BANCROFT 
 LIBRARY 
 
 <> 
 
 THE LIBRARY 
 
 OF 
 
 THE UNIVERSITY 
 OF CALIFORNIA 
 
7 i 
 
 CHAWNE 
 
 THE KANAKA GIRL. Page 125. 
 
THE OCEAN LIFE SERIES. 
 
 THE 
 
 WHALEMAN'S ADVENTURES 
 
 IN 
 
 THE SANDWICH ISLANDS 
 
 AND 
 
 BY WM. H. THOMES, 
 
 AUTHOR OF " THE GOLD-HUNTERS' ADVENTURES," " THE BUSHRANGERS," 
 
 'THE GOLD HUNTERS IN EUROPE," "ADVENTURES OF A 
 
 SLAVER," " LIFE IN THE EAST INDIES," 
 
 ETC., ETC. 
 
 ILLUSTRATED. 
 
 BOSTON : 
 LEE AND SHEPARD, PUBLISHERS. 
 
 NEW YORK: 
 LEE, SHEPARD AND DILLINGHAM. 
 
 1873. 
 
uu 
 
 Entered, according to Agt of Congress, in the year 1871, 
 
 BY LEE AND SHEPARD, 
 In the Office of the Librarian of Congress, at Washington. 
 
 Stereotyped at the Boston Stereotype Foundry, 
 No. 19 Spring Lane. 
 
Bancroft Library 
 
 
 f 
 
 BOOKS BY THE SAME AUTHOR. 
 
 i ~\ 
 
 tf 
 
 THE GOLD HUNTERS' ADVENTURES IN AUSTRALIA. 
 
 THE BUSHRANGERS; or, LIFEJN AUSTRALIA. 
 
 ^- THE GOLD HUNTERS IN EUROPE. 
 \ 
 
 ADVENTURES OF A SLAVER. 
 
 LIFE IN THE EAST INDIES. 
 
 , 
 
 All Handsomely Illustrated* 
 
 S 
 
 ' 
 
 LEE & SHEPAKD, PUBLISHEES, BOSTON. 
 
I 
 
 CONTENTS. 
 
 CHAPTER I. * AOB 
 A fair Statement of the Cause of leaving Home 9 
 
 CHAPTER II. 
 How I shipped in a Whaler as a green Hand 22 
 
 CHAPTER III. 
 My first Day at Sea 39 
 
 CHAPTER IV. 
 We fasten to a sperm Whale, and the Whale fastens to us. . . 48 
 
 CHAPTER V. 
 A Light off our weather Bow, and what came of it . . . ,65 
 
 CHAPTER VI. 
 
 Rolling down to Honolulu. A Proposition, and the Result. . . 82 
 
 CHAPTER VII. 
 A fishing Party. The Old Sally in sight. To the Hills. . . 105 
 
 CHAPTER VIII. 
 
 A simple Life and a happy one. A Letter from Mr. Cherington. 
 The Arrival of a Missionary. . . . .... 117 
 
 CHAPTER IX. 
 A new Firm 141 
 
 CHAPTER X. 
 
 Astonishing News of the gold Mines of California. We buy to the 
 right and left, and make Plans for a Fortune. . . . .155 
 
 5 
 
6 CONTENTS. 
 
 CHAPTER XI. 
 
 Off for California. A Surprise and a Passage. California and our 
 Cargo. How we sold it at a Profit. . . . . . . 169 
 
 CHAPTER XII. 
 
 A model Collector. Discharging Cargo. California Prices. 
 Gold and Profits. My Experience. 184 
 
 CHAPTER XIII. 
 
 Breaking the Bank. All Luck on my Side. A fortunate Throw. 
 
 An Attack on the Beach ' . . . . .203 
 
 CHAPTER XIV. 
 
 Keturn to Honolulu. The Greeting between Father and Daughter. 
 
 My Partner and his Daughter. Commendation for Business. 221 
 
 CHAPTER XV. 
 
 For the Ladrone Islands. A Surprise. More Perplexities. An 
 English Pilot. The Governor of the Ladrone Islands and his 
 Daughter ' . .229 
 
 CHAPTER XVI. 
 
 An awkward Position. The Old Sally. A Plan to escape De- 
 tection . " . . . . . 250 
 
 CHAPTER XVII. 
 
 Bunker promises. He escapes. A real Coquette. He makes 
 a Proposition, and it is an astonishing One. . . . . 275 
 
 CHAPTER XVIII. 
 
 Poor Myers and his Wife. Her Objections. Reconciliation. 
 Letters from Home. A San Francisco Fire. ... . . 299 
 
 CHAPTER XIX. 
 
 An unexpected Honeymoon. Off for Honolulu. A terrible An- 
 nouncement. Julia and her Illness. A painful Meeting. . . 316 
 
 CHAPTER XX. 
 
 An Interview. The Result. Beaten at all Points. Off again for 
 California. On the Passage. - , . N 338 
 
 CHAPTER XXI. 
 
 Up the Sacramento. Off for the Mines. The Heat on the Prairies. 
 
 An Attack. Joquin the Robber. 352 
 
CONTENTS. 7 
 
 CHAPTER XXII. 
 
 A bad Position. Off for Help. Old Nat Baker 870 
 
 CHAPTER XXIII. 
 
 Our Camp on the Yuba. The Search for Gold. A Hunt, and what 
 came of it 386 
 
 CHAPTER XXIV. 
 
 Joquin's Cave. A Bargain. An Exploration. Dead Men. A 
 Rattlesnake. Fascinated. Treasures of the Cave. . . . 396 
 
 CHAPTER XXV. 
 
 I again meet Joquin. A Sign saves me. A Ransom demanded, 
 and what came of it. A Rescue. 408 
 
 CHAPTER XXVI. 
 At Honolulu. Julia and her father. 424 
 
 CHAPTER XXVII. 
 
 Life in a Steamer. In Boston once more. Conclusion. 437 
 
A WHALEMAN'S . ADVENTURES ; 
 
 OR, 
 
 LIFE IN THE SANDWICH ISLANDS. 
 
 CHAPTER I. 
 
 A FAIR STATEMENT OF THE CAUSE OF LEAVING HOME. 
 
 IF a man intends to relate the adventures which have befallen 
 him through a life that has had some of the ups and downs neces- 
 sary to make existence endurable, it is incumbent upon him to 
 give some account of his early history. 
 
 I will state, therefore, that in the year 184-, I was an only son 
 of parents residing in Boston, and that my father carried on the 
 wholesale grocery business in Broad Street, was director of a 
 bank, was reputed to be worth about two hundred thousand dol- 
 lars, and had twice served the city as an alderman, and was oaly 
 defeated when he ran for the third time, because the miserable 
 opposition placarded the city, saying that he sanded the sugar 
 which he sold, and watered his rum, and mixed herbs with his 
 black tea. 
 
 I was young then, but I well recollect my father's honest in- 
 dignation when he related the circumstance to my mother ; and 
 I also have a vivid remembrance of his red face turning nearly 
 black as he strove to eat his dinner, and wished at the same time 
 that he had the author of the handbills by the neck, so that he 
 could crush him. 
 
 Two days after my father's defeat, I fell in love with the pret- 
 tiest little school-girl that I had ever seen. Her name was Jenny 
 Fairchild, the only daughter of old "Fairchild, in the leather busi- 
 ness, on Shoe and Leather Street, and estimated worth five hun- 
 
 9 
 
10 A WHALEMAN'S ADVENTURES. 
 
 dred thousand dollars. He was, therefore, more aristocratic and 
 more pious than my father, and, never having been elected to any 
 office, pretended to look down upon our family in a patronizing 
 manner, which made my father mad and my mother virtuously 
 indignant. 
 
 I remember even at this time where I was introduced to Jenny. 
 It was at the corner of Tremont and Park Streets. I was finished 
 at a glance, and wished that I had had my best coat on. She was 
 on her way to a private school, and, although only fourteen, had the 
 airs of a countess. I can hardly recollect what I said as I walked 
 along with her, but I have a vivid recollection of asking her if she 
 loved bunch raisins and figs, and she said that she did, and I said 
 that I should be most happy to supply her with those articles any 
 morning if she would meet me on the above-named corner, and I 
 remember that she agreed to the proposal without much opposi- 
 tion. I think that she feared it would give me too much trouble, 
 but I rejected the idea with scorn. 
 
 I walked with the young lady to school. How sorry. I was that 
 my parent had not done as well with sugar and tea as her father 
 had with sole and upper leather ! 
 
 But to return to the figs and raisins which I had promised 
 Jenny. I knew that it would ruin me to fail in my offer ; so I 
 meditated upon the subject, and my meditations were rewarded 
 by finding that in my mother's store-room were a box of raisins 
 and a drum of figs, always under lock and key, on account of the 
 filibustering disposition of the " help." To obtain the key of that 
 store-room was no easy matter ; but I accomplished it by relating 
 a fanciful sketch of having seen a mouse at work there when I 
 had visited the room some weeks before. I was intrusted with 
 the key for the purpose of destroying the vermin* The next 
 morning I had the happiness of presenting to Jenny about two 
 pounds of the productions of southern climes, and in return was 
 rewarded with a smile and information that " she and the girls 
 would have nice times during school hours," and that " she should 
 be exceedingly pleased to see me the next morning in the same 
 place." 
 
 I was bewildered with joy. Poor goose that I was ! She cared 
 more for the figs and raisins than for me ; and as long as her appe- 
 tite was supplied, she was willing to furnish me with such weak 
 and cheap food as smiles. 
 
THE CAUSE OF LEAVING HOME. 11 
 
 But such a state of things could not last forever. The figs and 
 raisins came to an end, and there was a terrible howl in the house, 
 and the " help " were blown up. In the midst of the storm in 
 walked my father. It was only a month after his defeat at the 
 polls, and he had not recovered his temper. 
 
 " What's the row?" he asked. 
 
 " Here's a whole box of raisins and a drum of figs gone, no 
 one knows where," answered my mother. 
 
 "Who's had the key of the store-room excepting yourself?" 
 he demanded. 
 
 " No one," my mother answered. 
 
 U O, yes, mum. Master Charley Allspice has had the kay to 
 kill mouses, and sure he carried off dead ones in a paper. I seed 
 him," answered one of the help. 
 
 " Has he had the key ? " the ex-alderman asked. 
 
 " I have let him have it several times," mother answered. 
 
 u Then he has taken the fruit. Serve up dinner. I'll settle 
 with him when he comes in." 
 
 My mother trembled as she gave the order. She knew that 
 it would be useless to remonstrate. 
 
 I entered the house five minutes after dinner was on the table, 
 and before my parent had satisfied the first pangs of his hunger. 
 
 " So, sir," said my father, shoving his soup-plate away, " you 
 have been behaving in a pretty manner haven't you? " 
 
 I replied that I had, and that my teacher thought I was one 
 oT the smartest boys in school. 
 
 u Smart at stealing, you mean," thundered the ex-alderman, and 
 then I knew that I was discovered, and that the figs and raisins 
 were to be brought in judgment against me ; but although my 
 heart sank, yet I determined to quail not. 
 
 " Don't, pa," entreated my mother. 
 
 " I will ! " exclaimed the ex-alderman. " I won't have a boy 
 of mine growing up and learning to steal. What will become 
 of him when he arrives at my age?" 
 
 "I should be competent to act as an alderman," I said in alow 
 tone ; but the old gentleman heard it, and for a moment he gasped 
 for breath. . , 
 
 " Do you hear him, madam? " he cried. " Did you hear what 
 he said? Did you hear that boy ca,st reflections upon his own 
 father?" 
 
12 A WHALEMAN'S ADVENTURES. 
 
 Father scowled at me for a moment, and then cut off a slice of 
 beef and scowled at that ; but his heart was too full to eat just 
 then, he pushed his plate away. 
 
 " To think that a child I have been so particular in bringing 
 up, should take to stealing, is not a consoling reflection, madam, 
 and I must nip this passion in the bud." 
 
 I thought that he meant Jenny, and I determined to die before 
 I gave her up. 
 
 " She is as good as our family," I said, with a sniffle, " and 
 her father is richer than you." 
 
 The ex-alderman glanced at me in a state 6f bewilderment, and 
 shook his head as though he found ideas in that operation. 
 
 " Do you know, madam, what he means?" my father asked. 
 
 " La, I suppose that he has got a girl, and I'm sure that if she 
 is of good family, and her father is rich, I don't think that it will 
 hurt Charles in the least." 
 
 " Well, if this don't beat even the mayor's veto," my re- 
 spected parent said, looking first at my face and then at my 
 mother's. " Here's a school-boy, hardly through his multiplica- 
 tion table, has got a girl, and talks of it as though it was some- 
 thing creditable. There is where the figs and raisins have" gone. 
 He's been stealing 'em for the girl, as true as I'm an honest man." 
 
 *' Well, there's no harm done," remonstrated my mother.^ 
 
 " But there is harm, madam. It's not a few raisins that I care 
 for, but it's the principle of the thing, as I told the mayor, when 
 we caught one of the clerks stealing. 
 
 " Well, well, eat your dinner now, and talk of the matter here- 
 after," suggested my mother. 
 
 " But I will talk of it now, or at any time when it suits my 
 convenience," roared my father. " Now, I want to know who 
 the boy has been fooling with. By the Lord Harry, things have 
 come to a pretty pass, if I have got to supply all the school-girls 
 in town with fruit. I'll send a bill in to the fathers of the young 
 'uns, and they shall pay it." 
 
 This frightened me. I would rather have died than Jenny 
 should have heard of such a thing. 
 
 " Now," aid' my father, squaring off at a joint of meat which 
 was before him, and scowling at it as though it had defeated hia 
 election, " I want to know the name of the girl who has induced 
 you to steaJ-" 
 
THE CAUSE OF LEAVING HOME. 13 
 
 I resolved that I would not tell, and I considered how novel 
 heroes would act under like circumstances. 
 
 "Are you going to answer me? "jelled my father. "Will 
 you tell me this minute ? " 
 
 " I will not," I answered, quite firmly. 
 
 My father pushed away his plate, and looked at me fiercely, and 
 I returned his lookrwith one of firmness. 
 
 "Will you tell me? "he shouted, dashing his fist upon the 
 table, and majdng the glasses ring. 
 
 "No, sir, I will not," I answered. 
 
 *' Then go to your room, and mind, you shall have nothing to 
 eat until you'do answer me. I'll nip your obstinacy in the bud." 
 
 I left the table without a word. My mother was shedding tears. 
 I went to my room, and considered what I should do. I was 
 resolved not to involve Jenny in my disgrace, and I knew enough 
 of my father's disposition to be aware that he would keep me 
 under lock and key for weeks, unless I yielded, and conformed to 
 his wishes. 
 
 At length I heard my father leave the house for his store, and 
 then my mother came to me. 
 
 " Charles," she said, " your father, is very angry, and has cause 
 for it. You must tell him, when he returns, all that he desires, 
 and ask his pardon. If you do not do this, he will keep you on 
 bread and water for a week." 
 
 I refused to make any concessions, and my mother left me with 
 tears in her eyes. 
 
 Night approached, and I began to sigh for freedom. I thought 
 ho\if pleasant it would be to roam over the world, and see all that 
 was interesting, and return home after a lapse of many years, rich, 
 and with a mind stored with knowledge. For the first time the 
 idea flashed acrdss my brain that I would rim away and see the 
 world. I knew that whale ships were in the habit of receiving 
 gceen hands, aqfi why should not I join one? Before I had time 
 to consider the subject, I had packed up a few of my clothes in a 
 bundle, taken all the money which my money-box contained, 
 amounting to eight dollars, stole softly down the front stairs, and 
 left the house. 
 
 For a moment I paused on the sidewalk opposite my father's 
 house, and thought of the course which I was about to pursue. 
 Tears came into my eyes as I looked up at the room which I had 
 
14 A WHALEMAN'S ADVENTURES. 
 
 occupied for so many years. A kind word then would have sent 
 me back, but there was no one to utter it. 
 
 My dreams were brought to a close by a man staggering against 
 me ; and, looking up, I found that during my reverie I had been 
 wandering to the street in which Jenny lived, and that I was 
 standing opposite her father's residence. 
 
 I- wanted to see Jenny before I left the city, and yet I hardly 
 dared to call at the house ; I feared her father would order me 
 out of doors. But at last I mustered courage, and went up the 
 steps and rang the bell. 
 
 A young woman opened the door with a flourish, but when she 
 saw only a boy, she appeared to have regretted her smartness, and 
 stood staring at me. 
 
 "Is Miss Fairchild at home?" I asked, rather timidly. 
 
 " les ; have you a bundle for her?" the help demanded. 
 
 " I have no bundle for her, but I wish to speak with her," I 
 replied with some spirit, for I did not like the idea of being taken 
 for a bundle boy. 
 
 She looked at me by the light of the gas in the hall, saw that 
 my clothes were a little better than an errand boy's, and she grew 
 gracious in consequence. 
 
 " Will ye walk in till I tells her?" the help said, after a brief 
 scrutiny of my person ; and I entered the hall, and then the parlor, 
 which was lighted with but one burner, for old Fairchild was 
 rather particular about expenses. " I'll call her," the help said, 
 and off she started. 
 
 While I was waiting my heart beat wildly, and I felt like bolt- 
 ing from the house. Each moment seemed an age ; but at length 
 I heard the light step of Jenny, and then she stood before me look- 
 ing so beautiful and calm, that I felt more timid than ever. 
 
 " Why, is it you? " she said. 
 
 "Yes, I I have called," I gasped. 
 
 "To bring me more figs? "she asked. " TOiy did you not 
 keep them, to give them to me to*-morrow ? " 
 
 11 1 have no figs," I faltered. 
 
 " Ah, raisins, then. I don't like them as well as figs, but I 
 will take them." 
 
 She reached out her pretty little hands, and I started forward 
 &nd seized them, and would have kissed them, but she skipped 
 away in a moino^t, and stood at some distance from me, looking 
 somewhat astonished. 
 
THE CAUSE OF LEAVING HOME. 15 
 
 " No figs, and no raisins?" she asked, after a moment's pause. 
 "Pray what have- you brought me?" 
 
 "Nothing," I answered. 
 
 " Then what do you want?" she inquired, coldly. 
 
 Alas, how like lead her words fell upon my heart ! 
 
 "Jenny," I faltered ; but she interrupted me with a proud gesture. 
 
 *' Miss Fairchild, sir, is my name." 
 
 " Excuse me," I replied, with deep humility. " I will *not 
 offeiid again." 
 
 " You had better not," she answered, with a toss of her pretty 
 head. " Mr. Sutton would not have dared take such liberties, 
 and I'm sure I think that he is splendid." 
 
 Bill Sutton was my rival. He " splendid "! He was always 
 called the clown of the school. That remark was torture to me ; 
 but still I managed to bear all without exhibiting the least sign 
 of temper. 
 
 "I have already asked pardon," I said, "and now I will say 
 good by, for I have a long journey before me, and many months 
 will pass before we shall meet again." 
 
 The little beauty looked incredulous. 
 
 " I shall always think of you," I continued, " and whether I 
 make my fortune or remain poor, you will always have the first 
 place in my estimation." 
 
 " O, dear, I thank you," she cried ; " but I don't want to have 
 anything to do with a poor person." 
 
 " I hope that you will learn, as you grow older, that there are 
 many poor people in the world whom you would be proud to 
 know. But I did not come here to argue with you." 
 
 " O, didn't you?" and her pretty nose was tossed in the air. 
 
 " No ; I came here to say farewell, for I am about to leave my 
 -home, and I don't know when I shall return." 
 
 '* When are you going?" Jenny asked. 
 
 " I leave this evening." 
 
 " And where do you intend to go? " 
 
 u I am undecided. I am going to search for my fortune, and 
 I hope that I shall find it. I have not been treated like a gentle- 
 man at home." 
 
 I expected to see her shed a few tears, but not one made its 
 appearance. 
 
 *' Well," she sai<^it length, " if you are going, good by. I 
 
16 A WHALEMAN'S ADVENTURES. 
 
 hope you won't tell folks that you was my beau, because you kno\V 
 that you was not." 
 
 I bowed and moved towards the door. 
 
 " You will at least shake hands with me," I said. 
 
 She extended her little hand, and suffered me to touch her fin- 
 gers. I thought of the many pounds of fruit which she had taken 
 from my hands with enthusiasm, and my heart. -rose up in my 
 mo'uth, and I could hardly restrain my tears ; but I suppressed 
 them with a mighty effort, took one long look, and left the house. 
 I walked rapidly for a few minutes*, for the purpose of giving 
 vent to some of the angry feelings that oppressed me ; but after 
 J grew tired I began to think that if the girl was coquettish I 
 could not help myself, and that I had better make the best of it, 
 and with this consoling reflection I was more anxious than ever 
 to leave the city. Where I was to pass the night I had not the 
 slightest idea. I knew that cars left the Boston and Providence 
 station for New Bedford,' and as I had heard that that city was 
 the great whaling mart of the state, I determined to get there as 
 soon as possible. As I approached the depot, I saw that it was 
 lighted up, and that people were entering it in haste, as though 
 fearful of being late. 
 
 44 When does the next train leave for New Bedford? " I asked 
 of the clerk in the ticket office. 
 
 " An extra train starts in one minute," he answered. " Never 
 mind the ticket. You have no time to get one. Jump aboard 
 and pay the conductor ; " and he jerked a bell, and the conductor 
 shouted, " All aboard ! " 
 
 After the train was fairly under way, I began to realize the 
 position I had taken, and grew homesick- accordingly. A few 
 words from a friend would even then have turned me from my 
 purpose, and sent me home a repentant boy. 
 
 There were some fifteen or twenty sailo"rs on the cars, men who 
 had shipped in Boston, and were bound to New Bedford, to join 
 ships which were to cruise in pursuit of whales. I took a seat as 
 near these men as I could get. They were not an attractive lot 
 of sailors ; and some of them appeared as though they had fared 
 hard on shore, their faces being bloated, and two of them had 
 black eyes, and a third had a cut upon his face that looked serious. 
 
 I supposed that I should hear some interesting stories of the 
 sea ; but although I paid strict attention, I rul say that their-talk 
 
THE CAUSE OF LEAVING HOME. 17 
 
 was of the deep and its wonders. Their minds were upon other 
 topics. 
 
 " New Bedford ! " shouted the conductor, and the train rolled 
 into the depot. 
 
 Before the cars had ceased their motion, on entering the depot, 
 half a dozen brawny fellows, smelling strongly of oil and tobacco, 
 jumped upon the platform, and entered the car in which I was 
 seated in company with the sailors. 
 
 " Don't you go for to move till I tell you to," cried a runner, 
 addressing the sailors. 
 
 " You don't s'pose we is goin' to run for it do you? " asked 
 Jack. 
 
 " Never you mind what I s'pose," answered the runner, dog- 
 matically. " You jist keep still,* and then there'll be no trouble 
 atwixt us. That's all." 
 
 " Hullo, Ben ! is this you ? " asked one of the fellows who en- 
 tered the car, and from whose face, oil seemed to exude as natu- 
 rally as from the oil springs of Pennsylvania. 
 
 " Yes, this is me, or what is left of me," the runner grunted. 
 
 " Have you got 'em all here?" asked the oily man, casting his 
 eyes over the sleepy sailors. 
 
 " Well, I 'spect they is. Did you ever know me to lose a man 
 in my life ? " 
 
 " Can't say that I ever did, Ben. But pass 'em out, and we'll 
 take care of 'em. Ronse and shine, lads, for there's ile afore ye, 
 and in two years ye'll all be so rich that you won^t know what to 
 do with your money." 
 
 " That will do for the marines," grumbled one of the men. 
 
 "Hullo, old grumbler; you want a little waking up don't 
 you?" asked the city man. "When you is on the blue \\ater, 
 you won't talk that way. But come along, for the boats is wait- 
 ing for yer." 
 
 "Ain't we to stop on shore to-night?" cried half a dozen in 
 chorus. *' We want one more good drink afore we- goes to sea." 
 
 u We can't trust you, my beauties," answered the oily one. 
 " You goes on board to-night, and the skipper can do as he pleases 
 to-morrow. Come, heave ahead. Let's get on board, and have 
 some supper and a glass of grog. The Sally is awaiting us." 
 
 " Then let her wait and be ," was the indignant cry of the 
 
 men, -who had made up their minds for one more carouse. 
 2 
 
IS A WHALEMAN'S ADVENTURES. 
 
 44 Ah, that's the talk is it? " cried the oily man ; " then we'll 
 put on the irons, and see how you like it." 
 
 A perfect howl of rage escaped the sailors at this threat. 
 
 44 Don't let any one leave the car," shouted the oily one. u Ben, 
 you must lend us a hand here." 
 
 41 Ay, ay ; I'm ready,'" answered the runner, peeling off his coat 
 and rolling up his sleeves. 
 
 I found that my position was not a comfortable one by any 
 means ; yet there was no chance to retreat unless I escaped by 
 one of the windows. I threw one of them up, and put out my 
 head, and that act attracted the attention of the oily man. 
 
 44 That feller is trying to get off," he shouted, and made a jump 
 for me, and caught me by one foot, and jerked me back with some 
 violence ; but luckily I struck on the cushion of the seat, arid did 
 not get much injured. At any rate, I feared that I was hurt, and 
 shouted most lustily. 
 
 44 Avast, there, you blubber-hunter," shouted Jack, a sailor, 
 who had sat next to me. 44 He ain't one of us." 
 
 44 You lie," shouted the oily man, giving my foot another 
 wrench, which made me yell in earnest*. 
 
 44 Lie, do I ? " asked Jack, stretching his stout, compact form, 
 and then letting fly one of his hard fists, and a blow lodged be- 
 tween the eyes of the man of grease, and over he went with a 
 crash and a curse that started his friends to the rescue. 
 
 * A free fight," yelled Jack. 
 
 4 * A fight all round," echoed the sailors, and both parties sprang 
 forward to encounter each other. 
 
 Over the seats they went as fierce as wolves. They flew at 
 each other's throats, and struck, and bit, and gouged each other, 
 RDd rolled over and under the seats, and swore; and while the 
 fight was raging most fiercely, out went the lights, and then the 
 men could not tell friend from foe, and all was confusion. 
 
 While the battle was raging hottest, I recollected that I had 
 something to look after, and that was my own preservation. I 
 put my legs out of the window and let myself out of the car ; but 
 the instant I struck the depot I slipped and fell, and just as I did 
 so, a 'man, who was rushiug towards me, stumbled over my body, 
 and down he went with a crash. 
 
 Before he could regain his feet I had regained mine, seized the 
 bundle which 1 owued and had thrown from the window, and ran. 
 
THE CAUSE OF LKAVINU HOMK. 19 
 
 " Stop him ! " shouted the man who had fallen ; but the people 
 ill the depot were too intent upon the fight in the car to pay much 
 attention to me, and as I dodged out of the building, I skirted an 
 acre or two of oil casks, which were lying near, and broke for 
 the darkest place that I could find. 
 
 After walking for some live minutes, I heara the sound of a 
 fiddle, and saw an illuminated sigh which informed me that 
 " lodging and meals could be had here ; " and as one place seemed 
 as good as another, I entered the building, and found myself in a 
 bar-room, graced with innumerable black bottles, clay pipes, to- 
 bacco, and cheap cigars. At one end of the room was a negro, 
 with a violin in his embrace, and he was producing some very 
 nautical airs, while on the bar, with red flannel shirt sleeves 
 rolled up, displaying arms by no means clean, leaned a dirty- 
 looking fellow, from the pores of whose skin whale oil appeared 
 to flow in the form of perspiration. At a table some 'distance 
 from the bar were seated some three or four men, in half-sailor, 
 half-landsman costume, and they were engaged in drinking ale 
 and smoking very black pipes. 
 
 As soon as I entered the room the negro stopped fiddling and 
 looked at me. The bar-keeper slightly changed his position, and 
 also looked at me, and the four men with the ale and pipes also di- 
 rected their gaze at me. I evidently was a rara avis in such 
 quarters. 
 
 After looking around for a moment, I stepped to the bar, and 
 as if from habit the bar-keeper placed a tumbler on the bar, so as 
 to be ready to fill it with such liquor as I might want. 
 
 " Is there a better hotel than this in the place? " I inquired. 
 
 " Why, what is the matter with this ? " was asked by the bar- 
 keeper. 
 
 " Nothing that I know of," I replied ; " only I thought I should 
 like to find a place where I can obtain a good night's rest." 
 
 " If you want to stop here to-night, just shell out twenty -five 
 cents, and you can do it ; otherwise no." 
 
 I took from my pocket a twenty-five cent piece, and laid it upon 
 the bar, and the greasy genius pounced upon it as though it had 
 been a barrel of oil. 
 
 "Want anything to drink?" asked the bar-keeper. 
 
 u Nothing but a glass of water." 
 
 He whirled a tumbler at me as though 1 "had insulted him by 
 
20 A WHALEMAN'S ADVENTURES. 
 
 asking for water. I rinsed it with water from the pitcher, and 
 then drank what I wanted, and intimated that I was ready to 
 retire. 
 
 " Don't want any grub do you ? " the bar-keeper asked. 
 
 " No." 
 
 "Well, .then, Jake, show him to No. 1, and see that the win- 
 dows is down, for it may rain during the night. Blow out the 
 light when you are done, and set it out at the door." 
 
 I promised compliance, and followed a negro to the room. 
 The bed did not look inviting. The floor of the chamber was not 
 particularly clean, and some portions of it resembled the deck of 
 a whaler while cutting in and trying out. For a moment I stood 
 looking at the bed, the room, and the negro, and the latter looked 
 at me with a broad grin upon his face, and the white of his eyes 
 glistening like ivory. 
 
 " Is this the best bed in the house ? " I asked. 
 
 " Well, sar, it am as good as any," was the reply. " I speet 
 dat you will do berry well dare if you once get asleep." 
 
 The negro was about to retire when I stopped him. 
 
 " You love a drop of liquor don't you?" I asked. 
 
 He grinned all over, and showed more ivory than a sperm 
 whale in its most angry mood. 
 
 " Well, sar, I does like. a drop once in a while, dat am a fact." 
 
 " Then drink my health with this quarter ; " and I put one in 
 his hand. 
 
 " I'll- do it, by de Lord Harry ; you see ef I don't." 
 
 He left me in haste to put his promise into execution, and after 
 I had taken off my coat and put the light outside of the door, I 
 lay down upon the bed ; but it was a long time before I could 
 sleep, late as'it was. 
 
 But sleep at length came upon me, and I dreamed that I was a 
 sperm whale, and that I was surrounded by innumerable men 
 armed with lances and irons, and that each one was trying to 
 fasten to me, and at length just as one of the negroes let fly his 
 iron, I awoke with a start. Some one had his hand in my pocket, 
 but not the one which contained my slender store of money. I 
 gave a sudden spring, and struck with my left fist in the direction 
 of the person who was robbing me ; and luckily the blow took effect, 
 and lighted upon his nose, for the hand was hastily withdrawn 
 from my pocket, and an oath was muttered, and then I heard 
 
THE CAUSE OF LEAVING HOME. 21 
 
 the robber move softly across the room and leave it, closing tho 
 door. 
 
 I sprang from the bed and struck a match, but saw no one. I 
 next tried the door, and found that it had been unlocked, although 
 the key was still in the lock. I did not know how successfully 
 nippers could be used in the hands of the experienced. The house 
 was quiet, and I thought it would be foolish on my part to give 
 an alarm ; so I locked the door again, removed the key, and 
 this time determined not to sleep ; but before I was aware of it, 
 I was off, and did not awaken until the sun was high in the heav- 
 ens ; and the first thing that I did hear, when I opened my 
 eyes, was the fiddle in the bar-room, playing the same old tunes, 
 with an occasional break-down, as though the performer was 
 attempting to play and dance at the same time. 
 
 I arose and looked around for a wash-stand and water ; but such 
 things Were not to be found, and I was forced to walk down stairs 
 into the bar-room, where I met Jake, violin in hand, and the bar- 
 keeper, with a green jacket on, leaning upon the bar in the same 
 indolent manner as upon the night before. I thought he blushed, 
 but it may have been the oil that was in his system. I imagined 
 that his nose was swollen a trifle larger than the night before, 
 and I wondered if I was the occasion of it. The instant Jake 
 saw me, he laid his fiddle down on a chair, and came towards me, 
 showing every ivory in his head. 
 
 " I hopes dat you sleeps well," he said. " Let me hab dat coat 
 ef you please. I brush 'em for you, and den gib your shoes a 
 lick." 
 
 He took the coat, in spite of a feeble resistance on my part, and 
 the next moment was improving its appearance. 
 
 44 Have a drink ? " the bar-keeper asked. 
 
 '* No ; I want a place to wash, and some breakfast." 
 
 His fish-like eyes brightened as he saw the prospect of getting 
 a few more cents from me. He led the way to a back room, and 
 pointed to a dirty sink, and a huge piece of yellow soap, which was 
 enough to make me wish myself back in my father's house once 
 more. 
 
 " I a'pose you slept well," the fellow said, while I was pump- 
 ing some water. 
 
 " So, so," I answered. 
 
 He made no reply, but walked t>ff and took his old place be* 
 hind the bar. 
 
22 A WHALEMAN'S ADVENTURES. 
 
 After a wash, I had breakfast, consisting of tough beef steak, 
 and oily coffee, and butter that was strong enough to man a whaler. 
 For this I was modestly charged fifty cents ; and after I had paid 
 the bill, I set forth to find a ship, on board of which I could com- 
 mence my sight-seeing, and experience the pleasure of looking at 
 the world. 
 
 CHAPTER II. 
 
 .HOW I SHIPPED IN A WHALER AS A GREEN HAND. 
 
 I HAD got but a few steps from the house where I had passed 
 the night, when I heard some one panting after me ; and 'looking 
 around, I found that Jake was close upon niy heels. 
 
 " Is you goin' to look for a ship now ? " he asked. 
 
 " Yes/' 
 
 " Well, den, I will go wid you ef you has no 'jections. I show 
 you whar de shippin' office am, sure." 
 
 I did not like the idea of walking through the streets by the 
 side of a negro, for I had always looked upon colored men as 
 many degrees lower in the scale of humanity than whites, but 
 this was years ago, and before slavery was abolished ; but as 
 Jake seemed so respectful, I thought I would humor him. 
 
 We walked through the main street, until we came to a store, 
 upon which were signs informing the public that it was " Podgers' 
 Original Shipping Office," and also that " Landsmen are wanted 
 for first-class Whaling Voyages. Good lays. Clothes Furnished 
 on Credit." Opposite this attractive place Jake paused, and then 
 looked at me and grinned. 
 
 " Dis de place whar you ship ef you want to," Jake said. " Old 
 Podgers in dar, and tell you all about it ef you ax 'em. Ef you 
 don't like Podgers, den go to Sharky. He keep shippin' office 
 too, and tell you lots of lies, and no mistake." 
 
 " 1 will go in and see Podgers," I said, and in I went. 
 
 The store was filled with boots and shoes, tin pots and pans, 
 sheath knives and sheaths and belts, Guernsey frocks, red flannel 
 Bhirts, thick trousers, pine chests, boxes of cheap cigars and 
 
THE CAUSE OF LEAVING HOME. 23 
 
 tobacco, fancy shirts, portable looking-glasses, formidable appear- 
 ing fine-tooth combs, and a hundred other things which go to 
 make up a sailor's chest and stock for a long voyage. 
 
 Mr. Podgers was a man about sixty years of age, very bald 
 and very vulgar-looking. He shipped green hands, and supplied 
 them with outfits on credit, but at such exorbitant charges that 
 he calculated that if he got pay for one outfit in three, he made 
 a hundred per cent, profit. He was a member of a fashionable 
 church, and believed that every sailor who did not pay him in 
 full was damned to all eternity ; and, in truth, he rather liked the 
 idea, and would have felt sorry if any one had attempted to prove 
 that such would not be the case. 
 
 Such was the man whom I saw seated upon a stool, a short, 
 black pipe stuck in his mouth, a greasy cap upon the back of 
 his greasy head, and a pen behind his ear. As I entered the 
 store, he turned his fish-like eyes upon me. 
 
 "Well, sir, what can I serve you with this morning ?" Pod- 
 gers asked, coming forward, and scrutinizing me from head to 
 foot. 
 
 " I see that you have ships that are about sailing, and I called 
 to consult about the chances of shipping in one," I replied. 
 
 44 Ever bin to sea afore? " ne asked. 
 
 No." 
 
 " Green hand, eh? Wai, now, I don't know about it. Seems 
 to me that all the young fellers in the States wants to go to sea 
 jist at this 'ticlar time. Ef you had ever bin at sea, why, I 
 could take you in a minute, and give you a good lay and a 
 good ship. But as it is, why, I don't know." 
 
 " Perhaps I can find a ship somewhere else," I said, and moved 
 towards the door. 
 
 " Stop ! " he shouted. " I didn't say that I couldn't find you a 
 berth did I? What kind of a vige.do you want?" 
 
 " What kind do you think best? " I asked. 
 
 " I s'pose that you would have no 'jections to sailin* with a 
 pious cap'n?" Podgers asked, after a moment's thought. 
 
 " Certainly not," I replied. 
 
 " Nor pious mates, I s'pose." 
 
 " No." 
 
 " Wai, that is one pint towards our bargain, if we make one 
 
24 A WHALEMAN'S ADVENTURES. 
 
 The cap'n of the Sally is a professor of religion, and don't have 
 eweariu' aboard of his ship." 
 
 " The Sally," I repeated ; " why, I came in the cars last night 
 with a lot of men intended for that ship." 
 
 " O, did you? " Podgers asked ; " well, the men had a fight at 
 the depot, I'm told. I fear they are an ungodly set." 
 
 44 Captain Bunker," Podgers continued, u is a mighty particlar 
 man, and won't have any profundity on board of his ship." 
 
 44 Profanity, I. suppose you mean," I said. 
 
 44 Wai, sir, I don't s'pose there's much difference ; and if there 
 is, I don't parceve it." 
 
 I saw that the good man was offended, and I hastened to ap- 
 pease him ; but it was a long time before he could get over it and 
 become reconciled to me. 
 
 " Wai, how about your clothes ? " he inquired. 4t Have you 
 got any money to buy 'em? Or have you got an outfit?" 
 
 44 1 have seven dollars," I said. 
 
 44 That is somethin', but not enough. I can trust you for some 
 clothes, and -take what money you have got towards paying for 
 'em." 
 
 I laid down my seven dollars, and he pounced upon them like a 
 hungry shark upon a piece of fat pork. 
 
 " It is all the money I have," I remarked, '.' and I don't know 
 what will support me until I go on board of some ship, if you 
 keep it." 
 
 4 * 0, I can send you on board of the Sally this afternoon. She 
 sails to-morrow." 
 
 He was determined not to give me the money at all hazards. 
 
 44 You haven't got a father that would be willin' to pay for 
 your traps have you ? " Podgers asked, after a moment's con- 
 sideration. 
 
 I shook my head. 
 
 44 Ah, well, never mind. I must trust you, I suppose. Ah, if 
 I only had what I have been cheated out of by sailors, I could 
 leave business and devote the remainder of my days to charity." 
 
 He beckoned me behind the counter to an awful oily desk, 
 where some papers were spread, and pointed with his fat finger to 
 a line, and put a pen in my hands. 
 
 4 ' I hope," he groaned, " that Cap'n Bunker won't be down on 
 me for shippin* you. He is a mighty particlar man, and don't 
 
AN OUTFIT FOR A VOYAGE. 25 
 
 like to take green hands. He is a great man for whalin', and 
 likes short viges. Ah, he is what we call *a good man, and no* 
 mistake." 
 
 I afterwards found out what constitutes a good man in the 
 estimation of the New Bedford whaling portion of the com- 
 munity. 
 
 " I s'pose," Podgers continued, " that I shall have to allow you 
 about the one hundred and ninetieth lay, and hope that when 
 you come home with pockets full of money, you won't forget that 
 Podgers gave you a start in life, and consequently make him a 
 handsome present." 
 
 I assured the honest man that I should remember him, and I 
 have from that day to this. 
 
 I signed my name, and became enrolled as one of the crew of 
 the ship Sally, and for wages was to receive one barrel of oil out 
 of every one hundred and ninety taken on board, which is called, 
 in whaling parlance, the lay. 
 
 Then I signed another paper, which secured to Podgers his pay 
 for outfits, in case whale were taken, and I was disposed to leave 
 at some foreign port ; and after that the shipping-master began to 
 select my clothes, together with a belt and sheath-knife, a pot and 
 pan, a spoon, and a fork. I insisted upon a fork, although Pod- 
 gers scoffed at the idea. 
 
 " What does a sailor-man want of a fork?" he asked, with an 
 expression of scorn. 
 
 " To eat with," I replied. 
 
 " Bah ! they allers eats with their fingers. But put it in." 
 
 " There," said Podgers, throwing in a monkey-jacket of rather 
 coarse material, "there are clothes enough for four years, if you 
 is only keerful of 'em. Otherwise no." 
 
 " And what are they worth?" I ventured to inquire. 
 
 4 'Let me see. Shirts, best quality. Gone up within three 
 days. Trousers, such as no man need feel ashamed to wear, 
 even to church. I'm short of 'em, and they can't be had at fair 
 prices. They has gone up like sixty. But I'll be reasonable." 
 
 " Perhaps the price of jackets has also gone up," I remarked, 
 as I saw that he was regarding one attentively. 
 
 Pie looked at me a moment to see whether I was joking or 
 not. 
 
 " Well, we'll say about eighty dollars for what there is there," 
 
26 A WHALEMAN'S ADVENTURES. 
 
 he remarked, after a mental calculation. " I don't do right by 
 my family in selling 'em so cheap." 
 
 The old rascal ! The articles could all have been purchased at 
 a store in Boston for fifteen dollars, and dear at that. 
 
 " Now you go on board as soon as" you please," the shipping- 
 master said,." and let me advise you to jump and obey orders arter 
 you is on board, or you'll find out that there is some difference 
 'twixt the land and sea." 
 
 The greasy scamp stuck his black pipe in his mouth, and be- 
 gan to smoke, and, while I was looking at him, Jake entered the 
 store. 
 
 " Here, you nigger," said the shipping-master, " I want' this 
 feller and his traps put on board the Sally ; do you get him on 
 board and I'll give you a half pint of whiskey some of the 
 squealing sort." 
 
 " I'll do it, sar," answered Jake. " I's glad dat he's going in 
 de same ship dat I go in. I larn him to be a whaler, sure, and 
 like as not he be boat steerer afore we come back." 
 
 " The more hope that I shall get my pay," grunted Podgers. 
 
 I took hold of one end of the chest, and Jake the ether, and we 
 staggered off towards the wharf, which was about ten rods distant 
 from the store. 
 
 On reaching the wharf, I ran up to the lodging-house where I 
 had passed the night, and got my bundle which I had left there ; 
 but before I could take my leave of the place, the tallow-faced 
 bar-keeper asked me to drink, and I declined. 
 
 " Going whaling? " he asked, with his elbow still upon the bar. 
 
 " Yes," I answered. 
 
 " Wai," he replied, " you is like a young bar." 
 
 "Why?" I asked. 
 
 " Wai, 'cos you has got all your troubles afore you ; " and with 
 that he laughed most heartily, and while he was laughing I left 
 him and ran down to the dock, where I found Jake sitting on my 
 chest, and singing negro melodies, to the intense delight of a large 
 collection of greasy-looking boys. 
 
 " The boat from the Sally no come yet," Jake said, when he 
 saw me. " I is no hurry to get dare is you ? I spect dat we 
 shall see nuffof de old Sally widout being anxious to jine 'em." 
 
 About twelve o'clock, a whale boat put off from the ship. Aa 
 it drew near, Jake exclaimed, 
 
I *MAKE THE ACQUAINTANCE OP THE CAPTAIN. 27 
 
 " By golly, here coine de skipper ; and now you hab a chance to 
 see 'em." 
 
 Upon the strength of that information, I looked quite hard at 
 the man in the stern-sheets, who was working a steering oar with 
 much vigor. He was stout and short, with red hair and h'eavy 
 beard. As he landed upon the wharf, I saw that his eyes were 
 red, that his hands were dirty, and that his mouth was.filled with 
 tobacco ; and according to my ideas, he did not look at all like a . 
 Christian, or a Sabbath school teacher. 
 
 "Well, nigger, what are you doing here?" he asked of Jake. 
 
 " Fs going to help dis boy get his tings on board, . bar," an- 
 swered Jake. 
 
 " What, is this one of my boys ? " he asked, with a look at 
 me. 
 
 " Yes, sar ; Mr. Podgers ship 'em dis mornin' as green hand." 
 
 " And green 'enough he is, I s'pose." 
 
 "What is your name, you sir?" Captain Bunker, the pride of 
 whalemen, and the pet of New Bedford, thundered. 
 
 " Charles Allspice," I responded. 
 
 "That's a spicy name ; but if you show any pepper on 
 
 board, I shall apply the salt, and we will see which gets the best 
 of it. You are not going on board the Sally to eat the bread of 
 idleness, by a sight ; so I give you warning." 
 
 u Good gracious," I. thought, " if this is a specimen of the 
 Christians of New Bedford, what must the sinners be ? " 
 
 But it was too late for me to investigate such matters, for I 
 was forced into the boat with my chest, and the next moment 
 was pulling for the Sally. 
 
 The Sally, which was to be my future home, looked as though 
 she had been built by contract with a number of other ships, and 
 sawed off at bow and stern, for she was blunt one way as the 
 other, and could sail stern foremost as rapidly as she could go 
 ahead. Sailors who knew her best said that she could make 
 more leeway during a twenty-four hours' gale, than she could 
 make good in twenty-four hours with a fair wind ; but I have my 
 reasons for saying that I think such an assertion was greatly ex- 
 aggerated. Extending from stem to stern was a bright streak of 
 varnish, about a foot wide, and looking as greasy as the majority 
 of whalers generally look. The masts and yards of the Sally 
 were not stepped and slung with mathematical precisiou. That I 
 
28 A WHALEMAN'S ADVENTURES. 
 
 could tell at a glance, although 'I was no sailor, and did not know 
 the name of a single spar at that time. 
 
 When the boat was alongside of the pride of New Bedford, 
 and I was requested to " parbuckle " myself to the deck an in- 
 vitation that I did not know the meaning of, until Jake put a 
 couple of ropes in my hand, and told me to stick my toes upon 
 some cleats nailed on the side of the ship, and then go up, and I 
 did so after seeing some one try the experiment. 
 
 Upon reaching the deck of the Sally, I found what appeared to 
 me supreme confusion. Men with very dirty trousers, and very 
 black jumpers, were rushing about the deck, pulling at first one 
 rope and then another, and then shouting to other men aloft, and 
 the men aloft were shouting to those on deck the most incompre- 
 hensible orders, and emphasizing the same with terrible oaths, to 
 which those on deck responded with" interest* No one took any 
 notice of me, and I leaned against the rail, looking on amazed, 
 until I was aroused by a fierce voice asking, 
 
 u Whose traps are these?" 
 
 I looked up and saw a tall, lank man, with ferocious black 
 whiskers, a flat nose, a nose that seemed to have been beaten 
 even with his face by some terrible blow, standing near me and 
 chewing tobacco at a terrible rate. 
 
 " Whose traps are these ? " the fierce man repeated. 
 
 " Mine," I answered. 
 
 44 Then what in is it doing here? Away with it to the 
 forecastle." 
 
 "Where is that? "I asked. 
 
 " What a fool ! " the fierce man said. " Take the chest 
 
 for'ard. It seems as though the race of greenhorns would never 
 die out. Come, look lively, for I want the deck cleared." 
 
 I don't know how I should have got out of the trouble if it 
 had not been for Jake, who joined me at that moment, and who 
 grinned at the fierce man in such a kind, good-natured way, 
 that I think his heart, if he had one, wa* slightly touched. 
 
 " Well, darky, have you come on board for good?" 
 
 " Yes, sar. I cum off wid dis young man who shipped dis 
 mornin'. Hope you berry well, Mr. Spadem." 
 
 *' Well, help the feller carry his traps to the forecastle, and look 
 arter him a bit." 
 
 " Dat," whispered Jake, as we dragged the chest forward, over 
 
IN THE FORECASTLE. 29 
 
 sails and barrels, harpoons and lances, grindstones and blocks, 
 just received on board, " is Mr. Spadem, de mate, who kills 
 more whales dan any udder man, and make lots money for de 
 owners." 
 
 u Is he a Christian, also ? " I asked. 
 
 " Ha, ha ! " chuckled Jake ; " dey is all Christians on shore, and 
 berry devils at sea. But you find 'em out by and by. Now, den, 
 here am de forecastle, and a precious time dey is habin* down 
 dare, sure." 
 
 I stepped to the scuttle and looked down. A strong steam of 
 mingled onions, tobacco, smoke, rum, and bilge- water was ascend- 
 ing the narrow passage. 
 
 "Wai, dey is having a time, and no mistake," muttered Jake, 
 listening at the scuttle for a moment. 
 
 " Is that the place for sailors ? " I asked, with a tremulous 
 voice. 
 
 " Dat de place, and a berry good place you find J em ; arter you 
 has ben on deck in de wet and cold for four hours, you tink 'em 
 a riglar hotel den, and no mistake." 
 
 I had some doubts on the subject ; but I afterwards found that 
 his words were true. 
 
 " Wai," said Jake, after a moment's pause, " I s'pose we must 
 lower de chest down somehow ; so you hold 'em one end and go 
 afore. Now, den, here we goes." 
 
 Jake seized one end of the chest, and commenced backing 
 down the narrow, greasy steps, and in an instant there were heard 
 a dozen men shouting, 
 
 " Out of the light, and be to you ; " " Hit his heels ; " 
 
 " Stern, all ;"" There goes flukes ; " and many other expressions 
 which were strange to me and incomprehensible. 
 
 At length we landed in safety, and then I looked around to see 
 what kind of a place I was in. Although it was midday, there 
 was a light burning between two upright pieces of timber, at the 
 foot of the steps, and I afterwards learned they were called 
 " bitts." Around the den, which was dark and dirty, was a row 
 of chests, and on these were seated sixteen or twenty men, some 
 of them playing cards for piles of tobacco, while others were 
 drinking from tin pots, and refilling them from suspicious-looking 
 black bottles. 
 
 A more diabolical looking set of fiends I never saw in all my 
 
30 A WHALEMAN'S ADVENTURES. 
 
 life. I was a little astonished, and remained speechless while I 
 looked on the scene. 
 
 I forgot to mention that around the forecastle, in the form of a 
 triangle, were berths for the men to sleep in, and some of the 
 sailors appeared to be improving their time, and napping away 
 undisturbed by the noise and confusion. 
 
 " Who in the devil's name are you?" asked one fellow, shying 
 a pot at my head, which I was fortunate enough to dodge. 
 
 I made no answer. 
 
 " Can't you speak, you son of a fresh-water dog?" the man 
 thundered, and he raised a black bottle to throw at me, but just 
 then Jake interposed. 
 
 " You jist let 'em alone," the negro cried, with some little sign 
 of temper. " You no see dat he jist jine de ship, and no under- 
 stand much about sailor's life." 
 
 " What is that to you, snow-ball?" th,e sailor asked, and re- 
 moving a quid of tobacco from his mouth, he threw it at Jake, 
 and the filth lodged upon the face of the negro. 
 
 I saw an expression like that of a fiend pass over the negro's 
 face ; and then I saw him tear his old Scotch cap from his head, 
 and dash it upon the deck, and then bend his bullet-shaped head, 
 until it was on a level with the sailor's breast ; and then, like a 
 thunder-bolt, the darky dashed forward, and with his head struck 
 the sailor upon his breast, and over he went upon the deck, as 
 though he had been shot. ^ ' 
 
 But Jake did not stop with his butting punishment. Before 
 his adversary could rise, the negro had planted his heavy feet 
 upon the white man's breast, and kicked him until some of the 
 men, who, having nothing to do, were a little interested in the 
 fight, interfered, and parted the belligerents. 
 
 u Let's have a fair chest fight," roared one man, who could 
 hardly stand, having been drinking all day. 
 
 " Tell 'em to fight across a hand'chief," a second cried ; u that's 
 the way to settle a quarrel." 
 
 In the mean time the sailor, who had been butted to the deck, 
 arose, with face covered with blood, for Jake had planted one 
 of his feet upon that portion of his body, and it had done exe- 
 cution. 
 
 " You see what he has done don't you, boys?" asked the 
 sailor, not appearing to have much desire to renew the battle. 
 
A SAILOR'S QUARREL. 31 
 
 " If we is to be run over by niggers, we had better understand 
 it at once." 
 
 44 Fight him," one cried. " On the chests in sailor fashion." 
 
 But this did not seem to suit the fancy of Charley, as he was 
 called. 
 
 " Is you going to fight, or not?" two or three asked; and I 
 mention it as a matter of remark, that the men who were playing 
 cards did not even cease their game, or hardly look up, fights 
 being so common just before the sailing of the whaler. 
 
 44 I'll fight 'em," cried Jake, his eyes flashing like fire, and his 
 face expressing all the bad nature of his heart. " I'll fight 'em 
 any how, or at any time. Wid de lead, wid fists, wid knives, or 
 wid harpoons. Let 'em cum on, and I'll larn 'em manners. He 
 insult me, and I do nuffin to him. What he insult me for ! Des 
 answer me dat. Ef he tiiik dat he going to pick on dat boy, 'cos 
 he green, he mistaken." 
 
 44 And who is to prevent me? " asked the white man. 
 
 " I do now or by and by. All times I look arter 'im." 
 
 " And I will lend a hand, there," cried a voice, which I recog- 
 nized ; and Jack, the sailor I had met in the car, pushed his way 
 through the crowd, and extended his huge fist to the negro. " I 
 tell you, darky, that I'll take a hand with you in any fight when 
 they want to crowd the boy. I ain't forgot the time when I was 
 a boy, and was kicked about the deck- like a dog." 
 
 The white man and the negro shook hands upon the contract, 
 and it was one that they kept during the time that I was on board, 
 and if it had not been for them I should have fared hard. 
 
 By this time the men had resumed their regular occupations, 
 such as drinking and smoking, and playing cards, and left us 
 three to talk as we pleased. 
 
 " Let me see," said Jack, looking around the forecastle. " You 
 want a bunk. Have you got any bedding dunnage?" 
 
 I looked at one and the other without speaking. 
 
 " He don't know what you mean," Jake said, with a grin. 
 
 " Wai, I s'pose not. Has you got any bedding? That's what 
 we call dunnage." 
 
 No, I had no bedding. Old Podgers had wilfully neglected 
 me in that respect. 
 
 44 Let me see," Jack muttered ; " there's that boy Will, he's 
 got a bunk all to himself. It's large enough for two, if you both 
 
32 
 
 is in the same watch. He's got dunnage, and will share it, I think. 
 I'll see ; " and up the steps he went, and shouted, " Boy Will," 
 until I heard some one answer, and then Jack returned to the 
 forecastle. 
 
 In a few minutes down the steps bounded a lad about my own 
 age, but with regular sailor rig on, and a face that appeared to 
 have seen service in facing the smoke of the try-pots and strong 
 gales of wind. 
 
 " Well, who wants me ? " Will said. 
 
 " I want yer, Will. Here's a shipmate for yer," Jack an- 
 swered, nodding at me. 
 
 We looked at each other rather slyly, as boys always do on 
 first meeting, and each declined to say anything. 
 
 " Will," said Jack, " you must give Allspice half of your bunk 
 and dunnage. He'll get some blankets from the slop chest afore 
 long, and make it all right with yer. What do yer say ? " x 
 
 44 1 agrees to that," the lad answered with much frankness. " I 
 was fearful I'd have to turn in and out with some lubber of a 
 man, or a Portuguese. I's got plenty of bed-clothes, and he shall 
 share with me." 
 
 We sat down upon the chest, and had a confidential talk, and 
 I learned that Will had a mother and a sister at New Bedford ; 
 that his father followed the whaling business until he was killed 
 by the flukes of a whale, which came down upon the boat and 
 crew unexpectedly ; and that, consequently, the widow had to sup- 
 port herself and daughter by doing slop-work for Podgers and 
 others. Will had assisted his mother as much as possible, and 
 his first voyage had realized some fifty dollars, which he had 
 given his parent. This trip, he hoped to do better, as he got a 
 much better lay. He was desirous of rising in his profession, and 
 hoped to command a ship before many years. 
 
 " Now," said Will, in conclusion, " let's stick together and be 
 friends, and if the Portuguese picks on one of us, we'll resent it 
 together. They'll want to make us wait on 'em, and do the dirty 
 work ; but I rather fancy that a Yankee boy is too good for that 
 don't you ? " 
 
 I thought so. 
 
 " Now," continued Will, " can you fight? " 
 
 I recollected my bloody nose when I had a battle with a 
 school-boy, and said that I could, some, but I was not confident 
 
THE FIRST SUPPER. 33 
 
 " Never mind ; you'll have to pretend that you can do some, 
 and that goes a great ways with the Portuguese. You'll SOOD 
 learn how to fight, for we shall have a few pitched battles 'afore 
 many days, and then every man will have to look after his own 
 head." 
 
 I shall never forget my first meal on board of the Sally. It 
 was six o'clock, and the decks were all cleared up, and the Sally 
 was pronounced ready to sail. The mate came forward, and tofii 
 the cook to " give the people their supper," and then we went to the 
 galley, where the cook, or " doctor," as they called him, presided 
 in greasy dignity, and received one quart of hot mixture ; and 
 then two tubs, which they called " kids," were thrust out, and I 
 saw that they contained pieces of beef which had been boiled, and 
 were cold. These were carried to the forecastle by a Portuguese, 
 who was half drunk. 
 
 The men were not hungry, and some of them did not even 
 leave off playing cards, for the purpose of tasting the tea or the 
 salt beef. 
 
 I must confess that I felt hungry ; and while I stood looking at 
 the beef and bread which the Portuguese were hacking at like 
 wolves, Will joined me, and I hinted to him that I felt as though 
 I could eat a little something on deck. 
 
 " Pitch in, then," cried my juvenile friend. " Out with your 
 sheath-knife, and hack away at the best that you can get, and 
 then we will go on deck and eat in peace, and afterwards have a 
 comfortable smoke." 
 
 Under this advice I timidly approached one of the kids, and 
 stuck my new fork into a piece of beef, when the kid was kicked 
 beyond my reach, and a Portuguese, who did it, scowled at me as 
 he said, 
 
 " You s'pose you eat all fore sailors do. You waite, sar, till 
 men help demselves ; den you cut, ef you want to." 
 
 I said nothing, but Will whispered to me to " pitch into him ; " 
 but the fellow was twice as large as myself, and I feared that 
 would not do. 
 
 At length I got what I wanted, and my chum and myself went 
 on deck, where we could eat without molestation, and without the 
 perfume which pervaded the forecastle. I tried to drink my first 
 pot of tea, and nibbled at bread which had made one voyage 
 around the Horn. But the beef was not so bad, and I managed 
 3 
 
34 A WHALEMAN'S ADVENTURES. 
 
 to consume enough to satisfy ray appetite, and then turned to Will, 
 who was eating like a sailor. 
 
 " I tell you what it is," said Will, pouring some hot tea into 
 his pan, and washing the utensil with that compound ; " you should 
 have hit that Portuguese thief when he kicked the kid away from 
 you. You must recollect that we is Americans, and that these 
 Portuguese rascals ain't even Christians ; therefore we mustn't let 
 'em hustle us around like anything." 
 
 We sat on deck and talked until a late hour, and Will told me 
 his whole history, and wanted to know mine ; but I was shy of 
 confiding it to him, and after he had questioned me and obtained 
 no results, he gave it up in despair, and spun me a few whaling 
 yarns, to show that he was familiar with the art of taking the 
 monsters'. 
 
 By ten o'clock we began to grow sleepy, and I proposed that 
 we should retire to our berth ; but the noise and confusion in the 
 forecastle were so great, that we found it would be useless to 
 attempt to sleep there. Jake had received his violin from the 
 shore, and was tuning it and playing lively break-downs. Liquor 
 was still passed around. Men who could hardly speak half a dozen 
 words intelligibly, on account of a certain thickness of tongue, 
 were roaring out songs. The Portuguese, of whom there were 
 some six on board, were collected in one corner, and gambling 
 for tobacco most industriously, and sometimes even putting up a 
 shirt or two, to make the game more interesting. 
 
 Sleep, in such a den, was out of the question ; so we took the 
 blankets from the berth, and went on deck, and found quarters on 
 the try-works, where some sails were stowed. 
 
 I don't know what time it was when I awoke, but I started up 
 on hearing a most frightful noise, and loud oaths and exclama- 
 tions, which came from the forecastle. I touched Will, and we 
 listened for a moment, and heard cries of murder, and cries of 
 defiance, and cries of triumph, and blows, and kicks, and the over- 
 turning of chests and pans. I ran aft to awaken the mate, 
 whom I found lying on the transom of the cabin, and sleeping as 
 quietly as though upon shore. 
 
 "Mr. Spadem," I said, touching him on hia arm, "the crew 
 are having a terrible fight in the forecastle." 
 
 He started up and stared at me for a moment without speaking, 
 and I repeated my information. 
 
A MAN OVERBOARD. 35 
 
 " Well, let 'em fight and be hanged," he said. " After they 
 have killed each other, let me know ; " and down went his head 
 again, and he was asleep in an instant. 
 
 I ran forward and joined "Will, who was standing by the scuttle 
 of the forecastle, listening to the row. 
 
 " The mate won't come forward," I said. 
 
 44 Then they must fight it out, and a pretty time they will have." 
 
 We did not dare descend into the forecastle, so stood there and 
 listened until we heard some one coming up the steps as though in 
 a great hurry, and then we stepped back and concealed ourselves 
 behind the foremast, and saw one of the Portuguese plunge upon 
 the deck, and then gather himself, run to the rail, and jump over- 
 board : and as he did so three or four of the crew also reached 
 the deck, and looked around for the man who was in the water. 
 
 4fc Where is he ? " they asked, getting sight of us. 
 
 44 Overboard," answered Will. 
 
 Their clothes were almost torn from their backs and bodies, 
 their faces were cut, and blood was streaming down upon their 
 breasts, and from their hands, and dripping upon the deck. All 
 this we were enabled to see by the light of the inoon. 
 
 44 Is he overboard?" they asked ; and with one accord they 
 rushed to the rail, and saw the Portuguese in the water, swim- 
 ming for the shore. 
 
 44 Kill him ! " they shouted ; and seizing firewood and handspikes, 
 they hurled them at the man in the water ; but they fell short. 
 
 * 4 Lower a boat and after him," was the next cry, and the three 
 men rushed aft to one of the boats, which had been hoisted up at 
 sundown, and had commenced lowering it, when the mate came 
 on deck with a heaver in his hand, which he began beating the 
 men with. 
 
 The battle was an exciting one ; but the mate had the advan- 
 tage. The second and third mates were awakened by the row, 
 and rushed upon the deck sans trousers, sans everything but 
 flannel shirts. 
 
 This re-enforcement was too much for the sailors, and they 
 were compelled to retreat forward with broken heads. 
 
 44 If you please, sir," said Will, running up to the mate, who 
 was expressing himself in most awful terms, 44 the Portuguese 
 will get clear." 
 
 An explanation was demanded and given. 
 
36 A WHALEMAN'S ADVENTURES. 
 
 " Why, blast 'em," cried Mr. Spadem, " I thought they 
 wanted to run for it, and that's the reason I knocked 'em so. 
 Here, you Will and "the other boy, what's his name ? Pepper, 
 go down the falls and unhook the tackles, and haul the boat to 
 the gangway. Be lively, or the cuss will reach the shore." 
 
 Will ran to obey, and I followed him, and did as he did. We 
 landed in the boat, and had her alongside in no time, although I 
 must confess that Will did all the work. 
 
 The mate tumbled into the boat, and we shoved off. They got 
 out their oars, while I looked on. 
 
 " Where's your oar., you Pepper?" roared the mate, who had 
 hold of the steering oar. 
 
 " I don't know," I replied. 
 
 "Out with one, and pull, ^ou son of a gun," roared Mr. 1 
 Spadem. 
 
 " I don't know how," I replied. 
 
 " Then larn, and be hanged to you. Out with one, or I'll hash 
 you into mince meat in no time." 
 
 To prevent my meeting such a dreadful fate, I managed to get 
 out an oar and slip it in the rowlock ; but the very first stroke I 
 took I missed the water, and up went my feet and down went my 
 head, while iny oar struck the back of the second mate, who was 
 aft of me. 
 
 " You Pepper, you," roared the mate. 
 
 " Yes, sir," I answered, rubbing my head. 
 
 " I'll be the death of you before you have been on blue water 
 ten hours. You see if I don't." 
 
 " If you don't kill me, the water will," I answered. 
 
 " Silence, you rascal ! How dare you answer me back? But 
 I'll larn you you see if I don't." 
 
 I dipped my oar into the water this time ; but unfortunately, I 
 went too deep, and cramped it, and caused the boat to keel over 
 about two or three streaks, and nearly tumbled the mates and 
 Will from their thwarts. The last disaster was more than the 
 mate could stand, and he blasphemed so loud, and called me 
 such hard names, that I really began to think the Christian-like 
 officer whom Podgers described to me had turned into a 
 devil. 
 
 " I couldn't help it," I said, as soon as I could find my breath, 
 and put in a word edgeways. 
 
CATCHING A DESERTER. 37 
 
 " Yes, you could help it, too," roared the mate. " But wait 
 until I get on board, and see if I don't sarve you out." 
 
 " Perhaps he had better ship his oar," suggested the second 
 mate, a Mr. Lance, and a very fine fellow, as I afterwards found. 
 
 " In with it then. Be lively. Give way, the rest of you. 
 And you, Pepper, take the boat-hook and stand by to catch that 
 Portuguese as we get on to him." 
 
 The second mate pushed the boat-hook along with one hand, 
 so that I had no doubt that what he had hold of was a boat-hook ; 
 and armed with this weapon I stood up in the bows of the boat. 
 
 " There he is, just ahead of us," cried the mate. " Give way, 
 boys, and he is ours. One stroke more and we shall be up to 
 him. Now, then, start her with a will. Don't you miss him, 
 you, Pepper." 
 
 . As he spoke we were close upon the sailor, who ducked his 
 head down, intending to dive ; but I caught the seat of his trou- 
 sers with the boat-hook, and perhaps a little flesh with it, and 
 then recollecting what I had read about whaling, I shouted with 
 the whole strength of my lungs, 
 
 " Stern, all stern, all ! for I've got him." 
 
 From long habit the rowers instantly " backed water," and 
 stopped the boat from progressing. 
 
 By this time the mate had dropped his steering oar, and come 
 forward and taken the boat-hook. 
 
 4 ' O, I no do so more," the sailor cried. 
 
 " No, I don't intend that you shall. You are not going to ride 
 over me, and I shall let you know it ; " and down went the poor 
 fellow, and after being held under water a few seconds, he was 
 drawn up and told that he might get into the boat. 
 
 The Portuguese had not strength enough to do that alone ; so 
 assistance was extended, and he was parbuckled over the side and 
 landed in the bottom of the boat^ and then we pulled for the ship, 
 where I expected to " catch it ; " but I suppose that the mate had 
 found a valve for the escape of his bile, and was satisfied. 
 
 When Will and myself went forward, the fight was over. 
 Each man was relating his grievance, and shedding tears, a state 
 of drunkenness that is quite .common with some sailors, and the 
 three men who chased the Portuguese on deck were having their 
 injuries dressed or washed by those who were sober enough to 
 do such work. 
 
38 A WHALEMAN'S ADVENTURES. 
 
 It was quite evident to Will and I that the forecastle was no 
 place for us ; so we returned to our blankets on the try-pots, and 
 just as we had covered ourselves up, the mate came forward and 
 looked down the forecastle. 
 
 "If I hear any more noise down there," he said, "I'll come 
 down with a lever. Do you understand that ? " 
 
 " If you come down here you will never go up alive," I heard 
 some one say. 
 
 " What is that, you mutinous rascal? " yelled the mate. 
 
 He looked down the forecastle with a wishful glance, as though 
 he would have admired to know who was talking to him ; but as 
 he could not find out, and an inquiry was answered with slang, he 
 turned away, muttering most terrible threats of " using up their 
 old iron for 'ein ;" but the meaning of that term I did not know at 
 the time. 
 
 I did not awaken till all hands were called in the morning. 
 The men were ratffer slow to " turn out." But when they did 
 muster on deck, such a looking set of battered faces I never 
 saw. 
 
 There did not seem as though in the whole crew there was life 
 enough to move ; yet the men, after a drink all round, which was 
 supplied to them by one of their number, who had saved a bottle 
 on purpose to ease off with, improved wonderfully, and even be- 
 gan to joke each other on the bad appearance which they pre- 
 sented. 
 
 "Give the people their breakfast," said the mate, coming for- 
 ward and speaking to the cook. " As soon as they have finished it 
 vfe get under way." 
 
 No sooner was breakfast over than a boat came alongside from 
 the shore, and on deck sprang the redoubtable Captain Bunker, 
 who looked as though he desired to take vengeance on some one 
 for rousing him up so early in the morning. 
 
 " Loose the sails, and man the windlass," Bunker growled to 
 the mate, as he passed over the gangway and disappeared in the 
 cabin. 
 
MY FIRST DAY AT SEA. 39 
 
 CHAPTER III. 
 
 MY FIRST DAY AT SEA. 
 
 IT is not a very pleasant thing to go to sea at any time, unless 
 homeward bound ; but to up anchor and stand out to sea with a 
 crew half drunk and the other half suffering under mild attacks of 
 delirium tremens, is not enviable, but the officers of the Sally 
 seemed to mind it but little. The anchor came up rather slowly, 
 for the strength of the men was not applied to their task. The 
 mate stood upon the top-gallant forecastle, chewed tobacco, and 
 shook his fist at us, and tried to infuse some life into us ; but the 
 men were dead to all attempts to force them to work harder, even 
 if they had been able. 
 
 " Why don't that chain come in faster ? " roared the skipper 
 from the quarter-deck, where he was walking in all the majesty 
 of command ; and then, without waiting for an answer, his prom- 
 enade was resumed. 
 
 " Do you hear?" the mate cried. " The cap'n is arter you, 
 and if he cums for'ard there won't be nothing left of you. He 
 won't be trifled with, I can tell you. Now heave with a will, and 
 up she comes." 
 
 But this speech did not seem to inspire the men with that en- 
 ergy which was desirable, for they sullenly confined themselves to 
 their work, and exhibited no enthusiasm. My labor on that im- 
 portant occasion was hauling the chain out of the way, and ar- 
 ranging it in layers along the deck ; and as it was the first hard 
 work that I had ever done, it told upon me. 
 
 " We are short, sir," shouted the mate to the red-headed 
 skipper. 
 
 u Short of what?" I wondered. 
 
 "Sheet home the topsails, then," the skipper said. 
 
 That I found was much easier work, although it made me very 
 short of breath, and hurt my hands awfully pulling at the ropes. 
 
 At length our sails were hoisted, and we once more manned the 
 windlass, and up came the anchor from its muddy bottom, but in 
 
40 A WHALEMAN'S ADVENTURES. 
 
 such a reluctant manner that the Sally did not know that -she was 
 free from the ground for some time, and then she commenced 
 moving, stern foremost, towards the shore. The captain raved 
 about the quarter-deck fearfully when he found that the Sally 
 would do nothing but drift towards the shore, and he* had just or- 
 dered the lowering of a boat for the purpose of towing her head 
 round, when she gradually wore round and pointed her blunt nose 
 out of the harbor ; but even the Sally was doubtful about moving 
 ahead, and for a short time remained stationary. 
 
 " Is jthat anchor on the bottom ? " yelled the captain to the 
 mate. 
 
 " No, sir, it is in sight," was the answer ; but the question af- 
 forded amusement for the crew for many days, when we were in 
 company with other ships, and they would leave us far astern. 
 
 A gentle breeze from the shore filled our sails, and at length 
 the Sally drew ahead, to the great relief of the officers and the 
 chagrin of the men. As the Sally began to show her heels, more 
 sail was made, and by ten o'clock we were out at sea, and had lost 
 sight of the city of oil and oily men. Then I began to experi- 
 ence all the horrors of seasickness ; my legs failed me, and I was 
 compelled to sit down upon a spar. 
 
 " Hullo ! what are you doing there?" roared the mate. 
 
 " I'm sick," I answered ; and I gave signs that ray words were 
 true, but I did not get any sympathy from Mr. Spadem. 
 
 u Up with you," he said ; " you didn't come aboard the Sally 
 to eat idle bread, I can tell you. Up with you, and rush about. 
 That's what will do you good." 
 
 I staggered to my feet, and managed to crawl about the deck ; 
 but it was the worst punishment that I ever received in my life. 
 Every few moments I was compelled to seek the side of the ship, 
 and give vent to my feelings and relief to my stomach. But 
 amidst all my troubles Will and Jack were good friends, and as 
 often as they could neglect their duty they would come near me 
 and exchange a few friendly words, and tell me that I should soon 
 feel better and get my " sea legs " on. 
 
 " Cheer up, old boy," said Jack ; " you will soon be over this, 
 and then you will eat more than any man aboard the ship. Stick 
 to the deck as long as you can, for if you go below you'll be 
 sicker." 
 
 Such words of kindness gave me some life, and I made a brave 
 
PICKING UP A LITTLE. 41 
 
 effort to move about, but I could hardly walk. Still I stuck to 
 the deck, and just before supper time I staggered aft with the rest 
 of the men to be chosen into watches for the voyage. Much to 
 my disgust, I found that I was picked for the larboard or mate's 
 watch, while Will was in the second mate's or starboard watch. 
 Then they commenced choosing boat's crews, and I found that I 
 was drafted into the captain's boat, and allotted to the after oar. 
 
 After the business for which we were called aft was transacted, 
 we were told to go forward ; and we went, the men whispering 
 their comments as they moved along. Jack and Jake laid me 
 down upon some rigging upon the try-works, and told me to keep 
 still ; and there was need of it, for I was very weak, and trembled 
 violently from the effect of my vomiting. At sundown Will came 
 and sat by my side. 
 
 " Look up, Charley," he said, " and take a farewell view of the 
 land, for it's the last we shall see of our country for many days." 
 
 I raised my head, and saw a long, blue line upon the horizon, 
 and that, he told me, was the last I should see of the United States 
 until we returned home filled with oil, and with more money at 
 our command than a cow could eat. I stuck to the try-works 
 until daylight, when I was aroused by Jack. 
 
 When eight bells struck, and the starboard watch came on deck, 
 I felt as though I could eat a little breakfast ; and my anticipa- 
 tions were realized, for I commenced on salt junk, and found that 
 it was not so bad on an empty stomach ; and from that morning I 
 seldom missed a meal while I was on board the Sally. 
 
 A week passed on ; we were steering an east course, and mak- 
 ing slow progress. Men were stationed aloft to look after whales, 
 for sperm whales were sometimes met with between the United 
 States and the Western Islands. 
 
 At daylight every morning a boat-steerer went aloft and perched 
 himself on the main-top-gallant cross-trees, where he could com- 
 mand a full view of the horizon, and at the same time a man 
 from the forecastle went aloft and perched himself on the fore- 
 top-gallant cross-trees, and each man was compelled to remain on 
 duty aloft two hours, before he was relieved. 
 
 I remember one afternoon, while I was aloft on the lookout, I 
 saw, just ahead of the ship, an immense commotion in the water, 
 and something that looked dark and skinny, which whalemen call 
 " black skin." 
 
42 
 
 " There are whales ahead," I shouted to those on deck. 
 
 " What does it look like ? " yelled the mate. 
 
 u I don-'t know," I replied. " They keep jumping out of the 
 water." 
 
 " It's a school of black-fish," cried the boat-steerer, who had 
 DOW got his eyes open. 
 
 For fear that some should suppose that I mean a very delicious 
 fish caught in the waters of Rhode Island and Connecticut, and 
 weighing from one to ten pounds, I will state that the black-fish 
 which I allude to is from six to twenty feet long, and weighs 
 from seven hundred pounds to a ton, and that the cafcass is cov- 
 ered with a thin coating of blubber, about an inch and a half 
 thick, and that a moderate-sized fish will yield a barrel of oil if 
 the blubber is not too dry. The oil is not equal to sperm, but 
 is superior to right whale oil, and brings a higher. price. 
 
 As soon as the announcement was made that the school ahead 
 was black-fish, the deck became alive with preparations. The 
 tubs containing the lines were lifted into the boats, the harppons 
 were got ready, and every boat-steerer was alive and on the alert 
 for real business. The ship lazily rolled towards the school, which 
 was some two miles distant ; but as we did not move fast enough, 
 we were ordered from aloft to take our stations in the boats. 
 
 "Lower away the boats," shouted the captain ; and down they 
 went into the water with a rush, and we tumbled into them. 
 
 " Give way, men," cried Captain Bunker ; " don't let the other 
 boats get the start of us." 
 
 We dropped our oars into the water, and shot away from the 
 ship like a bird ; for we had practised rowing several times. 
 
 " Don't lift your oar so high, and keep it in the water longer," 
 said Captain Bunker to me. " There, just touch the water, then 
 bend your back so that the whole strain won't come on your 
 arms. That's better ; now give way, and be hanged to you ; for 
 if the mate's boat passes mine, I'll keep you all on bread and 
 water for a week." 
 
 We did our best, and I tugged at my oar until my arms seemed 
 as though they would drop from their sockets ; yet, owing to the 
 strong manner in which those in the boat with me bent to their 
 work, the skipper's boat kept ahead, and we were enabled to 
 please him, although, for all that, he cursed us for a lazy pack of 
 dogs as ever lived, and swore that we did not earn our salt, and 
 
HARPOONING A BLACK-FISH. 43 
 
 that we were a set of old women dressed in men's clothes ; and 
 while he was swearing the hardest, we came up to the school of 
 black-fish, which were sporting entirely unconscious of danger, 
 aad I could hear- them blow as the captain told the boat-steerer 
 to " stand up." 
 
 " Don't you miss," said this Christian Captain. " Pick out the 
 biggest one ; and don't you tye too long in picking one out. Ef 
 you do I'll come for'ard, I will, and my name is Bunker. Now 
 then, one more pull. That'll do." 
 
 There was a moment of breathless suspense on my part, and 
 then the captain shouted, 
 
 " Give it to 'em. Stern, all stern, all ! The rascal will be in 
 the boat if you don't bear a hand." 
 
 I ventured to look over my shoulder, and as I did so a shower of 
 water was poured upon us, and close under our bow was the black- 
 fish rolling over and over. 
 
 " Stern, all, and be hanged to you ! " roared the skipper. " You 
 want him to stave my boat don't you?" 
 
 We backed off the ferocious little fellow. By this time all the 
 boats were fast, and were running in various directions, and just 
 as the captain got out his lance, the fish that we were fast to 
 started for the school, and towed us along at a merry rate. Sud- 
 denly he stopped, and came towards us ; and as he did so the skip- 
 per threw his lance ; it struck the fish just back of a fin, and went 
 almost through him. Our prize rolled over once or twice, and 
 then blew up a pale substance mixed with water, which they 
 said was spouting blood, and then the fish rolled over on his back, 
 belly up, and was dead. 
 
 " Haul up so that I can cut close to the iron," the skipper said. 
 "I'm bound to have another one." 
 
 % We hauled up, and the line was cut close to the harpoon in the 
 carcass, bent on to another iron, a flag was stuck in the body 
 of the dead fish, so that we could find it at some other time, and 
 then we went in pursuit of the school which had begun to grow 
 alarmed and was making off. We bent to our oars, and passed 
 the mate, who was just giving his fish a finishing stroke, and 
 were, by hard rowing, enabled to overtake the school, and fasten 
 to a second one, which yielded to its fate without a struggle a 
 circumstance which so pleased the captain, because he struck it, 
 that he even smiled, and condescended to joke a little. 
 
44 A WHALEMAN'S ADVENTURES.* 
 
 He even had a tilt at me ; but I was not to be led on to my own 
 destruction, for Jack gave me a warning look. 
 
 " Well, Pepper," the skipper said, "you now know how to kill 
 black-fish. Do you think that you could eat one?" 
 
 " Not a whole one, sir," I answered, with a slight grin, for all 
 in the boat were bound to laugh at what the skipper said. 
 
 " Well, ain't this better work than laming at school and saying 
 lessons?" 
 
 " It is more exciting, sir," I replied. 
 
 " I'll show you excitement if I get arter a seventy barrel 
 whale. Here, pass the line aft, and let's tow the fish alongside, 
 for I see that the shurks is gathering for a bite." 
 
 I looked over the side of the boat, and to my extreme surprise 
 saw half a dozen six foot sharks had already mustered around 
 the fish. Of us they seemed to have the most supreme contempt, 
 and would frequently roll on their sides, and look at us with their 
 dull, staring eyes. 
 
 At length one more bold or hungry than the rest attempted a 
 mouthful, but succeeded in only tearing the black skin ; but the sig- 
 nal seemed to have been given for all the others to commence, and 
 they did pile upon the fish and snap at its fins and tail and other 
 portions of its body with refreshing eagerness. 
 
 While this continued I saw that the 'monsters suddenly with- 
 drew from the fish, and swam off a distance of some two fathoms, 
 and there waited for whatever was to occur ; and suddenly, as 
 though issuing from the bowels of the sea, came in sight a mon- 
 ster shark, at least two fathoms long, and with a set of teeth 
 that would have delighted a dentist desirous of commencing busi- 
 ness. 
 
 " Ah," said the skipper, rubbing his coarse hands with delight, 
 as though he had met with a congenial companion, u here comes 
 the president of sharks, and he'll lick the little cusses all to thun- 
 der if they don't mind their eyes." 
 
 The monster shark was very composed in the presence of his 
 followers, for he moved with a deliberation that was very striking, 
 and the only token he gave that he appreciated the situation 
 in which he found himself placed, was by a slight wag of his tail, 
 and an opening and shutting of a ponderous pair of jaws, as 
 though ascertaining if they were in good working order. At length 
 the monster sailed up to the fish, and laid its head upon one of the 
 
A MONSTER SHARK. 45 
 
 fins, and seemed to smell it, and then he slowly opened his mouth, 
 and set his teeth upon the fin, and gave it a jerk ; but it did not 
 yield readily, although the shark backed some half a dozen fath- 
 oms, and towed the dead black-fish as it did so. But the fin 
 contained too many bones to be severed readily, and the shark 
 dropped that part and attempted the head ; and while he was doing 
 all that he could with that portion of the carcass, he was directly 
 under us, and I could have touched his back with my hands. 
 
 I had been so much absorbed in watching the movements of 
 the king of sharks that I had forgotten all about the ship and the 
 other boats, and now I took time to glance around the horizon and 
 see what had become of them. The old Sally was about half a 
 mile from us, becalmed, and the other boats, each with a black- 
 fish in tow, were close to her, and would soon have their prizes on 
 board. 
 
 Once more I leaned over the side of the boat and exam- 
 ined matters below me. The shark had abandoned the head, 
 and had swam to the tail, as though that part of the carcass offered 
 an advantageous opening. 
 
 " What a rambacious old cuss it is ! " said the captain, speaking 
 for the first time for a quarter of an hour. " I'm a good mind 
 to send a lance through him, and see how he'll relish it." 
 
 " Better do it, sir," said Jack. " There's no knowing how 
 many sailors he has eaten in his time." 
 
 The skipper got his lance ready, and then altered his mind. 
 
 " I won't spile the edge of the lance with sich a critter," he 
 said. " He's all bone and gristle. I'll cut off his flukes with the 
 spade and see how he'll look cruising round without a staru-piece." 
 
 While the skipper was taking off the sheath which covered the 
 sharp spade, the third mate's boat was seen coming towards us. 
 
 " Don't come here, 'coz I don't want yer," shouted Captaiu 
 Buckef. 
 
 " We thought you were stove, sir," cried the third mate. 
 
 " Wai, I ain't stove, and when I is, I'll ask you to come for me. 
 Jest tow that other black-fish aboard, and I'll look arter this one." 
 
 The third mate-did not stop to hear more. He turned the head 
 of his boat and went off after the fish which we had first killed, 
 and which could easily be found on account of the small red flag 
 We had stuck in the carcass. 
 
 " Now, Bushy, give a slew that way," said the skipper to the 
 
46 A WHAIEMAN'S ADVENTURES. 
 
 boat-steerer, who was called Bushy for no other reason that I could 
 discover than because he seldom combed his hair. 
 
 Bushy, with two or three careful sweeps of the steering oar, did 
 as he was directed, and that brought the bow of the boat directly 
 over the tail of the shark. 
 
 Captain Bunker took good aim and let fly with the spade, and I 
 expected to see the shark leave us in a hurry ; but it did no such 
 thing. It gently wagged its tail, as though something had stutg 
 it, and continued to attempt to take a mouthful of the carcass, 
 although a large gash, a white one, was visible where the spade 
 had cut the sinews. 
 
 " Blast 'em, I'll give 'em another one," said Captain Bunker ; 
 and he did, but with the same result. 
 
 " He's like a rich man ; he's got no feelings," Jack muttered. 
 
 " Then I'll make him have some," the indignant skipper cried ; 
 and he continued spading the shark until by continuous lucky hits, 
 the tail was suddenly lopped off, and then the monster began to re- 
 alize the want of such an appendage, and leaving the carcass the 
 shark turned round and round, and seemed unable to comprehend 
 its misfortune. If it attempted to go in one direction, owing to 
 the want of a rudder r it would vary some three or four points in a 
 few fathoms distance ; and an effort to reach the carcass of the 
 fish was a lamentable failure, for instead of getting there, the 
 shark brought up among its jealous companions, which had been 
 regarding its eccentric movements with some interest, and now- 
 made a show of approaching ; and one more bold than the rest 
 even had the audacity to put it's square nose close to the wounded 
 member. 
 
 Others, also, appeared, and one after another of the petty rascals 
 made attempts to bite their big brother, and then the whole school 
 of sharks turned upon the big one and chased him from our sight. 
 
 44 That's like the world," muttered Jack ; " as soon as you ha~e 
 lost all that is valuable, hundreds of knaves kick you out of 
 favor." 
 
 We dipped our oars in the water, and taking the black-fish in 
 tow, made for the ship, and without any other incident arrived on 
 board, hoisted in the fish, and found that we had secured five, 
 which made about six barrels of oil. * 
 
 During the night watches, Jack used to give me lessons in 
 sparring, and I found they were of much advantage to me even 
 
MY FIRST BATTLE. 47 
 
 before we reached Fayal ; for the morning before sighting that 
 port it was my watch below, and after we had eaten breakfast I 
 took the kids and carried them to the galley for the cook to clean. 
 "When I returned to the forecastle, one of the Portuguese, named 
 Aotonie, the same fellow who kicked the kid from me the first 
 night I was on board the Sally, shouted out, 
 
 " Here, you boy you no turn in till you clean de forecastle. 
 Scrape 'em all out." 
 
 " I'll do my part," I said. " I am not going to spend the whole 
 of my forenoon watch below in doing such work alone." 
 
 *' S'pose you no do it, I make you," he said. 
 
 " I'd like to see you try it," I remarked. 
 
 " You would, hey?" 
 
 " I should," was my answer. 
 
 The fellow muttered something in Portuguese, and made a jump 
 for me, and as he came I put out one foot, and he plunged head- 
 long into a berth, striking his head and cutting it slightly against 
 a board. 
 
 " There goes flukes," shouted the men, roaring with laughter. 
 
 " Stern, all ! " cried Jack. " He's in his flurry. Look out for 
 him, Pepper." 
 
 The warning was not lost on me, but I suffered the man to 
 scramble from the berth, and as soon as he had done so I saw that 
 he meant fight by the look of his face. He made a dive at me, 
 like a bull ; but I dodged one side, and let him have a blow upon 
 his face that started the claret, and then clinched and threw him 
 upon a chest. The other Portuguese in the forecastle started up 
 to interfere, but Jack kept them at bay with his long and power- 
 ful arms. 
 
 " Let 'em alone," he said. " They must fight it out. No one 
 
 all interfere." 
 
 "You let me up," cried the Portuguese, 'kicking with all his 
 might ; but I managed to avoid his feet. 
 
 " Let him up," said Jack, " and we'll see if he has got a belly- 
 ful yet." 
 
 I released my hand from the fellow's throat, and he got up and 
 seemed inclined to try his fortune again, but thought better of it, 
 and joined his companions on the other side of the forecastle. 
 
 
A WHALEMAN'S ADVENTURES. 
 
 CHAPTER IV. 
 
 WE FASTEN TO A SPERM WHALE, AND THE WHALE FASTENS 
 
 TO US. 
 
 BETWEEN the Western Islands and the equator is favorite 
 cruising ground, even to the present day, for schooners frequently 
 pick up half a dozen sperm whales there in the course of a few 
 months ; and as we were compelled to cross this tract on our way 
 around Cape Horn, the lookouts at the mast-heads were cau- 
 tioned to keep their eyes open, and see how soon they could raise 
 a school of whale. For a week after we left Fayal, we strained 
 our eyes in all directions, and one morning just as our watch had 
 come on deck, the boat-steerer at the main-top-gallant mast head, 
 shouted, in clear ringing tones, 
 
 " There she blows." 
 
 "Where away?" yelled the skipper, who was walking the 
 quarter-deck with his hands in his pockets. 
 
 " Two pints off the lee bow, sir. There she blows." 
 
 " What does it look like? " Captain Bunker asked. 
 
 " Sparm whale, I guess, sir," was the answer. " A rigulai 
 old sojer. There she blows there she breaches." 
 
 Captain Bunker took his hands out of his pockets and looked 
 aloft, and after looking for a moment, he thought that he would 
 leave the quarter-deck to attend to itself, and have a glance at the 
 whale, so that he could pass judgment on it. 
 
 He took a position near the slings of the fore-yard, and cast his 
 red eyes upon the waters, far ahead of the ship ; and as he did so, 
 he manifested some signs of astonishment. 
 
 " Keep off two pints," he said to the man at the wheel, " and, 
 Mr. Spadem, get a pull at the weather braces." 
 
 The boat-steerer, who was perched in the main-top-gallant cross- 
 trees, continued to yell every time the whale made a breach, un 
 til at last Captain Bunker lost all patience. 
 
 u Stop yer blasted noise," he yelled ; " I can see for myself 
 can't I?" 
 
 The whale appeared to be terribly excited, and when not lash 
 
CLEAR AWAY THE BOATS. 49 
 
 ing the ocean into foam with its flukes, was breaching most wild- 
 ly, and throwing its body half out of water. As we neared the 
 whale, and saw its antics, I noticed that the men who had spent 
 most of their lives on board of whale ships, began to look seri- 
 ous and apprehensive. A few words which I overheard Busby 
 and Hunter (the two best boat-steerers in the ship) exchange con- 
 vinced me that something was wrong, and the whale was acting 
 in a most extraordinary manner. 
 
 Captain Bunker was still on the fore-yard, and seemed some- 
 what undecided and uncertain. He even called the mate in con- 
 sultation, and they spoke in low tones, but with eyes directed 
 toward the whale, as though they were studying its eccentric 
 movements, and could not comprehend them. 
 
 " I tell you what it is," cried one of the men ; " that 'ere whale 
 has been fastened to, and he's trying to get the iron out of his 
 body. That's what makes him breach so like blazes." 
 
 " I know better," cried another. " That whale is ugly. I 
 don't want to be in the boat that fastens to him, I don't." 
 
 u I never seed the whale that I was afeard of yet," replied the 
 other, boastingly. 
 
 i: Well, I has, and a good many of 'em, and I ain't ashamed to 
 say so. By thunder, look at that feller. He was all out of water 
 that jump. He'd cut in ninety barrels, I'll bet a plug of tobacco." 
 
 " Brace up the head-yards," shouted the captain from his place 
 aloft, " and put the helm down." 
 
 The mainsail had been hauled up when we edged away for the 
 whale, and now the foresail was also haiiled up as the ship came 
 to the wind with main-top-sail thrown to the mast. 
 
 " Clear away the boats," the captain next said ; and he left the 
 slings of the yard and descended to the deck. 
 
 The tubs were placed in the boats and the latter lowered, and 
 in we tumbled and shoved off; but somehow there did not seem, 
 to be much excitement among the men as to which should fasten 
 first. In fact, a gloom seemed to settle upon us as we pulled in 
 the direction of the animal. t 
 
 When we were within half a mile of the whale, Mr. Lance, 
 the second mate, seeing that his superiors were not disposed to 
 press matters, spoke to his crew, and as they had every confidence 
 in him, and liked him better than any officer on board, they bent 
 to their oars, and the second mate's boat shot past us. 
 4 
 
50 A WHALEMAN'S ADVENTURES. 
 
 " Pull, you lazy rascals," our skipper said, with an oath. " Aro 
 you all going to sleep, or what is the matter with you? Do you 
 know that there's a sparm whale ahead of us ? " 
 
 We obeyed, and the boat went over the long Atlantic swell 
 like a Cape Horn pigeon, just touching a wave and then bound- 
 ing to another : and in a few minutes we were up even with the 
 second mate's boat, and struggling for the lead. * 
 
 I can't say that I felt very pleasant or comfortable at that 
 time, for, as we approached the whale, I could hear with awful 
 distinctness the terrible manner in which it struck the water dur- 
 ing one of its breachings. At length I could no longer control 
 my will, and round went my head, and the captain saw my mo- 
 tion. 
 
 " I'll murder you, Pepper," he roared, " if you look over 
 your shoulder agin, you scamp. You wouldn't pull a sojer off 
 your ." 
 
 The balance of his remarks was lost, for just at that moment 
 the whale breached, and was so near the boat that spray flew all 
 over us, and the waves knocked us about as though we were in a 
 cross current with a stiff breeze blowing. 
 
 " Lay on your oars," the skipper said, while'we were shaking 
 our heads free of the salt water. 
 
 I was only too glad to obey. 
 
 I saw the skipper's face assume a doubtful look. He squinted 
 at the second mate, who had pulled close to us in obedience to a 
 signal, and the second mate returned the glance with interest. 
 
 " What do you think of that 'ere whale ? " asked the skipper. 
 
 " I don't know whether he is ugly or sick," was the answer. 
 
 " Sick be hanged," the skipper rejoined. " Who ever seed a 
 whale sick in that way." 
 
 " Shall I fasten, sir? " asked the second mate. 
 
 " Wai, perhaps you'd best, and I'll stand by to pick you up if 
 you get stove." 
 
 The second mate did not wait for another word. He spoke to 
 his men, and they pulled towards the whale. 
 
 I peaked my oar, and all of us turned to witness the contest, 
 which puny men were to wage against the leviathan of the 
 deep. The second mate approached the whale in a slow and cau- 
 tious manner, and I could see that nearly every one of his boat's 
 crew had their heads over their shoulders to see what they were 
 
AN UGLY CUSTOMER.' 51 
 
 pulling upon ; and for once I think that this departure from 
 strict rules was unrebuked, for Mr. Lance was too much con- 
 cerned at the danger he was in to think of wasting words at that 
 time. 
 
 Slowly the boat moved over the water upon its destination, and 
 it seemed as though no trouble was to be experienced in fastening 
 to the whale, for the animal remained motionless until just a the 
 boat-steerer in Mr. Lance's boat stood up and poised his iron, 
 ready for a dart ; and then the whale raised its huge, square head 
 high out of water a head that was armed with a lower jaw 
 which bristled with long, white teeth a head so old that upon 
 its sides were clustered white barnacles, large as oysters. 
 
 " Starn, all ! " shouted Captain Bunker, tearing off his hat, 
 and dashing it into the stern of his boat, so great was his excite- 
 ment. 
 
 " Starn, all ! " he repeated, " for your lives, staru, all ! That 
 whale's crazy, and be hanged to him." 
 
 The second mate had seen the peril before the captain shouted 
 his warning, and just in time, for after toppling for a moment, 
 over the huge body went, and struck the water with a sound like 
 a thunder-bolt ; and for a minute Mr. Lance and his boat were lost 
 sight of, as the water bubbled and boiled in the vicinity of the 
 whale ; but as the waves subsided, the mate and boat were seen 
 safe, -and I breathed easier in consequence, and I think that the 
 captain did, selfish as he was and seemed. 
 
 The mate's boat, with the round-shouldered Mr. Spadem in the 
 stern-sheets, came bobbing towards us, the face of the officer not 
 looking particularly amiable. 
 
 u What do think ? " asked the captain. 
 
 "I don't know," was the answer; and the mate scratched his 
 head and took a huge piece of tobacco, and chewed on it most 
 savagely. 
 
 u Do you want to fasten to that 'ere whale? " the captain asked. 
 
 " Wai, I should if he would keep quiet," was the non-commit- 
 tal reply. 
 
 The captain didn't like the answer ; but he scratched his head, 
 and looked at the mate, and then both looked at Mr. Lance ; and 
 just as they did so the second mate's boat stole quietly towards 
 the whale, which was for a moment resting in peace upon the 
 water, and before we could take a long breath, we saw the second 
 
52 A WHALEMAN'S ADVENTURES. 
 
 officer in the bow of his own boat, and hurling two irons through 
 the air with the quickness of lightning. The next instant the 
 boat was hid from our view by foam and spray. 
 
 " By thunder, he's fast ! " cried Captain Bunker ; " and if he 
 ain't stove it's a miracle. Pull a few strokes, and let's see what 
 we can do for him." 
 
 We dipped our oars into the water, and the boat was pulled 
 towards the whale, which had not yet ceased its struggles ; but 
 as we neared the scene of action, the boat of the second mate was 
 found to be safe and uninjured, and Mr. Lance coolly surveying 
 the contortions of the animal, lance in hand, ready for a dart 
 when an opportunity presented. 
 
 In the mean time the whale was sometimes standing on its 
 head, but oftener on its tail, looking around with its small eyes 
 as though to get the range of its tormentors. To approach the 
 whale while fighting in such a manner, was not to be thought of. 
 
 We pulled up until we were enabled to speak with the second 
 mate, for the latter had backed off to a respectable distance, and 
 was as much astonished at the actions of the whale as any one ; 
 yet he kept his thoughts to himself for fear of imparting alarm 
 to his boat's crew. 
 
 " Both irons home ? " asked Captain Bunker. 
 
 " Yes, sir, and just behind the hump. They won't draw." 
 
 u What do you think of him? " the captain asked. 
 
 " I think that he is ugly, and will do mischief, unless we are 
 sharp enough to prevent it," was the calm reply. * 
 
 " Then I won't fasten to him, but will lay by and assist," the 
 captain remarked. 
 
 While this conversation was going on, the first and third mates 
 were lying on their oars, waiting for a favorable turn ; and it soou 
 came, but was not so favorable as could have been wished, for 
 the whale, after one or two glances around the horizon, suddenly 
 settled, and we could see the men in the second mate's boat con- 
 testing every inch of line for fear he should take it in his head to 
 goutyl deeper than was desirable. It seemed as though the ex- 
 pedient was to be successful, for the strain on the line appeared 
 to cease, and Mr. Lance's boat was whirled around half a 
 dozen times, towed rapidly for a few fathoms towards the other 
 boats, and then, while we were thinking that the whale was at 
 least fifty fathoa^s beneath us, there was a sudden ripple near, 
 
SAFETY IN FLIGHT. 53 
 
 and, to our consternation, the old fox was alongside, and look- 
 ing at us with his little cunning eyes, as though glad of the in- 
 terview. 
 
 " Starn, all ! " yelled the skipper. " Starn, all, I tell ye ! " 
 Up out of the water came the head, with the huge mouth open, 
 and the lower jaw dropped as though dislocated. Up, up went the 
 head until it towered above us like a huge rock, which needed but 
 a touch to fall and crush us to atoms. We forgot our oars, and 
 we forgot everything but the danger that threatened us. I looked 
 at the captain, to see what advice he would give under such cir- 
 cumstances ; but that gentleman did not seem inclined to talk 
 much, and I noticed that he paid particular attention to the mouth 
 of the whale. I began to move in my seat, and think how I 
 should retreat from such dangerous company, when one of the men, 
 an old fellow named Davy, suddenly commenced, 
 
 " Now I lay me down to sleep " 
 
 but did not stop to finish the appeal, for over the side he wnt, 
 and struck out for the mate's boat. 
 
 " The devil may stay in such company, for I won't," roared 
 Jack ; and over he went. 
 
 I wanted to go also, but I dreaded to leave without orders ; but 
 Captain Bunker did not seem inclined to give any, excepting once 
 or twice he mechanically repeated, 
 
 "Starn, all hard." 
 
 Over towards us came the head, slowly, as though to prolong 
 our agony, and at last even Captain Bunker found that he was for 
 once in a tight place. 
 
 " Starn, all hard!" he yelled; and overboard he went, al- 
 though even in his retreat repeated the words which were most 
 used while fastened to a whale. 
 
 " Here goes flukes," cried the boat-steerer, who was in the stern- 
 sheets, and over he went. 
 
 " Now, Pepper," said the last man, the one who pulled the tub 
 oar, and over he went ; and then I arose in all the majesty of my 
 strength, and with a bold leap I left the boat about ten feet be- 
 hind me, and when I lauded in the water it was directly across 
 the neck of the tub oarsman. 
 
 He opened his mouth to utter a curse, but the water flowed in 
 and stopped it. Down I went, and my companion with me, and 
 
54 
 
 when I gained the surface of the water, I struck out for the third 
 mate's boat, which had pulled towards us to render some assist- 
 ance ; but before I reached a place of safety, I heard a crash, and 
 turned and saw that the whale had closed his jaws upon the boat, 
 and that it was a wreck, djvided in the middle as easy as though 
 cut with a knife ; and then the savage monster threw two thirds 
 of his body out of the water, and came down upon the pieces with 
 a crash that destroyed the last remnants of the boat. I called 
 out for the third mate, but to my surprise, his men commenced 
 pulling from me. 
 
 " Look out, Pepper !." yelled Jack, who was in the mate's boat. 
 
 I glanced around and saw that the whale had sounded, so I 
 recommenced swimming after the runaways. 
 
 44 Swim the other way ! " cried the mate. While I was wonder- 
 ing what he meant, I felt my feet touch something ; and the next 
 instant I was on the back of the whale. 
 
 I had only time to notice the wondering looks of the men in the 
 boats which were near, and then I rolled off into the water, and 
 the whale passed on ; but the eddy which such a huge bulk caused 
 surged me against his flukes, and I felt them touch my shoulder, 
 but as gently as a lady would tap her lover with a fan, while in 
 sportive mood. To be sure, the under-current drew me beneath 
 the surface of the water, and I swallowed more of it than was 
 agreeable ; but I struggled until I once more saw daylight, and 
 then I struck out manfully for the nearest boat, which came to- 
 wards me none too quick, as I thought. 
 
 All were watching the movements of the whale, which was 
 chasing the third mate's boat with considerable perseverance. I 
 don't mean to say that the third mate was frightened at the enemy 
 in his rear, but I noticed that his men bent to their oars as though 
 they were in .earnest. 
 
 44 Don't you run ! " yelled Captain Bunker. " Turn and lance 
 him." But the advice was not taken by the cautious officer. 
 
 44 How are we goin' to kill that whale ? " asked the master of 
 Mr. Spadem. 
 
 The mate bit off a rather, huge chew of tobacco. 
 
 " Can you kill that whale?" yelled the master, after waiting 
 for a few minutes impatiently. 
 
 44 1 don't know," was the response. " He's an ugly feller, and I 
 don't want to get stove if I can help it." 
 
SHARP WORDS. 55 
 
 "Are you afraid of that whale, Mr. Spadera?" the captain 
 asked, rather sharply. 
 
 " Wai, I ain't afeard, sir," was the response ; " but I don't 
 want to go near him." 
 
 " What kind of a whaleman do you call yourself? " the skip- 
 per asked. 
 
 " I can kill a whale, Cap'n Bunker," the mate said. 
 
 " Wai, then, let's see you do it." 
 
 All this was a treat to us, for we hated the captain and the 
 mate, and there was not much to choose between them. The 
 mate was about to make a response ; but just at that moment the 
 whale, which had sounded for a moment, showed signs of com- 
 ing to the surface, and near the boat the captain was in. 
 
 " Look out, sir," cried the mate. 
 
 u You take keer of yerself," was the ungracious response. 
 
 Just at that moment the whale made a break out of the water, 
 and within ten fathoms of the boat in which the skipper was 
 scolding. The captain lost his boasted presence of mind and 
 shouted his ever-rallying cry, 
 
 "Starn, all hard!" 
 
 But as the boat moved the whale advanced, until he put his 
 nose close to the bows of the craft ; and then the captain, in an 
 agony of rage and fear, seized a lance, and drove it into the head 
 of the whale clear to the staff. 
 
 A roar of rage was the answer to such a salute, and out of the 
 water rose that lower jaw, as though impatient to snap up boat 
 and contents ; and then with a powerful effort, the whale headed 
 from the water, in the direction of the boat which contained the 
 captain. The mark which the rascal aimed at was missed, but 
 by not more than a fathom ; and the next instant the boat was 
 rolling in a heavy swell which the whale occasioned, and the crew- 
 were clinging to the gunwales, as though fearful it would turn over. 
 That last breach was too much for Captain Bunker. 
 
 "Starn, all hard ! " he shouted ; and after the boat was out 
 of danger he headed for the ship. 
 
 " We can't kill that whale," he cried. " He's crazy and ugly. 
 Go on board and let him alone, or we'll have more boats stoveu." 
 
 " Well, I s'pose we must go," cried the % mate ; and I thought 
 that he was pleased at the idea ; and, though he was inclined to 
 hesitate, the movements of the whale were enough to hurry him, 
 
56 A WHALEMAN'S ADVENTURES. 
 
 for the rascal headed direct for the mate's boat, and raised that 
 square head of his as though taking aim. 
 
 "Pull ; blast him, he's arter us," said the mate ; and the men 
 did not wait to be told twice. As they passed the third mate's 
 boat, Mr. Spadem shouted to Mr. Lance to go on board ; but Mr. 
 Lance had got his blood up, and wanted revenge for the boat 
 which had been destroyed. 
 
 On we went, the whale in our wake. We passed close to Mr 
 Lance, and the second mate did not stir from his position. 
 
 " You'll miss it," the mate said. 
 
 Mr. Lance did not reply. He kept his eyes^ fastened upon the 
 approaching whale, and saw that it did not swerve from the course 
 which the mate's boat was taking. He spoke a word to his crew, 
 and, to my surprise, the men pulled a stroke which brought the 
 boat nearer the whale. 
 
 " He's mad," muttered the mate. 
 
 But Mr. Lance was not mad. He was anxious for honors, 
 and was determined to gain some, even at the risk of his life. As 
 the whale approached, it raised its head out of the water, and the 
 second mate saw his advantage. He let fly his lance, and the 
 sharp weapon entered the side of the fish, just behind a fin, and 
 buried itself to the socket. 
 
 " Starn, all ! " he shouted ; and in an instant the boat was fath- 
 oins'from the whale, which breached high into the air, and then 
 sounded as though to collect its ideas under water. 
 
 For fifteen minutes we waited for the rascal to show himself. 
 At last, without warning, the whale reached the surface of the 
 water, and a jet of blood, thick, clotted blood, was puffed into 
 the air, and dyed the ocean for many fathoms around. 
 
 " Hurrah ! " yelled the men ; " old ugly has got a bellyful at last." 
 
 " By thunder ! " exclaimed the mate, " he's spouting blood as 
 sure as I'm a live man. Pull for the ship, men, and let me get rid 
 of the sojers," meaning those whom he had picked up when the 
 boat was stoven. 
 
 The men pulled towards the ship, but kept their eyes upon the 
 whale, and smiled every time the wounded monster spouted blood. 
 We arrived alongside, and I was not sorry to get ou board again. 
 After I had changed my clothes I went on deck. I found that the 
 captain had not recovered his temper, for he stood at the galley 
 door, with the cook's wool in one hand, and pounding him with 
 
A PROPOSAL TO CUT AND RUN. 57 
 
 the other. At length the skipper desisted, and as he drew off his 
 forces he mattered, 
 
 44 I'll teach you to send me muddy coffee agin." 
 
 " So help me God, cap'n " the cook said ; but he was cut short. 
 
 " Don't bandy words with me, you black rascal, or I'll tie you 
 up and take the skin off of ye." 
 
 The cook returned to his galley, and wiped the blood from his 
 face, and the skipper went aft. 
 
 " Good Heaven ! " I thought ; " is it possible that a man can 
 so misuse another just on account of a little muddy coffee?" 
 
 " That's nolhin'. Pepper," Jack said, as though in reply to my 
 thoughts. " He's got the old boy in him, and it will cuin out afore 
 the vige is up, you may believe." 
 
 44 Jack," I said, drawing him one side, * 4 the Sally is to touch 
 at the Sandwich Islands. Why can't we run away there?" 
 
 44 How does you know that?" he asked. 
 
 44 Because, the other day, when it was my trick at the wheel, I 
 heard the captain tell the mate that after doubling Cape Horn, he 
 should shape his course for the Sandwich Islands, and stop at 
 one of them." 
 
 " Pepper," said my friend, " I'll think of this 'ere matter, and 
 see what is best." 
 
 The whale was spouting blood, and seemed to be growing weak- 
 er every moment ; but his head was raised from the water quite 
 often, and his terrible lower jaw was worked as rapidly as ever. 
 
 44 If he don't stop spouting blopd in five minutes, that 'ere whale 
 is a goner," I heard the third mate say. 
 
 He had hardly ceased speaking when the whale suddenly raised 
 its head from the water, and commenced swimming around in 
 circles. 
 
 44 Hurrah ! he's in his flurry," shouted the men. 
 
 "What's his flurry?" I asked of an old man. 
 
 44 Dying, you fool," was the reply. 
 
 44 Well ; why couldn't you say so?" 
 
 44 'Cos, tain't ship-shape," was the answer ; and he seemed to 
 thiuk the reply was a clincher. 
 
 Around in circles the whale went, gradually contracting them, 
 until a circle could no longer be formed ; and then a thick column 
 of biood was thrown up, and with one mighty effort the fish 
 threw its whole body from the water ? rolled over and pver some 
 
58 A WHALEMAN'S ADVENTURES. 
 
 two or three times, and then remained stationary on its side, and 
 with one fin exposed to view. 
 
 " Hurrah ! " yelled the men ; " he's dead as a Dutchman." 
 
 " Brace forward the main yard," cried the skipper, who felt a 
 little more pleasant, when he saw an eighty-barrel sperm whale 
 " turned up," after all hope of its capture was given over. 
 
 We run to the windward of the whale, backed our main and 
 mizzen top -sails, and let the Sally drift to the leeward. As we 
 neared the prize, one of the boats brought us a line secured to 
 the flukes, and in a few minutes the whale was alongside, the 
 fluke chain in its place, and I had an opportunity to glance at the 
 animal which had frightened so many men that day. I must con- 
 fess that I was a little disappointed, for the whale did not come 
 up to my expectations in ppint of size. 
 
 It was about seventy feet long, but how large in circumference 
 I had no means of knowing ; but while I was forming a calculation, 
 based on scientific principles the mate caught a glimpse of me. 
 
 11 What are you doing there? " he roared. 
 
 " Measuring the whale," I answered. 
 
 He caught up a rope and rushed towards me. 
 
 " I'll measure your back," he yelled ; but I had no idea of 
 standing still and letting him do so. I made a bolt forward, and 
 the mate after me. As I dodged around the foremast, he caught 
 his foot in the bight of a rope, and over he went upon the deck ; 
 and when he gained his feet he heard the skipper call from the 
 quarter-deck ; so was compelled, to forego his vengeance. 
 
 u I say, Charley, it was fun to see old Bilious sprawl on the 
 deck," whispered my friend Will, trying to -suppress his laughter. 
 " His shoulders are so high that they struck afore his head. He's 
 mad 'cos the second mate killed the whale." 
 
 We got up our " cutting-in " gear, slung our stages for the 
 mates to stand on, and went to work rolling in the blubber, huge 
 blanket pieces, four feet wide and ten feet long, which were 
 stowed away between decks for future use. By sundown, the 
 last blanket piece was on board, and the head and case were se- 
 cured, and then the carcass was cut adrift. 
 
 As the carcass drifted astern, the water M r as alive with sharks, 
 which were shoving their blunt noses out of their natural element, 
 iu vain attempts to secure more eligible positions. 
 
 The day alter the capture our try-pots were in full blast, and 
 
TRYING OUT. 59 
 
 I was initiated into the mysteries of holding " horse pieces " 
 while my friend Jack ** minced " them. The blabber, as it is 
 received on board as related before, comes in the shape of 
 blanket pieces. They are lowered between decks, and after 
 the whale is " cut in," two men are detailed for the very dirty 
 work of cutting the blubber into small strips, called u horse- 
 pieces," and pitching them on deck, where they are thrown into 
 tubs, and are ready for the " mincer." The " mincer" is armed 
 with a weapon that resembles a drawing-knife, only much larger, 
 and his duty is confined to slicing the " horse pieces " into thin 
 leaves, so that every drop of oil will exude when subject to boiling. 
 To enable the " mincer " to do his part with fidelity, it is necessary 
 that some one should hold the blubber while it is sliced ; and as 
 the latter work is light, the youngest ha,ud on board is generally 
 detailed for the business. The holder is armed with a small hook, 
 with which he fishes out the " horse pieces " from a tub that 
 stands at his side, and places them upon a bench, ready for the 
 " mincer ; " and after they are sliced they are ready for the try- 
 pots. 
 
 The position to which I was promoted was not a cleau one or 
 an easy one. There was grease on my hands, face, hair, and at 
 last I could almost taste it ; and when the last piece was u minced " 
 I was as thankful as though I had received a discharge at one of 
 the islands of the Pacific. 
 
 Then came the stowing down of the oil, and the clearing up 
 of the deck ; but at last all that was accomplished, and we once 
 more resumed our mast-heads, and the regular routine of ship- 
 duty. Our whale had yielded some eighty barrels of oil. 
 
 We crossed the line after the usual number of calms and 
 rain squalls, and the old Sally continued to drift slowly towards 
 Cape Horn. This was a pleasant part of the voyage ; but the 
 treatment of the crew was not humane, and it happened quite 
 often that some of the .men were knocked down by the captain 
 and mate, and kicked after they were down most brutally. 
 
 One morning, when it was my watch on deck, the skipper made 
 his appearance just as we were swabbing down, after washing the 
 deck. A Portuguese, named Henry, happened to flirt a few drops 
 of water upon the skipper's feet. 
 
 " You cafeless dog," roared Bunker, u what do you mean?" 
 
 " Me no mean to do dat," replied the man, somewhat frightened. 
 
60 A WHALEMAN'S ADVENTURES. 
 
 44 No mean to do dat," cried the captain, in a mocking tone ; 
 44 but you did do it ; " and with one blow he struck the Portuguese 
 to the deck, and then kicked him, while down, until the man's 
 face was covered with blood. 
 
 ^* 4 Up with you," roared the skipper ; 4 ' don't you lay there grunt- 
 ing when you ain't hurt." 
 
 44 Me hurt," responded the poor fellow, slowly rising from the 
 deck. 
 
 14 Then I'll hurt you more, and give you somethin* to whine 
 about," the bully responded, and down went the Portuguese a 
 second time ; and the captain jumped upon his prostrate body, 
 and then took the end of the main-topsail halyards, and beat the 
 man until his cries could be heard all over the ship. 
 
 I looked at the Portuguese members of our watch, and I saw 
 more than one face flush with suppressed rage ; and if we had been 
 united, the Americans, English, and Portuguese, that hour would 
 have been the skipper's last in this world. , 
 
 The sailor got upon his feet and crawled forward. His coun- 
 trymen crowded around him and washed his wounds ; but they 
 did not speak a loud word all the time. 
 
 44 There's murder in them fellers' hearts," Jack said to me, as 
 I was regarding the scene. 
 
 44 1 wish that they had the spunk to have it in their hands," 
 I answered, indignantly. 
 
 44 Come here, you Pepper, and swab the deck," the mate cried, 
 interrupting my reflections. 
 
 I went aft and performed the work, but I felt how sweet re- 
 venge would be to me as I wiped up the Portuguese blood. That 
 day, while I was giving Jack his usual lesson in reading and writ- 
 ing, the conversation turned upon the abuse which the men were 
 receiving at the hands of the captain and the mate. 
 
 " Is there no redress? " I asked. 
 
 44 Noue, unless we mutiny, but that is a serious thing for the 
 men. I've seen it tried twice in English ships, and the crew got 
 the worst of it after reaching port. Consuls won't take a sailor's 
 word, even if backed with an oath, and the skipper gets the best 
 of 'em, 'cos he has the rocks, and consuls know it." 
 
 We went on with our lessons, but while I was directing Jack 
 how to make a few capital letters, a man named Sa*n joined us, 
 a good seaman, but a great grumbler, and cared more for a glass 
 
STEALING RUM FROM A SHIPMATE. 61 
 
 of liquor than a dinner. He sat watching the slow movements 
 of Jack's huge fist for a few minutes, with an expression of dis- 
 gust upon his coarse face, and then gave vent to his feelings. 
 
 " What's the use of all that 'ere? Your hand is better fitted 
 for a marlinspike and a sarvin* mallet than a pen. It's no use for 
 one like us to larn, 'cos it won't do any good. Now drop that 
 'ere thing, and listen to me. Do you want some rum?" 
 
 " Try me ; " and Jack's eyes sparkled. 
 
 " Wai, there's two bottles in the forecastle, in the cook's chest. 
 They belongs to Joe Frank, the Portuguese.'" 
 
 " What's it doing in the cook's chest ! " asked Jack, his eyes 
 wandering in that direction. 
 
 " 'Cos Joe Frank fears that the other Portuguese will steal it 
 from him." 
 
 " Heave ahead," said Jack. 
 
 " To-night, during the first watch, I'll get a key to the chest, 
 and the rum is ours. Of course we must share with the darky." 
 
 " Count me in," cried Jack. 
 
 " It's not right," I said. 
 
 " You be blowed," my friend remarked. 
 
 " Ef he blows on us " muttered Sam. 
 
 " Avast there ! " said my friend. " I know that Pepper is true 
 as steel." 
 
 u You know that I tell no tales ; but in this matter you are 
 acting wrong, and I'll have no hand in it." 
 
 " The more for us " grunted Sam. 
 
 " Recollect I'm to know nothing of the matter," I continued. 
 
 " Ef you'll only hold your tongue, we don't want you to," was 
 the answer. 
 
 I left the men plotting, and turned in ; but that night about five 
 bells in the first watch, I saw Jack and Sam rise from the vicinity 
 of the try-pots, and steal lightly towards the forecastle. I went 
 to the scuttle and waited. They extinguished the light, which 
 hung at the foot of the steps. Intently, as I listened, I could 
 hear the movements of the two thieves, for they were doing a 
 job which they had often done before, on board of other ships ; 
 and let me state here, that the stealing of liquor from a shipmate 
 is not considered a serious offence at sea with those who obtain a 
 share. 
 
 After Jack and Sam had been in the forecastle about five min 
 
62 A WHALEMAN'S ADVENTURES. 
 
 utes, I heard a sudden click, as though two bottles had touched 
 each other, and then the men commenced their retreat up the 
 steps. I stepped aside as they passed me and made for the galley, 
 where they concealed themselves and the liquor. 
 
 At four o'clock we again went on deck, and about that time the 
 doctor was called to start a fire in his galley. I kept watch, and 
 presently I saw Jack and Sam in the galley, and the weather door 
 shut, and in a few minutes both men left, wiping their mouths 
 with the backs of their hands. Half a dozen times they repeated 
 their visit, and it began to tell on them. As for the cook, he 
 commenced shouting, 
 
 " De Lord am my Shepherd, and I am his sheep," 
 
 until the noise aroused the mate, who came forward. 
 
 44 What are you making all "that row for ? " Mr. Spadem 
 grunted. 
 
 " Why, bless de Lord, Mr. Mate," cried the cook, " I feels dis 
 mornin' as dough I was goin' to de land of Canaan." 
 
 " You black rascal, ef you don't hurry up my coffee, I'll see if 
 I can't make you sing another tune ; " and the Christian-like 
 mate walked aft, not suspecting that the doctor was drunk. 
 
 While washing down the decks I kept one eye upon the cook, 
 for I saw that the liquor was getting the better of him. Just as 
 the captain came on deck, the doctor left the galley with a huge 
 copper, the water in which he wished to empty over the side. 
 
 " I'se bound to hab de glory, 
 I'se bound to hab de glory," 
 
 he sang in a loud voice, which attracted the attention of the skipper. 
 He glanced at the poor fellow, who was unconscious of the at- 
 tention which he attracted, and while looking the doctor reached 
 the rail and raised the boiler. Just at that instant the ship gave 
 a lurch, and over went the boiler into the ocean, and the cock 
 was compelled to cling to the monkey-rail to prevent going too. 
 
 " It has gone to glory, 
 It has gone to glory," 
 
 sang the cook, looking somewhat surprised, and scratching hia 
 head with decided vigor. 
 
 The skipper jumped for the unfortunate man, and caught him 
 
THE CAPTAIN AND COOK. 63 
 
 by his neck, and brought him to the deck ; but as he struck on 
 his head, it did not hurt him much. 
 
 " You black rascal," roared Bunker, " what do you mean by 
 throwing that biler overboard for ? " 
 
 " I'll hab a little glory, I'll " began the doctor ; but the 
 skipper choked him so hard that he could not finish the stanza. 
 
 "O, don't do dat," cried the darky ; " it hurts." 
 
 u I'll hurt you, you black rascal," said the captain ; and he 
 lifted the negro's head by the aid of the wool, and dashed it upon 
 the deck. 
 
 " I'll hab a little " 
 
 " You have had a little rum this mornin' ; that's what you've 
 had," interrupted the captain : " and I'll find out where you got 
 it ; " and seizing the doctor by the wool, he dragged him aft. 
 
 Jack and Sam, the two who were instrumental in inducing the 
 doctor to drink, skulked near the foremast, and looked rather 
 foolish. 
 
 " Now, you black rascal, tell me where you got your rum," 
 said the Christian Captain Bunker, with sundry kicks at the doctor. 
 
 The prostrate man commenced singing, " Glory," but the skip- 
 per interrupted him. 
 
 " The rum where did you get it? " was the fierce question. 
 
 " Wai, cap'n, you jist luf alone my throat, and I'll tell you." 
 
 " Tell, you black rascal ; " and down went the head upon the 
 deck with a crash. 
 
 " Golly ! don't do dat," cried the negro, as though he felt a lit- 
 tle uncomfortable under such treatment. 
 
 " Don't tell me what to do," said the enraged captain, with an 
 oath. " I'm the cap'n of this 'ere ship. I'll make you into a 
 hash if I please." 
 
 " I's too tough, cap'n," cried the negro, who, in spite of his 
 position, coulc^ not help showing a specimen of humor. 
 
 " I'll see how tough you are," roared the skipper ; and down 
 upon the deck went the poor man's head with a bump. 
 
 " Dat hurt," he said. 
 
 u Then tell me where you got that rum. I want to know, and 
 I will know." 
 
 4 ' Dat rum was Joe Frank's ; but I " 
 
 The Christian captain did not stop to hear more. He gave the 
 negro's head a thump upon the deck, and shouted to the mate, 
 
64 A WHALEMAN'S ADVENTURES. 
 
 " Bring that 'ere Portuguese aft." 
 
 Joe Frank was asleep in the forecastle, and dreaming of the 
 little plot of land which he expected to own some day. He 
 was awakened by a rough hand taking him by the nape of 
 the neck, and dragging him out of his berth, and from thence 
 on deck. 
 
 " What dis for? " asked the man, a little wildly. 
 
 "Never you mind what it is*"for," was the unsatisfactory an< 
 svver which the mate returned. 
 
 Joe Frank was hurried aft, and by the time he was confronted 
 with the skipper, the cook had gained his feet. 
 
 " What is dis all for? " asked Joe Frank. 
 
 u Silence, you Portuguese rascal," the captain replied. " Don't 
 you go for to speak till I tells yer to. What did you give that 
 nigger rum for ? " he asked. 
 
 tl Me no gib 'em rum, sar," the man replied, with a look of 
 astonishment. 
 
 " Don't you tell me you didn't, when I know you did." 
 
 " Me no gib 'em " 
 
 The captain did not wait for the man to finish. He gave a 
 jump, and caught the Portuguese by the neck, and shook him 
 for a moment, and then, findjng that such work was fatiguing, 
 knocked him down and jumped upon him, landing heavily upon 
 the man's breast ; and I thought had crushed his bones in. 
 
 " Now get up," roared this Christian New Bedford skipper. 
 
 " Me can't," whined the poor fellow. 
 
 " Get up, I tell you ; " and the boots were once more applied to 
 the man's ribs. 
 
 The Portuguese arose with some difficulty, and stood trembling 
 before the quarter-deck tyrant. 
 
 " There, didn't I tell you you could?" the captain cried, tri- 
 umphantly ; and then drew back his arm, and let his fist fall 
 upon the unprotected face of the Portuguese, and he fell to the 
 deck as though struck by lightning, and he didn't move, either, 
 for some minutes. 
 
 " Take this brute forward," roared the captain, bestowing a 
 kick upon the bleeding man ; and two of the men took the Portu- 
 guese in their arms, and carried him to the forecastle, and poured 
 buckets of water upon his hed to revive him. 
 
 " Now, you black rascal, do you go into the galley, and don't 
 
JACK AND THE MATE. 65 
 
 let me hear of you agin, or of your getting drunk. I can sing 
 all the hymns that's wanted on board this 'ere vessel." 
 
 The darky limpeS into his galley, and finished getting break- 
 fast, but he was lame for two weeks. 
 
 CHAPTER V. 
 
 A LIGHT OFF OUR WEATHER BOW, AND WHAT CAME OF IT. 
 
 ONE night, when it was my first watch on deck, and while I 
 was pacing back and forth with Jack, I saw the sudden flash of a 
 light about a point off our weather bow. The Sally was then 
 close-hauled on the wind, and was making a prodigious attempt 
 to move through the water ; but it was all froth, and no sub- 
 stance. 
 
 "Jack," I said, " there's a light off our weather bow." 
 
 He looked in the direction indicated. 
 
 " That's no light from the try-works," he said. " It's too 
 much of a glim for that. I'll give the mate a hint, or he may 
 swear that we don't keep a lookout ; " and going aft he informed 
 Mr. Spadem of the fact. 
 
 " Eh," he grunted ; " it's some old craft on fire ; " and then he 
 put his hands in his pockets, and commenced walking the decks as 
 as though nothing more was to be done. 
 
 " Paps there may be humans on board," Jack said. 
 
 " Well, what of it?" Mr. Spadem asked. 
 
 " Wai, paps they'd like to be saved," my friend continued. 
 
 " Well, who's to prevent *em," the mate inquired. 
 
 " I don't know who's to prevent 'em, sir," replied Jack ; " but 
 I should like to have a hand in saving 'em, sir." 
 
 " And bring a parcel of folks on board what will eat us out of 
 house and home," sneered the mate. 
 
 " I'll give up part of my rations for 'em," said the sailor. 
 
 " Well, / won't, and I don't want to hear any more about it," 
 cried the mate ; and as that was a hint for Jack to move forward, 
 he was about to do so, when the captain came oil deck. 
 5 
 
66 A WHALEMAN'S ADVENTURES. 
 
 " What's the matter?" the skipper asked. 
 
 " A light off the weather bow, sir," returned the mate, who 
 suddenly grew wonderful obsequious in the presence of the cap- 
 tain. 
 
 " What is it?" 
 
 " A vessel burning, sir." 
 
 " And why didn't you let me know of it afore? Jist as like as 
 not we can pick up some sails and rigging aboard. We are not 
 more than two miles from the fellow," said the captain, u and I 
 think I'll send a boat and see what there is on board." 
 
 "What boat shall I send?" asked the mate. 
 
 " Let Mr. Lance and his b^at go," said the captain, after a 
 pause. 
 
 The second mate was on deck in an instant, dressed and ready 
 for duty. 
 
 " Clear away the waist boat," was the order ; and as half the 
 crew belonging to that boat were below, and it was not desirable 
 to disturb them, Jack and I sprang .to obey the command. 
 
 We cast off the gripes and falls, and then sang out to lower 
 away, Jack at the bow tackle, and I at the after one. No sooner 
 had the boat struck the water than half a dozen men threw them- 
 selves over the rail for the purpose of manning it. 
 
 " Come out of that," roared the mate.' " I only want five 
 hands." 
 
 " And there's six here, sir," Jack answered. 
 
 " Then the last man come out," was the order. 
 
 " That means Rooney, sir, for he's the last at everything ex- 
 cepting the kid," some one cried ; and there was a low laugh. 
 
 " Then come up here, Rooney," said the second mate ; and 
 Rooney went. 
 
 " Shove off! " was the order. 
 
 " Wait one moment," cried the skipper, poking his head over 
 the rail. " If you find anything worth saving, make a raft, if you 
 can, to put the things on. I'll hist a light for yer to know where 
 I am." 
 
 We dipped our oars into the water, and sent the boat flying over 
 the long swells ; and in a few minutes the Sally was lost to our 
 eight in the darkness of the night. 
 
 We glanced over our shoulders, and saw ahead of us a large 
 ship, with fire raging forward, but \\ith the after part uninjured. 
 
I MEET MISS JULIA. 67 
 
 The sight inspired us with renewed exertions ; we bent to our 
 oars until the perspiration streamed down our faces in large drops ; 
 and almost before we were prepared for it, the light of the burn- 
 ing vessel fell upon the boat, and at the instant Mr. Lance ex- 
 claimed, 
 
 " Give way, lads ; there's some one on board. I can hear them 
 call us." 
 
 Two more strokes of the oars, and we were alongside of a ship 
 with painted ports, and a run as clean as a Baltimore schooner's. 
 The second mate climbed up the main chains, and I followed 
 him. As we reached the monbey-rail, I saw that the crew of the 
 ship were making efforts to hoist fye launch from midships. Mr. 
 Lance jumped on deck, and I followed him. 
 
 " In the name of God, where do you come from?" asked an 
 elderly gentleman. 
 
 " We came from a ship a short distance from here," I an- 
 swered ; for the second mate, with the feelings of a tar, had 
 rushed to render what assistance he could to those who were 
 working so hard with the boat. 
 
 " My dear boy ! " exclaimed the old gentleman ; and he laid his 
 hand most affectionately on my neck, as though to embrace me ; 
 " your presence is most welcome here, for now we shall be saved, 
 and my child will not suffer the horrors of thirst and hunger in 
 the boats." 
 
 " 0, no fear of that, sir," I answered. " We can find room 
 for you on board the Sally, where you will be well taken care of." 
 
 He embraced me most affectionately, and then seized my hand. 
 
 " Come," he said, u let us go and comfort my child with the 
 joyful news of your arrival." 
 
 He led me towards the quarter-deck, and on the poop I found a 
 young lady whose attention had been so much attracted by the 
 fire, that she had not seen the boat which I came in. 
 
 u Julia," he said, " assistance has arrived, and most unex- 
 pectedly. This gentleman has come with a boat from a ship but 
 a short distance off." 
 
 As the father was speaking I took a survey of the lady, and I 
 thought that she was nearly as pretty as my loved Jenny. She 
 was about fourteen years of age, with dark hair and eyes f and a 
 face that was so pleasant in its expression, that I wished she 
 would give me the same reception that her father had, and put 
 
68 A WHALEMAN'S ADVENTURES. 
 
 her arms around my neck ; but she didn't, for she arose and took 
 one of my hard, black paws in her delicate little haads, and 
 pressed it so kindly, and looked at me so sweetly and sadly from 
 those dark eyes of hers, that I am fearful I forgot Jenny, the old 
 Sally, and everything except the lady before me. 
 
 " O, sir," she said, " you are an angel, and will have your re- 
 ward for thus coming to our rescue." 
 
 " I, for one, want no reward, except the consciousness of hav- 
 ing assisted so beautiful a lady in distress," I replied, removing 
 my cap and bowing low before her, for the purpose of showing 
 that I knew what politeness was. 
 
 u Surely, sir, you must be^he captain of the ship which has 
 hastened to our assistance," the lady remarked. 
 
 Just my luck. I had made an impression, and now it was 
 to be effaced, if I told her that I was but a boy on board the 
 Sally. 
 
 " No, marm, he ain't the skipper ; but ef he lives long 'nough 
 he will be one," said a deep voice at my side, and Jack shoved 
 his oar in. 
 
 " Yes, marm," continued Jack, with a scrape of his foot, " this 
 youngster is my friend. He and me is chums, marm, and I am 
 larnin' him a seaman's duty, and in return he is larnin' me how 
 to write and read. We belongs to a bloody old blubber hunter, 
 and how two sic'h likely chaps as I and Pepper come to be 
 aboard of her, 1 don't know." 
 
 The lady smiled at the earnestness of Jack, but her father had 
 given me a keen look while Jack was speaking. 'He seemed to 
 read my thoughts, for he said quickly, 
 
 " To know how to command a ship, it is necessary to learn all 
 the duties of a sailor's life, and those duties can only be acquired 
 by serving in the forecastle." 
 
 " Bully for you," cried Jack. " That's what I tells Pepper 
 every dog-watch. But, then, what does sich a feller want to go 
 to sea for, when he has got a daddy that could afford to feed him 
 on plum duff every day in the week ? " 
 
 I did not wait to hear more. I ran towards the men who were 
 at work on the long-boat, and left Jack to talk as he pleased. 
 
 *' You know the young man's father, then ? " asked the old 
 gentleman, as soon as^I was gone. 
 
 " Lord bless you, sir, I don't know him ; but then I can read, 
 
ON THE BURNING SHIP. Page G8. 
 
TAKING TO THE BOATS. 69 
 
 and if Pepper didn't run away from home, and a good home, too, 
 I'm a sinner." 
 
 44 Pepper ! what a singular name," said the lady. 
 
 " Wai, that ain't Pepper's name ; but we call him Pepper, 'cos 
 it's short." 
 
 Just at this instant the launch, which had been hoisted clear 
 of the chocks, fell upon the monkey-rail with a crash, and the 
 boat rolled over upon the deck, bottom up. The fire, which was 
 running up the foremast, had burned the tackles which were 
 fastened to the fore-yard-arm. , 
 
 *' We must use the quarter-boats," said the captain of the 
 ship ; and he ordered them hauled alongside, for they had been 
 towing astern. 
 
 44 Let one of your boats start for the Sally with as many peo- 
 ple as it can contain," said Mr. Lance, addressing the captain. 
 *' 1 will also send my boat with passengers, and in a few minutes 
 it can return with the rest of the Sally's boats." 
 
 " It shall be done," the captain said, promptly. " I will re- 
 .main until every one leaves the ship." 
 
 44 And I will stay with you," Mr. Lance replied. " I may be 
 of some use. Pepper ! " he cried. 
 
 44 Here I am, sir," I answered. 
 
 44 Get the boat alongside, and take the lady and gentleman and 
 their baggage on board ; and tell Captain Bunker that more boats 
 are wanted to save the rest of the people. Stay," he continued, 
 and lowering his voice, " tell him that the ship is loaded with a 
 rich cargo, and bound for the Sandwich Islands ; and that much 
 of the stuff can be saved. Be lively now." 
 
 44 Anything more, sir?" I asked. 
 
 44 No. If the captain should ask where I am, say that I am 
 collecting what valuables I can." 
 
 In a few minutes I had the boat alongside, and then I lowered 
 two or three trunks over the rail, and went to inform the old gen- 
 tleman that we were ready. 
 
 44 Come, Julia," the father said ; u we must not keep these 
 good men waiting." 
 
 44 But how am I to get into the boat? " the lady asked. 
 
 * 4 I have slung a pair of teps at the gangway," I said. 4 ' I 
 will assist yon." 
 
 " I have no doubt of it, my lad," the father remarked ; and he 
 
70 A WHALEMAN'S ADVENTURES. 
 
 gave his arm to the child, and led her to the gangway, where 
 the master of the ship was standing, giving orders. 
 
 " Captain Starboard, I hope we will meet again on board 
 the stranger. I would remain with you, were it not for my 
 Julia." 
 
 u Your place is not here, Mr. Cherington," answered the mas- 
 ter, calmly. " Look after your child. She is of more value than 
 ship and cargo." 
 
 " But not of so much value as the life of Captain Starboard, 
 who has a wife and family," the^oung girl said. 
 
 Captain Starboard drew his hand across his eyes, and his lips 
 quivered. 
 
 " God bless them," he said. " It will be a hard blow when 
 they hear of this disaster." 
 
 44 But not when they know that you did all that human being 
 could do to check the fire, and that you are safe," Julia re- 
 marked. 
 
 The father assisted his child over the gangway, and then passed 
 down the steps before her, holding on to the man-ropes, so that 
 she could not fall. The instant they gained the boat I joined 
 them, and we shoved off and pulled for the Sally ; the quarter- 
 boats belonging to the burning ship following in our wake, loaded 
 with men and their clothes. We pulled slowly towards the Sally, 
 for the purpose of allowing the quarter-boats to keep up with us, 
 and while on our way, Mr. Cheriugton told me how the fire on 
 board the Sea Hawk caught, as near as he could imagine. 
 
 u We left Boston," he said, u some six weeks since, bound for 
 the Sandwich Islands, where I have passed some fifteen years of 
 my life in trade, having settled at Honolulu, first in the capacity 
 of a clerk, and afterwards commenced business on my own ac- 
 count. This morning smoke was seen to issue from the fore hatch. 
 The hatches were removed, but such a dense volume of smoke 
 burst forth, that they were put on again, and secured, and we 
 then commenced making preparations for extinguishing the fire 
 by boring holes in the deck. At first we thought t^at we were 
 likely to succeed ; but towards night the fire spread forward, and 
 I saw that all hope was lost. Not so with Captain Starboard, 
 however. He determined never to give up until the masts were 
 on fire ; and that is the reason why the launch was not hoisted 
 out in the early part of the evening, as I advised and requested. 
 
CAPTAIN BUNKER DISGUSTED. 71 
 
 The captain feared that the men would neglect their duty, and 
 leave the ship in the boats, if they were launched, although I did 
 finally succeed in persuading him to put a few provisions in the 
 quarter boats, and keep them astern, ready for use. The captain 
 did not relax his exertions all day and all the evening ; but they 
 were useless, as you see ; and now that noble ship must find a 
 resting-place for her timbers on the bed of the ocean." 
 
 " 'Tis what we must all expect," said Jack. u I don't want 
 anything better, arter I die, than a ten-pound shot at my feet, a 
 roll in a hammock, and to sleep at the bottom of the ocean." 
 
 " Ah, that has been your education, my man," Mr. Chering- 
 ton said. u But most people have a dread of such a burial, and 
 I, for one, don't like to think of it." 
 
 " Don't talk of such subjects, father," the lady said, gently. 
 z u I will not, my child," he replied ; and then he turned to look 
 at the burning ship. The flames were crawling up the foremast, 
 and leaping from stay to lift, from brace to halyard, like serpents 
 sporting on a tree ; and while we looked, the mast swayed to and 
 fro, and then fell with a crash that sent the sparks flying heaven- 
 ward, and then all was dark for a moment, and but for a moment, 
 for we could see flames on the mainmast, which grew brighter as 
 they were fed by the tarry and greasy topmast stays. We saw 
 no time was to be lost in hastening back to the wreck. 
 
 " There's the Sally, right ahead," said Jack ; and in a few min- 
 utes we were alongside. 
 
 As the men shipped their oars the face of Captain Bunker was 
 visible peering over the rail. 
 
 " What you got?" he asked. " Anything valuable ? " 
 
 " Yes, sir, two human lives," I answered. 
 
 " Where's Mr. Lance?" the captain asked. 
 
 " He sent me on board with two passengers, sir, and wanted 
 you to despatch the other boats as soon as possible." 
 
 I heard the skipper utter a growl, but the men managed to get 
 a pair of steps over' the side, and by their aid the lady was landed 
 on the deck, followed by her father ; and as they reached the deck 
 the Sea Hawk's quarter-boats came alongside with eight or ten men 
 and their baggage. This was not calculated to raise the spirits of 
 the captain. 
 
 " We shall be eaten up," he muttered, " and our vige ruined, 
 Darn such luck." 
 
72 A WHALEMAN'S ADVENTURES. 
 
 Mr. Cherington must have supposed "that the captain was allud- 
 ing to the burning ship, for he replied, 
 
 .*' We have indeed had hard luck, but I trust that we shall 
 bring good fortune to you and your ship. For the trouble which 
 we put you to, I will pay handsomely, as I am well able to." 
 
 44 O, don't mention it," cried the captain. u I am sure I'm 
 glad I'm here to assist you ; " and then, fearful that he had com- 
 mitted himself, he added, " To be sure, I don't know how my 
 owners will feel about the matter. They are close men, and 
 might want something." 
 
 44 They shall be satisfied, sir," Mr. Cherington said, with 
 dignity. 
 
 " That's enough betwixt friends, sir," the captain cried. u Please 
 to walk into the cabin, sir, where the lady can find a seat. And 
 perhaps she'd like something to eat and drink. Steward, make* 
 a pot of switchel, and put a plate of bread on the table." 
 
 I think that the fair Julia did not kaow what switchel was, 
 for she made no objection to the suggestion of the captain, and 
 all three were about to enter the cabin, when Mr. Cherington 
 spoke. 
 
 44 There are many things which might be saved, on board the 
 Sea Hawk, if you would send your boats, captain." 
 
 44 They shall be lowered immediately, sir," the skipper said. 
 44 Clear them away, Mr. Spadem, and tell the second mate, who 
 is on board, to be sure and get hold of some running rigging and 
 a few spare sails. Be lively, or they may burn up." 
 
 44 Does he mean the crew, or the sails ? " whispered Jack. 
 
 44 You Pepper," cried the mate, 4C go back to the ship with the 
 boat, and tell Mr. Lance to keep his eyes open for stores. 
 Star^t yourself." 
 
 The boat's crew did not wait for a second order. We pulled 
 with a will, for we saV that no time was to be lost, and when we 
 arrived alongside I saw Mr. Lance standing on the rail, as though 
 he had been looking for us. 
 
 4k What kept you so long, Pepper?" he asked. " Didn't you 
 know that the. fire overhead was trying our brains out?" 
 
 u The skipper don't care for brains, sir," answered Jack, who 
 was spokesman on all occasions. 44 He only wants rigging and 
 sails." 
 
 u In God's name give him what we have on deck," exclaimed 
 Captain Starboard. 44 They are of no use to us." 
 

 THE PET DOG. 73 
 
 " Let us first save your effects and the dunnage of the men," 
 Mr. Lance said, dryly. u I don't think they should be lost for 
 the sake of a few yards of canvas or a few fathoms of rope." 
 
 u The skipper is all ready for you," said Jack, mounting to the 
 deck. u He has ordered a gallon of switchel to be made, and the 
 bread barge to be filled. His heart has expanded like a grain of 
 i ice after a long soak in water." 
 
 " Silence, sir," cried Mr. Lance, sternly. " Your tongue runs 
 too fast." 
 
 " I'll clap a stopper on it, sir," answered Jack. 
 
 " And keep it stoppered for the rest of the night. Now, then, 
 Captain Starboard, let me have your chests and valuables passed 
 down, for we have not much time to lose." 
 
 The captain would have remonstrated ; but as the chests of the 
 master and mates were on deck, Mr. Lance seized upon them, and 
 calling some men to his aid, commenced lowering them into the 
 boat, and by ther time the first one was lauded the rest of the 
 Sally's boats were alongside. The men worked with a will. The 
 fire was creeping down the masts and stays, and there was no 
 telling how soon the spars would fall, and crush us in their ruin. 
 We had got all the chests into the boats, and some valuable arti- 
 cles, when the second mate gave the order to embark. 
 
 " Whar's the captain's sails and rigging?" asked Jack. 
 
 " We have no time for them ; my life is more valuable than a 
 coil of rope," the second mate answered. 
 
 " The skipper won't think so," muttered Jack. 
 
 " Shove off, lads, and pull ahead," shouted Mr. Lance. " Be 
 lively, for there is no time to lose." 
 
 Our boat was just moving, when a shrill yelp was heard upon 
 the deck of the burning vessel. 
 
 u Hello ! what is that?" the second mate asked. 
 
 " It is the girl's dog. It is too late, poor brute," Captain 
 Starboard said. 
 
 u No time for dogs now," Mr. Lance exclaimed. " Pull ahead, 
 and get your oafs out ; " for the men had paused for a moment, 
 when they heard that a living animal was on deck. 
 
 That moment's pause decided my course. I thought how the 
 fair Julia would mourn for her lost pet. As the boat was drawing 
 ahead, I made a spring at the fore chains, and reached the chan- 
 nel before Mr. Lance could open his mouth. 
 
74 A WHALEMAN'S ADVENTURES. 
 
 " Come back, you Pepper," he roared. 
 
 I did not stop, but jumped on deck, and ran aft to the cabin, 
 and at the door I saw a King Charles spaniel, which was howling 
 for its mistress most pitifully, and yet, owing to the fire, did not 
 dare venture upon deck. As I advanced, the brute retreated into 
 the cabin, which was now full of smoke, so that I could not see 
 him ; yet a low whine which it uttered guided me, and I at last 
 laid hands upon the animal, and rushed to the fore chains through 
 a sheet of falling fire. 
 
 " Pepper ! " I heard the second mate roar, just as I reached the 
 rail. 
 
 "Ay, ay, sir; here I am/ I answered. "Shove off. All 
 right. The dog is safe." 
 
 " You're a fool," the second mate said, as the boat was pushed 
 clear of the side. 
 
 " I suppose I am, sir, and for proof of it, I'm here," I 
 answered calmly. 
 
 " I think if the dog had belonged to me, the youngster would 
 not have gone for it," said Captain Starboard. " Is it not so?" 
 
 " I love a dog," I answered. 
 
 "But you love a pretty girl more. Hey! how's that?" the 
 captain asked. 
 
 I was silent, and was fondling the dog. 
 
 " There goes the mainmast," cried the second mate. 
 
 " It almost breaks my heart to see the ship thus destroyed," 
 muttered the captain, drawing his hand across his eyes, as though 
 fearful of showing some signs of weakness. 
 
 " Give way, men," Mr. Lance cried ; and we pulled for the 
 Sally. 
 
 As the boat started, the flames burst through the deck of the 
 Sea Hawk, and raged more fiercely than ever ; and a sad 
 sight it was to every one in the boat, to see so gallant a ship 
 consumed by such a powerful foe. We pulled alongside in silence, 
 and found that Captain Bunker' was on deck with Mr. Cherington 
 and his daughter. They had been watching the destruction of 
 the Sea Hawk with such deep feelings of regret^ that no words 
 escaped them to show their grief. Bunker hastened towards the 
 unfortunate captain, as I thought, to welcome him. I was mis- 
 taken. He had more selfish ideas than that. 
 
 " I'm sorry for you," he said ; " but I hope you saved your 
 chronometer, 'cos mine is not a reliable one." 
 
CAPTAIN BUNKER'S MISTAKE. 75 
 
 Captain Starboard looked at the man as though somewhat 
 astonished. 
 . " One of the men is holding it in the boat," he said, at length. 
 
 Captain Bunker rushed to the gangway in a hurry. 
 
 " Don't jar that chronometer," he shouted ; " I want to use it." 
 
 Just at that moment I was coming up the steps, with the dog 
 under one arm, and the skipper thought I had the instrument. 
 
 " Here, Pepper, let me have it," he said ; and he reached out 
 his hands. 
 
 I handed the animal towards him ; but the spaniel did not like 
 such a transfer, and growled fiercely. 
 
 " What in the d 's name is that? " he asked, starting back 
 
 in alarm. 
 
 " A dog, sir." 
 
 " Pitch it overboard. I want no dogs here." 
 
 44 O, no ; don't do that," cried the young lady, hastening 
 towards us. u It's my pet my Romey. I would not have lost 
 him for anything. O, how glad I am that you saved him ! " 
 
 44 O, if the dog belongs to you, I've no more to say," the 
 captain growled. " I don't like dogs, unless they is big ones, and 
 bites the men when they won't work." 
 
 44 O, Romey won't bite any one," the lady said. 
 
 The captain turned away to question Mr. Lance respecting the 
 amount of plunder which he had secured, and the lady and her 
 pet were moving aft, when Mr. Cherington laid his hand softly 
 upon his daughter's arm. 
 
 44 One moment, my child. Captain Starboard tells me that 
 this young man perilled his life for the sake of the dog ; and he 
 should be thanked for it." 
 
 She turned towards me, but I could not stand there and be 
 thanked by a lady, when I felt that I was inferior to her in posi- 
 tion, just at that time. I dodged around the mainmast, and went 
 forward just as Jack was coming to find me. 
 
 In the morning, the captain and Mr. Cherington made their 
 appearance upon deck, and the father greeted his child most 
 affectionately, and mutual inquiries were made respecting the 
 manner in which the night had been passed, and then the skipper 
 and the merchant walked aft. 
 
 44 1 don't know what I shall do with all the folks on board," 
 Captain Bunker said, after a pause. 44 I'm afeard my grub will 
 give out afore I can land all of 'em." 
 
76 A WHALEMAN'S ADVENTURES. 
 
 " There certainly should be no fear jof starving on board of a 
 whaleship," replied Mr. Cheringtou, " and as far as the crew of 
 tke Sea Hawk is concerned, you can laud them at St. Catherine's, 
 or speak some ship homeward bound. They don't want to 
 double Cape Horn fo** nothing, and I'm certain, that Captain 
 Starboard would like to return to Boston as soon as possible." 
 
 "And what do you propose to do?" asked the captain. 
 
 " If I can make a bargain with you to laud my child and my- 
 self at one of the Sandwich Islands, I will do so," was the 
 answer. " I'm willing to pay a round sum to be set on shore at 
 Honolulu." 
 
 44 How much? " and the red eyes of the captain flashed. 
 
 " I will give you five hundred dollars." 
 
 " It's a bargain ; " and Captain Bunker mentally calculated how 
 much of the sum would come into his pocket. 
 
 I must confess that the instant the bargain was closed I felt 
 so elated, that I gave the wheel a turn, and up into the wind came 
 the Sally, and her sails were nearly taken aback. Joy, I thought, 
 is mine, for little Julia will remain on board until I am ready to 
 leave the ship. 
 
 " You Pepper," roared the captain, " where are you going 
 with the ship? Mind your eye, or I'll jump at yer." 
 
 About a week after we had saved the crew of the Sea Hawk, a 
 sail was raised off our lee bow, standing to the north'ard. We 
 supposed that it was some craft bound for the States, from 
 Brazil, and so we edged away to speak to her, and see if we 
 could put Captain Starboard and his men on board. While we 
 were keeping off a couple of points, Mr. L/ance came forward. 
 
 44 Come, men," he said, u who wants to send letters home?" 
 
 No one answered, excepting Will, and he dove into the fore- 
 castle to scribble a letter to his mother. 
 
 " Come, Pepper," the second mate said, in his usual friendly 
 manner, " your folks want to know what you are doing, and you 
 had better write." 
 .1 was silent, although I felt a choking sensation in my throat. 
 
 44 Come, boy, go below and write a good long letter to mother, 
 who loves you, I have no doubt." 
 
 I made no answer ; but I was about to turn away, when I 
 looked up and saw that Mr. Cherington was regarding me most 
 attentively. 
 
 
A LETTER FOR HOME. 77 
 
 u I am trying to get the youngster to write home to his 
 friends," said Mr. Lance ; " but he seems to think that he has 
 been ill used in some way, and don't want to." 
 
 " I hope the young man has no such feeling as that. If he 
 has, I am much mistaken in his face, for it does not look as 
 though capable of neglecting a mother's love," Mr. Cherington 
 replied. 
 
 " And you are not mistaken, sir, in that," I answered. " I 
 love my mother dearly, and my father also, although we did part 
 in anger." 
 
 "And don't your parents know where you are?" Mr. 
 Cheringtou asked. 
 
 " I think not," I answered. 
 
 " This is not the proper way of treating them, my lad," he 
 said, with a grave shake of his head. " Go, my boy, and write 
 them an affectionate letter ; and tell them that, with the blessing 
 of God, you will return to them some day with a better heart." 
 
 " My heart is good enough now," I replied. 
 
 " Then the head is at fault, and I like that better. But go. 
 You have no time to lose." 
 
 I went towards the forecastle, and as I did so, I heard Mr. 
 Lance say, 
 
 " He shouldn't have tried his luck on board a whale ship. 
 He's a good boy, and I like him, but he don't make a clean breast 
 of his troubles." 
 
 I sat down by my chest, and wrote a letter to my father and 
 mother, telling them where I was, and what I had done, and the 
 reason for my course. I also told them of the few incidents that 
 had transpired since I had shipped on board the Sally. I said that 
 I was well, and almost contented, but that if I was at home I would 
 no longer object to entering the counting-room of my father, and 
 doing all that I could to promote his prosperity. Of my mother 
 I asked a thousand pardons for the course which I had taken, and 
 hoped that a few months would restore me to her arms. I folded 
 my letter just as I heard the watch on deck backing the main- 
 topsail. 
 
 " Where's your letter, Pepper?" cried the second mate from 
 the deck. 
 
 u One moment," I answered ; and then directing it to my father, 
 I ran up the steps, and found that we were lying within a cable's 
 
 
78 A WHALEMAN'S ADVENTURES. 
 
 length of the ship Brandon, bound for Boston, from Rio, and that 
 the captain of the vessel had agreed to take Captain Starboard 
 and the crew of the Sea Hawk as passengers to Boston, the more 
 willingly as the Brandon was short of men. 
 
 " Go and give your letter to the captain, Pepper," the mate 
 said. " He is just about to close the mail-bag. Be lively." 
 
 "Where is he?" 
 . "In the cabin." 
 
 " Perhaps he wouldn't care to see me there," I said. 
 
 " O, don't bother with your 'haps." 
 
 I entered the cabin with the letter in my hand. Around the 
 table were seated the captain, Mr. Cherington, Mr. Starboard, 
 and Julia. They were busy over some papers, and a letter-bag 
 was lying before them. 
 
 " Well, Pepper, what is it?" asked Captain Bunker, glancing 
 up from his letters. 
 
 " 1 would like to send this letter home," I answered. 
 
 "Home! Have you got a home?" he asked. " Why, home 
 is a fool to this place. Pitch the letter down here." 
 
 I laid the letter upon the table, and Mr. Cherington took it up, 
 and looked at the subscription, and then at me, in surprise. 
 
 " What relation are you to Samuel Allspice ? " he asked. 
 
 " I am his son, sir," I answered. 
 
 " Is it possible ? Julia, my dear, you recollect we spent sev- 
 eral days at Mr. Allspice's house, just after this young gentleman 
 left home, and you remember what a search was made for him." 
 
 " Why, surely, papa, this can't be Charles? " 
 
 " That is my name," I said, with a burning face. 
 
 " Why, your poor mother nearly went insane at your disap- 
 pearance. You wild boy, what did induce you to leave such a 
 pleasant home ? " 
 
 u I hardly know," I answered, lowering my eyes under the ear- 
 nest gaze of Miss Julia. 
 
 " Well, who is the fellow? " asked Captain Bunker. 
 
 " Why, he is the only son of Mr. Samuel Allspice, one of the 
 most successful merchants of Boston." 
 
 " O, indeed," grunted Captain Bunker. "Take a 'seat, 
 Pepper." 
 
 " Why, what makes you call him Pepper ? " asked Julia, with 
 a smile. 
 
A CHANCE FOR HOME. 79 
 
 " 'Cos 'tis short, aud I thought it was his name," replied the 
 master. 
 
 I did not take the seat that was proffered me, but stood near 
 the cabin door. 
 
 " Allspice," cried Captain Starboard ; " why, I know Allspice. 
 He's a friend of mine. He's one of the salts of the earth. That 
 youngster is his only child. This is no place for him. Come, 
 Bunker, let him go home with me. You shan't lose by it, I'll 
 warrant you." 
 
 Had it not been for Julia, how my heart would have leaped at 
 such a suggestion, and how I should have prayed for deliverance 
 from the Sally and the bondage under which I suffered. But my 
 doubts were soon removed, for Captain Bunker spoke. 
 
 " I can't spare any of my crew," he said. " I'd do a favor for 
 Allspice as quick as I would for another man, but you see I must 
 look after my owner's interest." 
 
 The old fox was waiting for an offer for my release. 
 
 " Come, let the boy go home with me," said Starboard. " I'll 
 see that you are paid for it when you get back." 
 
 " If my voice has any influence," said Mr. Cherington, " I 
 should certainly say, let him go by all means. He is an only 
 child. Think of that, Captain Bunker." 
 
 I don't know how they would have decided the question, but I 
 thought that Julia looked a little sober at the prospect of a sepa- 
 ration, and that made me firm and determined to remain. 
 
 "I have shipped for the voyage," I said, " and I think that I t 
 will stay on board. I want to see the world, and I don't suppose 
 that I shall have a better chance." 
 
 I thought that Captain Bunker's face lengthened, and that 
 Julia's face brightened. 
 
 " O, Rorney," cried the enthusiastic girl, " you are not to lose 
 your friend, after all ; " and she pressed the dog's head to her bosom, 
 and rewarded me with a smile which made my heart beat 
 most wildly. 
 
 " Julia ! " said the father, in a tone of reproof. 
 
 Captain Starboard smiled. The old salt read my heart as 
 though it were an open book. 
 
 " After all," he said, " I think that it will be best to let the 
 youngster remain. He may as v/ell sow his wild oats on board a 
 whale ship as to sow them on land. You'd better take him aft, 
 
80 A WHALEMAN'S ADVENTURES. 
 
 Bunker, and let him have what clothes he wants from the slop- 
 chest, and send the bill to his father. If he don't pay it, I will." 
 
 This was a proposition that suited me, for if I lived in the 
 cabin, I could see and speak with Julia every day. But if I left 
 the forecastle, the crew would no longer respect me, and I should 
 have to give up the company of Jack, Jake, and Will. I confess 
 that I liked the lady more than all three, but I wanted to stand 
 well with the crew. 
 
 " I s'pose I might take the lad aft/' Captain Bunker, remarked, 
 after a pause. 
 
 " But I don't want to come," I said ; "I had rather stay where 
 I am for the present." 
 
 Julia's eyes looked a little reproachful, as I thought. 
 
 u Perhaps the lad is right, after all," said Mr. Cherington. 
 " He wants to be independent and free in the forecastle, and he 
 could not be in the cabin." 
 
 " Why, papa ! And stay in that place, where they smoke pipes 
 'all day, and night, too ? " cried Julia. 
 
 " There are worse things in the world than a pipe, my dear, 
 and I should not be surprised if Allspice used one himself 
 sometimes." 
 
 The old gentleman had caught me, one morning, smoking a pipe 
 on the forecastle, and enjoying it also. 
 
 " I don't believe that Mr. Allspice would do such a thing," 
 Julia said. 
 
 44 The boats are all ready, sir," said Mr. Spadem, entering the 
 cabin. " We have got the traps on board, and now they are wait- 
 ing for the passengers." 
 
 " We will be ready in a moment," replied Captain Starboard, 
 and the mate, after looking at me in astonishment, not knowing 
 why I was detained in the cabin, went on deck. 
 
 u I shall take charge of your letter, Allspice," Captain Star- 
 board said, " and hand it to your father as soon as I arrive. Be a 
 good boy, and you will find that salt water won't hurt you any." 
 
 This seemed to close the conference, and I went on deck ; but I 
 almost regretted my resolution to remain, when I saw the neat 
 merchant ship lying within a cable's length of us, freshly painted, 
 and looking as trim as a man-of-war. Presently the party came 
 from the cabin and walked to the gangway, and Miss Julia with 
 them. Captain Starboard started to enter the boat, but stopped 
 and looked around. 
 
O, WHAT A CHANGE. 81 
 
 " Come here, Allspice," he said ; " I must shake hands with 
 you before I go." 
 
 The crew looked and wondered, while I went up to the 
 captain. 
 
 " There is time for you yet to think of going home," he cried. 
 "Will you come?" 
 
 I looked at Julia, and shook my head. 
 
 " It is all right, my boy," he said in a whisper. " I don't 
 blame your choice, but I shouldn't care about staying here if I 
 could help it. Take care of yourself, and I hope that your father 
 will have a daughter-in-law before he knows it." 
 
 He squeezed my hand, smiled, and was gone. 
 
 Some of our men jumped into the rigging and cheered, and the 
 crew of the merchant ship answered it, and then our boats 
 returned and were hoisted up, and the two ships kept on their 
 separate courses. 
 
 " Send Pepper aft," I heard the mate cry from amidships. 
 
 I went aft, and there I found Captain Bunker, who received 
 me with a sweet smile. 
 
 " Pepper," he said, " I don't think that you've got clothes 
 enough. I've opened the slop-chest, and you can take what you 
 like by just giving me a bill on your father." 
 
 I followed Bunker into the cabin, and selected such stuff as I 
 really needed, and then gave a bill upon my father for some forty 
 or fifty dollars. I carried my purchases forward, and was envied 
 by those whose credit was not so good ; but all wondered how it 
 was that I had so suddenly grown into favor, and the wonder was 
 still more increased when the mate called out to me in the 
 afternoon, 
 
 " You Pepper, go and slush down the main-topmast, and do it 
 well, or I'll take the skin off your back." 
 
 " Mr. Spadem," said the captain, with an air of dignity, " don't 
 put Pepper to such jobs as that 'ere. Let some one else do *em." 
 
 " O, very well^ sir," was the answer ; and the mate looked a 
 little curious. 
 
 " Mr. Spadem," said the captain, " Pepper's father is one of 
 the richest men in Boston. He's worth a million. We discovered 
 it by accident." 
 
 " Thunder ! " cried the mate. " I allers thought Pepper was a 
 little better than the general run of boys, he is so smart and bright*" 
 6 
 
82 A WHALEMAN'S ADVENTURES. 
 
 *' I offered to take him aft, and he won't come," continued the 
 master. 
 
 " Ah, that lad wants to be a sailor. I can see it in him," cried 
 the mate, who only that morning had called me a " swab," be- 
 cause I had not performed a piece of work to suit him. 
 
 "I shall look arter him, and see that he wants for nothing, and 
 you had better keep an eye on him, Spadem, and don't be hard 
 on him, if you please." 
 
 " O, no, sir. I took a shine to the lad the fust day he came on 
 board." 
 
 The mate told the second mate, the second mate told the third, 
 the third told the boat-steerers, and the boat-steerers told the men. 
 I instantly became a lad of importance on board, and instead of 
 being called to slush down the masts, or tar down the backstays, 
 was allowed the most dainty of jobs, and could stand leaning 
 against the foremast with my hands in my pockets, an hour at a 
 time, and there was no one to haze me for it. To be sure, Mr. 
 Lance treated me just as he always had done, in a kind, fatherly 
 manner, and made no allusion to my position at home. He was 
 too much of a man to do that ; and, faith, when he wanted a job 
 done, and I was on deck, he would call on me to do it just the 
 same as ever. 
 
 My old friends, Jack, Jake, and Will, stuck as close to me as 
 ever. They were not in the least envious of my good fortune in 
 escaping from the dirty work on board a whaler, and when they 
 heard that I had refused to leave the forecastle for the cabin, they 
 chronicled it as a triumph of my good sense. 
 
 CHAPTER VI. 
 
 ROLLING DOWN TO HONOLULU. A PROPOSITION AND THE RESULT. 
 
 AFTER many days of battling with fierce gales and terrible cold 
 and sleet, we passed Cape Horn and its dangers, and at length, to 
 our joy, caught the trade-winds, and they blew us towards Hono- 
 lulu, at a rate of six knots per hour, which was fair sailing for the 
 
A DELICATE NEGOTIATION. . 83 
 
 * ~\ 
 
 Sally. We raised several school of sperm whale, and managed 
 to secure one fish ; but as I have already shown how whales are 
 captured when they fight hard, there would be no pleasure in de- 
 scribing the taking of a whale that submitted to its fate without a 
 single struggle. At the time the boats were lowered, when we were 
 fortunate in securing a prize, Miss Julia was on deck, and mani- 
 fested some signs of uneasiness ; and as I happened to be near her 
 when the order was given to clear away the boats, she spoke to me. 
 
 " I hope you are not going," she said. 
 
 " O, but I am," I answered. 
 
 "You will get killed, and then what will your mother say?" 
 she continued. 
 
 " O, there is not much danger," I answered. 
 
 " O, but there is ; and you ought not to go. There's enough 
 without you." 
 
 " But they have mothers also," I answered. 
 
 " Yes, I suppose so ; but then you know you are different from 
 them ; " and Julia looked as though she meant what she said. 
 
 As we neared the Sandwich Islands she grew more friendly, 
 and even expressed a hope that I would receive my discharge 
 and be allowed to reside at Honolulu, a place which she had not 
 seen for five years, as when a mere child, she had been sent 
 to Mr. Cherington's friends, in Massachusetts, for the purpose 
 of receiving a thorough education, or such a one as young ladies 
 generally receive. 
 
 The evening before we made land I had a conversation with 
 Mr. Cherington on the subject that interested me so much. 
 
 u I have bad news for you, Charles," he said. " Captain Bunker 
 is firm in his refusal to allow you to leave the ship, unless his 
 terms are agreed to. I have offered him two hundred dollars, to 
 be paid in supplying the ship with refreshments ; but he rejects it. 
 It is hard, and far from just ; but I am powerless to help you un- 
 less you feel willing to sign an order on your father for five hundred 
 dollars. I do not advise you to, but you can act as you please." 
 
 " I will not sign the order," I said, firmly ; " not if Captain 
 Bunker was starving for the money. Make no more offers. I 
 would not give him one hundred dollars to release me." 
 
 " You know your own mind best," was the reply. " In all your 
 undertakings I wish you success for your sake and your father's." 
 
 He pressed my haiul in a fatherly manner, and left me, and I 
 returned to the forecastle. 
 
84 A WHALEMAN'S ADVENTURES. 
 
 The next morning at daylight we found ourselves close in land, 
 and very pleasant it looked, covered as it was with rich verdure 
 and stately cocoa-nut trees ; and in each valley that we sailed past, 
 a cluster of huts could be seen, with children sporting in front of 
 them, and the male portion of the community lolling under trees, 
 or else bathing in the surf, which rolled and tumbled on the 
 beach, leaving a white line of foam as far as the eye could 
 jextend. 
 
 At length we rounded a point of land, and braced up our yards ; 
 and then we felt the breeze more sen'sibly, acd the Sally laid over 
 to it with her head pointing for Honolulu, which looked to me 
 like some of our southern cities during the summer months. 
 
 " Are we to anchor ? " I asked of Mr. Lance. 
 
 " No ; we are to lay off and on for a few days, and get a few 
 supplies, and then for a long cruise for sperm whale." 
 
 Here was another hard blow, which made me feel as though fate 
 was against me. If we did not come to anchor, I knew that 
 Captain Bunker would not permit me to go on shore, for fear 
 I should leave the ship in a hurry. While I was thinking of 
 these things, Mr. Cherington, whose chests and trunks were all 
 on deck, called me aft. 
 
 " Charles," he said, ' ; in a few minutes we shall bid you fare- 
 well. I have asked Captain Bunker to let you go on shore with 
 us ; but he has refused, as I ^feared he would. I shall keep him 
 on shore to-night, and endeavor to soften him. I will send you a 
 few things on board when the boat returns, and if we never meet 
 again, think of me sometimes." 
 
 He pressed my hand, and then led me to Julia, who was stand- 
 ing near the mainmast, waiting to speak with me. 
 
 " I am almost ready to cry with vexation," she said, " at the 
 thought of your not being able to go on shore with us. I have 
 been planning such delightful times that I can't bear to think of 
 disappointment." 
 
 I could only express by my looks how bad I really felt. I did 
 not dare to trust my voice, for I knew that it would fail me. 
 
 41 I'll tell you what to do," Julia whispered, putting her head 
 close to mine ; " if I was you, 1 would run off. I would not 
 ?tay here. Captain Bunker is a selfish, unfeeling man, and I 
 have a good mind to tell him so. There ! " 
 
 I was about to turn away and go forward, and hide myself 
 
LOOKING TO THE FUTURE. 85 
 
 where I could shed tears in solitude, when Julia laid her hand 
 upon my arm, and asked, 
 
 "You will run away won't you, Charley?" 
 
 " Hush, child," said her father ; " you must not talk that way 
 to him. It is wrong to advise any one to desert from a vessel. 
 There is disgrace attached to it." 
 
 " But you know that you did the same thing, many years ago, 
 father," Julia said with a smile. 
 
 The father looked annoyed, and commenced an examination 
 of his baggage. My eyes fell upon a case of liquor which he 
 had brought from the Sea Hawk, and it struck me that I could 
 make use of it most advantageously. 
 
 " Will you give me that? " I asked. 
 
 " Why, you don't drink liquor do you ? " the young lady cried. 
 
 " No. I want it for a particular object." 
 
 Mr. Cherington looked at me for a moment, and then he said 
 in a low tone, 
 
 " Take it, but make good use of it ; and I think you will." 
 
 I seized the case, and watching rny opportunity, deposited it in 
 the forecastle, where no one could find it readily. Then I re- 
 turned to the deck just as the order was given to back the main- 
 topsail, for we were within a mile of the snug harbor of Hono- 
 lulu, and could see the stars and stripes flying from the peaks and 
 masts of vessels at anchor ; while numerous canoes, with Sand- 
 wich Islanders in them, were paddling around the shipping, and 
 some of them started towards the Sally. 
 
 " We don't want any canoes alongside," cried Captain Bunker 
 to the mate ; and that worthy officer said, 
 
 " Ay, ay, sir," but looked disappointed, nevertheless. 
 
 The captain's boat was lowered ; but a crew of Portuguese were 
 selected, for the skipper supposed that they would not desert as 
 long as there was oil on board ; and in this he was correct. 
 
 Mr. Cherington's baggage was lowered into the boat, and then 
 Miss Julia shook hands with me, dried her eyes with her hand- 
 kerchief, attempted to speak, but failed, and was then landed in 
 the boat. 
 
 " Good by," said Mr. Cherington ; and he shook hands with 
 me, with a moistened eye. 
 
 " You'd better go with us, Pepper," said Captain Bunker, as 
 he went over the rail. 
 
86 A WHALEMAN'S ADVENTURES. 
 
 " I should be pleased to, sir." 
 
 " It remains with you." 
 
 " I know it, sir ; but I don't wish to embarrass my father. -It 
 would be wrong." 
 
 The captain did not say another word. He went over the side 
 with a frown upon his brow, and the boat shoved off, Julia wav- 
 ing her handkerchief and applying it to her eyes alternately. 
 
 Even the men felt sorry to see her leave the ship, and some of 
 them sprang upon the rail, and gave three hearty cheers, for 
 which they were sworn at by Mr. Spadem, who had no feeling, 
 and thought that others were like himself. 
 
 At length our boat was seen returning from the shore, filled with 
 vegetables and fruit ; and we speculated whether the captain had 
 opened his heart, or Mr. Cherington had made us a gift. The 
 doubt was soon solved, for the men handed the mate a letter from 
 our passenger, and in it he said he desired all hands should 
 share in what he had sent on board. I also received a note frora 
 Mr. Cherington, and in it was some curious advice. He wrote : 
 
 " I don't approve of your contemplated expedition ; but I will sup- 
 pose that you have started. If you should land at Honolulu, the 
 government would feel bound to return you to the ship. If you 
 should manage to reach the south part of the island, you would find 
 plenty of villages and a simple people, who would make no ob- 
 jections to your landing and living in their midst ; but your life 
 would be one of idleness for many weeks. So I cannot recom- 
 mend such a course, for Idleness is the mother of Sin. What- 
 ever you do, think well beforehand, and be sure and destroy this 
 letter. Julia sends her love. The poor child feels really homesick 
 at leaving the ship. I wish that you were here to dine with us. 
 Captain Bunker will stop all night, and will sail for the sperm 
 whaling ground to-morrow. I send you a few articles of fruit, 
 and to-morrow will send more." 
 
 I tore the letter into a thousand pieces, and threw them over- 
 board. The fruit consisted of baskets of oranges, bunches of 
 bananas, some tomatoes, a box of grapes, and a lot of eggs. 
 
 " Well, Pepper, your friends don't forget you," said Mr. 
 Spadem, when my presents were paraded on deck ; and I must 
 confess that I felt a little proud of tHem. 
 
 '* No, sir ; and I trust you will take a portion." 
 
 " No objections to that, Pepper ; " and I gave him a fair share 
 
PREPARATIONS FOR ESCAPE. 87 
 
 of the fruit, and carried the rest forward, and made a dividend 
 with the crew. 
 
 About eight o'clock I commenced rny preparations for an es- 
 cape, although I had not said one word to those whom I was 
 anxious should accompany me. I took two flasks of brandy from 
 the case Mr. Cherington had given me, and carried them aft, 
 where I met Mr. Spadem, who was just thinking of " turning in." 
 
 " Well, Pepper, what is it?" he asked. 
 
 " I've got a little present for you and the rest of the officers," 
 I said. " I didn't know but you would like to drink to * sweet- 
 hearts and wives' to-night ; so I've brought you a couple of bot- 
 tles of brandy." 
 
 " You have ! " and he reached out his hand for them eagerly, 
 as I knew that he would, for Mr. Spadem was rather fond of a 
 glass, when it didn't cost him anything. 
 
 He took the liquor and went into the cabin, and in a few min- 
 utes I heard the mates seated around the table and drinking with 
 refreshing rapidity. 
 
 Then I went forward, and found Jack and Jake on the top- 
 gallant forecastle, whispering together. 
 
 " What's going on, Pepper?" Jack asked. 
 
 " I'll tell you," I answered ; " I'm going to leave the ship to- 
 night." 
 
 " I go too, sure," said Jake. " Dat what we just talk about." 
 
 " Silence, you snow-ball," cried the white man. " Let's hear 
 his plans afore we say anything about what we'll do." 
 
 " Go ahead, Pepper. Let's hear 'em," said Jake. 
 
 " At eight bells, or after, when it's our watch on deck, we'll 
 lower the third mate's boat, and start for the shore. By daylight 
 we can be out of sight." 
 
 " But what's to be done with the boat-steerer, and the rgst of 
 the watch ? " 
 
 " Dose them with brandy until they are quiet." 
 
 " I likes the idea," said Jack. 
 
 It may not be generally known to landsmen that in every whale- 
 boat, when equipped for service, is a can of water, and a can con- 
 taining bread, a lantern, candle, and matches, and we thought 
 that with a few additional articles, we should have enougli to last 
 us for some days, even if we could get no food at the numerous 
 villages on the south part of the island. We deemed it best to 
 
88 A WHALEMAN'S ADVENTURES. 
 
 be on the safe side, however, and we collected a second can of 
 water, a kid of beef, a bag of bread, the sail belonging to the 
 boat, and then " turned in," knowing that we should be called, at 
 eight bells, to stand our watch on deck. 
 
 My excitement, however, was too great to permit me to sleep ; 
 and I lay and listened to the striking of the bell until twelve 
 o'clock, when I was called and went on deck, where Jack and 
 Jake joined me, and in a few minutes Sam and a Portuguese 
 made their appearance, and then the boat-steerer, " Bushy," who 
 had charge of the watch, came on deck, yawning and rubbing his 
 eyes. 
 
 u What do you want up here? " asked Jack of the Portuguese. 
 u Go below and turn in. No one wants you. There's nothing 
 to do." 
 
 The Portuguese hardly knew what to do ; but Jack made a 
 playful kick at him, and he went down the steps in a hurry, and 
 we saw no more of him. 
 
 u Heave ahead," whispered Jack. " Bait Sam with a stiff 
 horn, and then give Bushy a dose." 
 
 I went below and got a bottle from the case, and poured into a 
 tin pot about half a pint of raw brandy, and then called Sam 
 into the forecastle. 
 
 " I don't want Jack to know that I've got the liquor," I said, 
 " for he would want some. If I give you a drink, will you turn 
 in, and not come on deck, so that he can smell your breath? " 
 
 " Sartin. Here goes." 
 
 He put the tin pot to his lips ; and, as I expected, he did not 
 take it away until its contents were nearly gone. He smacked 
 his lips, and then retreated to his bunk ; and that was the last we 
 saw of him that night. 
 
 After seeing Sam disposed of, I took my bottle and went on 
 deck, arid at the scuttle I found Jack and Jake, both listening to 
 hear how I succeeded. 
 
 " Now try Bushy," whispered Jack. " He'll take a pint at one 
 gwig, and never wink at it." 
 
 I went aft, and found the boat-steerer leaning over the rail, 
 gazing at the land, which was astern, and lighted up by numer- 
 ous fires on the sides of the mountains. He looked up and saw 
 who was near him, and then resumed his easy position. 
 
 u You must be dry," I said. " The officers in the cabin had 
 some punch, and why shouldn't you ? " 
 
LOWERING THE BOAT. 89 
 
 " 'Cos I ain't got it ; that is the reason why, Pepper," Bushy 
 said ; and he laughed a little. 
 
 I held up the case bottle and shook it, and Bushy's eyes 
 opened to their fullest extent. ' . 
 
 " Taste it ; " I said. 
 
 He put the bottle to his lips, and before he drew breath about 
 half a pint of liquor was lost to this world forever. 
 
 " Ah, that is the best that I've had since I left New Bedford/' 
 Bushy said. 
 
 . " Try some more," I replied ; and I handed him the bottle a 
 second time, after making a faint show of drinking myself. 
 
 u Well, I will. Now, this is kind of you, Pepper. I didn't 
 expect it. You and me will be chums hereafter ; and if you 
 wants anything, come to me." 
 
 Once iore the bottle was put to his mouth, and the fluid dis- 
 appeared rapidly ; and then I induced him to take a seat on the 
 hen-coop, and in a quarter of an hour he was inclined to go to 
 sleep, yet continued talking and struggling against the feeling. I 
 gave him one more dose, and that settled him. I stole to the 
 cabin door, and listened. Every sleeper in the cabin seemed to 
 be snoring. 
 
 " Put the sail in the boat," I said. 
 
 " It's in, and the grub with it. We fixed it while you was 
 yarning with Bushy," Jack said. 
 
 " Then you and Jake lower the boat, while I get in to unhook 
 the tackles. An inch at a time, remember ; for we must not 
 make any noise." 
 
 Two or three times Jack and Jake held on to the falls and 
 ceased lowering for the purpose of listening, but no one seemed 
 disturbed or awakened. At length the boat touched the water, 
 and I unhooked the tackles ; and as I did so I heard Will's voice 
 on deck, and then my friend's head was thrust over the rail. 
 
 " Charley," he said in a whisper, "I don't think this is fair. 
 You might have told me what you were going to do. I wouldn't 
 have peached." 
 
 " We can't yarn here all night," Jack said. " Go below, 
 and don't show your head on deck till morning. We is off; so no 
 more noise." 
 
 " Well, then, let me go with you," pleaded Will. " I ain't 
 happy here, and I don't want to stay." 
 
90 A WHALEMAN'S ADVENTURES. 
 
 I hesitated, for I knew that Will was the support and hope of 
 a widowed mother ; but before I could say a word, the boy was 
 in the boat, and Jack and Jake followed him. 
 
 " Shove off," I said, in a whisper ; and the boat dropped astern^ 
 and the ship slowly forged ahead, and left us in her wake. 
 
 " Out with the paddles," whispered Jack. 
 
 We had five paddles in the boat, for the purpose of paddling 
 upon whales during calm weather, when the use of oars would 
 have galled the animals. These we got out ; and keeping in the 
 wake of the ship, we stole quietly towards the shore. For fifteen 
 minutes we worked hard, without speaking ; and then the hull of 
 the Sally grew dim, and we stopped a moment to rest and get out 
 our oars. 
 
 " There, they can't see us now, or hear us," said Jack. 
 " What's the next move ? " $ 
 
 He looked to me for advice. 
 
 " We will head in shore, and then pull along the land till day- 
 light. If we can find a good place to beach the boat, we'll do so ; 
 and keep quiet until night, when we can continue our journey un- 
 til we reach the extreme south part of the island, where we shall 
 be safe until the Sally leaves the coast." 
 
 " Why not keep moving all day ? " asked Will. 
 
 " Simply because the captain will inform the authorities at 
 Honolulu that four of his men have escaped, and he will offer a 
 reward for our capture." 
 
 " Well, Fs for Pepper's plan ; so out oars," said Jack ; and 
 each of us took one and commenced pulling. 
 
 " I have suspected something of this for some time," Will 
 remarked. " I laid in my bunk, Charley, and saw you dose Sam 
 with liquor, and I knew what it was for." 
 
 " Did you put any of the stuff in the boat? " asked Jack. 
 
 " Not a drop," I answered. 
 
 He sighed, and was silent for a moment. 
 
 " Fm glad of it," he said, at length. " I shouldn't have been 
 contented unless I had a swig at the bottle, and one swig would 
 have been just ballast enough for a cargo. I'll stick to water, 
 and swear that it's equal to rum." 
 
 We pulled on in silence for an hour ; and at last got under 
 the land, and out of sight of the Sally. Then we changed our 
 course, and pulled along the coast until daylight, when we began 
 
COOKING BREAKFAST. 91 
 
 to look about us for a safe place to land and remain during 
 the day. 
 
 We pulled in shore, and at length saw a small cove, formed by 
 a reef which extended some few fathoms from the land, and over 
 which the surf broke with mournful murmurs, as though weary 
 of its incessant labor. The beach was covered with white sand, 
 and looked inviting after our long pull. Scarcely a ripple broke 
 upon it, and we determined to land there. As we pulled along 
 we saw quite a number of fish around the rocks, and then Jake 
 grinned, and held up a fish-line which he had in his pocket. 
 
 " You don't cotch dis child widout a fish-line," he said ; " and 
 ef I don't take a mess of dem beauties, 'tis 'cos I don't know how 
 to get 'em ; " and so earnest was he, that he begged we would wait 
 for him one moment, while he tried his luck. Jake baited the 
 hooks with a piece of salt pork, and threw them over the side of 
 the boat. Before they had sunk near the bottom there was a rush 
 towards them, and Jake hauled up two red-colored fish, of the 
 cod species, each one weighing about a pound and a half. 
 
 " Told you so," cried Jake. " Dis nigger ain't cotched floun- 
 ders in New Bedford for nothin' ; " and over went the hooks again, 
 and with a like result ; and Jake grew insane with delight, and 
 wanted to shout in triumph ; but we choked him into, quietness, 
 and after he caught about a dozen fish we would not wait any 
 longer, and pulled for the shore. As we neared the beach, we 
 saw that there was a narrow creek on the larboard side, which 
 looked as though large enough to hold our boat, and conceal it 
 entirely unless the cove was entered. In went our boat, and was 
 secured to a tree ; and then we landed and climbed up the steep 
 banks to see if there were any houses or huts near us. We 
 searched till sunrise, and could find none ; but we did discover 
 a small stream of water, as clear and cool as iced Cochituate, and 
 we had a fresh-water wash before we returned to the boat. 
 
 Then Jake put his skill into requisition. He produced a frying- 
 pan, which he had stolen from the ship's galley ; and while one 
 of us commenced cleaning the fish, the negro built a fire, and 
 soon had some salt pork frying, and after it was finished in went 
 the fish ; and the prospect of breakfast was good, when Jack 
 produced a sauce-pan and a box of ground coffee, all stolen from 
 the Sally. Will and myself ran to the spring for fresh water, 
 and while on our way we discovered a banana tree, laden with 
 
92 A WHALEMAN'S ADVENTURES. 
 
 ripe fruit. After breakfast we took our hatchets and cut down 
 some trees and bushes and covered the boat with them, so that it 
 could not be seen readily, even if any one should enter the cove. 
 Then we lighted our pipes, and retired back into the country a 
 short distance, and went to sleep under the shade of a cocoa-nut 
 tree. I was awaked by hearing voices, speaking in kanaka 
 dialect. I awakened my companions, and we crawled to a point 
 of observation, and saw a canoe, containing half a dozen natives 
 anchored just inside of the surf, fishing ; but one thing was cer- 
 tain : they did not haul in piscatorial treasures as fast as Jake had 
 done, and the negro noticed it, and commented on the same. 
 
 "What dat fellow know 'bout kotching fish? Look at 'em 
 jerk when 'em get a bite. Dat ain't de way to fish. De boys in 
 New Bedford all laugh if dose black fellows kotch flounders dat 
 way. I like to go and show 'em." 
 
 But we refused to allow him to move, and we remained con- 
 cealed, watching the movements of the natives for two hours, or 
 more, when o-ne of the men pointed in the direction of Hon- 
 olulu, and said something in a rapid tone, and then seizing their 
 paddles, they started up the coast. 
 
 We waited for some Jfew minutes in our place of concealment, 
 then hearcj^ the sound of oars ; and one of the Sally's boats hove 
 in sight with Captain Bunker in the stern-sheets. How cross 
 he looked ! so much so that Will, who was lying by my side, 
 fairly trembled and turned pale with apprehension. The skipper 
 glanced suspiciously at the cove, and ordered his men to stop row- 
 ing ; and when he spoke I saw that Mr. Spadem was with him, 
 carrying a double-barrelled shot gun in his hand, as though he 
 was out on a hunting excursion, as I had no doubt he was. 
 
 " That looks like a place where they would land," said the 
 captain, his voice raised so that we could hear him above the 
 roar of the surf. 
 
 Mr Spadem glanced at the cove, and shook his head. 
 
 " No, sir, they wouldn't land there, 'cos they'd expose the boat. 
 I don't believe they came this way. They would be more likely 
 to steer for Oahu. If they had come here, the fellers in that 
 canoe would have seen 'em." 
 
 The captain remained silent for a moment, and then turned the 
 head of the boat, and pulled towards Honolulu. We climbed a 
 hill, and saw that there was no danger of Captain Bunker turning 
 
FRIGHTENED FEMALES. 93 
 
 back, and then cooked our dinner in high glee at our success, thus 
 far, in avoiding our enemies. 
 
 At dusk we again embarked in our boat, and as there was a 
 fair wind, we set sail and steered along the coast, keeping well 
 out at sea, to avoid sunken reefs and rocks. At daylight we 
 found that we were at the extreme southern end of the island ; 
 so we pulled in shore, and looked for a place to land. We saw 
 no huts, and thought it best to beach the boat, and remain quiet 
 for a few days. We picked out a good place, and landed, and then 
 used our oars for rollers, and hauled the boat up high on the 
 beach. Then we covered her with brushwood, and made it ap- 
 pear as though it was some that had drifted upon the beach. After 
 this, we lighted our fire, and had a substantial breakfast, and then 
 retired into a cocoa-nut grove, where we went to sleep. 
 
 We were awakened by voices ; and starting up, I saw six 
 females, natives of the island, near the grove, with baskets in 
 their hands, filled with oranges and bananas. They were all 
 young, too, with light-colored faces, long black hair, and bright 
 eyes and white teeth. I went forward, and as their backs 
 were towards me, I was within a few fathoms of them before they 
 heard my steps. Then they looked around, but instead of rush- 
 ing towards me and giving me a hearty welcome, as I had reason 
 to expect, they uttered shrill screams, and fled like frightened 
 deer, jumping over fallen trees and uneven ground as nimbly as 
 though trained in a gymnasium for the express purpose of show- 
 ing their agility ; and so much did they hurry, that they did not 
 stop to take their baskets with them, and thus all the fruit which 
 they had collected fell into our hands. I rejoined my companions 
 with a mortified air ; and the rascals, instead of thanking me for 
 attempting to open communication with the village, openly reviled 
 me for failing to obtain a parley. 
 
 " It's jist as I 'spected," said Jack. " You set a boy to do a 
 thing, and he spiles it." 
 
 " I should hab been de chile to talk wid 'em," said Jake. " If 
 dey had seen dis nigger comin', dey wouldn't hab run, 'cos I's jist 
 dere color, and dey think me one ob 'em." 
 
 " Your hair, Jake, is rather curly for a kanaka," cried Will. 
 
 Jake ran his fingers through his wool, and acknowledged that 
 it did kink a little ; but he accounted for it on the ground that he 
 had uot used a comb for a few days past. 
 
94 A WHALEMAN'S ADVENTURES. 
 
 We were at the extreme southerly end of the island, and near 
 some village that was evident. The question was, would the 
 natives make us prisoners and send us to Honolulu, or keep us? 
 It would take a canoe two days to reach Honolulu, against wind 
 and tide, and we rather thought that the Sally would not wait so 
 long to hear from us. Jack was in favor of launching the boat, 
 and starting for some other island ; but to that proposition Will 
 and Jake were opposed, and I did not like it ; so we voted that 
 down in short time. Jake proposed that we should go fishing, and 
 fill the boat with fish, and offer them to the natives as a bribe ; but 
 as there was only one line, and that Jake wanted to use, the plan 
 was not adopted, to the intense disgust of my colored friend, who 
 retired from the conference, and went to sleep. We were about 
 to do the same thing, and wait for events, when, looking up, I saw 
 some thirty natives, armed with clubs and hatchets, winding 
 round the base of the hill, and advancing towards us ; and follow- 
 ing them were about fifty women, all dressed alike, but not all 
 young and handsome. 
 
 Our first impression upon seeing the natives was to take to our 
 heels ; for we could not help remembering that on some of the 
 islands white men had been eaten, and esteemed a luxury. But I 
 assured the men that I thought there was no danger, and that if 
 any one was to be eaten it would be me, on account of my tender 
 years. Therefore we maintained our position, and awaited the 
 approach of the natives, who advanced in solemn silence, an old 
 white-haired man at the head of the delegation ; and from the 
 deference which his followers paid him, I supposed that he was 
 a chief. 
 
 " Look at dat old woman," said Jake. " She got her eye on 
 <lis child, and I tink dat she mean to eat me for sure." 
 
 " Be quiet," I said. " The old man is going to speak." 
 
 The procession halted about eight fathoms from us. 
 
 " Ouri miti kanaka" said the chief. 
 
 " What in thunder does he mean by that? " Jack cried. 
 
 " Speak English," I said, advancing a few steps towards the 
 chief. 
 
 The chief consulted with one of his counsellors, and presently 
 a young fellow stepped forward, and the people raised a murmur, 
 as much as to say, u Now you will see something." 
 
 " Say," cried the young fellow, with an oratorical flourish of 
 his hands and a smiling face. 
 
A CONFERENCE. 9t5 
 
 The crowd took up the cry, and all shouted, " Say," and then 
 they laughed. People don't laugh when they contemplate eating 
 human beings. My hopes of a peaceable settlement revived. 
 
 " Say," shouted the young man, and then he stopped. 
 
 " Say," repe ite^ the native^, and crowded closer around us. 
 
 " That makes twice you've said it," muttered Jack. 
 
 " Say, where come, hey ? " the young kanaka continued, and 
 his friends all shouted, " Ha, ha houri, houri" and then nod- 
 ded their heads numerous times. 
 
 I pointed in the direction of the water. The women clapped 
 their hands. 
 
 u Say, when come ? " asked the interpreter. 
 
 " This morning," I. answered. 
 
 I must have said something witty in those two words, for th& 
 natives repeated them, with every variety of jntonation, anJ 
 then, forgetful of their fears, crowded around us without much 
 ceremony. 
 
 " Say, what do?" said the interpreter. 
 
 " Stay here," I answered. 
 
 As soon as the young kanaka had repeated the words to the 
 chief, and the latter to the people, there was an immense amount 
 of talking. The old veteran dug his fist into the side of his in- 
 terpreter, and the latter once more opened fire. 
 
 "Say, where boat?" he asked. 
 
 I pointed to the beach, and the chief intimated that we would 
 confer a favor if we would lead the way and show where the 
 boat was concealed. I led the party, followed by the young 
 ladies, who seemed to think that they had some claim upon me, in 
 consequence of first discovery. We continued on until we reached 
 the beach, and tore away the brush-wood which we had piled 
 around the boat. Then there was a shout, and the old women 
 howled louder than all the rest. 
 
 4> Ugh," grunted the chief; and his eyes brightened as they fell 
 Upon the hatchets, knives, and harpoons which the boat con- 
 tained. I took a hatchet and knife, and handed them to the chief, 
 ear* the old man spoke a few words to the interpreter. 
 
 " Say," said the latter, " this him?" pointing to the articles. 
 
 u Yes, all for him," I replied. 
 
 "When this was known there went up a shout, and the young 
 ^'lies crowded around me. The chief slipped the hatchet in the 
 
96 A WHALEMAN'S ADVENTURES. 
 
 bosom of his shirt, and put the kuife in a belt which he wore 
 around his 'waist. The rest of the natives looked wishful ; so we 
 gave to one a harpoon and to another a lance, until the whole stock 
 was exhausted. One hatchet I kept, and a knife I gave to the 
 interpreter, which pleased him so intensely that he muttered his 
 thanks in such a mixture of broken English and kanaka Hugo, that 
 there was no understanding him. 
 
 Then the chief pointed in the direction of the village, and the 
 interpreter said, " Come," and we started, the women clustering 
 around us and manifesting many tokens of kindness ; and the 
 chief did not evince any desire to rebuke such conduct. A ten 
 minutes' walk brought us to the village, which contained about 
 sixty huts, and were nestled in a valley that was surrounded by 
 cocoa-nut trees, and orange and banana trees, the fruit on them 
 hanging ripe, and large quantities on the ground, having dropped 
 off, and were lying uncared for. Near each hut waS a patch of 
 cultivated land, on which were growing yams, potatoes, and other 
 vegetables, and before each door was a brood of chickens and a 
 few ducks. The houses were thatched to keep out the wet, and 
 looked neat and comfortable.* 
 
 We went directly to the chief's house ; the inside of which we 
 found furnished with a raised platform, covered with a bullock's 
 hide, and seemed intended for a bedstead. Around the walls 
 were spears, paddles, and sharks' teeth, and also a few sperm 
 whale teeth ; the latter evidently highly prized from the manner 
 in which they were polished. There was no floor, but the earth 
 was beaten smooth, and even polished, with constant use. There 
 were no chairs, but, as a substitute, grass mats were spread in 
 various parts of the room ; and to these the chief pointed, and 
 motioned for us to make ourselves at home. We squatted down, 
 and the natives followed suit, in the open air, however, as no one 
 but a young lady, whose attentions I was disposed to suffer with- 
 out rebuke, followed us into the house. The young girl lounged 
 on the bed, and looked at us, and laughed, and then she said some- 
 thing to the chief, and he laughed, and then we all laughed. TL 
 interpreter suddenly made his appearance, and after a short con- 
 fab with the chief, asked, 
 
 l - You eat?" 
 
 And he placed his hands upon his stomach, and made hi? 
 mouth move fearfully. 
 
MISS LILLY IS INTRODUCED. 97 
 
 " By golly," cried Jake, " he mean dat he like to eat us. 
 Dat old man got his eye on me. But Fs tough, and he find out 
 dat he better take de younger ones." 
 
 " But you'll be first," I suggested. u They always reserve the 
 delicate ones for the last." 
 
 . Jake's eyes began to grow large. To add to the negro's terrors, 
 tho chief, at that moment, laid his hand upon a spear, and looked 
 unusually grave. 
 
 . " Look ahere," cried the colored sailor j " I don't stand dat. 
 I's a 'Merican sailor, and will fight like de debil afore I let you 
 eat me." 
 
 " Be quiet, you fool, and don't cry out till you is roasting," 
 said Jack. 
 
 " It's all berry well to say be quiet ; but I won't be quiet when 
 dey is calculating how much fat I'se got on my ribs." 
 
 If we had any doubts on the subject of cannibalism of the 
 natives, they were happily dissipated by the entrance of two old 
 women, who brought in stewed yams and fish, a boiled chicken, 
 and a large basket of fruit ; and as the food was set before us, the 
 chief intimated that we were to make a meal, and the outside 
 barbarians laughed and encouraged us when" they saw that we had 
 good appetites ; but after we had finished our first course, the 
 young lady whom I had supposed to be the chief's daughter, and 
 whom I called " Lilly," not on account of her white skin, how- 
 ever, but because she was tall and graceful seated herself by 
 my side, and pealed an orange for me, and insisted that I should 
 eat it. I was not hungry, but I would have swallowed that 
 orange if it had burst me. Then she stripped the skin from a 
 banana, and offered me that ; and I took it, and squeezed her hand 
 'while her father was not looking. I think that I should have 
 killed myself if Jack, who was a little jealous on account of my 
 popularity, had not said, 
 
 " They're stuffing Pepper to get him fat. He'll be the fust one 
 they'll eat." 
 
 I didn't believe him, but still the remark made an impression 
 upon me, and I refused to eat the next delicate bit of fruit which 
 was offered by Lilly, much to her regret. 
 
 She had a most bewitching method of tempting me with 
 oranges, and smiling when I refused. I thought that she ap- 
 peared to take pride in my acquaintance, and I am sure that I 
 7 
 
98 A WHALEMAN'S ADVENTURES. 
 
 felt proud of her notice ; and for a while I forgot Julia, Jenny, 
 home, and everything but the pleasure of leading a sort of vaga- 
 bond life on the island, doing as I pleased, and accountable to no 
 one. There was no need of wealth to find happiness where I 
 was. The sea yielded up its treasures to supply the natives with 
 food on the land, fruit was in season through the year without 
 cost or price. 
 
 After the chief had seen that we were not inclined to eat 
 more, he motioned for us to rise, and started for the door ; but 
 Lilly stopped him, and spoke eagerly for a few seconds. I saw 
 the chief cast his eyes upon me, and therefore I suppose that the 
 conversation was regarding my welfare. He nodded his head, 
 and called the interpreter to explain ; which that grinning individ- 
 ual did in a brief manner. 
 
 " You, here," he said, and intimated that I was to remain. 
 
 My companions were motioned towards the door ; and as they 
 went they had some few words of encouragement for me. 
 
 " Good by, Pepper," they said. " If the old fellow eats you, we 
 hope you'll lay hard on his stomach, and give him the nightmare." 
 
 4t The same to you," I responded ; and off they went, the chief 
 leading and the crowd following, as before. 
 
 I felt a little lonely at thus being separated from my compan- 
 ions, but I rightly imagined that it was only to find them quarters 
 during their stay in the village, and that no harm would come to 
 them or to me while we were apart. My friend Lilly remained 
 behind, and intimated that I might lie on the frame and go to 
 sleep if I wished, and I liked the idea, for the heat began to grow 
 oppressive. I filled my pipe, but before lighting it considered 
 it would only be proper to express my gratitude to the young 
 lady. As I knew no heathen method of doing so, I thought that 
 I would try the civilized. Therefore, while the young lady was 
 watching my motions with much curiosity, I advanced, and put 
 my arm around her waist, and kissed her before she could re- 
 cover from her supprise ; the next moment I got a clip on the ear 
 that rather startled me ; and before I could account for it, the 
 young lady ran from the house laughing, as though she had per- 
 petrated a good joke, and knew how to appreciate it. I lay down 
 upon the bench and smoked, and went to sleep ; I dreamed that 
 I had been elected chief of the village, that I had married Lilly, 
 and was to be tattooed with all the ceremonies, as soon as a suffi- 
 
A LITTLE WALK. 99 
 
 cient quantity of ink and fish-bones could be obtained. And upon 
 that I awoke, and found that Lilly was seated by my side, fanning 
 me, and keeping the flies at bay. 
 
 " Well, Lilly," I said, taking her hand, and fearing that she 
 would hit me with it every moment, u I'm exceedingly obliged to 
 you for your kindness, and will do the same for you some day." 
 
 She did not understand me ; but lovers seldom do comprehend 
 each other until married. As I felt much refreshed by my siesta, 
 I arose and walked to the door ; but no one was to be seen in the 
 village, excepting two or three old women, who were making 
 matting. 
 
 " Where have they all gone, Lilly?" I asked. 
 
 She must have understood me, for she pointed inland, 
 
 " Come, Lilly, let's go and find them," I said ; and I gave her 
 my hand, and like two young lovers we wandered off together, 
 followed by half a dozen dogs. We went through the village, 
 and entered the woods, and followed a path which appeared to 
 have been much used by the natives. It was sheltered from the 
 sun by stately cocoa-nut trees, each one of which was disfigured by 
 notches cut in the trunks to enable the natives to climb them 
 readily, and obtain the fruit when ripe, or while in that pulpy 
 state which resembles ice-cream made of milk. Yet in spite of 
 the mutilation of the tree, they seemed to flourish and look so 
 stately that I stopped to examine them Lilly must have supposed 
 that I was anxious to taste the fruit, for she made signs that she 
 would procure some for me ; and then she put her little feet on 
 the notches, and was about to ascend a tree, when I detained her. 
 She pouted a little, and then gave me her hand again, and we 
 walked on, perfectly contented with each other. Suddenly I was 
 startled by hearing the most uproarious laughter, with shrill yells, 
 and an immense amount of splashing. Lilly instantly became 
 excited. Her eyes brightened, and the rich blood mounted to her 
 cheeks as if the small veins would burst. She hurried me along, 
 and in a few minutes we came in sight of a small lake, with 
 sandy shores, and fed by a waterfall, which gushed from between 
 two rocks at the base of a high hill. In the water, and upon the 
 shores of the lake, were all the young people of the village, boys 
 and girls, men and women, diving, and plunging, and splashing 
 around like mermaids, or nymphs. I was so much supprised that 
 I dropped Lilly's hand, and gazed upon the scene before jne in 
 
100 A WHALEMAN'S ADVENTURES. 
 
 astonishment. On one of the rocks, near the falls, was seatei the 
 old chief, gently chafing his skin with a cocoa-nut husk, and rins- 
 ing off with water which he dipped up in a cocoa-nut shell ; and 
 while I was looking at him, the old chap grinned at me, and then 
 rolled from the rock into the lake like a huge turtle from a log ; 
 and those standing on the shore also disappeared in the water, 
 and some remained under it so long that I thought they had com- 
 mitted suicide. But I was mistaken. All reappeared. Then I 
 missed Lilly, and while I was wondering what had become of 
 her, I heard a merry laugh, and saw, near where I stood, a 
 light form skimming through the water, with scarce an effort, her 
 long black hair trailing after her, and her arms glistening like 
 burnished copper in the sunshine. It was Lilly, swimming so 
 easy and graceful that I envied her power. I grew interested 
 in the scene, and walked around the lake until I reached the 
 rocks near the waterfall ; and there at my feet sported the grace- 
 ful Lilly, laughing and blowing water at me, and shouting for 
 me to join her. -But I refused, and she pouted and spattered me, 
 and then dove and disappeared from sight ; and when she came 
 to the surface, she raised her arms towards me imploringly, aud 
 her face assumed an aspect of terror. 
 
 " Good Heavens," I thought ; " perhaps she has got the cramp, 
 and will drown." 
 
 No one noticed her, so I shouted to the natives to go to her 
 assistance ; but they laughed at me, and continued to spatter each 
 other with water, and in the mean time Lilly seemed to be 
 drowning. She stretched out her arms towards me, and appealed 
 for help. I kicked off my shoes, and off the rock I went, head 
 first ; but the instant I laid my hands upon Lilly, she slipped from 
 my grasp, and down she went towards the bottom. I took a long 
 breath and followed her ; but, although the water was clear, I 
 could see nothing of her, so was compelled to come to the sur- 
 face ; then I felt a hand laid upon my head, and I had just 
 time to catch a view of Lilly's face, when down I went again, 
 the jade having rewarded my devotion by ducking me. She had 
 shammed that she was drowning for the sake of getting me into 
 the water. I can hardly understand how another person would 
 have felt in my place, surrounded by some forty water nymphs, 
 each one as clamorous to have a hand in ducking me as Lilly 
 herself. I know that I looked upon the matter as a stupendous 
 
A FROLIC IN THE WATER. 101 
 
 joke. I turned for the beach, when one of the amiable young 
 ladies seized me by the feet, and down she went under water, and 
 I with her. I kicked and freed myself from her grasp, and rose 
 to the surface, and struck out for the shore. Then two girls 
 ranged alongside, and intimated that I must put my arms aiound 
 their necks, and that they would help me. As they looked seri- 
 ous, I trusted them, and was willing to encourage their humanity ; 
 but I haol hardly put my arms around their necks than they sud- 
 denly settled, and down I went with them. I must confess that, 
 encumbered as I was with clothes, I began to feel tired, and de- 
 sired no longer to contend with the swimming girls of the Sand- 
 wich Islands, whose power of endurance in the water far exceed- 
 ed mine. I struck out for the shore, and Lilly followed by my 
 side. I crawled up the beach, and the natives received me with 
 many good-natured grins, and one of them ran and brought my 
 shoes and helped wring the water from my shirt and pants ; and 
 then Lilly, whose toilet was soon made, motioned towards the 
 village, and we walked in that direction. We went to Lilly's 
 home, where I changed my clothes, having taken the precaution 
 to carry off with me a bag full of garments when I left the ship. 
 Then I started to look up my shipmates, whose absence I began 
 to miss. 
 
 u Lilly," J said, u I want to see my shipmates. Where are 
 they." 
 
 She shook her head, and showed her small, white teeth, and 
 looked so wishful at not being able to understand me that I com- 
 menced explaining in pantomime what I meant ; and my gestures 
 must have been expressive, for she took my hand and led me to 
 the outskirts of the village, and pointed to a house which looked 
 as though it had long been deserted. I walked up to it, and glanced 
 in, and there saw my shipmates lying upon mats and smoking 
 their pipes with an expression of contentment that showed they 
 were suffering no great hardship. 
 
 " Hullo, Pepper ! they haven't eaten you yet," the men said, 
 when they saw me enter alone, for Lilly remained outside. 
 
 " No, but they nearly drowned me," I replied. 
 
 I had to explain to them the scenes through which I had 
 passed. 
 
 " You see, arter we left you," said Jack, " they conveyed us to 
 this place, and said we musu't leave it till we got orders from 
 
102 A WHALEMAN'S ADVENTURES. 
 
 some one, I don't know who. They give us plenty of grub, and 
 we have sleep enough, but somehow I should like liberty to go 
 where I pleased, and not be cooped up here all day." 
 
 I cheered the boys, as well as I was able, promised to talk 
 with the chief about their condition, and then went home with 
 Lilly, to whom I endeavored to explain what I wanted by signs, 
 and I think that she understood them. We found the chief at 
 home, squatting near his door and smoking a very short pipe, the 
 bowl of which was carved by some native artist with much skill. 
 The old man looked up and grunted when he saw me, but made 
 no other sign of recognition or welcome. I lighted my pipe, and 
 then sat down beside him, and as I did so I forced into his hand 
 a plug of tobacco. As I expected, that made his face brighten, 
 and he patted me on the shoulder, and said, 
 
 " Twood," which I think was intended for good. 
 
 " Chief," I said, " I want you to give my shipmates liberty. 
 They have no desire to escape. They like your village too 
 well." 
 
 u Twood," he repeated, and shook his head ; and thereupon I 
 was compelled to explain by signs, and with Lilly's aid he under- 
 stood me, and intimated that he would think of the matter. 
 
 At sundown an old woman, who seemed to act as housekeeper, 
 brought us some supper, and we gathered round a calabash which 
 contained it. It was a mixture of tomatoes, yam, and sweet po- 
 tatoes, with pieces of fish, not cooked enough to suit my taste. 
 Supper over, we lighted our pipes, and sat down at the door of the 
 house, and smoked until dark, and then my host'intimated that it 
 was time to go to bed ; and without further ceremony he lay down 
 on a pile of mats, pulled one over his shoulders, gave one or two 
 kicks, one or two grunts, and was asleep in less than five minutes, 
 leaving me to look at Lilly and wonder what I was to do. I took 
 my blankets and spread them upon a mat, and down I went, and 
 lie there, staring at Lilly, until the room was so dark that I could 
 not see her ; and then I went to sleep. Shortly after daylight I 
 felt some one pulling the blanket from my shoulders. I started 
 up, and saw that Lilly had made her toilet, which consisted in 
 ruuning her fingers through her hair and loosening the braids, 
 probably done up the night before after dark, so that I should not 
 see her operate, and in giving her simple garments a fresh hitch 
 over her shoulders. And such shoulders as they were ! full. 
 
A LITTLE L(VE MAKING. 103 
 
 > 
 
 round and polished, with not a bone to be seen to mar the sym 
 1 metry, or a blemish as large as a mole to grieve the sight of such 
 admirers of female loveliness as myself. The little witch knew 
 that she was charming, and she showed it by every coquettish act, 
 many of which would have done honor to the belle of a ball- 
 room. I sat on the floor for a few minutes looking at Lilly with 
 ^ so much admiration that the girl put her hands to her bosom, as 
 though to veil it from my sight, and then laughed a long, merry 
 peal, which made her father look up from his seat by the doorstep. 
 " O, Lilly," I said, with a sigh, " I have dreamed of you all 
 night." 
 
 And then the little witch laughed, and mocked me, and danced 
 around me, with her scant garments held in one hand, until 
 her gruff old father, who didn't appreciate such an exhibition 
 of personal charms, threw a potato at her head. And Lilly 
 picked up the esculent and hurled it at her daddy, and it struck him 
 on his grizzly head, and bounded off like an india rubber ball. 
 Then the chief smiled, as though Lilly was a pet, and could do no 
 wrong ; and I laughed so heartily that the little beauty recom- 
 menced her rotary movements ; and only stopped when she was 
 nearly breathless ; and then she sat beside me, and leaned her head 
 upon my shoulder. The chief looked up, saw the position of his 
 daughter's head, saw my arm stealing around her neck, and her 
 cheek close to mine, in loving embrace, but the old fellow only 
 grunted his satisfaction, or dissatisfaction, and continued smoking. 
 " Ah, Lilly," I whispered, forgetting that she could not under- 
 stand me, " do you know that I love you dearly?" and the pres- 
 ure of my arm was increased until her lips were close to mine 
 and I tasted them. And yet the old chief smoked on, and saw no 
 danger in our dalliance. She said something, and then her arm 
 went around my neck, her breath, fragrant as orange blossoms, 
 was upon my cheek, and still the old chief grunted and smoked 
 on, his back towards us. Suddenly I heard a step, and looked up. 
 Standing in the doorway was a native, tattooed upon face and 
 nose, and as ugly a specimen of humanity as could be found in the 
 village, not excepting the old women. I did not recollect seeing 
 him the day before, and he looked as though I would make him 
 a lunch some day. 
 
 " Kamaka I " cried Lilly, in surprise, starting to her feet, and 
 looking confused. 
 
104 A WHALEMAN'S ADVENTURES. 
 
 " Ugh," he grunted, and he gazed at me and then at Lilly, as 
 though wondering which he should kill and eat first. 
 
 The chief continued smoking, and did- not turn his head. 
 
 " Kamaka is a rival," I thought ; " he can't help himself, as I 
 am better looking than he is." 
 
 The reflection gave me some satisfaction, and while Kamaka 
 was sulking I talked with Lilly in the best kanaka that I could ^ 
 master, and was pleased to see that she responded in a merry 
 tone, and neglected my rival. He sat on a mat looking at us for 
 a few minutes, and then walked off. After a long smoke the 
 chief knocked the ashes from his pipe, arose, and then stalked in 
 the direction of the lake which I had visited the day before. 
 
 " Ami mi" said Lilly, and held out her hand. 
 
 She led me through the village, and we followed the route 
 which her father had taken. . 
 
 u Are you to have another swim, Lilly? " I asked. 
 
 She smiled, and put an arm around my neck. 
 
 " Do you love me a little, Lilly ? " I asked ; and pressed * 
 her graceful form until she said something which must have 
 meant " yes." And on we went, the sun shining upon our path, 
 and the birds making music overhead, as though participating in 
 our new-born happiness. 
 
 When we reached home the antiquated specimen of woman- 
 hood, who appeared to do the house-work for the chief, was just 
 preparing our breakfast, which consisted of a dish similar to that 
 we had. for supper. The meal over, the chief lighted his pipe, and 
 commenced smoking at the door with his back to Lilly and me. 
 Then we began our love-making, and were progressing most 
 satisfactorily, when the old fellow gave a grunt, and put away 
 his pipe. First he gravely arose, and took some fishing-lines from 
 a peg, and was about to walk off, when I thought that I would go 
 also. Lilly followed me, and thus we moved through the village, 
 past the place where my shipmates were confined, and who did 
 not seem to be moving, to the beach, where, in a narrow creek, 
 floated the pride of the village, the canoe owned by the chief. 
 
A BIG BILL. 105 
 
 CHAPTER VII. 
 
 A FISHING PARTY. THE OLD SALLY IN SIGHT. TO THE 
 
 HILLS. 
 
 WE entered the canoe, the chief at the bow and Lilly at the 
 stern, and with a flourish of the paddles, we left the shore and 
 steered for a reef about half a mile from the island. For a few 
 minutes I sat under the awning, and watched Lilly ply her paddle, 
 which she managed so easily and gracefully that I was lost in 
 astonishment at her proficiency. 
 
 We paddled to the leeward of the reef, and dropped overboard 
 a stone, secured by a grass rope, which served as an anchor. 
 Here the chief lighted his pipe and threw over his line, and Lilly 
 did the same. I was not much of a fisherman, but I determined 
 to try my luck. We baited our hooks, and with lines made of 
 grass by some native genius, threw them over and waited for a 
 bite, and I had one in an unexpected manner ; for Lilty put her 
 face to mine, and nipped me with her sharp teeth, until I cried out. 
 
 " Mild" said the old chief with a frown, and made motions 
 that I would frighten the fish unless I kept still. 
 
 While I was stealing an arm around Lilly's waist, and she was 
 making no objections, I felt a bite (not one of the lady's), and 
 with a jerk I hauled in a noble fish, which weighed about three 
 pounds. The chief uttered a word that must have meant "good," 
 for he hauled up and examined his bait, and then dropped his line 
 overboard again, and waited for luck. I grew excited over my 
 good fortune, and while hoping for another bite, I felt a tremen- 
 dous one : as though a shark had swallowed hook and sinker. In 
 an instant I was pulling at my line with all the eagerness of an 
 amateur fisherman ; but imagine my surprise when my pet Lilly 
 lay down in the bottom of the canoe, and laughed until her eyes 
 shed tears. The jade had jerked my line, and made me suppose 
 that I had hooked a fish. The chief suffered a grim smile to steal 
 over his tattooed face, as he uttered his favorite word "miki; " and 
 then he closed his eyes, and waited for a bite. 
 
 We fished for an hour or two, and then Lilly tired of it, and I 
 
106 A WHALEMAN'S ADVENTURES. 
 
 tired of it, and we lay down in the bottom of the canoe ; and she 
 pillowed my head in her lap, and ran her fingers through my curls ; 
 and before I knew it I was fast asleep. I was awakened by Lilly's 
 calling out and pulling my hair at the same time. 
 
 " Timi timi I " she exclaimed ; and pointed up the coast. 
 
 About a mile to the windward, coming down with square yards, 
 was the old Sally, the most hateful object to me, at that time, that 
 could have appeared. I knew her by the many patches on her 
 sails, by her iron-rusted sides, and the slovenly manner in which 
 her sails were set. I made one bound to the bows of the canoe, 
 and commenced pulling up the stone which anchored us. 
 
 " Miki" said the chief, opening his eyes, and regarding me 
 with astonishment. 
 
 " Miki or no miki," I said, " I'm going on shore." 
 
 " Miki" he repeated, looking at his daughter with astonishment. 
 
 I out with a paddle and commenced making for the nearest 
 point of land. Still the old chief sat in the bow of his canoe, his 
 line trailing in the water, and his eyes fixed upon me, too much 
 astonished to speak. 
 
 The ship would have to pass outside of the reef, where we had 
 been fishing, before she could head for the village ; so I thought 
 that I had time enough to reach the shore before I was overtaken, 
 and dragged as a prisoner on board of the Sally. 
 
 " Lilly," I said, " if you have the slightest love for me, now is 
 the time to show it." 
 
 She looked at me with her large black eyes. Then she gazed 
 at the ship, and appeared to comprehend my position. 
 
 u Kim ki I " she exclaimed, and took a paddle and applied her- 
 self to the task of assisting me with all her strength. And I 
 desire my female readers to understand that Lilly, although slight 
 and delicate-looking, was rather muscular in her arms, as I had 
 found out when swimming. 
 
 " Kim Id ! " she exclaimed to her father, who was still lost in 
 astonishment, and did not know what to make of our actions. 
 
 " Miki" he repeated, mechanically, and then took up a paddle 
 and aided us with his skill. 
 
 Over the water we went, much faster than I supposed the canoe 
 could be urged ; but still the broadside of the old Sally was fear- 
 fully distinct. 
 
 A few minutes more and we were on the beach. I left the 
 
MAKE FOR THE WOODS. 107 
 
 chief to secure the canoe, and then retreated to a grove of cocoa- 
 nut trees with Lilly, for the purpose of watching operations. 
 
 The Sally rounded the reef, and .headed for the shore, and 
 stood on until I saw that Captain Bunker was determined to land. 
 I ran for the house, and on ray way stopped to communicate infor- 
 mation to my shipmates, who were all under cover, and stretched 
 upon the floor, smoking and sleeping. 
 
 . " Run, boys ! " I shouted ; " for the old Sally is close in shore, 
 a ad Bunker is after us." 
 
 I think that Jake must have jumped at least ten feet, he was 
 so frightened. 
 
 " O, golly ! " he exclaimed ; " dis nigger is a goner. Whar 
 shall I go?" 
 
 " To the hills," I cried. " Make for the woods." 
 
 The men gathered up their blankets, and a few articles which 
 they would want, and started for the woods. I saw them dis- 
 appear, and then started for the chiefs house, my friend Lilly 
 keeping close to me all the time. Hurriedly I gathered up my 
 blankets, pipe, and, tobacco, and filled my pockets with oranges 
 and other fruit, which were abundant. Then Lilly took the lead, 
 and led me towards the lake where we had bathed. 
 
 Past the lake we went at a rapid pace, and ascended a hill that 
 commanded a fine view of the ocean. Then I looked back and 
 saw the Sally still lying with her main-topsail to the mast, and a 
 boat pulling for the shore. 
 
 <fc Ouri" said Lilly, layiflg her hand upon my arm and pointing 
 to a higher hill, covered with a growth of timber. 
 
 u Ah, Lilly, you don't want to lose me do you?" I asked ; 
 but the little" coquette repulsed the arm which I attempted to put 
 around her waist, and with one bound was ten paces from me. 
 I grew a little sulky, and continued my journey without noticing, 
 apparently, the many arts which Lilly resorted to for the purpose 
 of attracting my attention and eliciting a smile from me. Sud- 
 denly her large, black eyes, usually so full of fire, met mine, 
 and I saw that there were tears in them. 
 
 " Kimini oh mihi" she murmured ; and it meant, if I under- 
 stood the language of eyes, " What have I doae to oiFead you?" 
 
 I put an arm around her waist, and this time there was no resis- 
 tance. Once more her eyes brightened, and her face was lighted 
 up with smiles. A stalely tree, with wide-spreading branches, 
 
108 A WHALEMAN'S ADVENTURES. 
 
 stood near, and under it we sat down to rest, like weary pilgrims ; 
 and then Lilly's tongue commenced working with the rapidity of 
 a windmill. She sang with a sweet voice native songs, full of 
 fire at times, and melting with love and tenderness. Then she 
 wove a chaplet, composed of leaves, for my head, and while I 
 was watching her busy fingers, she started up and listened," as 
 though shelieard some one approach. In an instant she was at my 
 side, and motioning for me to fly for safety ; and then cautiously 
 she led the way to a thicket, where we concealed ourselves. Hardly 
 had we done so when I heard footsteps, and peering through the 
 bushes, I saw the kanaka, who had called at the chief's house the 
 day before, and had looked upon me with such wicked eyes. It was 
 Kamaka, the tattooed rascal. He passed by us, peering into the 
 bushes and under the trees, and every few paces stopping to listen. 
 But at last he passed out of sight, and that was a relief to me as 
 well as to Lilly. 
 
 u M$ki" she whispered, with a frown upon her pretty brow, 
 motioning in the direction of the native. 
 
 I had learned enough of the kanaka language to know that 
 that word meant " bad." 
 
 " If that fellow is a bad one, Lilly," I said, " we must keep out 
 of his way until the Sally sails." 
 
 She looked earnestly at my face while I was speaking, as 
 though to understand my meaning by the expression of my eyes. 
 Suddenly she started to her feet, and, seizing my hand, made me 
 arise, I confess rather reluctantly. 
 
 " Where are we going now ? " I asked, a little peevishly, for it 
 was very comfortable under the bushes. 
 
 She pointed with her hand in a direction different from that 
 which we came ; so up the mountain we commenced our ascent. 
 
 After an immense amount of toil, we reached the top ; and then 
 I was amply repaid by the view which was spread before me. 
 On one side was the ocean, beating upon the beach. The Sally 
 still lay off and on ; but she now looked like a bird reposing upon 
 the water. Inland I could see rich valleys, with cattle feeding 
 in them, and small streams meandering towards the ocean. 
 
 For a few minutes I stood and gazed upon the scene before me, 
 lost in admiration. But I was recalled to myself by Lilly, who 
 touched me on the shoulder, and motioned me to follow her. Af- 
 ter walking a few steps we came to the entrance of a cave, the 
 
IN THE CAVE. 109 
 
 mouth of which had been concealed by some bushes, in a very 
 careful manner, for what purpose I did not know. 
 
 To show that I had nothing to fear, Lilly bent her head and 
 entered the cave, and I followed her. It was large enough to hold 
 a dozen people. The floor was covered with mats, to , prevent 
 dampness, and there were many spare ones rolled up in a corner. 
 I was overjoyed at the sight of my quarters, and I almost wished 
 that my shipmates were with me, for the sake of sharing them. 
 
 But while I was thinking, Lilly was acting. She improvisated 
 a broom from the bushes, which were thick near the cave, and 
 then commenced sweeping out my quarters. I assisted as well as 
 I was able, and when we had concluded our labors it was near 
 sundown; but still the Sally lay off the village. I saw that I 
 would have to stop upon the mountain all night, and I prayed 
 that Lilly would remain to keep me company. But as the sun 
 descended I noticed that she made preparations* for going home. 
 
 " Lilly," I said, " you won't have the heart to leave me here 
 all night?" 
 
 But the girl only smiled and held out her hand. I made many 
 significant signs that I did not like the course she was taking ; but 
 she was deaf to my prayers. I thought this was desertion with 
 a vengeance ; and had I been like some men I should have sworn ; 
 but swearing would not bring her back ; so 1 wisely took what 
 fruit I had, and carried it to the point which overlooked the vil- 
 lage and the ocean, and there I ate my supper and smoked my 
 pipe, until the sun had disappeared. Then, feeling lonely enough, 
 I retired to the cave and lay down upon the mats, and while I 
 was thinking of Lilly, I fell fast asleep, and when I awoke I heard 
 her voice singing one of her favorite kanaka songs. I started 
 up. It was morning, but not sunrise. I left the cave in a hurry, 
 and saw Lilly climbing up the mountain. 
 
 As soon as she saw me she shouted out something in her dia- 
 lect, and pointed towards the water. I looked, and not a sail 
 was in sight. I clapped my hands with joy, and then rushed 
 towards Lilly to embrace her; but she was in one of her coquet- 
 tish moods, and avoided me easily, until she saw a frown gath- 
 ering upon my brow ; and then she came up and lajd her hand 
 upon my shoulder, and patted my face, as though she knew that I 
 was a spoiled boy, and must sometimes be petted. While I write 
 this, memory carries me back to the time when I was free from 
 
110 A WHALEMAN'S ADVENTURES. 
 
 care, with no aspirations excepting those of living in a kanaka 
 village all ray life, and loving Lilly ; and, as I mention that 
 narafe, all the wrongs which I inflicted upon her rise before me, and 
 stare me in the face, as though warning me that some part of my 
 punishment was yet to come. And perhaps I deserve it ; but I 
 can safely say that Lilly had my love, as sincere as any that I 
 ever knew. Christians, or those who call themselves Christians, 
 men with white faces and black hearts, have much to answer for 
 iu the world to come, when they settle their Sandwich Island 
 accounts. 
 
 "Lilly," I said, "has the ship gone?" 
 
 She nodded. 
 
 " Did they get any one? " I asked, holding up three fingers, to 
 intimate that I meant my shipmates. 
 
 " No," she answered ; and then she laughed and danced around 
 me, and muttered some words which I wished to understand for 
 her sake. 
 
 I put my arm around her waist for the purpose of steadying 
 her down the mountain ; but she broke from me, and skipped 
 along before me. At length we reached the base of the moun- 
 tain, and then Lilly took my hand, and we started for the house 
 of the chief, where the old man was 'seated, smoking his short, 
 carved pipe. He looked up when he saw me approach, and a 
 smile ruffled his face. 
 
 "No catche ye ! " 
 
 I looked at him in astonishment, never expecting to hear so 
 much English from his lips. 
 
 " So you can speak English?" I asked. 
 
 " Maliki" was his answer. 
 
 " O, hang ' malikij " I said. " Speak English, for I know you 
 can." 
 
 But the old chief refused to open his lips, although I asked him 
 a dozen questions. 
 
 As soon as we had eaten breakfast I started off to find my 
 shipmates. I was compelled to call upon Lilly, and ask her aid ; 
 and after she understood my meaning, she led the way towards 
 the woods once more. We continued on through cocoa-nut groves 
 and over hills for some two miles, and at last Lilly pointed to 
 some smoke which was curling in the air from the base of a hill. 
 Oa we went, and at length I could hear the voices of my friends. 
 
A RETURN TO TH VILLAGE. Ill 
 
 I listened, while they were discussing whether it was best to re- 
 turn to the village. I suddenly shouted, 
 
 < Here they are seize the runaways ! " 
 
 Then I dashed towards the camp, and as I did so, I caught 
 sight of Jack, Jake, and Will, running towards the bushes as 
 though for life. 
 
 The sight was a little too ludicrous for me to maintain my 
 gravity, and I laughed ; but my shipmates did not stop or turn 
 round at the sound. As I saw them plunge into the bushes, I 
 shouted to them to stop, as there was no one to fear. At length 
 I saw Jake's black face peering at me, and then the darky said, 
 
 '* Darn dis nigger ef I didn't tink it was old Bunker. Come 
 back, boys. 'Tain't nobody but Pepper. Ha, ha ! how dis child 
 was scared." 
 
 In a few minutes Jack and Will came in, and the former 
 grumbled, as a matter of course. 
 
 " Where's the Sally?" asked Will. 
 
 " Gone, and I hope will never return," I said. 
 
 " Good ! " cried all three ; and then they told me that they had 
 run for half an hour after leaving the village, the day before, and 
 at length brought up where I found them. 
 
 We returned to the village, Lilly close by my side. 
 
 " Now that the Sally has gone, what do you propose to do?" 
 I asked of my shipmates, as we walked along. 
 
 " We'll do what you do," was the answer. 
 
 " But I shall remain in the village for the present," I said. 
 
 " And so will we," they cried. 
 
 " Or a lifetime," suggested Jake. " Jest give dis child plenty 
 fishin', and see ef he don't stay contented." 
 
 " Then you had better commence cooking your own food, and 
 not be dependent upon the natives. If you catch more fish than 
 you want, some of the people will exchange vegetables with you 
 for the surplus. In that manner you can live quite well." 
 
 " Lord, hear de boy," cried Jake. " Any one tink dat he chief 
 of de village." 
 
 " If I am not, I shall be soon," I answered, a little proudly. 
 
 " Don't you make a fool of yerself," growled Jack. " Your 
 folks won't be ready to accept a kanaka wife for their son." 
 
 " I don't care," I answered, somewhat sullenly. 
 
 "Yes, you do care, Pepper. Only think what Miss Julia 
 would say ! " 
 
112 A WHALEMAN'S ADVENTURES. 
 
 I was silent. Lilly must have known that the conversation was 
 concerning her. She seemed to comprehend that the seaman was 
 attempting to depreciate her, for she looked at him with a frown 
 and a toss of her pretty head that did not betoken much friend- 
 ship. 
 
 " Lord, how quick a woman is with her temper ! " muttered the 
 sailor. 
 
 I did not care to hear the man's remonstrances ; so lingered 
 in the rear, and let my friends pass on to the village. No sooner 
 were they out of sight than Lilly recovered all her gayety. 
 
 We sat beneath the shade of a cocoa-nut tree, near a small 
 stream of clear water, and rested and refreshed ourselves with 
 the milk of a newly-plucked cocoa-nut, the bark of which I stripped 
 off with a hatchet, which I carried by my side. Those who have 
 never dr&uk milk from a cocoa-nut just from a tree can form no 
 idea of its goodness. It quenches thirst, gives tone to the stom- 
 ach, and a pint is almost equal to a hearty meal. 
 
 After Lilly and I had abated our thirst, I found the position 
 too pleasant to leave in a hurry. A gentle breeze stirred the air ; 
 but there was not a sound to be heard, excepting the murmur 
 of a brook, that ran singing on its way towards the "waterfall, 
 which fed the lake where the natives bathed night and morning. 
 At our feet was a soft carpet of green ; overhead was an un- 
 clouded sky ; on each side of us high hills, covered with waving 
 trees, which perfumed the air with an odor like that of sandal- 
 wood. Near us were orange trees bending beneath the weight 
 of golden fruit, and others frosted with flowers, which had just 
 burst from the buds, while the wind was scattering the blossoms 
 over the grass, like pearls from the hands of some prodigal fairy. 
 
 I laid my head in Lilly's lap, and she wove a wreath for me ; 
 bnt before she finished it, we were both asleep ; and when I 
 awoke it was with a start, for Lilly had uttered a sujbdued cry 'of 
 terror. I rubbed my eyes and started up, and standing before 
 us was the tattooed Kamaka, the hideous kanaka, who seemed 
 determined to follow our footsteps and watch our motions. 
 
 " What do you want here? " I asked, a little fiercely. 
 
 He smiled scornfully. 
 
 " Dis no place for sailor-man," the wretch said, speaking Eng- 
 lish for the first time. " White man go away no stay here 
 longer. He get hurt." 
 
A STRUGGLE WITH KAMAKA. 113 
 
 ** You dog," do you dare to threaten me ? " I asked, advancing 
 towards him. 
 
 " White sailor-man, go away," he answered. 
 
 " I shall stay here as long as I please," I replied. " And 
 if you follow me round much more, I'll punch that ugly head of 
 yours." 
 
 The New Zealander laughed as though he would like to see me 
 attempt it.. 
 
 " Go away," he said, " and no come back. S'pose you no go, 
 me make you." 
 
 "You will?"*! asked ; and I went up to him and put a hand 
 upon his throat ; but in an instant the tattooed rascal had thrown 
 his arms around me, and with a sudden turn of his foot, thought 
 that he would throw me. But he missed his aim, and the next 
 instant I landed him upon .his back, and pressed my hands so 
 close upon his throat that he gasped for breath. 
 
 "Will you keep a civil tongue in your head hereafter?"! 
 asked, and I shook the native until his teeth chattered. 
 
 " Let me up," he gasped. 
 
 " Not until you promise," I said. 
 
 He sulked for a moment, and then said, 
 
 " Me do." 
 
 Kamaka shook his head, smoothed his long hair, and then said 
 some few words to Lilly ; but that amiable young lady must 
 have opened a terrible battery upon him, for her tongue moved 
 rapidly, and her eyes flashed. The native listened in silence, and 
 walked quietly away ; but once he stopped and looked back at 
 me, and his face did not seem agreeable. 
 
 We strolled back to the village, and found the chief seated at his 
 door, smoking as usual, and into his ears did Lilly pour the tale 
 of her wrongs. 
 
 " Mcdild" he muttered, and smoked on. 
 
 At length he knocked the ashes from his pipe, and looked up. 
 
 " Kamaka bad," he said, and went to sleep without delay ; and 
 left Lilly and I looking at each other. 
 
 We did not feel sleepy ; so wandered through the groves, 
 
 and swung in grass hammocks beneath the shade of trees, until 
 
 it- was time to return home and take the usual afternoon bath. 
 
 As we passed by the house where my shipmates were quartered, 
 
 8 
 
114 A WHALEMAN'S ADVENTUBES. 
 
 I saw them sitting at the door " laying up " grass threads into 
 fishing-liucs. 
 
 " Charley," said Will, " the master of the Sally didn't come 
 it did he? He searched through all the village; but not a 
 native would give him any information. He didn't even find the 
 boat, and it's lying on the beach all right." 
 
 44 And what are you going to do with it? " I asked. 
 
 44 Goin' fishin'," responded Jake. " Ef your folks wants any 
 fish, jist let us know. We sells cheap for cash. Yaw, yaw ! " 
 
 We passed on, and were soon rolling in the clear water of 
 the lake ; and I ducked dusky girls instead of being ducked ; 
 but in going home I saw that Kamaka had commenced an ac- 
 quaintance with my shipmates, and was busy talking with them, 
 and assisting them in their tasks. But the New Zealander did 
 not raise his eyes when I passed, or look at me. I marvelled 
 that he should be thus engaged, and wondered what it meant. 
 
 We had supper, and the night passed more pleasantly than the 
 one before. Once I was startled by the old chief, who shouted 
 while dreaming, 
 
 44 No catche ye," which I supposed referred to me, and I re- 
 warded him by throwing a paddle in the direction of his head. 
 After that pleasant little episode, I went to sleep, and was* awa- 
 kened by Lilly, who pulled my blanket from my shoulders to ac- 
 complish it. 
 
 While Lilly was tugging at my blanket, I held on to it ; but it 
 was no use. She was determined that I should arise and go with 
 her to the bath. We went and returned home for breakfast ; 
 and after that important matter, the chief smoked, as usual, for 
 an hour. At last he got upon his feet, and said, 
 
 " Me go." 
 
 " Well," I replied, " go along. Don't remain at home on my 
 account, if you please." 
 
 He selected a spear, which was leaning against the wall, a 
 Btout, serviceable weapon, with a stone head ; and after looking 
 at it for a moment, turned to me. 
 
 44 Ugh," he grunted ; 44 me kill cow." 
 
 44 Where?" I asked. 
 
 He waved his spear in triumph, and pointed in the direction 
 Df the hills, and then stalked off. I thought for a moment, and 
 then followed the old chief, first taking a similar weapon from the 
 wall. 
 
' . AFTER A COW. 115 
 
 Before I had gone ten rods Lilly joined me, also armed with 
 a light spear. She had no idea of being left at home alone. 
 We followed the chief through woods and valleys, and up some 
 high hills ; and at last reached the summit of one, so that we 
 could command a fine view of the valley beneath. Then he 
 cast his keen eyes around, and pointed to a dozen head of cattle, 
 which were quietly feeding at our feet, exclaimed, 
 
 " Me want one." 
 
 " All right, old fellow," I said. " A taste of fresh beef would 
 be a pleasing variety, for I'm tired of fish." 
 
 The old chief continued to scan the herd of cattle in silence. I 
 improved the opportunity to kiss his daughter, to which she made 
 no objection. Her father did not notice it. 
 
 " Come," said the chief, turning round so suddenly that he 
 nearly caught me repeating the experiment. 
 
 We followed him down the hill ; and near a narrow gorge, which 
 led from one valley to another, between high hills, the old chief 
 halted. On each side were trees and bushes, and to these the 
 chief pointed. 
 
 " Me wait," he said ; and down he sat behind a clump of 
 bushes. 
 
 There was nothing for Lilly and me to do but to wait also. 
 We got under the shade of a tree, and sat down and went to sleep. 
 I was awakened by the chief, who was punching me with his 
 spear. The old fellow pointed with his finger in the direction of 
 the valley, and said, 
 
 " Cow come." 
 
 *' Well, let her come," I said. 
 
 " Me kill ! " he exclaimed. 
 
 " Well, I shan't prevent you ; " and I was about to lie down, 
 when I was startled by hearing the bellowing of a bull. I looked 
 up and saw the herd of cattle within a few rods of us, the bull in 
 advance, snuffing the air and pawing the earth. 
 
 " No speake," said the chief, in a whisper ; and then he 
 crouched behind the bushes, and grasped his spear firmly. 
 
 I did the same. The bull came on, his eyes resembling balls 
 of fire. After reaching the gorge, he stopped and glared around ; 
 but the cows pressed on, and the bull was compelled to move. 
 Once in the gorge, he quickened his steps, and passed us unmo- 
 lested. Then he turned, and pawed the earth and bellowed oilt 
 
116 A WHALEMAN'S ADVENTURES. 
 
 his defiance. As he did so the old chief rose from his ambush, 
 and with a sudden motion hurled his spear at a young and fat cow 
 which was within a few fathoms of him. The weapon whistled 
 through the air, struck the cow near her fore shoulder, and nearly 
 passed through her body. She gave one groan and one leap, then 
 tumbled upon her head, motionless, if not quite dead. 
 
 " Good for you, old man ! " I shouted, rising up in my delight 
 and going towards him. 
 
 My applause was too sudden, and somewhat out of place, for 
 the bull turned, and came towards me much faster than was desi- 
 rable on his part. 
 
 " Stern, all ! " I shouted, recollecting the words most used by 
 whalemen when in a tight place. But the bull was not accus- 
 tomed to obey such orders. He was shortening the distance 
 between us rapidly, when I heard Lilly scream, and then saw her 
 at my side, as though her arms would ward off all danger. I 
 could not fly after that. But even in the moment of peril I heard 
 the chief shout one word, which he must have meant as good 
 advice. 
 
 " Run," he said ; and I remember of wondering where he 
 learned that simple yet important monosyllable. 
 
 I held in my hand the spear which I had brought with me, and 
 with hardly a hope to accomplish anything, I put it before me, 
 the point towards the bull, and the shaft resting on the ground. 
 The bull came on with a bellow, and with a toss of his head which 
 did not argue much for my safety ; but that movement of his 
 head was the very thing that did save me, for the point of the 
 spear entered the neck of the bull, and the animal did not stop 
 until two thirds of the shaft was in his body. Then he staggered, 
 the hot blood gushing from his terrible wound in torrents, and 
 with a last expiring bellow of defiance he fell at my feet. 
 
 I turned and looked for Lilly. She was but a few steps from 
 me, on the ground, as though she had fallen from the effect of 
 terror. 
 
 " I'm safe, Lilly," I said ; and I put my arms around her and 
 raised her up. She looked at me with her large black eyes, as 
 though she did not understand how I could possibly be alive ; and 
 then her arms went around my neck, and she commenced crying. 
 
 I kissed her cheek and talked to her ; and while 1 was doing so 
 the chief disturbed me by this sage remark : 
 
A CONTENTED" LIFE. 117 
 
 " By darn two kill ! Good-y." 
 
 I paid but little attention to him, for I was comforting his 
 daughter. 
 
 44 By-by, chief,'/ he said, and patted me on the shoulder, to inti- 
 mate that I had done a very good thing. 
 
 "Go tell *em," said the chief; and he waved his hand in the 
 direction of the village, and spoke a few words to his daughter. 
 
 She nodded to me, and we started over hills, and in the direc- 
 tion of the village. The natives were eager for the fresh meat, 
 and old and young went for it. Even my shipmates followed in. 
 the crowd. 
 
 After we had seen every one depart, Lilly and I, satisfied with 
 what we had done, retired to the shade of an orange tree, and ate 
 fruit, and went to sleep. Commend me to a kanaka village for 
 good, wholesome sleeping. Much of it can be done there, for 
 there is nothing else to do, after you have counted eating, swim- 
 ming, and fishing. 
 
 CHAPTER VIII. 
 
 A SIMPLE LIFE AND A HAPPY ONE. A LETTER FROM MR. CHER- 
 
 INGTON. THE ARRIVAL OF A MISSIONARY. 
 
 WEEKS passed on, and I found myself so entirely domesticated 
 in the village that I had no thoughts of leaving. My shipmates 
 were of the same opinion. They fished and hunted, and were 
 looked upon by the inhabitants as useful members of the tribe. 
 My love for Lilly did not diminish with time ; but of that the 
 chief took no notice. He smoked, and shut his eyes to all that 
 passed within his house. We fished together, and hunted togeth- 
 er, and I regarded the old man with much friendly feeling, and I 
 know that he had a warm attachment for me. By attention, and 
 under the direction of Lilly, who was one of the most patient 
 teachers I ever saw, I acquired a sufficient knowledge of the lan- 
 guage of the isJand to make known my wants, and to understand 
 nearly all that was said to rae. 
 
 Ah, how many times did she ask if I was contented in the 
 
118 A WHALEMAN'S ADVENTURES. 
 
 village ! Sometimes she was very grave when she asked the ques- 
 tion. And after one of her reveries she would redouble her 
 attentions to me, and assume her most fascinating airs. A 
 number of times I found her in tears. But I 4 was thoughtless, 
 and did not suppose that those tears were shed for me. And 
 sometimes I was wicked, for I would steal off and flirt with 
 other girls. 
 
 As for my rival, Kamaka, he was so badly beaten in the con- 
 test fo: Lilly, that for the last three weeks he had not been seen 
 in the nllage ; and his disappearance was an occasion of rejoicing 
 among many who disliked the tattooed rascal. One day I was 
 swinging under a tree, in a grass hammock, when Lilly came to 
 find me, her face showing some signs of uneasiness. 
 
 " What is the matter? " I asked. 
 
 " Bad news," she replied. 
 
 " Let me hear it." 
 
 " Kamaka is here." 
 
 " I was in hopes that he was dead. What does he want? " 
 "" To see you." 
 
 " To see me ? Confound his impudence." 
 
 " He has a paper for you," said Lilly ; and then, as though 
 there was something dreadful in that, she commenced crying, and 
 looking as miserable as possible. 
 
 The rascal did not appear as though he felt humiliated when 
 he stood before me. 
 
 " What do you want of me? " I asked. 
 
 He took off his cap, and from the lining removed a letter. It 
 was somewhat soiled by contact with his head ; but the super- 
 scription was quite legible, and on it I saw, " Charles Allspice." 
 
 " Read," said Kamaka. 
 
 I saw that it was dated at Honolulu, and that Mr. Cherington's 
 name was at the bottom of it. The letter read as follows : 
 
 u 
 
 I have heard from you, and I must say that I am surprised 
 at your conduct. Little did I think that the son of my old friend 
 would consider it an honor to remain on the island, isolated from 
 all society, and constant in his attentions upon a native girl, whose 
 uncultivated mind is the only excuse which she canhave for lend- 
 ing such a sinful life. Better, a thousand times better, would it 
 have been for you to have remained on board the Sally, than to 
 
A MISSIONARY ARRIVES. 119 
 
 have landed upon these shores, and indulged in such wicked- 
 ness as you and your companions are reported to have dene. 
 Leave the village 'and join me, and the past shall be forgotten. 
 If you do not, we must remain hereafter as strangers. 
 
 " I need not tell you that Julia is excessively shocked at your 
 conduct. At first she refused to credit it ; but when she was com- 
 pelled to, she shed many tears over your fall. Let me see you 
 within two weeks." 
 
 I folded the letter, and then looked at the fellow who had 
 brought it. 
 
 u Your revenge is not yet complete," I said to myself. u You 
 "have learned from my shipmates that Mr. Cherington was a 
 prominent man at Honolulu, and friendly with me ; and you* 
 visited the city for the purpose of informing him of my conduct, 
 and took good care to exaggerate as much as possible. But I 
 am not to be driven by threats." 
 
 " You go?" asked Kamaka, looking up. 
 
 I sprang from the grass hammock in which I was reclining, 
 seized a stick, and rushed for the native, but he turned and 
 ran. 
 
 " What is it?" asked Lilly, as soon as I returned. 
 
 I told her that a friend wanted me at Honolulu, and that Kama- 
 ka had slandered me. 
 
 " You will go?" she asked. 
 
 " No, I will not go," I said. " I will stay here with Lilly." 
 
 I heard no more of the Kamaka for some days. He left the 
 village a few hours after delivering the letter, and then my life 
 was without change for several weeks ; but after I had lived with 
 my new friends about six months, and was upon good terms 
 with all the natives, the old chief entered his house, one afternoon, 
 looking unusually excited. 
 
 " What is the matter ? " I asked. 
 
 " Missionary come," he said ; and then, lighting his pipe, 
 squatted down by. the door. 
 
 I lighted my pipe, and placed myself by the side of the chief, 
 while Lilly, trembling, seized some work, and awaited the arrival 
 of the reverend gentleman. In a few minutes he rode up to the 
 door, and dismounted from a fine-looking horse, and a kanaka 
 servant instantly took charge of the animal. I looked at the 
 
120 A WHALEMAN'S ADVENTURES. 
 
 man's face as he approached the house, and I read there some 
 pride, much resolution, and but little humility. He was a tall, 
 dark-looking man, with a commanding eye, thin lips, and a clean 
 shaven face. He approached the chief, but the latter smoked on 
 without rising. 
 
 " Good day, my brother," he said, extending his hand ; and the 
 chief took it, held it for a moment, and then dropped it suddenly, 
 as though fearful of being burned, 
 
 " Good clay, daughter," the missionary continued, speaking in 
 the Hawaii dialect, and addressing Lilly. 
 
 And then the tall man turned his eyes upon me. 
 
 44 Who are you? " he asked. 
 
 " A sailor." 
 * u A runaway ? " 
 
 " Yes." 
 
 u I thought so ; " and he sighed, as though his thoughts were 
 sinful. 
 
 44 If you thought so, why did you ask me? " I demanded. 
 
 44 To be sure of the matter. You are living here in idleness 
 and sin, I suppose." 
 
 44 I am living here," I answered, " but not in idleness, and 
 with very little sin." 
 
 The missionary looked at me with some surprise, and after a 
 pause, said, 
 
 44 1 suppose you are one of the young men who escaped from 
 the whaleship Sally." 
 
 " I had the honor of leaving her," I replied. 
 
 * 4 Were you aware that you were violating the laws of the 
 island by remaining on shore without permission of the govern- 
 ment? " he asked. 
 
 44 No." 
 
 44 Then let me now inform you of the fact, and warn you that it 
 is necessary you should receive permission of the Secretary of 
 State." 
 
 44 1 will obtain it when I see him," I answered. 
 
 44 Then you had better see him without delay. Time is pre- 
 cious in this sinful world." 
 
 The good man sighed and looked at Lilly. The poor girl 
 dropped her eyes. Her vivacity was all gone. 
 
 " Is that girl your wife ? " the missionary asked. 
 
I AM WANTED. 121 
 
 " She is not," I answered. 
 
 "Should she not be?" 
 
 u That depends upon circumstances." 
 
 The reverend gentleman looked shocked, and kept silent for a 
 moment. Then he sighed and groaned once more. 
 
 " I came to the village in search of a young man named All- 
 spice. Can you tell me where he is to be found ? I understand 
 that he has respectable connections, and I wish to secure him from 
 a, life of sin." 
 
 " He does not care to be secured," I answered. " He is quite 
 contented as he is." 
 
 " How do you know?" 
 
 " Because I am the individual you are in search of." 
 
 " Is it possible? Are you the young man whom Mr. Chering- 
 ton takes such an interest in ? " 
 
 " I know Mr. Cherington, and he was friendly with me when 
 he left the ship. I do not understand his feelings at the pres- 
 ent time." 
 
 " They have not changed in spite of your ingratitude. He has 
 heard of the rude manner in which you treated his messenger ; 
 but still he loves you for your father's sake." 
 
 " I am much obliged to him. I hope I shall never forfeit his 
 respect." 
 
 4i But, my dear young man," and the missionary grew confi- 
 fidential " you will forfeit it if you remain here in idleness. 
 Leave the village. Go with me to Honolulu, and become a mer- 
 chant and a respectable member of the church." 
 
 I looked at Lilly, but I could not make up my mind to de- 
 sert her. 
 
 " I am contented here, and have no desire to leave," I said, 
 with as much firmness as I could command. 
 
 " Consider for one moment, young man. I can have you 
 tabooed, and your best friend in the village would not dare to lend 
 you assistance, or even furnish you with food. What could you 
 do then?" 
 
 " Retire into the country, and live on fruit." 
 
 " But if you were arrested? " 
 
 " I should escape as soon as possible. I only ask to remain 
 here and live in peace. I have no aspirations, nor any desire to 
 leave here." 
 
122 A WHALEMAN'S ADVENTURES. 
 
 " There is something fascinating in living in idleness, I will 
 confess," he said ; " but just think how much better your time 
 could be employed in civilized society." 
 
 " There are no petty jealousies here," I remarked. " All our 
 wants are supplied, and what more can man desire ? " 
 
 " Have you not Christian wants?" the missionary asked. 
 
 I was silent. The reverend gentleman saw that his last broad- 
 side had touched me, and he followed it up with a fresh one. 
 
 " I saw Miss Cherington a few days since. I was at her 
 father's house, when a native Kamaka, I think they called 
 him related the manner in which you treated him after read- 
 ing Mr. Cheriugton's letter. He told some sad stories of your 
 life, and the lady denied them with much spirit, and with some 
 indignation. She said that she knew your nature too well to 
 think you would be guilty of such gross immorality as the native 
 charged." 
 
 " I bless her for the good thought," I cried, a little warmly. 
 " She only does me justice." 
 
 " Shall I return to her and report that you prefer the company 
 of a kanaka girl to that of a sensible, highly educated white 
 lady?" 
 
 " No, no. Do not do that," I exclaimed. 
 
 "Then what shall I say ?" 
 
 " Tell her nothing," I answered. " She is too good for me 
 to think of. I know not if she would speak with me should we 
 meet." 
 
 " Then make.the attempt and see what the result will be. Julia 
 is a girl of Christian principle, and has a forgiving heart." 
 
 I looked up and saw that tears were in Lilly's eyes. All my 
 love for her returned, even if it had strayed for a moment. . I 
 could not leave her. The missionary saw my resolution. 
 
 "What shall I tell Mr. Cherington?" the Kev. Mr. Gangle 
 asked, as he mounted his horse. 
 
 " That I thank him for his kindness," I answered. 
 
 " You will one day be glad to accept of his offers. Sin carries 
 its own pupishment, and yours will soon come." 
 
 I felt that his words were true ; but sin sometimes takes too 
 firm a root to be plucked out without a struggle. 
 
 Mr. Gangle turned his horse's head, and with a cold bow was 
 about to ride off, when I laid a hand upon his bridle. 
 
SOLDIERS ARE AFTER ME. 123 
 
 " One moment," I said, speaking hurriedly. " Tell Miss Cher- 
 ington that there is not a day passes without my thinking of her. 
 Tell her not to believe me wholly bad, for I am not." 
 
 I turned and plunged into the woods, and the missionary left 
 the village. I threw myself under a cocoa-nut tree, and covered 
 my face with my hands, and almost shed tears at the position in 
 which I was placed. While I was thus repenting, I felt a light 
 hand laid upon my head, and looking up I saw that Lilly had 
 stolen to my side. 
 
 44 The missionary wanted you to leave me," she said. 
 
 I did not answer. 
 
 " If you think it is for your happiness, I desire you to do so,** 
 she continued. 
 
 " I am contented, Lilly," I answered. " I shall never leave 
 
 you." 
 
 The next day I went about my work as usual. I had laid out 
 a garden near the house of the chief, and in that I labored some 
 two or three hours each day, assisted by Lilly. I had planted all 
 kinds of vegetables, and by attending to them, they were growing 
 finely. One corner I devoted to roses, and their perfume filled 
 the air night and morning. The natives of the village grew am- 
 bitious after witnessing my success, and all commenced gardens 
 precisely like mine, and but little labor was required to make 
 them flourish as well. Even the children took an interest in the 
 undertaking, and they would sit for hours and drive the hens and 
 chickens away from them. 
 
 Thus I occupied my time, and I had nearly forgotten the visit 
 of the missionary, when one morning Lilly rushed into the house 
 where I was mending a fish-line, and said, 
 
 " Run, for they have come." 
 
 My first thought was, that the Sally had landed a boat's crew, 
 and I prepared to leave the house without a moment's delay ; but 
 a glance at Lilly satisfied me that the -danger was more imminent. 
 
 " What is the matter, Lilly? " I asked. 
 
 " Soldiers," she managed to articulate, and around my neck 
 went her arms. 
 
 " They are coming here," she cried. ** O, run, and don't 
 stop ; " but she only clung the tighter to my neck as she spoke. 
 
 Just at that moment the chief entered the house. 
 
 44 Sogers come," he said. " No cotche ye, no hab ye. Run ; " 
 and he proceeded to light his pipe with all imaginable coolness.. 
 
124 A WHALEMAN'S ADVENTURES. 
 
 I ran but a few steps when I caught sight of four kanaka sol- 
 diers, advancing in the direction of the chief's house. 
 
 " That is he," I heard some one say ; and looking up, I saw my 
 tattooed rival, Kamaka. 
 
 The soldiers were armed with muskets and bayonets ; but 
 whether they would dare to use them against me was a question 
 that I did not ask, for fear that I should find an unfavorable 
 answer. As the men advanced, I receded for a few feet, and 
 then determined to attempt to run the blockade and escape to the 
 mountains. 
 
 u Catch him," shouted Kamaka ; and as he uttered those words 
 I made a dash at him. He dodged, but was not quick enough. 
 I struck him a running blow as I passed, and he rolled over two 
 or three times before he stopped. A soldier put up his musket, 
 and told me to halt, but I knocked his piece down, and passed all 
 four of them, and thought that I should escape, when 1 suddenly 
 found myself in the presence of six more, who received me 
 with open arms. The fellows piled on me, and slipped a pair of 
 irons on my hands, and pointed bayonets at my breast while doing 
 so. But still I heard a sergeant, who had charge of the squad, 
 say in a low tone, 
 
 u Carefully, men. No violence." 
 
 He spoke in his native tongue, which he thought I did not un- 
 derstand. I had a chance to notice the soldiers while they sur- 
 rounded me, and I saw that they were light-colored young fellows, 
 wearing blue cotton uniforms, trimmed with red worsted braid, 
 hats of no particular pattern, and shoes which showed a number 
 of toes protruding. Before I had finished my survey, I heard 
 the voices of my shipmates, as they came rushing towards me. 
 Some one had informed them of my arrest. They had armed 
 themselves with clubs, and Jack had a lance, one of those which 
 we stole from the Sally. 
 
 " Let him go," roared the English sailor, as he hove in sight. 
 " Drop him, I tell you, or I'll make blubber of you fellers ; " and 
 he raised his lance as though to make a dart. 
 
 The kanaka soldiers looked their astonishment, but did not offer 
 to raise their muskets to resist the attack. 
 
 " If them sojers ain't out of this place in five minutes, I'll 
 dart," shouted Jack ; and I believe that he would have kept his 
 word, had I not spoken. 
 
A LEAVE TAKING. 125 
 
 " Put down your lance and throw away your clubs," I said. 
 " Do you want to be lodged in the calaboose for attacking the 
 soldiers ? " 
 
 u Who put them darbies on your hands? " they asked. " Take 
 'em off, or we'll lick the sojer what did it." 
 
 They turned fiercely upon the kanaka soldiers, and the sergeant 
 was called upon to explain. 
 
 44 He hitte wid fisty," he said in explanation. 
 
 " Well, that's what they were made for. Take 'em off, or 
 you'll get keel-hauled in no time, my hearty." 
 
 The kanaka soldier looked at Jack's burly figure, and seemed to 
 have some dread of it. 
 
 44 You no runny?" he asked, speaking to me." 
 
 44 1 shall not run," I answered. 
 
 He removed the irons from my wrists, and my shipmates all 
 crowded around me, edging the soldiers away as though they had 
 no right there. I wondered where Lilly and the chief were. But 
 as we moved off I heard a scream, and the next moment Lilly 
 rnshed towards me, her hair streaming in the wind, and her face 
 expressing the agony which she felt. She broke through the 
 ranks of the soldiers, and threw her arms around my neck, and 
 bathed my face with her tears. 
 
 44 You shall not leave me," she cried. 
 
 44 1 will return, Lilly," I said, and I strove to comfort her. 
 
 44 You will never come back," she cried. 44 1 shall see you no 
 more. O, let me go with you." 
 
 44 You must not go with him," the sergeant exclaimed. 4 * We 
 were ordered not to take any one but the sailor." 
 
 44 But you shall not take him." 
 
 44 Lilly," I whispered, " have patience and a little courage. We 
 shall meet again. As soon as I am released I will return to you." 
 
 44 No, no ; you never will return to me," she cried, clinging 
 convulsively to my neck. 
 
 I strove to disengage her hands, but she resisted my efforts 
 until her father appeared. The crowd fell back before the dig- 
 nified old chief. 
 
 44 Maliki" he said ; and his face looked troubled, and his eyes 
 showed how much he sympathized with me. 
 
 He put his arms around his daughter, and whispered some 
 words in her ear ; and then she released me after one kiss, and the 
 poor girl was carried in a fainting state towards her home. 
 
126 
 
 For the purpose of getting me beyond the reach of such danger- 
 ous men, the soldiers hurried me to the beach, where & whale-boat 
 was lying, in which they had pulled nearly all the way from 
 Honolulu. A hundred natives followed close upon us, and they 
 beat their breasts and filled the air with their lamentations at the 
 prospect of losing me. 
 
 " Shove off the boat," said the sergeant, speaking to his men ia 
 his native language. " Be quick, or the people will stone us." 
 
 This was sufficient to make the soldiers hurry their movements ; 
 and I think that a volley of stones would have saluted them if 
 the old chief had not suddenly appeared on the ground, and spoke 
 to his people in such a manner that there was no mistaking his 
 words. Lilly's father came towards me, and motioned me aside. 
 
 " When you come back," he said, speaking in his native tongue, 
 which I understood sufficiently to comprehend, u you must marry 
 my daughter and then you can be a chief, and the soldiers can't 
 take you. I love you as a son, and my child thinks of you only. 
 If you should not come back she would die, and theu I should be 
 alone in the world." 
 
 " Chief," I asked, " why am I taken away ? " 
 
 " It is the work of the missionaries," he replied. " Kamaka 
 has told them false stories, and they believed him." 
 
 I was almost inclined to rush among the crowd and escape to 
 the mountains ; but I recollected my word of honor. I looked 
 around in hope of seeing Lilly. 
 
 " She is sick," the chief said, guessing whom my eyes sought. 
 " It has gone to her heart. Hasten back, or she will die." 
 
 " We must go," cried the sergeant ; and I shook hands with my 
 intended father-in-law, and stepped into the boat. 
 
 " Shove off," was the order ; and the boat had just left the 
 beach when I heard a shriek. The crowd on the shore parted to 
 the right and left, and then I saw Lilly rushing towards me, her 
 arms extended and her long hair streaming in the wind. 
 
 " Take me too," she cried. " O, take me, or come back." 
 
 " Pull hard," the sergeant cried ; and the native soldiers bent 
 to their oars. 
 
 I glanced at Lilly to wave her an adieu ; but the instant she 
 caught sight of rne, she rushed into the water, and then swam for 
 the boat, as though determined to follow us to Honolulu. 
 
 " Come back,"' she cried, and threw her slight form nearly out 
 
A SEVERE ILLNESS. 127 
 
 of the water as she tittered the words ; and then from her mouth 
 I saw the blood spirt ; but still she continued to swim after us f and 
 uttered many wild shrieks, which pierced my heart and nearly 
 drove me frantic. I made desperate efforts to break from the 
 grasp of the soldiers ; but they held on to me so tightly that I 
 could not move. I covered my face with my hands, and groaned 
 with bitterness; and just then the sergeant touched me on the 
 shoulder. 
 
 " They will save her," he cried, " and in a few days you will 
 see her." 
 
 I looked up, and saw that two thirds of the natives were swim- 
 ming to Lilly's assistance, and that the poor thing had turned her 
 head towards the shore. I waved an adieu to my friends, who 
 were watching me, and then sank back into the stern of the boat, 
 and remained in a state of stupor until we reached Honolulu. 
 Then they placed me on a bed, and my head fell back. 
 
 " The sailor-man is sick," one of the soldiers said. " He should 
 not remain here." 
 
 I saw some one lean over me and feel of my pulse, and then 
 place a hand upon my head. 
 
 " He is threatened with brain fever," I heard him whisper. 
 " He must be moved from here at once. There is no time to 
 lose." 
 
 " We had better send word had we not? " some one asked 
 the speaker. 
 
 " Of course. Our plan is frustrated by this attack of sickness. 
 Poor fellow ! he has taken it too hard much harder than I sup- 
 posed. I imagined that he would laugh at the joke after it was 
 explained to him." 
 
 " I will send word at once, and we can have him moved in half 
 an hour. The daughter will look after him some will she not? " 
 
 " You can rest assured of that, although she is a little grieved 
 just now at his past conduct." 
 
 " You saw that kanaka girl while you were making your annual 
 visits didn't you?" asked the man who still held my hand. 
 
 " Yes ; and I am not surprised at his infatuation. I never saw 
 a girl on the island that would compare with her in point of 
 beauty, and she is as artless as a child." 
 
 " Poor thing ! poor thing ! God help her. She feels as bad 
 at the separation as this boy, who has allowed his heart to 
 
128 A WHALEMAN'S ADVENTURES. 
 
 turn his brain. The work has been done most bunglingly, I 
 must say." 
 
 "But what were we to do?" asked the man addressed, whose 
 voice sounded like that of the Rev. Mr. G angle. " His father 
 expects him to follow in his footsteps, and become a good man. 
 If he had remained in that village he would have been a vaga- 
 bond all his life." 
 
 " I doubt that," said the man who was holding my hand, and 
 who, I thought, was a physician. " If you had let them alone 
 they would soon have got tired of each other, and then separation 
 would have ensued quite naturally." 
 
 He laid his hand upon my heated forehead, and I suddenly 
 thought it was Lilly's hand, and that she was asking me to go with 
 her to the bath. 
 
 " Wait till daylight, Lilly," I said. " I am too sleepy to get up 
 just yet." 
 
 " You see how his thoughts run." 
 
 " Miss Julia will prove a good nurse," said the other, and then 
 they left the room, but presently returned, and I felt myself lifted 
 up from the mattress on which I was lying, and carried into the 
 cool, pure air. I was placed in a carriage, and laid upon blankets ; 
 then the horse was started, but only at a walk, for fear of jarring 
 my head, which began to pain me severely. At last the carriage 
 stopped, and then I heard a voice which I remembered perfectly. 
 It was Mr. Cherington's. 
 
 " How is he ? " I heard him ask. 
 
 "About the same," was the answer. "The fever is slowly 
 increasing." 
 
 " A room is all ready for him," Mr. Cherington remarked. " Let 
 us move him ourselves. I don't want to trust the servants." 
 
 They took me in their arms and carried me into the house, and 
 then up one flight of stairs, and laid me upon a bed. I heard a 
 low, sweet voice in the room ask, 
 
 " Father, may I look at him ? " 
 " Yes, my child," was the answer. 
 
 And then I felt a soft hand laid upon my head, and a sweet 
 breath fan my cheek, and a soft pair of lips touched mine, but 
 very lightly. 
 
 " Poor boy," she said ; and then I heard no more conversation 
 for many days. 
 
RECOVERING FROM FEVER. 129 
 
 When I awoke as if from a deep sleep I tried to recollect 
 where I was, and how it happened that I was lying on a mattress, 
 with clean linen sheets and a white bed-spread. I raised my 
 hands, and, to my surprise, saw that they were white and thin, 
 and that my arms had lost most of their flesh. Then I knew 
 that I had been sick ; but for what length of time I could not 
 imagine. 
 
 The room in which I was lying was just light enough for me 
 to notice that the floor was covered with straw matting, which 
 looked cool and pleasant, the furniture was of substantial black 
 walnut, and around the walls hung pictures and engravings. 
 The windows, which were open to admit the cool and fragrant 
 air, were covered with blinds, and on the inside hung lace curtains 
 with heavy blue silk tassels. The bedstead on which I was lying 
 was one of the old style, with four tall posts, each one surmounted 
 with a brass ball, ajid over all a canopy, with a mosquito net. 
 I lay perfectly still 'and waited, and presently some one opened 
 a door ; and then I heard whispering, and I recognized the 
 voices ; and how my heart beat as I listened ! 
 
 u How is he this morning, child?" asked Mr. Cherington. 
 
 " There is no change, father," answered Julia, in a low, sad tone. 
 
 " Has he wandered as bad as usual? " 
 
 ** No, I think not. Once or twice he has imagined that he was 
 on .board that miserable ship, and sometimes he has spoken as 
 though he was conversing with that poor girl whom he calls 
 Lilly. It is dreadful, father is it not? and he so young, and 
 at one time so good ! " 
 
 " We must not be too hard on him for that, Julia. He is not 
 the first that has fallen after lauding on these shores. Consider 
 his youth and inexperience." 
 
 " I have, father, and yet I am fearful that I have not charity 
 enough. Only think how good and pure he was on board the 
 ship." 
 
 *' He has done wrong ; but we must forgive him, child." 
 
 " I don't feel that I ever can," Julia said, with a gentle sigh, 
 which told me that her heart was not so hard as she would have 
 her father believe. 
 
 " For his parents' sake, we must do so," the old gentleman 
 replied. 
 
 " For their sake I'll try," the young lady said ; and I felt re- 
 
130 A WHALEMAN'S ADVENTURES. 
 
 joiced at her decision, although I did not think at the time that 
 I had committed much sin. 
 
 "Has the doctor been here this morning ?" Mr. Cheringtou 
 asked. 
 
 44 Yes, and he left some new medicine ; but I have not 
 given Charles any, and don't think that I shall. It is horrid 
 smelling stuff." 
 
 Blessed girl, how much I thanked her for it ! She wanted to 
 spare me some trouble, and let me die a natural death. 
 
 " Did the doctor express any opinion?" asked Mr. Cherington. 
 
 " None. He said that the fever might take a favorable turn, and 
 that, if it did not by to-morrow night, he should shave his head 
 and put a blister on it. Only think of that ! " and Miss Julia 
 expressed in her tones, the horror which she should feel at such 
 an act. 
 
 44 It should have been done before," was ajil the consolation the 
 young lady got from her father. 
 
 '* He would look so odd with his head shaved ! " Miss Julia 
 remarked. " Pray don't have it done until all other means fail." 
 
 44 His life is of more value than a few curls," the unfeeling man 
 said, and left the room ; and Julia and I were alone. 
 
 Then I thought that it was best to let her know that I was 
 awake. 
 
 " Where am I? " I asked, speaking for the first time, and in so 
 weak a tone that it rather startled me. 
 
 Miss Julia jumped up and looked astonished, and then she bent 
 over me, her face expressing her anxiety. 
 
 ".Charles," she said, laying her hand upon mine, and speaking 
 very seriously, " do you know me?" 
 
 44 O, yes," I answered ; " you're an angel, and have come to 
 comfort me." 
 
 % 44 No, Charles," she said, with a sweet smile, " I'm not an an- 
 gel ; I am a human being." 
 
 44 You are handsome enough to be one," I managed to say ; and 
 I don't think that remark displeased her. 
 
 44 You poor boy," she cried, 44 you* must be sensible. You talk 
 quite rational." 
 
 44 1 think that I am," I answered ; and I carried her white hand 
 to my lips and kissed it. 44 Tell me, Miss Cherington," I asked, 
 "how long have I been sick?" 
 
A MODERATE BREAKFAST. 131 
 
 " O, not long. But you must not ask questions. You are too 
 sick." 
 
 " I have no pain left in my head, but I am terribly weak." 
 
 " Then you must not talk." 
 
 " If you command me not to, I won't," I answered. 
 . " Then I do command you not to speak unless you are spoken 
 to ; " and she was about to sit down, when a thought struck her. 
 
 "Do you feel hungry?" she asked. 
 
 " Very," I answered. " See how I have fallen away ! " I sighed, 
 as I held up my hand, and then accidentally let it fall upon her 
 own. 
 
 " You have grown thin," she said ; and I felt my hand pressed 
 ever so slightly, and then, as though frightened, she closed the 
 mosquito bar, and left me to my own reflections. 
 
 " What would you like to eat?" she demanded. 
 
 " A beefsteak, some dry toast, a few broiled potatoes, and half 
 a dozen boiled eggs," I answered, quite promptly. 
 
 She was not much accustomed to domestic matters, and sup- 
 posed that it was all right when I stated that I desired such sub- 
 stantial fare. 
 
 " You shall have all that you ask for," she said. " Now go to 
 sleep, and when you awaken your breakfast shall be ready." 
 
 I fell asleep, and must have slept until near night ; for when I 
 awoke, I saw Mr. Cherington sitting at my bedside, and a stranger 
 with him. I awoke with a sigh, for I had been dreaming of the 
 kanaka village and Lilly. 
 
 " Charles," asked Mr. Cherington, " how do you feel?" 
 
 " Hungry," I answered. 
 
 .. The stranger took my hand, and felt of my pulse for a moment 
 in silence. 
 
 4i Pulse regular," he said ; " skin cool and moist. I've brought 
 him round, you see. That last medicine did the business ; I was 
 positive it would. No pain in the head, hey'? " 
 
 *None," I replied. 
 
 " I thought so. The powders which I gave would relieve that. 
 How is the mouth ? " 
 
 " Rusty for the want of use," I answered. 
 
 44 The effect of the drops. There's iron in them," the doctor 
 cried, quite composedly. 
 
 u You think that he is improving fast do you, doctor?" asked 
 Mr. Cherington. 
 
132 A WHALEMAN'S ADVENTURES. 
 
 " I know so, sir. The physician to his majesty, Kamehamaha, 
 is not likely to make a mistake. I said I should save him. I 
 can't perform miracles, but I can cure a man if he will let me, 
 and don't fight against nature." 
 
 " But you seem to forget that nature is fighting me, and will 
 soon conquer, unless assistance is rendered. I'm hungry. I 
 asked Miss Cherington for some breakfast a few hours back, and 
 she said that she would have it ready when I awoke." 
 
 " Well, you are awake ain't you ? " asked the doctor. 
 
 " Why, yes, I believe that I am," I replied. 
 
 " Well, you don't see the beefsteak and the broiled potatoes 
 do you?" 
 
 I moved my head, but nothing but phials and powders met my 
 gaze upon the table. 
 
 "You don't see the boiled eggs do* you? " the doctor asked. 
 
 " No." 
 
 " Well, you won't see them, if my orders are obeyed, for two 
 weeks ~to come." 
 
 I sighed and looked towards Mr. Cheringtou for relief. 
 
 " Don't be alarmed, Charles," he said. " You shall not starve 
 as long as you are in my house. The doctor will give you some- 
 thing nourishing, I know." 
 
 " Yes, sir, I shall, and I want my directions carried out to the 
 letter. To-night a piece of chicken, large as one of my fingers, 
 and a bowl of gruel. If the king was sick I should serve him 
 in the same manner. And I should be obeyed, or I would know 
 the reason why." 
 
 " You shall be obeyed, sir," Mr. Cherington remarked ; and 
 then the doctor, after giving me one more punch in the region 
 of the ribs, and one triumphant glance, left the room. 
 
 " You have had a hard fit of sickness," Mr. Cherington said ; 
 " but thank God, all danger is now passed, I hope." 
 
 As he rose to leave the room, Julia came in, followed by a 
 kanaka girl, who bore a tray with the slight refreshments ordered 
 by the doctor. She cleared off the odious-looking bottles, and 
 arranged the tray upon the table by my bedside, and looked so 
 happy while doing so, that I could only follow her movements in 
 silent admiration. 
 
 " The idea," she said, " of your ordering a beefsteak for supper ! 
 And I should have given it to you if it had not been for father, 
 who laughed at me." 
 
A HANDSOME NURSE. 133 
 
 She raised me up, and washed my face and hands, and talked 
 all the time, but would not allow me to answer. But after my 
 scant meal it was imperatively ordered that I should go to sleep 
 again, and I went without the slightest trouble, and waked up to 
 find Mr. Cherington at my bedside. 
 
 44 Well, how do you feel this morning, Charles?" he asked. 
 
 " Quite fresh." 
 
 44 That is right. Your improvement will be rapid, I have no 
 doubt. I must go to the store ; but I shall leave you in the care 
 of Julia. She will read you some extracts from Boston news- 
 papers. Your parents are well, and we have letters for you ; but 
 it is not desirable that you should read them at present." 
 
 I had Julia for company that day. She read to me and talked 
 to me, and so the hours passed quickly until night, when Dr. 
 Pendergrast, own physician to the king and all his cabinet, 
 called. 
 
 44 We're improving," he said, " very rapidly improving. ' I 
 must show you to the king, after you are well, as an evidence of 
 my skill. He'll be pleased at my success. How is your appe- 
 tite?" 
 
 44 Ferocious." 
 
 44 A good sign. You are doing well. I spoke to the king 
 about you, and he will be delighted to see you. Perhaps you are 
 not aware of it, but no other man in the kingdom could have 
 brought you through in the manner I did. It's a great triumph 
 of medical skill." 
 
 44 Don't you think it would be a greater triumph by allowing 
 me to eat something?" 
 
 " All in good time. Miss Cheriugton, he may discontinue the 
 drops, but take the powders regularly, and increase his food to 
 two pieces of chicken and a piece of dry toast." 
 
 Then the doctor punched me once or twice, and left the house. 
 
 44 Julia," I said, after the lamps were lighted, t4 how long have 
 I been sick ? " 
 
 41 O, you are a naughty boy, and must not ask questions," was 
 the evasive answer. 
 
 44 But I am serious in my demand." 
 
 44 Then I will tell you to-morrow." 
 
 44 There is another question I want to ask of you," I said, 
 44 Why was I arrested?" 
 
134 A WHALEMAN'S ADVENTURES. 
 
 Instead of receiving an answer, Miss Julia commenced crying, 
 and left the room quite abruptly, which I thought strange, and I 
 did not see her again until the next morning, when Dr. Pender- 
 grast judged that I could sit up for a while ; and after I was up, 
 and reclining in an old-fashioned rocking-chair, with a neat dress- 
 ing-gown and embroidered slippers, Miss Cherington made her 
 appearance, looking more beautiful than I had ever seen her. 
 
 "What shall I do to amuse you?" she asked, as she took a 
 seat by my side. 
 
 The window where I sat was open, and I could look out upon 
 the harbor and see the shipping and the boats moving about. 
 At our feet were the houses of foreign residents, substantial 
 white wooden structures, surrounded with trees and gardens, in 
 which bloomed flowers and fruit trees the year round. It was my 
 first near view of Honolulu ; and no wonder I was astonished at 
 the paradise which met my gaze, and that I forgot to answer the 
 question which Julia put to me. She laid one of her little white 
 hands upon my arm, and that recalled my wandering thoughts. 
 
 " I was wondering why a person should ever wish to leave such 
 a paradise as this," I said. 
 
 " Do you think it so very beautiful ? " she asked. 
 
 " I never saw a spot more lovely," I answered. " What an 
 air of comfort pervades the entire town ! Your dwellings are as 
 good as those found in New England, and seem to have every 
 convenience." 
 
 " And why should they not? " she laughed. " They were erected 
 by New England mechanics, and designed by New England archi- 
 tects. Everything can be obtained here for the building of a house ; 
 not only plain ones, but even those ornamented with carved work. 
 
 " The longer I look at the town the more I am delighted with 
 it," I said. " I should never wish to leave it, it seems to me." 
 
 " Did you never possess such feelings before?" she asked, with 
 a malicious smile, which quickly gave place to one of gravity. 
 
 I blushed, for I recollected that only a short time before I had 
 told the Rev. Mr. Gangle, when I was conversing with him, that 
 I never desired to leave the kanaka village. I looked up, and 
 saw that Miss Cherington's black eyes were fixed upon my face. 
 My own fell ; and once more sought the harbor. 
 
 " What shall I do to amuse you?" Julia asked at length, after 
 punishing me sufficiently. 
 
LETTERS FROM HOME. 135 
 
 " I leave it to your own invention. Only don't wound me with 
 such cruel remarks as you just made." 
 
 a You poor boy, I did not intend to hurt your feelings. I 
 meant to show you that you did not yet know your own mind. 
 You are so fickle that I believe you would be contented in most 
 any spot for a while, and then risk your life to escape from it. 
 You are impulsive, but I don't think you really mean to be bad." 
 
 " A thousand thanks for your good opinion," I cried. " I 
 asked you last night how long I had been sick. 
 
 *' O, a long time," she answered. " But do you think you are 
 strong enough to talk of the matter?" 
 
 " I feel very comfortable," I answered. 
 
 " And happy ? " she whispered. 
 
 " No, not quite happy," I replied. 
 
 " What do you desire ? " 
 
 " Health, wealth, and your respect." 
 
 " Health you soon will have ; wealth will depend upon your- 
 self; and my respect upon your future actions." 
 
 "And you are willing to forgive the past?" I whispered. 
 
 " I forgive nothing, for I have nothing to forgive. You must 
 learn wisdom and self-respect before you can expect your friends 
 to love you." 
 
 Before I could frame a reply, Mr. Cherington entered the room. 
 
 " Good morning, Charles," he said, shaking my hand with 
 gentle warmth. "You are getting along bravely, my lad. In a 
 week's time you can be out." 
 
 " You must not hurry him, father," the young lady remarked. 
 " He is doing very well under my treatment." 
 
 " I have no doubt but that he will soon tire of it. Now I 
 have come to talk with him, and thus relieve you. You can soon 
 return," her father said, as the door closed upon her. 
 
 Mr. Cherington took a seat by my side, and produced a pack- 
 age of letters, which he handed me. 
 
 " These are from your parents," he said. " Your father is not 
 very complimentary, but you can rea'd for yourself." v 
 
 I broke the seal of my father's letter, and read as follows : 
 
 " Mr DEAR CHARLES : You're a fool. What did you want 
 to leave home for ? And what in the name of thunder made you 
 ship on board of a whaler ? We supposed that you were drowned, 
 
136 A WHALEMAN'S ADVENTURES. 
 
 and I offered a reward for your body. I had the whole police 
 force after you. I don't understand it yet. A boy who has had 
 the advantages you have had should not have left home so sud- 
 denly. My old friend, Mr. Cherington, speaks highly of you, and 
 thinks that you will be contented at the Sandwich Islands. I 
 know better. You can't be contented unless you have a mother 
 looking after you. If you want to remain at Honolulu for a 
 while, I have no objection ; or if you can go into business there 
 and make a good thing of it, I will let you have the money, say 
 from five thousand to ten thousand dollars ; but I want Mr. Cher- 
 iugton's approval, and if he is satisfied, draw on me. I have 
 done pretty well, lately. I was elected an alderman on the 10th, 
 and I've just sold some of my land for five times the amount I 
 paid for it. I made a cool forty thousand dollars by the operation, 
 and I shall do as well by the other lot on Washington Street, near 
 the Neck. The city wants it for a square ; but the city has got 
 to come down squarely with the cash before it gets it. Old Fair- 
 child asked after you the other day, and said that it would not be 
 a bad idea for us to unite houses by marriage. He has got a 
 pretty daughter, and my son used to be a decent-looking boy. I 
 asked him what he would give the girl, and he said, as much as 
 1 would you. I thought that I would let him know that the. gro- 
 cery business is as profitable as the hide and leather ; so I said, 
 kinder carelessly, that when you married, I should give you fifty 
 thousand dollars to start with. That made him stare ; and after 
 a moment's hesitation, he said that he would do the same. So, 
 you see, if you want to come home and settle down, here is a 
 chance. I'll take you in partnership, and get you nominated for 
 the common council, where you can get a very good thing if 
 you are smart ; aad in course of time you can run for alderman, 
 and if elected, your fortune is made. I long to see you, you 
 young rascal, for I feel that I love you much better than I sup- 
 posed I did. If you remain at the Islands, I shall consign to 
 you a number of articles, and you may sell them on commis- 
 sion. I shall write by the next ship." 
 
 I read the letter over carefully. 
 
 *' Your father is prospering, he tells me," said Mr. Cherington. 
 " Yes," I answered, and I placed my letter in his hand. " There 
 is nothing iu it which I need keep secret from you.*' 
 
NO BETTER AND NO WORSE. 137 
 
 He read the letter very deliberately, and then handed it back. 
 
 " Your father's letters to me speak about your engaging in 
 business here ; but on that subject we can talk after you have 
 grown stronger. You have a bright prospect ahead, if you will 
 only try to improve it." 
 
 " I shall need a little money," I hinted, " to purchase clothing 
 for my new position." 
 
 " I will advance what is necessary. Give yourself no uneasi- 
 ness on that score. My house is your home as long as you re- 
 main in Honolulu." 
 
 I expressed my thanks, and then the old gentleman was about 
 to leave me, when I detained him. 
 
 " Can you tell me on what ground I was arrested by the sol- 
 diers, and whether I am still regarded as a prisoner ? " 
 
 " I have seen the Secretary of State," he said, u and have se- 
 cured your release and permission to remain on the island as long 
 as you may be disposed to." 
 
 " But why was I arrested ? " I asked, more earnestly. 
 
 " I think that the Secretary was informed that you were not 
 leading a moral life at the village of Kammaira, and that it was 
 better for you to be removed. He will, probably, explain all 
 some day." 
 
 " Does Miss Cherington believe the^ slanders which were circu- 
 lated respecting me?" I asked, after a moment's hesitation. 
 
 " She is young, and has seen but little of life. She has confi- 
 dence in human nature and in man's honesty. After she has re- 
 sided on the island as long as I have, she will not be so credulous. 
 Men change wonderfully after leaving Cape Horn. You have 
 not acted worse than others, and " 
 
 U I thank Heaven for that ! " I exclaimed. 
 
 " And no better," the old gentleman continued, which rather 
 took me aback. 
 
 My cautious friend left me, and I was alone to read my moth- 
 er's letter. It was a long and affectionate epistle, blaming me 
 for not confiding my grief to her, and for my cruel conduct in 
 leaving home. The reading of the letter made me melancholy ; 
 and I found that I would have to retire to the bed and rest, unless 
 I ran the risk of over-exerting my strength. I touched a bell, and 
 a kanaka servant a young and willing fellow waited upon 
 me, aiid by his aid I was soon comfortable. 
 
138 A WHALEMAN'S ADVENTURES. 
 
 " Miss Julia gone out, sir," the man said, after he had darkened 
 the room. " She will be back by noon." 
 
 I was so fatigued that I fell asleep, and did not awaken until 
 afternoon ; and then I found upon the table, at my elbow, a 
 bouquet of fragrant flowers and half a dozen large golden-hued 
 oranges. 
 
 I felt refreshed and strengthened by my rest, and was anxious 
 once more to try the virtues of an easy-chair. I touched tho 
 bell that stood upon the table, and the kanaka was promptly at 
 my side. 
 
 " The family are just eating dinner," he said, " and will be with 
 you as soon as they have finished. What can I serve you with ? " 
 
 " Help me to that chair first, and some dinner afterwards," I 
 answered. 
 
 The smiling kanaka, who could speak better English than I 
 could the language of his country, assisted me to rise, dressed me 
 with what clothes were necessary, opened the windows, and drew 
 back the curtains, and left me to enjoy the glorious view which I 
 had looked upon in the morning. 
 
 Presently in came Mr. Cherington'and Julia. 
 
 " Did you notice the beautiful flowers which I placed by your 
 bedside while you slept ? " she asked. 
 
 " I did, and thanked you in my heart for the gift," I remarked. 
 
 " Julia is very skilful in arranging bouquets," Mr. Cheriugton 
 said. " I wish that she would exercise her talent a little oftener, 
 and decorate my room." 
 
 " So 1 will when you are sick." 
 
 " Well, I don't care to be sick, even for the flowers. But 
 while we are talking, Charles is starving. What is he to dine 
 on?" 
 
 44 O, I have some delicious broth for him. The doctor says 
 that it is strengthening. And for dessert I have a nice orange 
 and some splendid jelly." 
 
 " 1 am ready to meet it face to face," I said ; and I soon Lad 
 an opportunity. 
 
 From that time my recovery was rapid, and in a week I was 
 able to ride out and view the town. I rode out with Julia every 
 day, for Mr. Cherington not only kept his horses and carriage, 
 but he was very particular that they should be as showy as could 
 be found on the island. Sometimes the old gentleman joined us 
 
A HONOLULU COSTUME. 139 
 
 of an afternoon ; but we generally went alone, and I willingly 
 dispensed with his company. It was dangerous wor-k for a young 
 man of nineteen to sit by the side of a young lady of seventeen, 
 day after day ; and as my health became established, J found that 
 I was gradually forgetting my passion for Lilly, and thinking 
 more and more of the bright eyes and clear skin of Julia, and 
 hoping that I was not indifferent to her. I ordered linen shirts 
 by the dozen, and grumbled terribly if my washerwoman did not 
 polish them until they shone like a mirror. I affected tight shoes 
 and white stockings, and changed the latter three times a day if I 
 had visits to make in the evening in company with Julia. I wore 
 the whitest of linen coats, and the neatest of linen pants, and the 
 most delicate of vests, and sported a Panama hat that was a 
 marvel of workmanship and purity. I purchased a chronometer 
 watch from a reduced sea captain, and then bought a chain to 
 match ; but still Mr. Cherington made no complaint, but honored 
 my drafts without a murmur. A month passed on, and still Mr. 
 Cheriugton had said not one word of business. I visited his 
 store every day, and found that he dealt in most everything which 
 a ship would want, or a landsman require. He traded with whale- 
 men, merchant ships, and men-of-war ; and I judged that his 
 profits were large. One day I was seated in his counting-room, 
 reading the last number of the Honolulu Advertiser, when he 
 came in and took a seat by my side. 
 
 " You feel quite well," he said, after scanning my neat appear- 
 ance with a calm smile. 
 
 " Never felt better," I answered. 
 
 " And you have no desire to go back to kanaka life?" my friend 
 
 " None," I answered with a sigh, for I thought of Lilly. 
 
 " I am glad to hear it. I suppose you are anxious for some- 
 thing to occupy your time." 
 
 " I am doing very well at present." 
 
 " But you must have something to occupy your mind. You 
 wish to remain on the island for a few years, I understand." 
 
 " For a lifetime," I answered, warmly. 
 
 " We will make arrangements for a few years, and see if 
 you don't get restless. Do you wish to enter my employment 
 as a clerk? I can give you a position as such as long as you 
 desire." 
 
140 A WHALEMAN'S ADVENTURES. 
 
 " I should prefer some other position," I remarked, after a 
 moment's reflection. 
 
 " "What other position would you like? Speak freely." 
 
 u My father spoke of advancing money in case I was disposed 
 to enter into business arangements here," I said, after a lengthy 
 pause.. 
 
 " I know that he did, and I am willing to second you in any 
 manner in my power." 
 
 " Then," I replied, " I should like to become a partner in your 
 house. I will work cheerfully, and in a few months hope to 
 be able to take much care and labor from your shoulders." 
 
 The old gentleman did not answer me for some time. At last 
 he took from his safe a ledger and opened it. 
 
 " My business," he said, u is much more extensive than you 
 suppose, and the profits are large. I have no desire for a partner, 
 yet as I am growing old and I have taken a fancy to you, I will 
 allow you one third of the concern, at a fair valuation, and you 
 may select any business man on the island to be the judge." 
 
 " My dear friend," I cried, " I will leave that matter entirely 
 to you. I am not acquainted with trade, and it will take me 
 some time to learn it thoroughly." 
 
 " The profits of my business the past year," said Mr. Cherington, 
 calling my attention to a page of the ledger, " were a trifle over 
 twenty thousand dollars ; the year before, eighteen thousand ; 
 the year previous, sixteen thousand. The losses have been 
 trifling. Now, to admit you to share one third of such a business, 
 I shall charge you the sum of eight thousand dollars." 
 
 " Before I accept or reject the proposition," I cried, " tell me 
 how much money you will allow me to draw out of the concern 
 for current expenses." 
 
 " How much do you think you will need?" my friend asked, 
 with a calm smile. 
 
 " I want to make a good appearance," I said, " and I can't do 
 that unless I have a good wardrobe and money in my pocket to 
 pay my stable bills." 
 
 " My horses and carriages are at your service any time you 
 wish to ride," my friend remarked. 
 
 " How can I thank you for such kindness ? " I cried, with some 
 emotion. 
 
 "By taking Julia with you on some of your excursions," ha 
 answered. 
 
A NEW FIRM. 141 
 
 " Take her with me ! " I cried with warmth ; " why, I should 
 not want to go unless she was with me." 
 
 " Ah, is that the case? " the old gentleman exclaimed, dryly; 
 44 then I don't see that we need quarrel about that. Julia is eager 
 to go, and you anxious for her company. There is no occasion 
 for a dispute on that score, unless you and the girl spat it a little 
 for variety." 
 
 " I cannot quarrel with Miss Cherington," I said. 
 
 44 That is what I used to think, before I was married ; " and the 
 good man sighed. 
 
 44 Then I have a board bill to pay," I continued, enumerating 
 my expenses. 
 
 44 Are you contented where you are?" Mr. Cherington asked. 
 
 44 Indeed I am," I answered, most promptly. 
 
 44 Then you shall stay there until you tire of our company ; and 
 to save your independence, your board shall commence on the day 
 that we sign articles of copartnership. Until then I consider you 
 my guest. Does that suit you ? " 
 
 I could only press his hand. 
 
 44 What say you, Charles, of the propositions?" asked my 
 friend, with a calm smile. 
 
 44 That I accept them with much pleasure, and will strive to 
 merit your commendations as a partner." 
 
 44 Well, then, let us go to dinner ; I see it is time. Give ino 
 your arm, and walk slow." 
 
 CHAPTER IX. 
 
 A NEW FIRM. 
 
 TN a few days the necessary papers were made out, and I was 
 introduced to the foreign residents of Honolulu as the junior 
 partner of the great house of Cherington & Co. In a few weeks 
 I was able to ta'ke charge of the books of the concern, and was 
 very proud of my penmanship, as I recorded the various transac- 
 tions of the firm upon the white pages. During my leisure hours 
 I made many acquaintances and received many invitations to 
 
142 A WHALEMAN'S ADVENTURES. 
 
 bachelor quarters ; but as I was in love, I preferred to spend my 
 evenings at home, hearing Julia sing, or else chat with her upon 
 the events of the day. 
 
 One day, as I was going home, some one brushed past me, and 
 then stopped directly in my path. I thought the man intoxi- 
 cated, and inclined to assert his right to the whole of the side- 
 sidewalk, so stepped to the wall, and was passing on without a 
 word, when a familiar voice saluted me. 
 
 " Blast -my eyes, but doesn't you know a shipmate when you 
 sees him?" 
 
 " Jack," I cried, overjoyed to see the man, and shaking hands 
 most heartily, u where did you come from?" 
 
 "Same old place where you left me when the sojers carried 
 you off. I haven't been in town but an hour or two." 
 
 " And Will and Jake where are they? " I asked. 
 
 " They is down to the boat waiting for me." 
 
 " I am glad to see you, and shall be happy to shake hands with 
 the rest of my shipmates. But I have not time to go to the dock 
 now." 
 
 "All right, maty. It's just as well. We didn't come here to 
 interfere with your business, 'cos now you is a gentleman, and can 
 walk the quarter-deck, and we is fore'stle men, and knows our 
 place." 
 
 " But I want to see you and talk with you," I cried, feeling a 
 little hurt at his remarks. " I have not forgotten you and your 
 kindness, and I never shall." 
 
 " That may be, Pepper, but it would not do for us to be seen on 
 equal terms here. Your partner wouldn't like that, you know." 
 
 " How do you know about my partner? " I asked., 
 
 " O, Kamaka visits us sometimes, and yarns off the news." 
 
 So it seemed that Karnaka was well aware of my movements, 
 although I knew nothing of him. There was one question 
 that I wanted to ask, yet feared to, and I tremblingly awaited 
 Jack's communication on the subject. He saw by my looks that 
 I was uneasy, and said : 
 
 "What is it, Pepper?" 
 
 " You know what I would be informed of. Is she alive? " 
 
 " O, Lilly," he cried. " Ah, I recollect. She is not so well as 
 she used to be. She took your sailing to heart, and for two 
 months she didn't show her face outside of her father's house. 
 
NEWS OF LILLY. 143 
 
 The natives thought she would die, 'cos she busted a blood-vessel ; 
 but the old women give her some roots and yarbs, and she come 
 round arter a while ; but she don't sing now." 
 
 " Does she know that I am here?" I asked. 
 
 " O, yes ; Kamaka told her all about it, and a good deal that 
 wasn't true, I think, 'cos I saw 'em talking, and she was crying." 
 
 " The rascal ! Why don't you drive him from the village ? " 
 
 " So we did, arter you was gone a little while ; but then the 
 gneak come back, and give us the news about you, and as we had 
 no other way of hearing of you, we let him come." 
 
 " And Lilly's father ; is he well? " 
 
 " The old fellow smokes and bathes as much as ever, but he 
 don't seem lively since you left us." 
 
 I felt a pang of remorse as I recollected how I promised to re- 
 turn and marry Lilly, and be a chief in the village. 
 
 u We is quite contented at the town," Jack continued, not 
 noticing my internal struggles. " We has each of us got a wife, and 
 they takes care of our clothes, and we supplies 'em with fish ; and 
 if we only had a little tobacco to smoke, we should have no cause 
 to complain." 
 
 " You don't mean to tell me that Will has a wife." 
 
 " No, we wouldn't let the boy take one ; but he grumbled some 
 at us 'cos we refused our consent. Boys don't know much do 
 they?" 
 
 " Is Will contented at the village? " I asked. 
 
 " Well, sometimes he is, and then agin he ain't. I come to 
 see you on his account." 
 
 " Indeed ! " 
 
 " Yes ; you know that Will has got an old mother to support, 
 and I don't think it right for the boy to sojer his time away doing 
 nothing, like me and Jake. We don't care, you know. A day or 
 a, year is no object to us, but 'tis to Will. Now you can give him 
 something to do here in town." 
 
 " I am glad you spoke of the matter," I said, for I had often 
 thought of some way to relieve Will, and yet did not know how 
 to go to work to do it. " If he will remain here with me, he shall 
 have a salary and something to do." 
 
 u I knew you would help Will," Jack cried, seizing my hand' 
 and wringing it most heartily. u You jest talk to him to-morrow, 
 and he'll stop here. You tell him it's all for the best." 
 
144 A WHALEMAN'S ADVENTURES. 
 
 I promised that I would, and then Jack looked me all over, and 
 shaded his eyes as he did so, pretending that my appearance 
 dazzled him. 
 
 "You is all rigged out like a new frigate jest from the dock," 
 he said. " You don't look as though you had slushed down masts 
 and tarred down ropes. Let's see your hands, if it ain't too much 
 work to peel them things off of 'em." 
 
 He meant a pair of white silk gloves which I wore for the pur- 
 pose of shielding my hands from the hot sun, and preserving their 
 whiteness. It will be seen that I was fast merging into the habits 
 of a dandy. I was not asHamed to show my hand, for all the 
 stains contracted on board the whaler were removed. Jack lifted 
 it up in a dainty manner, and examined my palm, and' then 
 dropped it with a sigh. 
 
 " It looks cleaner than it used to," he said, " but is it as honest 
 a paw as it was when I showed it how to use a marliuspike and a 
 sarvin' mallet?" 
 
 " It is a hand that is at your service at any time, friend Jack," 
 I replied. 
 
 " Ah, boy, time changes men's hearts as well as their hair. 
 You is fresh and green to-day, and to-morrow you is well, 
 blast me if I know what you is to-morrow." 
 
 " Then you mean that I am green to-day?" I asked, laughing. 
 
 " That's 'em ; " and the old salt shut his larboard eye and 
 winked. " All boys is green," he continued, " and don't know 
 much till they has been afloat a dozen viges or so." 
 
 " I must leave you now," I said, " but will see you to-morrow 
 forenoon. Call at the store. Ask any ojie where we keep, and 
 you will be directed right. Now, where do you propose to spend 
 the night?" 
 
 *' In the boat," he answered, promptly. 
 
 " No, that won't do. Here is money. Go to the hotel, and all 
 have supper and breakfast, and I will see you in the morning. 
 Remember, no liquor, Jack. It will get you into trouble." 
 
 " Not a drop," he answered ; and then we shook hands and 
 parted. 
 
 The next morning one of the clerks entered the counting-room, 
 ' and said, 
 
 There are three sailors in the front store who wish to speak 
 with you." 
 
HITTING HOME. 145 
 
 I went out, and saw, surrounded by boxes of tobacco, pipes, 
 and bales of goods, my friends Jack, Will, and Jake. 
 
 " Good Lord, is dat Mr. Pepper?'.' Jake asked, surveying my 
 personal appearance with looks of astonishment. 
 
 " Blast yer eyes, can't you see it is? " said Jack. " I knowed 
 him the minute I seed him." 
 
 " I am glad to see you," I cried. " Now take seats, and tell me 
 all the news." 
 
 " I kotched fifty fish day afore yesterday," Jake said. " Golly, 
 didn't I snake 'em in." 
 
 " What do you 'spose Pepper cares about that? " Jack growled. 
 " Tell him some news. My wife says you must come and see us 
 one of these days." 
 
 " Who married you, Jack? " I asked. 
 
 ** Well, we jumped over the broomstick, I s'pect. That's about 
 all the marriage I had. It answers just as well as any other, I 
 s'pose. My wife obeys me, and 'tain't every wife that does, you 
 know." 
 
 " I am glad to hear," I remarked, addressing Will, and speak- 
 ing very gravely, " that you have no thoughts of taking a wife." 
 
 " O, but I did want one," answered the young rascal, promptly. 
 " Jack said I shouldn't have one, and the old chief backed him 
 up ; so no young girl dared to accept of me." 
 
 " Think how it would have grieved your mother had she heard 
 of such actions," I remarked. 
 
 " I don't think that you've got much to boast of," Will said, a 
 little inclined to be sulky. u I s'pose I've got a right to have a 
 wife as well as you." 
 
 I sighed at such depravity, and thought what I should say in 
 reply. 
 
 " I had no wife, and have none at the present time," I said. 
 
 " O, that's all gammon, you know ; I've got two eyes, and can 
 see things as well as any one." 
 
 I looked at the young rascal, and concluded that I would not 
 argue with him until I could show a fair record. 
 
 " When do you propose to return to the village?" I asked of 
 Jack. 
 
 " O, we want to be off just as quick as we can. You said 
 something about some tobacco yesterday, and if you can afford to 
 give us a few pounds, we shouldn't take it amiss." 
 10 
 
146 A WHALEMAN'S ADVENTURES. 
 
 " You shall have a keg," I said ; " but I want you to supply the 
 chief as long as it lasts. He was kind to ine, and I have not for- 
 gotten him." 9 , 
 
 " Or his daughter," cried Will, with a laugh ; but I frowned 
 the boy into silence. 
 
 I called a clerk, and told him to put up a number of pipes, a 
 box of tobacco, a piece of bright calico for Lilly, a looking-glass 
 for the same person, for I knew she was woman enough to like 
 a glimpse of her face once in a while, anS then I walked 
 towards the beach, where their boat was hauled up. 
 
 u You haven't said one word about Will," whispered Jack, as 
 we neared the boat. 
 
 I had not said one word about him, I very well knew. The 
 reason was, he appeared a little too knowing for me. Perhaps 
 Jack suspected what I thought, for he suddenly seized Will by the 
 collar of his shirt, and shook him as though just recollecting an 
 old grudge. 
 
 " What is that for? " asked Will. " What have I been doing 
 
 BOW?" 
 
 " Are you going to tell me whether you mean to go back with 
 us, or stay here?" 
 
 " How can I stay here when no one has axed me? " responded 
 the boy. 
 
 " Will you keep a quiet tongue in your head if you does stay? 
 Answer me that." 
 
 *' Of course I can keep quiet, but I won't be shook like that 
 and say nothing, now I tell you ; " and Will looked his indignation. 
 
 " Don't talk to me, you boy," cried Jack. " You comes here, 
 and is entertained in good style, arid yet you must open your jaws 
 and reel off yarns must you ? " 
 
 u I ain't reeled off any yarns." 
 
 u Don't you go for to answer back. Now, if Mr. Pepper will 
 take charge of you, and look arter you, will you keep secret-like, 
 and say nothing to nobody ? " 
 
 "In course I will," was the cry. "Does you think I is 
 leaky?" 
 
 Jack looked at me to know if that was satisfactory. I nodded. 
 
 " You can remain here, Will," I said, " and I will find some- 
 thing for you to do ; but keep a still tongue in your head." 
 
 u I understand, sir. You don't want me to say one word about 
 your old flame, Lilly." 
 
A FALSE REPORT. 147 
 
 Jack caught the boy, and once more shook him. 
 
 " There you go agin, in spite of my warnin'. Won't you keep 
 still?" 
 
 " Let me alone, or I'll knock thunder out of. you," said the lad. 
 
 I made Jack release the boy, and by the time we reached the 
 water, the articles which I had ordered were on the beach and 
 put into the boat, the same one we had stolen from the Sally. I 
 saw that my shipmates had everything that they needed for the 
 short trip which they were going, and after a hearty hand-shaking 
 they shoved off. 
 
 We walked back to the store. Mr. Cherington was in the 
 counting-room, and looked at, my shipmate with some surprise. 
 
 " Don't you recollect this lad?" I asked of my partner. " He 
 was on board the Sally with me, and showed me many acts of 
 kindness." 
 
 " O, I recollect him now. He appears to be a bright boy, 
 Charles, and I think that we can give him something to do, and 
 at a fair salary." 
 
 " We want some one in the store to check off goods as they are 
 received and leave the premises," I said. " When not thus em- 
 ployed he could visit vessels, and be very useful on account of 
 his knowledge of seamanship." 
 
 " So he could. We have long wanted such an intelligent boy." 
 
 I introduced Will to the clerks, and set him at work, and he 
 seemed quite contented when he found that he could make a good 
 living. 
 
 That day the dinner was not enlivened with conversation, and 
 I was glad when it was fhiished, for one of the young men of 
 Honolulu had told me a strange story, and I was anxious to know 
 if it was true. I followed Julia to the sitting-room. 
 
 "Julia, may I not congratulate you upon your engagement?" I 
 remarked. 
 
 I saw her face flush and the work drop to her lap, as though 
 too much astonished to say a word. But she rallied and made sail, 
 although I could see that she made considerable leeway while 
 getting under way. 
 
 " Why, Charles, what do you mean ? " she asked. 
 
 " Just what I said," I replied. " I have been told that you 
 were engaged to a naval officer, and I congratulate you ; but I am 
 sorry that you did not hint something of the kind to me." 
 
148 A WHALEMAN'S ADVENTURES. 
 
 44 Who told you such a story?" she asked. 
 
 44 O, I caniiot tell you." 
 
 44 You need not, sir ; I know. It was that odious Hatch. It 
 sounds just like him." 
 
 " And do you mean to tell me, Julia," I asked, moving my 
 chair a little nearer her own, " that the report is untrue?" 
 
 44 Of course I do, sir. What could possess you to believe such 
 a story?" 
 
 " Ah," I said, " it was mostly on account of that report that I 
 have been miserable to-day. I felt as though I had not shared 
 your confidence. I thought that you might have told me if that 
 was the case. I am sure you have been to me as a sister." 
 
 " A sister?" 
 
 She started as she repeated the word. I saw her dark eyes 
 raised as though reproachfully, and I thought that there were 
 tears in them. 
 
 44 You will be a sister to me won't you, Julia? " I asked. 
 
 There was no response. 
 
 44 1 am sure," I continued, " I should be glad to know that you 
 had a good husband, and one that would love you as you deserve 
 to be loved." 
 
 Still there was no response. 
 
 44 Do you feel offended at my words?" I asked, after a pause. 
 
 44 O, no. Why should I?" she replied. 44 You have been 
 kind to me, and I thought at one time that you " 
 
 She ceased speaking, and once more resumed her work. 
 
 44 Will you not finish your remarks, and tell me what you 
 think?" 
 
 44 Why should I? You only want a sister's confidence." 
 
 I gently removed the work from her hands, and then she 
 looked up. 
 
 44 How can I ask for any other kind until I know whether the 
 reports which I have heard are true or false." 
 
 "Then I will tell you. They are false. Does that satisfy 
 you?" 
 
 44 No." 
 
 She looked up surprised and grieved. I took possession of one 
 of her hands. 
 
 44 Julia," I whispered, gaining courage very fast. 
 
 44 Charles," was the answer. 
 
A CONFESSION. 149 
 
 " Do you know that I have more than a brother's love for you?" 
 
 " I thought so at one time." 
 
 " Do you not think so now? " 
 
 " How can I tell ? " 
 
 I moved a little nearer, and accidentally dropped one hand over 
 the back of her chair, and let it circle her waist. 
 
 " Julia," I said, " since the night we met on board the whale- 
 ship, I have loved you." 
 
 " O, Charles, think before you speak. Consider the events of < 
 the past few months, and then confess that at one time I had 
 nearly faded from your mind." 
 
 " No, I will think of nothing but my love for you. Time can- 
 not change that." 
 
 She looked at me with those dear bright eyes of hers, and I 
 fancied that I saw hope expressed in them. 
 
 " Can you love me a little, Julia, if you should try very hard?" 
 
 u Yes, I think that I could if I should try very hard," she an- 
 swer-ed, and her eyes began to grow light with mischief. 
 
 "Will you try?" 
 
 " I will think of it." 
 
 My happiness was so complete that I did not care to move ; so 
 I sat there encircling her waist and holding one of her hands. 
 
 " You think that you like me well enough for a husband? " I 
 asked at length. 
 
 " I think that I shall, after you have grown a little more stable 
 in mind," was her answer. 
 
 " Can you believe me fickle? " I asked. 
 
 " I do think so, Charles. I may as well speak plain.'* 
 
 u I never loved but you," I murmured ; and then before me rose 
 memories of Jenny Fairchild, whom I had worshipped, and poor 
 Lilly, whom I had been forced to part from. 
 
 " We are both too young to think of marriage for many years," 
 she said. " There is time enough for us to talk of such matters." 
 
 " But I don't think so," I cried, " and you will break my heart 
 with your proposals of delay." 
 
 " I should be sorry to do that ; but at least you will consent to 
 wait until you are twenty-one." 
 
 " You don't love me," I said, a little pettishly. 
 
 " Yes, I do ; but it is your happiness and mine that I am striv- 
 ing to secure. Only think, if we were married, and you should 
 Bee some one you liked better than myself." 
 
150 A WHALEMAN'S ADVENTURES. 
 
 "But I never shall," I answered, kissing her so rapturously 
 that for five minutes she could not answer me ; and while % I was 
 thus engaged, the door opened softly, and into the room walked 
 Mr. Cheriugton. 
 
 I think that Julia managed to leave my arms about as quick as 
 a distressed female could tear herself from such a pleasant posi- 
 tion. I arose from my seat and confronted my partner, and ap- 
 peared as cool as possible under the circumstances. 
 
 " I don't understand the meaning of this scene," Mr. Cherington 
 said. " Will you, sir, be kind enough to explain ? " 
 
 " I thought the scene explained itself," I answered. " I was 
 kissing Julia." 
 
 "By what right?" 
 
 " Love's attraction," I answered, although not quite so bold as 
 before. 
 
 " I am still in the dark," he said. 
 
 While I was thinking what excuse I should render, Julia came 
 to my rescue in her calm, sensible manner. 
 
 " Tell him all, Charles," she said. 
 
 " And I should like to be told all," was the reply of her matter- 
 of-fact parent. 
 
 "Well,, sir, you shall know all. I had just told Julia that I 
 should like to make her my wife that I loved her dearly and 
 she had answered that although she rather fancied me, she was 
 too young to think of being married." 
 
 u Humph," grunted my partner ; " what do you suppose your 
 parents would say to such an arrangement? " 
 
 " They would say that I was sensible in marrying such a 
 charming creature." 
 
 " I don't know about that ;" and then the old gentleman looked 
 thoughtful. 
 
 " I hope you don't disapprove of my suit ? " I said. 
 
 " Too young, too young," he muttered. 
 
 "I know we are young, but we are growing older every day. 
 If you will give your consent now, I will wait as long as you 
 please." 
 
 u If I give my consent you must promise to wait with patience 
 for two years." 
 
 " Two years ! " I cried, horrified at the length of time proposed. 
 
 u Two years," repeated Mr. Cherington. 
 
A LITTLE MYSTERY. 151 
 
 *' I consent," answered Julia. 
 
 " And you will also consent, Charles? It is for your welfare 
 and that of my child that I make the proposition ; but now I 
 must return to business. Charles, you and Julia had better ride 
 out. The air is delightfully cool." 
 
 u Perhaps I should return with you," I said, demurely. 
 
 " No, no ; I'll see to everything. Enjoy yourselves while you 
 can. Life is short, and sometimes not over pleasant. Be home 
 in time for tea, and don't drive the horses as though they could be 
 made to trot in less than three minutes ; " and off went the old 
 gentleman. 
 
 We had a pleasant ride, and then returned to town, stopping 
 for Mr. Cherington. I entered the counting-room to tell him that 
 we were waiting for him ; but saw that he was holding a conver- 
 sation with a rough-looking man, dressed like a sailor. They 
 were conversing in whispers, but stopped when they saw me, as 
 though I intruded upon them. At the same time the sailor 
 hastily thrust something into his pocket, and then sat gazing at 
 my partner as though anxious to know what he should do. 
 
 4t The carriage is ready," I said, looking at Mr. Cherington and 
 the sailor with astonishment. 
 
 " I shall not go home with you. I- am not quite ready. You 
 need not wait for me," my partner said. 
 
 " Very well," I answered, and turned to leave. 
 
 " O ! tell Julia that she may prepare the west room for com- 
 pany, and also have a good supper for one or two guests." 
 
 " Somethin' fresh, with a glass of grog to top off with," said 
 the sailor. " I feels as though I could eat double rations, I've 
 been kept short so long." 
 
 " Whom, in the name of common sense, has my partner picked 
 up?" I asked myself; and as I left the two, their heads went 
 together, and they re-commenced whispering. 
 
 " Where is papa?" asked Julia. 
 
 " He is in the counting-room, holding a close conversation with 
 a sailor ; " and then I delivered to her Mr. Cherington's orders, 
 and she wondered as much as myself. 
 
 41 It must be one of my father's old shipmates," Julia remarked. 
 " He meets with one sometimes, and then he has to talk for a 
 week about old matters." 
 
 I considered that might be a proper solution of the affair, and 
 
152 A WHALEMAN'S ADVENTURES. 
 
 thought no more of it until after dark, when Mr. Cherington 
 brought the sailor home, and entertained him at supper, after- 
 wards gave him a large glass of punch, and then attempted to 
 get him to bed ; but the seaman refused to move until he had 
 emptied a bottle of brandy, when he began to sing songs and act 
 in rather an independent manner, as though he was at home. 
 
 " Why don't you send the fellow to the guard-house?" I asked, 
 disgusted with his conduct, and sympathizing with the alarm 
 which Julia manifested. 
 
 " Hush, my dear boy," cried my partner, with a look of dismay. 
 " Don't say one word to offend him. He will retire to rest in a 
 few minutes." 
 
 " Not by a d sight," retorted the bold mariner. " I'm on 
 
 shore, and I'm going to drink as much as I please. I can pay 
 for it, and I don't care for any of you. Send me to the guard- 
 house !" cried the fellow, after amoment"s pause ; " I'd like to see 
 you do it. I'd blow the yarn to every one I met, and then how 
 would you like it? " 
 
 I saw that Mr. Cherington was really agitated, and anxious for 
 me to leave. What could be the meaning of the secrecy between 
 them ? Had my partner at one time committed some shocking 
 crime, and was the sailor acquainted with the mystery? I re- 
 turned to the drawing-room, where I found Julia pale and agi- 
 tated ; for the sailor had made considerable noise in the house, 
 and frightened her, as well as the kanaka servants. 
 
 " What is the meaning of this? " the dear girl asked. 
 
 " I have not the slightest idea," I answered. 
 
 " It is the first time such a scene has occurred in the house, 
 and I trust that it will be the last." 
 
 " I trust so, too ; but I have every confidence in your father, 
 and no doubt he will explain the matter when disposed." 
 
 About eight o'clock, one of the servants informed me that Will 
 was desirous of seeing me on business, and I went to him im- 
 mediately. The few weeks that Will had been in our employ 
 had produced quite a change in his deportment. He was fast im- 
 proving in his duties, and had reached a position which he was 
 proud of. 
 
 " I am sorry to disturb you, Mr. Allspice," he said ; " but while 
 putting away the books this evening, I found on the- floor this 
 leather bag, filled with some kind of yellow metal. I didn't know 
 but you would like to hear of it ; so I brought it to the house." 
 
THE MYSTERIOUS BAG. 153 
 
 " It would have kept until morning," I remarked, with a smile, 
 and took the bag, but was astonished to find that its contents 
 were very heavy. 
 
 When I reached the drawing-room, I saw Mr. Cherington con- 
 versing with his daughter. 
 . " Who wanted to see you? " he asked, nervously. 
 
 " Will. He found this bag on the floor of the counting-room, 
 and he thought you or the sailor might have dropped it." 
 
 " Did Will mention the subject to any one ? " Mr. Cherington 
 asked. 
 
 " No, I think not." 
 
 "Then, my dear boy, run after the lad, and charge him not to 
 say one word of the matter to any one." 
 
 "Why, father, what is the meaning of this mystery?" asked 
 Julia. 
 
 " No matter don't ask me any questions. I cannot explain, 
 and I will not. Go, Charles, and delay not a moment. If the 
 lad has mentioned what he found, or is disposed to, lock him up, 
 so that not a soul can see him until to-morrow. Delay not, my 
 boy." 
 
 I overtook Will just as he was entering his boarding-house. 
 
 " Will," I asked, " have you mentioned to a single person that 
 you found that bag on the floor of the counting-room ? " 
 
 " No, sir. Every one had left the store before me." 
 
 " All right. Keep a close tongue in your head, and say noth- 
 ing until I tell you to. There is some mystery connected with 
 the bag, and it will be investigated." 
 
 " I hope that you don't suspect me of anything," the boy said, 
 with a tremor in his tone, which showed how honest he was. 
 
 " You would be the last one, Will," I remarked, as I turned to 
 walk home. " We have known each other too well for that," 
 
 " I mean to be honest, at any rate," he answered ; and then I 
 left him and went home, where I found Mr. Cherington in com- 
 pany with the sailor, and still allowing him to drink as much as 
 he pleased. The mariner, however, was in the room allotted to 
 him for the night, and was too drunk to make much noise, except- 
 ing to roar out for brandy every ten minutes. 
 
 As soon as Mr. Cherington saw me, he left the sailor's company. 
 
 "Well, well," he asked ? "what is the news? Did you sea 
 him?" 
 
154 A WHALEMAN'S ADVENTURES. 
 
 " Of course I did." 
 
 " And he has been silent has he?" 
 
 " He has not spoken a word about finding the bag." 
 
 " Thank Heaven ! Then we are safe." 
 
 " You mean that you are safe," I replied. 
 
 " No, sir, I mean that we are safe." 
 
 " I confess that I do not understand you," I remarked, a little 
 coldly. 
 
 " I know that you do not," was the unsatisfactory answer. 
 
 Suddenly a suspicion crossed my mind a cruel suspicion 
 and I was determined to have my doubts satisfied. 
 
 u Mr. Cherington," I said, as my partner was turning from me, 
 " tell me one thing ; answer me one question." 
 
 " I cannot now, Charles. To-morrow you shall know all." 
 
 " Let me know to-night this one thing : Is the firm in danger 
 of failing, through some bad speculation of which I have been 
 kept in ignorance ? " 
 
 " My dear boy, the house never stood in a better position than 
 it does to-day." 
 
 41 Are you in any danger from the threats or exposure of that 
 drunken ruffian?" 
 
 The old gentleman smiled. 
 
 " The only danger that I run is hearing some very vile lan- 
 guage ; but that I must submit to for the sake of the firm." 
 
 " I cannot understand you, or your meaning," I remarked. 
 
 " I suppose not. You will, however, in good time." 
 
 I looked hard at the old gentleman, but he was quite cool now, 
 and his eyes were as keen as ever. 
 
 u You think me mad," he said. " I don't blame you. But 
 leave me. Go and comfort poor Julia." 
 
 And I left in search of Julia, whom I found in the drawing- 
 room, anxious for me to report. 
 
A SPECULATION CONTEMPLATED. 155 
 
 CHAPTER X. 
 
 ASTONISHING NEWS OF THE GOLD MINES OF CALIFORNIA WE 
 
 BUY TO THE EIGHT AND LEFT, AND MAKE PLANS FOR A FOR- 
 TUNE. 
 
 THE next morning, when I awoke, I found that it was sunrise, 
 and that Mr. Cherington was standing by the side of the bed. I 
 looked at my partner, and saw that his face was pale, as though he 
 had passed a sleepless night and was tired. 
 
 "Where is the sailor?" I asked. "I hope that he has left 
 the house." 
 
 " Heaven .forbid, after all the trouble that I've had with him. 
 The fellow is sleeping off his drunken debauch, and will not 
 awaken until afternoon at least I hope that he won't. He has 
 proved a tough customer, for his head is as hard as iron." 
 
 I looked at my partner, and saw that even if he did appear 
 tired, he was quite cool and collected, and I marvelled at it. 
 
 " Come, get up," he said. " We have work before us, and 
 much to accomplish before night." 
 
 I was soon dressed and at the table. It was just six o'clock as 
 we sat down, and twenty minutes afterwards we were on our way 
 to business. 
 
 " How many barrels of flour have we. in the store? " my part- 
 ner asked, as we walked along. 
 
 " Not more than fifty." 
 
 " And ship-bread? How many pipes? " 
 
 " Ten." 
 
 " And how much pork have we?" 
 
 " Not more than a dozen barrels. Hatch wanted to sell me 
 some yesterday, taken from the condemned ship Betsy Baker, of 
 New London. He offered it cheaper than we sell it by a dollar 
 a barrel." 
 
 " How many barrels did he say that he had ? " asked my partner. 
 
 " About one hundred, or more.". 
 
 " It is all mess, I suppose," Mr. Cherington remarked. 
 
 " No, one half is clear and of good quality. I saw some of it 
 unheaded, to show as a, sample." 
 
156 A WHALEMAN'S ADVENTURES. 
 
 " Does the firm want ready money?" my partner asked. 
 
 u I befieve that it does. It bought the stores of the Betsy Baker 
 for cash at a low rate, and the money is wanted to pay for them." 
 
 " That is good. I am glad to hear that. In a business point 
 of view, you know," my partner added, hastily. 
 
 We reached the store and found Will already there. He was 
 hard at work arranging goods, which provoked a smile from Mr. 
 Cherington. 
 
 " Smart boy," he said. " Make a good man for us ;" and then 
 we passed into the counting-room, and my partner commenced an 
 examination of the books. Then he made some memorandum on 
 a piece of paper and closed the books. 
 
 " I'm going to trust you with very important business," he said, 
 " and you must show yourself worthy of the firm." 
 
 I pricked up my ears. He was going to confide the secret to 
 me at last. 
 
 " I want you to go to the firm of Yida & Hatch, and buy all 
 the flour, Jpread, pork, tobacco and pipes which they have on 
 hand. Get everything at a low figure for cash. Here is a mem- 
 orandum that will guide you. Don't pay more than the figures I 
 have set opposite each article, and get them as much lower as pos- 
 sible. You will understand all in the course of the day. If you 
 hear of any one having provisions to sell at our prices, buy them 
 without hesitation buy all you can get." 
 
 I started to leave the counting-room, but Mr. Cherington called 
 me back. 
 
 " Let me see, you are in the habit of smoking, are you not? " 
 
 He knew I was ; but seldom at the house. 
 
 " I think that you had better visit the store with a cigar in 
 your mouth. It will look as though you were not in a hurry." 
 
 I sauntered along until I came to Vida & Hatch's store, and by 
 good luck found Hatch standing at the door smoking. 
 
 " Hallo ! " he cried ; " come in and talk a little while. I have 
 just come on shore. We had a good time on board the Constel- 
 lation last night. Wish that you had been there. But come in." 
 
 I hesitated, and then followed Hatch to his counting-room, 
 where the senior member of the firm was smoking, and looking, 
 as I thought, a little dull. 
 
 " How is business over at your place ? " asked Mr. Vida, who 
 was a short, dark-eyed man, a Chilian by birth, and fond of a 
 paper cigrar and a glass of champagne. 
 
A PURCHASE. 157 
 
 " Nothing doing since the whalers left. It is the dull season, I 
 suppose." 
 
 44 Yes, dull enough ; and here we have .got a large stock on hand, 
 and can't sell it," remarked Mr. Vida. 
 
 " You don't offer it low enough," I said, with a laugh. u We 
 sold out pretty close, and might be induced to buy." 
 
 44 Catch Cherington at that," Hatch cried. " He is too smart 
 for such nonsense. I offered you pork, yesterday, at a dollar less 
 per barrel than you can buy it in the city." 
 
 u If you had taken off fifty cents more per barrel, I might have 
 traded with you, and been willing to wait for a rise." 
 
 44 I'll do it now," he cried, hastily. 
 
 44 How many barrels have you? " 
 
 44 Two hundred." 
 
 44 I'll take them for cash. Send them over to our warehouse as 
 soon as you can, for we want to store them." 
 
 44 Are you in earnest?" asked Hatch and Vida, in a breath. 
 
 44 Yes, I mean what I say. I don't believe that pork can go 
 any lower ; so I will buy it on speculation. I'll buy anything 
 cheap, and wait for a rise. That is better than letting money 
 remain idle." 
 
 " Then take our flour and bread on the same principle. The 
 fact of it is, we need the money just at the present time." 
 
 44 We'll buy anything if you only put it low enough." 
 
 Vida and Hatch consulted together, and the result of their con- 
 ference was an offer of their stock, far below what Mr. Chering- 
 ton had instructed me to give. 
 
 44 But, understand us," the senior member of the firm said. 
 44 We don't want to take* any advantage of you, for the reason 
 that Mr. Cherington might not like to ratify the contract. We 
 will sell at such a price for cash, the goods to be delivered to-day. 
 If that proposal suits your firm, the bargain is closed." 
 
 44 Confidence begets confidence," I said. 44 1 will convince you 
 that I am acting with the consent of my partner, who is anxious 
 to buy on speculation." 
 
 The firm once more put their heads together, and talked long 
 and earnestly. 
 
 44 You can have the articles at the sum named," they said, after 
 the conference was closed ; and they immediately made out a bill 
 of sale, so that I found I had purchased some six thousand dol- 
 
158 A WHALEMAN'S ADVENTURES. 
 
 \ars' worth of bread, flour, pork, tobacco, pipes, and ready-made 
 clothing, and just as the bills were made out, a man by the name 
 of Russell entered the store. 
 
 " I have called," he said, " to see if you wanted to purchase any 
 flour." 
 
 " We have just sold the last barrel that we had in store," Mr. 
 Vida answered. " What do you ask for good flour?" 
 
 Russell named a figure, which was a little higher than the sum 
 Vida asked. 
 
 " Can't buy at that price," the firm said. 
 
 " What will you give ? " Russell asked, turning to me. 
 
 " The same that I paid Mr. Vida. We buy for cash, and may 
 have to keep it for a long time." 
 
 " You can have it," he answered promptly. 
 
 I went back to the store, and found Mr. Cherington there, wip- 
 ing his face, which bore marks of heat. 
 
 "Well," he said, " what success? Did you trade?" 
 
 " I bought all they had, for less than what you told me to 
 give." 
 
 " That is good. Now we are all right. I have bought the 
 schooner Helen at a bargain, and all the fresh provisions which 
 Gangle owned. Now we can afford to let the public hear the 
 news." 
 
 " But you forget that I do not know what the news is," I said. 
 
 " I* know there is time enough. But close the door, sit 
 down, and I'll tell you." 
 
 I did as I was ordered. 
 
 " Did you ever hear of such a country as California?" Mr. 
 Cherington asked. 
 
 " Why, yes. It was ceded to the United States by Mexico at 
 the conclusion of the war. I don't know its value, although I 
 think that many hides have been exported from California to 
 Boston. That is all I know of it." 
 
 " And that is quite enough for my purpose. Well, what will 
 you think when I tell you that gold has been discovered in Cali- 
 fornia? mines of immense richness ! In fact, that it can be picked 
 up on the surface of the earth, and cut from rocks with jack- 
 knives." 
 
 " I should evince my astonishment by saying that I don't be- 
 lieve it," I answered. 
 
CALIFORNIA GOLD. 159 
 
 " So I supposed. But nevertheless it is true, as I state to you, 
 and at the present time there are only three persons in Honolulu 
 who have any knowledge of the matter." 
 
 " And those are you and myself, and who else?" 
 
 u The sailor I carried home last night, and who probably has 
 not y'et awakened." 
 
 I was astonished, and did not answer. 
 
 " I see that you think me dreaming or crazy, but such is not 
 the case. The sailor brought to the island two thousand dollars* 
 worth of gold dust, all collected in the short space of two weeks, 
 on the banks of a river called the North Fork, about one hundred 
 miles in a direct line from San Francisco." 
 
 " If gold is so plenty, why did the sailor leave until he had col- 
 lected more ? " I asked. 
 
 "Why do sailors always remain poor? Simply because he 
 thought he was worth a fortune. He went to San Francisco, en- 
 gaged a passage in a vessel bound to Canton, and paid three hun- 
 dred dollars to be set on shore here." 
 
 " And how did you get hold of him? " 
 
 " Ah, that is the most singular part of my story. I was on 
 board a whaleship yesterday afternoon, when I saw a vessel 
 heading for the harbor with a signal flag flying for a boat. I 
 took my boat, and was pulled on board. I had but a short time 
 to talk with the master of the vessel, for he was anxious to square 
 away for Canton. But he gave me the glorious news, and handed 
 me a San Francisco paper with long accounts of the mines. The 
 people of California are crazy over the discoveries, and all kinds 
 of business have been neglected to seek for gold. Men are run- 
 ning away from ships, and even the United States vessels are short- 
 handed on account of desertion. I took the sailor in my boat and 
 brought him to the shore ; but I made him promise that he would 
 not say one word regarding the gold discoveries, until I gave my 
 consent." 
 
 " Didn't your kanakas hear of it? " I asked. 
 
 " Not a word. They were in the bo.at all the time I was on 
 board, and did not hear a lisp." 
 
 " Have you seen the gold ? " I asked. " Is it not possible that 
 it may be some mineral that closely resembles, gold ?" 
 
 Mr. Cherington opened the safe, and took out two small buckskin 
 bags. 
 
160 A WHALEMAN'S ADVENTURES. 
 
 " Here are two bags full of the dust. The third one the sailor 
 must have dropped last night, for he insisted on keeping one shot 
 in the locker for immediate use." 
 
 He poured the gold into a plate and stirred it with his fingers. 
 Some of it was so fine that it seemed a mystery how it could have 
 been collected, while scattered through the glittering mass were 
 several nuggets, some of them nearly as large as a horse-chestnut. 
 
 u If you still doubt the truth of the sailor's report, read the ac- 
 counts in the California paper, for it seems that one has already 
 been established at San Francisco." 
 
 I opened the paper, a small one, some ten inches long and 
 twenty wide, and found that the whole inside was filled with let- 
 ters from the mines, recounting the lucky strikes which miners 
 had made, and how new mines were discovered every day by 
 prospecting parties. From the correspondence I glanced to the 
 editorial columns, and found a short leader, which read as 
 follows : 
 
 " At the present time we know not what to think. San Fran- 
 cisco is deserted, and no business is transacted. Dust is received 
 from the mines by every boat or vessel that reaches us from Sac- 
 ramento. Our printers have left us to take part in the struggle 
 for sudden wealth, and we have a letter from one in which he says 
 that he dug one hundred dollars worth of gold the first day he 
 reached the mines. If such is the case, we shall have to leave 
 our paper and commence turning up the earth in search of riches ; 
 for at the present time we have to do our own composing, press- 
 work, and the ' devil's ' work in the bargain. Of course all kinds 
 of provisions have risen to enormous prices, and we fear much 
 suffering, and even starvation, the coming winter. We have large 
 numbers of cattle on the ranches, but men cannot live on meat 
 alone, and in this emergency we must lobk to the Sandwich 
 Islands for our pork, flour, coffee, and other articles. A vessel 
 loaded with such provisions would reap a rich harvest at the 
 present time." 
 
 " What do you think of that?" Mr. Cherington asked. 
 
 " I think that I now see the reason why you have purchased 
 the schooner Helen." 
 
 " The vessel must be despatched without loss of time. I have 
 a gang of men at work on board of her, bending sails, and to 
 morrow we will commence loading." 
 
HO FOR CALIFORNIA. 161 
 
 *' Let us commence to-day," I said. " We have men enough." 
 
 " Good ! Cargo shall go on board at once. But there is ona 
 thing I have forgotten to speak about. You or I will have to go 
 with the vessel, to sell the provisions. Which shall it be?" 
 
 u I, of course," I answered. " You can attend to our busi- 
 ness at home better than I can." 
 
 " But Julia ? What will she say ? " - 
 
 " That I am anxious to make a fortune for her sake." 
 
 " I don't think she will," said the old gentleman, dryly. "But 
 you can go. Now, where can we find a navigator? " 
 
 That puzzled me ; but an idea entered my mind just at that 
 moment, that we could give some master or mate a passage to 
 California for the sake of navigating the Helen there, and during 
 the trip I could apply myself to the task, and learn all that was 
 necessary of the science. 
 
 The Helen was about two hundred tons' burden, flat bottom, 
 and intended for carrying a large cargo, and drawing but little 
 water. Of course she could not be classed as a first-rate sailer, 
 excepting before the wind ; but we did not look so much for speed 
 as capacity. Even with a full cargo, the schooner did not draw 
 but five feet of water. This was a great disadvantage for sea 
 navigation, but was just the thing for river sailing, as we after- 
 wards found. I made a minute examination of the vessel, and 
 on the whole was quite satisfied with her. We set men at work 
 painting, and- another gang to receive cargo, and by night much 
 progress had been made with our arrangements. 
 
 " I think," I said, as we walked to the store, " that I will send 
 for my two shipmates who are still at Kammaira." 
 
 " They will leave you at San Francisco," Mr. Cherington said. 
 " Not a vessel can drop anchor at that port without losing every 
 man." 
 
 " I think that we can make it for the interest of the men to re- 
 main with us," I said. " Suppose I should take my :hree ship- 
 mates, and we should tell them to stick to the vessel, and that in 
 addition to their monthly pay, they should have a certain per- 
 ^centage on the profits. Will you let me try it?" 
 
 " Certainly." 
 
 We reached the store, and I went in , search of Will, whom 
 1 found taking an account of some goods which were going into 
 tne warehouse." 
 
 11 
 
162 
 
 " Will," I said, " we have purchased a schooner, and I am 
 going a short voyage in her. Do you want to go with me ? " 
 
 " Yes, sir, I am ready for that at any time. Who is going 
 captain ? " 
 
 " I am." 
 
 " That's good. I'll be one of the crew." 
 
 " No ; I want you for second mate, with the same pay that you 
 now receive, and a chance for dividends in case we are successful." 
 
 " Who's going first mate ? " asked Will, with a stare of as- 
 tonishment. 
 
 " Who do you suppose? " 
 
 The boy looked thoughtful. 
 
 " I don't know," he said, " unless you send for Jack. But then 
 he don't know much about navigation." 
 
 " Would you like him for a shipmate? " 
 
 " I just should." 
 
 " And Jake do you think that he would like to go with us? " 
 
 " The darky would jump at the chance. But where are we 
 going." 
 
 " No matter about that. I want Jack and Jake to know of my 
 intentions. Will you take a canoe, with two kanakas, and go to 
 Kammaira ?" 
 
 " I should like to very much." 
 
 " Then take any two kanakas in our employ, and go. Tell the 
 men that they shall have twenty dollars per month and a commis- 
 sion on the profits of the voyage if we are successful." 
 
 " That will bring them, sure," was the answer. 
 
 " Tell them that they must stay by me and the vessel after we 
 reach port, or they will receive nothing." 
 
 " You are joking," said Will. " You couldn't get them to 
 leave you. There is not money enough in the world to buy them. 
 At least I think so." 
 
 Will selected two of the natives who were accustomed to the 
 harbor, and attended to our boating matters, and in a short time 
 he was off for the village of Kammaira. I returned to the count- 
 ing-room, where I found the sailor who had passed the night in 
 Mr. Cheriugton's house. He had slept until noon, and then got up 
 and left the premises, and by the aid of one of the servants, found 
 the store. 
 
 u I want my money," he said, just as I entered. " I am going 
 to ha Tr e a time with it." 
 
A RISE IN THE MARKET. 163 
 
 Mr. CheringtoQ took the bags from the safe, and placed them in 
 the sailor's hands. The man untied them and examined the dust, 
 and found that it was correct. 
 
 " I don't want all this money with me," he said. 
 
 We did not answer him. If we had said that we would take 
 charge of it, he would have thought that we meant to cheat him. 
 But as we did not volunteer, he obtained confidence in a wonderful 
 degree, and throwing the bags upon the desk, muttered, 
 
 " S'pose I take this 'ere dust, some one will steal it from me. 
 I don't want it. I don't know what to do with it. Will you keep 
 it for me ? " 
 
 This was an appeal that we could not resist ; and Mr. Chering- 
 ton promised to take charge of all three bags, first advancing fhe 
 man fifty dollars for spending money. My partner offered the 
 man some good advice, but while he listened to it with respectful 
 attention, he did not seem inclined to follow it. 
 
 "I never had so much money afore," he said, "and now I'm 
 bound to have a time with it. I'll make Houolulu howl afore 
 I've done. I've worked hard, and after all the money is gone I 
 knows where I can get more. Californy is the land for me. 
 What's the use of my saving when I can get more ? " 
 
 " It will be known all over Honolulu before night," said Mr. 
 Cherington, as we walked home for dinner. 
 
 We had too much work before us to remain at the table any 
 length of time, and I had barely opportunity to hint to Julia that 
 her father's conduct had been explained in a very satisfactory 
 manner. I said nothing of my contemplated visit to California", 
 and on that subject Mr. Cherington remained mute also. After 
 "reaching the store, the bills for the goods which we had purchased 
 came in, and we were kept quite busy for two hours paying out 
 gold and settling accounts ; and just as we had finished, Hatch 
 entered the counting-room. 
 
 " Look ahere," he cried, " we sold shorter than we intended. 
 Can't you let us have a hundred barrels of pork and flour at the 
 same price that we paid for them ? We have got an order, you 
 know, and we don't like to disappoint our customers." 
 
 " Can't do it," said Mr. Cherington. " It is all stowed in the 
 warehouse. We have raised ten dollars a barrel on pork and the 
 Bame on flour, and we don't want to sell at that price." 
 
 " Blast it, I suppose you have heard the news," muttered 
 Hatch, throwing himself into a chair. 
 
164 A WHALEMAN'S ADVENTURES. 
 
 "What news?" 
 
 " Why, about California. O, it's no use to look grave. I 
 know it. It's all over town. Men are acting as though they 
 were mad. There's a sailor who brought the news. He tella 
 thundering big stories. If one half is true, gold must be plenty 
 there, and grub scarce. What is the lowest you will sell us a 
 hundred barrels of pork for? Be liberal, and give us a chance." 
 
 " Ten dollars per barrel advance, and rather you would not buy 
 at that. I tell you, Hatch, gold is plenty in California, and pro- 
 visions dear," my. partner said. 
 
 "What can you ship in?" asked Hatch. " There is only one 
 vessel in port excepting whalers, and the latter won't dare to go 
 within fifty miles of the coast. The skippers are half crazy al- 
 ready for fear they will lose their men by desertion. Come, let's 
 make a trade for one hundred barrels of flour and one hundred 
 barrels of pork. Be liberal. You have got the best of us ; I 
 acknowledge that." 
 
 u Sit down, Mr. Hatch," said Mr. Cherington, with a calm 
 smile. " Charles, haven't we a few of those Havauas left?" 
 
 I found the box, and we lighted our cigars in solemn silence, 
 and after Mr. Cherington had adjusted his weed, he said, 
 
 " We bought on speculation, and we shall sell on speculation. 
 We have some five hundred barrels of pork, and the same number 
 of flour. We can sell a portion, and still have enough on hand to 
 freight the vessel which we have purchased." 
 
 " What vessel ? " asked Hatch, eagerly. 
 
 " The schooner Helen." 
 
 " O, damn ! " shouted Hatch. " If Vida hasn't just gone to 
 buy her, then I'm a sinner." 
 
 44 He's rather late. She is paid for, and the papers are in my 
 safe." 
 
 " Just our darned luck. The old tub has been for sale the last 
 three months, and no one would buy her. Well, I don't blame 
 you. But let us share a little. Give me what I want at a fair 
 advance." 
 
 u At what I said. Not a dime less. The market is still going 
 up. To-morrow I shall advance on the price. I don't want to 
 sell ; but I will to oblige you. In half an hour others will want 
 to buy. We will sell for cash, you know. Money 4 WQ " 
 
 "Then count me- in for two hundred barrels, and send them 
 over at once." 
 
 
WELL FORTIFIED. 165 
 
 I went with him, taking a kanaka along to assist in bringing 
 the specie to the store. 
 
 " You have made a strike, and I envy you," Hatch said as 
 we walked along. . u Hallo ! here is Vida. Did you buy the 
 vessel?" 
 
 Mr. Vida growled out an answer that could not be understood 
 very readily.^ 
 
 " O, it is no use to sulk. They've got the start of us, and we 
 can't catch up. We must follow on behind, and do the best we 
 can. Who in the devil's name supposed that California was 
 going to shed its hides and reveal gold ? But I've done something. 
 I've made a trade with Cherington. Took two hundred at an ad- 
 vance. Just the sum we agreed to give." 
 
 " That's something, for pork has gone up two dollars per bar- 
 rel since I saw you," answered Mr. Vida, eagerly. 
 
 I received my money for the articles, and returned to the store. 
 
 " What was your object in selling?" I asked of my partner. 
 
 *' Simply because we had exhausted our ready money in buy- 
 ing, and what is due us will not come in for two or three months. 
 We need money just at this period, and I bought with the under- 
 standing that we should have to sell in a few days ; but I intend- 
 ed to do so at an advance, and for cash. We have made two 
 thousand dollars on one sale. That has placed ready money at 
 our disposal, to meet current expenses, until we can get returns 
 from California. Now we are fortified against every attack. We 
 can lose nothing, and we have paid for everything. There is, 
 therefore, no chance for us to fail, even if the mines should not 
 turn out as rich as we expect." 
 
 I saw the force of his argument, and after the day's work was 
 accomplished, returned to the house quite satisfied with what we 
 had done. 
 
 During the next forenoon I visited the schooner, and found that 
 the cargo was most on board, and that the vessel was rapidly get- 
 ting ready for sea. At the rate the work was going on, I calcu- 
 lated that we could leave for California in the course of three 
 days. In the afternoon, while I was at work on board, a little, 
 fat, red-faced man, with a bald head, a moist eye, a pleasant voice, 
 and a jolly smile, came over the rail and rolled towards me. 
 
 " Good day, sir," he said, touching his hat, which was a nauti- 
 cal one, and looked a little the worse for wear. " Allow me to 
 
166 A WHALEMAN'S ADVENTURES. 
 
 introduce myself, sir. My name is Myers, sir James Myers. 
 I belong in New London, Connecticut. Of course you have heard 
 of that place, sir. A great town for handsome girls and whale- 
 men. "It is five years since I was there. Great changes since 
 then. I left there master of a ship ; and now I couldn't get a 
 vessel to save my life, I suppose." 
 
 " For what reason ? " I asked. 
 
 " Various," he answered ; " various. In the first place, I did 
 Dot take as many whales as I did nippers of gin ; and so, after 
 cruising two years, I went off on a voyage of discovery, thinking 
 that I could find whales near islands, in places where ships never 
 cruised before. I was not successful, and consequently the own- 
 ers took away my craft; although, to tell the truth, they had a 
 long search before they found me. Since that period I have com- 
 manded everything in the shape of a vessel, and now find myself 
 at Honolulu, without funds, without friends, but with a desire 
 to go to California, where I think I can make money enough to 
 cover up my sins. To you I apply. I want to work my passage 
 to the land of gold. I don't care in what capacity." 
 
 " How long have you been in Honolulu?" I asked. 
 
 " About two weeks. I had a passage given me from the Friend- 
 ly Islands ; so I ran over here to see what I could do." 
 
 " I am in want of a nav-igator," I remarked ; " and if you are 
 competent to take charge of that department, and teach me the 
 science while on the passage, you can go with the vessel." 
 
 " Give me the tools to work with, and I'll not turn my back to 
 any man in the whaling fleet," was the confident answer. u I'll 
 learn yo_u all that I know in two weeks'-time. . If you don't learn, 
 it shan't be my fault." 
 
 "And if you serve me faithfully you shall be paid for your 
 trouble," I remarked. 
 
 " Don't speak of pay, sir," said the jolly man. u Put me in 
 California, and I'll find gold enough to pay me. But you have 
 passed your word, mind you, and I'm engaged." 
 
 " Don't be alarmed. You shall take up your quarters in the 
 cabin to-day." 
 
 We had at the store an excellent chronometer, and charts 
 enough to fit out a liue-of-battle ship, besides quadrants and 
 books which we kept on hand to supply the demand that was con- 
 stantly made by whalers. From the lot Mr. James Myers, late 
 
A JOLLY CAPTAIN. 167 
 
 master of a New London whale-ship, made a selection to suit 
 him, and then left me to send his luggage to the schooner. But 
 he soon returned, and his face looked more jolly than ever. 
 
 "This is a great town," he said, wiping his heated brow, and 
 shaking his rather large stomach. " I never met such treatment 
 before, in all my wanderings. " 
 
 " What is the matter?" 
 
 " Why, the blasted marine who keeps the house where I board- 
 ed But you won't believe the statement. It seems incredible 
 in what is popularly called a heathen country, too. Good Heav- 
 en, how remiss the missionaries have been in their duties !" 
 
 I suspected the captain's troubles, but said nothing. 
 
 " It is but little," he said, in a musjng tone. " Ten dollars for 
 board and two for drinks. A trifling sum compared to the im- 
 mense value of my chest and contents. And he means to hold it, 
 too. That's a joke." 
 
 u I suppose you mean that your landlo'rd won't release your 
 clothes until you have paid your board? " I remarked. 
 
 u And the extras," cried the little man, with an attempt to 
 blush. 
 
 " Well, come with me and I'll pay the bill," I said. 
 
 '* God bless you," exclaimed the ex-whaling captain, seizing my 
 hand and giving it several violent shakes, as though it was a 
 pump, and he was bound to keep me afloat. " You are a Connec- 
 ticut man, I know," the captain continued, as we turned the corner 
 of Queen and Kaahumanu (the reader can pronounce the latter 
 name to suit himself) Streets, and headed for a sailor boarding- 
 house, kept by one Terry, formerly from New York. 
 
 We reached Terry's, where we found that gentleman with his 
 shirt sleeves rolled up, and his tongue hard at work, damning two 
 kanaka servants, because they did not labor quick enough to suit 
 him, in washing the tobacco juice from the floor. Mr. Terry, on 
 seeing the captain, frowned Darkly, and swore with increased vio- 
 ieuce ; but on looking up and finding whom he had for a visitor, 
 stopped his harsh words, and suffered the scowl to pass from his 
 brow. 
 
 "What is the matter, Terry?" I asked; "the captain s.aya 
 you won't let his clothes go." 
 
 " Now, look ahere, Mr. Allspice," cried Terry, with the air of 
 un injured man ; " this feller comes to my house and-wants board 
 
168 A WHALEMAN'S ADVENTURES. 
 
 for a few weeks, till he can get a skipper's chance, or a chief 
 mate's birth. I takes him in and gives him the best that I has in 
 the house. For that I expects money. He hasn't got any, and 
 there's no shipping in the harbor. Then he conies and wants his 
 clothes, and leaves me minus the dosh for his grub and drinks. 
 I don't stand that from no one, I don't." 
 
 " But I intended to pay up like a man," cried the captain, rub- 
 bing his red nose, and seeming to care but little for his peculiar 
 position. 
 
 " Yes, I s'pose you do mean to, but you see I wants the dosh 
 now, to carry on my house and meet my payments. I don't trust, 
 I don't. You can have your duds on paying your bill, and not 
 afore." 
 
 " It is extremely unpleasant, this is," muttered the whaler. 
 " But few men from Connecticut care to be placed in such a 
 position." 
 
 44 No, I s'pose not," sneered Terry ; " but I tells you that a 
 Yorker isn't taken in by a wooden-nutmeg fellow, no how yoiij 
 can fix it." 
 
 " How much is the bill? " I asked. 
 
 After an immense amount of labor the bill was produced, and 
 I paid it, and left the establishment with the heartiest wish of the 
 landlord for my future success in life. 
 
 44 I see, Mr. Myers,"* I said, as we walked along, " that a large 
 portion of your bill is for drink. Of course you do not expect: 
 me to furnish you with liquor. If you do you will be dis- 
 appointed." 
 
 44 O, no," he said ; but the response was quite feeble, and the 
 face, so red and fat, did not look quite so jolly as it did a few mo- 
 ments before. 
 
 I sent the captain to the schooner, with orders to take his meals 
 at Terry's, until the vessel was in proper trim for sea, and then I 
 went back to the store, and found Mr. Cherington and the clerks 
 hard at work packing up boxes, which I was to take to California 
 on a venture. 
 
 " I have been thinking," said Mr. Cherington, " that we can 
 make a good profit on some spades and pickaxes which we have 
 on hand, and have held for some months. At the time I imported 
 them I thought the kanakas could be induced to use them ; but 
 they prefer to stick to lighter tools. Shall we send them to Cali- 
 fornia on a venture ? " 
 
THE OLD CREW. 169 
 
 I said yes ; and the same afternoon five hundred spades and 
 five hundred pickaxes were stowed away on board the Helen, and 
 valuable articles we found them. After dinner I was on board, 
 looking after matters, when a boat pulled alongside, and my ship- 
 mates tumbled on deck. 
 
 " We didn't stop long arter we got the news," said Jack. " We 
 jist packed up our dunnage and left. We promised our wives to 
 return, and they is satisfied. Now we is ready to go to work. 
 The only question is, what shall we do with Jake ? Make him 
 cook or steward ? " 
 
 " I's for de steward's place ; he over de cook. I'll butt de 
 feller if he don't hurry up de grub." 
 
 So I gave him the position of steward. 
 
 Just at that moment Will came out of the boat, and following 
 him was a slight-built kanaka boy, light-colored, and with such a 
 handsome face that he would have attracted attention anywhere. 
 He appeared to be much confused, and I thought trembled as 
 though frightened. 
 
 " I gave the lad a passage to Honolulu," said Jack ; and then 
 Will and the kanaka went on shore, and disappeared from sight ; 
 and in a few minutes the incident had entirely passed from my 
 mind. 
 
 CHAPTER XL 
 
 OFF FOR CALIFORNIA. A SURPRISE AND A PASSAGE. CALIFOR* 
 
 NIA AND OUR CARGO. HOW WE SOLD IT AT A PROFIT. 
 
 THE next day we got our stores all on board, and the cargo 
 -Stowed, and were ready for sea. Then we commenced picking 
 our crew, and in that we found no difficulty. Hundreds of kana- 
 kas were eager to ship, and work their passage to California ; 
 and many white men would watch an opportunity, and pounce 
 upon me whenever I left the store or the vessel, all eager to urge 
 their claims for a chance. After some trouble I obtained six 
 kanakas and a good cook. Two of them I bound to return to the 
 Vessel, and the balance to be discharged after the schooner was 
 
170 A WHALEMAN'S ADVENTUKES. 
 
 unloaded. They swore by all the woodeii idols of their fore- 
 fathers that they would stick to me until I told them they might 
 go. At sundown the crew were on board, and the schooner was 
 hauled outside and anchored. I bade my officers good night, and 
 was passing over the side, when Myers, my sailing-master, de- 
 tained me. 
 
 " You've forgotten one thing," he said, in a whisper. 
 
 "What is it?" 
 
 " In case of sickness, you know. I've tried all kinds, but I 
 think that brandy is the best. Strange climate we are going to, Mr. 
 Allspice. Bad water, perhaps. I think it would be best to have 
 a little on board. Not on my account, you know, but your own." 
 
 I had a keg of brandy on board, but Myers did not know it ; 
 and I didn't intend that he should, until I was in a position to 
 look after it. So I shook my head, and talked about the bad 
 effect of liquor, and the master retired, looking far from jolly. 
 
 On entering the counting-room, I was astonished to see Mr. 
 Hatch and his partner, and several other gentlemen of Honolulu. 
 
 " Glad to see you, old fellow," Hatch said. tk I'm just nego- 
 tiating for a' passage with you to California. I'm going to start 
 a branch of our house, if there's an opening. We'll have a good 
 time on the passage, hey? I'll have my things all on board in 
 half an hour. Ain't you glad I'm going? " 
 
 Of course I was, for he was a lively, rattling fellow, and would 
 be good company on the passage. He paid the money demanded, 
 and went off to collect his baggage, and then Mr. Cherington and 
 myself finished up the balance of our business and went home to 
 tea. I can't say that I really felt very joyous, for the thought of 
 leaving such a pleasant home was far from agreeable. I knew 
 that I should be lonely and miss the society of Julia ; but I strove 
 hard to keep up my spirits, and manifested but little of the gloom 
 that was gathering around my heart. Mr. Cheriugton was far 
 from lively, also. 
 
 Our tea-table was, consequently, a dull one. Mr. Cherington was 
 thoughtful, Julia extremely unhappy, and 1 anxious and nervous. 
 I feared that something was about to happen that would destroy 
 the understanding which existed between Julia and myself, and 
 therefore I was glad when we retired to the sitting-room, and the 
 lady seated herself at the piano, and played and sang until nine 
 o'clock ; and then Mr. Cherington, like a considerate father, de- 
 
TAKING LEAVE. 171 
 
 clared he felt tired, and must retire, and left us alone to talk as 
 long as we pleased, and I think I availed myself of the privilege, 
 for twelve o'clock struck before we thought of separating. 
 
 I was up the next morning, at daylight, and the first thing 
 I did was to glance at the harbor. There lay the Helen, with 
 smoke ascending from the galley stove-pipe, and men busy wash- 
 ing down the decks. A short distance from her was the Constella- 
 tion, her tops alive with men, employed at some work which I 
 could not make out, owing to the distance. 
 
 The family were already stirring, for the day was an important 
 one. Mr. Cherington looked as though he had been cheated of his 
 sleep, and Julia was very pale, and therefore extremely interest- 
 ing. We could only drink our coffee in silence. Appetites were 
 out of the question ; so, after making a farce of eating, we rose 
 and prepared to separate. Then came the most trying scene. 
 
 Just then I caught sight of one of the servants with several 
 packages upon a wheelbarrow in front of the house, and he ap- 
 peared to be waiting my movements. Julia saw the direction of 
 my eyes, and blushed. 
 
 " A few things I have put up for your comfort," she whispered. 
 '* There's preserves, and a few cans of meats, and some fruits." 
 
 How quick a man's heart can be touched by such delicate at- 
 tentions ! Eating is not very romantic, but it is very important ; 
 and there would be but .precious little love without it. Julia 
 put out her hand, then, like a well-bred woman, commenced cry- 
 ing as though I was her only friend in the world, and she was 
 about to lose me forever. Her father turned his head, and ap- 
 peared to be intensely interested at something in the harbor ; and 
 thus I had a chance to whisper a few words in her ear, and to 
 console her with a kiss, the report of which caused her father to 
 turn his head and mutter, 
 
 " Come, come ! I thought you finished all such nonsense last 
 night. You sat up late, I believe." 
 
 " I know I did ; . but you see I am far from feeling anxious to 
 leave." 
 
 44 And I don't want you to go," sighed Julia. 
 
 * 4 But he must go ; and it is no time to detain him," said Mr. 
 Cherington. " Time and tide wait for no one." 
 
 I snatched a kiss and left the house so hurriedly that my part- 
 ner was compelled to run a few steps to overtake me. 
 
172 A WHALEMAN'S ADVENTURES. 
 
 " God bless me," he said, " if the old schooner could only sail 
 as fast as you ruii, California would be reached in a short time. 
 Gracious ! what an impetuous fellow you are ! Give me your 
 arm, and let me talk with you as we walk along." 
 
 I slackened my pace, and the old gentleman clung to me, and 
 talked as we moved on. 
 
 " Don't trust those sharpers of California," he said. " You 
 will find plenty of them ready to take advantage of you ; but you 
 must be smart, and look after them. If you can sell for cash, do 
 so ; but be sure that the cash is forthcoming when the goods 
 are delivered. I hope things will look bright after you get 
 there." 
 
 u As bright as Julia's eyes," I murmured. 
 
 Mr. Cherington sighed, and didn't say any more about business. 
 We reached the dock, and I found the schooner's boat waiting 
 for me. 
 
 " Mr. Hatch is on boaad," said Will. " We have hove short, 
 and are all ready for sea." 
 
 " And here we part," cried Mr. Cherington. " I would go on 
 board, but the pain of separation would only be prolonged. God 
 bless you, Charles, and may you return to us in safety." 
 
 He grasped my hand, held it for a moment, and then I shoved 
 off, and was soon alongside the schooner, on the quarter-deck 
 of which I found Hatch, sipping a cup of coffee, and looking 
 
 " Turn up the side, boys," he shouted. " Here comes the 
 eaptain and gig." 
 
 Mr. Topmall who was represented in the person of my friend 
 Jack, but as he was doing duty as an officer, it was necessary to 
 have a handle to his name, and for the first time for years the 
 family cognomen was introduced came aft, and was extremely 
 gracious at the prospect of leaving port. 
 
 " We is hove short, sir," he cried, " and only wait the word to 
 trip the anchor." 
 
 " Up with it at once," I said ; and then I looked at the house 
 where I had spent so many pleasant days, and saw^ from the 
 window of the room which I had occupied, a white handkerchief 
 waving in the breeze, and by the aid of 'a good glass I made out 
 to catch one glimpse of Julia's face ; and I answered the signal 
 By displaying a small piece of bunting which had been made by 
 
OFF FOR CALIFORNIA. 173 
 
 Miss Cherington, and presented to me for the vessel. On it were 
 some mysterious letters, known only to her and myself; but they 
 represented 
 
 LOVE TILL DEATH. 
 
 Up fluttered the signal to the mast head, and its appearance 
 was rewarded by a renewed waving of the handkerchief, and 
 then the anchor was reported clear of the bottom, and the schoon- 
 er commenced paying off under the jib ; and in a few minutes 
 we were before the wind, and moving slowly towards the Con- 
 stellation. 
 
 " Now, sir, if you will commence your lessons, I'm ready to 
 begin," said the ex-whaling captain, who had made himself gen- 
 erally useful during the morning, and had eaten a powerful break- 
 fast to pay for it. 
 
 I had learned the use of the quadrant while on board the Sally, 
 and could find the latitude readily, so I was not so green a pupil 
 as Myers had expected ; and at twelve o'clock he acknowledged 
 that I was making rapid progress in the science, and should get 
 along handsomely. 
 
 The high lands of the islands began to look blue as we left 
 them astern. Down into the ocean they sank, till at last the only 
 mountain that we could see was the peak of Mauna Loa. I 
 turned from the fast-fading view with a sigh, and thought of poor 
 Julia, who was mourning for my absence, and as I did so, I saw 
 the young kanaka, whom I have already mentioned, standing by 
 my side ; but he, too, was sighing, and tears were in his large 
 almond-shaped eyes, as though his tender heart was severely tried 
 at thus leaving home for the first time. 
 
 " Well, boy, are you sorry that you have left home? " I asked 
 of the kanaka. 
 
 " No, sir," he answered. " I am not sorry at present. I don't 
 know how soon I shall be ; " and he was turning away to leave the 
 quarter-deck when I stopped him, for his voice sounded very 
 familiar, and I was thinking where I had heard it. 
 
 u I have seen you before, somewhere," I said. " Can you tell 
 me where ? " 
 
 He hesitated for a moment before he answered, 
 
 u At Honolulu, I think ; " and then left the quarter-deck, aa 
 though desirous of escaping further questions. 
 
174 A WHALEMAN'S ADVENTURES. 
 
 " It is singular," I thought ; " but that boy reminds me of som 
 one, and I can't tell who." 
 
 " Dinner all ready, sar," cried Jake at this moment ; and the 
 vexed question left my mind. 
 
 By sundown the land was out of sight, and we found that we had 
 made some fifty miles on our course, and were doing very well, 
 although the north-west trades had not set in strong, as we expected. 
 
 Our decks were cleared up for the night ; the kanakas were 
 seated on the forecastle, chatting and singing, and smoking their 
 short pipes, the mate and the whaling captain were spinning 
 yarns near the mainmast ; Hatch was smoking on the quarter- 
 deck, and wondering how he should mix a bowl of punch for the 
 evening entertainment ; and I was looking at the private signal, 
 made by Julia's fair hands, which fluttered from the mainmast, 
 and wondered if she was thinking of me, as I was of her^ when 
 Jake came from the cabin, his black face looking uncommonly 
 sedate, as though he was puzzled what to get for breakfast. 
 
 " Will you come in de cabin, one moment, sar? " he asked. 
 
 I followed him into the cabin, and there saw the young kanaka 
 boy, who looked as though he had been crying ; and, in fact, he 
 could not entirely stifle his sobs when I entered. 
 
 " What is the matter with the boy ? " I asked of Jake. 
 
 u Wai, sar, dat is jist what I call you in for, sar. He ben cry- 
 ing, and won't listen to my advice a bit. I want you to talk wid 
 'em, sar, and see what 'em says." 
 
 I supposed the lad was homesick, and said so ; but the kindness 
 which the natives had shown me, I determined to repay, in some 
 portion, to this poor boy. 
 
 " Don't cry, my lad," I said, laying a hand softly upoa his 
 head, and speaking in his native language. u We shall be in 
 port in two or three weeks, and then you can remain by the ves- 
 sel if you don't want to go on shore, and you may return with me 
 if you don't desire to stay in California. Don't cry, for while shed- 
 ding tears you remind me of one whom I used to love very much." 
 
 " And you forgot her did you not?" the lad replied, attempt- 
 ing to stifle his sobs. 
 
 " No, I did not. I have often thought of her, and wondered 
 if she had forgotten me," I replied, without stopping to think of 
 the extraordinary question of the lad. 
 
 In an instant the boy was on his knees before me, my hand 
 grasped in his, and his handsome head resting on my knees. 
 
A BIG BILL. 175 
 
 " You still love me ! you still love me ! " he cried, through his 
 tears and sobs. 
 
 His cap fell off, and in spite of the close-cut hair, I discovered 
 the face of one who had been very dear to me. 
 
 " You know me. I'm Lilly. Poor Lilly ! Don't scold her. 
 She loves you. She can never love but you. Her heart was al- 
 most broken when you left her, forced from her side by the cruel 
 soldiers. She was very sick for many weeks, and only the thought 
 of once more seeing you made her live. Now, if you don't love 
 hor and speak pleasant to her, she will die. Let her be near you 
 your slave your servant ; only smile upon her sometimes." 
 
 The poor girl's strength failed her ; and her hands relaxed 
 their grasp. I saw that she had fainted. What to do I did not 
 know. I had had no experience with fainting women, although I 
 had read that it was always customary to cut their stay-lacings. 
 But the poor thing at my feet had never seen a pair of corsets, and 
 would not have worn a pair if she had. In my agitation I raised 
 her iti my arms, and carried her to my state-room, and laid her 
 on a mattress ; and then, getting a tumbler of water, I bathed her 
 face, almost white now, and forced a few drops of wine down her 
 throat. The latter revived her. She opened her large black eyes, 
 and smiled faintly when she saw how attentive I was, and then 
 raised her head, and put up her thin lips for me to kiss. 
 
 How could I help myself? I had struggled as hard as it is 
 possible for man to. struggle ; and yet I found myself pressing her 
 lips, and looking with pitying eyes at her handsome face ; and 
 this child of nature smiled when she found that 1 was not cold 
 and stern as I should have been. 
 
 " You will not send me away from you? You will let me re- 
 main with you will you not?" she asked ; and put her arms 
 about my neck and held me fast. 
 
 " I must think of the matter," I answered, striving to with- 
 draw her arms from my neck ; but she resisted. 
 
 " No," she said, " you shall decide now, or I shall die. For 
 many days I have thought of but you, and now that I hold you 
 in my arms, my heart will surely break if you leave me." 
 
 Was ever man placed in a more uncomfortable position ? Which- 
 ever way I turned there was disaster and ruin to my hopes. If 
 Julia should hear that Lilly was on board, how could I convince 
 her that the kanaka girl was not there from connivance? JSIy 
 
176 
 
 protestations of innocence would not be believed. I knew enough 
 of Julia's mind to understand that without the slightest doubt. 
 If I was cold to Lilly, and kept her at a distance, the result would 
 be the same if the fact of the girl's-being on board was known. 
 But suppose it was not known ? The question suddenly presented 
 itself to my mind with startling distinctness, and I thought of the 
 matter. If Julia should never hear of Lilly's imprudence, of 
 course there would be no trouble, and I should have plain sailing. 
 The kanaka girl would be happy Julia would be happy, be- 
 lieving me good and true, as I hoped I should be. On the whole, 
 I began to look upon the bright side of the picture ; and while I 
 was thinking, I suffered Lilly's arms to remain around my neck. 
 
 " Ah, you don't know how I managed to get here," the girl 
 said, in_a triumphant tone. 
 
 I confessed my ignorance with a smile, for I was fast softening. 
 
 " Your friends told me you were going as master of the vessel, 
 and I determined to go with you, and said so. They refused to 
 let me ; but I pleaded so hard, and promised not to make myself 
 known, that they consented. They gave me a suit of boys' clothes, 
 and I left the village with them. But I nearly died the first time 
 I saw you. I wanted to run into your arms and kiss you, as I used 
 to. Did you not see me tremble? I then knew I should have to 
 tell you who I was, and longed for the time. You are not angry ! " 
 
 Of course I could not say that I was, and then I went on deck, 
 and over me was floating the flag which Julia made ; and I sighed 
 as I ordered it down ; and while it was on its way to the deck, 
 Julia was on her knees, in her chamber, praying for her absent 
 lover. God help us, for fate has played a cruel trick, and one 
 which I would have avoided. 
 
 As I walked the quarter-deck of the schooner that evening, my 
 thoughts were far from being enviable. My well-laid plans were 
 disarranged, and I saw disappointment and much misery in store 
 for us, unless I could keep the whole matter secret from Julia. 
 This was what my conscience did not approve ; but I saw no other 
 plan, and would therefore turn my thoughts towards enforcing 
 upon my shipmates the great necessity for secrecy; anfl when I 
 reached this conclusion, I looked up and and saw Mr. Topmall 
 within a few feet of me, waiting as though lie was desirous of 
 speaking. 
 
 " Do you want to see me ? " I asked. 
 
WISE COUNSELS. 177 
 
 " Yes, sir, I wants to say something about that gal. You've 
 found it out, Jake tells me." 
 
 " I have, and I wish that I had done so before. You did very 
 wrong to let her come. It will injure me." 
 
 " I hope not," answered the mate. " I would have sooner cut 
 my own hand off than do you an injury. The gal cried and cried, 
 and had fits, and rolled up her eyes, and kicked like a thirty-two- 
 pound gun when she heard you was going, and that we were 
 going with you. She said she would go, and we couldn't help 
 ourselves ; and she scratched my face when I said she couldn't. 
 What could I do with such a gal? We thought it was best to 
 take her along, and she promised to keep quiet, and not let you 
 know who she was." 
 
 u Still, it is likely to involve me in trouble." I remarked. " I 
 am engaged to an amiable young lady, and if she should hear of 
 it there would be a tempest." 
 
 " Then don't let her hear of it," was the sagacious remark. 
 " There's only me, Will, and Jake, what knows it, and we ain't 
 going to say nothing, not if we knows it. I don't think that it's 
 much of a hardship to have a pretty gal on board of a vessel, not 
 if that pretty gal has a fancy for yer." 
 
 " It is not right," I remarked. 
 
 44 It may not be right," replied the matter-of-fact mate, " but 
 I know it is quite human ; and I allers supposed sailors had a good 
 deal of humanity in their buzums. At any rate, they shows it 
 when they comes alongside a pretty gal." 
 
 "Well, well," I answered, with an air of resignation, "just 
 keep the affair quiet and tell Will and Jake to do the same. The 
 rest of the men know nothing about it, and they need not. Lilly 
 can remain in the cabin, and I'll let her make up a bed in my 
 state-room for the present." 
 
 u Yes, sir, 1 s'posed you would," was the reply ; and the mate 
 looked serious, as though no joke was intended. 
 
 " I'll take care that nothing is said," he continued, after a mo 
 ment's pause. " Only don't you pet the gal afore all hands, 'cos 
 they might suspect 'that she wasn't a boy ; " and after perpetrating 
 Buch a bull, the mate went forward to smoke bis pipe, and Hatch 
 came on deck. 
 
 " Say, Allspice, do you know that kanaka boy is lying in your 
 berth, as though he had a right there?" Hatch remarked. 
 12 
 
178 j 
 
 " Yes ; I put him there for the present. He was sick, and I 
 took pity on him." 
 
 " That's more than I would do. You don't begin right for a 
 master of a vessel. Go down and rouse the fellow out, and make 
 him move." 
 
 " No ; I think I will let him remain." 
 
 " Ah, well, I have no more to say. He's a good-looking young- 
 ster, and has more of a girl's ways than any boy I ever saw ; " 
 and Hatch, entirely unconscious how near he had shot, walked 
 aft, and enjoyed the evening air and his cigar at the same time. 
 
 I felt a hand laid upon mine in a timid manner, as though the 
 owner was uncertain of its reception. I turned and saw Lilly 
 standing by my side, her dark eyes raised to my face in such an 
 imploring manner, that I could not help re-assuring her by put- 
 ting an arm around her waist and patting her cheek. 
 
 '* You are not angry now ? " she asked. 
 
 " No ; I am determined to do the best that I can by you, but 
 it will be the last time that you sail with me. It is wrong." 
 
 " Was it wrong for us to love when you were at my father's 
 village?" she asked. 
 
 " Yes, I think that it was." 
 
 "Then why did you tell me, at that time, that it was right?" 
 Lilly asked ; and there was more sternness in her voice than I 
 had ever heard her use before. 
 
 " We will not discuss the matter now," I remarked. " You 
 are here, and I'll protect you, as you protected me when I first 
 saw you. No one need know that you are a woman, and, in fact, 
 I don't desire that they shall." 
 
 She promised to retain her boy's clothes, and not expose her 
 sex, and said that in all things she would obey me, and the 
 only reward she desired was a smile and a kind word, and the 
 privilege of being near me; and how could I refuse her the 
 little that she asked? 
 
 I sent the poor child she seemed like a child to me below, 
 and then walked the deck for a long time, thinking of my singular 
 fortunes, and wondering how they would terminate. At last I 
 gave up all hope of seeing my way clear, and then left the deck 
 in charge of the mate, and went below. 
 
 I was awakened the next morning at six bells by hearing the 
 morning watch wash down the deck, and by the pitching of the 
 schooner^ as though a fresh breeze was blowing. 
 
SAN FRANCISCO HARBOR. 179 
 
 At eight o'clock we had breakfast, and my select company 
 mustered around the table with excellent apffetites, and quite 
 happy. I longed to give Lilly a chance at the same table with 
 me ; but I did not dare to, for fear some questions would be asked 
 and some suspicions excited. The poor girl made a show of as- 
 sisting Jake to wait upon us, but it was all show ; and when 
 Hatch asked her for something, Jake was quickly on hand to 
 supply whatever was wanted. 
 
 Days passed on quite pleasantly. My secret was kept, and I 
 don't think that any one suspected it, unless it was Hatch, and he 
 was too much of a man of the world to make a remark unless his 
 opinion was asked. In the mean time we drifted on towards 
 California, sometimes with favorable winds, and at others pound- 
 ing against stiff north-west trades. 
 
 At last we made the land, and by an observation found that 
 we were about twenty miles to the north of the Golden Gate ; 
 and with a free wind we ran along the rocky coast, upon which we 
 could see the surf rolling and tumbling, having the full sweep of 
 the Pacific. Then the men commenced preparations for entering 
 port by donning clean shirts and trousers ; and Hatch shaved, and 
 appeared upon the quarter-deck with a starched white shirt and 
 black pants, with boots polished as though he were to appear in 
 the presence of ladies with a critical turn of mind. 
 
 With a fair wind and tide, we at length reached the entrance 
 of the noble harbor, and pointed the nose of the Helen for Bird 
 Island, over which place thousands of gulls and other sea-fowls 
 were flying, as though never disturbed by man. But we saw no 
 signs of humanity, excepting the Stars and Stripes, which were 
 flying on the starboard side of the entrance. 
 
 Very beautiful did the mountains and valleys look, covered with 
 their quilts of green, spotted with flowers, which raised their 
 heads and emitted perfumes, as though proud of their mission. 
 The air was so delicious and pure that it seemed to act on the 
 brain like a glass of wine taken by a person unaccustomed to the 
 juice of the grape ; and so enchanted was I with the scene, that 
 it was not until the ex-whaling captain spoke to me that I was 
 aroused to a sense of my responsibility. 
 
 " Better douse some of the sail, sir," he said. " We don't 
 want it all." 
 
 '* In with the foresail and flying-jib," I replied. ; ' I was ad- 
 
180 A WHALEMAN'S ADVENTURES. 
 
 miring the scenery so much that I forgot I was in command," 1 
 continued, by way of apology to Hatch and Myers, who stood on 
 the quarter-deck. 
 
 "Where's the city?" asked the former. "Show me the city. 
 I don't t)elieve that there is one. It's all a blasted lie, and we've 
 ,come here for nothing." 
 
 At that instant we luffed a little, and rounded Telegraph Hill ; 
 and then we caught sight of famed San Francisco, and the ship- 
 ping in front of it. I must confess to a feeling of intense disap- 
 pointment and disgust. I could see but a dozen or more houses, 
 scattered far apart, and apparently built in a hurry, excepting 
 some six or seven which seemed to have been planted many years, 
 and to have been ill used, and therefore stunted in their growth. 
 Between the buildings were tents, and scattered on the hill-sides 
 were tents of all sizes and shapes tents of India rubber cloth, 
 and tents nearly as dark, made of stout canvas tents made of 
 cotton cloth, so very dirty that it seemed a mystery how they man- 
 aged to stand erect under the heavy weight which pressed them 
 down tents improvised from rough pine boards and pieces of 
 old sails, with the blocks and ropes still attached to them, and 
 stretched to anchors in the shape of wooden pegs, as though the 
 owners were fearful of returning home some night and finding 
 their houses in the bay. And then along the beach were more 
 tents. In that part of the city which was afterwards known as 
 " Happy Valley " were tents of; mammoth dimensions, with rusty 
 stove-pipes protruding from them, as though the owners were 
 perfectly reckless of fire, and cared but little if their castles were 
 burned to ashes. 
 
 In front of the town were about twenty vessels, ships, and 
 craft of smaller size, and apparently deserted, with the exception 
 of one man who looked over the rail, and seemed anxious to take 
 flight, and probably wondered why he remained there, when every- 
 body else had fled. The ship-keeper gazed for a moment at our 
 flag, representative of the Sandwich Islands, and then lighting 
 his pipe, paced the deck with rapid strides, as, though suffering 
 under some excitement. 
 
 As we slowly drifted past a large ship, I hailed a man I saw 
 on the quarter-deck for information. 
 
 " How near can I run in shore ? " I asked. 
 
 " You can stand in a cable's length further before you touch 
 
A DISCOURAGED CAPTAIN. 181 
 
 the flats," was the answer, " unless you draw over eight feet of 
 water. But you may as well beach the craft as to anchor ; " and 
 the speaker tore out a handful of his hair and stamped upon it, 
 expressive of his rage. 
 
 44 For what reason? " I asked. 
 
 " You'll know soon enough. Before your mud-hook is let go, 
 your crew will be on shore, and asking two hundred dollars a 
 month for wages. The men run like sheep. I've been waiting 
 here two mouths for a, crew, and I may wait until the ship sinks 
 before I can get one." 
 
 " Gold is plenty, I suppose," I remarked. 
 
 " Don't say gold to me ! " cried the master. " I'm tired of hear- 
 ing of nothing but gold and lucky strikes. Luff a little, and you 
 will forge ahead enough to reach good anchorage. What are you 
 loaded with?" 
 
 " Provisions," I answered. 
 
 " Thank God. They are needed enough. When you sell to 
 the rascals on shore., make 'em agree to land cargo. You will 
 find an advantage in it. Of all the places to discharge ship, I 
 think this is the worst that I ever saw or heard of." 
 
 " Won't you come on board?" I asked. "We have some 
 fruit and a good glass of punch for you," I continued. 
 
 " Fruit ! " repeated the captain with a second pull at his hair. 
 " I don't think I should know an orange if I should see it ; and I 
 should faint at the sight of a potato." 
 
 " Come and try it," I responded. " I have something that will 
 bring you to, if you should faint." 
 
 The captain waved his hand in token of accepting the invita- 
 tion ; and in a few moments, just as we dropped anchor in eight 
 feet of water, with mud for holding-ground, I saw the gentleman 
 leave the side of his ship, and skull a small boat towards us. 
 
 He was a thin, nervous-looking man, with stiff, gray hair, and 
 a dark, resolute eye, and introduced himself as Samuel Cross- 
 trees, of the ship Iowa, of New York. 
 
 " I loaded with sojers and stores for this place," he said, as 
 soon as we had shaken hands ; " and a pretty mess I've made of 
 it. By the time I had discharged cargo, news of the gold mines 
 arrived, and they told such outrageous stories that the town was 
 in an uproar at once. The sojers left their muskets, and run for 
 it, The sailors dropped their marline-spikes, and they run for it 
 
182 A WHALEMAN'S ADVENTURES. 
 
 also, taking boats and everything they could steal. My men 
 came aft, and asked for their discharges, mates and all. I told them 
 they couldn't have them ; and the next morning, when I turned 
 out, two of the boats were missing, and all hands had left in them 
 for the gold mines up the Sacramento River. I applied to the 
 commander of the United States forces on shore, and he said 
 that his men were leaving in the same way, and that if he should 
 send sojers after the sailors, the former would never come back." 
 
 I invited the captain into the cabin, where Jake had spread a 
 collation of fruit, and filled a bowl with punch. 
 
 " God bless me, are these oranges?" he asked. " I never ex- 
 pected to see one again. Have you many on board?" 
 
 u About ten thousand," I answered. 
 
 " Do you know what they will sell for here by the hundred? " 
 Captain Crosstrees asked. 
 
 u I have not the slightest idea." 
 
 " I should be. safe in offering you fifty dollars a hundred, and 
 I'd make a profit at that price." 
 
 The sum was so large that I thought the sight of the fruit and 
 punch had turned his brain. But no ; the man was serious, and 
 meant what he said. I had yet to take a lesson in California prices. 
 
 The captain took hold of the fruit and punch as though he liked 
 them. 
 
 " Let me give you a word of advice," he said, while sipping his 
 grog. ." When you sell cargo, make an express bargain that the 
 purchasers shall receive it alongside. That will save you an 
 enormous expense and much trouble. By the way, what a hand- 
 some boy that is ! " and the captain pointed to Lilly, who blushed 
 under his ardent gaze. " He's handsome enough to be a girl. I 
 wish I had such a lad on board the Iowa. He's just what 1 want 
 to wait upon the table." 
 
 Poor Lilly retired from the cabin in a hurry, for she feared the 
 sharp eyes of the captain. 
 
 " What prospect is there of starting a commission house on 
 shore? " asked Hatch, who was drinking punch, like the rest of us 
 
 u If you have money to commence with, you can start anything 
 and make it pay. I know that speculators are as busy as the 
 devil in a gale of wind. Money is worth ten per cent, per month, 
 and land is jumping up in value every day. Fortunes will be 
 made and lost in a month's time : and the men who will sue- 
 
FIRST SIGHT OF GOLD. 183 
 
 ceed best are the sharp ones, who will know when they have got 
 enough." 
 
 " If it would not be too much trouble, I should like to have 
 you go on shore with me," I said. 
 
 " I'll do it. I've got nothing else to do. I'll introduce you to 
 the custom-house folks, and put in an oar on your behalf." 
 
 " And then come hack and dine with me," I said. 
 
 u Not the slightest objections. It is so long since I have 
 had a dinner that I am afraid a good one will make me sick." 
 
 I took the schooner's boat and manned it with three kanakas 
 and Will. Hatch went on shore with us. We reached the land 
 with some difficulty, for the flats extended for many fathoms in 
 front of the town, and consequently the water was very shoal. 
 But as our boat grounded, the kanakas jumped overboard, 
 and hauled the pinnace to the beach, and we landed upon the 
 golden shores of California, although, to tell the truth, they did 
 not look very golden, for I saw nothing but mud, dust, broken 
 bottles, discarded shirts, old boots, and much rubbish. Yet every 
 person we met seemed busy, eager, and anxious. Captain Cross- 
 trees called my attention to some lumps of gold in a window, 
 one of which was as large as my fist, and must have weighed 
 several pounds. 
 
 " The large lump that you see," the captain said, " was found 
 by a sailor. As soon as he picked it from the dirt, he threw 
 away his tools, au,d came to this place to have a time. He sold 
 the nugget at the rate of fourteen dollars an ounce, and it's well 
 worth nineteen or twenty dollars. Of course the money was 
 spent for ruin, and I recently saw the fellow on his way back to 
 the mines." 
 
 We passed along, and encountered an Indian, bareheaded, jvith 
 only a blanket thrown around his person. Barefooted and bare- 
 legged, he moved along, swinging a large buckskin bag, which 
 seemed heavy and full. 
 
 " He has just come in from some of the mines," the captain 
 said, " and will buy a barrel of rum and some other articles, and 
 return to his compauions. They will have a feast, and a grand 
 drunk, and after getting sober, will once more commence work. 
 But here we are at the custom-house ; come in and let's see what 
 the collector says." 
 
184 A WHALEMAN'S ADVENTURES. 
 
 CHAPTER XII. 
 
 A MODEL COLLECTOR. - DISCHARGING CARGO. - CALIFORIA PRICES. 
 - GOLD AND PROFITS. - MY EXPERIENCE. 
 
 THE custom-house did not creafe a profound impression on 
 my mind. It was situated on what was called the Plaza, and op- 
 posite to it was a building just under way, which was intended for 
 the hotel of San Francisco. The door leading to the collector's 
 room was open, and we pushed in, and saw the officer, with his feet 
 upon a table, a pipe in his. mouth, and his hat upon the back of 
 his head. 
 
 " Well." asked the collector, " what can I do for you?" 
 
 I told him of my arrival, and my desire to discharge cargo as 
 soon as possible, and that I wanted the duties assessed at a rea- 
 son.able rate if it was in his power to do so. 
 
 u I'll do the best I can for you," answered the collector. u I've 
 only two inspectors attached to the office, and they are on board 
 of Chilian ships. Let me see your manifest, and I'll tell you 
 what I'll do." 
 
 I showed him the paper, and he looked it over. 
 
 " All these articles, excepting the fruit, came from the States 
 originally, I suppose." 
 
 u You can be certain of that," I remarked. 
 
 " Well, I don't see why you should pay heavy duties, when 
 your cargo is really needed here. To be sure, you will get prices 
 for everything you have ; but I don't object to that. Suppose I 
 say five hundred dollars, and settle the matter." 
 
 Captain Crosstrees punched me to accept the offer, and I did ; 
 for it was less than what we had calculated on by one half. 
 
 " Well, then, I'll make you out a permit, and you can discharge 
 as soon as you please ; and if you are inclined, you may send a 
 dozen oranges to the office." 
 
 " I'll send a hundred," I said. 
 
 " Ah, will you? Well, I shan't object." 
 
 u While he is in the humor, get a coasting permit, ^ whispered 
 Crosstrees. " You will find it useful in case you want to run up 
 the n'vers." 
 
RUNAWAYS. 185 
 
 I asked for the permit, but the collector hesitated for a 
 moment. 
 
 " Well, you may as well have one, I suppose. It won't do you 
 any harm. I'll make it out, and send it to you when you deliver 
 the oranges." 
 
 I received my permit, and we left the collector, and returned to 
 the boats ; but to my surprise I found only Will by it. 
 
 u Where are the kanakas? " I asked. 
 
 " They've gone to look for some friends," was the answer. 
 
 " They have run away," cried the captain. u It is no use to 
 stop for them. Such is California. You may see them in the 
 course of a day or two. and you may not." 
 
 We pushed off the boat, and reached the schooner, where I 
 was agreeably surprised to find that all hands had not left. 
 
 Mr. Topmall uttered a few vigorous curses, directed against 
 kanakas and runaways in particular ; forgetting, for the moment, 
 that he had run away twice during his career as a seaman. It 
 was now three o'clock, and Jake announced that dinner was ready. 
 We had hardly sat down to the table, when my friend Hatch en- 
 tered the cabin, his face manifesting many tokens of rage. 
 
 " How much do you suppose I had to pay for a passage on 
 board?" he asked. 
 
 We pretended that we didn't know. 
 
 " A dollar, as I'm a sinner ; and the boatman was as indepen- 
 dent as a hog on ice. What do you think of that?" 
 
 " I think," said Crosstrees, "that you had better feel thankful 
 for being on board, and not count the cost." 
 
 "Perhaps I had," Hatch -said ; and he seated himself at the 
 table, and fell to with an appetite. 
 
 " What luck on shore?" I asked. 
 
 " Nothing to boast of," was the reply. " I saw a fellow, and 
 asked him what he would sell his tent for. He said five hundred 
 dollars, and didn't want to sell at that. I laughed at him, and 
 passed on ; but I found that the farther I went the higher the 
 prices. No, I shan't buy, but I will build. I have bargained 
 for a lot of land on Montgomery Street, and as soon as I get the 
 boards, up goes a. store, and a commission house is opened." 
 
 We congratulated our friend on his success, and he rattled on 
 until Jake told me that some men were on deck, and desired to 
 see me. I left my friends, and went to see the visitors. 
 
186 
 
 I found foui men, rough looking and roughly dressed, on the 
 quarter deck. 
 
 " What cargo have you to sell ? " they asked. 
 
 I mentioned some of the articles. 
 
 " I'll give you five dollars apiece for your shovels and pick- 
 axes," said one. 
 
 I was slightly astonished, but did not manifest it. The arti- 
 ticles had cost us seventy-five cents each, delivered at Honolulu. 
 
 u Yes, or no?" cried the rough man, producing a large bag of 
 gold dust. " Talk quick, for time is worth an ounce an hour to 
 me." 
 
 " You can have them delivered alongside," I answered. 
 
 "Can't you laud them?" 
 
 " I haven't got the men to do it." 
 
 " It's a bargain. I want the articles to-morrow forenoon. I 
 shall be off after them at ten o'clock. I'll pay for them now." 
 
 All this was uttered so rapidly that I hardly knew how to 
 act, but at that moment Captain Crosstrees came up and re~ 
 lieved me. 
 
 " Have you got a pair of scales? " he asked of the purchaser of 
 the picks and shovels. 
 
 " Yes, on shore. None here. Supposed that every one had 
 scales to weigh gold." 
 
 " Hold on a moment," said the captain. " I've got a pair on 
 board the Iowa. Let one of your men go with me, and I'll get 
 them. I shan't be gone more than five minutes." 
 
 I invited the men into the cabin, and set some fruit before them, 
 and gave them some nice claret, and my hospitality won their 
 hearts. 
 
 " Come," cried one, " let us see if we can't make a trade for 
 some other articles. We have met a gentleman, and can buy of 
 him as cheap as any other person." 
 
 " What will you sell potatoes at a pound?" asked one. " I see 
 you have a hundred bushels." 
 
 " What is the price on shore ? " I answered. 
 
 " There you have us. There are none on shore, and scurvy is 
 making its appearance for the want of vegetables. I'll give you 
 fifty cents a pound, and take the lot ; but I want them this after- 
 noon." 
 
 " Delivered alongside," I added. 
 
SELLING CARGO. * 187 
 
 " Well, yes, I'll come off after them." 
 
 " I take the offer. Cash on delivery." 
 
 " Of course. The man who gives credit here is a fool. You 
 mark that, for you are a stranger here." 
 
 By this time the captain of the Iowa arrived with the scales. 
 
 u Sixteen dollars per ounce," cried the rough man, as he un- 
 tied the mouth of the bag, and poured the glittering dust into the 
 scales. 
 
 " Of course," I said ; and in went the dust until the weight was 
 complete, and I found that I was master of five thousand dollars 
 worth of gold dust, which was worth in the United States or 
 England nineteen dollars per ounce. 
 
 " What do you say to fifty dollars per barrel for your mess 
 pork, and sixty for the clear ? " asked one of the buyers. 
 
 I saw that the captain of the Iowa nodded as though advising 
 me to take up with the offer ; so I said that I thought favorably 
 of it. 
 
 u Then we'll take it, and have the lighters alongside in the 
 morning. That will do for one day. Come along." 
 
 They left the schooner, but in one hours time a ship's launch 
 came alongside, and the man who had bought the potatoes came 
 with it, accompanied by a platform balance and sacks for bagging 
 the esculents. 
 
 I took off the hatches, and set the men to work filling the sacks 
 and weighing them, and before night all the potatoes were in the 
 launch, with the exception of some saved for the use of my crew, 
 and a bushel I sent on board the Iowa in return for the master's 
 valuable aid. 
 
 That transaction brought me in the snug little sum of three 
 thousand dollars, and then I sold what oranges I had left for 
 two thousand dollars, and the purchaser thought he had got a 
 great bargain, and I believe the fellow did sell some of the fruit 
 at the rate of a dollar apiece, but I had no cause to complain. 
 
 My friend, the ex-whaling captain, as I expected he would, 
 left me early in the day for the shore, in company with Hatch. 
 I was now independent of him, as I had learned enough of navi- 
 gation to pick my way most anywhere. Mr. Myers did not re- 
 turn on board again until dark, and then he came after his chest 
 of clothes. 
 
 " I've got a chance," he said, as he dragged his box over the 
 deck to the gangway. 
 
188 A WHALEMAN'S ADVENTURES. 
 
 u At what business?" I asked. 
 
 " Well, rather in the pasteboard line," he answered, after a 
 moment's hesitation. 
 
 I wondered what that was, but did not ask, as the captain 
 seemed in a hurry. 
 
 But to return to our discharging. We got out the pork and 
 shovels, during the day, and did not have to work very hard, after 
 all, but while laboring I had any quantity of visitors. The Helen 
 was the only vessel in port that had provisions to sell, and of 
 course the speculators flocked to her in crowds. All day long a 
 stream of gold poured in upon me, and at the end of three days I 
 found that the cargo was almost cleared out, and that I was the 
 possessor of seventy-five thousand dollars, having cleared over 
 sixty thousand dollars by the venture. 
 
 I retired to rest the night that the schooner was clear of 
 cargo, impressed with the responsibility of my position, and fear- 
 ful that I had too much gold on board to feel quite as secure as I 
 desired. It was well known that there were many ruffians in 
 California, who had hastened to San Francisco from ports in the 
 Pacific, and were determined to live by gambling and robbing, 
 and not by honest labor. Many of them were Mexicans and 
 Chilians discharged from chain gangs, and capable of any crimes 
 if gold was to be obtained by committing them. 
 
 So firmly was I impressed with this idea, that I arose and 
 struck a light, and went on deck. There was no anchor watch, 
 for the men were tired, and had gone to sleep. The night was 
 quiet, but I could hear music in the gambling saloons on shore, 
 and occasionally the loud blast of a trumpet, as though calling 
 upon every one to come forward and risk their money, and win 
 or lose a fortune. % 
 
 The night air cooled my brain, and I began to think that my 
 fancies were foolish. I went back to the cabin, and by accident 
 my eyes fell upon a revolver, which I had taken from a chest the 
 day before. I examined it, and found that it was unloaded. I 
 don't know what prompted me, but I commenced charging the 
 pistol, and while I was doing so, the mate poked his head from 
 his state-room. 
 
 " What's the matter, sir? " he asked. 
 
 " I am loading a revolver," I answered, " I have been think- 
 ing it is rather unsafe to remain here in the stream without some 
 means of defence in case we are attacked." 
 
PREPARING FOR AN ATTACK. 189 
 
 " Well," replied Mr. Topmall, with a puzzled look, " I never 
 thought of the matter afore, but I think no one will trouble us 
 unless they wants their heads broke." 
 
 And then the mate went back to his berth, and went to sleep. 
 I finished charging my pistol, and also retired, but I did not go to 
 sleep. I remained awake until nearly two o'clock, thinking of 
 various things, and, just as I was about to close my eyes, I felt 
 iomethiug strike the counter of the schooner. It seemed to me 
 that the noise was occasioned by a boat which struck us stem on, 
 and I waited to hear the noise of oars, if any person was coming 
 alongside. I listened, but there was no sound, and I had about 
 concluded that a plank, drifted by the tide, had touched the 
 vessel, when I heard a low whispering under the schooner's 
 stern. I slipped out of my berth in a quiet manner, and went to 
 the cabin windows, and looked out carefully, so that those in the 
 boat should not notice me. The night was starlight, so that I 
 could see quite well, and I counted seven men in a boat, with 
 black beards and dark faces, and they whispered in Spanish, a, 
 language that I had not heard since I left school, consequent- 
 ly knew but little of it. It must not be supposed that my 
 nocturnal visitors were in the least imprudent. They made 
 use of gestures, and talked very low ; and while they were 
 thus engaged. I saw the flash of steel, as the starlight fell upon it. 
 Every man in the boat had a knife in his belt around his waist, 
 so as to have it handy, but I saw no pistols. The latter weapons 
 were too noisy for the ruffians, who trusted to quick and sud- 
 den blows for effect. 
 
 I remained at the cabin window for fifteen minutes, watching 
 the Chilians ; and during that time they seemed half inclined to 
 abandon the expedition. While they were thus hesitating, I 
 went to the berth of Mr. Topmall, and rather startled him by 
 laying a hand upon his mouth before I spoke. He jumped up, and 
 was ready with a blow and an oath, but my voice quieted him. 
 
 44 Turn out," I said. "Be quiet, and make no noise. There 
 is a boat-load of thieves alongside, and they mean mischief." 
 
 44 I'll smash 'em to thunder ! " replied the mate, with a hoarse 
 growl, which I had some difficulty in checking. 
 
 44 We will make all sure, and let them commence the attack," I 
 eaid. " Get a handspike or a heaver, and if they offer to eutel 
 the cabin windows, we'll make their heads ache." 
 
190 A WHALEMAN'S ADVENTURES. 
 
 Without stopping to put on his shoes, the mate slipped on deck, 
 and returned with two handspikes, and laid them on the transom. 
 Then he called Will. 
 
 The Chilians were hauling the boat under the counter, and 
 had evidently made up their minds that they would send one of 
 their number on board for the purpose of reconnoitring, and per- 
 haps making short work of those who were sleeping. The ruffian 
 who was selected for the task, was a tall, thin fellow, with move- 
 ments like a cat. In his mouth he carried a knife, and for fear 
 that he should lose it, had a second one in his sash. We 
 drew back from the window for the purpose of giving the ruffian 
 a chance to put his head in the trap which we had set, and then 
 awaited events ; but while we were watching, Will left us, and 
 went on deck, promising to return in case we needed him. The 
 rascal did not make the least noise in his movements. First 
 his head appeared, and then his shoulders ; and while he was 
 crawling through, he suddenly stopped, as though suspicious that 
 something was wrong. A movement on deck had alarmed him. 
 We had heard it also, but knew that it was Will. The Chilian 
 paused, or rather attempted to, but those in the boat continued 
 to press upward, and he was compelled to move forward, like 
 a snake, on his belly. We could see him wiggle as though he 
 was attempting to kick his kind friends in the boat, and thus 
 free his legs, but his companions misunderstood the signal, and 
 " boosted " him harder than ever, and with some little noise the 
 long Chilian reached the transom, and as he did so Jack's hand- 
 spike fell with a crash upon his head, and a groan was the only 
 reply. 
 
 As the handspike which Jack wielded so successfully fell upon 
 the head of the Chilian, I sprang to the window, and just in time 
 to encounter the dark face of another robber. As soon as he saw 
 me he started back, and would have retreated ; but that was 
 not easy, as his companions were shoving him upward at the 
 time. I stretched out my hand and grasped the Chilian by the 
 thick hair of his head, and then brought his face down against 
 the hard wood with such force that the rascal uttered a howl and 
 kicked over one or two of his friends. I held on, though, and 
 shouted for the mate, and he came and placed one of his brawny 
 hands amid the rough hair of the rogue, and then we held him 
 between us, and a pretty hard hold it was, and rather rough on 
 
BEATING OFF THE CHILIANS. 191 
 
 onr arms ; but if we suffered, the Chilian did not come off entirely 
 harmless, if we were to judge by his howls and oaths, and the 
 mauner in which he called upon his companions for help. But 
 those he implored to assist him were not able to, just then, for 
 suddenly there was heard a rushing sound, a crash, and by the 
 cries of the robbers I imagined what had happened. Will had 
 thrown two or three large stones into the boat, and knocked its 
 bottom out, and the water was rushing in at a fearful rate, caus- 
 ing the rascals to struggle for their lives, and to shout to all the 
 saints in the calendar for help. 
 
 But while the Chilians were thus engaged, Will was not idle. 
 He had carried to the quarter-deck a basket of stones, taken from 
 the ballast, and while the scamps were floundering about, he 
 rained upon their heads a shower of rocks, some of which caused 
 serious wounds ; and as the Chilians could not stand that, they 
 dropped from the sinking boat, and drifted far astern, shouting for 
 help, and with but little prospect of receiving it. 
 
 " I can't hold this fellow much longer," I said. " What shall 
 we do with him? " 
 
 " Let me give him one or two settlers, and let him drop," the 
 mate answered. 
 
 " Don't kill him," I said. 
 
 " I don't intend to, 'cos I think he was born to be drowndec?. 
 He'll make a meal for the fish, sure ; " and then with one blow of 
 his heavy fist he struck the Chilian upon his face, and with a 
 quick push sent the body out of the window. 
 
 We left the transom and lighted a lamp. 
 
 The Chilian whose skull Mr. Topmall had fractured was lying 
 upon the cabin floor, almost dead, the blood flowing from his head 
 and staining the deck. The sight was so disagreeable that I 
 went on deck, where, to my surprise, I found Will and Jake, the 
 hitter standing on his head, as an appropriate manner of express- 
 ing his joy at the defeat of the robbers. 
 
 4t By golly, cap'n, I hit one of 'em, and he tumbled in de water 
 like a log," cried Jake, suddenly recovering his feet. u You 
 should have seed him drap." 
 
 u 1 did. I was watching the boat from the cabin windows." 
 
 " Thank de Lord for dat. I feared you wouldn't see 'em drap. 
 I sleep in de galley, when de second mate come and say to me dat 
 he want me to seed de fun. We got up lots of stones from de 
 hold, and den we let 'em rip." 
 
192 A WHALEMAN'S ADVENTURES. 
 
 The joy of the negro was so great that I feared he would com- 
 mit some extravagant act ; so I sent him. into the cabin to assist 
 the mate in taking care of the injured Chilian. 
 
 The boat was still under the counter, the rogues having fastened 
 the. painter to an eye-bolt, and when the stones descended they ', 
 were too much occupied with their escape to cut the rope. I sent 
 Will down, and he cut the painter, and the boat drifted astern. I 
 then went below, and found that the Chilian had died while - 
 being moved from the cabin floor, and the mate was examining 
 the body. He had searched the pockets, but found nothing 
 excepting a head of garlic and a bunch of paper cigars, a flint -, 
 and steel, and some loose tobacco ; and he was about relinquish- 
 ing the examination when his hand struck a money belt which 
 the dead man had around his waist. He removed it, and we heard 
 the clink of gold. An examination followed, and we counted out 
 one hundred doubloons, which were undoubtedly the fruit of his 
 crimes. "We found nothing else of importance, and then the] 
 question arose as to what we should do with the body. That was; 
 soon disposed of, however, by launching it out of the cabin win-] 
 dow. I divided the money among those who were instrumental 
 in beating off the robbers, and we agreed to keep the matter a| 
 profound secret, and not even allude to it before the men who 
 were in the forecastle, for it seemed that they had not awakened 
 during the battle. After that arrangement Jake washed the cabin 
 floor and removed all signs of the affray, and then we retired to 
 our berths, but I was glad when daylight appeared, for it seemed 
 refreshing to once more see each other's faces without the aid of 
 the dim lamp which threw its uncertain light over the cabin. At 
 sunrise a boat came alongside from the shore, and relieved us of 
 the few articles which we could dispose of, and then I had a visitj 
 from the master of the Iowa, whom I was really pleased to see, 
 and who stopped for breakfast. 
 
 * " Did you hear a cry on the water this morning?" asked Cap- 
 tain Crosstrees. as we took our seats at the table. 
 
 44 At what time?" I asked. 
 
 " Between one and two o'clock. It came from this direction, 
 and if I had had a crew on board I should have manned a boat 
 and made an investigation." 
 
 44 It seems to me that I did hear something of a row. Some 
 drunken men, I suppose, going on board of their vessel." 
 
 
FRIENDLY ADVICE. 193 
 
 *' Yes, I guess so ; " and no more remarks were made. 
 
 " Now, what do you intend to do?" asked Captain Crosstrees, 
 after a moment's silence. 
 
 44 Leave port as soon as possible, and return again." 
 
 " That is a good idea ; but one word of advice. Don't load 
 with flour and pork." 
 
 "Why?" 
 
 " Simply because the market will be glutted before you can 
 return. Hundreds of vessels are on their way at the present 
 time to this port. They will commence arriving next mouth, 
 advices having reached the States that food is wanted in this 
 country. Everything will go down excepting fresh provisions, 
 for those will be scarce, and many will die with the scurvy 
 unless they have fruit and vegetables to eat. Do you see the 
 point which I am driving at?" 
 
 " I do, and shall improve on the advice ; at the same time I 
 thank you." 
 
 " When do you leave port?" my guest asked. 
 
 "Just as soon as I can get water on board to-morrow, I 
 hope." 
 
 " Have you been on shore evenings? " 
 
 " No." 
 
 " Then let us make a trip on shore to-night, and see the sights. 
 If you want to see how gambling is conducted, now is your time. 
 Will you go with me ? " 
 
 " Yes. What time shall we start? " 
 
 " Say at eight o'clock. Take your revolver with you, and a 
 bowie knife would not come amiss in a quarrel." 
 
 41 If you expect a fight I won't go. My life is precious." 
 
 " The only way not to expect one is to go prepared. There is 
 not much fear if we don't play." 
 
 " Then I shall go, for I will not play." 
 
 After breakfast two men who had shipped at Honolulu, and 
 had stuck by the schooner until the last portion of the cargo was 
 out, came aft and wanted to see me. 
 
 " We have kept our word, sir," they said. " We told you that 
 we would stick by you till the cargo was discharged, and now we 
 are ready to go on shore, if you don't want us any longer." 
 
 " What wages can you get on shore?" I asked. 
 
 ** Five dollars a day," was the answer. 
 13 
 
191 A WHALEMAN'S ADVENTURES. 
 
 ** Well, I will hire you for two days, and pay you six dollars 
 each per day, if you will remain until I get some water on board." 
 
 They accepted the proposition joyfully, for they were anxious to 
 show me that they were not ungrateful. I sent them off with 
 Will and a kanaka to fill half a dozen barrels of water. 
 
 About dusk Captain Crosstrees pulled on board. He had on 
 a blue flannel shirt, "a rough monkey jacket, and a stout pair of 
 boots with his trousers in the tops. 
 
 " Take off that white shirt," he said. " Only gamblers wear 
 them nowadays. Put on a flannel shirt and the poorest pair of 
 trousers you own. We don't want to attract attention by appear- 
 ing too well dressed. Don't forget to put your revolver and a 
 knife in your pockets, for, although California is the most honest 
 place in the world, and has the most civil people in San Francisco 
 that can be found on the globe, yet still it is best to go armed, as 
 other folks make a practice of so doing." 
 
 I changed my clothes as requested, and did not forget to arm 
 myself as advised. 
 
 It was nearly dark when we landed on the beach at u Happy 
 Valley," and hauled our boat up high and dry. 
 
 The first place we sought was the Parker House, which had 
 just been dedicated, and was the largest hotel or building in the 
 town. A crowd was ever in front of it, night and day, for there 
 every one went who was desirous of seeing the new arrivals, and 
 learning the latest news from the mines, the quotations for pro- 
 visions, and the market rates. This crowd we joined, and talked 
 and laughed with those we knew. From our friends we learned 
 the latest bit of scandal how a man had arrived with another 
 man's wife, and how many young fellows were after the woman, 
 in the hope that she would run away with them. In those days 
 a woman was something of a curiosity, and was rather highly 
 prized much more so than at the present time. At nine o'clock 
 the first notes of a post horn, the only instrument of music in 
 San Francisco, with the exception of harps, guitars, and ban- 
 jos, informed the crowd that the ball was in motion, and that 
 those disposed to bet their money and lose it, could have a chance. 
 In flocked the crowd, and surrounded the tables, and planked their 
 money, dollars, eagles, and gold ounces. For a few minutes we 
 watched the throng, and then Captain Crosstrees nudged me with 
 his elbow. 
 
GAMBLING SALOONS. 195 
 
 44 Corae," he said, " we will visit the other saloons, and see 
 what is going on, and come back here after the games are under 
 way." 
 
 44 1 should think they were started now," I remarked. 
 
 44 They haven't begun to get warmed up," was the answer. 
 44 By one o'clock, or as soon as the liquor commences working, 
 the gamblers will begin to bet. They are only testing their luck 
 now." 
 
 As we passed out of the saloon, a man entered whose features 
 bore traces of hard usage, for one of his eyes was closed, and the 
 flesh around it was blackened and swollen. I thought his face, or 
 rather that part of it uninjured, looked familiar, and I attempted 
 to recollect where I had seen the fellow. I stopped to look at him, 
 and as I paused the stranger did the same to speak to an ac- 
 quaintance. He spoke in Spanish, and raised his . hat, and the 
 sight of that thick, black hair, and the sound of his voice, recalled 
 to me the face of the Chilian, whose entrance into the cabin win- 
 dow of the Helen was frustrated by my seizing him by the hair 
 of his head, and by the mate's vigorous blows upon his unpro- 
 tected face. I was glad that the fellow did not know me, for his 
 acquaintance might have proved troublesome. I saw the Chilian 
 go to a table and take the place of a man who was dealing monte, 
 and I rightly guessed that he was the proprietor of the table, and 
 feared to trust his assistant when the heavy bets came around. 
 If such had not been the case, the fellow would not have made 
 his appearance with his face so badly battered. 
 
 44 Come along," cried Captain Crosstrees, who was not aware 
 of the interest which I had in the man. u Don't block the 
 gangway, but move on." 
 
 I followed the captain, and we wandered into some of the other 
 saloons, where the sound of a violin or a post horn was sure to 
 attract a crowd. At length, while passing along what is now 
 called Montgomery Street, our attention was attracted by a sign 
 on which we read, 4 ' Connecticut Astor House. All nations wel- 
 come. Drinks twenty-five cents. The best liquors in San Fran- 
 cisco." 
 
 44 Let us go in and see who keeps here," I said ; and in we 
 went, and found a dozen or twenty men smoking and drinking, 
 and in one corner a pine table ornamented with two tallow caudles 
 stuck in blocks of wood, and also quite a large collection of 
 
196 
 
 silver dollars, and some few gold pieces. To my intense sur 
 prise, behind the table, handling the cards with as much grace aa 
 though accustomed to the use of them all his life, was my friend, 
 Joseph Myers, the ex-whaling captain, and sailing-master of the 
 Helen. He did not see us ; so 1 stood watching him for a few 
 moments. * 
 
 " Here is a chance, gents, to make your fortune," cried the 
 jolly whaleman, shuffling the cards. " I'm not in luck to-night, 
 and am foolish to play, but the passion is strong. Who will put 
 down a dollar, and win two. I can't deal cards to-night. I don't 
 pretend to. I shall lose. I know I shall." 
 
 He shuffled the cards and threw down three, in a careless way, 
 as though desirous of meeting with reverses. A rough-looking 
 miner stepped up and laid down a dollar on a card. No one 
 else followed his example. Myers dealt the cards, and the 
 miner won and pocketed the silver. 
 
 " I told you so, gents," cried the whaleman. " I can't play 
 to-night. I lose every time. Now then, who will bet?" 
 
 Some one put a five-dollar piece on a card, and the miner 
 staked a dollar on a different one. There were no other bets. 
 Myers dealt the cards, and the gold piece fell to his lot, and the 
 miner won, as usual. 
 
 tk Now is your time to make your fortunes, gents," shouted 
 Myers ; but the betters were rather shy. 
 
 " I go a dollar," I said, laying a piece of silver on a card. 
 
 The whaler looked up and saw me, and the next instant had 
 dashed his cards on the table, and, seizing the dollar, forced it 
 into my hands, as though desirous of hiding it from his sight, 
 and thus removing temptation. 
 
 " Just you put that 'ere dollar in your pocket," cried Myers. 
 " 1 don't want to lose my money to a shipmate, and I don't want 
 to win money from one. Put it out of sight, if you please." 
 
 I did as he requested, and some of the crowd, the rougl>look- 
 ing fellow among the rest, murmured that " Jim Myers had got 
 a big heart too big for his own interest." 
 
 " I don't care if I have," retorted the whaler ; "I don't take 
 money out of a shipmate's pocket." 
 
 u Come and take a drink with me," he said, in a whisper. 
 " This is my bar, and I can afford to stand a treat." 
 
 Captain Crosstrees and myself followed the whaler to the bar. 
 
 .-',, 
 
CAPTAIN MYERS AND HIS GAMES. 197 
 
 "What shall it be?" asked Myers, setting two black bottles 
 before us. " One contains whiskey, the other rum. No great 
 choice, but both are good ; " and then, sinking his voice, he mut- 
 tered, " but I have tasted better." 
 
 I poured out a thimbleful of whiskey and tasted and it burned 
 like fire. I emptied the rest upon the floor, taking advantage 
 of Myers when his back was turned. 
 
 u How does it happen that you are here ? " I asked of the 
 whaler. " Are you in business on your own account?" 
 
 " Yes," he said, " this is my castle my home. I have paid 
 for all that you see. My business is good, and I'm on the high 
 road to fortune, if some cuss don't come along and bust me bet- 
 ting on monte. But I shall try and prevent that." 
 
 " Yet your luck is not over good," I remarked. " I saw you 
 lose several dollars to-night in single bets." 
 
 " 1 don't recollect it," was the answer. 
 
 " Why, you must recollect paying to that rough-looking fellow 
 several dollars on bets which you lost." 
 
 He dropped his loud tones as he whispered : 
 
 "That's my roper-in." 
 
 " Your what ? " we both asked. 
 
 " My roper-in." 
 
 "And what is that?" 
 
 " Tine fellow I've hired to do my fighting and betting when 
 business is dull. For instance, to illustrate : a crowd collects 
 within these spacious walls, and all look upon me as I handle the 
 cards. The green ones are suspicious, and don't bet. They want 
 to be encouraged. My roper-in throws down a dollar, and wins 
 another one, and wins. The green ones stare, and think they 
 should like to do the same. They commence betting, and then I 
 win. Then they bet more to get back what they have lost. But 
 it don't go back, somehow, and I clean 'em out. Perhaps one or 
 two of 'em show fight. Then my roper-in takes a hand, displays 
 two revolvers and a bowie knife, and swears that I'm the only 
 honest dealer of monte in San Francisco, and that he knows, 'cos 
 he has won lots of money from me. The crowd .believe him, as 
 he is well armed, and so, you see, I escape." 
 
 " But how did you get a start in the world ? " I asked. 
 
 " Well, you gave me twenty dollars, and yet I had 110 right to 
 expect anything. I come oil shore and commenced betting on 
 
198 A WHALEMAN'S ADVENTURES. 
 
 monte. I couldn't help it. I didn't mean to. I won five hun- 
 dred dollars the first evening, and five hundred the next night. I 
 bought this place, took possession, and opened on my own ac- 
 count. I have made money. I sleep all day and play all night. 
 This is my home. It is a palace compared to some places. Who 
 the land belongs to, I don't know ; but I'm on it, and I intend to 
 stay here until the shanty burns up. Now take another drink 
 and excuse me." 
 
 We declined the drinks. He went to his table, piled the gold 
 and silver on it, and snuffed the caudles. We remained for a 
 few minutes to see the play. Myers threw down the cards, and 
 then raised them in a careless way, shuffling them all the time in 
 such a scientific manner that I was astonished at his dexterity. 
 
 " Come," he cried ; " all who want to make fortunes will begin 
 to bet. I shouldn't wonder if you busted this bank. I ain't 
 lucky to-night, and I hadn't ought to play, but I can't help it. 
 Now, then, here's three cards. Who bets on 'em? Don't all 
 come forward, 'cos I don't want to lose too much at once." 
 
 Half a dozen returned miners crowded up, and threw down 
 their gold and silver. There was a moment's breathless silence, 
 and then the card which decided the bet was thrown down, 
 and I saw the whaler rake in some twenty dollars and pay out 
 about six. 
 
 " Another bet, gentlemen ; " and down went the cards again, 
 and the same thing was repeated. 
 
 It was eleven o'clock when we left our friend, yet all around 
 us we could hear the blasts of the horns, and the twanging of 
 guitars and banjos. The streets were still crowded, the people 
 surging back and forth, uncertain where to direct their steps. 
 Many were fresh from the mines, with dust in their pockets, and 
 anxious to spend it, yet not knowing how to do so. There was 
 nothing for them to buy but rum and tobacco ; there was no 
 amusement for them excepting the gambling saloons, and hence 
 many men staked their money who would not have done so under 
 other circumstances. 
 
 u Where shall we go now ? " I asked the captain. 
 
 " Well, suppose we look into the Parker House once more. 
 They must be putting up the dust quite lively there by this time." 
 
 As usual, there was a crowd of cigar and .pipe-smoking bipeds 
 in front of the house, some of them discussing the late news from 
 
A POSITIVE MAN. 1 99 
 
 the North Fork, and others relating wonderful discoveries on the 
 Yuba, where the gold was fine, but of great richness, and found 
 in numerous " pockets," some yielding dust to the amount of ten 
 thousand dollars. Then there was one man, one of the positive 
 kind, who spoke in a loud and determined tone, which carried con- 
 viction with it. He laughed at the Yuba mines he had been 
 there, he had, and he knew all about them. There was not gold 
 et ough thereto pay more than twenty cents to the pan, and who 
 w juld work for that ? 
 
 " I've bin all over this country," the positive man said. " I've 
 prospected everywhere. I've found gold in every panful of dirt. 
 But some of it won't pay, and others will. Up on Feather River, 
 forty miles above the Yuba, where the Injuns is wild and cross, 
 you can find gold by the pailful. I know it. I've bin thar, I 
 have." 
 
 44 But how can a feller work, if the Injuns are cross? " asked a 
 timid man. 
 
 The positive man cast a look of contempt upon the questioner. 
 " A man what ain't reddy to fight the Injuns with one hand, and 
 dig gold with the other, ain't the man to go to the mines of 
 Feather River," was the answer. 
 
 " S'posing the Injuns should kill you while you was digging 
 gold?" asked the timid man. 
 
 " Look ahere, my friend," said the positive man, amid a breath- 
 less silence ; " you ain't the kind of feller to go to the mines 
 whar Injuns is plenty. You had better stay at home, you had." 
 
 " I want to go to some place where the gold is plenty, and In- 
 juns scarce. That is the reason I make the inquiries." 
 
 "Then don't you go to Feather River, 'cos 'tain't safe for a 
 feller like you. Your liar would be lost in no time.. I've seen 
 fifty Injuns around my tent of a night ; but they knowed I had a 
 rifle and revolver, and that I was a good shot, and they didn't dare 
 to draw on me. I'd sent 'em to kingdom come in short order if 
 they had." 
 
 " S'pose," said the timid man, after a moment's thought, " that 
 a large company of fellers should go up there, all of 'em well 
 armed ; would there be any danger then ? " 
 
 " Not if they kept their eyes peeled, and looked out for their 
 bar. I'm going back jist as soon as I can get some provisions, 
 and then, if the Injuns want a fight, they can have it jist as well 
 
200 A WHALEMAN'S ADVENTURES. 
 
 as not. I am stopping here, and any one what wants informa- 
 tion can get it. In a few days I shall be off. I brought down 
 five thousand dollars worth of dust with me, and every dime is 
 going to be spentfor grub, and to freight it up. That's what I'm 
 going to do." 
 
 Half a dozen men rushed up to the speaker, and engaged him 
 in conversation, and gradually drew him one side, as though de- 
 sirous of gaining further information respecting the wonderful 
 mines of Feather River. 
 
 44 That fellow is determined to make a good 'thing out of his 
 yarn," remarked Captain Crosstrees. 
 
 "How so? "I asked. 
 
 " Because he is about to start a store at the mines which he 
 mentions, and he wants to draw a large crowd of miners there, 
 so that he can make ready sales and large profits." 
 
 " But he wouldn't have represented the Indians as fierce and 
 cruel if such had been the case," I remarked. 
 
 44 Didn't you notice that he represented the mines as being 
 rich?" 
 
 44 Yes." 
 
 44 And that large parties would stand a better chance than small 
 ones ? " 
 
 44 1 noticed that also." 
 
 "Well, that is a convincing sign that the fellow can make 
 more money selling provisions than digging gold. A large 
 crowd leave for the region he speaks of. They take only enough 
 provisions to last them to the mines, and perhaps a few days 
 over. After those are exhausted they must have recourse to the 
 store, and pay such price as the keeper pleases ; sometimes two 
 and three hundred per cent, advance upon San Francisco rates. 
 You can see what a gold mine they open when they once start a 
 store where trade is brisk. It is as good as finding a pocket." 
 
 44 But there must be gold there," I remarked. 
 
 44 Of course there is, and on the banks of everj- river in the 
 state ; but it cannot be picked up in the manner that fellow de- 
 scribes." 
 
 Crosstrees and myself worked our way towards the gamblers' 
 tables to see what was going on in that direction. On all sides 
 of us resounded the words. 
 
 " Walk up and make your game, gents." " Who bets on these 
 
A HEAVY BET. 201 
 
 cards?" "Red has won, and black has lost." " Now is youf 
 chance to bet -- money is made here." " I go an ounce on the 
 king." " Shuffle the cards well," &c., &c. 
 
 At length, after much labor, we were enabled to reach a table ; 
 and then, on looking at the face of the keeper, I was surprised to 
 find that we were opposite the Chilian who was so badly treated 
 by Jack and myself the night before, while the rascal was at- 
 tempting to enter the cabin window of the Helen. His eye was 
 shockingly swollen, but the one that was uninjured glared around 
 upon the company most spitefully, as though seeking to find the 
 one who had done 'him so much damage. I watched the fellow 
 and his play for a few minutes, and saw many a poor man retire 
 dead broke, cursing his luck and the good fortune of the Chilian. 
 
 " Do you know anything of monte?" I asked of Crosstrees. 
 
 u I've seen it played often enough to tell when a man deals 
 fair." 
 
 " Then watch this fellow while I make a few bets." 
 
 " For God's sake, what are you doing? " gasped the captain. 
 " Don't touch a card to-night. .Promise me you won't." 
 
 " Don't be alarmed," I said. " I shan't lose much. I only 
 want to try my luck. Just stand by me, and see fair play." 
 
 The captain groaned r and swore that he would leave me ; but 
 he finally consented to stay and see me through, though he begged 
 that I would not be so foolish. I cannot account for my infatua- 
 tion. It was a sudden one, and incomprehensible to me. Some- 
 thing seemed to urge me to stake money upon a game of 
 chance, and I felt powerless to resist. I stepped to the table, just 
 as the Chilian had thrown down three cards, and put ten ounces 
 on the centre one. The dealer looked astonished, for the bet was 
 a heavy one for him. Those in the vicinity of the table seemed 
 surprised, and immediately placed their dollars on the other two 
 cards, thinking, very properly, that the dealer would win the 
 large amount and lose the small ones. 
 
 The Chilian dealt the curds, and threw them down upon the 
 table with eager haste, and at last the right card made its appear- 
 ance ; but I could not tell, excepting by the black look of the 
 Chilian's face, whether I had won or lost. 
 
 " Draw your money," whispered Crosstrees. " Blame me if 
 you ain't won, and no mistake." 
 
 " You try 'em agin," cried the C 
 
'202 A WHALEMAN'S ADVENTURES. 
 
 I made no reply. I thought that it was safer to watch the 
 game for a minute or two. The Chilian dealt the cards and 
 threw them down, and half a dozen miners were eager to cover 
 them, to see if they could not emulate my luck. Unfortunately 
 they did not, for the gambler swept the money to his pile, and 
 then looked around for more victims. His eyes fell upon me, and 
 he seemed to dare me to make another bet. 
 
 " You one lucky man," he said, with a sneer. " S'pose you 
 bet agin, hey?" 
 
 " Down with the cards," I answered, " and I will tell you." 
 
 " Don't you do it," cried Crosstrees. " Take my advice, and 
 don't play any more. Let's weigh anchor with what we have 
 got." 
 
 " I s'pose de senor is a man and no boy, and can play wid 'em 
 own money," sneered the Chilian. 
 
 " Don't you sauce me, you black-faced rascal ! " cried the cap- 
 tain, indignantly; and the Chilian thought it best not to, for 
 those who surrounded us were Americans, and of the rough-and- 
 tumble sort, and it would have been a word and a blow with 
 them. 
 
 " You bet? " asked the Chilian ; and he grinned as if he thought 
 I would not. 
 
 I put down twenty ounces upon a card, and awaited the deal. 
 The crowd watched the movements of the Chilian's hands, and if 
 he was disposed to cheat, he found it rather difficult to do so. 
 There was a moment's suspense, and then the miners exclaimed, 
 drawing long breaths, 
 
 " He's won ! " 
 
 At the same instant Captain Crosstrees slapped me upon the 
 back, and shouted : 
 
 " You're a lucky dog ! " 
 
 Then I knew that I had won, although how it was done I could 
 not tell. 
 
 " Diablg" muttered the Chilian ; and his hand trembled as he 
 counted out some ounces from his pile, and handed them to me. 
 
 I took the precaution to count them after the gambler, and 
 found but nineteen ounces. 
 
 "How is this?" Ifisked. 
 
 " All, pardon, senor, one mistake ; " and the missing ounce waa 
 handed over to me. 
 
A LUCKY GAMBLER. 203 
 
 " Blast him, he'd cheat if he could," one miner said, and I had 
 no doubt of it. 
 
 u Come, don't play any more to-night," cried Crosstrees ; but, I 
 had got a little interested in the game, and wanted to win some 
 more. I did not feel satisfied. 
 
 I resisted the importunities of Crosstrees, but waited for a few 
 minutes, until others had bet and lost, and then I laid down ten 
 ounces upon a card, and once more won, not only to my own sur- 
 prise, but to that of the crowd. 
 
 " I say, you black cuss, Hain't no use to look ugly arter that," 
 cried one of the crowd ; and the man's companions laughed at the 
 sally. 
 
 " I win yet," cried the Chilian. " Caramba, a man no do dat 
 tree times more." 
 
 He flung down the cards with nervous haste, and once more I 
 bet ten ounces and won. 
 
 " By thunder !" roared the crowd, " here's a miner what wins 
 every time at monte." 
 
 u Where is he?" cried a voice that sounded familiar, and a 
 man left one of the other tables and came towards me. 
 
 "The d 1 ! what are you doing here? " cried Hatch. "Break- 
 ing the bank ? " 
 
 " I'm trying to," I answered ; and we shook hands as though we 
 had not met before for months. 
 
 " Go ahead I'll see fair play ; " and Hatch placed himself near 
 the head of the table to observe the movements of the dealer, who 
 required watching more than ever, now that his gold was decreas- 
 ing so rapidly. 
 
 CHAPTER XIIL 
 
 BREAKING THE BANK. ALL LUCK ON MY SIDE. A FORTUNATE 
 
 THROW. AN ATTACK ON THE BEACH. 
 
 SUCH a run of luck as I experienced in my first attempt at 
 gambling, was so unusual that it attracted much attention in the 
 saloon of the Parker House, and numerous well-disposed persons 
 crowded around me to see how the game finally terminated. 
 
204 A WHALEMAN r S ADVENTUKE9. 
 
 4 t Go in, old feller, and break the bank," cried several of the 
 crowd. " Now you've got your hand in, don't leave off." 
 
 " Play cautiously," whispered Hatch. " Don't make any large 
 bets now." * 
 
 44 Come, leave this place," cried Crosstrees. " You have won 
 enough. Don't be tempted to bet again." 
 
 44 Don't be alarmed," I said. 4 ' If I lose what I have made, I 
 shan't feel it. I am going to bet once more, and see how it comes 
 out." 
 
 ' 4 Promise me that it shall be the last time," whispered Cross- 
 trees. 
 
 " For to-night, yes." 
 
 44 Does the senor bet again ? " asked the Chilian. 
 
 "Yes." 
 
 " I am ready, senor ; " and the gambler shuffled his cards and 
 looked impatient. 
 
 44 How many ounces have you on the table? " I asked. ( 
 
 The Chilian counted up, and by the aid of silver, managed 
 to find enough to represent one hundred ounces, or sixteen hun- 
 dred dollars. 
 
 " All on one bet?" asked the Chilian, laying down his cards, 
 which Ipe had shuffled carefully, and turning to consult with a 
 confederate on the expediency of such a bet. 
 
 44 All on one card," I answered. 
 
 Just at that moment, while the gambler's back was turned, 
 Hatch leaned over the table, and changed the position of the cards, 
 placing the upper one beneath. It was done so quick that not 
 more than half a dozen persons saw it, and they did not say a 
 word. The Chilian returned to the table, and took up the cards, 
 but he did not change them or shuffle them. 
 
 44 Me take de bet," he said. 44 Put down de money." 
 
 I counted out one hundred ounces, and laid them on the table. 
 
 44 Eeady? " asked the Chilian. 
 
 44 All ready," I answered. 
 
 He threw down three cards rapidly, but I saw at once that he 
 had made some mistake, or thought he had. They were not the 
 cards that he expected to deal, for I could tell by his uninjured 
 eye the disappointment which he experienced. I placed an ounce 
 upon the middle card, and said, 
 
 44 On this card I stake one hundred ounces. Let there be no 
 mistake. Do von nnrWstaTvl mo?" 
 
 
 
A FISH STORY. 205 
 
 The Chilian did not speak, but he nodded his head and drew 
 a long breath. fc 
 
 " Deal away," shouted the crowd ; but the noise confused the 
 Chilian still more. He threw down a card, and then there was a 
 death-like stillness. 
 
 Down went the cards, one after the other, and many a neck 
 was stretched out to see the result. There was a minute's pain- 
 ful suspense, and then the Chilian dashed the cards on the table, 
 and by one hearty shout I knew that I was the winner. 
 
 " Rake it down," cried Hatch. " You've busted the bank." 
 
 " I am one cheated man," yelled the Chilian, and with a quick 
 motion he drew a revolver from his breast and pointed it at me. 
 
 For one moment I was in peril, but suddenly something whizzed 
 past my head and struck the gambler full upon the face, and he 
 fell as though knocked over by a bullet. The missile that per- 
 formed such good service was a young sturgeon, which a fisher- 
 man had seined that afternoon, and had sold on the sidewalk. 
 He had entered the saloon, fish in hand, to deliver it to a cus- 
 tomer ; but the instant he saw the revolver drawn, he had taken 
 aim and fired. The crowd yelled with delight. 
 
 " Pocket the money," cried .Crosstrees ; and the gallant captain 
 commenced stowing it away in his pockets, and Hatch imitated 
 him. 
 
 "We'll make it all right on board," they said. " You shan't 
 lose a dollar." 
 
 In a few minutes the gold and silver were secured, the crowd 
 surging around us to see the operation. 
 
 " I say, mister, ain't you goin' to pay me for that sturgin ? " 
 asked the fisherman. 
 
 u What is the fish worth ? " I asked. 
 
 " Wai, you know best. I think it did good sarvice about the 
 time it jumped out of my fingers." 
 
 I put two ounces in his hand, and they were enough to satisfy 
 his most exalted ideas of liberality. 
 
 " Treat the crowd," whispered Hatch. " They expect it." 
 
 I had no objections, although liquor was twenty-five cents a 
 glass. 
 
 " Come, friends, let's take a drink," I cried. " 1 can afford 
 to treat after such a night's work." 
 
 It was astonishing how unanimous that crowd were on the 
 
206 A WHALEMAN'S ADVENTURES. 
 
 subject of patronizing the bar ; and .what awful horns some of 
 them imbibed, which made the bar-keeper look gs savage as a 
 grizzly bear with a litter of hungry cubs. 
 
 " Here's to the cove that broke the bank," cried one fellow, 
 who meant well, but his speech did not seem to convey it. 
 
 The rest of the crowd repeated the toast, and shouted over it 
 as though it was something worth yelling for. 
 
 " I will go on board with you to-night," Hatch said. " You 
 have won too much money to make it safe for you to go alone." 
 
 " I don't think there's much danger," I remarked. " That fish 
 appeared to settle the Chilian's coffee." 
 
 " As far as appearances are concerned, it did. But don't you 
 put your trust in such uncertain things. The black rascal don't 
 feel any too well satisfied with the night's work." 
 
 " Or last night's either," I remarked. 
 
 " What do you mean ? " my friend asked. 
 
 I told them of the visit which I had received, and the manner 
 in which we had treated the robbers. We were talking on the 
 subject as we walked along the beach, and had no more thought 
 of danger than I have at the present moment ; but just before we 
 reached the boat four men sprang at us from behind a tent, and 
 were upon us before we had time to think of defence. One of 
 the assailants struck at me with something. I suppose that it 
 was a knife, but it was too dark to see it. At any rate, the fel- 
 low miscalculated the distance between us, and the force of the 
 blow which he aimed at me was the means of causing him to lose 
 his footing and balance, and he fell forward, his head striking my 
 chest and knocking me down upon the sand, bottles, and old 
 boots. As I fell my hand came in contact with a bottle, *he 
 bottom of which was broken off, leaving the end jagged. I 
 caught sight of the face of my assailant, and saw that I had to 
 contend with the Chilian whose money I had won. I felt the 
 man's hand grasp my throat as though the other was to be used 
 in an entirely different manner ; so there was no time to lose if I 
 was desirous of saving my life. I made a sudden movement, and 
 the body of the Chilian was thrown from my breast, but his -hand 
 did not release my throat, and while struggling, my fingers came 
 in contact with th bottle above mentioned. I seized the neck of 
 it, and with all the force of my right arm I struck the robber full 
 upon his face. Blood followed the blow. I fejt it trickling upon 
 
AN AFFRAY ON THE BEACH. 207 
 
 my breast and face, and it seemed to burn my flesh, so hot was it. 
 I once more raised the bottle, and struck with all my might full 
 upon the blackened eye of the Chilian, and I could see the ragged 
 glass cut deep gashes upon his face. The last blow was too much 
 for his endurance. His head reeled and fell over one side, and 
 then the body followed. The grasp upon my throat was relaxed, 
 and I was safe from his knife, so far. I got upon my feet as 
 soon as possible, and then saw that my friends were busily en- 
 gaged with the other Chilians ; but why they did not use their 
 revolvers was a question. Instead of doing so, they were keep- 
 ing the rascals at bay with them, and the black scamps were 
 circling around them, as though looking for a weak place in 
 which to strike. 
 
 " Kill the rascals," I shouted, rushing forward ; and with the 
 blow of my friendly bottle I brought one man to his knees, and a 
 second blow stretched him at full length, bleeding like a lanced 
 whale. " Kill the rascals," I repeated, and made a dash at 
 another one ; but the fellow dodged me, and in so doing got with- 
 in reach of Hatch's foot. Up went the latter, and down went the 
 Chilian. 
 
 " Heave ahead," shouted the captain. " I'll stave your top 
 lights for you." 
 
 The gallant captain made a lurch at the man, but the blow fell 
 short, and then the Chilian turned and ran. 
 
 " Clap on all sail in chase," roared Crosstrees, and he started 
 to follow the fellow ; but he might as well have thought of pursu- 
 ing a greyhound. 
 
 The captain came back, after a run of a few seconds, breathless 
 and excited. 
 
 44 He gave me the slip," he said, " while 1 was crowding sail. 
 He is clipper-built, and I'm on the old style, bluff and square. I 
 can't run with such a feller." 
 
 44 Why didn't you shoot him?" I demanded. "Both of you 
 have revolvers, and yet you did not use them." 
 
 44 Bah ! " cried the captain, quite composedly ; " they couldn't 
 hurt us. We were not afraid of them." 
 
 44 Yes, but they might have hurt me. Did you not see that I 
 was rolling in the sand with that black rascal on top? And he 
 had a knife in his hand, too." 
 
 44 O, we knew you was equal to him, so let you fight it out," 
 was the consoling reply. 
 
208 
 
 44 To tell you the truth," said Hatch, " we didn't fire because 
 we knew that the noise would arouse the whole of " Happy Val- 
 ley," and then we should have been surrounded by a crowd of 
 wild Mexicans and Chilians." 
 
 This explanation was more satisfactory, and I began to think 
 there might be some reason in it. But the Chilian, whose face 
 I had cut open, now commenced stirring and groaning, as though 
 he found his position far from being pleasant. 
 
 44 You feel bad do you ? " I asked. 
 
 44 Yes ; me hurted much in me head. Me no do so agin." 
 
 44 You supposed you were likely to get back your money, but 
 you see you have failed. I have it safe, and I intend to keep it." 
 
 44 Come, let us go on board, unless you mean to drown or hang 
 this fellow," said Crosstrees. 
 
 44 Pardon, senor," groaned the injured man. 4t Me no do so 
 more." 
 
 As we were not disposed to be revengeful, we left the fellow, 
 and found our boat. But just as we commenced launching it, for 
 it was high on the beach, we heard a shrill whistle ; and in a few 
 seconds it was repeated, and then answered from half a dozen 
 tents on shore. 
 
 " That means something," cried Hatch. 44 Into the water with 
 the boat, for I've had fighting enough for one night." 
 
 The boat touched the water, and we jumped in. As we did so, 
 a dozen men came towards us, some of them running as though 
 to prevent our moving. We pushed the boat through the mud, 
 and were a few fathoms from the beach before the men got op- 
 posite to us. 
 
 " Say, you," cried one ; 44 stop a little. We want to speak you. 
 We no hurt you." 
 
 We paid no attention to the cries, but pushed from the shore 
 as fast as possible. Four or five rushed into the water as though 
 to overtake us, but at that instant we were enabled to work our 
 oars in the rowlocks without touching bottom. We gave one 
 or two vigorous strokes, and then waited to see what was wanted. 
 The Chilians waded in until the water was up to their waists. 
 
 44 Say," they cried ; u s'pose you come on shore? We no hurt 
 you." 
 
 44 See you blasted first, and then we won't," replied Hatch, who 
 was seated in the stern-sheets of the boat. 
 
ANOTHER BATTLE. 209 
 
 This reply seemed to have exasperated the ruffians, and one 
 of them drew a pistol and suddenly fired. The ball whizzed so 
 near our heads that we involuntarily ducked them, as though that 
 movement would have saved them. We dipped our oars into the 
 water after this salute, but before we had taken more than one 
 stroke, Hatch drew his revolver, and, aiming at the men in the 
 water, fired. One of the Chilians gave a sudden jump and a 
 yell, and fell full length into the mud ; while the rest, not stopping 
 to render assistance to the wounded man, rushed for the shore 
 and Disappeared behind the tents. In sixty seconds' time there 
 were none in sight, with the exception of the fellow who was 
 floundering in the mud, and yelling when he could get his head 
 above it. 
 
 " Let us return and assist him," I cried. 
 
 " Yes, and be shot for our pains," said my companions. " We 
 don't believe in such doctrine. We are. N not angels of mercy, 
 although you may think we are." 
 
 We dipped our oars into the water and shot ahead, and as we 
 left the shore we could see the Chilians steal from behin-d the 
 tents, and wade into the mud, and assist the wounded man to 
 terra fir ma. 
 
 " A narrow escape for my old head," remarked Crosstrees, as 
 we ueared the Helen. 
 
 " Yes, but I ran the greatest risk," cried Hatch, who wanted 
 the most praise for. what he had done. 
 
 We did not contradict him, for he would have insisted that he 
 was right in spite of facts. 
 
 It was near three o'clock when we stepped on the deck of my 
 vessel ; yet I found the mate and Jake on the alert, and waiting 
 to receive me. 
 
 " All right on board? " I asked. 
 
 " Yes, sir ; but a boat-load of them ferriners has been round 
 us for an hour or more, and seemed to like the looks of us ; but 
 I jist hailed 'em, and they put for the shore. I jist heard two 
 shots, and didn't know but the cusses might have tried their luck 
 somewhere else." 
 
 " I's got some hot coffee in de cabin for de company," said 
 Jake. " I s'posed you would need it." 
 
 We all adjourned to the cabin on this announcement, and on the 
 transom we found Lilly fast asleep. She looked very handsome 
 14 
 
210 
 
 as she lay there, with oue arm under her head, and her thick hair 
 brushed from her brow. I laid my hand upon her arm, and the 
 poor thing sprang up at the touch. As soon as she saw me, she 
 threw her arms around my neck, and commenced crying ; and 
 then, when she saw blood upon my bosom, she nearly fainted as 
 she exclaimed, 
 
 " Ah, darling, you are wounded you bleed ! " 
 
 u O, what a cussed fool I've been all along ! " cried Hatch. 
 *' Hereafter I'll confess that I don't know a man from a woman. 
 I always thought I did until to-night." 
 
 Lilly's fears for my safety had betrayed her sex, and Hatch and 
 Crosstrees for the first time knew that the bright-looking being, 
 whom they had praised for gentleness and good looks, was a 
 kanaka girl. 
 
 " Devilish lucky fellow," muttere*d Crosstrees. " He wins in 
 love and he wins in play. He was born under a lucky star." 
 
 u I should think so," remarked Hatch, dryly ; and then he 
 poured upon the table a stream of gold, which he had assisted me 
 to gather from the bank in the Parker House saloon. The cap- 
 tain also emptied his pockets. 
 
 We had a nice dish of coffee, and a pleasant repast. We talked 
 of the adventures of the night, and Hatch explained how it hap- 
 pened that he was present in the saloon while I was gambling. 
 
 " I just dropped in," he said, " because, you see, there is no 
 society for me in San Francisco - uo'ladies, no home, no com- 
 fort ; and the only excitement is in speculating, or in risking a 
 dollar or two on the wheel of fortune. I don't play for large 
 stakes, you know ; but I do win and lose a few small ones." 
 
 u Be careful and not let the passion overmaster you," I re- 
 marked. u Better quit the dangerous evil while there is time.' : 
 
 u You are a good one to preach," he cried, with a laugh ; and 
 as I thought that my words were not likely to effect much, I held 
 my peace. 
 
 At length my guests left me ; one for the shore to superintend 
 the fitting of his store, and the other to look after his ship. 
 Then I commenced preparations to leave port, for we had taken 
 water on board the day before. I told the mate to keep a sharp 
 watch while I went on shore to close up my business, and get 
 ready to sail the next morning. I did not return to the schooner 
 Until late in the afternoon, for I found a number of men who 
 
TAKING OUR DEPARTURE. 211 
 
 wanted to charter the Helen to bring a cargo of fruit and fresh 
 provisions from Honolulu, and at one time I thought we should 
 agree about the price ; but a few hundred dollars divided us, and 
 the subject was dropped. Then I went to Hatch's store, for he 
 had a desk or two, and wrote letters to my parents, telling them 
 how I had succeeded, and relating all the incidents that had be- 
 fallen me since I had entered into partnership with Mr. Chering- 
 ton, I dined with Hatch at a late hour, and took charge of the 
 letters which he desired to send to Honolulu ; and then we shook 
 hands and parted, not to meet again for many weeks. 
 
 As soon as I reached the vessel I hurried to the cabin, for I 
 felt a little remorse at the manner in which I had treated Lilly 
 during the past few days. But the poor girl seemed to have 
 forgotten my neglect, for she came towards me as though de- 
 lighted at my return. The next morning we got under way, and 
 steered for Honolulu. 
 
 CHAPTER XIV. 
 
 RETURN TO HONOLULU. THE GREETING BETWEEN FATHER AND 
 
 DAUGHTER. MY PARTNER AND HIS DAUGHTER. COMMENDA- 
 TION FOR BUSINESS. 
 
 ONE morning, after a pleasant voyage, w$ sighted the islands, 
 and I shaped my course for Honolulu, having made a good run 
 for a navigator with no more experience than myself. The breeze 
 was light, but fair ; and as we ran along the coast, I thought, 
 with a beating heart, of the moment when I should meet Julia 
 and clasp her to my heart. For two months I had been absent 
 from her side. For two months I had thought of her day and 
 night ; and as I paced the quarter-deck, and whistled for the 
 wind, it seemed as though I could not control my impatience, so 
 eager was I to land. 
 
 In sailing along the coast we saw the village of Kammaira, not 
 more than two miles distant ; and the sight of the town was 
 greeted with a shout of joy from the kanakas on board. Even 
 Lilly gazed at the place with a pleased expression on her face. 
 
 "Is not that your father's canoe, Lilly? " I asked, looking 
 
212 A WHALEMAN'S ADVENTURES. 
 
 through the glass at a large boat which was at anchor half a 
 mile or so from us. 
 
 " It is, it is ! " she cried, clapping her hands ; u and I can see 
 the chief fishing. Do go near him ; and perhaps it is best that I 
 should leave you here." 
 
 I caught at the idea. " Do you desire to go ? " I asked. 
 
 " You know that I do not ; but is it not for the best? " 
 
 " It is." 
 
 " And if I go," and here her voice trembled, "will you 
 promise to come and see me sometimes?" 
 
 " I will." 
 
 I altered the course of the vessel, and headed for the chief *8 r 
 canoe. Lilly commenced weeping at the idea of separating. 
 
 " Is she going ashore, cap'n ? " asked Jack. 
 
 u Yes ; she thinks it for the best." 
 
 " Then I'd like to send a few things to my wife some bread 
 and tobacco, if you have no objection." 
 
 I had none. Jake preferred the same request, and I granted 
 it. They commenced making up small packages for their wives, 
 while Lilly and I stood silent upon the quarter-deck. We neared 
 the canoe and saw the old chief sitting in the stern-sheets, fishing 
 as patiently as when I used to go out with him and make love to 
 his daughter. We luffed up and hailed him, but he did not know 
 me. 
 
 " Come on board," I said ; " I want to buy some fish. Give 
 you tobacco for them." 
 
 "Miti" he said, as he came on board, not recognizing me at first. 
 
 u Speak English you can do so," I answered. 
 
 The old man looked at me for a moment, and then sprang to- 
 wards me, and threw his arms around my neck. 
 
 a O, my son," he said, " how glad I am to see you ! I never 
 expected this." 
 
 " Father," said a soft voice ; and Lilly laid her hand upon her 
 father's shoulder. 
 
 The chief started back and looked surprised. Lilly threw her 
 arms around his neck, and pressed her head against his bosom. 
 The old chief looked astonished, staggered back, and it w^as some 
 moments before he could speak. 
 
 "O, my child," he said, " I thought that you were lost to me 
 forever." 
 
 She only sobbed she could not answer him. 
 
HONOLULU REGAINED. 213 
 
 "Why did you leave me, child? I am old, and you were my 
 only joy." 
 
 " She wishes to go on shore with you." I said. " Take her and 
 treat her kindly." 
 
 The old chief nodded and smiled. He shook my hand. We 
 were still warm friends. He was too delighted to see me and his 
 daughter to say much, or to upbraid me for what she had done. 
 I whispered to Will, and the second mate got on deck a barrel of 
 bread, some tobacco, a lot of pipes, twine, sail-cloth, and many 
 articles which I knew the chief would like. But when I ordered 
 them put into his canoe, his admiration was excessive. He gave 
 us half a dozen fish and some oranges which he had brought from 
 the shore, and then readily consented to take charge of any arti- 
 cles that the mate and Jake were disposed to send to their wives, 
 whom he declared to be in perfect health, and anxious for their 
 husband's return. 
 
 I took leave of Lilly in the cabin, where no one could witness 
 the girl's agitation or demonstration of affection. 
 
 u We part," she said, u but not forever. I have your prom- 
 ise that we shall meet again." 
 
 " Yes, and before many weeks. Before I leave for California, 
 on my next trip, I will see you." 
 
 I kissed her ; and, pulling her cap over her eyes, she went on 
 deck, and entered her father's canoe. 
 
 " Is there anything you want, Lilly?" I asked. 
 
 A sob was the only answer. She did not look up. The old 
 chief smiled an adieu, and waved his hand. 
 
 " Ouri miti" he said, and his canoe dropped astern. 
 
 As we passed the reef, Jake sighed and muttered, 
 
 " 0, golly, didn't I snake 'em in dare? Takes dis child to fish. 
 I must find a day, some time, and go back dare." 
 
 At length the long-wished-for Honolulu was in sight ; and up 
 went my private signal, manufactured by Miss Cheriugtou ex- 
 pressly for my use, but which had not been hoisted since the day 
 that Lilly was discovered on board. By the aid of a glass 
 I could distinguish the barge that belonged to the firm ; and then 
 I took a look towards the window, where I had seen a white 
 handkerchief waved on the morning that I sailed. Ah, how my 
 heart fluttered .as I recognized the same signal! and I almost 
 fancied that I could make out the handsome face of Julia, with 
 
214 A WHALEMAN'S ADVENTURES. 
 
 her black eyes and white teeth. I returned the salute, and was 
 then compelled to pay some attention to the schooner, for we 
 were nearing the inner harbor rapidly. We lowered the flying 
 jib and foresail, and then luffed up a little, and hauled aft the 
 main and jib sheets, and pointed the bluff bow of the Helen for 
 the inner harbor, where several whaleships were lying, the crew 
 of which were all on deck, and watching our approach with much 
 interest. 
 
 " Here comes Mr. Cherington, sir," shouted Will, almost wild 
 with joy at the thought of returning to port. 
 
 The next instant my partner was alongside, and on deck, his 
 face beaming with pleasure, and his dark eyes sparkling with 
 excitement. 
 
 " Charles, my dear boy," he said, coming aft with open arms, 
 " welcome, welcome home." 
 
 For a moment we held each other's hands, unable to speak. 
 
 " Julia," I managed to say, k ' is she well? " 
 
 " Ah, well and happy at your safe return. She has watched 
 for you every day for a week past ; and every day, for the past 
 two weeks, she has asked me when you might be expected. See 
 there she is at the window of your room, waving her handker- 
 chief, and crying at the same time, I ha^e no doubt. But, tell 
 me, have you been well ? " 
 
 " Quite well. But you do not ask what success I have met with." 
 
 " There is time enough for that, my boy. I am satisfied at 
 your safe return, even if the speculation has not paid. You must 
 go on no more such expeditions. I am too lonely without you ; 
 and there is somebody else who will complain if you leave Hono- 
 lulu again." 
 
 How I wished that I really deserved such love and affection, 
 and how my conscience smote me to think that I was not worthy 
 of it ! But as Mr. Cherington was not a confessor, I did not 
 think that it was worth while for me to recount my misdeeds. 
 
 We dropped anchor in nine feet of water, and not more than a 
 stone's throw from the shore. 
 
 Mr. Cherington urged me to go home, assuring me that there 
 was some one there who was most anxious to see me. 
 
 u Had we not better first remove the treasure which we have 
 on board ? " I asked. 
 
 " I guess we can take all you brought," he said. " I am quite 
 strong in my hands, and can carry a heavy load." 
 
MR. CHERINGTON SURPRISED. 215 
 
 " How much gold and silver do you suppose I have on board ? " 
 I asked. 
 
 " Well, perhaps ten thousand dollars' worth," he answered, 
 after a moment's reflection. " I make such a guess on the ground 
 that you have been successful ; and I suppose that youHhave, for I 
 see that the schooner is flying light." 
 
 " You must guess again." 
 
 " More, or less ? " 
 
 " A trifle more." 
 
 " My dear boy," cried the old gentleman, "is it possible that 
 you have done so well with the cargo?" 
 
 "What should you say if I stated that the cargo sold for near 
 eighty thousand dollars ? " 
 
 " That I was dreaming, or that you were seeking to hoax me." 
 
 " You are not dreaming, and I am serious. I found a ready 
 market for every article that I carried to California, and at prices 
 that paid wonderfully well." 
 
 " And there were losses? " 
 
 "I did not lose a cent. Everything was paid for on delivery, 
 in gold or gold dust." 
 
 " And you have seventy thousand dollars on board the schooner 
 at the present time ? " 
 
 " Yes ; in addition, ten thousand dollars which I sent to my 
 father for money he advanced me to enter into business arrange- 
 ments with you. Or, rather, he did not furnish the money, but 
 gave me credit for goods to that amount." 
 
 " And you mean to say that that debt is paid?" asked Mr. 
 Cherington, still wondering. 
 
 " I think it is ; and I should not be surprised if I had a credit 
 o( a few thousand dollars with my father at the present time." 
 
 " I am lost in wonder and astonishment. Why, my dear boy, 
 you have excelled me in business arrangements." 
 
 " Ah, but you forget that you planned the whole thing, and 
 ^hat I had only to follow your ideas. Think of that before you 
 praise me too much." 
 
 " No matter, my boy ; I will leave another to tell you how 
 well pleased we are with your conduct. You have nothing lo re- 
 proach yourself with now." 
 
 Ah, had I not? How little he knew my heart, and the heavy 
 load which weighed it down ! I thought how his daughter would 
 
21 G A WHALEMAN'S ADVENTURES. 
 
 grieve if she was aware that Lilly had made the passage with me 
 to California, and she might hear of it any day. I now began to 
 realize how peculiar was my situation, and Irow liable I was to 
 exposure. My partner noticed my embarrassment ; but before he 
 could speak to encourage me, thinking that it was on account of 
 Julia, I had rallied, and seemed as gay as ever. He said, 
 
 " If you have so much treasure on board, it must be removed 
 on shore at once, and placed in the safe. I will speak to the boat- 
 men to be ready to take it." 
 
 The mate first passed up a bag containing two thousand dollars, 
 in silver dollars. It was a good lift- for him, and made him ! 
 groan. Then a bag containing five hundred dollars in halves 
 was handed up. Then a bag of gold dust, and a sack of gold \ 
 coins, until at last a keg was emptied. Mr. Cherington looked 
 on in silent wonder. 
 
 " Charles," he said, at length, u there must be more than 
 what you mentioned in these lots." 
 
 I could not help smiling. 
 
 u How many thousand dollars here in all?" my partner asked, 
 in a serious tone. 
 
 " My dear sir," I answered, " I found a market and a price 
 for every article that I had on board, and I could have sold the 
 schooner, if I had wanted to, at a large advance on cost. We 
 made over a thousand per cent, upon our venture. I though.t 
 that I would prepare for you an agreeable surprise, and I believe 
 that I have astonished you somewhat." 
 
 " You have overpowered me, my boy. I can't begin to ex- 
 press my gratitude. And to think that two more such voyages 
 will make us independent the richest men on the island. Only 
 two more short trips, and then you and Julia can marry and settle 
 down to perfect happiness." 
 
 This was a crusher to the hopes which I had cherished, that 
 Mr. Cherington would consent to an immediate marriage between 
 Julia and myself. I dropped the bag of gold which I held, and 
 my face expressed so much disappointment that even Mr. Chering- 
 ton, absorbed as he was in his schemes for wealth, could not fail 
 to notice it. 
 
 " Come, come, Charles ; don't manifest signs of disappointment. 
 Consider that you are barely twenty years of age, and that Julia 
 is only seventeen. See what we have made in two months' time. 
 
SCHEMES FOR WEALTH. 217 
 
 You arc now a rich man, free from debt and independent. Your 
 father must be proud of you I am proud of you Julia will be 
 proud of you ; but let me beg of you not to speak to Julia, of 
 marriage until you are richer than you are now by a hundred 
 thousand dollars. Come, say that you won't." 
 
 " Let us go," I said. " I cannot answer now. We will talk 
 of this matter some other time." 
 
 " That is right that is right, my boy. A little reflection will 
 convince you of the truth of my statements. Don't be in such 
 haste to marry. Money first, and happiness afterwards." 
 
 " But suppose, while I am thus working for wealth, that Julia 
 should meet with one she liked better than myself. Of what use 
 would my wealth be?" 
 
 " Ah, but there is no danger of that. She is yours, my boy ; 
 her heart entirely belongs to you, and I think that only some fool- 
 ish act on your part could take it from you. Let us get riches 
 first, and then have a glorious wedding. The more money, the 
 more respect and importance." 
 
 Alas ! the wealth which I had brought from California did 
 not satisfy the kind-hearted man, whom I had always looked 
 up to with so much respect. 
 
 We deposited the money in the boat, and, after giving Mr. 
 Topmall a few directions, pulled for the shore, my partner talk- 
 ing quite rapidly, as though to prevent me from thinking of 
 the great happiness which I saw receding every moment from my 
 grasp. 
 
 44 Only think," Mr. Cherington said, \fhile we were on our 
 way to the shore, " we invested some eight thousand dollars in, 
 vessel and provisions. We have the vessel, which is worth two 
 thousand dollars more than I paid for her, and between sixty and 
 seventy thousand dollars in cash, not counting the ten thousand 
 dollars which you sent to your father. What a fortunate specula- 
 tion only think of the amount of money which we have made 
 in a little over two months' time. This will please Julia." 
 
 " Is she so ambitious for wealth? " I asked. 
 
 " All women like power, and money is power, my boy. They 
 say they prefer a cottage and all such nonsense, but they mean a 
 cottage with rich carpets and handsome furniture, and half a 
 dozen servants. Such is their idea of love in a cottage. Wait 
 until you are as old as I am, and you will see that I am right. 
 With money goes love, all the world over." 
 
218 A WHALEMAN'S ADVENTURES. 
 
 44 No, no, I do not believe that, for when I landed at Kam 
 maira, without a dollar in ray pocket, I " 
 
 44 vTut, tut! don't mention the half savage natives of this island, 
 in connection with people of our own class. The native girls 
 don't know any better than to love a stranger without wealth or 
 station." 
 
 44 But I care more for Julia than I do for gold," I said, with 
 commendable frankness. 
 
 44 That is natural. I am glad that you do. It speaks well for 
 'your heart. But just consider for a moment. After you were 
 married, you would think that wealth was but a natural lever to 
 show your affections ; consequently you would neglect your family 
 to obtain it. No, no ; gold first, and marriage afterwards. You 
 will agree with me after a while." 
 
 The idea of a young and ardent lover agreeing with an old man 
 on such a point did not seem quite possible. 
 
 We sent our boatmen to the store with the gold which we had 
 brought along, and then followed them, some natives bringing up 
 the rear, and shouting and laughing in great glee. It was like a 
 holiday to them. Every few seconds one would run up to me and 
 shout, 
 
 " Say, cap'n, take me next time. Me want to go to California 
 berry much." 
 
 We passed on to the office, where the treasure was deposited in 
 the safe, and then Mr. Cherington was anxious to glance at my 
 accounts ; but I refused to open them until the next day, and with 
 a sigh my partner did not press me further in regard to business. 
 
 u As it is near dinner time, we may as well go home," Mr. 
 Cherington said. 44 1 suppose that Julia will be anxious to see 
 you. But remember, no word about marriage you must recol- 
 lect that.'.' 
 
 We reached the house, the door was opened, and before me, 
 looking more beautiful than ever, stood Julia. I sprang for- 
 ward, threw my arms around her, and kissed the red lips which 
 she held up so lovingly. We could not speak for a moment, our 
 happiness was so great. When I released the blushing girl from 
 my fond embrace, I found that her father had very wisely left us 
 together. I led the dear girl into the parlor, a^ud seated myself 
 on a sofa by her side. One arm was thrown around her waist, 
 and one hand held her own. 
 

 LOVERS' CONFIDENCES. 219 
 
 " You are glad to see me are you not? "the young lady 
 asked, by the way of commencing a conversation. 
 
 " Ah, so glad ! " I replied, with a slight squeeze, that caused the 
 rich blood to mantle her face and white neck. 
 
 " And have you been good while absent?" Julia asked, turn- 
 ing her dark eyes upon my face with a searching glance. 
 
 u Very good," I answered, and kissed the sweet face that was 
 close to mine. 
 
 " I knew you would be," she replied, in a triumphant man- 
 ner. " I would stake my life on your constancy." 
 
 What a pang shot through my heart at hearing those words ! 
 
 " Now let me look at you," Julia said, holding me off at arm's 
 length. 
 
 I am fearful that my eyes drooped beneath her gaze, it was so 
 pure and innocent. 
 
 " You look tired and worried. Your skin is burned by the 
 sun. Still I don't know but I like you better than before you left 
 me for that horrid California." 
 
 " But you do not ask me how I have succeeded while absent," 
 I said, after her head was once more nestled on my breast. 
 
 " What do I care as long as you are well, and have returned 
 home ? " was the answer. 
 
 " But you want me to be fortunate in all my undertakings do 
 you not ? " 
 
 " O, yes, of course. But then, even if you w r ere not, what 
 does it matter? My father has money enough for us both." 
 
 " We have been more successful than we possibly anticipated. 
 I have paid my father what I owed him, and can now claim to 
 be worth twenty-five thousand dollars in my own right, but we 
 may have to wait for some months before I can call you mine. 
 And you will love me just as well?" 
 
 " O, yes, of course I will ; but I don't see why we should wait." 
 
 M We must await your father's pleasure, darling." 
 
 "0, yes, I know; but still you have made so much money, 
 and I can buy beautiful laces just now very cheap." 
 
 I laughed, for that was a great inducement. 
 
 " I don't think it is any laughing matter," Julia pouted. 
 
 " Nor I, dear > for while I was on the ocean, my thoughts, day 
 after day, were of you, and the moment when I should call you 
 mine." 
 
220 A WHALEMAN'S ADVENTURES. 
 
 Before we could exchange other thoughts we were informed 
 that dinner waited us. The dinner was one of Mr. Cherington's 
 best. It was cooked to perfection, and while we lingered over 
 our coffee and dessert, Julia solicited me to relate some of my 
 experiences in California. 
 
 " Ah, yes ; let us hear them," cried Mr. Cherington. u Tell 
 us how you traded for the gold which you brought home. A great 
 voyage. Over seventy thousand dollars in two months. That is 
 the way to make money. The richest firm ou the island." 
 
 The last few sentences were uttered in a low tone. 
 
 I commenced my story, and related all the incidents that had 
 happened to me during my absence, excepting the one which con- 
 Lected Lilly with the trip, and my experience in gambling at San 
 Francisco. When I had concluded my yarn, and received warm 
 praise for my management, my partner said, 
 
 u You have had some marvellous risks, and your encounter- 
 ing them only makes you more worthy of other trials. Now you 
 will know how to avoid most of the troubles which surrounded 
 you on the first trip. But, if you feel reluctant to go, why, I 
 will take your place, and you can take mine. To be sure I am 
 old, but I am still active." 
 
 I knew what that meant, very well. The old gentleman was 
 aware that I would never consent to such an arrangement. 
 
 u I was in hopes," I said, " that I could claim the hand of 
 Julia, on reaching home ; .but as that cannot be, I am willing to 
 make one more trip, and I trust that it will be such a successful 
 one that no objections to our immediate marriage will be urged 
 on my return. I am anxious for wealth, but more anxious for a 
 wife." 
 
 Julia blushed, and Mr. Cherington smiled. 
 
 " Just what I expected of you, Charles. I knew your good 
 seuse would prompt you to make another voyage. Love is all 
 very well in its way, but wealth is better." 
 
 u I don't think so," pouted Julia. 
 
 " Nor I ; but we must admit your father's argument, for he is 
 the most powerful at present. We must wait, and perhaps you 
 will think it for the best." 
 
 " Well done, my boy, well done ! To show you that I ap- 
 preciate your motives, from this dav you shall rarik as an equal 
 partner with myself in the firm. When the proper time arrives, 
 
CONGRATULATIONS. 221 
 
 I shall be pleased to consign the happiness of this dear child to 
 your care. She is a treasure, and I know you are worthy of 
 her." 
 
 I felt a little twinge of conscience as my hand met Julia's. 1 
 was receiving praise which did not belong to nie, and I feared 
 that some day it would be discovered. But until that time I de- 
 termined to assume a virtue which I did not really possess. 
 
 When we went to the store we found a crowd of natives still 
 besieging the door, anxious to hear more news from California ; 
 and they thought that the best way to obtain it would be by 
 squatting in the sand, and waiting until something turned up. 
 They were in no hurry. A day, or even a week, was nothing to 
 them. We forced our way through the crowd, and saw several 
 merchants in the store waiting for us. Among them was Vida, 
 the partner of Hatch, who had taken passage with me for Cali- 
 fornia. He had received the letters which I had brought for him. 
 The counting-room w r as crowded with prominent men, who were 
 anxious to hear the details of my voyage. So many rumors 
 were in circulation in Honolulu regarding the amount of money 
 which I had brought to the island, that the merchants were fran- 
 tic to embark in speculations, and make fortunes with the least 
 possible delay. I could see at once that this was likely to affect 
 the price of the very articles which we were anxious to speculate 
 in ; for Mr. Cherington, like the prudent man that he was, did 
 not risk too many eggs in one basket. He had bought noth- 
 ing, and sold nothing of any amount while I was absent from 
 the island. 
 
 " Cherington," cried Vida, " it is whispered around town that 
 you have made a hundred thousand dollars by the trip. If that 
 is the case we congratulate you." 
 
 " I heard that it was one hundred and fifty thousand," said 
 Braunon, an oil merchant. 
 
 u One of my fellows tells me that he saw ten large bags of 
 gold brought ashore," remarked Ludwig, who was in the sugar 
 business. 
 
 " Tell us how much you made, Cherington," they all cried, 
 in* chorus. 
 
 " Upon my word, gentlemen, I don't know w r hat to think of 
 this," remarked my partner, with a smile of extreme good-nature. 
 " I won't say what we have made or lost, it is so recent since the 
 vessel returned." 
 
222 A WHALEMAN'S ADVENTURES. 
 
 * 
 
 One by one they retired, until only Brannon remained. 
 
 u Cherrington," he said, u I'll give you forty dollars a barrel 
 for that beef of yours." 
 
 I nodded to my partner to sell. 
 
 " We have got one hundred barrels. You can have all but 
 ten of them for that price." 
 
 u Thank you. I'll pay to-morrow ; " and off he went. 
 
 He had barely left the store when Ludwig entered. 
 
 44 Got any beef you want to sell cheap? " he asked. 
 
 " Just sold the last," was the answer. 
 
 The man left the store like a whirlwind. 
 
 " A nice speculation they have commenced. Ah, if I had but 
 known that you were successful, what a strike I could have 
 made ! " sighed Mr. Cherington. " But what possessed you to 
 signalize me to sell beef at so low a figure?" he continued. 
 
 " Because," I replied, " a barrel of salt beef cannot be sold in 
 San Francisco. The miners repudiate it, for they prefer pork. 
 In a few weeks the scurvy will make its appearance in California, 
 and then fresh provisions must be in demand. If we had a load 
 there now, we could make thousands of dollars." 
 
 " Then we will have a cargo there in a few weeks," cried Mr. 
 Cherington, cheerily. 
 
 I left the store, and went on board the Helen, where I found a 
 number of kanakas, still eager to learn all they could regarding 
 California. Mr. Topmall was quite contented on board. He 
 scorned the idea^of leaving the vessel for the shore, but Will was 
 not so nautical. He was pleased to obtain a day or two for him- 
 self, and went on shore with me. I reached the counting-room, 
 and found Mr. Cherington hard at work at his accounts. 
 
 ' Here is one item, Charles, I do not understand," he cried. 
 
 " Let me see," I said ; and I stepped to the desk, and glanced 
 at the figures. 
 
 " You sent ten thousand dollars to your father, and yet I find 
 the total amount received by you to overrun by four thousand 
 dollars. Where did such a sum come from?" 
 
 I felt the sharp eyes of my partner full upon my face. I scorned 
 to tell a lie, and so I boldly answered, 
 
 " I made it one night at a gambling table, at San Francisco." 
 
 " O, Charles ! " cried the old gentleman, throwing down his 
 pen, and clapping his hands in horror at such wickedness. 
 
AN EXPLANATION. 223 
 
 " My dear intended father-in-law," I said, " I had no intention 
 of playing when I commenced." 
 
 " They all say that," groaned the good man. 
 
 " But I mean what I say. Now don't groan any more, for it 
 won't do any good. Just listen to my explanation." 
 
 He calmly adjusted his glasses, and looked a little more re- 
 signed ; but still he sighed as though he did not feel quite well. I 
 then told the old gentleman how it happened, that I had risked 
 my money, and won the Chilian's ; and after the explanation the 
 frown disappeared from his face. 
 
 " Well, I forgive you this time, but don't do so again. It is 
 dangerous. I am glad that you won, of course, but don't attempt 
 it the second time. Only imagine how Julia would mourn if she 
 should hear of it." 
 
 " But I trust she won't hear of it." 
 
 The good man shook his head. 
 
 " You don't mean to tell me that you will inform her ? " I asked, 
 in alarm. 
 
 " My duty to my child, Charles. Only think of that," 
 
 " Nonsense ! It is not your duty to make her unhappy, or me 
 miserable. Don't I tell you it was the first time I ever bet ? " 
 
 " And you say it shall be the last, I believe." 
 
 " Of course. Do let the matter drop where it is." 
 
 u Well, I think that I will. My daughter's happiness is very 
 dear to me, and so is yours, Charles ; but you must not wonder 
 if I am a little astonished at the revelation that has been made. 
 Let it pass. In a few days you will be off on another trip, and 
 during your absence I shall forget what you have told me." 
 
 The cunning old fellow was now certain that he had me. And 
 so he had, for I was willing to consent to almost anything rather 
 than have my bad deeds revealed to Julia. 
 
 The next morning Mr. Cherington left the house before I got 
 down to breakfast, so that I had a delightful chat with Julia. 
 About ten o'clock I reached the store. My partner was out 
 on business ; so I lighted a cigar, and awaited his return. In a 
 few minutes he came in, looking somewhat excited. He threw 
 down his Panama hat, took off his spectacles, and rubbed them 
 before he said a word. I looked at him for a moment in surprise. 
 
 " Charles," he said, " what do you think the confounded spec- 
 ulators have done ? " 
 
224 A WHALEMAN'S ADVENTURES. 
 
 " I am sure I don't know." 
 
 " Well, this morning, while you were sleeping, I was up and 
 at work. I thought I would buy a load of fruit before ten o'clock, 
 so that you could sail in a few days for California." 
 
 " Your intentions were laudable." 
 
 " Don't interrupt me. I went to the largest fruit dealer in 
 town, and attempted to contract with him for two hundred thou- 
 sand oranges, a lot of cocoa-nuts, bananas, &c. To my surprise, 
 I found that he had sold everything last night, and at prices which 
 would astonish you." 
 
 *' Nothing astonishes me nowadays," I answered ; " not even 
 if you were to give your consent to my immediate marriage with 
 Julia." 
 
 " Don't be foolish, Charles. There is time enough for you. 
 Only to think of the rapacity of those speculators ! " 
 
 " Send to the other islands," I suggested. " There is Lahaina, 
 ICawaihae, Hilo, and Mani. Fruit and fresh provisions are plenty 
 at those places, and they can be bought cheap." 
 
 Mr. Cherington uttered a groan of agony. " It is too late," 
 he remarked. u Yesterday afternoon canoes left for all those 
 places, and the agents of the speculators will buy up everything." 
 
 u That was a sharp dodge was it not? " I remarked. 
 
 " Yes, I must confess that it was ; but still I don't approve of 
 it," and my partner sighed. 
 
 Just at that moment the Rev. Mr. Gangle entered the store, and 
 put an end to our conversation. 
 
 " O, men, men," said the reverend gentleman, " I have no 
 doubt that you are scheming how to make more money at the ex- 
 pense of your eternal salvation. Cease such work. Give your 
 gold to the church, your thoughts to heaven, and me a cigar. 
 Thank you. Now a match, with brimstone at the end, to remind 
 you, while I am lighting it, of the fate that is in store for you." 
 
 Mr. Gangle lighted his cigar, and smoked for a moment in si- 
 lence. 
 
 " Charles," he asked, at length, " how about California? Gold 
 there, hey? Plenty of it, no doubt. "Wish that I had a cart-load 
 of the yellow dross. What churches I would build, and what 
 good dinners I would eat ! and my friends should help me, too." 
 
 " What ! eat the dinners, or build the churches ? There is a 
 slight difference between the two." 
 
A WISE SUGGESTION. 225 
 
 Mr. Gangle looked at me for a moment in sober silence, after 
 I had asked the question. Then lie sighed. 
 
 " Young man, after you have spent a life attempting to convert 
 heathen, you will know better than to joke with a missionary." 
 
 " I was serious," I remarked. 
 
 u No doubt of it ; but the cloth must not be touched by the 
 profane. But to come to business. The speculators have got the 
 best of you two, and you ought to be ashamed of yourselves for 
 letting them. The islands will be searched for stuff to send to 
 California, and consequently prices will go up at once. Now 
 play a shrewd game, and win the esteem of the natives, and also 
 those who depend upon their labor for support." 
 
 " But how shall we do that? " my partner asked. 
 
 " I will tell you. Refuse to buy anything of the men who are 
 so anxious to speculate. They think that they can compel you to 
 come up to their prices. If you are firm, they can do no such 
 thing. Tell them that you cannot countenance such transactions 
 that it will be the means of depriving the natives of their daily 
 fruit, unless at greatly enhanced prices. I will tell all my 
 congregations what patriots you are. The rascals will find 
 themselves in a tight place, and will lose money by their opera- 
 tions." 
 
 " How? "I asked. 
 
 " Listen, young man, and find out. There is no vessel in port 
 that can be despatched immediately for California. The whalers 
 dare not venture there their crews would run away." 
 
 Mr. Cheriugton clapped his hands at the new idea. He saw 
 the point, and was disposed to improve it. 
 
 " They can purchase as much as they please, but they cannot 
 remove provisions from the island," my partner said. 
 
 u Of course they can't. Now, what is to prevent your vessel 
 from slipping off to some port where yams and fruit are cheap, 
 buy at a low figure, and then sail for California ? It can be done 
 if you are smart." 
 
 I took down from a shelf a map of the Pacific Ocean, and 
 spread it upon the desk before me. I read aloud the names of 
 islands, and while I was so employed the missionary looked over 
 my shoulder, and suddenly stabbed at the map with a penknife 
 with which he had been cleaning his nails. 
 
 44 There," he cried, leaving the knife quivering in the map, 
 15 
 
226 A WHALEMAN'S ADVENTURES. 
 
 u there is where you must go. Everything in the provision line 
 is cheap there." 
 
 " The Ladrone Islands ! " I exclaimed. 
 
 " Ay, the Ladrone Islands," was the remark of our reverend 
 friend. " You will find an abundance there, and at cheap rates. 
 You can run to the island in twelve days, or more, if you are 
 fortunate. No one need know that you have gone there. You 
 can collect a cargo in less than a week's time, and be in San 
 Francisco before the sharp speculators of Honolulu have awa- 
 kened to the fact that they have been outwitted." 
 
 " Bravo ! " cried my partner, with glee upon his good-natured 
 face. u That suggestion is worth a thousand dollars to us." 
 
 " Better say ten thousand, sir," the missionary remarked. " I 
 will wager that you make as much as that." 
 
 " I will go," I said ; but it cost me a sigh to say so, for I 
 thought of Julia. 
 
 " That is brave. Now let us see when you can start ; " and 
 Mr. Cheriugton rubbed his hands, and began to make his cal- 
 culations. 
 
 u In three days we can sail, if nothing happens to detain us. 
 We have wood and water to get on board, and some men to ship. 
 Some of my people want liberty for a day or two, and if they did 
 not get it they would go to sea dissatisfied." 
 
 " Ah, the sinful wretches ! " sighed the missionary. " They 
 are not married men, and therefore have no business on the 
 land." 
 
 I made no reply, but hurried out of the counting-room to find 
 Will, and luckily I caught sight of him near the store. 
 
 " Come and go on board with me," I said. " You must take 
 charge of the Helen while Jack and Jake make a trip to Kaiu- 
 maira. We are off in three days." 
 
 " Where to, sir ? " was the question. 
 
 " No matter. You will find out in time." 
 
 " Fin satisfied, sir. Money first, and pleasure afterwards." 
 
 We went on board, and I imparted the news of our speedy de- 
 parture to the mate and Jake, and gave them permission to leave 
 the vessel for two days. They were not surprised at the orders, 
 and not dismayed at them. 
 
 " You can first go on shore, and get from the store anything 
 you want, and then take the schooner's boat, and visit the vil- 
 
PREPARATIONS TO SAIL. 227 
 
 * 
 
 lage. The money that is due you will all be paid to-day, if you 
 desire it." 
 
 " How much am 'em, cap'n?" asked Jake. 
 
 "Wages and commissions will give to each of you about five 
 hundred dollars." 
 
 " O, de Lordy I " yelled Jake, " what dis nigger goin' to do wid 
 so much money ? Whar can I put 'em ? Some blamed teefe steal 
 *em. I nebber hab so much money afore." 
 
 " Where can I put my rocks? " asked Jack. " I don't know 
 what to do with so much money." 
 
 " You can leave it with us until you are ready to draw it," I 
 said. 
 
 " Then you just keep it till we wants it. We can take a few 
 dollars to buy some things, and leave the rest ; " and the mate 
 and steward hastily completed their preparations for a visit to 
 their wives. 
 
 As soon as the two men were on their way to the village, I 
 shipped four kanakas to act as seamen, they having made one or 
 two voyages in whalers, and answered my purpose very well. The 
 cook, who was devoted to my interests, I also shipped. He 
 asked no questions relative to the voyage, nor appeared to care for 
 the destination of the vessel. After finishing up so much busi- 
 ness I went to dinner, and found the worthy missionary at the 
 house, earnestly engaged in conversation with Julia. 
 
 " O, dear," said that young lady, as I entered the drawing- 
 room, u what dreadful news is this I hear? You are about to 
 leave us once more, and be gone a long time. I think it is 
 shameful." 
 
 " Be resigned, my child, to the changes of this world," mur- 
 mured the missionary. 
 
 " Would you talk of resignation if your wife should leave you 
 for two or three months? " asked Julia. 
 
 "Yes, my dear child," returned Mr. Gangle, meekly; "I 
 should submit with much patience to the punishment." 
 
 Julia smiled. It was reported in certain circles that the rev- 
 erend gentleman had not lived on good terms with his wife while 
 in the States, and that he had accepted the position of missionary 
 to the islands for the express purpose of leaving her behind. 
 
 We went to dinner, and as it was an unusually good one, the 
 missionary detained us but a few seconds with grace. 
 
228 A WHALEMAN'S ADVENTURES. 
 
 " By the way," said Mr. Gangle, turning to me, " do you 
 speak Spanish?" 
 
 u A little," I answered, remembering my school lessons. 
 
 *' Then learn more, or the Ladroners will cheat you out of 
 many a dollar before you know it. No English is spoken at 
 the Ladrones." 
 
 I promised compliance with the suggestion, and then we 
 talked of the morals of the people a favorite topic with some 
 folks until coffee was introduced, when Julia and I retired to the 
 sitting-room, and left the old men to chat of charity and their 
 younger days. 
 
 We sat for an hour talking over our projects, before the gen- 
 tlemen joined us. I saw that Julia, while willing to bow to the 
 will of her father, felt quite keenly the idea that we were so soon 
 to part. She even expressed as much, but not in such forcible 
 language as I did. She still thought that she was too young 
 to marry ; but if there had been no impediment in the way of 
 our union, she would not have shed many tears ere she agreed 
 to change her name for mine. I must confess that I loved Julia 
 most dearly that I was proud of her beauty and her accom- 
 plishments, and, while I was sitting by her side, she alone en- 
 grossed all my thoughts ; yet I felt that I was too young to really 
 appreciate the treasure which I held in my arms. I knew that I 
 was, at times, a little wild and inconstant ; but I did not think 
 that I possessed any vices which could not be entirely eradicated 
 after a certain lapse of time. 
 
 From this reverie I was aroused by the entrance of my partner 
 and the missionary. They had just left the table and its pleas- 
 ures, and consequently felt good-natured and sleepy. 
 
 " Charles," said Mr. Cherington, drawing out his white pongee 
 handkerchief, " you and Julia had better take a drive this after- 
 noon. The horses want exercise. Gangle and I intend to talk 
 of the church while you are absent ; " and, throwing the handker- 
 chief over his face, he made preparations for a short nap. The 
 missionary followed his example. 
 
OFF FOR THE LADRONE ISLANDS, 229 
 
 CHAPTER XV. 
 
 FOR THE LADRONE ISLANDS. A SURPRISE. MORE PERPLEXI- 
 TIES. AN ENGLISH PILOT. THE GOVERNOR OF THE LADRONB 
 
 ISLANDS AND HIS DAUGHTER. 
 
 MOST partings from those we love are alike ; so I shall pass 
 over the scene that took place between Julia and myself on the 
 morning that we sailed. Mr. Cherington accompanied me on 
 board the Helen, and did not leave us until the vessel was some 
 four miles from land. 
 
 With a fresh and fair wind I shaped my course for the Ladrone 
 Islands, or Marianne Islands, as some call them. While I was 
 thinking of home and my sailing directions, Will came on the 
 quarter-deck, and asked. 
 
 " Shall I let her out, sir? 
 
 u Who out ? " I replied, with a stare of astonishment. 
 
 " Why, Lilly, sir. I locked her up this morning, and she ain't 
 bin on deck since. I thought you'd forgotten her." 
 
 And so I had ; and once more I saw that I was in an unfortunate 
 position, but must make the best of it. 
 
 " Give me the key," I said ; and with it I went into the cabin, 
 and unlocked the door of a state-room. 
 
 I heard a low cry, as though of joy, and the next instant I felt 
 a pair of arms arouwl my neck. 
 
 " Lilly," I said, attempting to prevent the embrace, but she 
 resisted for the poor child did not comprehend why she 
 should not display some marks of her platonic affection on 
 the first day from port, "Lilly," I continued, "let us be 
 friends and " 
 
 " Well, ain't we friends? " she asked ; and then she laughed as 
 though she thought it a good joke. I could only hope, with a 
 sigh, that no one at Honolulu would hear of this, but I sub- 
 mitted to my fate with resignation, while at the same time I was 
 confident that it was not rioiit. 
 
 O 
 
 It would be tedious to relate all the trivial incidents connected 
 
230 A WHALEMAN'S ADVENTURES. 
 
 with a voyage to the Ladrones. With a fair wind, and nearly as 
 much of it as we needed, we rolled on our way across the broad 
 Pacific, until at last my observations told me that we were close 
 to Guam ; and in an hour from that time we made the island, 
 and saw that it was, apparently, encircled by reefs of coral. 
 But, singular as it may seem, that which looked so formidable at 
 a distance disappeared as we drew near the land. The long 
 lines of surf were to the right and left of us, but the chart denoted 
 an opening free from danger, and through a channel we 
 steered, under easy sail, until at last we were within the outer 
 lines of reefs, with a flag hoisted as a signal for a pilot, and 
 lying to until that important individual should see fit to visit us. 
 Never, in all my wanderings, had I seen such a paradise, and 
 that opinion was shared by every man on board. Even the 
 Sandwich Islands, rich in scenery, could not equal the Island of 
 Guam for beauty. 
 
 u Here comes the pilot, sir," said the mate, pointing in-shore, 
 and arousing me from a reverie, in which I was wondering why 
 people desired a more enchanting home, or why they should leave 
 such a one. I thought that in a spot like that a man could end 
 his days without trouble or ambition. 
 
 " Stand by to throw a line to the boat," shouted the mate. 
 
 I went to the rail, and looked at the approaching craft. It was 
 pulled by two dark-skinned fellows, while the principal person 
 was an individual in the stern-sheets of the boat. He was a stout, 
 red-faced man, with a broad-brimmed straw hat on his large 
 head, white clothes on his person, and shoes of untanned leather 
 on his feet. 
 
 " Surely," I thought, " that man cannot be a Spaniard." 
 
 My doubts were soon dissipated. 
 
 " Blast your lazy eyes," yelled the white man, " why don't 
 you pull ? I'll pitch you both overboard unless you do better. 
 Now, then, alongside we go. So that will do." 
 
 The large man at last mounted to the deck, and then I saw 
 that he was more than six feet high, broad-shouldered, and looked 
 much like an Englishman. 
 
 " Are you the master of this vessel? " he asked, addressing me, 
 after one glance over the deck. 
 
 " I am," was my reply. 
 
 " Then I am happy .to see you, sir. My name is John Wilson 
 
THE PILOT. 231 
 
 I am the pilot ; and if you want your vessel taken to a safe an- 
 chorage, I'm the man to do it." 
 
 " Will you allow me to see your commission, sir, before I trust 
 the vessel to your care?" I asked'. 
 
 He took from his trousers' pocket a tobacco box, and on open- 
 ing it produced a very dirty paper, which he handed to me. The 
 writing was in Spanish, and -there was a large seal on one corner 
 of the document, but what it represented I was unable to compre- 
 hend. After a hasty glance, I handed the paper to the pilot, anu 
 said that I was satisfied. 
 
 " I knew you would be. Put the helm up ; ease off the main 
 sheet. So that's well. Keep her as she goes. Steer for that 
 headland, and don't yaw all over God's creation, unless you want 
 to quarrel with me. Now, captain, I am ready to go below for 
 a few minutes." 
 
 We entered the cabin, and the steward placed upon the table a 
 bottle of brandy, water, and glasses. 
 
 " Help yourself," I said,, and pushed the bottle towards my 
 guest . 
 
 He did help himself, for I noticed that his tumbler, nearly two 
 thirds full, went to his mouth with a steady hand, and that it was 
 not removed until the last drop was gone. 
 
 " That reminds me of ' Old London Dock/ " he exclaimed. 
 " I've not drank such brandy before for twenty years." 
 
 I did not invite the pilot to take a second pull at the bottle, for 
 I wanted the schooner looked after. 
 
 " Now," said Wilson, as we returned to the deck, " tell me where 
 you are from, and where you are bound, if it is not too much 
 trouble." 
 
 I told him that I was from the Sandwich Islands, and was on 
 a cruise to find certain articles, and that I should visit different 
 ports until I found what I wanted, and at prices to suit me. I 
 did not say that I came to Guam expressly to buy, for I feared 
 that would defeat the object of my expedition. 
 
 " You have hit the right spot, sir," he said. " You have come 
 just in time. There are no whalers in port, and fruit is plenty. 
 You can buy at your own prices, provided you get permission of 
 the governor. I'll help you. I'm a friend of the governor's. I'm 
 known here much better than in Scotland, although I am cousin 
 to Professor Wilson, whom you may have heard of in the literary 
 world." 
 
232 A WHALEMAN'S ADVENTURES. 
 
 I was amazed at the intelligence ; and yet, when I took a 
 second look at the pilot, I saw that his face and form resembled 
 the great author. 
 
 44 Yes, sir ; I am a cousin of Professor Wilson, and we at- 
 tended the same school. He took to literature, and I to the sea. 
 I am contented, for I have a wife and children, and even grand- 
 childrsn here. But you shall see them. You shall visit my 
 house, and I'll make you welcome." 
 
 The Scotchman dashed his hands across his eyes, and then 
 shouted, 
 
 44 Lower away the foresail, and be lively, you long-legged 
 kanakas, with bellies like cranes and feet like ducks. * Luff a 
 little. Steady as she goes. See the anchor all clear." 
 
 44 All clear," answered the mate. 
 
 The pilot astonished me. He had thrown aside the refined air 
 which he had assumed when conversing with me, and used lan- 
 guage which I thought he was a stranger to. The man must 
 have noticed my expression of astonishment, for he said, 
 
 44 When I speak to sailors I must use the words which they 
 understand ; _and, to tell the truth, although I was educated with- 
 in the shadow of Edinburgh-, yet I find that coarse language comes 
 readiest to my lips ; and why should I care ? I am the only per- 
 son on the island who speaks English, and sometimes I think 
 that I shall forget it entirely. But here we are, close to the 
 anchorage. Lower away the mainsail, and down with that jib. 
 Put your helm hard down. Steady as you go. Stand by the 
 anchor. Let go the anchor;" and these orders, which the pilot 
 shouted to the extent of his voice, were obeyed, and the Helen was 
 lying at anchor in four fathoms of water, within a quarter of a 
 mile of the shore, in a harbor which was in the form of a crescent. 
 
 Alter the anchor was down the pilot's cares ceased ; but still he 
 lingered on board, and as it was near the dinner hour, I invited 
 him to remain and dine with rne. When we sat down to din- 
 ner, I began to squeeze my guest. I found that the governor 
 of the island was a good-natured man, who loved his glass of 
 wine and cigars, and would not throw any impediment in the 
 way of trade if he received a present, some kind of goods be- -; 
 ing preferred to gold, for money was not of much use on the 
 Ladrones. 
 
 44 The governor is a good, hearty old fellow," said Wilson, 
 
A NOTE FROM THE GOVERNOR. 233 
 
 " and has the prettiest girl on the island for a daughter. But 
 you will see her, and then agree with me. She is only sixteen 
 years old, and as lively as a lark. Don't fall in love with her, 
 for the governor thinks that she is fit for a hidalgo." 
 
 " You think that there is some danger, then, of my falling in 
 love?" I asked, with a smile, as I thought of Julia's bright eyes 
 and handsome face. 
 
 " I know of a dozen whaling captains who have offered them- 
 selves, and been refused ; and their ships have remained here for 
 months in consequence." 
 
 u Most of them were married men, I suppose," I said. 
 
 " Well, it is quite probable, although I don't know certain 
 whether such was the case. But, at any rate, the owners of the 
 ships did not make much through the susceptibility of their cap- 
 tains. That I do know, and look out that you don't suffer in the 
 same way." 
 
 I gave the pilot as much to eat and drink as he could carry, 
 and then he started for the capital in his boat. St. Ignazio de 
 Agana is located on the banks of a river some five miles from 
 the port of entry ; and, while I am about it, let me state that the 
 latter place consisted of six huts, thatched with bamboo leaves, 
 and elevated from the ground some four or five feet, for the pur- 
 pose of remaining dry during the wet seasons, for near the beach 
 the ground was low and marshy. 
 
 I w r aited with patience to hear from my friend, and did not 
 have to wait long. The next forenoon a whale-boat, fitted up with 
 some pretensions to comfort, in the shape of cushioned seats and 
 an awning to screen the person from the hot sun, came alongside, 
 with a crew of four men, one of whom brought me a note from 
 Wilson, saying that the governor, Don Pablo de Oroto, would be 
 pleased to see me if I would honor the village with my presence, 
 and requesting me to use the boat, which belonged to his excel- 
 lency, for the purpose of transporting my person to the town. The 
 pilot's letter also contained a note from the governor, but as I 
 could not readily read it, I spent but little time over it. I or- 
 dered a luncheon jor the visitors, and then commenced prepara- 
 tions for departing, intending to be gone for only one night. 
 
 Leaving the mate ta look after the Helen, I entered the boat 
 and was pulled up the river, which wound its way through a 
 country rich with fruits and vegetables ; and on the trees were 
 
234 A WHALEMAN'S ADVENTURES. 
 
 birds of gaudy plumage, so tame that they refused to move when 
 the boat with splashing oars passed close to them. I must con- 
 fess that the town looked well at a distance, nestled at the foot of 
 a high hill, with the river sweeping in front, and cocoa-nut and 
 bamboo trees sheltering the houses from the noonday sun. In- 
 deed, so cheering was the spectaclei that the boatmen, with one 
 accord, shouted, 
 
 " St. Ignazio de Agana, senor. Mucho bueno ; " and then 
 they commenced a song with a chorus, sung in rather a pleasing, 
 manner, the burden of which was the delight of living in such a 
 town or city, filled with beautiful women, whose eyes were like the 
 stars, and whose hearts were as warm as the sun, and whose 
 grace was perfection. All of this was explained to me, when 
 they found that I was puzzled at some word ; and just as they had 
 finished, with a shout they ran the boat upon the shore, and there 
 at the landing I saw Wilson, the pilot, and half a dozen individ- 
 uals, one of whom I supposed was the governor of the islands, 
 Don Oroto, for he was better dressed than the others, and looked 
 more distinguished, if such a thing were possible. 
 
 While the men were hauling up the boat, I had time to glance 
 at the governor. He was short, fat, and jolly-looking, with a 
 gray mustache, grizzly hair, and a long, peaked beard, after the 
 style of Sir Francis Drake. On the whole, I rather liked the 
 appearance of the gentleman. He looked like a man who would 
 drink his share of a bottle of wine, and consider it no hardship ; 
 and, if such was the case, I knew that I had something on board 
 that would please him. 
 
 I left the boat and walked towards the governor, who stood a 
 little in advance of his suite. I knew how ceremonious the 
 Spaniards were, and how jealous they were of etiquette, especially 
 on meeting guests ; so, when I was within six feet of the Don, 
 finding that no one stirred or advanced to receive me, I stopped, 
 removed my jaunty Panama hat from my head, bowed low, and 
 all the gentlemen in front of me did the same. 
 
 " I trust that I have the pleasure of seeing Don Oroto, whose 
 reputation for wisdom and courtesy is well known at the Sand- 
 wich Islands. May he live a thousand years ; " and, as I spoke 
 in English, I thought I had done very well. 
 
 The governor looked towards Wilson for an explanation, and 
 the pilot translated my speech, and I could see that it gratified 
 the man for whom it was intended. 
 
A SPANIARD'S HOSPITALITY. 235 
 
 " We are happy to welcome you to the City of St. Ignazio de 
 Agana," said the governor ; and we shook hands quite heartily, 
 and then he introduced me to the members of his suite, one of 
 them being his secretary, a second, secretary of state, with noth- 
 ing to do, and the other the captain of the Spanish troops, the 
 care of whom was intrusted to a sergeant. 
 
 A paper cigar was thrust into my hands, the secretary of' state 
 gave me fire, and the governor put his arm through mine, anil 
 led me through the city, the suite following at our heels, and 
 Wilson, the pilot, bringing up the rear. 
 
 All the time that we were marching through the streets, the 
 governor chatted to me in a gay and easy manner ; but I must 
 confess that I understood but little that he said, and contented 
 myself with answering at random questions which were put to 
 me. The sun was hot, the streets were dusty, and I was not 
 sorry, at length, to stop before a more substantial looking house 
 than any I had seen, and I was glad to hear Don Oroto proclaim 
 the dwelling as his casa. 
 
 " My house, senor," said Don Oroto ; and there was a look of 
 pride in his face as he pronounced the words. 
 
 The polite Spaniard pointed with his cane, and bowed and 
 smiled as invitations to enter, which I could not refuse. I passed 
 up the avenue, and entered the one-story house, the doors of 
 which stood open, and were seldom closed except at night, or 
 when the rain poured down in torrents during the rainy season. 
 " Senor," said the governor, " this is my house. All in it is 
 at your disposal. May you remain with me a thousand years." 
 
 This was only to express that I was welcome, and I understood 
 it as such ; but the governor showed his sincerity by passing 
 around paper cigars, and shouting in a loud tone for fire. A 
 boy, a little fellow not more than eight years of age, witl 
 nothing in the shape of clothing but a very scanty shirt, which 
 hardly reached to his knees, came into the room, obedient to the 
 summons, bearing in his hand a smoking brand which had been 
 plucked from the fire for the purpose of serving as a cigar-lighter. 
 For a few moments we smoked on in silence, all waiting for 
 the governor to open the conversation. At last that gentleman 
 Baid, 
 
 44 The senor capitan has visited us, and we are glad to see him. 
 We understand from our friend, the pilot, that he is desirous of 
 purchasing a cargo of vegetables and fruits." 
 
236 A WHALEMAN'S ADVENTURES. 
 
 " Such is my intention, if I can make bargains to suit me ; 
 otherwise I must seek other islands." 
 
 With Wilson's help I managed to say this ; but to avoid repeti- 
 tions I will relate the conversation as though I was a Spanish 
 linguist. 
 
 44 The saints forbid, senor, that you should leave us for some 
 other place, where you would not be treated as well as we shall 
 treat you." 
 
 44 At what prices can your excellency supply me ? " I asked. 
 
 44 Name the articles, and then I will answer," the Spaniard 
 replied ; and he nodded to his secretary, who gravely moved his 
 seat to the table, and drew a paper from his pocket and prepared 
 to take notes. 
 
 44 One thousand bushels of yams. Can you name the price?" 
 I asked. 
 
 He whispered for a moment with his suite, and even allowed 
 Wilson to join the conference. At length Don Oroto said, 
 
 44 1 hope that you don't think two rials per bushel too much, 
 senor." 
 
 I did not close the bargain immediately, for I feared that the 
 governor would think me too easy in making a trade. But I 
 continued to mention what I wanted, and among the items were 
 one hundred turtles, fifty pigs, one hundred dozen fowls, fifty 
 thousand oranges, ten thousand lemons, five hundred bushels of 
 potatoes of the sweet variety, and one hundred bunches of bana- 
 nas, all fit for shipment, and not too ripe. The purchase of so 
 many articles caused the utmost astonishment, and an immense 
 amount of calculating on the part of the officials. But at last 
 they gave me their prices, and they were more reasonable than I 
 expected. I hinted at a contract, and that the articles should all 
 be delivered within ten days. It was some time before I could 
 induce my friends to listen to such a proposition. It was some- 
 thing they were not accustomed to. They wanted to take their 
 own course, and not hurry matters ; but at last I showed them 
 that time was all-important to me, and they agreed that, with 
 great labor, the cargo could be completed in the specified period. 
 
 It was about three o'clock when we entered the diniug-room, 
 and there, for the first time, I saw the famed daughter of the 
 governor ; and her reputation for beauty had not been too highly 
 extolled. Her eyes were dark and large, and full of fun ; her 
 
A CHARMING GIRL. 237 
 
 form was perfect, full, and graceful, and her face resembled 
 Raphael's picture of the Madonna. I thought, at the time, that 
 I had rarely seen so lovely a countenance ; and had I not been 
 engaged to a lady, I should have fallen in love without delay. 
 
 " Constance," said the governor, nodding his head with a satis- 
 fied look, " my daughter." 
 
 I bowed very low, and I know, for sometime, I did not re- 
 move my eyes from the charming face of the lady, and I am 
 certain that Constance examined my appearance with much 
 curiosity, and seemed happily disappointed to find that she was 
 in the presence of a young man 'who was not badly dressed, 
 and did not have the smell of tar upon his clothes. At any rate 
 the lady, when our eyes met, smiled and bowed, and then ex- 
 tended her hand. I took my seat at the table by her side, and 
 very glad she seemed of the company ; for while we were waiting 
 for the soup, she commenced chatting, and a very musical voice 
 she had. How her tongue did run on ! She asked me where I 
 was from, and had an idea that most Americans were black, and 
 was therefore quite surprised to find that my skin was whiter 
 than her own, and the little jade actually placed her hand on mine 
 to show the difference. Constance was the daughter of a pure- 
 blooded Spanish woman, and that accounted for her beautiful 
 complexion and clear skin, not a drop of Indian blood running in 
 her veins- She was a child of nature. All that she knew was 
 contained in a few volumes of Spanish romances, which she had 
 read many times. When she was not reading or smoking a paper 
 cigar, she was playing on her guitar and singing ; and I must 
 confess that I have heard much worse music and poorer singers. 
 The soup removed, the governor commenced the conversation ; 
 but I was so much occupied with his daughter that I did not 
 understand him, and yet I could comprehend nearly every word 
 that Constance uttered, so rapid was my advancement in the 
 Spanish language when aided by pretty lips. 
 
 u The governor speaks to you," said Wilson, who had been 
 dumb. 
 
 u I am sorry that I did not hear his excellency. Will you 
 apologize for me, and repeat his remark?" 
 
 u The governor says," continued Wilson, " that he is sorry he 
 has no wine to offer you. He is expecting a vessel from Manila 
 with a supply." 
 
238 A WHALEMAN'S ADVENTURES. 
 
 " If there was a way to reach the schooner Fd send for some," 
 I said. " I should like the privilege of making his excellency a 
 present for his kindness and hospitality." 
 
 As Wilson interpreted my good intention, the dark eyes of the 
 governor sparkled, and even the eyes of his daughter expressed 
 pleasure. 
 
 " Send for the wine ! " cried the governor ; " why, we have a 
 dozen lazy varlets who have nothing else to do than run our 
 errands. We don't want to trouble the senor, but if he has wine 
 on board, and is disposed to send for some, we will cheerfully 
 furnish the means for obtaining it." 
 
 I tore a scrap of paper from my note-book, and wrote a few 
 lines to the mate, directing him to send me a basket of cham- 
 pagne and two cases of claret. I also wrote him to tell Lilly 
 that I was well and hard at work, so hard that I did not know 
 when I should be able to return to the schooner. I had maay 
 things to buy, and the action of the authorities was slow. 
 
 " Will that note cause the wine to be sent? " asked the lady. 
 
 I told her that it would ; that whoever read the note would 
 obey my wishes. 
 
 " O," she said, thoughtfully, " I wish that I could write as well. 
 But, then, who could I write to? " 
 
 " Bah ! " replied her father ; " what does a girl care for such 
 trifles ? She would only write love-letters and such nonsense, if 
 she understood the use of a pen. Is it not so, senor captain ? " 
 
 " Yes, but how happy a woman can render a man by sending 
 him a love-letter ! Surely that is an extenuating circumstance ; " 
 and I bowed to the little beauty at my side, who clapped her 
 hands and laughed. 
 
 " Would you like a love-letter from me ? " the spoiled child 
 asked. 
 
 " I should certainly esteem it an honor," I answered, stealing a 
 look at the governor to see how he would notice such a remark. 
 But his excellency was picking the bone of a chicken, and seemed 
 not to have heard the question. 
 
 u Would you?" she laughed, with a flash of her eye that was 
 as dangerous as lightning. " Will you teach me so to write, that 
 I can send you a note? If you will do that I will teach you 
 Spanish." 
 
 " If you can obtain your father's permission, I will give you 
 lessons," I answered. 
 
A LITTLE SPARRING. 239 
 
 " O, he will consent, I know he will," she answered, carelessly ; 
 but the governor said not a word. 
 
 Just at that moment a lady entered the room, and took a vacant 
 chair at the governor's right. She was, apparently, about twenty- 
 five years of age, very dark, with snapping black eyes, and rather 
 inclined to be old maidish, I thought. 
 
 " We were speaking of love, aunt Dorothea," said the child of 
 nature at my side. " What do you think of it?" and the young 
 lady shot a glance of mischief from her bright eyes, as she asked 
 the question. 
 
 " I know nothing of the subject," was the unsatisfactory answer. 
 
 " What, aunt," echoed the young lady, with a giggle, " not 
 know what love means, when you were wooed so strongly by the 
 whaling captain? I am sorry that you are so forgetful." 
 
 Senorita Dorothea scowled at her niece, and, as she sent her 
 plate away, replied, rather snappishly, 
 
 " Don't mention the brute, if you please." 
 
 " But I thought that you liked him. I am sure he had a love- 
 ly nose ; " and Senorita Constance leaned back, and laughed until 
 her plump neck was the color of scarlet. 
 
 Even the governor smiled, but his sister did not show any sign 
 of mirth. She looked as sour as a barrel of lime-juice. 
 
 " Even if you laugh at him, you will please to recollect that the 
 whaling captain would have married me, if I had been disposed to 
 accept of him ;" and the aunt tossed her head and looked defiance. 
 
 " I am sure I don't recollect all the circumstances of the case," 
 cried the young lady, "for I was too young. But some one 
 must, and I should like to hear them ; " and then the little witch 
 turned to me and continued : " The whaling captain took a fancy 
 to aunt, and would have eloped with her, had she not scratched 
 his face and pulled his hair. She has never seen him since." 
 
 By the time we had finished coffee it was four o'clock. 
 The heat of the day had ceased, and a cool breeze was passing 
 jver the town, fresh from the ocean, giving life and vigor to every 
 one. We left the table and entered the sitting-room, or reception- 
 room, as his excellency called it, and lighted cigars, the ladies 
 joining us in that agreeable occupation. 
 
 " Senor," said the governor, " would you like to ride, and look 
 at the natural beauties of the island? Animals are at your 
 service if you desire a short excursion." 
 
240 A WHALEMAN'S ADVENTUIIES. 
 
 " I will also go ! " exclaimed Constance. " I will show the 
 senor all the noted places within three miles of the town." 
 
 With such company I could not refuse. I intimated the pleas- 
 ure I should feel at taking a short ride, and the governor gave 
 orders to u prepare the animals," while Constance retired to 
 change her dress, and the gentlemen stretched their forms on the 
 lounges, and appeared inclined to doze while smoking. In a few 
 nnnutes the young lady re-appeared, with a long dress in place 
 of a short one. On her head she had a small straw hat, wij| 
 long ribbons attached, but as they were of a bright green color, 
 they did not harmonize with her dark complexion. 
 
 " Where are the senor's spurs?" asked Constance, glancing at 
 my feet, and seeing they were not armed with steel. 
 
 u O, never mind the spurs," I remarked ; " I shall not want to 
 ride fast." 
 
 " But you will want the animal to walk fast," cried Constance. 
 
 " Certainly," I answered. 
 
 " Then you must have spurs," was the answer. 
 
 I could not comprehend the meaning of this advice, but before 
 many minutes I was enlightened. I heard a low bellow in front 
 of the house, and I was about to step to the window to look out,, 
 when some remark that Constance made detained me. I think 
 that she wanted me to adjust some part of her dress ; and after I 
 had performed that duty, she made me light a fresh cigar, and? 
 theu we chatted for a moment, or until a bare-legged native came 
 in and said that the " animals were ready." 
 
 u Pleasant ride," said the governor, and went to sleep. 
 
 " Don't let him have his head if you meet any animals on the 
 road," cried Wilson ; and his eyes were closed in a second. 
 
 " Come," cried Constance, seizing my hand. 
 
 We gained the street, and then, O, horrors ! before me was a 
 small mule, with a lady's saddle on its back, and an ugly-looking 
 bull, with a gentleman's saddle on his back, and the only bridle 
 to guide tl\e animal was a string through his nose. 
 
 " The devil ! " I exclaimed, in English ; " must I ride that 
 brute, instead of a horse?" 
 
 Constance looked up and smiled at me as though we were to 
 have such a fine time flirting, while mounted on the back of a 
 blasted bull. I looked at the handsome face of the lady, ex- 
 pecting to see some token of the fun which she must have an- 
 
RIDING A BULL. 241 
 
 ticipated, in case I was disposed to remonstrate against mounting 
 such a steed. But no there was fun enough in her eyes, but it 
 was not on account of the position in which I was placed. She 
 anticipated a delightful time attempting to make me love her as 
 dozens had done before, and whose hearts she did not value as 
 much as one of the coarse rings which she wore upon her finger. 
 When I was considering if it was not best suddenly to be taken 
 ill, with symptoms of fever and ague, the little beauty at my side 
 said, 
 
 " Senor, will you not give me your hand ? " 
 
 " Certainly I will," I answered. " But, Constance, must I 
 ride this confounded brute? " 
 
 " Si, senor," she answered, quite composedly. " My father's 
 horse died a year or more ago, and he has not been able to replace 
 it, for there are but few horses on the island. He has sent to 
 Manila for several, but the saints only know when they will 
 arrive. Since the loss of the horse, this animal has been used, 
 and there is no doubt but you will find him very gentle. Keep a 
 light rein, and use your spurs when he is obstinate. But come, I 
 will show you." 
 
 Just at this moment a native passed us riding a cow, and I 
 must confess that I watched the man with some curiosity. 
 
 " Hold .hard by the string," cried Constance ; and I followed 
 her advice, until the native and his novel conveyance were out 
 of sight, and then the masculine brute grew more docile. 
 
 " Come, senor, the afternoon is fast disappearing. If you are 
 afraid to ride, why, I will return to the house." 
 
 Could I stand such a taunt as that? 
 
 I lifted the lady to her saddle and adjusted her dress, and then 
 I approached my gay and restive steed, and contemplated him 
 with feelings of remorse ; and the animal saluted me with a bel- 
 low and a scowl, and commenced pawing the earth. Constance 
 struck her long-eared mule, and shouted, 
 
 u Come, senor ; overtake me if you can." 
 
 I made a dash for the bull, and readied his back somehow, 1 
 don't recollect in what manner, but I know that the brute dashed 
 along the street at a terrible gallop, and that after I had gained 
 my seat I found that one of my long spurs had been goading the 
 animal's side, and caused him to assume a pace that was foreign 
 16 
 
242 A WHALEMAN'S ADVENTURES. 
 
 to his nature. But at last the animal slacked his speed, and 
 seemed inclined to move at as slow a pace as suited his fancy. 
 I rather liked it, but Constance turned her head and saw- 
 that I was lagging behind, and the young lady did not seem 
 pleased at my want of gallantry. She turned her mule, and came 
 towards me. 
 
 " O, senor," she said, " if you desire to keep up with me you 
 must use your spurs. Don't be afraid." 
 
 " Afraid ! " I scorned to manifest fear in the presence of such 
 a handsome lady. 
 
 " Come on," I cried, and struck the brute I was riding vigor- 
 ous blows with my armed heels. 
 
 With a plunge and a fierce bellow the bull started, and I saw 
 at once that I had made a sad mistake. I retained my seat, but 
 it was only by clinging to the saddle with one hand ; and as I live, 
 Constance saw the movement and laughed. This was provoking, 
 and before I was aware of it I hit the bull two more violent digs, 
 and then he was furious. With a roar he kicked with his hind 
 feet, and as he did so I lost all control of him. The string, which 
 was passed through his nose, slipped from my hand, and then I 
 felt that I should soon be shipwrecked. To add to my confusion 
 Constance laughed, and cried, 
 
 " Don't lose the string." 
 
 What was the use of her saying that, after she had seen that I 
 had lost it? And while I was debating, as we tore along the 
 road, the propriety of cutting clear of the craft and letting it sail 
 on to its own destruction, the animal suddenly left the road, and 
 charged upon a group of natives. Heavens, how they scat- 
 tered ! But one old fellow, who appeared to be troubled with 
 the rheumatism, did not move quick enough ; so the bull caught 
 him and sent him flying through the air, and when he struck the 
 earth, his loose, flowing trousers were badly damaged ; but his 
 lameness was cured K>r the man sprang to his feet, and ran 
 at a killing pace down tlie street. 
 
 " Hold on by the line," cried Constance, who was riding after 
 me ; and I thought I heard her laughing at the same time that 
 she was giving me such excellent advice. 
 
 It was very easy to say, " Hold on by the line ; " but how was 
 it to be done ? 
 
 Through the street we went at a fearful rate, the dust flying in 
 
THE RUNAWAY BULL. Page 243: 
 
A LUDICROUS SCENE. 243 
 
 clouds, and the women in the houses yelling, and the dogs, sud- 
 denly waking up to the fun which was going on, followed close 
 to the heels of my steed, and added their voices to the general 
 uproar. 
 
 " Stop him," cried one man, waving a blanket, the worst thing 
 he could have done. 
 
 The bull caught sight of the man and the blanket. He thought 
 a challenge was intended, and was ready for it. He made a lunge 
 for the native, and the latter dropped as though struck by light- 
 ning. We went over him, and I had the satisfaction of seeing the 
 blanket on the horns of the bull ; but it was only for a moment. 
 As we neared the governor's house, I had the pleasure of noting 
 that his excellency and suite were standing in the garden, witness- 
 ing my movements, and laughing at them. I thought rny steed 
 would stop at this point, but he was still fiery, and on he went, 
 in chase of a woman with a red petticoat. I am glad to say 
 that we missed her ; but it was a close shave, very close, for one 
 of the brute's horns touched the sacred garment as its owner went 
 over a door-sill in so quick a manner that it seemed to me she 
 turned a front somersault, and struck on her back when she 
 fell. At this moment the native, whom I had seen riding on a 
 cow, came round a corner at a gentle trot, not dreaming of 
 danger. In an instant we were in full chase, and although the 
 native used whip and spur, we gained on him. I heard Con- 
 stance scream, and caught sight of her, holding by her saddle, 
 and laughing until the tears ran down her handsome face. 
 
 " Go it, captain," she shouted ; " you will catch him, if you are 
 smart." 
 
 The next instant the native was lying in the dust, and using 
 the whole range of Spanish language to damn me and the bull. 
 For a moment there was a pause, and that moment was improved. 
 I bent forward, seized the rope that was attached to the animal's 
 nose, and with a strong jerk I let the beast know that I was once 
 more master. 
 
 " 0, what a splendid horseman ! " laughed Constance, joining 
 me, her eyes expressive of the pleasure she felt. " Come, senor, 
 shall we have another gallop ? " 
 
 " I don't think we will," was my answer. " To tell you tho 
 truth, I imagine we had better walk our animals. They seem 
 somewhat tired." 
 
244 A WHALEMAN'S ADVENTURES. 
 
 So she consented to my request", and we walked our gay steeds 
 through the main street, and beyond the village ; but we could not 
 go far, as the sun had set, and darkness was rapidly approaching. 
 On rertuning to her father's house, we found the governor and his 
 suite smoking, and discussing matters which I cared nothing about. 
 
 " Senor, did you have a pleasant ride ? " asked the governor, 
 who was too polite to allude to my misfortunes. 
 
 44 O, remarkably pleasant," I answered. 
 
 " Ah, I thought you would ; " and the governor puffed out a 
 volume of smoke, and then said, 
 
 " The wine has arrived, senor. I owe you many thanks for 
 the same." 
 
 I bowed, and would have made some fitting answer ; but at 
 that moment a woman entered the room, and cried, 
 
 44 1 want justice at your hands, governor." 
 
 44 You shall have it. Speak." 
 
 44 This man- and his bull," she said> pointing to me, 44 were the 
 means of injuring my head. I fear a brain fever." 
 
 I recognized the woman as the one who turned a somersault 
 over her door-sill. 
 
 44 It was not the senor' s fault," his excellency said. 
 
 " It was, senor. He did it on purpose.' 1 
 
 The governor looked a little puzzled. 
 
 44 How much are you damaged? " I asked. 
 
 44 Well, senor, about two reals worth, I think." 
 
 I gave her a quarter, and off she went, perfectly satisfied ; but 
 no sooner had she left the house than a man entered, and to my 
 dismay I recognized him as the fellow who had waved a blanket, 
 and escaped a horn only by the aid of his legs. 
 
 44 Justice, your excellency," the fellow said. 
 
 44 Well, speak. What is wanting?" 
 
 44 My blanket is ruined. This man and his bull injured it. I 
 want pay. I barely escaped with my life." 
 
 The governor stroked his mustaches, and looked grave. He did 
 not want to offend his guest, or lose popularity with the people. 
 
 44 What is the amount of damage? " I asked. 
 
 *' I think, senor," he said, u that I should have as much as the 
 woman." 
 
 44 Take it and go ; " and the fellow's dark fingers closed 
 upon a piece of silver. 4 ' I hope he is the last claimant," I 
 
BILLS FOR DAMAGES. 245 
 
 muttered ; but hardly had the words escaped my lips, when a tall, 
 dust-covered fellow entered the room, and as soon a_s I saw his 
 face, I knew there was more trouble for me. The last time I had 
 seen that countenance it was lying in the dust, and a rampant bull 
 was passing over it. 
 
 " Justice, senor governor," cried the fellow, who seemed more 
 excited than his predecessors. 
 
 " Well, well, what now ? Speak. Who has harmed you ? " 
 
 " The senor who rode the bull, governor. This man ; " and 
 the fellow pointed to me, and as he did so I heard Constance 
 laugh. 
 
 " Caramba ! " exclaimed the governor ; " will they never cease 
 coming?" and the poor man looked troubled in mind. "What 
 injury did you receive? " the governor asked of the applicant for 
 justice. 
 
 u Ah, senor, look at me," was the reply. I believe the fel- 
 low did throw dust upon his person expressly for the purpose of 
 appearing as dirty as possible. 
 
 " How much do you estimate your damage ?" asked the governor. 
 
 " Ah, it is not my own feelings, senor, that I care about," re- 
 plied the man, with a doleful look. 
 
 "Whose, then?" 
 
 " My cow's," was the answer. 
 
 Of course Constance would laugh at that. It was just like her ; 
 and even Wilson, the pilot, had to roar, while the governor looked 
 perplexed. 
 
 " Is your cow injured? " I asked. 
 
 "No, senor, but she was frightened, and I should have damages." 
 
 " I think the demand just," cried Constance ; and then she 
 laughed, and even had the impudence to lay one of her small 
 hands upon my arm, and press it, as though to impart some por- 
 tion of her glee to me. 
 
 " What is the amount of the joint claim?" I demanded. 
 
 " Four reals, senor, are none too much," the applicant said, 
 with a whine. 
 
 " Cheap enough," cried Constance. 
 
 I thought so, too, and paid the money without a murmur. 
 The sight of the silver brought a smile to the sharp face of the 
 Dative, and as he prepared to leave the room, he turned to me, 
 and said, 
 
246 A WHALEMAN'S ADVENTURES. 
 
 " If the senor wants to hire my cow for an excursion, or to 
 visit the bay, I can recommend her as a gentle beast, and one that 
 won't run away with the senor." 
 
 This was the hardest blow I had yet received. 
 
 At nine o'clock we had coffee, bread, and cake, and after 
 having eaten what we desired, the governor opened the basket 
 of champagne, and put two bottles upon the table. I am glad, 
 for my own reputation, to state that the wine was good, and that 
 Constance took her share without a murmur. It only made her 
 more talkative and merry, and even the lips of her prudish aunt 
 were opened, and I found that she could say a few words when 
 there was an opportunity. At eleven o'clock the ladies retired to 
 rest ; Wilson went home, the chief of staff stowed himself away 
 somewhere, and the secretary of state stretched his form on a 
 table. I looked around to see where I was to rest for the night, 
 and the governor pointed to the only spare lounge in the room. 
 
 " We keep that," he said, " for visitors. May you sleep in 
 peace. Good night ; " and Don Oroto left me for his chamber, 
 if he had one. 
 
 I looked at the secretary of state, and that officer looked at me, 
 and puffed away at his cigar quite at his leisure. The gentle- 
 man had taken off his coat, and loosened. the collar of his shirt. 
 Over a pair of very dark feet he had spread a blanket ; but his toes 
 were in sight, and continually working as though longing to kick 
 some one. The senor was not a pleasant-looking gentleman for 
 a room-mate, but I saw no way in which I could change him ; so 
 I resigned myself to my fate, and took the position assigned me 
 for the night. 
 
 u Seuor," cried the official, u does snoring disturb you?" 
 
 Politeness compelled me to answer that it did not. 
 
 " Ah, I am glad of that, for I snore. At least, those who 
 sleep in the same room with me say that I do ; " and the Spaniard 
 puffed his cigar with great complacency and satisfaction, as though 
 he felt proud of his accomplishments. 
 
 Hardly had I settled my head when I heard a sound like the 
 blast of a trumpet. The secretary had commenced snoring as 
 though he intended to make a night of it. For a while I sub- 
 mitted to it, and then, growing desperate, I hurled one of my 
 shoes at the head of the official ; but, unfortunately, my aim was 
 not good, and it struck the light, and over it went, and I was left 
 in darkness. 
 
A TROPICAL MORNING. 247 
 
 Finally I dropped to sleep, and when I awoke I found my room- 
 mate sitting up on the table, smoking, and looking at me very 
 placidly. It was daylight, and near at hand were two cups of 
 coffee, which some of the servants had brought us. 
 
 " Good morning, senor," cried my room-mate. " Did you rest 
 well?" 
 
 " Yes ; quite well." 
 
 " My snoring did not disturb you, senor ? " 
 
 " Not much." 
 
 " I am glad of it. I think I must be improving. I hope so, 
 for if I should marry, my wife would have but little rest. It is a 
 disease, senor a disease." 
 
 I did not feel much refreshed by my sleep, but I rolled up the 
 blanket which I had spread over ine, and then looked around for 
 water to perform my ablutions. 
 
 " What is wanting? " asked my room-mate. 
 
 " Water," I answered. 
 
 The secretary shrugged his shoulders. 
 
 "You must go to the river," he said. " I will go with you 
 after we have drank our coffee." 
 
 He whistled, and a naked little native came to the door. My 
 room-mate gave some Border, and the lad vanished, after one 
 glance at my face, as though it were a curiosity ; and I have no 
 doubt that it was. Then we drank the coffee, and left the house 
 for the river. The governor had not arisen from his couch, I 
 judged, for we saw nothing of him ; and the ladies were taking 
 their morning nap, for they had not made their appearance when 
 we quitted the reception-room. 
 
 The morning was as lovely as a tropical morning could be. The 
 mountains were bathed in dew, and as the sun rose, its beams 
 touched the grass, and gilded each blade until it glittered like dia- 
 monds. Tiie air was pure and refreshingly cool ; and to enjoy 
 it, the Whole population of the village was out on the sidewalks, 
 some smoking, and others disfiguring their mouths and teeth with 
 chewing the betel nut, which appears to act on the system with 
 the same exhilarating effects as tobacco. But it destroys the 
 teeth in the course of time, rendering them black and brittle. 
 Most of the men at the Ladrone Islands use the nut ; consequently 
 a good set of teeth is rarely seen. 
 
 As we passed through the streets, I saw that we attracted much 
 
248 A WHALEMAN'S ADVENTURES. 
 
 attention from the people, and I felt quite proud of the notice, un 
 , til I heard one woman say, 
 
 "That is the man who rode the bull, and nearly killed Maguel." 
 
 "Yes," cried another ; " but the senor paid like a prince for it. 
 He may run over me for two reals." 
 
 I did not walk so proudly after that. I felt that I was a marked 
 jnan, and that modesty should be my forte until I left the island. 
 
 But at length we reached the river, and I think half the popu- 
 lation of the village were in it. Men, women, and children were 
 there, swimming, diving, and washing; and a very jolly looking 
 set they were, shouting and laughing, and splashing the water, 
 and sometimes ducking each other, so that for awhile it reminded 
 me of the lake at Kammaira. But I missed the fine forms and 
 white teeth of the kanaka girls, and there was not the same grace 
 in swimming. But the women and girls of St. Ignazio de Agana 
 were not to be despised for their water exhibitions, and while I 
 stood upon the banks of the river, I saw some very good speci- 
 mens of their skill. 
 
 u Come," said my companion, u if you want to wash, now is 
 your chance. This is the public bathing-tub. Here you can fiud 
 water in abundance." 
 
 I looked around, and though I liked the idea of having a bath, 
 I did not feel as though I could swim in such a crowd without 
 a proper bathing-dress ; and when I intimated as much to the 
 secretary of state, he seemed to comprehend my delicacy at once, 
 and led the way to a small house, where we found a little native 
 boy with his arms full of towels, and two suits of bathing-dresses. 
 The latter we put on, and then plunged into the river, many of 
 the girls swimming near us for the purpose of witnessing the 
 efforts of the American in the water. But, thanks to the lessons 
 which I had received at Honolulu, there was not one who dared 
 to play me a trick, although I was ambitious of a little fun, and 
 swam near several girls in hopes they would attempt some famil- 
 iarity. But the bright-eyed nymphs only laughed and edged 
 away from me, and refused to commence a battle, although I did 
 spatter them with water until they were compelled to turn their 
 heads and make for the shore. 
 
 At last I tired of the sport, when I joined my companion and 
 dressed. Then, refreshed and contented, we returned to the gov- 
 ernor's house, where we found Don Oroto sipping coffee, and wa 
 
ASTONISHING NEWS. 249 
 
 soon joined him in that occupation, and while we were chatting 
 of the morning news, the two ladies made their appearance, and, 
 strange to say, both of their toilefs seemed to have been neg- 
 lected. Constance appeared to have just left her bed, and her 
 thick black hair had not been touched by comb or brush. It 
 hung around her plump shoulders in admirable disorder, and after 
 the first glance of astonishment, I could not help confessing 
 that the young lady looked as pretty, if not prettier, than when 
 her toilet was complete. She wore a different dress from the one 
 in which she had appeared at dinner table the day before. It was 
 shorter, and showed O, gracious ! two of the smallest, most 
 perfect formed feet that I had ever seen. And they were naked, 
 too, the soles of the feet being protected by sandals, with cover- 
 ings at the ends just large enough to contain two toes. How she 
 managed to keep them on while walking was a puzzle to me ; 
 yet she did do it, and moved about the room in a free, swinging, 
 graceful manner, that was quite fascinating. 
 
 u Senor," asked Constance, as she lighted a paper cigar, and 
 brushed the hair from her eyes, " do you feel like riding to-day?" 
 
 " The saints forbid ! " I exclaimed. u I have no desire to pay 
 damages to half the inhabitants of the town. I had much rather 
 have an excursion on the water." 
 
 Just at this moment, whom should I see rolling towards the 
 house, piloted by two natives, but Jack Topmall, the mate of the 
 Helen. " What brought him to town," I asked myself. " Some- 
 thing unusual has happened ; " and leaving the ladies to quarrel, 
 I went out to Jack. 
 
 " What brings you here? " I asked. " You have news of im- 
 portance for me." 
 
 u Hang me if I hain't," was the answer, " and blasted bad news, 
 loo." 
 
 " What is it? Speak, man, and let me know the worst. Is 
 Lilly " 
 
 "The gal is well enough, although a little moping. 'Taiu't 
 her, but the " 
 
 " What, man? Out with it." 
 
 " Well, sir, the cussed old whaling tub Sally is in port, and 
 anchored within a cable's length of us." 
 
 The very whaler we had escaped from ! This was news of im- 
 portance, and for a moment I was stuimed by it. 
 
250 A WHALEMAN'S ADVENTURES. 
 
 CHAPTER XIII. 
 
 AN AWKWARD POSITION. THE OLD SALLY. A PLAN TO ESCAPE 
 DETECTION. 
 
 WHAT should I do ? If the Sally was in port I could not avoid 
 meeting Captain Bunker, and of course he would know me, and 
 claim me as a deserter. I could not get under way and sail for 
 some other port, for I had made a contract, and in a day or two 
 the articles which I had bargained for would be alongside, and in 
 a week's time I must be off for San Francisco. Even while these 
 thoughts were passing through my mind, Jack asked, 
 
 " What shall we do, sir? Must we slip cable, and run for it?" 
 
 u No, I think not. At least not at present. But before I de- 
 cide, answer me one question. Has any one on board the Sally 
 seen you, or Will, or Jake?" 
 
 " No, sir. We laid low just as soon as the Sally anchored. 
 We didn't show a hand, and if a boat had boarded us, we should 
 have stowed away, and left the kanakas to take care of the 
 schooner." 
 
 " Excellent ! " I exclaimed. " I have formed my plan, and 
 will carry it out." 
 
 " That's the talk," cried the mate, his face manifesting some 
 pleasure, for he had great reliance in me. " I knowed you 
 would fix 'em I told Will and Jake so." 
 
 " Thank you for your confidence in my ability, but recollect 
 that much will depend upon you and Will. You must remain in 
 your state-rooms until we sail. On no account will you be seen 
 on deck, unless it is in the night time." 
 
 This information made the mate look doleful. 
 
 " That's hard," he said. 
 
 " Not so hard as to be compelled to do duty on board the Sally 
 recollect that, and profit by it. You must lock yourself up in 
 your state-room, and keep quiet all day, but you can stay on deck 
 all n^ght if you please." 
 
 
 
A WOMAN'S EYES. 251 
 
 " But that Jake what's to be done with him ? " asked Jack, 
 after a moment's reflection. 
 
 " We must disguise him," I answered. 
 
 " But how, sir? He's a darky, and we can't paint him white, 
 you know." 
 
 " I'll attend to him when I go on board. We must make a 
 kanaka of him." 
 
 The mate grinned, and shook his head in a doubtful manner. 
 " That wool of his is too kinky for a kanaka, sir," the mate re- 
 marked. " But I wish you was on board, sir ; I should feel 
 safer." 
 
 Mr. Topmall had arrived in the schooner's boat, manned by 
 four of the kanakas, and in an hour's time I could be on board. 
 I left the mate, and entered the reception-room to take leave of the 
 governor and his family, and to beg that they would excuse me 
 for a day pr two. 
 
 " Leave us? " cried Constance ; " we shall not let you go." 
 
 " I am. fearful that your visit has not been pleasant," the gov- 
 ernor remarked. " We have but few pleasures here, but we should 
 have attempted to make your stay agreeable." 
 
 u O, don't go ! " pleaded Constance, flashing her beautiful black 
 eyes upon me ; and I must confess they rather staggered me in my 
 intention. 
 
 u Business alone calls me to the vessel," I remarked. " I shall 
 soon return, however. But, in consideration of your hospitality, 
 I invite you all to visit my vessel to-morrow, and dine with 
 me." 
 
 " O, that will be pleasant," cried Constance, clapping her 
 hands. " We will go will we not, padre? " 
 
 The governor pondered for a moment, but as I urged my invita- 
 tion, he consented, and promised to visit me, with his family, the 
 next day ; and then, after a general shaking of hands, and an ar- 
 dent look from the young lady, I left the house and hurried to the 
 boat. 
 
 I had just ordered the men to u shove off," when four or five 
 natives, with large hampers on their heads, were seen running to- 
 wards us, and shouting to attract our attention. I waited until 
 the men reached the landing, and found that thev^ carried packages 
 of oranges, bananas, and a basket of eggs, all of which, the na- 
 tives informed me, were sent by the senorita Constance, with her 
 
252 A WHALEMAN'S ADVENTURES. 
 
 best wishes for my health and prosperity. I sent back a kind 
 message, and then we started down the river, but had not pro- 
 ceeded more than a mile, when I saw one of the Sally's boats 
 coming towards us. The mate grew agitated immediately, and I 
 could see that he meditated jumping overboard, and testing the 
 efficacy of swimming and running. 
 
 " What shall I do, sir?" he asked. " The rascals will know 
 me." 
 
 " Lie down in the bottom of the boat, and don't show your head 
 over the gunwale. Now, then down you go." 
 
 My kanakas looked their surprise and grinned, but they said 
 not a word. In a few minutes the Sally's boat was so near that 
 I could see Captain Bunker in the stern-sheets, working at the 
 steering-oar ; and the sight of the tyrant caused me to feel a thrill 
 at my heart as I thought of the cruelties which the man had 
 practised on board his ship while I was a member of his crew. 
 But with a powerful effort I recovered my presence of mind. As 
 our boats neared each other I touched my hat an act of polite- 
 ness not noticed, for Bunker suddenly shouted, 
 
 " Way enough ! Hold water ! " 
 
 The men obeyed him. 
 
 " Thunder ! " the captain shouted, glaring at me in astonish- 
 ment, " if there ain't Pepper, may I be blasted." 
 
 " Did you speak to me, sir?" I asked, as calm as a summer 
 morning, to all outward appearances. 
 
 " Pepper, by all that's merciful ! " the captain yelled ; and I 
 thought that the words would strangle him, and I wished they 
 had. 
 
 My boat was slowly passing the whaler, and I hoped that I 
 should proceed without more words ; but Bunker was not disposed 
 to let me off in that manner. 
 
 " Back water," he said to his crew ; and as he spoke I cast a 
 glance over the men, and saw that four of them were sailors who 
 knew me when I was on board the Sally. 
 
 " Did you desire 'to see me, sir? " I asked. 
 
 " See you ? " roared Bunker. " Well, I'm blasted ! " 
 
 " Hadn't I better go overboard, sir ? " asked Jack, who was 
 lying at my feet, almost smothered in oranges and bananas. The 
 sound of Bunker's voice caused the strong man to tremble, and 
 to seek for an opportunity to escape, 
 
A MEETING OF OLD ACQUAINTANCES. 253 
 
 '* Keep quiet," I whispered, " or you will spoil all my plans." 
 
 In the mean time Bunker was glaring at me, and uncertain 
 what to do, and undecided what to say. 
 
 " Do you belong to the ship in the. harbor ? " I asked. 
 
 " "Well, I swear, this beats all ; " and Bunker made a clutch at 
 his hair, and tore some of it out of his head, and then stamped 
 upon it. 
 
 " I asked you a civil question, and you are not disposed to 
 answer it," I said, quite coldly. " Good day, sir." 
 
 u Stop ! " roared Bunker. " Back water," he cried to his men ; 
 and the whale-boat dropped down the stream, side by side with 
 my boat, only separated by the oars. 
 
 u Hadn't I better jump and cut for it?" whispered the mate, 
 from amidst the hampers. 
 
 I kicked him gently, to remind him that it was necessary he 
 should keep quiet, and then I turned my attention to Captain 
 Bunker. 
 
 " Have you a message for me? " I asked. " You seem to be 
 somewhat excited, but I hope no harm has befallen my vessel." 
 
 O, how the man did roar and stamp ! and I expected every 
 moment that he would run alongside of my boat and attempt to 
 make me prisoner ; but if he had, it would have cost him dear, for 
 I had my revolver in my breast pocket, and the six chambers 
 were loaded. 
 
 " One questions" asked the captain : " is your name Charles 
 Allspice?" 
 
 " I should think not," I answered, with a look of such indiffer- 
 ence that the whaler was staggered. 
 
 " What is your name? " Bunker roared. 
 
 " None of your business, sir," was my reply. " "When you 
 ask me my name in a proper manner, I will answer you. Not 
 until tReu." 
 
 " Draw it mild," whispered Jack. " You know what a man 
 he is for tearing things." 
 
 " Do you mean to say that you never shipped on board the 
 Sally?" roared Bunker. 
 
 " Look yon, sir," I answered ; " I have endured this question- 
 ing as long as possible, thinking that you might have some 
 news to communicate. I find that your object is to insult me, 
 and J'tq not inclined to submit to it without first asking if you are 
 
254 A WHALEMAN'S ADVENTURES. 
 
 disposed to grant me such satisfaction as one gentleman can ask 
 from another." 
 
 " My God, it can't be Pepper ! " Bunker exclaimed, in a hoarse 
 tone. " Pepper would not dare to talk to me in that manner. 
 Pepper was a civil boy, and polite to his superior officers." 
 
 Bunker passed his hand over his eyes, and then looked at me 
 and at his boat's crew. , 
 
 " Is that Pepper?" he asked, appealing to his men, and point- 
 ing to me. 
 
 " I think it is," one of them answered. 
 
 " He looks some like Pepper, sir ; but Pepper wasn't so good 
 looking, and his hair didn't curl like this man's," answered 
 Bushey, the boat-steerer. 
 
 " If you have finished your examination, I will proceed," I re- 
 marked. 
 
 " One moment, sir," Bunker cried. " Don't you know me? " 
 
 " I should think not. Who are you, aud what is your name?" 
 
 " O, my God, this is too much ! " roared the frantic captain. 
 
 " Gently with him when he pitches," whispered Jack, who was 
 nearly smothered under the Weight of oranges and other fruit. 
 
 " Good day, sir," I cried. " If you wish to see me, call on 
 board the Helen. She is lying in the harbor." 
 
 " I'll have you on board the Sally, in double irons, in less than 
 forty-eight hours," Bunker howled. " You see if I don't." 
 
 " You must be insane," I answered. " Go and have your head 
 shaved, and a mustard poultice put on your neck. Such men as 
 you are dangerous to the community." 
 
 " Easy with him," cried Jack. " Remember how he'd work 
 our old iron up, if we was on board his blubber-hunter." 
 
 I gave a signal to the men, and they dipped their oars in the 
 water, and we commenced moving down the river at a rapid rate, 
 while Bunker, mad with rage, and undecided what to do, tore his 
 hair, and swore at a terrible rate. Jack, as soon as we were out 
 of sight of the whale-boat, raised his head and looked around. 
 
 " I'd sooner cut one of my hands off, than go on board of that 
 tub agin," the mate said. 
 
 At the mouth of the river, the mate once more sought 
 the bottom of the boat, for fear that prying eyes on board the 
 Sally should obtain a glimpse of his well-known face, and it was 
 well that he did so, for I saw a dozen people on the deck of the 
 

 FRIGHTENED SAILORS. 255 
 
 ship, gazing at the boat and those in it. As I passed under the 
 bows of the Sally, I saw many familiar faces, and marked the 
 looks of astonishment with which they regarded me. I gave no 
 sign that I had seen the ship or men before, and in a few minutes 
 was alongside the Helen, and on deck, where I met Lilly, who 
 could hardly be persuaded that it was not her duty to throw her 
 arms around my neck, and kiss me in the presence of all the 
 kanakas, none of whom suspected that Lilly was a female, or, 
 if they did, they were careful not to express their thoughts in 
 words or looks. 
 
 " O, I am so glad that you have returned ! " Lilly said ; " I 
 have been so lonely without you ! " 
 
 I had no doubt of it, for the look of the girl was sufficient to 
 convince me that she spoke the truth. 
 
 " Where are Will and Jake?" I asked. 
 
 " In the hold," Lilly answered. 
 
 " What are they doing there ? " 
 
 " They are afraid of the ship. They said they were." 
 
 I went to the hatch, and called Will and Jake, but I was com- 
 pelled to speak several times before I made myself heard. At 
 last a miserable-looking negro came to the scuttle and answered. 
 
 " Glory to God," Jake cried, as soon as he saw me. " De 
 cap'n come on board agin. Now we is safe, sure enuf." 
 
 "What is the matter with you?" I asked, as Will and Jake 
 came on deck, looking pale and anxious. 
 
 "O, golly ! ain't dat enough, sir? Jist you look at dat blubber- 
 hunter, and s'pose de skipper come arter me. Must 1 go ? " 
 
 " Of course," I replied, for the purpose of noting the man's 
 fright. 
 
 " O, golly ! don't you talk dat way, cap'n. It breaks my heart 
 to hear you," moaned Jake. u I can't leave you. It am no use. 
 I'd die away from you." 
 
 " I'd hang myself afore I'd go," cried Will. " I might as well 
 die one way as another ; " and the lad did look desperate. 
 
 u There is but one way that I can save you," I said to Jake. 
 
 " Name 'em, cap'n ; I takes dat chance ; " and the negro's eyes 
 expressed hope. 
 
 " And what am I to do? " asked Will. 
 
 " Listen, and I will tell you. You must confine yourself to a 
 state-room, and on no account show yourself while we are in port." 
 
256 A WHALEMAN'S ADVENTURES. 
 
 " Golly ! I can't do dat, cap'n," cried Jake. u You starve to 
 death. I must hab de air and de light. Who take care of de 
 cabin, if I don't work?" 
 
 u But I intend that you shall work, Jake. I can't spare you. 
 But to enable you to appear on deck, you must pretend to be a 
 kanaka." 
 
 u Can't do daV," cried Jake. " My lips too thick for dat. 
 Color too brack for kanaka." 
 
 u Then you must pass as a New Zealander ; and if any one 
 speaks to you, don't understand." 
 
 '* But de New Zealander's all tattooed on de face. How about % 
 dat?" 
 
 u Well, we must tattoo you." 
 
 " O, goliy ! don't do dat. Don't spoil de beauty of dis face. 
 See my skin, all fair and sleek ; and if it all marked up, who ad- 
 mire dis nigger den ? " 
 
 " You must either lose your beauty or your liberty. Which do 
 you prefer ? " 
 
 Jake hesitated for a moment, and then he thought that it would 
 be better if his face was marked a little " berry leetle." I 
 called one of the kanakas, a fellow celebrated for his skill in 
 tattooing, and told him to bring up his instruments, and com- 
 mence operations on Jake's face. The negro groaned, and vowed 
 that no man was ever treated so badly ; and after I had frightened 
 him a little, I let him into the secret of my plans. The kanaka 
 was to draw some fierce-looking lines upon the face of the negro, 
 and after they were dry, they would resemble genuine tattoo 
 marks. I calculated that none but a close observer of the human 
 race could detect the difference between the negro and a New 
 Zealander, especially if the former kept his tongue still, or else 
 muttered a few words in the kanaka lingo. My idea pleased 
 Jake immensely, and his mouth expanded from ear to ear, as he 
 thought of the fierce aspect which he should assume. 
 
 u But, cap'n," cried Jake, " ef I wash my face de marks all go." 
 
 " Then, for a few days, you must use water only on your hands. 
 But be sure and wash them." 
 
 " Of course, cap'n ; I allers does dat." 
 
 The kanaka commenced operations, and laid out his work, 
 drawing some heavy lines on the face of the negro, extending 
 from his ears to his month, and then downward to his chin. From 
 

 SHEER IMPUDENCE. 257 
 
 the nose to the cheeks the marks were carried upward, and a 
 more ferocious looking negro I never saw in my life, after the 
 painting was finished. I could not help laughing ; and while 
 indulging in my mirth, Will reported that a boat from the Sally, 
 containing the chief mate, Mr. Spadem, was pulling towards 
 us. Upon receiving this news, Jack and Will entered their state- 
 rooms, and Jake dove for the galley, where he pretended to be very 
 busy, while I walked the quarter-deck, quite calm and collected. 
 
 The boat came alongside, and the mate reached the deck, with 
 a gaming smile upon his face, which instantly changed to one 
 of the most intense astonishment, after he had obtained a fair view 
 of my countenance. He looked at my feet as though desirous of 
 seeing if they were clubbed then he looked at my face, and at 
 last he spoke to me : 
 
 u Pepper, you devil, what brought you here?" 
 
 " Sir ! " I exclaimed, with amazement, " what do you mean by 
 speaking in this manner to a stranger? I am master of this 
 vessel, and will not be insulted on its quarter-deck." 
 
 " What? The devil ! Don't you know me, Pepper? " 
 
 " You will excuse me, sir, from holding any conversation with 
 a man who calls me by a name which I do not recognize." 
 
 For a moment the mate did not know whether to leave the 
 vessel or remain and explain. The love of " gaming " prevailed. 
 He came aft, and with a smile upon his homely face, said, 
 
 " I hope you will excuse me, Pep that is, cap'n. You look 
 so much like a boy what cut from us one night, that I thought it 
 was him." 
 
 " It is very singular, but I met a man this morning, while 
 coming down the river, who said the same thing." 
 
 " It must have been Captain Bunker," the mate said. u He 
 went to town this morning. I s'pose he was struck, the same as 
 me, with your resemblance to Pepper. But the more I hear you 
 talk, the more I am satisfied that you ain't Pepper. He was a 
 modest sort of boy, and didn't dare to wink at me." 
 
 " And you mean to say that I am not modest?" I asked, with 
 a careless laugh. 
 
 u O, no, cap'n ; none of that. I knows what manners is, I 
 does." 
 
 u What is the name of your ship ? " I asked, after a moment's 
 pause. 
 
 17 
 
258 A WHALEMAN'S ADVENTURES. 
 
 " The Sally, sir. And a good ship she is, too. Plenty to eat, 
 and good treatment." 
 
 " Have you made a successful voyage? " 
 
 " Well, no, I can't say that we have. We've taken some ile, 
 but we ain't made our fortunes." 
 
 Just at this moment Jake left the cabin, and passed within a 
 few feet of us. 
 
 " What is that fellow ? " asked the mate. " A New Zealander ? " 
 
 " Yes, I think so," I answered, carelessly. 
 
 " Singular," muttered the man, " but that man looks like a 
 nigger we had on board the Sally. Have you any objection to 
 my speaking to him ? " 
 
 " Not in the least. But he don't understand English." 
 
 Mr. Spadem walked forward to the galley, and I accompanied 
 him. Jake was sitting in the galley, cooking some mess for the 
 cabin, and did not look up until we stopped opposite to him. I 
 saw that the negro's eyes were full of trouble, but he endeavored 
 to appear composed. 
 
 " Well, old feller, how do you like cooking?" asked the whale- 
 man. 
 
 Jake looked up, grinned, and then shook his head. He didn't 
 understand English. 
 
 " Darned if he ain't got the same kind of head that Jake had. 
 But I guess it ain't him. Ah, you sarvey whaleman ? " Spadera 
 asked. 
 
 " Kamiti mimi tamste" muttered Jake, shaking his head, and 
 then continued his work. 
 
 " He says that he does not understand you," I remarked, pre- 
 tending that I could comprehend the meaning of the steward's 
 lingo. 
 
 " Yes, I s'pose he don't," answered the mate ; and after one 
 long gaze at the negro, he walked aft with me, but still in a 
 thoughtful mood, as though he did not know what to make of it. 
 
 " Have you had any sickness on board the Sally? " I asked. 
 
 "No, not much. Why?" 
 
 " Because, I should think that there was a mania on board 
 your vessel for recognizing people, or thinking that you had met 
 them before. I can't account for it, and I wish that you would 
 give me au explanation." 
 
 But Mr. Spadem was not competent for the task. He could 
 
BUNKER ON A RAMPAGE. 259 
 
 only ponder on the subject, and wonder how it happened ; and 
 after drinking a large dose of gin, his favorite liquor, he left the 
 schooner and went on board of his own ship. But I knew that 
 our danger was not past, and -in this calculation I was not mis- 
 taken, for 1 saw Captain Bunker's boat pulling down the river, 
 and by the aid of a glass, I made out that Bunker was in it. I 
 instantly commenced making preparations for defence, in case it 
 was necessary. I gave to each of the kanakas a loaded revolver 
 and a cutlass, and showed how they were to be used. Jake, 
 Will, and the mate were similarly armed, but the two latter were 
 not to interfere in the fight, if we had one, unless they were really 
 needed. We had dinner, and still there was no sign of life on 
 board the Sally. I began to think that Bunker would not pay 
 me a visit, and I had just set Jake and the cook at work to pre- 
 pare the next day's repast, in anticipation of the arrival of the 
 governor and family, when a boat left the side of the whaler, and 
 pulled towards us. In a few minutes my men were prepared, 
 although no weapons were visible on deck. I saw that Bunker 
 was in the stern-sheets of the boat, and that he looked dangerous. 
 I knew that he was determined on some bold stroke, and I sus- 
 pected what it was. As he reached the deck he came towards 
 me with a most savage frown upon his brow. I think that I 
 never saw him look more ugly. At one time I should have wilt- 
 ed before that gaze, but now I met his eyes without flinching. 
 
 " Do you mean to tell me that your name isn't Pepper?" 
 roared the skipper, shaking his fist at me, and turning red in the 
 face. 
 
 " It is none of your business what my name is," I retorted. 
 
 " I say it is." 
 
 " And I repeat that it is not." 
 
 " D n it, boy, I'll knock you down, if you give me a word of 
 sass ; " and Captain Bunker came towards me as though to carry 
 into effect his threat ; but when he saw that I manifested no signs 
 of alarm, he paused, and seemed a little undecided. " Will you 
 go on board the Sally?" he asked. "You ran away from my 
 ship, and I want you. If you don't go you must pay me for 
 your services." 
 
 " I shall not go on board your old tub, and I shall not pay 
 you a dollar. You have made a mistake in the person, if you 
 think so." 
 
260 A WHALEMAN'S ADVENTURES. 
 
 Bunker walked to the gangway, and called to his boat's crew. 
 The men came on deck, but with no degree of alacrity. I knew 
 most of them, and was aware that they would have run away if 
 they had had a chance. 
 
 " Put that fellow in the boat," Bunker said ; and pointed to me. 
 
 " Be careful what orders you issue here," I cried. " Remem- 
 ber, I command this vessel, and if you commit an outrage, I shall 
 resent it." 
 
 " You go on board the Sally, or I'll never eat agin," roared 
 Bunker ; and I saw that he was in earnest. 
 
 " I shall not go on board the Sally, and I warn you against 
 committing an outrage." 
 
 u Put him in the boat," cried Bunker, pointing to me. 
 
 The men advanced a few steps, and then paused rather un- 
 expectedly, for I had quietly drawn a revolver from my pocket 
 and cocked it. 
 
 " Men," I said, " I don't want your blood upon my head. If 
 I am compelled to shoot two or three of you, Captain Bunker in- 
 cluded, don't blame me. I shall do so, if you make a movement 
 to lay a hand upon me." 
 
 " Do you mean to say that you would shoot me?" demanded 
 Bunker. 
 
 " The first man that I shall aim at will be you. Recollect it, 
 and know that my aim never fails." 
 
 " Good Lord, this can't be Pepper," remarked the skipper. 
 " Pepper wasn't so bloodthirsty as this man. But do you really 
 mean what you say ? " 
 
 " Certainly I do ; " and then I whistled, and the kanakas 
 sprung to their feet, each of them armed with a revolver and 
 cutlass, and Bunker commenced backing towards the gangway, 
 exclaiming, 
 
 "Don't shoot we will leave. Get into the boat, boys, or 
 the d d heathen will eat us. We'll come again, we will, and 
 we'll come armed, we will, and we'll take you, you see if we 
 don't ; " and with this shout of defiance Bunker quitted the deck. 
 The boat left the schooner, and Bunker shook his fist at me as he 
 passed under the stern. " I'll have you," he said. " You can't 
 lie to me ; I know too much." 
 
 I raised my pistol, as though I was about to take aim, and 
 the brave whaler dodged instantly, and shouted to his men to 
 
ATTEMPTED SURPRISE. 261 
 
 " pull hard ; " and they did, and were soon beyon*d the reach of a 
 bullet. 
 
 I supposed that an attempt would be made to board the vessel 
 during the night, and, for the purpose of defeating the plan, the 
 mate and Will agreed to keep watch, and give me warning of the 
 approach of those hostile to us. I " turned in " about ten o'clock, 
 somewhat tired, and soon fell asleep ; but about two bells in the 
 morning, or one o'clock, the mate aroused me, with the informa- 
 tion that two boats were approaching the schooner. In a few 
 minutes I had dressed and was on deck, where I found my crew 
 all armed, and ready for action. The two boats were within a 
 hundred fathoms of us, pulling with muffled oars, and the one 
 who had charge of the expedition evidently thought that he would 
 surprise us ; but in this he was mistaken, for I suddenly hailed the 
 boats, and the instant my voice was heard, the rowing ceased. 
 
 " Boat, ahoy ! " I cried : " if you pull nearer to the schooner, I 
 shall fire at you." 
 
 I could hear the officers who had charge of the expedition 
 whisper, and then Captain Bunker answered, 
 
 " We are going ashore for wood and water." 
 
 " Then give my vessel a wider berth. Pull in some, other 
 direction. There is room enough for you and me." 
 
 Hardly had I ceased speaking when I saw a flash, and then 
 heard the report of a musket. A ball whizzed within ten feet of 
 my head, and struck the water a few fathoms beyond the vessel. 
 
 u All ready for a broadside," I cried, speaking so that those in 
 the boat could hear me ; and then I whispered to Jack and Will, 
 " Don't fire to hit. Only frighten them." 
 
 I did not think it necessary to caution the kanakas, for I did 
 not believe they could hit a boat at so great a distance. 
 
 ' Fire ! " I yelled, and aimed so that the bullet from my pistol 
 would pass close to Bunker's head. 
 
 There was a rattling discharge of pistols, and to my surprise I 
 heard some one utter an exclamation of pain, and drop his oar. 
 One of the kanakas had aimed with commendable precision, obey- 
 ing orders, and perhaps killing a man. 
 
 "Hold water," roared Bunker. "Blast 'em, they is firing 
 bullets, and one passed within a few inches of my head." 
 
 As the boat lost headway, the skipper again cried, 
 
 " Starn, all hard ; " and the boat commenced receding from 
 
262 A WHALEMAN'S ADVENTURES. 
 
 the schooner. While I was wondering if the attack would be re- 
 newed, Bunker, in a voice of rage, shouted, 
 
 " Cuss you, Pepper, you have nearly killed one of my men." 
 
 I was sorry for it, but I did not say so. I only replied, 
 
 " I'll kill more, if you don't keep away from my vessel. I told 
 you what to expect." 
 
 My answer so exasperated the whaler that he again fired at me 
 with his musket ; but the ball fell short, striking the water some 
 distance from the vessel. My men answered the shot with a 
 shout of defiance, and dared the whalemen to renew the attack. 
 But the latter had had enough for one night, so they sullenly 
 retired to their ship, and we to our berths, satisfied that no other 
 attack would be made. 
 
 At daylight the next morning we commenced preparations for 
 receiving the governor and family. We hoisted flags, washed 
 and scrubbed the decks, spread an awning over the quarter-deck 
 to protect the heads of our company from the hot sun ; and after 
 breakfast the crew dressed themselves in their best, and awaited 
 the appearance of our expected company. We did not have to 
 wait long. Two boats hove in sight, and in one of them I saw 
 the sweet face of Constance, and the stern countenance of Dor- 
 othea. The governor and suite arrived first, and I received his 
 excellency with such marks of dignified attention that he was 
 delighted, and felt at home at once. The members of his suite 
 were also pleased with their reception. They were all ushered into 
 the cabin, where they found a cold collation upon the table, with 
 a large bowl of claret punch, and coffee for those who preferred 
 that beverage. I left my company in the cabin, and* hastened to 
 receive Constance, who reached the deck with a hop, skip, and a 
 jump, and squeezed my hand in the most friendly manner, while 
 her eyes danced with fun, as she thought of the ride which we 
 had taken through the streets of her native village. While I was 
 chatting with the ladies, forgetful of everything but present en- 
 joyment, I heard a deep sigh near me ; and turning, I saw poor, 
 patient Lilly, who was regarding me with sorrowful eyes and a 
 heavy heart. But at that moment the look and sigh made me 
 angry, and I spoke quick much quicker than I intended. 
 
 " Boy," I asked, " what do you desire? " 
 
 " Nothing, sir," Lilly answered, and walked forward ; but I saw 
 the tears gather in her eyes as she passed me. 
 
MY GUESTS. 263 
 
 I forgot the sacrifices she had made on my account I no 
 longer recollected the love which she felt for me her past 
 services were forgotten, and all on account of the new face which 
 was beaming on me, and lighted by 'a pair of very bright eyes. 
 
 " What a handsome boy ! " cried the Spanish maiden, her look: 
 following the form of Lilly. " Do call him, so that I can see hia 
 face and eyes," 
 
 I imagined the kanaka girl's indignant refusal had I made such 
 a request, and to prevent trouble I declined, on the ground that 
 discipline would not permit me to talk with the boy. With this 
 explanation Constance was satisfied, or seemed so, and with a 
 gallant bow I conducted her into the cabin, where her father and 
 friends were awaiting an invitation to attack the collation. While 
 we were at the table, Will came into the cabin, and informed me 
 that Captain Bunker and 'two boats' crews were pulling towards 
 the Helen, and he desired information respecting them. 
 
 " Arm the men, and have them in readiness to act," I said, 
 and continued to entertain my visitors. 
 
 In a short time I heard Bunker's voice on deck, and it was 
 raised in a threatening manner. My guests looked a little sur- 
 prised ; but I re-assured them with a smile, and passed around 
 the table some choice paper cigars. But Bunker's voice did not 
 grow quiet. He grew braver every moment, seeing that there was 
 no opposition to his gaining the deck. I saw that-an explosion was 
 about to take place ; so I thought it time to say a few words, and 
 prepare the governor's mind. 
 
 " Are the whalemen who enter this port troublesome? " I asked 
 of Don Oroto. 
 
 " Troublesome ! " he repeated ; " they are always in trouble. 
 May the saints curse some of them, for it requires my army to 
 keep the drunkards in subjection. But they buy our provisions, 
 and that is the only consolation we have." 
 
 " And make love to our ladies, padre," cried Constance, with 
 a sharp look at her aunt. 
 
 " Yes, they do bother our women," was his excellency's reply, 
 as though it was one of the natural consequences of a whaler's 
 being in port. 
 
 " Confound them for a dirty set," I said, with a look of disgust. 
 " They have already annoyed me." 
 
 " Can it be possible?" asked the governor ; " it shall be stopped. 
 
264 A WHALEMAN'S ADVENTURES. 
 
 I assure you that it shall. My friends shall not be annoyed. The 
 commander of the forces shall see to it." 
 
 ".Fill your glasses, ladies and gentlemen," I said, " and then 
 I will tell you something that will make you smile. The whaler 
 labors under a strange delusion. He imagines that he has seen! 
 me before, and even declares that I formerly belonged to his 
 ship. I have attempted to reason with the man, but he won'fc? 
 listen to reason. Last night he attempted to board my vessel for 
 the purpose of making me a prisoner; but I was prepared, and 
 drove him and his men off. I don't like to be annoyed by the 
 fellow, but really I shall be glad to escape from it." 
 
 " Let me talk with this man," cried the governor, with awful 
 dignity. " I will see what he means. He must be rebuked." 
 
 We left the table, and went on deck, and saw Bunker and his 
 men looking as though they meant mischief. But at sight of 
 the governor and ladies the whalemen fell back, and some of 
 them walked forward. The captain shook his fist at me, and that 
 attention I repaid with a contemptuous smile. 
 
 " Do you know who I am? " asked the governor of the whaler, 
 speaking in Spanish, which the latter could not comprehend. 
 
 " I don't want to hear any of your lingo," roared Bunker ; " I 
 want Pepper, and I'll have him, or I'll know the reason why." 
 
 The governor looked to me for an interpretation. 
 
 "He says that he don't care for you or your power," I ex- 
 claimed. 
 
 The governor raised both hands in astonishment, and turned to 
 his suite for advice. 
 
 " We must make ourselves respected," he said. " Even if I 
 have to call upon the whole military force of the island, I will 
 have my authority enforced." 
 
 " Look ahere, you Pepper," cried Bunker ; " it ain't no kind of 
 use to play 'possum with me. Jist you come on board the Sally, 
 and then if you want to make a bargain I'll talk with you." 
 
 " What does he say? " asked the governor. 
 
 " That he don't care about your army. He thinks that he could 
 annihilate it in a short time." 
 
 The military captain seemed somewhat interested at this stage. 
 Constance raised her eyes in wonder and indignation. 
 
 " What do you say?" demanded Bunker. 
 
 " That I shall not go with you. You have made a mistake. 
 
A GOVERNOR'S AUTHORITY. 265 
 
 You are laboring under some delusion. Go on board of your ves- 
 sel, and keep quiet for a few days. You may recover by using 
 proper medicines." 
 
 The rage of the man was terrible. The military gentleman 
 thought of retreating to the cabin, but Dorothea blocked the way, 
 and he could not do so. Don Oroto turned pale, and looked to 
 me for advice. 
 
 u You are governor of the island," I said. " Show this pirate 
 that you are master by using your authority." 
 
 " I will," he answered. ," Tell him from re that, unless he 
 returns to his ship, I will command the fort to fire upon his 
 vessel." 
 
 I interpreted the words to Bunker. He was somewhat aston- 
 ished, but luckily did not know the actual force at the fort a 
 six-pounder and one soldier. 
 
 " Pepper," he said, " give me a hundred dollars, and I'll call it 
 square. Make it a bargain, and I won't say one word about your 
 running away." 
 
 I shook my head. 
 
 44 You must leave the vessel," I said. " I cannot talk with a 
 man who presumes to dictate to me." 
 
 " Cuss your impudence," he yelled. " You beat a Portuguese 
 all holler. I've a good mind to take you at any rate and that 
 nigger, too. In spite of his tattoo I think he is my Jake." 
 
 The governor, who supposed that his authority was still defied, 
 waved his hand in token of a wish to terminate the interview, 
 and Bunker, after a moment's consultation with Spadem, left the 
 vessel ; but he grumbled terribly, and swore that he would write 
 to his government. 
 
 Of course I commended the governor for the energy which he 
 had exhibited, and complimented his suite for their courage. Such 
 a course was well calculated to win their favor, and we all ad- 
 journed to the cabin and finished the bowl of punch, and then 
 repaired to the deck to chat until dinner-time. 
 
 At four o'clock we had dinner, and an excellent one it was. 
 The land and the sea contributed their stores to supply the table. 
 We had turtle and fish, fresh from the brine, fruits plucked from, 
 the trees that morning, fowls which we brought from the Sand- 
 wich Islands, ducks from the- shore, and sweetmeats from the 
 East Indies ; while for liquids we had coffee, claret, and chain* 
 
266 '. A WHALEMAN'S ADVENTURES. 
 
 pagne ; and, in justice to my company, I must state that they 
 relished the latter much more than the former, which I considered 
 an evidence of refined taste on their part. At six o'clock my 
 guests left the table, all satisfied, and all congratulating me upon 
 the successful manner in which the dinner had passed off. Even 
 Constance's eyes beamed with extra brilliancy upon the occasion, 
 and her smile was more saucy than ever. She put her arm" 
 through mine, and walked the deck, smoking her cigarette, and 
 chatting in a most lovable manner. 
 
 44 Senor," said the governor, as the boats were coming along- 
 side to take the company home, " I will protect you and your 
 vessel." 
 
 I thanked his excellency for his kindness, but did not intimate 
 that I was able to protect myself. 
 
 " I shall issue orders to the men " (one man he meant) " in 
 the fort to open fire upon the whaleship if the master molests you ; 
 and to still further secure you from attack, the commander of the 
 forces will remain on board until you feel perfectly safe." 
 
 The gallant gentleman thus alluded to did not seem to- relish 
 the position. 
 
 " Will there be any fighting?" he asked. 
 
 u Perhaps there will be. It is impossible to tell what the 
 whaler will resort to," I answered. 
 
 " Then I should have some of my soldiers on board to assist 
 me," pleaded the captain. 
 
 " Your presence is sufficient to defeat any schemes of attack,'* 
 was the governor's answer. u You must remain and see that the 
 rights of neutrals are respected. We must have order in our har- 
 bor. We are under too deep a debt of gratitude to the seiior 
 captain not to afford him all the protection in our power." 
 
 The military gentleman would have said something in remon- 
 strance, but the governor cut him short by entering his boat, 
 while I assisted Constance over the rail. 
 
 " You will come and see me to-morrow, or the next day," she 
 whispered, and pressed my hand. 
 
 I returned the pressure and promised, and the next instant the 
 boats had left, leaving the military man to be entertained by me, 
 and to wish that whalers were sunk in the ocean with their own. 
 oil poured upon their heads. 
 
 " I trust that we shall have a quiet night," the captain said. 
 
A JEALOUS GIRL. 267 
 
 " The whaler will not dare to attack us after the warning which 
 the governor gave him." 
 
 44 They are desperate men," I answered, and will not scruple to 
 commit desperate deeds. *If we have a fight, it will be a hard 
 one. But I have no doubt we shall be able to beat them." 
 
 The Spaniard shuddered, and looked at me with some surprise. 
 He thought I must be a wonderful man for courage, and I did 
 not think it necessary to undeceive him. 
 
 At an early hour my guest retired to bed, and then I let the 
 mate and Will out of their state-room, much to their joy, for the 
 poor fellows had heard the fun which I had had all day, and 
 were unable to participate in it. They cursed their fate, and 
 were in favor of defying Bunker and all on board the Sally. 
 
 I cooled them down after a while, and they became reconciled 
 to their lot ; and then I turned to speak to Lilly, who I had hardly 
 noticed all day, having so much business to attend to. I felt 
 guilty when my eyes met hers, for they looked so mildly re- 
 proachful, and I recollected how kind she had been to me in adver- 
 sity and prosperity. 
 
 " Do you think that youjiave treated me justly?" she asked. 
 
 " Why have I not?" I said. 
 
 " Ask your own fickle heart why you have acted so coldly," 
 Lilly cried. 
 
 " I have, and I can obtain no answer." 
 
 " There goes the answer ! " the girl exclaimed, pointing with 
 her hand in the direction which the boats had taken. " The Span- 
 ish lady has driven from your head all thoughts of Lilly, and yet I 
 love you better than she does, or ever can." 
 
 "And do you suppose that I doubt it, Lilly? Have I not 
 proved to you how highly I estimate your friendship ? " 
 
 " You have proved nothing," she exclaimed, passionately, " ex- 
 cept your fickleness." 
 
 Tears, which she no longer could restrain, rolled down her 
 cheeks, but she dashed them off as though ashamed of showing so 
 much feeling. 
 
 " Lilly," I said, " listen to me for a moment. The ladies who 
 were on board were my guests, and I could not help showing 
 them some attention. If I had neglected them they would have 
 supposed me impolite, and not anxious for their company."- 
 
 '* But why did you not devote your attention as much to one 
 as the other ? " she asked, with flashing eyes. 
 
268 A WHALEMAN'S ADVENTURES. 
 
 "Did I not?" 
 
 u No ; you know you did not. I saw you attempt to kiss the; 
 girl with the fresh face, and you looked foolish when she would 
 not let you. Do not deny it." 
 
 Of course I did not deny it, for the truth was not to be denied 
 at such a moment ; but candor compelled me to state that at the 
 time I attempted to steal a kiss, I had no idea that Lilly was 
 watching me. But a man should be careful in his love affairs 
 for a woman is Argus-eyed. 
 
 44 Lilly," I asked, u would you have had me kiss the elder fe- 
 male?" 
 
 " You should have attempted to kiss neither," was the answer, 
 accompanied with a stamp of the foot. 
 
 I could not help smiling at the passionate little thing, and my 
 smile so excited the girl that she turned her back upon me, and 
 walked aft. I. did not say a word. I lighted a cigar, and sat 
 down, taking no notice of Lilly, for I thought that she would soon 
 come to terms. My predictions were verified. In a fewminutesj 
 I heard a soft breathing near me, and then I felt some one's warmj 
 breath upon my neck. I smoked on in silence, not even turuingj 
 my head. Presently a pair of soft arms were thrown around my 
 neck, and a smooth cheek was pressed to mine. 
 
 " Do you forgive me? " whispered Lilly. " I was angry, and 
 I had no right to be. I did not mean to reproach you ; but 0, 
 I have been very miserable to-day." 
 
 Poor child ! I could tell by her face that she had suffered, and 
 her tender pleading touched my heart. I threw away my cigar, 
 and put an arm around her waist, and then she laid her head OD 
 my shoulder, and sobbed as though her heart would break. For 
 a few minutes I allowed her tears to flow without restraint, for 1 
 knew that she would recover her usual gayety after she had given 
 vent to her grief, and my anticipations proved correct, for she 
 raised her head, and asked, 
 
 44 Do you forgive me ? " 
 
 44 For what?" 
 
 44 For doubting you for speaking as I did? " 
 
 44 Certainly I do ; but let us have no more doubts, Lilly. You 
 must trust in me, and make no complaints if you see me paying 
 attention to a lady. You will remember will you not?" 
 
 k4 Yes," she said ; but the word came forth with an effort, as 
 
A LITTLE LOVE MAKING. 269 
 
 though she would strive to obey the request, heartless as it was. 
 Then she left me and entered the cabin, while I remained on 
 deck until near ten o'clock ; and then, seeing no sign of an attack, 
 I " turned in," and slept until morning without being disturbed. 
 
 About eight o'clock several boats came alongside with yams, 
 and we commenced -"receiving cargo on board. This kept me 
 busy until nearly sundown, and then, leaving the mate in charge, 
 I entered a shore boat, and was pulled up the river, intending to 
 pay a visit to the governor and his pretty daughter, whose sweet 
 face had made more of an impression upon me than I was willing 
 to allow. 
 
 Upon arriving at the governor's house the first person I met 
 was the senorita Constance, who, seated in the sitting-room, was 
 sweeping the strings of her guitar in a thoughtful manner, as 
 though her mind was not on her music. I advanced a step, and 
 the sound awakened her from her reverie. She turned her head, 
 saw her visitor, and with a look of glad surprise arose and came 
 towards me with extended hands. 
 
 " Ah, senor, I am so glad you have come, for I was very lonely." 
 
 I took her hands and pressed them, and then kissed them, 
 which act only caused her to blush ; but she did not look offended 
 or displeased. 
 
 " Remember our compact no love making," she said, with a 
 laugh. 
 
 " I have forgotten it," I answered. " I forget everything but 
 you, when in your presence." 
 
 44 It is not on my account that I caution you," Constance said, 
 after a moment's thought. " It is for your sake. I did not com- 
 mand you to avoid loving me remember that. I do not forbid 
 you to worship, only you must not expect me to return it." 
 
 44 Have matters your own way," I said. " I shall admire you, 
 but still not love you. My heart has passed beyond my control." 
 
 My companion looked up, and a shade passed over her face, 
 but it was soon dispelled. 
 
 44 Are you married? " she whispered, and her hand was with- 
 drawn from mine. 
 
 44 O, no ; but I hope to be, some day." 
 
 She replaced her little hand in mine, and I thought that I 
 noted a glow of satisfaction upon her face ; and while I was ad- 
 miring her eyes I heard a step in the hall, and on looking up 
 
270 
 
 who should stand in the doorway but my ancient enemy, Captain 
 Jonathan Buukor, of the whaleship Sally, of New Bedford. 
 
 u Wai, you feller is cuttin' it fat, I should think," the skipper 
 remarked, as his little red eyes rested upqn my hand, which held 
 Constance's ; and, as he spoke, he entered the room, and lauded 
 on a lounge, from which position he gazed at us with most pro- 
 voking coolness. " I say, you boy," continued Bunker, " that is 
 a mighty pootty gal you is talkin' to, and huggin'." 
 
 " Sir," I demanded, with pretended astonishment, " who do you 
 take me for?" 
 
 " I takes you for Pepper, and darned if you ain't Pepper, and its 
 no use to say that it ain't your name." 
 
 " I shall not renew an argument with you," I said. " You 
 can think as you please. If you suppose I belonged to your vessel, 
 why don't you take me ? " 
 
 " And so I would, if it wan't for them blasted revolvers. But 
 you give me an equal chance, and see if I won't do somethin'." 
 
 " I will give you an equal chance," I said. " You may take a 
 revolver, and I will take one, and let us see if we cannot settle 
 the matter." 
 
 " I have a darned good mind to try you," the old fellow said. 
 " I'd clip your wings, I would, 'cos I can shoot. I can hit things 
 as well as you." 
 
 " Don't spoil a good mind," I cried. " I have a revolver in 
 my pocket. We can toss up for the first fire." 
 
 " Wai, I guess I couldn't get square in a better way. But 
 where's the old cock what has charge of these mole-hills ? " 
 
 " Do you mean the governor? " 
 
 " Wai, yes ; I 'spect I do. But 'tain't much honor to be gov- 
 ernor, of these islands." 
 
 I turned to Constance, who had listened to our conversation in 
 silence, and inquired for her father. She informed me that he 
 and the rest of the family were visiting in the town, and might 
 be expected home in a few minutes. I had hardly explained this 
 to the skipper when I heard the governor's voice in the entry. 
 Don Oroto was glad to see me, and said so ; but he did not mani- 
 fest the same pleasure at meeting Bunker. 
 
 " 0, you needn't put on airs to me," cried Bunker, who noted 
 the coolness. " I'm goin' to pay for all I take on hoard. My 
 money is as good as another man's, I guess. I'm a Yankee, and 
 know what's what " 
 
A NIGHT SCENE. 271 
 
 Luckily the governor did not understand what was said, and I 
 did not care to make more trouble between the captain and Don 
 Oroto by interpreting the exact expressions used. 
 
 The evening passed rapidly away. The governor produced 
 some claret and coffee, and did the honors of his house with his 
 usual politeness. But Bunker was neglected in the general ar- 
 rangement, and this he bore with commendable fortitude, until 
 Dorothea, who seemed to have taken pity on the man's isolation,- 
 commenced a conversation with him ; and this so enlivened him 
 that I believe they managed to understand about one word in 
 every forty which were uttered. 
 
 When we separated for the night, the secretary was sent out of 
 the house, as his lounge was needed for the skipper ; and then I 
 found that Bunker and I were to occupy the same room, which 
 was far from agreeable to me. I took leave of Constance with a 
 warm pressure of her hand, and I noted that the whaler was un- 
 usually affectionate to Dorothea ; and, faith, the elderly maiden 
 seemed to like it, for her face was wreathed in smiles, and she 
 even let the captain squeeze her hand, as though he was desirous 
 of extracting tar from her long, lean fingers. 
 
 I went to sleep, and when I awoke, it was with a start, for I 
 heard voices in the apartment. The lamp had gone out, and the 
 room was pitchy dark. For a few minutes I lay perfectly 
 still, trying to recollect where I was, and while in this state I 
 heard a vigorous smack, which sounded like the report of a pistol ; 
 and then, before the sound died away, I was further disturbed by 
 a scuffle which seemed to take place in the direction of Bunker's 
 lounge. For a few seconds I listened in silent amazement, and 
 then I heard Bunker say, 
 
 " O, 'taiu't any kind of use to try to get away from me, my little 
 duck. I knows you love me, and I love you. Ask Pepper if I 
 don't." 
 
 " You brute ! " exclaimed the shrill-voiced Dorothea, " will 
 you let me go ? I'll scratch you unless you do." 
 
 The captain, I am glad to say, did not understand one word 
 that she said. For a few minutes the struggle went on without 
 a word ; and then Dorothea must have lost patience, for she sud- 
 denly struck at the skipper's face. At least I judged so from 
 what Bunker said, for he exclaimed, with some show of anger, 
 " Darn it, don't scratch like an old cat ! " 
 
272 A WHALEMAN'S ADVENTURES. 
 
 Before he could obtain an answer there was a renewal of tho 
 struggle, and then followed a crash, which shook the house. The 
 lounge had capsized, and Bunker had rolled over on the floor, 
 and in his fall had dragged down Dorothea, and the lady, in at- 
 tempting to save herself, had caught at the table. The latter was 
 overturned ; consequently there was crash upon crash, and the 
 heaviest sleeper must have been awakened by the noise. As the 
 fight had nothing to do with me, I kept still, and heard the strug- 
 gle renewed upon the floor; and, from the words which Bunker 
 uttered, I thought that he was getting the worst of it. 
 
 " Darn it, don't scratch so ! " the whaler shouted. " You is 
 tearing my flesh all to pieces. What do you mean by coming to 
 see a man, and acting in this way, hey?" 
 
 I heard a movement in another part of the house, and expected 
 to see fun before long. The parties who were mixed up with the 
 lounge, table, and lamp, paid no attention to anything but the 
 fight. At last I saw a gleam of light, and then I thought that it 
 was time for me to move. I left the room, and in the hall en- 
 countered the governor, his secretary of state, and Constance, the 
 latter looking charming in her white robes, which I noticed did 
 not reach to her feet. 
 
 " In the name of the saints, senor, what is the matter? " gasped 
 the governor. " Are we attacked by ladrones ? " 
 
 " I know not," I answered ; u but there is a struggle going on 
 in the sitting-room. I was just coming in search of you." 
 
 " Then stand by us, senor, and we will all advance in a body. 
 Look to Constance, senor, and see that no harm comes to her. 
 Now, then, forward, and may the saints protect us." 
 
 We moved forward, the struggle still continuing, and when we 
 gained the door of the sitting-room, what a scene did the lights 
 reveal ! Upon the floor were Dorothea and Bunker, and around 
 them were lying the table, lounge, oil from the lamp, books, and 
 Constance's guitar. For one moment Don Oroto gazed at the 
 scene before him, and then, raising his hands, exclaimed, 
 
 " The saints be with us in their name what is the meaning 
 of this?" 
 
 " The brute, the monster ! " cried Dorothea ; and she made an 
 attempt to rise ; but unfortunately her feet touched that part of 
 the floor which was well oiled by the broken lamp. They slipped, 
 attempted to regain a firm hold, failed, and then the lady- plunged 
 
A NmuT ADVENTURE. Page 272. 
 
AN EXPLANATION WANTED. 273 
 
 head first in the direction of Bunker, who was seated amid the 
 ruins coolly wiping the blood from his face. She struck him on 
 his chest, and over he went, as sudden as though shot. 
 
 I have no doubt that the captain supposed the lady was about 
 to renew the attack, for he commenced kicking with wonderful 
 vigor, and swearing that she did not fight fair. 
 
 44 They will kill each other," cried the governor. " O, senor 
 captain, do something. Save them, captain. I'll hold the light." 
 
 This was an important office, though not a dangerous one. I 
 could not decline the position assigned me ; consequently I moved 
 forward, avoiding the heels of the one and the claws of the other, 
 and soon had the satisfaction of raising Dorothea from the floor ; 
 but in her fury she supposed that I was hostile to her ; conse- 
 quently she aimed a blow at my nose, which I narrowly escaped, 
 and before she could repeat it I had pinioned her arms to her 
 side, although she made use of her feet, and kicked at my shins 
 with great goodwill ; and had her feet been covered with shoes, I 
 should have suffered some. 
 
 " Coward ! " she cried, " release me or I'll scratch your eyes 
 out." 
 
 " Hold her," responded the governor. " Don't let her do more 
 mischief." 
 
 " Stick to her, Pepper," roared Bunker. " Don't let her loose. 
 Look at my face." 
 
 My prisoner, in a short time, came to her senses, and ceased 
 her struggles. She began to realize her position, and to distin- 
 guish friends from foes. I must confess that I was glad of this, 
 for holding an insane woman is not an agreeable occupation. 
 
 " Let me go," Dorothea cried. " I will keep quiet." 
 
 On this promise I released her. She made a rush for the 
 door, but her brother stopped her. 
 
 " We want an explanation of this," he said. 
 
 " I can give none, excepting that I have been badly treated by 
 that man ; " and she pointed to Buuker, who was wiping the 
 blood from his face, and looking far from happy. 
 
 " The wretch ! " cried the governor. " He shall suffer for this 
 , insult." 
 
 " I think that he has already suffered," exclaimed Constance. 
 " Look at his face. It is terribly scratched." 
 
 " It is," muttered Don Oroto^ 
 18 
 
274 A WHALEMAN'S ADVENTURES. 
 
 " Ask aunt why she came here at this hour of the night?" con- 
 tinued the malicious little Constance, who seemed to enjoy the 
 confusion. 
 
 " True, I had forgotten that important question," the gov- 
 ernor muttered. He turned to Dorothea with a frown upon his 
 brow. " Why are you here at this hour of the night? " 
 
 " 1 walked in my sleep." 
 
 " This shall be investigated," the governor said, with more 
 energy than I had given him credit for. 
 
 " Pepper," exclaimed Bunker, who really looked pitiful, with 
 his lacerated face, " what do they say about me? " 
 
 " Bunker," I said, u the governor is determined and resolute. 
 He has the power and the will to punish you. He thinks you 
 have insulted his sister. I pity you. You can choose the method^ 
 of your death, however. That is a great consolation." 
 
 u I'm glad you think. so,". was the dry answer. " I look upon 
 the matter in a different light. Dying ain't so very pleasant. 
 S'pose you try it and see." 
 
 " What does the wretch say?" asked the governor. "Will 
 he apologize for the insult that he has offered my family." 
 
 " We must first frighten him," I answered. " He is inclined 
 to be stubborn. He says that he merely attempted to kiss the 
 lady." 
 
 " I don't know what to do," the governor answered. " Such a 
 thing never occurred before." 
 
 " Place a soldier at the door of the room, and keep the captain 
 prisoner for a few days. That will be punishment enough for 
 him," I said. 
 
 Don Oroto consented to the suggestion, and, in a few moments, 
 a sleepy-looking soldier was standing guard over the whaleman, 
 whose terrors were magnified by the operation ; for he thought 
 that his flirtations were likely to cost him dear. 
 
A LITTLE PLOTTING. 275 
 
 CHAPTER XVII. 
 
 BUNKER PROMISES. HE ESCAPES. A REAL COQUETTE. HE 
 
 MAKES A PROPOSITION, AND IT IS AN ASTONISHING ONE. 
 
 IN consequence of the few rooms which the governor's house 
 contained, I found that, to obtain any sleep, it was necessary 
 I should share the quarters of the prisoner ; and when Bunker 
 saw that I was about to return to the lounge, which I had occu- 
 pied during the early part of the night, his delight 'knew no 
 bounds. He wanted some one to talk to ; consequently, no sooner 
 had I lain down than he opened. 
 
 " What do you think they will do with me? " Bunker asked. 
 
 "It is hard to tell, but I should think you would be shot or 
 hanged." 
 
 " Don't you imagine a feller could run for it, Pepper? " 
 
 " What do you mean? escape? " I asked. 
 
 " Yes, that's it. Can't you help me ? " 
 
 " Would you leave port as soon as you gained your vessel?" I 
 asked. 
 
 " You better believe I would. I know the way out. Let me 
 get clear of this, and you see if I don't cut* stick." 
 
 I glanced towards the sentinel. He was dozing at the door. 
 A light was burning in our room, but I shied a hat at it and ex- 
 tinguished it. 
 
 " What's that for? " asked Bunker. 
 
 " Listen to me, and I'll tell you. I intend to assist you to 
 escape, but you must promise that if we meet hereafter, you will 
 no longer pretend that I once belonged on board your vessel. Do 
 you consent? " 
 
 " Of course I do. Do you think I'm a fool? All I want is to 
 get clear of this place. Catch me meddlin' with women agin ! 
 They always get a man into some scrape." 
 
 " But our duel. What is to be done with that? " 
 
 " Why, I'll apologize. It's all right. We don't want to fight 
 each other do we ? " 
 
 " Not if you are satisfied. Now listen to me. You must 
 
2<6 A WHALEMAN'S ADVENTURES. 
 
 escape, or you are a dead man. The Spaniards will never for- 
 give you. I am certain of that." 
 
 " So am I," groaned Bunker. 
 
 " You must escape by this window, and make the best of your 
 way to the river. Take a canoe, and paddle to the ship. Get 
 under way, and sail at once. Don't come back again. Go to 
 some other island, and say nothing of what has happened. You 
 understand me ? " 
 
 " I should think I do," was the answer ; and the next moment 
 I saw the form of Bunker steal to the window, and drop softly to 
 the ground. The sentinel still dozed, and took no notice of our 
 movements. 
 
 " Good by," whispered Bunker. " I'm off. I shan't forget 
 you in a hurry.. I wish we could take a drink together." 
 
 He left me. I went to sleep, and did not awake until daylight, 
 when I heard the sentinel utter a number of oaths 'at the disap- 
 pearance of his prisoner. Of course I pretended to be as aston- 
 ished as the soldier, and suggested that Don Oroto be informed 
 -of the escape immediately. The sentinel lighted a cigar, and 
 then hunted for the governor. His excellency was not long in 
 making his appearance. He rubbed his eyes, and then asked my 
 opinion of the subject. 
 
 " I should be glad that he is gone," I said. " Had he re- 
 mained, what could you have done with him?" 
 
 u True. The saints^be praised that matters are no worse. He 
 has gone, and may the devil go with him. Let us have some 
 coffee." 
 
 When I reached the Helen I found that the' Sally had sailed 
 early in the morning, and gone no one knew where. So we now 
 commenced taking on board cargo in earnest. It came full as 
 fast as we wanted it, and the men worked from daylight until 
 dark without murmuring. At last the hold was tilled, and we 
 only wanted our living freight of turtles, fowls, and pigs ; and 
 while waiting for them, Don Oroto and his daughter came on 
 board, the former to settle the accounts, and the latter to coquet 
 as usual, much to the disgust of Lilly, who looked upon Con- 
 stance as an intruder, and one who should be expelled. For an 
 hour or two Don Oroto, his secretary, and myself were engaged 
 in business ; but after it was settled to our mutual satisfaction, 1 
 had a chance to spend a few moments with Constance. 
 
A COQUETTE, AND HER PROPOSAL. 277 
 
 44 I have been dying to see you," she said, as I joined her on 
 deck, leaving the governor to empty a bottle of wine in the cabin. 
 " I thought that you would never finish your figures. You men 
 are so slow and tedious." 
 
 I laughed, and she continued, 
 
 " I want to speak to you on a matter of importance." 
 
 k ' I am all attention." 
 
 " The fact of it is," the young lady said, casting down her eyes, 
 44 I have a strong desire to see California. You have spoken so 
 much about it that I should like to visit it." 
 
 I was silent too astonished to speak. What did the young 
 lady mean ? Was it a gentle method of declaring her love for 
 me ? It did look like it. 
 
 " How do you propose to go ? " I asked, after a moment's 
 silence. 
 
 " I thought," cried Constance, with a modest blush, " that I 
 would go with you, provided you had no objections." 
 
 44 But what would your father say ? " 
 
 " O, he must not know it, and you must swear to me that you 
 will not say one word to him on the subject. He would not like 
 to part with me, I know." 
 
 I shook my head. 
 
 " I cannot wrong your father in the manner you desire. It 
 would be an act of ingratitude too base for my nature." 
 
 " Don't I tell you that I will be responsible for all blame? I 
 will leave word that you had nothing to do with my elopement 
 that you are not aware that I am on board. Will that suit 
 you?" 
 
 u No, I confess that it will not." 
 
 The little beauty stamped her foot and paused. 
 
 " You do not love me," she said. 
 
 I smiled and remained silent. 
 
 44 You are too mean to give me a passage to California ! " she 
 exclaimed. 4t I did not think it of you." 
 
 This touched me. 
 
 44 Obtain your father's consent, and- 1 shall be happy to give 
 you a passage. Until then " 
 
 u You refuse?" she asked. 
 
 " Yes." 
 
 She remained silent for a moment, and then laid her hand on 
 
278 A WHALEMAN'S ADVENTURES. 
 
 mine, and looked up with such an innocent expression in her 
 eyes, that I felt my resolution shaken. 
 
 " Listen to me for a moment ! " she exclaimed ; and a blush 
 mantled her face as she spoke. " I love you, and will follow you 
 to the ends of the earth. If I do not leave in your vessel, I will 
 in the next one that stops at the island. I will seek for you in 
 California aud the Sandwich Islands, and never rest until I find 
 you. Do you think that I am in earnest now? " 
 
 I was forced to confess that she was. 
 
 " You need not know that I am on board. You may suspect 
 it, but you must not make inquiries until out of sight of land. Do 
 you understand ? " 
 
 I managed to say " yes," but it was very faint. 
 
 " Then say not one word of this. Let me see if you can keep 
 a secret. To show that I am in earnest, you may kiss me." 
 
 She put up her red lips, and I touched them, wondering if I 
 was awake or dreaming. 
 
 " You love me a little do you not? " she whispered. 
 
 I pressed her hand, but remained silent. I was thinking how 
 I could avoid my embarrassments. She must have read my 
 thoughts by the aid of her sharp eyes, for she said, 
 
 " Do not deceive me. If you do, all my love will turn to hate." 
 
 " And suppose you deceive me? " I asked. 
 
 *' O, there is no danger of that," she answered, with a blush, 
 and turned away. 
 
 I had thought of sailing the next day, and wondered if I could 
 not hurry my movements, so* that I could leave before* the time 
 designated. At least the attempt should be made. 
 
 " Remember," whispered Constance, " I insist that you do not 
 speak to me until we are out sight of land. Promise me." 
 
 I promised, but hoped that Constance would be prevented from 
 carrying out her intentions ; for with my increase of years came 
 sober thoughts of morality and virtue, and how necessary they 
 were to happiness. 
 
 " Come and see us again," said the governor, as the boat was 
 ready to shove off. u You shall always be welcome." 
 
 " Padre," cried Constance, " may I go to California with the 
 senor ? " 
 
 She laughed as she spoke, and her father supposed that she 
 was joking. 
 
KAMAKA ONCE MORE. 279 
 
 " O, yes, if he will take you." 
 
 " You see," she cried, " I have his consent ; " and the boat 
 left the side of the vessel, and pulled towards the mouth of the 
 river. 
 
 " It can't be possible," I thought, " that Constance will carry 
 out her threat. It would ruin her reputation and my own. I 
 should have a row with Lilly, and what is of more importance, 
 lose Julia forever." 
 
 In the midst of these reflections a canoe paddled alongside, and 
 two men came on deck and walked aft, hats in hand. To my 
 surprise, I saw that one of them was Bushy, a boat-steerer on board 
 the Sally, and the other was Kamaka, the kanaka who had at- 
 tempted to rival me as a suitor for Lilly's love. 
 
 " Beg pardon for disturbing you," cried Bushy, " but we ran 
 away from the old Sally last night. Had enough of her, you 
 know. Poor tub. Hope you will give us a passage somewhere." 
 
 " I will take you," I said to the American, " but as for the 
 kanaka, I will not receive him on any account. He knows the 
 reason why." 
 
 The tattooed rascal showed his teeth, but did not look dis- 
 appointed. He was about to turn away, when, as ill luck would 
 have it, Lilly came from the cabin without her cap, thus exposing 
 her face and head. I saw Kamaka start, and then I knew that my 
 secret was exposed. I ordered Lilly to the cabin, but I was too 
 late. Like a man of the world, I should have made the most of 
 the matter, and attempted to win the kanaka by acts of kindness ; 
 but I was young and thoughtless, and did not think of such things. 
 
 " You no want me, cap'n ? " asked the kanaka. 
 
 " No." 
 
 " O, wal, me go shore. Me no want to stay here. Me find 
 udder ships. Me see you in Honolulu. Me recollect dis." 
 
 Bushy saw that I could not be turned from my purpose. He 
 went to the canoe, and removed his clothes ; then the kanaka 
 shoved off, and paddled for the shore. He fired a parting shot, 
 however, which rather raked me. 
 
 " I say," the rascal cried, u you s'pose de young lady in Hon- 
 olulu no hear of dis, hey? Can't love two women at the same 
 time." 
 
 "Why did you leave the cabin?" I asked, turning to Lilly 
 rather angrily, although the fault was not hers. 
 
280 A WHALEMAN'S ADVENTURES. 
 
 " Why did I leave my native village?" she answered, with a 
 sigh. u If ever I return I will remain there." 
 
 I made no reply, for her words stung me to the quick. The 
 next day, just at dusk, our live stock came on board and was 
 taken care of, and then I was ready to sail ; but unfortunately 
 there was not a breath of wind, and I was compelled to remain 
 at anchor until morning. This I regretted, because I feared thai 
 Constance would pay me a visit during the night ; and my fears 
 were realized, for about twelve o'clock a canoe arrived alongside, 
 and it contained a woman and a man. The former was veiled so 
 closely with a mantilla, that I could not see her face ; and, re- 
 membering my promise, I did not try to. I escorted the lady to 
 her state-room, she .locked the door, as though fearful of impor- 
 tunities, and I was left in the cabin to meditate upon the foolish 
 position in which I was placed. From my reverie I was aroused 
 by a light hand laid upon my shoulder. I started up, expecting 
 to see Constance ; but to my surprise I saw Lilly, whom I sup- 
 posed asleep. 
 
 "What does that woman want on board this- vessel?" she 
 asked, rather sternly ; and I saw that all the jealousy of her 
 nature was aroused. 
 
 " I do not know," was my reply. 
 
 "It is false ; you do know. She is the young girl with the 
 white face, and you love her." 
 
 " What nonsense you talk, Lilly ! " I replied, with a forced 
 smile. " The young lady is going to California as a passenger. 
 I do riot want to take her, but am compelled to." 
 
 The kanaka girl expressed her disgust by a look, and said not 
 another word. I lay down on the transom, and slept until day- 
 light, when I was called by the anchor watch, and informed that 
 a breeze was blowing off shore, and that the pilot was at the 
 mouth of the river, pulling in our direction. In a few minutes I 
 was on deck, and ordered all hands called ; and by the time Wilson 
 was" alongside, we had hove short. 
 
 a Are you all ready? " the pilot asked. 
 
 " Yes ; say the word and we will be off." 
 
 " Sorry to lose you," Wilson cried. " You have given us life 
 and fun. Come again when you can. Got a few things in the 
 boat, which the governor sends you to show his good feeling. 
 He also told me to tell you that whatever happened, you might 
 expect his forgiveness." 
 
A HEALTHY APPETITE. 281 
 
 
 I started at this information. It seemed as though he knew 
 of the elopement of his daughter, and took this method of assuring 
 me that I was not blamed for the part I had taken. Did 
 Don Oroto suppose that I was in love with his child, and was 
 lie willing to trust to my honor? If such was the case, I would 
 not disappoint him. The presents which the governor sent me 
 consisted of sweetmeats, prepared in the highest style of art, 
 and a few boxes of cake, of home manufacture. In return I di- 
 rected that some cases of wine should be sent to Don Oroto, also 
 a piece of silk suitable for ladies' dresses. I then made Wilson 
 a present, and in half an hour's time we were over the reef, 
 bounding towards California. 
 
 During the afternoon I saw Jake pass into the cabin tea 
 and toast, and surmised whom the articles were for J although, to 
 tell the truth, I had not given my lady passenger that attention 
 which her merits demanded, for I had been very busy during 
 the day. 
 
 " Steward," I asked, " how is your patient? " 
 
 " Well, cap'n, to tell de bressed truth, de woman am well, I 
 dink, for she keep makin' signs to me to bring her more grub. 
 She eat all de time." 
 
 I should have demanded an interview with the lady, if I had 
 not promised that I would not speak with her until the second 
 day out. The next morning, while at breakfast, I saw the stew- 
 ard enter Constance's state-room, with a substantial breakfast, 
 and in a few moments I heard high words, and then a crash of 
 broken dishes. I arose from the table for the purpose of ascer- 
 taining the cause of the alarm, but before I could leave it Jake 
 plunged headlong into the cabin, his face streaming with blood, 
 and his eyes distorted with terror. 
 
 " I radder wait upon de debil dan dat woman," he said. " Look 
 at my face." 
 
 I did look at him, and was unable to say one word, or ask an 
 explanation, for a few moments. 
 
 While I stood gazing at Jake, unable to comprehend the mean- 
 ing of his misfortune, the negro was wiping the blood from his 
 skinned face, and groaning at his humiliating position. 
 
 " Could it be possible," I asked myself* " that the gentle Con- 
 stance would treat a human being in that manner, unless she was 
 provoked by some great indignity ? " 
 
282 A WHALEMAN'S ADVENTURES. 
 
 " Rascal ! " I shouted, " you have insulted the lady in some 
 way, or she would not have scratched you." 
 
 " So help me God," whined the steward, " I only take in 'em 
 breakfast ; and she look at it, and den at me, and den she say 
 somethiu' and fly at me. Dat's all, cap'n, on de honor of a col- 
 ored gen'man." 
 
 I was compelled to believe Jake, for he never deceived me ; 
 but, to satisfy my doubts, I walked towards the state-room to ask 
 an explanation at the hands of the lady. 
 
 " Don't you go, cap'n," Jake cried. " She treat you in de 
 same way dat she treat me. She perfect debil wid her finger- 
 nails." 
 
 I did not notice his remonstrance, but passed on, and was just 
 about to lay my hand on the knob of the door, when the latter 
 was suddenly opened, and the senorita Dorothea stood before me. 
 The surprise was so great that I staggered back ; and Jake, think- 
 ing that I was attacked, shouted, 
 
 " Look out for de nails, cap'n, 'cos she got sharp ones." 
 
 u There is some mistake here," I murmured, speaking in Span- 
 ish. " I thought that " 
 
 " Don't tell me what you think," cried Dorothea. " I thought 
 when you offered me a passage on board this vessel, that I was 
 to be treated as a lady ; still it was very kind on your part to send 
 a pressing message to me through that giddy flirt, Constance." 
 
 I did not understand her, and said so. 
 
 " O, don't blush at the generosity you displayed. You know 
 what I mean." 
 
 Hang me if I did, but I waited for an explanation. I did not 
 wish to commit myself. 
 
 " When Constance first spoke to me on the subject, I was in- 
 clined to doubt, for I feared a trick ; but she talked fair, and I 
 agreed to accept your terms." 
 
 " My terms?" I murmured, in astonishment. 
 
 " Of course. Shall I repeat them ? " 
 
 " If you please." 
 
 " Perhaps I had better relate all the particulars. The day 
 before you sailed, Constance informed me that she had had a 
 long and confidential conversation with you ; that I was the sub- 
 ject of that conversation. She had pleaded in my behalf, and 
 after some demurring you had agreed to receive me on board as 
 
O, WHAT A WICKED SELL. 283 
 
 a guest, to seek Captain Myers, whom I have seen at the gov- 
 ernor's, and who you say is now in California, persuade him 
 to marry me, or, if he refused, to obtain some suitable husband. 
 Of course I accepted such terms why should I not ? " 
 
 I groaned at the words. 
 
 44 What is the matter with you ? " she asked. " Are you sick ? " 
 
 " No, no ; go on with your romance ; " for I felt that it was a 
 romance she was relating. 
 
 44 The only conditions which my niece exacted ware these. I 
 should not speak after reaching the vessel, and I should remain 
 in my state-room until out of sight of land. She said you were 
 firm on these points, and I consented to abide by them. I did, 
 and here I am." 
 
 I saw in an instant the manner in which that arrant coquette, 
 Constance, had cheated and fooled me. She had blinded me with 
 pretensions, and I had not seen the trick. With all my smart- 
 ness I had allowed a little vain Spanish girl to get the best of 
 me. She had pretended that she was to take passage with me, 
 and exacted certain promises the more effectually to blind me to 
 her designs. 
 
 I will not recount in a minute manner all that I underwent at 
 the hands of Dorothea during that dreadful passage to California. 
 I endured much, and the recollection of it still makes me shudder. 
 At one time the lunatic for I could call her no less chased 
 me all over the deck for the purpose of clawing my face, simply 
 because I would not allow her a cask of fresh water in which 
 she could take a bath. At another time she threw a cup at my 
 head because I would not praise her beauty ; and when she dis- 
 covered that Lilly was a girl, her rage was ferocious, and she 
 threatened to pitch the kanaka overboard, alleging that her pres- 
 ence was an insult. The steward had no peace, night or day. Tn 
 the middle of the night he would be called from his bed to make 
 coffee and toast for the amiable passenger, whose appetite was 
 never satisfied. Jake feared her, and so did I, and so did every 
 one on board. 
 
 At last I had the satisfaction of sighting the coast mountains 
 of California ; and, upon my conscience, as soon as land was dis- 
 covered, Dorothea commenced dressing, as though she was to 
 meet her beau in a very few hours ; and when she came on deck, 
 arrayed in her best garments, she actually looked and appeared 
 
284 A WHALEMAN'S ADVENTURES. 
 
 amiable, and a smile was on her lips the first one I had seen 
 since she drank a bottle of champagne at one sittmg. 
 
 " So, this is California," Dorothea said, pointing to the coast 
 range. " Well, provided I find a husband that will love me, I 
 care not what kind of land it is." 
 
 She sat down upon a hen-coop, and looked towards the moun- 
 tains, and did not remove her eyes from them until dinner-time. 
 She seemed to have lost much of her former fierceness, and when 
 Jake handed her a plate of soup, at the table, instead of scowling 
 at the steward, she actually smiled on him, and intimated that he 
 would be rewarded when she was comfortably settled for life. 
 
 We had made the land to the windward of San Francisco, so 
 were compelled to run down the coast some five or ten miles 
 before we sighted the Farrallones Islands. Steering for San 
 Francisco were half a dozen craft ; one, a new clipper ship called 
 the Sea Ranger, the best looking specimen of marine architecture 
 that I had ever seen at that time. She hailed from New York, 
 and was an honor to the city. She passed within twenty fathoms 
 of us, and I noticed that her quarter-deck was covered with pas- 
 sengers, most of whom saluted us by touching their caps, while 
 several ladies waved their handkerchiefs, which was responded to 
 by Dorothea and my crew. The ship sailed two feet to our one ; 
 so of course she passed us, and we followed in her wake, and she 
 piloted us into the harbor. A great change had taken place since 
 my first visit. There were two or three hundred vessels lying at 
 anchor directly in front of the town, but most of them deserted, 
 with the exception of one man, who acted as ship-keeper. There 
 were crafts of all nations in the bay, but the most numerous dis- 
 played the star-spangled banner, and I can safely add that those 
 which hoisted the best and handsomest flag the world ever saw, 
 were the most admirable specimens of marine architecture in port. 
 I took one hasty look at the town, while the schooner was working 
 her way through the shipping, for the purpose of getting an inside 
 berth. Houses had sprung up as if by magic, and extended along 
 the sides of Telegraph Hill. All through Happy Valley were 
 tents and wooden buildings, the latter struggling for the supremacy, 
 but unable to crush out the blackened canvas walls. 
 
 " God help that place if a fire ever breaks out," said Bushy, 
 the man who had escaped from the Sally. He was standing near 
 me at the time he gave utterance to his thoughts. 
 
THE GAMBLING TABLES. 235 
 
 I had not thought of fire, but I could not repress a shudder as 
 I pondered over the damage which the flames w.ould inflict if they 
 once got under way. 
 
 We were no sooner at anchor than we were boarded by a cus- 
 tom-house officer, a man who looked as though he was in a hurry, 
 and disliked trouble. When he reached the deck Dorothea 
 rushed towards him. 
 
 "Where," she asked, in Spanish, "is Captain Myers?" 
 
 " Hullo, old lady, what's the matter witli you?" cried the of- 
 ficial, somewhat astonished at the question. He thought she 
 was a lunatic. 
 
 I led her to the cabin, and calmed her with a few words, and 
 then returned to the custom-house officer, who despatched his duty 
 in a short time, and left me, with two dozen oranges in his pocket 
 handkerchief. I learned from my visitor, however, that no ves- 
 sel had arrived from the Sandwich Islands loaded with vegetables, 
 and that fruit of all kinds was unknown in the market. This was 
 consoling, for I feared that some of the merchants of Honolulu 
 had got the start of me. 
 
 As soon as the sails were furled I went on shore and saw the 
 collector, gave him an invoice of my cargo, and received a permit 
 to land what I pleased, without delay. As soon as I had left the 
 collector I went to the Parker House, and found that it was the 
 same busy place that it was when I first knew it. I saw that 
 the gambling tables had increased, and that they were loaded 
 wiih coins and bars of gold, and some had silver piled a foot high, 
 but no coin was less than a dollar. I noticed the table at which 
 I had won so much money, but a stranger had charge of it an 
 American, I thought. The Chilian, he informed me, had gone to 
 the mines some weeks before. I left the house, and walked to- 
 wards the spot where I had last seen Captain Myers, the jolly 
 whaleman, but the ground which his tent occupied was covered 
 wilh a large wooden hotel ; and, to my surprise, I read on the 
 front of the building, in block letters, these words : " The Con- 
 necticut House." While I was wondering at this, I saw a red- 
 faced man, dressed in fancy-colored clothes, saunter out of the 
 hotel, his hat on one side of his head, his hands in his pock- 
 ets, and such an air of independence in his swagger, that I was 
 awed, and supposed the man was some great merchant, who 
 had made a fortuue, and did not care if people knew it. But aa 
 
286 A WHALEMAN'S ADVENTURES. 
 
 he glanced up at the front of the hotel, the hat was disarranged, 
 and I saw his face. To my surprise I found that the flashy dressed 
 man was no other than the one I desired to see above all others, 
 ex-captain Joseph Myers. 
 
 It took me but a moment to cross the street and slap my old 
 friend on the back, an act which astonished him so much that he 
 turned round with a jerk, and narrrovvly escaped pitching his hat 
 into the gutter, while the blood rushed to his face till it blazed 
 like a meteor. 
 
 u What in the devil's name do you mean by such familiarity?'* 
 roared Myers, who did not recognize me. " Do you know me, 
 sir?" 
 
 " I should think I did," I answered, with a smile. 
 
 He looked at me for a moment, and then grasped my hand and 
 shook it most heartily. 
 
 " Charley Allspice, by all that is lovely ! 'Gad, I'm glad to 
 see you. Come in ; " and he dragged me into the house, asking 
 a multitude of questions at the same time. 
 
 u Dinner in number two," shouted Myers to the men who stood 
 behind the bar, most of them busy serving out drinks to very 
 thirsty customers. 
 
 We went up stairs and entered a room that was well furnished, 
 and which overlooked the street. 
 
 " Here we can be quiet and undisturbed. I haven't been to 
 dinner, and I suppose that you haven't. No matter if you have ; 
 you must dine with me. When did you arrive ? " and Myers 
 jerked the bell as though he was in a hurry. " A bottle of 
 wine," he said to the man who answered the call. u Let it be 
 good and cool." 
 
 Myers noted my look of astonishment, and laughed. 
 
 "I'll explain all presently. But tell me, when did you arrive ?' 
 
 " Two hours since not more." 
 
 " What have you brought?" 
 
 44 Fruit and vegetables." 
 
 "Good. You are just in time. There is hardly a vegetable 
 in the market. I shall want some of you. and will pay the cur- 
 rent rates. If your cargo is in good condition you will make a 
 strike." 
 
 " It is in good condition, as far as I know." 
 
 u That's right. I'm glad to hear it, for I haven't forgotten 
 your kindness. You see me here in this house don't you?" 
 
SELLING HOUSE LOTS. 287 
 
 " I should think that I did. Are you boarding here?" 
 
 " Yes, I am ; but the proprietor never presents his bill ; " and 
 Myers laughed. 
 
 " How is that?" 
 
 " Well, to explain : I own the building, and it is paid for. 
 Everything in the house in the way of furniture and fixings I 
 own, and have paid for. You are surprised ain't you?" 
 
 I confessed that I was, for it seemed strange that the man who 
 a few. months before had received a few dollars from me for the 
 purpose of supporting himself until work was found, should now 
 own a hotel, bar-room, gambling saloon, and all the parapher- 
 nalia connected with such an establishment. It was strange, and 
 for a moment I thought that the whaler was deceiving me. 
 
 " No wonder you look astonished," Myers cried, as the dinner 
 was brought in. " But I have made money the past three months. 
 Would you like to learn the secret ? " 
 
 I said that I would, and the whaler waited until the servant had 
 left the room, when he continued, 
 
 u I made money when I was under the tent, gambling and sell- 
 ing liquor ; but that didn't suit me. I wanted more. I com- 
 menced selling land." 
 
 " Selling land ! " I repeated. " I did not know that you owned 
 any." 
 
 " Well, I didn't at one time ; but, when I saw men claim house 
 lots and sell them, I thought that I might make a few honest dol- 
 lars by the operation. I commenced business in that line, and 
 made money. Every house lot that I could find, not claimed, I 
 pretended to own, and sold to the man who would pay the highest 
 price." 
 
 "But was there no objection to this?" I asked. 
 
 u Of course there was. Sometimes I had a fight over a lot, 
 but I always had a big fellow to assist me, and consequently 
 whipped. Occasionally I would find a man who had a better 
 right to the property than myself, and then I did the fair thing. 
 I compromised, he paying me something for my claim. In this 
 way money came in with a rush, and I was enabled to build this 
 house." 
 
 u But you could give no valid title to purchasers," I urged. 
 
 " Well, I don't know about that. I gave them papers, and 
 signed them, and I got the money. If that ain't valid, I don't 
 know what is." 
 
288 A WHALEMAN'S ADVENTURES. 
 
 " But where are the original owners of the land? " I asked, lost 
 in astonishment at the man's impudence. 
 
 u God only knows I don't," piously exclaimed the whaler 
 " You wouldn't have me hunt around for them would you ? " 
 
 "But there -will be trouble at some future time," I urged. 
 
 " This is a world of trouble," was the rejoinder. " A man 
 can't go through it without meeting with some disagreeable 
 things. Until that trouble occurs, my deeds are as good as an- 
 other's." 
 
 " But it astonishes me to think that you can find people ready 
 to accept of your deeds," I remarked. 
 
 " I'm as much astonished at times as you are," was the laugh- 
 ing answer. u But the people here are insane. They all want 
 to make money in short order, and to do so they are willing to 
 run some risk." 
 
 " But suppose you should be prosecuted for selling the land?" 
 I asked. 
 
 " I don't think there's much fear of that. Before the courts 
 are established my lots will have changed hands twenty times. I 
 shall rely upon my old Mexican deeds if they touch me/' 
 - " Old Mexican deeds ? " I asked. 
 
 " O, 1 have half a dozen. They were made for me, and look 
 real ancient. They were smoked to make them appear so. I 
 show them to my customers, and they are satisfied. If they are, 
 I am. I've made money by the operation, and that is all I want. 
 I'm worth over one hundred and fifty thousand dollars. Pretty 
 good for the whaler who couldn't pay his board-bills at Honolulu. 
 What do you think?" 
 
 I did not say that I thought his money had been obtained in a 
 dishonest manner, for it would not have reformed Myers, or pre- 
 vented his gambling. 
 
 " By the way," exclaimed Myers, u did you come direct from 
 the Sandwich Islands?" 
 
 " No." 
 
 " No ? Where from, then ? " 
 
 " From the Ladrone Islands." I pronounced the words with 
 an effort, and watched to see the effect. 
 
 u The devil ! How's my old flame, Dorothea? 
 
 u She is well and handsomer than ever," I remarked. ; * She 
 often spoke of you, and always with a sigh. She must have 
 loved you very dearly." 
 
DANGEROUS NEGOTIATIONS. 289 
 
 " Gammon ! " he exclaimed. " She loved nothing unless it 
 was her dinner. You can't play that on me, you know." 
 
 It was quite evident that the whaler had an increased idea of 
 his own importance since his acquisition of wealth, and although 
 there were not fifty women in San Francisco, yet I very much 
 doubted if Myers would not prefer to wait for an importation in- 
 stead of accepting the stock which I had on hand. 
 
 " Come," cried the whaler, ringing for a second bottle of wine, 
 " tell me how you passed your time at the Ladrones. You saw 
 Wilscn, the governor, and " 
 
 " Dorothea," I added. 
 
 The captain laughed. " Is she married?" he asked. 
 
 " I don't think that she will ever marry unless you offer her 
 your hand," I said. 
 
 The wretch laughed in my face. " I can't go to the Ladrones 
 for a wife. It wouldn't pay. I can't leave my business. My 
 lots must be looked after. It is only yesterday that I seized six 
 on Montgomery Street. They are too valuable to be neglected. 
 No, Dorothea must come to me, if she wants a husband." 
 
 "My dear friend," I exclaimed, seizing his hand and pressing 
 it, " I am glad to hear you speak thus. Dorothea is here. Shfe 
 still loves you, and desires to become your wife. Don't speak," 
 for I saw that the whaler desired to roar out an oath. " Don't 
 thank me," I continued. " It was on your account that I took 
 the trouble. You don't know how she has thought of a joyous 
 meeting. But you must see her at once." 
 
 " I'll be hanged if I do, and that's plump," was the reply. " I 
 don't want her. I didn't tell you to bring her did I? I ain't 
 going to thank you ; not much." 
 
 I emptied my wine-glass and arose from the table with a grave 
 face and a sinking heart. I saw that it was necessary I should 
 change my plans. 
 
 " I must leave you," I said. " I must return to the Helen, and 
 crush a timid heart with the news which I offer. She will feel 
 the blow keenly, but she will bear up under it, I think. It may 
 kill her ; but I trust not." 
 
 " O, gammon ! you don't mean it, Allspice ! " cried the whaler. 
 
 " Where does Hatch do business at the present time?" I 
 asked. " I must ask his advice. He can find a home for the 
 lady." 
 
 19 
 
290 A WHALEMAN'S ADVENTURES. 
 
 " Damn it, Allspice, apply to a moral man for help," cried 
 Myers. " You know he's the devil among the girls." 
 
 " I will see him, at any rate. Since you reject her, I must 
 look in another quarter." 
 
 " You are not going, Alkpice ? " 
 
 " Yes ; I must. Dorothea will be anxious to hear from you. 
 She is all impatience. But I must crush her hopes. You say 
 that Hatch is on Montgomery Street do you? " 
 
 " Yes ; but don't go near him. You know what a loose sort 
 of a fellow he is. Where is the vessel lying? " 
 
 " Off Clark's Point. Come on board and see me. I'll give 
 you a dish of fruit and a glass of wine." 
 
 " How long before you will be on board? " asked Myers. 
 
 " In an hour's time." 
 
 " I'll be there." 
 
 I left the whaler to search for Hatch, whose commission store 
 was on Montgomery Street. I had no difficulty in finding him. I 
 entered, and saw Hatch looking over his books at the desk, a 
 cigar in his mouth, a black bottle and tumblers near his elbow. 
 He did not notice me till I slapped him on the back. He turned 
 sound with an oath upon his lips ; but the instant he caught sight 
 of my face, he dropped the pen which he held in his .hand, and 
 reached towards the whiskey bottle. 
 
 " Charley," he said, " where did you come from? " 
 
 I told him in a few words ; but long before I had finished he 
 had thrust a glass of whiskey in my hand, and wa>6 taking his 
 own share without the slightest difficulty. I related how I had 
 received Dorothea on board, but I did not mention that Constance 
 had tricked me. I told him that it was important she should 
 have a husband, so that I could be relieved of her presence, and 
 concluded by stating that I needed his assistance in convincing 
 Myers that it was wrong on his part to slight such devotion and 
 love. Hatch listened attentively, and comprehended my meaning 
 at once. He closed his books and put them away, and then took 
 another drink. 
 
 " I see that I must go on board with you and meet this woman 
 face to face," he said. " I'll bring it about ; although, since 
 Myers has made money, he has grown quite pompous." 
 
 " And how is your business? " I asked. 
 
 " Fair ; although I have not yet received a single consignment 
 from Honolulu. Vessels are scarce, I suppose." 
 
NOT HARD TO SUIT. 291 
 
 " Can you leave your business? " I asked, as we prepared to 
 quit the store. 
 
 " O, yes ; my man will look out for it. But, see here, you 
 want to sell your cargo don't you ? " 
 
 " Certainly ; as soon as possible." 
 
 " Then come with me to the office of the Alta Californian. You 
 must advertise it. People will know what you have for sale, and 
 where to find you." 
 
 After transacting business at the office of the paper, we walked 
 to Clark's Point, where Will was waiting in a boat for my re- 
 turn. We pushed off, and soon reached the IJeleu, and the first 
 person to welcome my arrival was Dorothea. 
 
 ".Have you seen him?" she asked, after one sharp glance at 
 Hatch. 
 
 " I have." 
 
 " And did he seem glad to hear of my arrival ? " 
 
 " O, yes." 
 
 " Who is this man who came on board with you ? " she asked. 
 
 u A friend of mine." 
 
 "Married?" 
 
 " No ; single." 
 
 Dorothea remained silent for a moment, and then she said, 
 
 " I am not particular about the whaler if you know of any 
 other moral man who will treat me kindly. This senor is good 
 looking. Is he a Catholic ? " 
 
 " No." 
 
 I answered her rather short, for I began to think that she would 
 trouble me for life. 
 
 " Well, I don't care touch. Let me talk with him. The more 
 I see of him the more I like him." 
 
 I had to introduce them, but I cautioned Hatch of the danger 
 he was in ; the fellow was delighted, efnd began to appear as 
 fascinating as possible. The frint which I had conveyed to him 
 was sufficient to inflate his vanity, and, man-like, he desired to 
 stand well in the estimation of the first woman he had spoken to 
 for some months. Dorothea could speak a few words in English, 
 and Hatch knew a little Spanish ; so they began to converse, and 
 at last I saw that Hatch was holding one of the spinster's hands, 
 to which she made no objection. While I was walking the deck, 
 and wishing that Hatch was compelled to marry the woman as a 
 
292 A WHALEMAN'S ADVENTURES. 
 
 punishment for his sins, I saw a shore boat approaching, and in 
 it Myers. Instantly I ran to Dorothea, and informed her of the 
 circumstance. She waved her hand, and said, 
 
 " I am engaged, sir, and don't wish to be disturbed." 
 
 " But your intended husband is within a few fathoms of the 
 vessel." 
 
 u Sir," she exclaimed, rising to her feet, and confronting me 
 with flashing eyes and contracting fingers, u I was not aware that 
 I was pledged in marriage to any one ; and, if you insult me 
 again, I shall call upon this gentleman to protect me." 
 
 I left the spooning couple, and hurried to meet Myers, who came 
 over the gangway in such a dignified manner that I knew he was 
 determined to refuse the hand of Donna Dorothea. 
 
 tk Well," he asked, " where is the woman who wants to see me? 
 Where is the woman who is desirous of owning my name ? Pass 
 her out, and see if I don't euchre her." 
 
 " The lady is busy at the present time," I said. " In a few 
 moments she will be at leisure. Don't be in a hurry. You have 
 all the evening before you." 
 
 I pointed to the quarter-deck, where Hatch and Dorothea were 
 seated ; and the sight, to my intense delight, seemed to rouse the 
 jealousy of Myers. I could see it in his eyes and face. 
 
 " I thought the woman came here to marry me?" he asked. 
 
 " And so she did, but you must recollect that you refused her 
 no longer than two hours since. You have lost a prize, Myers, 
 and I don't blame you for feeling as you do. Just look at the 
 lady, and see how handsome she is." 
 
 Myers looked long and earnestly at the amiable and gushing 
 female who was talking to Hatch. I saw that she was making an 
 impression on the hard-hearted whaler, and if Hatch had been 
 out of the way, I think that I could have made a bargain without 
 delay. 
 
 l ' This thing must not go on," cried the whaler, with energy. 
 " That woman belongs to me. You brought her for me. I'll 
 pay her passage. Name the price." 
 
 " We will talk of that some other time. The man who wins 
 that treasure must pay her passage. I hope you will be the one. 
 But come, I'll present you." 
 
 " I'll punch that fellow's head," muttered the whaler, as we 
 walked aft. 
 
AN IRATE WOMAN. 293 
 
 " No violence," I whispered. " The lady is opposed to any- 
 thing of the J^ind." 
 
 By this time we had reached the parties who jvere playing the 
 agreeable on the quarter-deck. Dorothea looked up, blushed, 
 and then arose and extended her hand, which the whaler pounced 
 upon and kissed with all the ardor of a sailor. Dorothea mod- 
 estly withdrew her hand from the grasp of Myers, and thren looked 
 at Hatch, as though wondering what he thought of the matter. 
 
 " Come, Hatch," I said, " I wish to speak to you." 
 
 The rascal made a grimace, but accepted the invitation, and en- 
 tered the cabin with me. Just as we were seated at the table, 
 and Jake was about to place some fruit before us, we heard a 
 shriek, and I knew that Dorothea's lungs were exercised. We 
 hurried on deck to discover the cause. While I tore up the 
 steps, with Sam close to my heels, I am fearful that I uttered 
 several adjectives, and thanked God that all women were not like 
 Dorothea ; for usually a woman is perfectly contented if she can 
 have one person of the masculine gender to love. 
 
 On reaching the deck I found Dorothea and Myers facing each 
 other, the countenance of the former exhibiting signs of intense 
 passion, while the latter looked extremely foolish, and appeared 
 undecided what to say. 
 
 " I have been insulted," cried Dorothea in Spanish. " That 
 man has insulted me." 
 
 She pointed to Myers, who actually blushed. 
 
 "Plow happens it that you have insulted this woman?" I 
 asked, turning to Myers, and pretending that I was really 
 angry. 
 
 u I only offered to kiss her. Does she call that insulting?" 
 
 " I am surprised at your conduct," I remarked. " The lady 
 keeps her lips for her husband." 
 
 " Then let her marry me at once. I'm good for it. She 
 knows me. I made love to her before to-day." 
 
 " Then wait for a moment, or until I talk with the lady." 
 
 I led Dorothea into the cabin, and took a seat near her. 
 
 " Now," said I, " here is an opportunity for you to marry. 
 What you have wished for is likely to occur." 
 
 To my surprise and consternation, she immediately arose and 
 faced me. 
 
 " I will not listen to such language," Dorothea said. " It is 
 insulting." 
 
294 A WHALEMAN'S ADVENTURES. 
 
 u Did you not visi't California for the sake of procuring a hus- 
 band ? " I asked. 
 
 " No, sir ; I came to see the country. I am satisfied where I 
 am, at present." 
 sf' What will you do?" I asked, after a moment's pause. 
 
 " I'll marry the young man," the artless maiden replied. " I 
 like him best." 
 
 " But he is not as rich as Myers. He has not as good a house, 
 and he cannot feed you as well." 
 
 " Still I love the young man best," she answered, after mature 
 reflection. " I had rather have him." 
 
 " He won't have you," I cried, after a desperate pause. 
 
 It was lucky for me that I jumped as I did. An instant later 
 and- 1 should have been clawed most unmercifully, for the wo- 
 man struck with her talons, like an eagle making a swoop for a 
 lamb. She missed me, and then rolled on the floor. 
 
 " God help the man who marries you," I thought, as I stood 
 her on her feet. 
 
 " You want Mr. Hatch for a husband," I said. " He is not 
 suitable for you. He is too fickle. He would not stay at home 
 nights." 
 
 " I'd make him," she said, with a grim smile. 
 
 " He would not give you half enough to eat," I continued. 
 
 " Then he should starve with me." 
 
 * 
 
 As a last resort J exclaimed, 
 
 " The senor Hatch can't marry you, and he won't. Do you 
 understand that? The captain is- the only person in California 
 who is anxious to w r ed. Do you want him ? Yes or no." 
 
 " Yes," she answered, quite promptly. " I'll take him, under 
 the circumstances. But I'd rather have the other." 
 
 I hastened on deck to communicate the good news to Myers, 
 and found to my disgust that the whaler had tired of waiting for 
 me, and gone on shore in company with Hatch. This last blow 
 was too much for me. I instantly retired to the cabin, and drank 
 several cups of tea, and was about to light a cigar for conso- 
 lation, when Dorothea asked, 
 
 " Where is my husband?" 
 
 " Gone on shore," I said, almost fiercely, for I was reckless. 
 
 " And who sent him there? Did you? Is this one of your 
 tricks for the purpose of keeping ine on board? Am I to have 
 no husband, after all?" 
 
A WILD CAT. 295 
 
 Just at this moment, Lilly, who sympathized with me in my 
 terrible misfortunes, placed an arm around my neck, and the act 
 aroused all the fury of the Spanish girl's nature. She flew 
 at the kanaka, tore out a handful of hair, and was about to 
 scratch her face, when I interfered, and on the instant determined 
 to rid the vessel of such a curse. 
 
 " In fifteen minutes," I said, addressing Dorothea, " you go on 
 shore, and shall never return. I have seen enough of you to last 
 me a lifetime. Get ready, for go you shall." 
 
 To my surprise she made not the least objection. She arrayed 
 herself in her best, and entered the boat with me. We were 
 putted on shore, and the instant we reached it, I steered for the 
 whaler's establishment. Of course the appearance of a woman 
 in the streets of San Francisco was the signal for an intense ex- 
 citement, and we were followed to the doors of the hotel by 
 merchants, gamblers, and miners, all eager to see Dorothea's face, 
 and to learn if she was in the market. Of course the lady no- 
 ticed the crowd. 
 
 " What do these people want?" she asked, as I hurried her 
 through Montgomery Street. 
 
 " They think you are a Mexican," I replied, " and they dis- 
 like the Mexicans." 
 
 We entered the hotel and rushed up stairs. I entered the room 
 where I had dined a few hours before, and sent a waiter to find 
 the landlord. In a few minutes Myers stood before me, looking 
 surprised and embarrassed. 
 
 " Do you want the lady for your wife, or not? Sharp is the 
 word," I said. 
 
 Myers hesitated. 
 
 " Then you reject her. Just as you please. Come, Dorothea, 
 you shall find a husband more worthy of you than the captain." 
 
 As I moved towards the door, Myers asked, 
 
 " You couldn't let a feller take her on trial could you? " 
 
 " No, sir," I exclaimed, indignantly. " She is too good for 
 such bargaining as that." 
 
 " I'll take her," he said. " Don't leave the room. Send for a 
 minister. Send for half a dozen of them. I'll go it blind. 
 We'll be married now." 
 
 As soon as the vows were recorded, I breathed a sigh of relief, 
 and congratulated the married couple so heartily that Myers be- 
 
296 A WHALEMAN S ADVENTURES. 
 
 gan to think he was a fortunate man, and in a short time the 
 champagne corks commenced to fly, and a jolly crowd soon got 
 uproariously wild at the expense of the captain. With the 
 consciousness of having done a good deed, I retired to my ves- 
 sel, and dreamed of Julia, who, I thought, was anticipating my 
 return to Honolulu with all the h*fppiness of a pure spirit and ai 
 confiding disposition ; and while I was making preparations to be 
 married, and was debating about the style of coat I would wear, 
 Will awakened me with the information that it was near sunrise, 
 and that three persons were on deck to see me. I found that two of 
 the men were parties who had purchased provisions of me on my 
 first visit to California. Of course I was glad to see them, and 
 they expressed pleasure at meeting me. 
 
 " What have you got to sell?" they asked. 
 
 I named over the principal articles, and after I had concluded, 
 I astonished them by an invitation to breakfast. 
 
 " We came to trade, not to eat," one of them said. 
 
 " And can't you buy after you have eaten, just as well as 
 before?" 
 
 " But some other customers may come off while we are eat- 
 ing," they said. 
 
 " But I pledge you my word that I will not listen to them until 
 you have made your offers," I replied. 
 
 " O," they answered, " that is fair. We will eat on those con- 
 ditions ; " and they followed me to the cabin, and were delighted 
 at the repast set before them. 
 
 At the time the firm of Smith, Melviii & Brown traded with 
 me, on the morning of which I write, the house was prosperous, 
 and its word was as good as its bond ; therefore I awaited the mo- 
 ment when it was ready to make a bid for my cargo, with some 
 anxiety, for I knew that I should have no trouble respecting pay- 
 ment. As soon, therefore, as breakfast was finished, the note- 
 books were brought into requisition, and the figuring commenced 
 with much earnestness. 
 
 " Let us see a specimen of your yams," said Smith, after a 
 short consultation with his colleagues. 
 
 I had a lot on deck, and showed it with some pleasure, for the 
 yams were really good. 
 
 " How many bushels have you?" was the next question. 
 
 " One thousand, more or less." 
 
SELLING CAJIGO. 297 
 
 " We will give you ten dollars per bushel, and take the lot, 
 delivered alongside," Smith said. 
 
 I had paid twenty-five cents per bushel at the island of 
 Gugam. 
 
 44 How many sweet potatoes have you?" asked Smith, as soon 
 as the first trade had been concluded. 
 
 *" Five hundred bushels." 
 
 44 We will take them at five dollars a bushel. Recollect they 
 won't keep like yams." 
 
 4i They are yours," I answered. 
 
 But I will not relate all the transactions of the morning. It 
 will be sufficient if I state that I sold ten thousand lemons at 
 ten dollars per hundred, for which I paid ten cents per hundred ; 
 the fifty thousand oranges at twelve dollars per hundred, for 
 which I paid twenty cents per hundred, and a hundred dozen 
 fowls at twelve dollars per dozen. I sold the latter rather cheap 
 because 1 was anxious to clear the deck and get rid of them ; 
 chickens not flourishing well on shipboard. After I had disposed 
 of the chickens, I sold the pigs and the turtles, and I must ac- 
 knowledge that I did well with the two last ventures. I had one 
 hundred turtles and fifty pigs. I received fifty dollars each for 
 the turtles, and twenty-five dollars each for the pigs ; and when 
 the bargains were completed, I found that I had disposed of 
 cargo enough to amount to near thirty thousand dollars, besides 
 having on hand eight barrels of lime juice, and ten thousand 
 limes, and other articles of less amount, but which I knew I 
 could sell at a moment's notice ; and as Smith was not disposed to 
 pay me what I considered a fair price, I determined to hold on to 
 them for an advance ; and it was well that I did so, for the next day 
 I sold the lime juice at the rate of ten dollars per gallon, and there 
 were thirty-six gallons in each barrel. I3y eight o'clock launches 
 came alongside, and we commenced discharging cargo without de- 
 lay. I sent Will on shore to convey my respects to the happy 
 husband, and he returned with the information that Captain 
 Myers was not visible. I laughed, and thought no more of the 
 matter ; but about twelve o'clock a boat came alongside, and a 
 man wearing a felt hat drawn over his face, almost concealing it, 
 stepped on deck. The stranger was so muffled with a blanket, 
 worn in the same manner as Mexicans wear their ponchos, that I 
 thought my visitor was one of that race. He did not speak, but 
 
298 A WHALEMAN'S ADVENTURES. 
 
 beckened me with his hand, and then passed into the cabin, as 
 though he was well acquainted on board. 
 
 " Go and see what the man wants," I said to Jake. 
 
 The steward followed the man into the cabin, and was gone 
 but a few minutes, and then returned, a grin upon his face, and his 
 mouth stretched from ear to ear. 
 
 "What does he want?" I asked. 
 
 " He wants to see you, sar," was the answer ; and then the 
 negro went forward, laughing as though he had discovered a 
 good joke. 
 
 I went into the cabin, and saw the visitor seated at the table, a 
 glass of grog before him ; but his hat was still on his head, and 
 the blanket muffled the lower part of his face. It instantly 
 flashed upon me that some treachery was meant, and I placed my 
 hand upon my revolver, and drew it from my breast pocket. But 
 at this sign of defence the visitor did not move. 
 
 " What do you want of me?" I asked, after a moment's si- 
 lence, still keeping my revolver in my hand, to guard against 
 surprise. 
 
 The stranger did not answer. He still looked at his liquor, and 
 shook his head, and I heard a deep sigh, as though there was 
 some internal trouble. 
 
 " Who are you, and what do you want?" I asked. " Speak, 
 or go to the devil." 
 
 The stranger groaned, and sat still for a moment, then slowly 
 arose from the table. He unwound the blanket from his neck, 
 and then removed his slouched hat, and before me stood Captain 
 Myers, his face as raw as though it had been skinned. 
 
 I comprehended all in a moment. I dropped my revolver, and 
 sank upon the transom, powerless to utter one word. I could 
 but gaze upon that mangled face, and ask if I was not dreaming. 
 Alas ! I feared not. By a desperate effort I was enabled to arouse 
 my scattered senses, I staggered to the table, and mechanically 
 seized the glass of liquor which had so long been untouched. I 
 threw back my head, and the spirit disappeared. This revived 
 me. 
 
 " Myers," I said, " speak to me. What is the meaning of this 
 frightful appearance?" 
 
 The wretched man arose, and, without a word, walked to my 
 liquor case. He selected a bottle of brandy, and placed it upou 
 
POOR MYERS AND HIS WIFE. 299 
 
 the table, and then filled a glass from the bottle and drank its con- 
 tents without speaking. After that operation he sighed and looked 
 at me, and shook his head in a mysterious manner. While I was 
 watching his motions, his right arm was raised in a threatening 
 manner, and with his fore-finger pointing to his face, he said, 
 
 " Do you see this? " 
 
 " Yes ; how happened it?" 
 
 The wretched man laughed in an hysterical manner as he an- 
 swered, 
 
 " She." 
 
 "Who?" 
 
 u The wife of my bosom, and be hanged to you." 
 
 He once more clutched the brandy bottle, while I fell back 
 upon the transom, my worst fears realized, and wondering if I 
 should have fo take Dorothea back after having warranted her. 
 
 CHAPTER XVIII. 
 
 POOR MYERS AND HTS WIFE. HER OBJECTIONS. RECONCILIA- 
 TION. LETTERS FROM HOME. A SAN FRANCISCO FIRE. 
 
 FOR a few minutes after I had learned the worst, the whaler 
 and I sat glaring at each other, hardly knowing whether we 
 should quarrel, or explain matters. Luckily the brandy, which 
 was good, had a soothing influence upon Myers so much so 
 that his eyes lost their fierceness, and had not the scratches upon 
 his face been so livid, I should have anticipated a good story, or 
 an attempt at a song. 
 
 " What do you think of it? " asked the whaler, at length. 
 
 " I don't know. Tell me how it happened." 
 
 The whaler smiled in a sarcastic manner. 
 
 " She did it," he said. 
 
 " For what reason? " I asked. 
 
 " She says," continued Myers, slowly and distinctly, " that 
 we're not married strong enough. She wants a priest to marry 
 us. She says I'm spliced, but she's not. What kind of an argu- 
 ment do you call that, hey ? " 
 
300 A WHALEMAN'S ADVENTURES. 
 
 " Tell me all about the subject, and then I can judge if she is 
 right or wrong." 
 
 Myerw attempted to blush, but the effort was a failure. 
 
 " I guess I won't tell all," he said ; " but after you had gone, 
 and my friends had gone, and the house was quiet, I told the old 
 woman that she'd better retire ; but she didn't seem to understand 
 me, and at last I took her in my arms, and Well, it's no 
 matter about all the particulars, but here I am, with a scratched 
 face and " 
 
 " Why didn't you coax her? " I asked. 
 
 " C.oax the devil ! " was the uugallant exclamation. 
 
 " What did you do?" 
 
 " I didn't do anything. I swore a little, and then she took one 
 room and I took another. What am I to do ? " 
 
 " We must find a Catholic priest," I said, " and h&ve you mar- 
 ried in ship-shape." 
 
 " Well," muttered Myers, with some show of resignation, " you 
 got me into the breakers, and now you must get me out. Go and 
 see the woman, and tell her that I'll dress her like a queen, if 
 she'll only keep her finger nails still, and treat me like a husband. 
 Do you understand ? " 
 
 "Of course I do. I'll go." 
 
 " And I'll stay here until' you return." 
 
 I went on deck, and saw that I could leave the vessel for a 
 short time ; so rowed ashore, and paid a visit to Dorothea. I 
 found the lady sulking and looking miserable. 
 
 u Your husband isvdeeply grieved at your conduct," I said, 
 " and will tal^e measures to obtain a divorce. I suppose that you 
 are aware that a divorced woman cannot marry a second time." 
 
 " Should I be compelled to live single as long as I remained in 
 the country?" Dorothea asked. 
 
 " Of. course." 
 
 She started up immediately. 
 
 u Let me see my husband, and ask his pardon for what has oc- 
 curred. Take me to him." 
 
 " Will you promise to treat him well ? Remember he feels 
 grieved at your course." 
 
 " He is my husband, and the only one that I can have. Of 
 course I will respect and love him." 
 
 " Come with me," I said, delighted at the success of my mission. 
 
HUSBAND AND WIFE. 301 
 
 " I have* interested myself to make you happy, but this shall be 
 the last time. Remember that. You have, a husband who has 
 money, and he will dress you like a queen ; but he won't stand 
 any more nonsense." 
 
 We passed through the streets, and reached the water, and in 
 a few minutes were on board. I led her into the cabin, where 
 Myers was seated. 
 
 " Here is your wife," I said. " She is sorry for what has oc- 
 curred. Forgive her if you can, and love her as much as she de- 
 gorves." 
 
 " O, my husband ! " cried the Spanish woman, and rushed 
 towards him. 
 
 The whaler opened his arms, and she fell into them. The 
 scene was so affecting that I did not care to remain iu the cabin, 
 fearful that I should laugh. Lilly and I went on deck. 
 
 " What a fool that woman is ! " cried Lilly, as we reached the 
 deck. " She don't deserve a husband." 
 
 " Hush, child," I replied. " We must be thankful that she 
 has obtained one. All women are entitled to husbands." 
 
 '" All but me," was the answer ; and the kanaka girl turned 
 from me and walked aft. 
 
 We did not disturb the married couple ; so they remained in the 
 cabin until dinner time. Then they took their seats at the table, 
 and seemed quite cheerful. Dorothea appeared to manifest some 
 affection for her husband, and actually smiled on him, while 
 Myers, if his face had not been scratched, would have looked 
 happy. Of course I encouraged them to remain so, and when 
 they left the vessel at night for their hotel, they were like two 
 doves, billing and cooing, and acting as silly as most couples just 
 united. 
 
 The next day we continued to discharge our cargo, and made 
 good progress ; and towards night I went on shore, and paid a 
 visit to the post office, to see if there were any letters for me from 
 my parents ; although I did not much expect there were. I found 
 that -the office was located in a wooden building on the hill, and 
 that there were but two delivery windows ; each of these was 
 besieged by two long lines of men, and a rougher looking set was 
 rarely seen. I saw that I should have to wait for two hoitrs be- 
 fore I could get a sight at the window, and the prospect dis- 
 couraged me. While I was reflecting as to what I should do, a 
 
 the window shouted, 
 
302 A WHALEMAN'S ADVENTURES. 
 
 *' Mister, you want to buy my chance? " 
 
 " Chance for what?" I asked, seeing that the conversation was 
 directed towards me. 
 
 " Why, to get a letter, of course. I'll sell you my position." 
 | u How much do you ask ? " 
 
 " Five dollars. Speak quick, for I am almost to the window." 
 
 A dozen voices cried, " I'll give you one dollar," " Half a dol- 
 lar," " Twadollars," " Two dollars and a half," &c., &c. ; but the 
 fellow was firm, and would not abate a dollar of his charges. As 
 time was an object to me, I gave the man five dollars, and took 
 his place ; and, with the remark that he had made " thirty dollars 
 that day," the fellow fell back to the rear for the purpose of once 
 more getting near the window, and selling out before dark. 
 When I had obtained my letters I hurried on board for the pur- 
 pose of reading them. The first one which I looked at was from 
 my mother, my dear mother, who loved me so well that she never 
 allowed a wish of mine to go ungratified. It was a long letter, 
 four pages, and filled with regrets at the absence of her darling 
 sou. But she did not complain. She thought that if I was satis- 
 fied, and doing well, I had better remain. She had received 
 letters from Mr. Cherihgton, my partner, and in them he spoke 
 in the highest terms of my industry, moral character, and all that 
 tends to make a man great and good. She was overjoyed at 
 hearing such nice accounts of me, and Miss Fairchild, who was 
 visiting her when the letters were received, also expressed much 
 gratification at my success, and sent her best wishes for my future 
 prosperity. How the name of Jenny Fairchild thrilled me ! I 
 wondered if the little beauty thought of me ; and then I began to 
 speculate as to how it happened that she was visiting my family, 
 when I knew that her father was proud and aristocratic, and had 
 always looked upon my father as several degrees removed from 
 his circle. I could not solve the problem ; so I laid down my 
 mother's letter, and took up my father's. It commenced, as usual, 
 remarkably blunt. He wrote, 
 
 " MY DEAR BOY : I'na proud of you. You are a chip of the 
 old block. You are making money, and so am I. We are both 
 doing'well, and I hope will continue to. Be careful in your 
 speculations. Look well before you leap ; I always do. My 
 position as alderman has given me some nice contracts, through 
 
303 
 
 a third party, and I shall clear this year one hundred thousand 
 dollars aside from my business in the grocery line. I'm worth fifty 
 thousand dollars more than Fairchild, and this fact makes him 
 quite polite. He aad his family now call on us and spend the 
 day. I've bought a house on Beacon Street, and paid fifty thou- 
 sand dollars for it, all cash, and it is one of the best bargains I 
 ever made. I have furnished it throughout in style, silver plate, 
 and all such kind of nonsense ; and I tell you, Charles, we 
 can cut as big a dash as any of them. Your mother don't like 
 it ; but I tell her she must be as fashionable as any of her neigh- 
 bors, and she tries to, but I don't think she's got impudence 
 enough for the position. I have a carriage and span of horses, 
 and your mother and I make calls when I have nothing else to 
 do. I don't like it, though, for it is rather tiresome work. I sold 
 our old house to the city, and got my price ; nearly enough to pay 
 for my new residence. The city wanted to cut a street through 
 the court, and of course it needed my land, and it had to pay for 
 it. That is the advantage of being an alderman. I said that it 
 was a homestead, and my feelings must be respected. The 
 board respected them by giving me just twice what the property 
 was worth. So, you see, I'm doing well, and I am pleased to 
 know that you are succeeding. The money you sent arrived safe, 
 .and I have invested all of it in your name in real estate, and will 
 look after it until your return. I have been elected president of 
 the Stout Man's Bank, and own a large portion of the stock. 
 You see that I am looking up in the world. I think that next 
 year I shall be elected mayor of the city, although there is one 
 talkative fellow who is trying to get the start of me ; he is 
 lecturing for the purpose of bringing himself into public notice. 
 I don't think that he will succeed. I am pleased to know that 
 you and Cherington are making money, and that you have struck 
 the California trade in the right time. Mind and leave it in the 
 right time, or you'll burn your fingers. Our folks overdo every- 
 thing, and they will rush goods to California until the state is 
 flooded. A dozen vessels are fitting out at Boston, and they 
 are loaded with an awful quantity of trash. Some one will lose 
 money. It won't be me, for I don't trust to that trade. Be care- 
 ful, my dear boy, and mind how you speculate. Any surplus 
 money that you may have, send to me, unless you can invest to 
 better advantage in Honolulu, or San Francisco. If you want to 
 
304 A WHALEMAN'S ADVENTURES. 
 
 come home before you have made a fortune," don't be ashamed to 
 do so, for you shall be welcomed with open arms. Your mother 
 is a little nervous about you, but I'm not afraid to trust you. 
 You have got some of my common sense and business tact. I 
 can't think of anything else to write at the present time ; so I 
 must close. Let me hear from you often. I have written to 
 Cherington about business, and you and he will find it satis- 
 factory. Fairchild sends his regards, and says that Jenny often 
 speaks of you." 
 
 It was a long time before I could compose my mind sufficiently 
 to retire and sleep, and then I dreamed of home, of Jenny, Julia, 
 Lilly, and that treacherous rascal, the kanaka, Kamaka, who, I 
 thought, was to cause me some trouble. I was glad when 
 daylight appeared, so that I could finish discharging cargo ; and 
 after that was done I received my pay in gold coin and dust, and 
 then felt as though I could rest for a few days, and let my men 
 have a run on shore. For a wonder, none of the crew desired to 
 leave me. Even Bushy, the boat-steerer, aid he would like to 
 remain if I would pay him the same wages and percentage that 
 the others received, which I agreed to do, for the man was faith- 
 ful and honest, and I needed his services. I advanced Will three 
 hundred dollars, which he sent home to his mother in New Bed- 
 ford ; and the delight which the boy experienced by this good act 
 was participated in by me. 
 
 The second night after the vessel was discharged, I was awa- 
 kened by the anchor-watch, and informed that a terrible fire was 
 raging in San Francisco. I dressed and went on deck, and found 
 that the business portion of the town was in flames, and that they 
 threatened to make a clean sweep of every house and store near 
 the edge of the bay. We could hear an immense amount of 
 shouting on the part of some men ; but no efforts could save a 
 building after it was once on fire, owing to its inflammable nature. 
 Desirous of rendering such assistance as I was able, I took Will 
 and Bushy and pulled ashore in the boat, landing at Clark's 
 Point. 
 
 We stood for a moment upon the bluff to watch the progress 
 of the flames. They were sweeping down Montgomery Street, 
 gathering force every moment, under the influence of a stiff breeze 
 from the north. 
 
A CRY FOR HELP. 305 
 
 " What shall we do, sir? " asked Bushy, who had watched tho 
 progress of the flames with impatience, thinking what splendid 
 pickings were to be found in the streets. . .'i 
 
 u Go and render what help you can, and in what manner you 
 please ; " I replied, and the whaleman and Will started for the 
 scene of the fire, and were soon lost in the crowd. 
 
 In a few minutes I followed them, but at the corner of Mont- 
 gomery Street my progress was checked by the fire. I entered 
 I the lines and passed water for a short time, but soon saw that 
 it was useless work, and then turned my attention to saving 
 property. I entered several stores, and threw goods into the 
 street, where they were trampled in the mud, or else carried off 
 by those who were not entitled to them. Finally I tired of such 
 business, and stood looking at the flames as they fastened upon 
 a two-story building, which, I judged by the sign, was occu- 
 pied by a German, as it bore the name of Wismer. There was 
 no hope for the store after the fire reached it, and I was men- 
 tally calculating how long it would be in consuming, when I was 
 startled by seeing a man at the upper window, and hearing him 
 shout, 
 
 " For de love of Moshes, save me, shentlemen. I gibs all I's 
 worth if you saves me, good peoples." 
 
 "Jump, you fool," roared some of the men, who were in- 
 clined to laugh at the unfortunate man. 
 
 " Ah, I can't shump, shentlemen," was the answer. " I's 
 lame." 
 
 The flames had caught the roof, and. the room in which the 
 German stood was filled with smoke, which was pouring out of 
 the windows in volumes, so that I really feared the man would 
 be smothered before help could reach him. 
 
 " Save me, shentlemen," he cried ; " save me, for de love of 
 Moshes." 
 
 " There ain't no Moshes here, old feller," yelled one of the 
 crowd ; " and if there was he wouldn't save you." 
 
 But the German continued to repeat his cry, and waved his 
 hands in a frantic manner ; and when he saw that no efforts 
 were made to save him, he tore his hair and beat his breast ; and 
 then was lost to view in the dense smoke which poured out of 
 the windows. 
 
 " He's a goner," muttered a fellow who stood near me. 
 
 20 i 
 
306 A WHALEMAN'S ADVENTURES. 
 
 " Well, lie's only a Jew, anyhow," was the response of a ruffian 
 who the next instant shouldered a box of tobacco, and walked off 
 with it. 
 
 I saw at a glance that the flames would reach the German in a 
 few minutes, even if he was not already suffocated by the smoke. 
 I thought for a moment, and considered that the chances were 
 good for a man to enter the building and make an attempt to save 
 the old fellow, and with the thought came a resolution to attempt 
 the rescue. As I entered the store, I saw a flight of stairs that 
 led to the second story, and up these I ran as fast as possible, 
 encountering smoke at every step, and it grew more dense the 
 higher I ascended. I could hear the flames roar, and I could 
 feel the heat as I reached the second story, and I paused a mo- 
 ment to get a breath of fresh air at the windows. It revived me, 
 and then I crawled on my knees ia the direction which I supposed 
 the stairs leading to the story above to be. 
 
 When I reached the head of the stairs I found a door ; but it 
 was open, and the flames were already at work in the apartment. 
 The roof was nearly consumed, and the fire was hotter than was 
 desirable ; but I did not meet with so much smoke, as it had an 
 opportunity to soar heavenward. I heard the roaring of the 
 flames and the shouts of the people, and every second or two 
 a crash, as though heavy beams were falling. Even arount] my 
 head pieces of timber were tumbling ; but I had escaped thus far 
 any serious injuries, although my hands were slightly burned by 
 coming in contact with a board which was like a living coal. I 
 glanced around the room in which I was in, and saw nothing of 
 the German ; but on approaching the windows overlooking the 
 street, saw a bed spread on the floor ; and upon the bed, which, 
 by the way, was on fire, saw the form of the man I was in 
 search of. His clothes were burned, and his face was blackened 
 by smoke, and his long, white hair was singed, and for a moment 
 I thought that I had arrived too late, and that the man was dead ; 
 but as I extinguished the fire upon his breast, saw that he still 
 breathed. 
 
 There was no time to lose if I desired to reach the street alive, 
 for the roof of the building was all in flames, and the tin with which 
 it was covered was melting fast and running down in streams, sev- 
 eral drops of the fiery liquid touching my clothes and flesh, and 
 burning them so rapidly that the pain made me think of flight 
 
A LIFE SAVED. 307 
 
 without stopping to care for the German. I extinguished the fire 
 which was consuming my clothes, and then caught the man in 
 ray arms and rushed down stairs, staggering and struggling with 
 my burden, and fearful, after all my exertions, that I should lose 
 him, for the smoke was dense, and I could not see which way I 
 was moving. Just as I thought I should drop, I felt a breath 
 of fresh air, and found that I was near one of the windows 
 on the second flight* For one moment I rested there ; and that 
 brief time enabled me to gather my strength, and carry my bur- 
 den down the next flight of stairs ; and exhausted and nearly suf- 
 focated I staggered into the street, but my appearance was greeted 
 with tremendous cheers from the very men who had a few min- 
 utes before declined to render aid. After treatment the Ger- 
 man opened his eyes and looked around. 
 
 " Sheutlernen, how comes it*dat I is saved? J vos in de store, 
 and de flames roars around me, and I dink dat I am dead ; and 
 holy Moshes, how liot it vos ! " 
 
 " This feller risked his life for yourn," said a man, laying his 
 hand on my shoulder. 
 
 The German looked at me with his large black eyes, and 
 seemed to reflect upon the service I had rendered him. He laid 
 his hand softly upon mine, and murmured, 
 
 u I's a poor Jew, and haven't got any money to reward you 
 for dis. My property is all gone ; de flames eat 'em up, and de 
 old man is very poor." 
 
 " Don't let that distress you," I said, for the old one had meek- 
 ly kissed my hand, and I felt sorry for his misfortunes. 
 
 " Have you any friends in this place ? " I asked of the Ger- 
 
 u Vot for you ask dat?" he said, with a suspicious glance, and 
 an attempt to re-arrange his clothes around his waist. 
 
 " I ask you because it is necessary that some one should take 
 care of you. You need your wounds dressed, and medicine, and 
 careful attendance." 
 
 " Dat vill cost monish," he said. 
 
 " Yes." 
 " Ah, I have no monish. I is a poor man now. De fire take 
 ' all." 
 
 " I will see that you are takeu care of," I remarked. " You 
 shall go with me, and I will look after you." 
 
 
308 A WHALEMAN'S ADVENTURES. 
 
 4 
 
 "Vidoutpay?" 
 
 44 Yes, without pay." 
 
 " You is a very good young man, and I is much obliged to yoi 
 But I has no monish, you know." 
 
 Just at that moment I saw Will and Bushy staggering towards 
 the boat under a load of silks, and I called to them. 
 
 44 We have made a raise, cap'n," said Bushy. " We found a 
 store goin' for it, and the owner told us to go in and get what we 
 wanted ; and we did." 
 
 44 I've got as much as I can carry," cried Will. 
 
 " You are sure that you have made no mistake," I remarked. 
 
 44 Of course not, cap'n. We wouldn't steal." 
 
 " Well, take the silk to the boat, and then come back and help 
 me carry this poor man on board. Be lively, for he needs attend- 
 ance." 
 
 'The two men staggered off under their loads of silk, and I 
 waited by the side of the German until they returned. Then 
 Bushy took my patient in his arms, and carried him to the boat, 
 and while on the way, the Jew exclaimed, every few moments, 
 44 I've no monish, you know ! " 
 
 44 1 am aware of it," I answered. 
 
 44 And you takes me with no monish ? " 
 
 " Yes." 
 
 44 Ah, you is one kind shentleman ; but I has no mouish, you 
 know." 
 
 We got the man on board, and I had him carried to the cabin. 
 After preparing a berth in a state-room, I helped the old man in, 
 and closed the door, leaving him to undress at his leisure. No 
 sooner had I left the room than I heard the German lock the 
 <loor, as though he feared we would intrude upon him while 
 taking off his clothes. 
 
 44 1 tell you what it is, sir," cried Bushy, in a hoarse whisper ; 
 44 that man is a woman." 
 
 44 What makes you think so ? " 
 
 44 Shyness, sir," was the answer. 44 Men don't act in that way." 
 
 44 And women don't wear beards." 
 
 v 
 
 This rather staggered Bushy ; but he rallied after a while. 
 44 Some of 'eui does, sir. I've seen 'em." 
 We were interrupted by a groan ; and then the cries of the 
 German alarmed us. 
 
A DOCTOR'S FEE. 309 
 
 " 0, Moshes," he said ; " I is suffering like de divil. Mine 
 Hesh is all burned off. O, vot shall I do? " 
 
 " Do you want help ? " I asked. 
 
 "Yes, I must have some help, young man, for mine flesh is 
 burned off." 
 
 "Then open the door." 
 
 " You will not look at me?" he said. 
 
 " No." 
 
 44 Den come in." 
 
 Bushy followed me into the state-room ; but the German did 
 not like his looks, for he whispered, 
 
 " Send him away, mine friend. Don't let him stop here." 
 
 I humored the old man by telling Bushy that he had better go 
 on shore, and bring off a doctor. 
 
 It was daylight when Bushy and Will returned with a physi- 
 cian, whom they found after much trouble. The man was from 
 the New England States, and, although he had been in San Fran- 
 cisco but a short time, yet was fast making money by his prac- 
 tice. He examined the German's injuries, and prescribed for 
 them, commended what I had done, and then put on his hat, and 
 announced that he was in the habit of being paid every time he 
 visited. It was his only safety, he said. To this the Jew lis- 
 tened with much interest, but said not a word until I asked, 
 
 " How much is your fee, doctor?" 
 
 41 Two ounces," was the reply. 
 
 44 Holy Moshes," cried the German ; " only dink of dat. I has 
 no monish." 
 
 "Then who is to- pay me?" demanded the doctor; and he 
 looked black. 
 
 u I will. Here is your money ; " and I handed him.two ounces, 
 which he slipped into his pocket in a hurry. 
 
 44 A good young man," muttered the German. 4 ' Vot a pity 
 I has no monish ! " 
 
 I followed the doctor on deck. 
 
 44 What do you think of your patient? " I asked. 
 
 The physician shook his head. 
 
 " He can't live many days, even with the best of attendance. 
 
 T will call as often as you want me to, but I can do no good. 
 
 -Good day. Shocking fire. Many people injured, I hear. We 
 
 should have a hospital, where such cases can be treated. Let 
 
310 A WHALEMAN'S ADVENTURES. 
 
 the patient drink lemonade ; " and with these words the doctof 
 was off. 
 
 I returned to the cabin, and looked at the patient. He was 
 awake, and Lilly was sitting by his side. He called me to him, 
 and putting his mouth to my ear, whispered, 
 
 " I shall die, holy Moshes, I shall die ; but I have* no monish, 
 you know." 
 
 I did not reply, for I supposed that the poor fellow spoke the 
 truth. 
 
 Lilly promised to look after the old man for a few hours, and 
 with this assurance I lay down, and was soon dreaming of fire 
 and smoke, and ruin and death. 
 
 When I awoke it was near ten o'clock in the forenoon. The 
 fire which had raged all night was nearly subdued, thanks to^ a 
 sudden change of wind. A large portion of San Francisco 
 was gone, and hundreds of its inhabitants had lost all that they 
 were worth. Yet no one seemed dismayed or discouraged, and 
 the mate informed me that he had visited the ruins, and found 
 men at work upon certain parts as though buildings were to be 
 erected immediately. After breakfast I visited the German, and 
 found that he was suffering intense pain in the region of his 
 breast. His voice was husky, and he breathed with difficulty ; 
 yet no sooner did he see me than he smiled and held out his 
 burned hand, exclaiming, 
 
 "A nice young man but I has no monish." 
 
 " How has he rested? " I asked of Lilly. 
 
 " Very badly. He has moaned, and groaned, and talked in a 
 tongue that I could not understand." 
 
 " Let me whisper you," the German said, motioning to me to 
 draw near his berth. I complied with his request. u I vant de 
 safe," he whispered. 
 
 I thought that his mind was wandering. He noticed my look, 
 and said, 
 
 " I vant de safe. De safe in my store. You know." 
 
 I understood him at once, and said so. 
 
 " I have papers in it, but DO monish, you know. I is a poor 
 inan, but I must have de safe. Can you get 'em for me, and 
 bring 'em on board ? See, here is de key." 
 
 He took from beneath his pillow a brass key of peculiar work- 
 manship, and handed it to me. 
 . " You get de safe for me, dat is a good young man." 
 
 
AFTER SAFES. 311 
 
 " Is it large or small ? " 
 
 " Small. What shall I dQ wid a large safe? " 
 
 " As soon as the heat will allow, I will have the safe removed 
 from the ruins," I said. 
 
 "I dink dat you can get 'em now. I vant de safe. I have 
 papers in it." 
 
 " But the key will not open it. The fire has probably warped 
 the door. It must be cut open with chisels." 
 
 " Ah, yes ; but bring de safe to me, dat's a good man." 
 
 I promised compliance ; and giving my patient some medi- 
 cine, intended to relieve his pains and make him sleep , I went 
 on shore with half a dozen of my men, armed with shovels and a 
 tackle. We proceeded to the spot where the German's store once 
 stood, and found that the flames had entirely consumed. the thin 
 boards of which the building was composed; and in the cellar 
 were a few smoking rafters, among which was the safe we were 
 in search of. 
 
 How to move it from the cellar was a question that puzzled me. 
 The safe was not a large one, being only about two feet high, and 
 weighing about five or six hundred pounds. It was hot, and in a 
 hot place ; and I saw no way in which we could remove it unless 
 we could hook the tackle on to one of the handles, and then hoist 
 it out. But to do that required shears, and a strong rope to sup- 
 port them, all of which was obtained after a short search. Then 
 we threw a piece of timber amidst the burning mass, and Will 
 ran along on it, and managed to reach one of the handles of the 
 safe, and then rejoined us without injury. We bowsed away at 
 the tackle, and in a few minutes the safe was landed in the street. 
 As soon as our success was demonstrated, half a dozen merchants, 
 whose stores were in ruins, came towards us. \ '> 
 
 u I'll give you two hundred dollars to laud my safe so that 1 
 can get at it," said one. " My funds are all locked up, and I need 
 them to commence rebuilding." 
 
 44 And I will give you as much more," cried another man. 
 
 " And I," said a third. 
 
 I found that I could make a good thing by the operation ; so I 
 left the German's safe to cool, and moved the shears to the next 
 cellar, and in an hour's time had made two hundred dollars, and 
 received the money. Then I went to the premises of the next 
 person, and landed his safe, and continued the busiuess until I had 
 
312 A WHALEMAN'S ADVENTURES. 
 
 made one thousand dollars, which I thought a good day's work ; 
 and so did my men, for I gave them each an ounce, with which 
 they professed themselves extremely satisfied. 
 
 We then returned to the German's safe, and found that it was 
 still hot. After some consideration we took a number of iron 
 bars, and by their aid rolled it towards the landing. At length we 
 reached the boat, and by pouring water on the iron, were enabled 
 to cool it sufficiently to handle and get it on board, and then I 
 visited Mr. Wismer, and announced to him the success which had 
 crowned our efforts. 
 
 There was much sickness in San Francisco, and some of the 
 prominent merchants thought that I could make a good thing of it 
 by taking passengers to Honolulu, where those afflicted with the 
 scurvy could rapidly recover. I considered the matter, and de- 
 cided to advertise for first and second class passengers, and charge 
 one hundred and fifty dollars for those who preferred th steerage, 
 and two hundred and fifty dollars for those who desired the luxuries 
 of the cabin. I calculated that I could accommodate about fifty 
 persons - ten in the cabin, and forty in the hold. But the latter 
 place needed fitting up with berths and a temporary deck. After 
 some inquiries, I found all that I needed on board a ship that had 
 just arrived from Panama. I purchased the Berths and lumber 
 at a bargain, and set my men at work. Bushy, who was some- 
 thing of a carpenter, took charge of the job, and in three days 
 had nearly completed all the plans that I had laid out ; so that, 
 when people came off to look at the vessel, they were quite well 
 satisfied with the accommodations, and I had no difficulty in tak- 
 ing my choice from the people who offered themselves. 
 
 While I was thus occupied I did not neglect my patient, whose 
 health, I saw with much regret, was failing quite fast ; and all 
 the efforts of the doctor, who visited him once a day, were futile 
 to relieve him of the intense pains which racked his frame. I at- 
 tended him anxiously and carefully, and the poor man seemed 
 grateful for my exertions. He was very calm and quiet now, and 
 no longer complained that he was destitute of money. I told 
 him that I should take him to Honolulu, where he would stand 
 some chance of recovery ; but the German smiled grimly, and one 
 afternoon said, 
 
 u My friend, it is useless. I shall die. I feel it here in my 
 breast. It is all parched and burned." 
 
THE GERMAN'S SAFE. 313 
 
 44 O, you will live many years," I said. 
 
 4 ' No ; I is a poor old man, and I has no friends or family, and 
 I shall be better off in de ground." 
 
 He rested for a moment, and then said, 
 
 " But you is mine friend. You take care of me, and you dink 
 I lias no monish. Dat is so is it not?" 
 
 " Yes." 
 
 '* Ah, I is a poor man, .but I has little monish ; and now I die 
 I leaves it all on de earth, und no one to dink of me arter I is gone." 
 It is impossible to convey to the reader the melancholy manner ill 
 which the German spoke ; and, as he turned away his head, I 
 jgaw a tear rolling down his wrinkled face, and disappear amid 
 his beard. I did not speak, but allowed him to reflect and con- 
 quer his emotion. " You take care of me ven you dink I vos 
 -poor," he said, at last. u Now you is a good boy, and I makes 
 jrou mine heir." 
 
 "Heir to what?" I asked, smiling at the old man's earnest- 
 ness." 
 
 " You see by and by. You is a good boy, and I likes you. Go 
 open de safe and bring de contents to me." 
 
 " What is in it? "I asked. 
 
 44 No matter. You go and open 'em, and den we see." 
 
 I saw that he was so earnest in the matter, that I went ou 
 deck and examined the sa c e. I found that the door was so warped 
 that it was impossible to open it with a key, and that the heavy 
 iron would resist the blows of a top-mall. As a last resort 
 I sent Will on shore to find a machinist, and after a long search 
 he discovered one in a tent on Telegraph Hill. He brought 
 on board a drilling machine and several chisels. With these the' 
 man commenced operations, and in the course of two or three 
 hours' time, was enabled to cut the bolts and open the door. I 
 must confess that I was astonished at the sight that greeted me ; 
 for although thefre were several boojvs and some papers in the 
 safe, yet I saw four buckskin bags filled with gold dust, and I 
 judged that each one contained at least ten thousand dollars' 
 worth of the precious metal. 
 
 " Bring de contents to me, my dear boy," he whispered. " You 
 shall have all after I'm gone, but I want 'em now." 
 
 I paid the machinist for the job, and carried the four bags of 
 gold dust to the German, and laid them by his side. For a mo- 
 
314 A* WHALEMAN'S ADVENTURES. 
 
 ment his eyes assumed an unnatural lustre, but the emotion quickly 
 passed away, and the poor man uttered a deep sigh. 
 
 " Ah, I shall make no more monish in dis world ; all my 
 life I work for de gold, and now I must leave it. O, Moshes, it 
 is hard is it not? " He patted the bags with his thin fingers, and 
 then pushed them from him. " You take 'em, and when I gone 
 you have 'em." 
 
 "Have you no relatives to whom you can leave this dust?" 
 I asked ; not wishing to accept of the donation if he had lawful 
 heirs. 
 
 " No ; I is all alone in de vorld. My parents die ven I vos a 
 leetle boy, and I hab no friends left. Hans Smidt vos de only 
 friend I had, and he die too. Ven I leetle boy I work for my 
 bread, in de city of Hamburg. I sells dings in de streets, and 
 ven I makes a stiver I saves 'em. Den I takes a store and 
 sells everyding, and I makes monish very fast. I buys gold and 
 silver and de precious stones ; and at last I leave Hamburg for 
 California, 'cos de people tell me dat much gold here, and dat I 
 could sell diamonds for one large price. I buy lots diamonds, and 
 come here one month ago, and now I is a poor old man, and 
 dying." 
 
 The German wiped away the tears, which would force them- 
 selves from his eyes, and for a long time remained silent. I 
 thought that he desired to sleep, and prepared to leave the state- 
 room ; but as I moved he turned his head ; and motioned me to 
 remain. 
 
 " You is a good young man, and will take care of de monish?" 
 he asked. 
 
 44 1 will try to do good with it," I answered. 
 
 " Den call in some vitness. I can't write, 'cos my hands are 
 sore. I makes you my heir. I wants all to know it." 
 
 I called the mate, Will, and Bushy into the state-room, aud 
 after they had assembled the German said, 
 
 " I makes dis good young man, vot saved my life, mine heir. 
 I gives him all my property. All, every mite of it. He keep 
 J em all de time, forever, and neber gib 'em up to no one, 'cos I 
 want him to hab 'em, so help me Moshes." 
 
 " You understand what he says? " I asked the men. 
 
 " Yes, sir. He has made a will, and left you all liis dunnage," 
 Bushy said; and the other two nodded as though th.tt coincided 
 with their ideas of the matter. 
 
A VALUABLE GIFT. 315 
 
 " Dat vill do," cried the German ; " now you may go." 
 
 The men left the state-room, and the sick man appeared so 
 exhausted that he did not speak for some moments. He made a 
 movement with his hands, as though he was chafing his breast ; 
 and while his breath grew thick and his eyes glassy, he drew 
 from beneath the blanket, which covered his thin form, a wide 
 belt, made of wash-leather, and quilted like a silk petticoat. 
 
 u Take it," he gasped. " I give it to you. It contains dia- 
 monds vorth forty dousand dollars. I bring 'em here to sell." 
 
 As he handed roe the belt, which he had guarded with such 
 care, it seemed as though his life departed with it ; for the in- 
 stant his fingers released their clutch, he gasped once or twice, 
 strove to utter some word of friendly warning, and died. 
 
 I closed his eyes in sorrow, for the man had endeared himself 
 to me through his patience and generosity. After a long search 
 I found a man who agreed to make a coffin and line it with lead, 
 and then I hired a man to dig a grave near the entrance of the 
 Golden Gate, where I thought the bones would rest in peace 
 until the city was able to lay out and dedicate a cemetery. 
 
 The next day the funeral took place, and most of iny men fol- 
 lowed the remains to their resting-place. * 
 
 After my return to the vessel I examined the belt which the 
 deceased had worn around his body for so many days. I ripped 
 it apart, and. what a rare sight met my gaze ! There were dia- 
 monds of all sizes some no larger than a grain of coarse pow- 
 der, and others as big as peas. I saw that the large ones were very 
 valuable ; some of them I estimated worth as much as five hun- 
 dred dollars each, and one I thought would command at least a 
 thousand. All were stones of the first water, so clear and brilliant 
 that I sat for some time and watched the light as it flashed upon 
 them and was reflected in a thousand different rays. It seemed 
 as though I was dreaming, as I sat in my state-room, wondering 
 what I should do with my treasures, and how protect them from 
 thieves. But in the midst of my perplexity I recollected that I 
 could grace the fingers and neck of Julia on the day that we 
 were married, and I wondered if she would like me any the 
 better for my presents. Yes, I resolved that I would have a 
 necklace manufactured for the lady, and several rings for her 
 fingers ; and with this idea I put my treasures aside in a secure 
 place, and turned my attention to receiving passengers, who were 
 offering themselves for Honolulu. 
 
316 A WHALEMAN'S ADVENTURES. 
 
 The day before I was ready to sail, I shipped to my father 
 about thirty thousand dollars' worth of gold dust, a part of 
 that which Mr. Wismer had bequeathed me ; and I requested my 
 amiable parent to invest the amount, in such a way as he thought 
 would pay best. This done I paid a visit to the whaler, for the 
 purpose of taking leave of him and his excitable wife. I had not 
 seen them for several days, and I longed to know how they were 
 progressing. 
 
 CHAPTER XIX. 
 
 AN UNEXPECTED HONEYMOON. OFF FOR HONOLULU. A TERRI- 
 
 ' BLE ANNOUNCEMENT. JULIA AND HER ILLNESS. A PAINFUL 
 
 MEETING. 
 
 I INQUIRED at the bar of the Connecticut House for Captain 
 Myers, and the skilful gentleman who dispensed cocktails 
 and whiskey-skins at the rate of twenty-five cents per drink, in- 
 formed me, with a knowing grin, that the captain was in number 
 eight, and that I had better " knock at the door before I entered 
 the room." for which information I was duly thankful, and passed 
 np stairs to find my friend and wife. I easily found number eight, 
 but I was compelled to rap twice before the captain's bass voice 
 shouted, " Come in." I opened the door, and was so astonished 
 at the sight which met my view, that I could do nothing but stare 
 in stupid amazement. Seated on a lounge was the amiable Dor- 
 othea, and in her lap was the head of the captain, not separated 
 from his shoulders and gory with blood, but reposing with con- 
 fidence, and looks of intense satisfaction upon his face ; while the 
 lady she who always scratched and snarled at men looked 
 as though she was contented for the first time in her life, and her 
 features actually appeared handsome. For one moment the 
 whaler started as though about to raise his head ; but when he 
 caught sight of my face, he said, 
 
 " Ah, ilfs you, is it, Allspice? Come in ; " and down went his 
 head, and his wife continued to play with his hair, except when the 
 captain interrupted her by seizing her hand and kissing it with 
 rather a boisterous sort of affection, which the lady appeared to 
 relish exceedingly. 
 
A RARE HONEYMOON. 317 
 
 " Come in, my dear friend," cried Dorothea, with a sweet 
 smile. " You don't disturb us in the least." 
 
 " "Well," I said, dropping into a seat, and still staring at the 
 amorous couple, " I'm astonished, and no mistake." 
 
 " What at?" asked the whaler. 
 
 " The love which I see displayed." 
 , " Well, I do love rny little petsy," cried the lady. 
 
 " And I love my little chickabiddy," answered the husband, 
 striving to get his arm around her neck. 
 
 " For Heaven's sake stop such blasted nonsense ! " I exclaimed. 
 '* You will drive me crazy. What do you mean?" 
 
 " We mean that we love each other dearly ; no more rows, no 
 more quarrels. We now understand each other." 
 
 " My little petsy is the best man in the world," enthusiastically 
 exclaimed the wife. 
 
 " My little chickabiddy is the best woman in the world," an- 
 swered the husband. 
 
 And then they recommenced kissing until I thought they would 
 devour each other. I was disgusted. Although rather fond of 
 kissing pretty women, I did not like the manner in which they 
 conducted the business. 
 
 u I won't stand this," I said. " If you don't stop such nonsense 
 I'll leave." 
 
 " Is it not right for a wife to love her husband? " asked Dor- 
 othea. 
 
 " Yes, but don't show so much of it in public." 
 
 " What do we care for the public?" asked the whaler. " The 
 public may be cussed if it pleases, but I'm determined to love 
 my little chickabiddy." 
 
 I saw that the maniac was incurable. A reaction had taken 
 place, and softened his brain. I laughed, held out my hand, 
 wished them well, and left the room ; and the last thing that I 
 heard, as I closed the door, was the sound of kisses. 
 
 I visited the rest of my acquaintances, and took leave of them, 
 Hatch sending a lot of letters to his friends at Honolulu, and giv- 
 ing me his blessing with much fervor at parting. Then I mailed 
 letters to my parents, and left San Francisco for the Helen. I 
 found my passengers all on board, and anxious for a start. I had 
 nothing to detain me the wind was fair and fresh, and I had 
 enough of daylight to enable me to pass the entrance of the Golden 
 
318 A WHALEMAN'S ADVENTURES. 
 
 Gate. To the delight of all hands I ordered the crew to man the 
 windlass ; the anchor left its resting-place with lots of mud 
 upon its stock and shank, and we commenced dodging amidst the 
 vessels which were lying in port, until we were off Goat Island, 
 when we were enabled to make sail, and passed the Golden 
 Gate at a rushing speed, a three-knot current being in our favor. 
 I had no trouble with my passengers, excepting some trifling dif- 
 ference respecting rations. Some of them wanted to live on bread 
 and butter, and others preferred " plum duff; " but when they 
 found that I gave them the best that I had, and enough of it, they 
 were disposed to be rational. I did not lose a passenger. All 
 of them recovered their health, and were landed in safety at Hono- 
 lulu, where they swore I was the best man that ever lived, and 
 much more to the same purpose. 
 
 I Avill not tire the patience of readers with an account of my 
 passage, but simply^ inform them that just six months had elapsed 
 from the time I left Honolulu until my return. Ah, how well I 
 recollect the morning when I dropped anchor in the basin of 
 Honolulu ! I was happy with the thought of meeting Julia 
 with clasping her in my arms, and soon calling her my wife. 
 There could be no excuse now offered by her father. I was 
 twenty years of age, rich enough to support a wife, and with love 
 enough to cherish one. How I counted the moments which de- 
 tained me on board ! I was too impatient to hardly notice Lilly, 
 meek and quiet as she was. Poor girl, her lot was indeed a hard 
 one, and she knew it ; but she uttered no complaints, and made no 
 sign. She little knew that in a few days I should be married to 
 one who was my equal in wealth and position, and possessing all 
 the virtues which man looks for, yet seldom bring to the married 
 state. Perhaps women do not expect perfection in men. We 
 look for it in women, and are furious if we are deceived. Why 
 should we not be on an equality? How is it that men can in- 
 dulge in vice, and yet escape the frowns of the opposite sex? I 
 have never yet been able to comprehend it, or to satisfactorily 
 answer the question. I wish that men were more virtuous, and 
 women more exacting when they are asked to marry. We should 
 all live happier, and die with the consciousness of having ac- 
 complished some good in this world. I can see no remedy for 
 the evil, for education, while it enlightens, does not make us 
 shun vice. Some of our most intelligent men are the most 
 
A FEW ANXIOUS INQUIRIES. 319 
 
 unprincipled, and so I am afraid that each succeeding generation 
 will follow in the footsteps of its predecessors. But a truce to 
 moralizing, for it will effect no good. 
 
 As soon as we dropped anchor, I saw ray partner, Mr. Cheriug- 
 tou, coming off in the boat which belonged to the house, and I 
 preoared to welcome him, and to ask a hundred questions respect- 
 ing the lady whom I loved so well. He reached the deck and 
 our hands were clasped, and for a moment we stood facing each 
 other. 
 
 " Charles ! " the good man exclaimed ; and tears moistened his 
 eyes. 
 
 " My dear father ! " I replied, and then I stopped. 
 
 " You are well," he said ; " your looks proclaim it." 
 
 " Thank Heaven, I am. And Julia she is well? " 
 
 " Yes, she is well," answered my partner ; but his looks did 
 not confirm his words, and I saw that his usually cheerful face 
 wore a look which was grave and impressive. 
 
 " You are deceiving me," I said ; and I felt the blood rush to 
 my heart in icy torrents, leaving me weak and trembling, as 
 though smitten by the ague. 
 
 The good man saw my emotion, and a look of pity crossed his 
 face. He laid his hand upon my arm, and led me into the cabin, 
 where we could be alone for a few minutes. I gazed in his face, 
 and whispered, 
 
 44 1 know it all Julia is sick or dead. Is it not so? Do not 
 fear to tell me. I am firm and able to hear it ; " and at the same 
 time I was trembling so violently that I could hardly raise a glass 
 of water to my lips. 
 
 44 O,*no, not dead,". cried Mr. Cherington, who saw my dis- 
 tress. " Julia has been very sick, but she is now convalescent, 
 and able to walk and ride out. She will soon be well, I trust." 
 
 " Thank God ! " I exclaimed, with heart-felt gratitude. " If 
 she lives I will love her so dearly that the roses of health will 
 soon bloom upon her cheeks. In a few weeks, or perhaps days, 
 we shall be married. Ah, my dear father, more than father, you 
 cannot imagine how I have longed for the hour when I may call 
 Julia mine. Day and night I have thought of her, -and all my 
 plans have been laid with this one view." 
 
 " Poor boy ! " muttered Mr. Cherington ; " so enthusiastic and 
 yet so rash ! " and my partner's face was gloomy for a mo- 
 
320 A WHALEMAN'S ADVENTURES. 
 
 ment ; but when he saw that I was noting every expression upon 
 his countenance, he attempted to smile, and did manage to call 
 up one ; but it fled like a ghost, as though scared at the approach- 
 ing day. He took ray hand and squeezed it for a moment, and 
 said, 
 
 " Well, well ; let us talk of something else. Tell me of the 
 voyage. Has it been successful ? " 
 
 u Yes, quite so. But Julia was she Attacked with fever? ' 
 
 ' Yes, a slow fever. You sold everything at good prices?" 
 
 " Yes. When was she taken ill, and how did it happen ? " 
 
 " Three weeks since. Her illness was sudden. You sold fo 
 cash, I suppose." 
 
 " Blast the cargo ! " I exclaimed, pettishly, irritated at the 
 man's returning from the subject which interested me to the 
 selling of a cargo of vegetables. " What do I care for gold, only 
 as a means of winning Julia's hand?" 
 
 " Charles ! " exclaimed my partner, in surprise, " you forgot 
 that there is time enough for you to learn all the particulars re- 
 specting Julia's health." 
 
 '* And there is time enough for you to look over my accounts," 
 I retorted. " You may love money, but I love Julia more than I 
 do gold." 
 
 " I suppose so, Charles ; yet it is a pity that you have acted 
 in so thoughtless a manner." 
 
 "What do you mean?" I asked. "There is some mystery 
 connected with your words." 
 
 u There is, Charles ; I cannot disguise it. We have heard evil 
 reports of you, but I trust that you can refute them." 
 
 My head dropped at once. I could no longer meet the calm, 
 earnest eyes of my partner, and I knew they were fastened upon 
 my face, and that he there read guilt which my impudence could 
 not permit me to deny. Ah, who can tell how much I suffered 
 in a few minutes' time, and how much I would have given to 
 have been enabled to repudiate every assertion that reflected upon 
 my name ? I knew that my partner pitied me, and would help 
 me ; but I did not dare to ask for it, and I did not care to pursue 
 my inquiries any further just at that time. 
 
 " You do not speak, Charles," said Mr. Cherington, after an 
 embarrassing pause. 
 
 " What can I say, until I know the charges against me?" 
 
MORE REVELATIONS. 321 
 
 " Your old ship, the Sally, touched at this port a month since," 
 Day partner continued. 
 
 * c Did you see Captain Bunker? " 
 
 " O, yes. He was very anxious to see me, and one day he 
 called at the house and saw Julia. I should have prevented it if 
 I had known that he contemplated any such thing." 
 
 " The old rascal ! Did he speak of me ? " 
 
 " I am sorry to say that he did, and not in such favorable 
 terms as I could have wished." 
 
 " Why, the cussed scoundrel ! " I blurted out ; " I saved him 
 from a thrashing at the Laduones for insulting a lady." 
 
 Mr. Cherington smiled, and played with his watch chain. 
 
 " You don't believe me," I said. 
 
 " O, yes, I do ; but it is singular that he should say that it was 
 you who attempted familiarities with the lady, an elderly one, and 
 that he saved her virtue, and persuaded the governor to forgive 
 you." 
 
 " O, my God ! " I exclaimed, in the fullness of my heart, " did 
 that rascal have the impudence to say that? " 
 
 " Indeed he did, and much more which I shall not relate. 
 There was a young lady, also ; the captain said she was an artful 
 girl, the daughter of the governor. She was represented as very 
 handsome, and that your attentions were not thrown away upon 
 her." 
 
 " And is it possible that you can believe such a statement?" I 
 asked. 
 
 " Well, human nature is weak, my sou ; but I should not have 
 placed much confidence in the report, if it had not been cor- 
 roborated." 
 
 " By whom?" I demanded, in surprise. 
 
 ' O, an old enemy of yours. You may not recollect him." 
 
 " Yes, I shall." 
 
 " Well, it was Kamaka, the kanaka, a revengeful rascal, and 
 one who does not love you ; but he did love a native girl whom you 
 took a fancy to, while leading an indolent life at Kammaira." 
 
 "And is this all?" I asked, after along breath, while I at- 
 tempted to see the way out of the net that had enclosed me in its 
 meshes, and was dragging me into deeper water every moment. 
 
 " I think that it will do for the present. 
 
 " And so do I." 
 21 
 
322 A WHALEMAN'S ADVENTURES. 
 
 Just at this moment we heard cheers on deck, and there were 
 loud calls for me. With a heart crushed by the information 
 which I had received, I went on deck, and found that the passen- 
 gers were all ready to leave the vessel for the shore, several 
 barges lying alongside for the purpose of taking them to the 
 beach. 
 
 " We can't go without bidding you farewell, sir," cried half a 
 dozen of the passengers, who, when they came on board, were 
 nearly dead with scurvy, and had improved on the diet which I 
 had served out to them. They came crowding aft, and shook 
 hands with me, many of them shedding tears, as they did so, 
 
 " Three cheers for the captain ! " some one cried. 
 
 They were given with a will, and half a dozen more followed, 
 until the people on shore thought that some great event. had hap- 
 pened, and came rushing to the beach to find out what it was. 
 
 " A speech ! " the men yelled, in true Yankee style. 
 
 I addressed them a few words, and told them how I hoped they 
 would save their money after they reached the land, be moral, and 
 preserve their health, and finally return to California, and make 
 their fortunes. The passengers were satisfied, and left the vessel, 
 with bag and baggage ; and then Mr. Cherington and I returned 
 to the cabin to talk over matters connected with the voyage. But 
 I found that it was impossible for me to concentrate my mind on 
 business. I thought of the different reception which awaited me 
 at the hands of Julia from what I had anticipated. I saw that 
 all my castles, which I had built and reared so high, were tum- 
 bling about my ears, and were likely to crush me in their fall. 
 
 Wliat plea could I offer, excepting the folly and impetuosity 
 of youth? Would a young, romantic girl like Julia, who believed 
 the world as pure as her own thoughts, accept of many excuses 
 at my hands? I knew that she was generous, but I was aware 
 that she was just, at the same time ; and in no light that I could 
 view the matter, was there hope for me. For the first time, 
 while seated in my state-room, considering these matters, did I 
 fully realize how much I loved Julia. My suit had prospered so 
 well there was such an absence of opposition to it that the 
 real, strength of my affections had not been brought out ; and now, 
 when there was a prospect of losing the lady, I felt as though I 
 was capable t)f committing some desperate act, although in doing 
 BO I should but lessen myself in Julia's estimation, and iu the 
 
AN UNFORTUNATE EXHIBITION. 323 
 
 esteem of her father. I saw that the latter sympathized with me, 
 and would stand by me ; but Miss Cherington had a mind of her 
 Own, when disposed to exert it. It was a favorite plan of my 
 partner's, marrying me to his daughter, and I knew that it would 
 cost him many sighs to relinquish it ; but what werejiis feelings 
 compared to those of an ardent lover, who returns fondly an- 
 ticipating an affectionate welcome and an early wedding, and 
 finds coldness, and perhaps dislike? I filled a goblet with wine 
 and drank it, and the liquor gave me a forced buoyancy, and 
 raised my spirits to such a degree, that I began to think matters 
 were not so black as they appeared. My partner saw the change, 
 and smiled. 
 
 " We can wait until to-morrow, Charles," Mr. Cherington said. 
 
 " No, a little attention to business will help me at the present 
 time. My burden is great, but I must try and bear it." 
 
 As I spoke I opened the desk where I kept my papers and 
 books. Had I stopped to think for one moment, I should not have 
 done so, for directly before my eyes lay a mantilla, a pair of slip- 
 pers, and an embroidered waist, which Dorothea may the saints 
 confound her ! left on board at the time she packed up so hurried- 
 ly ; and Lilly, out of sport, had placed them in my desk, and I, 
 like a fool, had forgotten to remove them. There they were, 
 staring me in the face, and of course caught the eyes of my sharp- 
 sighted partner. 
 
 " Are these business papers, Charles?" asked the old gentle- 
 man, with a slight smile. 
 
 I gathered the articles in my hand, and threw them under my 
 berth ; but Mr. Cherington would not let me alone. 
 
 " Curious kind of account books, those, Charles," he said. 
 "They are none too clean, either, I should judge." 
 
 I stammered out some excuse, which only increased my con- 
 fusion ; and I was not released from it until I had opened my 
 books and attracted Mr. Cherington's attention by pointing out 
 the large sums which I had received for the cargo. This in- 
 terested him very much, and he soon forgot waist and slippers 
 while footing up a column of figures. The result was satisfactory 
 in all respects, and when I produced the gold which I had re- 
 ceived, not alluding to that bequeathed me by IVlr, Wismer, the 
 old gentleman was delighted, and complimented me highly upon 
 my success. 
 
324 A WHALEMAN'S ADVENTURES. 
 
 -*4k "" 
 
 " Come," he said, " we must go on shore. Dinner is ready 
 for us." 
 
 " But how shall I appear before Julia?" 
 
 " About as usual. Take no notice of her coldness, until you 
 are compelled to. Come, my dear boy, we shall see daylight, I 
 hope, in a short time." 
 
 But I knew there was no light for me, for months to come. 
 
 It was in vain that Mr. Cherington attempted to converse with me, 
 I could not answer him in a rational manner, and the old gentleman, 
 with a sigh, gave up the task, and in silence we reached his door, and 
 entered the house. How I missed a/vvarm welcome at the hands of 
 Julia she whom I had so foully wronged ! She did not meet me 
 in the entry, as was her custom, and suffer me to throw my arms 
 around her and kiss her lips, and the change was terrible to an im- 
 pulsive being like myself. For one moment I stopped to collect all 
 my resolution, and then I entered the sitting-room, where I knew 
 I should find the lady. As I opened the door, she was seated on a 
 lounge at the window, looking towards the harbor, and I knew 
 that her eyes were directed towards my vessel. She did not stir 
 until I was close to her. Then she started up, and I saw the 
 change which sickness had produced. Her face had lost none of 
 its wonderful beauty, although it was pale, very pale ; but the 
 skin was transparently pure, and the blue veins could be traced 
 from the temple to the cheek, like small streams in a lovely land- 
 scape. Her black eyes looked larger than ever, but they were not 
 flushing and full of fun, as on former days. They were more 
 gentle, but perhaps full as attractive. . 
 
 " Julia," I said, and held out both hands. I could not speak 
 another word if my life had depended upon the effort. My head 
 throbbed as though it would burst, and it was only by an effort 
 that I could keep my tears from falling. 
 
 " O, Charles," Julia said ; and she touched one of my hands, 
 and then sank upon a lounge, agitated and faint. 
 
 For a few minutes neither of us spoke. 
 
 " I am sorry, very sorry, that you have been ill, Julia," I said, 
 at last. 
 
 " I have been ill, but am much better," was the answer ; and 
 the conversation ceased for a time. 
 
 Mr. Cherington had not entered the room, so that we could con- 
 verse at leisure ; but I saw that no explanation was likely to 
 ensue, unless I pressed the master. 
 
A PAINFUL MEETING. 325 
 
 " I had looked forward to this meeting with much pleasure," 
 I said, at length. " For many months I have thought only of 
 you, and the joy of seeing you." 
 
 She raised her calm, black eyes, and looked me full in the face. 
 Heavens ! what a glance was that ! Not scornful or malicious, 
 but calm and slightly incredulous, as though my word and virtue 
 were doubted. I could not endure it ; so my eyes were lowered - 
 to the straw carpeting upon the floor. She did not answer me, 
 but gazed towards the harbor after she had given ine such a 
 searching look ; but I saw that her face flushed, and her eyes 
 looked humid, as though tears were only kept back by an effort. 
 
 " Julia," I whispered, with a slight pressure of her hand, " do 
 you hate me ? " 
 
 " O, no, Charles ; you know that I do not." 
 "Then why do you receive me in this cold, cruel manner? 
 What faults have I committed that cannot be pardoned by you ? " 
 
 " Do not distress me by asking, Charles. I have loved you 
 dearly I still love you, and always shall ; but I have heard such 
 strange reports concerning your conduct, that you must not expect 
 me to give you the hand which you now hold." 
 
 I felt the struggle coming, and I nerved myself to the task of 
 meeting it, although I feared that it would be helpless, and render 
 me more unhappy than at present. 
 
 " Do you mean, Julia," I asked, in a low tone, " that I must 
 no longer look upon you as my affianced wife?" 
 
 She bowed her head in token of assent, and then the tears 
 did flow in spite of all control, and she sobbed most bitterly ; 
 but during her burst of grief, she did not reject the arm which 
 I placed around her waist, nor did she repulse me when I drew 
 her head to my shoulder, and kissed the tears from her eyes. I 
 thought that I had conquered, and that my faults would be over- 
 looked ; but I presumed too much, for, after enjoying a few 
 minutes' taste of heaven, the brave girl withdrew herself from my 
 arms, and made an effort to check her tears. 
 
 " O, Charles, how could you conduct in such a manner while 
 absent? " she asked. " If you had no love for me, why did you 
 say that you had? You knew that I loved you, and you alone, 
 and that I would have died ere I had been guilty of wrong in 
 your absence. Not a day has passed but I have prayed for your 
 return ; and 0, how much I desired it ! I have pictured to my- 
 
326 A WHALEMAN'S ADVENTURES. 
 
 self the happiness which we should enjo)\ I thought you truth- 
 ful and honest. Would that I could still labor under that de- 
 lusion." 
 
 " Are you sure, Julia," I asked, " that I am as bad as you 
 have heard ? Will you not allow me to explain some of the mys- 
 teries which you have been told ? " 
 
 " I will hear all that you have to say. You shall not be con- 
 demned unheard. Tell me in a truthful manner all that a maide i 
 should hear, and then I will judge you justly." 
 
 Of course I intended to tell the truth, but in doing so it was 
 not necessary that I should tell the whole truth ; for if I had, it 
 would only have distressed the dear girl, and I was desirous of 
 avoiding that as much as possible. For a moment I thought 
 what kind of a story I should invent, for I feared her anger and 
 reproaches, and trembled at her power. But while I was collect- 
 ing my thoughts I saw that Julia's eyes were upon me, and I 
 knew that she was reading my intentions. This confused me a 
 little, and I feared that I looked guilty. Under that impression 
 I faltered. 
 
 " I am ready to hear your" excuse, provided you have one," 
 Julia said, after a moment's silence. 
 
 Thus urged on, I commenced an account of my voyage to the 
 Ladrones, but I entirely forgot to mention that Lilly accompanied 
 me. I thought that it would be useless to mention such a trifling 
 circumstance, unless Julia alluded to it. I told her of Bunker's 
 flirtation with Dorothea, and had the satisfaction of knowing 
 that it was not believed in all respects. I could see that by her 
 eyes. I lightly alluded to Constance as a pert young miss, un- 
 worthy, of consideration, and possessing no beauty excepting a 
 pair of bright eyes ; and then I explained how it happened that I 
 took Dorothea to San Francisco. She was in search of the man 
 she loved, and who loved her, and I had seen them happily mar- 
 ried. I invested the affair with as much romance as possible ; 
 for romance touches a woman's heart quicker than any other feel- 
 ing. I told her how grateful the couple were to me for my 
 trouble, and how enthusiastic they were, when they learned that 
 I was returning to Honolulu in hope of securing a darling little 
 wife. Julia's face did not change at the last words, and, mental- 
 ly, I was compelled to confess that I had undertaken more than I 
 could carry through. I had tried to excite her mirth, and he* 
 
ALL ABACK.' 327 
 
 love of romance ; but I had failed in the most signal manner, and 
 considered that iny cause was lost. There was an awkward 
 pause for a few moments. I attempted to catch a glimpse of 
 Julia's face, but she was looking out of the window, and avoided 
 my gaze. Still she suffered me to hold her hand, and to press it ; 
 but no pressure was returned. I felt that if she loved me she 
 was struggling hard to prevent it from appearing, and this I re- 
 garded as an ominous sign. 
 
 " Julia," I whispered, drawing the dear girl nearer to me, " do 
 you still love me ? " 
 
 " As much as ever more, perhaps," was the trembling answer. 
 
 I attempted to kiss her lips upon the strength of this confession, 
 but she drew back her head. 
 
 " No, Charles, no. It is neither right nor proper that you 
 should act thus. We are friends, but can no longer be lovers. 
 Let that suffice you." 
 
 Gasping for breath, still I determined to persevere and urge 
 my suit, and win her at last. 
 
 k ' Julia," I said, in tremulous tones, u you are unjust and cruel. 
 Have I deserved such treatment at the hands of one who stands 
 pledged to become my wife ? " 
 
 I saw the rich blood mantle her face, and her eyes grew brighter. 
 
 " Remember, Charles," she said, " when I promised you my 
 hand, it was with the understanding that you should give up your 
 follies and silly pranks. Has such been the case? I pardoned 
 your conduct at Kammaira, because you were under no vows to 
 me. When you asked for my hand, I promised it to you under 
 certain conditions. You recollect them do you not?" 
 
 I did recollect, but man-like I pretended to have forgotten 
 them, and assumed a look of surprise. She noticed the expres- 
 sion upon my face, and added, 
 
 i "Let me enlighten you, Charles. You promised me that, 
 under all and every circumstance you would remain pure and 
 good. Have you kept your word?" 
 
 " Of course I have," I answered, with a look of innocence. 
 4 O, how can you doubt me ? ." 
 
 The sweet eyes of my companion took one hasty glance at my 
 face, and then gazed out upon the harbor, and the Helen, which 
 was lying at anchor in the basin, and I recollected that Lilly was 
 oil board the vessel. 
 
828 A WHALEMAN'S ADVENTURES. 
 
 " O, Charles, Charles ! " and then, to my horror, her fair face 
 was bowed and covered by her hands. 
 
 I whispered a thousand words of consolation as I held her in 
 my arms, and for the second time during the interview she suf- 
 fered me to kiss the tears from her eyes. But she yielded only 
 to a momentary weakness. As soon as reason returned, she with- 
 drew from my embrace, and her tears ceased. 
 
 " Charles," she said, laying a* hand upon my shoulder, and 
 with her soft eyes looking me full in the face, " have you told 
 me all?" 
 
 " Of course I have, you little darling," making an attempt to 
 seize her hand and kiss it ; but she repulsed the action with such 
 firmness that I desisted, and looked quite humble. 
 
 There was a moment's silence, and then Julia spoke. 
 
 " Once more, Charles ; have you confessed all?" 
 
 She did not look at me while speaking. Perhaps if she had I 
 should have faltered. But her eyes were turned from me, and I 
 gained courage to adhere to the monstrous lie which I had told. 
 
 " Of course I have informed you of all. Do not doubt me." 
 
 She sighed, and arose from the window, as though to leave the 
 room. I noticed that she was deadly pale, and that her steps 
 faltered. I sprang forward to assist her ; but she repulsed me 
 with such firmness and dignity that I was awed, and retreated. 
 
 " Here we part, Charles," she said ; but the words came .from 
 her lips with an effort, and her form trembled as she uttered 
 them. 
 
 " Part, Julia ! " I exclaimed, in pretended astonishment. " 0, 
 no ; do not pronounce so harsh a decree." 
 
 * l It must be so, although my heart bleeds to utter the words. 
 You are free to choose a wife where you please. I release you 
 from the bonds which were imposed, and in doing so I also free 
 myself. It is better for both of us. You are fickle, and I dare 
 not trust my happiness in your keeping. You now think that 
 you love me " 
 
 " Think, Julia ! " I exclaimed, interrupting her. " O, if you 
 only knew the love which now stirs my heart, you would pity 
 me, and not have listened to the tales of evil-minded persons 
 while I was absent. They slandered me, and you have given 
 me no chance for contradiction. Perhaps our engagement 
 weighed heavily upon you, and you seek this means of aimul 
 
A BROKEN ENGAGEMENT. 329 
 
 ling it. Well, let it be so. I am as proud as you, and shall cease 
 my pleadings, now and forever." 
 
 Sharp as my words were, she did not become angry at them. 
 Her cheeks flushed a little, and her eyes looked more humid, but 
 that was all. In a moment she was as calm as ever. 
 
 44 Your words pain me, but they do not anger me, Charles. I 
 know your disposition much better than you think for. Come, 
 let us be friends, but not lovers. We must inhabit the same 
 house, and should treat each other courteously." 
 
 She extended her thin, fair hand, through which the blue veins 
 could be traced like lines in marble ; but I folded my arms, and 
 stepped back. 
 
 "I thank you for the hint," I said, in a bitter tone. 4 ' This 
 house, you think, is too small for both of us. I hope that I have 
 money enough to find another shelter, and one, I trust, more 
 agreeable than this." 
 
 " O, Charles, Charles," she moaned ; but I was a beaten, baf- 
 fled, furious wretch, and heeded not her scared looks or imploring 
 gestures. 
 
 " Perhaps you think I have not wealth enough to support 
 you in state," I cried, with a mocking sneer. 44 1 have the pleas- 
 ure to inform you that I am rich rich beyond my wildest ex- 
 pectations. It was for your sake that I sought wealth, and now 
 I am glad that you discarded me before you learned it is mine. 
 Look ! " and I tore open my vest, and brought to light a bag con- 
 taining the diamonds which Mr. Wismer had bequeathed me. 
 44 These are worth forty thousand dollars. Do you know what I 
 intended to have done with every one of them ? They were to be 
 strung upon your person, neck, bosom, and fingers, and I was to 
 fall down and worship you." 
 
 O, the look of scorn which was impressed upon that fair face ! 
 I never saw such a glance before. It would have struck me 
 dumb if I had not been filled with rage and conceit. She was 
 silent. I saw that I had made no impression with my diamonds ; 
 BO I thrust them into my pocket, and turned to leave the room. 
 
 u One moment, Charles," the lady said ; and I stopped to listen 
 to her. 
 
 " You have taunted me most unjustly, but I forgive you. I 
 care nothing for your wealth and your jewels. I loved you for 
 yourself, as I believed you loved me. This you are well aware 
 
330 A WHALEMAN'S ADVENTURES. 
 
 of, for I promised you my hand when you were far from being 
 rich. But let that pass. You think that I have treated you un- 
 justly. On that point we differ. I asked you for a full confes- 
 sion. You equivocated, and gave me but half, and that the best. 
 You did not speak of that miserable native girl who was on board 
 your vessel when you first visited California, and who went with 
 you to the Ladrones, where she was seen by one who knew her 
 when she resided in the village of Kammaira. All this time she 
 was dressed in boy's clothes, and occupied a portion of your cabiu. 
 Dare you deny that at this moment the girl is on board the Helen? 
 Dare you deny the statements I have made? Charles, Charles, 
 you have "this day told me a monstrous lie. May God forgive 
 you, as I do." 
 
 I felt as though the house was shaken by an earthquake. The 
 air seemed dark, thick, and heavy. My frame trembled, and I 
 gasped as though I should suffocate. I was weighed down by 
 the crushing blow which had fallen upon me ; and yet I was 
 filled with fierce rage, and I knew that my eyes were bloodshot 
 from passion. 
 
 " One word," I managed to gasp, although the effort nearly 
 choked me. " Who informed you of all this?" 
 
 " I willjanswer on one condition." 
 
 " Name it, and be quick, or I shall suffocate in this close 
 room." 
 
 "Is the report true? On your soul, Charles, is it true?" 
 
 " Every word of it. The girl did go with me, and she is on 
 board at the present time." 
 
 Julia turned away her head, and I heard a sob as she an- 
 swered, 
 
 " Kamaka." 
 
 I waited to hear no more. I left the room, seized my hat, and 
 dashed from the house with murderous thoughts in my brain, 
 and my heart beating as though it would burst. As I reached 
 the sidewalk in my headlong career, I fancied I heard some one 
 call my name ; but I did not stop. Down the street I rushed, 
 intent only on finding the kanaka who had exposed me so many 
 times, and crossed my path just as I supposed it was free from 
 difficulties. I wanted revenge for the injuries which he had in- 
 flicted. His life, I thought, should be sacrificed io the shrine of 
 vengeance, and I cared not what became of me if I cou^J but 
 crush the meddling rascal. 
 
BLOW FOR BLOW. 331 
 
 Just as I readied the corner of Queen and Kaahamann Streets, 
 who should I meet, face to face, but the tattooed rascal I was in 
 search of. He did not notice me until I had my hand upon his 
 throat, compressing his windpipe with no gentle grasp. Then he 
 showed fear in every feature of his dark face. 
 
 " Dog," I said, in a hoarse whisper, " you have told tales re- 
 garding me, and now I mean to kill you." 
 
 He struggled to get away, but I held him firmly. His resist- 
 ance was useless, and only enraged me the more. If I had had 
 a weapon I should have taken his life, for I was hardly conscious 
 of my acts. I only saw before me the man's face ; and lifting 
 my hand I struck it several times, and blood followed each blow. 
 A crowd gathered around us ; but I cared not, for it did not in- 
 terfere with the fight, or attempt to rescue the kanaka from 
 my angry grasp. I heard the man begging for mercy, but I 
 was deaf to his entreaties. At last he fell, and with my foot I 
 spurned him, and passed on. 
 
 " Look out," shouted some one in the crowd ; " he has a knife." 
 
 But I did not heed the warning, and the next moment I felt a 
 sharp sting near my right shoulder-blade ; and the blow was so 
 sudden and strong that I pitched forward and fell upon my hands 
 and knees. 
 
 In an instant I was on' my feet ; but the man who stabbed 
 me had disappeared in the crowd of natives, and I knew that I 
 could not find him, for the kanakas would assist his escape. 
 : " Kamaka did it," said a white man who was standing near 
 me. " He struck hard, but I trust you are not hurt." 
 
 " No, not much, I think ; " and I passed down the street to- 
 wards the basin, for the purpose of reaching the Helen as soon as 
 possible, and having my wound examined. 
 
 I felt blood trickling down my back, and began to experi- 
 ence a sudden feeling of weakness ; but I persevered, and reached 
 the deck of my vessel, and as I passed along towards the cabin, 
 my blood stained the planks and alarmed my men. They rushed 
 towards me, and assisted me into a state-room ; and the last thing 
 that I recollected, was feeling Lilly's lips pressed to mine, and 
 her arms around my neck. 
 
 I awoke weak and feverish. I saw that I was lying in my 
 state-room berth ; and by my side was Lilly, cooling my head 
 with a fan, which she waved without cessation. For a few 
 
332 A WHALEMAN'S ADVENTURES. 
 
 moments I watched her face unobserved. It bore the traces of 
 suffering and grief, but I knew that on my account she mourned ; 
 and the thought that I was loved by the kanaka girl caused a 
 thrill of pleasure to pass through rny feeble frame,; for I recol- 
 lected that I was discarded by one whom I loved, and I would now 
 show that I could be as indifferent and careless as herself. I 
 did not know how long I had been insensible, but I thought it 
 could not be a great while, although niy shoulder was stiff and 
 heavily bandaged. A slight movement on my part attracted 
 Lilly's attention, and when she saw that my eyes were open, her 
 face expressed the most intense joy. 
 
 " You will live," she cried, " you will live ! " and she sunk upon 
 her knees, and laid her fair face close to mine, and wiped the 
 moisture from my brow. 
 
 Although I was grateful to the girl for her attentions, yet I 
 could not help thinking how much more I should have preferred 
 seeing Julia's head in the same place ; so I could not prevent an 
 expression of impatience, which I know caused pain to Lilly's 
 heart for I saw it reflected on her face. 
 
 " How long have I lain here?" I asked. 
 
 " Since yesterday. We feared that you would die, for you lost 
 much blood. The doctor says you were not to talk much." 
 
 u Then give me a drink and leave me." 
 
 The girl raised my head and put a glass of lemonade to my 
 lips. I drank, and then my kind attendant stole from the room 
 and closed the door. I lay in my state-room in sullen silence, 
 and thought of the past and the dreary future, until I fell asleep 
 through weakness ; and when I awoke I found Mr. Cherington 
 by my side. 
 
 " Well, my boy, how do you feel?" he asked, in a tone of 
 sympathy. 
 
 " Better, I think." 
 
 " You have had^a narrow escape, Charles. The rascal aimed 
 well, and only missed a weak spot by the breadth of a hair. We 
 have had parties searching the island for him, but I fear that he 
 has escaped." 
 
 " The next time I meet him he will not escape," I muttered. 
 
 My partner sighed, and was silent. 
 
 " There is one transaction connected with our settlement which 
 I failed to mention," I said. " I intended to surprise you with 
 
NEWS FKOM JULIA. 333 
 
 the details at dinner, and see if you thought it just that the funda 
 should go into the concern." 
 
 Mr. Cherington looked astonished and anxious ; and then I 
 told him how I had saved Mr. Wismer from a terrible death, and 
 how he had bequeathed to me his fortune, amounting to some 
 eighty thousand dollars or more. I then hinted how pleased I was 
 with the thought that I should share all with Julia, and how ter- 
 rible was my disappointment. My partner listened patiently, and 
 after I had finished, he said, 
 
 " I can't see how I can demand a share of the money. It was 
 a private donation, and as such you are entitled to it. Keep the 
 money and the diamonds, Charles, for I have no claim on them." 
 
 Of course I thanked him for his kindness, and then he left me, 
 carrying on shore the gold and the diamonds which I had on 
 board. He thought the treasure safer in the store than in the 
 vessel, and I agreed with him. 
 
 A.gaiu in the afternoon Mr. Cherington came on board, and was 
 glad to see that my wound was doing well, and that I was able 
 to sit up, and even talk a little. He told me that the kanaka, 
 Kamaka, had left the island in a canoe, and that no doubt he had 
 gone to Lahaina, some eighty miles distant. If such was the 
 case, the fellow would be arrested, for government had sent or- 
 ders to that effect. 
 
 "Julia is quite anxious respecting you, Charles," my partner 
 continued. 
 
 " Indeed ! I am sorry that she should be disturbed for the fate 
 of one whom she has ceased to regard." 
 
 " She has not ceased her regard for you, and she told you so. 
 You have committed certain acts which she deems unpardonable. 
 Ask your own heart if you do not think she is right. Every 
 charge she made is substantiated ; and with such an array of 
 facts, what could she do ? " 
 
 1 was silent, for I knew that she had acted right and proper. 
 
 " She has heard with much regret that you refuse to be re- 
 moved to my house on account of meeting her. She does not 
 want you to experience any such feeling. It is foreign to your 
 nature, and distresses my daughter as well as myself. You can 
 be friends. You must be friends, and let us hope that time 
 will bring matters right. Now, let me take you on shore,, and 
 you will find in Julia a sister." 
 
" No, no, no ! " I said, after a moment's reflection. " I could 
 not see her near me without feeling the loss which I have 
 sustained. Absence will, I hope, cure me of the passion which I 
 entertain for her.. I cannot now act towards her a brother's 
 part. Will you tell her this? Let her know that at the 
 present time, while suffering from this wound, my thoughts are 
 of her and of the happy hours which we have passed together. I 
 now know my own unworthiness, and esteem her many good 
 qualities. If we do not meet for some months, we may, in a 
 measure, forget each other. It will require an effort on my part. 
 Heaven grant that she may be as happy as she deserves. If I 
 could live my life over, I would act in a different'manner." J 
 
 " Then why not commence a new life from the present time, 
 Charles ? Show Julia that you are sincere in your repentance, 
 and she may look with compassion upon your sufferings." 
 
 "How? "I asked. 
 
 " Send that kanaka girl on shore, and dissolve the connection at 
 once. Julia knows that she is on board, and I suspected, but 
 said nothing. If you are anxious for repentance, now is the time 
 to show it." 
 
 The proposition startled me, and I required time to think of 
 it. If I sent Lilly on shore, would Julia look upon me with 
 more favor? I was inclined to doubt it, and with uncertainty 
 why should I discard Lilly and break her heart ? She was now 
 my true friend, and I her only protector, and I should be base 
 indeed if I suffered her to be thrust away. All these things 
 I thought of while Mr. Cherington sat opposite me, watching my 
 face. 
 
 " Well, Charles, what answer do you give me ? " my partner 
 asked. 
 
 u I cannot do it," I answered. u Julia has discarded me, and 
 it would look weak to yield now. She would mistrust my mo- 
 tives, and think that I was inclined to play the hypocrite for the 
 sake of winning her back." 
 
 " And did you not intend to send that kanaka girl home if you 
 married Julia?" asked Mr. Cherington in a stern tone. 
 
 " Of course. How can you doubt it?" 
 
 " Then I cannot see your consistency, my boy," was the an- 
 Bwer; and a moment's reflection taught me that he had taken just 
 grounds. 
 
A NEW PLAN. 335 _ 
 
 I could not pursue the conversation further, for I felt fatigued 
 and dissatisfied ; and my partner saw it ; so talked of other 
 matters. 
 
 "I shall have a large number of passengers for you by the time 
 you get able to sail. There is quite a fever in Honolulu for emi- 
 grating to the mines. I think that we can make more money by 
 carrying passengers than we can by buying fruits at the present 
 prices. What is your opinion? " 
 
 I " The same. California will be flooded in a short time, and 
 prices will droop. We have made all the money that we can 
 make by trade, and now we must look out for other sources of 
 revenue." 
 
 I "Have you any suggestions to make in that respect?" my 
 partner asked. 
 
 u Yes ; but perhaps they will not strike you as favorable." 
 
 " Let me hear them, and then I will judge." 
 
 " You know, sir, that it would not be agreeable to me to re- 
 main long in Honolulu. It is better on Julia's account and on 
 my own that I be absent. Now, I think that if I can sell the 
 schooner at San Francisco, I had better do so, and take my party 
 to the mines. They will follow me and stick to me. We shall 
 incur but a trifling expense, and may make some money. In the 
 mean time you can carry on the business here, and do as well as 
 .-ever perhaps better, for we have a large capital to operate 
 with, and can take advantage of the market." 
 
 " I like the plan," said my partner, after a moment's thought, 
 " and give it my hearty consent. You will write to me often, 
 and I will keep you advised of matters at home. Besides, by 
 ivery vessel that leaves port I can send you fruits and a few lux- 
 uries which you may like, and cannot obtain in the mines. Of 
 course all the money that is made by either branch is to be shared 
 equally." 
 
 " Of course," I Said. " As far as the crew is concerned, I 
 shall propose that they receive a percentage of all the dust which 
 they gather, we finding provisions, tents, and tools." . 
 
 The next day I was able to resell the deck, and my appearance 
 caused much joy to my crew. They crowded aft to welcome me, 
 and were ready to do anything to promote my comfort. I thought 
 this a good time to mention the proposition which I had submitted 
 to my partner ; so I told the men the idea which I had formed, 
 
336 A WHALEMAN'S ADVENTURES. 
 
 and inquired if they were willing to go with me. They all an- 
 swered in the affirmative, and were eager that I should make 
 my own terms with them. The crew went forward to talk the 
 matter over, and left me with Lilly. 
 
 " Can I go with you to the mines?" asked the kanaka girl, in 
 a timid manner, as though fearful of a refusal. 
 
 " Yes ; if you desire to." 
 
 " And shall I meet many women there?" 
 
 " No ; probably not one." 
 
 " I am glad of that," she said, with a happy smile. 
 
 "Why?" 
 
 " Because " and then she hesitated, and stole a look at my 
 face. 
 
 " Speak freely. What do you mean? " 
 
 " You won't see those whom you love more than you do me." 
 
 She appeared frightened at her temerity, and "evidently ex- 
 pected a hasty word ; but I made no reply, for I was thinking of 
 Julia, and wondering if she would regret my absence. I wanted 
 to see her and talk with her, but my pride would not permit me 
 to ask the favor, neither would I visit the house before I sailed, 
 much as I desired to. I would have given the world, if I had 
 owned it, for the purpose of being pardoned ; but I could not take 
 the proper steps to secure such a desirable result. I was the 
 most unhappy of mortals, and needed some stirring adventures to 
 banish the past from my mind, so that I could look forward with 
 some degree of calmness to the future; and while I was thus 
 meditating, a boat came alongside, and one of Mr. Cherington's 
 servants reached the deck, walked aft, and placed a note in 
 my hand. I saw that it was directed in Julia's handwriting, and 
 with trembling nerves I broke the seal, and read as follows : 
 
 " DEAR CHARLES : Forgive me if I am too familiar, for you 
 are still dear to me, although we are separated forever. I trust 
 that you do not hate me for the course that I have pursued. It 
 was dictated by high motives, and my conscience acquits me of 
 all blame. O, Charles, why were you not good and honorable, 
 and why did you not realize the expectations which I had formed 
 of you? Could not the pure love of one suffice? You have 
 wronged me, and I feel as though my heart would break ; but I 
 have sought consolation in prayer, and God has strengthened me 
 
AN AFFECTING LETTER. 337 
 
 Why do you not turn to the same source of goodness, and ask 
 support? O, Charles, if you had but avoided evil, had but 
 loved me as man should love his betrothed, all this trouble 
 would have been avoided, and we should now be happy, and be- 
 yond the danger of reverses. Can I not entreat you to avoid 
 the course which you are now pursuing? My father tells me 
 that you will soon sail for California, and be absent many months. 
 I am sorry that such is the case, for, in that wild country, I fear 
 you will not improve ; but I pray you be as good as possible, 
 and return as soon as you can. In me you will always find a 
 friend, and one who hopes for your happiness. I wish that you 
 vere with us now, so that I could wait upon you while you are 
 recovering from your wound ; but my father tells me that you are 
 pbstiuate, and refuse to leave the vessel. Under the circum- 
 stances, I cannot visit you, and you must not expect it ; but let 
 me see you before you sail, if only for a moment. Believe me, I 
 shall not reproach you for your conduct. Reproaches are num- 
 bered with the past, and I will never bring them to light." 
 
 The reading of this letter affected me more than I was willing 
 to acknowledge. It was evident that the dear girl still loved me, 
 but her pride and self-respect prevented her from joining her fate 
 with mine, and I, knew her self-respect too well to think that 
 argument would overcome the resolution which she had formed. 
 I resolved to see the lady, and speak with her ; but I did not dare 
 to incur the fatigue until I had gained more strength. I answered 
 the letter, but my reply was short. 
 
 " Miss Julia is not well," said the kanaka, who brought the 
 note on board, speaking in his native dialect. " She looks very 
 pale, and unhappy." 
 
 The rogue knew that we had quarrelled, and he was anxious 
 for a reconciliation, for the house was not gay and festive while I 
 was absent. I must confess that I longed for the time to arrive, 
 when my health would permit me to visit Julia. I thought of 
 the matter for a whole week, and at last the surgeon said that 
 there was no danger of a relapse, even if I should become excited ; 
 and with this assurance, one afternoon, I dressed myself in a suit 
 of light clothing, and went on shore. I found my partner's car- 
 riage waiting for me at the landing, and* entering it, was driven 
 to the house which contained the most precious treasure, in my 
 22 
 
338 A WHALEMAN'S ADVENTURES. 
 
 eyes, that the whole island held. How my heart fluttered as I 
 entered the house ! I felt as timid as a young girl on the eve of 
 her wedding, and I know that I blushed as I opened the parlor 
 door, and saw Julia standing before me, with a hand extended, in 
 the way of welcome. 
 
 CHAPTER XX. 
 
 AN INTERVIEW. THE RESULT. BEATEN AT ALL POINTS. OFF 
 
 AGAIN FOR CALIFORNIA. ON THE PASSAGE. 
 
 
 I DID not augur much good from this reception. It was too 
 kind, and yet too distant, to please me. I took a seat, and she 
 placed a chair opposite to mine, and sat down. I saw that her 
 face bore traces of suffering, and looked thinner than usual. 
 Her color had fled, and her skin was as white as a Vermont snow 
 bank. My illness had told upon me, also, and I saw the dark 
 eyes of my friend scrutinizing my face, and noting the change 
 which had occurred there. For a moment an expression of pity 
 was seen in her glorious eye, ah ! so beautiful and gentle ; and 
 then it passed away, and nothing but sadness was left. 
 
 " When do you leave for California?" asked Julia, at length. 
 
 " In a few days." 
 
 " Shall you remain absent for a long time?" 
 
 u I really don't know. There is no occasion for me to return 
 to Honolulu immediately. I think that I can do better for the 
 firm in California than I can here. When I arrived I hoped 
 that I should remain, but circumstances have occurred which will 
 prevent me." 
 
 " Do you think that I have acted towards you in an unjust 
 manner ? " the lady asked. 
 
 " I think that you have been ha.sty. You should have listened 
 to my explanations." 
 
 " I did so ; but did the explanation redound to your credit? O, 
 Charles, I did think you were different from other men. I looked 
 upon you as a model ; and what have I found ? " 
 
 Perhaps ray piteous look touched the heart of the gentle lady, 
 for she added, 
 
A SAD INTERVIEW.* 339 
 
 " 0, Charles, how could you act as you have done? You never 
 loved me, or you would have conducted in a different manner." 
 
 "Never loved you, Julia? " I repeated; and in an instant I 
 was by her side, and one arm was around her waist. I thought 
 that she had melted, but I found to the contrary ; for she released 
 her form from my clasp, gently, but firmly, and pointed to the 
 seat which I had vacated, for the purpose of taking up a position 
 r more congenial to my nature. 
 
 " Will you be seated, Charles?" she asked, still remaining on 
 her feet, as though to show that s*he was determined to keep me 
 at a distance. 
 
 " If such is your wish, I will ; " and down I sat, but in rather a 
 sulky manner ; for I felt that the prize was not yet mine, and that 
 it was still slipping through my fingers. 
 
 " Let us talk calmly as friends, not as lovers," she said, after 
 I was quiet. " Remember we promised always to be friends." 
 
 " That was a safe promise on your part,". I remarked, bitterly, 
 " but not on mine. When I return I may be able to assume the 
 part you designate. As it is, I cannot now. Let us part. This 
 interview is not satisfactory to me, and must distress you. It will 
 amount to nothing. The promises which I am prepared to make 
 will not be received, and the vows which I am ready to utter will 
 not be listened to. Let me kiss your hand and go, and when 
 next we meet it shall be in the friendly manner which you pre- 
 scribe. This I promise you. I will struggle with the love which 
 now binds me to you, and tear it from my heart, even if life goes 
 with it. Can I promise more ?" 
 
 She was silent and thoughtful, yet I saw no sign of yielding in 
 her cairn face. 
 
 " If you think that such a course is best, I will not oppose 
 it," she said, as I rose from the chair which I had occupied dur- 
 ing the interview. 
 
 " Answer me one question," I cried. " If I should remain, 
 would your feelings undergo a change?" 
 
 " In what respect?" 
 
 " Could you be induced to accept me as a husband ? " 
 
 The lady shook her head. 
 
 " A long probation, Charles, would be necessary before I could 
 consent to such an arrangement. Even then you would have to 
 experience a change of heart and mind, to obtain my consent." 
 
 
340 A WHALEMAN'S ADVENTURES. 
 
 it 
 
 An oath was on my lips, but, thank fortune, I suppressed it. 1 
 turned impatiently from the lady, and strode towards the door. 
 
 " Farewell," I said. " You will see me no more." 
 
 A white hand was laid lightly upon my shoulder, and a gentle 
 voice said, 
 
 " Do hot leave me in anger, Charles not in anger." 
 
 I turned, threw my arms around her waist, and before she had 
 time to think, pressed my lips to hers. She struggled to free 
 herself from my embrace, but I* held her fast. 
 
 u Is there no hope?" I whispered. "Do you doom me to 
 banishment without a sigh?" 
 
 u Not without sighs and tears, Charles ; but I dare not trust 
 my happiness, to your fickle nature." 
 
 I released her, and stifled my wrath in the best manner possible. 
 
 " Are you still angry?" she asked. 
 
 I made no reply. I took one last look at her sweet face, and 
 left the house, much more miserable than when I had entered it. 
 1 walked slowly to the counting-room, and there found Mr. Cher- 
 ington surrounded by an eager crowd, anxious to engage passage 
 for California. My partner left the people, and came towards me. 
 
 " What success at the house, Charles? " he asked. 
 
 I could not tell him. He read it in my face without the aid 
 of words. 
 
 " Poor boy ! I am sorry, but let us hope for the best. There 
 is time enough yet. When you return she may think differently." 
 
 " Yes ; but I shall not return in a hurry," I answered. " Ab- 
 sence alone can heal my wounds." 
 
 " Let us hope so ; but now to business. When can you sail?" 
 
 *' To-morrow, if necessary." 
 
 " It is not necessary. Shall we say the day after?" 
 
 " Yes, the quicker the better." 
 
 " Then, gentlemen," addressing the passengers, " you must be 
 on board at eight o'clock day after to-morrow. Now I'll receive 
 the money for your passage ; " and Mr. Cherington went to work 
 counting gold and silver as coolly as though he thought of nothing 
 but business, and cared only for that ; but I could see that he was 
 annoyed at my ill luck, and I knew that he wished matters had 
 terminated in a different manner. 
 
 As soon as I had concluded my affairs, I went on board, and 
 
OFF FOU CALIFORNIA AGAIN. 341 
 
 )muienced preparations for sailing. I was too weak and tired 
 to attend to all the details ; but the officers and men were not dis- 
 posed to slight matters, and before night we had stowed our wood 
 and water, and received on board such provisions as we needed, 
 and when the day arrived for our departure, the passengers 
 were on board, and eager for a start. The shore was crowded 
 with natives and friends of those on board. A hundred boats 
 plie 1 around us, filled with laughing, white-teethed kanakas, who, 
 as they ventured near us, were pelted with oranges from the 
 quarter-deck ; and yells of laughter were heard, as the rich fruit 
 struck and burst, as it came in contact with some poor fellow's 
 head. During this time I was in the cabin conversing with my 
 partner, who seemed unwilling to release my hand from his close 
 clasp. I never saw him so much affected, not even on the night 
 we rescued him from the burning ship. 
 
 " It is not too late, Charles, to give up this trip," he said. 
 4t In a few minutes I can find some one to take charge of the 
 \ 7 essel. It is not necessary for you to go. You have enough 
 wealth to satisfy your ambition, and what you lack I can make 
 up. Consider well. I love you as a son, and hoped that you 
 would be one some day ; but I dare not interfere in your behalf. 
 Neither do you wish me to. You must win Julia without my aid." 
 
 " Of course," I replied ; " I want no one's aid. But by even 
 remaining here, what do I gain? Is there any hope of winning 
 Julia?" 
 
 " Not at present." 
 
 u Then why should I stay? Absence is better than home, 
 especially with the consciousness of knowing that Julia despises 
 the weakness which I have manifested. We must part. I see 
 no hope of happiness here." 
 
 Mr. Cherington made no further effort to detain me. 
 
 " Go," he said ; " and may you return, and then prosper in 
 your suit." 
 
 We shook hands and parted, he to return to the shore, and I 
 to sail towards that laud where thousands met fortune, or disap- 
 pointment, penury, and death. As we left the basin I looked 
 towards the house, where I had passed so many happy hours. 
 Not a window was open, not a face was to be seen. No one 
 waved a handkerchief as a token of remembrance, and in bitter- 
 ness of heart I contrasted my departure with the previous ones, 
 
842 A WHALEMAN'S ADVENTURES. 
 
 when I possessed Julia's love and esteem. Onward we sailed, 
 and the fair island which contained one so dear to me was lost 
 to view ; and then I truly felt that my voyage of life had really be- 
 gun, and for the first time, for many months, it seemed as though 
 I was alone, with no one to love or confide in me. Unconscious- 
 ly I uttered the last words aloud, and as I did so I felt a hand 
 laid upon my shoulder. 
 
 " I remain to love you, and confide in you," said a soft voice ; 
 and turning, I saw Lilly standing by my side, her eyes fixed upon 
 the blue line on the edge of the water, many miles distant, which 
 betokened the land we had left. " Let Lilly share your confi- 
 dence and your love," she said. " Once she did ; but something 
 stepped between her and the light of your eyes, and then a shadow 
 passed over her soul, for you no longer smiled upon her. Let 
 me feel your hand." 
 
 I gave it to her, and she took it in her own. 
 
 " Once it was calm, and the pulse beat firm. Lately you 
 have been feverish and fretful, and your flesh burns like fire. 
 You are not as happy now as you were when you swam with me 
 at Kammaira. Are you ? " 
 
 " Not quite, Lilly ; but I trust that I shall be, in time." 
 
 " And what has made you feverish and unhappy? Will you 
 not confide in me ? " 
 
 " I have had some trouble, Lilly ; but I cannot tell you all." 
 
 She did not press me further. How could I tell her that it was 
 owing to the love which I bore another? No, thank God, I did 
 not have a heart so cruel as all that. If she knew nothing of 
 Julia and my engagement, I did not feel disposed to enlighten her. 
 Once more the girl laid her hand upon, my arm, in such a timid 
 manner that I knew she expected me to shake it off; but I did not. 
 
 u I did not visit my father while we were at Honolulu," she 
 said. " I should have done so, but I had not the courage to leave 
 you, even for a day." 
 
 I made an impatient movement, and she continued. 
 
 " I shall never see him again. I know that I shall not, for 
 three different times have I dreamed of the Malo, and our people 
 say that it is a sign of death. If I should die, let me exp : re in 
 your arms ; and then I know I shall pass to the other world, or to 
 some pleasant islands where the sun ever shines, and the fruits 
 are always ripe, and the clear streams cool and fresh. Perhaps 
 
A LITTLE PLAIN TALK. 343 
 
 I shall go to your heaven, and if I do I will be your servant, and 
 wait upon you, and gather flovvers for your house, and I will 
 select the ripest fruits for your table, and when you sleep I will 
 fan you with feathers plucked from birds of bright plumage. 
 When you walk I will be by your side, and hold back the branches 
 of trees, if they impede your path. At night, while you smoke 
 your pipe, I will siug to you, and place roses near your head, 
 and cover you with soft cloths, and be near to hand you cool 
 water, if you should desire drink. I will be your slave, and for 
 all this I shall only ask a smile." 
 
 " Don't talk of death, Lilly," I said. " You have many years 
 of happiness before you. Some day you will marry and " 
 
 " Will you marry me? " she asked, eagerly. 
 
 It was the first time she had ever put such a question, and I 
 think that it startled me. For a few moments I paused to think 
 what answer I should return. She knew not the difference in 
 our position, and could I expect to make her comprehend it? 
 
 u You do not answer me. You would despise me as a wife ; " 
 and the kanaka girl withdrew her hand from my arm, and I saw 
 more sadness upon her brow. 
 
 " Listen to me, Lilly," I said. " I have wealthy and proud 
 parents. They would not think you were a proper wife for 
 their son ; and if I should marry you, they would be very angry, 
 and refuse to receive me in their house. You would not have 
 me disowned by my father and mother would you?" 
 
 " No, I will do nothing that would give them pain ; but 
 when you landed at Kammaira, pursued by your enemies, hungry, 
 and without a place to rest your head, I did not stop to ask if you 
 had a father or mother. I made no inquiries regarding their 
 wealth or position. I saw that you were in want, and my father, 
 a chief among his people, the first in their estimation, did not 
 stop to ask if you were any better than your companions. He 
 listened to me, and received you in his house, and gave you food 
 and shelter ; he protected you, and there was no one to raise his 
 hand against you. You remember this do you not?" 
 
 " Yes," I answered ; for I could not deny a single word that she 
 had uttered. 
 
 u Well, if such is the case, why should your parents treat me 
 in a different manner, provided I visited your country?" 
 
 I attempt^ to explain the difference of society in Boston and 
 
344 A WHALEMAN'S ADVENTURES. 
 
 the Sandwich Islands ; but the poor girl could not understand ray 
 meaning, and she shook her head as she puzzled over it. 
 
 " If I had asked you to marry me, when living at Kammaira, 
 would you have consented?" Lilly inquired. " You told me 
 then that you loved me better than life, and I loved you, and 
 was happy, and thought not of the future. Would that we had 
 always remained at my home, for now, alas ! I shall see it no 
 more/' 
 
 The topic which she was anxious to discuss was disagreeable, 
 and I was only too willing to avoid it. I was not sorry, there- 
 fore, when the girl turned from me and entered the cabin, with a 
 sad face and tearful eyes. 
 
 The schooner struggled through the water, .sometimes pound- 
 ing the .waves with her bluff bows, as. though she was a driver, 
 and had a certain amount of piles to drive before night. 
 Again she rolled like a drunken sailor on shore, and some- 
 times moved along like a dainty lady, as though picking 
 her course on a crowded sidewalk. One by one the passengers 
 retired to their berths, some to dream of Fortune's favors, and 
 others to think of home, and the friends they had left behind 
 them. The watch paced the deck, smoking and laughing, and 
 some of them spinning long yarns of the fun which they had ex- 
 perienced at Honolulu. Perhaps the stories which they told 
 were a little colored, and hardly worth repeating ; 'but sometimes 
 I could not help smiling as I caught a word or two. Up aud 
 down the deck I paced until four bells, and then retired for the 
 night ; and just as the morning watch commenced preparations 
 for washing down the deck, I heard some one shout the welcome 
 cry of, 
 
 " Sail, ho ! " 
 
 It was not an unusual cry, but from the stir I heard on deck, 
 I thought that the stranger must be something extraordinary ; so 
 I put on my clothes, and went up to take a look at him. 
 
 " There's the devil, sir," cried Jack, pointing to the leeward ; 
 and looking in the direction indicated, I saw the old whale-ship 
 Sally, Captain Bunker, about three miles off, under easy sail, and 
 heading in the same direction as the Helen. 
 
 " Put your helm up," I said to the man at the wheel. u We 
 will edge off, and speak that fellow." 
 
THE OLD SALLY AGAIN. 345 
 
 Mr. Topmall exhibited signs of tribulation immediately, but 
 said nothing. 
 
 We ranged along off his weather quarter, and then Bunker, 
 with his red hair and eyes, hailed us. 
 
 " Ain't that the Helen?" he asked. 
 
 " Yes ; how are you ? " 
 
 " Well, I'm so-so. Seen any whales lately?" 
 
 " Not a whale." 
 
 " Whar do you come from?" 
 
 " Just from Hilo. Come on board and see me. I've got some 
 of the best whiskey on the Pacific coast." 
 
 " You ain't heard from Honolulu, then ? " cried the whaler, a 
 little suspiciously. 
 
 " No ; have you?" 
 
 " Not much. I'll come and see you, and get some breakfast. 
 Clear away my boat ; " and while his men were obeying his 
 orders, I called Jake to me. 
 
 u Our old friend," I said, " is coming to see us. I owe him 
 a grudge, and want to pay him." 
 
 " Blast 'em, so do I," was the man's reply. 
 
 " Well, listen to me, and make no mistake. 'You have two 
 coffee-pots have you not ? " 
 
 " Yes, sir." 
 
 " Well, in one you must have good coffee for the passengers 
 and me to drink, and in the other coffee which has been doc- 
 tored: 1 
 
 " Golly, cap'n ; you ain't goin' to pizen 'em is you ? " 
 
 " No, but I intend to disturb him a little. Come with me, and 
 keep your eyes open." 
 
 He followed me to the cabin. I took from the medicine chest 
 >a, strong emetic, and told the darky to mix it with the coffee, 
 and to give it to Bunker while breakfasting. The negro compre- 
 hended my intentions in a moment, and a broad grin spread over 
 his face. 
 
 " Golly, cap'n, dat gib 'em fits for sure. Make dis nigger 
 laugh." 
 
 He went forward with the emetic, and by the time he had 
 reached the galley Bunker was alongside. The treacherous rascal 
 jumped on deck, and came aft with a smile upon his face. 
 
 " Devilish glad to see you," he said, V I haven't forgot the 
 turn vou did me at the Lad rones,"' 
 
34g A WHALEMAN'S ADVENTURES. 
 
 Ju.it at that moment the steward passed into the cabin with 
 breakfast. Bunker needed no urging to join me. He thought 
 I was not aware of his treacherous course and became con- 
 fident and overbearing. He talked of whales, and the Sally ; 
 of my running away, &c., until at last Jake placed a cup of 
 coffee before him. 
 
 " This is devilish good," Bunker said, sipping it, and looking 
 satisfied. " I like good coffee. I remember I once commanded 
 a ship called the Spouter, of New London. We were cruising for 
 sperm whale near Japan, and one day the steward told me that 
 we had run short of coffee. I didn't know what to do, but at last 
 concluded to' go on shore, and see if I could not buy some of the 
 Japs." 
 
 "Do they raise coffee?" asked a passenger, who was eating 
 his breakfast, and evidently much amused at the master's yarns. 
 
 u Oceans of it," was the reply, u and I determined to have 
 some. I ran in close to the land, and went on shore with a boat's 
 crew. The Japs came down to the beach, and motioned me 
 to clear out, but I made up faces at 'em. They stood their 
 ground, and swore that I should have nothing, and I swore, that 
 I would." 
 
 Bunker drank half a cup of coffee, and then continued : 
 
 " When they said I shouldn't have what I wanted, I just took 
 up a lance and pinted it at 'em, and by the Lord Harry if they 
 didn't take to their heels then I'm a beggar." 
 
 " Fill the captain's cup," I said to the grinning Jake. 
 
 " Go on with the yarn," cried the passengers. 
 ' *' Well, I will. I followed 'em to the village, driving 'em be- 
 fore me, and when I reached it, the old men came forward, and 
 said I should have all that I wanted if I would spare 'em. I 
 promised ; so they loaded my boat with coffee and fresh truck, 
 and off I went, and didn't have to pay a cent. That's what I 
 call " 
 
 He paused a moment, and placed his hand upon his stomach, 
 while his face grew several shades lighter. The emetic was 
 working slowly but surely. 
 
 " How many died with the cholera while we were at Hilo?" 
 I asked a passenger, who knew that there was some mischief 
 brewing, and answered, 
 
 "About three hundred, I think." 
 
A TERRIBLE SCARE. 347 
 
 " And how is that fellow this morning? Will he live?" 
 
 " O, he died half au hour ago, and the other one will go before 
 
 QOOU." 
 
 Bunker began to stare. His color changed rapidly. 
 
 " What in the devil's name do you mean? " he gasped. 
 
 " O, nothing, excepting the cholera. We have it on board. 
 It was bad at Hilo, but we are not much alarmed. We've kinder 
 got accustomed to it. Only three or four of our kanakas have 
 died, and some half a dozen are sick." 
 
 " Another is down since breakfast," remarked a passenger, 
 whose name was Brick, rather suggestive of his nature. 
 
 " Is he bad? " I asked, gravely. 
 
 " Rather stomach all knotted, and feet cold. Vomits freely." 
 
 Bunker started up from the table with symptoms of alarm. 
 His face was pale, and perspiration was standing on his brow. 
 
 "What in the devil's name do you mean by asking me to 
 come on board ? " he yelled. 
 
 " Why, to eat some breakfast, of course." 
 
 " Breakfast ! " shrieked the victim ; u cuss your breakfast ! 
 I've caught the cholera. I'm sick. Give me something." 
 
 " Take some more coffee," suggested Brick, who had been let 
 into the secret. 
 
 " Is that good for me ? " howled Bunker. 
 
 . " Nothing better. I've known it to cure a man, after he was 
 in the last stages." 
 
 " Let me have some, then. Quick, you nigger, or I shall bust." 
 
 Jake poured out a cup of coffee, and the whaler seized on it, 
 and threw back his head. It disappeared in an instant, and as 
 soon re-appeared ; for the emetic commenced its work in the most 
 powerful style. 
 
 " O God, I'm dying ! " yelled Bunker. " My inards is all 
 torn to pieces. Can't you give me something? A little brandy 
 would be better than nothing. Do you think I shall die? " 
 
 " I think that brandy would save him," remarked Brick, in a 
 low tone. 
 
 " Then let me have some. I need it. I shall die without it." 
 
 " Can't spare it. Must keep it for our own men," was my 
 cool reply. 
 
 " O, do give me a little. If you knew how I felt ! " and a fresh 
 spell of vomiting stopped his utterance. 
 
348 A WHALEMAN'S ADVENTURES. 
 
 " On one condition you shall have the brandy," I said. 
 
 " Name it, and be quick ; for I'm growing cold." 
 
 " You must sign a confession of your doings at the Ladrones, 
 and entirely repudiate the falsehoods which you related to Miss 
 Cherington. Will you do it? " 
 
 " I don't know. Do you think I shall die at the present time?" 
 
 " It appears as though you "were sick, quite sick. If you think 
 you will recover, don't sign any statement I shall draw up." 
 
 A fresh spell at vomiting decided the man. He wanted the 
 brandy at all odds. 
 
 " I did tell some tough yarns about you," he moaned, " but it 
 was some of my fun ; I didn't mean anything. You know I 
 didn't." 
 
 " I know that you injured me, you rascal ; and I have a good 
 mind to let you suffer or die without the least help. But I will 
 assist you, and save your life, if you will sign a paper, in which 
 shall be stated the lies you told concerning me." 
 
 " I'll do it ; bring the brandy along." 
 
 I told Brick to administer it at the rate of a spoonful every five 
 minutes, while I went to my state-room, and drew up a state- 
 ment, which was strictly correct, respecting my conduct and that 
 of Bunker's at the Ladrones. This I read to him ; and to my 
 surprise, he said that he would sign it immediately, and without 
 modification. 
 
 " I did act a mean part towards you, and no mistake," he said, 
 all his pride having left him ; " and if I live I'll do the right 
 thing. Botheration, how it gripes me ! More brandy." 
 
 We gave him a dose, and then he signed the statement, and 
 half a dozen of my passengers witnessed it. As soon as that was 
 done. Brick poured out half a tumbler of liquor, and the master 
 swallowed it without hesitation. 
 
 " That's all you'll get, old fellow," said Brick. u We want 
 the rest for our punches. You won't die this time." 
 
 " You think there's hope for me? " timidly inquired Bunker. 
 
 " Hope ; of course there is. Who ever heard of a man's dy- 
 ing after taking an emetic." 
 
 "After taking what?" cried Bunker, raising his head, and 
 looking a little wild. 
 
 " An emetic," Brick repeated. 
 
 " Have I taken one ? " yelled Bunker, 
 
AT SAN FRANCISCO. 349 
 
 u I should think you had, from the evidence." 
 
 " Ain't I got the cholera?" 
 
 " Not that we know of, unless you brought it on board. We 
 haven't seen anything of the disease." 
 
 Bunker sat up, and looked first at Brick, and then at me, in 
 amazement and disgust. He felt better immediately. 
 
 " What's the meaning of all this ? " he asked. 
 
 " It means that we have punished you for telling such rascally 
 lies respecting me. Let it be a lesson which you will remember 
 for the rest of your life. You have injured me in the estimation 
 of a young lady, and I have retaliated. Now you can leave the 
 vessel as soon as you please. I have done with you." 
 
 " Cuss your eyes ! " the whaler muttered ; " if I ever have a 
 chance I'll make you pay for this ; you see if I don't." 
 
 He left the cabin, but as he reached the deck, gave evi- 
 dence that the emetic was still working, and with curses and 
 groans entered his boat, and was pulled to the ship. We 
 crowded sail, and continued our course for San Francisco. 
 The whaler made no attempt to overtake us, and by night 
 was out of sight. We had twenty days' passage to San Fran- 
 cisco, reaching there in the month of September. In a few hours 
 after the anchor was dropped, my passengers left me, bag and 
 baggage. They were fearful that they should lose even a day. 
 They were fierce for gold, and gold only would satisfy their desires. 
 I was not sorry to have the vessel free of a crowd, and saw them 
 go without regret. As soon as they had left, I went on shore to 
 pay my respects to my friends. The first place which I stopped 
 at was the Connecticut House. 
 
 " Is Captain Myers in?" I asked of the bar-keeper. 
 
 " Don't keejp here now," was the curt answer. 
 
 "What is he doing?" 
 
 " Has a store somewhere on Montgomery Street. Sold this 
 place a month ago." 
 
 I left the hotel, and went in search of Hatch. He, too, had 
 moved, and it was some time before I could discover his location. 
 I found him at last, doing a large business. He was eager to hear 
 from Honolulu, and had a thousand questions to ask me respect- 
 ing people he was acquainted with. 
 
 " Why did Myers sell? " I asked. 
 
 " Eecanse he had a good offer, and his wife urged him to leave 
 
350 
 
 hotel-keeping, gambling, and kindred vices. She is the leader 
 of the fashions here, and is making him quite a good wife. I see 
 them occasionally ; but the captain is rather shy about inviting 
 me to his house. He remembers that his wife had a partiality 
 for me." 
 
 " Has Myers gone into any business? " 
 
 " Of course he has, and is doing well. He has quit selling lots 
 of land, for the business grew dangerous. He stopped just in 
 time. He has bought a new house out towards the Mission, and 
 gives some good dinners ; so I have been told." 
 
 I left Hatch and went in search of Myers, and was lucky 
 enough to find him. The whaler was glad to see me, and in- 
 sisted upon my going home with him, and chatting with Dorothea. 
 
 " Ah, my boy, what a treasure that woman is ! " cried the cap- 
 tain, as we left the store for his house. " She is just the thing 
 for this market. I can go away and leave her, and be certain of 
 finding her when I return. No man dares make love to her in niy 
 absence. She is trumps, and no mistake. She leads the fash- 
 ions in San Francisco. But you shall judge of her merits." 
 
 We reached the house after a quarter of an hour's walk. As 
 soon as the front door was opened I heard a rustling of silk, and 
 then saw a pair of very thin and dark arms^ thrown around the 
 whaler's neck, and a large mouth pressed towards his lips ; but 
 the kiss only reached the jolly red nose of the captain. He re- 
 ceived it as a matter of course, and after giving her one hug, 
 said, 
 
 " My little dovey, don't you see that I have brought home a 
 friend?" 
 
 Dorothea withdrew her arms, and looked at me in silence. I 
 thought that she intended to upbraid me for my presence, but 
 I was disappointed, for she suddenly opened her arms, and came 
 towards me, shouting, 
 
 " O ! to you I am indebted for this." 
 
 I dodged, but was not quick enough. She managed to get one 
 arm around my neck, and held me fast. I struggled, but it was 
 useless. She pressed me cldser and closer, and at last showered 
 down kisses upon my nose and mouth. 
 
 " Go in and win, old lady," cried the delighted whaler. " He's 
 the author of our happiness ; you can't do too much for him." 
 
 At length she became exhausted, and stopped her caresses 
 
 
DOROTHEA AS A WIFE. 351 
 
 " To think how much we owe him ! " she murmured, looking at 
 ine and throwing her arms around the neck of the whaler. 
 
 " Yes, I know we do," he answered ; " but he don't like your 
 kisses as well as I." 
 
 I confessed as much, and then we entered the parlor and I found 
 that it was well furnished, some of the articles being quite ex- 
 pensive. But the dress which the lady wore was not in good 
 taste. She had on a heavy silk, flounced to her waist, low- 
 necked, bare-armed, and short enough to show her ankles, which 
 I am sorry to state were none too thin for symmetry. She was 
 weighed down with jewelry, having an immense gold chain on 
 her neck, made from native ore. Attached to the chain was a 
 gold watch of large dimensions, and it protruded from her waist 
 belt like an over-grown wart. On each arm she had two brace- 
 lets, one of them being studded with diamonds, and the other 
 dotted with specimens of California gold. Each of them weighed 
 about four ounces. On her fingers were rings of great value, 
 diamonds and pearls, emeralds and amethysts. My attention 
 gratified Myers immensely. He rubbed his hands and laughed. 
 
 " What do you think of her ? " he asked. " Isn't that the way 
 to dress a wife? Look at her. Note her jewelry. Has she got 
 enough ? I can buy her more." 
 
 " She might find room for a breastpin," I remarked. 
 
 " I never thought of that. I'll have one as large as my hand 
 made for her, and it shall be of solid gold, too." 
 
 " What do you suppose Constance would say to see me now?" 
 asked Dorothea, with a look of pride at her jewels. " Some day 
 we intend to visit the Ladrones, and then I shall show her that 
 I have forgiven past offences." 
 
 We had tea, and then they pressed me so hard to remain all 
 night that I consented. 
 
352 A WHALEMAN'S ADVENTURES. 
 
 CHAPTER XXL 
 
 TIP THE SACRAMENTO. OFF FOR THE MINES. THE HEAT Ofl 
 
 THE PRAIRIES. AN ATTACK. JOQUIN THE ROBBER. 
 
 WE remained at anchor for a few days, until I had an offer to 
 take a load of freight up the Sacramento, to the city of that 
 name. As the terms were liberal, I accepted them, and com- 
 menced loading, which was completed in forty-eight hours. I 
 secured the services of a good pilot, and one forenoon we left 
 San Francisco, and arrived at Sacramento in good time. Here I 
 received a very liberal offer for the schooner, ten thousand dol- 
 lars, and disposed of her at that price. 
 
 The next day we discharged a portion of our freight, and the 
 following day landed it all on the levee. As yet we had no idea 
 where we should go, and thought that it was time that that im- 
 portant point should be settled ; so one evening I wandered to- 
 wards the gambling tents, where all the gossip was related and 
 the'. news circulated, and mingled with the crowd, asking ques- 
 tions and listening to answers. 
 
 After some talk, I determined to attempt mining on the Yuba, 
 calculating that if the location did not suit I could change to some 
 other quarter with but little trouble, while the money which 
 I had received for freight and by sale of the vessel, I invested 
 in house lots, buying from the city authorities. 
 
 At four o'clock one morning, we left Sacramento City for Ba- 
 ker's Bar, on the Yuba. I hired a team drawn by eight mules, 
 to take our freight, at the rate of ten cents per pound, and I 
 also purchased horses and saddles for the use of Lilly and my- 
 self. 
 
 We left the city before many of its inhabitants were stirring. 
 Our party consisted of seven persons, Lilly and myself, Jack, 
 Will, Jake, Bushy, and two kanakas, the cook being one of them. 
 The others liad expressed a preference for remaining by the ves- 
 sel, and I was willing that they should. They preferred a cer- 
 tainty to an uncertainty. We were all in good spirits as we 
 
ON THE PRAIRIES. 353 
 
 wound our way among the tents and shanties, the driver and 
 owner of the team cracking his whip, and yelling to his mules 
 if they did not draw fair and square. At last we left the city 
 behind us, and entered upon the prairie, the road leading past Sut- 
 ter's Fort. Soon after passing the fort we forded the American 
 River, where we stopped for a moment to drink of its cool waters, 
 and bathe our faces and feet, which already began to show signs 
 of travel. 
 
 By this time it was seven o'clock, and the sun commenced illus- 
 trating its power by drying up the dew and causing the prairies 
 to steam like a boiling kettle of water. The teamster, a man 
 named Hardcase, an Oregonian, dipped his head into the steam, 
 and then, while the water was gently trickling down neck and 
 back, spoke as follows : 
 
 " Stranger, it's goin' to be all fired hot to-day, and no mistake. 
 These prairies will bile by and by, and a man might as well set 
 his foot on a hot brick as to touch 'em. I tell you it's so, 'cos I 
 know 'em. I left old Illinois two years ago, and made a jaunt 
 over land, and perhaps we didn't catch it at times. Wai, we did ; 
 now that's a fact. But that ain't here nor thar. The question 
 is, shall I push on, or will you camp till near sunset and then 
 start, travel in the cool of the night, and come out as lively as a 
 lark in the morning? " 
 
 "Which do you think best?" I asked. 
 
 ' Wai, 'taiu't for me to say. I'm here to get you at the mines, 
 and I'm going to do it ; but I don't want to near kill you. Arter 
 we leaves this river we don't strike water till we touches Bear 
 Creek, about thirty miles from here, over a prairie that ain't got 
 a bush as big as a bull-calf, nor a tree as large as a mule's hind 
 leg. But you can take your choice ; I'll risk the mules, but I 
 won't risk the company." 
 
 I concluded to wait, and said so, for the heat was pouring down 
 most unmercifully. In about half an hour we reached a grove 
 of trees which completely sheltered us from the sun, while we 
 were so near the river, having followed its course, that we 
 were enabled to obtain all the water we desired. 
 
 We had breakfast, and then slept, and passed the day in the 
 best manner possible. Towards night, after another hearty meal, 
 it is singular how much a man can eat in California, we col- 
 lected our animals, gave them as much water as they could drink, 
 23 
 
354 A WHALEMAN'S ADVENTURES. 
 
 and just at sundown we started to cross a thirty-mile prairie, 
 the soil of whijh was like heated bricks. But no sooner had the 
 sun disappeared than a heavy dew commenced falling, which 
 cooled the air and the ground, and enabled us to travel in a com- 
 fortable manner. 
 
 Lilly endured the fatigues of the journey much better than I 
 anticipated. When she was tired of riding horseback she would 
 walk until once more glad to seek the saddle. In this way we 
 reached Bear River just at daylight, tired, thirsty, and hungry. 
 But after a wash in the cool waters of that little stream we were 
 much refreshed, and enabled to do full justice to the excellent 
 breakfast which Jake prepared for us. 
 
 We slept through the day, and at night started as usual ; but 
 we had not proceeded two miles before we heard the sound of 
 horses* feet advancing towards us, and almost before we had time 
 to think, two men checked their animals and hailed : 
 
 " Hullo, whom have we here?" 
 
 " Hullo yerself, and see how you like it," responded Hardcase. 
 
 " Who are you ? " asked the horsemen. 
 
 " Honest men." 
 
 " It is easy enough to say that," was the sneering answer. 
 
 " And easy enough to maintain it ; so stand out of the way, and 
 let us pass." 
 
 " Patience, my friend," was the answer. " We mean no 
 harm." 
 
 " Well, what do you mean? " 
 
 "To inform you that the Indians are in arms, and killing peo- 
 ple on the route between here and the Yuba." 
 
 Hardcase gave a laugh of defiance and contempt. 
 
 " We isn't alarmed at that," he cried. 
 
 " But I have other news," said the stranger, advancing closer, 
 as though afraid to communicate it at a distance. 
 
 " Spit it out," was the inelegant expression of Hardcaso. 
 
 " Joquin and his gang are out." 
 
 "Are you sure?" demanded the teamster in a tone of some 
 anxiety. 
 
 " Quite sure. He robbed and murdered four miners yesterday 
 morning near the Ten Mile Reach, and where he is now the Lord 
 only knows." 
 
 This was important intelligence, for Joquiu was the most des- 
 
A CALIFORNIA ROBBER. 355 
 
 perate robber that ever murdered travellers in California. He 
 was a Mexican by birth, and entertained the most profound hatred 
 for Americans, and if one fell into his hands he rarely suffered 
 him to escape. He was noted for his boldness, cunning, his good 
 looks, and splendid horsemanship, and brave men were cowed 
 when his name was mentioned. 
 
 " How comes it that you travel alone at this hour of the night 
 if Joquin is near ? " asked Hardcase. 
 
 44 Because we wish to leave the mines, where we are not safe, 
 and seek shelter in the city. We have ridden hard, and think that 
 now we are beyond danger." 
 
 " You can't tell about that," was the reply of the teamster. 
 " Joquin has fresh horses, and rides like a whirlwind. But go on 
 and inform every miner that you meet of the danger, and all will 
 then prepare for it, and perhaps some bullet find a way to his 
 heart." 
 
 44 Good night, and Heaven protect you," was the answer of the 
 horsemen, as they swept on and soon crossed the river. 
 
 41 Shall we push on?" asked the teamster, as he gathered up 
 the reins. 
 
 44 Of course." 
 
 44 That's my style," wa& the answer ; and on we went. 
 
 44 What do you think? " I asked. 
 
 44 We must keep our eyes peeled, and look out for squalls. If 
 Joquin attacks us we must beat him off, and if the Injuns come 
 we'll sarve 'em out in a way that will astonish 'em." 
 
 44 Then we had better look to our rifles and pistols, I think." 
 
 44 Yes, and see that they are loaded carefully. If I can get a 
 bead on Joquin he will never rob again." 
 
 I fell back a little, and ordered the men to take their weapons 
 from the wagon and load them, and keep close to me, and on no 
 account to stray away, all of 'which they promised ; and then we 
 pushed on through a thick wood, where it was so dark that we 
 could hardly see the road, and where two resolute men could have 
 destroyed us. 
 
 It was about twelve o'clock at night, and we had just reached 
 the edge of the woods without meeting with any adventure worthy 
 of note, save the rustling of leaves and the cracking of branches, 
 denoting that some animal was moving or had been disturbed by the 
 rumbling of the wagon, when we were somewhat surprised to hear 
 
 
356 A WHALEMAN'S ADVENTURES. 
 
 a shrill whistle, which seemed to come from a dense thicket on our 
 left, and it was answered on our right. 
 
 In an instant Hardcase struck his mules with his long and heavy 
 whip, and they dashed along at a rapid rate ; but just as the lead- 
 ing mules reached the open prairie, the report of a rifle or revol- 
 ver was heard on our left, and a ball whizzed within a foot of the 
 driver's head. 
 
 He made no reply to the shot, but yelled to his mules, and the 
 next instant they were on the open ground, and the dark for- 
 est was behind us ; but still we did not stop until my men were 
 out of breath with running, and the mules were covered with sweat 
 and foam, and unable to continue their headlong pace. Not until 
 then did Hardcase draw up and await my coming, for I was some 
 distance in the rear, for the purpose of seeing that my men made 
 good their escape. 
 
 u Wai, cap'n, what do you think of that?" asked the driver, 
 as I reached the wagon. 
 
 " I think that somebody was impertinent, and had designs upon 
 your life." 
 
 " Wai, that's a fact, and no mistake. He aimed well, the tar- 
 nal skunk ; but the wagon bounced over a log, and took me out 
 of the range. Blast their picturs, let 'em come on now if they 
 want to." 
 
 " Who do you suppose is concealed in that wood?" I asked. 
 
 " Wai, it's hard to tell ; but I shouldn't wonder if it was Jo- 
 quin, and some of his beauties. It's jist like him ; and we ain/t 
 seen the last of him yet, I know. But now to business, cap'n. 
 We shan't escape in this way. The gang that attacked us 
 want provisions, and they will fight for them. They don't 
 dare visit the towns for grub, so make forays on trains. Shall 
 we fight or run, and let 'em take what' they want from the 
 wagon ? " 
 
 " Fight," shouted Will, Jack, and Bushy. 
 
 u What do you say, cap'n ? " asked the driver. 
 
 " Fight until we are whipped or whip the rascals,".! answered. 
 
 " That's the talk. Then I'm with you. Come on, and we'll 
 soon see what kind of stuff the robbers is made of." 
 
 He had hardly finished speaking when from the woods galloped 
 half a dozen horsemen ; but instead of advancing towards us, they 
 kept close to the trees on our left, as though they desired to gain 
 
PREPARING FOR A STRUGGLE. 357 
 
 the road which we would have to pursue if we continued our 
 journey, and which wound around the base of some high hills 
 covered with a growth of large pines, affording some lovely spots 
 for an ambush, where an attacking party could pick us off with 
 impunity. 
 
 u Stay by the wagon, some of you," shouted Hardcase. " Cap'n, 
 you come with me." 
 
 The speaker, rifle in hand, ran towards one of the hills, so as 
 to cut off the robbers and drive them back into the woods, and 
 leave us in possession of the road. I followed him. but he ran 
 so swiftly that I had to put forth all my speed to keep within 
 speaking distance. But we reached the position we desired, and 
 before the robbers gained the road, owing to the latter stopping 
 for some time to make out the movements and force of those 
 around the team. 
 
 " Now, then," cried Hardcase, as he threw himself upon the 
 ground, " do you feel cool and steady? " 
 
 " Not cool after such a run as that. I am covered with per- 
 spiration." 
 
 " But your narves how is they ? " 
 
 '* Steady enough to hold a rifle." 
 
 " And use it?" 
 
 " I think so." 
 
 " Wai, we'll tell better by and by. We must knock over two 
 of them peeps, or they'll go for us. Can you shoot?" 
 
 " A little," I answered, modestly. 
 
 " Humph. We'll see how much that little amounts to. Take a 
 careful aim and cover your man. We can't afford to waste a shot. 
 Imitate me." 
 
 " I will, all except the running*" 
 
 " Wai, we may have some of that to do afore we is through 
 with these fellers. Ah, what is they up to now, I wonder? " 
 
 The horsemen had stopped, and were grouped together for con- 
 sultation. They had not seen Hardcase and myself when we 
 crossed the level spot between the woods and the wagon ; for 
 when we ran we were somewhat sheltered by the latter, and while 
 we were under the shadow of the trees, of course we were out of 
 sight of those on the plain. 
 
 u I hope they is not a goin' to make a dash at the wagon," 
 muttered the driver. " If they does will your men fight ? " 
 
358 
 
 " Two or three of them will, I am certain, and the others will 
 strike a blow if cornered." 
 
 It seemed as though the horsemen were determined to make an 
 attempt at capturing the team, for one of them rode rapidly to- 
 wards it, and did not draw rein until he was within fifteen or 
 twenty fathoms of it. Then he halted and examined the wagon, 
 and the men who where clustered around it. 
 
 This movement we watched with some anxiety, for we feared 
 a sudden dash. 
 
 " That is Joquin," whispered Hardcase, in a tone that sa- 
 vored somewhat of admiration. " I know it's him, the cunning 
 rogue." 
 
 " How are you so certain? " 
 
 " Don't you see that feller ain't still for one second. See him 
 move fust one way and then another. Allers in motion." 
 
 " What is it for ? " I asked, in my simplicity. 
 
 *' What for ? " re-echoed the driver, in a tone that savored some- 
 what of contempt ; '* why, he don't want a bullet through his skin 
 he don't. Your men must be mighty smart on the trigger to 
 hit him, now I tell you. O, he's an old head, I'll warrant you." 
 
 The night was not so dark but we could see the movements of 
 the man quite plainly, and I must confess that they were worth 
 noting, for I never saw a more graceful piece of acting. Now 
 the horse would bound forward, now retreat, the body of the 
 rider swaying to and fro, so that it was almost impossible for any 
 one, except an experienced marksman and an old hunter accus- 
 tomed to the business, to hit him. The horse and'rider appeared 
 to understand each other most perfectly, and a motion seemed 
 sufficient to guide the beast. 
 
 " Blast the feller ! I hope some one will have a crack at him, 
 if only to let him know that we ain't asleep. 
 
 Hardly had the words escaped the mouth of the driver than 
 there were two loud reports, and we could hear the whistling of 
 balls as they flew across the plain. 
 
 " Them ain't rifle shots," cried Hardcase, with an expression 
 of disgust. 
 
 " I know that. Jake has a pair of horse-pistols, and some ona 
 has fired them." 
 
 " And much good they has done. But I don't know, though, 
 See, Joquin is off like a deer." 
 
A VOLLEY. 359 
 
 In fact, the robber had suddenly wheeled his horse and dashed 
 towards his comrades, as though he thought time was precious 
 just then. 
 
 " We can tell in a minute what the cusses will do," said Hard- 
 case ; and his prophecy was correct, for, after a moment's consul- 
 tation, the gang trotted towards us, evidently determined to cap- 
 ture the wagon in the easiest manner possible. 
 
 " Now for it," cried the driver, raising his rifle. " Wait till 
 I tell you, and then fire." 
 
 We waited for a minute. On came the horsemen, galloping 
 rapidly, and some of the men chatting and laughing in a pleasant 
 tone, as though the business on hand was of a light and easy na- 
 ture. I think they were talking of the recent shots, and making 
 merry over them, for I heard several words in Spanish that gave 
 me such an impression. 
 
 " Take the feller on the right," whispered Hardcase. " Don't 
 miss him. Now, then, are you ready?" 
 
 " All ready ! " 
 
 " Let her rip, then." 
 
 We fired, and I had the satisfaction of seeing the man whom I 
 had aimed at fall from his horse, while the animal galloped towards 
 us, and stopped just as it reached the woods where I afterwards 
 secured it. 
 
 Hardcase was not so fortunate with his shot, much to my sur- 
 prise and his disgust. Just as he fired, or a second before the 
 bullet left the rifle, the robber had turned in his saddle, and con- 
 sequently saved his life; but his horse paid the penalty, for the 
 rider had drawn the curb rather tight, and the animal reared, 
 so that the ball struck his neck, and down he went, throwing the 
 robber over his head, where he lay for a moment, stunned and 
 confused by the suddenness of the shock. 
 
 4 ' A miss, by the Lord," cried the driver, with an imprecation ; 
 but still he did not neglect to load bis rifle while grumbling at his 
 ill luck an example I was not slow to follow. 
 
 But we did not have a chance for another shot immediately. 
 The robbers were not fond of such sport, and before we had time 
 to charge our rifles, the horsemen had turned and fled towards the 
 place from whence they came, sheltered from observation and 
 pursuit by the thick pine woods through which we had passed aa 
 hour before. 
 
3GO A WHALEMAN'S ADVENTURES. 
 
 " Now is our time," said Hardcuse, starting up. " Catch the 
 boss and come with me." 
 
 " But the wounded man? What shall we do with him?" 
 
 44 Let him remain where he is." 
 
 " But he may die." 
 
 " Let him die and be hanged ; it's no business of ours. Come 
 along with me. We must get through these woods afore the 
 ehuuks cut us off. Have you got the boss?" 
 
 " Yes." 
 
 " Then mount and gallop like the devil to the wagon. We 
 must stir our stumps or we'll have our throats cut afore mornin', 
 blast 'em, for that Joquin isn't the man to give it up so." 
 ^ The wagon creaked and groaned as it started, thus informing 
 our enemies that we were under way. I kept in the rear of the 
 team, with my eyes constantly turned towards the woods, think- 
 ing that I should see the robbers leave them and pursue us; but 
 all was still and quiet, and no sign of the ladrones was visible. 
 I had Lilly for a companion, and she chatted until we again en- 
 tered more woods, and then we followed the wagon in silence, 
 expecting every moment that we should be attacked, but from 
 what quarter we could not tell. 
 
 The road was terrible, filled with gullies, stones, and fallen 
 timber. Half a dozen times did we stop to remove obstructions 
 from the trail, and once to chain the wheels so that the 'wagon 
 should not be dashed to pieces in sliding down a ravine, which 
 the winter rains had gullied out. How we escaped I do not 
 know, for the trees made the road dark and it was almost impos- 
 sible to see the leading mules. Hardcase must have felt some joy 
 to have extricated us from our perilous position in safety, for had 
 the wagon capsized, we should have been compelled to leave most 
 of our goods and chattels on the road, for we would not have 
 dared remain and .protect them, with a gang of robbers hovering 
 in our rear. 
 
 After an hour's hard work we had the satisfaction of emerging 
 from the woods and striking a prairie ; and as we reached it we 
 found that there were indications of daylight in the east, and the 
 signs were hailed with the most intense satisfaction by all of our 
 party. 
 
 " A few miles more, cap'n, and we'll fetch water," said Hard- 
 case, as I rode towards him, after leaving the woods, for the pur- 
 pose of congratulating him on his skilful driving. 
 
A HALT. 361 
 
 " We shall have to camp," I said, " for the mules look too tired 
 to tramp much further. They need rest." 
 
 u Of course they does, and they shall have it, although we 
 must keep our eyes peeled all the same. I don't think we've seen 
 the last of Joquin. He ain't the man to give up in that manner. 
 He is like a bull-dog j and if he ain't got better business afore him, 
 he'll try his hand ag'in as sure as you're a live man." 
 
 u How far are we from water?" I asked. 
 
 *' Not more'n three miles ; but we will fetch and give the mules 
 somethin' to line their bellies. It's no use to talk. I'd rather rim 
 the risk of a fight than kill my mules, 'cos they is worth, each on 
 'em, three hundred dollars, and I can't afford to lose that sum, 
 you know." 
 
 I did not urge the man, for I thought he knew his own busi- 
 ness best. Besides, to tell the truth, I did not really think we 
 should have another attack. I supposed that the Mexicans, find- 
 ing we were well armed and ready, would haul off for some other 
 party, and let us go on our journey in peace ; and as my men 
 were tired, and Lilly began to droop, I had no great objections to 
 halting and refreshing. 
 
 We were some time in moving three miles, when we struck a 
 branch of the Yuba, the water of which was pure and cold. Here 
 ,we halted beneath the shadow of a grove of trees, where we 
 could protect ourselves in case of an attack, and be well covered 
 from the fire of an enemy. 
 
 By the time our mules were turned loose, the sun had made its 
 appearance, and we were enabled to take a full survey of the prai- 
 rie ; but no one was in sight, even from the top of the tallest tree, 
 which Jake climbed for the purpose of being assured that neither 
 Indians nor robbers were lurking near, before he could commence 
 a fire for breakfast. After the negro was satisfied, he turned to 
 with a will, and in half an hour we had an excellent meal ; and 
 then we lighted our pipes and lay down under the trees, intend- 
 ing to talk over the events of the night, before we posted a picket 
 and went to sleep. While we were thus engaged, it suddenly 
 entered Jake's thick head that it would be a good thing if he took 
 a Lath in the river, which was only a few rods distant, and shel- 
 tered by bushes and trees. He did not ask my consent, and in- 
 deed it was not needed, but off he started, and was not missed. 
 We supposed that he was busy with his pots and pans ; but while 
 
362 A WHALEMAN'S ADVENTURES. 
 
 smoking our second pipe we beard a shrill yell, and then a sue* 
 cession of yells, which startled us to our feet in short order, and 
 made us grasp our rifles and pistols in expectation of an immedi- 
 ate attack. 
 
 Hardly had we gained our feet and collected our arms, when 
 we were astonished with the sight of a dark, naked form, bound- 
 ing from the bushes near the river, and rushing towards us." 
 
 " Good God ! " I thought ; " the Indians are upon us/* 
 
 "The Injuns ! the Injuns ! " yelled Bushy, and with the words 
 up went one of the venerable horse pistols, while the man shut his 
 eyes and fired. Then, as though satisfied with the result, he 
 dropped the weapon on the ground, and made for the nearest tree, 
 up which he went with wonderful rapidity. 
 
 I don't know where the ball from the pistol went. I know 
 this much, that it did not go near the strange-looking being who 
 was approaching us, for he continued to run and to yell with most 
 astonishing vigor ; and he kept it up until he was within a rod 
 or so of us, and then he shopped, and suddenly fell upon his knees, 
 and stretched out his hands as though asking for protection. The 
 cause of this was on account of the number of rifles he saw 
 pointed at him, and it is a wonder that the man was not shot, for 
 we were all ready to fire, when the person who was making such 
 an indecent exhibition of himself, shouted, 
 
 " De Injuns ! de Injuns ! Dey is on us wid knives and toma- 
 hawks." 
 
 It was Jake. We could not fail to recognize his voice ; but 
 we did not know his form, especially when it was not covered 
 with clothing. 
 
 I turned to caution Lilly about remaining near the front ; but 
 she had already taken the alarm, and was under the wagon with 
 her head covered with a blanket. 
 
 " You rascal ! " I shouted, " what do you mean by frightening 
 us in this manner ? Where are your clothes ? " 
 
 " Over dar, sir." 
 
 " Why didn't you put them on before you came here?" 
 
 " Couldn't, sar. De Injins see me and fire de arrers at me. 
 Come precious near dis child, too, dat I tell you ; " and Jake arose 
 from his knees and wrapped a blanket, which Will had thrown 
 him, around his form, and then hurried to the shelter of a tree, 
 and commenced relating his troubles to Bushy, who had takeo 
 
A BRUSH WITH INDIANS. 363 
 
 occasion to descend to terra firma, while we were occupied in 
 questioning Jake. I looked around for Hardcase, but he had 
 vanished as soon as he had heard Jake announce the presence of 
 Indians ; and while I was wondering what I should do, he re- 
 appeared, leaving the bushes which grew on the banks of the river 
 with hasty strides, as though there was work before him, and it 
 was time to commence it. 
 
 When Hardcase joined me, after reconnoitring the body of 
 Indians on the opposite bank of the river, who Jake declared 
 44 were one hundred strong and terrible savage, with no clothing 
 except a mat around their loins," he motioned me to step aside so 
 so that we could converse without the men listening to what we 
 said. As soon as we reached a convenient position, the driver 
 said, 
 
 44 I've taken a look at them black divils, and I don't like the 
 way they carries themselves. No, I must confess I don't." 
 
 44 How many of them did you make out? " 
 
 " About two dozen bucks, but nary a woman or child." 
 
 44 Of course if we are attacked we must fight," I remarked. 
 
 44 I know that ; but all our folks won't fight. If they would 
 we might whip 'em. If we can keep the Injuns off, well and 
 good ; but can we lick 'em, and Joquin and his gang? " 
 
 44 We can try," I responded. 
 
 " And we will try," cried Hardcase, enthusiastically. u I tell 
 you I feel a little fightish, and afore I gives up my mules and 
 wagon, I'll empty my rifle a dozen times or more. The cusses is 
 waiting on the other bank of the river, and they won't attack us 
 till dark. That we can rely on, 'cos they fear our rifles." 
 
 44 Now for our plans of defence," I remarked. 
 
 44 Wai, what do you propose? " 
 
 44 That we fortify ourselves in the best manner possible." 
 
 44 Them's my sentiments. We has got to do it, and wait and 
 see what the Injuns is goin' to do. Will you leave it all to me?" 
 
 44 Certainly. You have the command, and I'll act as assistant." 
 
 ' 4 Then we must go to work. Out with the axes, and down 
 with some of these trees. With 'em we'll form breastworks and 
 shelter ; and if we don't keep the Injuns and Joquin at bay, I'ca 
 much mistaken." 
 
 44 But they'll run our mules off." 
 
 44 No, they won't, 'cos we will have 'em with us. You'll see 
 tow I'll fix 'em." 
 
364 A WHALEMAN'S ADVENTURES. 
 
 We got out our axes, and all bauds set to work using them. If 
 Jake and Bushy did not know how to manage fire-arms, the same 
 could not be said regarding the manner in which they handled the 
 pioneer's weapon of civilization, the axe ; for the stately trees 
 fell with such heavy crashes that the ground trembled for rods 
 from our camp, and the Indians on the other side of the river 
 must have wondered what we were doing, making such a noise. 
 They did not cross over to see, however, and the work went on 
 until we had laid low some thirty trees, and then the axes were 
 put aside, and we commenced the formation of our fortification. 
 We piled the trees, one upon the other, at right angles, until we 
 had formed a square, the wagon helping to form one side. Our 
 walls were about five feet high, and so covered with green leaves 
 that we could look over them and run no risk of being seen by 
 the enemy. One side we left open for the entrance of the mules ; 
 and when we were ready for them Hardcase took his rifle, 
 mounted my horse, and went in search of them. They were 
 feeding on the prairie, some distance from the river, and were 
 very reluctant to leave the wild oats which grew so plentifully 
 v'bere. But at last Hardcase started them, and galloped towards 
 the river for the purpose of giving them a drink before they were 
 subjected to a siege which we did not know how soon might ter- 
 minate, or how long it would last. 
 
 During the afternoon Hardcase and I were occupied in various 
 things appertaining to our safety. The driver visited the prairie 
 and cut several large armfuls of oats to feed the animals with, 
 while Mr. Topmall volunteered to bring water from the river and 
 fill all our canteens and all the empty vessels, so that we had 
 enough to last us for twenty-four hours, although the animals 
 would suffer unless we could find some means of supplying them 
 in the course of a day or two. 
 
 At last we were ready, and just at sundown, while we were 
 drinking a pot of cold tea, and eating pieces of bread and meat, 
 we saw two or three dark forms steal along the bank of the river 
 and shelter themselves in a clump of bushes. They were noting 
 our position, and getting ready for an attack if they thought one 
 likely to succeed. We were ready for action, but waited for the 
 black rascals to commence the fight if they saw fit. As darkness 
 stole over us we stationed our men, with strict orders to keep 
 awake and watch for the foe. We held our weapons ready for 
 
ALL READY FOR AN ATTACK. 365 
 
 use, but hour after hour passed and there were no signs of an 
 attack, and we began to hope that we should escape a fight ; 
 but we were doorned to disappointment, for Hardcase came to 
 my side and whispered, 
 
 " I can hear the tramp of horses on the Yuba road, and they 
 are coming in this direction." 
 
 The sound of the horses' hoofs grew more distinct, and at last, 
 just as the riders were opposite our camp, they suddenly stopped, 
 as though they had lost the trail of our wagon, and were some- 
 what puzzled to find it. 
 
 " Ah," muttered Hardcase, " you may bet high that Joquin 
 leads that party ; " and I thought that the driver spoke in rather 
 an enthusiastic tone, as though he felt proud to be near such a 
 man. 
 
 " What reason have you for thinking so? " I asked. 
 
 " Wai, I'll tell you. You see our wagon trail didn't go no 
 further than this," pointing with his hand in the direction of the 
 prairie. 
 
 " Yes, I'm aware of that." 
 
 " Wai, Joquin can foller a trail in the dark as well as most 
 men can in daylight. He's a great scout, and knows his busi- 
 ness. Yes ; I'll give him the credit of knowing what he's about 
 as well as any Mexican that lives in this part of the country. He 
 has follered us right along, but the instant the trail ceased he 
 stopped. O, he's got an eye like a hawk, that feller has. Can't 
 fool him, not easy." 
 
 " Then you suppose that he'll pay us a visit before long." 
 
 " He'll come this way, I'll bet. He will want to see if we has 
 crossed the river, or is camped and sound asleep. If he should " 
 
 The driver ceased speaking, for at that moment there was a 
 rustling in the bushes just outside of our fortifications, and at the 
 same instant arose the shrill yelp of a prairie dog, or cayote ; and 
 very mournful it sounded, as it floated along through the calm 
 air, and was taken up by cayotes, near the river, and the howl re- 
 peated with all sorts of cadences and variations. 
 
 Hardcase raised his rifle, and let it rest for a moment in the 
 direction of the bushes. But the next instant he removed it from 
 his shoulder, and muttered, 
 
 " Let the poor devil go he ain't worth powder and ball. It'a 
 a poor trick, and a risky one, as the scamp will find out some day 
 if he ain't keerful." 
 
366 A WHALEMAN'S ADVENTURES. 
 
 " What do you mean ? You wouldn't fire at a do.g or wolf at 
 such a time as this would you ? " 
 
 "And you really thought that noise was caused by a dog- 
 did you?" asked Hardcase, with a low laugh. 
 
 " Of course it was. Didn't I hear him howl?" 
 
 " O, Lord, how easy you sailor chaps is fooled ! 'Twan't no 
 dog that made that noise, I tell you. 'Twas an Injun, and a bold 
 one at that. He come to see what we was doin', and if we 
 wan't asleep. He made more noise .than he meant to, and he 
 must have thought that we was awful green, or he'd been more 
 keerful. But when he found that we was awake, and that he'd 
 been imprudent, he thinks to turn it off by a howl ; but I'd make 
 him howl to a different tune if Joquin wan't near us. Blast him, 
 let him go ; but I hope the Injuns won't think I was cheated by 
 so shallow a trick." 
 
 In the mean time, it was evident that the party, on horseback 
 were slowly and cautiously approaching our camp, for the pur- 
 pose of discovering if we had crossed the river, or had halted for 
 the night. It was evident that the robbers did not suspect the 
 close proximity of the Indians ; if they had they would have been 
 much more circumspect in their movements, and avoided an am- 
 bush, for while the gang was coming towards us the sounds of the 
 prairie dogs ceased, and all was quiet on the bank of the river. 
 
 *' Had we not better give the horsemen a salute ? " I asked, 
 while Hardcase and I were peering over the barricade, watching 
 their movements. 
 
 One of them was dismounted and searching for the wagon trail, 
 and the others were sitting on their horses, quietly smoking, wait- 
 ing for a report. 
 
 " Not for a hundred dollars would I fire a gun at the present 
 time," was the answer. " Keep still, and perhaps we shall see 
 some fun afore we is much older. The Injuns is quiet now 
 they is much astonished at the appearance of them men, and don't 
 know whether they is our friends or enemies. Even now the 
 black rascals is examining them from every bush, and you will 
 see fun in a few minutes, unless the robbers take the scent and 
 make off." 
 
 Presently the ladrone who was dismounted announced that he 
 had found the trail, and then the whole party came towards us. 
 We counted them there were nine, and all well armed, we had 
 no doubt. 
 
DIAMOND CUT DIAMOND. 367 
 
 " A few seconds more, and our camp will be discovered," 
 whispered Hardcase. " As soon as they see it they'll turn tail 
 in a hurry. Had we better give 'em a shot ? " 
 
 Before I had time to reply there were yells to the right and 
 left of us, and then we heard the twang of bowstrings, and the 
 whiz of arrows. Some of the shots told, for we saw two of the 
 horses plunge wildly and then fall ; while one of the robbers ut- 
 tered a pious exclamation, a call upon the saints for mercy, and fell 
 to the ground ; and' then his companions drew their pistols, charged 
 with a rush towards the bushes, fired several shots from their re- 
 volvers, and wheeled their horses and fled, leaving the dead or 
 wounded man upon the field. 
 
 We could not tell if the gang of Mexicans had inflicted any in- 
 jury upon their opponents, for they kept very quiet after the 
 retreat pf the horsemen, and seemed to be waiting for further de- 
 velopments. They evidently thought that the Mexicans were 
 re-enforcements for our party. 
 
 At last, when we found that there was no probability of an im- 
 mediate attack, we proposed that half of our number should lie 
 down and get some rest, which was much needed, and that the 
 balance should keep watch. The instant this was proposed, Lilly 
 suggested that I should sleep while she stood guard in my place. 
 
 4t But your eyes will grow heavy," I remarked. 
 
 " Look at them, and see if they are not bright enough to distin- 
 guish an enemy many yards distant." 
 
 In fact they did look bright, and she was eager to take my 
 place. I was tired, and needed a little sleep ; so, after a mo- 
 ment's consultation with Hardcase, who seemed to be more 
 watchful than ever, and disdained the thought of closing his eyes, 
 I lay down under the wagon, and soon fell asleep ; and while I was 
 dreaming of Julia, and that our quarrel had been settled in the 
 happiest manner, and that I had again ordered a wedding suit, a 
 hand was laid on my shoulder, and starting up, I found that Lilly 
 had awakened me. 
 
 " Hush," she said. " Don't make a noise. The driver told me 
 to arouse you. The robbers are close to. us." 
 
 In a very short time I was by the side of Hardcase, who was 
 listening and peering through the branches of the trees, quiet but 
 watchful as usual. " What is up? " I asked. 
 
 44 That is more than I can tell. Some movement is going on 
 
368 A WHALE^N'S ADVENTURES. 
 
 Dear the bank of the river, but what it is I cannot imagine. The 
 scamps may intend to carry our place by storm ; and if such an 
 attempt is made, we must give the rascals a warm reception- 
 Call up the men and get them ready." 
 
 It was rather hard to start some of our people, for they were tired 
 and sleepy ; but at length we had them in proper position, with 
 guns in their hands, and orders not to fire until they saw some- 
 thing to fire at. By the time this was accomplished, we could 
 hear stealthy movements in the bushes, as though the Indians 
 were attempting to take up good positions near our defences, un- 
 der cover of darkness. All at once, while we were listening, 
 there was a sudden lighting up of the bushes, and then followed a 
 pistol volley, and we could hear the balls ring as they tore their 
 way through the bushes. Joquin and his gang were again at work 
 determined to revenge the injury which they had received at the 
 hands of the Indians. As yet the former did not suspect the 
 presence of our force and fortifications, for not a bullet came in 
 our direction. 
 
 The discharge of fire-arms was answered by a yell, one of the 
 fiercest and loudest that I ever heard, and then from a dozen 
 different directions could we hear the whizzing of arrows, showing 
 in the most conclusive manner that the dark-skinned natives were 
 neither surprised nor intimidated by the attack on the part of the 
 Mexicans. They must have approached each other by crawling 
 from bush to bush, and poured in their fire when they found they 
 were at close quarters. 
 
 For a few minutes all was silent, with the exception of a few 
 groans which came from some person wounded. The Indians 
 remained in ambush, waiting an attack, and the Mexicans did the 
 same, satisfied their revolvers would make short work of the 
 natives when they chose to show themselves. But this the red 
 men were not disposed to do. They preferred remaining where 
 they were until such time as their weapons could be used in an 
 effectual manner. They had the advantage of numbers, and knew 
 that at short distances their arrows would be as effectual as pistols ; 
 and while they waited the Mexicans crept from the bushes, passed 
 around a grove of trees towards the banks of the river, intend- 
 ing, in military parlance, to flank the Indians ; but the latter, by 
 the aid of their scouts, learned the design, and therefore fell back 
 to the river, taking a stronger position than before. As soon as 
 
A HASTY RETREAT. 369 
 
 the Mexicans saw that they had failed, they fired a few shots for 
 the purpose of feeling the natives, and then retreated, the In- 
 dians close upon them, and discharging their arrows rapidly. 
 The conflict was thus carried some distance from us, and raged 
 quite warm ; and while it was going on, Hardcase adopted a new 
 resolution. 
 
 " We must leave this place," he said. " Now is our time to 
 start, and without a moment's delay. Them fellers will fight all 
 night, and neither party will whip. While they is at work we 
 can reach the Yuba, and be out of their reach. They won't know 
 we has gone." 
 
 We hurried the mules over the prairie, and struck the road 
 which wound along the bank of the river, and as we reached the 
 top of a hill, paused a moment to look back. We could see 
 the flashes of the pistols, and hear the reports of the weapons ; 
 butVhich side was getting the best of the battle we could not tell, 
 and cared but little. 
 
 " Let 'em fight," said Hardcase. " May the Lord keep 'em at 
 it for four hours, is the only prayer I can utter at the present 
 time. Now, then, look out for the wagon, and keep it on its 
 legs ; " and the mules started, and away WQ went down hill, the 
 wagon swaying to and fro, and creaking as though it would 
 give out every moment ; and faith, appearances were correct, for 
 just as we reached the foot of the hill, one of the wheels came 
 in contact with a stone which was lying on the trail, and with a 
 crash down fell the wagon, some spokes having yielded to the 
 pressure, and tumbled to pieces. 
 24 
 
370 A WHALEMAN'S ADVENTURES. 
 
 CHAPTER XXII. 
 
 A BAD POSITION. OFF FOB HELP. OLD NAT BAKER. 
 
 OUR situation was not so pleasant as the one we had left, and 
 we could not help regretting that we had started. 
 
 " What shall we do ? " asked Hardcase, as we walked aside to 
 consult. 
 
 " We can leave the wagon and cargo, and effect our escape on 
 the mules," I answered. 
 
 " Yes, we can do that; but I don't believe in such desertion. 
 We'll stick by the wagon as long as we can, and when we can't 
 defend it we'll leave it. Blast the luck ! who'd have thought that 
 confounded wheel would give out jist as it did. A few miles fur- 
 ther and we'd been all right for the varmints don't dare to get 
 within the sound of old Nat Baker's rifle. Blast it ! I wish that 
 he was here, or we had his team." 
 
 " Why can't we have it ? " I asked. 
 
 " I don't know. I s'pose we could, if I should see him. Old 
 Nat would do most anything for me. We come from Oregon to- 
 gether, you know." 
 
 " Did you ? " 
 
 " O, yes ; we're like brothers." 
 
 While the driver was speaking I was thinking of an interview 
 I once had with Baker at the San Francisco post-office, when the 
 old man expressed much indignation at the conduct of one of the 
 clerks on duty. I remembered how warmly the Oregoniau had in- 
 vited me to visit him at his ranche on the Yuba, and had promised 
 me all the assistance in his power, in case I needed it. 
 
 u I will go for the wagon," I said. " I ain acquainted with 
 the man, and can borrow or hire it." 
 
 Hardcase thought of the proposition for a moment, before he 
 said, 
 
 " It's the only way to save the groceries. Mount your hoss and 
 be off, and don't let the grass grow under your feet." 
 
 " And the road?" I asked. 
 
A HUNT FOR A WAGON. 371 
 
 " Is straight ahead until you reach the Forks, then turn to the 
 left, arid foller the trail for a mile, and you'll see Baker's house. 
 It's on the bank of the Yuba, and the only house to be seen for 
 miles." 
 
 " I will take the boy for company," I said, knowing that Lilly 
 would fret during my absence, and would be of no use in case of 
 an attack. 
 
 " Wai, we can spare him. Now be off, for we may need help 
 afore you can get back. Tell old Nat how we is placed, and 
 ask him to come to us. If he refuses, tell him that we have a 
 keg of the best whiskey to be found in Sacramento City, and that 
 it is liable to fall into the hands of the Indians. That will start 
 him, I guess." 
 
 I "was enabled to reach the Forks just at daybreak, about 
 four o'clock. Then I turned as directed by Hardcase, and after 
 following a trail for two miles, I gained the top of a hill, and 
 was enabled to obtain a fine view of the valley which lay at my 
 feet, and also the course of the Yuba, which wound its way 
 among the hills, through prairies, and over rocks, foaming and 
 roaring as though in a terrible hurry to reach the Sacramento 
 River. Nestled in a grove of trees was a rudely built house, 
 plastered over with mud which the hot sun had baked hard, until 
 it looked capable of resisting the storms and rains of winter. On 
 the opposite bank of the river were some ten or twenty tents and 
 huts, occupied by those who were engaged in mining, and before 
 each habitation was to be seen a thin spire of smoke, showing 
 that the miners were preparing their morning meal before com- 
 mencing work. I descended the hill at a rapid rate, and did not 
 draw rein until I was opposite the door of the adobe house ; and 
 no sooner did I stop than two large dogs saluted me with fero- 
 cious growls, as though my visit was unwelcome, and entirely too 
 early. As the animals looked threatening, I did not dismount, but 
 sat on my horse until the noise which the dogs made brought to 
 the door a tow-haired young fellow, six feet or over, thin, but 
 muscular, with a face so freckled that it was difficult to tell the 
 color of his skin. 
 
 u Hullo, old hoss," asked this specimen of young America, 
 " what is up?" 
 
 " Does Mr. Baker live here?" I inquired. 
 
 " Wai, he don't live anywhere else." 
 
872 A WHALEMAN'S ADVENTURES. 
 
 " I would like to see him, if he is at home." 
 
 " Wai, he's at hum, and I s'pose you can see him. Here, dad, 
 somebody is arter you." 
 
 " What does he want?" I heard a voice inquire. 
 
 " Wai, can't you come and see? " asked the young man. " I 
 ain't goin' to ax him his business." 
 
 I heard a growl which sounded like that of a dog, and then 
 the tall, lank form of old Nat Baker the man whom I had met 
 in San Francisco hove in sight, and scanned me with a pair of 
 eyes which age had not dimmed. 
 
 " Wai, stranger, what is it?" asked Baker, after a keen glance 
 at my person. He did not recognize me, although I knew his 
 weather-beaten face in a moment. 
 
 " Do you recollect meeting me at the San Francisco post-office 
 many months since ? " I asked. 
 
 The old fellow shaded his eyes with his huge black palm, and 
 took a long look, and as he gazed I saw the expression of his face 
 change from that of indifference to one of pleasure. 
 
 " By thunder ! " he exclaimed, leaving the doorway and ad- 
 vancing towards me, " if it ain't you than I hope to holler. Give 
 us your paw, old feller, and git right off that hoss, and come into 
 the house. Here, Sam, Bill, where is you?" 
 
 I dismounted, and Lilly did the same, while the young men took 
 charge of the animals. 
 
 " Don't take the saddles off," I said ; " I must leave you in a 
 few minutes." 
 
 " Nonsense ! " cried the old man. " You don't do no such 
 thing. We holds on to you for a few days. Come in and have 
 a cup of coffee. You and your friend is welcome." 
 
 "But" 
 
 " No buts here. In you come." 
 
 I entered the house, thinking it was the easiest way to stop 
 discussion. The three men crowded around me to learn the news 
 from a world which they only heard rumors of. 
 
 "Tell us somethiu'," cried Nat. " How's things in the city?" 
 
 " Let me first tell you something that will interest you all." 
 
 " Yes, yes," they exclaimed ; u that suits us. Let us have it." 
 
 u Within a few miles of here is a band of Indians. They are 
 on the war-path, and mean mischief." 
 
PROMPT AID. 373 
 
 " Let 'em come," muttered old Nat, glancing at his long rifle, 
 which was in a corner of the room. 
 
 " But I have more news." 
 
 " Good ! let us have it." 
 
 " Joquiu and his gang are not far from here." 
 
 " Ah, the varmints ! I heard they was at their work agin. This 
 is serious. The Injuns ain't of much 'count, but the Mexicans is 
 sharp, and must be looked to. Did you see 'em ? " 
 
 44 Yes, and had a brush with them." 
 
 " The devil ! Not you two ? " 
 
 44 No. A few miles from here is my party, under the charge 
 of one Hardcase, a teamster." 
 
 "Not Bill Hardcase?" 
 
 " The same." 
 
 " And what does Bill want? " 
 
 44 Your team and your help, and to obtain them without delay 
 he sent me forward. His wagon has broken down, and not more 
 than two miles in his rear are Joquin and the Indians, fighting. 
 As soon as they cease fighting, one gang or the other will attack 
 Hardcase for the sake of plundering his freight." 
 
 The three men listened to me in silence, and did not lose a 
 word. As soon as I had concluded, old Nat said, 
 
 " Bill, go and toot that horn. Sam, drive in the mules, and 
 put the ^arnesses on 'em. We start in fifteen minutes for Oak 
 Holler, where I s'pose Bill is waiting for us. Now eat." 
 
 By the time Lilly and I had satisfied our hunger the two boys 
 came in. 
 
 44 Wai, what does the miners say?" asked Nat. 
 
 " All right, dad. Six of 'em will be here in five minutes," an- 
 swered Bill, seating himself at the table. 
 
 " And the mules, Sam? " 
 
 44 They is hitched in, dad, and jumping to be off." 
 
 44 That's well. Now I'll examine the shooting-irons while you 
 is eating. Go on, lads, and line your ribs. I'll see that the lead 
 and powder is right." 
 
 While he was speaking, half a dozen stalwart fellows entered 
 the cabin, each man armed with a revolver and a rifle. They 
 were all welcomed in a warm manner by old Nat, but declined 
 - the breakfast which he offered them, on the ground that they had 
 eaten enough. 
 
374 A WHALEMAN'S ADVENTURES. 
 
 " Then take a nip of whiskey," said the host ; and all agreed 
 to that, without a single dissenting voice. u Come, let's move," 
 cried Nat, as the tin pot returned to him emptied of its contents. 
 " P'aps Bill Hardcase may be wanting us." 
 
 I found, on emerging from the house, that all the miners had 
 joined us with horses, which stood ready saddled, and hitched to 
 a fence. The animals which Lilly and I rode had been taken 
 care of during the time we were breaking our fast. The boys had 
 taken off the saddles, fed the brutes, and rubbed them down with 
 wisps of straw. Consequently the brutes were in good condition 
 for the journey. 
 
 " Better let that boy remain here," said old Nat, pointing to 
 Lilly, who was waiting for me to arrange her saddle. " He 
 won't be of any use to us." 
 
 " O, no ; please take me with you," cried Lilly, speaking in 
 her native tongue. " I should die if left here with no one to 
 talk to. I won't give you any trouble, you know ; you know I 
 won't." 
 
 " But you are too much fatigued for the journey." 
 
 " O, no. See how smart I am ! " and she leaped into the 
 saddle so quickly, that even the grim men who stood near her 
 did not suspect her sex, and were compelled to shake their heads, 
 and acknowledge that he was smart, even if he was but a mere 
 chick. 
 
 " Sam," cried old Nat, " you jist look arter that ere team and 
 the mules, and come on arter us as fast as possible." 
 
 u But, dad," whined Sam, " if there's any fighting, I shan't 
 have a hand in it ; I don't think that's fair. You know I want a 
 crack at Joquin for stealin' my hoss, some two months ago ; dod 
 rot his pictur." 
 
 " Never you mind that, my boy. You just cotton to them 
 mules, and mind your daddy. Who knows but the Injuns may 
 give you a chance for a shot on the road ? " 
 
 Sam's face brightened at the idea. He made no further re- 
 monstrance, but took his seat upon the wagon, and placed his. 
 heavy rifle by his side, where he could lay his hands upon it at a 
 moment's notice. Then he gathered up the reins, and started his 
 mules up the long hill which I had descended an hour before. 
 
 " You Bill," shouted old Nat, as the wagon started. 
 
 " Wai, dad," answered the young man, leaving a miner, with 
 
TIMELY ASSISTANCE. 375 
 
 whom he was conversing regarding a bear hunt a few days 
 before. 
 
 " You mount your nag, and start out ahead. We want some 
 scouting done, and you is jist the boy to do it." 
 
 " All right, dad. Shall I draw a bead on the varmints if they 
 show themselves? " 
 
 " Not if you see more'n one. Remember that, Bill. No risk, 
 you know.'.' 
 
 " All right, dad. I'm off; " and the young giant threw him- 
 self into the saddle, and went off at a gallop, waving his rifle as 
 he reached the top of the hill ; and then with a yell put spurs to 
 his horse, and disappeared from sight. 
 
 By this time all were mounted, and ready to start. Old Nat 
 locked the door of his house, and leaving the dogs in charge, an- 
 nounced that he was off. We started at a brisk trot, and soon 
 passed the wagon, which caused Sam to groan and complain that 
 it " wasn't fair, and he'd be gol darned ef he stood it much 
 longer." 
 
 The miners yelled at him as we dashed on, and in a few 
 minutes had left him far behind, and reached the Forks. Then, 
 for some miles, our course was over a trail that was good. We 
 could see Bill far in advance, glancing to the right and left, 
 as though his keen eyes were searching for ambushed Indians ; 
 but he did not appear to encounter any, and on we went until the 
 hot sun warned us that our horses needed rest, or a breathing- 
 spell at least. Then, while we were walking our animals, I con- 
 versed a few moments with Nat. We rode on for some time, and 
 just as we gained the top of a hill, we saw Bill in the valley com- 
 ing towards us at a gallop ; and then the sound of rifle shots met 
 our ear, causing us to touch our horses and quicken our pace. 
 In a few minutes we joined Bill, whose freckled face expressed 
 the news which he brought us. 
 
 " Wai, Bill, what is it?" asked old Nat, as he checked his 
 animal. 
 
 " Wai, dad, the Injuns is over the hill. There's a right smart 
 squad of 'em, and they is pressing Hardcase pretty hard, I 
 reckon." 
 
 " On we go," shouted old Nat ; and we dashed along, each 
 man looking at the cap on his rifle as we climbed the hill which 
 overlooked the valley. 
 
376 A WHALEMAN'S ADVENTURES. 
 
 We swept on to the top of the hill, and reached there just in 
 time to see the Indians dodging from tree to tree, as though they 
 were preparing to surround Hardcase and his men, and then crush 
 them with a rush. 
 
 Our leader glanced over the battle-field with his keen gray 
 eyes, saw Hardcase's position, and in what manner the Indians 
 were assailing him. After he had seen all this, he turned to his 
 companions, and said, 
 
 " Boys, you won't make much of a mistake if you hit any of 
 'em ; so come on and pitch in." 
 
 We charged down the hill at a run, and with a yell which must 
 have encouraged Hardcase and my men, as they answered our 
 shout, and then fired a volley at the Indians, which caused several 
 of them to drop or limp towards the nearest clump of bushes. 
 But we saw that the natives returned the fire with their bows 
 and arrows, and showed no signs of retreating as we expected 
 they would ; and this fact became so strongly impressed upon the 
 mind of old Nat that to my surprise he raised his voice and 
 shouted, " Halt," when we were not more than fifty or sixty yards 
 from the natives. 
 
 " Boys," he said, as we checked our animals and demanded the 
 meaning of such an order, " there's some blasted ambush here, 
 and I don't bite at it, I don't." 
 
 "Nonsense," was the cry from the miners. "The Injuns 
 is in sight and waiting for us. Let's give 'em thunder and light- 
 ning." 
 
 " Don't be blind as bats," roared old Nat. " Do you think 
 I'm a fool? Whar did I come from ? Wasn't it from Oregon? 
 Didn't I cross overland ? Answer me that and be hanged to you." 
 
 " Yes, yes," was the exclamation ; for no one could dispute 
 the assertions. 
 
 " Then jist trust to me, 'cos I know what I'm about, I 
 does." 
 
 The miners appeared willing to listen to any suggestions which 
 might be offered. 
 
 u Do I see seven or eight bosses in the brush jist off there to 
 the right ? " 
 
 We all looked in the direction indicated, but I could not make 
 out the animals. 
 
 " 1 seed 'em," said one fellow, whose vision was sharper thafc 
 mine. 
 
AN AMBUSH. 377 
 
 u Wai, them hosses weru't rid by Injuns was they? Answer 
 toe that." 
 
 "No, no." 
 
 " Wai, I should reckon not. Them hosses was rid by Mexi- 
 cans, and them Mexicans is not far from us. They is ambushin', 
 boys, as sure as you is alive. Lord, any one with common sense 
 can see through such a trick. Do you s'pose them Injuns would 
 stand there and wait for us unless they know'd they had some one 
 between 'em and the fire we could pour in ? " 
 
 His argument did look reasonable, and if true, would place 
 old Nat at the head of his profession as a scout of rare abili- 
 ties. 
 
 " Now, boys, you jist see how we'll draw the varmints. Fol- 
 low me." 
 
 He turned the head of his horse and dashed away to the right, 
 towards the animals which were nearly hid by the bushes. We 
 followed him, but had not rode more than one hundred yards be- 
 fore we saw eight men, dressed in the Mexican costume, leave the 
 bushes which had sheltered them, and run towards their horses, 
 fearing that we should secure the latter, and thus, in a measure, 
 impede their movements. 
 
 " Whoop ! " yelled old Nat, rising in his stirrups and waving 
 his hand ; " didn't tell yer so?" 
 
 We had the start of the Mexicans, and the rascals saw it ; so 
 they strained every nerve to defeat our intentions ; but seeing that 
 it/was impossible, they stopped, raised their revolvers, and gave 
 us a volley of bullets. Some of the missiles passed in close prox- 
 imity to our heads, and one struck a horse, breaking the animal's 
 leg ; and as he fell his rider went over his head in a series of evo- 
 lutions which provoked roars of laughter from his companions, 
 although the men did not know whether the fellow was injured 
 or safe in his rapid flight to the ground. 
 
 As we charged towards the horses I was fortunate enough to 
 pick out a splendid-looking stallion, of a dark bay color, full of 
 fire, and fit to carry an emperor. As we swept down upon tho 
 animals, I seized his rein, and the prize was mine ; but the others 
 were nearly as fortunate, for each man obtained a horse. 
 
 " Follow me," shouted old Nat, as he threw the bridle of the 
 animal which he had secured over his arm, and dashed off at a 
 smart canter towards the hill on our right. 
 
878 A WHALEMAN'S ADVENTURES. 
 
 We followed our leader until we reached the summit, and then 
 halted and dismounted. We found that Sam, with his wagon, 
 had arrived, and was impatient fora chance in the conflict; but 
 old Nat was deaf to his entreaties. 
 
 We left the animals in Sam's charge, and after a look at our 
 rifles and revolvers, plunged down the mountain, or hill, shel- 
 tered by trees and bushes, so that those on the plain should not see 
 us or understand what we were doing. We separated and scouted 
 down the hill until we reached the plain, keeping under cover as 
 much as possible, while our foes did the same. As we advanced, 
 the firing ceased, for the Mexicans did not wish to betray their 
 .positions unless they were certain, that every shot would tell, and 
 we were equally as cautious. 
 
 We crept on our hands and knees for some two hundred yards, 
 and were nearing the position held by Hardcase, when on our left 
 arose a wild yell, and there was a rush of Indians towards us. I 
 saw one fellow, daubed with clay and yellow paint, taking very 
 fair aim at me behind a bush, and to save him some trouble I 
 raised my rifle and fired. The naked savage threw up his arms 
 and fell back, and then on either side of me I could hear the 
 sharp crack of fire-arms ; and each discharge told of the death of 
 an Indian. 
 
 After an attempt to flank us, and the death of several Indians 
 in the rush, the latter fell back discouraged and disgusted, desi- 
 rous of allowing the Mexicans an opportunity to show their hand; 
 but this the wily Joquin was not disposed to do ; so, when he 
 found that the Indians were retreating, he signalized his men to 
 do the same. Of course we followed them, but at such a slow 
 pace, for fear of an ambush, that I thought the Mexicans would 
 escape us entirely. I wanted to rush on them, and decide the bat- 
 tle by quick blows ; but my companions were not to be hurried 
 in their operations. They fought to win, and manifested no signs 
 of impatience while crawling on their bellies, hands, and knees, 
 behind bushes and trees, taking advantage of all inequalities of 
 ground, now skulking behind a rock, and anon climbing a tree, 
 to overlook the field, and obtain a shot. 
 
 In this manner we worked our way towards the wagon, and 
 when within one hundred yards of it I heard a yell on our right, 
 and then several shots were fired in rapid succession. We went 
 in the direction indicated, and found that the Mexicans, fearful 
 
AN INDIAN FIGHT. 379 
 
 of being cut off, had attempted to break through our line, and 
 were rewarded by a loss of two killed. 
 
 We pressed forward as before, examining each bush and tree, 
 but seeing nothing to excite our suspicion until we were within 
 one hundred yards of the wagon, and then we caught sight of 
 two or three dark skins dodging amidst the wild oats ; but before 
 we could obtain a shot, they disappeared. 
 
 On we went, and at last saw the wagon. We gave a cheer, 
 which was answered by Hardcase and his party, and then started 
 to our feet to walk towards our friends, thinking that danger was 
 passed ; but just at that moment old Nat yelled, 
 
 u Down with you, you tarnal fools ! Do you want to be shot 
 like dogs?" 
 
 We dropped on the instant, and it was well for us that we did 
 so, for a shower of arrows flew over our heads, sent to us by the 
 Indians, who were concealed on our right in a thick clump of 
 trees and bushes, which had not been examined by those whose 
 duty it was to attend to it. 
 
 Hardly had the arrows flown over our heads, when the crack 
 of some seven or eight rifles was heard, each man firing at ran- 
 dom, or in the direction of the bushes where the Indians were 
 supposed to be concealed. The shots were productive of some 
 result, for we heard several yells, and then all was quiet, as 
 though the wounded had subdued all expression of pain for the 
 sake of those who were uninjured. 
 
 " Load and for'ard ! " shouted Old Nat ; and with a cheer we 
 charged on the bushes, but found no enemy to encounter. They 
 had vanished, carrying their wounded with them ; and so quietly 
 had they left, that we did not suspect their retreat. 
 
 " Blast 'em," muttered old Nat, scratching his head, u they is 
 cute, and no mistake. They kuows somethin', they do." 
 
 " Let us push on for 'em," cried Bill, blazing with excitement, 
 and eager for a fight. 
 
 " Stop your noise, you fool," replied the old hunter. " You 
 don't know what you is talkin' about." 
 
 '* But, dad, I want to fight 'em real bad," whined the son. 
 
 u And don't I want to fight 'em too? Answer me that." 
 
 " I s'pose so, dad." 
 
 " You 'spose so. Do you think that I want to get killed, 01 
 have an arrer shot through me ? " 
 
380 A WHALEMAN'S ADVENTURES. 
 
 u I hope not, dad." 
 
 " Wai, then, you jist mind me, my son, and don't go off half- 
 cocked. I knows what I'm about. I don't push on arter them 
 Injuns and get ambushed, I don't. We can't chase 'em through 
 all the brush of Californy." 
 
 Old Nat gave the word for an advance towards the wagon, but, 
 in doing this it was necessary to act very cautiously, for Hardcase 
 was on the watch, and might mistake our party for that of the 
 enemy ; and if such was the case, we should receive a broadside 
 that would do us much injury. 
 
 " Here, you Bill," said Nat ; " put a white rag on your rammer, 
 and go for'ard and shake it ; and if Hardcase sees you, tell him 
 we is comin'. Mind your eyes, now." 
 
 " Whar can I find the rag? " asked Bill, with a grin, as though 
 he had puzzled his parent. 
 
 " Eh, well, I don't know ; that's a fact. We must have one. Our 
 friend here has got on a white shirt, and perhaps Jie can spare a 
 piece for a short time. That will do," said old Nat, with a grin. 
 " 'Taiu't white, but it looks some like it. Let a piece come off." 
 
 I was about to comply with the request; but just at that 
 moment I heard a yell, loud and piercing, and then the discharge 
 of a rifle, and a second yell. 
 
 " By thunder, boys, something is the matter with Sam. Come 
 on ; " and old Nat rushed through the bushes towards the hill OQ 
 which we had left Sam and the mules, team and horses. 
 
 As we dashed along there was another yell, and a shot ; but 
 these only quickened our steps, and at last, breathless and 
 nervous, we reached the foot of the hill, and saw that Sam 
 was coming towards us, wagon, mules, and horses, yelling at 
 every step ; while forty rods in his rear were four Mexicans, 
 running as hard as possible, in hopes of getting a shot at our 
 friend, and making a brilliant capture of their property and our 
 own. 
 
 " A smart trick," roared old Nat, as though in admiration of 
 the audacity of the Mexicans ; and then he laughed, and the next 
 instant Sam was in our midst, yelling like a Camanche while 
 charging on a herd of buffaloes. 
 
 We all expected that we should be ordered in pursuit of the 
 Mexicans, and were not disappointed. 
 
 " Mount ! " shouted the old man. " Give 'em thunder. No 
 quarter for the sneaks. Kill 'ena if you can." 
 
A LITTLE REFRESHMENT. 331 
 
 We dashed np the hill ; but the Mexicans, suspecting our pur- 
 suit, had disappeared before we started. We thought that we 
 could fiud them, so continued on, but when we reached the summit 
 we could see no one. 
 
 " Separate," shouted Ned ; and we did, to the right and left, 
 and plunged into the woods ; but after galloping for a few min- 
 utes were compelled to give up the pursuit, for the robbers 
 were nowhere to be seen. They had disappeared in some manner 
 that excited our surprise, and although we searched in all direc- 
 tions, we could not even find their trail. . 
 
 We slowly wended our way towards the wagon which Sam 
 still had charge of, and as we passed down the hill Hardcase and 
 my men came out of their shelter, and cheered us until they 
 were hoarse. After mutual congratulations old Nat took me 
 aside for a confidential talk. 
 
 " You've got a nice lot of traps on that wagon hain't you? " 
 he asked. 
 
 " O, yes ; provisions and other things." 
 
 " And a keg of whiskey, of course." 
 
 " Yes a ten-gallon keg, for medicinal purposes." 
 
 " That's it. Now, you see these poor fellers what has fit 
 for us?" 
 
 " Yes." 
 
 " You know the day is warm, and they is putty well tuckered 
 out don't you ? " 
 
 " They look tired." 
 
 " That's a fact. Now, don't you think that a leetle whiskey 
 would do 'em good kinder bring 'em up and make 'em feel 
 nice ? " 
 
 " I have no doubt of it. They shall have a drink as soon as we 
 come ti> the keg. It is at the bottom of the wagon." 
 
 Many hands made the work light. In ten minutes' time we 
 had got hold of the whiskey keg, and it was welcomed with a 
 yell of triumph. I tapped it, and gave the boys a big drink all 
 round. 
 
 " Moderation," shouted old Nat, taking the quart pot from his 
 mouth, and drawing a long breath. " Drink decent, men. Don't 
 make hogs of yerselves. .A pint of whiskey is as good as a quart, 
 if you ouly think so." 
 
 Some of them did not think^so, for they cast longing glances at 
 
382 A WHALEMAN'S ADVENTURES. 
 
 tins keg, and continued to eye it until it was repacked upon the 
 w*agon. 
 
 * " They've had enough," said old Nat, in a whisper. " If they 
 d:rink more they'll be uproarious. Me and you can take some quiet 
 fyips arter you has got settled. That's what we'll do, hey?" 
 
 Up the hill we went, the miners singing songs of triumph, and 
 pj;nxious for more fighting, when Will came to my side and whis- 
 pered, 
 
 " Where is Lilly, sir? I have not seen her since your return." 
 
 The information was enough to stagger me, for I had not 
 missed her, being so busy with other matters. I had sent her to 
 the rear while the fight was raging, and I certainly thought that 
 she was with Sam, and therefore safe. ,>?J 
 
 Will saw by my face that I was unconscious of her absence. 
 
 " Good God ! " the lad exclaimed, " it is not possible that she 
 has fallen into the hands of the Indians." 
 
 I could not imagine anything so dreadful. I dashed to the side* 
 of Sam, who was still driving his wagon, and endeavored to learii 
 some particulars of Lilly's fate. 
 
 " What that little feller? " asked the man. " Why, yes ; I 
 seed him and talked with him but a few minutes afore them Mexi- 
 can thieves come sneaking round. Arter that I don't know what 
 become of him. I had to look out for the bosses and myself, you 
 know." 
 
 " Then the Mexicans must have made him a- prisoner. Poor 
 boy, I'll find him if I have to go alone." 
 
 I turned my horse's head, but as I did so Sam called to his 
 father and whispered to him, and then the old hunter bolted to 
 wards me. 
 
 u You lost that little boy, hey ? " he asked ; " and you is goin' 
 to search for him all alone. Now don't you do that, 'cos it's dan- 
 gerous. If they've got the boy they'll keep him, and he must 
 take his chance to escape the best way he can. You can't do uo 
 good in huntin' for him ; so you just come along with us, and let 
 things settle for a while." 
 
 I learned, by questioning Sam, that Lilly had left her horse 
 after fastening him to the wagon, and sat down upon the brow of 
 the hill overlooking the valley. Sam had spoken to her but a 
 few moments before the Mexicans appeared, and that was the 
 last he had seen of her. I would ha^ve turned back and searched 
 
LILLY SAFE. 383 
 
 for her, but old Nat would not permit it ; so I was compelled to 
 ride on, with a heart so heavy that it seemed like lead. AVill 
 made an attempt to cheer me up by relating the incidents which 
 occurred after my leaving the wagon. He told me how the In- 
 dians had attacked them, confident of success ; and how Jake had 
 used the horse pistols with great bravery, having got so accus- 
 tomed to gunpowder that he refused to shut both eyes when he 
 fired. 
 
 We were compelled to move slowly, owing to the crippled con- 
 dition of one of the wagons ; therefore we were not more than 
 three miles from the valley where the fight occurred, when I 
 heard a loud shout, and on riding forward to ascertain the cause, 
 saw, to my great joy and surprise, that Lilly had made her 
 appearance, suddenly emerging from the woods, and crossing our 
 path. 
 
 The rude miners frightened hey* by their boisterous acclama- 
 tions ; for her quiet, shy manner had won the regard of the men, 
 and they were shaking hands with her and patting her on her 
 shoulders with heavy palms when I reached the circle which sur- 
 rounded her. I feared that she would demonstrate the joy which 
 she felt at our reunion, and thus betray her secret ; but she did 
 not. She only smiled, held out both of her hands, and said, in 
 her native language, 
 
 " Did you miss me much ? " 
 
 " More than words can tell." 
 
 " I thought you would ; " and she made an attempt to conceal 
 the tears which would flow from her eyes. " I want to talk with 
 you alone," she remarked, seeing that two or three men hovered 
 near us. : . 
 
 I sent them away, and then fell back so that no one could hear 
 what was said. 
 
 u I have had a strange adventure," Lilly remarked, when we 
 were alone. " You will hardly believe it. While you were 
 fighting in the valley I was on the hill praying for your success 
 and welfare ; and so much was I occupied that I did not know 
 the Mexicans were stealing on us, until the man who had charge 
 of the wagon fired his rifle and started his mules. Then I saw 
 that I should be captured if I remained where I was, and the 
 robbers would shoot me if I ran down hill. I thought for a mo- 
 ment, and then crawled on my hands and knees in the bushes, 
 
 
384 A WHALEI&Atf's ADVENTURES. 
 
 ' ' . 
 
 and then into the woods, where I secreted myself by piling 
 branches upon me, leaving a little place so that I could look out. 
 I remained quiet, listening to the shouts of men and the firing of 
 rifles, until I was surprised to see four Mexicans pass close to me, 
 running as though they were in a hurry, but stopped close to where 
 I was concealed. While I watched I saw one of the men pull 
 aside some bushes, and look behind them ; and then they stood 
 there listening until they heard the shouts of your men as they 
 reached the top of the hill. Then they laughed, and went into 
 the bushes and disappeared. I was so afraid that I did not 
 dare to speak, for I thought that the robbers would fire at me if I 
 moved. You did not come near me, and none of the men offered 
 to, so I had to remain concealed ; and at last, to my dismay, you 
 left the woods. I should have followed you, but just as L.was 
 about to clear away the branches, one of the robbers thrust his 
 head from the bushes and watched your retreat. Of course I lay 
 perfectly still, but I was terribly afraid that I should be dis- 
 covered and killed. At last the man who was observing your 
 movements spoke to his companions, and then they left the bushes 
 and laughed. They talked for a few minutes, and walked off, 
 going in an opposite direction from your friends. I waited to 
 see if they would return, but as they did not I crept from my 
 place of concealment. At first I thought that I would run to 
 you, but my curiosity prompted me to examine where the robbers 
 had hid. I pushed aside the bushes, but saw nothing ; so I 
 walked on, thrusting aside the brush at every step, and at last I 
 came to a small mound. I did not think that it was worth while 
 to go farther, and I turned back ; but while turning, I put out 
 my hand to steady myself, and seized a young pine. It yielded 
 to my touch and fell ; and then I saw, right before me, directly 
 under the mound, a large hole, big enough for a man, on his hands 
 and knees, to craw r l into. I was frightened, but you know I am 
 curious ; so I crawled into the cave." 
 
 " You are a brave little girl," I said, in admiration of her con- 
 duct. 
 
 Her eyes sparkled at my praise. No wonder she had not 
 recently received much of it. 
 
 " I noticed that the cave grew large as I advanced, and I 
 smelt the fumes of a burning wick, as though the Mexicans had 
 used a caudle while in the place, and had blown it out when they 
 
THE MEXICAN'S CAVE. 385 
 
 got ready to leave. I should like to have learned more, but I 
 did not dare remain and run the risk of the Mexicans' returning." 
 
 It was evident, from, what I had heard, that the Mexicans 
 made the cave a rendezvous for their leisure hours ; and if such 
 was the case, was it not probable that they concealed a large 
 portion of their stolen property there ? 
 
 " Lilly," I said, as we reached the Cross Forks. 
 
 '* Yes," she answered, looking up. 
 
 " Don't mention a word about the cave to any one." 
 
 t" No, I won't." 
 " Not even to our own companions." 
 " I understand," she answered ; and then we were joined by 
 jld Nat, who was in fine spirits after the adventures of the day. 
 
 " Allspice," said he, " do you want me to pick you out a place to 
 camp, on the bank of the river? If you'll jist say the word, I'll 
 find a spot that can't be equalled on the Yuba. I wouldn't do 
 this for every one ; but my boys has taken a shine to you, and I 
 kinder like you ; so we'll have you near us for company." 
 
 " It is a favor that I would ask, if not too much trouble." 
 
 " No trouble, my lad, no trouble. We must help each other 
 sometimes. Near my ranche is a good bar that ain't been worked 
 much. You go there and camp." 
 
 *' Is there any gold there ? " 
 
 " Gold ! " repeated the old man, in tones of astonishment ; " you 
 can't stir the sand without finding gold. You mustn't expect to 
 take it out in handfuls, 'cos that's agin natur ; but the more you 
 dig, the more you'll take out." 
 
 It was near three o'clock when we arrived at old Nat's house. 
 
 While the men were dismounting from their horses, I whis- 
 pered to old Nat, and said, 
 
 " Shall I offer to pay these men for their trouble in saving my 
 traps ? " 
 
 " Don't mention such a thing," was the answer. " They lend 
 one another a helping hand, and don't make- any charge of it. 
 But if" and here old Nat's voice fell " you have a drop of 
 whiskey which you can spare, bring it out, 'cos it's awful hot, and 
 the fellers has worked hard now ain't they?" 
 
 I was glad to oblige them. Once more the ten-gallon keg was 
 made to bleed, and once more the miners drank success to them 
 selves and all their friends, and then to Oregca ; and while they 
 25 
 
 i 
 
B86 A WHALEMAN'S ADVENTURES. 
 
 were doing so, Hardcase started the wagon, and we continued on 
 our journey towards the bar which Nat had pointed out. It was 
 not more than half a mile from the house, on the same side of 
 the river ; and just back of the bar was a fine grove of trees, and 
 amid them we commenced unloading our team and pitching our 
 tents, and before sundown our kettles were on the fire, singing 
 merrily. 
 
 CHAPTER XXIII. 
 
 OUR CAMP ON THE TUBA. THE SEARCH FOR GOLD. A HUNT 
 
 AND WHAT CAME OF IT. 
 
 EVEN before we pitched our tents old Nat had visited us, and 
 gave us friendly advice, lending a helping hand when he could do 
 so, and expatiating upon the beauties of our location. The next 
 afternoon, after the intense heat of the day had passed, we put 
 our two rockers together, and took them to the bar in front of our 
 camp -for trial. Every man was anxious to dig the first gold, 
 yet we did not know how to go to work to insure success. We 
 supposed that any of the sand and dirt would pay, but after wash- 
 ing out some five or six buckets full, we found only a few specks 
 of dust, which induced us to think we had not struck rich dirt. 
 Fortunately for us old Nat and his two sons visited us just at this 
 time, and laughed at our efforts. 
 
 " What is*you fellers at?" the old man asked. " You is wash- 
 ing out dirt what has been through a cradle afore. Didn't you 
 know any better than that?" 
 
 We confessed that we did not. 
 
 " Wai, then, we must show you. See here ; you must skim 
 off the top dirt. Gold don't stop thar. It settles, and goes down 
 and down till it reaches a ledge of rocks, or hard, blue clay. 
 Thar it stops, and thar you must look for it." 
 
 " But suppose we don't find the clay or the rocks until we dig 
 ten feet down?" I asked. 
 
 " Then you must dig to that depth. It's hard, I know, but 
 without labor you'll not find gold. Come, let me show you howr 
 to do it." 
 
THE MINES OF CALIFORNIA. 387 
 
 He took a shovel, and after a careful examination of the bar, 
 commenced work near an elbow of the river, at the foot of a gulch 
 which lay between two high mountains. My men saw that the 
 old man was in earnest, and lent their assistance in rolling 
 out of the way some large stones, and then scraping off the sur-. 
 face gravel. In a short time a space a rod square was cleared, 
 and after going down two feet we reached blue clay. 
 
 " Thar," cried old Nat, " now you can find the dust, if thar's 
 any thar. But it's hard work, and me and my boys is dry, aw- 
 ful dry." 
 
 I understood the hint. I led the way to my tent, and brought 
 out the whiskey keg. All hands took a strong pull at it, and left 
 me. While I was putting away the whiskey Jake burst in upon 
 me like a crazy man. 
 
 "Glory to God!" he shouted; " we found 'em lots of it, 
 too, cap'n." 
 
 "Found what? "I asked. 
 
 " De gold. I see it, and all see it. Whole handful." 
 
 The man found his breath, after a while, to tell me that, after 
 washing out a few buckets of dirt, they had seen considerable gold 
 in the cradle much more than they expected. I hastened to the 
 spot, and found that after panning out the dust, we had secured 
 just one ounce of coarse gold, which was doing remarkably well, 
 and showed that the dirt was rich, and well worth working. 
 
 A week passed away, at the end of which time we found we 
 had made good California wages at gold-digging, averaging some 
 'two hundred dollars per man. Besides this, we had learned much 
 in the short time we had been on the river, and we felt more con- 
 fidence in our resources. We prospected in different places, and 
 found that gold was to be obtained wherever we struck a shovel. 
 We had taken up several claims, and held them in reserve against 
 the time we should require them ; and although people were nock- 
 ing to the mines, yet our claims were not disturbed until we were 
 surrounded by miners, and that happened some months after our 
 commencing gold seeking. 
 
 One morning, about five o'clock, while we were taking our 
 coffee, Sam and Will Baker called to see me, each of them armed 
 with a rifle and revolver. 
 
 " What's in the wind?" I asked, as they sat down, and helped 
 themselves to a dish of coffee. 
 
A WHALEMAN S ADVENTURES. 
 
 We are on a hunt," they said, " and we want you to go 
 i us." 
 
 " What kind of a hunt?" I asked. 
 
 " Wai, principally deer, although there's no tellin* what we 
 shall meet with afore we returns." 
 
 It did not take me long to get ready, and off we went, the two 
 huge dogs, which belonged to old Nat, keeping us company. We 
 had not travelled far before I chanced to look back, and saw Jake 
 dogging my steps. We were then a mile from camp. I stopped, 
 and the guilty-looking negro came towards me. 
 
 " Who told you to come?" I asked. 
 
 " No one, cap'n ; but den I s'posed as you wanted some one to 
 carry de game." 
 
 u But who is to cook the dinner?" 
 
 " O, dat all prepared, and dey can eat 'em widout me." 
 
 v Let him come," said Bill. " He won't do any harm." 
 
 So I agreed to let Jake go with us, and very glad the negro 
 was to hear that such was the result of my deliberation. He 
 pointed in a significant manner to his horse pistols, which he had 
 placed in his belt, and intimated that he would u make 'em tell 
 afore de day was out." We scaled the side of Mount Misery, 
 a steep hill, which separated us from the next valley, and after 
 much sliding, and some bumps and bruises, were enabled once 
 more to follow the course of the river, which we did for a mile or 
 more ; and then we skirted a mountain, whose sides were almost 
 perpendicular, and up which it would have been nearly impossi- 
 ble for a fly to crawl. At the foot were huge pines, and some 
 small oaks, the latter gnarled and stunted, as though crushed by 
 the former. At the foot of one of the latter we sat down to rest. 
 The solitude of the place struck me as extremely oppressive. 
 Probably no human foot had ever trod that dark, gloomy valley 
 before our party had entered it, and certainly none would desire 
 to, walled in as it was between the mountains, whose towering 
 heights prevented the sun's rays from penetratiag until near noon. 
 I could conceive of no place more suitable for the home of grisly 
 bears, and I said so. - 
 
 " Wai, I s'pect they is near here," remarked Sam, in a cool, 
 lazy manner, as he lighted his pipe, and puffed out huge volumes 
 of smoke. 
 
 During the time we rested, I noticed that the dogs had 
 
THE MARKS OF A GRISLY. 389 
 
 crouched at our feet, in obedience to commands ; but at the same 
 time they had manifested strong symptoms of rebellion, fretting 
 for a dash into the woods, and uttering low, savage growls, be- 
 cause they were restrained of their liberty. When, therefore, we 
 arose to our feet, the dogs bounded forward with delight ; but 
 Sam speedily recalled them. 
 
 " You poor fools," he said, addressing the brutes, " do you 
 want to be chawed up in less than no time ? If you do, just run 
 right plump into the mouth of a bear. That's all you've got 
 to do." 
 
 I thought that the animals looked as though they were willing 
 to take their chance of the encounter, for they were of the bull- 
 dog breed, tough and wiry, with courage which no man could 
 doubt. We penetrated the forest of pines. The trees did not 
 stand close together. They were in clusters, with some vacant 
 spaces between them, as though the monarchs of the forest did 
 not brook familiarity, but preferred to stand alone. In these 
 vacant spaces were *oaks, bearing acorns, such as the Indians 
 gather for their winter supply of food. On these acorns bears 
 feed, but I was not aware of it at the time. We had passed one 
 or two of these places, when Sam pointed to a pine, and called 
 my attention to it. The bark was torn off in large strips, as 
 though done with a hatchet, and the fragments lay scattered 
 around the trunk of the tree. It looked as though it had been 
 chopped into little pieces. 
 
 u What do you think of that? " asked Sam. " Ain't that an 
 exhibition of power?" 
 
 I asked for an explanation. 
 
 " That's the mark of a grisly," he said. " Some old feller has 
 been sharpening his claws on that tree. While he was doing it 
 he got kinder mad, and bit things, and I s'pose afore he was 
 through, he was ready to fight any one, even if it had been his 
 own daddy. Go smell 'em, Bose." 
 
 One o.f the dogs approached the tree, smelt of it, turned up his 
 nose, and then uttered a low growl, as though he would like to 
 catch sight of an animal that sharpened its claws in that manner. 
 
 " Come along," cried Sam ; u we'll find that bear afore long." 
 
 " But don't you tink," said Jake, " dat it would be better if 
 de bar come in search of us, instead our goin' in search of da 
 bar?" 
 
390 A WHALEMAN'S ADVENTURES. 
 
 " What ! are you afeard ? " demanded the boys, who were 
 anxious for a little sport. -'* 
 
 " No, I's not afeard ; but den I don't tink dat it's best to be 
 too for'ard in dis matter. Let de bars alone, and den dey let 
 you alone." 
 
 We laughed and passed on ; but I thought Jake had spoken 
 words of wisdom, and wished that my companions had heeded 
 them. As far as I was concerned 1 did not care to take any ac- 
 tive part in the hunt ; but if I had said so, it would have been 
 known to every miner on the river. 
 
 " Don't be too anxious," said Sam, speaking to me. " We 
 might stumble on a feller afore we knows it, and then you'd be 
 snapped up in no time." 
 
 I was glad of this advice, because it showed that they had not 
 detected my reluctance to engage in the hunt. 
 
 " Why don't you turn the dogs loose?" I asked. " If there's 
 a bear in these woods, they will be sure to find him." 
 
 " And the cuss would kill the dogs afore we could get to 'em. 
 But I's a good mind to try it. What do you say, Bill? " 
 
 " Remember what the old man told us, Sam. If we lose the 
 dogs, we'll get particular thunder." 
 
 u We'll run the risk, by jingo ; " and as he spoke the young men 
 loosened the straps of hide which were fastened to the collars of 
 the animals, and away they bounded towards a clump of bushes ; 
 and just as we were preparing to follow them, I heard a roar 
 like thunder, and then caught sight of the two dogs, retreating 
 towards us, closely pursued by a monster, all black and white, 
 shaggy, and strong, large as a cow, and twice as heavy. It was 
 a grisly. 
 
 " De debil," yelled Jake, jerking out his horse pistols, and 
 firing them ; and then he struck for an oak tree, and that was the 
 last I saw of him for some time. 
 
 When the animal was first discovered, he was not more than 
 three rods from me ; consequently I had to do my thinking mighty 
 quick, and make up my mind whether I should run or stand up 
 to the rack like a hero, and be clawed in less than two minutes. 
 I concluded to run, but not until I had fired, and this I did in a 
 great hurry ; and I had the satisfaction of seeing the fur fly from 
 the bear's head, but it made no difference in checking the speed of 
 the monster. On he came, and back I went, turning like a flash 
 
THE GRISLY HUNTS US. 391 
 
 of lightning, and running like a race-horse ; and as I sped on I 
 had the satisfaction of seeing Bill and Sam take aim, and heard 
 them discharge their rifles ; but I did not stop to see with what 
 eftect. I think, however, that the bear did not stop ; for I have 
 a distinct recollection that the Oregonians suddenly ranged along- 
 side of me and attempted to take the lead, but my legs were too 
 quick for that ; so I put on steam, and as I did so I glanced over 
 my shoulder, and saw that the bear had stopped at the foot of the 
 tree on which Jake was posted ; and the reason for such a halt, 
 which was acceptable to us, was because Jake had shouted in 
 loud tones, 
 
 " Golly ! don't run away and leave dis child all alone. Don't 
 act as cowardly as all dat. Stick by me." 
 
 The dark-complexioned gentleman seemed to have forgotten 
 that he had run first for the purpose of saving his skin, and that 
 we had followed his example with the best of motives. But his 
 strong appeal stayed the course of the bear, and enabled us to 
 pick out trees near each other, and to climb them ; but we were 
 compelled to leave our rifles on the ground, and trust them to the 
 mercy of the bear, and our existence to the efficacy of our re- 
 volvers. 
 
 It did not take me long to reach the first limb of a pine 
 tree, and after I had obtained a seat glanced around to notice 
 the position of my companions, and found that they were safe, 
 perched on the boughs of trees near me, and apparently quite 
 contented with their situations, although I noticed with extreme 
 regret that they were several feet higher than myself. 
 
 In the mean time the bear stopped and cast long and wishful 
 glances at Jake, and such delicate attention nearly drove the 
 negro frantic. % 
 
 After one or two growls, as though undecided what to do, the 
 bear came towards our trees, and when within a rod of us, halted, 
 squatted on his haunches, and looked up at his prisoners, as much 
 as to intimate that he knew he had us, and was determined to enjoy 
 our position ; but while he was thus licking his chops, and utter- 
 ing some gentle growls, which sounded as though he had a cold, 
 caught by staying out late nights, the two dogs, which must have 
 had some good training, silently crept up and attacked the grisly's 
 rear, and I think they nipped him with -their teeth, for the bear 
 uttered a roar that made the trees tremble, and turning, aimed a 
 
392 A WHALEMAN'S ADVENTURES. 
 
 blow at one dog which would have felled an ox, but the animal 
 was too quick. He dodged and retreated, and then the second 
 cur was chased a short distance ; but as he could run two feet to 
 to grisly's one, of course he escaped ; and the bear, seeing that 
 pursuit was useless, turned and came towards us, growling and 
 grumbling as though disgusted with such trifling. 
 
 u Look here," I said, hailing Sam and Bill, who were chewing 
 tobacco, and composedly squirting the juice at the eyes of the 
 bear, but not hitting within ten feet, " do you call this huntiug 
 grislies ? " 
 
 " We don't call it anything else," was the reply. 
 
 "I think that it looks as though the grisly was hunting us," I 
 remarked. 
 
 " Wai, 'tis open to that objection," Bill answered ; and just at 
 that moment the bear walked near the tree as though to hear 
 more distinctly, and while he was cocking up one eye, Bill let fly 
 about a gill of juice, strong as cavendish tobacco could make it. 
 The saliva struck old bruin on the eye that was upturned, and 
 such impoliteness was followed by a roar that partook of rage, 
 pain, and fright, all combined. 
 
 The bear rolled over on his back. He kicked and wiped his 
 face he clawed it, and bit the ground ; and while he was suf- 
 fering so much, the dogs once more attacked him, and the rascals 
 bit his rump most unmercifully, to Jake's great delight. For a 
 short time there was a confused mass of leaves, dirt, fur, and 
 broken branches ; and then from a circle up in the air flew a 
 dog, and when he struck the earth lost no time in seeking safe- 
 ty in flight. His companion followed suit, and then the bear re- 
 moved as much of the tobacco from its eye as possible, sat on 
 its haunches, ^and growled at us. 
 
 " Are we to stay here all day?" I asked. 
 
 " We shall unless we can kill the cuss," was the answer. 
 
 I did not wait for further light. I drew my revolver, took 
 careful aim, and fired. I saw the ball strike the monster's breast ; 
 and in return he gave us a very fair specimen of boxing, rearing 
 up on his hind legs and waving his fore ones, as though he ex- 
 pected a blow, and was prepared to ward it off, even if it came 
 as quick as lightning. 
 
 " What in thunder are we to do ? " I asked of my companions. 
 
 " O, take it easy/' was the reply. 
 
TREED BY A BEAR. 393 
 
 " But the blasted bear will starve us to death." 
 
 ** I shouldn't wonder," was the answer. 
 
 Perhaps I had better have remained silent, for the monster 
 turned and came towards my tree, grumbling and shaking his 
 head in an angry manner. He looked up at me, then stood 
 on his hind legs, laid his fore paws against the trunk of the tree, 
 and faith, commenced moving towards me, but at such a slow 
 rate, owing to his size, that I thought he would tire of it before he 
 reached the bough on which I was seated. 
 
 Heavens, how old bruin snorted as he worked his way up the 
 tree 1 His breathing sounded like the puffing of a high-pressure 
 steamer, and his breath was hot and far from perfumed, for I 
 could smell it even where I sat, looking down at the monster. 
 I was fascinated by the grisly's movements his blazing eyes 
 and foaming jaws ; and as the bark which he had ground be- 
 tween his teeth had colored the froth issuing from his mouth, it 
 resembled blood, and added a terrible interest to the rascal's open 
 countenance. 
 
 I think that the bear had climbed about two feet from the ground, 
 when the dogs made another rush, biting his rear in such a vigor- 
 ous manner that the old fellow could not stand the pressure ; and 
 once more he dropped to the earth, and made an angry rush for 
 his tormentors. Of course they vanished in an instant, and after 
 feeling satisfied that such was the case, bruin once more turned 
 towards his human enemies ; but this time, by some mistake, he 
 struck the tree upon which Jake was perched, and commenced 
 nearing the negro, to the great terror of the latter. 
 
 " Now, Jake, look out," said Bill ; and he fired at the bear. 
 The animal was about three feet from the ground, and seemed to 
 be at a perfect stand-still, unable to advance, and unwilling to 
 recede. 
 
 The ball struck the animal near the fore shoulder, and must 
 have broken some of his bones, for he released his hold of the 
 tree and tumbled to the ground, falling upon his back ; but he 
 only lay in this position for a- few moments. The dogs again ad- 
 vanced to attack him, and this insult added new fury to his rage. 
 He was up and striking at them to the right, but I noticed that 
 he did not use his left paw, and that he growled when he rested 
 on it, as though the pain was more the^n he could bear without 
 manifesting some feeling;. 
 
394 A WHALEMAN'S ADVENTURES. 
 
 As usual, the dogs vanished the instant there was a chance for a 
 free fight, and then the bear licked his wounds, smelt of them, and 
 gathered new rage by the act. He looked up and saw Jake, 
 and that look was sufficient to make the darky shake in his 
 shoes. 
 
 " Gemmen," he said, with chattering teeth, " please kill dat 
 ole cuss afore he gets at dis nigger. He's arter me, I know. He 
 links I's more tender dan de rest ob you." 
 
 We could not withstand that appeal. Three revolvers cracked 
 at the same time, and three balls struck the bear. His rage was 
 terrible. He tore up the ground in all directions, and howled 
 until the valley re-echoed his cries. 
 
 I could not help pitying the brute, for his great courage made 
 me respect him. But our lives were more precious than his ; so 
 death was sure to overtake him. We knew that he would not 
 leave us, yet all felt that the work was nearly finished, and that 
 death would relieve the brute of , his suffering. Once more we 
 fired. The bear received the balls with a shudder. Fresh 
 wounds were opened, and fresh streams of blood flowed to the 
 ground. Flesh and muscle could not stand it. The monster 
 sunk upon his haunches, and looked around with an expression 
 as though asking what we meant by such treatment. But he had 
 not lost all his fierceness. He still shook his head and growled, 
 and when the dogs ventured near him mustered strength enough 
 to aim a blow at them, and to pursue them a few steps. But it 
 could not last. Down he went with a crash, made a desperate 
 effort to .rise, failed, and then tumbled upon his side, and as he 
 went over the dogs fastened upon him ; but the old veteran was 
 not entirely powerless. By a sudden blow he struck one of the 
 curs, and sent him howling through the air, to the great indigna- 
 tion of Sam and Bill. So mad were they that they once more 
 fired, and the shots seemed to have finished the career of the 
 brute. His head drooped, his legs straightened out, he gave a 
 gasp, and was motionless. 
 
 " Hurrah for us ! " yelled Jake. " We finished 'em at last ; " 
 and down the tree slid the negro. 
 
 After gaining terra firma he danced " Juba" for a few minutes, 
 keeping time with his hands, and still dancing approached the 
 bear. 
 
 **Yer dUn't get a chance at dis nigger did yer?" asked 
 
A DEAD BEAR. 395 
 
 the fellow, with an insulting gesture and a kick. Then turn- 
 ing, he called to us, " Come down. Don't you be afeard. He's 
 a goner." 
 
 He stood with his back to the bear as he spoke, and the insults 
 which he had heaped upon the animal seemed to have recalled 
 its life, for it suddenly raised its head, lifted its paw, and with 
 one mighty blow tore away the seat of Jake's trousers. With a 
 yell, loud and piercing, the negro bounded into the air, clapped 
 both hands behind him, and run for the nearest tree, shrieking for 
 help. But there was no occasion for assistance. It was the last, 
 expiring effort of the bear. We left the shelter of the trees, and 
 gathered around our prize, wondering at the strength of its limbs, 
 the length and massiveness of its teeth, and the enormous bulk 
 which it presented. We skinned the monster, and having slung 
 the pelt upon two sticks, placed the latter upon our shoulders, 
 and commenced our march for home. It was terrible hard work, 
 creeping over the mountains, with a skin which weighed more 
 than a hundred pounds ; but we accomplished it, and reached 
 camp just at sundown. 
 
 The morning after the bear hunt, I noticed that the faces of my 
 men wore a jubilant expression, as though they had heard some 
 good news ; but as they did not immediately communicate it to 
 me, I supposed that it was nothing that affected my interest. 
 Besides, I was too tired to ask many questions. The hunt had 
 used me up, and I felt as though I wanted rest. But after 
 breakfast Will and Jack lighted their pipes, and sat down by 
 my side under a tree, near our tents. They looked so mys- 
 terious that I was inclined to think something strange had hap- 
 pened, and I was not long left to conjecture what it was. 
 
 44 While you was gone, yesterday," said Jack, " somethin* hap- 
 pened to us." 
 
 " Something of importance," chimed in Lilly, who "was close 
 at hand. 
 
 " Something that will make you stare," remarked Will. 
 
 44 Only us knows it," continued Jack. 
 
 44 No one else," echoed Will. 
 
 44 Now tell me what you mean," I cried, looking from one to 
 the other in astonishment. 
 
 44 You tell him, Will," said Jack. t4 You can do it ship-shape." 
 
 " I will," answered the lad. u You see, sir, after you was 
 
396 A WHALEMAN S ADVENTURES. 
 
 gone, yesterday, we went to work as usual, until about eleven 
 o'clock, when the kanakas knocked off labor, and laid down under 
 a tree. It was hot, and no mistake, and we were all thinking of 
 following the kanakas' example, when Miss Lilly paid us a visit." 
 
 " Yes, yes ; go on," cried the girl, impatiently. 
 
 " She sat down, looked at us for a few minutes, and then said 
 she wanted to try her hand at digging for gold. * We laughed at 
 her, but she insisted, and at last we consented. She took the 
 smallest pickaxe, struck a few blows into the earth, and then " 
 
 " I found this," cried Lilly, taking from a bag a large lump of 
 pure gold, and placing it in my hands. 
 
 I was so astonished that "I could only look at the girl and at 
 the gold, bewildered at the magnitude of the treasure which she 
 had found. 
 
 " I knew you would be surprised," laughed Lilly. " I wanted 
 to tell you last night, but you were so tired that we all agreed to 
 postpone it until this morning. Now, ain't you glad ? " 
 
 Of course I was pleased, for the lump of gold, which was 
 entirely free of foreign substances, was the handsomest specimen 
 that I had seen, and weighed within a few ounces of six pounds 
 troy. 
 
 " We thought it best to say nothing about it, sir," Will con- 
 tinued. " Even the kanakas don't know it. We don't want the 
 miners crowding round us, and staking out claims near our bar. 
 Now, I think that we caa keep the secret. At least we can try it." 
 
 CHAPTER XXIV. 
 
 JOQUIN'S CAVE. A BARGAIN. AN EXPLORATION. DEAD 
 MEN. A RATTLESNAKE. FASCINATED. TREASURES OF THE 
 
 CAVE. 
 
 FOR several days we had heard nothing of the doings of Joquin, 
 and his gang of robbers. So I thought it high time to visit the cave 
 which Lilly had discovered, and see if large stores of treasure 
 were not concealed there. But first I consulted as to the ex- 
 pediency of informing old Nat of my project, and obtaining his 
 
MAKING A BARGAIN. 397 
 
 powerful aid. The more I thought of the matter, the more in- 
 clined I was to trust him ; and when I had settled on the right 
 course to pursue, sent Jake over to the old man's ranche, with 
 a request for the Oregonian's company for a short time. He 
 readily obeyed the summons, for he smelt whiskey as soon as the 
 message was received. Therefore, in a few minutes old Nat was 
 grasping my hand in his hard palm, and licking his lips in anticipa- 
 tion of the drink which he knew I would invite him to. 
 . "What is it, my hearty?" he asked, as he threw back his 
 head, and drank something from a quart p9t which Jake handed 
 him. 
 
 " Uncle Nat/ 5 I said, " I have a secret which I wish to con- 
 fide to you, and I want your assistance." 
 
 " Well, fire away ; " and the old man once more looked at the 
 tin pot, snuffed it, and put it down with a sigh. I motioned to 
 Jake, and the negro once more tapped the keg, and gave some of 
 its contents to the trapper. A pleased smile stole over his rough 
 face as he wet his lips, and then prepared to listen to what I had 
 to say. 
 
 " You recollect the time we gave the Mexicans a touch of our 
 quality?" 
 
 "Don't I?" 
 
 " Well, on that day my boy was lost." 
 
 " I know. You was terribly puckered about it, and wanted to 
 go off arter him." 
 
 " Yes, but I did not, because we picked him up an hour after 
 he was lost." 
 
 " Yes, I recollect." 
 
 " Well, while he was absent he saw some Mexicans go into a 
 cave, and that was the reason we could not find them." 
 
 " I see. Go on." 
 
 " Now I have been thinking that we had better visit that cave, 
 and see what it contains. If we find anything of value, iTow shall 
 we share it ? " 
 
 " Halves," answered the veteran. 
 
 u No, that would not be fair. You furnish your two sons, and 
 then you shall ha\e one third of all that we capture." 
 
 The old man mused on the offer. He thought of the risk, and 
 the advantages, and then closed with the proposition. 
 
 < 4 I'll do it," he said. " When shall we start?" 
 
398 A WHALEMAN'S ADVENTURES. 
 
 " To-morrow morning, at an early hour." 
 
 " Good. I'll be ready. But not a word of this to the other 
 fellers on the river. We must keep mum." 
 
 " I understand. We can say that we have gone out on the 
 prairies for cattle." 
 
 " Yes, so we can. Now I'll go home and get ready, 'ccs if we 
 meet the Mexicans we shall have to fight for it." 
 
 I selected Mr. Topmall and Will to accompany me, besides 
 Lilly to guide us to the cave. All of us were mounted, and all 
 excepting Lilly carried rifles and revolvers. Those I left in camp 
 had not the slightest idea where we were going. I feared that 
 they might talk of it, and thus expose the -Vrhole project. We 
 joined old Nat and his sons at the ranche, and left the house 
 about five o'clock, before the dew was off the grass, and before 
 the sun had shown its hot face in the valley. On we dashed, 
 and at last the woods, which Lilly had fled through, were gained. 
 We saw nothing suspicious near them. No signs of Mexicans or 
 Indians, although we scouted in all directions in search of fresh 
 trails, and then met beneath a huge pine, and reported to old 
 Nat that the coast was clear, and the veteran gave the word to 
 push on. Not for a moment did Lilly hesitate about the course 
 to*the cave. She pointed out the way as confidently as though 
 she had lived in the vicinity all her life, and knew each tree and 
 bush by name. At last she stopped, and pointed to a heap of 
 dried branches. 
 
 " Under those," she said, " I concealed myself when the Mexi- 
 cans entered the woods." 
 
 u And the cave ? " I asked. 
 
 She dismounted from her horse, and we followed her example. 
 She led the way through a thicket, the twigs of which looked as 
 though a deer had broken them in passing or browsing. We 
 pushed on, and a few paces brought us to the quartz mount which 
 Lilly had spoken of. As yet I saw no evidence of the cave. I 
 only saw a few dead bushes, and those were piled up in a heap, in 
 a careless manner, as though some one had contemplated setting 
 them on fire, and had abandoned the purpose for some cause. 
 
 " Whar's the cave, youngster?" asked old Nat, with a sarcastic 
 grin upon his face. He began to doubt her power to find it. 
 
 " Wait a moment," she answered ; and then she commenced 
 throwing aside the branches. Will and Sam assisted her, and in 
 
JOQUIN'S CAVE. 399 
 
 B few seconds what we sought was before us. The entrance was 
 not larger than the end of a barrel, dark and gloomy ; but still 
 there was evidence that it had been inhabited, for on the ground 
 we picked up a silver bell button, such as Mexicans wear upon 
 the legs of their trousers. . 
 
 " Wai, by hokey ! " ejaculated old Nat, with an expression of 
 wonder upon his face. 
 
 " There is the cave," I said. " Shall we enter it? " 
 
 " Of course," all cried, in one breath. But who would lead 
 the way was the question. 
 
 We looked at each other, and then at the dark entrance to the 
 cave. No one spoke. How did we know but that the place was 
 filled with Mexicans, who would pick us off, one by one, as we 
 entered ? 
 
 " Here, Bose," cried old Nat to one of the dogs which we had 
 brought with us. 
 
 The animal went to him. It was only necessary to point a 
 finger. The dog understood him. He entered the cave, was 
 gone one or two minutes, and then returned, his tail between his 
 legs, and every appearance of abject terror in his looks. The 
 animal was naturally bold. He did not exhibit signs of courage 
 now. 
 
 " What does this mean ? " roared old Nat, looking around upon 
 the group which surrounded him. 
 
 We could not answer the question. It puzzled us as much as 
 it did our leader. 
 
 " Go in, Bose," said Nat ; but the dog shrank away in spite of 
 threats and blows. 
 
 " Blame me, if this don't beat all creation ! " muttered Bill, 
 with a look of wonder upon his freckled face. 
 
 " It's the fust time that dog ever refused to go anywhere," said 
 its owner, in tones of astonishment. 
 
 " Wai, dad, it shan't be said that one of the family was afeard," 
 cried Bill. u I'll lead the way and see what's in thar." 
 
 The father thought of the matter for a moment, and then gave 
 his consent. He lighted a caudle, and with a revolver in his 
 breast, and the candle in his hand, Bill started on his explora- 
 tions. We waited one, two, three minutes, and then heard a yell 
 which satisfied us that Bill had encountered something of an ex- 
 traordinary nature. Was it a yell of triumph, or a cry of fear? 
 
400 A WHALEMAN'S ADVENTURES. 
 
 The question was soon solved. While we waited, listening eagerly 
 for more demonstrations, we saw Bill's head, and then his body, 
 emerge from the cave.' His face was pale, and his limbs trem- 
 bled as he gained his feet and looked at us. 
 
 " Bill, my son," asked the father, in a soothing tone, " what 13 
 the matter with you ? " 
 
 " I seed, dad, O, I seed " 
 
 " What, you fool?" roared the affectionate parent. 
 
 " Two fellers what is dead, and ain't got no clothes on. I seed 
 their ribs and bones, and then I dropped the candle, and left in a 
 hurry." 
 
 The old man looked at his son in a scornful manner, and then 
 lighted a candle. 
 
 u Come on," he said. "I'll show you "that I ain't afeard. 
 Allspice, you foller me." 
 
 We left Bill and Lilly outside to keep guard, and the rest of us 
 entered the cave, crawling on our hands and knees for some dis- 
 tance ; the light of our candles disturbing several bats, which flew 
 over our heads and dashed at our lights, extinguishing one or 
 two, and provoking oaths of the most emphatic character from 
 old Nat and Mr. Topmall. 
 
 " On we goes," cried old Nat ; and after relighting our candles, 
 crept along until we were suddenly stopped by a suppressed 
 oath from our leader, and a peculiar whirring sound, like that 
 produced by a child's rattle. 
 
 " What is the matter?" I asked. 
 
 " Matter ! " repeated old Nat ; " why, there's a cussed big rat- 
 tlesnake, standing on its tail, all ready for a jump, within ten 
 feet of me. That's what's the matter. Don't move, or the reptile 
 will make a spring. We must deal gently with him. Jist keep 
 quiet, and I'll see what can be done." 
 
 I obeyed his instructions, but those behind me did not. They 
 commenced retreating as rapidly as possible ; and I would have 
 done the same if it had not been through shame from deserting 
 the brave man in front of me^ 
 
 " Are you still near me?" asked Nat. 
 
 Yes." 
 
 " Wai, don't make a noise. Keep quite cool, and we'll yet 'fix 
 the varmint. He ain't goin* to make a spring jist yet, 'cos he 
 don't like the looks of this lighted candle. He's a little fearful 
 
FASCINATED. 401 
 
 of it. I've got my eyes on him, and I's watchin* all his motions. 
 O, I tell you he does look putty ; that's a fact. If I could only 
 get my revolver out, I might shoot him ; b-u-t I c-a-n-'t. He 
 looks all covered with sparkles diamonds I don't fear 
 him " 
 
 He paused as though lost in astonishment and admiration at 
 the spectacle before him. The last few words which he had ut- 
 tered were so disconnected, and spoken in such a monotonous 
 tone that I was astonished, and feared he was falling asleep. He 
 no longer seemed to have care or fear he was indifferent to his 
 own fate and that of others. 
 
 " Nat," I said, in a low tone ; but he paid no attention to my 
 voice. 
 
 As I spoke I heard the ominous rattle of the snake's tail, as 
 though the reptile was an'gry at the sound of my voice. 
 
 The old man did not move. He did not even answer me. 
 
 " Nat," I said ; and I spoke louder this time. 
 
 There was no response, although once more I heard the rattles 
 and an angry hiss. The snake did not like my interference. 
 What did the silence on the part of old Nat mean? It alarmed 
 me. I touched him, but he took no notice of me. I raised my 
 body as high as possible, and looked over his shoulders. Pie still 
 held the lighted candle in his hand, but I noticed that the arm 
 was rigid, as though stiffened by a stroke of paralysis. 
 
 As I raised my head the snake uttered an angry hiss, and its 
 eyes were like flaming carbuncles. Its head swayed back and 
 forth, and its tongue quivered like an aspen leaf, and while look- 
 ing I suddenly heard Lilly's voice at the entrance to the cave, 
 calling on me to come out and save myself. 
 
 Her voice aroused me to thoughtfulness. I no longer looked 
 at the snake, and as soon as I averted my eyes, the old feeling 
 of dread and disgust took possession of me. I should have in- 
 stantly made my escape, but would not leave old Nat behind. 
 
 u Come," I said, speaking so loud that he could not help hear- 
 ing me. 
 
 As I spoke I laid a hand upon his shoulder ; but he did not 
 move. Suddenly it came to my mind that the man was under the 
 influence of the snake. What could I do? Old Nat was in- 
 capable of helping himself, and I would not desert him. There 
 was but one way, and that I could attempt. If I failed, my friend 
 26 
 
402 A WHALEMAN'S ADVENTURES. 
 
 and myself were liable to be destroyed. If I succeeded we 
 were safe. 
 
 I nerved myself for a task. I took from my belt the revol- 
 ver which I carried, cocked it, and rested my elbow on old Nat's 
 back ; then aiming at the fiery head of the snake, I fired. The 
 report was deafening. The candle dropped from the old man's 
 hand, and we were left in darkness and smoke ; but before I could 
 move I felt my friend's body tremble, and then a sigh, as though 
 of relief, escaped him. 
 
 " Thank God," he ejaculated, as though from the bottom of 
 his heart. " You didn't do that none too soon." 
 
 " Is the snake dead?" I asked, anxious and excited. 
 
 " His head is all smashed up. But I can't talk now. I want 
 some air, and a drop of whiskey. I'm all of a tremble." 
 
 The man was shaking as though suffering from an attack of 
 ague. 
 
 We commenced retreating out of the cave. Old Nat moved 
 rather slow, but at last succeeded in reaching the air, and it 
 seemed to revive him, or, if that did not, about half a pint of 
 whiskey did. 
 
 "Boys," said the old fellow, "I don't know what come over 
 me arter I had looked at that snake a bit. It seemed as though 
 I couldn't turn my eyes. It was a putty sight. I never seed a 
 handsomer one in my life. The cuss was all speckled over with 
 sparkles like gold dust, and the more I looked the more I wanted 
 to. I've heerd tell of sich things, but I never 'spected to meet 
 with 'em." 
 
 " Did you know that I was near you ? " I asked. 
 
 u Yes, I could feel you all the time; but, to tell the truth, I 
 wanted you out of the way, 'cos I feared you would stop the fun 
 I was having in lookin* at the varmint." 
 
 Once more we lighted the candles, and again commenced our 
 preparations for the exploration of the cave. Before we entered, 
 however, we took a drink of whiskey, and the liquor inspired 
 Sam with so much courage, that he volunteered to. enter the cave 
 and bring out the body of the rattlesnake, and see that no more 
 of the same kind were in our path. This proposition was ac- 
 cepted, and the bold young fellow crawled in, and in five minutes 
 returned with the snake which I had slain. It was five feet long, 
 and had ten rattles. The shot which I fired had passed through 
 
IN THE CAVE. 403 
 
 Its head, just below the eye, and killed the reptile almost in- 
 stantly. 
 
 Again we entered the cave, in the same manner as before, with 
 lighted candles, and on our hands and knees. We crept cautiously, 
 looking to the right and left, for fear that we should encounter 
 another snake, but did not ; and after crawling for some twenty feet, 
 sud lenly emerged into a spacious cave, large enough to hold thirty 
 men, with ease. We raised our lights and- looked around us, and 
 although we were somewhat prepared for the scene which met our 
 eyes, yet we could not repress a shudder, for our glances fell on 
 two skeletons, both lying upon the earth, with hands folded upon 
 their breasts, as though they had died praying. There was no 
 clothing on the upper part of the bodies. The flesh had fallen 
 from the bones, and the grinning skulls appeared to welcome 
 us to their strange sepulchre with a unanimity far from pleasing. 
 After satisfying our curiosity, as far as the dead were concerned, 
 we commenced an examination of the premises. We found boxes 
 of claret wines, stolen from the stores of miners and traders, two 
 bundles of jerked beef, some garlic, olive oil, and other things 
 which were not of much use to the thieves. But we found no 
 gold, although we examined every article that was in the cave. 
 We began to think that the Mexicans were too shrewd to leave 
 their valuables behind them, and gave up the search ; but Will 
 continued it, and at last commenced stirring some dirt-which he 
 found in one corner of the cave. We watched him without in- 
 terest, but all at once he uttered a shout which brought every one 
 to his feet. 
 
 u I've found something ! " he said ; and in a few minutes he 
 moved from the dirt a tin box such a one as Boston crackers 
 are packed in. 
 
 " Rip it open ! " shouted Bill and Sam ; and they crowded up to 
 see the contents, but we forced them back until all hands were 
 close to the two skeletons, the horrible grins of which were un- 
 noticed by the excited men, all strongly impressed with the belief 
 that a rich prize had been discovered. 
 
 " Open ! open ! " was the cry ; but for a moment the fastening 
 to the box could not be forced, and while Will was searching for 
 it, we were startled by hearing a groan of so unearthly a char- 
 acter, that we imagined that the fiends of the other world had 
 visited the cave for the purpose of making us relinquish our prize. 
 
404 A WHALEMAN'S ADVENTURES. 
 
 "What's that? "asked old Nat, with a slight tremor in the 
 tones of his voice, while Will stopped his work to listen. 
 
 There was no answer to old Nat's pertinent question. Who 
 could reply to it? The sound did not seem of this world. 
 
 " Open the box if the devil stands at the door ! " roared old 
 Nat. " It's full of gold dust. I know it is by the weight. Rip 
 it open ! " 
 
 But as Will was about to obey the order, to our intense con- 
 sternation, a second groan, more loud than the first, greeted our 
 ears, and one or two rushed for the passage-way, as though to 
 leave in a hurry ; but old Nat recalled them. 
 
 " Fools ! " he shouted ; " what is you afeard of? The devil 
 will get you in the open air just as quick as he can here. Don't 
 be afeard I ain't." 
 
 But in spite of the man's brave words, he showed some signs 
 of agitation, and, I must confess, if it had not been for the love 
 of gold, all of us would have left the cave in short order. Curi- 
 osity and hope of gain alone kept us there. We looked at each 
 other, as though attempting to fathom the mysterious sounds 
 which we heard ; but I could see nothing but astonishment de- 
 picted upon the faces around me. Had the Mexicans left the 
 dead to guard the treasure? and were the dead performing their 
 duty in as gentle a manner as possible ? The groans were faint 
 reminders that we were trespassing. If we persisted, what was 
 to come next? 
 
 " Blast the grunts ! " cried old Nat, as soon as we recovered 
 from our astonishment; " Open the box. I'll do it if the dead 
 vagabonds rise up and oppose me." 
 
 He rushed forward to seize the box, but had to pass the 
 skeletons in so doing. It seemed to me as though something 
 Ireadful was about to happen, and therefore my eyes were turned 
 towards the dead bodies. What was my horror to see the 
 bony arm of one of them raised in a slow, cautious manner until 
 it had reached an altitude of forty-five degrees, then it paused 
 a moment, waved two or three times in a threatening manner, 
 and fell with a crash ! This was too much for old Nat. He 
 uttered an oath, dashed his candle to the earth, and rushed 
 for the passage that led to the open air, and would have gained 
 it if some others had not been before him ; so there was a jam, a 
 struggle, and an immense amount of fearful oaths, and yet no 
 

 AN AWFUL SCENE. . 405 
 
 one could escape. The only candle left burning was the one held 
 by Mr. Topmall. I had dropped mine, and stood staring at the- 
 skeletons with astonishment and terror combined. Perhaps I 
 was too much alarmed to speak or run, although I know that. I 
 most sincerely wished that I was on the bank of the Yuba dig- 
 "ging gold, instead of stealing it in a cave. In the mean time old 
 Nat nearly forgot his terror, and blasphemed in his usual lively 
 style. 
 
 " You infernal brutes ! " he yelled, " if you don't get off of me 
 I'll cut some of your throats I will, by the jumping jingo ! " 
 
 There was no response to this stirring appeal. Bill and Sam 
 seemed to disregard the feelings of their respected parent, and 
 while they were struggling I thought I saw a chance for es- 
 cape. I rushed forward to improve it, but just at that mo- 
 ment a heavy hand was laid upon my shoulder, and I was held 
 back. I turned, expecting to see a grinning skeleton by my 
 side, but to my surprise I only saw the smiling face of Mr. Top- 
 mall. 
 
 " Don't be afeard," he said ; " it was me. 'Twan't one of the 
 dead fellers. It was one of my tricks to try 'em." 
 
 I looked at Jack, and then at the two skeletons lying on the 
 ground. Could it be possible that the former had managed in 
 such an adroit way as to frighten us almost into fits by his un- 
 earthly groans and demonstrations? 
 
 " Yes, sir ; I did it," said the man, in a whisper. " I jist 
 wanted to try 'em. No harm done, you know." 
 
 I was not so certain of that, for near me was a surging, rav- 
 ing mass, struggling to escape, and there was a fair prospect that 
 all would ultimately succeed. 
 
 " Jist hear me give 'em one," said Jack, when he saw that we 
 were likely to be left alone, with the exception of Will, who, in 
 spite of his terror, would not leave me, for fear I should be spir- 
 ited away, and lost to him forever. 
 
 u Yes, I must give 'em one for the fun of the thing," continued 
 Jack ; and he did produce the most awful groan that I ever heard,, 
 it was so unearthly. 
 
 " They is arter us," yelled Sam ; and he renewed his efforts to 
 escape, even crowding his father in doing so ; but the old man 
 launched out with one foot and kept the boy at a respectful dis 
 tance ; so in a few minutes they passed from sight. 
 
406 A WHALEMAN'S ADVENTURES. 
 
 "That's good groaning ain't it?" chuckled Jack, who waa 
 highly amused at the success of his experiment. 
 
 " Yes ; but the next time you practise, let me ask as a favor 
 that I know something of it beforehand. I don't want you to 
 enjoy all the fun." 
 
 " All right, sir ; I won't forget. I'm some in the groaning line. 
 I larned it on board the ship-of-the-line St. George, when we 
 groaned the admiral out of the vessel." 
 
 " But how did you manage that the dead should raise one of 
 its arms?" I asked. 
 
 " Nothin' easier, sir. While you was all engaged in getting 
 at the box, I jist slipped a piece of marline over the bones of 
 the feller, and then stood back and pulled. In course the hand 
 would go up, and by a jerk I could make it shake its fist. That's 
 how I did it. Frightened 'em didn't it?" 
 
 I was forced to confess that it had rather startled me, also 
 those who possessed more courage than I could boast of. The 
 trick had driven old Nat and his sons from the cave, leaving 
 Will, Jack, and myself to get along the best way we could. 
 Luckily after Topmall's explanation I did not have that fear of 
 the dead I had experienced when I saw the skeleton's hand 
 raised ; so there was nothing for us -to do but to examine the con- 
 tents of the box, and see if we had found a prize. 
 
 " Remember," I said to Jack, as we laid hands upon the box, 
 " you must keep this trick to yourself. It would only cause 
 trouble if it was exposed. Old Nat would be furious if it was 
 known. Let it pass as something extraordinary. You under- 
 stand?" 
 
 "'Sartin, sir. No more tricks. I is on honor now." 
 
 We turned the tin box over, and at last found an opening. We 
 ripped off the cover and saw that we had indeed captured a prize, 
 and one of much value. There were about two quarts of gold 
 dust, and mingled with it were gold coins, and some few pieces 
 of silver. I judged that there were about five hundred dollars in 
 gold coin, and some twenty thousand dollars' worth of dust. 
 After admiring our prize for a few minutes, we shut the lid, 
 lighted our candles, and examined every part of the cave, but we 
 could not find another concealed deposit ; and we came to the 
 conclusion that the Mexicans had placed all the gold which they 
 had stolen in one box, thinking that it was quite safe, and could 
 be reclaimed any time. 
 
OUR PRIZE. 407 
 
 While we were thus occupied we heard some one at the en- 
 trance of the cave, shouting in a lusty manner ; and, recognizing 
 old Nat's voice, we answered. 
 
 " Hullo ! " he said. u Is you dead or alive? Jist answer me 
 that." 
 
 " We are all right, and shall be out in a short time." 
 
 " Wai, come as quick as you can. We has had a big scare, 
 and had enough of it." 
 
 We took the box, and left the dead and the cave. We were 
 some minutes in gaining the open 'air; but when we found our- 
 selves surrounded by our friends, and exposed to them the box 
 which contained the gold, they were delighted at the success of 
 our expedition, and congratulated us in the most enthusiastic 
 manner. 
 
 u You desarve success," cried old Nat, as he weighed the tin 
 can in his hands, and mentally calculated the amount which it 
 was worth. " We fellers cut and run jist 'cos a dead man jerked 
 up one of his bones. I don't understand it yet, and I don't see 
 why you wasn't scared jist like us." 
 
 " We were ; but we could not run, because you blocked up the 
 passage-way. After you were gone, the groans and manifesta- 
 tions ceased. Of course we were no longer frightened. We re- 
 mained and secured the treasure." 
 
 u And a great prize it is, and no mistake. But we won't stand 
 here talking all day, about it. Let's back to camp afore them 
 sneakin' thieves, the Mexicans, comes on top of us, and makes us 
 pay for what we has done. Pour the stuff into bags, and then 
 we'll be off. And remember," said Nat, as we halted for a 
 moment on the hill which overlooked his valley, " no one must 
 even hint at what we has done. If you does, our throats will 
 be cut some fine night, and we shan't know riothin' about it." 
 
 We all promised to keep the secret, and then we plunged down 
 the hill, and separated at old Nat's house ; the Oregonian prom- 
 ising to look over in the evening and settle the dividend, feeling 
 perfectly confident that the, dust was safe in my hands. We rode 
 on and reached my tents just about three o'clock in the afternoon. 
 
408 A WHALEMAN'S ADVENTURES. 
 
 CHAPTER XXV. 
 
 I AGAIN MEET JOQUIN. A SIGN SAVES ME. A RANSOM DE- 
 MANDED, AND WHAT CAME OF IT. A RESCUE. 
 
 AND now I come to one of the most painful portions of my er- 
 ratic life. That very night I was called from my bed to visit a 
 sick miner, a mile below my quarters. In passing through a 
 tinck wood, I suddenly found myself in the midst of a party of 
 Mexicans, and a commanding voice shouted, u Halt ! " On the 
 instant I discharged two barrels of my revolver, a preconcerted 
 signal of danger, for I saw that I was surrounded by Joquin 
 and his gang. 
 
 " So," said I, quietly, to the chief, " we meet again." 
 
 Joquin started back a "pace or two, but quickly recovered his 
 presence of mind, and seemed ashamed of having shown sur- 
 prise. 
 
 "You are a cool one," he said. "Who are you? not a 
 Mexican, I swear." 
 
 " No ; I'm an American." 
 
 " I thought so. Are you wounded? " 
 
 " Thank the saints, no ; " and as I spoke made the sign of a 
 t ^ss. The robber chief noticed the act, as I intended that he 
 shoald ; but his men did not, and when they heard me say that I 
 was an American, two of them drew their knives and rushed to- 
 wards me. 
 
 Luckily for me, Joquin's eagle eye fell upon them as they ad- 
 vanced, and he shouted, 
 
 " Halt ! What do you mean? " 
 
 The robbers stopped, and pointed with their long knives 
 to me. 
 
 " He is a Yankee and lives. Remember our vow death to 
 all Yankees." 
 
 " Peace, you fools ! " returned Joquin, fiercely. u Don't you 
 see that he is a Catholic." 
 
JOQUIN DEMANDS TERMS. . 409 
 
 The scoundrels sheathed their knives in an instant, and I ut- 
 tered a sigh of relief at the sight, and vowed that I would make 
 some recompense to the first Catholic church that I saw, for thus 
 borrowing a little of its religion. 
 
 The party took me to a fire, which was replenished by throwing 
 on some dry branches, and, as the flames shot up, the light fell 
 upon my face. My eyes met those of Joquin. We looked long 
 and earnestly at each other. I knew what his thoughts were, 
 but I did not interrupt them. I wanted to see if he would recog- 
 nize me ; but he had seen too many faces to identify me. 
 
 "Where have I seen you?" he asked, at length. 
 
 " Can you not call to mind the time and place? " 
 
 " No." 
 
 His men crowded around us to hear the conversation. 
 
 u A few months since a train was on its way to the mines, 
 when 'it was attacked. The miners fought long and well, and 
 after receiving re-enforcements, beat off the attacking party." 
 
 u We should have beaten you had not the Indians ambushed 
 us," the Mexican said, extending his hand. 
 
 " You are right," I answered ; and then I accepted his hand, 
 red though it was with the blood of my countrymen. 
 
 " We came north," said Joquin, " for the purpose of removing 
 the treasures which we had collected in a cave, but some of 
 your countrymen have saved us the trouble. My men feel dis- 
 appointed, for they are anxious to spend some portion of their 
 time in the cities and enjoy themselves. They have worked hard, 
 and need a little relaxation. Our visit south has not been a 
 pleasant one. The Yankees have hunted us a little too close for 
 comfort. In fact we have made but little money, I am sorry to 
 state ; and on this account my men feel in no good humor. Now 
 we have a proposition to make, and I think that jt is a reasonable 
 one. You shall furnish us with some five thousand dollars, and 
 then we will release you." 
 
 Willingly would I pay the money if I could but escape. Cir- 
 cumstances might occur, however, which would release me from 
 all obligations, and I silently prayed that such might be the case. 
 If Nat and his men heard my signal, I should be free, and the gang 
 would be destroyed by daylight. Already there were indications of 
 day breaking, and it seemed to my impatient spirit that my friends 
 must be on their way, and near at hand. Every moment of time 
 
410 . A WHALEMAN'S ADVENTURES 
 
 was precious to me ; and as I knew it, and the Mexicans did not, 
 I conclude^ to waste as much of it as possible. 
 
 u You must write to your friends," said Joquin. " They will 
 send the money if they value your life." 
 
 " But who will take the letter? " I asked. 
 
 u Carlos, here. You can trust him can't you?" 
 
 " Yes ; but where will he find you when he returns? " 
 
 u We will take care of that point. Do you write the letter, 
 and mind that you word it strong ; and state that if any attempt 
 at a rescue is made, it will result in disaster to you. Now write, 
 for here is paper." 
 
 I commenced a note to Will and Jack, stating in fair terms that 
 I was a prisoner, and that the money must be handed to the 
 Mexican without delay, as my captors were impatient to leave the 
 country. I also stated that no attempts must be made to find me, 
 as I had pledged rny word to that effect. I put in the latter 
 'clause more for the purpose of killing time than anything else, 
 and it was a most fortunate circumstance that I did so ; for, hav- 
 ing finished the letter, Joquin asked, 
 
 " Have you written all that I requested ? " 
 
 " Yes." 
 
 He smiled as though he had caught me, but said nothing, 
 merely turning to one of his men, whom he called " Pedrez," and 
 handing the note to him, ordered him to translate it, word for 
 word. 
 
 The cunning .fox ! He had not informed me that he had a man 
 in his gang who could read and speak the English language quite 
 fluently. 
 
 " ReadJ read ! " cried the Mexicans ; and thus urged, the man 
 translated the note, word for word. 
 
 " Diablo ! " they exclaimed ; " it is as we said ; he is an honest 
 Yankee he is not disposed to trick us ; " and even Joquin suf- 
 fered his features to relax, as he nodded in approval of my 
 honesty. 
 
 u Bien" cried Joquin ; " let Carlos start at once. He 
 has no time to lose. Pedro can accompany him most of the 
 way." 
 
 Hardly had he "ceased speaking, when the woods opposite to 
 us seemed alive with jets of flame ; and then came loud reports, 
 and through the air whistled half a score of bullets, which struck 
 
LILLY WOUNDED. 411 
 
 all around me, and yet. I escaped. I saw the Mexicans leap in 
 the air, and fall flat on their faces ; and then my eyes sought 
 Joquin, who was standing beside me. For a few seconds he 
 seemed irresolute and undecided what to do. His hand was upon 
 his pistol, and he half drew it from his belt ; but just at that mo- 
 ment the men in the woods uttered a yell of triumph, and dashed 
 towards the fire, discharging their revolvers as they advanced. I 
 saw a light form bound towards me with outstretched arms I 
 noted the look of joy upon her face I heard her utter an ex- 
 clamation of gladness ; and then, before I could speak or interfere, 
 the Mexican chief drew his revolver and fired at the advancing 
 girl. The next instant he had plunged into a piece of woods on 
 his left, and disappeared from sight. 
 
 I sprang to my feet, and rushed towards the kanaka girl, but 
 I was too late to catch her form in my arms. She had sunk to 
 the ground, and by the aid of the fire I saw drops of blood tric- 
 kling from her breast. 
 
 " I dreamed of the ' Malo ' last night," she whispered. u It 
 was for the third time. I do not fear to die, but I am sorry that 
 I must leave you, for I do love you so dearly." 
 
 " You must not die, Lilly," I cried, in an agony of sorrow and 
 grief. " You must live and be happy." 
 
 " No more happiness for me on earth," she murmured. " The 
 bullet has struck home, and my hours are numbered. The Malo 
 never deceives his children." 
 
 I bent my face to hers, and she touched my cheek with her 
 lips, sighed heavily, and then remained silent for a few moments. 
 I raised her head and placed it in my lap ; and then, for the first 
 time, I was aware that Jack, and Will, and Bushy were near me, 
 gazing with sorrowful eyes at the scene before them. 
 
 " She would come with us, sir," whispered Will. " We tried 
 to* have her remain at the tent, but it was useless. And to think 
 that she is the only one of our party injured, and yet two thirds 
 of the Mexicans are killed or fatally wounded." 
 
 Low as he spoke, Lilly heard him, and opened her large black 
 eyes. 
 
 " You were in danger," she murmured, " and I could not re- 
 main behind. I hastened to find you, and as soon as I saw you 
 I did not think of bullets or the robbers. I wanted to throw my 
 arms around your neck, and say how glad I was at seeing you." 
 
412 
 
 " But if you had waited a minute you would have been safe." 
 
 " It was not the will of the Malo" she murmured, in a faint 
 tone, as though her life was failing fast. " If you ever see my 
 father, tell him to pardon me for leaving him alone in his old age." 
 
 " And do you forgive me, Lilly?" I asked, as I kissed her 
 cold lips. 
 
 A smile passed over her face, and as it fled, she murmured, 
 
 u I loved you ; " and with the words her gentle spirit fled to 
 its Maker, and I held in my arms cold clay. 
 
 It was broad daylight when I arose to my feet, and looked 
 around the late scene of strife. All the dead were buried in one 
 common grave, while the wounded were nowhere to be seen, 
 although I was confident that I had seen some before Lilly fell. 
 
 " They are all dead," whispered Will, who read my thoughts. 
 " The men were so mad that they didn't spare one of the wounded 
 robbers. Only two out of the ten escaped. One of them was 
 the captain, I suppose. He shot Lilly, and we chased him for 
 half a mile, but he was too quick for us. I would like to have 
 killed him for your sake, and the sake of the girl, but we shall 
 yet meet him." 
 
 Poor Lilly ! how life-like she looked, as she lay under the 
 shadow of a stately oak. It seemed as though she had fallen 
 into a pleasant slumber, and was dreaming of some merry scene, 
 for a half smile was on her lips, and had rippled all over her face. 
 We formed a couch of blankets, and laid her form in the wagon, 
 and then I took a horse, and rode to the front of the cortege for 
 the purpose of being alone, but I was not so fortunate. Old Nat 
 and Sam joined me, and opened a conversation by handing me a 
 hunting flask filled with whiskey. 
 
 " Don't be afeard to drink it," said the Oregonian. " It is 
 good. It came out of your keg." 
 
 I looked at him for an explanation. 
 
 , u Drink," he said, " and then I'll tell you what I did." 
 
 I really felt the need of some stimulant, for I had passed 
 through so many scenes during the last . twenty-four hours, that 
 my nerves were shaken, and my mind wandered. It is not to be 
 wondered at, therefore, if I did put the bottle to my lips and drink 
 quite freely, and I felt better for it. 
 
 " Yes," cried old Nat, as he followed my example, " this is 
 some of your whiskey. When the signal startled us, I sent over 
 
LILLY DEAD. 413 
 
 to your camp, and found that you were gone, and borrowed a 
 quart of this stuff to last me till I met you, 'cos I knew you would 
 be faint and need it. 'Twas on your account, you know." 
 
 I nodded approval of his course, and the old man went on : 
 
 " It didn't take us long to muster a force ; the men came on 
 horseback, and were anxious to lick all the Mexicans in crea- 
 tion. I gave 'em a drink of my whiskey, mighty mean stuff, 
 and off we went at a gallop, and we didn't allow grass to grow 
 under our feet till we halted in the woods, where we tied our 
 horses and stole forward. To our surprise we heard, when we 
 came in sight of the fire, Mexican lingo, and we didn't know 
 what it meant ; but arter a while we understood it, and then we 
 come the Injun over J em, and over they went, and you was free ; 
 but it was rather hard to lose the boy." 
 
 Upon reaching the camp, Will and the others had removed the 
 body of poor Lilly from the wagon, and deposited it in my tent, 
 where it was prepared for the grave. Bushy, who was useful as 
 a carpenter, made a coffin of such pieces of board as could be 
 found on the river, and the kanakas visited the valleys, and col- 
 lected flowers, and strewed them on the body and the box con- 
 taining the remains. We found a suitable spot for the grave. It 
 was near a waterfall, and at the foot of a giant pine, which reared 
 its tall head aloft, and spread out mammoth branches, as though 
 asking for weaker things to seek its protection. It was a fitting 
 place for the burial of the gentle girl, for, when in her native land, 
 she loved the water and its music, as it rippled over falls and 
 ledges, and sang, on its way to the sea, sweet hymns of praise to 
 the Creator. It was a favorite resort for the girl when living, 
 and such a place as she would have selected for her grave. 
 
 Days passed, and we again settled into the usual routine of life ; 
 but the place had become distasteful to me. I saw that our sup- 
 plies of provisions were getting low, and that it was necessary 
 they should be replenished, if we intended to remain at the mines 
 during the wet season ; so one morning I called the men together, 
 and asked them what course they chose to adopt. We had been 
 in the mines three months, and during that time we had made 
 some fifteen thousand dollars, including the nugget which Lilly 
 had found. This did not include the sum which we had taken 
 from the Mexicans, aud I feared we were collecting too much 
 dust to render it altogether safe, in case of an attack. Somewhat 
 
414 
 
 to my surprise, they all declared that they preferred to remain at 
 the mines through the winter, provided they could be assured of 
 a supply of provisions ; and when I informed them that I in- 
 tended to procure all that was wanted, they agreed unanimously 
 to build a house, and pass the wet season as comfortably as 
 possible. I then unfolded my plans. I would visit Sacramento 
 City, and invest some money in provisions, and the balance of 
 the cash I would place in some securities, where interest could 
 accrue. 
 
 This was agreed to, and after I had completed my business I 
 went to San Francisco, where I met the ex-whaleman, who de- 
 clared I must take up my quarters at his house, and I did not 
 decline. One day I was walking towards home, about dinner 
 time, when a hand was gently laid on my arm, and a sweet voice, 
 speaking in the Spanish language, said, 
 
 " My dear friend, how glad I am to see you ! " 
 
 I looked around, and my gaze fell upon as lovely a face as I 
 had ever seen. I stared at her in astonishment, for I could 
 scarcely believe that I saw before me the mischievous, roguish, 
 coquettish Constance of the Ladrone Islands, who had once played 
 me as pretty a trick as ever woman was guilty of. 
 
 " May the saints preserve me ! " I managed to articulate ; " but 
 am I asleep or awake ? " 
 
 " Let me pinch you and see," was the laughing response. 
 u Well," she continued, " if you are awake, let me introduce you 
 to my husband. Don Pedro, Don Carlos." 
 
 For the first time I glanced at the gentleman at her side. He 
 was a tall, dark, finely-formed fellow, with a handsome face, and 
 Spanish cast of features. He had listened to our conversation 
 with all the dignity of a hidalgo ; but when his wife mentioned 
 my name, his face relaxed its sternness, and a smile ruffled it, as 
 lie extended hiL> hand and grasped mine. 
 
 " I can most heartily congratulate Don Pedro on the possession 
 of so much goodness and beauty," I cried, 
 
 " It gives me much pleasure to meet Don Carlos," the Spaniard 
 said. " I have often heard of him, and desired to see him. He 
 is not forgotten at Guam." 
 
 " No, I should think not," cried Constance. " His bull ride is 
 still remembered by all the tailors, and mothers of the town. O, 
 didn't I laugh that day ! But it is wrong to laugh at a relative ; 
 
A LITTLE SURPRISE. 415 
 
 may the saints pardon me for my mirth. Tell me, dear uncle, 
 how is your wife." 
 
 It was my turn, now, to laugh, and I did so, to her astonish- 
 ment. 
 
 " Speak ! " she exclaimed ; " didn't you marry Dorothea?" 
 
 " Not much." 
 
 She looked at me with astonishment and some anxiety. 
 
 u We heard at the islands that aunty married a sea captain, 
 and we supposed that it was you. The governor was delighted 
 with the match." 
 
 u And yet I assure you that I am unmarried." 
 
 " And Dorothea? " cried the young lady. "You did not deal 
 harshly by her ? " 
 
 " The saints forbid. You know me better than to suppose that." 
 
 She smiled faintly, just enough to show her white teeth, but 
 looked anxious, nevertheless. 
 
 " Come," I said, " explain how you came here, and I will relate 
 some matters of interest to you." 
 
 " Willingly," she answered ; and then she glanced at her hus- 
 band with a look of pride and affection, that caused me to remem- 
 ber the time when she coquetted with me on board the Helen, 
 while lying in the harbor of Guam. I stifled the sigh that sought 
 to find utterance, and listened to her words with marked attention. 
 
 " Don Pedro," she said, with a blush, " commands a Spanish 
 ship. He sailed from Manilla for San Francisco, by the way of 
 Guam. At the latter place he landed passengers and supplies, 
 and of course stopped at my father's house." 
 
 " And there I learned to love her," said the captain, interrupt- 
 ing his wife. " I courted her for six days, and on the seventh 
 married her." 
 
 u And now tell me of Dorothea," pleaded the young wife. 
 
 u Come with me," I said, " and you shall sec her." 
 
 " She is married and happy?" asked Constance. 
 
 " Yes ; united to a rich man, and one who thinks she is per- 
 fection. He is no stranger to you. But come with me, and you 
 shall see your aunt." 
 
 " Is she as pleasant as she used to be? " asked Constance. " T 
 know that I bothered her, but it was natural enough. She used 
 to fuss so much, and was so anxious for a husband ! " 
 
 I remembered the days she spcke of well enough, and I knew 
 
416 A WHALEMAN'S ADVENTURES. 
 
 that she thought of them, for her red lips curled as though she 
 wanted to laugh, but did not think that it was proper. 
 
 " Don Carlos," said the lady's husband, "you must have passed 
 some pleasant days in Guam, if all that I hear is correct." 
 
 " The happiest in my life," I answered, with a low bow. 
 
 " Tell me," she cried, " what did you do and say, when you 
 fonnd that aunty was on board your vessel instead of myself? " 
 
 " Don't you suppose that I knew the trick which you played 
 me ? Of course I* pretended ignorance, but " 
 
 " That won't do," she cried, with an expression of fun. " If 
 ever a man was deceived, I know that you were. Don't deny it, 
 for I shan't believe you." 
 
 " As you please," I answered. " Your aunt will give you all 
 the particulars." 
 
 By this time we had arrived at the house. I let the party in 
 with a latch-key, seated them in the parlor, which they sur- 
 veyed with astonishment, for it was elegantly furnished with rich 
 curtains and carpets, paintings and statuary, and then went in 
 search of Dorothea, who was in her chamber dressing for dinner. 
 
 " Come in ! " cried Mrs. Myers, as I knocked at the door ; and 
 in I went. 
 
 I found Dorothea was dressed, and just putting on a collar. 
 
 " Can you guess who is down stairs?" I asked. 
 
 She shook her head. 
 
 u Don't ask me such Yankee questions. You know I can't 
 guess." 
 
 " What if I should tell you that some one from the Ladrones 
 had arrived, and was in the parlor?" 
 
 Dorothea turned from the glass, and looked at me in astonish- 
 ment. 
 
 " Who is 'em ? " she managed to ask. 
 
 A lady." 
 
 "Constance?" 
 
 Yes." 
 
 She flew towards the door, but suddenly stopped on the thresh- 
 old, and meditated for a moment. 
 
 " She must see my diamonds," she cried, and turned back to 
 open the box which contained them. 
 
 I could not help laughing, and Dorothea noticed it ; but she 
 liked me too well to feel offended. 
 
A PLEASANT MEETING. 417 
 
 "I don't care for your laugh," she said. "I want her to see 
 that me rich, and have plenty of money. Then she think that 1 
 have good husband." 
 
 " She won't deny that after she has seen him," I replied. 
 
 But Dorothea paid no attention to me. She slipped on her 
 bracelets, ear-rings, and breast-pin, and then went down stairs. 
 I did not accompany her, but I heard the relatives rush into each 
 other's arms, kiss, cry, make explanations, and all in the same 
 breath. You or I might not have worn diamonds in profusion at the 
 dinner table, but I have no doubt we should have shown them as 
 soon as an opportunity occurred, and that we should have listened 
 to their praises in the most complacent manner, and assumed an 
 indifference which we did not really feel. But the reader will 
 hardly believe that Constance, in her childish simplicity, did not 
 know a diamond from a piece of cut glass, such as whaling cap- 
 tains used to present, her when desirous of expressing warm senti- 
 ments. Poor child ! she had never seen a diamond ; consequently, 
 when the light struck Dorothea's jewels, and a hundred jets of 
 flame flashed from their centres, Constance looked at them in 
 wonder and delight. At last the could no longer control her ad- 
 miration, and exclaimed, 
 
 " O, what pretty pieces of glass you have on your fingers and 
 in your ears ! Where did they come from ? " 
 
 " Glass ! " repeated the horror-stricken Dorothea. 
 
 " Yes ; such as we used to have given us at Guam," continued 
 Constance. 
 
 " Glass ! " Dorothea again exclaimed ; " why, they are dia- 
 monds, my dear child." 
 
 Constance had heard of diamonds, but she did not know their 
 value. 
 
 " Are they worth much?" she asked. 
 
 Dorothea smiled in pity at her ignorance such a smile as 
 women assume when men tell them they can see no difference 
 between a camel's hair shawl and a common cotton and wool 
 affair, worth about five dollars. 
 
 " These ear-rings cost fifteen hundred dollars, and the piu two 
 thousand, while my rings are valued at various sums." 
 
 Dorothea spoke in as indifferent a tone as possible, but the 
 pride would show itself by the flash of her eyes. 
 
 Constance clasped her hands in astonishment. 
 27 
 
418 
 
 " Here, iny dear child," s.iid the aunt ; " wear this for my sake ; " 
 and she slipped upon her niece's finger a magnificent brilliant. 
 
 The u dear child " commenced crying, and her tears were only 
 dried upon the entrance of Myers. He welcomed his niece and 
 her husband in the most hearty manner, called for some of his 
 best champagne, and made Constance drink until her eyes sparkled 
 like the diamonds which Dorothea wore. 
 
 On going to the post-office next morning, several letters were 
 handed to me, and on one I recognized the handwriting of Julia. 
 I hurried into a saloon, and tore the letter open, and read an 
 epistle that caused me the most intense anxiety and anguish. 
 Julia informed me that the past was forgiven and forgotten that 
 she was sick, and desired to see me with as little delay as possi- 
 ble. She did not know if I yet loved her ; but she .would can- 
 didly confess that she loved me, and had never ceased to feel that 
 I was all the world to her. She now believed my conduct was 
 not so bad as it had been reported to her. 
 
 Mr. Cherington's letter did not add much to my comfort or 
 happiness. He said that Julia was ill, and that it was best that 
 I should return to Honolulu as soon as possible, closing up busi- 
 ness entirely, and be prepared to settle on the island. He thought 
 that we had wealth enough to last us through life ; but he cared 
 not for it, unless he could see his child well and happy. 
 
 I thrust the letters into my pocket, and returned to the house. 
 The first person I encountered was Myers. 
 
 u How soon does a vessel leave for Honolulu? " I asked. 
 
 " A Spanish ship, commanded by Don Pedro, my nephew, will 
 sail in the course of a week." 
 
 " Is it the first one that leaves ? " 
 - " Yes. Don Pedro is now in the house." 
 
 I turned away, but Myers laid a hand on my arm. 
 
 " You look agitated," he said. " Have you received bad news? " 
 
 "Yes." 
 
 "Can I assist you?" 
 
 " You can. Engage me a passage in the Sacramento boat. I 
 leave this evening for the mines." 
 
 " I will do so. Is there anything else? " 
 
 " Nothing at present ; " and I left the room to get ready for my 
 journey to the miaes, for I could not leave the country without 
 making some arrangement with the men I had on the Yuba. 
 
AT THE MINES AGAIN. 419 
 
 In the evening the Senate worked her way through the shipping 
 and across the bay. I looked over the passengers, and could find 
 no one whom I knew ; so I retired to my state-room and rested 
 until morning, and then found that we were at Sacramento City, 
 and that many of the deck passengers, men who had just arrived 
 in the vicinity, were preparing for a start to the mines, as though 
 fearful all the gold would be dug before they could reach 
 them. I advised them to try the Yuba, but they feared that I 
 was a speculator, so refused to listen to me. I did not waste 
 words with them, but went direct to the person who had 
 agreed to take charge of my horse, the same one I had cap- 
 tured from the Mexicans, found the animal safe and in good 
 condition ; and, after breakfast at the hotel, started for the 
 Yuba. 
 
 My people were eating their supper when I arrived. I entered 
 the room where they were seated, and suddenly said, 
 
 "How are you all?" 
 
 " O, de Lord ! " yelled thfi negro Jake ; and over he went with 
 two huge feet in the air. 
 
 " Blast my eyes, but it's him ! " roared Jack and Bushy, while 
 Will sprang up and shook hands with me in the most enthusiastic 
 manner. 
 
 " O, golly ! whar did you come from?" asked Jake, who man- 
 aged to get upon his feet after a desperate struggle. 
 
 I answered all their questions in due time, and then intimated 
 to Jake that I should like a specimen of his skill in the cooking 
 line, as a ride of a hundred miles in twenty hours' time, including 
 all stoppages, was well calculated to give a man a sharp appetite. 
 
 u By golly, you shall hab chickens ! " cried Jake ; and he left 
 the room to seize on them, while the kanakas took charge of 
 my horse, rubbed it down, and housed it in the storehouse, with 
 an ample supply of barley and wild-oat straw. 
 
 " Now, boys, tell me what has happened to you during my ab- 
 sence," I remarked, as I took a seat before the fire, and waited 
 for supper. The fumes of a broiling chicken were very pleasant 
 to a hungry man, and I was congratulating myself -on the pros- 
 pect before me, and prepared to listen to the yarn which the boys 
 would reel off, when suddenly there was a loud knock at the door ; 
 but before one of the men could answer the summons, the door 
 was forced open, and in walked a grisly bear about as largo 
 
420 A WHALEMAN'S ADVENTURES. 
 
 as a yearling heifer, and ten times more disagreeable in look and 
 form. 
 
 " O, de debil ! " roared Jake, and jumped for a rafter, and we 
 all followed suit. 
 
 When the animal first entered the hut, it walked towards the 
 fire quite boldly, never having met such a sight before ; but as 
 soon as it got within heating distance it stopped short, and uttered 
 a grunt of surprise, and then looked around, as much as to ask us 
 what it meant. Receiving no answer, and the fumes of the burn- 
 ing chicken proving too strong, the bear stretched out a paw and 
 made a pass at the gridiron ; but meeting the hot coals, it uttered 
 a howl that bespoke rage, wonder, and disappointment. 
 
 " Good ! " yelled Jake, when .he saw the brute smell of the 
 singed paw. " You jist luff dat chicken be will you ? " 
 
 The bear turned its head towards him, and exhibited a re- 
 markably fine set of white teeth, and then poked its nose towards 
 the fire ; but meeting with a warm reception, the shaggy brute 
 looked reflective for a few minutes, add then thought, most prob- 
 ably, that a fight was wanted, and without the slightest reluctance 
 Bruin pitched in. The first blow he struck sent the gridiron, 
 chicken and all, flying across the room, and a lot of coals after 
 them, which prodnced a yell from the gastronomic Jake. As 
 that blow did not mend matters, or .prevent the grisly from feel- 
 ing the effect of the fire, another blow was aimed at the flames, 
 and then another, until at last the animal pitched in with full 
 power, and sent the brands flying in all directions. But teeth 
 and claws were no match for the flames ; for although the grisly 
 rolled over the coals, and stamped them with his 'huge feet, and 
 bit them, the fire conquered at last, for the brute drew off and 
 uttered a roar of agony, and that roar was answered by a sharp 
 report, and looking down, I saw that Bushy, who had dove for the 
 window at the first appearance of the grisly, had reappeared and 
 shot the brute with an old musket which carried a two ounce ball. 
 
 " Hit 'im agin ! " cried Jake. " He ain't got no friends nor 
 nothiu'." 
 
 But there was no occasion for a second discharge. The aim 
 had been true, and the ball had sped home, and after a few kicks 
 the brute tumbled over on his side aud breathed his last. Order 
 was soon restored. The kanakas removed the grisly, and com- 
 menced skinning it ; and when supper was over, and we were 
 
A CONFERENCE. 421 
 
 seated at the fire, with lighted pipes and a steaming glass of 
 hot coffee, the question jvas once more asked as to the work 
 which the men had performed during my absence. 
 
 " We have done something" returned Bushy. " We has been 
 purty lucky, takin' all things in account. We has raked out some 
 dust and some chunks, but no such pieces as that poor gal found." 
 
 He alluded to Lilly, who was buried but a short distance from 
 the hut ; and I felt my eyes grow moist as I thought of the poor 
 girl, and the love which we had entertained for each other. 
 
 " Yes*" continued Bushy, " we has made things pay while you 
 was gone. You see we struck under the bank, and found some 
 pockets what held out purty well. Get the buckskin bag, Will, 
 and let us see how much we has got to show for our work." 
 
 Will arose, raised a plank near the end of the hut, and took 
 out a bag, and emptied its contents on the table. I looked it over, 
 and was somewhat surprised at the amount of dust which they 
 had collected. I estimated that there was nearly twenty thousand 
 dollars worth, and said so. 
 
 " Yes," replied Bushy, quite gravely, " we think there's as 
 much as that. .But we has some more. Show him the nuggets, 
 Will." 
 
 The lad emptied on the table about three pounds of nuggets, 
 some of them weighing an ounce, and the whole combined, formed 
 about as handsome a lot of specimens as I had seen in California. 
 
 " You have done nobly," I said. u I did not anticipate such 
 luck. But it is hard work, this mining, and I am tired of it." 
 
 No one answered me. They all sucked away at their pipes in 
 silence. 
 
 " When I think of the comfort and luxuries to be obtained at 
 Honolulu, it makes me feel homesick," I continued. 
 
 All hands uttered a deep sigh. They had thought of them as 
 well as myself. 
 
 " I have received urgent calls to return to the Sandwich 
 Islands," I continued, u and I have already made arrangements 
 to leave California. If you desire to remain, we can make a 
 settlement, and part company on the best of terms." 
 
 u How riuch might be comin' to us.?" asked Jake. 
 
 L look^t over the account-book, and found how much each man 
 was entitled to, after deducting all expenses. 
 
 "Fom- of you are entitled to six thousand dollars each, while 
 the kanakas will receive about three thousand each." 
 
422 A WHALEMAN'S ADVENTURES. 
 
 " I don't work here any more," cried Jake, executing a break 
 down in the Virginia style. " I'm goiu^ back to Honolulu, where 
 I can see some fun. I've got money enough to last me through 
 life, I has." 
 
 44 The same for me," cried the Englishman. " I ain't goin' to 
 stop here and be eat up by bears, when I has as much money as 
 all that." 
 
 kt Where Captain Allspice goes I go," said Will, in a quiet tone. 
 
 " We all say that ! " was the exclamation. 
 
 "You had better think of the matter," I replied. "At '.hs 
 present time you are making money, much more than you can 
 hope to obtain in any other business. I will leave you here with 
 provisions and tools, and you can pass the winter as pleasantly as 
 you please." 
 
 The men shook their heads, and said that they were firm in their 
 determination ; and after a little more talk I retired to my bed, 
 a-nd slept so sound that I did not wake until long after sunrise. 
 When I arose I found a good breakfast awaiting me, and to keep 
 me company was old Nat Baker, the Oregonian. 
 
 44 You've got back safe from that den of thieves," said the old 
 man, as the first salutation, alluding to the city of San Francisco. 
 44 I'm powerful glad to see you. How's whiskey sellin' down 
 there?" 
 
 I answered the inquiry as well as I was able, and then the old 
 man joined me at the table, when I announced to him m'y inten- 
 tion of leaving the country. 
 
 44 Then you'll want to sell what truck you has here," he re- 
 marked. 
 
 44 Yes, I suppose so." 
 
 t4 Wai, I'm your man to buy it. I'll take your claim, and all 
 the truck you has, at your own valuation. I can sell at a profit, 
 if you don't ax too much." 
 
 So it was settled that Baker should take the hut, provisions, 
 and tools, and pay a fair profit on them ; and that forenoon we 
 commenced taking an account of stock, and before dark the 
 property was transferred, and the money paid in dust, at the cur- 
 rent rate of sixteen dollars per ounce. 
 
 Nothing of note occurred on our journey to the city. If Joquin 
 and his gang were on the road, they took good care not to show 
 themselves ; so we passed Bear River unmolested, and there I left 
 
FOR HOME. 423 
 
 the party and galloped towards the city, and made arrangements 
 for a passage to San Francisco. The next morning the men 
 arrived, and at night we were on board the Senator, and steam- 
 ing down the Sacramento River, with every standing and sitting 
 place occupied with passengers, who were fleeing from the mines, 
 as though they feared plague and famine combined. The winter 
 rains were considered unendurable by a large class of miners, so 
 they were rushing towards San Francisco, for the purpose of secur- 
 ing some kind of employment, even if they had to work for their 
 food, and hundreds were unable to obtain even that poor priv- 
 ilege, consequently there was much distress in all the large cities 
 during the winter months, and beggars were met at every turn. 
 We had a hard passage down the river, for the decks were so 
 crowded that men could not move or turn, and thus wedged in 
 they vented their wrath in curses loud and deep. We had several 
 fights on board, but no lives were lost, although one or two men 
 were somewhat cut with bowie knives. I think that I was thank- 
 ful when we landed at San Francisco. 
 
 I saw that the gold dust which I had brought with me was 
 placed in a safe and locked up, that my men were quartered 
 at some place where they could be comfortable, and that my horse, 
 my gallant bay, which I would not part with at any price, was 
 safely stabled, and then I turned my steps towards Myers' house. 
 I found Constance and Dorothea, both of whom welcomed me in 
 warm terms, while the beautiful Constance, bewildering with her 
 great black eyes, very politely offered me her cheek for a salute ; 
 but I got the start of her, and obtained a taste of her red lips, an 
 act which caused me to receive a box on the ear, thus showing 
 the lady possessed all the spirit of her early days. I gave them 
 an account of my adventures, and had the satisfaction of describ- 
 ing my encounter with Joquin in such a vivid manner, that the 
 ladies looked the apprehension which they felt. 
 
 That evening I met Constance's husband, and he informed me 
 that he should leave for Honolulu in the course of two days, and 
 that he would take my men and their effects at a reasonable rate, 
 and would gladly give me a passage for the sake of company ; 
 which offer I would not accept on any consideration ; so, after 
 some mutual expressions of good will, a price was agreed upon. 
 
424 A WHALEMAN'S ADVENTURES. 
 
 CHAPTER XXVI. 
 
 AT HONOLULU. JULIA AND HER FATHER. 
 
 ONE morning a bright and pleasant one I went on deck, 
 and found that we were close to Honolulu, and that a dozen boats 
 were pulling towards us, each one containing a pilot, thinking 
 that the Cortez would enter the inner harbor, which Don Pedro 
 had no intention of doing. 
 
 It seemed to me, as I looked at the town, that I was returning 
 home after an absence of several years. All the familiar objects 
 were noted, and the few changes that had occurred were observed 
 at a glance. By the aid of a glass I could discover Mr. Cher- 
 iugton's house ; and I saw, with a feeling of dismay, that all the 
 blinds were closed, as though it was desirable that the apartments 
 should be protected from light. 
 
 " Perhaps Julia is very sick," I sighed, as I closed the glass 
 and turned to the pilots, who were climbing over the side. 
 
 One of them, a fellow with wonderful white teeth, which were 
 always to be seen on account of his smiling face, came aft. I 
 knew him, and he recollected me, and the whole of his ivory was 
 displayed as he bowed, and touched his apology for a cap. 
 
 "Want a pilot, sir? I takey you in, and no touch ey rocks. 
 Me berry good pilot, sir." 
 
 *' I can vouch for that, John," I said ; " but the captain does 
 not want a pilot." 
 
 I determined to go on shore with the kanakas, and thus gain an 
 hour or two ; for the wind was light, and it would be some time 
 before the ship could come to an anchor. I announced my inten- 
 tion to Don Pedro, and invited him and his wife to take up their 
 residence with me while they remained in port, and to be sure 
 and land in time for dinner, which they promised to do. Then 
 I gave the men who looked to me for orders a few directions 
 about the baggage and other property, and over the side I 
 went. 
 
MR. CHERINGTON JS SURPRISED. 425 
 
 At last I reached the store, arid looked in. I saw two or three 
 of the clerks at work arranging goods; but I could, not tell 
 whether Mr. Cheringtou was in his counting-room, on account of 
 the door being closed. For a few minutes I hesitated, and 
 walked up and down the street ; but at last I pulled my hat over 
 my eyes and entered the store. One of the young men looked up 
 and came towards me, thinking that I was a customer. I saw 
 that he did not recognize me, so much had I altered in the course 
 of a year ; so I pushed on towards the counting-room. 
 
 "Do you wish to see Mr. Cherington, sir?" the young man 
 asked. 
 
 " Yes." 
 
 " He is in the counting-room, and very busy. Unless your 
 business is of some importance " 
 
 I did not answer. I pushed on and opened the counting-room 
 door, much to the astonishment of the clerk, who stared after me 
 with open mouth, surprised that I did not take the hint and con- 
 fide my business to him. . 
 
 As I opened the door I saw Mr. Cherington sitting at his desk, 
 with his back towards me. He did not appear to be occupied, 
 but seemed reflecting ; for although a ledger was open before him 
 he was not looking at it, neither did he have a pen in his hand. 
 
 For a moment I stood at the door and looked at him. He 
 thought that a clerk had entered, and, without looking around, 
 asked, 
 
 " Is it known what vessel is in the offing? " 
 
 " A Spanish ship," I answered, in a voice resembling the 
 clerk's. 
 
 " O ! " and the old gentleman manifested a sign of impatience. 
 " I don't suppose Charles would come from California in a Span- 
 ish ship. If he were as impatient to come home as I am to see 
 him. he would have been here a month ago." 
 
 " But he is as impatient as yourself," I said, in a natural tone, 
 which caused Mr. Cheriugton to start up in surprise, to turn 
 around, to utter an exclamation of joy when he saw my face, and 
 then to seize both of my hands and shake them, as though he had 
 entered into a contract for exercise, and was determined to do 
 his duty. 
 
 " Charles, where did you come from ? " asked Mr. Cherington, 
 as soon as he could speak; and he patted me on the back, and 
 
426 A WHALEMAN'S ADVENTURES. 
 
 rubbed his palms, and then shook hands once more, and would 
 not wait for me to answer him, but continued to ask questions iu 
 the most insane manner, the whole interspersed with the waving 
 and frequent use of a red silk handkerchief. 
 
 " In the first place, I arrived in the Spanish ship which you 
 noticed in the offing this morning," I replied. 4 * I took the first 
 vessel that left San Francisco ; and here I am, delighted to see 
 /ou, yet fcirful of asking one question." 
 
 " Ask it, my boy, ask it," cried Mr. Cherington. 
 
 44 Julia," I said, in a faltering tone, " tell me of her." 
 
 44 She is better, and your return will render her recovery com- 
 plete. Come and see her. Let us lose no time, for I know that 
 you are impatient." 
 
 I looked at my dress, and wondered if I appeared well enough. 
 The old gentleman read my thoughts, and laughed at them. 
 
 " Come along, you foolish boy," he said ; " your dress is good 
 enough." 
 
 " Perhaps Julia is not ready to see me, and she may not 
 care to." 
 
 " Nonsense ! She is not strong, but she is up and dressed, and 
 has been since six o'clock. Come along. All the past will be 
 forgotten. Let the future be bright, and I am content." 
 
 He seized my arm, and left the counting-room ; and as we 
 walked through the streets, asked me innumerable questions re- 
 garding the course which I had pursued in California; for, in 
 spite of his eagerness to have me reach home, he was not deaf to 
 all ideas of pecuniary considerations, and was, therefore, quite 
 delighted when I told him' that my success had been of the most 
 satisfactory nature. 
 
 But suddenly the old gentleman stopped in the street and laid 
 his hand on my shoulder, while he looked me in the face very 
 attentively and very seriously. 
 
 44 Charles," he said, '* before you see Julia, answer me one 
 question. Is that kanaka girl on board the Spanish ship?" 
 
 " No, sir ; she is not." 
 
 44 Ah ! I am glad to hear it. Have you parted company ? " 
 
 u Yes," I answered ; while a feeling of sadness stole over me, 
 as I recollected that the remains of the poor girl were lying on 
 the bank of the Yuba. 
 
 44 There is no prospect of your meeting once more ? " asked the 
 old gentleman. 
 
SATISFACTORY EXPLANATIONS. 427 
 
 " Not unless we meet in heaven, sir," I answered. 
 
 " Ah ! I am willing to run that risk ; " and I thought that the 
 old gentleman looked quite satisfied. " She is dead is she?" 
 Mr. Cherington continued. , 
 
 " Yes, sir." 
 
 " Ah, well 1 we must all die some time, and must feel resigned 
 to it. If that girl had come with you I 'don't think Julia would 
 have cared much for a reconciliation, for you know that you 
 have acted wrong." 
 
 u Lilly was as pure as " I commenced replying, but Mr. 
 Cherington stopped me. 
 
 u I know all that you would say. It is customary for the peo- 
 ple of Honolulu to make mistakes and excuses. It's the climate, 
 I suppose ; but sometimes young ladies doubt assertions which 
 young gentlemen make. If Julia does not speak of the girl, I 
 don't think I should allude to her. You understand ; " and we 
 resumed our walk. 
 
 " Tell me how it happened that Julia changed her mind in re- 
 gard to my doings," I said. 
 
 * We received letters from a Mr. Myers and his wife, stating 
 that they had known you for a long time, and that you had been 
 most shamefully misrepresented. The lady said that your con- 
 stancy was of the most enduring kind ; and so earnestly did she 
 write, that Julia was satisfied you had been wronged, and I really 
 began to take a different view of the matter. But who are the 
 parties? do I know them? " 
 
 " Very respectable people, and very rich," I said. 
 
 " O, I am glad to hear it. I should be most happy to see 
 them in Hoaolulu." 
 
 I thought that the reputed wealth of Myers would touch the 
 old man's fancy ; but before he could ask another question we were 
 at the door of his house. 
 
 " You wait here for a few minutes," the old gentleman said, 
 pushing me into the parlor. u I will find Julia, and prepare her 
 for the interview." She is .not strong, you must recollect." 
 
 He left me, and was gone ten minutes. When he returned, 
 he said, 
 
 u She will come to you in a minute. Now I will take myself 
 off; " and he was about \o leave me, when I requested him to 
 Bend his carriage for J)on Pedro and wife, and to receive them 
 
428 A WHALEMAN'S ADVENTURES. 
 
 in case I was not at the landing ; all of which he promised to do, 
 and then left the house. 
 
 I waited with a beating heart for a few moments, and then 
 heard a rustle on the stairs, a light step, and the next instant 
 Julia had entered the jparlor, was encircled in my arms and folded 
 to my heart. 
 
 For some time we did not speak. How long we remained 
 silent I have not the slightest idea, for under such circumstances 
 as my meeting with Julia hours seemed like moments, so quickly 
 did time fly. I know that I kissed her lips, and as I did so her 
 eyes were shedding tears, for I felt the drops on my cheeks. I 
 led the precious girl to a sofa, and took a seat by her side ; as I 
 did so, she softly whispered, 
 
 u You have returned to me in good health have you not, 
 Charles?" 
 
 " Yes ; I left San Francisco as soon as I could obtain a pas- 
 sage after receiving your letter." 
 
 " And you do not think me bold in writing such a letter as I 
 did?" she asked. 
 
 kt No, indeed. I was delighted with it. How could I help 
 being so ? " 
 
 " I don't know. We did not part the best of friends." 
 
 " But ,we meet as friends." 
 
 " Yes ! O, yes ! " 
 
 " As lovers?" I whispered. 
 
 She pressed my hand, but did not reply. I considered that a 
 sufficient answer for all practical purposes, and so did Julia ; for 
 she smiled at my demonstrations of delight, and rebuked me for 
 daring to kiss her. 
 
 " You have been ill, darling?" I asked, as I marked how thin 
 was her face, and how pale it looked. 
 
 " Yes ; I was quite ill." 
 
 " And what caused your sickness? " 
 
 u I do not know, unless it was thinking of our parting," was 
 the -candid answer. 
 
 " Then you did allow that to prey upon your mind? " 
 
 "Yes; I could not help thinking that I had been hasty in my 
 treatment of you that you did not deserve it." 
 
 44 1 am so glad that you arrived at such a conclusion," I an- 
 swered, quite eagerly, delighted (o find that she took such a view 
 
A LOVERS* MEETING. 429 
 
 of the case, and beginning to entertain an idea that I was really 
 an injured individual, although I could not tell in what light 
 my injuries were to be placed. 
 
 " O, yes ! " answered the innocent girl ; " I thought of all that 
 you told me, and I found that you were not so much to blame as 
 I supposed. Then 1 received a letter from some of your friends 
 in San Francisco, and they spoke in such high terms of you that 
 I felt sure you were not really bad ; but if you were," and Ihe 
 dear girl looked at me in the most thoughtful manner, "you 
 must promise me not to be bad after we are married." 
 
 "I will make a thousand promises," I cried, with rapture; 
 perfectly delighted with the manner in which I was to escape. 
 
 " And keep them ? " she asked, with a roguish smile. 
 
 " And keep them," I answered, most solemnly ; wondering at 
 my good fortune, and hardly daring to believe that I was 
 awake. 
 
 " Then I will trust you ; " and she put her hand in mine, and I 
 took the gift as" the greatest treasure that I could own. But 
 even with all my happiness I did not forget that I had friends on 
 board the Cortez, and that I had invited them on shore, and that 
 it was near, time they arrived. I told Julia that such was the 
 case ; and she was delighted, and volunteered to ride to the beach 
 with me, and welcome Don Pedro and Constance. 
 
 In ten minutes the carriage was at the door, and Julia and I 
 were rolling towards the landing. While we were on the way I 
 had an opportunity to examine Julia's face by the strong sunlight. 
 It looked delicate, and most wonderful in its clearness and trans- 
 parency ; and I could but confess that even if she had lost a little 
 flesh, her beauty was as great as ever. On our way to the 
 beach we overtook Mr. Cherington, and stopped to speak with 
 him. 
 
 " I was just going to meet your friends," he said. " I ordered 
 the carriage to the landing, but I see that you have taken posses- 
 sion, so you may go together. I'll return to the house, and look 
 after the dinner." 
 
 The old gentleman waved his hand, and beamed on -us a pleas- 
 ant smile, and then turned in the direction of the house. We 
 reached the landing just in time to welcome Don Pedro and his 
 wife. I introduced Julia to them, and she was delighted with 
 Constance ; and the frantic efforts which the ladies made to un 
 
430 A WHALEMAN'S ADVENTURES. 
 
 derstand each other, while one spoke in .Spanish and the other in 
 English, were so amusing that I was compelled to laugh, despite 
 my efforts to maintain my gravity. 
 
 u O, you may laugh," said Constance ; " but if I could speak 
 English I would tell the lady some of your actions, and then we 
 should see how much you would smile. I know that she is too 
 good for you." 
 
 " What does she say?" demanded Julia, as we took our seats 
 in the carriage. 
 
 " She says that she thinks we are just suited for each other," 
 I replied, with a slight perversion of truth. 
 
 Julia seized the Spanish lady's hand and pressed it very warm- 
 ly, to the astonishment of the latter. 
 
 " I know you have told her something that reflects credit 
 on yourself," cried Constance. " It is just like you ; " and then 
 she turned to Julia, and said, 
 
 " You no knowey dat man muche. He berry good." 
 
 All of which Julia construed into a compliment for me, and 
 bowed and smiled in the most genial manner. But it was as- 
 tonishing with what rapidity the ladies learned to like each other ; 
 and although they could not comprehend a dozen words uttered, 
 they managed to get along very well, and by the time we reached 
 the house they were fast friends, and would have exchanged con- 
 fidences, if they could have done so. We had a most pleasant 
 dinner party, and it was none the less agreeable because it was 
 confined to our family and Don Pedro and wife. The two latter 
 were particularly pleased with their reception and entertainment. 
 After dinner we rode out, and showed our guests the best part of 
 Honolulu. When we returned I found all my men at the house, 
 waiting for me. "They had landed all of the property belonging 
 to the firm, and had deposited the gold and gold dust in the safes 
 at the store, and now they wanted to know if there were any fur- 
 ther orders for them, because if there were not they would like to- 
 take a cruise for a few days. I had no orders for them, but I 
 told Jack to select a number of articles from the store, and take 
 them to Lilly's father, and to tell the old chief that his child was 
 dead, but that she died happy, with the hope of meeting him in 
 the kanakas' heaven. This mission I desired him to keep secret ; 
 and it was so kept, for Jack understood my ideas of what was 
 and proper. He nearly loaded a boat with presents for the 
 
A DAY IS ASKED FOR. 431 
 
 old man, and so delighted was he with them, that his grief wa3 
 of short duration. He lived for many years at his native village, 
 and while alive I saw that he never wanted for any of the neces- 
 saries or luxuries of life. 
 
 But I must return to my story, for I recollect that my yarn 
 is nearly run out, and that time is pressing. Jack and Jake 
 left for the village which they called their home, while Will and 
 Bushy found quarters at a respectable boarding-house, and waited 
 patiently for something to turn up. They had money enough 
 to live oh, and they determined to enjoy it; and I thiak they 
 did, for I saw them every day the first week of our arrival, 
 mounted on horseback, riding about town in a quiet manner, 
 and wondering how they should pass away the hours. Don 
 Pedro and Constance remained with us for three days, and then 
 sailed for Manilla, at which city, I am informed, Constance is a 
 belle, and has often danced with the governor. Her husband is 
 rich, and loves his wife as devotedly as ever. I hear from them 
 twice a year, in the shape of letters and piney dress patterns. 
 
 On the fourth day of my arrival home I met Julia in the parlor, 
 and determined to press her to appoint the day of our marriage, 
 a subject that neither of us had alluded to during the visit of 
 Don Pedro. 
 
 u Julia," I said, as I ranged near her, " I suppose you know 
 that I love you very much." 
 
 " I know that you say so," was the answer. 
 
 u Are you not certain that I do? " 
 
 " Well, yes, I think you like me pretty well ; " and the young 
 lady's cheeks were dimpled with a smile. 
 
 u And loving you, of course I feel as though I should like to 
 marry you," I continued. 
 
 " I don't see the necessity for it," the little coquette replied, 
 with a toss of her head. 
 
 I was determined to humor her, so I pleaded for the appoint- 
 ment of a day on which we could be united ; but to my surprise 
 she did not seem to agree with me on that point. 
 
 " Why can't we remain as we are for the present?" she asked. 
 44 We are happy now, and see each other as often as desirable. 
 Don't let us think of marriage for a year or two." 
 
 Now I knew that this was all uttered for the sake of effect, so 
 I resolved to change my tactics. 
 
432 A WHALEMAN'S ADVENTURES. 
 
 " To tell you the truth, Julia," I said with a grave face, " I 
 think that you are right. We are both too young for married 
 life. We will wait for each -other a year or two, and in the 
 mean time I will strive to increase my fortune." 
 
 I saw that she stole a look at my face, as though wondering if 
 I could be in earnest. I maintained my gravity, and seemed to 
 be engaged in some mental calculation. 
 
 " Yes," I continued, " I can return to California, and engage 
 in trade, and in two years' time, with prudence and attention, I 
 can add to my wealth." 
 
 " Then you had better go," she said, in a petulant manner, 
 for she did not like the position which I had suddenly taken. 
 
 " I mean to, dear. When I started for Honolulu I thought I 
 should soon own a wife. As I have made a slight mistake, I will 
 go back." 
 
 I arose from the sofa and walked to the window. I can't say 
 that I felt very pleasant, for I feared that we should carry the 
 joke too far, and that what was intended for a little coquetry 
 would end in a serious quarrel. 
 
 " How long before you will leave us?" asked Julia. 
 
 u As soon as a vessel sails for California." 
 
 "Are you serious?" and I saw her black eyes open to their 
 widest extent. 
 
 " Yes." 
 
 She left the sofa and came near me, standing by my side. 
 
 " Charles," she asked, " do you want me to marry you very 
 much ? " and she laid her hand on my shoulder, and looked up in 
 my face with such a loving glance that I was tempted to yield, 
 but did not. 
 
 " I am not particular about it, if you prefer to wait a year or 
 two." 
 
 This was so unkind and unexpected that the dear girl could 
 not restrain her tears. They flooded her eyes in an instant, and 
 burst all the barriers of reserve. 
 
 " O, Charles ! " she moaned, " I begin to think that you do not 
 love me." 
 
 " I should suppose -that charge might -be proved mfounded, if 
 you would but take time to think of my conversation this morn- 
 ing." 
 
 " I don't recollect it," sobbed the dear girl. 
 
TESTING TEMPER. 433 
 
 u Then I won't remind you of it.*' 
 
 " Did you say you wanted me to marry you?" 
 
 * 4 Something of that nature." 
 
 She made an effort and shut down the flood-gates of tears, and 
 then looked up, and asked, 
 
 " Do you suppose that papa would be willing?" 
 
 " I am certain that he would." 
 
 " Then I don't think that I shall make any objections ; " and 
 she smiled in her usual roguish manner, and held out her hand. 
 
 In an instant I was at her side, her little hand clasped in mine, 
 while an arm was around her waist. 
 
 " Did you think that I was in earnest ? " the lady asked, with 
 a smile. 
 
 " At one time I thought you were." 
 
 " I was only testing your temper ; " and the little coquette 
 laughed. " O, haven't you a temper ! " 
 
 " Yes ; but please -don't test it in that way again." 
 
 " Then you won't go back to California? " 
 
 " Not at present." 
 
 " Did you intend going? " 
 
 " No, indeed. I came here to marry you, and I mean to." 
 
 " Why, you bold, impudent boy ! " she said. " What shall I 
 do with you ? " 
 
 " Name the day, and then we will discuss that question at 
 some future time." 
 
 " Well, say three months from the present time." 
 
 " No ; I'll listen to no such suggestions." 
 
 " Then two months will have to answer." 
 
 " No." 
 
 " Aren't you cruel ? Then one month, and not another day 
 will I take off." 
 
 "Yes, you will. You will say two weeks from to-day and I 
 will commit my life, my happiness, my honor, to your keeping ; 
 and may God have mercy on me if I do not esteem the precious 
 charge." 
 
 She gave me her hand, put her red lips to mine, and then I 
 knew the bargain was consummated, and that unless some ac- 
 cident intervened, I should own the handsomest wife in Honolqlu. 
 What a happy forenoon we passed ! We sat and planned for the 
 future until Mr. Cherington returned home for dinner, and then 
 28 
 
434 A WHALEMAN'S ADVENTURES. 
 
 we walked directly up to him, and told him what we had agreed 
 to do, and asked his consent. 
 
 " You have it, my dear children," he said. " Most readily do 
 I agree to your marriage. It is the principal wish of my heart 
 to see you united and happy. God bless you, rny children, and 
 may you be patient in affliction, considerate in your joy, and lov- 
 ing in your old age. And now let's have dinner." 
 
 The day before the wedding a large ship appeared off the har- 
 bor. Will, Bushy, and I were fishing at the time, and we noticed 
 that those on board made signals for a boat, so we up anchor and 
 ran towards the vessel, and as we passed under her stern the 
 captain asked, 
 
 "Will you take two passengers on shore? I can't stop, for 
 I'm bound to China, and don't want to lose this wind." 
 
 *' Yes," I answered, thinking that I could accommodate some 
 one, and seeing that the vessel was from California, which place 
 I very much desired to hear from. 
 
 The shig backed her maintopsail, and I ran alongside. 
 
 " Come up, sir," cried the mate, as he swung me the man- 
 ropes. " We will have the luggage in the boat in a few minutes. 
 But it takes all day for a woman to get ready." 
 
 I went up the side and landed on deck, and to my surprise the 
 first person I met was my old friend Myers. 
 
 " Charlie, my boy, how are you?" crie*d the ex-whaler, with a 
 rush, and a strangle in his throat. " How glad I am to see you 
 here ! " 
 
 We had a most hearty hand shaking, for I was really delighted 
 to see the man. 
 
 " And Dorothea, where is she? " I asked. 
 
 " In the cabin, packing up. We won't interrupt her, if we do 
 she will have one of her fits, laughing and crying, you know, and 
 then nothing will be done." 
 
 " I am really glad to see you, but had no idea that you would 
 visit me." 
 
 " O, Dorothea wanted a change. You know her condition, so 
 I left business and started. Passage don't cost me anything. I 
 own the ship. Bought her for the China trade, and mean to make 
 a heap of money with her. But are you married yet? " 
 
 " No ; you are just in time, for to-morrow the joyful event 
 occurs." 
 
MYERS AND HIS WIFE. 435 
 
 " Good ! Then I have arrived none too soon." 
 
 Just at this moment Dorothea made her appearance, 'and with 
 a yell she rushed into my arms and kissed me. 
 
 " Gently," whispered Myers ; " remember she is delicate ; " 
 which I was not so ready to believe, for the lady seemed as lively 
 as ever. 
 
 I saw that the captain of the ship was a little impatient, for 
 fear of losing the breeze ; so I hurried Myers and his wife into 
 the boat, with their numerous trunks, and then started for the 
 shore, leaving the captain to steer for India, and to crowd sail 
 alow and aloft for the purpose of making a quick passage in his 
 clipper. 
 
 "Charlie, where shall I stop in Honolulu?" asked the ex- 
 whaler. 
 
 " O, with me, of course." 
 
 " Shan't I be in the way?" 
 
 " Not in the least. We have a spare room, and plenty of seats 
 at the table." 
 
 " All right, my boy. If I'm in the way I'll go to a hotel." 
 
 But I had no idea of that. I was under too many obligations 
 to my friend to permit him and his wife to seek a hotel when I 
 could command a room ; so to the house they went. I managed 
 to find Julia, and introduce her, and then all hands were quite 
 happy ; while Dorothea was enthusiastic because she had arrived 
 in time to see me married, and because Julia carried her off to 
 see the wedding dress, the greatest treat that one woman can 
 give another. 
 
 If my future happiness depended upon omens, the bright sun 
 which greeted my eyes the next morning, as I raised the curtains 
 of my windows, was emblematic of bliss, for a more lovely day I 
 never saw in Honolulu ; aud this was the more remarkable be- 
 cause it was during the winter mouths, when severe storms some- 
 times swept over the islands. And this is my wedding-day, I 
 thought, as I stood at the window and looked towards the outer 
 harbor ; and as my gaze roamed from point to point, I thought 
 of the time when I shipped on board the Sally at New Bedford, 
 a lad, without friends, and without hope, a victim to a boyish pas- 
 sion, having been jilted by a heartless little flirt, whose black 
 eyes arid red cheeks had been too much for my susceptible heart. 
 Many years had passed since then. I was over tweuty-two years 
 
436 A WHALEMAN'S ADVENTURES. 
 
 of age, rich, and to be married to the loveliest young lady in 
 Honolulu one whom I prized most dearly, and who loved me ; 
 and as I thought of the enviable position which I occupied, I 
 could not help uttering a sigh as my mind reverted to poor Lilly, 
 and I wished that she was alive and happy, with some man of 
 her choice. 
 
 I must pass over the many incidents that took place, until we 
 were dressed and ready for the ceremony. At three o'clock visitors 
 began to flock to the house, and they continued to arrive until all 
 the parlors were filled ; and when every one was crowded to suf- 
 focation, the king and his cabinet entered, so of course they had 
 to have the best places. 
 
 I have a confused recollection of taking Julia by the hand of 
 looking at her with admiration, and of kissing her, which caused 
 all the bridesmaids to utter a little scream, and declare that I had 
 " rumpled " the young lady's clothes; of the manner in which 
 Julia laughed, trembled, and blushed ; of my declaring that she 
 resembled an angel, and one of the bridesmaids asking if I had 
 ever seen one ; of floating into the parlor, with Julia by my side, 
 and of hearing a hum of admiration at the beauty of the bride. 
 I have a distinct recollection that a tall, venerable missionary, 
 who had made a fortune by his piety and shrewd bargains with 
 the kanakas, on the ground that he was saving their souls from 
 endless punishment, rose up before me and said something. What 
 it was I have not the slightest idea ; but I bowed my head, and 
 wished that it was over so that I could get a breath of air, for the 
 rooms grew warm, and the company looked in a perspiring mood. 
 I felt the little hand that I clasped tremble, and then tried 
 to follow the minister in his prayer ; but could not, for my 
 thoughts would revert to the last speculation in which he indulged, 
 and I wondered if he had made much by it. From this state I 
 was aroused by hearing the missionary pronounce me a married 
 man ; and then there was a rush towards us, the whole com- 
 pany anxious for congratulations. 
 
IN BOSTON AGAIN. 437 
 
 CHAPTER XXVII. 
 
 LIFE IN A STEAMER. IN BOSTON ONCE MORE. - - CONCLUSION. 
 
 LIFE on board a Pacific steamer was not pleasant years ago. In 
 the first place, every part of the vessel was crowded, so that there 
 was not room enough to move. The heat was intense, and unless 
 you had a state-room, you had better be in purgatory, for there 
 was no comfort, ease, or convenience. Luckily for Julia and my- 
 self, we had a splendid state-room, the best one on board ; but 
 then I had to pay for it, and a good price, too, although I did not 
 regret it after I saw the motley collection on board. 
 
 We steamed on, day after day, and at last arrived at Panama ; 
 were transported across the country, and found a steamer ready 
 to take us to New York; which place we reached without accident. 
 As Julia had never before visited New York, we remained there 
 a week, to enable her to recruit, and obtain a supply of fashiona- 
 ble clothing, without which women seem to think it is impossible 
 to exist. 
 
 I had not sent word to my parents that I intended to return 
 home. I thought I would surprise them, so I was in no hurry 
 to leave the city, where my wife enjoyed herself so much ; and I 
 was happy iu seeing her pleased. But at last her robes and 
 flounces were completed, and then, one Monday evening, in the 
 month of June, just ten years from the time I had shipped on 
 board a whaler at New Bedford, we left New York on a Sound 
 steamer for Boston. BgKlCTOit LibTttft 
 
 We were late in reaching the city, on account of some delay of 
 the train, so that it was near nine o'clock before we arrived at 
 the Providence depot. 
 
 " Where do you want to go?" asked the hackman. 
 
 I had forgotten the number of father's house. 
 
 " Take us to the residence of Alderman Allspice," I said, hop- 
 ing that the man would know where he resided. 
 
 " Yes ; he lives on Beacon Street ; " and the man slammed 
 the carriage door and started. 
 
 We were not long on the way ; but short as was the time, I 
 
438 A WHALEMAN'S ADVENTURES. 
 
 was enabled to think of the many adventures I had passed through 
 since I had been absent. At last the carriage stopped, and the 
 driver opened the door. I rang the bell, and a smart-looking 
 colored servant appeared. 
 
 u Is Mr. Allspice at home?" I asked. 
 
 u ISTo, sir ; you will find him at his place of business." 
 
 " Mrs. Allspice is a,t home?" I asked. 
 
 " Yes, sir." 
 
 " We will see her ; " and in we walked, and entered the drawing- 
 room, the furniture of which was most magnificent. 
 
 u Your cards, if you please," the servant said. 
 
 " We have none." 
 
 " Your names, then," and the servant almost looked contemptu- 
 ous at a party who did not carry cards. 
 
 " Never mind the names," I answered. " Tell her we want 
 to see her ; that's enough ; " and then, to the surprise of the ser- 
 vant, I walked to the windows, jerked up the curtains, threw open 
 the blinds, and let a stream of daylight into the room. 
 
 " Beg your pardon, sir, but missis don't allow that, sir ; and 
 perhaps, sir, you have made a mistake. There's other Allspices 
 in the city, sir." 
 
 " O, Charles," pleaded Julia, " do explain." 
 
 I laughed at her fears, and opened another blind. The servant 
 thought that we were the most free and easy people that he had 
 ever seen. 
 
 " I beg your pardon, sir," he said ; " tyut couldn't you tell me 
 your name? " 
 
 I answered him in the dialect of the Sandwich Islands, and, 
 after one stare of astonishment, he left us to inform my mother 
 that there were pert foreigners down stairs, and that they didn't 
 know much, and he rather thought they wanted offices under the 
 city government. 
 
 My dear mother sighed and descended the stairs, intending to 
 be curt and to the point. I heard her steps, and knew them, and 
 I thought I should betray myself as soon as she entered the room, 
 for I felt like springing to her arms and kissing her. But I man- 
 aged to quell the beating of rny heart, and awaited her en- 
 trance. 
 
 Then she stood before me. Her face had not grown old, but it 
 seemed more thoughtful than when I saw it last, and the threads of 
 
MEETING A MOTHER. 439 
 
 silver ID her hair seemed a little brighter than when I left home. 
 But the eyes had not altered. They looked as kind as ever, and if 
 it had not been for them I should have remained firm. But I re- 
 membered how often those eyes had stood between my father and 
 myself, when the old gentleman had come home hungry and an- 
 gry ; and how she had excused my faults, and endeavored to per- 
 suade him to do the same, which he was not always inclined 
 to do, I am sorry to say, as my back can testify. Therefore, when 
 my mother looked at me with her dark-brown eyes, so mild, yet 
 so unconscious, I could no longer restrain myself. 
 
 " Mother," I said, and rushed towards her and clasped her in 
 my arms. 
 
 I saw the look of surprise which she gave the quick, anx- 
 ious glance at my face, which had changed much during the ten 
 years that I had been absent, and then she sighed, put her hand 
 to her forehead, as though she felt, for the moment, overwhelmed, 
 and I feared that she would faint. 
 
 " Bring a glass of water,'* I said to the tall servant who had 
 resented our entering the parlor, as far as looks were concerned, 
 and who now stood in the entry, apparently bewildered at the 
 scene before him. 
 
 He ran towards the dining-room as fast as his long legs could 
 carry him ; but mother did not faint. She rallied immediately, 
 and found relief in a flood of tears ; but they were happy ones, 
 for, as soon as she could speak, she said, 
 
 " O, Charles, why didn't you give me some warning of your 
 coming?" 
 
 " Because I wanted to surprise you, and I think I have." 
 
 *' You almost made me faint, you naughty boy ; " and half a 
 dozen motherly kisses proved that I was forgiven. 
 
 But I did not let her ask questions. I took her hand and led 
 her to Julia. 
 
 " / have not only come home, but I have brought a daughter 
 for you. Of course you will love her as well as myself." 
 
 " Full as well," was the hearty answer ; and then my dear little 
 wife found herself clasped in my mother's arms. 
 
 " You are full as handsome as I have been led to expect, my 
 dear child," mother said, as she looked at the sweet, blushing 
 face, and kissed it half a dozen times. 
 
 " You know, my dear mother^ that I ^a,s} always noted for my 
 
440 A WHALEMAN'S ADVENTURES. 
 
 taste in that line. You did not suppose that I would choose a 
 homely bride did you ? " 
 
 " I had no idea that you would choose any, until we received 
 your letters. But I am glad that you are married, and that you 
 married the daughter of such a dear old friend as Mr. Cherington. 
 I could not have wished for a better wife for my son." 
 
 " Nor I," was my reply. 
 
 " And you are both happy?" asked my mother, as she scanned 
 us with her calm eyes, as though to see if such was the case. 
 
 I put an arm around Julia's waist and kissed her. 
 
 '* This is my answer." 
 
 " And a good one it is. May you always be faithful to it, my 
 dear child." 
 
 She rang the bell for the housekeeper, and in a few min- 
 utes we were in elegant apartments, and everything conven- 
 ient for comfort ; and after we had changed our dresses we de- 
 scended to the dining-room, and found an excellent breakfast 
 awaiting us. 
 
 " I hope that father is as well as usual," I said, as we took 
 seats at the table. 
 
 " Yes ; his health is excellent, although a few months since he 
 had a touch of the gout, and was rather cross in consequence. 
 He will be delighted to see you, for he has boasted enough of 
 your exploits and success in making money, although I don't 
 see how you could do it, and so young and inexperienced when 
 you left home. Was it air true about that German, Mr. Wis- 
 ner?" 
 
 " It was all true, mother, and Julia will show you some of the 
 precious stones, besides a costly ring which she intends as a pres- 
 ent for you. The brilliant is really beautiful." 
 
 Mother looked pleased, but finally said, 
 
 " I'm afraid that you can't afford such an extravagant present 
 for me. Besides, I'm growing old, and don't need diamonds. 
 They will do for young people, but not for me."** 
 
 Julia arose and walked softly to the old lady's side, and laid 
 her young and blooming face against mother's cheek, and whis- 
 pered, 
 
 u We love you, and because you are older than we are we take 
 pride in seeing you happy. Only love us as well as we love you, 
 arid c/ur cL;y s will pass very happily." 
 
A HAPPY HOME. 441 
 
 The young wife was clasped to a mother's breast, and from 
 that moment they loved each other most dearly. 
 
 As soon as our breakfast was completed, I left Julia to chat 
 with mother while I went out in search of my father. I passed 
 through the store, and saw old Penchard, the bookkeeper, labor- 
 ing at his desk just as I left him ten years before. He looked 
 up, stared at me for a moment, wondering, I suppose, if I dealt 
 in groceries ; and apparently satisfied that I did not, dropped his 
 eyes to his ledger. 
 
 I passed on towards my father's private office, entered, and 
 found myself in his presence ; and then through my mind rushed 
 all the incidents of our last interview how I, a trembling boy, 
 had stood before him, and dared to resist his demands, even when 
 threatened with a severe flogging. I recollected how I had stolen 
 raisins and figs to feed that little coquette, Jenny Fairchild, and 
 how, rather than reveal her name, I had run away from home. 
 All these things I thought of as I saw before me a stout, bald- 
 headed old gentleman, with dark-brown hair ; or what there was 
 around his temples and ears was brown, and curling in quite a 
 careless manner ; but the face had not changed. There was the 
 same dogged resolution and firmness, with a little more thought- 
 fuluess around the corners of his mouth. 
 
 u Well, sir," he said, as though anxious for me to state my 
 business in as brief a form as possible. 
 
 " 4 You do not know me?" I asked. 
 
 " No, sir, I have not the honor." 
 
 " Did you ever see me before ? " 
 
 " No, sir ; not to my knowledge ; " and the answer was a little 
 curter than before. 
 
 " I have called to bring you information of your son," I said. 
 
 " Of Charles ! my boy Charles? " he cried, in an eager tone. 
 
 " Yes, of him." 
 
 The old gentleman jumped from his chair, and came towards 
 me ; but looked so eager that I could no longer remain grave. 
 I was compelled to smile, and when I did, my father stopped, 
 looked surprised, and then roared, 
 
 " Charles ! Charles ! you rogue ! is this you ? " and before I 
 could answer, his stout arms were around me, and he was hug- 
 ging me to his breast, and uttering all manner of exclamations 
 of delight. 
 
442 A WHALEMAN'S ADVENTURES. 
 
 " You shall never leave me again, you young dog ! Not a bit 
 of it. But where is your wife ? " 
 
 " At the house." 
 
 " Good ! But come here. Old Penchard will be delighted to 
 see you." 
 
 He seized me by the arm, and dragged me into the store. 
 
 <k Look a-here, Penchard," cried my father, his voice a little 
 liusky, although he attempted to be stern ; " do you know this 
 young man ? " 
 
 " No, sir ; I do not. I never saw him before." 
 
 " Ha ! ha ! " roared my father. " Why, you old fool, this is 
 my son, Charles." 
 
 u God bless me ! you don't mean it ! " cried the old clerk, 
 starting up and throwing down his pen. 
 
 "And to think that you didn't recognize the boy. That is a 
 joke. Why, I knew him at once ; " which assertion I think was 
 an aldermauic one, to be received with some allowance for ex- 
 citement. 
 
 The old clerk took off his glasses, wiped them, and then put 
 them on and looked at me. 
 
 "Yes," he said, at- length ; " it is him, sure enough. I know 
 him now. But he has changed so much." 
 
 " Of course the boy has changed. Blast it, do you suppose 
 that ten years can pass away without changes? Penchard, you 
 grow stupid." 
 
 The old clerk took no notice of the remark, but continued to 
 look at me in. silent wonderment. 
 
 " To think that he should return to us after all," the old fellow 
 sighed. " And he is married, too. Well, well, I'm growing old, 
 I suppose ; but it don't seem but last week that I stuffed his little 
 pockets with raisins, and charged them to profit and loss. He 
 was always fond of raisins, you know." 
 
 " Yes, I know he was," replied my father ; " and it is but a 
 few months since I discovered the reason why Master Charley ran 
 away. Miss Fairchild told me. It seems that you purchased 
 her love by the aid of my stock of fruit, and then felt too proud 
 to inform me of it. What do you think of that, Peuchard ? " 
 
 " Just like him," answered the old clerk. 
 
 " Of course it is ; but you come and dine with us to-day. You 
 vant to hear the boy talk, and see his wife. I know you do, so 
 
A DINNER PARTY. 443 
 
 don't say another word. Come, Charles," and the old gentleman 
 seized my arm, and dragged me on 'change, and introduced me 
 to all his friends, and made me talk until I was tired, and glad to 
 get home. 
 
 44 Charles," said my mother, as I entered the house, " Miss Fair- 
 child is in the parlor. Do go and see her. She wants to laugh 
 with you over childish days." 
 
 44 Perhaps that would be a dangerous experiment," I muttered, 
 as I thought of her handsome face and bright eyes, and recollected 
 how much I loved her at one time ; but I entered the parlor, and 
 then a young lady of wondrous beanity arose and extended her 
 hand. I should have known her if I had met her in the wilds of 
 California. She still possessed the same clear pink and white 
 skin, the same sweet eyes, and red lips. 
 
 I took the hand and held it for a moment, while we looked at 
 each other long and earnestly. 
 
 44 You have changed so much, Mr. Allspice," and then she 
 laughed and withdrew her hand. 
 
 44 And you have changed, for I left you a beautiful girl, and 
 you have grown up a lovely woman." 
 
 44 O, what a naughty man," and she pretended to look sober ; 
 but the effort was not successful. 
 
 " Do you remember the night I parted from you ? " I asked. 
 
 44 1 shall never forget it," she sighed, and then looking up, ex- 
 claimed, 44 What a goose you were to run away ! " and to my sur- 
 prise all sentiment left her, and she was a wild, laughing girl, full 
 of fun and nonsense. 
 
 44 1 want to see your wife," she said ; 44 and so .1 intend to dine 
 here. Do go and ask her to come down." 
 
 I went in search of Julia. She was dressing for dinner; and 
 as she held up her beautiful face for the usual kiss on my return 
 home, I could not help thinking that she was full as handsome 
 as Jenny Fairchild, and that I loved her more dearly. 
 
 44 Look your prettiest," I whispered, 44 for you will meet several 
 strangers at dinner." 
 
 This information did not dismay her. She was too much ac- 
 customed to society to feel timid at meeting strangers, therefore 
 when she did appear in the drawing-room there was a general 
 murmur of admiration. 
 
 My father kissed her, blessed her, and was delighted with her 
 
444 A WHALEMAN'S ADVENTURES. 
 
 and Jenny whispered to me as I waited upon her to the ta- 
 ble,- 
 
 " I love your wife most dearly." 
 
 " And the husband?" I asked. 
 
 " O, dear, I did love him ; but time has changed my feelings. 
 We are friends ; but love is something of the past." 
 
 " Amen ! " was my answer, as I glanced at my wife, and thought 
 of her good qualities and rare beauty. 
 
 One word, and I have ended my yarn. Will, whom I left at 
 Honolulu, returned to California, and amassed a fortune in buy- 
 ing ships and fitting them out for Panama with passengers. Bushy 
 was concerned with him in the enterprise. Jack and Jake took 
 to farming at Honolulu, and now own a large sugar and coffee 
 plantation. Myers and his wife are still residing in San Fran- 
 cisco, while my respected father-in-law is with us, and occupies 
 his time in playing with his grandchildren. 
 
* <*