, and we arrived in this vicinity five days ago, and have been searching for you ever since. The recent gale drove us from our course. It was the worst storm I have ever encountered, but thank God we survived it safely, and this morning we sighted the higher moun- tain on this island. After we saw the peak, which was then to the southeast, we made immediately for it with all FREDERICK YOUNG. 383 possible speed. Well, we finally came to the indenta- tion that you call Coral Bay, and a little later Captain. Ashton, with a glass, discovered a cabin nestled among the palms. You can imagine how excited and impatient we were, but we had to proceed slowly, for we were on a strange coast, and it was found necessary to make fre- quent soundings as we neared the shore. "Prince, who has demonstrated an instinct I know of no more appropriate name which is the most remark- able that has ever come to my notice, had been very uneasy for several days. When we were a mile off shore he plunged into the sea before we could arrest him, and swam to the point of land at the mouth of this bay. For- tunately no ravenous shark happened to be about, so Prince got ashore all right. We watched him through our glasses; we saw him crawl from the sea on to the steep, rocky shore, shake the water from him, sniff the air, and then start off rapidly toward what proved to be your habitation. The rest, my son, you know. We now only have to thank the Almighty that after many ad- versities, and after much persevering labor, we have found you, and that health and strength have been given us to bring our search to a successful consummation." "Amen!" said Fred reverently. Mr. Ellsworth said nothing, but gratitude was depicted on his features. His heart was too full for audible expression, and his brain was sorely puzzled by the ex- ploits of Prince, which the naturalist could not account for scientifically then, but he had unbounded faith in per- sistent investigation, and he had no doubt but that the so- called instinct in birds and mammals would be fully ex- plained by future generations, if not by the present. "We owe this noble animal a great deal more than we can ever repay him," said Fred, turning to Mr. Ells- worth. Meanwhile Prince rested his nose on his young mast- er's knee and gazed affectionately up into his face. 384 FREDERICK YOUNG. "The most we can do, Fred, is to see that Prince has a good home, plenty to eat and kind treatment for the bal- ance of his life," said the scientist, smiling. "There is no danger but that Prince will be treated with great kindness and solicitude; in fact, he always has been," returned Fred. "Only think," said Marion, looking up into her lover's face, "last October we made quite a stay at Pitcairn's Island, and while we were up on Outlook Ridge one day, Prince looked off in this direction and moaned and pleaded in an unusual manner. He knew that you were here then, and I intimated as much, and they all ridiculed me for it but Mr. Young, and I really think he thought as I did." "You could not blame them, Marion; it is truly in- comprehensible how an animal can be gifted with such an acute sense of smell or with such a wonderful instinct, for I know not to which it should be attributed," Fred replied, and then he turned to the scientist and said: "Mr. Ellsworth, will you kindly give us your ideas re- garding these mysterious actions?" "My friends," said the naturalist, "I have listened to Mr. Young's narrative very carefully, and that part re- lating to Prince has been of especial interest to me. I have made quite a study of animal instinct and intelli- gence, and many of the instances of remarkable saga- ciousness among dogs have come to my notice, but, I think, the quickness of scent, the keenness of discern- ment, and the unerring judgment of your St. Bernard must be vastly superior to those qualities in the majority of dogs. Further, I think that Prince can reason with much accuracy, and he seemingly uses his intelligence and senses to the very best advantage, as was evidenced by his behavior on the atoll where Miss Stillman was cap- tured by the natives. "Now, it is my opinion that the strange actions of Prince while on the yacht and on Pitcairn's Island may FREDERICK YOUNG. 385 have had no connection with his master's existence in this part of the world. I will not say that it was im- possible that Prince scented Fred, for experience has taught me to be careful in using the word impossible, but I will say that it seems very improbable. These actions might have been accounted for by local causes had they been properly investigated at the time, but re- garding that we cannot now intelligently speak. It is possible, but not probable, that air molecules, bearing a faint scent from Fred, were blown across the sea from Empire Island to the Altair or to Pitcairn's Island, and that those molecules were inhaled by Prince and that he, by their odor and his acuteness of smell, became aware of the fact that his master was not far away. But Prince had not seen his master for three or four years, you may say or think. Does an elephant forget an injury, or the one who inflicted it, in four years, or even in ten or more years? No, we must say; then why should a loving and intelligent dog forget his master in two years? When Prince found Fred there was nothing to indicate a falter- ing of memory, surely. "The plank episode at Juan Fernandez was certainly very remarkable, but it can, I think, be accounted for in a rational way. Fred worked that plank from a tree butt, and he put on the markings and the resinous coat- ing with his own hands. He probably handled and worked over the plank a day or more, and, no doubt, the wood became thoroughly impregnated with his peculiar odor, and probably hundreds of microscopic particles wore off the cuticle of his hands and adhered to the plank. Both the odor, which the porous recesses of the wood absorbed, and the epidermal particles were covered with a varnish-like substance, which had a tendency to preserve them, and as the external protection wore away it is not at all unlikely that they were liberated with com- parative freshness of scent, and further, it would not be strange, as Prince happened "to go to the very spot where 386 TEEDEEICK YOUNG. this plank was concealed, if the odor in question came in contact with the intricate network of the olfactory nerves of your St. Bernard. If Prince perceived this odor, and circumstances certainly indicate that he did, he immediately recognized the fact that his master, or something from his master, was in the near vicinity. Still further, Prince knew that if his discovery was to be fruit- ful, it must be made known to his friends. "To many my theory or theories may seem rather ex- travagant at finst, but on mature thought, coupled with a careful investigation, I think doubt will melt away, so to speak. "It is said that a slave or a fugitive from justice may be trailed and captured by employing a smart blood- 'hound, even when the hound does not strike or scent the trail for several hours or days after the pursued has left or passed 1 ; and oftentimes the dog has never seen his victim, the hound being allowed simply to smell of a shoe or garment belonging to the one to be trailed. Fur- ther, the St. Bernard dog of the present day; that is, those dogs employed by the monks of the Hospice of St. Bernard, after the fatal epidemic of 1820, Is noted for his sagaciousness. The monks train these dogs to rescue travelers in the dangerous passes and on the rugged slopes of the Swiss Alps. During the prevalence of snow storms, and when travelers are known to be among the mountains, these powerful and intelligent dogs are sent out from the convent in pairs, one carrying a cloak and the other a flask of spirits fastened to his collar. If they find a lost and fatigued traveler they allow him to take and don the cloak and to drink of the stimulant, and they will then conduct him to the convent; but if the traveler has become cold and incapable of caring for him- self and has fallen and has been covered with falling or drifting snow, the acute scent of these dogs will detect his presence, even if he be several feet beneath the sur- face, and they will clear the snow from his body with FREDERICK YOUNG. 387 their feet, and bring assistance from the convent. In this way many lives are saved each year by these valuable and world-renowned dogs, but the poor animals often lose their own lives while trying to save human beings. "I remember reading of one noted dog belonging to the convent, which lost his life in this way, but his dead body bore a collar to which was attached a medal show- ing that through his instrumentality twenty-two lives had been saved. Friends, the most remarkable things which Prince did during your voyage, were not much if any more wonderful than what the bloodhound or the St. Bernard dog does every year, and I might relate many more instances which would tend to prove that certain dogs possess a superhuman intelligence. They share nearly all human passions. The dog sympathizes with its master, and with its kind; it has a good memory, and instances where that faculty is assisted by the association of ideas are made manifest to us; it dreams; it has con- siderable imagination; it evidences shame for improper conduct; it submits to deserved punishment, and even expects to be reprimanded for doing wrong; it even heaves a deep sigh of resignation when its desires are not gratified; in fact, the dog is subject to anger, hatred, jealousy, envy, grief, repugnance and love; it shows gratitude, surprise, joy, generosity, apprehension and fear. It has even been said that dogs have a religion, and that man is their god. "Now, this superhuman intelligence is not confined to dogs. It can be proved that a carrier pigeon which be- longed in the State of Massachusetts was taken to Flori- da, a distance of over 1,100 miles, and liberated, and at the expiration of twenty-five days it returned to its former abode in the North. How was it guided there? Was it not just as liable to fly to the west, the northwest, or the north, as to travel toward its home, which was a little east of north? If it had made but a small error in its course at the start, it would have constantly diverged 388 FREDERICK YOUNG. from its intended destination, and upon its arrival in the north the error would have amounted to hundreds of miles. There is certainly a great deal connected with the occult in animated nature that is beyond our com- prehension. "Summarily, let me say that there is much for us to learn of the immaterial in nature. So let us not judge hastily, criticise severely, nor be empirical in our decis- ions of those things which properly belong to science. Say what you may, think what you will, you cannot avoid acknowledging that certain animals, which by classification are placed on a lower scale than man, are really superior in many respects to ourselves." "Thank you, Mr. Ellsworth," said Marion. "Prince has now a competent champion and one who deals with facts instead of fancies. If my friends ridicule me and try to argue down my faith in the superior intelligence of Prince, I shall simply refer them to you." "You honor me too much, Miss Stillman. I simply stand firm for what I have long recognized to be a great truth, and in supporting the truth I draw but sparingly from the store-house, which man by his records and ob- servations has made pregnant with undebatable axioms," the scientist replied. "Marion," said Fred, "I have been in close compan- ionship with Mr. Ellsworth for nearly two years, and during that time he has improved my mind very much, and he has taught me many wonderful things of which* I had no previous knowledge. Now, regarding what Prince has done, to many his actions would seem to have been greatly magnified or exaggerated by the nar- rator of the events, but by carefully considering what Mr. Ellsworth has said on the subject, one cannot help thinking that there have been, or that there are, just as intelligent dogs as our noble St. Bernard." "Well," said Mr. Young, "by what you have said, Mr. Ellsworth, I have become convinced that Prince is not FREDERICK YOUNG. 389 much more sagacious than some other dogs. He has surely done much for us, and if he had not been a mem- ber of the expedition I am afraid the Altair would, not be anchored in Coral Bay to-night." "Captain," said Fred a little later, "does this island appear on the charts?" "It does not, and for that reason we began to think that you had made some mistake in the latitude or longi- tude." "And you have the most modern charts extant?" con- tinued Fred. "The very latest issues," said the captain. "Then, Mr. Ellsworth, you and I are the discoverers of Empire Island," said Fred, turning to the scientist. "I beg your pardon, Fred, but I think you are the real discoverer, as you first sighted the higher mountain peak." "You mean Mt. Ellsworth; well, perhaps you are right, but as we took possession jointly we will share the honors." At this juncture the scientist produced his carefully prepared map of the island, and it was examined by the members of the expedition with great interest. "I see the castaways did not forget their mother State," smilingly said Mr. Stillman, as he noted the names on the map. "Not by any means," said Fred. "But, my friends, you do not realize how appropriate some of OUT names are; you must stay here a few days and see some of the beauties of Empire Island. We will show you the most superb of crystal lakes; our Sylvan Lake a diamond of the first water in an emerald setting. We will show you subterranean chambers that the most famed of Arabian genii were never able to produce ; we want you to ascend Mt. Ellsworth and enjoy the superlative of bird's-eye views, and then there is much more that you will all profit by seeing." 390 FREDERICK YOUNG. "We will stay and see it all, Fred," returned Mr. Young. The next morning all hands arose before the sun, and directly after breakfast nearly everybody went ashore. They visited Cocoanut Grove Cabin, and Captain Ashton went nearly wild over the collection of natural history specimens that Mr. Ellsworth had amassed there. It is needless to say that the scientifically inclined gentlemen became firm friends, and it may be stated that the friendly feeling there engendered between the scientist and the captain grew in intensity as the time went by. They isolated themselves from their companions at every op- portunity and indulged in long and earnest discussions, which we will assume related to the great scientific prob- lems of the day. The sun shone brightly on January 3ist, and Captain As-hton took the correct position of the islet with his instruments. It was found to be in 29 41' S. lat, and in 136 24' W. long, from Greenwich, or about 450 miles southwest of Pitcairn's Island. This computation re- flected great credit on Mr. Ellsworth, for with his crude instruments he had obtained the correct position of Em- pire Island in degrees, and it was his figures that had guided the Altair to Coral Bay. In the days that followed the castaways' island was thoroughly explored. The whole party ascended the peaks of Mr. Ellsworth and Mt. Young; they visited the spring; the cliff where the boat was buried by an ava- lanche; they went up Palm River; explored Sylvan Lake; the recesses of Stalactite Cave, and, in fact, they saw everything of interest on Empire Island. While on the shore of the lake one day Captain Ash- ton heard the same strange commotion and splash that the castaways had heard many months before. The captain sprang to the water's edge just in time to see the eddies on the lake's surface where some huge animal body had just disappeared. He suspected what the ani- FREDERICK YOUNG. 391 mal was and waited a few moments in perfect silence. In just three minutes a huge pear-shaped face, the larger part being below, rose gently above the water some twenty feet from shore. Back of the head could be seen a long, roundish body of a dark grayish color. Two minute eyes, circular in form and surrounded with fine wrinkles, gazed steadily toward the shore. "The manatee," ejaculated Captain Ashton the second the head appeared, and instantly the report of his rifle echoed from shore to shore. The conical bullet pierced the brain of the strange animal, and it was soon ashore dead. It measured nine feet and four inches in length, and Mr. Ellsworth pronounced it to be the Manatus senegalensis of science. "This is what is called a 'sea cow' in Florida; I have shot numbers of them there, and I can see no difference between them and this one, unless the American species is a trifle smaller." "My dear Captain," said the scientist, "there is more difference than one would imagine. In this specimen the anterior part of the rostrom is not so long, not so deep, and smaller in every way ; the orbit is not so large ; the zygomatic process is more massive; the upper mar- gin of the anterior nares is narrower and with a smooth and rounded, instead of a thin and serrated edge; the upper surface of the frontal is flat, instead of concave; foramen magnum and occipital condyles are narrower from side to side, and the symphysis of the mandible smaller and shallower. At least, these specific differ- ences have been pointed out by Flower, an authority on the subject." "No doubt but there is a specific difference, but the general external appearance is substantially the same," returned the captain. "It is a horrid looking thing, anyway," said Constance at a distance. "Are they good for anything?" asked Mrs. Stillman. 392 FREDERICK YOUNG. "Yes, indeed," said Mr. Ellsworth, "they yield consid- erable oil, and the flesh is good to eat, as it much resem- bles beef when fresh, and after salting it forms an excellent substitute for bacon." Three weeks were spent at Empire Island. After the object of the voyage had been accomplished Mr. Young seemed content to remain on the island with his entire family around him, but the sailors were getting impa- tient to go home so their desires were complied with, and on the 2ist day of February, 1883, the Altair steamed out of Coral Bay bound for home. As the yacht rounded Harlem Reef, the flagstaff bear- ing the stars and stripes of the United States of America, which the castaways had caused to be erected on Metro- politan Hill, came out into full view, and everybody on deck joined in saluting this flag of his country farewell. At the base of the staff had been substantially mounted a stone tablet, on which were inscriptions showing that the castaways had taken possession of this isolated land in the name of their native country. Mr. Ellsworth had brought all his treasures aboard the yacht, including the massive meteorite, whic'h was a se- vere strain on the fore yard-arm when the ultramundane visitor was swung on deck. As the ship rounded Cape Garfield and headed south- east, quite a group collected aft to witness the land fade away astern. How beautiful the island was! It really seemed a pity to leave it. The castaways did experience a pang of re- gret as the fleet yacht left their island in the rear, but Marion consoled them. "We will come back," she said. "This shall be our winter resort. We will come in the Altair, and all our friends shall be invited to participate in the trip, and you, Mr. Ellsworth, shall have a special invitation." "Thank you. Miss Marion. I promise you I shall ac- cept of your kindness." FREDERICK YOUNG. 393 "Mr. Ellsworth," said Fred, "it is February 21, 1883, to-day. Does that date bring up any vivid recollections in your mind?" "Yes, my friend, but I had not thought of it before. It was just two years ago to-day that we were thrown upon yonder receding coast." "And let us thank God that we have been favored as we have!" exclaimed Fred. In three hours after leaving the bay Mt. Ellsworth dis- appeared from view, and Empire Island was below the western horizon. Thirty-two days after leaving Coral Bay, or March 22d, the smoke-laden air which constantly hangs over New York City was sighted, and a few hours later the Altair came to a standstill at her old pier, on the North River. It was a happy home coming and the rejoicing of many friends at the successful termination of the search for Frederick Young, but added to the pleasure of those who had left the comforts of home to carry it out. The yacht arrived at 2.25 p. M., and on the Syracuse Limited Express, which runs on the Delaware, Lacka- wanna and Western Railroad, and leaves New York at 3.05 P. M., might have been found Mr. Samuel P. Ells- worth. This gentleman had made remarkably close con- nections. He was hastening to his family in Water- town with all the speed that a modern locomotive was capable of developing. He had not seen his wife and little daughter for many years, and, as he afterwards wrote Fred, he was received with open arms, and as one returned from the dead, for his kind wife had long mourned him as having left the uncertain vicissitudes of this earthly existence amid the waves of the South Pacific. The Altair's return was soon noised abroad, and for the balance of the day the Young and Stillman mansions were besieged with visitors, and sincere congratulations 394 FREDERICK YOUNG. were received from all parts of the city. Both families were popular in the metropolis, and the wreck of the Polynesia and the departure of Mr. Young in search of Fred had excited much comment from the press, but it was, at the time, generally thought that the search would be a complete failure. These events had been nearly forgotten during the whirl of a city life, but now they were renewed with much vigor, and many reporters, re- presenting the leading New York papers, called on the Youngs and Stillmans on that happy afternoon. The avaricious news gatherers were given the whole story, and one reporter tried to outdo the other in putting stenographic characters on paper. Sheet after sheet of copy was sent to the respective offices, and before the incidents of the search had been half told, the first part of the story had been set up in type. Lightning-like sketching artists were on hand, and everything that could be made into a picture bearing on the subject was put on the Whatman's sketching pads with wonderful accuracy and rapidity. As Mr. Young unfolded his tale, more and more at- tention was paid to Prince, and surely a dozen sketches of that intelligent animal were dispatched to the printing establishments. When bells, whistles and gongs combined in an- nouncing that 6 o'clock had come and that the toilers were at liberty to return to their homes, newsboys com- menced to appear on the corners with the evening edi- tions of the New York journals, and these venders of news tried to out-shout each other in telling what their various papers contained in the line of important, news. "All about the return of the Alt air; the resue of Fredu erick Young; his adventures in southern seas!" one little urchin shouted. "Latest edition! All about Frederick Young's return and his two years' exile on an unknown South Pacific FREDERICK YOUNG. 395 island! The wonderful instinct of his dog Prince!" another screamed at the top of his voice. And thus they continued in an unceasing din until late in the evening, when everybody had heard about the great event of the day the return of the Altair and Frederick Young. Public curiosity, as usual, was soon satisfied, and in a few days the Youngs and Stillmans were allowed to be quiet and undisturbed, which fact pleased them very much. It was not until the public inquisitiveness and excitement had abated that the arrivals from southern seas could enjoy a cozy home life, and then perhaps none could better appreciate the significance of "sweet home" than they. On the first of the following May, which was Tuesday, two important events transpired in the Young and Still 4 man families. First, a wedding, to which particular friends and relatives only were invited, took place at the fashionable up-town residence of Mr. Allen E. Stillman, and the reader, no doubt, has surmised that Marion and Fred were the contracting parties. It was a happy and brilliant gathering, and let us wish the participants a long and a joyful life to atone for the misfortunes of their past. The second event on that day was the transfer of the entire interest of William C. Young, in the firm of Young, Clark & Co., to his son Frederick, and thus, as Mr. Young said, the long established firm name would be perpetuated and no change would be necessary. Robert Clark had not been seen in New York since the Altair arrived. He suddenly and mysteriously dis- appeared several weeks before that time and no one seemed to know where he had gone. On the 7th of January, 1884, however, the mystery was explained, but in a painful way to his parents. That day Mr. Clark received a cable message from Europe. It stated that Robert was dead, and it was a painful fact that the mes- 396 FREDERICK YOUNG. sage came from that disgraceful but beautiful town known as Monte Carlo, the greatest gambling resort in the world. Later advices explained that Robert had gambled, first with success, then ill-luck followed and finally he lost all the money he had. Then he followed in the footsteps of many that had gone before him; he retired to his room and blew out his brains. Thus end- ed the villainous career of Robert Clark. About a month later, which was a clear, frosty Febru- ary morning, as Fred was busy in his private office, a card was brought in. It bore the name, "A. C. Slocum;" nothing more. "A strange name to me," said Fred, holding the paste- board in his hand. "You may show the gentleman in," he said to the office boy, after a moment's meditation. A few seconds later a dark, slim man, with a wiry mus- tache and piercing black eyes, entered, and by invitation took a seat opposite Fred. "Mr. Young/' the stranger began, "you during the past three years have passed through an eventful period of existence," and then the speaker paused and fixed his piercing glance on Fred. "Well, I am aware of that." "And you think an accident was the cause of your misfortune?" "I have thought so, certainly, and yet it was a myster- ious affair; one that has not been satisfactorily accounted for," said Fred, thoughtfully. "There are, at least, two men who can explain just how the Polynesia was lost. That is, there were ; one is dead now; the other one sits before you," and so saying the stranger fixed his penetrating gaze on Fred again. "What! Do you mean to intimate that you know whatj:aused the Polynesia to sink?" "That is what I said." "Who are you? if I may ask; you are a stranger to me." FREDERICK YOUNG. 397 "A. C. Slocum, private detective," said the caller, coolly lighting a cigar and blowing spiral clouds of blue smoke toward the ceiling. "And you have come to tell me what you know of the unfortunate affair?" said Fred, with some signs of ex- citement and impatience. "Exactly." "Pray do not keep me in suspense then." "Very well. You were single when you went to Mel- bourne?" "Yes." "But you were paying attentions to Miss Marion Still- man at that time?'" "Yes, she is my wife now." "At that time you had a rival ; there was another man who persisted in keeping Miss Stillman's company." "To whom do you refer?" "To Robert Clark." "Ah, yes! But how do you know so much?" "Have patience, my friend, and you shall know all. But to continue, Robert Clark was your rival?" "He tried to be.' "Very good, and he had a motive for getting you out of the way." "What do you mean?" "I mean, Mr. Young, that Robert Clark sent the Poly- nesia to the bottom of the Pacific with the one villainous purpose of ending your earthly career." "Oh, impossible! Robert Clark could not have been on that ship," said Fred with much emphasis. "He was not on the ship, but his infernal machine and a lot of dynamite were in the hold, and the former was made to explode the latter when the Polynesia was in mid- ocean." "How do you know that?" "I will tell you the whole story: While you were in Melbourne Robert Clark went abroad. He went to Eu- 398 FREDERICK YOUNG. rope and from there to Africa. He wrote home from Egypt that he was going into the interior and that he might not be heard from for sometime. He had no such intentions; it was done simply for a blind. He went to Australia in disguise and under an assumed name. There he purchased ingredients for compound- ing dynamite, and he made a shipment of goods on the Polynesia and they were consigned to a firm in Lima, which I have since learned had no existence. Taking these facts into consideration, what would the natural inference be?" "They certainly look suspicious, but I cannot think that Robert Clark would stoop to such a dastardly deed. It was not my life alone, but the lives of all on board that were at stake." "True, but you evidently did not know what a villain- ous heart beat within the breast of your rival. What is more, we have proved him to be a thief. When Robert Clark was in England he stole $20,000 worth of diamonds from Lady Trevor, and it was through that affair that I got a clue that Clark knew something about the loss of the Polynesia. As a big reward was offered by the Aus- tralian Steamship Co., I went to work on the case Here the detective told Fred all about the loss of the diamonds and of the interview which he overheard be- tween Robert and his mother. This part of the narrative is already known to the reader. "So you did not find the diamonds when Robert ar- rived in New York?" asked Fred. "No, he was too smart for the English detectives. It seems that he pawned the gems the morning after they were stolen, at a shop where they do not hesitate to buy stolen goods, and afterwards they were recovered. The pawnbroker had to stand the loss, but I do not imagine that he paid more than one-fourth of what the diamonds were worth." "Now, if Robert was so careful to cover up his tracks, FREDERICK YOUNG. 399 how did you manage to trace him and learn of his ac- tions?" asked Fred. "I went to Egypt and to the very hotel where he staid, and I located him on the hotel register, then I sought the proprietor and learned that Robert had departed amid suspicion, and it was known by one -of the porters that he changed his name when he took passage on the steam- ship for Australia. I learned that he assumed the name, Oscar E. Richards, and after that I had no trouble in tracing him to Melbourne. After many months' of hard work I was satisfied that Robert Clark wrecked the Poly- nesia, and so I came back to this city. I then learned that my man was also wanted in England for the dia- mond robbery, so I procured a warrant for his arrest, but before I could serve it he had taken alarm and fled to France. I followed him, and the night he committed suicide I arrived at the Casino at Monte Carlo, but too late for justice; the culprit had gone before his Maker. Let us hope that the Omnipotent will have mercy on his miserable soul!" "It is well that he died, for he might have committed worse deeds and brought further disgrace on his kind and respected parents had he lived," said Fred sadly. "He surely would have been led from bad to worse." "As it is, I harbor no ill-feeling against the poor fel- low, for as it happened his plot failed. Now, Mr. Slo- cum, I have a favor to ask of you." "Name it," said the detective. "It will not do you any good to make your discovery known to the world?" "No, for I cannot hope to get the reward now that my man is dead." "Then, my friend, will you keep what you have learned a secret, so that it will never reach the ears of Mr. and Mrs. Clark?' "I will." "Thank you, sir," and Fred grasped the detective by 100 FREDERICK YOUNG. the hand. "Now, Mr. Slocum, I want you to make a written detailed statement of what you have told me this morning, have it duly signed, witnessed, and sworn, and then bring it to me. I will have a check ready that will pay you well for your trouble." "Very well, Mr, Young; I will comply with your wish." The detective soon departed and Fred was left to meditate on what to him had been an exceedingly pain- ful revelation. Marion was greatly affected and surprised to learn that Robert Clark had been the cause of all her trouble and sorrow, but she, in accord with Fred, forgave the villain for his misdeeds. As the years went by happiness and prosperity came to Marion and Fred, and their home life was sunny and pleasant. There was one member of their household that was studiously cared for with loving attention. It is perhaps needless to say that this was Prince. If it had not been for him perhaps this happiness would have never come. Mr. Ellsworth often came down from his home in northern New York to pay Fred and his charming wife a visit, and the scientist frequently admitted that he came partly to see his savior, the noble St. Bernard. The old gentleman did not abandon his scientific pur- suits as the years went by. One day Fred received a let- ter from him which advanced a new idea; that is, it was new to Fred, and the scientist thought it was new to the world. In this leter Mr. Ellsworth wrote: "Hitherto astronomers 'have experienced exceedingly great difficulty in measuring the distances of the remote heavenly bodies from our system. The difficulty is due to the very small obtainable parallax of even the nearer bodies, and the great imperfection of even our most modern instruments. My idea is to get a base of almost any length, so that a pronounced parallax of any star, FREDERICK YOUNG. 401 no matter how small or how remote it may be, providing it is visible to the eye, may be obtained. Now, it has been calculated that our system is moving through space at the rate of five miles a second and on a perfect line. My idea is to obtain the exact velocity, then to use the distance that our system travels in a given time as the base line for obtaining a parallax. Allowances and cor- rections can be made for the earth's motions around the sun, and by this method I think a new epoch of astro- nomical progression will be opened up to our understand- ing. I will tell you more about this important matter when I see you." Marion smiled when her husband read Mr. Ellsworth's letter to her, but then it was only because the scientist was so eccentric. She knew that he was much wiser than they, and that it was his knowledge of scientific things that had caused the correct latitude and longitude to be inscribed on the plank which guided the Altair to Empire Island. Yes, these young people owed much to the scientist, and they respected and admired his thoughtful mind and kindly nature. Fred intends, when he can spare the time from his business, to take Marion and his friends, especially Mr. Ellsworth, on a sea-cruise in the Altair for the sake of old times, and it is not improbable that they will again visit the coral-bound shores of Empire Island. THE END.