101:007,00[U ]| 101:007,00[U ]| <\Sunkissed Children\> 101:007,00[U ]| 101:007,00@@@@@| 101:007,00[U ]| 101:007,01[' ]| Morning. It was early, so$5#1$ early that$3$ no*one else was 101:007,02[' ]| awake, yet so$5#1$ light that$3$ there were no$2$ shades at all 101:007,03[' ]| in$4$ the room. The light had even mastered the yellow linen 101:007,04[' ]| blinds and rose-speckled chintz curtains. Letty sat bolt 101:007,05[' ]| upright in$4$ bed and looked round, blinking. 101:007,05@a | It was her 101:007,06@a | birthday, that$6#2$ was the splendid thing ~~ she was eight; and 101:007,07@a | they were in$4$ Fremantle ~~ that$6#2$ was bewildering. It seemed 101:007,08@a | ~~ for$3$ they had arrived only yesterday ~~ as though they had 101:007,09@a | come on$4$ purpose for$4$ her birthday. She had been afraid 101:007,10@a | they would not be in$4$ time, such miles and miles of country 101:007,11@a | they had been compelled to$9$ traverse all the way overland 101:007,12@a | from Albany. It had taken a week by$4$ coach ~~ as the old 101:007,13@a | buggy was called ~~ a week driving through kangaroo-infested 101:007,14@a | bush and scrub and forest, sand plain and salt 101:007,15@a | marsh country. It must be the other side of the world 101:007,16@a | from Albany. Yet the track had always been there, linking 101:007,17@a | it up$5$. 101:007,17[' ]| The tiny track that$6#1$ wound its courageous way in$5$ 101:007,18[' ]| and out of the great wide wastes of country had fascinated 101:007,19[' ]| Letty. 101:007,19@a | It had seemed like$4$ a little brown door, that$6#1$ grew 101:007,20@a | higher and higher and yet never any bigger, because when 101:007,21@a | it grew as high as high, it suddenly dwindled till she could 101:007,22@a | scarcely see it. If she could only pass through she surely 101:007,23@a | would come to$4$ fairyland, but she never did. And yet, here 101:007,24@a | she was at the other side and it was not fairyland at all, but 101:007,25@a | another home like$4$ the one at Albany. And cook in$4$ the 101:007,26@a | kitchen with nurse looking after the little ones, and Papa 101:007,27@a | hanging up$5$ his hat in$4$ the hall, and stamping about calling 101:007,28@a | Mama to$9$ look at things. Even the beds were the same, and 101:007,29@a | the quilts and the chintz curtains. Would it be the same 101:008,01@a | outside? She had heard it was a perfectly odious place. 101:008,02[' ]| Her papa and her grandmama had come out with some of 101:008,03[' ]| the first settlers a score of years before. They had been 101:008,04[' ]| given ""government grants"" of land; twenty acres for$4$ every 101:008,05[' ]| three pounds worth of the goods they had brought with 101:008,06[' ]| them. They had owned miles of it, alas! all to$4$ no$2$ purpose. 101:008,07[' ]| There had been no$2$ means of cultivation, in$4$ these days ~~ 101:008,08[' ]| neither implements, nor horses, nor labourers to$9$ manage 101:008,09[' ]| these things. Now were there artisans to$9$ build houses. Her 101:008,10[' ]| papa often grumbled about it. He and his mother had 101:008,11[' ]| soon found themselves in$4$ Queer*Street. But at last he had 101:008,12[' ]| obtained an appointment under the Crown and had been 101:008,13[' ]| sent to$4$ Albany, where he had married Letty's mother and 101:008,14[' ]| settled down. Now there was this upheaval. He had been 101:008,15[' ]| ordered back to$4$ Fremantle. She must get up$5$ and investigate 101:008,16[' ]| the new country. 101:008,17@a | Hello! here were presents ~~ A wee basket with a loop 101:008,18@a | handle and on$4$ curly green paper a sugar bonbon, ""From 101:008,19@a | Rosemary."" Now where did Rosemary get that$6#2$ from? And 101:008,20@a | here ~~ what was this? She lifted a long floppy parcel, 101:008,21@a | thrilling. ""With Mama's love,"" she read, tearing off the 101:008,22@a | paper. A round-cheeked, staring-eyed, wax-faced doll 101:008,23@a | dressed in$4$ magenta muslin, with black calico feet and 101:008,24@a | arms. It gave her quite a start of surprise. But, though 101:008,25@a | she did not like$1$ it, a happy feeling stirred in$4$ her heart. It 101:008,26@a | was hers, a gift, she would pretend she liked it very much 101:008,27@a | so$3$ as not to$9$ disturb mama. She laid it down and took up$5$ 101:008,28@a | the next thing. ""Many happy returns of the day, from 101:008,29@a | Papa."" A little riding whip. She loved this, hugged it 101:008,30@a | close. The next thing ~~ a book ""From Auntie*Annie"" 101:008,31@a | (mama's sister) ""in$4$ Adelaide."" It was all sticky and smelt 101:008,32@a | of gum and newness, a nice present, but one that$6#1$ could 101:008,33@a | wait. A little silk bag of sweets from Lubie came next, and 101:008,34@a | a pair of doll's knitted stockings from cook; a scalloped 101:008,35@a | petticoat in$4$ soft, fleecy flannel from Dick. Desperate this. 101:008,36@a | Dick must have gone to$4$ mama. He might have saved up$5$ 101:008,37@a | his pennies himself. 101:009,01[' ]| She bundles everything together and with them all in$4$ her 101:009,02[' ]| arms tip-toes in$4$ her little nightdress into the dressing-room, 101:009,03[' ]| where her brother Dick slept; a child filled with the 101:009,04[' ]| flame of life, light-footed, upright like$4$ a strong wildflower. 101:009,05[' ]| Her movements, the carriage of her gold, curl-tossed head, 101:009,06[' ]| her merry face, all speak of happiness and freedom from 101:009,07[' ]| care, even the care of schoolrooms and child's vanities and 101:009,08[' ]| misunderstandings. She marches along her way and cares 101:009,09[' ]| for$4$ nobody, not even Dick. He tries to$9$ master her. He is 101:009,10[' ]| younger, sturdy, clever, and always right. His hair is dark 101:009,11[' ]| and cropped, his eyes small and light-lidded, but his face 101:009,12[' ]| is innocent and serene as he lies there. Letty woke him 101:009,13[' ]| without compunction. 101:009,14[A ]| ""Look what I have got, Dick. Look! Wake up$5$! Look at my 101:009,15[A ]| presents. It is my birthday."" 101:009,16[D ]| ""Many happy returns,"" 101:009,16[' ]| this with a yawn looking at Letty's 101:009,17[' ]| treasures, and discarding them. 101:009,17[D ]| ""Not bad for$4$ a girl. But 101:009,18[D ]| come, let us get out and see what this part of the country is 101:009,19[D ]| like$4$. Carry your clothes and bring towels ~~ we will$1$ start 101:009,20[D ]| with a bathe. Bet I will$1$ be first."" 101:009,21[' ]| Taking the challenge, Letty left her things on$4$ the bed 101:009,22[' ]| and flicked away. She was like$4$ a wallaby, so$5#1$ silent and 101:009,23[' ]| quick on$4$ her bare feet. She discarded nightdress for$4$ frock 101:009,24[' ]| and, giving three dabs to$4$ her hair with the ""common"" brush 101:009,25[' ]| off the dressing-table, seized her clothes and towel and 101:009,26[' ]| crept past Lubie, and the children asleep in$4$ their cots, 101:009,27[' ]| and out of the unlatched door. There, also barefooted 101:009,28[' ]| and carrying his towel and shirt, but wearing his vest and 101:009,29[' ]| pants, Dick caught her up$5$. Suppressing their chuckles, 101:009,30[' ]| they raced almost silently down the narrow staircase, along 101:009,31[' ]| the passage and into the bare boarded kitchen. Cook was 101:009,32[' ]| up$5$, after all, cross, making the fire burn. They pulled 101:009,33[' ]| grimaces behind her back, but grinned when she faced 101:009,34[' ]| them. She held the larder key ~~ must be propitiated. She 101:009,35[' ]| would hiss like$4$ a goose, then would follow kindly acts ~~ 101:009,36[' ]| they knew. 101:009,37[V ]| ""Do not come pestering round before breakfus'! Be off. 101:010,01[V ]| ~~ Here, come back. There is some "rockies" on$4$ the 101:010,02[V ]| dresser. Take them and skedaddle."" 101:010,03[' ]| They grabbed, and away down over the dunes to$4$ the 101:010,04[' ]| sea, slipped off their clothes and bathed in$4$ their vests. It 101:010,05[' ]| was delicious. The sun was warm, brilliant. It was early 101:010,06[' ]| winter, June, but not at all cold ~~ much warmer here than 101:010,07[' ]| in$4$ Albany and the light was whiter, dazzling. 101:010,08[' ]| Now the children sat dressed, their vests and towels drying 101:010,09[' ]| in$4$ the sunshine, munching contentedly. 101:010,09@a | How light it 101:010,10@a | was. Glaring white sand. This way and that$6#2$ it ran, no$2$ 101:010,11@a | shade, no$2$ hills, only flat scrub stretching far away at the 101:010,12@a | back, and the settlement in$4$ the middle and the sea in$4$ 101:010,13@a | front. And in$4$ the middle of the sea, quite discernible, 101:010,14@a | lying there like$4$ a crocodile, was Rottnest*Island. How 101:010,15@a | different it was from Albany and King*George's*Sound. 101:010,16@a | At Albany there were numberless islands and promontories 101:010,17@a | and it was all full of colour and shadowy glow, 101:010,18@a | purple hills, russet distances, delicate variating skies and 101:010,19@a | jewel seas. Here, to-day at least, there was simply nothing 101:010,20@a | to$9$ see but white sand, green scrub, washy sky and indigo 101:010,21@a | ocean. But what a glare! And how queer the ocean looked 101:010,22@a | ~~ brimming, wide, like$4$ a great roof somehow. When you 101:010,23@a | stood or sat near it like$4$ this, it seemed to$9$ rise and come up$5$ 101:010,24@a | over your head like$4$ a canopy. It was ominous and strange. 101:010,25@a | At Albany great arms of land stretched horse-shoe fashion 101:010,26@a | away from a plinth where the township lay, and you never 101:010,27@a | felt overwhelmed by$4$ the sea like$4$ this. The Sound was held 101:010,28@a | in$4$ loving earth-arms there, but here the sea defied the 101:010,29@a | land, looked as if it might swamp it in$4$ its brimming threat. 101:010,30@a | The land was only sand and the settlement but a cluster 101:010,31@a | of houses thrown on$4$ it. 101:010,32[' ]| Letty at Albany had often heard people speaking disparagingly 101:010,33[' ]| of this Settlement. Because Albany had been 101:010,34[' ]| garrisoned for$4$ three whole years before the statesmen in$4$ 101:010,35[' ]| London had carried out the idea of sending people to$4$ the 101:010,36[' ]| mouth of the Swan*River to$9$ settle, instead of to$4$ King*George's*Sound. 101:010,37[' ]| It seemed madness to$4$ them. Albany had 101:011,01[' ]| a splendid natural harbour, an adorable climate, a great 101:011,02[' ]| water supply, and was fertile and rich in$4$ timber and vegetation. 101:011,03[' ]| They said 101:011,03@x | this place on$4$ the west coast was barren 101:011,04@x | and desolate. 101:011,04[' ]| It looked it, and so$5#2$ it had proved. But papa 101:011,05[' ]| said 101:011,05@b | what cared England. England had its bulldog grip on$4$ 101:011,06@b | the Swan*River*Settlement, it would not let it go. And it 101:011,07@b | was now to$9$ nourish its weediness, about to$9$ make a convict 101:011,08@b | settlement of it. 101:011,09[A ]| ""Look, Dick, look! saddled horses and grooms. The 101:011,10[A ]| Governor must be going to$9$ ride."" 101:011,11[' ]| The children got up$5$ and scuttled up$4$ the bank to$9$ get a 101:011,12[' ]| better view of the horses, which$6#1$ they found, when they 101:011,13[' ]| faced towards the tiny town, had halted before an imposing 101:011,14[' ]| edifice. This was the Governor's residence, but it had 101:011,15[' ]| no$2$ garden, no$2$ lawns of any sort. Only a small white-washed 101:011,16[' ]| wall round it. No$2$ grass grew anywhere. Most of 101:011,17[' ]| the scrub had been cleared away, or dried up$5$ after the long 101:011,18[' ]| hot summer. Everything was sandy, ~~ streets, compounds, 101:011,19[' ]| roadways. And the houses and buildings were crazily 101:011,20[' ]| standing anywhere. 101:011,21[D ]| ""And a good thing, too, that$3$ the convicts are coming,"" 101:011,21[' ]| said 101:011,22[' ]| Dick, regarding it all with disdain. 101:011,23[A ]| ""Why?"" 101:011,24[D ]| ""Well, you see, they will$1$ do something ~~ work, make roads. 101:011,25[D ]| My father said ~~ "" 101:011,26[A ]| ""He is mine too."" 101:011,27[D ]| ""Yes, but he lets me listen when he talks to$4$ grown-ups. 101:011,28[D ]| We have come up$4$ here because they want all the officials 101:011,29[D ]| they can get to$9$ put the fear of God into the villains."" 101:011,30[A ]| ""Are convicts villains?"" 101:011,31[D ]| ""I should think so$5#2$. No$2$ other place will$1$ have them. We 101:011,32[D ]| would not, but we can not help ourselves papa says. Look! 101:011,33[D ]| That$6#2$ must be the Governor coming out of his house and 101:011,34[D ]| mounting the grey horse, and that$6#2$ must be his son Peter 101:011,35[D ]| going over to$4$ the nigger pony, and the others ~~ "" 101:011,36[A ]| ""The staff. Hey! what a dandy. Peter does look nice, 101:011,37[A ]| does not he, Dick?"" 101:012,01[D ]| ""Do not stare, pretend you are not looking. It is rude to$9$ stare."" 101:012,02[' ]| He took Letty's arm and they turned their backs and 101:012,03[' ]| marched due north. So$3$ they came to$4$ the top of a sand 101:012,04[' ]| dune and looked down on$4$ the Swan*River. 101:012,04@a | How lovely it 101:012,05@a | was! Lovely. Like$4$ a streak of lightning caught by$4$ the 101:012,06@a | earth. There it lay in$4$ the midst of the sand and scrub, unconcernedly 101:012,07@a | twinkling. No$2$ house was near it then, but 101:012,08@a | the wooden piles of a bridge were being driven, and the 101:012,09@a | police-station stood by$4$ the narrow mouth. But if you 101:012,10@a | turned your back on$4$ the sea, you looked up$4$ wide, blue 101:012,11@a | glittering reaches, and it was the bluest thing under the 101:012,12@a | sun which$6#1$ now flashed dazzlingly on$4$ its surface, in$4$ the 101:012,13@a | whole world. 101:012,14[D ]| ""It is a prettier place than Albany, after all,"" 101:012,14[' ]| said Dick, 101:012,15[' ]| gasping. 101:012,16[A ]| ""No$7$,"" 101:012,16[' ]| said Letty, valiant for$4$ her old friend, 101:012,16[A ]| ""it is only 101:012,17[A ]| different. But it is scrumptious."" 101:012,17[' ]| Her eyes were shining. 101:012,18[D ]| ""Here come the horses. If we sit down no*one will$1$ notice 101:012,19[D ]| us, and we can have a good peep at the old Governor."" 101:012,20[' ]| As they crouched on$4$ the side of the hill, the cavalcade 101:012,21[' ]| passed below. The Governor, well turned out, red faced, 101:012,22[' ]| stout and important, riding carefully in$4$ his stirrups, holding 101:012,23[' ]| his reins and riding-stock high in$4$ a gloved hand. One 101:012,24[' ]| gentleman of the staff, making out he was holding in$4$ flesh 101:012,25[' ]| of high nettle, dug spurs in$4$ his chestnut and curvetted 101:012,26[' ]| about. Another frowned and drew away, and the boy on$4$ 101:012,27[' ]| the nigger pony dashed his mount through them all and, 101:012,28[' ]| passing the Governor, galloped away. He must have been 101:012,29[' ]| aware of the eyes of the youngsters watching, for$3$ undoubtedly 101:012,30[' ]| he was showing off. But he rode well, and his father, 101:012,31[' ]| holding back a moment, sent loving, admiring eyes after 101:012,32[' ]| him, then he too flicked his whip and up$5$ and away. 101:012,33[D ]| ""Fine!"" 101:012,33[' ]| said Dick. 101:012,34[A ]| ""Oh,"" 101:012,34[' ]| said Letty, though she was filled with admiration 101:012,35[' ]| of the scene she had just witnessed. 101:012,35[A ]| ""We have forgotten our 101:012,36[A ]| vests and towels. I do not want to$9$ get into a row on$4$ my 101:012,37[A ]| birthday. Come along, I will$1$ race you for$4$ them!"" 101:012,37@@@@@| 101:013,00[U ]| 101:013,01[' ]| That$6#2$ day after breakfast, papa told Letty 101:013,01@b | he would take 101:013,02@b | her out on$4$ the quay with him and show her round. 101:013,02[' ]| Letty 101:013,03[' ]| had often gone with papa at Albany on$4$ these official peregrinations 101:013,04[' ]| of his. She loved nothing better. To$9$ see the 101:013,05[' ]| whalers lying in$4$ the bay taking in$5$ provisions, or others 101:013,06[' ]| docked for$4$ ""scraping,"" or to$9$ watch the fishing smacks darting 101:013,07[' ]| across the horizon ~~ to$9$ do this officially, as it were ~~ it 101:013,08[' ]| was splendid. And then perhaps, oh, to$9$ see a sailing ship 101:013,09[' ]| come in$5$! 101:013,10[' ]| What strange dreams children always dream when they 101:013,11[' ]| see a lovely sailing ship gliding to$4$ harbour from its far-away 101:013,12[' ]| home in$4$ another land! And when, as in$4$ those days, 101:013,13[' ]| they meant so$5#1$ much, what excitement it caused to$4$ everyone! 101:013,14[' ]| A ship was the one link that$6#1$ bound them to$4$ the 101:013,15[' ]| Homeland, so$5#1$ far! ~~ In$5$ would come a ship and weigh 101:013,16[' ]| anchor in$4$ the bay, and then shouts and hails from both 101:013,17[' ]| sides would not deter the immediate disembarking of pigs, 101:013,18[' ]| sheep (a few), cows (a few less), chickens, ducks, and other 101:013,19[' ]| live stock, for$3$ the Captain would be rid of these perishables 101:013,20[' ]| the moment he could. Then would follow the mail and 101:013,21[' ]| news, and later plants, vines, and young fruit trees. Then, 101:013,22[' ]| in$4$ more leisurely manner, the bales of enchanted goods ~~ 101:013,23[' ]| to$4$ her small mind ~~ materials for$4$ clothes, silks, stockings, 101:013,24[' ]| shoes, underwear, hats, embroideries, and made clothes 101:013,25[' ]| for$4$ the gentlemen, who$6#1$, in$4$ those days, dressed, even in$4$ the 101:013,26[' ]| Colonies, much more exquisitely than they do now. For$3$ 101:013,27[' ]| then a gentleman dressed to$9$ please the ladies, and not 101:013,28[' ]| as now to$9$ please nobody, not even himself. Bales would 101:013,29[' ]| follow, and then would come boxes, strong, iron-bound 101:013,30[' ]| chests, caddies, caskets, haversacks, made trunks and 101:013,31[' ]| portmanteaux full of mystery and wonder, and no$2$ doubt 101:013,32[' ]| of wealth and value too. But mostly, Letty's papa had 101:013,33[' ]| taken her home to$4$ bed before the unloading was accomplished, 101:013,34[' ]| yet many a time he came running in$5$ and asked 101:013,35[' ]| her mama for$4$ her bonnet and mits, and hastened her off to$9$ 101:014,01[' ]| watch a ship come in$5$, which$6#1$ had been sighted through 101:014,02[' ]| Captain*Grey's spy glass. Then her spirits would rise and 101:014,03[' ]| rise, and her little heart flutter like$4$ a merry skylark 101:014,04[' ]| wrapped in$4$ the joy of sunshine and breeze. 101:014,05[' ]| To-day it was different, but even more exciting. It was 101:014,06[' ]| all so$5#1$ new. There was no$2$ fine harbour, no$2$ harbour at all 101:014,07[' ]| to$9$ speak of, but that$6#2$ great brimming sheet of dark blue 101:014,08[' ]| sparkling water stretched before them with the crocodile 101:014,09[' ]| in$4$ the midst thereof, and the sky above so$5#1$ exquisitely, 101:014,10[' ]| clearly blue. A fresh breeze was up$5$ and blew her ringlets 101:014,11[' ]| about like$4$ seaweed and billowed her pink gingham frock 101:014,12[' ]| and made her want to$9$ dance. They were on$4$ the simple 101:014,13[' ]| timber wharf that$6#1$ jutted out into deep water a hundred 101:014,14[' ]| yards or so$5#2$ by$4$ the sandy neck of land where they had 101:014,15[' ]| bathed that$6#2$ morning. Here His*Excellency the Governor, 101:014,16[' ]| without Peter, or any of his staff, but the Registrar-General, 101:014,17[' ]| Mr%*G%*F%*Stone, and the Commandant in$4$ charge 101:014,18[' ]| of the garrison, Capt%*Irwin, presently joined them, and 101:014,19[' ]| after shaking hands demurely, she took no$2$ more notice of 101:014,20[' ]| them all, for$3$ they towered so$5#1$ far above her in$4$ thought and 101:014,21[' ]| conversation that$3$ she would not try to$9$ reach them. They 101:014,22[' ]| were also uninteresting and dull to$4$ her mind, especially 101:014,23[' ]| the Governor at close hand and on$4$ his feet. But this was 101:014,24[' ]| not the case, of course, to$4$ her father. He had met them 101:014,25[' ]| all before. The Governor in$4$ his term of office had twice 101:014,26[' ]| visited Albany. They were good friends, and they all 101:014,27[' ]| stood arguing and contradicting one another as good 101:014,28[' ]| friends do all the world over. 101:014,29[' ]| Letty, gazing out to$4$ sea, presently clapped her hands in$4$ 101:014,30[' ]| delight. She was sure now ~~ at first she had not been sure 101:014,31[' ]| ~~ now she was certain. There was not one, but two beautiful 101:014,32[' ]| full-rigged sailing ships coming in$5$ closer and closer to$4$ 101:014,33[' ]| harbour ~~ one far behind, the other nearer. The gentlemen, 101:014,34[' ]| when they saw the two ships, talked of nothing else, 101:014,35[' ]| though none knew a word of actual fact about either of 101:014,36[' ]| them. They were surprise ships, and quite unexpected 101:014,37[' ]| visitors, as indeed ships generally were when the Settlement 101:015,01[' ]| was but twenty years old. The gentlemen, vastly 101:015,02[' ]| excited and entertained, started making bets about them. 101:015,03[' ]| They hoped for$4$ news, parcels and letters from the other 101:015,04[' ]| side of the world and fresh faces to$9$ cheer the monotony of 101:015,05[' ]| exile. Either ship might be a pirate, or a junk, and all the 101:015,06[' ]| guns at the garrison would be ready ere this, and trained 101:015,07[' ]| upon$4$ them. But one ship seemed to$9$ linger ~~ while the 101:015,08[' ]| other came on$5$ nearer, reefing in$5$ more sail. 101:015,09[W ]| ""Curious,"" 101:015,09[' ]| one of the gentlemen remarked suddenly, 101:015,09[W ]| ""that$3$ 101:015,10[W ]| the forward ship should come so$5#1$ much faster, while the 101:015,11[W ]| other lags in$4$ the same wind."" 101:015,12[' ]| It was curious. They could see the gorged sails over-abundantly 101:015,13[' ]| spread, and yet she faltered, simply brandishing 101:015,14[' ]| her brilliant white beauty to$4$ the sea, the sky, and the 101:015,15[' ]| golden sun. 101:015,16[B ]| ""She seems over-laden with good things for$4$ the new 101:015,17[B ]| world,"" 101:015,17[' ]| said Mr%*Granville. How truthfully he spoke! An 101:015,18[' ]| orderly galloped up$5$ with a dispatch and the grown-ups 101:015,19[' ]| gathered round him. A soldier in$4$ his old shako, tail-coat, 101:015,20[' ]| and white breeches ever drew Letty's attention ~~ and she 101:015,21[' ]| also turned away from the sea. 101:015,22[' ]| When they turned back, there was only one ship. There 101:015,23[' ]| they all stood bewildered ~~ and presently aghast. The 101:015,24[' ]| Governor, the Registrar, the Commandant and Letty's 101:015,25[' ]| father, in$4$ their quaint grey chimney-pot hats with wide 101:015,26[' ]| brims, purple frock coats, tight nankeens and shiny 101:015,27[' ]| patent leather boots, leaning on$4$ their canes, stood there 101:015,28[' ]| mute with amazement. Letty could see them ever after 101:015,29[' ]| when she closed her eyes, gazing first out to$4$ sea, then back 101:015,30[' ]| into each other's faces, then back to$4$ the sea, and again 101:015,31[' ]| back to$4$ each other. 101:015,32[' ]| But staring did not improve matters, there was only one 101:015,33[' ]| ship, and there had been two. Where on$4$ earth had the 101:015,34[' ]| other gone? Not believing their own senses, the gentlemen 101:015,35[' ]| turned to$9$ ask Letty, but she was infinitely more piqued 101:015,36[' ]| than they were, if that$6#2$ were possible, for$3$ to$4$ her young 101:015,37[' ]| mind a miracle had occurred. She was also delighted, for$3$ 101:016,01[' ]| mystery delights the young. But the mystery had the contrary 101:016,02[' ]| effect upon$4$ the Governor. He lost his temper. Lifting 101:016,03[' ]| up$5$ his voice, he swore profusely and long that$3$ some*one 101:016,04[' ]| had been playing tricks on$4$ him, that$3$ 101:016,04@w | he would have no$2$ 101:016,05@w | monkey hoaxing practised in$4$ his land, that$3$ he had seen 101:016,06@w | Indians swallowing swords, growing trees from pots, 101:016,07@w | climbing them and disappearing into clouds, but this ~~ 101:016,08@w | this was too much. Pop! Pop! He would not have it. 101:016,09@w | He was the Governor. What? 101:016,10[' ]| He became aware of Letty, round-eyed, staring up$5$ at 101:016,11[' ]| him. She was open-mouthed with surprise at his suffused, 101:016,12[' ]| empurpled face. He saw her aware of her rudeness, confused 101:016,13[' ]| and ashamed, and liked her for$4$ it. But, embarrassed 101:016,14[' ]| for$4$ the moment, he turned away and she ran to$9$ hide 101:016,15[' ]| behind her father's coat tails. Here she was forgotten, but 101:016,16[' ]| heard all that$6#1$ transpired. A sailing boat or two rushed out 101:016,17[' ]| to$9$ make inquiries. They came back and reported that$3$ the 101:016,18[' ]| captain of the ship afloat, which$6#1$ brought passengers from 101:016,19[' ]| India, told them that$3$, 101:016,19@w | when within hail, the stranger had 101:016,20@w | answered 101:016,20@x | ""All well,"" 101:016,20@w | but he 101:016,20[' ]| (the captain) 101:016,20@w | had suspicions of 101:016,21@w | her and opined, from the moment he had set eyes upon$4$ 101:016,22@w | her, that$3$ she was a pirate in$4$ grave trouble. And he was 101:016,23@w | assured now that$3$ she was a mortally wounded one, fleeing 101:016,24@w | to$4$ shelter to$4$ an unknown shore, and that$3$ she had just 101:016,25@w | quietly and quickly foundered. 101:016,25[' ]| There was nothing else 101:016,26[' ]| left to$9$ suppose. The ship must have been a pirate and 101:016,27[' ]| deserved her end. But what an end! Letty never forgot it. 101:016,00@@@@@| 101:016,00[U ]| 101:016,28[' ]| The Granville children soon got to$9$ know Peter*Fitzpatrick 101:016,29[' ]| well, for$3$ the Governor took a fancy to$4$ the family 101:016,30[' ]| from top to$4$ tail and proposed that$3$ the two elder children 101:016,31[' ]| should have lessons with Peter. This suited everyone, for$3$ 101:016,32[' ]| the Governor had a tutor from England in$4$ his estabishment, 101:016,33[' ]| and he knew that$3$ Peter was a spoilt child who$6#1$ 101:016,34[' ]| needed companions of his own age with whom to$9$ rough it. 101:016,35[' ]| While to$4$ Mr%*Granville it was a godsend, for$3$ it overcame 101:017,01[' ]| the immediate ""school"" difficulties, never an easy one to$9$ 101:017,02[' ]| solve in$4$ those days in$4$ the colony. The only person who$6#1$ 101:017,03[' ]| did not appreciate the matter was the tutor, for$3$ the 101:017,04[' ]| children were rebellious and difficult to$9$ manage. Moreover, 101:017,05[' ]| he knew he was a vast entertainment to$4$ Letty personally, 101:017,06[' ]| and that$3$ she practised upon$4$ him all the arts with 101:017,07[' ]| which$6#1$ Eve had endowed her daughters. She was an apt 101:017,08[' ]| pupil and learned from him, not only to$9$ construe Latin 101:017,09[' ]| verbs, but to$9$ beguile men to$9$ love her even to$4$ tears of rage 101:017,10[' ]| and mortification. Dick was much cleverer really however, 101:017,11[' ]| and a remarkable career was predicted for$4$ him. 101:017,12[' ]| After lessons they came home from Government house to$4$ 101:017,13[' ]| their own hot mid-day dinner, then remained quiet during 101:017,14[' ]| two hours study, seated in$4$ the dear old chintz-covered 101:017,15[' ]| morning room with mama who$6#1$ would be sewing, no$2$ doubt 101:017,16[' ]| hating that$6#2$ occupation as much as they did their books. 101:017,17[' ]| After this they met Peter again, and out they all went into 101:017,18[' ]| the open. 101:017,19[' ]| Peter was a nice boy at heart, and very good looking, but 101:017,20[' ]| dreadfully spoilt, for$3$ the Governor thought a great deal 101:017,21[' ]| of him. He was a boy after his own heart, and Peter always 101:017,22[' ]| had his own way with his father. He had been born in$4$ the 101:017,23[' ]| East*Indies, towards the end of his Lordship's career as 101:017,24[' ]| Commissioner there. The family had then moved on$5$ to$4$ 101:017,25[' ]| another small colony, at which$6#1$ place her Ladyship, Peter's 101:017,26[' ]| mother, had refused to$9$ stay, and had taken the girls to$4$ 101:017,27[' ]| England to$9$ have them educated. Peter remained with his 101:017,28[' ]| father. In$4$ England Lady*Fitzpatrick died, and his Lordship, 101:017,29[' ]| roughened by$4$ many years hardship abroad, did not 101:017,30[' ]| care to$9$ go back and settle down alone, so$3$ he had accepted 101:017,31[' ]| this other appointment and moved to$4$ Western*Australia. 101:017,32[' ]| Peter was about twelve years old, but considered by$4$ his 101:017,33[' ]| father too young for$4$ school, and too unruly for$4$ a home 101:017,34[' ]| with aunts in$4$ England. The child, coming after three or 101:017,35[' ]| four daughters, had been a gift of heaven to$4$ his father, a 101:017,36[' ]| delight and surprise, and heir to$4$ the impoverished Irish 101:017,37[' ]| estates. He could not bear to$9$ part with him. A great deal 101:018,01[' ]| Peter cared about responsibilities of inheritance however! 101:018,02[' ]| He was as free and fine a bushman, horseman and navigator 101:018,03[' ]| as ever a boy was, with a splendidly set head, very 101:018,04[' ]| strong arm, and a face and figure as handsome as a classic 101:018,05[' ]| god. 101:018,06[' ]| Letty thought he was splendid. So$5#2$ did Dick. 101:018,07[' ]| They all had a very good time of it together and got on$5$ 101:018,08[' ]| well. When lessons were over, they were allowed great 101:018,09[' ]| freedom, and rode their ponies all over the place, or fished 101:018,10[' ]| in$4$ the sea, crabbed in$4$ the river, or wandered after those 101:018,11[' ]| frail, delicate wild flowers that$6#1$ grow secretly in$4$ the strange, 101:018,12[' ]| sweet scrub that$6#1$ abounds on$4$ those shores. Why they were 101:018,13[' ]| not lost in$4$ the bush, or drowned when they bathed in$4$ 101:018,14[' ]| dangerous places, who$6#2$ can tell? They certainly swam and 101:018,15[' ]| dived like$4$ the indigenous black swans in$4$ any water they 101:018,16[' ]| came to$4$, fresh or salt, river or sea; and they climbed, 101:018,17[' ]| fell off, swung and crawled all over the gum trees that$6#1$ 101:018,18[' ]| abounded in$4$ the bush between Perth and Fremantle. 101:018,19[' ]| They were verily little monkeys, and mama shrugged her 101:018,20[' ]| shoulders very often over Letty, and shook her ringlets 101:018,21[' ]| sadly at papa. But he, with one of his great hearty laughs, 101:018,22[' ]| would throw his arm round the child's shoulders and say: 101:018,23[B ]| ""She is lovely as she is, and as slim and healthy as a boy ~~ 101:018,24[B ]| and happy. Do what you choose with the others, mama, 101:018,25[B ]| but let me have my way with this duckling. Besides,"" 101:018,25[' ]| he 101:018,26[' ]| would add, with a wink at Letty, 101:018,26[B ]| ""it is good for$4$ Dick, he would 101:018,27[B ]| be such an old woman if it was not for$4$ Letty."" 101:018,28[B ]| ""Come, my dear!"" 101:018,28[' ]| He would leave Letty if mama did not 101:018,29[' ]| smile at once, and go and chuck her pretty chin, lifting it 101:018,30[' ]| till she had to$9$ meet his merry eyes: 101:018,30[B ]| ""Say I am right, Ann! 101:018,31[B ]| Come here, bad child, and kiss mama and promise her you 101:018,32[B ]| will$1$ be as good as gold, never tell a lie, be fearless and 101:018,33[B ]| happy and unashamed, and she will$1$ forgive your naughty 101:018,34[B ]| pranks. Come, Letty, kiss mama!"" 101:018,35[' ]| Of course Letty kissed her mama. She loved her dearly. 101:018,36[' ]| But perhaps, like$4$ her grandmama before her, she loved her 101:018,37[' ]| papa best. Everyone agrees that$3$ this old lady had loved 101:019,01[' ]| papa passionately. She had died in$4$ Albany, the servants 101:019,02[' ]| said from a fit of temper. Really it was of old age. But she 101:019,03[' ]| certainly had a frightful temper, which$6#1$ only to$4$ Letty's 101:019,04[' ]| father was not revealed. Letty had never seen her grandfather. 101:019,05[' ]| He was lost at sea long before she was born. He 101:019,06[' ]| had been a sailor. But for$4$ a time he had held a land 101:019,07[' ]| appointment in$4$ Sydney. Long, long ago it must have 101:019,08[' ]| been, for$3$ papa had been born there ~~ in$4$ New*South*Wales 101:019,09[' ]| ~~ and papa had been in$4$ England after that$6#2$, and yet in$4$ 101:019,10[' ]| Western*Australia for$4$ twenty years. England had been a 101:019,11[' ]| dull place to$4$ grandmama, for$3$ her husband was always at 101:019,12[' ]| sea, and when he was drowned, grandmama herself had 101:019,13[' ]| said she was glad to$9$ come to$4$ Australia with her lad to$9$ give 101:019,14[' ]| him a chance with the Swan*River*Settlement scheme. 101:019,15[' ]| Yet her lot had been hardly a less dreary one in$4$ Western*Australia 101:019,16[' ]| than it had been in$4$ the house on$4$ the family 101:019,17[' ]| estate in$4$ England where she had lived, when Letty's papa 101:019,18[' ]| was a child. 102:020,00@@@@@| 102:020,01[' ]| <\Letty's Grandmama\> 102:020,02[' ]| Yes, Letty's grandmama had been a remarkable character. 102:020,03[' ]| She was certainly austere, and everyone was 102:020,04[' ]| frightened to$4$ death of her, everyone avoided her. Letty, 102:020,05[' ]| too, if she could. She had visions of herself in$4$ very short 102:020,06[' ]| embroidered dresses (some of the skirts are still in$4$ use for$4$ 102:020,07[' ]| short frocking her children's children's babies), very long 102:020,08[' ]| pantaloons, dainty mits and socks and ribbon-strapped 102:020,09[' ]| slippers, standing before her trembling, with hands 102:020,10[' ]| folded and eyes downcast. 102:020,11[' ]| Then one day a marvellous event had taken place. 102:020,12[' ]| Letty's grandmama had unfolded and told her a strange 102:020,13[' ]| tale. She died a month later, quite suddenly, but Letty 102:020,14[' ]| always remembered every word that$6#1$ passed between them. 102:020,15[' ]| They were in$4$ the garden and she had stolen a wonderful 102:020,16[' ]| bunch of purple grapes that$6#1$ her grandmama had been 102:020,17[' ]| cherishing, pruning, watering and tending with her own 102:020,18[' ]| hands. That$6#2$ night Letty had slipped into her grandmama's 102:020,19[' ]| garden while she was dining, armed with scissors 102:020,20[' ]| and filled with the express desire of hearing the delicious 102:020,21[' ]| snip of the blades when they cut through the stalk; and 102:020,22[' ]| then of squeezing out the grapes one by$4$ one and watching 102:020,23[' ]| the juice ooze out. She never ate grapes under any circumstances, 102:020,24[' ]| since they disagreed with her but she loved 102:020,25[' ]| to$9$ be mischievous. Her grandmama had now sent for$4$ her, 102:020,26[' ]| and as she looked her up$5$ and down remorselessly, Letty, 102:020,27[' ]| feeling that$3$ she could read her very soul, quaked visibly: 102:020,28[V ]| ""Do you know who$6#1$ stole that$6#2$ bunch of grapes from before 102:020,29[V ]| my window, Laetitia?"" 102:020,30[A ]| ""Yes, Grandmama. But if you please, I would rather not 102:020,31[A ]| talk of it."" 102:020,32[V ]| ""Was it Richard?"" 102:020,33[A ]| ""No$7$, Grandmama."" 102:020,34[V ]| ""Was it Rosemary?"" 102:020,34[' ]| Rosemary was a younger sister. 102:020,35[A ]| ""No$7$, Grandmama."" 102:021,01[V ]| ""Who$6#2$ was it? You will$1$ have to$9$ tell in$4$ the end, Laetitia."" 102:021,02[' ]| She knew this was true, so$5#1$ meekly admitted: 102:021,03[A ]| ""It was me, Grandmama."" 102:021,04[B ]| ""But you never eat grapes. Why did you do it?"" 102:021,05[A ]| ""They looked so$5#1$ lovely; they were so$5#1$ big and purple I 102:021,06[A ]| wanted them to$9$ ~~ to$9$ crush."" 102:021,07[B ]| ""To$9$ crush! Did you crush them then?"" 102:021,08[' ]| The child was silent, for$3$ she had not. She had not had 102:021,09[' ]| time. Dick and Rosemary had taken them from her to$9$ eat. 102:021,10[' ]| They had enjoyed them too. She had spoken the truth, 102:021,11[' ]| knowing she should be punished anyway, but did not 102:021,12[' ]| want them punished too. That$6#2$ is why she did not answer. 102:021,13[' ]| However, if her grandmama had pressed her, she might 102:021,14[' ]| have told of them, for$3$ she was trembling with fright, 102:021,15[' ]| knowing well the old lady had nurtured those grapes far 102:021,16[' ]| more tenderly than she had ever nurtured anything else 102:021,17[' ]| in$4$ the small kingdom of Letty's knowledge. And Letty 102:021,18[' ]| looked down upon$4$ the lawn, rooted and paralysed with 102:021,19[' ]| fear. But no$2$ storm broke. Instead the grandmother 102:021,20[' ]| laughed suddenly; a shrill mocking laugh which$6#1$ dreadfully 102:021,21[' ]| startled the child. 102:021,22[V ]| ""Since when have you wanted to$9$ crush things, Laetitia?"" 102:021,23[' ]| A wave of understanding suddenly seemed to$9$ flash 102:021,24[' ]| between Letty and her dreaded forbear, and the child 102:021,25[' ]| looked up$5$ fearlessly and told her ~~ 102:021,25[A ]| ""always."" 102:021,26[V ]| ""Ah! It is in$4$ the blood,"" 102:021,26[' ]| her grandmama exclaimed. 102:021,26[V ]| ""You 102:021,27[V ]| have the blood of kings in$4$ your veins, my dear, you cannot 102:021,28[V ]| help it."" 102:021,29[A ]| ""Am I a princess then?"" 102:021,29[' ]| she cried delightedly. 102:021,29[A ]| ""Oh, that$6#2$ 102:021,30[A ]| is what I have always wanted to$9$ be, ever since I read 102:021,31[A ]| Grimms' fairy*tales. I want to$9$ grow up$5$ quickly and marry a 102:021,32[A ]| king ~~ cook says that$3$ is the only way to$9$ become a queen. 102:021,33[A ]| But if I am a princess, that$6#2$ is all right, is not it, Grandmama?"" 102:021,34[V ]| ""Well you are a princess,"" 102:021,34[' ]| the old lady murmured, her 102:021,35[' ]| eyes strangely kindling and shining out of her snow-white 102:021,36[' ]| face, like$4$ green fire-balls, so$3$ that$3$ Letty thought they must 102:021,37[' ]| be in$4$ a dream, 102:021,37[V ]| ""but it is not all right."" 102:022,01[A ]| ""May I tell everyone?"" 102:022,02[V ]| ""You may, but they will$1$ not believe you."" 102:022,03[A ]| ""Well, will$1$ you tell them?"" 102:022,04[V ]| ""No$7$, for$3$ then they would say it is a scandal."" 102:022,05[A ]| ""I know what a scandal is, Grandmama."" 102:022,06[V ]| ""Do you, my dear?"" 102:022,07[A ]| ""Yes. If somebody finds a baby under a blue gum tree 102:022,08[A ]| and it has not a father and a mother, then it is a scandal. 102:022,09[A ]| Cook told me. But why must a papa and a mama find a 102:022,10[A ]| baby, Grandmama? When its papa never looks after it, 102:022,11[A ]| and its mama only does when its nurse does not?"" 102:022,12[V ]| ""Come over here and I will$1$ tell you a story."" 102:022,13[' ]| Grandmama had never unbent before, and even now she 102:022,14[' ]| looked extremely severe as she passed before Letty to$9$ 102:022,15[' ]| walk towards the garden seat under the huge magnolia 102:022,16[' ]| tree. It was very lovely there. Letty could see the scene 102:022,17[' ]| always again, if she closed her eyes. The green lawn running 102:022,18[' ]| down to$4$ the edge of the silver beach and the blue 102:022,19[' ]| sea, and the glossy leaves of the magnolia glistening in$4$ the 102:022,20[' ]| sun, and she could smell the sweet of the blossom, and 102:022,21[' ]| the scent of the lavender which$6#1$ always came from her grandmama's 102:022,22[' ]| old, old lace, and hear the sound of wind in$4$ the 102:022,23[' ]| trees, and the ripple of the water lapping the shore. 102:022,24[V ]| ""Once upon$4$ a time,"" 102:022,24[' ]| the story began, 102:022,24[V ]| ""there was another 102:022,25[V ]| little girl who$6#1$ was almost exactly like$4$ you, Laetitia, only 102:022,26[V ]| her name was Sibyl"" 102:022,26[' ]| (that$6#2$ was grandmama's name, though 102:022,27[' ]| Letty did not know it then), 102:022,27[V ]| ""and she was very beautiful 102:022,28[V ]| when she grew up$5$, with hair the colour of corn, and eyes 102:022,29[V ]| the colour of emeralds."" 102:022,29[' ]| (Letty looked up$5$ and saw the 102:022,30[' ]| strange eyes of her grandmother flash like$4$ green jewels.) 102:022,31[V ]| ""Her teeth were like$4$ pearls, her lips like$4$ rubies. So$3$ after 102:022,32[V ]| all she was not like$4$ you when she grew up$5$, for$3$ your skin 102:022,33[V ]| will$1$ darken with the sun, and your hair; but never mind, 102:022,34[V ]| Laetitia, my dear; it is as well; beauty is useless, except ~~ 102:022,35[V ]| except to$9$ crush! Pray God to$9$ help you. Your life out here 102:022,36[V ]| will$1$ be open; mine was too sheltered ~~ Ah yes: the 102:022,37[V ]| story!"" 102:023,01[' ]| But in$4$ spite of having reminded herself of the story, 102:023,02[' ]| grandmama was silent, and the child, not daring to$9$ speak, 102:023,03[' ]| eager as she was for$4$ her to$9$ go on$5$, lost herself in$4$ dreamy 102:023,04[' ]| reflections about the princess. But presently, she could 102:023,05[' ]| contain herself no$2$ longer. 102:023,06[A ]| ""She was beautiful and she was good, Grandmama. You 102:023,07[A ]| got as far as that$6#2$. Please tell me some more."" 102:023,08[' ]| Then grandmama spoke as though lost in$4$ far distant 102:023,09[' ]| dreams: 102:023,10[V ]| ""She was not good ~~ She had a Shetland pony, this 102:023,11[V ]| little girl, and a long blue habit, and an ostrich plume in$4$ 102:023,12[V ]| her hat, my dear, but she was not good."" 102:023,13[' ]| All fear of her grandmama seemed to$9$ have left Letty. 102:023,14[' ]| She sat down on$4$ the green iron seat beside her and looked 102:023,15[' ]| up$5$. 102:023,16[V ]| ""Between you and me, and this magnolia tree, that$6#2$ 102:023,17[V ]| does not count for$4$ much,"" 102:023,17[' ]| she said confidentially; 102:023,17[V ]| ""I do not 102:023,18[V ]| like$1$ good little girls, they are very demure."" 102:023,19[' ]| Grandmama's voice trembled and the tremble made her 102:023,20[' ]| realize the bold use of a word, but she did not know 102:023,21[' ]| which$6#1$, and accordingly said nothing, while her grandmama 102:023,22[' ]| steadied her voice politely and went on$5$. 102:023,23[V ]| ""Yes, just between you and me ~~ and just for$4$ to-day, my 102:023,24[V ]| dear, ~~ we will$1$ acknowledge it is pleasant ~~ to$9$ crush. This 102:023,25[V ]| little girl was always crushing. Sometimes it was her frock 102:023,26[V ]| and sometimes her ringlets ~~ out all flat, and sometimes 102:023,27[V ]| flowers, and ~~ birds'-nests, and even eggs, and then ~~ "" 102:023,28[A ]| ""And then?"" 102:023,29[V ]| ""She grew up$5$."" 102:023,30[A ]| ""To$9$ be a real princess?"" 102:023,31[V ]| ""No$7$, to$9$ miss being a real princess. She ~~ she was crushed 102:023,32[V ]| instead."" 102:023,33[A ]| ""Oh, Grandmama, was she hurt?"" 102:023,34[V ]| ""No$7$. She missed making a scandal."" 102:023,35[A ]| ""Did she find a baby without a papa?"" 102:023,36[V ]| ""No$7$, she found a papa ~~ but gently, gently, my dear. 102:023,37[V ]| We got as far as ~~ "" 102:024,01[A ]| ""She grew up$5$."" 102:024,02[V ]| ""She was only fifteen when she went to$4$ the Court of 102:024,03[V ]| George*III, and there she met a prince of the House*of*France, 102:024,04[V ]| and he was grand to$9$ look upon$4$, and he was gentle 102:024,05[V ]| to$9$ speak to$4$, and kingly, and witty and brave, his eyes were 102:024,06[V ]| like$4$ agates, and his hair black and shiny. He was splendid 102:024,07[V ]| and he loved her."" 102:024,08[A ]| ""And they married and lived happily ever after,"" 102:024,08[' ]| cried 102:024,09[' ]| Letty, forgetting the scandal, and the hint of tragedy in$4$ 102:024,10[' ]| the story, and clapping her firm young hands joyously 102:024,11[' ]| together. But her grandmama held up$5$ one of her beautiful 102:024,12[' ]| ringed fingers. 102:024,13[V ]| ""No$7$, the prince went back to$4$ his own country to$9$ marry a 102:024,14[V ]| real princess and this Sibyl had to$9$ go back to$4$ her home in$4$ 102:024,15[V ]| the Lowlands where the pony was, and when she got back 102:024,16[V ]| there, to$4$ the old castle where all the lads of her race had 102:024,17[V ]| lived year in$5$ year out, there came a country cousin wooing. 102:024,18[V ]| He was a fine strong lad, but stupid, and because Sibyl was 102:024,19[V ]| one of many daughters he was favoured by$4$ her father. 102:024,20[V ]| She was bid to$9$ wed with him."" 102:024,21[A ]| ""Oh, Grandmama,"" 102:024,21[' ]| Letty cried, bursting into tears, 102:024,21[A ]| ""she 102:024,22[A ]| did not marry him?"" 102:024,23[' ]| Grandmama remained silent again, then she said gently, 102:024,24[' ]| more gently than she had ever heard her speak ~~ 102:024,24[V ]| ""But, my 102:024,25[V ]| dear, yes ~~ in$4$ the end. His name was Granville ~~ the same 102:024,26[V ]| as ours."" 102:024,26[' ]| She hurried on$5$ now. 102:024,26[V ]| ""He ~~ he was a very dashing 102:024,27[V ]| sailor gentleman. She crushed him. She sent him 102:024,28[V ]| a-voyaging, and he came to$4$ Australia in$4$ a man-o'-war. She 102:024,29[V ]| went back to$4$ Court again, sixteen she was next time, and 102:024,30[V ]| fairer than ever to$9$ behold! Seventeen, and yet more fair. 102:024,31[V ]| She went to$4$ France in$4$ the Court of her Queen ~~ she was 102:024,32[V ]| a Maid*of*Honour. And then ~~ she met her prince 102:024,33[V ]| again ~~ "" 102:024,34[A ]| ""And then, Grandmama?"" 102:024,35[V ]| ""He ~~ the cousin, came back to$4$ England and sought her: 102:024,36[V ]| and she came back to$4$ England too. He had taken an 102:024,37[V ]| appointment in$4$ the Colonies ~~ and now she went with 102:025,01[V ]| him ~~ She was married to$4$ him ~~ And then ~~ 102:025,02[V ]| the little prince was born. He was a prince, but nobody 102:025,03[V ]| knew he was, except his mother ~~ and ~~ that$6#2$ is all."" 102:025,04[A ]| ""Oh! What a stupid way it ends up$5$, Grandmama. 102:025,05[A ]| Every mother thinks her baby boy is a little prince! Mama 102:025,06[A ]| thinks Richard is, perhaps even you used to$9$ think papa 102:025,07[A ]| was. Oh! Why does that$6#2$ story begin so$5#1$ beautifully and 102:025,08[A ]| end so$5#1$ hatefully?"" 102:025,09[' ]| Grandmama became on$4$ a sudden the fierce old lady all 102:025,10[' ]| were used to$9$ fly from. She grasped her ebony stick and 102:025,11[' ]| rose to$4$ her feet, and the sun seemed less bright and the 102:025,12[' ]| world less gay, as she turned on$5$ Letty stonily. 102:025,13[V ]| ""I have told you this story, my dear, though you are far 102:025,14[V ]| too young to$9$ understand it, because I am going away soon 102:025,15[V ]| to$9$ ~~ to$9$ ~~ "" 102:025,15[' ]| She stammered here. But gathered herself 102:025,16[' ]| together. 102:025,16[V ]| ""You are a queer little mortal. Beware that$3$ your 102:025,17[V ]| life story does not "begin beautifully and end hatefully," 102:025,18[V ]| Letty. When a good man comes for$4$ you, do not crush him 102:025,19[V ]| and turn ~~ to$4$ the prince. The Bible says, 102:025,19@z | "Put not your 102:025,20@z | trust in$4$ princes." 102:025,20[V ]| It never said a truer word."" 102:025,21[' ]| With that$6#2$ she stalked off, tall, majestic, splendid, her face 102:025,22[' ]| dazzling, pale and wonderful, even to$4$ Letty's young eyes, 102:025,23[' ]| framed in$4$ its halo of silvery hair. 102:025,24[' ]| Next month when they led the child to$9$ see her laid on$4$ 102:025,25[' ]| her couch in$4$ eternal rest, it was not paler or sterner than 102:025,26[' ]| it had been then, and Letty bent down, peering into it to$9$ 102:025,27[' ]| try and catch again a glimpse of the wonderful story she 102:025,28[' ]| had told and finished so$5#1$ unsatisfactorily a month ago. No$7$. 102:025,29[' ]| She shook her head regretfully. Austere, unbending and 102:025,30[' ]| silent, the figure awed but told her nothing. And then ~~ 102:025,31[' ]| she smiled enlightened and looked up$5$ at her papa who$6#1$ 102:025,32[' ]| held her hand. But he did not understand. And needless 102:025,33[' ]| to$9$ say she never explained, but she never forgot. For$3$ 102:025,34[' ]| crushed to$4$ the heart in$4$ the cold left hand was a jet black 102:025,35[' ]| curl, tied with a tiny faded piece of royal French tri-coloured 102:025,36[' ]| ribbon. 103:026,00@@@@@| 103:026,00[U ]| <\The Convict\> 103:026,00[U ]| 103:026,01[' ]| The Governor went off in$4$ one of his rages another fine 103:026,02[' ]| day because a convict who$6#1$ had got away could not be 103:026,03[' ]| found. Letty may have been nine then, and though it was 103:026,04[' ]| she who$6#1$ had hid the convict, whose name was Tim*Rafferty, 103:026,05[' ]| and it was she who$6#1$ knew exactly where he lay at 103:026,06[' ]| that$6#2$ moment, she again stared him out of countenance in$4$ 103:026,07[' ]| her surprise at the empurpled and peculiar state of his face 103:026,08[' ]| when he let himself go. When again he became aware of 103:026,09[' ]| her expressive stare, she turned ~~ being older and more 103:026,10[' ]| self-contained ~~ and stalked coolly off, for$3$ she feared he 103:026,11[' ]| might ask questions, and, like$4$ George*Washington, she 103:026,12[' ]| had been brought up$5$ to$9$ consider it criminal to$9$ tell a lie. 103:026,13[' ]| It seemed to$4$ her then to$9$ be 103:026,13@a | the \last\ thing to$9$ do. For$3$ she 103:026,14@a | might tell one, and be found out! 103:026,14[' ]| But in$4$ her heart she 103:026,15[' ]| really only cared about ""black"" lies. It was Tim who$6#1$ 103:026,16[' ]| explained the contra-distinction between black lies and 103:026,17[' ]| white lies, as he told and expounded many other interesting 103:026,18[' ]| things. And it was Tim she was determined to$9$ shelter. 103:026,19[' ]| So$3$ she walked away from the Governor and her papa, 103:026,20[' ]| Captain*Irwin of the military force, and the distressed 103:026,21[' ]| keeper of the jail, a man whom she never could endure, 103:026,22[' ]| and before them all, went into the little summer-house and 103:026,23[' ]| crept through the plank that$6#1$ led into the grain store where 103:026,24[' ]| she had Tim hid. 103:026,25[' ]| As far as I can gather, it had happened like$4$ this. Tim 103:026,26[' ]| and she had been great friends from the moment they had 103:026,27[' ]| first set eyes on$4$ each other ~~ a friendship like$4$ a delicious 103:026,28[' ]| fruit to$4$ Letty, for$3$ it was stolen ~~ and one day a brilliant 103:026,29[' ]| idea struck her, which$6#1$ she nurtured in$4$ her bosom night 103:026,30[' ]| and day. She had been naughty and had run away after a 103:026,31[' ]| whipping. Yes! In$4$ those days little girls were turned over 103:026,32[' ]| their parents' knees and a nice slapping slipper was used 103:026,33[' ]| vigorously on$4$ those who$6#1$ disobeyed, told untruths, and bit 103:027,01[' ]| their elders. And she had been whipped so$5#1$ by$4$ her mama, 103:027,02[' ]| for$4$ biting the cheek of the cook who$6#1$ had asked her to$9$ kiss 103:027,03[' ]| her. It was like$4$ an apple, she could not resist it. And the 103:027,04[' ]| cook had told mama, holding her chin with her handkerchief 103:027,05[' ]| ~~ she was weeping too ~~ and mama had laid Letty 103:027,06[' ]| across her knee, and taken off her slipper and whacked her 103:027,07[' ]| well ~~ she remember it distinctly to$4$ the end of her life. 103:027,08[' ]| The soft leather did not hurt much, but it stung, and the 103:027,09[' ]| sting remained in$4$ her mind too, for$4$ many a day. She had 103:027,10[' ]| laughed, but when she got away, she determined to$9$ find a 103:027,11[' ]| place where she could cry in$4$ peace and undisturbed and 103:027,12[' ]| wash away her humiliation, pridefully with passionate 103:027,13[' ]| storm tears. Thus it was she found the place in$4$ which$6#1$ to$9$ 103:027,14[' ]| hide Tim. 103:027,15[' ]| Yes, she ran away after the performance in$4$ a storm 103:027,16[' ]| of indignation, protest and hurt pride, and hid herself 103:027,17[' ]| amongst the forage in$4$ the army store. She had laughed 103:027,18[' ]| when she was slapped, but she wept for$4$ hours amongst the 103:027,19[' ]| sacks of corn and flour, like$4$ a poor forlorn little mouse. 103:027,20[' ]| Self-pity governed her, but she knew now it was the most 103:027,21[' ]| instructive day of her life. She learnt to$9$ make up$5$ her 103:027,22[' ]| mind. She made it up$5$ on$4$ two points then and there: one 103:027,23[' ]| point was that$3$ she would never bite human flesh again ~~ 103:027,24[' ]| she had drawn cook's blood and she was sorry; the other 103:027,25[' ]| was to$9$ get Tim free, for$3$ he was often whipped. 103:027,26[' ]| After the tears were dry, she lay on$4$ the top of the sacks, 103:027,27[' ]| up$4$ the sides of which$6#1$ she had climbed so$5#1$ easily on$4$ the far 103:027,28[' ]| side of the shed, and watched the soldiers (for$3$ the great 103:027,29[' ]| doors were thrown wide once a day for$4$ issuing purposes) 103:027,30[' ]| filling their sacks with clean fresh straw for$4$ bedding. 103:027,31[' ]| She stayed away a long time and no$2$ doubt her papa gave 103:027,32[' ]| orders to$4$ all and sundry to$9$ keep their weather eyes open 103:027,33[' ]| for$4$ her, but no*one would dream of looking for$4$ anyone 103:027,34[' ]| there, and soon they went outside and banged and padlocked 103:027,35[' ]| the door and clamped off. Not that$3$ she cared a 103:027,36[' ]| button, she had her own exit and entrance. She heard 103:027,37[' ]| them ransack her play-house over and over again in$4$ great 103:028,01[' ]| agitation during the day, and she chuckled as Tim must 103:028,02[' ]| have done later. Smarting in$4$ body and mind and not at 103:028,03[' ]| all hungry, she went to$9$ sleep and, waking at twilight, 103:028,04[' ]| climbed down and returned home, her hurts healed, her 103:028,05[' ]| loss of prestige and dignity in$4$ the household forgotten. 103:028,06[' ]| She was an extraordinarily obstinate and yet forgiving 103:028,07[' ]| child. Before asking for$4$ food, she ran for$4$ her money box 103:028,08[' ]| and poured its contents in$4$ the lap of the cook whose cheek 103:028,09[' ]| she had bitten, begging for$4$ forgiveness, and wept on$4$ her 103:028,10[' ]| broad bosom. She never told a soul where she had hidden. 103:028,00@@@@@| 103:028,00[U ]| 103:028,11[' ]| He may have been but a boy ~~ he certainly was at the 103:028,12[' ]| moment ~~ a jail bird, and later a fugitive from justice, but 103:028,13[' ]| Letty always knew Tim for$4$ an Irish gentleman. He was 103:028,14[' ]| so$5#1$ tall and thin at this time that$3$ he was not unlike a caterpillar 103:028,15[' ]| in$4$ appearance and was extremely dark and swarthy. 103:028,16[' ]| But he had blue eyes, which$6#1$ were as visible, brightly 103:028,17[' ]| azure as the sky is on$4$ a blazing day in$4$ midsummer. Letty 103:028,18[' ]| had never known anyone so$5#1$ attractive. He interested her 103:028,19[' ]| at once when he was brought with a chained gang to$9$ help 103:028,20[' ]| make a low stone wall outlining their compound. Dick, 103:028,21[' ]| Peter and Letty used to$9$ stand and watch the convicts at 103:028,22[' ]| work very often, as all children would if allowed to$9$ as 103:028,23[' ]| they were, and they thought nothing of it, for$3$ the creatures 103:028,24[' ]| they watched, they understood, were not men but merely 103:028,25[' ]| felons. They did extraordinarily interesting things, too, 103:028,26[' ]| to$4$ their minds, just as a steel crane did, or caged squirrels. 103:028,27[' ]| And to$4$ Letty, during the months they watched, out of all 103:028,28[' ]| the gangs, Tim stood out on$4$ account of the light, quick 103:028,29[' ]| way he handled things, his sunny smile, and his blazing, 103:028,30[' ]| merry eyes. So$3$ she asked her papa 103:028,30@a | if they could have him 103:028,31@a | for$4$ a gardener. 103:028,31[' ]| Mr%*Granville had told the children 103:028,31@b | they 103:028,32@b | could pick out which$6#1$ of the men they had a fancy for$4$, as 103:028,33@b | he was anxious to$9$ start an orchard, 103:028,33[' ]| and in$4$ those days 103:028,34[' ]| Government officials were allotted ""good conduct"" men for$4$ 103:028,35[' ]| use on$4$ their grounds. Well, inquiries brought out the 103:029,01[' ]| dreadful truth that$3$ Tim*Rafferty was doing time for$4$ the 103:029,02[' ]| supposed murder ~~ ""murther,"" he called it ~~ of some 103:029,03[' ]| woman. But he had good conduct marks against his name 103:029,04[' ]| and was assigned to$4$ them without further trouble. 103:029,05[' ]| As a matter of fact, Tim*Rafferty had been reared by$4$ a 103:029,06[' ]| brotherhood of monks in$4$ some forest in$4$ Ireland, and at 103:029,07[' ]| fifteen or so$5#2$ had run away and found his way to$4$ Dublin. 103:029,08[' ]| There, Letty gathered later, he had fallen in$5$ with a gang 103:029,09[' ]| of gipsies, of whom one was foully done to$4$ death. Suspicion 103:029,10[' ]| was ""planted"" on$4$ poor Tim and he was convicted ~~ 103:029,11[' ]| he declared without trial ~~ and deported. 103:029,12[' ]| One of the reasons why they convicted Tim, I am almost 103:029,13[' ]| sure, is that$3$ he was continually alluding to$4$ his ""Blessed 103:029,14[' ]| Mother,"" and doubtless the Protestants who$6#1$ had him in$4$ 103:029,15[' ]| hand thought, as Letty did, that$3$ he was referring to$4$ some 103:029,16[' ]| companion of his free days who$6#1$ had made a great impression 103:029,17[' ]| on$4$ his mind. 103:029,18[E ]| ""It was to$4$ the Reverend Father I was after telling in$4$ the 103:029,19[E ]| confessional what they had been doing, and how me hand 103:029,20[E ]| was as innocent of blood as your own honour's,"" 103:029,20[' ]| he explained 103:029,21[' ]| to$4$ Letty. 103:029,21[E ]| ""And, says he, 103:029,21@w | "Glory be to$4$ the Saints, 103:029,22@w | boy! But bear up$5$ like$4$ a man, and being innercent it is 103:029,23@w | heaven itself you will$1$ be finding in$4$ them Colonies where 103:029,24@w | they will$1$ be deportin' ye. And do not forget your ""Blessed 103:029,25@w | Mother,"" will$1$ ye now, Tim? And always remember the 103:029,26@w | Mass," 103:029,26[E ]| says he, 103:029,26@w | "for$3$ there is no$2$ sort of help nor comfort for$4$ 103:029,27@w | the likes of ye out there but what you will$1$ be gettin' from 103:029,28@w | within ye." 103:029,28[E ]| He says, 103:029,28@w | "It is sorrow and sin and shame will$1$ go 103:029,29@w | chained to$4$ the side of ye, but it is Himself will$1$ comfort ye 103:029,30@w | when ye set foot in$4$ the country. For$3$," 103:029,30[E ]| says he, 103:029,30@w | "God 103:029,31@w | touches His Golden Sun when it leaves the world at evenin' 103:029,32@w | time, and if ye looks long enough," 103:029,32[E ]| he says, 103:029,32@w | "you will$1$ see 103:029,33@w | the green light flash from the ring of Him, and when ye 103:029,34@w | see that$6#2$, me boy," 103:029,34[E ]| he says, 103:029,34@w | "you will$1$ know you are at peace wid 103:029,35@w | the world, wid your self, and wid Him, and His Son, and the 103:029,36@w | Holy Mother too." 103:029,36[E ]| And when he had done saying that$6#2$, 103:029,37[E ]| missie dear he blessed me he did himself, and told me to$9$ 103:030,01[E ]| go in$4$ peace. But no$2$ peace was there for$4$ poor Tim at all, 103:030,02[E ]| till your blessed wee eyes thimselves found me out and ye 103:030,03[E ]| told his honour to$9$ let me work in$4$ the garden, and for$4$ that$6#2$ 103:030,04[E ]| may the Saints be thanked for*ever and ever, missie dear."" 103:030,05[A ]| ""But does God wear a ring, Tim? I never knew God wore 103:030,06[A ]| a ring."" 103:030,07[E ]| ""Am I not after telling ye, missie. He does that$6#2$. Yet, 103:030,08[E ]| belike I am talking religion to$4$ ye which$6#1$ is out of me place 103:030,09[E ]| entirely, but it is your honour herself compels me from the 103:030,10[E ]| crown of your golden head to$4$ the tips of your soft little feet. 103:030,11[E ]| It is heaven itself ye minds me of, missie dear, and that$6#2$ is 103:030,12[E ]| God's truth entirely."" 103:030,13[' ]| Letty has never forgotten some of Tim's fulsome flattery, 103:030,14[' ]| it was so$5#1$ pretty, so$5#1$ sincere, yet at the time she hardly 103:030,15[' ]| noticed it. 103:030,16[A ]| ""My feet are not soft, Tim,"" 103:030,16[' ]| she would protest, 103:030,16[A ]| ""but very 103:030,17[A ]| hard and red with running without shoes, and they are 103:030,18[A ]| disobedient too, for$3$ mama told me never to$9$ go barelegged 103:030,19[A ]| ~~ Tim, would you like$1$ to$9$ get away?"" 103:030,20[E ]| ""To$9$ get away, miss?"" 103:030,21[A ]| ""Would you like$1$ to$9$ get away from the prison?"" 103:030,22[E ]| ""Holy Mother, it is me life I have to$9$ spend there, missie."" 103:030,23[A ]| ""Tim, would not you like$1$ to$9$ swim to$4$ Rottnest?"" 103:030,24[E ]| ""I could not at all, it is beyond me powers entirely."" 103:030,25[A ]| ""But you could run."" 103:030,26[E ]| ""What, run over the water?"" 103:030,27[A ]| ""No$7$, silly, run into the bush."" 103:030,28[E ]| ""Yes,"" 103:030,28[' ]| slowly, 103:030,28[E ]| ""I could run."" 103:030,29[A ]| ""Could you escape, Tim?"" 103:030,30[E ]| ""Not get away, missie dear, not get away out of the cell, over 103:030,31[E ]| the wall, and past the sentry: not get away without murther. 103:030,32[E ]| And I could not be after soiling me hands with the blood 103:030,33[E ]| of one of them "Glory" boys. I could not be after doing it."" 103:030,34[A ]| ""But you could get away from here ~~ from this garden."" 103:030,35[E ]| ""Yes, miss. Well; perhaps ~~ but his honour has me 103:030,36[E ]| worrd indeed, I would not be after breaking that$6#2$ to$4$ him."" 103:030,37[A ]| ""Well, Tim, if you could find a way to$9$ break jail, never 103:031,01[A ]| mind your word, for$3$ you never gave it. I asked papa to$9$ 103:031,02[A ]| have you in$4$ the garden and you came. You think it over, 103:031,03[A ]| Tim, and I will$1$ store biscuits and cakes in$4$ the play-house for$4$ 103:031,04[A ]| you to$9$ live on$4$ like$4$ Robinson*Crusoe ~~ If you break 103:031,05[A ]| away, Tim, hide in$4$ the play-house, no*one ever goes there, 103:031,06[A ]| and then you can get amongst the sacks of the commissariat 103:031,07[A ]| store for$4$ a change until you are ready to$9$ run off 103:031,08[A ]| into the bush, or swim to$4$ Rottnest*Island."" 103:031,09[' ]| Thus Eve tempted Adam once again, and Tim got away. 103:031,10[' ]| It was in$4$ this way. The prisoners ""in$4$ service"" would be 103:031,11[' ]| collected at certain hours to$9$ answer roll, and be marched 103:031,12[' ]| back to$4$ jail. Then what was so$5#1$ loathsome, so$5#1$ unnecessary 103:031,13[' ]| occurred, they were chained to$4$ each other ~~ when they 103:031,14[' ]| had been free all day! ~~ and, thus humiliated, they were 103:031,15[' ]| taken to$4$ their quarters. Well, just as Tim was going to$9$ be 103:031,16[' ]| buckled to$4$ the gang, he jumped and broke away. For$4$ days 103:031,17[' ]| he had been noting a certain limb of a tree that$6#1$ overhung 103:031,18[' ]| the yard. It was an English ash tree ~~ a Tree*of*Heaven ~~ 103:031,19[' ]| that$6#1$ had been planted there in$4$ the earliest days and which$6#1$ 103:031,20[' ]| grew flourishingly with its thick green enveloping leaves 103:031,21[' ]| luxuriant to$4$ a degree at this time of the year, November, 103:031,22[' ]| I think, of 1850. Tim, who$6#1$ was young and wiry, hard as 103:031,23[' ]| steel and without an ounce of fat to$9$ spare, jumped and 103:031,24[' ]| caught the limb, and drew himself up$5$ and under cover 103:031,25[' ]| away behind the wall, before they could draw breath. 103:031,26[' ]| Attempts to$9$ escape, were always fraught with astonishment, 103:031,27[' ]| for$4$ the simple reason that$3$ in$4$ that$6#2$ gaunt, lonely 103:031,28[' ]| colony there was nowhere to$9$ go, to$9$ hide, or to$9$ sustain life 103:031,29[' ]| if one did hide, so$3$ a felon seldom attempted it. 103:031,30[' ]| Tim had dropped into the private garden of the keeper 103:031,31[' ]| of the jail, before they so$5#1$ much as sprang after him, or the 103:031,32[' ]| sentry trained his musket on$4$ him. He even had time to$9$ 103:031,33[' ]| slink further away. 103:031,34[' ]| It was a great mystery how he disappeared from the 103:031,35[' ]| garden of that$6#2$ armed-to-the-teeth authority, a mystery 103:031,36[' ]| that$6#1$ remains to$4$ this day for$3$, as everyone knows who$6#1$ has 103:031,37[' ]| seen Fremantle, the whole town site is as barren and 103:032,01[' ]| sandy a desert spot ~~ except for$4$ that$6#2$ tree ~~ as it was ever 103:032,02[' ]| man's lot to$9$ encounter. 103:032,03[' ]| He had slipped along in$4$ the shadow of the wall and 103:032,04[' ]| where it sloped down on$4$ the sea side and is covered with 103:032,05[' ]| broken glass bottles, he managed to$9$ climb it again and 103:032,06[' ]| drop on$5$ to$4$ the beach, run along there on$4$ the seaweed drift 103:032,07[' ]| till he came to$4$ the little wicket gate that$6#1$ led into the 103:032,08[' ]| Granville compound, and slink inside and so$3$ into the play-house. 103:032,09[' ]| From the roof of the play-house, he reached the 103:032,10[' ]| wall running round the back of the commissariat grain 103:032,11[' ]| store and there he found a rat-hole he made big enough to$9$ 103:032,12[' ]| squeeze through. 103:032,13[' ]| It is amazing to$9$ think that$3$ he did not get caught, for$3$ he 103:032,14[' ]| used to$9$ come out at night, after the hue and cry was over, 103:032,15[' ]| to$9$ take exercise and try to$9$ get fit for$4$ his long run. But 103:032,16[' ]| where he was to$9$ run was so$5#1$ vague that$3$ the poor fellow soon 103:032,17[' ]| became disheartened and wanted to$9$ give himself up$5$. No$2$ 103:032,18[' ]| wonder, for$3$ he lived almost entirely on$4$ bits of cake Letty 103:032,19[' ]| saved for$4$ him, and on$4$ scraps confiscated from the Granville 103:032,20[' ]| chicken bucket, which$6#1$ \7pro*tem%\ was taken over by$4$ 103:032,21[' ]| Miss*Letty from cook for$4$ its daily pilgrimage to$4$ the fowl 103:032,22[' ]| run. But the chickens got thin and cook remarked how 103:032,23[' ]| ferociously they fed of the wheat she took them of an 103:032,24[' ]| evening, 103:032,24[V ]| ""when,"" 103:032,24[' ]| as she said, 103:032,24[V ]| ""the greedy scalliwags were 103:032,25[V ]| feedin' all day long on$4$ the bits taken them by$4$ Miss*Letty 103:032,26[V ]| as well!"" 103:032,26[' ]| I suppose no*one ever thought ~~ ever dreamt 103:032,27[' ]| that$3$ he was so$5#1$ near. They may have even seen him, 103:032,28[' ]| thought not close at hand, for$3$ he became quite careless and 103:032,29[' ]| only went back to$4$ his sacks after the first chimney stacks 103:032,30[' ]| sent their blue morning smokes curling up$5$ to$4$ the high, 103:032,31[' ]| empty heavens. 103:032,32[' ]| Letty, of course, knew all this, for$3$ she was his constant 103:032,33[' ]| companion on$4$ these night rambles. It was easily enough 103:032,34[' ]| managed, for$3$ all she had to$9$ do was to$9$ evade Lubie, the 103:032,35[' ]| elderly nursemaid, who$6#1$ had come out with the family at 103:032,36[' ]| the time of the first settlement, who$6#1$ had been Mrs%*Granville's 103:032,37[' ]| nurse, and who$6#1$ ruled all younger members of that$6#2$ 103:033,01[' ]| family. She had more command over Letty than any other 103:033,02[' ]| soul in$4$ the world, but Letty hid all her secrets from even 103:033,03[' ]| Lubie. She always bathed, fed, and dressed Letty ~~ since 103:033,04[' ]| mamas did not in$4$ those nineteeth-century days ~~ and 103:033,05[' ]| Letty looked to$4$ her in$4$ these matters, but considered her 103:033,06[' ]| goings and comings her own affairs. So$3$ did Lubie ~~ it was 103:033,07[' ]| easier thus, and she had many smaller fry to$9$ attend to$4$. 103:033,08[' ]| Punctually at seven, Dick and Letty followed these 103:033,09[' ]| smaller fry to$4$ bed, but no*one minded what time they rose, 103:033,10[' ]| and since Letty was ever an early bird, when she awoke, 103:033,11[' ]| she used to$9$ get up$5$, dress and creep through the packed 103:033,12[' ]| nursery, past nurse and Dick, the ""littler"" ones asleep in$4$ 103:033,13[' ]| their cosy beds, and go out into the chill dawn. They 103:033,14[' ]| never locked up$5$ in$4$ those days any more than they do now 103:033,15[' ]| in$4$ Australia. 103:033,16[' ]| So$3$ when Tim was hiding in$4$ the grain store, Letty more 103:033,17[' ]| than ever religiously got up$5$ when she wakened and, as she 103:033,18[' ]| never knew the time, there is no$2$ doubt that$3$ she spent a 103:033,19[' ]| greater part of some nights in$4$ the open, wandering about 103:033,20[' ]| with him, talking and fishing ~~ The guardian angels of 103:033,21[' ]| unruly children must be busy people, though indeed hers, 103:033,22[' ]| where Tim was concerned, could have passed along his 103:033,23[' ]| business with a happy conscience and gone to$9$ sleep. Tim 103:033,24[' ]| often remonstrated with her, but to$4$ no$2$ effect, for$3$ as soon as 103:033,25[' ]| dawn came, she would be on$4$ the buff with him, fishing ~~ 103:033,26[' ]| she would take Dick's tackle, and he, careless fellow, never 103:033,27[' ]| noticed it ~~ and asking questions. Letty taught Tim much 103:033,28[' ]| bush lore: to$9$ build a fire properly; wrap the fish in$4$ paper-bark 103:033,29[' ]| and bury it in$4$ the glowing ashes to$9$ cook; to$9$ make 103:033,30[' ]| tripods; to$9$ stake out beds of hides (they had no$2$ hide but 103:033,31[' ]| she told him how to$9$ do it); what berries and roots were 103:033,32[' ]| good to$9$ eat, and how to$9$ imitate the birds. And I must say 103:033,33[' ]| he was an apt pupil and became much more proficient 103:033,34[' ]| than Letty. He used to$9$ snare parrots, opossums and young 103:033,35[' ]| wallabies, and cook and eat them after a time, and so$3$ added 103:033,36[' ]| to$4$ his scanty larder. Letty's mama often wondered why 103:033,37[' ]| she looked so$5#1$ well and yet had lost her appetite these days, 103:034,01[' ]| and why she constantly dropped to$9$ sleep over lessons. 103:034,02[' ]| But Tim still grew despondent. 103:034,03[E ]| ""If it was that$3$ I could away and be free,"" 103:034,03[' ]| he would moan, 103:034,04[E ]| ""I would not be blatin;, but it is the risk I am runnin' to$9$ bring 103:034,05[E ]| sore trouble on$4$ the innocent head of yez."" 103:034,06[' ]| Then one day they ran into Ananias ~~ it sounded like$4$ 103:034,07[' ]| Ananias ~~ and Letty really did feel naughty then, for$3$ she 103:034,08[' ]| was not allowed to$9$ speak to$4$ the natives, who$6#1$ were ""the 103:034,09[' ]| unknown quantity"" in$4$ those days, wild and fierce. But he 103:034,10[' ]| grinned so$5#1$ cunningly and knowingly at them from behind 103:034,11[' ]| a bush one morning that$3$ they both became his subjects to$9$ 103:034,12[' ]| obey and instantly made advances towards him. Tim, who$6#1$ 103:034,13[' ]| was dressed now in$4$ an old pair of flannel racket-rousers 103:034,14[' ]| and belt of Letty's papa's ~~ she had taken them out of 103:034,15[' ]| mama's rag-bag, where the children were allowed to$9$ 103:034,16[' ]| rummage, ~~ with one of Dick's discarded shirts, took a 103:034,17[' ]| metal spoon ~~ also filched by$4$ Letty ~~ from his pocket, 103:034,18[' ]| laid it on$4$ the beach and whispering 103:034,18[E ]| ""Whist now,"" 103:034,18[' ]| drew the 103:034,19[' ]| child back to$9$ watch. Ananias came forward cautiously, 103:034,20[' ]| dived upon$4$ the spoon, grunted, and disappeared into the 103:034,21[' ]| scrub. Vanish the spoon. Next morning, however, he 103:034,22[' ]| greeted them again from the same spot and let them come 103:034,23[' ]| closer to$4$ him, though directly Tim reached out his hand 103:034,24[' ]| to$9$ touch him, he flashed out of sight like$4$ a lizard. 103:034,25[A ]| ""Tim,"" 103:034,25[' ]| exclaimed the delighted child, 103:034,25[A ]| ""go down on$4$ your 103:034,26[A ]| stomach and practise that$6#2$! It is just the thing to$9$ do to$9$ get 103:034,27[A ]| away."" 103:034,28[' ]| Poor Tim grinned sheepishly and scratched his head. 103:034,29[E ]| ""If that$6#2$ is all getting away is,"" 103:034,29[' ]| said he, 103:034,29[E ]| ""Is it not what I am 103:034,30[E ]| always after doing? I am growing into naught but a crawling 103:034,31[E ]| reptile itself, saving your presence, missie dear."" 103:034,32[A ]| ""Let me see you do it."" 103:034,33[' ]| Tim let her see. She approved. 103:034,34[A ]| ""And can you swim yet, Tim?"" 103:034,35[E ]| ""I could almost get to$4$ the Island,"" 103:034,35[' ]| he told her. 103:034,35[E ]| ""I killed 103:034,36[E ]| a big fish under water one morning, I did that$6#2$, but I kept 103:034,37[E ]| it to$4$ meself fearin' to$9$ frighten ye."" 103:035,01[A ]| ""It would not have frightened me. I wish I had seen you do 103:035,02[A ]| it! Was it a shark?"" 103:035,03[E ]| ""That$6#2$ is as it might be ~~ or maybe it was just a porpoise, 103:035,04[E ]| but me heart beat with the pride of it when I had mastered 103:035,05[E ]| him. it is a fine thing for$4$ a man to$9$ have every nerve 103:035,06[E ]| strained in$4$ a fight, and come by$4$ the conqueror. The fish 103:035,07[E ]| was the Government and I the wronged felon, and I 103:035,08[E ]| fought with the knife given me by$4$ yourself, Miss*Letty 103:035,09[E ]| dear and I won out."" 103:035,10[A ]| ""And you will$1$, Tim."" 103:035,11[E ]| ""I might, missie, for$3$ at this blessed moment an idea has 103:035,12[E ]| jumped clear into me noodle, itself."" 103:035,13[A ]| ""What is it?"" 103:035,14[E ]| ""The nigger! I might go along wid him."" 103:035,15[' ]| Letty gave a wild leap of joy. 103:035,16[A ]| ""Of course ~~ you could make friends with him and go off 103:035,17[A ]| with the tribe he belongs to$4$ ~~ could not you, Tim!"" 103:035,18[E ]| ""I am not fond of the heathen, and it is God's truth on$4$ me! 103:035,19[E ]| They are liars and blackguards as well thieves belike. But 103:035,20[E ]| I am quick in$4$ the uptake, their ways and manner of speech 103:035,21[E ]| wud be naught to$9$ master. I cud make friends with Ananias 103:035,22[E ]| and then I cud see what comes of it, missie."" 103:035,23[' ]| The long and the short of it was that$3$ he did, and presently 103:035,24[' ]| made arrangements to$9$ leave with the black. And 103:035,25[' ]| since Tim could not join a savage tribe without arms, 103:035,26[' ]| Letty took from her papa's room a musket and cartridges, 103:035,27[' ]| from the kitchen and the best carving knife she could lay 103:035,28[' ]| hands on$4$, and several other things, and one night, when 103:035,29[' ]| her papa was dining out and cook out walking with her 103:035,30[' ]| young man ~~ a sergeant from the barracks ~~ she hid them 103:035,31[' ]| in$4$ the play-house and warned Tim to$9$ 103:035,31@a | go and get them and 103:035,32@a | to$9$ be off in$4$ the morning. 103:035,32[' ]| Then, as easy in$4$ mind as usual, 103:035,33[' ]| she answered Lubie's call to$4$ bed, kissed her mama good-night, 103:035,34[' ]| and having been undressed and brushed and 103:035,35[' ]| curled, lay down to$9$ sleep in$4$ perfect peace. 103:035,36[' ]| Before the earliest birds were astir next morning, however, 103:035,37[' ]| she was up$5$ and away hooting her owl's hoot to$4$ Tim, 103:036,01[' ]| for$3$ she knew he would have the gun and tackle from the 103:036,02[' ]| play-house and have gone ere dawn, and that$3$ she should 103:036,03[' ]| find him with the old black on$4$ the coast, waiting to$9$ say 103:036,04[' ]| good-bye. To$4$ her great surprise he was weeping. 103:036,05[E ]| ""It is me heart has turned to$4$ wather and me eyes to$4$ 103:036,06[E ]| burning coals of fire wid the grief that$6#1$ is on$4$ me, leavin' 103:036,07[E ]| ye, Miss*Letty dear! Ye are the pride of me heart and 103:036,08[E ]| the heaven of me soul, and that$6#2$ is ye are!"" 103:036,09[' ]| With that$6#2$ he flung himself on$4$ the ground and kissed 103:036,10[' ]| her feet, and the nigger was not much less amazed and 103:036,11[' ]| interested than Letty herself. However, he jumped up$5$ 103:036,12[' ]| shortly when he had had his cry out, and taking the child's 103:036,13[' ]| small hand pressed it gently and moved away into the 103:036,14[' ]| bush. 103:036,15[' ]| Then the unexpected but always dreaded began to$9$ happen, 103:036,16[' ]| as though the lid of a Jack-in-the-Box had sprung 103:036,17[' ]| open. 103:036,18[' ]| It was Ananias ~~ his name was Annas really, but it 103:036,19[' ]| sounded to$4$ Letty like$4$ Ananias. He jumped to$4$ his feet 103:036,20[' ]| and pointed threateningly to$4$ the girl. He wanted her to$9$ 103:036,21[' ]| come too. 103:036,22[' ]| Tim called out suddenly and imperatively: 103:036,23[E ]| ""Get along home wid ye, Miss*Letty!"" 103:036,24[' ]| But at the moment that$3$ she turned away, Ananias 103:036,25[' ]| rushed to$4$ her side and caught her arm in$4$ his skinny 103:036,26[' ]| clutch and swung her roughly round. Like$4$ a whirlwind 103:036,27[' ]| Tim was upon$4$ him, and like$4$ a wild beast Ananias, who$6#1$ 103:036,28[' ]| was luckily without weapons, let go of her and retaliated 103:036,29[' ]| tooth and nail on$4$ Tim. Letty looked on$5$ dazed for$4$ a 103:036,30[' ]| moment, and behold! from behind the bushes this way 103:036,31[' ]| and that$6#2$, leapt naked blacks brandishing their spears 103:036,32[' ]| and boomerangs. 103:036,33[A ]| ""They will$1$ kill Tim,"" 103:036,33[' ]| the little girl screamed, and sped 103:036,34[' ]| light-footed as dawn along the hard, wet sand by$4$ the 103:036,35[' ]| sea where the tide had turned. 103:036,36[A ]| ""Sentry, turn out! Hasten! Sentry turn out! Sentry!! 103:036,37[A ]| Sentry!!!"" 103:036,37[' ]| she yelled. 103:037,01[' ]| The man on$4$ the fort wall came running, with the guard 103:037,02[' ]| agog tumbling out of the guard-house behind him, and 103:037,03[' ]| when they beheld the red coats, the aborigines melted 103:037,04[' ]| like$4$ mist into the bush from whence they had come. 103:037,05[' ]| But they left her beloved convict stretched as if dead, 103:037,06[' ]| upon$4$ the seashore. 104:037,00@@@@@| 104:038,00[U ]| <\Rottnest*Island\> 104:038,00[U ]| 104:038,01[' ]| When the little girl, Letty*Granville, stood trembling 104:038,02[' ]| at the door of the guard-house, whilst the 104:038,03[' ]| sentry was about its duties, she had to$9$ still her wildly 104:038,04[' ]| beating heart, and force her fluttering thoughts away 104:038,05[' ]| from the figure of Tim, which$6#1$ she had glimpsed from 104:038,06[' ]| the tail of her eye as she had run, crumpled up$5$ so$5#1$ helplessly 104:038,07[' ]| on$4$ the sandy shore. For$3$ to$4$ her at the moment the 104:038,08[' ]| most vital fact of life was to$9$ protect herself from the effect 104:038,09[' ]| her sins, if they were discovered, would most certainly 104:038,10[' ]| have upon$4$ her parents. 104:038,11[' ]| So$3$, gripping her hands together, she stood meekly on$4$ the 104:038,12[' ]| threshold of the Rotunda guard-house and waited for$4$ the 104:038,13[' ]| sergeant to$9$ return. She had fixed upon$4$ a plan by$4$ which$6#1$ 104:038,14[' ]| she might cover her tracks ~~ by$4$ use of the known predilection 104:038,15[' ]| of her papa for$4$ this spoilt child of his. She knew 104:038,16[' ]| he was considered arbitrary, he was a gentleman, and she 104:038,17[' ]| knew that$3$ the sergeant knew he would believe \her\, and 104:038,18[' ]| that$3$ Head-quarters would believe \him\, before they would 104:038,19[' ]| believe the sergeant and all his works. 104:038,19@a | Still she would 104:038,20@a | run as little risk as possible when building her defence, 104:038,21@a | make a plausible story, and put a brave front on$5$ to$4$ Sergeant-Major*Ellis 104:038,22@a | who$6#1$ walked-out-with-cook, perhaps 104:038,23@a | ease the penalty on$4$ Tim if he was not dead, and save 104:038,24@a | herself entirely from any confession. \If he were not dead\! 104:038,25@a | Poor Tim! if he were not dead what a horrible life lay 104:038,26@a | before him. He would not be allowed out again, and he 104:038,27@a | would be flogged with a rope end. Ugh! ~~ 104:038,28[' ]| But all unselfish resolutions went to$4$ the wind when they 104:038,29[' ]| carried her friend's body up$5$ from the beach. She started 104:038,30[' ]| trembling so$5#1$ violently that$3$ she nearly fell (and indeed 104:038,31[' ]| no$2$ wonder, for$3$ this was too great a matter for$4$ so$5#1$ small 104:038,32[' ]| shoulders), and desperately she washed her hands of Tim. 104:038,33[A ]| ""Send me home under escort, please, Sergeant*Matt,"" 104:039,01[' ]| she implored. 104:039,01[A ]| ""I had come down to$9$ bathe, and ~~ and ~~ 104:039,02[A ]| saw the blacks set on$4$ that$6#2$ poor man so$3$ I ran for$4$ you! But 104:039,03[A ]| I do not want you to$9$ tell papa. They might stop me coming 104:039,04[A ]| to$9$ bathe. They might scold me well for$4$ getting up$5$ so$5#1$ 104:039,05[A ]| early. You need not tell, and I will$1$ not tell that$3$ you let the 104:039,06[A ]| natives slip through your fingers. You can say what you 104:039,07[A ]| like$1$ ~~ I will$1$ not say anything; that$6#2$ is, unless I am asked. 104:039,08[A ]| You need not mention me ~~ that$3$ I called out or anything ~~ 104:039,09[A ]| you need not"" ~~ 104:039,09[' ]| turning to$4$ the sergeant ~~ 104:039,09[A ]| ""even to$9$ cook."" 104:039,10[' ]| Sergeant*Matt*Ellis who$6#1$ had a long narrow red face and 104:039,11[' ]| black moustache, and considered himself very handsome, 104:039,12[' ]| grinned sheepishly, not even scowling when the soldiers 104:039,13[' ]| tittered, he was so$5#1$ embarrassed, for$3$ cook was a ""gentleman-killer"" 104:039,14[' ]| whom they all wanted to$9$ marry since women 104:039,15[' ]| were scarce in$4$ the colony, and good cooks scarcer. But 104:039,16[' ]| he pulled himself together sufficiently to$9$ have at least one 104:039,17[' ]| thrust at the small child who$6#1$ teased him. 104:039,18[W ]| ""Some do says you's has queer-like ways missie, and four-thirty 104:039,19[W ]| in$4$ the marnin' is a queer like$5$ time to$9$ be sea dippin'. 104:039,20[W ]| But run along home now and we will$1$ let it pass. Only in$4$ 104:039,21[W ]| future like$5$ take my advice and keep abed of a morning 104:039,22[W ]| out of the ways of the powers of darkness. It is more 104:039,23[W ]| 'ealthy for$4$ the gentry ~~ they natives do creep pryin' about 104:039,24[W ]| when the Settlement's snorin', and they might snatch ye 104:039,25[W ]| and gobble ye up$5$!"" 104:039,26[' ]| So$3$ was she released. Home she went and got into bed 104:039,27[' ]| again, and pretended it had all been a bad dream, almost 104:039,28[' ]| successfully, except for$4$ her great loss of dear Tim ~~ since 104:039,29[' ]| children even when greatly impressed, have that$6#2$ powerful 104:039,30[' ]| gift of being able to$9$ shove things away into the deep 104:039,31[' ]| recesses of their unconscious minds. She must, however, 104:039,32[' ]| have made tactful inquiries from cook (who$6#1$ came not, 104:039,33[' ]| as it were, into her surface existence to$9$ be calculated 104:039,34[' ]| with), for$3$ she came to$9$ know that$3$ it was said that$3$ 104:039,34@x | the 104:039,35@x | escaped convict had been captured alive, after a miraculous 104:039,36@x | \hiding in$4$ the bush\ for$4$ a time, that$3$ he had existed by$4$ 104:039,37@x | stealing from the houses 104:039,37[' ]| (the gun, cartridges, knife, etc%, 104:040,01[' ]| were discovered), 104:040,01@x | and that$3$ he was only driven in$5$ by$4$ having 104:040,02@x | come into conflict with natives. Also, that$3$ for$4$ punishment, 104:040,03@x | as soon as he recovered from his wounds, he was 104:040,04@x | taken over to$4$ Rottnest*Island in$4$ chains, where he had, in$4$ 104:040,05@x | ganged company with other prisoners, both black and the 104:040,06@x | more notorious white, to$9$ help build a jail, cottages for$4$ the 104:040,07@x | keeper, and a house for$4$ the Governor's summer Residence. 104:040,00@@@@@| 104:040,00[U ]| 104:040,08[' ]| The next few months of Letty's life are clouded by$4$ 104:040,09[' ]| that$6#2$ haze that$6#1$ the years cast over history. I understand 104:040,10[' ]| that$3$ she was not then considered a strong child. She grew 104:040,11[' ]| thin and lank and her golden curls were shorn, and her 104:040,12[' ]| mama often looked at her with her hands round her face 104:040,13[' ]| and sighed over her fading good looks. But her papa 104:040,14[' ]| spoilt her more than ever, so$3$ that$3$ on$4$ top of weakness she 104:040,15[' ]| became even more wilful and almost petulant, though, 104:040,16[' ]| however upset she might be, her papa always fascinated 104:040,17[' ]| and pleased her with his merry light-hearted ways. It has 104:040,18[' ]| often occurred to$4$ me since I might add, how very trying 104:040,19[' ]| and aggravating he must have been to$4$ her mama. 104:040,20[' ]| He took Dick and Letty over to$4$ Rottnest with him to$9$ be 104:040,21[' ]| companions for$4$ Peter when he joined the Governor for$4$ 104:040,22[' ]| shooting the ducks and wallaby that$6#1$ abounded round 104:040,23[' ]| the salt lakes there. These blue salt lakes lie in$4$ the 104:040,24[' ]| midst of the island like$4$ huge gleaming turquoise jewels 104:040,25[' ]| set in$4$ the everlasting green of the scrub. Oh, what colouring! 104:040,26[' ]| There is a hill in$4$ the midst of that$6#2$ gorgeous deep 104:040,27[' ]| dark green which$6#1$ you can climb ~~ and so$3$ reach the heaven 104:040,28[' ]| of your dreams. Huge turquoise jewels set in$4$ everlasting 104:040,29[' ]| green at your feet, and away beyond, this way 104:040,30[' ]| and that$6#2$, to$4$ east, west, north and south, indigo sea, electric 104:040,31[' ]| sea, silver sea, gold sea in$4$ flashes; and blue sky, 104:040,32[' ]| blue sky, blue sky, on$5$ and on$5$ till you are dazzled. All 104:040,33[' ]| a blue scene and yet dashed with deep and intense green, 104:040,34[' ]| the green of the everlasting salt bushes. 104:040,35[' ]| That$6#2$ was the place to$9$ take the child, and it was there that$3$ 104:041,01[' ]| her papa took her. In$4$ those days she thought nothing 104:041,02[' ]| more alluring or beautiful had ever been conceived by$4$ 104:041,03[' ]| God. It was the cleanest, sweetest, most delightful place 104:041,04[' ]| in$4$ all the universe ~~ the sandy salt-like place where the 104:041,05[' ]| air is indescribably exhilarating, crisp and clear. Amongst 104:041,06[' ]| that$6#2$ everlasting green scrub the wallaby abounded and 104:041,07[' ]| over the lakes the duck abounded, and off the rocks to$4$ 104:041,08[' ]| seaward the fish abounded, so$3$ you may be sure the children 104:041,09[' ]| saw little of papa, or His*Excellency, the Governor, 104:041,10[' ]| Peter's papa. They were shooting, shooting, fishing, 104:041,11[' ]| fishing all day long; and Letty, Peter and Dick were 104:041,12[' ]| running, playing, bathing all day long. The only buildings 104:041,13[' ]| then were the jail, lighthouse, superintendent's and 104:041,14[' ]| attendant's houses, and Government*House, all whitened 104:041,15[' ]| with commissariat whitewash to$4$ an exquisite cleanness 104:041,16[' ]| that$6#1$ showed up$5$ dazzlingly against the duck egg colouring 104:041,17[' ]| of the closer verdure. Oh, how can I tell you of 104:041,18[' ]| the essence of purity that$6#1$ seemed to$9$ emanate from that$6#2$ 104:041,19[' ]| place, lessened in$4$ no$2$ wise by$4$ the presence of the poor 104:041,20[' ]| white felons, and the black prisoners ~~ the blacks were 104:041,21[' ]| always sentenced to$4$ time on$4$ the island as they were 104:041,22[' ]| there able to$9$ be more or less at large ~~ who$6#1$ must have 104:041,23[' ]| praised Almighty God when they found themselves there 104:041,24[' ]| in$4$ Paradise instead of in$4$ the jail at Fremantle. Even 104:041,25[' ]| the low walls surrounding the buildings and the jetty 104:041,26[' ]| were of glistening stone, like$4$ the stones in$4$ Paradise, and 104:041,27[' ]| the beach was silvery white and the water crystal clear. 104:041,28[' ]| The shells too, were creamy white, or bluey pink, or 104:041,29[' ]| pinky blue and mauve, all softly, clearly coloured with 104:041,30[' ]| delicate hue. And the fish were rainbow fish, and the 104:041,31[' ]| rocks were old gold brown, and the sea and sky aglow 104:041,32[' ]| with joyous beams as though it were an angels' ground 104:041,33[' ]| for$4$ play. Round the beach from the jail, hid by$4$ a sheltering 104:041,34[' ]| rock, was a moon-shaped cove where you could 104:041,35[' ]| bury yourself in$4$ shells, bury yourself beneath them ~~ 104:041,36[' ]| beautiful wonderful tiny shells ~~ and at the side of the 104:041,37[' ]| cove under the sheltering rocks were clear pools with 104:042,01[' ]| star*fishes and tweeny crabs and crays, and sea-flowers 104:042,02[' ]| and frilly bubbly seeds that$6#1$ children love so$5#1$ well. Further 104:042,03[' ]| on$5$ round the other crescent edge is the reefy shore of 104:042,04[' ]| basin pools. Delicious natural bathing pools where no*one 104:042,05[' ]| ever drowns for$3$ there is nothing evil or treacherous 104:042,06[' ]| there in$4$ those ever stirring, clear, sand floored pools, 104:042,07[' ]| fed by$4$ the ocean, but sheltered from it by$4$ reefs and 104:042,08[' ]| reefs of sweet-smelling rocks. But on$4$ the other side 104:042,09[' ]| of the island, commencing where the lighthouse stands, 104:042,10[' ]| running in$4$ bays and inlets, like$4$ a child's playground of 104:042,11[' ]| a continent, to$4$ left and right facing the huge Pacific, the 104:042,12[' ]| coast is full of snares, though its perilous lonely beauty 104:042,13[' ]| is beyond compare. It is there they used to$9$ be taken by$4$ 104:042,14[' ]| the men to$9$ set the cray-fish pots, sheets of flat-topped 104:042,15[' ]| rocks are here broken and torn into ravines and gulleys 104:042,16[' ]| by$4$ the ocean which$6#1$ constantly, wildly sucks and regurgitates 104:042,17[' ]| through them. But that$6#2$ made the excitation perfect, 104:042,18[' ]| when you were ten, 104:042,18@a | that$6#2$ danger of sudden death, as you 104:042,19@a | jumped, or funked as you ran across them following the 104:042,20@a | keepers from the jail who$6#1$ went to$9$ rob their pots of the 104:042,21@a | clawing, clutching prey. 104:042,22@a | Then to$9$ follow in$4$ the nets, and find under the shelter 104:042,23@a | of the great lighthouse the ponies tethered; to$9$ mount 104:042,24@a | and ride quietly along beside Dick and Peter in$4$ the misty 104:042,25@a | starlight with the sudden blinding flashes from the light 104:042,26@a | illuminating your microscopic party, making you blink 104:042,27@a | back strange faces, as the long shadows created gloomy 104:042,28@a | ghosts, and your little heart beat high with joy in$4$ the 104:042,29@a | good that$6#1$ God had given to$4$ men. 104:042,29[' ]| Oh that$6#2$ joy of youth 104:042,30[' ]| ~~ joy in$4$ the air, in$4$ the sea, in$4$ exercise, in$4$ health and appetite! 104:042,31[' ]| But the convicts! Sometimes the sadness of them 104:042,32[' ]| gloomed the childrens' minds and saddened their hearts 104:042,33[' ]| ~~ Letty would think of Tim. 104:042,33@a | Tim in$4$ a cell, whipped 104:042,34@a | ~~ chained ~~ shackled. 104:042,35[' ]| With rousing appetites after sleeping like$4$ tops, the children 104:042,36[' ]| would rise late, slip off their night attire and into 104:042,37[' ]| bathers, and run straight into the great cement floored 104:043,01[' ]| stone kitchen where the convict cook would have just 104:043,02[' ]| taken the new bread from the oven and would give them 104:043,03[' ]| great chunks of it, and drinks of tea from the common 104:043,04[' ]| can, and then on$5$ out they would go over the compound 104:043,05[' ]| wall, across the glistening sand, and along the bathing 104:043,06[' ]| board into the sea. Plunge! They were in$4$ nectar. They 104:043,07[' ]| swam like$4$ turtles, dived, turned somersaults off each 104:043,08[' ]| other's shoulders, or round and round like$4$ porpoises. 104:043,09[' ]| But at last clothes and ""brek."" Fried fish, more bread 104:043,10[' ]| with butter, and more tea ~~ My! It was ravishing. Then 104:043,11[' ]| away in$4$ the fishing cutter with the Governor and papa; 104:043,12[' ]| Peace and quiet. Then more sleep in$4$ the bottom of the 104:043,13[' ]| rocking jolly-boat under the shade of the seat. Or they 104:043,14[' ]| would sit up$5$ and hold a line, to$9$ catch, catch, catch, for$3$ 104:043,15[' ]| out there off the rocks you would catch three whiting on$4$ a 104:043,16[' ]| line with three hooks all the time, while papa caught 104:043,17[' ]| monster schnapper and rock*cod which$6#1$ was all he cared 104:043,18[' ]| for$4$. Hunger would bring them home. They knew roast 104:043,19[' ]| mutton, fried pumpkin and potatoes, topped off by$4$ plum 104:043,20[' ]| duff and honey would always be ready ~~ no$2$ change in$4$ 104:043,21[' ]| the mid-day meal. Then more sleep, followed by$4$ more 104:043,22[' ]| tea and those delightful evenings on$4$ the coast, when the 104:043,23[' ]| sea would turn from brilliant blue to$4$ glassy-green, silver, 104:043,24[' ]| amber and gold. Then the cool breeze would come sporting, 104:043,25[' ]| breathing, sighing its grateful coolness from the far 104:043,26[' ]| Antarctic sea, and the sky, a wilderness of brilliant beauty, 104:043,27[' ]| changed, softened, and was banked with clouds, as though 104:043,28[' ]| to$9$ amuse the golden sun ere it sank to$4$ rest. 104:043,00@@@@@| 104:043,00[U ]| 104:043,29[' ]| Now one evening, after cray-fish catching by$4$ the lighthouse, 104:043,30[' ]| when the sun had fallen beyond the horizon and 104:043,31[' ]| Letty sat apart where the scrub and beach meet, waiting 104:043,32[' ]| for$4$ the men who$6#1$ were further down the shore to$9$ cook the 104:043,33[' ]| evening meal, a voice said suddenly near her: 104:043,34[E ]| ""Whist now, missie!"" 104:043,35[' ]| Letty was startled, but delighted. There was the object 104:044,01[' ]| of her childish escapade beside her in$4$ the scrub, wriggling 104:044,02[' ]| forward on$4$ his stomach as she herself had admonished 104:044,03[' ]| him to$9$ do, many, many months before. 104:044,04[A ]| ""Why Tim! ~~ Why Tim, dear! ~~ Have you got 104:044,05[A ]| away again?"" 104:044,05[' ]| she whispered. And rolled over into the 104:044,06[' ]| same position as he was, to$9$ get closer and avoid being 104:044,07[' ]| heard by$4$ the men. 104:044,08[E ]| ""Easy now, missie! They will$1$ be after seein' the white 104:044,09[E ]| dress of ye movin', keep still, darlint, and talk to$4$ poor 104:044,10[E ]| Tim*Rafferty. Jest talk for$4$ the love of heaven, missie 104:044,11[E ]| dear, and let me hear the siller of your tongue."" 104:044,12[A ]| ""Oh, I am glad to$9$ see you Tim! ~~ But it is you who$6#1$ 104:044,13[A ]| have to$9$ speak. \Have\ you got away?"" 104:044,14[E ]| ""I hev' not, your honours might. Look at the clothes on$4$ 104:044,15[E ]| me sprayed wid the arrow, and all the crosses av Jehovah 104:044,16[E ]| himself back and front. And it is no$2$ place to$9$ be breakin' 104:044,17[E ]| jail at all, is Rottnest*Island. Two bad men got away ~~ 104:044,18[E ]| this last two year gone by$5$. They got away and over to$4$ the 104:044,19[E ]| mainland after murthering a jailor, bad cest to$4$ them! They 104:044,20[E ]| did that$6#2$. But their whitened bones it was the police 104:044,21[E ]| found in$4$ the bush along by$4$ Rocky*Bay, and not so$5#1$ very 104:044,22[E ]| long since either. You can not get away from a convict 104:044,23[E ]| settlement and \live\, Miss*Letty dear!"" 104:044,24[A ]| ""Do not you want to$9$ be free?"" 104:044,25[E ]| ""I do so$5#2$, but not by$4$ scootin', it was not much good 104:044,26[E ]| I gained by$4$ it before at all, at all. That$6#2$ was meself! 104:044,27[E ]| And there was two niggers a couple of months gone by$4$ 104:044,28[E ]| who$6#1$ swam ~~ they did ~~ to$4$ Carnac*Island, and were shot 104:044,29[E ]| as they landed, by$4$ the marines' post there ~~ No$7$, once 104:044,30[E ]| was enough for$4$ the likes of me, Miss*Letty! Fer months 104:044,31[E ]| after I got back I was kep' on$4$ the chain amongst felon 104:044,32[E ]| gangs, thin since ~~ as Tim has the skill wid the buildin' ~~ 104:044,33[E ]| they let me free of the gang. It was Holy Moses himself 104:044,34[E ]| liftin' the stones fer his Honour's house, but glory be 104:044,35[E ]| this minute, since it is your self is shelterin' there. 104:044,36[E ]| ""You see, Miss*Letty dear, it is easy they be wid the likes 104:044,37[E ]| of us on$4$ the Island if we are good wid the stones, since 104:045,01[E ]| it is hard to$9$ git off, and they wink the eye at ye's for$4$ takin' 104:045,02[E ]| a rin after dark like$4$ this!"" 104:045,03[' ]| She scarcely heard Tim speak. Quickly, passionately, 104:045,04[' ]| eagerly she was thinking of a plan for$4$ his escape once 104:045,05[' ]| more. Suddenly she asked: 104:045,06[A ]| ""Can you sail a cutter?"" 104:045,07[E ]| ""I cannot, yer honour, I can only row."" 104:045,08[A ]| ""Then we will$1$ row out to$4$ that$6#2$ sail boat that$6#1$ was sighted 104:045,09[A ]| from the lighthouse when we were up$4$ there this noon. 104:045,10[A ]| She is a full rigged small craft becalmed ~~ "" 104:045,11[E ]| ""But Missie! Whist now, missie dear, I could not be 104:045,12[E ]| doin' it, Lor sakes, missie dear, but I could not."" 104:045,13[A ]| ""It is no$2$ use saying that$6#2$. As soon as we have had tea we will$1$ 104:045,14[A ]| go, I will$1$ ship you aboard, no*one will$1$ ever know. There are 104:045,15[A ]| some of papa's old fishing clothes on$4$ the cutter, Tim, 104:045,16[A ]| trousers, and a jersey, and an old sun hat, you can change 104:045,17[A ]| into those ~~ "" 104:045,18[E ]| ""But ~~ oh! save us! \What\ did you say?"" 104:045,19[A ]| ""We will$1$ make up$5$ some story when we reach the smack. 104:045,20[A ]| She is not bound for$4$ harbour they say. Come trust to$4$ 104:045,21[A ]| luck, Tim! You \shall\ get away."" 104:045,22[' ]| With that$6#2$ she got up$5$ and stalked off to$4$ the party round 104:045,23[' ]| the fire and demanded food which$6#1$ was of course given 104:045,24[' ]| amply, and then she stalked back to$4$ where Tim lay, 104:045,25[' ]| and having difficulty in$4$ finding him in$4$ the dark, drew him 104:045,26[' ]| with a little owl call. And, for$3$ Tim seemed stricken 104:045,27[' ]| dumb, there in$4$ the gloaming they silently shared the 104:045,28[' ]| spoil. Then Peter who$6#1$ had been prawning, ran over and 104:045,29[' ]| insisted on$4$ knowing what Letty was doing so$5#1$ long alone. 104:045,30[' ]| She tried to$9$ persuade, cajole, plead with him to$9$ leave 104:045,31[' ]| her, but he would not. So$3$, as the Government cutter 104:045,32[' ]| in$4$ which$6#1$ she meant Tim to$9$ make his escape was drawn 104:045,33[' ]| up$5$ on$4$ the beach with the rising tide flapping round her, 104:045,34[' ]| she, knowing that$3$ the men would soon want to$9$ get 104:045,35[' ]| back, made up$5$ her mind to$9$ use Peter. As soon as this 104:045,36[' ]| was done, she felt greatly relieved, for$3$ to$9$ tell the truth 104:045,37[' ]| she had been wondering how she was going to$9$ manage 104:046,01[' ]| to$9$ return that$6#2$ great big boat on$4$ her own account. With 104:046,02[' ]| Peter it would be another matter. He was a big boy 104:046,03[' ]| now, her senior in$4$ years, and skilled with the oar, as in$4$ 104:046,04[' ]| all sports. But for$4$ all that$6#2$, he had less than half her 104:046,05[' ]| complement in$4$ understanding and she always bossed it 104:046,06[' ]| over him, and always would ~~ but he was her devoted slave. 104:046,07[' ]| So$3$ she said: 104:046,08[A ]| ""Peter, will$1$ you promise on$4$ your honour as a gentleman, 104:046,09[A ]| cut your throat if you breathe a word, that$3$ you 104:046,10[A ]| will$1$ join in$4$ a lark with me without asking questions?"" 104:046,11[F ]| ""Of course, Letty."" 104:046,12[A ]| ""Well, run down, as you have finished your tea and get 104:046,13[A ]| the cutter afloat."" 104:046,14[F ]| ""Wh** "" 104:046,14[' ]| Peter caught himself up$5$ in$4$ time and ran. 104:046,15[' ]| One of the men, who$6#1$ had been raking the fire together, 104:046,16[' ]| seeing him by$4$ the boat sang out to$9$ know what he was 104:046,17[' ]| up$5$ to$4$, but Letty strolling over, explained 104:046,17@a | he was getting 104:046,18@a | something for$4$ her from her father's store there. 104:046,18[' ]| The 104:046,19[' ]| other men had some dice and were absorbed with them, 104:046,20[' ]| and the one who$6#1$ had called out, satisfied with the spoilt 104:046,21[' ]| child's answer, returned to$4$ the game. Dick, dressed only 104:046,22[' ]| in$4$ shirt and underpants ~~ having been down a hole after 104:046,23[' ]| crayfish ~~ was getting his first initiation into this gamble, 104:046,24[' ]| and, like$4$ his models, was unconscious of all else around 104:046,25[' ]| him. So$3$ Letty stole his coat and breeches and round 104:046,26[' ]| sailor hat for$4$ her own immediate use and crept away 104:046,27[' ]| into the encircling gloom. Here she donned her brother's 104:046,28[' ]| garments which$6#1$ always fitted her in$4$ a sloppy fashion ~~ 104:046,29[' ]| he was shorter and fatter than she, but they pulled out 104:046,30[' ]| on$4$ her slim frame. Then with a chuckle she left her 104:046,31[' ]| dress for$4$ him, knowing well with what disgust and annoyance 104:046,32[' ]| he would find it, and his own clothes gone, and 104:046,33[' ]| ran down to$4$ the boat. She was afloat and Peter stood 104:046,34[' ]| up$5$ to$4$ his waist beside her in$4$ the warm salt water waiting 104:046,35[' ]| Letty's orders. She gave the little owl's cry, and told 104:046,36[' ]| Peter to$9$ look out to$4$ sea, and Tim wriggled down on$4$ the 104:046,37[' ]| off side of the boat by$4$ the helm where the locker was. 104:047,01[F ]| ""Who$6#2$ is that$6#2$?"" 104:047,01[' ]| asked Peter. 104:047,02[A ]| ""Compact!"" 104:047,02[' ]| Letty snapped. 104:047,02[A ]| ""Shut your eyes, get in$5$, sit 104:047,03[A ]| with your back to$4$ the Unknown and row stroke."" 104:047,03[' ]| Then 104:047,04[' ]| she laughed. 104:047,04[A ]| ""Such fun, Peter! He and I will$1$ row behind. 104:047,05[A ]| Make straight out to$4$ sea."" 104:047,06[' ]| This rather alarmed Peter, who$6#1$ lived in$4$ terror of going 104:047,07[' ]| against Authority under whose actual nose he always 104:047,08[' ]| lived, moved and had his being. He said crossly, though 104:047,09[' ]| still keeping, as every decent boy would, to$4$ his contract, 104:047,10[' ]| and rowing strongly on$4$ a smooth sea: 104:047,11[F ]| ""What tricks are you up$5$ to$4$, Letty? You will$1$ break all our 104:047,12[F ]| backs rowing against the tide; besides we are not allowed 104:047,13[F ]| to$9$ use the cutter, you know that$6#2$ perfectly well ~~ it is a 104:047,14[F ]| fool's game at the best, rowing out to$4$ the open sea to$9$ 104:047,15[F ]| scare a few beggars of jailers! I hear them shouting now 104:047,16[F ]| ~~ they must have found out your game."" 104:047,17[A ]| ""Row, Peter, row."" 104:047,18[F ]| ""I am rowing, are not I? Back is nearly broken ~~ old elephant 104:047,19[F ]| of a boat! Is that$6#2$ Dick fidgeting behind there? 104:047,20[F ]| Why can not he sit down and go on$5$ rowing though he does 104:047,21[F ]| it badly enough for$4$ the devil! Let us turn back, there is a 104:047,22[F ]| good girl ~~ we will$1$ have the laugh of them by$4$ now."" 104:047,23[' ]| But he rowed on$5$. Presently Letty sang out, 104:047,23[A ]| ""We are 104:047,24[A ]| going out to$4$ that$6#2$ sail ahoy we saw this afternoon."" 104:047,25[F ]| ""Oh, stupid! stupid! whatever for$4$? I am not, I am going 104:047,26[F ]| to$9$ turn,"" 104:047,26[' ]| resting on$4$ his oars which$6#1$ made Letty wild. 104:047,26[F ]| ""\It is\ 104:047,27[F ]| a fool's game, \it is\. Come Letty, I cry off."" 104:047,28[' ]| Letty stamped her feet in$4$ the bottom of the boat and 104:047,29[' ]| yelled: 104:047,30[A ]| ""Yah! Yah! Yah! First you ask what tricks I am up$5$ to$4$, 104:047,31[A ]| then tell me what they are. Sucks for$4$ you, Peter! They 104:047,32[A ]| are not. You are all wrong. Turn round. 104:047,33[A ]| ""Haha! I thought I would startle the Governor's son! running 104:047,34[A ]| off with a convict. There he sits, Peter, Tim*Rafferty, 104:047,35[A ]| late 509; Tim, that$6#2$ is Peter ~~ Yes, you may 104:047,36[A ]| stare, Peter! He is in$4$ papa's fishing clothes, see?"" 104:047,37[' ]| Peter had caught a crab after he had looked round. He 104:048,01[' ]| sat there now with his mouth wide open balancing his 104:048,02[' ]| oar, gazing with horror-stricken eyes at Tim. 104:048,03[A ]| ""Are you afraid?"" 104:048,03[' ]| she asked scornfully. 104:048,04[F ]| ""There will$1$ be an awful row! That$6#2$ is all,"" 104:048,04[' ]| is what he answered 104:048,05[' ]| with great dignity, reproving her for$4$ querying 104:048,06[' ]| his courage. Then: 104:048,07[F ]| ""It is getting dark ~~ we could smuggle him back perhaps 104:048,08[F ]| without anyone knowing."" 104:048,09[A ]| ""We are going to$9$ help him escape."" 104:048,10[F ]| ""How, in$4$ the name of the Prince*of*Wales, do you propose 104:048,11[F ]| doing that$6#2$?"" 104:048,12[A ]| ""There is that$6#2$ smack hove to$5$, off the reef, we saw this 104:048,13[A ]| afternoon when we went up$5$ with the keeper to$9$ feed the 104:048,14[A ]| lamp. When the moon comes up$5$ ~~ ah, see there she 104:048,15[A ]| comes! And I see the smack ~~ I will$1$ go behind and steer 104:048,16[A ]| now. Come, pull for$4$ her, Peter."" 104:048,17[F ]| ""What, the moon?"" 104:048,18[' ]| This little joke made him somewhat less dour. But 104:048,19[' ]| Peter was in$4$ a quandary all the same, and certainly sulky. 104:048,20[' ]| He said: 104:048,21[F ]| ""It makes us culpable, letting a felon loose! ~~ you do not 104:048,22[F ]| understand. It is dreadful!"" 104:048,22[' ]| However he began to$9$ row 104:048,23[' ]| dejectedly, obediently, not knowing, I suppose, what else 104:048,24[' ]| to$9$ do. Tim pulled a clumsy anxious-to-please stroke 104:048,25[' ]| behind, and Letty slipping over to$4$ the helm, unleashed 104:048,26[' ]| the rope and steered the boat towards the hulk, they 104:048,27[' ]| could discern, growing larger each moment as they came 104:048,28[' ]| closer. 104:048,29[' ]| Presently Peter swallowed his ire sufficiently to$9$ talk, and 104:048,30[' ]| once again he became quite jovial. Who$6#2$ could help it 104:048,31[' ]| that$6#2$ lovely night out there on$4$ the deep blue sea ~~ blue 104:048,32[' ]| even in$4$ the dusk, blue with the reflection of the dark 104:048,33[' ]| void ink-blue star-decked sky. 104:048,34[F ]| ""Are we all going to$9$ run away?"" 104:048,34@f | He would make a joke 104:048,35@f | of it. Perhaps if he appeared to$9$ agree with her she would 104:048,36@f | allow them to$9$ go back. 104:048,36[F ]| ""What care I if we do! ~~ except 104:048,37[F ]| for$4$ you I would just as leave, you know. It is England and 104:049,01[F ]| school for$4$ me just as soon as another sort of ship comes 104:049,02[F ]| in$5$ to$9$ take me away."" 104:049,03[A ]| ""And that$6#2$ is quite soon,"" 104:049,03[' ]| Letty maliciously reminded him. 104:049,04[F ]| ""Indeed it is. It never leaves my mind, Letty, yet you 104:049,05[F ]| do not care a tinker's cuss."" 104:049,06[A ]| ""Why should I?"" 104:049,07[F ]| ""Well, I would care if you went."" 104:049,08[A ]| ""And I care, when you are not so$5#1$ churlish as you are 104:049,09[A ]| just now! Why do not you like$1$ helping me to$9$ get poor 104:049,10[A ]| Tim away, Peter?"" 104:049,10[' ]| she now wheedled. 104:049,11[F ]| ""What a question. Besides, I have just told you. Come 104:049,12[F ]| along ~~ pull the helm round, Letty, see, we are a long 104:049,13[F ]| way out! and is not it calm,"" 104:049,13[' ]| he added suddenly caught 104:049,14[' ]| up$5$ in$4$ a flash out of his fret and fume by$4$ realizing the 104:049,15[' ]| perfectly heavenly state of the sea and sky. The wide 104:049,16[' ]| crescent moon was up$5$, the air light, absolutely still. How 104:049,17[' ]| could anyone be disconsolate? It smelt like$4$ frost, so$5#1$ 104:049,18[' ]| sweet, yet it was balmy and warm. The clear open 104:049,19[' ]| above, and all round and even below it was open magnetically. 104:049,20[' ]| Peter's spirit swooned as he rowed. 104:049,21[' ]| Even Letty scarcely noticed when they gained their 104:049,22[' ]| vessel, lying a bluer daub amidst the everlasting blue. 104:049,23[' ]| Yet she had seen the lights twinkling from the craft at 104:049,24[' ]| intervals over the others' shoulders. But it was too late 104:049,25[' ]| to$9$ turn back now at any rate, and she stood up$5$ and 104:049,26[' ]| shouted bravely. 104:049,27[A ]| ""Hurrah! Ship ahoy!"" 104:049,28[' ]| Peter groaned. 104:049,28@f | It \was\ too late! Better see it through. 104:049,29[' ]| But he gritted his teeth nervously at the answering guttural 104:049,30[' ]| shout that$6#1$ even alarmed Letty. Her spirits sank 104:049,31[' ]| quickly ~~ on$4$ Tim's account let it be known ~~ for$3$ they 104:049,32[' ]| all realized at once that$3$ no$2$ white men manned the strange 104:049,33[' ]| sailing vessel, but a party of dark-skinned, dark-eyed 104:049,34[' ]| Malay, or other South*Sea*Island fishermen. 105:050,00@@@@@| 105:050,00[U ]| <\The Proa\> 105:050,01[' ]| It was a Malay fishing-boat they had come up$5$ to$4$ and 105:050,02[' ]| probably not the ship that$6#1$ had been sighted by$4$ the 105:050,03[' ]| lighthouse-man at all. But it might be the very thing for$4$ 105:050,04[' ]| Tim after all, for$3$, as Letty knew, proas, or prahu, were 105:050,05[' ]| always out to$9$ avoid the Government, since they had been 105:050,06[' ]| in$4$ the habit for$4$ centuries past of taking anything they 105:050,07[' ]| could get in$4$ the way of fish or shell off the coast of Australia 105:050,08[' ]| without paying duty, and it was part of her father's 105:050,09[' ]| business to$9$ be on$4$ their tracks on$4$ behalf of the Crown; 105:050,10[' ]| hence Fremantle was the last port in$4$ West*Australia which$6#1$ 105:050,11[' ]| anyone of them would willingly call at. 105:050,12[' ]| As they glided alongside, the master, a thick-set, swarthy 105:050,13[' ]| fellow ~~ Malay, of course ~~ leaning down, caught hold of 105:050,14[' ]| the gunwale, and seeing they were what he took to$9$ be three 105:050,15[' ]| harmless English lads, he must have greatly marvelled. 105:050,16[' ]| However, all the surprise he felt was hidden behind the 105:050,17[' ]| mask of his flat-nosed face, and he merely told them ~~ in$4$ 105:050,18[' ]| their own language, to$4$ their great surprise ~~ to$9$ hold up$5$ 105:050,19[' ]| their hands. This the boys did at once, and then he 105:050,20[' ]| jumped abroad grinning in$4$ undisguised delight. Letty 105:050,21[' ]| gazed at him, her hands still in$4$ her lap, but he merely 105:050,22[' ]| winked knowingly back when he happened to$9$ catch her 105:050,23[' ]| eye, thinking no$2$ doubt that$3$ she looked too small and too 105:050,24[' ]| innocent a lad to$9$ do any harm. He next, without protest 105:050,25[' ]| from the convict or Peter, proceeded to$9$ dismantle the 105:050,26[' ]| cutter, singing out in$4$ his own vile tongue to$4$ his crew who$6#1$ 105:050,27[' ]| lay along the sides of the proa to$9$ watch events. This was 105:050,28[' ]| too much for$4$ Miss*Letty's matchless temper, and she 105:050,29[' ]| stood up$5$ and stamped her foot, not in$4$ the least deterred 105:050,30[' ]| by$4$ Peter, who$6#1$ sang out 105:050,30[F ]| ""Keep still for$4$ the love of heaven, 105:050,31[F ]| Letty!"" 105:050,31[' ]| Then the master put his rough hands on$4$ her 105:050,32[' ]| shoulders, but Tim stopped further action in$4$ that$6#2$ direction 105:050,33[' ]| and, winning incidentally the girl's undying devotion, 105:050,34[' ]| he fell upon$4$ the master so$3$ that$3$ they crashed to$4$ the bottom 105:051,01[' ]| of the cutter locked in$4$ each other's arms. The sudden concussion 105:051,02[' ]| sent them all sprawling, and a moment later Letty 105:051,03[' ]| found herself in$4$ the water with Peter paddling beside her, 105:051,04[' ]| growling like$4$ a mastiff puppy. 105:051,05[F ]| ""It is too far to$9$ swim to$4$ shore,"" 105:051,05[' ]| he was saying, and 105:051,05[F ]| ""What 105:051,06[F ]| are we going to$9$ do? A nice fix you have got us into!"" 105:051,07[' ]| Oh, Adam! Adam! 105:051,08[' ]| Letty simply lay back on$4$ the water and floated peacefully, 105:051,09[' ]| looking up$5$ at the stars that$6#1$ shone so$5#1$ divinely overhead. 105:051,10[' ]| She seemed wrapped in$4$ the beauty of the sea and 105:051,11[' ]| the sky and the exaltation of high adventure. And Peter 105:051,12[' ]| thought her mad, though he himself had been similarly 105:051,13[' ]| bewitched not five minutes before. He swam close up$5$ 105:051,14[' ]| beside her with his heart in$4$ his mouth, and peered desperately 105:051,15[' ]| into her face. 105:051,16[F ]| ""Letty,"" 105:051,16[' ]| he urged, 105:051,16[F ]| ""wake up$5$. We are in$4$ terrible danger. 105:051,17[F ]| We have got to$9$ get out of it. You got us in$5$. What are you 105:051,18[F ]| going to$9$ do?"" 105:051,19[' ]| She gurgled in$4$ the utmost simplicity and faith, 105:051,19[A ]| ""Get back 105:051,20[A ]| into the cutter when I have had my bathe."" 105:051,21[F ]| ""Well, but! ~~ that$6#2$ dashed pirate has lashed it to$4$ his 105:051,22[F ]| proa, and has a native with a knife sitting by$4$ the rope. 105:051,23[F ]| We will$1$ have to$9$ board the savages' craft. That$6#2$ is all. There is 105:051,24[F ]| nothing else to$9$ be done. Look alive, Let."" 105:051,24[' ]| A brilliant idea 105:051,25[' ]| struck him. 105:051,25[F ]| ""Do not you remember we are in$4$ sharks' 105:051,26[F ]| water?"" 105:051,27[' ]| This did make her sit up$5$. She thrashed over, making as 105:051,28[' ]| much commotion as possible, to$4$ the bow of the proa and 105:051,29[' ]| drew herself up$5$ on$5$ to$4$ the ledge. Peter followed, looking 105:051,30[' ]| very woebegone in$4$ the moonlight. 105:051,31[F ]| ""Look here,"" 105:051,31[' ]| he said, 105:051,31[F ]| ""we will$1$ have to$9$ make up$5$ our minds to$9$ 105:051,32[F ]| be agreeable to$4$ these dashed black fellows ~~ promise the 105:051,33[F ]| head one a reward to$9$ take us home, and all that$6#2$ sort of 105:051,34[F ]| thing; none of your tricks now, Let! You just promise 105:051,35[F ]| me to$9$ behave."" 105:051,36[A ]| ""Right, O King!"" 105:051,36[' ]| she gurgled, laughing still. 105:051,36[A ]| ""But what 105:051,37[A ]| about Tim?"" 105:052,01[F ]| ""\Leave\ him, of course. Father will$1$ be in$4$ such a glaring 105:052,02[F ]| rage too,"" 105:052,02[' ]| he grumbled on$5$. 105:052,02[F ]| ""It is all very well for$4$ you ~~ it is 105:052,03[F ]| a Government boat we have damaged, and \your\ father will$1$ not 105:052,04[F ]| mind ~~ he does not mind what you do ~~ but the Governor 105:052,05[F ]| is just awful in$4$ one of his rages! You can laugh, I can not."" 105:052,06[' ]| Even Letty looked big-eyed at this frightful suggestion. 105:052,07[A ]| ""Well, we need not go back."" 105:052,08[F ]| ""We will$1$ ~~ do not be silly. Remember you are a girl."" 105:052,09[A ]| ""We will$1$ not."" 105:052,09[' ]| Sheer downright contradiction this. 105:052,09[A ]| ""I am 105:052,10[A ]| dressed as a boy, it makes no$2$ difference."" 105:052,11[F ]| ""A girl can not run away to$4$ sea with a convict."" 105:052,12[A ]| ""I will$1$ show you one can."" 105:052,13[F ]| ""You will$1$ not ~~ come on$5$, I am off!"" 105:052,14[A ]| ""Well, go without me!"" 105:052,14[' ]| The spirit of devilry rose within 105:052,15[' ]| her. 105:052,16[F ]| ""Faith! No$7$!"" 105:052,16[' ]| Peter's ""No$7$"" was very excited, for$4$ the 105:052,17[' ]| master, having stripped the cutter of all but her bare lines, 105:052,18[' ]| jumped on$5$ to$4$ his own ship and cut the Government craft 105:052,19[' ]| adrift. 105:052,20[F ]| ""Oh do come along!"" 105:052,20[' ]| Peter begged desperately, standing 105:052,21[' ]| on$4$ the fishing-boat's gunwale ready to$9$ dive. 105:052,21[F ]| ""Now is our 105:052,22[F ]| chance. Come, \do\ come, Lets."" 105:052,22[' ]| Now her mood changed 105:052,23[' ]| again. 105:052,24[A ]| ""Not without Tim. I would not care if he had not 105:052,25[A ]| annoyed them. Why, they might eat him!"" 105:052,26[F ]| ""They are not cannibals."" 105:052,27[A ]| ""They are ~~ papa says all the South*Sea Islanders are."" 105:052,28[F ]| ""Oh, curse the convict!"" 105:052,29[A ]| ""You can, and you can go! I will$1$ not leave Tim."" 105:052,29[' ]| She was 105:052,30[' ]| quite determined now, Peter could see. 105:052,30[A ]| ""He flew at the 105:052,31[A ]| master who$6#1$ tried to$9$ rough-handle me, and they will$1$ kill 105:052,32[A ]| him for$4$ it. You did not, and ~~ see, the cutter is drifting fast, 105:052,33[A ]| you will$1$ have to$9$ hurry. Go if you are going, but if you stay 105:052,34[A ]| you will$1$ stop this whining! It is an adventure ~~ I will$1$ not have 105:052,35[A ]| our adventure spoilt by$4$ your grizzling!"" 105:052,36[F ]| ""Oh Letty, come, you do not know what you are in$5$ for$4$. 105:052,37[F ]| Why, you yourself suggested cannibals. Dear Letty!"" 105:053,01[' ]| But she heeded him not. She turned from the drifting 105:053,02[' ]| cutter and Civilization, and held out her arms to$4$ Romance. 105:053,03[' ]| She did not know. She was only a child ~~ romance is 105:053,04[' ]| always far away out of reach and lures us onward. We 105:053,05[' ]| never grasp it. Letty did not know, but Peter knew ~~ and 105:053,06[' ]| wept. He really wept, and he hated tears so$5#2$. But what 105:053,07[' ]| cared Letty! The Picture-ship looked lovely in$4$ the moonlight 105:053,08[' ]| which$6#1$ now flooded the world, and she meant to$9$ stay 105:053,09[' ]| on$4$ her. Her great triangular matting sail flapped in$4$ the 105:053,10[' ]| breeze which$6#1$ now began to$9$ freshen. She started to$9$ sway 105:053,11[' ]| before it. Her sides were of clean sweet wood, and her 105:053,12[' ]| yards, ropes and hawsers of plaited cane, and though she 105:053,13[' ]| had been knocked about by$4$ terrific seas, she was a new 105:053,14[' ]| pale-timbered Chinese-built boat and looked exquisite, 105:053,15[' ]| enthralling, fairy-like in$4$ the wan, white light. 105:053,16[' ]| Letty felt her whole being quiver with joy as the boat 105:053,17[' ]| heaved and rose under their feet and began to$9$ make way 105:053,18[' ]| over the now rippling water. 105:053,19[A ]| ""Peter, Peter,"" 105:053,19[' ]| she whispered, suddenly grasping his hand 105:053,20[' ]| in$4$ great delight, 105:053,20[A ]| ""do say you are glad we came."" 105:053,21[' ]| Peter sniffed, then mopping his eyes with his sleeve, 105:053,22[' ]| ceased weeping and spoke up$5$ like$4$ a man. 105:053,23[F ]| ""It is no$2$ good but to$9$ make the best of it! We had better go 105:053,24[F ]| and face the captain at once and tell him who$6#1$ we are, and 105:053,25[F ]| ask him to$9$ take us home. They are no$2$ man-eaters, anyway!"" 105:053,26[F ]| 105:053,27[A ]| ""He will$1$ only laugh, but we will$1$ go. Look out, Peter, do not 105:053,28[A ]| forget that$3$ I am Dick for$4$ the time being, and you must not 105:053,29[A ]| say that$3$ Tim is a convict."" 105:053,30[F ]| ""But his underclothes are branded with the arrow, and 105:053,31[F ]| his hair is cropped; they will$1$ guess."" 105:053,32[' ]| Ah ~~ poor Tim! 105:053,33[' ]| They began to$9$ climb the beam leading to$4$ the decks above, 105:053,34[' ]| hoping to$9$ find the master at the wheel, but they discovered 105:053,35[' ]| him on$4$ the second deck instead in$4$ deep conversation 105:053,36[' ]| with Tim*Rafferty, who$6#1$ had him enraged, for$3$ Tim 105:053,37[' ]| was telling him in$4$ forcible language who$6#1$ the children were, 105:054,01[' ]| and that$3$ 105:054,01@e | he MUST ~~ 105:054,01[' ]| for$3$ he thought them still in$4$ the sea ~~ 105:054,02@e | save them and take them into port! 105:054,02[' ]| Poor old Tim! He 105:054,03[' ]| simply shouted with relief when he saw the children 105:054,04[' ]| coming round the reed wind-screen to$4$ which$6#1$ he was 105:054,05[' ]| lashed. And then they all knew the master was not a bad 105:054,06[' ]| sort, for$3$ he also seemed quite glad when they made their 105:054,07[' ]| unlooked-for appearance, and he turned back to$4$ Tim, 105:054,08[' ]| speaking excitedly and vehemently, but with no$2$ show of 105:054,09[' ]| anger, in$4$ Malay. Tim answered in$4$ like$2$ language, but in$4$ 105:054,10[' ]| gentler, persuasive tones. Then the master, apparently appeased, 105:054,11[' ]| pulled a knife from his belt and cut Tim's bonds. 105:054,12[A ]| ""You can speak Malay!"" 105:054,12[' ]| Letty exclaimed in$4$ surprise when 105:054,13[' ]| Tim turned to$4$ her. 105:054,14[E ]| ""A little, and a bit of many another dialect as well. It is 105:054,15[E ]| on$4$ me, for$3$ I have the gift! But it is for$4$ your Honours I am 105:054,16[E ]| thinkin' now. I have been trying to$9$ get the baste to$9$ carry you 105:054,17[E ]| back."" 105:054,18[F ]| ""Is he going to$9$ take us?"" 105:054,18[' ]| Peter asked anxiously, watching 105:054,19[' ]| wide-eyed across the moonlit sea the land retreating from 105:054,20[' ]| the boat's stern. 105:054,21[E ]| ""He has given his word he will$1$ whin it is convanient, Master*Peter, 105:054,22[E ]| sir. And I have given me word that$3$ we will$1$ all behave 105:054,23[E ]| like$4$ gintlemen. He is a fine man indeed and has more comprehension 105:054,24[E ]| than you would be expectin' from his likes. But he 105:054,25[E ]| hopes to$9$ get a ransom for$4$ you both! 105:054,25@w | "Though," 105:054,25[' ]| says he, 105:054,26@w | "more time waitin' more money gettin"" " ~~ 105:054,26[E ]| I am tellin' you 105:054,27[E ]| that$6#2$ to$9$ give you patience, missie dear."" 105:054,28[A ]| ""Oh, I do not mind,"" 105:054,28[' ]| said Letty. 105:054,29[F ]| ""I do,"" 105:054,29[' ]| said Peter. But somehow he did not nearly so$5#1$ 105:054,30[' ]| much now. 105:054,31[A ]| ""What is he going to$9$ do with you, Tim?"" 105:054,31[' ]| said Letty, ignoring 105:054,32[' ]| Peter. 105:054,33[' ]| Tim pulled a grimace. 105:054,34[E ]| ""It is myself he hopes to$9$ take the bigger ransom for$4$! It is 105:054,35[E ]| me he calls the fish, for$3$ Government never rests by$4$ day or 105:054,36[E ]| night nor grudges money spent on$4$ catchin' the escaped 105:054,37[E ]| felons, missie dear."" 105:055,01[A ]| ""How did he know you?"" 105:055,02[E ]| ""Me shirt is arrow-crossed, bedade ~~ the other prison 105:055,03[E ]| garb is in$4$ the bottom of the sea, but I forgot the shirt, Miss*Letty."" 105:055,04[E ]| 105:055,05[A ]| ""You \shall not\ be caught, Tim."" 105:055,06[E ]| ""It is no$2$ matter so$5#1$ long as \you\ get home all right, all right! 105:055,07[E ]| Come now, Bapoe ~~ it is the boss's name ~~ told me to$9$ get 105:055,08[E ]| your supper from the Chinese cook, but just give me your 105:055,09[E ]| word, the two of you, to$9$ behave as I swore you would. You 105:055,10[E ]| will$1$, will$1$ not you now?"" 105:055,10[' ]| Tim looked at them pleadingly, and 105:055,11[' ]| both seeing reason in$4$ what he asked, they answered 105:055,12[' ]| readily enough: 105:055,13[X ]| ""Aye, aye, Tim."" 105:055,14[' ]| They had been on$4$ the proa some half-hour when a 105:055,15[' ]| great wind came up$5$ behind the first wind from the south-east, 105:055,16[' ]| and in$4$ no$2$ time they were tearing before it like$4$ leaves 105:055,17[' ]| before a blast. The cook, a Chinese called Sampow, having 105:055,18[' ]| fed them sumptuously on$4$ curry and rice, showed them a 105:055,19[' ]| cabin just above the galley and told them they could turn 105:055,20[' ]| in$5$. Letty was thankful to$9$ note as she crept through the 105:055,21[' ]| tiny two-foot door, the little place had never before been 105:055,22[' ]| used, and the others, before they curled up$5$ just outside on$4$ 105:055,23[' ]| the deck and went to$4$ sleep, promised they would one or 105:055,24[' ]| another never leave her unprotected by$4$ day or night. 105:055,25[' ]| When the wind began to$9$ blow, the skipper headed straight 105:055,26[' ]| out to$4$ sea. He may have had a plan in$4$ mind to$9$ land them 105:055,27[' ]| all which$6#1$ miscarried, no*one ever knew, for$3$ when the gale 105:055,28[' ]| died down they were far out in$4$ the Indian*Ocean, and 105:055,29[' ]| Bapoe would not turn back. He was extremely kind, however, 105:055,30[' ]| giving them all plenty of food and water and nothing 105:055,31[' ]| to$9$ do. Indeed, though Bapoe was a fisherman, and thought 105:055,32[' ]| in$4$ fish, he was very good-natured and seemed to$9$ grow 105:055,33[' ]| quite fond of ""the heaven-born."" In$4$ fact, Malays are fond 105:055,34[' ]| of children, especially boys, and Letty, as a lovely specimen 105:055,35[' ]| of a white ""son of the gods,"" soon became the pet of 105:055,36[' ]| the ship. They must have looked nice too, I ween, to$4$ those 105:055,37[' ]| poor South*Sea fisher people ~~ lords of creation, sons of 105:056,01[' ]| the gods indeed, in$4$ their green jerkins, shin-long pantaloons, 105:056,02[' ]| and small black shiny hats tipped over one ear. 105:056,03[' ]| Tim, of course, was a different character altogether. He 105:056,04[' ]| was not pasty-faced or green-skinned as many jail-birds 105:056,05[' ]| are, for$3$ work on$4$ the island had improved him physically 105:056,06[' ]| and mentally, but he still walked humbly with a cowed 105:056,07[' ]| stoop and was at first very shy and ashamed before the 105:056,08[' ]| children whom he felt he had wronged. Oh, what a 105:056,09[' ]| foolish thought to$9$ cherish. It was partly Peter's fault. The 105:056,10[' ]| trifling way he treated Tim, the scornful way he addressed 105:056,11[' ]| him. If it had gone on$4$ it would have ruined everything, 105:056,12[' ]| because Tim was ~~ in$4$ the negativeness of the moment, so$5#1$ 105:056,13[' ]| open to$4$ the effect of a mind able to$9$ usurp and overbear his 105:056,14[' ]| own, and Peter's boy's mind was more dominant. But the 105:056,15[' ]| girl child, quite unconsciously, ""mothered"" Tim*Rafferty's 105:056,16[' ]| weakling spirit. 105:056,16[A ]| ""He is quite \right\, Peter. And if it were 105:056,17[A ]| not for$4$ Tim, we would have a poor time of it. Why, he can 105:056,18[A ]| speak to$4$ all these funny people. He can tell Sampow what 105:056,19[A ]| to$9$ give us to$9$ eat. He warns the sailors off if they grow 105:056,20[A ]| rough. He does lots of things. And it is \not\ Tim who$6#1$ got 105:056,21[A ]| us into trouble, it was me. Tim, you are \not\ to$9$ think you 105:056,22[A ]| wronged us. Silly Peter, you did not mean to$9$ scorn poor 105:056,23[A ]| Tim, did you!"" 105:056,24[' ]| Peter would grin sheepishly. He loved Letty, and wanted 105:056,25[' ]| to$9$ please her, so$3$ he made himself more agreeable to$4$ 105:056,26[' ]| Rafferty. And then as the mind of the body sees, somehow, 105:056,27[' ]| from the manifesting body's standpoint, both boys ~~ Tim 105:056,28[' ]| was scarcely a man ~~ grew more normal in$4$ their relation 105:056,29[' ]| to$4$ one another. But Tim still walked uncourageously 105:056,30[' ]| before Peter. 105:056,31[' ]| But not before Bapoe. Bapoe was kind to$4$ Tim, kinder 105:056,32[' ]| than any grown-up person had been for$4$ years, and the poor 105:056,33[' ]| fellow began to$9$ hold up$5$ his head and look more like$4$ a man, 105:056,34[' ]| especially when Bapoe pulled out tobacco and gave him a 105:056,35[' ]| smoke. In$4$ fact, though Bapoe was dirty, ugly and repulsive-looking, 105:056,36[' ]| he was a fine seaman and a most humane 105:056,37[' ]| man. Certainly, no$2$ white man could have been kinder or 105:057,01[' ]| more considerate to$4$ three helpless castaways than these 105:057,02[' ]| Malay fishermen. They were indeed lucky that$3$ this proa, 105:057,03[' ]| and not a viciously manned one, had been separated from 105:057,04[' ]| her friends in$4$ a storm and driven and drifted down the 105:057,05[' ]| coast. She was now heading up$5$ again as well as she could, 105:057,06[' ]| but she was disabled, minus one of her wooden cross 105:057,07[' ]| steering-gear beams, and she went sadly. But in$4$ spite of 105:057,08[' ]| this, the ship's life soon became nothing less than a 105:057,09[' ]| glorious holiday, and the only thing that$6#1$ worried Letty at 105:057,10[' ]| any rate, was the knowledge that$3$ her parents ~~ and even 105:057,11[' ]| Peter's papa ~~ should, through her mad caprice, be made 105:057,12[' ]| unhappy. She knew 105:057,12@a | they would miss them first and the 105:057,13@a | convict later, and then find the wrecked cutter, and conclude 105:057,14@a | that$3$ Tim had got away with her ~~ but would they 105:057,15@a | think she and Peter were with him? Had they seen the 105:057,16@a | proa from the lighthouse? If so$5#2$, could they imagine that$3$ 105:057,17@a | the two children had boarded her? No$7$, she knew they 105:057,18@a | would never dream of that$6#2$, they would come to$9$ think in$4$ 105:057,19@a | time that$3$ they were nothing less then drowned. 105:057,19[' ]| Then a 105:057,20[' ]| delightful thought used to$9$ temper her sorrow ~~ the 105:057,21[' ]| thought of coming to$4$ life again, and of being made a fuss 105:057,22[' ]| of for*ever and ever and ever. 105:057,23[' ]| Peter began thoroughly to$9$ enjoy himself also. There was 105:057,24[' ]| a Japanese coolie on$4$ board who$6#1$ taught him to$9$ wrestle, 105:057,25[' ]| whilst Tim watched and learnt all the tricks; and there 105:057,26[' ]| was a wily Hindu who$6#1$ practised sleight of hand which$6#1$ 105:057,27[' ]| Tim miraculously picked up$5$ and became proficient in$4$, 105:057,28[' ]| and though Peter could not master it at all, Letty was 105:057,29[' ]| vastly entertained to$9$ find she could learn a trick or two. It 105:057,30[' ]| was very delicious off the coast after the hot days they had 105:057,31[' ]| experienced in$4$ Fremantle and even Rottnest, and Letty, 105:057,32[' ]| for$4$ one, revelled in$4$ the piratage, and no$2$ doubt Peter did 105:057,33[' ]| too. Bapoe had a lovely red sarong he put on$5$ every evening, 105:057,34[' ]| and he would play a quaint pipe instrument and wink 105:057,35[' ]| at Letty and sing songs in$4$ a wailing, eerie voice while the 105:057,36[' ]| Hindoo dumped on$4$ a drum and the crew joined in$4$ humming. 105:057,37[' ]| Everything was going on$5$ swimmingly, it seemed, 105:058,01[' ]| and they had great faith that$3$, when the boat ran into her 105:058,02[' ]| destination, Bapoe would hand them over to$4$ some British 105:058,03[' ]| residents or settlers, and that$3$ so$3$ they would be sent home. 105:058,04[' ]| They did not sight land for$4$ many days, but Bapoe 105:058,05[' ]| seemed to$9$ know where he was, and what he was about, 105:058,06[' ]| directing the royal barge with its one rudder in$4$ a marvellous 105:058,07[' ]| way from an old Dutch compass he never let out of 105:058,08[' ]| his possession. Sometimes he ran out a bowsprit as well 105:058,09[' ]| as his triangular mat sail, and sometimes one, or even two, 105:058,10[' ]| head sails which$6#1$ rolled up$5$ and down like$4$ verandah blinds 105:058,11[' ]| pulled by$4$ fine fibre ropes. At last one day, unexpectedly, 105:058,12[' ]| land was sighted. They drew in$5$. A great bay disclosed 105:058,13[' ]| itself ~~ they came in$5$ at the mouth, sailing like$4$ a hurt 105:058,14[' ]| bird, uncertainly. The bay was packed, to$4$ the children's 105:058,15[' ]| delight, with boats ~~ proas, canoes, dredges, and hulks of 105:058,16[' ]| all sorts. It looked so$5#1$ unreal and dream-like that$3$ Peter 105:058,17[' ]| pinched Letty's arm to$9$ find out if he was awake. She 105:058,18[' ]| pinched his in$4$ return with one of the Japanese tweaks to$9$ 105:058,19[' ]| show that$3$ she at least was not asleep, but when he had 105:058,20[' ]| finished yelling, they simply lost themselves in$4$ contemplation 105:058,21[' ]| of the gorgeous panorama. Glittering silver-green 105:058,22[' ]| water here, starred with trident-sailed vessels; velvet-blue 105:058,23[' ]| sky, lit by$4$ the golden sun; an unknown country unfolding 105:058,24[' ]| its rainbow curves and ruddy shores to$4$ misty distances ~~ 105:058,25[' ]| there it all lay before their eager eyes. What more could 105:058,26[' ]| the heart of child desire! 105:058,27[' ]| Peter, bright-eyed with pleasure, turned to$4$ Letty. 105:058,27[F ]| ""Is not 105:058,28[F ]| it gorgeous, Letty!"" 105:058,29[E ]| ""It is just as sweet as old Ireland itself,"" 105:058,29[' ]| sighed Tim, 105:058,30[' ]| coming up$5$. 105:058,30[E ]| ""But it is not \home\ for$4$ you. Do you think it can 105:058,31[E ]| be real at all, at all?"" 105:058,32[A ]| ""It is real enough,"" 105:058,32[' ]| said Letty, 105:058,32[A ]| ""though indeed it is like$4$ 105:058,33[A ]| fairy land and fairy water too. Look down below! It was 105:058,34[A ]| there the little mermaid lived with her sisters and sea 105:058,35[A ]| father. Look! Look! I saw a silver shark, Peter."" 105:058,35[' ]| And as 105:058,36[' ]| they swept along, the great sail flapping before the following 105:058,37[' ]| breeze, they lay flat on$4$ their stomachs and looked into 105:059,01[' ]| the deep water, beholding new and wondrous worlds of 105:059,02[' ]| fishes, seaweed, rocks, and coral. Presently the Chinese 105:059,03[' ]| cook, Sampow, called them to$4$ dinner, which$6#1$ they ate, 105:059,04[' ]| seated on$4$ the edge of the galley with their legs dangling 105:059,05[' ]| over, so$3$ that$3$ they might lose sight of nothing. Then the 105:059,06[' ]| mat sail was rolled up$5$ and they hove to$5$. At once a number 105:059,07[' ]| of canoes, manned by$4$ natives of all sorts, gathered round 105:059,08[' ]| the ship, and Tim, tipping a sly wink in$4$ the children's 105:059,09[' ]| direction, left them finishing their last crumbs to$9$ stand by$5$, 105:059,10[' ]| all his senses quickened to$9$ try and find out what was 105:059,11[' ]| going to$9$ happen next. Tim was wily and had not let any 105:059,12[' ]| of the crew know that$3$ though he could not speak much of 105:059,13[' ]| the Malay tongue he could understand a great deal; and 105:059,14[' ]| that$3$ he had also picked up$5$ a knowledge of the guttural 105:059,15[' ]| language used by$4$ the aborigines ~~ as they were to$9$ find out 105:059,16[' ]| later ~~ and he did not have much difficulty in$4$ making out 105:059,17[' ]| what the Chinese said, or even the Hindus. 105:059,18[' ]| Meanwhile Peter and Letty, having finished eating, stood 105:059,19[' ]| arms linked, watching, speechless with interest. Near the 105:059,20[' ]| beach a group of boats like$4$ those they were on$4$ rocked 105:059,21[' ]| lazily, and beside them great flat barge-like vessels, which$6#1$ 105:059,22[' ]| they presently discovered were dredgers, stood sentinel. 105:059,23[' ]| Others farther afield were being slowly drawn into position 105:059,24[' ]| by$4$ sailing canoes; and small outriggers darted this 105:059,25[' ]| way and that$6#2$, attending to$4$ a thousand businesses all over 105:059,26[' ]| the bay. Soon after they had anchored, a tall bronze 105:059,27[' ]| Malayan with a commanding appearance boarded the 105:059,28[' ]| proa, and the children were shortly summoned to$9$ appear 105:059,29[' ]| before him. He kept them waiting a long time while he 105:059,30[' ]| drank rum in$4$ Bapoe's cabin, and they were derisively 105:059,31[' ]| pleased when he at last appeared, that$3$ he lost his dignity 105:059,32[' ]| by$4$ having to$9$ crawl on$4$ his hands and knees out of the tiny 105:059,33[' ]| doorway of the sleeping-room, and they had much ado 105:059,34[' ]| to$9$ keep from tittering at his puffing face. Bapoe, who$6#1$ 105:059,35[' ]| followed, smiled nervously, and held up$5$ his hand deprecatingly, 105:059,36[' ]| when at a nod from the stranger he started to$9$ 105:059,37[' ]| address them in$4$ his bad English. 105:060,01[W ]| ""Dis gentleman's ver' fright of dis."" 105:060,02[F ]| ""What does he mean?"" 105:060,02[' ]| Peter asked Tim. 105:060,03[E ]| ""It is the boss man himself,"" 105:060,03[' ]| explained Tim, who$6#1$ had 105:060,04[' ]| been eavesdropping, as they knew. 105:060,04[E ]| ""And it is Bapoe is getting 105:060,05[E ]| the whip for$4$ bringing us here, sir. It is a fishing-place 105:060,06[E ]| and is secret to$4$ Government. He says, he knows that$3$ if 105:060,07[E ]| we get back the British will$1$ come in$4$ the gunboats and 105:060,08[E ]| destroy them entirely, and that$3$ Bapoe is to$9$ take us away 105:060,09[E ]| when he goes and lose us in$4$ China. That$6#2$ is what he means, 105:060,10[E ]| your honour."" 105:060,11[' ]| Relieved, for$3$ they had not liked the look on$4$ the big man's 105:060,12[' ]| face, they grinned amiably at the boss, who$6#1$, while Tim 105:060,13[' ]| spoke, had drawn himself to$4$ his full height and was blowing 105:060,14[' ]| himself out like$4$ a whale. But the smile had an unexpected 105:060,15[' ]| effect; the great carcass came forward with a finger out-stretched 105:060,16[' ]| and dug Letty in$4$ the ribs. Tim was ready to$9$ 105:060,17[' ]| spring at his throat, like$4$ the wild tiger he was, but Peter 105:060,18[' ]| warned him off with a sly kick and bade Letty fly up$4$ the 105:060,19[' ]| rigging. Not wishing for$4$ a scene, Letty followed this 105:060,20[' ]| advice, and stood up$5$ there listening, still greatly amused, 105:060,21[' ]| her shoulders leaning against a swaying spar, her feet 105:060,22[' ]| curled round another, with arms akimbo, looking as 105:060,23[' ]| impertinent as she possibly could. The boss now turned 105:060,24[' ]| his attention to$4$ Peter, prodding him all over as if he were 105:060,25[' ]| testing his fitness for$4$ market. This alarmed Letty and 105:060,26[' ]| set her heart beating with a love for$4$ her companion 105:060,27[' ]| she hardly knew she bore him, for$3$ in$4$ his old green shin-to-shoulder 105:060,28[' ]| pantaloons-braced-over-tattered-frilled-shirt, 105:060,29[' ]| and small grannie-hat cocked over one ear, he looked a 105:060,30[' ]| darling, she thought. She forgot to$9$ feel impudent and 105:060,31[' ]| wanted in$4$ her mind vaguely to$9$ embrace Peter. But her 105:060,32[' ]| attention was suddenly turned to$4$ Tim, for$3$ she saw him 105:060,33[' ]| cower and tremble, and knew the big bully had made 105:060,34[' ]| some remark which$6#1$ altered the whole outlook of the 105:060,35[' ]| situation. 105:060,36[A ]| ""What is it, Tim?"" 105:060,36[' ]| she called out in$4$ nameless dread. 105:060,37[E ]| ""It is yourselves,"" 105:060,37[' ]| cried back Tim. 105:060,37[E ]| ""It is on$5$ to$4$ him you are 105:061,01[E ]| gentry ~~ Government officers' children; he twigs it 105:061,02[E ]| entirely."" 105:061,03[A ]| ""What matter?"" 105:061,04[E ]| ""Matter it is,"" 105:061,04[' ]| answered Tim; 105:061,04[E ]| ""he says he can not let you go 105:061,05[E ]| with Bapoe to$4$ China-town."" 105:061,06[A ]| ""What nonsense."" 105:061,06[' ]| Letty heard her voice waver with 105:061,07[' ]| sudden fear in$4$ spite of the brave words. 105:061,07[A ]| ""He will$1$ get ransom 105:061,08[A ]| for$4$ us. We are not poor. We will$1$ send it to$4$ him when we get 105:061,09[A ]| home. Tell him, Tim. If we were "Red-coats" children 105:061,10[A ]| he would not get any."" 105:061,11[E ]| ""He is above such petty business, missie dear. It is not 105:061,12[E ]| cash he is after, but stoppin' the tongues on$4$ you."" 105:061,13[A ]| ""But ordin'ry children would talk as much as we!"" 105:061,14[E ]| ""Nobody would listen to$4$ the likes of them, he says! It is 105:061,15[E ]| the high and mighty ways of the two of you that$6#1$ fetches him! 105:061,16[E ]| You will$1$ \talk\ to$4$ your fathers, he ses."" 105:061,17[A ]| ""What are we to$9$ do about it, Tim?"" 105:061,18[E ]| ""It is bate I am! And it is"" ~~ 105:061,18[' ]| Tim put his hands over his 105:061,19[' ]| head ~~ 105:061,19[E ]| ""meself has brought you to$4$ this pass indeed! Woe is 105:061,20[E ]| me if the little lady should have a hair of her head touched 105:061,21[E ]| by$4$ the heathen! I would never had come in$4$ the boat if I had 105:061,22[E ]| guessed the like$0$. It seemed safe and right with the two of 105:061,23[E ]| you in$4$ the cutter. Indeed, indeed, I would never have come if I had 105:061,24[E ]| known the devil would run off wid you."" 105:061,25[F ]| ""Oh look!"" 105:061,25[' ]| cried Peter scathingly, 105:061,25[F ]| ""the booby is blubbering. 105:061,26[F ]| Come, Let, if it is as bad as all that$6#2$, we will$1$ take an empty 105:061,27[F ]| canoe and race for$4$ it! Are you for$4$ freedom with us, convict,"" 105:061,28[' ]| he added with great contempt, 105:061,28[F ]| ""or would you stay 105:061,29[F ]| with these beggarly swine in$4$ safety?"" 105:061,30[E ]| ""It is your own honour's servant I am, till death,"" 105:061,30[' ]| cried 105:061,31[' ]| Tim, looking up$5$ at the child on$4$ the rigging, his blue eyes 105:061,32[' ]| blurred with sorrow. 105:061,32[E ]| ""But it is courting that$6#2$ same to$9$ try 105:061,33[E ]| and get away in$4$ a country unknown. Do not you try it, 105:061,34[E ]| Master*Peter, sir."" 105:061,35[F ]| ""Spot an empty canoe, Letty?"" 105:061,35[' ]| Peter bawled, unheeding 105:061,36[' ]| and still contemptuous of poor Tim. 105:061,36[F ]| ""If you do, we will$1$ get 105:061,37[F ]| into it."" 105:062,01[A ]| ""Yes, I see one, third on$4$ port side, only a piccaninny 105:062,02[A ]| holding it: come on$5$, Tim, do not be silly. Say when you are 105:062,03[A ]| ready, Peter."" 105:062,03[' ]| Bapoe and the boss, who$6#1$ had got out tobacco 105:062,04[' ]| and more grog, now sat on$4$ the deck having another confab 105:062,05[' ]| and were taking no$2$ notice of their shouting, which$6#1$, 105:062,06[' ]| despite Bapoe's ""English,"" must have been unintelligible to$4$ 105:062,07[' ]| them. 105:062,08[' ]| Letty dived straight from the spar into the clear water, 105:062,09[' ]| and went down to$4$ a delicious crystal depth, and when she 105:062,10[' ]| returned to$4$ the surface Peter and Tim were climbing into 105:062,11[' ]| the canoe. They quickly but quite unceremoniously put 105:062,12[' ]| the small boy in$4$ charge of another boat and took the oars 105:062,13[' ]| feverishly. 105:062,14[F ]| ""You steer, Let,"" 105:062,14[' ]| said Peter; 105:062,14[F ]| ""Tim to$4$ the back paddles. 105:062,15[F ]| Look out for$4$ a lonely piece of beach down towards the 105:062,16[F ]| headland, Letty, and steer straight for$4$ it. Now, convict, 105:062,17[F ]| put your back to$4$ it."" 105:062,18[' ]| They were well away from the ship's side when several 105:062,19[' ]| canoes gave chase, but Peter at least was a fine oarsman 105:062,20[' ]| and they got well away before any showed out. Then two 105:062,21[' ]| separated from the rest, and came so$5#1$ fast that$3$ there was no$2$ 105:062,22[' ]| hope of escaping them. Tim, whose head was bent 105:062,23[' ]| humbly, and whose whole fine muscular frame seemed to$9$ 105:062,24[' ]| cringe when Peter gave orders in$4$ his contemptuous way, 105:062,25[' ]| glanced over his shoulder and then on$5$ towards the girl, 105:062,26[' ]| his blue eyes full of that$6#2$ mournful devotion which$6#1$ made 105:062,27[' ]| her so$5#1$ fond of him. 105:062,28[E ]| ""It is merciful Heaven itself can aid us now!"" 105:062,28[' ]| he said at 105:062,29[' ]| last. 105:062,29[E ]| ""It is no$2$ use we taking the breath from our bodies 105:062,30[E ]| trying to$9$ fly before them. Would you let me parley to$4$ them, 105:062,31[E ]| Master*Peter?"" 105:062,32[F ]| ""Needs must!"" 105:062,32[' ]| cried Peter as the larger canoe shot alongside. 105:062,33[F ]| ""But I can not see the use of all this talk; and if I think 105:062,34[F ]| it \is\ doing no$2$ good I will$1$ yell "swim", and then in$4$ with you 105:062,35[F ]| both and we will$1$ swim to$4$ the beach and get to$4$ land or die in$4$ 105:062,36[F ]| the attempt."" 105:062,37[' ]| The Malays came up$5$ and seized the side of the small 105:063,01[' ]| craft angrily. Tim held up$5$ his hand and began to$9$ speak, 105:063,02[' ]| and they listened for$4$ a moment but heeded him not, for$3$ 105:063,03[' ]| one leapt up$5$ and sprang for$4$ Peter, while another came 105:063,04[' ]| towards Letty. She heard Peter's ""swim"" and then saw 105:063,05[' ]| him take the back somersault in$4$ the air the Jap had taught 105:063,06[' ]| him, landing his feet fairly and quite unexpectedly on$4$ the 105:063,07[' ]| stomach of a Malay, sending him sprawling amongst his 105:063,08[' ]| fellows. They, in$4$ turn rudely surprised, tumbled like$4$ 105:063,09[' ]| ninepins out of the canoe into the water, tipping the other 105:063,10[' ]| and shaking it so$5#2$, that$3$ the fellow coming towards Letty 105:063,11[' ]| was tipped neatly on$5$ to$4$ his head just as he was about to$9$ 105:063,12[' ]| touch her, giving her time to$9$ follow Peter without a 105:063,13[' ]| struggle. Tim was also in$4$ the water waiting. To$4$ their 105:063,14[' ]| surprise, neither the attacking canoe nor the other gave 105:063,15[' ]| chase as they made for$4$ the shore, though one man stood 105:063,16[' ]| up$5$ and, shaking his fist, said something which$6#1$ Tim refused 105:063,17[' ]| to$9$ disclose, but I have no$2$ doubt now that$3$ he was handing 105:063,18[' ]| the whole three of them over with his compliments to$4$ the 105:063,19[' ]| fierce tribe of blacks that$6#1$ supported itself on$4$ that$6#2$ bit of 105:063,20[' ]| coast. Had they but known it, they were swimming 105:063,21[' ]| straight into their happy hunting-ground. 106:064,00@@@@@| 106:064,00[U ]| <""\Vermilion Strand\""> 106:064,00[U ]| 106:064,01[' ]| They crawled out of the sea on$4$ their hands and 106:064,02[' ]| knees, since there was a stiff backwash, and found 106:064,03[' ]| they were on$4$ a vermilion strand. The seaweed, shells, 106:064,04[' ]| and star-fishes which$6#1$ abounded were all bright pink, and 106:064,05[' ]| the sand dunes were hued dull red in$4$ variating shades 106:064,06[' ]| of colour. 106:064,07[F ]| ""It ought to$9$ dry us off quick,"" 106:064,07[' ]| Peter remarked humorously 106:064,08[' ]| as he peeled his wet garments from his glowing 106:064,09[' ]| limbs. 106:064,09[F ]| ""It is the right tint."" 106:064,10[E ]| ""Come up$5$ higher,"" 106:064,10[' ]| called out Tim to$4$ Peter, 106:064,10[E ]| ""it is herself 106:064,11[E ]| must be getting her clothes off her."" 106:064,12[F ]| ""Sorry, Let,"" 106:064,12[' ]| cried Peter, abashed and blushing, running 106:064,13[' ]| after Tim into the scrub; 106:064,13[F ]| ""I forgot you were a girl."" 106:064,14[' ]| Highly pleased at this compliment, Letty in$4$ turn discarded 106:064,15[' ]| her clothes and laid them on$4$ the sand to$9$ dry. 106:064,16[' ]| Then she rolled like$4$ a kitten luxuriantly on$4$ the sunkissed 106:064,17[' ]| vermilion strand. Though out of sight, the two 106:064,18[' ]| boys remained near enough for$4$ protection. She could 106:064,19[' ]| hear them chattering and laughing, quite good friends 106:064,20[' ]| again, and chortled with the sheer joy of being on$4$ shore 106:064,21[' ]| again, all alive and well. Then, having had a sun dance, 106:064,22[' ]| shyly looking over her shoulder to$9$ be sure they were 106:064,23[' ]| not looking, she turned her clothes to$9$ dry on$4$ the other 106:064,24[' ]| side and covered her body with red seaweed and 106:064,25[' ]| sand and ~~ somehow ~~ went to$4$ sleep. 106:064,26[' ]| When she opened her eyes it was nearing sundown, and 106:064,27[' ]| Peter, holding his knees with his arms, was sitting beside 106:064,28[' ]| her gazing wistfully to$4$ sea. 106:064,29[F ]| ""I am so$5#1$ hungry, Let,"" 106:064,29[' ]| he sighed. 106:064,29[F ]| ""The convict has been 106:064,30[F ]| lying still for$4$ hours, trying to$9$ catch something to$9$ eat, 106:064,31[F ]| he says, and you have been asleep. He is no$2$ good when 106:064,32[F ]| you are not there and he would not let me wake you. 106:064,33[F ]| Come along and make him find something to$9$ eat."" 106:065,01[A ]| ""How can I if he can not, silly! And I wish you would not 106:065,02[A ]| call him convict."" 106:065,03[F ]| ""Well, he is one, is not he?"" 106:065,04[A ]| ""He may have been transported, Peter, but he committed 106:065,05[A ]| no$2$ crime and he has more sense in$4$ his little finger than all 106:065,06[A ]| of you put together."" 106:065,07[F ]| ""Liken me to$4$ a felon!"" 106:065,07[' ]| Peter was in$4$ a bad temper, it was 106:065,08[' ]| easy to$9$ see. 106:065,09[A ]| ""He would notice my garments on$4$ the beach ~~ and guess, 106:065,10[A ]| perhaps, that$3$ I am ~~ well ~~ shirtless, my dear."" 106:065,11[F ]| ""Oh Letty, how stupid!"" 106:065,11[' ]| It made him grin. 106:065,11[F ]| ""This is the 106:065,12[F ]| second time to-day and I meant to$9$ try and protect you 106:065,13[F ]| as a man should! Although,"" 106:065,13[' ]| he added generously, smiling 106:065,14[' ]| more than ever and showing his nice white teeth, 106:065,15[F ]| ""you make a better boy than most who$6#1$ walk in$4$ pantaloons."" 106:065,16[A ]| ""Thanks! Well, run along to$4$ Tim and help him get 106:065,17[A ]| some prawns or something, I am starving too."" 106:065,18[' ]| Tim, however, had not caught prawns but a fine turtle, 106:065,19[' ]| and not only caught it, but was cooking it in$4$ its shell in$4$ 106:065,20[' ]| glowing wood cinders. Letty forgot all about her hunger 106:065,21[' ]| at this, and began to$9$ cry out upon$4$ him for$4$ destroying 106:065,22[' ]| the beautiful shell so$5#1$ wantonly, and he forgot his pride 106:065,23[' ]| in$4$ this achievement in$4$ getting supper in$4$ such a place, 106:065,24[' ]| in$4$ his distress over her tears. 106:065,25[E ]| ""It is only a "green back," missie,"" 106:065,25[' ]| he explained, lifting 106:065,26[' ]| with two long scoop-shaped shells he had picked up$5$ from 106:065,27[' ]| the beach, the steaming savoury meat. 106:065,27[E ]| ""No$2$ good at all 106:065,28[E ]| for$4$ cutting into fripperies. Mick, a prisoner at Rottnest 106:065,29[E ]| who$6#1$ had been here, told me the difference. It is the "hawk 106:065,30[E ]| bill" they would be using for$4$ the trade, indeed it is. This 106:065,31[E ]| here turtle's the one for$4$ eating; sure, you taste it, and see 106:065,32[E ]| the fine mother-o'-pearl I have picked up$5$ for$4$ a plate for$4$ 106:065,33[E ]| you."" 106:065,34[' ]| He placed a great big beautiful pearl shell on$4$ her knees, 106:065,35[' ]| and on$4$ it a slab of turtle, to$4$ which$6#1$ she instantly turned. 106:065,36[' ]| Intrigued and interested, more in$4$ the shell than the meat, 106:065,37[' ]| she mopped her eyes and called Peter to$9$ look. But Peter 106:066,01[' ]| was already lost in$4$ the cooked turtle he had helped 106:066,02[' ]| himself to$4$, and his eyes twinkled happily over the steak 106:066,03[' ]| he had gripped with both fingers and teeth as he munched 106:066,04[' ]| ferociously. 106:066,05[A ]| ""Have you said your grace, Peter?"" 106:066,05[' ]| she inquired severely, 106:066,06[A ]| or have you entirely forgotten your manners?"" 106:066,07[F ]| ""What is amiss, Let?"" 106:066,07[' ]| Tim moved away, he hated them 106:066,08[' ]| to$9$ quarrel. 106:066,09[A ]| ""You have started without me; you let Tim do the hunting 106:066,10[A ]| and the cooking and all the work, and now you are eating 106:066,11[A ]| like$4$ a wolf."" 106:066,12[F ]| ""Hoity-toity! What is the convict for$4$, anyway? He knows 106:066,13[F ]| his place, though you constantly try to$9$ drag him from it. 106:066,14[F ]| I am glad to$9$ see he has gone off whilst we feed, anyway."" 106:066,15[' ]| Letty looked over her shoulder and saw Tim retreating 106:066,16[' ]| into the bush, empty of hand and without a doubt of 106:066,17[' ]| stomach also, and all that$6#1$ was best in$4$ her cried out at 106:066,18[' ]| the unfairness of this. 106:066,19[A ]| ""Peter,"" 106:066,19[' ]| she cried tempestuously, 106:066,19[A ]| ""I hate you!"" 106:066,20[' ]| And turning, she jumped up$5$ and called out to$4$ Tim. 106:066,21[A ]| ""Tim, come back and eat with us. I will$1$ not touch a 106:066,22[A ]| morsel till you do."" 106:066,23[F ]| ""What nonsense, Let! He is but a branded felon and 106:066,24[F ]| you make as much of him as if he were a gentleman! 106:066,25[F ]| Besides, it is his fault we are here at all!"" 106:066,26[A ]| ""How \can\ you make that$6#2$ out, Peter! You are never to$9$ 106:066,27[A ]| say it again. Do you hear? Once for$4$ all, \it is not his fault\. 106:066,28[A ]| Up$5$ till now you have always treated me fine ~~ given in$5$ 106:066,29[A ]| to$4$ me because of "ladies first." Well, please, please, 106:066,30[A ]| please give in$5$ to$4$ me now, and let us all be together. 106:066,31[A ]| Be a gentleman, Peter!"" 106:066,32[' ]| Peter, looking perplexed, considered this awhile, then 106:066,33[' ]| smiling broadly he remarked. 106:066,33[F ]| ""Well, that$6#2$ is just what I 106:066,34[F ]| \can not\ be in$4$ present circumstances. But I can act as a 106:066,35[F ]| man if you can as a boy."" 106:066,35[' ]| And he waved to$4$ Tim, who$6#1$ had 106:066,36[' ]| approached, that$3$ he might seat himself and eat, which$6#1$ 106:066,37[' ]| poor old Tim most humbly proceeded to$9$ do. 106:067,01[F ]| ""It would be well if you hunted up$5$ water, convict,"" 106:067,02[' ]| was Peter's next remark, 106:067,02[F ]| ""for$3$ I am most uncommonly 106:067,03[F ]| thirsty."" 106:067,04[E ]| ""It is water I have been looking for$4$, sir, and it is divil a 106:067,05[E ]| drop can I find this night,"" 106:067,05[' ]| answered Tim patiently; 106:067,05[E ]| ""but 106:067,06[E ]| in$4$ the morning we will$1$ be up$5$ and away to$4$ the rocks yonder 106:067,07[E ]| on$4$ the headland, and maybe we will$1$ be striking it there. 106:067,08[E ]| Can you hold out till the morning, do you think, Miss*Letty?"" 106:067,09[A ]| ""I can if Peter can,"" 106:067,09[' ]| she answered promptly. 106:067,09[A ]| ""I am not so$5#1$ 106:067,10[A ]| greedy as he!"" 106:067,11[E ]| ""Eh, missie dear, be easy now. Master*Peter is only 106:067,12[E ]| a boy ~~ "" 106:067,13[' ]| Not heeding this, his interest attracted in$4$ another direction 106:067,14[' ]| in$4$ a moment, Peter broke in$5$: 106:067,14[F ]| ""Look! There is another 106:067,15[F ]| turtle crawling out of the water. Phew! What ugly 106:067,16[F ]| things they are! Look, Tim! Look! What is he up$5$ to$4$?"" 106:067,17[E ]| ""Watch now,"" 106:067,17[' ]| said Tim. You will$1$ find eggs. Whist!"" 106:067,19[' ]| So$3$ they lay on$4$ the edge of the scrub as the sun went 106:067,20[' ]| down and watched. But Letty forgot to$9$ look for$4$ turtles. 106:067,21[' ]| The world, untouched here by$4$ the hand of man, was 106:067,22[' ]| exceedingly lovely, and the sea was sweet. It rippled 106:067,23[' ]| in$4$ golden half-circles from far away till it lapped the 106:067,24[' ]| shore in$4$ wistful washes, sinking again to$4$ the ocean's bosom 106:067,25[' ]| where it rose and fell gently, twinkling its last ""good nights"" 106:067,26[' ]| to$4$ the sun. The sky was purple and pink, opalescent 106:067,27[' ]| and tender, all in$4$ one glory, and from that$6#2$ ether the 106:067,28[' ]| breeze whispered crisply. Inshore the vermilion sand 106:067,29[' ]| was turning crimson and the bush and headland to$4$ the 106:067,30[' ]| deepest red. 106:067,31[F ]| ""The turtle is moving!"" 106:067,31[' ]| It was Peter who$6#1$ broke her 106:067,32[' ]| reverie. 106:067,33[' ]| The tide, which$6#1$ had been at its height, had turned and 106:067,34[' ]| was slowly washing out to$4$ sea, and the turtle followed. 106:067,35[' ]| So$3$, Peter leading, they crept along to$4$ where it had been 106:067,36[' ]| resting. Round a small mound they discovered its marks 106:067,37[' ]| and cleared the sand aside eagerly. And there, resting 106:068,01[' ]| cosily side by$4$ side, were a dozen beautiful eggs. They 106:068,02[' ]| were deplorably thirsty and lost no$2$ time in$4$ cracking the 106:068,03[' ]| tops and sucking the fluid from them. 106:068,04[' ]| The sun was now a ball of flame and Tim stood up$5$, 106:068,05[' ]| throwing back his head and squaring his shoulders. All 106:068,06[' ]| the crushed-convict look seemed to$9$ depart from him, and 106:068,07[' ]| whilst he spoke even Peter looked on$5$ as if he liked him. 106:068,08[E ]| ""There is a word I have to$9$ say to$4$ your honours,"" 106:068,08[' ]| he said, 106:068,09[E ]| ""just as the sun goes down. It is this moment I am choosing 106:068,10[E ]| ~~ when the finger of God Himself gives the great 106:068,11[E ]| sun the push to$9$ go over the border, and His ring gives 106:068,12[E ]| the flash which$6#1$ lights the sky with glory. For$3$ it is by$4$ that$6#2$ 106:068,13[E ]| I will$1$ be swearing. It is to$9$ be true to$4$ your honours till death. 106:068,14[E ]| So$5#2$ help me, God, I swear it."" 106:068,15[' ]| He crossed himself piously, and Letty felt quite awed. 106:068,16[' ]| And Peter surprised her further by$4$ jumping up$5$ and 106:068,17[' ]| adding with strong vehemence: 106:068,17[F ]| ""And swear to$9$ take care 106:068,18[F ]| of Letty! Swear to$9$ take her back to$4$ her papa unharmed, 106:068,19[F ]| even if I get killed or drowned! Convict! Do you hear? 106:068,20[F ]| Swear \that$6#2$\!"" 106:068,21[E ]| ""I swear it,"" 106:068,21[' ]| said Tim solemnly. 106:068,22[' ]| They were both so$5#1$ solemn, in$4$ fact, that$3$ Letty knelt on$4$ 106:068,23[' ]| her knees in$4$ the glowing sand and said her prayers to$4$ 106:068,24[' ]| Almighty God, clasping her little hands to$4$ her brow as 106:068,25[' ]| she did at home. 106:068,26@z | ""Now I lay me down to$9$ sleep 106:068,27@z | I pray my Lord my soul to$9$ keep. 106:068,28@z | And if I die before I wake 106:068,29@z | I pray my God my soul to$9$ take."" 106:068,30[' ]| There was silence for$4$ awhile after that$6#2$, then Peter said: 106:068,31[F ]| ""Where did you learn to$9$ take an oath so$5#1$ splendidly, 106:068,32[F ]| convict?"" 106:068,33[E ]| ""It was in$4$ the monastery where I was reared, sir. But 106:068,34[E ]| did I not run away to$4$ Dublin town when I was little older 106:068,35[E ]| than your worship?"" 106:068,36[F ]| ""How?"" 106:068,36[' ]| asked Peter. 106:069,01[E ]| ""They reared me; but I ran away. And it was then I fell 106:069,02[E ]| in$5$ with the wrong people entirely ~~ bad cess to$4$ them."" 106:069,03[F ]| ""But you killed a woman."" 106:069,04[E ]| ""Sir, by$4$ our Blessed Mother, I did not."" 106:069,05[F ]| ""You were convicted!"" 106:069,06[E ]| ""To$9$ save a gentleman, your honour. There is many a foul 106:069,07[E ]| deed done in$4$ Dublin*City, aye, and every other big town 106:069,08[E ]| in$4$ the world, to$9$ save a gentleman's good name. And 106:069,09[E ]| there is many a poor man shut away for$4$ life for$4$ less than 106:069,10[E ]| naught as I was, sir, on$4$ mere suspicion. A man told me 106:069,11[E ]| he was deported for$4$ going in$4$ disguise along a public 106:069,12[E ]| road. Another took the ship for$4$ killing a little wild beast 106:069,13[E ]| in$4$ the fields. And a third, that$3$ he cut down a young 106:069,14[E ]| tree for$4$ wood. I could have been hung for$4$ what I never 106:069,15[E ]| did ~~ and there had have been no$2$ judge to$9$ stand by$4$ me. A 106:069,16[E ]| poor man has no$2$ lawyer to$9$ plead for$4$ him, and the police 106:069,17[E ]| would forswear a life for$4$ the sake of gain, I am thinking. 106:069,18[E ]| If you feel down on$4$ a man you see in$4$ the chains, your honour, 106:069,19[E ]| you ought to$9$ remember he is a good mark to$4$ his name if 106:069,20[E ]| he is in$4$ the colonies ~~ the worst criminals I will$1$ mind were 106:069,21[E ]| never deported."" 106:069,22[F ]| ""What about the crimes committed by$4$ escaped criminals 106:069,23[F ]| then ~~ all over Australia?"" 106:069,24[E ]| ""I have nothing to$9$ say to$4$ that$6#2$, sir ~~ them same poor 106:069,25[E ]| villains must have always been hungry and sore, and 106:069,26[E ]| could find no$2$ means to$9$ live. The blackguardly Bushrangers*Act, 106:069,27[E ]| it put a stop to$4$ bushranging afore you was 106:069,28[E ]| born. The stories you heard might not be true. Oh, Master*Peter, 106:069,29[E ]| sir, do not be down on$4$ me for$4$ being a felon, I would 106:069,30[E ]| lay down me life before I would have you turn from me, as 106:069,31[E ]| you did this very day on$4$ the ship, sir. And try to$9$ believe 106:069,32[E ]| me, I had no$2$ notion we would come to$4$ this pass. Indeed I had 106:069,33[E ]| not, your honour, sir."" 106:069,34[F ]| ""All right,"" 106:069,34[' ]| answered Peter magnanimously. 106:069,34[F ]| ""I understand 106:069,35[F ]| you better this evening. Let us get to$4$ bed now, it is 106:069,36[F ]| getting quite cold. What say you, Letty?"" 106:069,37[A ]| ""I am almost asleep. But it is uncomfortable sitting. I would 106:070,01[A ]| like$1$ to$9$ lie down in$4$ a bed. Can not you make me a bed somehow?"" 106:070,02[A ]| 106:070,03[' ]| They all jumped up$5$. Tim hid the stars in$4$ his eyes; he 106:070,04[' ]| was on$4$ the verge of tears as he scooped in$4$ the dry sunwarmed 106:070,05[' ]| sand, far above high-water mark, a very cosy 106:070,06[' ]| hole into which$6#1$ he snuggled Miss*Letty, covering her 106:070,07[' ]| with vermilion sand as with a blanket, and drawing Peter 106:070,08[' ]| a few paces away, he made two more holes into which$6#1$ 106:070,09[' ]| they dug like$4$ rats. 106:070,10[' ]| And there Letty slept safe and sound, cosily dreaming 106:070,11[' ]| of castaways and convicts, oaths and heinous crimes, 106:070,12[' ]| with the sweet innocence of childhood and quite unconscious 106:070,13[' ]| of their precarious position. 106:070,14[' ]| In$4$ the morning Tim was up$5$ bright and early and had 106:070,15[' ]| lighted a fire and cooked more turtle and found more 106:070,16[' ]| eggs before the others woke. 106:070,17[F ]| ""By$4$ the way,"" 106:070,17[' ]| asked Peter, when he jumped to$4$ his feet, 106:070,18[F ]| ""how on$4$ earth did you light the fire?"" 106:070,19[' ]| Tim drew a tinder-box from his pocket, opened, clicked 106:070,20[' ]| it and gravely put it back. 106:070,20[E ]| ""It was meself stole it off the 106:070,21[E ]| cutter, for$3$ I was feared I might be stranded this way ~~ 106:070,22[E ]| not the two of you; just me ~~ the way we are the three of 106:070,23[E ]| us now, without food, fire or water, Master*Peter, sir."" 106:070,24[F ]| ""Can not you find water?"" 106:070,24[' ]| again inquired Peter. 106:070,24[F ]| ""Eggs are 106:070,25[F ]| all right, you know, but we must have water."" 106:070,26[E ]| ""I have made a rod out of willow bush here that$6#1$ will$1$ find 106:070,27[E ]| it if it is to$9$ be found,"" 106:070,27[' ]| answered Tim, holding up$5$ a light 106:070,28[' ]| forked stick he took from his belt. 106:070,28[E ]| ""You just hold it in$4$ the 106:070,29[E ]| two hands of you and maybe if you are a diviner ~~ as I am 106:070,30[E ]| meself ~~ and there is water under it, it will$1$ bend itself 106:070,31[E ]| down. But it holds stiff and easy like$4$ the stick it is 106:070,32[E ]| if there is naught under it at all."" 106:070,33[F ]| ""We will$1$ all try, along inshore, where water ought to$9$ be, 106:070,34[F ]| when we have finished our breakfast,"" 106:070,34[' ]| cried Peter eagerly, 106:070,35[' ]| and Tim agreed to$4$ this, cutting rods for$4$ all when they 106:070,36[' ]| started. 106:070,37[' ]| Leaving the beach, they found themselves in$4$ a salty 106:071,01[' ]| swamp which$6#1$ was extremely pretty to$9$ look at, though 106:071,02[' ]| rough on$4$ bare feet. Taller grasses than any they had 106:071,03[' ]| ever seen in$4$ their journeyings through Western*Australia 106:071,04[' ]| impeded their progress. And when that$6#2$ cleared 106:071,05[' ]| they found themselves in$4$ reedy, salty swamps again with 106:071,06[' ]| mangroves on$4$ their right. Tim was looking better that$6#2$ 106:071,07[' ]| morning than the children had ever seen him, and he 106:071,08[' ]| held his head high and took the lead in$4$ difficult places, 106:071,09[' ]| even smiling occasionally and pointing out numberless 106:071,10[' ]| secrets of bush lore which$6#1$ he had picked up$5$ from the 106:071,11[' ]| black prisoners at Rottnest. 106:071,12[' ]| Plodding along a turfy flat on$4$ one side of the swamp, 106:071,13[' ]| holding rods and thinking of nothing but water, they 106:071,14[' ]| passed behind a group of salt bushes and found themselves 106:071,15[' ]| in$4$ nothing less than a wild blackfellows' camp. Hot 106:071,16[' ]| ashes still burned in$4$ a small hollow over which$6#1$ a tripod 106:071,17[' ]| was fixed and Peter, stooping, picked up$5$ a boomerang 106:071,18[' ]| and with glee swung it round his head. 106:071,19[E ]| ""Stop now!"" 106:071,19[' ]| whispered Tim. 106:071,19[E ]| ""Put it down where you 106:071,20[E ]| found it. The blacks must not know there are strangers 106:071,21[E ]| about. They will$1$ be hunting. Come, we will$1$ be off in$4$ the 106:071,22[E ]| mangroves and get away."" 106:071,23[' ]| Realizing, I suppose, the soundness of this advice, Peter, 106:071,24[' ]| still full of fun, turned tail and fled to$4$ the poisonous 106:071,25[' ]| bushes. He knew they would be safe there, for$3$ even a 106:071,26[' ]| blackfellow would have difficulty in$4$ tracing tracks 106:071,27[' ]| amongst the intricate maze, but not realizing that$3$ of all 106:071,28[' ]| the tangles and convolutions made by$4$ Nature none could 106:071,29[' ]| cast such a gloom upon$4$ man's soul. Hard on$4$ his heels 106:071,30[' ]| came Letty and hard on$4$ hers came Tim, and soon they 106:071,31[' ]| found themselves deeply immersed amongst the great 106:071,32[' ]| grey roots and dull dry branches. Oh, how dreadful it 106:071,33[' ]| was; like$4$ a horrible nightmare! Dark in$4$ patches and ineffably 106:071,34[' ]| dreary, the stuffy denseness suffocated them to$4$ 106:071,35[' ]| distraction. But on$5$, on$5$ they went, guided by$4$ shadows 106:071,36[' ]| cast by$4$ the sun trickling through from above. Evil-smelling, 106:071,37[' ]| hot and uncanny, the place seemed to$9$ clutch 106:072,01[' ]| hold upon$4$ them, and soon Letty was all asweat with 106:072,02[' ]| cold dark terror. The gloomy, trackless place led to$4$ 106:072,03[' ]| God knows where, and old prints of people in$4$ Hades, 106:072,04[' ]| seen in$4$ books, and on$4$ walls, in$4$ ancient pictures, took 106:072,05[' ]| shape and form and came grasping at the children with 106:072,06[' ]| vile hands and skinny arms. Letty, only a child, unused 106:072,07[' ]| to$4$ the pangs of hunger and thirst, growing more bewildered 106:072,08[' ]| and faint, stumbled on$5$. She would not be the 106:072,09[' ]| first to$9$ give in$5$. They had broken their fast inadequately 106:072,10[' ]| and without water, and had no$2$ prospect of dinner. On$5$, 106:072,11[' ]| on$5$ they pelted along that$6#2$ infamous track, and then suddenly 106:072,12[' ]| the thought of natives, which$6#1$ had never worried 106:072,13[' ]| Letty before, overcame her with a thousand trepidations. 106:072,14[' ]| Though walking in$4$ front of him, she could see a sleek, 106:072,15[' ]| slim dark figure creeping nearer and nearer to$4$ Tim in$4$ 106:072,16[' ]| the rear. He had his spear raised ~~ She screamed. 106:072,17[' ]| Peter stopped, turned, and seeing her terror and ashen 106:072,18[' ]| face flew back and caught her in$4$ his arms. She trembled 106:072,19[' ]| so$3$ that$3$ she could not stand or speak, and Tim coming 106:072,20[' ]| up$5$, took her from Peter and carried her bravely forward. 106:072,21[' ]| He spoke too as a nurse does, soothing a child, but 106:072,22[' ]| what he said she did not hear. She hid her face in$4$ his 106:072,23[' ]| shirt-front, and glad to$9$ forget everything but the protection 106:072,24[' ]| of his arms, fainted. 106:072,25[' ]| ~~ ~~ ~~ 106:072,00@@@@@| 106:072,00[U ]| 106:072,26[' ]| She stirred, opened her eyes and saw God's blue sky 106:072,27[' ]| above and the golden sun, and breathing as deeply as 106:072,28[' ]| ever she could, closed them again and dozed. 106:072,29[F ]| ""Why are you pumping air into your lungs like$4$ a fish, 106:072,30[F ]| Letty?"" 106:072,30[' ]| Peter's voice asked from nowhere. 106:072,31[A ]| ""It is so$5#1$ fresh and lovely and golden and blue out here,"" 106:072,32[' ]| she explained, 106:072,32[A ]| ""and I do not care if the natives get us. 106:072,33[A ]| But I shall die if we ever go into that$6#2$ awful place again. 106:072,34[A ]| Are you all right, Peter darling?"" 106:072,34[' ]| He did not look right 106:072,35[' ]| somehow. 106:073,01[F ]| ""As right as pie, except for$4$ want of water. The convict 106:073,02[F ]| squeezed about four eggs into your mouth and only 106:073,03[F ]| gave me two. He is a hard sort of sinner ~~ uppish with 106:073,04[F ]| me and so$5#1$ kind to$4$ you. He has gone to$9$ seek water again 106:073,05[F ]| with that$6#2$ stupid old rod. I am sure it is no$2$ good. I have 106:073,06[F ]| thrown mine away. I am simply parched, parched, parched. 106:073,07[F ]| Are not you?"" 106:073,08[A ]| ""Not very."" 106:073,08[' ]| She spoke dreamily, puzzled by$4$ Peter. 106:073,08@a | He 106:073,09@a | looked all limp and smudgy, like$4$ a dead fish floating, 106:073,10@a | his face was pale grey, his lips dark blue. 106:073,10[' ]| All her admiration 106:073,11[' ]| for$4$ him had gone, but in$4$ the depths of her a pang 106:073,12[' ]| of tenderness rent her, as if he were a loved boy-doll 106:073,13[' ]| who$6#1$ had fallen into a pan of ashes. 106:073,13@a | She must pick him 106:073,14@a | up$5$ and dust him. Shake him well and lay him to$4$ her 106:073,15@a | heart. But of course one could not \kiss\ Peter. 106:073,15[' ]| She said 106:073,16[' ]| instead gently: 106:073,17[A ]| ""Look here, Peter, if you try to$9$ forget you want water, 106:073,18[A ]| I believe you would feel better."" 106:073,19[F ]| ""It is all very well for$4$ you. You go to$4$ sleep, I can not. And 106:073,20[F ]| I can not forget how thirsty I am, I have only had \two\ eggs."" 106:073,21@a | This was awful. 106:073,21[' ]| Letty would have willingly given up$5$ 106:073,22[' ]| her extra one if she could. 106:073,22@a | But it was impossible. 106:073,22[' ]| She 106:073,23[' ]| thought of Tim. 106:073,24[A ]| ""How many did Tim have?"" 106:073,24[' ]| she asked, ready to$9$ be angry 106:073,25[' ]| with him on$4$ Peter's account if he had not been fair. 106:073,26[F ]| ""Oh, \he\! He sucked his pocket. I do not know how many 106:073,27[F ]| \broke\."" 106:073,28[A ]| ""Perhaps none,"" 106:073,28[' ]| said Letty angrily. 106:073,29[F ]| ""What nonsense, Letty. What \does\ it matter? Oh, Letty, 106:073,30[F ]| I am so$5#1$ thirsty!"" 106:073,31@a | He looked it. But what could she do? 106:073,32[A ]| ""Where are we?"" 106:073,32[' ]| she asked. 106:073,33[F ]| ""Just inland from the bay, Tim thinks, and he says 106:073,33@e | we 106:073,34@e | will$1$ have to$9$ go down to$4$ the camp and give ourselves up$5$ 106:073,35@e | if he can not find water. 106:073,35[F ]| I must. I am not afraid of that$6#2$ fat 106:073,36[F ]| chap any more, are you?"" 106:073,37[A ]| ""No$7$, only of mangroves. I hope we go, I am famished 106:074,01[A ]| as well as a little bit thirsty. I suppose Tim durs not 106:074,02[A ]| light a fire on$4$ account of the blacks. Oh, I hope we go 106:074,03[A ]| ~~ I am so$5#1$ frightened of mangroves that$3$ I could not bear 106:074,04[A ]| to$9$ stay near them at night."" 106:074,05[' ]| Late that$6#2$ evening their hopes were fulfilled. The fugitives 106:074,06[' ]| crept down to$4$ the Malay camp and gave themselves 106:074,07[' ]| up$5$ as hostages. 106:075,00@@@@@| 107:075,00[U ]| <\Tim Finds Himself\> 107:075,00[U ]| 107:075,01[' ]| There must have been a couple of hundred Malays 107:075,02[' ]| and other South*Sea*Island natives, and about 107:075,03[' ]| fifty aborigines with children in$4$ the camp, but they took 107:075,04[' ]| no$2$ notice of the three fugitives when they wandered in$5$. 107:075,05[' ]| Tim led them straight to$4$ a huge well sunk in$4$ the sand 107:075,06[' ]| in$4$ the centre of the compound, and letting down a pannikin 107:075,07[' ]| lying by$5$, with a rope of plaited fibre, they soon 107:075,08[' ]| had their fill of water. He then left the two children, 107:075,09[' ]| to$9$ return shortly with some food in$4$ the shape of ""chapattie,"" 107:075,10[' ]| a kind of pancake made of flour and water, which$6#1$ 107:075,11[' ]| is a staple food with all the dwellers in$4$ the East. They 107:075,12[' ]| were indeed good eating to$4$ hungry children, and they 107:075,13[' ]| gorged as many as he brought, quite forgetting this time 107:075,14[' ]| to$9$ ask him to$9$ join them. Having seen their hunger appeased, 107:075,15[' ]| he bade them lie down and sleep, and as they 107:075,16[' ]| were fairly exhausted after their long day in$4$ the bush 107:075,17[' ]| without food or water, they did so$5#2$ without protest, and 107:075,18[' ]| so$3$ oblivion fell upon$4$ even Peter at last. 107:075,19[' ]| The sun was high in$4$ the heavens and the Malays all 107:075,20[' ]| busy over their mysterious affairs, when they were roused 107:075,21[' ]| from their slumber by$4$ Tim*Rafferty, who$6#1$ had found, 107:075,22[' ]| and was accompanied by$4$, their friend Bapoe. Peter looked 107:075,23[' ]| himself again, and Letty was rosy with sleep. Again Tim 107:075,24[' ]| drew water, and produced chappatie and, while they made 107:075,25[' ]| their breakfast, Bapoe explained the situation something 107:075,26[' ]| after this fashion (I try to$9$ remember how these natives 107:075,27[' ]| spoke but time has run apace ~~ the impression only remains 107:075,28[' ]| of what was conveyed to$4$ my mind by$4$ Letty, not 107:075,29[' ]| the exact words). 107:075,30[W ]| ""Malay boss want kill you, no$2$ good, Bapoe wantee 107:075,31[W ]| money. Heaven born you must go out a compound way 107:075,32[W ]| you come in$5$. Malay boss quite pleased, no$2$ likee make 107:075,33[W ]| blug. He tink blacks spear you, save a lot a bother. 107:076,01[W ]| Teem not let dem get you. Teem bring you in$4$ nigger 107:076,02[W ]| back to$4$ proa when dark coming. Then Bapoe hide you. 107:076,03[W ]| You no$2$ talk and Bapoe take back to$4$ big white gentlemans. 107:076,04[W ]| You tellee big white gentlemans give poor Bapoe 107:076,05[W ]| plenty moneys when you gettee back, see? Big white 107:076,06[W ]| gentlemans give em plenty moneys then to$4$ poor Bapoe. 107:076,07[W ]| Bapoe do all, all de business! Steal white childrens, givee 107:076,08[W ]| back white gentlemans, and Bapoe get plenty moneys 107:076,09[W ]| very good. That$6#2$ is right. Teem! he savee, see? Bapoe not 107:076,10[W ]| give Teem up$5$ Government. Teem he stay along Bapoe 107:076,11[W ]| help a ship. Very good."" 107:076,12[E ]| ""You have got to$9$ promise, Master*Peter, sir,"" 107:076,12[' ]| Tim further 107:076,13[' ]| explained, 107:076,13[E ]| ""not to$9$ give the whereabouts of this fish camp 107:076,14[E ]| away to$4$ any Government officers at all. You put your hands 107:076,15[E ]| on$4$ the two hearts of you and say after Tim, "On$4$ my oath 107:076,16[E ]| I swear, by$4$ my body and my soul, not to$9$ give the latitude 107:076,17[E ]| of this fish bed away to$4$ the British Government. S'elp 107:076,18[E ]| me God, I swear it." "" 107:076,19[F ]| ""But we do not know the latitude, Tim."" 107:076,20[E ]| ""Never mind what you knows and what you do not. Swear 107:076,21[E ]| that$6#2$ together like$4$ good boys and give yourselves the only 107:076,22[E ]| chance you have got to$9$ live at all."" 107:076,23[' ]| So$3$ Peter and Letty proceeded forthwith to$9$ swear against 107:076,24[' ]| the Crown. Scarcely had the oath passed their lips than 107:076,25[' ]| up$5$ strode the black bully boss, looking very unpleasant 107:076,26[' ]| and ugly. He was grinning as usual in$4$ a sneering way, 107:076,27[' ]| and he must have ordered Bapoe and Tim away, for$3$ off 107:076,28[' ]| they went together, though Letty guessed they stood by$5$ 107:076,29[' ]| somewhere near. Then the bully turned to$4$ Peter and 107:076,30[' ]| spoke vilely to$4$ him in$4$ Malay. Peter smiled. Never in$4$ 107:076,31[' ]| all his life had His*Excellency's son been sneered at and 107:076,32[' ]| spoken to$5$ like$4$ this, yet he smiled. The boss jerked his 107:076,33[' ]| thumb over his shoulder as though the lad were to$9$ follow 107:076,34[' ]| the others, but Peter, hands in$4$ pockets, stopped smiling 107:076,35[' ]| and looked disdainfully at him and began to$9$ whistle. 107:076,36[' ]| Then the Malay, roaring like$4$ a bull, seized Peter and, 107:076,37[' ]| lifting the rope of plaited fibre from the ground, began 107:077,01[' ]| to$9$ belay him soundly. Letty cried out with her hands 107:077,02[' ]| over her eyes, 107:077,02[A ]| ""Tim! Tim! Tim!"" 107:077,02[' ]| and he arrived, a whirlwind 107:077,03[' ]| personified, and fell in$4$ turn upon$4$ the boss, releasing 107:077,04[' ]| Peter with some of those expert twists he had 107:077,05[' ]| learnt on$4$ the boat and shouting at him to$9$ be gone. Peter 107:077,06[' ]| came to$4$ Letty's side in$4$ his slow, astonished fashion, rubbing 107:077,07[' ]| his hinder quarters. 107:077,08[F ]| ""A criminal's act ~~ I could have him hung for$4$ it!"" 107:077,09[A ]| ""Oh, look at Tim!"" 107:077,09[' ]| cried Letty, for$3$ all the fighting blood 107:077,10[' ]| of all his Irish ancestors had risen to$4$ Tim*Rafferty's head. 107:077,11[' ]| His eyes shone like$4$ tips of steel from his face, which$6#1$ was 107:077,12[' ]| rigid and pale with passion, while his arms flew round 107:077,13[' ]| like$4$ windmills and his legs kicked and twisted like$4$ a 107:077,14[' ]| cuttlefish in$4$ anger. 107:077,15[E ]| ""Take that$6#2$,"" 107:077,15[' ]| he panted fiercely, planting his doubled 107:077,16[' ]| fist on$4$ the great fellow's already flattened nose, 107:077,16[E ]| ""from 107:077,17[E ]| yesterday, for$4$ trying to$9$ get easy on$4$ Miss*Letty's ribs! 107:077,18[E ]| And that$6#2$!"" 107:077,18[' ]| a stinging bash which$6#1$ must have nearly dislocated 107:077,19[' ]| the boss's jaw, 107:077,19[E ]| ""for$4$ sneering at the golden sunshine 107:077,20[E ]| of her face. And now this!"" 107:077,20[' ]| he splashed his open 107:077,21[' ]| palms round the fellow's ears, 107:077,21[E ]| ""for$4$ not treating the two 107:077,22[E ]| of their honours like$4$ the gentry they are themselves. 107:077,23[E ]| And when I have done bashing you for$4$ \thim\,"" 107:077,23[' ]| he said, 107:077,23[E ]| ""it is a 107:077,24[E ]| beautiful trouncing you will$1$ get from me to$9$ ease the poor soul 107:077,25[E ]| of Tim*Rafferty. Ach! it is meself is enjoying the boost! 107:077,26[E ]| Up$5$, man, and fight for$4$ it, Tim is into his glory this day!"" 107:077,27[' ]| He drew himself away from the poor man who$6#1$ had 107:077,28[' ]| quite inadequately been struggling to$9$ free himself and 107:077,29[' ]| to$9$ retaliate, but when free, he merely held his shoulders 107:077,30[' ]| high and, staggering like$4$ a drunken man, spread his hands 107:077,31[' ]| over his waistline and yelled for$4$ help. 107:077,32[E ]| ""It is no$2$ need you have to$9$ yell for$4$ them darkies,"" 107:077,32[' ]| cried 107:077,33[' ]| Tim, who$6#1$ was dancing round and round joyously with 107:077,34[' ]| clenched fists, 107:077,34[E ]| ""for$3$ I have a lot more to$9$ do to$4$ you yet! Come 107:077,35[E ]| up$5$ to$4$ it, black man! Have a go in$5$ at Tim instead of the 107:077,36[E ]| tender white boy. Yeh! You would thrash him, you would ~~ and 107:077,37[E ]| he the son of his honour who$6#1$ represents Ireland, bedad!"" 107:078,01[A ]| ""That$6#2$ is better than hanging, is not it, Peter?"" 107:078,01[' ]| Letty asked 107:078,02[' ]| delightedly. 107:078,03[' ]| But Peter was too absorbed to$9$ take any notice of Letty. 107:078,04[' ]| Hands to$4$ knees, he stood around watching breathlessly 107:078,05[' ]| every move on$4$ the part of Tim, who$6#1$ had again gone in$5$ 107:078,06[' ]| trenchantly and was pounding the Malay all over as 107:078,07[' ]| though he were kneading dough for$4$ bread. Why do men, 107:078,08[' ]| the world over, thus love to$9$ watch a fight? 107:078,09[' ]| By*and*by a few Malays came bustling ~~ but fearsome 107:078,10[' ]| ~~ in$4$ answer to$4$ the cries of their master. Five or six at 107:078,11[' ]| last seized Tim and pulled him off. And now Bapoe 107:078,12[' ]| ran breathlessly forward, and kneeling by$4$ the side of the 107:078,13[' ]| boss, who$6#1$ had fallen to$4$ the ground stunned and bleeding, 107:078,14[' ]| attended his hurts. 107:078,15[' ]| Tim, his head thrown high, talked quickly and commandingly 107:078,16[' ]| to$4$ the Malays in$4$ their tongue and they instantly 107:078,17[' ]| let him go. He then stopped before them, and, 107:078,18[' ]| chanting, he performed some of the ""magic"" he had learnt 107:078,19[' ]| from the Hindu on$4$ the sailing ship, while Peter, delighted 107:078,20[' ]| and amazed, continued to$9$ watch his tactics. 107:078,21[' ]| Letty ~~ more of a peaceful nature, being of the weaker 107:078,22[' ]| sex ~~ followed Bapoe's example and knelt by$4$ the side 107:078,23[' ]| of the boss, helping to$9$ restore him. 107:078,24[' ]| When the wounded, vanquished one had recovered sufficiently 107:078,25[' ]| to$9$ speak, Tim returned to$4$ the group by$4$ the 107:078,26[' ]| children and helped the bemused boss to$4$ his feet. They 107:078,27[' ]| shook hands ~~ not that$3$ the boss understood what the 107:078,28[' ]| strange action meant, but he was cowed, and Tim seemed 107:078,29[' ]| to$9$ make him do whatever he wished. The boss began 107:078,30[' ]| to$9$ bluster to$4$ Bapoe, however, when Tim turned his 107:078,31[' ]| back. But Tim was listening, and found that$3$ he was 107:078,32[' ]| only asking what hell's cargo he, Bapoe, had brought 107:078,33[' ]| to$4$ the island in$4$ his ship. Bapoe answered that$3$ 107:078,33@w | they were 107:078,34@w | ""heaven born"" indeed, and not to$9$ be subdued or beaten, 107:078,35@w | or fire would fall from heaven. 107:078,35[' ]| The boss opined that$3$ 107:078,36[' ]| fire had fallen. Bapoe agreed. The boss asked 107:078,36@w | what then 107:078,37@w | was to$9$ be done, 107:078,37[' ]| and the wily Bapoe said, to$9$ 107:078,37@w | send them 107:079,01@w | all to$4$ sea. 107:079,01@w | But who$6#2$, 107:079,01[' ]| asked the boss, 107:079,01@w | would take such 107:079,02@w | firebrands on$4$ a sailing ship? 107:079,02[' ]| and of course Bapoe said that$3$ 107:079,03@w | being a brave man and having ventured once, he would 107:079,04@w | again. 107:079,05[' ]| Tim then turned round and had his say. He held forth 107:079,06[' ]| at great length about good and evil spirits, and about 107:079,07[' ]| the power the white people had over the black, and he 107:079,08[' ]| advised that$3$ 107:079,08@e | they be well fed and watered until the proa 107:079,09@e | was fully loaded, then would Bapoe sail with them to$4$ 107:079,10@e | Canton and loose them if \they\ liked, as was first suggested, 107:079,11@e | instead of anyone trying to$9$ shed their blood, indeed! 107:079,12[' ]| The boss finally agreed that$3$ this was common sense, and 107:079,13[' ]| having bade Bapoe show how to$9$ give the Malay signs of 107:079,14[' ]| peace, they were put on$4$ parole. 107:079,15[' ]| Peter and Letty begged to$9$ be allowed to$9$ return to$4$ their 107:079,16[' ]| quarters on$4$ the proa, which$6#1$ request was immediately 107:079,17[' ]| granted, but Tim threw in$5$ his lot with the workers and 107:079,18[' ]| went off with them to$4$ the fishing, while the children went 107:079,19[' ]| peacefully back in$4$ the canoe to$4$ the proa. 107:079,20[' ]| Being acknowledged ""heaven born"" and ""lords of the 107:079,21[' ]| earth,"" they now had a very good time indeed, going and 107:079,22[' ]| coming, eating and drinking as they pleased, and were 107:079,23[' ]| treated by$4$ all hands with respect and consideration. 107:079,24[' ]| It is a hard thing to$9$ make the ordinary white man realize 107:079,25[' ]| how ""white"" the coloured races usually are, for$3$ most people 107:079,26[' ]| imagine the worst of all native races. But experience 107:079,27[' ]| taught these children that$3$, though they may have very 107:079,28[' ]| little code of manners, as we term manners, nor know the 107:079,29[' ]| meaning of the words ""honour"" or ""thank you""; nor be 107:079,30[' ]| aware of the ordinary restraints of civilization, all their 107:079,31[' ]| instincts and senses are infinitely higher keyed than ours; 107:079,32[' ]| and their humanity, kind heartedness, sympathy, and 107:079,33[' ]| faithfulness to$4$ their own ideals are remarkably strong, 107:079,34[' ]| they are also always extraordinarily kind to$4$ children (I am 107:079,35[' ]| quite sure the boss could have got no*one to$9$ do away with 107:079,36[' ]| them, nor would he have been capable of taking their 107:079,37[' ]| blood himself), especially children of the male sex. And 107:080,01[' ]| indeed, again they found these Malays kinder to$4$ them 107:080,02[' ]| than any white man could have been. They were treated 107:080,03[' ]| like$4$ royal princes after that$6#2$ first day, and, since they 107:080,04[' ]| refused to$9$ become intimate with the ""common ruck"", as 107:080,05[' ]| they had always been brought up$5$ to$9$ do, no*one was ever 107:080,06[' ]| familiar or rude. I am not sure that$3$ the ""spoilt child"" 107:080,07[' ]| manner is not on$4$ the whole the most attractive to$4$ all mankind, 107:080,08[' ]| and it certainly went down in$4$ this case. The children 107:080,09[' ]| held themselves aloof, were reticent when questioned and 107:080,10[' ]| had bold yet sunny dispositions, and these natives soon 107:080,11[' ]| simply worshipped them. The camp itself, too, was 107:080,12[' ]| wholly fascinating. All their lives the strange expression 107:080,13[' ]| ""9be^che-de-mer"" had been on$4$ customs officers' lips in$4$ their 107:080,14[' ]| hearing, and they had often wondered over the meaning of 107:080,15[' ]| the words which$6#1$ seemed to$9$ be woven with stories of 107:080,16[' ]| desert islands, pirates, and sea-going junks of treasure, 107:080,17[' ]| and, now that$3$ they really lived amongst it, those stories 107:080,18[' ]| seemed to$9$ have come true, for$3$ this was a great smuggling 107:080,19[' ]| depot where 9be^che-de-mer (trepang or sea-cucumber, as 107:080,20[' ]| it is sometimes called), the great staple food of the Celestial, 107:080,21[' ]| was caught and cured. 107:080,22[' ]| They would go out in$4$ the canoes and spend long delicious 107:080,23[' ]| days watching the workers and trying their hands at the 107:080,24[' ]| fishing and diving too. But personally Letty preferred to$9$ 107:080,25[' ]| climb on$5$ to$4$ one of the hulks and, lying over the sea-cucumber 107:080,26[' ]| bed, to$9$ watch. The fish is like$4$ a huge slug; 107:080,27[' ]| ugly, slimy, and slippery. But the men for$4$ the most part 107:080,28[' ]| had no$2$ apparatus for$4$ holding them; they simply brought 107:080,29[' ]| them up$5$ from the bottom of the sea in$4$ their arms, some of 107:080,30[' ]| the experts managing to$9$ secure seven or eight at a time. 107:080,31[' ]| They were great divers, those men, going down many 107:080,32[' ]| fathoms tirelessly over and over again. The children ~~ 107:080,33[' ]| both fine swimmers ~~ many a time tried to$9$ follow, but 107:080,34[' ]| never could keep under long enough to$9$ reach the bottom; 107:080,35[' ]| sometimes they were attacked by$4$ other of the many fishes 107:080,36[' ]| which$6#1$ abounded ~~ not sharks ~~ which$6#1$ stung, and flipped 107:080,37[' ]| and fought them, even making scores on$4$ their bodies in$4$ 107:081,01[' ]| their ferocious onslaught. At other times they would join 107:081,02[' ]| the parties who$6#1$ went at low water along the reef to$9$ spear 107:081,03[' ]| the booty. And sometimes would spend the day dreamily 107:081,04[' ]| sailing in$4$ one of the large canoes which$6#1$ drew the dredges; 107:081,05[' ]| and at others just lazily lying on$4$ the dredges themselves 107:081,06[' ]| and fishing for$4$ small fry over the sides. In$4$ this way they 107:081,07[' ]| became very proficient with their fishing-lines, for$3$ the 107:081,08[' ]| Malays are the finest fishermen in$4$ the world, and they 107:081,09[' ]| counted it a great honour to$9$ teach the white children how 107:081,10[' ]| to$9$ prepare and keep their tackle in$4$ order. They also learnt 107:081,11[' ]| to$9$ cure all fish, as trepang is cured by$4$ first boiling it, then 107:081,12[' ]| cleaning it, and then doctoring it to$9$ make it a nice red 107:081,13[' ]| colour ~~ for$3$ this was a ""white bed"" and the Chinese do not 107:081,14[' ]| pay so$5#1$ much money for$4$ the white variety ~~ and then smoking 107:081,15[' ]| and drying it till ready for$4$ packing and loading up$5$. 107:081,16[' ]| The camp itself consisted of many humpies fixed up$5$ 107:081,17[' ]| round half a dozen large smoke-houses with huge iron 107:081,18[' ]| boilers set outside, and a construction of bamboos, on$4$ 107:081,19[' ]| which$6#1$ the dried carcasses of the fish were hung, while all 107:081,20[' ]| round in$4$ a semicircle whose points reached the sea, were 107:081,21[' ]| set cannon defences, and deep ditches to$9$ act as fortifications 107:081,22[' ]| against the attacks of the aborigines. Inside this 107:081,23[' ]| dividing circle every*one lived either in$4$ the open or in$4$ 107:081,24[' ]| brush or bark huts, with the exception of the boss, who$6#1$, 107:081,25[' ]| with his wife, had a house constructed of matting. The 107:081,26[' ]| social scale was carefully marked and each had their own 107:081,27[' ]| little groups for$4$ recreating or meals, just as they had for$4$ 107:081,28[' ]| work. The meals were cooked at stoves made of holes dug 107:081,29[' ]| in$4$ the sand, and composed with a kind of cement to$9$ form 107:081,30[' ]| ovens and surfaces for$4$ the cooking utensils. The corn or 107:081,31[' ]| wheat arrived apparently from Singapore or Canton in$4$ the 107:081,32[' ]| empty proas with bags of rice and other edibles, and was 107:081,33[' ]| ground by$4$ the women in$4$ smoothly hollowed blocks by$4$ 107:081,34[' ]| rounded clubs, which$6#1$ when pounded into the natural 107:081,35[' ]| wooden bowls acted as huge pestles in$4$ mortars. The 107:081,36[' ]| ground meal they made into bread, cakes and pancakes, 107:081,37[' ]| which$6#1$ were baked or fried in$4$ ghee, as they called the dripping. 107:082,01[' ]| This latter was extracted in$4$ the usual way by$4$ roasting 107:082,02[' ]| flesh on$4$ a spit and catching the oozings in$4$ a pan below. 107:082,03[' ]| To$4$ the children's intense astonishment one day the hunting 107:082,04[' ]| party brought home the carcass of a cow, and on$4$ 107:082,05[' ]| another occasion geese, pigeons, parrots, duck. Tim told 107:082,06[' ]| them that$3$ 107:082,06@e | these had been imported from home with the 107:082,07@e | first convict settlement which$6#1$ had come out to$4$ these parts 107:082,08@e | but had left, for$4$ some reason, many years ago. 107:082,09[' ]| He thought they were on$4$ Melville*Island or the headland 107:082,10[' ]| about Port*Essington, where convict stations had been, on$4$ 107:082,11[' ]| account of the grasses he had picked up$5$ and the British 107:082,12[' ]| nature of these live*stock. He seemed to$9$ know everything 107:082,13[' ]| and was a constant source of comfort and consolation. 107:082,14[' ]| Indeed Tim ~~ who$6#1$ was here called ""monkey jarrah"", the 107:082,15[' ]| Malay for$4$ white man ~~ was a wonder since his set-to with 107:082,16[' ]| the boss. He was fast developing into one of the finest 107:082,17[' ]| young Irishmen who$6#1$ ever set foot in$4$ the colonies. It may 107:082,18[' ]| have seemed to$4$ him that$3$ his destiny was queerly upset 107:082,19[' ]| when he had started out to$4$ Dublin town and got taken for$4$ 107:082,20[' ]| the ""murther"" of his mother, but looking at it later from a 107:082,21[' ]| different point of view he knew he had found his fate; and 107:082,22[' ]| I know that$3$ he became one whom Great*Britain could have 107:082,23[' ]| ill done without when forming her problematic colonies. 107:082,24[' ]| He was made for$4$ colonizing, for$4$ battling against odds, 107:082,25[' ]| making the best of a bad matter, mastering elementals and 107:082,26[' ]| keeping up$5$ a brave heart in$4$ desperate circumstances ~~ and 107:082,27[' ]| this is what the country needed. 107:082,28[' ]| He soon made Peter and himself spears, and somehow 107:082,29[' ]| procured an old musket and a Malay dagger for$4$ his own 107:082,30[' ]| use, which$6#1$ he carefully hid in$4$ Letty's cabin. And he never 107:082,31[' ]| would allow Peter to$9$ be entirely idle, as Peter was so$5#1$ apt 107:082,32[' ]| to$9$ be, and encouraged him to$9$ wheedle many commodities 107:082,33[' ]| from the natives which$6#1$ seemed to$9$ be upon$4$ the whole 107:082,34[' ]| extremely useless ~~ though indeed he managed to$9$ secure a 107:082,35[' ]| second pair of pants all round and some lengths of stuff 107:082,36[' ]| (sarong) which$6#1$ Malays wear wrapped round their lower 107:082,37[' ]| extremities from waist to$4$ heel. 107:083,01[' ]| At last came a day when the boss gave orders to$4$ Bapoe to$9$ 107:083,02[' ]| get under way and lead a trio of other laden proas to$4$ Port*Timor-Lavet, 107:083,03[' ]| a big Chinese-Malay centre, where the fish 107:083,04[' ]| was to$9$ be sold. They gave them a rousing send-off full of 107:083,05[' ]| cheer, the boss wearing a splendid shot-silk sarong, and 107:083,06[' ]| the others gay clothes with coloured kerchiefs round their 107:083,07[' ]| heads, each giving, as he said good-bye, a little gift and a 107:083,08[' ]| jolly grin, so$3$ that$3$ they were gladdened with smiles and 107:083,09[' ]| laden with fruit, nuts, shells, and carved-wood models of 107:083,10[' ]| canoes. 107:083,00@@@@@| 107:083,00[U ]| 107:083,11[' ]| They started on$4$ their journey on$4$ a fair enough day, but 107:083,12[' ]| directly they passed the headland they ran into a south-east 107:083,13[' ]| monsoon which$6#1$ soon grew into a gale. Before this the 107:083,14[' ]| craft sped like$4$ a bird on$4$ the wing, Bapoe explaining that$3$ 107:083,15@w | proas had to$9$ run so$5#2$ before wind ~~ and they liked it ~~ but, 107:083,16[' ]| he added, 107:083,16@w | they did not like$1$ it when the wind, the sea, and 107:083,17@w | the tide were all going in$4$ different directions at once, as 107:083,18@w | they now were. 107:083,18[' ]| The mended rudder gave trouble, and the 107:083,19[' ]| second day out Bapoe signalled word to$4$ the trio of other 107:083,20[' ]| vessels who$6#1$ accompanied them to$9$ fend for$4$ themselves, as 107:083,21[' ]| he was in$4$ difficulties. Bapoe was a fine old sea-dog, he 107:083,22[' ]| made faces at the children over his steering-gear, but continued 107:083,23[' ]| cheerful even when it became evident that$3$ if they 107:083,24[' ]| did not take care they would find themselves back on$4$ the 107:083,25[' ]| Australian coast. The proa must have been well off Melville*Island, 107:083,26[' ]| for$3$ they drifted eastward for$4$ some days safely. 107:083,27[' ]| Bapoe was fairly easy in$4$ his mind as 107:083,27@w | he knew the coast, 107:083,27[' ]| he 107:083,28[' ]| said, but how, it is hard to$9$ understand, since he had no$2$ 107:083,29[' ]| charts or compass except the old one he kept in$4$ his pocket. 107:083,30[' ]| One day a terrific storm came to$9$ add fling to$4$ the gale, and 107:083,31[' ]| though Bapoe had all sails reefed, they tore through the 107:083,32[' ]| water at the mercy of the sea and wind; going sometimes 107:083,33[' ]| in$4$ one direction, and the next moment in$4$ another. The 107:083,34[' ]| old sea captain, who$6#1$ had stood at his steering-wheel for$4$ 107:084,01[' ]| days and nights on$4$ end trying this and that$6#2$ ruse to$9$ get his 107:084,02[' ]| ship in$4$ hand, at last ~~ since he said 107:084,02@w | they were nearing land 107:084,03@w | again ~~ 107:084,03[' ]| tried letting down the anchor (a wooden one 107:084,04[' ]| studded with stone for$4$ weight) and sending a man after 107:084,05[' ]| it to$9$ see where it settled. But alas! the cable snapped and 107:084,06[' ]| he lost the man and anchor, but not heart. On$5$ they raced, 107:084,07[' ]| till at last land was sighted to$4$ the right, and also to$4$ the left 107:084,08[' ]| of them. They were in$4$ the Dundas*Straits and in$4$ the 107:084,09[' ]| hands of a current no$2$ proa or any other small ship could 107:084,10[' ]| possibly wrestle with. Bapoe let run with the wind and 107:084,11[' ]| tide, right up$4$ near the lee side of land; he had to$9$; and when 107:084,12[' ]| they grounded and bumped on$5$ to$4$ a reef, and slipped and 107:084,13[' ]| slid into open water again, he roared with laughter to$9$ hide 107:084,14[' ]| his dismay. On$5$ they went into swirling water. Bapoe 107:084,15[' ]| called out to$4$ Tim. 107:084,15[W ]| ""No$2$ good, monkey jarrah!"" 107:084,15[' ]| he told him. 107:084,16[W ]| ""Tie the "heaven born" to$4$ the mast; for$3$ we have a hole in$4$ 107:084,17[W ]| us as big as a whale." 107:084,18[' ]| Bump! Grind! Crash! They were fast on$4$ more rocks. 107:084,19[' ]| Bapoe stood still, looking dazed, his laughter dying out at 107:084,20[' ]| last, and just at that$6#2$ moment a great wave tore over the 107:084,21[' ]| bow and carried him away. His cabin went at the same 107:084,22[' ]| time, all its contents washing round the children's feet; 107:084,23[' ]| papers, clothes, packages, and pickle-bottles full of white 107:084,24[' ]| pea-like nodules. Letty remembered this later, for$3$ Tim in$4$ 107:084,25[' ]| the midst of the work of lashing them all together snatched 107:084,26[' ]| up$5$ one of them and put it in$4$ his shirt-front, and then went 107:084,27[' ]| steadily on$5$ with his task. It was a fine day in$4$ spite of the 107:084,28[' ]| high sea, and they, having taken some of Bapoe's spirit to$4$ 107:084,29[' ]| heart, were not a bit frightened. They could see land near, 107:084,30[' ]| and imagined with the confidence of youth that$3$ there was 107:084,31[' ]| no$2$ water in$4$ the world could drown them; though the continual 107:084,32[' ]| wash of heavy waves which$6#1$ by*and*by thundered in$5$ 107:084,33[' ]| on$4$ the helpless proa unnerved them a little, especially as 107:084,34[' ]| there was no$2$ food forthcoming. They missed their meals 107:084,35[' ]| ~~ these children. The natives all gathered together up$5$ in$4$ 107:084,36[' ]| the stern, and the day wore on$5$ with little decrease in$4$ the 107:084,37[' ]| wrath of the elements. The wind moaned and whistled 107:085,01[' ]| and rattled in$4$ the rigging like$4$ a wild beast baulked of its 107:085,02[' ]| prey. Letty disliked a high wind ever afterwards, and 107:085,03[' ]| though they were sure Bapoe would have reached land, 107:085,04[' ]| they missed his familiar presence, and his hard, confidence-producing 107:085,05[' ]| physiognomy. They grew stiff in$4$ their 107:085,06[' ]| position round the masthead, and very, very hungry. 107:085,07[' ]| When the sun was high in$4$ the heavens it began to$9$ roast 107:085,08[' ]| them and Letty asked Tim to$9$ loose their bonds so$3$ that$3$ 107:085,09[' ]| they might swim ashore, but though Peter added his 107:085,10[' ]| request to$4$ hers, Tim was inexorable. 107:085,10[E ]| ""You would be smashed 107:085,11[E ]| to$4$ pieces on$4$ the rocks, missie,"" 107:085,11[' ]| he said. 107:085,11[E ]| ""It is a terrible sea, 107:085,12[E ]| entirely."" 107:085,13[' ]| Just then a huge mountain of water came into view, tearing 107:085,14[' ]| up$4$ the passage from the north-west, and he pointed to$4$ 107:085,15[' ]| it. Then, turning his wonderful eyes full of feeling again 107:085,16[' ]| to$4$ Letty, he said, 107:085,16[E ]| ""It is a water-spout! And Miss*Letty, 107:085,17[E ]| dear, it may carry us right now to$4$ heaven itself. If it does 107:085,18[E ]| that$6#2$, will$1$ you be looking for$4$ poor Tim up$4$ there, for$3$ it 107:085,19[E ]| would not be heaven without you. Are you ready, Master*Peter, 107:085,20[E ]| sir? Keep a brave heart! I have a hold on$4$ you both; and 107:085,21[E ]| you hold on$5$ to$4$ the hands of her honour."" 107:085,22[' ]| His voice died away as the great water-spout came. It 107:085,23[' ]| staggered, then enveloped them. The end of the world 107:085,24[' ]| seemed to$9$ have arrived; their ears sang, their eyes were 107:085,25[' ]| blinded, they were crushed together by$4$ great volumes of 107:085,26[' ]| water, all the wind knocked out of their bodies; and then 107:085,27[' ]| they lost their senses. 107:085,28[' ]| When Letty was aware of things once more, she was lying 107:085,29[' ]| on$4$ the deck with Tim pumping water out of her chest 107:085,30[' ]| roughly, while Peter lolled horribly over beside her in$4$ the 107:085,31[' ]| lashings. Tim stopped his terrible pumping when she 107:085,32[' ]| opened her eyes, and turning to$4$ Peter, loosened his bonds. 107:085,33[' ]| Laying him out flat on$4$ the deck he in$4$ turn commenced 107:085,34[' ]| operations on$4$ him, pumping at him as unmercifully as he 107:085,35[' ]| had at Letty. The wind had gone ~~ perhaps it was chasing 107:085,36[' ]| the water-spout ~~ and so$5#2$ had the stern of the proa and 107:085,37[' ]| all the crew. Letty was too exhausted to$9$ move or to$9$ speak, 107:086,01[' ]| and when Peter began to$9$ breathe she was glad Tim lifted 107:086,02[' ]| her into a sitting position. But Tim did not seem to$9$ be 107:086,03[' ]| bothering about Letty, he was fussing around Peter, kneeling 107:086,04[' ]| by$4$ his side, listening at his heart, and opening his 107:086,05[' ]| closed eyes, which$6#1$ were glazed and always shut again 107:086,06[' ]| limply. 107:086,07[E ]| ""Miss*Letty, dear,"" 107:086,07[' ]| he said presently, 107:086,07[E ]| ""see, over the side ~~ 107:086,08[E ]| the tide is retreating to$4$ the right of you. Would you be 107:086,09[E ]| frightened if I left you to$9$ see if we could be getting to$4$ land?"" 107:086,10[A ]| ""With Peter like$4$ that$6#2$? I would rather come with you, Tim,"" 107:086,11[' ]| and with that$6#2$ she staggered to$4$ her feet, turning paler than 107:086,12[' ]| ever. 107:086,13[E ]| ""Would you be losing heart now, missie?"" 107:086,14[A ]| ""Not I, Tim, but you see ~~ "" 107:086,15[E ]| ""I only see one thing,"" 107:086,15[' ]| Tim said sternly, 107:086,15[E ]| ""that$3$ you will$1$ be 107:086,16[E ]| sitting safe and sound by$4$ the side of Master*Peter, while 107:086,17[E ]| I am gone, and not move away till I am back ~~ Now, 107:086,18[E ]| Miss*Letty!"" 107:086,19[A ]| ""Aye, aye, Tim."" 107:086,20[' ]| She sat down again listlessly, and Tim, waiting for$4$ no$2$ 107:086,21[' ]| further argument, dropped over the bow of the proa on$5$ to$4$ 107:086,22[' ]| the reef and walked straight towards land. She watched, 107:086,23@a | surprised at her own obedience, surprised, now she came 107:086,24@a | to$9$ think of it, that$3$ she always obeyed Tim; that$3$ every*one 107:086,25@a | else did; that$3$ Peter had lately. Yes, since the fight, 107:086,25[' ]| she 107:086,26[' ]| now recollected, 107:086,26@a | Peter had been like$4$ a lamb, never called 107:086,27@a | Tim convict, never treated him with scorn, always appealed 107:086,28@a | to$4$ him. Tim must be one of those people every*one 107:086,29@a | obeyed. How glad she was that$3$ she had let him free. He 107:086,30@a | was splendid, her hero ~~ she believed she loved him as 107:086,31@a | much as papa ~~ 107:086,32[' ]| Tim came running back splashing over the rocks showing 107:086,33[' ]| through the water, and, pulling himself up$5$ to$4$ the proa, 107:086,34[' ]| ran to$4$ the place on$4$ the craft which$6#1$ had been the carpenter's 107:086,35[' ]| shop and returned carrying a long strong plank of timber. 107:086,36[E ]| ""Could you manage to$9$ lift yourself again?"" 107:086,36[' ]| he called out to$4$ 107:086,37[' ]| her. 107:087,01[A ]| ""May I leave Peter?"" 107:087,01[' ]| she asked meekly, getting up$5$ and 107:087,02[' ]| looking at him artfully. 107:087,03[E ]| ""Come now, missie, none of your nonsense this minute, 107:087,04[E ]| for$3$ it is life or death to$4$ us all how you behave! Let me see 107:087,05[E ]| the show you make walking; for$3$ I will$1$ be wanting you to$9$ lift 107:087,06[E ]| this timber shortly."" 107:087,07[A ]| ""I will$1$ do it now."" 107:087,08[E ]| ""Go easy then! balance it in$4$ the middle, so$5#2$! Now would 107:087,09[E ]| you be carrying it?"" 107:087,10[A ]| ""Why, easily; where to$4$?"" 107:087,11[E ]| ""I will$1$ carry it first. Follow, and go slow on$4$ the wet rocks."" 107:087,12[' ]| She dropped down to$4$ the reef and followed, to$4$ the place 107:087,13[' ]| where before Tim had turned. It was a deep and terrible 107:087,14[' ]| sea-chasm about twelve feet across, and full of swirling 107:087,15[' ]| cruel waters. It made her go cold, and she drew in$5$ her 107:087,16[' ]| breath while Tim laid the timber across, and ran over. 107:087,17[' ]| The plank swayed a good deal, but Tim did not seem to$9$ 107:087,18[' ]| notice that$6#2$. He knelt on$4$ the other side and wedged the end 107:087,19[' ]| between clefts of rock; then back he came, and did the 107:087,20[' ]| same at that$6#2$ end. He now bid Letty stand facing the 107:087,21[' ]| wreck, and then he ran and brought Peter, carrying him 107:087,22[' ]| over his shoulder. He was very quiet, but panting somewhat 107:087,23[' ]| from the weight of Peter. 107:087,24[E ]| ""Now then, over with you! And do not ~~ not for$4$ one 107:087,25[E ]| moment are you to$9$ look down, Miss*Letty; and hurry on$5$, for$3$ 107:087,26[E ]| I will$1$ be after you this minute! It is a galloping tide itself, 107:087,27[E ]| hereabouts, and we must make haste."" 107:087,27[' ]| Letty clenched her 107:087,28[' ]| teeth and did his bidding, and then turned to$9$ watch one of 107:087,29[' ]| the bravest deeds it was ever her lot to$9$ witness ~~ Tim 107:087,30[' ]| negotiating that$6#2$ plank with Peter on$4$ his back. 107:087,30@a | Good 107:087,31@a | fellow! \he\ had to$9$ look down; there was no$2$ other way for$4$ it; 107:087,32[' ]| and the plank, from the very first footfall, bent and swayed 107:087,33[' ]| most frightfully with the double weight put upon$4$ it. It 107:087,34[' ]| became worse every moment, and then Letty held her 107:087,35[' ]| breath in$4$ an agony of fear, for$3$ it began to$9$ sag and creak as 107:087,36[' ]| if it must break. But Tim came on$5$. When he reached the 107:087,37[' ]| middle, the end where he had wedged it at her side began 107:088,01[' ]| to$9$ slip from the tiny teeth of rock it was under. In$4$ horror 107:088,02[' ]| unspeakable Letty flung herself prone, and clutching each 107:088,03[' ]| side of the board a foot away from its extremity, pulled for$4$ 107:088,04[' ]| all she was worth. And she knew as she lay there and 107:088,05[' ]| tugged, that$3$ 107:088,05@a | if they went down into the jaws of that$6#2$ 107:088,06@a | horrible place, she would go with them. For$3$ of what use 107:088,07@a | would life be in$4$ this wild unknown place without these 107:088,08@a | two good comrades? 107:088,08[' ]| The painful thought made her moan 107:088,09[' ]| as she strained ~~ And then she saw Tim's twinkling 107:088,10[' ]| feet, hesitating a little from the grade and weight, coming 107:088,11[' ]| nearer and nearer ~~ Still they came; her fingers were 107:088,12[' ]| pinched and torn on$4$ the rough rocks, but she felt no$2$ pain 107:088,13[' ]| in$4$ her terror for$4$ Tim and Peter. 107:088,14[A ]| ""Pray God, help Tim,"" 107:088,14[' ]| she prayed, sobbing. 107:088,14[A ]| ""O God, 107:088,15[A ]| help Tim."" 107:088,15[' ]| And then she became aware of the proximity 107:088,16[' ]| of the right ankle encircled by$4$ a ragged trouser-end, over 107:088,17[' ]| her left hand. She rolled out of the way, still clutching 107:088,18[' ]| the board with her right. The ankle stepped over her 107:088,19[' ]| arms, then came the right foot. And Tim was on$4$ his knees 107:088,20[' ]| beside her, easing Peter from his back. His face was as 107:088,21[' ]| white as paper, and his eyes had turned to$4$ deep pools of 107:088,22[' ]| black. He caught up$5$ her bleeding fingers and kissed them 107:088,23[' ]| one by$4$ one. 107:088,24[E ]| ""You saved us, Miss*Letty,"" 107:088,24[' ]| he said. 107:088,24[E ]| ""Glory be to$4$ the 107:088,25[E ]| saints. And I would not be after trying it on$5$ again, not for$4$ 107:088,26[E ]| release and free pardon itself, and a thousand guineas 107:088,27[E ]| thrown in$5$. But glory be to$4$ God, Miss*Letty, pull up$5$ the 107:088,28[E ]| plank now and bring it to$4$ shore, while I take Master*Peter 107:088,29[E ]| on$4$ me back again. The tide is hard on$4$ our heels."" 107:088,29[' ]| Tim had 107:088,30[' ]| a great way of changing the subject quickly. 107:088,30[E ]| ""It will$1$ be 107:088,31[E ]| after getting us yet if we do not hurry; and I have Master*Peter 107:088,32[E ]| to$9$ hump, and the two of you to$9$ put to$4$ bed belike."" 107:088,33[A ]| ""Is he ill, Tim? See, blood is dropping from him."" 107:088,34[E ]| ""It is nothing but a bash from the yard-arm, it will$1$ be 107:088,35[E ]| well enough soon. Come."" 107:088,36[' ]| Meekly again she drew up$5$ the gangway and followed 107:088,37[' ]| Tim; she balancing the long plank; he carrying Peter. 107:089,01[' ]| So$3$ they reached the shore of the land of the golden sun 107:089,02[' ]| once more. 107:089,03[' ]| Again they camped on$4$ the beach, Tim lighting a fire. By$4$ 107:089,04[' ]| this he left Letty with poor Peter, while he looked for$4$ 107:089,05[' ]| food. He came back with turtle's eggs, which$6#1$ they ate as 107:089,06[' ]| our grandmothers did, and then he undressed Peter and 107:089,07[' ]| made him comfortable in$4$ the warm sand, and bade Letty 107:089,08[' ]| make herself cosy and go to$4$ sleep. 107:089,00@@@@@| 107:089,00[U ]| 107:089,09[' ]| The sun was sending long silver fingers of light over the 107:089,10[' ]| brow of a distant hill when Letty stirred. A cold air had 107:089,11[' ]| crept round them and she wondered 107:089,11@a | why it was they were 107:089,12@a | in$4$ the open. 107:089,12[' ]| Then her eyes fell on$4$ Peter's white, still face, 107:089,13[' ]| with the strained, matted hair above it, and on$4$ Tim, sitting 107:089,14[' ]| crouched up$5$ beside him, his face as white as Peter's and 107:089,15[' ]| his eyes bloodshot and weary. 107:089,16[E ]| ""Is it yourself awake, missie dear?"" 107:089,16[' ]| he whispered. 107:089,16[E ]| ""Praise be, 107:089,17[E ]| for$3$ I would be moving! The tide is turning, and when it is 107:089,18[E ]| out, if you will$1$ watch his honour, I will$1$ be down to$4$ the hulk 107:089,19[E ]| and salvage a musket and food. There is blacks about, 107:089,20[E ]| missie, and we must be wary. Jump to$4$ your feet now, or 107:089,21[E ]| you will$1$ drop off to$4$ sleep again."" 107:089,22[A ]| ""Aye! aye! Tim,"" 107:089,22[' ]| sleepily. 107:089,23[E ]| ""Come, missie, be up$5$ with you!"" 107:089,24[A ]| ""I am so$5#1$ tired, Tim!"" ~~ 107:089,24[' ]| yawning. 107:089,25[E ]| ""You will$1$ go into the water then and have a bathe to$9$ freshen 107:089,26[E ]| you, whilst I will$1$ go along and hunt eggs. Now off you go."" 107:089,27[' ]| He turned his back. There was no$2$ gainsaying Tim when 107:089,28[' ]| he was in$4$ this mood, so$3$ stretching lazily, she obeyed, but, 107:089,29[' ]| finding when into it, the water cold, unpleasant and 107:089,30[' ]| creepy, she soon made great haste and got into her still 107:089,31[' ]| damp and salty clothes. But, dressed in$4$ her rags, she felt 107:089,32[' ]| invigorated and refreshed, and danced back full of cheer, 107:089,33[' ]| and was quite surprised to$9$ find Tim grumpy and silent, 107:089,34[' ]| eating his breakfast beside a small fire he had made in$4$ 107:090,01[' ]| spite of the fear of blackfellows. Poor boy, he had sat all 107:090,02[' ]| night long, pinching himself to$9$ keep awake, shivering with 107:090,03[' ]| cold, and in$4$ the deepest anxiety over their circumstances, 107:090,04[' ]| quite realizing 107:090,04@e | they were now in$4$ a graver situation than 107:090,05@e | they had ever been before. With Peter ill and helpless on$4$ 107:090,06@e | his hands, how was he going to$9$ keep them all alive? Much 107:090,07@e | more, how was he going to$9$ do so$5#2$ if the aborigines should 107:090,08@e | show their faces, as they were bound to$9$ do, sooner or later, 107:090,09@e | on$4$ this wild coast? 107:090,09[' ]| He shuddered at the bare thought of 107:090,10[' ]| these particular tribes, of whom he recalled the wildest 107:090,11[' ]| stories concerning their manners and customs. Yet he 107:090,12[' ]| felt it imperative to$9$ return to$4$ the hulk for$4$ water, farinaceous 107:090,13[' ]| food, and for$4$ means to$9$ secure meat, and he dared 107:090,14[' ]| not leave Peter and take Letty. He also felt the irresistible 107:090,15[' ]| male desire to$9$ have fire-arms in$4$ hand as a means of protection, 107:090,16[' ]| and he had his own musket, and knew there was a 107:090,17[' ]| store of powder and shot kept on$4$ the proa; so$3$, hardening 107:090,18[' ]| his heart against any thought of remaining by$4$ the side of 107:090,19[' ]| the children for$4$ the time being, he had busied himself in$4$ 107:090,20[' ]| finding breakfast, and so$3$ when Letty returned, had started 107:090,21[' ]| the fire and was devouring his own, with one eye on$4$ the 107:090,22[' ]| bush and one on$4$ the retreating tide. Putting a piece of 107:090,23[' ]| turtle hastily in$4$ his pocket upon$4$ her approach, he provided 107:090,24[' ]| her with some more, also eggs, and a couple of 107:090,25[' ]| crabs, and, showing her how to$9$ cook them, he soundly 107:090,26[' ]| admonished her to$9$ 107:090,26@e | keep quiet while he was away, and to$9$ 107:090,27@e | call the bird's cries if in$4$ need of him. 107:090,27[' ]| Sighing woefully, he 107:090,28[' ]| bent over Peter, patting him kindly, and touching his cap 107:090,29[' ]| to$4$ Letty, turned, and lifting the chasm-plank to$4$ his 107:090,30[' ]| shoulder, sped off to$4$ the wreck over the weed-sodden 107:090,31[' ]| rocks and slippery waterways. 107:090,32[' ]| Having watched him go, Letty cooked and ate her breakfast, 107:090,33[' ]| rather disgruntled, and when it was finished, sat down 107:090,34[' ]| carefully with her back to$4$ Peter, and let the rising sun 107:090,35[' ]| flood and warm her body. She sat with her back to$4$ him 107:090,36[' ]| because Peter never ceased to$9$ frighten her with his stillness 107:090,37[' ]| and senselessness. So$3$ she kept as far from him as 107:091,01[' ]| possible, warmed herself in$4$ the sun, busied herself with 107:091,02[' ]| the fire, and watched the wreck, which$6#1$ seemed their only 107:091,03[' ]| home and refuge in$4$ a strange land. Tim had soon reached 107:091,04[' ]| it and disappeared, and she amused herself imagining what 107:091,05[' ]| he would be about, longing jealously to$9$ be with him on$4$ the 107:091,06[' ]| jolly ship, and away from this unusual place and the 107:091,07[' ]| strange Peter who$6#1$ lay so$5#1$ helplessly by$4$ her side. She moved 107:091,08[' ]| her head slightly as she tried not to$9$ think of Peter, and so$3$ 107:091,09[' ]| caught a glimpse of his dark-lashed lids half-covering the 107:091,10[' ]| unfamiliar closed eyes; of the rosy mouth, slightly open, 107:091,11[' ]| showing the white teeth; and the chin, sharp and pale, so$5#1$ 107:091,12[' ]| clearly defined against the green of his coat sleeve, for$3$ his 107:091,13[' ]| arm was lying beside his face, and his poor brown hand 107:091,14[' ]| was doubled up$5$ under his ear. It suddenly struck her that$3$ 107:091,15[' ]| she should move and make him more comfortable. But, 107:091,16[' ]| more reluctant each moment to$9$ touch him, again she 107:091,17[' ]| looked away and bit her lip. His pallor repulsed her, and 107:091,18[' ]| the apparent lifelessness of his body filled her young soul 107:091,19[' ]| with horror. Yet something more potent than either of 107:091,20[' ]| these emotions, something which$6#1$ stirred her hard little 107:091,21[' ]| heart ~~ as it had before ~~ some inherent, subconscious, 107:091,22[' ]| female yearning over all helplessness drew her attention to$4$ 107:091,23[' ]| his face again. She quivered and broke into a sweat; and 107:091,24[' ]| then one brimming tear rose and fell on$4$ her cheek, and she 107:091,25[' ]| tried to$9$ move to$9$ touch him. But she could not stir, or 107:091,26[' ]| raise one little finger. At last she conquered herself sufficiently 107:091,27[' ]| to$9$ be able to$9$ watch his face, feeling that$3$ that$6#2$ 107:091,28[' ]| would help him. 107:091,29[' ]| The sun grew stronger, and a silence brooded over the 107:091,30[' ]| place. The tide was far out, all wind had fallen, and no$2$ 107:091,31[' ]| bird or creature of any kind whatsoever moved about. 107:091,32[' ]| There was a queer, cold, colourlessness in$4$ the atmosphere 107:091,33[' ]| and she shuddered while the silence grew more and more 107:091,34[' ]| intense. It crept into her bones and flooded her senses. 107:091,35[' ]| She could have screamed, but her throat refused to$9$ bring 107:091,36[' ]| forth a sound. A great bluebottle came by$5$ and buzzed and 107:091,37[' ]| banged round Peter's head, and it seemed to$4$ her that$3$ 107:091,37@a | Peter 107:092,01@a | became stiller and more still, till he seemed to$9$ be stillness 107:092,02@a | itself personified. 107:092,02[' ]| Oh, how she longed for$4$ him to$9$ lift his 107:092,03[' ]| hand and flip that$6#2$ horrid fly away; to$9$ shout or grasp at it. 107:092,04[' ]| But he remained motionless as though carved in$4$ stone. No$2$ 107:092,05[' ]| breathing stirred his mouth, no$2$ life quivered his limbs; 107:092,06[' ]| no$2$ impatience, displeasure, or discomfort altered the 107:092,07[' ]| expression of that$6#2$ calm, still face. And the fly buzzed on$5$. 107:092,08[' ]| If ever thoughts could kill, Letty's thoughts would have 107:092,09[' ]| killed that$6#2$ horrible fly! She hated it, yet was she, though a 107:092,10[' ]| million times larger than it, incapable of lifting her hand 107:092,11[' ]| and demolishing it. Fussing, flying, settling, rising, buzzing, 107:092,12[' ]| it magnetized her. Its gauze wings were blue and 107:092,13[' ]| metallic with shining energy, its body corpulent and cruel. 107:092,14[' ]| It was brilliant, purposeless, and pusillanimous, and it 107:092,15[' ]| fussed and buzzed, settled, rose and buzzed till it almost 107:092,16[' ]| drove her crazy. Another tear rose and fell burningly 107:092,17[' ]| down her cheek, and a sob broke: 107:092,17[A ]| ""Tim."" 107:092,18[' ]| As if in$4$ answer to$4$ this anguished cry came a soft owl's 107:092,19[' ]| call like$4$ the one he had always used to$4$ her! But it came 107:092,20[' ]| from inshore, astonishing her by$4$ its proximity, and though 107:092,21[' ]| it broke the awful tension of the silence, and acted as an 107:092,22[' ]| antidote to$4$ the paralysis of her limbs, it still left her fearful. 107:092,23[' ]| She slipped down beside Peter, turned on$4$ her face 107:092,24[' ]| towards the scrub from whence it came, and watched and 107:092,25[' ]| listened. Then from behind a bush peered forth two coal-black, 107:092,26[' ]| glowing eyes. If there had been any hair growing 107:092,27[' ]| down her spine it would assuredly have stood on$4$ end with 107:092,28[' ]| fright, for$4$ the horror of silence, the terror of the unknown, 107:092,29[' ]| and the dread of the wild laid their hands upon$4$ her. 107:092,29@a | Peter 107:092,30@a | lay so$5#1$ quiet and useless in$4$ the sand, and Tim was hidden 107:092,31@a | in$4$ the hulk. She was alone. Tim would not be long, because 107:092,32@a | of the tide; but what a long time a little while can be 107:092,33@a | when you are afraid! 107:092,34[W ]| ""Hoot-ooo-oo!"" 107:092,34[' ]| went the cry again, and this time some 107:092,35[' ]| human note, some steadiness in$4$ the call seemed to$9$ melt 107:092,36[' ]| some of the fear out of her, and she answered huskily, 107:092,37[A ]| ""Hoot-hoo-hoo: hoo-oe!"" 107:093,01[' ]| And then an almost naked savage leapt out of the bush 107:093,02[' ]| and ran towards her. 107:093,03[A ]| ""My God,"" 107:093,03[' ]| she whispered, laying her little white face in$4$ 107:093,04[' ]| the sand by$4$ Peter's arm. 107:093,04[A ]| ""Oh, my dear God! Come to$4$ 107:093,05[A ]| Letty and help her!"" 107:093,06[' ]| The feet of the creature paused by$4$ her side, and she saw 107:093,07[' ]| the big coarse toe-nails and pale underfoot of the man. 107:093,08[' ]| Then he knelt. 107:093,08[W ]| ""Missie*Baba,"" 107:093,08[' ]| he crooned. Oh, how her 107:093,09[' ]| heart leapt. It was Ananias. 107:093,10[' ]| Now experience had not led her to$9$ place much faith in$4$ 107:093,11[' ]| Ananias, but he was familiar. What a world of hope and 107:093,12[' ]| life that$6#2$ meant in$4$ that$6#2$ dreadful place no*one could ever 107:093,13[' ]| know; and Ananias remembered her. She jumped to$4$ her 107:093,14[' ]| feet and, wild with delight, shouted: 107:093,15[A ]| ""Oh, Ananias, you dear old man! However did you get 107:093,16[A ]| here?"" 107:093,17[W ]| ""Me walk,"" 107:093,17[' ]| he said, and to$4$ her amazement went down on$4$ 107:093,18[' ]| his knees and face, grovelling at her feet. He was trying to$9$ 107:093,19[' ]| copy the farewell he had seen Tim give her years before, 107:093,20[' ]| and was biting the sand and crying. She imagined he had 107:093,21[' ]| gone mad and began to$9$ call Tim, laughing the long low 107:093,22[' ]| call of the kookaburra birds he had taught them on$4$ Melville*Island. 107:093,23[' ]| Ananias instantly sat up$5$ on$4$ his haunches, and 107:093,24[' ]| held up$5$ his hand, warning her to$9$ stop, and she noticed 107:093,25[' ]| his eyes were still burning like$4$ hot coals. 107:093,26[W ]| ""No$2$ more peoples want. Just you two little fellas. Com' 107:093,27[W ]| alonga me, Missie*Baba."" 107:093,27[' ]| And he began to$9$ move towards 107:093,28[' ]| the bush. 107:093,29[' ]| She remembered how he had wanted her to$9$ go with him 107:093,30[' ]| before and Tim's indignation on$4$ that$6#2$ occasion, and drew 107:093,31[' ]| back, stumbling over Peter. That$6#2$ reminded her of his 107:093,32[' ]| helpless condition and, hoping to$9$ cause delay, she pointed 107:093,33[' ]| it out to$4$ Ananias, with whom it was always useless to$9$ 107:093,34[' ]| argue. 107:093,35[' ]| As if Peter were the entire solution of the trouble, 107:093,36[' ]| Ananias stooped and lifted the boy on$5$ to$4$ his back and 107:093,37[' ]| started to$9$ walk away. Letty immediately lost her head and 107:094,01[' ]| followed, wringing her hands. Ananias looked back and, 107:094,02[' ]| seeing her following, contentedly stalked on$5$ into the fringe 107:094,03[' ]| of bush. 107:094,04[' ]| Then Letty remembered Tim and the bird's calls she 107:094,05[' ]| was to$9$ give, and turning, she fled back to$4$ the wet sea-bed 107:094,06[' ]| screaming the kookaburra cry for$4$ Tim, but he did not 107:094,07[' ]| answer. Again she thought of Peter and turned and ran to$4$ 107:094,08[' ]| the fringe of bush, where she found Ananias silently waiting 107:094,09[' ]| with Peter like$4$ a sack on$4$ his back. 107:094,09@a | She could not let 107:094,10@a | him be taken away ~~ the Governor's son, her dear comrade, 107:094,11@a | a fellow in$4$ misfortune, her Peter, her sick friend! 107:094,12[' ]| Ananias turned and stalked off, almost disappearing in$4$ the 107:094,13[' ]| brushwood before he stood to$9$ wait again, his head and 107:094,14[' ]| eyes showing above a fringe of low ti-trees. 107:094,15[A ]| ""Tim! Tim! ~~ Peter! Peter!"" 107:094,15[' ]| she wailed, standing 107:094,16[' ]| between the bush and the beach, torn asunder, desperate. 107:094,17[A ]| ""Oh, Tim, why do not you come back!"" 107:094,18[' ]| But there was no$2$ sign of Tim; the tide was low and the 107:094,19[' ]| boat lay high and dry and desolate on$4$ the reef, the plank 107:094,20[' ]| lay across the waterway and, though she could have gone 107:094,21[' ]| to$4$ Tim, she turned and followed Peter. 107:094,00@@@@@| 208:095,00[U ]| <\Tim\> 208:095,00[U ]| <\Alone\> 208:095,01[' ]| When Tim left the children on$4$ the beach, his 208:095,02[' ]| heart was heavy within him. Peter's condition 208:095,03[' ]| was bad and he realized that$3$ 208:095,03@e | Letty was only a frail girl 208:095,04@e | child and could offer no$2$ real help to$4$ any of them; indeed, 208:095,05@e | when all was said and done, she could be nothing less 208:095,06@e | than a constant source of anxiety. 208:095,06[' ]| He knew that$3$ he was 208:095,07[' ]| invaluable to$4$ them both, and therefore his life had become 208:095,08[' ]| a very precious thing to$4$ him; and he found himself 208:095,09[' ]| starting at unexpected sounds and even quivering with 208:095,10[' ]| distress and apprehension when he reached the gap of 208:095,11[' ]| swirling water and crossed over it on$4$ the plank. He was 208:095,12[' ]| extremely weary from want of sleep, for$3$ he had not 208:095,13[' ]| allowed himself to$9$ close his eyes that$6#2$ night on$4$ account 208:095,14[' ]| of the fear of savages and also to$9$ keep a watch over 208:095,15[' ]| Peter. But somehow the golden sunshine seemed to$9$ 208:095,16[' ]| lessen his fears, and with an easier heart he ran over 208:095,17[' ]| the reef to$4$ the ship. He noticed, and subconsciously 208:095,18[' ]| noted as he ran, in$4$ that$6#2$ strange way the brain works, 208:095,19[' ]| that$3$ quantities of the trepang fish were growing or rather 208:095,20[' ]| lying in$4$ their obese way about the rocks and reef, and 208:095,21[' ]| he used the knowledge later to$4$ his worldly profit, selling 208:095,22[' ]| the little fish ""mine"" to$4$ a Malay merchant in$4$ Port*Darwin, 208:095,23[' ]| and thus realizing his first capital, which$6#1$ was to$9$ grow into 208:095,24[' ]| a vast estate. But now his only anxious thought was 208:095,25[' ]| for$4$ the welfare of those two children who$6#1$ for$4$ him had 208:095,26[' ]| run themselves into great danger. His mind was never 208:095,27[' ]| easy over them, and he had sworn a great oath to$4$ himself 208:095,28[' ]| that$3$ 208:095,28@e | come what may he would return them to$4$ their parents 208:095,29@e | unharmed, if it was in$4$ the power of mortal man to$9$ do so$5#2$. 208:096,01[' ]| So$3$ setting his mind to$4$ the matter in$4$ hand, Tim reached 208:096,02[' ]| the hulk, jumped on$4$ the sunken bows, waved his hand 208:096,03[' ]| to$4$ his beloved Miss*Letty and set to$9$ work to$9$ explore 208:096,04[' ]| the wreck. He found his musket first, where he had left 208:096,05[' ]| it on$4$ the floor of the ""cubby"", but he had no$2$ powder or 208:096,06[' ]| ball and had to$9$ hunt for$4$ them. He also found the large 208:096,07[' ]| square pickle-bottle of nodules, which$6#1$ he guessed were 208:096,08[' ]| pearls. He had taken them out of his shirt-front when 208:096,09[' ]| he first recovered from the crash of the water-spout, 208:096,10[' ]| for$3$ they got in$4$ his way, and he had run to$4$ the cabin 208:096,11[' ]| and planted them there in$4$ safety before he had started 208:096,12[' ]| to$9$ work to$9$ restore animation to$4$ the drenched and senseless 208:096,13[' ]| children. But pearls were no$2$ use to$4$ him now and 208:096,14[' ]| he left them untouched and turned to$9$ reconnoitre for$4$ 208:096,15[' ]| means of existence. With this idea in$4$ his mind, he found 208:096,16[' ]| his way to$4$ the cook's house, was astonished when he 208:096,17[' ]| discovered Sampow there, stretched upon$4$ the floor in$4$ 208:096,18[' ]| a deep opium repose. Now Tim was a queer customer, 208:096,19[' ]| with a brain whose agility was now beyond compare. 208:096,20[' ]| And he had always been able to$9$ wipe, as it were, one lot 208:096,21[' ]| of thoughts completely away and concentrate on$4$ another 208:096,22[' ]| if need arose. At this time in$4$ his history he had made 208:096,23[' ]| up$5$ his mind on$4$ three points: 208:096,23@e | firstly, to$9$ get the children 208:096,24@e | back to$4$ safety; secondly, to$9$ keep his freedom, and thirdly, 208:096,25@e | to$9$ make a place for$4$ himself in$4$ the world. 208:096,25[' ]| And since, 208:096,26[' ]| for$4$ the time being, it were better to$9$ give up$5$ thinking 208:096,27[' ]| of the first, and the second was \7pro*tem%\ absolute, the 208:096,28[' ]| third item became paramount. He knew that$3$ a ship without 208:096,29[' ]| a master was considered derelict, and he saw, in$4$ a 208:096,30[' ]| flash, a ""start"" for$4$ himself if he could commandeer this 208:096,31[' ]| one. So$3$ he started to$9$ confiscate it forthwith, for$3$ he knew 208:096,32[' ]| that$3$ the wily Chow, if he regained consciousness, would 208:096,33[' ]| claim the prize if aware he had remained in$4$ sole charge 208:096,34[' ]| thereon all the night long. Therefore Tim decided to$9$ 208:096,35[' ]| frustrate any such claim, and so$3$ he deliberately set to$9$ 208:096,36[' ]| work to$9$ form a raft and bind Sampow to$4$ it, and then 208:096,37[' ]| calmly shoved him overboard into the sea. He looked 208:097,01[' ]| over to$4$ the children. They were quite safe. He then 208:097,02[' ]| collected an axe, a frying-pan, a billie (which$6#1$ he filled 208:097,03[' ]| with eatables), all the knives he could lay his hand on$4$, 208:097,04[' ]| and some bamboo matting, and these he strapped together 208:097,05[' ]| high in$4$ the stern for$4$ his future use. After this, he 208:097,06[' ]| systematically hunted high and low for$4$ the powder he 208:097,07[' ]| knew was hidden somewhere on$4$ the ship. 208:097,08[' ]| Bapoe's cabin and its contents had been completely 208:097,09[' ]| washed away, but he discovered a small hatch on$4$ the 208:097,10[' ]| deck where it had stood, and this Tim started to$9$ open. 208:097,11[' ]| He had to$9$ use some ingenuity with his clasp-knife, for$3$ 208:097,12[' ]| it had shut with a spring, and jammed. When at last 208:097,13[' ]| he had prised it open, he ran to$4$ the side of the ship 208:097,14[' ]| and looked over at the little group once more, round 208:097,15[' ]| which$6#1$ his heart was bound, then swinging himself into 208:097,16[' ]| the hold, and calculating he had just ten minutes or so$5#2$ 208:097,17[' ]| before he must go back to$4$ the shore, he was lost to$4$ view. 208:097,18[' ]| There had been plenty of water down there and the sea 208:097,19[' ]| would slide in$5$ again when the tide came up$5$, for$3$ great 208:097,20[' ]| rents were torn in$4$ the bottom of the ship. But just now 208:097,21[' ]| it contained soaked trepang piled on$4$ soaking trepang, 208:097,22[' ]| and other stores too sodden to$9$ lift. However, two or 208:097,23[' ]| three feet from the stern the cargo had escaped damage 208:097,24[' ]| and Tim set to$9$ work to$9$ forage for$4$ eatables up$4$ here. He 208:097,25[' ]| sighted tea, coffee, and cocoa-beans, rice and meal. and 208:097,26[' ]| then he imagined he heard a cry and ran swiftly to$4$ the 208:097,27[' ]| hatch to$9$ verify and answer it. Alas, the wind, their 208:097,28[' ]| wicked enemy for$4$ so$5#1$ many hours, had played another 208:097,29[' ]| trick! A little puff, it must have been, just a little unruly 208:097,30[' ]| puff which$6#1$ came and snapped the hatch down so$3$ that$3$ 208:097,31[' ]| it locked itself close. Tim wasted no$2$ time fruitlessly 208:097,32[' ]| tugging to$9$ try and open it, for$3$ he knew it fastened firmly 208:097,33[' ]| from below, but started away to$9$ discover another exit. 208:097,34[' ]| One rent high in$4$ the stern was large enough to$9$ let his 208:097,35[' ]| head and body through, but there was no$2$ way to$9$ climb 208:097,36[' ]| up$5$ outside to$4$ the deck, and below the sea rushed deep 208:097,37[' ]| and swift and treacherously. Lying so$5#2$, looking up$5$ and 208:098,01[' ]| then down, calculating the impossiblity of escape this 208:098,02[' ]| way, he heard a second cry and it nearly drove him wild. 208:098,03[E ]| ""Oh, Miss*Letty dear, I am coming, I am coming!"" 208:098,03[' ]| he 208:098,04[' ]| found himself muttering desperately, as he dropped 208:098,05[' ]| back in$4$ the hold, and frantic with anxiety, found a bar 208:098,06[' ]| with which$6#1$ to$9$ pound a way out of the old ship, if it were 208:098,07[' ]| possible to$9$ do so$5#2$. The sea began to$9$ bubble in$5$ over the 208:098,08[' ]| torn bottom and to$9$ wet his feet before he made much 208:098,09[' ]| headway on$4$ the beam, and remembering the chasm which$6#1$ 208:098,10[' ]| he could not cross once the tide rose, he worked furiously. 208:098,11[' ]| But he was too late! When at last he was able to$9$ squeeze 208:098,12[' ]| himself between the planks and breathe the open air, he 208:098,13[' ]| saw that$3$ the beach was empty. Horrorstricken, he 208:098,14[' ]| wriggled on$5$, till his hands touched the reef which$6#1$ was 208:098,15[' ]| now partially covered with water, and so$3$ hastening, he 208:098,16[' ]| brought his feet to$4$ land and started to$9$ run round the 208:098,17[' ]| bows. Have you ever tried to$9$ run in$4$ water over slippery 208:098,18[' ]| weeds? Poor Tim, breathless and panting, at last came 208:098,19[' ]| into full view of the beach and found it, from end to$4$ end, 208:098,20[' ]| naked of human kind. But on$5$ he ran over the rocks, 208:098,21[' ]| hoping to$9$ cross the chasm before he was completely 208:098,22[' ]| cut off. The tide was too quick for$4$ him, however, and 208:098,23[' ]| to$9$ save his own life he had to$9$ hasten back to$4$ the comparative 208:098,24[' ]| safety of the wreck. 208:098,24[E ]| ""For$3$ it was no$2$ use drowning 208:098,25[E ]| meself,"" 208:098,25[' ]| he explained later, 208:098,25[E ]| ""when it was on$4$ me head to$9$ 208:098,26[E ]| try to$9$ save the lives of them innocent children."" 208:098,26[' ]| So$3$ dolefully 208:098,27[' ]| Tim pulled himself up$4$ the bow again, and sat down 208:098,28[' ]| to$9$ think the matter over. How terribly worried he was. 208:098,29[' ]| All sorts of dreadful thoughts rushed at him. He remembered 208:098,30[' ]| that$3$ the blacks have no$2$ idea of Christianity, perhaps 208:098,31[' ]| none at all of any sort of God, but that$3$ they believed 208:098,32[' ]| in$4$ evil spirits and put all ill-fortune down to$4$ their 208:098,33[' ]| account. Tim knew a little about blacks (aborigines are 208:098,34[' ]| generally called simply ""blacks""), since he had shared 208:098,35[' ]| prison life with them down in$4$ the jail at Rottnest. Tim 208:098,36[' ]| groaned. That$6#2$ was no$2$ illuminating thought. 208:098,36@e | These 208:098,37@e | wretched blacks had no$2$ idea of precept and principle. 208:099,01@e | You never knew what they would be at, thinking it 208:099,02@e | quite the correct thing to$9$ do. Badjong had told him. 208:099,03[' ]| Badjong (Wattle*Gum), an erstwhile chief who$6#1$ had been 208:099,04[' ]| caught after many cattle spearings, which$6#1$ he openly 208:099,05[' ]| boasted he had committed. At the remembrance of this 208:099,06[' ]| native Tim found himself sardonically grinning, for$3$ 208:099,07[' ]| he had really grown quite fond of Badjong in$4$ a queer 208:099,08[' ]| kind of way on$4$ Rottnest*Island. Besides, the black had 208:099,09[' ]| been very useful to$4$ him and whiled away many a weary 208:099,10[' ]| hour of captivity. He taught Tim some of the native 208:099,11[' ]| language, for$3$ Badjong loved to$9$ teach and to$9$ show off, 208:099,12[' ]| and when they could understand each other he showed 208:099,13[' ]| the foolish white youth how things were done in$4$ the 208:099,14[' ]| wilds. He showed him dance steps; taught him some 208:099,15[' ]| melodies; told him stories of ghosts and ""debil-debil""; 208:099,16[' ]| showed him how to$9$ catch fish in$4$ his two hands, how 208:099,17[' ]| to$9$ dig out wallaby when the little creature had run to$4$ 208:099,18[' ]| cover, and in$4$ fact made quite a confidant of him. Tim, 208:099,19[' ]| of course, had tried to$9$ instil some of his own ideas into 208:099,20[' ]| the mind of the blackfellow, but wihout much success ~~ 208:099,21[' ]| he might just as well, for$4$ all the effect it produced, have 208:099,22[' ]| banged at the thick pate of the savage with the waddy, 208:099,23[' ]| as he had been requested to$9$ do. For$3$ the black had one 208:099,24[' ]| day fetched a great big waddy (a thick stick) to$4$ Tim, 208:099,25[' ]| and standing before him with lowered head asked Tim 208:099,26[' ]| to$9$ 208:099,26@w | hammer at it to$9$ see if he could hurt Badjong, the bold, 208:099,27@w | the strong. 208:099,27[' ]| But Tim had declined with thanks. 208:099,27@e | Supposing 208:099,28@e | Badjong, having endured, the club had changed 208:099,29@e | hands and receiver become the assailant? Yes, Badjong 208:099,30@e | had been quite a delightful companion to$4$ Tim down at 208:099,31@e | Rottnest, but he certainly was no$2$ fit mate for$4$ Miss*Letty! 208:099,32@e | Nor was any black for$4$ any white woman. 208:099,32[' ]| He had not 208:099,33[' ]| the slightest wish to$9$ remember ~~ but he did to$4$ his horror 208:099,34[' ]| just at this moment ~~ that$6#2$ dreadful story he had heard 208:099,35[' ]| percolating down from the force to$4$ the official, and so$3$ 208:099,36[' ]| to$4$ the overseas, jailers, and prisoners, about the white 208:099,37[' ]| woman who$6#1$ had been captured by$4$ blacks. It hit at him 208:100,01[' ]| like$4$ a buffet of wind. It was about an English girl 208:100,02[' ]| who$6#1$ had been amongst those wrecked on$4$ the far-eastern 208:100,03[' ]| coast. She alone was saved: at least it became evident 208:100,04[' ]| that$3$ she was saved when the wreck was discovered, for$3$ 208:100,05[' ]| she was seen more than once attended by$4$ groups of 208:100,06[' ]| natives. Many attempts had been made to$9$ rescue her, 208:100,07[' ]| but the blacks eluded the colonists, who$6#1$ could not penetrate 208:100,08[' ]| into the thickly wooded and entangled bush, at 208:100,09[' ]| that$6#2$ place almost impenetrable and entirely uncharted; 208:100,10[' ]| and moreover on$4$ the several occasions that$3$ they came 208:100,11[' ]| into reasonable distance the aborigines had made threatening 208:100,12[' ]| signs that$3$ they would massacre the girl. And she 208:100,13[' ]| in$4$ turn, it was whispered, made no$2$ attempt to$9$ leave her 208:100,14[' ]| shocking situation. Perhaps she was dazed; it is inconceivable 208:100,15[' ]| that$3$ she was contented. Her lot was beyond 208:100,16[' ]| thought horrible. She was in$4$ the hands of the most uncivilized 208:100,17[' ]| race of man known to$9$ exist on$4$ the face of the earth. 208:100,18@e | So$3$ was Miss*Letty ~~ Miss*Letty and an unconscious 208:100,19@e | boy ~~ fit meat for$4$ the barbarians to$9$ wreak their savagery 208:100,20@e | upon$4$. Oh, dear God! 208:100,21[' ]| Tim forced his mind to$4$ less sombre conclusions. He 208:100,22[' ]| remembered that$3$ the aborigines have their laws that$6#1$ 208:100,23[' ]| must not be broken by$4$ any tribe. Their marriage laws 208:100,24[' ]| were queer but sound, according to$4$ Badjong. They 208:100,25[' ]| seemed to$9$ have some regard for$4$ those they married or 208:100,26[' ]| would marry, and for$4$ the wives of other warriors. They 208:100,27[' ]| took care of their young girls, for$3$ in$4$ that$6#2$ manner the 208:100,28[' ]| girls became valuable for$4$ barter. If they stole from another 208:100,29[' ]| tribe there was war ~~ a sort of playful war about 208:100,30[' ]| the matter (boborree) ~~ all very vague indeed to$4$ Tim, 208:100,31[' ]| but it was law of a sort. He imagined Letty would be 208:100,32[' ]| safe from their lusts, at any rate, for$4$ a time. There were 208:100,33[' ]| rules and regulations to$9$ be observed and one man would 208:100,34[' ]| keep other men off till the matter was settled as to$4$ whom 208:100,35[' ]| she should belong. Tim felt the blood rush out of his 208:100,36[' ]| heart, and he stirred restlessly, clenching his fists. The 208:100,37[' ]| thought of lust had been repressed in$4$ him ~~ 208:100,37@e | he \would\ 208:101,01@e | not think of it ~~ 208:101,01[' ]| he always kept tight hold on$5$ to$4$ the 208:101,02[' ]| precepts instilled into him by$4$ the monks of Dongerry. 208:101,03[' ]| He made himself think of Letty as a lad, and this brought 208:101,04[' ]| him to$4$ Peter. The remembrance of Peter's condition 208:101,05[' ]| was a solace to$4$ him, for$3$ the one virtue the wild Australian 208:101,06[' ]| blacks possessed was the strange sympathy they showed 208:101,07[' ]| towards those who$6#1$ were ill; the same softness, perhaps, 208:101,08[' ]| prevented them torturing their captives ~~ for$3$ they were 208:101,09[' ]| never known to$9$ do so$5#2$. 208:101,09@e | That$6#2$ was something. 208:101,09[' ]| Still, he 208:101,10[' ]| grew very uneasy in$4$ his mind again as he remembered 208:101,11[' ]| they might spear or club the children if they were in$4$ 208:101,12[' ]| their way, or if they thought it would give pleasure to$4$ 208:101,13[' ]| any of their ""debil-debil"". Tim shifted uneasily. 208:101,13@e | They 208:101,14@e | might even torture the innocents and not be aware of the 208:101,15@e | fact, if the ""debil-debil"" told them to$9$. And then they 208:101,16@e | often cut each other's, and even their own flesh, in$4$ token 208:101,17@e | of joy or grief ~~ 208:101,17[' ]| Tim made himself call to$4$ mind what 208:101,18[' ]| he had heard of the gins. 208:101,18@e | Surely women, even coarse-grained 208:101,19@e | gins, would be kind to$4$ his Missie. But perhaps 208:101,20@e | they would think that$3$ she was the boy she appeared to$9$ 208:101,21@e | be. That$6#2$ was perhaps worse for$4$ the moment. They were 208:101,22@e | fiends in$4$ their ideas! They might, for$4$ no$2$ motive appreciable 208:101,23@e | to$4$ the white man's mind, club a boy who$6#1$ had 208:101,24@e | wandered into their midst, and crack his skull, not to$9$ 208:101,25@e | eat, as Letty had so$5#1$ diabolically suggested once or twice, 208:101,26@e | but from sheer, downright lust of killing. 208:101,26@w | Cannibals, 208:101,27@e | Badjong assured Tim, 208:101,27@w | disliked the flesh of civilized 208:101,28@w | people, and if they eat ""man"" at all they preferred China-men. 208:101,29@e | Perhaps they would get Sampow! He had never thought 208:101,30@e | of that$6#2$. Poor old Sampow! But Sampow was wily ~~ he 208:101,31@e | knew something of the natives' habits and customs; 208:101,32@e | trust him to$9$ look after himself if he got safely to$4$ shore. 208:101,33[' ]| Tim wished, however, he had not thrown him overboard 208:101,34[' ]| in$4$ such a hurry. 208:101,34@e | At least he was a \man\, and might help 208:101,35@e | in$4$ this predicament. 208:101,36[' ]| This agony of thought led nowhere! 208:101,36@e | How was he, anyway, 208:101,37@e | to$9$ get the children back if they \had\ got into these 208:102,01@e | savages' hands? He must find the gunpowder. And ~~ and 208:102,02[' ]| ~~ Now he remembered something! He remembered the 208:102,03[' ]| paralysing fear all aborigines have for$4$ certain unholy 208:102,04[' ]| noises such as the ""\Banjip\"" made. 208:102,04@w | The \Banjip\ was a 208:102,05@w | terrible monster, with countless eyes, ears and mouths, 208:102,06@w | enabling him to$9$ see and hear in$4$ all directions and to$9$ 208:102,07@w | devour several people at once. When he was after you, 208:102,08@w | he must get you, he ran so$5#1$ fast. He eats human flesh, 208:102,09@w | and he wails and screams and blasts when he is in$4$ anger. 208:102,10[' ]| Badjong had told Tim all this with bated breath, after 208:102,11[' ]| a strange noise had been heard on$4$ the island. It was a 208:102,12[' ]| young official from England who$6#1$ had brought over a 208:102,13[' ]| new hunting-horn, hoping to$9$ learn to$9$ play there in$4$ peace. 208:102,14[' ]| But he made such an unholy noise that$3$ the governor 208:102,15[' ]| of the jail had sent him back to$4$ the mainland. Tim tried 208:102,16[' ]| to$9$ explain matters to$4$ Badjong, but the terrified savage 208:102,17[' ]| would not believe that$3$ the noise he had heard came from 208:102,18[' ]| a trumpet. Tim had shaped a reed and blasted on$4$ it to$9$ 208:102,19[' ]| show him, and Badjong jumped away and fled and never 208:102,20[' ]| trusted Tim again. All very childish, but mixed up$5$ with 208:102,21[' ]| fearsome thoughts. Even Tim felt a little afraid on$4$ a 208:102,22[' ]| dark night if unaccountable sounds were heard, a fear 208:102,23[' ]| he knew somehow must be electrically communicated 208:102,24[' ]| from the blacks. 208:102,25[' ]| He thrust away this thought and found an absurd one 208:102,26[' ]| take its place. The wild blacks wore no$2$ clothes, and he 208:102,27[' ]| hated to$9$ think of the children being exposed to$4$ the indecent 208:102,28[' ]| sight of inelegant old gins and the terrible flintcut 208:102,29[' ]| scarred bodies of the braves. Then he remembered 208:102,30[' ]| again that$3$ Letty was practically alone and flung himself 208:102,31[' ]| on$4$ his knees in$4$ an agony of prayer. But though his lips 208:102,32[' ]| muttered prayers, his mind wandered on$5$ to$4$ things. Badjong 208:102,33[' ]| again. Folklore, dances, evil spirits, burials. All 208:102,34[' ]| mixed up$5$ with ""\mu^ru^p\"", the spirit or the soul of a man 208:102,35[' ]| (woman did not seem to$9$ have one): strange cries that$6#1$ 208:102,36[' ]| froze the blood: ""\mu^ru^p\"", who$6#1$ visited its own left body 208:102,37[' ]| and made friends with \Banjip\. 208:103,01[' ]| Tim found the hair rising on$4$ his head. 208:103,01@e | He \must\ not 208:103,02@e | think like$4$ this. 208:103,02@w | Badjong always declared the blacks were 208:103,03@w | kind to$4$ children, 208:103,03[' ]| though he did add with ingenious 208:103,04[' ]| nai^vete= that$3$ 208:103,04@w | it was nothing to$9$ kill a new-born infant 208:103,05@w | that$6#1$ had no$2$ intelligence or understanding. 208:103,06@e | Ah! Here was a bright idea at last! It was possible 208:103,07@e | that$3$ Letty had moved from the beach into the shade when 208:103,08@e | the sun had come up$5$, after having called out to$4$ him her 208:103,09@e | intention. She might even now be safely asleep beside 208:103,10@e | the defenceless Peter. She might be, for$3$ she was ever 208:103,11@e | a rogue, smiling at his discomfort. It was useless worrying 208:103,12@e | oneself to$4$ death; anyway, he would get on$5$ with the 208:103,13@e | tasks he had set himself to$9$ do. 208:103,13[' ]| So$3$, at last, manfully he 208:103,14[' ]| rose, saying to$4$ himself, 208:103,14[E ]| ""That$6#2$ is right, me boy. Get into 208:103,15[E ]| action and forget what might happen, and remember 208:103,16[E ]| they have their laws like$4$ the rest of us."" 208:103,17[' ]| So$3$ walking forward, he began to$9$ forage for$4$ munitions 208:103,18[' ]| in$4$ order to$9$ try and forget his anguish. 208:103,18@e | His shooting-gear 208:103,19@e | was in$4$ fair trim. He must have that$6#2$ powder too! and he 208:103,20@e | had been on$4$ the look-out too for$4$ knives, 208:103,20[' ]| which$6#1$ he felt 208:103,21[' ]| doubly in$4$ need of now for$4$ defence, as well as usefulness. 208:103,22@e | But powder first. Powder must be aboard, for$3$ the vessel 208:103,23@e | carried an old-fashioned cannon which$6#1$ showed signs of 208:103,24@e | late usage. 208:103,25[' ]| At last he was rewarded; under the carpenter's bench 208:103,26[' ]| he found a keg of powder, which$6#1$ he placed beside his 208:103,27[' ]| other treasures. He then cooked and ate some food 208:103,28[' ]| which$6#1$ he found in$4$ a box in$4$ the galley, and the water 208:103,29[' ]| having risen all round the ship, he rolled himself up$5$ 208:103,30[' ]| beside the goods, commended his soul and the souls 208:103,31[' ]| of his ""children"" to$4$ the saints, and went to$4$ sleep. 208:103,32[' ]| Poor weary Tim! He must have slept the round of the 208:103,33[' ]| clock and more, for$3$ it was dawn and low tide when he 208:103,34[' ]| woke up$5$, starting, affrighted but refreshed. Seeing the 208:103,35[' ]| way clear, he ran to$4$ the chasm with the plank and made 208:103,36[' ]| for$4$ the shore. His worst fears were then justified, and 208:103,37[' ]| unwilling though he was to$9$ allow it, the aching dread 208:104,01[' ]| took possession of him again. 208:104,01[E ]| ""Hold on$5$, now, Tim*Rafferty,"" 208:104,02[' ]| he admonished himself. 208:104,02[E ]| ""Keep steady! It is themselves 208:104,03[E ]| will$1$ be wanting all the aid that$6#1$ the flesh and blood 208:104,04[E ]| of poor Tim can be giving them now!"" 208:104,05[' ]| He made up$5$ his mind to$9$ carry out his original plans 208:104,06[' ]| of providing for$4$ material needs at all costs, so$3$ he returned 208:104,07[' ]| to$4$ the wreck, secured his provisions and took them as 208:104,08[' ]| far as the chasm, then running back he took the other 208:104,09[' ]| things to$4$ the same place, and carried all safely to$4$ shore. 208:104,10[' ]| Again he carefully and systematically worked, burying 208:104,11[' ]| what he was not in$4$ urgent need of and arranging his 208:104,12[' ]| plans. The tide was now rising. Tim's one idea was to$9$ 208:104,13[' ]| find his charges, but still he waited, setting to$9$ work 208:104,14[' ]| first to$9$ fortify himself with food, and then to$9$ load himself 208:104,15[' ]| with knives, to$9$ dry his gunpowder, and prime his 208:104,16[' ]| musket. At last, he set forth into the unknown bush. 208:104,17[' ]| Crossing the belt of salt scrub, he found himself on$4$ the 208:104,18[' ]| edge of a mangrove swamp, which$6#1$ seemed to$9$ spread unendingly 208:104,19[' ]| all along the coast in$4$ one direction, and in$4$ the 208:104,20[' ]| other, on$4$ the reef side, to$4$ the promontory of land and 208:104,21[' ]| rock that$6#1$ jutted out to$4$ sea. Hoping that$3$ Miss*Letty and 208:104,22[' ]| the child had not been taken into the gruesome place, 208:104,23[' ]| for$3$ he knew how her soul loathed mangroves, but feeling 208:104,24[' ]| it would be safer from the secret prying eyes of blacks, 208:104,25[' ]| he plunged amongst them himself, and plodded along a 208:104,26[' ]| tiny kangaroo track, all his senses alert and on$4$ the watch. 209:105,00@@@@@| 209:105,00[U ]| <\The Old Fort\> 209:105,01[' ]| But nothing happened for$4$ a long time, and he was 209:105,02[' ]| beginning to$9$ wish for$4$ any place in$4$ this wide world 209:105,03[' ]| other than a mangrove swamp, when he came upon$4$ a 209:105,04[' ]| strange dry waterway. This surprised him beyond 209:105,05[' ]| measure, but nothing daunted, and glad to$9$ be out from 209:105,06[' ]| under the stifling shelter of growth so$5#1$ unspeakably 209:105,07[' ]| dreary, he dropped down between the banks and stepped 209:105,08[' ]| boldly forward along the channel. Presently it dawned 209:105,09[' ]| on$4$ him that$3$ he was not on$4$ any natural track, but gaining 209:105,10[' ]| way on$4$ an ancient hand-made canal; and an earthwork, 209:105,11[' ]| not a bank overgrown by$4$ weeds and verdure, rose on$4$ 209:105,12[' ]| one side, gradually forming bastions and bulwarks as 209:105,13[' ]| though for$4$ defence, thrown up$5$ about an old keep. Then 209:105,14[' ]| his heart ran cold. He knew there were other convict 209:105,15[' ]| stations scattered at intervals round Australia, some of 209:105,16[' ]| them run by$4$ the harshest type of arbitrator, and it made 209:105,17[' ]| his sick to$9$ think he might be taken prisoner again, and 209:105,18[' ]| put into captivity without ever even hearing of the fate 209:105,19[' ]| of the children. Shivering with apprehension, he slipped 209:105,20[' ]| back under cover, and waited, watching and listening 209:105,21[' ]| intently. But silence and desolation alone were borne 209:105,22[' ]| to$4$ his senses. At last, deeming it expedient to$9$ move, 209:105,23[' ]| Tim again rose and cautiously made his way this time 209:105,24[' ]| along the unmade bank by$4$ the waterway, keeping well 209:105,25[' ]| under cover of the mangroves. Moving like$4$ a shadow, 209:105,26[' ]| almost invisible, he began to$9$ tremble and quiver in$4$ nameless 209:105,27[' ]| fear. Something or some*one ~~ almost worse, than any 209:105,28[' ]| living man could be ~~ seemed to$9$ threaten and menace 209:105,29[' ]| him, and he knew it was the ghosts of the long since 209:105,30[' ]| departed convicts and soldiers. Poor Tim! Like$4$ a great 209:105,31[' ]| many Celtic people, he was highly psychic and the spirit 209:105,32[' ]| of the place got hold of him with growing intensity. He 209:105,33[' ]| knew that$3$ 209:105,33@e | here was a place to$4$ which$6#1$ Great*Britain had 209:105,34@e | sent her criminals with soldiers, to$9$ form one of her 209:106,01@e | earliest convict settlements when Virginia had refused 209:106,02@e | to$9$ harbour them. Here criminals and soldiers alike had 209:106,03@e | lived and died, made merry perhaps, and suffered ~~ suffered 209:106,04@e | damnably. 209:106,04[' ]| Tim knew how they must have waited 209:106,05[' ]| for$4$ unendurable time to$9$ pass, longed and hoped, failed, 209:106,06[' ]| worked, sickened, gone mad, and, all hope abandoned, 209:106,07[' ]| died miserably. He himself had been a felon on$4$ release; 209:106,08[' ]| been crowded into holds of ships and cells; made to$9$ work 209:106,09[' ]| without tools; to$9$ build walls, houses, and roads in$4$ which$6#1$ 209:106,10[' ]| he had no$2$ interest; starved, panting with heat and lack 209:106,11[' ]| of water; frozen with cold, breathed on$5$ with putrid 209:106,12[' ]| breaths. But he had never been in$4$ a community isolated 209:106,13[' ]| on$4$ a wild coast without hope of relief, variety, amusement, 209:106,14[' ]| or change even of officials. He knew the heart-sickeness 209:106,15[' ]| which$6#1$ every man in$4$ that$6#2$ settlement must had 209:106,16[' ]| felt as day after day went by$5$ in$4$ dull monotony. Surrounded 209:106,17[' ]| by$4$ fierce tribes of natives, they had no$2$ hope of 209:106,18[' ]| expansion, of making way and founding a township. 209:106,19[' ]| Tim could imagine sentries in$4$ martinets and shakos listlessly 209:106,20[' ]| pacing the embankment on$4$ the other side of the 209:106,21[' ]| canal; listlessly coming on$4$ duty; listlessly going off; listlessly, 209:106,22[' ]| doubtless, falling and dying from a spear thrown 209:106,23[' ]| by$4$ an unseen hand from amongst the mangroves; listlessly 209:106,24[' ]| making a foray and destroying blacks. And if the lot of 209:106,25[' ]| soldiers had been hopeless, how unthinkably dreadful 209:106,26[' ]| the lot of the convicts! 209:106,27[' ]| Tim, finding his thoughts and the place more than he 209:106,28[' ]| could bear, threw all caution to$4$ the wind and fled for$4$ 209:106,29[' ]| all he was worth, helter-skelter along the bank. For$3$ he 209:106,30[' ]| hoped that$3$ by$4$ following the shadows cast by$4$ the sun, 209:106,31[' ]| he would return to$4$ the friendly shore. 209:106,32[' ]| So$3$ Tim came back to$4$ the sea. But he was surprised to$9$ 209:106,33[' ]| find that$3$ he was not at the beach he had left. He was 209:106,34[' ]| beyond the promontory of land which$6#1$ formed the bay 209:106,35[' ]| into which$6#1$ the boat had drifted, and like$4$ so$5#1$ much of 209:106,36[' ]| the country in$4$ this strange new continent, though not 209:106,37[' ]| a stone's throw away, there might have been leagues 209:107,01[' ]| between. Tim gasped with astonishment. There was turf 209:107,02[' ]| here, soft fresh spongy turf curving round a peaceful 209:107,03[' ]| sandy cove; there was a stone-flagged road winding in$4$ 209:107,04[' ]| a friendly fashion up$5$ through the grass to$4$ the walls of 209:107,05[' ]| what was now unmistakably not a river-bed, but a 209:107,06[' ]| crumbling old fort. There was a brook beyond, the water 209:107,07[' ]| obviously coming from some spring, and there were 209:107,08[' ]| trees behind, big wholesome forest trees like$4$ those that$6#1$ 209:107,09[' ]| grew at home in$4$ his own dear country, and it all made 209:107,10[' ]| his heart rejoice. Indeed, it was so$5#1$ homelike and peaceful 209:107,11[' ]| that$3$ Tim, shaking off the horrible dread that$6#1$ had taken 209:107,12[' ]| hold of him, flung himself flat on$4$ the warm sand and 209:107,13[' ]| had a good laugh at himself. 209:107,13@e | This put a different complexion 209:107,14@e | on$4$ the whole matter. The fort was certainly 209:107,15@e | deserted, it most certainly also had an unlimited supply 209:107,16@e | of water, which$6#1$ was good, and perhaps ~~ perhaps ~~ since 209:107,17@e | the native hereabouts had come into touch with civilization 209:107,18@e | even a generation ago, they might be kind to$4$ the 209:107,19@e | children. 209:107,19[' ]| Having eased his mind all at once on$4$ so$5#1$ many 209:107,20[' ]| scores, Tim turned his attention to$4$ the immediate horizon. 209:107,21@e | No$2$ hope of a sail, of course, but you must always look 209:107,22@e | out to$4$ sea, if you are cast away on$4$ a deserted island; 209:107,22[' ]| and 209:107,23[' ]| Tim ~~ Tim always looked at mystical distances and said 209:107,24[' ]| his funny little prayers and praises. And so$3$, when he 209:107,25[' ]| was done, his eyes came down to$4$ the water's edge. And 209:107,26[' ]| there, as though in$4$ direct answer to$4$ his prayer, he found 209:107,27[' ]| something big and alive struggling apparently to$9$ free 209:107,28[' ]| itself from something else, big but not alive. Tim gave 209:107,29[' ]| a spontaneous laugh of sheer glee, and jumping to$4$ his 209:107,30[' ]| feet, ran eagerly forward. For$3$ it was Sampow he had 209:107,31[' ]| discovered, wet, pale, bedraggled, miserable, ""heathen and 209:107,32[' ]| a Chinee"", still a friend. And a friend in$4$ the direst need, 209:107,33[' ]| for$3$ brave as he undoubtedly was, Tim felt that$3$ 209:107,33@e | he could 209:107,34@e | no$2$ more go within the walls of that$6#2$ fort alone than jump 209:107,35@e | over the moon, and yet it was in$4$ that$6#2$ fort, 209:107,35[' ]| he felt, that$3$ 209:107,36@e | he should find a trace of those he sought. 209:107,36[' ]| Grinning 209:107,37[' ]| pleasantly, and speaking soft, reassuring words, Tim 209:108,01[' ]| loosened Sampow from the raft, and was as kind to$4$ him 209:108,02[' ]| as only Tim could manage to$9$ be. And by$4$ playing the 209:108,03[' ]| rescuer ~~ although it was he that$6#1$ had got the Chinaman 209:108,04[' ]| to$4$ this pass ~~ he secured Sampow's eternal devotion; 209:108,05[' ]| which$6#1$ was what he wanted, and meant to$9$ use to$4$ the 209:108,06[' ]| utmost limits. 209:108,07[' ]| The Chinese who$6#1$ are not avaricious are a good-natured, 209:108,08[' ]| decent, honest-dealing race of men, and 209:108,08@e | Sampow, 209:108,08[' ]| Tim 209:108,09[' ]| knew, 209:108,09@e | was one of the best of their kind and cared not a 209:108,10@e | button where he lived or how, so$5#1$ long as he could find 209:108,11@e | work which$6#1$ would pay him enough to$9$ procure sufficient 209:108,12@e | opium to$9$ ensure him dreamless sleeps. 209:108,12[' ]| Even now, without 209:108,13[' ]| wasting words or energy or anything else, he got 209:108,14[' ]| his hand, directly it was released, into his belt pocket 209:108,15[' ]| and drew forth a tiny quid of the poison, which$6#1$ he hungrily 209:108,16[' ]| popped into his mouth. Then he stretched himself, 209:108,17[' ]| shook off some of the wet and began to$9$ remove his 209:108,18[' ]| clinging garments, making inquiries as to$4$ how in$4$ the 209:108,19[' ]| world he got there. These he never expected to$9$ have answered, 209:108,20[' ]| and they never were, since it appeared very 209:108,21[' ]| quickly to$4$ the wily Irishman that$3$ 209:108,21@e | Sampow had taken so$5#1$ 209:108,22@e | much of his favourite drug since the time immediately 209:108,23@e | preceding the wreck when he knocked off work, that$3$ he 209:108,24@e | remembered nothing more. 209:108,24[' ]| So$3$ Tim said what he chose 209:108,25[' ]| ""for$4$ the common weal"". He found out also that$3$ Sampow 209:108,26[' ]| knew the locality, and something of the character of the 209:108,27[' ]| natives on$4$ this coast. He said the spot was Fort*Essingden 209:108,28[' ]| and that$3$ it had been given up$5$ by$4$ the British years ago, 209:108,29[' ]| soon after it was established, as many another settlement 209:108,30[' ]| had been in$4$ these territories, on$4$ account of the 209:108,31[' ]| wildness and ferociousness of the blacks. The only 209:108,32[' ]| people, he explained, who$6#1$ had been able to$9$ live in$4$ peace 209:108,33[' ]| outside Port*Darwin, was a strange community of some 209:108,34[' ]| unknown god's priests, who$6#1$, though they had no$2$ influence 209:108,35[' ]| over the warriors and braves of the aborigines, 209:108,36[' ]| taught the children of the weaker tribes to$9$ sing 209:108,36@w | ""Baa! Baa! 209:108,37@w | Baa!"" ""their gins to$9$ cook; and their old men to$9$ grow 209:109,01@w | vines, the fruit of which$6#1$, by$4$ some magic, they turned 209:109,02@w | into fire-water in$4$ the bowels of the earth."" 209:109,02[' ]| Tim was 209:109,03[' ]| puzzled. 209:109,03[E ]| ""Are the priests black?"" 209:109,03[' ]| he inquired. 209:109,03[W ]| ""No$7$, white 209:109,04[W ]| mans. Whiter than Chows; white like$4$ the lords of the 209:109,05[W ]| earth. Sometimes weak black turn proselyte, and that$6#2$ is 209:109,06[W ]| that$6#2$."" 209:109,07[E ]| ""Are they by$4$ chance the Christian priests of the Almighty 209:109,08[E ]| God of the white man?"" 209:109,08[' ]| Tim asked. 209:109,09[' ]| Sampow held up$5$ his hands indignantly. 209:109,09[W ]| ""No$7$, he had 209:109,10[W ]| seen that$6#2$ kind in$4$ many a port, those who$6#1$ wore high black 209:109,11[W ]| hats, shiny white rims round their throats, long black 209:109,12[W ]| coats and things like$4$ flattened black snakes round their 209:109,13[W ]| legs."" ""No$7$. Indeed, those they comee China long-a-go 209:109,14[W ]| and makee shop house school, call em chu-cha-eenglan 209:109,15[W ]| Meeshan. Dey go on$5$ somee time, somee cruel ~~ oh my! 209:109,16[W ]| Alla well little time, but we no$2$ stand too mucha cheek. No$2$ 209:109,17[W ]| good dis tom-foolee longa time; so$5#1$ longa comee Chinamans 209:109,18[W ]| and chop off der heads. Alla finish, oh my! All well. No$2$ 209:109,19[W ]| comee back. But Eneglan' she senda sheeps: maka war."" 209:109,20[' ]| These others he spoke of now were quite different, 209:109,21[' ]| he took pains to$9$ explain, wearing garments like$4$ unto 209:109,22[' ]| those of the priests of Buddha, and like$4$ them they neither 209:109,23[' ]| hunted nor rode, swore great oaths, took snuff, nor kept 209:109,24[' ]| wives and begot sons and daughrers. They were holy 209:109,25[' ]| men. No$7$, they fasted at certain intervals; fell into contemplative 209:109,26[' ]| silences, and sometimes knelt before a poor 209:109,27[' ]| image of a man crucified to$4$ a tree. 209:109,28[E ]| ""Catholics,"" 209:109,28[' ]| cried Tim joyfully. 209:109,28[E ]| ""But how did you learn 209:109,29[E ]| all about them, Sam? And myself taking you for$4$ a heathen!"" 209:109,30[W ]| ""Alla same Buddha; alla same Confucius. No$2$ good, dat 209:109,31[W ]| word heathen, massa."" 209:109,32[E ]| ""Be that$6#2$ as it may,"" 209:109,32[' ]| answered Tim, worrying at one 209:109,33[' ]| point only. 209:109,33[E ]| ""Can you take me to$4$ those good men, Sam? 209:109,34[E ]| For$3$ it is with them, maybe, we will$1$ be finding the "heaven-born". 209:109,35[E ]| It is certain sure I will$1$ not be able to$9$ rest for$4$ looking 209:109,36[E ]| for$4$ their honours, so$3$ put your mind to$4$ it, Sam."" 209:109,37[' ]| But Sampow dashed this hope instantly to$4$ the ground: 209:110,01[W ]| ""That$6#2$ house at Port*Darwin, Massa*Teem; no$2$ sheeps, 209:110,02[W ]| no$2$ gettin' dar. No$2$ good, oh my!"" 209:110,03[' ]| Tim's face fell. 209:110,03@e | Where could the children be? No$7$, they 209:110,04@e | were not dead. He felt sure they could not be dead. Had 209:110,05@e | he not invoked the saints on$4$ their behalf? 209:110,06[E ]| ""Sampow,"" 209:110,06[' ]| he said, 209:110,06[E ]| ""listen to$4$ me now! The children of 209:110,07[E ]| the White Masters came ashore and disappeared. It is 209:110,08[E ]| ourselves have to$9$ find and deliver them back safe and 209:110,09[E ]| sound. I get much money for$4$ that$6#2$!"" 209:110,09[' ]| He knew quite well 209:110,10@e | he never would, but that$6#2$ was the only argument to$9$ use 209:110,11@e | to$4$ Sampow. 209:110,11[E ]| ""You get much money for$4$ it. Now use your 209:110,12[E ]| wits, me boy, and get thinking where they will$1$ be."" 209:110,12[' ]| He lifted 209:110,13[' ]| his fingers, counting. 209:110,14[E ]| ""It is not on$4$ the farther beach they are, nor on$4$ this, 209:110,15[E ]| nor in$4$ the mangroves, that$6#2$ is all I am knowing. Come, 209:110,16[E ]| Sampow, think it out."" 209:110,17[' ]| Sampow rolled his eyes right up$5$! 209:110,18[W ]| ""Black fella eatee dem,"" 209:110,18[' ]| said Sampow without hesitation. 209:110,19[W ]| ""Sure ting, allee gone. So$3$! Alla blacks eat em flesh up$5$ 209:110,20[W ]| hereabout."" 209:110,21[' ]| The fear of the white ghosts had for$4$ the time driven 209:110,22[' ]| the fear of blacks from Tim's mind, but when Sampow 209:110,23[' ]| spoke so$5#1$ decisively about cannibalism, he turned sick 209:110,24[' ]| with anguish, and to$9$ hide his feelings, busied himself, 209:110,25[' ]| while Sampow dried his wide trousers and coat, in$4$ gathering 209:110,26[' ]| shell-fish from the roots of the mangroves, filling his 209:110,27[' ]| billy, lighting a fire and making tea while he thought out 209:110,28[' ]| new plans and discarded them one by$4$ one. 209:110,29[E ]| ""Are you frightened of the niggers yourself, Sam?"" 209:110,29[' ]| he 209:110,30[' ]| asked presently, helping his friend to$4$ his food. 209:110,31[' ]| The Chinaman grinned and shook his head. 209:110,31[W ]| ""Dey stupid 209:110,32[W ]| fella. Alla time no$2$ twig nuffin'."" 209:110,32[' ]| Silence fell. Then Sampow, 209:110,33[' ]| refreshed with hot tea, began to$9$ suggest help. 209:110,34[W ]| ""Suppose we pretend be black fella, see? Hide alla 209:110,35[W ]| clothes. Me makee me all blacka, me makee you all 209:110,36[W ]| blacka, all the same black fella, he not knowing nuffin'. 209:110,37[W ]| You speak lingo. Me speak nope. Very good. See?"" 209:111,01[E ]| ""How?"" 209:111,02[' ]| Sampow answered not, till having finished his meal, 209:111,03[' ]| he crept into the bush and came back with a piece of 209:111,04[' ]| bark which$6#1$ he spat upon$4$ and rubbed on$4$ his arm. It at 209:111,05[' ]| once stained the skin dark brown. 209:111,06[W ]| ""Dat!"" 209:111,07[E ]| ""Sure,"" 209:111,07[' ]| murmured Tim, who$6#1$ had been watching him 209:111,08[' ]| narrowly. 209:111,08[E ]| ""It is a fakir you are! We had both better be 209:111,09[E ]| turning black right now."" 209:111,09[' ]| And they set to$9$ work to$9$ darken 209:111,10[' ]| themselves all over. 209:111,11[' ]| When Tim stripped he was dreadfully thin, the bones 209:111,12[' ]| of his ribs stood out like$4$ a skeleton and his abdomen 209:111,13[' ]| was almost flat. He looked uncanny without clothes, 209:111,14[' ]| and quite wild and bushy with his black hair uncut and 209:111,15[' ]| beard unbrushed. But suddenly he put on$5$ his clothes 209:111,16[' ]| again, for$3$ his moody Irish temper got the better of him, 209:111,17[' ]| and he obstinately objected to$4$ going about naked. 209:111,17[E ]| ""But 209:111,18[E ]| you will$1$,"" 209:111,18[' ]| he ordered Sampow. 209:111,18[E ]| ""I am Irish, and I will$1$ not 209:111,19[E ]| demean me country goin' unclad like$4$ a heathen. You 209:111,20[E ]| are more often naked than not; you do not mind, you 209:111,21[E ]| optical delusion that$6#1$ you are!"" 209:111,22[W ]| ""So$3$, so$3$,"" 209:111,22[' ]| agreed Sampow generously, for$3$ he had not 209:111,23[' ]| liked the idea of Tim discarding his fire-arms, billies, and 209:111,24[' ]| provisions, though it was his own suggestion. 209:111,24[W ]| ""Dat very 209:111,25[W ]| good. You brave warrior. I 'umble nigger servant Tommie; 209:111,26[W ]| no$2$ speak north lingo ~~ only south Eenglish, speake 209:111,27[W ]| me."" 209:111,28[' ]| So$3$ the queer pair rolled up$5$ the blackened Chinaman's 209:111,29[' ]| clothes, and put them under a stone, then went up$4$ the 209:111,30[' ]| cobbled road and into the fort, with a brave front, though 209:111,31[' ]| Tim began to$9$ tremble directly he went near the sentry-box. 209:111,32[' ]| There were grim, square-faced ruins of an old 209:111,33[' ]| stone barracks just inside the wall, and though the sadness 209:111,34[' ]| and loneliness ate into his heart and the savour 209:111,35[' ]| into his bones, Tim hunted all through them for$4$ traces 209:111,36[' ]| of the children. But only dust, bats, and hollow eerie 209:111,37[' ]| echoes rewarded him. 209:112,01[' ]| Disconsolately he turned to$4$ the officers' quarters, 209:112,02[' ]| kitchens, messes and guards' houses, but they also were 209:112,03[' ]| empty, dejected, ravaged by$4$ time, and unthinkably 209:112,04[' ]| dreary. At last, he reluctantly turned to$4$ that$6#2$ part of 209:112,05[' ]| the fort which$6#1$ had obviously been given over to$4$ the 209:112,06[' ]| prisoners. Hesitating at the gloomy portals ~~ for$3$ the 209:112,07[' ]| place was more mildewy and damper than the rest and 209:112,08[' ]| cried aloud in$4$ its silence and dejection to$4$ his sensitive 209:112,09[' ]| soul, he looked in$5$. Then, petrified with horror, he knew 209:112,10[' ]| he could go no$2$ farther. A human skull lay grinning from 209:112,11[' ]| the floor, rusty chains hung from the walls which$6#1$ once 209:112,12[' ]| had gripped fellow-sufferers, and a decaying iron gate 209:112,13[' ]| groaned in$4$ a corner, swayed to$8$ and fro by$4$ gusts of wind 209:112,14[' ]| coming from below, at some depth from the black hole 209:112,15[' ]| beyond, whistling an eternally ugly cruel sound of buried 209:112,16[' ]| seas. 209:112,17[E ]| ""Dungeons, and the deep black sea!"" 209:112,17[' ]| muttered Tim. 209:112,18[E ]| ""Dungeons, and the deep black sea! The poor boys, the 209:112,19[E ]| poor fellows! Eternal rest grant them, Lord. Eternal 209:112,20[E ]| rest itself, grant to$4$ the boys, who$6#1$ never did a black sin 209:112,21[E ]| and were wrongly deported."" 209:112,22[W ]| ""Me no$2$ likee,"" 209:112,22[' ]| grunted Sampow miserably, all of a 209:112,23[' ]| sudden slinking behind Tim, aware of his nakedness. 209:112,24[W ]| ""Me goin' ter get! No$2$ whites childer, no$2$ black fella, 209:112,25[W ]| nobodies, nuddings; me no$2$ likee this place. Comee 209:112,26[W ]| long!"" 209:112,27[E ]| ""Whew,"" 209:112,27[' ]| sighed Tim, 209:112,27[E ]| ""but it is right you are, and we will$1$ 209:112,28[E ]| away by$4$ the farther gate and out of it."" 209:112,29[' ]| Over the waterway on$4$ the outside to$4$ the far gate, they 209:112,30[' ]| came, to$4$ Tim's immense relief, into sunshine once more, 209:112,31[' ]| and there on$4$ a turfy glade running to$4$ a forest of splendid 209:112,32[' ]| trees carpeted with bracken, there sported, to$4$ his amazement, 209:112,33[' ]| a brace of twin kids with their goat mama. 209:112,34[E ]| ""And look!"" 209:112,34[' ]| cried Tim, his temper in$4$ a flash changing 209:112,35[' ]| again from cloud to$4$ sunshine, 209:112,35[E ]| ""If there is not a shamrock 209:112,36[E ]| ~~ the beauty."" 209:112,37[' ]| With this, he flung himself on$4$ the grass and embraced 209:113,01[' ]| the earth, pressing the four-leaved clover rapturously 209:113,02[' ]| to$4$ his breast. 209:113,02[E ]| ""It is the omen itself, you Chinee devil, and 209:113,03[E ]| now I am happy. Me own little Shamrock of Ireland 209:113,04[E ]| come to$9$ tell us we will$1$ be finding Miss*Letty. And when 209:113,05[E ]| she is found belike, and delivered, the darlint ~~ then this 209:113,06[E ]| is the country for$4$ Tim to$9$ stay in$4$."" 210:114,00@@@@@| 210:114,00[U ]| <\Blackfellows' Camp\> 210:114,01[' ]| Sampow, who$6#1$ was becoming impatient at all these interruptions 210:114,02[' ]| to$4$ the promise of the comforts of some sort of 210:114,03[' ]| camp for$4$ the night ~~ even a blackfellow's were dear to$4$ him 210:114,04[' ]| beyond measure ~~ begged Tim to$9$ get up$5$. But as he spoke, 210:114,05[' ]| Tim's face changed again, becoming canny and watchful. 210:114,06[E ]| ""Whist now!"" 210:114,06[' ]| He laid his ear to$4$ the turf. 210:114,06[E ]| ""I hear savages, 210:114,07[E ]| Sam. Let us go easy on$4$ our stomachs here into the 210:114,08[E ]| bracken; and then let us be crawling away, they may not 210:114,09[E ]| have winded us yet."" 210:114,10[' ]| Obediently Sampow got down on$4$ his belly and wriggled 210:114,11[' ]| after Tim into the brush underwood, but he was very unhappy, 210:114,12[' ]| for$3$ he was bare to$4$ the elements and badly in$4$ need of 210:114,13[' ]| worldly comforts, and as they wriggled on$5$ for$4$ a considerable 210:114,14[' ]| distance he became so$5#1$ unhappy that$3$ he began to$9$ cry. 210:114,15[' ]| Tim, too, felt dismayed by$4$ the sudden overwhelming fact 210:114,16[' ]| of the proximity of unknown native force, and of the awful 210:114,17[' ]| danger they were all in$4$. But he knew 210:114,17@e | he must pull himself 210:114,18@e | together. He must think out some plan. He must 210:114,19@e | keep his head on$4$ his shoulders. 210:114,20[' ]| Tim found himself wilting and movement must be 210:114,21[' ]| obtained to$9$ counteract this awful terror in$4$ his stomach. 210:114,22[' ]| He crawled forwards, plucked a stinging-nettle he found 210:114,23[' ]| there and deliberately stung his eyelids so$3$ that$3$ they started 210:114,24[' ]| swelling. And then, to$4$ Sampow he seemed to$9$ go absolutely 210:114,25[' ]| mad, and, thoroughly disgruntled, the wretched 210:114,26[' ]| Chinaman rolled himself into a leafy hole like$4$ a hedgehog, 210:114,27[' ]| and taking more opium let himself sob bitterly. For$3$ Tim 210:114,28[' ]| seemed to$9$ have forgotten him and apparently their quest, 210:114,29[' ]| all sadness, gladness, and caution, and was full standing on$4$ 210:114,30[' ]| his feet in$4$ an open space amongst strange grassy mounds 210:114,31[' ]| crossing himself piously. It was a graveyard they had 210:114,32[' ]| come to$4$, and this absolute madness was due to$4$ the fact 210:114,33[' ]| that$3$ here to$4$ Tim was hallowed ground and he would waive 210:115,01[' ]| all warfare in$4$ respect to$4$ them who$6#1$ now lay buried desolately 210:115,02[' ]| out here alone in$4$ the far-away bush. Poor Tim, with 210:115,03[' ]| the true-born Irishman's instinctive respect and veneration 210:115,04[' ]| for$4$ the dead, \had\ to$9$ make oblations, and there he 210:115,05[' ]| stood crossing himself and bending the knee, pattering 210:115,06[' ]| aves in$4$ a complete adoration. It was a great relief to$4$ Tim, 210:115,07[' ]| and in$4$ any case, to$4$ his mind, could not but help to$9$ bring 210:115,08[' ]| aid to$4$ Miss*Letty. 210:115,09[' ]| Sampow was not in$4$ the least surprised that$3$ Tim was very 210:115,10[' ]| soon surrounded by$4$ war-blacks; blacks who$6#1$ sprang into 210:115,11[' ]| view from behind trees in$4$ all directions. He was more 210:115,12[' ]| surprised, however, that$3$ they showed no$2$ signs of aggression, 210:115,13[' ]| the leader holding out a lotus-plant root ~~ the sign of 210:115,14[' ]| peace, and when the bewildered convict, interrupted at 210:115,15[' ]| his devotions, accepted it, they all laid down their weapons 210:115,16[' ]| and prostrated themselves at his feet. Tim also for$4$ once 210:115,17[' ]| was flabbergasted when they began to$9$ chant ~~ almost on$4$ 210:115,18[' ]| one note, to$9$ be sure, but it was ~~ a good old Catholic hymn! 210:115,19[W ]| ""By$4$ de spilit of me grandmuder!"" 210:115,19[' ]| cried Sampow, coming 210:115,20[' ]| out of his hole gladly. 210:115,20[W ]| ""Dey are of de weak tribes I tellin' 210:115,21[W ]| you. Dey tink you prosetitee priest. Massa, dis is de luck. 210:115,22[W ]| Oh my! Allee well."" 210:115,23[' ]| Tim, though greatly relieved at his remark, was not fool 210:115,24[' ]| enough to$9$ trust aborigines, even Christian ones. He was 210:115,25[' ]| ready to$9$ show the iron glove immediately. And indeed, 210:115,26[' ]| they were awful-looking fellows. Tim felt his heart quail 210:115,27[' ]| when he contemplated them. But he girt his spiritual 210:115,28[' ]| loins, as it were, and tried to$9$ forget what \might\ happen, or 210:115,29[' ]| indeed had happened, and found a sort of vital force rising 210:115,30[' ]| within him that$6#1$ curiously elated him. Perhaps this is how 210:115,31[' ]| a soldier feels before he goes into battle. Whence came it? 210:115,32[' ]| Who$6#2$ can tell? His parents had doubtless possessed the 210:115,33[' ]| pugnacity and courage of their race and bestowed it upon$4$ 210:115,34[' ]| him as they had bestowed on$4$ him an innate reverence for$4$ 210:115,35[' ]| holy things and for$4$ the innocence of children. 210:115,36[' ]| The first thing he did was to$9$ move resolutely out of the 210:115,37[' ]| graveyard, which$6#1$ it hurt him to$9$ see desecrated by$4$ the 210:116,01[' ]| bounding blacks, who$6#1$ had no$2$ respect at all for$4$ the smooth 210:116,02[' ]| mounded graves of the buried British. Then he called a 210:116,03[' ]| halt and held converse, sternly, to$9$ get what information he 210:116,04[' ]| could about the lost ones. The leader, whose name 210:116,05[' ]| appeared to$9$ be Balglan, for$3$ he pointed to$4$ himself repeating 210:116,06[' ]| that$6#2$ name, and seemed determined that$3$ the visitors should 210:116,07[' ]| note his importance, was a young man with a coal-black 210:116,08[' ]| skin, as tall as any of his followers but short from the 210:116,09[' ]| white man's standpoint. Tim towered above him ~~ that$6#2$ 210:116,10[' ]| was some consolation. But Balglan's arms had great length 210:116,11[' ]| in$4$ proportion to$4$ his legs and he appeared capable of enormous 210:116,12[' ]| agility, though he possessed a narrow chest and 210:116,13[' ]| pendulous belly. Small thighs, small feet and an enormous 210:116,14[' ]| quantity of coarse hair standing up$5$ on$4$ the back of a small 210:116,15[' ]| skull, gave him an unholy appearance, strengthened by$4$ his 210:116,16[' ]| hideously irregular features. The mouth was particularly 210:116,17[' ]| distorted because it had been denuded of two front teeth, 210:116,18[' ]| a sure sign of good caste, and the side teeth came down 210:116,19[' ]| over the lower lip like$4$ a walrus. But worse than all, 210:116,20[' ]| through his wide flat nose was thrust a polished fishbone of 210:116,21[' ]| large dimensions. In$4$ spite of his terrible appearance, 210:116,22[' ]| however, Tim somehow sensed in$4$ a flash of intuition that$3$ 210:116,23@e | Balglan was uneasy, not certain of himself, in$4$ fact fearful 210:116,24@e | and wary. But not to$9$ be trusted, of course. Never trust 210:116,25@e | an Australian black. He knew that$6#2$. Not that$3$ they mean 210:116,26@e | to$9$ be iniquitous. They know no$2$ better, and cannot help 210:116,27@e | themselves. 210:116,27[' ]| Tim had heard that$3$ these north-westers 210:116,28[' ]| would take life with malign delight. He knew well of their 210:116,29[' ]| tigerish, untamable disposition. He made a rapid survey 210:116,30[' ]| of his position, and the possibilities of the near proximity 210:116,31[' ]| of the children. There was the old fort, empty, 210:116,32[' ]| with its desolate dry waterway and flanking of forest 210:116,33[' ]| behind, mangroves one side and the green the other. 210:116,34[' ]| Here was this old graveyard and beyond a tumbledown 210:116,35[' ]| chapel. The blacks' encampment must be just beyond, 210:116,36[' ]| somewhere. He gazed at the men and noticed they were 210:116,37[' ]| all uneasy somehow. He concentrated on$4$ the leader and 210:117,01[' ]| discovered him nervous, but not aggrieved at the presence 210:117,02[' ]| of himself or Sampow. This was evident. A strange sort 210:117,03[' ]| of relieved conciliation was evident in$4$ his manner, and he 210:117,04[' ]| ordered the braves to$9$ lay down their clubs, their heelomans, 210:117,05[' ]| their woomeras and spears. At the same time, by$4$ 210:117,06[' ]| the dilapidated chapel, and through the trees, groups of 210:117,07[' ]| inquisitive gins with their babies, and boys holding back 210:117,08[' ]| native dogs, dingoes (which$6#1$ never bark), appeared. Moreover, 210:117,09[' ]| Balglan showed further signs of friendliness by$4$ 210:117,10[' ]| swinging his club amicably and removing his nasal fishbone 210:117,11[' ]| with a flourish. Perhaps it had been hastily inserted 210:117,12[' ]| and was irritating him like$4$ false teeth. He seemed reluctant 210:117,13[' ]| to$9$ remove it, but apparently more reluctant to$9$ leave it 210:117,14[' ]| adjusted. With infinite care he hid it in$4$ an opossum skin 210:117,15[' ]| round his waist, while Tim stood patiently by$5$. 210:117,16[' ]| Balglan had become a weaker opponent for$4$ his little 210:117,17[' ]| racial prides and posturings and Tim started to$9$ talk to$4$ 210:117,18[' ]| him with some confidence now that$3$ he turned back to$9$ give 210:117,19[' ]| him full attention. He found out that$3$ this was not the 210:117,20[' ]| tribe's ""happy hunting-ground"". They had come here at 210:117,21[' ]| the instigation of a chief ~~ Tonga ~~ who$6#1$ had been drowned 210:117,22[' ]| by$4$ the water-spout which$6#1$ had broken over their camp on$4$ 210:117,23[' ]| the turf by$4$ the fort, sweeping all before it. Many had 210:117,24[' ]| saved themselves, but a few others as well as Tonga had 210:117,25[' ]| been drowned. They had collected now at the best place 210:117,26[' ]| they could find, fearful of attacks from local tribes, and 210:117,27[' ]| the wife of the late headsman, who$6#1$ was ill with fever, had 210:117,28[' ]| given birth to$4$ a girl child instead of a boy. She wished it 210:117,29[' ]| to$9$ have water poured on$4$ its head by$4$ the priests to$9$ make it 210:117,30[' ]| gracious. It needed this, for$3$ it cried much, and as Banyon 210:117,31[' ]| ~~ the mother ~~ was sick she could not care for$4$ it. But the 210:117,32[' ]| old gins would make her well shortly, for$3$ they had, since 210:117,33[' ]| yesterday, whispered of peace-offerings all ready to$9$ bring 210:117,34[' ]| into action when the baby was ""spelled"". But what these 210:117,35[' ]| mysteries were Balglan did not know. It was all on$4$ 210:117,36[' ]| account of the \Banjip's\ cave. They had camped near this 210:117,37[' ]| cave for$4$ protection from the local tribes, who$6#1$ would not go 210:118,01[' ]| within a mile of it. They were themselves terrified of it, 210:118,02[' ]| and this terrible \Banjip\. Yet they could not move on$5$ 210:118,03[' ]| account of the woman's illness. They had all been waiting 210:118,04[' ]| for$4$ him (Tim hoped he would not be found out) to$9$ cast 210:118,05[' ]| out the evils and cast the water spell. Then they would 210:118,06[' ]| give the child alive to$4$ the \Banjip\, and the mother would 210:118,07[' ]| get well. The \Banjip\ lived in$4$ the water that$6#1$ sprung up$5$ 210:118,08[' ]| from the bowels of the cave. They would have to$9$ move on$5$, 210:118,09[' ]| but Banyon ruled the gins, and they would not move till 210:118,10[' ]| her brat had been sprinkled. Tim also gathered that$3$ 210:118,11[' ]| Balglan had an adversary in$4$ the tribe, and they were 210:118,12[' ]| going to$9$ hold boborree (a sort of sporting warfare), for$3$ they, 210:118,13[' ]| Balglan and the other, Gunyio, both wanted to$9$ be headsman 210:118,14[' ]| and have a certain young woman called Beewing for$4$ 210:118,15[' ]| wife, and neither would be averse to$4$ taking over the late 210:118,16[' ]| chief's Banyon if she would have him. But there were 210:118,17[' ]| rites and ceremonies to$9$ be observed. Meanwhile the evil 210:118,18[' ]| spirits held sway, and though the old gins had something 210:118,19[' ]| up$4$ their sleeves, Balglan did not trust them. They were 210:118,20[' ]| cunning and devoted themselves to$4$ Banyon and unfortunately 210:118,21[' ]| to$4$ Gunyio. Gunyio was his adversary. Tim must 210:118,22[' ]| understand. In$4$ fact, Tim came to$4$ the conclusion that$3$ the 210:118,23[' ]| tribe was divided against itself, and in$4$ great excitement 210:118,24[' ]| and commotion. 210:118,25[E ]| ""Lead me,"" 210:118,25[' ]| he demanded sternly in$4$ the vernacular, 210:118,25[E ]| ""to$4$ 210:118,26[E ]| the camp-fire. And go on$5$ and tell more of the yambi 210:118,27[E ]| (talk)."" 210:118,27[' ]| He had heard nothing yet ~~ could not trace an 210:118,28[' ]| allusion to$4$ the children, yet every moment he half-expected 210:118,29[' ]| to$9$ see Letty skipping towards him and to$9$ hear her joyful 210:118,30[' ]| cry. 210:118,30@e | Oh, how he wished he could. He hated this talk of 210:118,31@e | ""\Banjip\"". They might ~~ no$7$, he would not think of it! He 210:118,32@e | would find the children at once. He would ~~ Well, he 210:118,33@e | must keep a brave heart first and foremost. 210:118,34[E ]| ""There is mischief brewing,"" 210:118,34[' ]| he said to$4$ Sampow in$4$ English. 210:118,35[E ]| ""Keep a hold of the tail of me eye, Sam. It is powerful 210:118,36[E ]| glad I am there is trousers over me skin, and a musket in$4$ 210:118,37[E ]| them same legs to$9$ pepper them with ~~ if they want it, 210:119,01[E ]| bedad! Come, folla on$5$ to$4$ Nosey, we will$1$ have to$9$ make our 210:119,02[E ]| way into the camp, and we will$1$ have to$9$ do it aisy."" 210:119,03[' ]| Sampow followed obediently. He considered these 210:119,04[' ]| aborigines a desultory lot, neither fish, flesh nor fowl; \he\ 210:119,05[' ]| was not afraid of them. But Tim was, on$4$ the children's 210:119,06[' ]| account. And he was fidgety too in$4$ case he was wasting 210:119,07[' ]| time. 210:119,08[' ]| At a wave of Balglan's hand the other blacks stepped 210:119,09[' ]| back, and picking up$5$ their boomerangs and spears, made a 210:119,10[' ]| group, as crows do in$4$ the fan form, handle foremost, and 210:119,11[' ]| moved away, along a track through a belt of trees, till they 210:119,12[' ]| came to$4$ a cleared circle within a hundred yards of where 210:119,13[' ]| they had stood. It was obviously the encampment. 210:119,14[' ]| Several fires burned round and in$4$ the centre, and little pot-bellied 210:119,15[' ]| children played about them. The warriors dispersed. 210:119,16[' ]| Tim and Balglan sat down and Sampow crouched 210:119,17[' ]| by$4$ his self-given master. With all his perceptions alight 210:119,18[' ]| Tim went on$5$ making Balglan speak. He found out that$3$ 210:119,19[' ]| the chief's body had been recovered from the sea, and that$3$ 210:119,20[' ]| the burial had been performed that$6#2$ day, but that$3$ every*one 210:119,21[' ]| was afraid of his spirit (\mu^ru^p\), he having been a great 210:119,22[' ]| man and angry, and taken in$4$ the midst of his powers, and 210:119,23[' ]| doubtless the \mu^ru^p\ would arise and make a scene, 210:119,24[' ]| though they \had\ drawn his legs well up$5$ to$4$ his body and 210:119,25[' ]| tied them fast. Tim said he would like$1$ to$9$ see the burial-ground, 210:119,26[' ]| but Balglan looked at him so$5#1$ reproachfully that$3$ he 210:119,27[' ]| did not urge this request. He remembered that$3$ the blacks 210:119,28[' ]| hate to$9$ speak of the dead, for$4$ fear of his spirit. So$3$ he 210:119,29[' ]| changed the subject by$4$ asking where the cave was situated, 210:119,30[' ]| and when Balglan pointed it out on$4$ the upland rise he 210:119,31[' ]| noted how handy it would be for$4$ a refuge, could he but 210:119,32[' ]| find the children. Restively Tim asked to$9$ be allowed 210:119,33[' ]| leash. This, quite politely but firmly, was not allowed. A 210:119,34[' ]| fellow called Boondi, who$6#1$ was ""civilized"", was called into 210:119,35[' ]| commission to$9$ attend him, but it was pointed out he must 210:119,36[' ]| stay now and watch ""boborree"" ~~ the sports. 210:119,37[' ]| Boondi was the pleasantest edition of an aboriginal that$6#1$ 210:120,01[' ]| Tim had ever seen. He was young and light brown, and 210:120,02[' ]| had intelligent eyes like$4$ a nice dog. He was slashed all 210:120,03[' ]| over with healed scars, as every man was, but what did 210:120,04[' ]| that$6#2$ matter since he was quite decently clad in$4$ skins sewn 210:120,05[' ]| together with bark? He had a low forehead with big bumps 210:120,06[' ]| over the brows, and a flat skull with a lot of hair. His 210:120,07[' ]| mouth was large, but he carried it shut, and his nose, 210:120,08[' ]| though deep-set, was not disfigured by$4$ ring embellishments 210:120,09[' ]| or stick. He was quite human. But he was a 210:120,10[' ]| nuisance. 210:120,11[' ]| Soon there was much ado in$4$ the camp ~~ coming and 210:120,12[' ]| goings of braves, and youngsters with weapons playfully 210:120,13[' ]| throwing them. Balglan sent for$4$ the infant, and after Tim 210:120,14[' ]| had quite piously christened it, Balglan left him. Tim sat 210:120,15[' ]| on$5$ by$4$ the fire in$4$ deep disconsolation. Acutely as he 210:120,16[' ]| watched, he could see no$2$ signs of the children, and every 210:120,17[' ]| moment he grew more restless, for$3$ the baby disposed of, 210:120,18[' ]| boborree had begun ~~ most fearsome proceedings. Balglan 210:120,19[' ]| started them by$4$ running round the camp circle yelling, 210:120,20[' ]| leaping, and jumping. Others soon joined in$4$ out-yelling, 210:120,21[' ]| leaping, and jumping him if that$6#2$ were possible. 210:120,22[' ]| Gunyio, the adversary, a wilder, fiercer, older black, at last 210:120,23[' ]| ran in$5$ and challenged Balglan and everyone began, with 210:120,24[' ]| great ardour, to$9$ swing their weapons in$4$ the air, shout, and 210:120,25[' ]| take sides. Nearly every*one ~~ for$3$ they greatly admired the 210:120,26[' ]| beauties of Balglan ~~ stood behind him, but a number of 210:120,27[' ]| boys of indefinite age, undoubtedly influenced by$4$ their 210:120,28[' ]| mothers, stood behind Gunyio, who$6#1$ presented each with a 210:120,29[' ]| handful of feathers plucked from a cockatoo, to$9$ stick in$4$ 210:120,30[' ]| their hair. The two men then stepped forward and threw 210:120,31[' ]| spears at each other, parrying with their tiny shields. But 210:120,32[' ]| nothing seemed to$9$ happen. ""Sides"" next marched out, and 210:120,33[' ]| Balglan's men soon routed Gunyio's boys; thereon the old 210:120,34[' ]| women fiendishly rushed at the young men and tore and 210:120,35[' ]| scratched them, blending their yells in$4$ the din of battle 210:120,36[' ]| and turning the tide. They all separated after a time and 210:120,37[' ]| quietened down. No*one was mortally hurt, and the men 210:121,01[' ]| began joyfully to$9$ fling their boomerangs with that$6#2$ skill that$6#1$ 210:121,02[' ]| made them return to$4$ their hands with astonishing, magic 210:121,03[' ]| ease. 210:121,04[' ]| Just before it grew quite dark, the event of the afternoon 210:121,05[' ]| took place. The two would-be headsmen, Balglan and 210:121,06[' ]| Gunyio, stood before each other with their heads lowered. 210:121,07[' ]| Gunyio, on$4$ account of his superior birth ~~ was he not 210:121,08[' ]| brother to$4$ Tonga, the late chief? ~~ was conceded the right 210:121,09[' ]| to$9$ hold the club first. He certainly held and wielded it 210:121,10[' ]| with demoniac cunning and skill. Balglan, dazed with the 210:121,11[' ]| blow, but still proud, took the club in$4$ his turn and brought 210:121,12[' ]| it down on$4$ the head of Gunyio, but alas! the spice was out 210:121,13[' ]| of it and he, poor Balglan, rolled over like$4$ a smitten ox 210:121,14[' ]| himself as soon as it was delivered. He spoke no$2$ more for$4$ 210:121,15[' ]| the moment. Gunyio was chief. Alas, poor Tim! Gunyio 210:121,16[' ]| ordered corroborree when the moon was full. The old 210:121,17[' ]| chief was dead and buried up$5$ in$4$ his tree. Why not have 210:121,18[' ]| some fun? Long live Gunyio! Tim groaned. He had 210:121,19[' ]| made friends with Balglan, but Balglan's day was done. 210:121,20[' ]| He now had to$9$ deal with Gunyio. 210:121,21[' ]| Sampow twitched Tim by$4$ the sleeve; he turned miserable 210:121,22[' ]| eyes to$4$ him. What now? Tim would have to$9$ dress up$5$ and 210:121,23[' ]| take part in$4$ the dance that$6#2$ night. It would be expected of 210:121,24[' ]| him. No$7$, there was no$2$ getting out of it. Gunyio sent two 210:121,25[' ]| armed men to$9$ tell him so$5#2$ presently and to$9$ guard him, but 210:121,26[' ]| graciously conceded the request that$3$ Tim and Sampow 210:121,27[' ]| might return to$4$ the front gate of the fort where their 210:121,28[' ]| belongings were. Boondi, his nose out of joint since his 210:121,29[' ]| master Balglan was felled, followed behind; he must 210:121,30[' ]| remain in$4$ the background till he could make up$5$ to$4$ Gunyio. 210:121,31[' ]| Tim tried to$9$ think things out as Sampow helped him 210:121,32[' ]| array his body fitly for$4$ corroborree. He took little notice 210:121,33[' ]| of Sampow's art, of the skill with which$6#1$ he found earth-paint 210:121,34[' ]| and feathers and daubed and smeared and embellished 210:121,35[' ]| him. Only once he grinned appreciatively, when the 210:121,36[' ]| Chinaman emptied Bapoe's large silk cummerbund that$6#1$ 210:121,37[' ]| Tim had used as a sack, and made it into a loin-cloth. But 210:122,01[' ]| really his mind was making maps, planning impossibilities, 210:122,02[' ]| discarding them, thinking, wondering, wondering. 210:122,03@e | Where on$4$ earth were those two children? Not, oh not with 210:122,04@e | another, a worse, a fiercer tribe. Not hiding wilfully. Not 210:122,05@e | for$4$ so$5#1$ long a time. Why had he let himself be taken into 210:122,06@e | this semi-captivity? 210:122,06[' ]| He looked up$5$ at his two artless 210:122,07[' ]| guards, armed to$4$ the teeth, sitting on$4$ a hummock watching 210:122,08[' ]| jealously, but shivering with fear. Was it not but a stone's 210:122,09[' ]| throw away that$3$ the wave had demolished their recent 210:122,10[' ]| camp? And here was this stranger dawdling in$4$ this spirit-infested 210:122,11[' ]| place. They would kill him upon$4$ the slightest 210:122,12[' ]| excuse and have done with him ~~ get back to$4$ the camp. 210:122,13[' ]| Boondi was different, he was cowering in$4$ a sand-hole. 210:122,14[' ]| Still, if Tim overcame the dark guards with Sampow's 210:122,15[' ]| feeble help, he would bring the whole terrified horde 210:122,16[' ]| round their ears, and finish! The moon was not up$5$ yet, 210:122,17[' ]| but it was light with the light of stars, a glorious, mystical 210:122,18[' ]| evening. The beauty and calmness hurt Tim. His heart 210:122,19[' ]| was raging so$5#2$, his mind spinning lava maps. 210:122,19@e | There was 210:122,20@e | the fort, deserted, dreary, gruesome. Quite, quite empty. 210:122,21@e | Letty was not there. Round the fort the dry moat. To$4$ the 210:122,22@e | right the mangroves, behind them the dim, far-reaching 210:122,23@e | bush, on$4$ the skirts of which$6#1$ lay the blacks' burial-groung, 210:122,24@e | in$4$ front the other beach and the rocks where the wreck 210:122,25@e | lay desolate. Before the fort, a short arm of land jutted 210:122,26@e | into the estuary. He was at the base of this. To$4$ the left a 210:122,27@e | long white beach lost itself in$4$ shadows, near at hand was 210:122,28@e | the stretch of turf. 210:122,28[' ]| At the back of the turf through the 210:122,29[' ]| trees he could see the glow of the blackfellows' enormous 210:122,30[' ]| fire being fed for$4$ corroborree. The cave ~~ somehow he 210:122,31[' ]| constantly thought of the cave ~~ lay just beyond that$6#2$; 210:122,32[' ]| beside it, between the camp and the back of the fort, stood 210:122,33[' ]| the old chapel. 210:122,33@e | \The\ ~~ \old\ ~~ \chapel\. Could the children be 210:122,34@e | hidden there? Could they be with the mother of the late 210:122,35@e | chief's baby? He had not seen from whence they brought 210:122,36@e | it, but probably from there. 210:122,36[' ]| A pang of pity shot through 210:122,37[' ]| him when he remembered the baby. 210:122,37@e | It was almost white; 210:123,01@e | had red hair. What were they going to$9$ do with that$6#2$ baby? 210:123,02[' ]| He clenched his teeth. 210:123,02@e | He must get into that$6#2$ chapel, 210:123,03@e | somehow. But what matter the baby. It was his children 210:123,04@e | that$6#1$ mattered. \Where\ were his children! 210:123,05[' ]| A score of gins and young braves, with their dingoes all 210:123,06[' ]| huddling excitedly together, came over the green to$9$ 210:123,07[' ]| honour the stranger, accompany him in$5$ to$4$ the party. 210:123,08[' ]| Tim, feeling anything but festive, had to$9$ go with them. 210:123,00@@@@@| 210:123,00[U ]| 210:123,09[' ]| Now the young gin Balglan had spoken of as Beewing, 210:123,10[' ]| had a passion for$4$ Boondi. She also liked Balglan and 210:123,11[' ]| wanted him to$9$ be chief and to$9$ be his wife. But Balglan 210:123,12[' ]| was ousted. She must presently fall to$4$ the lot of the 210:123,13[' ]| detested Gunyio. But not to-night. To-night gins were 210:123,14[' ]| not important affairs. The dance was the thing. Corroborree, 210:123,15[' ]| at which$6#1$ no$2$ gin might look, and only old gins, 210:123,16[' ]| covered, take a part. Beewing was desolate; but she saw 210:123,17[' ]| Boondi making eyes at her from the sand-hole and slipped 210:123,18[' ]| to$4$ his side. They hesitated to$9$ start back with the mob that$6#1$ 210:123,19[' ]| surrounded and accompanied Tim to$4$ the fringe of trees 210:123,20[' ]| round the camp, and so$3$ got left behind. Beewing knew 210:123,21[' ]| that$3$ at the chapel track the gins would separate, the old 210:123,22[' ]| ones getting their blankets and covering their heads up$5$, 210:123,23[' ]| making their way to$4$ their places on$4$ the far edge of the ring 210:123,24[' ]| round the fires ~~ their game was to$9$ beat the ground with 210:123,25[' ]| sticks and make music for$4$ the dancing ~~ the young ones 210:123,26[' ]| to$9$ sleep. This would be no$2$ fun for$4$ Beewing. And Boondi 210:123,27[' ]| was uncertain of his welcome to$4$ Gunyio's camp. But 210:123,28[' ]| Boondi and Beewing left alone, found stolen sweets can be 210:123,29[' ]| sticky. The moon came up$5$ with its great flood of light. It 210:123,30[' ]| was as light as day. No*one wanted to$9$ make love in$4$ daylight. 210:123,31[' ]| And it was lonely and dree down there by$4$ the culvert. 210:123,32[' ]| Boondi longed for$4$ the excitement of the dance. He 210:123,33[' ]| could hear the tum-tumming and see the flames dancing 210:123,34[' ]| up$5$ through the trees. It set his blood on$4$ fire to$9$ continue 210:123,35[' ]| the revelling. He \had\ thrown the boomerang so$5#1$ well, 210:124,01[' ]| better than he ever had, better than any*one ever had, but 210:124,02[' ]| when he told Beewing she snorted. Balglan could do it 210:124,03[' ]| better. Boondi boasted that$3$ he had whacked the heads of 210:124,04[' ]| many youths with great ferocity, whereas Balglan had 210:124,05[' ]| fallen. Beewing reminded him that$3$ the gins had torn his 210:124,06[' ]| flesh ~~ she pointed to$4$ many scratches ~~ kicked him in$4$ the 210:124,07[' ]| stomach and trampled on$4$ his face. She had seen. Boondi 210:124,08[' ]| was depressed, and he knew Beewing was thinking of 210:124,09[' ]| Balglan's great charms of face and figure, and his fishbone 210:124,10[' ]| and adorable nose. He must do something to$9$ impress her. 210:124,11[' ]| He said, 210:124,11[W ]| ""Well, I am not afraid of debil-debil. See!"" 210:124,11[' ]| and 210:124,12[' ]| he stood up$5$ and stepped on$5$ to$4$ the sand near where Tim's 210:124,13[' ]| clothes lay. He forgot his fear of the lonely place and his 210:124,14[' ]| depression, for$3$ his eye fell upon$4$ these clothes, and he 210:124,15[' ]| instantly set to$4$ further investigation. He had seen clothes 210:124,16[' ]| before, he was ""civilized"", but he was interested beyond 210:124,17[' ]| measure, curious ~~ blacks always are. And he was attracted 210:124,18[' ]| by$4$ an idea. Beewing had not seen clothes before. This 210:124,19[' ]| was something. He put on$5$ Tim's shirt and stood before 210:124,20[' ]| Beewing. She screamed her appreciation. He called her 210:124,21[' ]| out and showed her Tim's trousers. She put them on$5$. She 210:124,22[' ]| looked indecent, but this highly delighted them. They 210:124,23[' ]| strutted about. Boondi found a plug of tobacco in$4$ Tim's 210:124,24[' ]| coat pocket. He halved it with Beewing. So$3$ they sat for$4$ 210:124,25[' ]| quite a time happily, tasting the ""joys of civilization"". By*and*by 210:124,26[' ]| Boondi's jaw dropped. He shivered. Beewing 210:124,27[' ]| noticing, started, and pausing in$4$ her chewing, followed his 210:124,28[' ]| line of sight dimmed with terror. She looked back. Boondi 210:124,29[' ]| had fainted. Moaning, she hid her head in$4$ Tim's shirt that$6#1$ 210:124,30[' ]| now decorated the welted bosom of Boondi. They had 210:124,31[' ]| seen the \mu^ru^p\ running into the sea. 211:125,00@@@@@| 211:125,00[U ]| <\Corroborree\> 211:125,01[' ]| Meanwhile Tim, his body painted like$4$ a zebra, a huge 211:125,02[' ]| nose-ring hanging from his nostrils, and his curly 211:125,03[' ]| hair and beard tousled, knotted and tied up$5$ like$4$ a demented 211:125,04[' ]| female's, sat moodily by$4$ a crackling bonfire He was 211:125,05[' ]| worried to$4$ death, and yet he had to$9$ stick it out, since only 211:125,06[' ]| as an emissary from the Catholic mission station was he 211:125,07[' ]| safe. He must wait for$4$ the next move on$4$ the part of the 211:125,08[' ]| savages, though longing to$9$ go in$4$ peace as he had come, that$3$ 211:125,09[' ]| he might continue his search for$4$ the children. But he 211:125,10[' ]| could not go, for$3$ there was much ado in$4$ the camp, and he 211:125,11[' ]| seemed to$9$ be the centre of attraction, though they took 211:125,12[' ]| little apparent notice of him. The warriors were excited 211:125,13[' ]| and now in$4$ full ""evening dress"" regalia, the young braves 211:125,14[' ]| were throwing wommas, and showing off strangely, their 211:125,15[' ]| eyes rolling: the ""old men"" all hard at work poisoning their 211:125,16[' ]| spears. Tim felt murder was in$4$ the air. 211:125,17[' ]| When the moon was up$5$, Gunyio returned with every 211:125,18[' ]| bone in$4$ his body outlined in$4$ white chalk. He paraded like$4$ 211:125,19[' ]| a skeleton from limbo up$4$ and down and round about the 211:125,20[' ]| spaces between the central and other fires. 211:125,20@w | He would show 211:125,21@w | them who$6#1$ was chief. He would show them it was not everything 211:125,22@w | to$9$ have a hole for$4$ a stick in$4$ his nose. He would show them how 211:125,23@w | to$9$ satisfy the ""debil-debil"". Presently he would show them he 211:125,24@w | had a trick worth twenty of Balglan's. 211:125,24[' ]| Tim nervously 211:125,25[' ]| clutched his pistol, which$6#1$ he wore in$4$ a belt under the silk 211:125,26[' ]| cummerbund. He could face a ""blood"", but this skeleton 211:125,27[' ]| backed up$5$ by$4$ those fiendish gins terrified his soul. The 211:125,28[' ]| gins, the old women of the tribe, were collecting like$4$ 211:125,29[' ]| noxious toadstools under their blankets, banging their 211:125,30[' ]| resounding sticks together and beating the earth with their 211:125,31[' ]| thick-headed clubs. 211:125,32[' ]| And now Gunyio's horn of triumph sounded. He walked 211:125,33[' ]| forward and ""did his dance"". Tim looked through swollen 211:125,34[' ]| lids, his stomach turning with aversion; for$3$ Gunyio was a 211:126,01[' ]| terrible sight, not licentious, not funny, but just fiendish. 211:126,02[' ]| He stood by$4$ the fire, and bent his legs outwards, and his 211:126,03[' ]| body forwards so$3$ that$3$ he could watch his legs, and then 211:126,04[' ]| writhing but scarcely stirring, he managed to$9$ move his 211:126,05[' ]| lower limbs from the thighs downwards so$3$ that$3$ with the 211:126,06[' ]| aid of the white embellishments of chalk he appeared to$9$ 211:126,07[' ]| become reduced to$4$ a living skeleton of bones dancing with 211:126,08[' ]| a fiend from hell. 211:126,09[' ]| Sampow, who$6#1$ made a queer aboriginal with his almond-shaped 211:126,10[' ]| eyes and sleek hair, also knew there would be 211:126,11[' ]| shedding of blood, and was interested ~~ too interested for$4$ 211:126,12[' ]| the time being even to$9$ take his opium, and he curled up$5$ at 211:126,13[' ]| Tim's feet near the fire, talking of the mischief brewing, 211:126,14[' ]| and asking 211:126,14@w | what Tim thought it would be. 211:126,14[' ]| But it left Tim 211:126,15[' ]| cold. He wanted to$9$ find the children and they were as far 211:126,16[' ]| from his ken as ever. 211:126,17[' ]| He tried to$9$ form plans. 211:126,17@e | If only he could locate the lost 211:126,18@e | ones he felt it would be easy enough. He could use the 211:126,19@e | knowledge he had of the fear of the ""debil-debil"" to$4$ the 211:126,20@e | greatest advantage now there was all this talk of the 211:126,21@e | haunted cave. But not unless he had the children under 211:126,22@e | his eye. 211:126,22[' ]| In$4$ his cummerbund was an instrument for$4$ 211:126,23[' ]| making queer noises which$6#1$ he always kept by$4$ him since 211:126,24[' ]| Rottnest days, and he had his musket and powder. 211:126,24@e | He 211:126,25@e | must get into that$6#2$ chapel somehow. That$6#2$ must be the first 211:126,26@e | move. 211:126,26[' ]| ""Debil-debil"" talk he knew was usually the outcome 211:126,27[' ]| of much planning and scheming by$4$ the gins, and he 211:126,28[' ]| had jumped to$4$ the conclusion long ago that$3$ 211:126,28@e | even if the 211:126,29@e | children were not there, in$4$ that$6#2$ chapel, Banyon was, and 211:126,30@e | in$4$ danger, since her newly born child was a girl, and her 211:126,31@e | mate, the former headsman, was dead. He would like$1$ to$9$ save 211:126,32@e | her too. He knew they were going to$9$ kill some*one or 211:126,33@e | something that$6#2$ night that$6#1$ they imagined would appease 211:126,34@e | the spirits. He hoped it might not be the little red-haired 211:126,35@e | baby. He remembered again that$3$ the child had red hair, 211:126,36@e | and was quite white, and the thought that$3$ the tiny mortal 211:126,37@e | might be man-handled stirred his heart. But he dared not 211:127,01@e | interfere till he found the children. He had his own self-set 211:127,02@e | mission to$9$ attend to$4$. He must seek out the children as 211:127,03@e | soon as he could possibly get away, but the savages, if he 211:127,04@e | did not move carefully, might spear him and doubtless 211:127,05@e | Sampow too. 211:127,05[' ]| Musing thus, his eye fell upon$4$ no$2$ less a 211:127,06[' ]| person than Ananias, who$6#1$ was busily whispering over the 211:127,07[' ]| head of an ant-heap gin ~~ for$3$ the gins squat under their 211:127,08[' ]| blankets on$4$ these ceremonials, thumping the drums 211:127,09[' ]| and humming the refrain for$4$ the wild dances which$6#1$ 211:127,10[' ]| ensue ~~ extinguished mushroom stalks under the ragged 211:127,11[' ]| spawn. 211:127,12[' ]| Tim instantly recognized him, and strung, as it were, suddenly 211:127,13[' ]| to$4$ attention, a queer kind of knowledge of the proximity 211:127,14[' ]| of the children came to$4$ him. Why, he hardly knew, 211:127,15[' ]| but at once the whole atmosphere took on$5$ a new complexion, 211:127,16[' ]| as though an invisible wave emanating from the 211:127,17[' ]| innocents hung round the savage. He looked round again, 211:127,18[' ]| thinking, calculating. 211:127,18@e | No$2$ likelihood for$4$ them to$9$ be hidden 211:127,19@e | in$4$ the humpies, which$6#1$ were made of bark shredded from 211:127,20@e | the huge trees, extremely simply designed in$4$ a V shape, 211:127,21@e | roughly backed with palms and bracken. No$7$, they must 211:127,22@e | be with the sick queen in$4$ the ruins of the little chapel in$4$ 211:127,23@e | the graveyard. They \must\ be there. 211:127,23[' ]| The thought stilled 211:127,24[' ]| his heart. 211:127,24@e | Oh, how was he to$9$ reach them? How get even 211:127,25@e | with the evil old gins? How get into touch with them 211:127,26@e | without suspicion? 211:127,26[' ]| He turned his face away from Ananias, 211:127,27[' ]| for$3$ Letty might have mentioned him and it would upset 211:127,28[' ]| everything to$9$ be recognized. But if he had only known 211:127,29[' ]| what an entirely different person he looked to$4$ that$6#2$ lank 211:127,30[' ]| convict lad of the early days, he need have had no$2$ fear, 211:127,31[' ]| quick as the native is at recognition. He had grown from 211:127,32[' ]| late boyhood to$4$ manhood in$4$ the five years that$6#1$ had elapsed, 211:127,33[' ]| and had also that$6#2$ beard, and mops of hair, and his nose 211:127,34[' ]| pulled entirely out of shape, and a blackened skin. He 211:127,35[' ]| could always hide his eyes too by$4$ a trick of lowering the 211:127,36[' ]| thickly fringed and now swollen lids, though no$2$ pigment 211:127,37[' ]| in$4$ the world could change the colour of their blue. But he 211:128,01[' ]| was not afraid of the old native, and was determined to$9$ 211:128,02[' ]| play a bold game. So$3$ he called Balglan, who$6#1$ had now got 211:128,03[' ]| up$5$ and was wandering disconsolately in$4$ the offing, and 211:128,04[' ]| again asked questions. He wanted to$9$ find out how they 211:128,05[' ]| knew he was from the Mission, since he was clad as the 211:128,06[' ]| white man, reminding him that$3$ 211:128,06@e | anyone must have 211:128,07@e | travelled remarkably quickly to$9$ get here in$4$ seven days. 211:128,08[' ]| Balglan said, 211:128,08@w | had he not made the signs; and surely he 211:128,09@w | knew that$3$ Balglan knew them; and many followers at the 211:128,10@w | Mission took to$4$ unnatural garments after being sprinkled 211:128,11@w | with the water that$6#1$ cast out spells. 211:128,11[' ]| Then, said Tim, 211:128,11@e | why 211:128,12@e | were they all out, armed to$4$ the teeth, when within the 211:128,13@e | mile limit of the haunted cave? 211:128,13[' ]| Balglan lowered his voice ~~ 211:128,14@w | ""We sent out, kill white man, coming off wreck. No$2$ 211:128,15@w | coming; no$2$ going. Plenty debil-debil coming, running; 211:128,16@w | going; coming; frighten poor black man. Foot marks; fire 211:128,17@w | marks; food marks; no$2$ man's. No$2$ man waiting to$9$ be killed; 211:128,18@w | just debil-debil whistling all about the reef! Never mind! 211:128,19@w | Debil-debil get satisfaction now. Something good waiting 211:128,20@w | for$4$ him. Now must go. Corroborree starting."" 211:128,21[' ]| A fine song of tum-tumming now began, one great bang 211:128,22[' ]| sounding which$6#1$, followed by$4$ a pause, was taken up$5$ by$4$ a 211:128,23[' ]| ribbon of sound issuing from under the blankets of the 211:128,24[' ]| gins. The braves started marching solemnly one behind 211:128,25[' ]| the other in$4$ a wide ring round him and the fire, and Tim 211:128,26[' ]| sat rigidly to$4$ attention. By*and*by the biggest, manliest 211:128,27[' ]| specimen present ran to$4$ a cleared central space and started 211:128,28[' ]| dancing, swinging, swaying, shouting and gesticulating 211:128,29[' ]| wildly. Another followed, then another, till they all 211:128,30[' ]| danced, swung, swayed and shouted in$4$ a perfect pandemonium 211:128,31[' ]| of movement and sound, obviously growing more 211:128,32[' ]| excited each moment. They sickened Tim and he drew 211:128,33[' ]| his shoulders up$5$ to$4$ his ears, thinking very hard indeed 211:128,34[' ]| about the poor children who$6#1$ probably were at the mercy of 211:128,35[' ]| these dreadful savages. 211:128,36[E ]| ""Sampow,"" 211:128,36[' ]| he whispered presently, 211:128,36[E ]| ""no*one notices the 211:128,37[E ]| likes of you; and you can slip off and find that$6#2$ cave they 211:129,01[E ]| are so$5#1$ feared of. It is to$4$ the right and back of us, straight 211:129,02[E ]| through beyond there. I have a notion the children are here, 211:129,03[E ]| and if we get them we will$1$ have to$9$ go down to$4$ it for$4$ shelter. 211:129,04[E ]| Some of these caverns hold death itself, but they could not 211:129,05[E ]| be worse than this. You come back when you have found it 211:129,06[E ]| and just stand by$5$. Wait for$4$ the wink from me, then lead 211:129,07[E ]| on$5$, at the run, me boy, for$4$ your life. You will$1$ run when I tell 211:129,08[E ]| you. And do not forget that$6#2$."" 211:129,09[W ]| ""Me no$2$ likes debil-debil. Me no$2$ likes ghosts, Massa*Teem. 211:129,10[W ]| \Me no$2$ go\! So$3$!"" 211:129,11[' ]| Tim leant forward, and with one of his dexterous twists 211:129,12[' ]| flicked from the belt of decorations of Sampow that$6#2$ 211:129,13[' ]| which$6#1$ he prized more highly than life itself. He took his 211:129,14[' ]| store of opium. And he then turned calmly back to$9$ contemplate 211:129,15[' ]| the dancing. Sampow at once slunk away into 211:129,16[' ]| the forest. Tim knew he would find the cave, and come 211:129,17[' ]| back to$4$ his opium as a needle to$4$ the magnet. 211:129,18[' ]| Then the dreaded, but half-expected, happened. Tim 211:129,19[' ]| shook with horror and wrath, but crushed his teeth into 211:129,20[' ]| his lip till the blood ran, to$9$ steady himself. For$3$ he beheld, 211:129,21[' ]| entering the niggers' camp from the graveyard side, four 211:129,22[' ]| horny old sinners, hideous with nose- and ear-rings, 211:129,23[' ]| painted bodies, and grotesque head-dress, carrying on$4$ 211:129,24[' ]| boughs the body of a white boy completely naked. 211:129,24@e | It 211:129,25@e | was Peter, the Governor's son. But he could not see 211:129,26@e | Letty. 211:129,26[E ]| ""My God, it is the devils they are themselves! The 211:129,27[E ]| little gintry; the darlints! Wherever is Miss*Letty!"" 211:129,27[' ]| He 211:129,28[' ]| groaned. 211:129,29[' ]| He could not contain himself sufficiently to$9$ keep still, so$3$ 211:129,30[' ]| jumping to$4$ his feet he ran yelling forward to$9$ meet them as 211:129,31[' ]| if he had an inspiration to$9$ perform as the dancer. But not 211:129,32[' ]| to$9$ arouse suspicion he had to$9$ foot it too, and the wild 211:129,33[' ]| anger in$4$ his heart made him leap and move his arms more 211:129,34[' ]| excitedly than any other present. Rampant, turbulent, 211:129,35[' ]| and vehement, he whirled, twirled, flustered and fluttered 211:129,36[' ]| all round the boundaries of the camp, and when on$4$ the 211:129,37[' ]| chapel side he yelled and shouted with all his might in$4$ case 211:130,01[' ]| his darling should be able to$9$ hear. 211:130,01[E ]| ""Miss*Letty! Miss*Letty! 211:130,02[E ]| Tim is quite near you! Do not be frightened when you 211:130,03[E ]| see me dressed as a savage. I will$1$ come and find you just now. 211:130,04[E ]| Tim will$1$ protect you! Hold steady, Miss*Letty, Tim will$1$ 211:130,05[E ]| come. Master*Peter must be saved just now. Steady, Miss*Letty, 211:130,06[E ]| and do not come out, wherever you are! Do not for$4$ the 211:130,07[E ]| love of heaven come out!"" 211:130,08@e | Yes, he must do something for$4$ Peter, whose peril was near 211:130,09@e | and threatening. 211:130,09[' ]| Oh, how glad he was that$3$ the boy lay so$5#1$ 211:130,10[' ]| blissfully unconscious of the horrid, firelit, perturbing 211:130,11[' ]| scene. Returning to$4$ the fire, spluttering with passion, he 211:130,12[' ]| addressed Gunyio in$4$ the vernacular. 211:130,12[E ]| ""I will$1$ cast a spell over 211:130,13[E ]| the sacrifice. The \Banjip\, the debil-debil, has spoken, 211:130,14[E ]| whispering in$4$ my ear much talk."" 211:130,14[' ]| He could see that$3$ the 211:130,15[' ]| degraded skeleton was impressed, and also scared, that$3$ 211:130,16[' ]| the stranger should speak with the devil. He side-stepped 211:130,17[' ]| away from Tim and reached for$4$ his spear. Tim, who$6#1$ was 211:130,18[' ]| a consummate actor, grabbed Gunyio and drew him away 211:130,19[' ]| from the fire, at the same time slinging a pellet of gun-powder 211:130,20[' ]| he had ready on$5$ to$4$ it. 211:130,21[' ]| The resulting bang and blaze had the desired effect. 211:130,22[' ]| Gunyio clutched at Tim and broke into a cowardly sweat. 211:130,23[W ]| ""Ah-h-h!"" 211:130,24[E ]| ""Yes,"" 211:130,24[' ]| said Tim, 211:130,24[E ]| ""that$6#2$ is debil-debil speaking. He say, 211:130,25@w | "You listen, good?" "" 211:130,26[W ]| ""Yah-h-h!"" 211:130,26[' ]| and 211:130,26[X ]| ""Yah-h-h!"" 211:130,26[' ]| agreed the mob, drawing 211:130,27[' ]| round the chief and glancing fearfully behind their backs 211:130,28[' ]| into the dusky bush. 211:130,28[E ]| ""What he want,"" 211:130,28[' ]| yelled Tim, 211:130,28[E ]| ""that$6#2$ 211:130,29[E ]| debil-debil? \He wants the sacrifice alive!\ He would suck 211:130,30[E ]| blood, torture and torment living flesh! He want, shut him 211:130,31[E ]| up$5$ in$4$ cave ~~ to$9$ be with him! White boy you give him, he 211:130,32[E ]| no$2$ more torment black man. All right?"" 211:130,33[X ]| ""O-oh!"" 211:130,33[' ]| Silence fell on$4$ the camp. Then a gin's shrill cry: 211:130,34[V ]| ""Who$6#2$ will$1$ take him to$4$ the mouth of the cave and shut 211:130,35[V ]| him in$5$?"" 211:130,36[' ]| A dreadful silence reigned. Then cried Tim, 211:130,36[E ]| ""Where is 211:130,37[E ]| that$6#2$ son of a crow, that$6#2$ bastard boy of a nigger-chow? He 211:131,01[E ]| has seen too much. He will$1$ babble to$4$ the priests of what 211:131,02[E ]| he has seen. Let him take him."" 211:131,03[W ]| ""Me stopa longa you,"" 211:131,03[' ]| Sampow wailed, when he realized 211:131,04[' ]| Tim's intention. 211:131,04[W ]| ""Me no$2$ go to$4$ dat cave alla lonee, me velly 211:131,05[W ]| flightened. Massa*Peter all deaded, and me hear the 211:131,06[W ]| labbits barkin' in$4$ de trees, and de spilit of me grand-mudder 211:131,07[W ]| chase me sore."" 211:131,08[' ]| Tim felt desperate. The dance and tum-tumming were 211:131,09[' ]| in$4$ full swing and Peter in$4$ the direst danger. The horny-handed 211:131,10[' ]| ones were sitting around the figure of the unconscious 211:131,11[' ]| boy, and though the young braves had gone back to$9$ 211:131,12[' ]| have their fling, the old men stood by$5$ and Tim was aware 211:131,13[' ]| of the watchful eyes of the gins gleaming through the holes 211:131,14[' ]| in$4$ their blankets as they made the horrid tum-tumming 211:131,15[' ]| din. 211:131,16[E ]| ""You will$1$ go!"" 211:131,16[' ]| he screamed, at fever point with anxiety and 211:131,17[' ]| rage, 211:131,17[E ]| ""and by$4$ your grandmother you will$1$ get no$2$ dope at all 211:131,18[E ]| this night. You will$1$ take Master*Peter's blessed little body 211:131,19[E ]| on$4$ your back and take him to$4$ the cave ~~ and you will$1$ run!! 211:131,20[E ]| Arrah, I have a watch set on$4$ you, I will$1$ be finding Miss*Letty 211:131,21[E ]| next and be handing her over to$4$ you,"" 211:131,21[' ]| and he lifted Peter from 211:131,22[' ]| the rough stretcher and put him on$4$ the Chow's shoulder. 211:131,23[E ]| ""So$3$ you are to$9$ come back! And when I give you Miss*Letty 211:131,24[E ]| you will$1$ take care of her! If you touch a hair of her head this 211:131,25[E ]| night, or if she has a word said of you by$4$ morning, I will$1$ have 211:131,26[E ]| your blood, and your bones, your flesh and your spirit made into 211:131,27[E ]| soup by$4$ them niggers and dished up$5$ to$4$ the "debil-debil" 211:131,28[E ]| for$4$ supper. Do you understand that$6#2$? Yes. Well, go!"" 211:131,29[' ]| Sampow went. Poor Sampow, he ran like$4$ a deer ~~ he 211:131,30[' ]| had to$9$, for$3$ half a score of braves were on$4$ his track, shouting 211:131,31[' ]| and throwing boomerangs playfully about his heels to$9$ 211:131,32[' ]| speed him on$4$ his way. When he reached the half-circle 211:131,33[' ]| past which$6#1$ they dared not go, they drew up$5$, danced and 211:131,34[' ]| yelled, and then returned to$4$ the firelight. Sampow, panting 211:131,35[' ]| and perspiring, deposited Peter and made up$5$ his mind 211:131,36[' ]| not to$9$ stir another inch. But in$4$ a moment, when his hand 211:131,37[' ]| went to$4$ his belt for$4$ his beloved drug, and he recollected 211:132,01[' ]| that$3$ Tim held it, he changed his mind. He would go 211:132,02[' ]| through fire and water for$4$ that$6#2$, so$5#2$ out he came, trembling 211:132,03[' ]| like$4$ a leaf, and crawled back in$4$ the wake of the impassioned 211:132,04[' ]| natives. 211:132,05[' ]| A wild dance had commenced and his master appeared 211:132,06[' ]| to$9$ be coming to$4$ his senses, for$3$ though he was oscillating 211:132,07[' ]| around the camp again like$4$ a wild bat, he was gradually 211:132,08[' ]| quietening and at last sank down as if exhausted near the 211:132,09[' ]| old chapel track. Sampow crept near him and sank 211:132,10[' ]| beside him. He was very unhappy, and there were the 211:132,11[' ]| blacks getting out a keg of fire-water, and he, Sampow, 211:132,12[' ]| dared not go near them to$9$ get a drop. Now and again he 211:132,13[' ]| saw Tim get up$5$ and dance wildly, again screaming to$4$ Miss*Letty. 211:132,14[' ]| And once he saw Tim, so$5#1$ screaming and dancing, 211:132,15[' ]| go right up$5$ to$4$ the cave and look at Peter. Poor, lonely, 211:132,16[' ]| unconscious child lying there helpless and naked in$4$ the 211:132,17[' ]| cavern's mouth. Sampow shuddered and longed for$4$ the 211:132,18[' ]| night to$9$ be over. He flattened himself on$4$ the ground and 211:132,19[' ]| tried to$9$ sleep. 211:132,20[' ]| Tim sank down again by$4$ Sampow. He was in$4$ an agony 211:132,21[' ]| of apprehension. Every nerve of his body was quivering 211:132,22[' ]| with fear for$4$ the child he could not find. 211:132,22@e | Yet he must not 211:132,23@e | make a clumsy move now. If he was speared, all would be 211:132,24@e | lost. He \must\ be careful. Presently he would slip away 211:132,25@e | and get on$4$ his own clothes and creep to$4$ the chapel. Get in$5$ 211:132,26@e | somehow. Get the child, put her in$4$ the cave. Once she 211:132,27@e | was in$4$ the cave he would make the noises, frighten the 211:132,28@e | blacks away. Take care of his children ~~ 211:132,28[' ]| All over 211:132,29[' ]| again the thoughts whirled. 211:132,29@e | Steady. Steady, Tim. Wait. 211:132,30@e | Wait. 211:132,00@@@@@| 212:133,00[U ]| <\""Love Lies Bleeding""\> 212:133,01[' ]| Yesterday Letty had followed Ananias as if the 212:133,02[' ]| fellow had bewitched her. 212:133,02@a | Or was it Peter? 212:133,02[' ]| She had 212:133,03[' ]| not been able to$9$ run back even when they came to$4$ the 212:133,04[' ]| mangrove growth. It seemed as though Peter's hand, 212:133,05[' ]| fallen over the shining black back of the aboriginal, drew 212:133,06[' ]| her by$4$ invisible cords. Her eyes fixed themselves on$4$ it 212:133,07[' ]| and it drew her, even when it swung backwards and 212:133,08[' ]| forwards slowly in$4$ a very awful way ~~ She was 212:133,09[' ]| aware they were in$4$ a stifling hot, dry waterway with a 212:133,10[' ]| great bulging wall on$4$ one side. 212:133,10@a | She must go back. But 212:133,11@a | Peter's hand swung and called ~~ 212:133,11[' ]| They were under a 212:133,12[' ]| culvert. Ananias turned and beckoned. Letty noticed 212:133,13[' ]| how excited he was; sweat poured from his flesh like$4$ 212:133,14[' ]| little bubbles of oil. ~~ He climbed up$5$ out of the waterway, 212:133,15[' ]| and Letty stopped and put her hands over her 212:133,16[' ]| ears as though some*one had screamed. But it was all 212:133,17[' ]| silent. Ananias looked back, nodded and turned as he 212:133,18[' ]| moved onwards and climbed out of the waterway, and 212:133,19[' ]| Letty looked up$5$ at him. He nodded and turned, and 212:133,20[' ]| Peter's hand drew her. Ananias was running across a 212:133,21[' ]| strip of green, and Peter's hand swayed diabolically, 212:133,22[' ]| but Letty scuttled after it. They came to$4$ a deserted, 212:133,23[' ]| tumble-down old chapel, and pulled up$5$ short amongst 212:133,24[' ]| a number of jabbering gins. Letty stood there mazed. The 212:133,25[' ]| gins jabbered, Ananias dropped Peter as if he were a 212:133,26[' ]| sack of flour, and Peter, all doubled up$5$, lay still. Ananias 212:133,27[' ]| wrung the sweat from his brow and sniffed long and 212:133,28[' ]| deeply, pointing to$4$ Peter. Two old gins lifted Peter and 212:133,29[' ]| thrust Letty inside the chapel. They put Peter on$4$ a pile 212:133,30[' ]| of leaves. There was a woman there, but Letty did not 212:133,31[' ]| heed her. She was stifled, choked. She felt unknown 212:133,32[' ]| things crowding round her like$4$ nightmare horrors. She 212:134,01[' ]| was paralysed. And though the repulsion for$4$ Peter in$4$ 212:134,02[' ]| that$6#2$ senseless state continued, yet deep within her she 212:134,03[' ]| was aware that$3$ he attracted her and kept her near him. 212:134,04[' ]| In$4$ fact, it was more his deplorable state that$6#1$ stifled her 212:134,05[' ]| than anything else. 212:134,05@a | If only he would sit up$5$ and talk 212:134,06@a | rationally ~~ even fretfully, so$3$ that$3$ she could quarrel with 212:134,07@a | him! Even if he were weak like$4$ that$6#2$ native woman who$6#1$ 212:134,08@a | lay on$4$ the pile of Zamia palm-leaves and who$6#1$ was trying 212:134,09@a | so$5#1$ hard to$9$ conciliate her and make friends. 212:134,09[' ]| She was 212:134,10[' ]| quite a young person ~~ perhaps not much older than 212:134,11[' ]| Peter as years went, but she was a woman, and had a 212:134,12[' ]| baby, and did not touch Letty's sympathies or considerations 212:134,13[' ]| at all. Letty slunk to$4$ the door and beheld two old 212:134,14[' ]| gins sitting chewing something. She went to$4$ the window 212:134,15[' ]| and met the terrible face of a blackfellow looking in$5$. 212:134,16[' ]| It was Gunyio. He was being led by$4$ Ananias, and he 212:134,17[' ]| smiled in$4$ an ingratiating manner. Letty scowled at them. 212:134,18[' ]| She was angry with herself for$4$ having followed Ananias. 212:134,19[' ]| But the other fellow was much worse. He was like$4$ 212:134,20[' ]| Ananias, like$4$ him as a black sheep is like$4$ another black 212:134,21[' ]| sheep, only much better looking and much younger, 212:134,22[' ]| but Letty thought him much more terrible, for$3$ the old, 212:134,23[' ]| semi-civilized, gin-soaked Ananias had a softness this 212:134,24[' ]| fellow did not possess. Some evil in$4$ Gunyio's eye 212:134,25[' ]| stabbed her subconscious as she stood and frowned at 212:134,26[' ]| him and she hid her face in$4$ her hands. As she turned 212:134,27[' ]| away the gentle voice of the woman on$4$ the Zamia palms 212:134,28[' ]| said, 212:134,28[V ]| ""Say, leetle one, tell me ~~ what you see?"" 212:134,29[' ]| With malice Letty answered, 212:134,29[A ]| ""Two black devils."" 212:134,29[' ]| Then 212:134,30[' ]| she lifted her face and looked at Banyon, and she was 212:134,31[' ]| surprised to$9$ find that$3$ she was a Malayan. 212:134,32[V ]| ""Debil-debil!"" 212:134,32[' ]| cried Banyon, cowering. 212:134,33[A ]| ""Do not be silly!"" 212:134,33[' ]| said the child contemptuously. 212:134,33[A ]| ""Hideous 212:134,34[A ]| Ananias, and a hideous friend."" 212:134,35[V ]| ""That$6#2$ Gunyio,"" 212:134,35[' ]| Banyon returned, relieved. But she was 212:134,36[' ]| unhappy. 212:134,36[V ]| ""That$6#2$ fella Ananias he myall (mob), he bring 212:134,37[V ]| you two little men to$4$ me ~~ what for$4$?"" 212:135,01[A ]| ""I do not understand,"" 212:135,01[' ]| said Letty coldly, protecting her 212:135,02[' ]| own affairs. 212:135,02[A ]| ""How did \you\ get here?"" 212:135,03[' ]| The native woman shook her head sadly. 212:135,03[V ]| ""Me no$2$ use 212:135,04[V ]| telling. Plenty trouble in$4$ tribe. That$6#2$ fella Gunyio he 212:135,05[V ]| my chief, Tonga, his brodder. He want get him lead 212:135,06[V ]| tribe. Balglan good fella, he nother want him. Alla mix up$5$. 212:135,07[V ]| Balglan and Gunyio want Beewing his fella wife. Gunyio 212:135,08[V ]| wantta plenty fight by*and*by. Banyon velly sick with 212:135,09[V ]| fever. Banyon much 'fraid of that$6#2$ debil-debil. Kill chief, 212:135,10[V ]| kill Banyon, kill baby, dreadful, frightful debil that$6#2$."" 212:135,11[' ]| Letty drew away, terror rising in$4$ her soul, but the alarmed 212:135,12[' ]| native did not notice. 212:135,12[V ]| ""Gunyio all outta favour with 212:135,13[V ]| other fella. Good job. He wantta do sometings make 212:135,14[V ]| him like$1$. All fellas go bury chief up$5$ in$4$ trees. Ananias 212:135,15[V ]| he outta favour an' he folla alla lone, and then he come 212:135,16[V ]| back and tell gins. He finda two leetle white boys. What 212:135,17[V ]| you say, Teem?"" 212:135,18[' ]| Letty could scarcely speak. She was wailing and not 212:135,19[' ]| listening. 212:135,19[A ]| ""Tim will$1$ come for$4$ us,"" 212:135,19[' ]| she wailed. 212:135,19[A ]| ""Tim will$1$ 212:135,20[A ]| come presently. I called him. Oh, oh, oh, dear me, I 212:135,21[A ]| wish he would come!"" 212:135,22[' ]| She started crying into her arms, and went shuffling, 212:135,23[' ]| crying over to$4$ Peter, and lay beside him. 212:135,24[' ]| She was hungry, but she did not know she was hungry. 212:135,25[' ]| She was exhausted, but she did not know she was exhausted. 212:135,26[' ]| She put her little white face down beside Peter's 212:135,27[' ]| and her arm round his resistless neck and sobbed pitifully 212:135,28[' ]| on$5$ to$4$ his chest. He was warm and human and 212:135,29[' ]| smelt sweet, that$6#2$ was something. Banyon let her alone as 212:135,30[' ]| she would not answer. She was not very interested in$4$ 212:135,31[' ]| Letty. The poor creature was terrified for$4$ her baby, 212:135,32[' ]| tormented with fear on$4$ its behalf. She had thought of 212:135,33[' ]| getting up$5$ and racing with it out into the bush, but 212:135,34@v | what would she do alone there with no*one to$9$ help her? 212:135,35@v | Perhaps be caught by$4$ the evil spirits. Ah, she wished she 212:135,36@v | had not had this passion for$4$ poor dead Tonga. But had 212:135,37@v | he not had a handsome face, a good figure? And was he 212:136,01@v | not brave? And had he not a way with him when he 212:136,02@v | had visited the station where she had waited upon$4$ the 212:136,03@v | overseer's wife? 212:136,03[' ]| Her own parents had deserted her (that$6#2$ 212:136,04[' ]| is, her mother had; her father she had never seen, but 212:136,05[' ]| she guessed he had been a white man), and no*one cared 212:136,06[' ]| for$4$ her till Tonga came and seized her by$4$ the wrist and 212:136,07[' ]| ran off with her shouting the marriage cry. 212:136,07@v | Had she 212:136,08@v | not resisted and kicked and scratched with all her might 212:136,09@v | till the overseer himself had come galloping out and 212:136,10@v | released her? 212:136,10[' ]| And she had not been happy till he returned 212:136,11[' ]| and repeated the performance when the overseer 212:136,12[' ]| was away, she kicking and scratching harder than ever 212:136,13[' ]| because that$6#2$ was the right thing to$9$ do. She had loved 212:136,14[' ]| the wild and feckless life too, but she did not like$1$ Gunyio, 212:136,15[' ]| and she adored her red-haired baby, 212:136,15[' ]| and she wondered 212:136,16@v | what on$4$ earth they were all up$5$ to$4$. The gins gave her 212:136,17@v | some news, but not enough; she \must\ find out what they 212:136,18@v | were going to$9$ do with her baby. 212:136,19[' ]| Two women came in$5$ and broke her reverie. They 212:136,20[' ]| brought a large portion of fish, cooked in$4$ a bark wrapping, 212:136,21[' ]| and a gourd of water. The fish was put beside Banyon, 212:136,22[' ]| and the gins, who$6#1$ were like$4$ curious magpies, began to$9$ 212:136,23[' ]| finger the two children all over. Letty bit and scratched 212:136,24[' ]| and then looked up$5$, and noticing a ladder of simple 212:136,25[' ]| laths against the wall, sprang up$4$ it and sat looking down 212:136,26[' ]| glowering. The gins were hideous and repulsive. The 212:136,27[' ]| first old crow possessed a great fat nose and an enormous, 212:136,28[' ]| sloppy mouth, and was wrinkled all over like$4$ an ant-eater; 212:136,29[' ]| the second one was younger and unusually good-looking, 212:136,30[' ]| as a matter of fact, but to$4$ Letty she was indelicate 212:136,31[' ]| with her naked breasts and round stomach 212:136,32[' ]| sticking out proudly before her. 212:136,32@a | And her impudent 212:136,33@a | smiles at Peter! She was dreadful. Both their faces were 212:136,34@a | deeply smeared with white and they were dressed in$4$ 212:136,35@a | mat aprons made from shredded bark. They were preposterous. 212:136,36@a | 212:136,37[' ]| They lifted Peter's coat with great curiosity; his brass 212:137,01[' ]| buttons pleased them, his shirt and pantaloons amazed 212:137,02[' ]| them. They poked and pried about his body, looking 212:137,03[' ]| at the white skin below the covering of vest with great 212:137,04[' ]| interest, opening the palms of his hands and comparing 212:137,05[' ]| his with their own. Opening his lids and peering into 212:137,06[' ]| his fixed grey eyes, opening even his mouth and touching 212:137,07[' ]| his milky teeth. Letty spat upon$4$ them, and they laughed. 212:137,08[' ]| One, the better-looking of the two, put the gourd to$4$ the 212:137,09[' ]| boy's lips so$3$ that$3$ he drank. Then, giggling and whispering, 212:137,10[' ]| they went away. 212:137,11[' ]| Letty crept down and snatched the fish Banyon pushed 212:137,12[' ]| towards her. 212:137,12@a | Oh, how the place reeked of the gins. 212:137,13@a | They must get out ~~ out. Why could not Peter \move\! 212:137,14[V ]| ""Come, leetle one, speak. Tell what, where you coming."" 212:137,15[A ]| ""I do not understand you,"" 212:137,15[' ]| said Letty again, and went 212:137,16[' ]| back to$4$ Peter and knelt beside him. 212:137,17[V ]| ""You coming all alone? In$4$ sheep? What? You be gooda 212:137,18[V ]| Banyon. Banyon in$4$ trouble. Headman die. Banyon seek, 212:137,19[V ]| plenty fever. Baby coming queek, no$2$ good. Poor baby. 212:137,20[V ]| Banyon love baby ~~ look."" 212:137,21[' ]| What little girl could resist the invitation? Letty got 212:137,22[' ]| up$5$ and bent over the tiny morsel. It was almost white, 212:137,23[' ]| and its red hair was queer. The mother too was pale-skinned, 212:137,24[' ]| and Letty thought no$2$ more of her for$4$ going 212:137,25[' ]| off with an aboriginal. 212:137,25@a | Oh, what dreadful creatures they 212:137,26@a | all were and how they stank in$4$ her nostrils. 212:137,26[' ]| She loathed 212:137,27[' ]| the gins most. 212:137,27@a | Banyon \was\ less objectionable, but she 212:137,28@a | was sick, 212:137,28[' ]| and children dislike sick people. She had caught 212:137,29[' ]| miasma, which$6#1$ the tribe put down to$4$ the bad spirits 212:137,30[' ]| in$4$ the place; but that$6#2$ was all nonsense. 212:137,30[V ]| ""\Where\ you coming 212:137,31[V ]| from?"" 212:137,31[' ]| Banyon was insisting. 212:137,32[A ]| ""We were shipwrecked,"" 212:137,32[' ]| said Letty, playing with the 212:137,33[' ]| baby's tiny hands, 212:137,33[A ]| ""and I wish you would tell some of these 212:137,34[A ]| servants of yours to$9$ go and tell Tim where we are ~~ he will$1$ 212:137,35[A ]| be looking for$4$ us. He will$1$ not know where we are, you 212:137,36[A ]| know. I think I will$1$ have a sleep while you find out."" 212:137,37[' ]| Letty slept. About sundown the women brought food 212:138,01[' ]| and wakened her up$5$ and tried to$9$ rouse Peter, but Peter 212:138,02[' ]| was still in$4$ the land of insensibility, and Letty was almost 212:138,03[' ]| there, for$3$ she pushed them off angrily and sank again 212:138,04[' ]| into deepest slumber. Perhaps their guardian angels were 212:138,05[' ]| watching over them, and over that$6#2$ other poor lad on$4$ 212:138,06[' ]| the wreck. You never know about saints and angels. 212:138,00@@@@@| 212:138,00[U ]| 212:138,07[' ]| It was daylight when Beewing again brought food, and 212:138,08[' ]| Letty sat up$5$ and munched some nuts and a portion of 212:138,09[' ]| cold roast kangaroo tail, and Peter was given more nice 212:138,10[' ]| clear water, for$3$ milk is an unknown luxury to$4$ the aborigines 212:138,11[' ]| in$4$ that$6#2$ part of the world. Letty then, feeling 212:138,12[' ]| very heavy and tousled, made for$4$ the door, but again 212:138,13[' ]| she was detained. She was pushed into the little old 212:138,14[' ]| vestry to$9$ make her toilet, but the place was filled with 212:138,15[' ]| dust and enormous spiders ran all over the ceiling. Moth-eaten 212:138,16[' ]| though it was, it was better in$4$ the chapel. Letty 212:138,17[' ]| sat in$4$ a pew for$4$ a little while and half-slept again. She 212:138,18[' ]| dreamt she was sitting beside her papa and mama, but 212:138,19[' ]| when she looked up$5$ they were gone. She only had Peter. 212:138,20[' ]| She rose and went over to$4$ his side, and again disgust 212:138,21[' ]| of him rose within her. No*one had attended to$4$ him 212:138,22[' ]| since he had been placed on$4$ his bed of grass, flies were 212:138,23[' ]| in$4$ his eyes, and his face was filthy. She called Beewing, 212:138,24[' ]| who$6#1$ came in$5$ and simply grinned when Letty pointed the 212:138,25[' ]| matter out to$4$ her, and when she stamped her foot, the 212:138,26[' ]| handsome young gin, who$6#1$ was being courted by$4$ all the 212:138,27[' ]| best-looking men in$4$ the tribe, only laughed again. 212:138,27[V ]| ""She 212:138,28[V ]| not know what you say,"" 212:138,28[' ]| Banyon explained. 212:138,28[V ]| ""You hold 212:138,29[V ]| my baby, I get some tings I see for$4$ this."" 212:138,29[' ]| And she dragged 212:138,30[' ]| herself off her bed and went into the vestry and, opening 212:138,31[' ]| a drawer there, came back with a tattered surplice and 212:138,32[' ]| dressed Peter in$4$ it in$4$ a cleanly manner. Letty nursed 212:138,33[' ]| the baby and it amused her for$4$ a little, but when Banyon 212:138,34[' ]| went back to$4$ the palm-leaf bed she shoved it back on$4$ 212:138,35[' ]| her arm and again tried to$9$ go outside. She abominated 212:139,01[' ]| the stuffiness of the place ~~ it made her ache inside, and 212:139,02[' ]| she felt that$3$ 212:139,02@a | if she let the ache go any further she would 212:139,03@a | be afraid. She must be brave, she must be. Tim would come 212:139,04@a | soon, and when he came he would make everything better. 212:139,05[' ]| The old gin pushed her back roughly and Letty's spite 212:139,06[' ]| rose within her. She pinched the black arm hard, and 212:139,07[' ]| beat upon$4$ it viciously, but it only made the old woman 212:139,08[' ]| laugh and shut the door. 212:139,08@a | There, they were shut in$5$ now! 212:139,09@a | How horrible it was. Dreadful. 212:139,09[' ]| Letty rushed at the 212:139,10[' ]| nail-studded door and kicked and banged at it. Banyon 212:139,11[' ]| spoke to$4$ her, but she took no$2$ notice. 212:139,11@a | Tim, why did not 212:139,12@a | he come? He must come and let them out. Why had she 212:139,13@a | followed this despicable Peter? 212:139,14[' ]| The terror and fear she had held deep down within 212:139,15[' ]| her rose at last and she screamed, 212:139,15[A ]| ""Open the door! 212:139,16[A ]| Open the door! Open!"" 212:139,17[' ]| An old gin pushing it ajar at last leered, 212:139,17[V ]| ""Hush, baba, 212:139,18[V ]| hush!"" 212:139,18[' ]| This only infuriated Letty more. She kicked and 212:139,19[' ]| scratched and spat at her like$4$ a wild young bush-cat. But 212:139,20[' ]| the gin pushed the door to$5$ again, cackled, and the echoing 212:139,21[' ]| cackle of other gins laughing came to$4$ her ears. All 212:139,22[' ]| her spirit died down again; she sank to$4$ the floor, sobbing. 212:139,23[A ]| ""Oh Tim, Tim. Wherever are you, Tim! Oh, do come 212:139,24[A ]| to$4$ poor Letty."" 212:139,24[' ]| How she sobbed. Banyon on$4$ the bed 212:139,25[' ]| began sobbing too. 212:139,26[' ]| Tired out with crying, at last Letty looked at Peter 212:139,27[' ]| through her misty eyes, and pity for$4$ him rose within 212:139,28[' ]| her and deadened her passion and terror. 212:139,28@a | Tim \would\ 212:139,29@a | come, and he would make Peter well. She \must\ have 212:139,30@a | patience. Tim \would\ come soon. And if she was to$9$ 212:139,31@a | get out and leave poor Peter, perhaps they would do 212:139,32@a | something abominably dreadful to$4$ him. She had better 212:139,33@a | have patience. 212:139,33[' ]| A kind of stupefied torpor overcame her 212:139,34[' ]| again. She lay down and slept again by$4$ Peter. When 212:139,35[' ]| she roused a little they were bringing in$5$ the baby, who$6#1$ 212:139,36[' ]| was crying lustily. Banyon was speaking, but Letty 212:139,37[' ]| merely murmured, 212:139,37[A ]| ""I do not understand you,"" 212:139,37[' ]| and went 212:140,01[' ]| to$9$ sleep again heavily. Perhaps it was merely that$3$ her 212:140,02[' ]| consciousness was suspended, that$3$ she drooped under 212:140,03[' ]| the pressure of imprisonment, that$3$ simple negation held 212:140,04[' ]| sway because the change was too heavy for$4$ her. 212:140,05[' ]| The curious thing about it is, that$3$ though she slept 212:140,06[' ]| through most of this dreadful day in$4$ this appalling atmosphere, 212:140,07[' ]| when she roused she felt a sense of freedom 212:140,08[' ]| and elation that$6#1$ is beyond explanation. She felt unreal 212:140,09[' ]| ~~ and light, like$4$ a moth: ethereal. Yet she felt nothing. 212:140,10@a | She was as light as air. A little moon-moth ~~ that$6#2$ was it ~~ 212:140,11@a | the moon was up$5$. She must get out. Peter had become 212:140,12@a | nothing to$4$ her, because this soggy body lying here was 212:140,13@a | not Peter. She must get out into the great vastness outside, 212:140,14@a | where she belonged. 212:140,14[' ]| The moonlight showed Banyon 212:140,15[' ]| sleeping with the baby on$4$ her arm, and in$4$ the shadowy 212:140,16[' ]| porch the figures of a couple of gins gazing out through 212:140,17[' ]| a vista of scrub and a red light beyond, not in$4$ the least 212:140,18[' ]| aware of their changes. Noise came from the halo of 212:140,19[' ]| red light, but it did not affect Letty's consciousness. 212:140,20[' ]| In$4$ fact, her child's reasoning powers were asleep, subdued 212:140,21[' ]| by$4$ superior forces, and now, since the blacks' 212:140,22[' ]| thoughts were off her, her spirits rose to$4$ super issues. 212:140,23@a | She was a moon-moth. She must fly. 212:140,23[' ]| Rising gently, she 212:140,24[' ]| climbed her ladder in$4$ the shadows, and found herself 212:140,25[' ]| in$4$ the belfry once more. The bell had gone, and the rope, 212:140,26[' ]| and so$5#2$ also had some of the roof, for$3$ the branch of a great 212:140,27[' ]| tree had beaten a hole in$4$ it. Just right for$4$ Letty, she 212:140,28[' ]| climbed out and along the tree branch, found the trunk 212:140,29[' ]| and arrived safely in$4$ the bush on$4$ the sea side of the 212:140,30[' ]| camp. No*one thought of the little white bashaw for$4$ 212:140,31[' ]| the moment, and at any rate it did not matter. 212:140,31@a | Those 212:140,32@a | who$6#1$ knew about her did not want her yet. They knew 212:140,33@a | she was a girl. 212:140,34[' ]| On$4$ the open flat of green, the moon flooded in$4$ electric 212:140,35[' ]| whiteness, and above, the great spaces spread in$4$ electric 212:140,36[' ]| blueness, and before, the sea opened out in$4$ electric 212:140,37[' ]| pearliness. How fresh it was, and cool and sweet. Letty 212:141,01[' ]| danced like$4$ the little moon-moth she felt she was, across 212:141,02[' ]| the electric whiteness, feeling lifted up$5$ in$4$ the electric 212:141,03[' ]| blueness, determined to$9$ plunge into the electric pearliness. 212:141,04@a | She must mingle her elements with the world 212:141,05@a | elements. She was part of the world, and yet no$2$ part 212:141,06@a | at all. Even thoughts of Tim were not evident. She 212:141,07@a | must bathe and wash away the grime and beastliness 212:141,08@a | of the hovel wherein she had lain. 212:141,09[' ]| Wash! came the great clean sea circling round her 212:141,10[' ]| feet. Her spirits rose to$9$ meet it and she cast off her garments 212:141,11[' ]| and ran merrily into it. 212:141,11@a | Oh how lovely it was 212:141,12@a | holding her, its salty warmness enveloping her, its 212:141,13@a | greeny electric waves caressing her. 212:141,13[' ]| Far away she could 212:141,14[' ]| see the spot of blood-red firelight shining in$4$ a ring amongst 212:141,15[' ]| the trees, but the rest was open, new, void, calm, majestic. 212:141,16@a | Empty. Where was the wreck? 212:141,16[' ]| Letty popped her head 212:141,17[' ]| up$5$ and calculated. 212:141,17@a | This was a bay. She must have followed 212:141,18@a | Ananias round the other side of that$6#2$ old deserted 212:141,19@a | fort. Then the wreck was on$4$ the other side of this promontory. 212:141,20@a | And Tim? She had better go and find Tim 212:141,21@a | since he had not found her. 212:141,21[' ]| She swam into land, put 212:141,22[' ]| on$5$ her garments and ran along the beach and across 212:141,23[' ]| the neck of land. 212:141,23@a | The tide was in$5$. There was the black 212:141,24@a | bulk. 212:141,24[' ]| She found her mind bumping as it were against 212:141,25[' ]| it. 212:141,25@a | She would have nothing to$9$ do with it. It was nasty 212:141,26@a | and cold over there, dreary, like$4$ the horrid side of a dream; 212:141,27@a | she would return to$4$ the ""electric"" lights. Nothing was real. 212:141,28@a | She felt no$2$ anxiety. She was just a little moon-moth. 212:141,29[' ]| How long afterwards who$6#2$ can tell, Letty came upon$4$ 212:141,30[' ]| Beewing and Boondi, her feet attracted by$4$ the law of 212:141,31[' ]| ""way"" attraction. For$3$ where one earth-born treads, another 212:141,32[' ]| follows. She knew Beewing at once by$4$ a certain 212:141,33[' ]| shell necklace she wore, the line of her shapely shoulders, 212:141,34[' ]| and her tawny skin. She kicked her with her little bare 212:141,35[' ]| stubbed toes. 212:141,36[A ]| ""Get up$5$,"" 212:141,36[' ]| she said. 212:141,37[' ]| Death could not have brought to$4$ the savage girl greater 212:142,01[' ]| liberation, as she recognized Letty. Her insane terror 212:142,02[' ]| fled, and Boondi stirred, opened her eyes and stared up$5$. 212:142,03[' ]| It was now Beewing's turn to$9$ show off. She clasped 212:142,04[' ]| Letty's feet and grinned at Boondi. Boondi rose. 212:142,04@w | The 212:142,05@w | \mu^ru^p\ was a living thing, then. \A white boy\. Where on$4$ 212:142,06@w | earth had he come from? 212:142,06[' ]| He gave it up$5$. 212:142,07[A ]| ""Why do not you speak?"" 212:142,07[' ]| said Letty. 212:142,08[W ]| ""Speak?"" 212:142,08[' ]| answered Boondi, swallowing the coppery spittle 212:142,09[' ]| that$6#1$ had gathered in$4$ his mouth. 212:142,10[A ]| ""Where is Tim?"" 212:142,10[' ]| As she spoke she saw that$3$ the blacks 212:142,11[' ]| wore her beloved Tim's clothes and her rage knew no$2$ 212:142,12[' ]| bounds. She ordered them to$9$ discard them. Reluctant 212:142,13[' ]| they were, Beewing holding up$5$ the trousers for$4$ admiration 212:142,14[' ]| as though they were things for$4$ auction. 212:142,14[A ]| ""Where is 212:142,15[A ]| Tim?"" 212:142,15[' ]| Letty repeated. Boondi told her that$3$ 212:142,15@w | he was attending 212:142,16@w | corroborree. 212:142,17[A ]| ""Take me to$4$ him,"" 212:142,17[' ]| she demanded. The blacks looked 212:142,18[' ]| at one another in$4$ terror, Beewing telling Boondi that$3$ 212:142,19[' ]| Letty was a girl. 212:142,19[W ]| ""They kill you if they see you look."" 212:142,20[' ]| He explained to$4$ her. 212:142,21[A ]| ""They will$1$ not see me, I will$1$ hide. \Take me to$4$ Tim\."" 212:142,22[W ]| ""No$7$, no$7$,"" 212:142,22[' ]| he told her. 212:142,22[W ]| ""Stay here."" 212:142,23[' ]| But Letty had drawn her forces to$4$ herself and her 212:142,24[' ]| will$0$ was stronger than Boondi's. 212:142,24[A ]| ""Go,"" 212:142,24[' ]| she ordered, and 212:142,25[' ]| Boondi, with his head bent, fled disconsolately, Beewing 212:142,26[' ]| on$4$ his track, Letty on$4$ hers. Oh, how quickly they ran 212:142,27[' ]| across the moon-flooded green, Boondi moaning with 212:142,28[' ]| apprehension, Beewing shaking in$4$ all her bones, Letty 212:142,29[' ]| bringing up$5$ the rear, bubbling into laughter. 212:142,30@a | ""Never let a black get behind you,"" 212:142,30[' ]| thought Letty. 212:142,31@x | ""If debil-debil does come he will$1$ get the hindermost,"" 212:142,32[' ]| thought the blacks. That$6#2$ was some comfort. 212:142,33[' ]| But at last they reached the shelter of scrub and felt 212:142,34[' ]| the flow of emanations from the excited mob, and presently 212:142,35[' ]| crept into sight of the glowing fires. Beewing disappeared 212:142,36[' ]| into the shadows. 212:142,37[' ]| Thank goodness, a child's brain does not take in$5$ a 212:143,01[' ]| scene such as now was thrown upon$4$ the vision of Letty. 212:143,02[' ]| But fear gripped her throat like$4$ a nightmare. It was 212:143,03[' ]| a dreadful dream, but it appeared to$9$ thrill Boondi to$4$ the 212:143,04[' ]| marrow as he crouched beside her. But now he also left 212:143,05[' ]| her. Presently, she heard the strangest figure of all the 212:143,06[' ]| dancers call her by$4$ name. 212:143,06@a | This was astonishing. 212:143,06[' ]| Her 212:143,07[' ]| conscious recognized Tim, but her superconscious would 212:143,08[' ]| not let her recognize him. She lay quietly crouching by$4$ 212:143,09[' ]| herself, thrilling with terror, and shut her eyes. She 212:143,10[' ]| wanted to$9$ disentangle Tim's voice from that$6#2$ leaping, 212:143,11[' ]| yelling devil, and presently holding tight shut her eyes, 212:143,12[' ]| and opening her ears wide, partially managed to$9$ do so$5#2$. 212:143,00@@@@@| 212:143,00[U ]| 212:143,13@a | Yes. Boondi and Beewing had slipped away. Horror 212:143,14@a | and danger here. Beewing was off to$9$ tell the old gins 212:143,15@a | their captive was loose. They knew it ~~ had they not 212:143,16@a | missed her when they went into the chapel for$4$ Peter? 212:143,17@a | But they did not care much. She would turn up$5$. They 212:143,18@a | did not know that$3$ she was looking at the dance. When 212:143,19@a | Beewing told the gins that$6#2$! Ah! Then there would be 212:143,20@a | commotion. 212:143,20[' ]| But Boondi had suddenly thought of a 212:143,21[' ]| better plan. He had acted on$4$ it ~~ chased Beewing, and 212:143,22[' ]| caught her just in$4$ time. Then he argued with her, cajoled. 212:143,23@w | Let him, 212:143,23[' ]| he said, 212:143,23@w | when the time came, in$4$ the morning 212:143,24@w | when Gunyio woke ready for$4$ reasoning after his fire-water 212:143,25@w | drinking and revelling ~~ if one spoke to$4$ him now 212:143,26@w | he might not listen, but spear Boondi ~~ let him, Boondi, 212:143,27@w | tell Gunyio to-morrow morning that$3$ the woman-child 212:143,28@w | had watched the dancing. So$3$ might Boondi curry favour 212:143,29@w | with Gunyio. 212:143,29[' ]| What would happen to$4$ the poor little 212:143,30[' ]| moon-moth, if either of them told, neither gave a thought. 212:143,31[' ]| They argued hotly, whispering to$4$ each other. 212:143,31@x | How 212:143,32@x | would Beewing benefit if Boondi told! How Boondi, if 212:143,33@x | Beewing told! 212:143,33[' ]| They sat down to$4$ it whispering. And 212:143,34[' ]| while they argued, Letty was safe. And in$4$ the end Boondi 212:143,35[' ]| had his way. 212:144,01[' ]| Meanwhile Tim came and squatted down by$4$ the prone 212:144,02[' ]| and shrinking figure of Sampow to$9$ get his breath. Even 212:144,03[' ]| a savage must get his breath. He was panting and sweating, 212:144,04[' ]| and every pore of his skin seemed to$4$ him to$9$ be 212:144,05[' ]| alight with a kind of electric fire brought on$5$ by$4$ his passion 212:144,06[' ]| and anguish. He was trying to$9$ ""sense"" Letty. 212:144,06@e | Oh, if he 212:144,07@e | might safely slip away and find her. She must not come 212:144,08@e | near this wizard horror of Gunyio. If only he could 212:144,09@e | place her in$4$ safety by$4$ Peter in$4$ the mouth of the cave near 212:144,10@e | which$6#1$ none of these live devils would go! 212:144,11[' ]| And poor Letty, quite close, was thinking that$3$ 212:144,11@a | she \must\ 212:144,12@a | get used to$4$ the idea of Tim in$4$ fancy dress. She would. 212:144,13@a | \She would\. But how frightened she was ~~ Now Tim 212:144,14@a | was near her, sitting so$5#1$ still. And ~~ could that$6#2$ be old 212:144,15@a | Sampow or another savage crouching on$4$ the earth? 212:144,16@a | There was the big one up$5$ again dancing, yelling 212:144,16[E ]| ""Miss*Letty, 212:144,17[E ]| Miss*Letty. Do not show yourself, do not come out. 212:144,18[E ]| Tim will$1$ come to$4$ you. Tim will$1$ find you!"" 212:144,19[A ]| ""I am here, Tim!"" 212:144,19[' ]| Letty whispered from behind shut 212:144,20[' ]| eyes. But of course Tim did not hear her. She tried 212:144,21[' ]| to$9$ still her anguish, and make up$5$ her mind to$9$ speak, 212:144,22[' ]| to$9$ touch him when he came back. 212:144,22@a | He would come back, 212:144,23@a | she was sure ~~ 212:144,24[' ]| He came back, it seemed an age later. But still she 212:144,25[' ]| could not speak. 212:144,26[' ]| Night wore on$5$, and Tim lay still. Letty lay stiller. Disjointed 212:144,27[' ]| silences fell in$4$ the forest. The dancing ceased 212:144,28[' ]| and the ant-hill gins sat motionless. The wind came up$5$ 212:144,29[' ]| and an approaching storm darkened the sky, putting 212:144,30[' ]| out the stars one by$4$ one. The blacks had dropped like$4$ 212:144,31[' ]| dormant wasps asleep by$4$ the fires. Tim stirred again 212:144,32[' ]| ready for$4$ action. 212:144,33[' ]| The little moon-moth was quite near him trying to$9$ 212:144,34[' ]| make up$5$ her mind. She \was\ so$5#1$ frightened of him. 212:144,35[' ]| A whisper smote the ear of the prodigious savage. 212:144,35[A ]| ""Tim!"" 212:144,36[E ]| ""Ah!"" 212:144,36[' ]| Miss*Letty's little hands were in$4$ his own. The 212:144,37[' ]| perfume of her moon-moth presence all about him. He 212:145,01[' ]| clasped her in$4$ his arms, his heart stifling him in$4$ his 212:145,02[' ]| relief. 212:145,03[' ]| He kicked Sampow. He held his breath, silent: held 212:145,04[' ]| his hand over Letty's mouth. They all slid through the 212:145,05[' ]| shadowy bushes like$4$ slips of shade. Here they were at 212:145,06[' ]| the cave. He put her down. 212:145,07[E ]| ""Now patience, honey,"" 212:145,07[' ]| he whispered in$4$ her ear. 212:145,07[E ]| ""Sleep 212:145,08[E ]| there like$4$ Master*Peter now awhile. Sampow will$1$ take 212:145,09[E ]| care of you. If you hear the most terrible noises, Miss*Letty 212:145,10[E ]| dear, it is but Tim himself driving the devils away. I 212:145,11[E ]| cannot rest till it is out of danger we are from their 212:145,12[E ]| molesting. I must drive them away."" 212:145,00@@@@@| 212:145,00[U ]| 212:145,13[A ]| ""No$7$, stay, stay, Tim."" 212:145,14[' ]| But he had made up$5$ his mind. 212:145,14[E ]| ""Be good, Miss*Letty ~~ 212:145,15[E ]| quiet now. Lie down and close your eyes and sleep."" 212:145,16[' ]| She could do nothing else, for$3$ he slipped backwards 212:145,17[' ]| like$4$ a snake into the jungle from her detaining hands, and 212:145,18[' ]| she was half-asleep already. The natives were still quiet. 212:145,19[' ]| Working his way round to$4$ the chapel, Tim lifted himself 212:145,20[' ]| on$4$ the east window-sill and pushed open the shutters. 212:145,21[' ]| He would save Banyon and the baby if he could. He whispered 212:145,22[' ]| in$4$ his mother tongue: 212:145,22[E ]| ""Whist now, Banyon of 212:145,23[E ]| the Tribe!"" 212:145,24@e | She was awake, thank God, alight with terror. 212:145,24[V ]| ""Aye, aye, 212:145,25[V ]| Teem; friend of the children!"" 212:145,26[E ]| ""I thought they would be telling you! Can you folla me?"" 212:145,27[V ]| ""Where?"" 212:145,28[E ]| ""Are you feared of the cave?"" 212:145,29[V ]| ""Alone? Yes. Mercy, Teem!"" 212:145,30[E ]| ""The children are there. It is the baby, as well as them 212:145,31[E ]| and yourself is in$4$ danger."" 212:145,32[' ]| After a pause, quivering with anxiety, 212:145,32[V ]| ""Then I no$2$ 212:145,33[V ]| fear."" 212:145,34[E ]| ""Can you get away?"" 212:145,35[V ]| ""There are gins round me watching."" 212:146,01[E ]| ""Can you run if I fright them?"" 212:146,02[V ]| ""Aye, aye, Teem."" 212:146,03[E ]| ""Then be off with you, to$4$ the mouth of the cave ~~ the 212:146,04[E ]| children is there, and take no$2$ heed of me at all, or what 212:146,05[E ]| I am after doin'. I will$1$ be makin' a hullabaloo like$4$ the sound 212:146,06[E ]| of the judgment itself, but that$6#2$ will$1$ be nothing. Away with 212:146,07[E ]| you then, and comfort Miss*Letty."" 212:146,08[' ]| Tim knew that$3$ the gins in$4$ the dark of the chapel could 212:146,09[' ]| not see him, and were by$4$ now about petrified with terror 212:146,10[' ]| that$3$ Banyon should talk to$4$ a ""debil-debil"". So$3$ he started 212:146,11[' ]| then and there to$9$ further their horror by$4$ making the most 212:146,12[' ]| frightful noises imaginable. His noise contrivance was 212:146,13[' ]| made out of a bladder and two tiny pieces of wood, which$6#1$ 212:146,14[' ]| he placed in$4$ his mouth and whistled through. Bellowing 212:146,15[' ]| thus, he returned to$4$ the circle and acted an awakening 212:146,16[' ]| from sleep in$4$ terror which$6#1$ was a masterpiece of fine 212:146,17[' ]| acting for$4$ the benefit of any who$6#1$ might glance in$4$ his 212:146,18[' ]| direction. But there was little need for$4$ posing, the sound 212:146,19[' ]| had taken effect instantly. The blacks were on$4$ their 212:146,20[' ]| feet and staring round distractedly. They began to$9$ run 212:146,21[' ]| this way and that$6#2$ in$4$ mortal terror. Their awful disquiet 212:146,22[' ]| pleased Tim mightily. He yowled and screeched. 212:146,23[' ]| The threatening storm burst at this moment and helped 212:146,24[' ]| him with thunder claps and flashes of lightning. The 212:146,25[' ]| gins threw their ""bokas"" away, and pressed their piccaninies 212:146,26[' ]| to$4$ their hearts; the young girls (yokahs) came out from 212:146,27[' ]| their hiding-places behind the trees, clasping their sticks 212:146,28[' ]| (wannas) and flew to$4$ their lovers. And the tribe, fathers, 212:146,29[' ]| mothers, sisters, and brothers, with one accord turned 212:146,30[' ]| tail and fled through the forest towards the open beach. 212:146,31[' ]| Tim went with them. He had the power of making 212:146,32[' ]| the horrible squeak wail and sigh and die down; could 212:146,33[' ]| give terrific deafening blasts and sudden screams, whilst 212:146,34[' ]| it lay unseen in$4$ his mouth, and he used that$6#2$ power to$4$ the 212:146,35[' ]| best of his ability. He ran in$5$ and out amongst them, 212:146,36[' ]| looking as innocent as his fiendish accoutrements would 212:146,37[' ]| allow. No*one for$4$ a moment suspected him. He would 212:147,01[' ]| have gone with them however, even if they had, for$3$ he 212:147,02[' ]| had need of ""hands"" for$4$ the future welfare of the children. 212:147,03[' ]| He wanted servants, and he meant to$9$ secure them while 212:147,04[' ]| they were available. This is how he proceeded to$9$ get 212:147,05[' ]| them. Boondi, whom he liked and who$6#1$ was a strong, able 212:147,06[' ]| fellow to$4$ boot, he came upon$4$ first. So$3$ he stalked him, 212:147,07[' ]| running just behind, making such a buzz in$4$ his ear that$3$ 212:147,08[' ]| Boondi was near demented. Then at the chosen moment 212:147,09[' ]| he felled him with a terrific blow from his fist. The 212:147,10[' ]| fellow had Beewing running beside him, and when he 212:147,11[' ]| fell, though she ran for$4$ a minute or two, she came back 212:147,12[' ]| and found him, squatting beside his prostrate body and 212:147,13[' ]| moaning and hiding her face. But Tim did not stay to$9$ 212:147,14[' ]| comfort her ~~ he had other work to$9$ do. Going in$4$ the 212:147,15[' ]| opposite direction so$3$ as not to$9$ attract the ""yokah's"" attention, 212:147,16[' ]| he rounded a tree and, quite by$4$ accident, knocked 212:147,17[' ]| his head against the head of Ananias, sending the older 212:147,18[' ]| man stunned to$4$ earth. It was a mighty blow and Tim 212:147,19[' ]| was still holding his own head in$4$ part confusion, when 212:147,20[' ]| a pair of insanely scared lads paused by$4$ his side. Tim 212:147,21[' ]| recovered himself, and seized the opportunity of securing 212:147,22[' ]| this fine pair of birds. This was all he would want, 212:147,23[' ]| and they came to$4$ his hand. He shrilled the blast fast 212:147,24[' ]| and loose as a final scare, then, seizing the wrist of either 212:147,25[' ]| lad in$4$ an iron grip, he dragged them to$4$ the cave. They 212:147,26[' ]| offered very little resistance; indeed they merely screamed 212:147,27[' ]| and tightly closed their eyes, so$3$ that$3$ when Tim had them 212:147,28[' ]| in$4$ shelter, all he had to$9$ do was to$9$ tie their hands and feet 212:147,29[' ]| securely and throw them in$4$ a corner. 212:147,30[' ]| Then at last he sat down and rested on$4$ his laurels, 212:147,31[' ]| highly delighted with his night's work. He had carried 212:147,32[' ]| out his plans with only one hitch, and that$6#2$ perhaps had 212:147,33[' ]| been a good one. Letty had practically saved herself. 212:147,34[' ]| But anyway, there, curled up$5$ under the rock in$4$ a bed 212:147,35[' ]| of leaves, the beloved children themselves lay as safe 212:147,36[' ]| and sound as babes in$4$ a cradle. 213:148,00@@@@@| 213:148,00[U ]| <\Beach-combers\> 213:148,00[U ]| 213:148,01[' ]| Letty was awakened from one of the deepest sleeps of 213:148,02[' ]| her life by$4$ Peter's voice. 213:148,03[F ]| ""Letty, however did we get here?"" 213:148,03[' ]| He was sitting up$5$, rubbing 213:148,04[' ]| his head dazedly and looking very blue and pale, but 213:148,05[' ]| quite sensible. For$4$ a few minutes she seemed as dazed as 213:148,06[' ]| he. Then looking round, she saw Banyon playing with the 213:148,07[' ]| baby, and an elderly gin who$6#1$ was her servant, combing her 213:148,08[' ]| hair, and old Sampow clothed and in$4$ his right mind making 213:148,09[' ]| chupatties, and Ananias, well away from the mouth of 213:148,10[' ]| the cave, humbly picking up$5$ sticks with his eyes constantly 213:148,11[' ]| over his shoulder, and Tim, not dressed as a savage, as he 213:148,12[' ]| had been the night before, but in$4$ his old togs, his hands on$4$ 213:148,13[' ]| his hips, surveying the scene in$4$ great contentment, and she 213:148,14[' ]| said, 213:148,14[A ]| ""Tim brought us here."" 213:148,14[' ]| Then, jumping up$5$, without 213:148,15[' ]| explaining to$4$ Peter, she ran over to$4$ the ex-convict and 213:148,16[' ]| flung her arms around his waist. She had always known he 213:148,17[' ]| would save her, and now her heart swelled with love and 213:148,18[' ]| gratitude. 213:148,19[E ]| ""Miss*Letty, and is it your blessed wee self come back to$4$ 213:148,20[E ]| Tim!"" 213:148,20[' ]| He held her off, shaking her playfully and devouring 213:148,21[' ]| her with his loving, merry eyes. 213:148,21[E ]| ""And what would you be 213:148,22[E ]| running off with the banshees for$4$; and what about the boy? 213:148,23[E ]| Is it bad he has been?"" 213:148,24[A ]| ""Yes. Come and see him, Tim!"" 213:148,24[' ]| she replied, suddenly 213:148,25[' ]| mother-anxious, for$3$ Peter still lay very quiet. And Tim 213:148,26[' ]| looked anxious too when he saw him and took his hand 213:148,27[' ]| which$6#1$ had got so$5#1$ thin and white in$4$ those few days and, 213:148,28[' ]| pressing it kindly, asked: 213:148,29[E ]| ""Is it weak you feel, Master*Peter, sir?"" 213:148,30[F ]| ""It is beastly,"" 213:148,30[' ]| said Peter, 213:148,30[F ]| ""as if I were up$5$ in$4$ the sky. I 213:148,31[F ]| do not remember anything since that$6#2$ wave banged over us, 213:148,32[F ]| Tim. Where are we?"" 213:149,01[E ]| ""I will$1$ tell you,"" 213:149,01[' ]| said Tim. 213:149,01[E ]| ""We are on$4$ the way to$4$ your home ~~ 213:149,02[E ]| which$6#1$ is more than we were this time yester'en ~~ but we 213:149,03[E ]| be going to$9$ stop in$4$ mine for$4$ the present. And this is my 213:149,04[E ]| home, Master*Peter, sir."" 213:149,04[' ]| He had found the cave, which$6#1$ 213:149,05[' ]| was a beautiful one within. 213:149,05[E ]| ""Ye say, "Arrah come open," 213:149,06[E ]| and there it is, a playhouse itself for$4$ you, with platforms 213:149,07[E ]| and thrones and jewels, and gardens galore; a silver lake 213:149,08[E ]| and a golden island, dark passages, crystal cascades, goblins, 213:149,09[E ]| dungeons, and glorious beams of light flooding it over."" 213:149,10[F ]| ""Am I still dreaming?"" 213:149,10[' ]| asked Peter uncertainly, 213:149,10[F ]| ""or has 213:149,11[F ]| Tim lost his senses?"" 213:149,12[A ]| ""I do not know,"" 213:149,12[' ]| answered Letty, always practical; 213:149,12[A ]| ""let us 213:149,13[A ]| eat something, I smell breakfast."" 213:149,14[F ]| ""I can not eat,"" 213:149,14[' ]| complained Peter, still in$4$ that$6#2$ sad and weary 213:149,15[' ]| voice. 213:149,15[F ]| ""I feel I can not, but I would like$1$ some gruel like$3$ my 213:149,16[F ]| mother used to$9$ make me at home when I was little."" 213:149,17[E ]| ""And it is that$6#2$ same is waiting for$4$ you,"" 213:149,17[' ]| Tim told him, 213:149,18[E ]| ""made by$4$ Sampow himself ~~ and the beautiful cook he is. 213:149,19[E ]| You have been ill, but we will$1$ get you well right soon now, and 213:149,20[E ]| then you shall see me treasure-trove ~~ the cave itself, your 213:149,21[E ]| honour."" 213:149,22[F ]| ""I do not want to$9$ see it."" 213:149,23[A ]| ""I do,"" 213:149,23[' ]| said Letty promptly, always ready to$9$ conciliate Tim. 213:149,24[E ]| ""Then I will$1$ take you. Banyon shall mind Master*Peter, and 213:149,25[E ]| we will$1$ be off after breakfast."" 213:149,26[A ]| ""I will$1$ not leave Peter,"" 213:149,26[' ]| she said suddenly, for$3$ she had developed 213:149,27[' ]| a sudden and passionate affection for$4$ Peter, and 213:149,28[' ]| she threw herself beside him, and hugged him close. 213:149,29[A ]| ""I am so$5#1$ glad you have come back to$4$ me, darling, darling 213:149,30[A ]| Peter. You are never to$9$ leave me again, I can not bear you 213:149,31[A ]| being ill!"" 213:149,32[F ]| ""I am ill,"" 213:149,32[' ]| said Peter; 213:149,32[F ]| ""it feels rotten too, but I do not want 213:149,33[F ]| to$9$ leave \you\. I can not bear it either ~~ though it seems,"" 213:149,33[' ]| he 213:149,34[' ]| added, grinning sheepishly, 213:149,34[F ]| ""I have had to$9$, just lately ~~ since 213:149,35[F ]| the water-spout business did for$4$ me."" 213:149,36[' ]| However, he picked up$5$ quickly after this, for$3$ things he 213:149,37[' ]| wanted to$9$ do were waiting. The black boys, who$6#1$ were 213:150,01[' ]| about the same age as he, took a great liking to$4$ him and 213:150,02[' ]| waited on$4$ him hand and foot. They were full of life and 213:150,03[' ]| craft, most amusing when you got them away from the 213:150,04[' ]| cave. And there was the beach to$9$ visit, the fort to$9$ see, and 213:150,05[' ]| the ship to$9$ salvage. Tim discovered that$3$ for$4$ a certain 213:150,06[' ]| distance all round, it was safe enough from any attack of 213:150,07[' ]| local or wandering tribes, for$3$ it was an entirely taboo preserve 213:150,08[' ]| (booya) on$4$ account of its notorious ""\Banjip\""; and it 213:150,09[' ]| now had a worse name, for$3$ the tribe who$6#1$ had dared camp 213:150,10[' ]| within its precincts had fled, giving it an infamous character 213:150,11[' ]| throughout the country. 213:150,12[' ]| The wretched Balglan, though Beewing had thrown in$5$ 213:150,13[' ]| her lot with him, did not rejoin the tribe who$6#1$ had repudiated 213:150,14[' ]| him and his unholy nose, but wandered disconsolately 213:150,15[' ]| on$4$ the fringe of bush between the ""debil-debil"" 213:150,16[' ]| and the deep sea till Beewing prevailed upon$4$ him to$9$ make 213:150,17[' ]| advances to$4$ Tim, who$6#1$ was looking out for$4$ them. Balglan 213:150,18[' ]| approached Tim casually ~~ as casually as might be with 213:150,19[' ]| Beewing pushing him forward, jabbering incontinently at 213:150,20[' ]| his ear ~~ and passed the time of day. Balglan, recognizing 213:150,21[' ]| Tim as the missioner, asked him what he was doing and 213:150,22[' ]| where living. Tim answered that$3$ 213:150,22@e | a lot of them had fore-gathered 213:150,23@e | together in$4$ a camp, and they might join up$5$ if 213:150,24@e | they were lonely, on$4$ condition that$3$ they worked; 213:150,24[' ]| and they, 213:150,25[' ]| being at their wits' ends for$4$ food and company, took 213:150,26[' ]| service with Tim at once. He camped them with Waddy 213:150,27[' ]| and Whin (who$6#1$ never could make out how they got free of 213:150,28[' ]| the ""debils""), on$4$ the beach by$4$ the derelict, and giving them 213:150,29[' ]| Ananias to$9$ fetch and carry, put Balglan in$4$ charge of the 213:150,30[' ]| gang to$9$ clear the ship. 213:150,30@w | Ananias had such a name for$4$ 213:150,31@w | making up$5$ stories in$4$ the tribe, 213:150,31[' ]| Banyon told Tim, 213:150,31@w | that$3$ no*one 213:150,32@w | believed a word he said, so$3$ it did not matter what 213:150,33@w | remarks he passed to$4$ the others about having known Letty, 213:150,34@w | Tim and Peter before. 213:150,34[' ]| Balglan despised him in$4$ any case, 213:150,35[' ]| because he had been partially civilized, having been succoured 213:150,36[' ]| in$4$ his youth by$4$ one of the settlers and made to$9$ do 213:150,37[' ]| farm work. He had retaliated by$4$ trying to$9$ kill his master, 213:151,01[' ]| and having been caught and convicted served a term of 213:151,02[' ]| imprisonment. However, for$4$ an old man he was useful, 213:151,03[' ]| and made quite a nice little vegetable garden, growing 213:151,04[' ]| roots he knew were edible, which$6#1$ the others had never 213:151,05[' ]| heard of before. He also found various fruits in$4$ due 213:151,06[' ]| season, mangoes, wild bananas, and sweet, delicious 213:151,07[' ]| berries. Banyon was good to$4$ the children too, especially 213:151,08[' ]| to$4$ Peter, coaxing him to$9$ eat, encouraging him to$9$ walk, and 213:151,09[' ]| sometimes massaging his arms and legs, which$6#1$ had grown 213:151,10[' ]| very weak and trembling. 213:151,11[' ]| How frightened the natives were of the cave! How 213:151,12[' ]| wonderful they thought Tim because he dared go into 213:151,13[' ]| it. Something of the supernatural hovered about Tim. 213:151,14[' ]| Even the children felt it at first, even Sampow. The 213:151,15[' ]| mysterious darkness of the cave was terrifying, and when 213:151,16[' ]| Tim disappeared into its black hollowness and returned 213:151,17[' ]| with lovely things for$4$ the children's comfort, it really 213:151,18[' ]| seemed uncanny, though Tim \said\ 213:151,18@e | he merely went through 213:151,19@e | to$4$ the beach on$4$ the other side and got them from the 213:151,20@e | wreck. 213:151,20[' ]| Of course, when they were able to$9$ do the same 213:151,21[' ]| thing themselves, familiarity bred contempt, but meanwhile ~~ ! 213:151,22[' ]| 213:151,00@@@@@| 213:151,00[U ]| 213:151,23[' ]| As soon as Peter was able to$9$ move about freely, Tim sent 213:151,24[' ]| the whole party down by$4$ the left of the fort to$4$ the beach 213:151,25[' ]| to$9$ camp by$4$ the wreck, and then he took the children there 213:151,26[' ]| through the cave. It was a wondrous cave. Just beyond 213:151,27[' ]| the yawning mouth was a turning leading into a dimly-lit 213:151,28[' ]| passage, through which$6#1$ you felt your way till you reached 213:151,29[' ]| a hole in$4$ the floor; dropping through this, you landed in$4$ a 213:151,30[' ]| sandy hollow lit by$4$ a tunnel from above; crawling on$4$ hands 213:151,31[' ]| and knees here you crept beneath the earth into another 213:151,32[' ]| hole and dragged yourself along till you came to$4$ the ""Wonderful 213:151,33[' ]| Spot."" It was just as if you looked up$5$ from the 213:151,34[' ]| bottom of a huge basin; far above, the trees flourished, the 213:151,35[' ]| wind blew, and the birds and beasts moved about in$4$ the 213:152,01[' ]| jungle; but here, below the world of kindly things, it was 213:152,02[' ]| lonely and barren beyond expression, and one felt buried, 213:152,03[' ]| though the sky could be seen above. 213:152,04[' ]| Just at the edge of the flat was a huge crack, and within 213:152,05[' ]| the crack, under hundreds and hundreds of feet of earth 213:152,06[' ]| was fairyland. A lovely lake of crystal water lay in$4$ a lap of 213:152,07[' ]| silver sand, and in$4$ the centre of that$6#2$ an island of dull gold 213:152,08[' ]| plaster reared a stately crest, while all round ran a gallery 213:152,09[' ]| of strange embellishments, objects Nature had formed with 213:152,10[' ]| a lavish hand out of that$6#2$ same dull gold plaster. From the 213:152,11[' ]| ceiling of this amazing palace hung stalactites and stalagmites, 213:152,12[' ]| and in$4$ one place a huge upside-down mushroom 213:152,13[' ]| spread itself out, all reflected in$4$ the still lake. On$4$ the edge 213:152,14[' ]| of this mushroom the children sat and dabbled their 213:152,15[' ]| feet in$4$ the water. But they did not like$1$ it much down 213:152,16[' ]| there; it was weird and uncanny and they could understand 213:152,17[' ]| why the natives looked upon$4$ it with disfavour. It 213:152,18[' ]| was cold, too, though a broiling day above, and they were 213:152,19[' ]| glad when Tim moved onwards, though it was to$9$ go 213:152,20[' ]| farther under the ground. It grew dusky and gradually 213:152,21[' ]| dark, and Letty clutched Peter by$4$ the arm and was glad to$9$ 213:152,22[' ]| hear Tim's comforting voice coming through the gloom. 213:152,23[' ]| The walking was rough, too, but the voice of Tim warned 213:152,24[' ]| of boulders and pitfalls. 213:152,24@e | It was quite safe, 213:152,24[' ]| he said, 213:152,24@e | being 213:152,25@e | tunnel shaped, a sort of natural funnel in$4$ the earth. 213:152,25[' ]| Then 213:152,26[' ]| at last a glimmer pierced the blackness, a grey light, and 213:152,27[' ]| space open to$4$ the skies, and breathing more freely each 213:152,28[' ]| moment, they came out into a ravine where a waterfall 213:152,29[' ]| fell from a great height and went on$5$ down into the bowels 213:152,30[' ]| of the earth with a terrific roar and crash and swirl. 213:152,31[A ]| ""Is not it a horrid place, Tim?"" 213:152,31[' ]| Letty cried, catching her 213:152,32[' ]| breath fearfully. 213:152,32[A ]| ""Supposing it carried us away; where would we 213:152,33[A ]| get to$4$, I wonder?"" 213:152,34[E ]| ""It is blessed,"" 213:152,34[' ]| said Tim; 213:152,34[E ]| ""for$3$ it is God's own sweet fresh 213:152,35[E ]| water. Where does it come from, say I, and what use 213:152,36[E ]| could it be put to$4$. Never mind, Miss*Letty, we will$1$ be out on$4$ 213:152,37[E ]| the beach this minute, for$3$ we have walked a long distance 213:153,01[E ]| underground, and there is another mouth to$4$ the cave just 213:153,02[E ]| here, which$6#1$ leads into the open."" 213:153,03[' ]| He was quite right. From this ravine he led them over 213:153,04[' ]| boulders on$5$ to$4$ the open beach, not far from the reef where 213:153,05[' ]| the wreck lay. Indeed, it was surprising with merely a 213:153,06[' ]| clamber or two, a pull up$5$, and a slide down, to$9$ be in$4$ so$5#1$ 213:153,07[' ]| open a place again. The sea lay in$4$ front, lazily, drowsily, 213:153,08[' ]| sighing and writhing, the beach ran its interminable length 213:153,09[' ]| to$4$ right and left, and there was the old mangrove swamp 213:153,10[' ]| not three acres away, shutting them in$5$ from the wild 213:153,11[' ]| behind. 213:153,12[' ]| Tim had set the natives to$9$ clean the derelict because 213:153,13[' ]| he meant to$9$ float and use her to$9$ sail Van*Diemans*Gulf, 213:153,14[' ]| near enough to$4$ Darwin to$9$ land and take the children 213:153,15[' ]| to$4$ safety if possible. They might, he hoped, be handed on$5$ 213:153,16[' ]| to$4$ the British authorities at that$6#2$ port and so$3$ sent home, 213:153,17[' ]| for$3$ Sampow had told him that$3$ a Government Gun Survey, 213:153,18[' ]| Customs or Merchant Ship called in$4$ there occasionally. 213:153,19[' ]| Meanwhile he cut an open track through the mangroves, 213:153,20[' ]| across the moat, and over the earthwork into the fort 213:153,21[' ]| compound, for$4$ general use; he installed the children there 213:153,22[' ]| with Banyon, baby and Sampow, as, for$4$ the love of their 213:153,23[' ]| lives, none of the aboriginal natives would come near it. 213:153,24[' ]| The other building ~~ which$6#1$ Letty was quite sure, by$4$ its 213:153,25[' ]| queer acid smell and the old iron bedsteads standing about, 213:153,26[' ]| must have been the hospital in$4$ days gone by$5$ ~~ he converted 213:153,27[' ]| into the main camp, turing it into a comfortable, 213:153,28[' ]| roomy, dry abode with log fires always smouldering in$4$ the 213:153,29[' ]| open fireplace, for$3$ the rains broke shortly, and poured 213:153,30[' ]| down in$4$ torrents, intermittently, for$4$ days and night on$4$ 213:153,31[' ]| end. 213:153,32[' ]| Meanwhile Tim with his gang worked steadily at the 213:153,33[' ]| ship and Peter took to$4$ hunting at Tim's instigation. He 213:153,34[' ]| was allowed one of the boys for$4$ a companion, as they knew 213:153,35[' ]| the ""Booja"" and the way to$9$ snare fish, kangaroo, opossum, 213:153,36[' ]| parrots, and the other edible birds. They always brought 213:153,37[' ]| in$5$ something good to$9$ eat, and sometimes, also, extraordinary 213:154,01[' ]| and astonishing live things to$9$ amuse the others; 213:154,02[' ]| a wild cat which$6#1$ they let go, a wombat, a wallaby to$9$ pet, a 213:154,03[' ]| litter of dingo puppies which$6#1$ Tim drowned, and a nanny-goat 213:154,04[' ]| and kid, the former to$9$ provide milk. The settlement 213:154,05[' ]| people must have had goats and let them go, for$3$ they 213:154,06[' ]| abounded in$4$ these parts. Then one day they drove a mob 213:154,07[' ]| of wild horses (brumbies) into the fort-enclosure, and with 213:154,08[' ]| all hands to$9$ help, and many yells, three were enticed 213:154,09[' ]| within the late commandant's high-walled, deserted 213:154,10[' ]| garden. It was then discovered that$3$ Peter had a natural 213:154,11[' ]| bent for$4$ horses. He seemed to$9$ have no$2$ fear of their 213:154,12[' ]| heels or teeth, and managed to$9$ quieten, sooth and coax 213:154,13[' ]| them all three into the old stables; and cutting food 213:154,14[' ]| and drawing water for$4$ them, prevailed on$4$ them to$9$ eat 213:154,15[' ]| and drink. Later, in$4$ a marvellously short time, he, 213:154,16[' ]| having made bits and bridles out of ship's tackle, 213:154,17[' ]| actually broke them in$5$ sufficiently to$9$ drive them round, 213:154,18[' ]| and presently mount them. In$4$ such a way, he became 213:154,19[' ]| a wonderful rider, and taught the black boys, and Letty 213:154,20[' ]| also, to$9$ run along beside the brutes and jump off and 213:154,21[' ]| on$4$ their bare backs at will$0$; and sit them, bucking, kicking, 213:154,22[' ]| or rearing, amidst roars of laughter. Peter absolutely 213:154,23[' ]| excelled in$4$ this department, and could have entered a 213:154,24[' ]| circus as a fancy rider in$4$ no$2$ time, and great was his satisfaction 213:154,25[' ]| when he was able to$9$ persuade Tim to$9$ learn to$9$ ride, 213:154,26[' ]| for$3$ Tim, master in$4$ everything else, to$4$ the children's young 213:154,27[' ]| minds, had never before bestrode a horse. 213:154,28[' ]| But there were days when Tim ordered all hands to$4$ the 213:154,29[' ]| pump and the whole gang, children, Chinaman, niggers, 213:154,30[' ]| Banyon, baby and all, had to$9$ go down to$4$ the wreck and 213:154,31[' ]| work like$4$ navvies. Peter loved this, because when he 213:154,32[' ]| worked the black boys vied with each other to$9$ outdo him, 213:154,33[' ]| but never did. It had given him much satisfaction to$9$ see 213:154,34[' ]| his work completed, 213:154,34@f | ""done much better than the other 213:154,35@f | chaps""; 213:154,35[' ]| it had made him work very hard for$4$ his living. 213:154,36[' ]| Tim had said it was his living, and he had perforce to$9$ 213:154,37[' ]| believe him ~~ still, if he hunted flesh to$9$ eat, surely that$6#2$ was 213:155,01[' ]| of more consequence. However, Tim had notions in$4$ his 213:155,02[' ]| head that$3$ some day they would all return to$4$ the dugong 213:155,03[' ]| bed they had found, and reap it, but that$6#2$ did not worry 213:155,04[' ]| Peter. 213:155,05[' ]| The result was that$3$ after many months the proa was 213:155,06[' ]| caulked up$5$ and steady for$4$ the voyage across the gulf. 213:155,07[' ]| However, delay still dogged their footsteps. Violent 213:155,08[' ]| weather took possession of that$6#2$ quarter of the world. The 213:155,09[' ]| monsoon had fallen, and it was quite unsafe to$9$ take a 213:155,10[' ]| patched-up ship, with unskilful hands, out into the treacherous 213:155,11[' ]| sea. It had been floated after great work, and 213:155,12[' ]| brought into a safe little harbour in$4$ the bay. Then Tim 213:155,13[' ]| set the blacks to$9$ work, gathering oyster shells into great 213:155,14[' ]| heaps on$4$ the beach, after one by$4$ one prising them open, 213:155,15[' ]| looking for$4$ pearls; but they found none of great value. 213:155,16[' ]| The shell, however, was worth a good deal of money if it 213:155,17[' ]| could be moved, and he arranged to$9$ return for$4$ it at a later 213:155,18[' ]| date, when he had disposed of the prepared trepang 213:155,19[' ]| already on$4$ the proa, to$4$ a Chinaman merchant that$6#1$ Sampow 213:155,20[' ]| knew at Darwin, and he had registered the fish field on$4$ the 213:155,21[' ]| reef as his own in$4$ a assumed name. Sometimes he talked 213:155,22[' ]| of his plans, but was usually silent and full of dreams, 213:155,23[' ]| though withal brimming over with force and resourcefulness. 213:155,24[' ]| He had absolute control over all under his command, 213:155,25[' ]| and each did his bidding, though he had more 213:155,26[' ]| trouble with Letty than with all the others put together, 213:155,27[' ]| he said. 213:155,28[E ]| ""It is wayward you are, Miss*Letty; and you must aye let a 213:155,29[E ]| strong man hold you, or it is trouble you will$1$ bring on$4$ your own 213:155,30[E ]| sunny head. Now there is Peter the boy; he is as good as 213:155,31[E ]| gold ~~ why do not you let him lead you?"" 213:155,32[A ]| ""Because he is only a boy."" 213:155,33[E ]| ""It is a man's head he has on$4$ his shoulders, and a fine man 213:155,34[E ]| he will$1$ be making."" 213:155,35[A ]| ""You like$1$ Peter better than me!"" 213:155,35[' ]| she would complain. 213:155,36[A ]| ""You never scold him, and you teach him to$9$ run and jump, 213:155,37[A ]| and develop his muscles. Why, you spend hours with him 213:156,01[A ]| with the sticks; and you tell him the nature lore too, and 213:156,02[A ]| how to$9$ hunt in$4$ the wild. It is not fair, Tim*Rafferty! I 213:156,03[A ]| was your first child friend, and now you do not love me!"" 213:156,04[E ]| ""Arrah!"" 213:156,04[' ]| Tim would cry to$9$ distract her. 213:156,04[E ]| ""It is yourself I am 213:156,05[E ]| worshipping by$4$ day and by$4$ night; and it is naught but for$4$ 213:156,06[E ]| yourself I will$1$ be making a Paradise here on$4$ this earth! It is 213:156,07[E ]| the rich lady you will$1$ be when you grow old; there is money 213:156,08[E ]| enough on$4$ that$6#2$ reef alone to$9$ build you a castle, and money 213:156,09[E ]| all round us if we find the hands to$9$ pluck it. And Tim 213:156,10[E ]| will$1$. Will$1$ you come back, Miss*Letty astore, and find me 213:156,11[E ]| when you be grown the lady? Will$1$ you promise to$9$ come 213:156,12[E ]| back and find the Paradise that$6#1$ will$1$ be waiting here for$4$ you in$4$ 213:156,13[E ]| the land of the golden sun?"" 213:156,14[A ]| ""Will$1$ you be here, Tim?"" 213:156,15[E ]| ""Faith, where would I be if you was coming, missie?"" 213:156,16[A ]| ""Well, I will$1$ come; and then I will$1$ stay with you for*ever and 213:156,17[A ]| ever, Timmie, for$3$ it is nice living with you, you always make 213:156,18[A ]| it joyful and glad ~~ even if you do not teach me to$9$ hunt, you 213:156,19[A ]| do not make me wash my face before meat, and comb my 213:156,20[A ]| hair, and wash my teeth, and learn the collects on$4$ a 213:156,21[A ]| Sunday. Indeed, we do not even know when it is Sunday, 213:156,22[A ]| do we? Oh, I do like$1$ it here so$5#1$ much better than home. 213:156,23[A ]| Yes, I promise to$9$ come back to$4$ you, Tim, for$3$ I love you 213:156,24[A ]| dearly; better than anyone in$4$ all the world ~~ except papa, 213:156,25[A ]| and perhaps, well, perhaps poor old Peter."" 213:156,26[E ]| ""But you must love God and His saints and our Blessed 213:156,27[E ]| Mother, Miss*Letty dear, and you must never forget to$9$ 213:156,28[E ]| say your prayers. Where would you be now if it was not for$4$ 213:156,29[E ]| the grace of Them! See now, missie dear, the saints and 213:156,30[E ]| the angels have guarded you, and you must never forget to$9$ 213:156,31[E ]| give the glory to$4$ them and to$4$ God in$4$ heaven."" 213:156,32[A ]| ""I will$1$ not forget, Tim. You tell me much more about 213:156,33[A ]| them than ever my mother did. I will$1$ never forget.""