CHAPTER XXI.

_The pinnace and the cracker._

From the time of discovering the pinnace, my desire of returning
to the vessel grew every moment more and more irresistible: but
one thing I saw was absolutely necessary, which was to collect
all my hands and go provided with sufficient strength to enable
me to get her out from the situation where we had found her the
day before. I therefore thought of taking with me the three boys:
I even wished that my wife should accompany us; but she had been
seized with such an horror of the perfidious element as she called
it, the sea, that she assured me the very attempt would make
her ill, and thus occasion her to be an additional trouble rather
than of use. I had some difficulty to prevail upon her to let
so many as three of the children go: she made me promise to return
the same evening, and on no account to pass another night on-board
the wreck: and to this I was, though with regret, obliged to
consent.

After breakfast then, we prepared for setting out, but not without
some sighing and mournful looks from my amiable partner. The
boys, on the contrary, were gay and on the alert, in the expectation
of the pleasure that awaited them; particularly Ernest, who had
not yet made a single voyage with us to the vessel. We took with
us an ample provision of boiled potatoes and cassave; and in
addition, arms and weapons of every kind. We embarked and reached
Safety Bay without the occurrence of any remarkable event: here
we thought it prudent to put on our cork jackets; we then scattered
some food for the geese and ducks which had taken up their abode
there, and soon after stepped gaily into our tub-raft, at the
same time fastening the new boat by a rope to her stern, so that
she could be drawn along. We put out for the current, though
not without considerable fear of finding that the wreck had entirely
disappeared. We soon, however, perceived that she still remained
firm between the rocks. Having got on-board, our first care was
to load our craft with different stores, that we might not return
without some acquisition of comfort for our establishment; and
then all on the wings of curiosity and ardour we repaired to
that part of the vessel called the bulk-head, which contained
the enviable prize, the pinnace. On further observation, it appeared
to me that the plan we had formed was subject to at least two
alarming and perhaps insurmountable difficulties: the one was
the situation of the pinnace in the ship; and the other was the
size and weight it would necessarily acquire when put together.
The inclosure in which she lay in pieces was far back in the
interior of the ship, and close upon the side which was in the
water, immediately under the officers’ cabin. Several inner timbers
of prodigious bulk and weight separated this inclosure from the
breach at which only we had been able to get on-board, and in
this part of the deck there was not sufficient space for us to
work at putting the pinnace together, or to give her room should
we succeed in completing our business. The breach also was too
narrow and too irregular to admit of her being launched from
this place, as we had done with our tub-raft. In short, the separate
pieces of the pinnace were too heavy for the possibility of our
removing them even with the assistance of our united strength.
What therefore was to be done? and how could we meet so formidable
a difficulty? I stood on the spot absorbed in deep reflection,
while the boys were running from place to place, conveying every
thing portable they could find, on-board the raft.

The cabinet which contained the pinnace was lighted by several
small fissures in the timbers, which after standing in the place
a few minutes to accustom the eye, enabled one to see sufficiently
to distinguish objects.

I discovered with pleasure that all the pieces of which she was
composed were so accurately arranged and numbered, that without
too much presumption, I might flatter myself with the hope of
being able effectually to collect and put them together, if I
could be allowed the necessary time, and could procure a convenient
place. I therefore, in spite of every disadvantage, decided on
the undertaking; and we immediately set about it. We proceeded, it
must be confessed, at first so slowly as to produce discouragement,
if the desire of possessing so admirable a little vessel, quite
new, perfectly safe, easy to conduct, and which might at some
future day be the means of our deliverance, had not at every
moment inspired us with new strength and ardour.

Evening, however, was fast approaching, and we had made but small
progress; we were obliged to think of our promise to my wife;
and though with reluctance, we left our occupation and re-embarked.
On reaching Safety Bay, we had the satisfaction of finding there
our kind steward and little Francis; they had been, during the
day, employed in some necessary arrangements for our living at
Tent-House as long as we should have occasion to continue the
excursions to the vessel: this she did to shorten the length
of the voyage, and that we might be always in sight of each other.
This new proof of her kind attention affected me in a lively
manner, and I could not sufficiently express the gratitude which
I felt, particularly as I knew the dislike she had conceived
to living in this spot. I presented her with the valuable cargo
we brought, which I knew would give her pleasure, and regretted
that I had no better recompense to offer for the voluntary sacrifice
she had made to my accommodation. I made the best display I could
of two casks of salted butter, three of flour, some small bags
of millet-seed and of rice, and a multitude of other articles
of utility and comfort for our establishment. My wife rewarded
me by the expression of her perfect satisfaction, and the whole
was removed to our storehouse at the rocks.

We passed an entire week in this arduous undertaking of the pinnace.
I embarked regularly every morning with my three sons, and returned
every evening, and never without some small addition to our stores.
We were now so accustomed to this manner of proceeding, that
my wife bade us good bye without concern, and we, on our parts,
left Tent-House without anxiety; she even had the courage to
go several times, with no companion but her little Francis, to
Falcon’s Stream, to feed and take care of the poultry, and to
bring back potatoes for our use. As night successively returned,
we had a thousand interesting things to tell each other, and
the pleasure of being together was much increased by these short
separations: we even enjoyed with a better appetite the excellent
supper our kind hostess at all times took care to prepare for
us.

At length the pinnace was completed, and in a condition to be
launched: the question now was, how to manage this remaining
difficulty. She was an elegant little vessel, perfect in every
part: she had a small neat deck; and her mast and sails were
no less exact and perfect than those of a little brig. It was
probable she would sail well, from the lightness of her construction,
and in consequence, drawing but little water. We had pitched
and towed all the seams, that nothing might be wanting for her
complete appearance: we had even taken the superfluous pains
of further embellishing by mounting her with two small cannon
of about a pound weight; and, in imitation of larger vessels,
had fastened them to the deck with chains. But in spite of the
delight we felt in contemplating a commodious little vessel,
formed for usefulness in all its parts, and the work, as it were,
of our own industry, yet the great difficulty still remained:
the said commodious, charming little vessel still stood fast,
inclosed within four walls; nor could I conceive of a means of
getting her out. To support the idea of so much time and labour
bestowed for no end or advantage, was absolutely impossible;
to effect a passage through the outer side of the vessel, by
means of our united industry in the use of all the utensils we
had secured, seemed to present a prospect of exertions beyond
the reach of man, even if not attended with dangers the most
threatening and alarming. We now examined if it might be practicable
to cut away all intervening timbers, to which, from the nature
of the breach, we had easier access; but should we even succeed
in this attempt, the upper timbers being, in consequence of the
inclined position of the ship, on a level with the water, our
labour would be unavailing: besides, we had neither strength
nor time for such a proceeding; from one moment to another, a
storm might arise and engulf the ship, timber, pinnace, ourselves,
and all. Despairing, then, of being able to find a means consistent
with the sober rules of art, my impatient fancy inspired the
thought of a project, which, if subjected to the experiment,
must necessarily be attended with hazards and dangers of a tremendous
nature.

I had found on-board, a strong iron mortar, such as is used in
kitchens. I took a thick oak plank, and nailed to a certain part
of it some large iron hooks: with a knife I cut a groove along
the middle of the plank. I sent the boys to fetch some match-wood
from the hold, and I cut a piece sufficiently long to continue
burning at least two hours. I placed this train in the groove
of my plank: I filled the mortar with gun-powder, and then laid
the plank, thus furnished, upon it, having previously pitched
the mortar all round; and, lastly, I made the whole fast to the spot
with strong chains crossed by means of the hooks in every direction.
Thus I accomplished a sort of cracker, from which I expected
to effect a happy conclusion. I hung this infernally-contrived
machine against the side of the bulk-head next the sea, having
taken previous care to choose a spot in which its action could
not affect the pinnace. When the whole was arranged, I set fire
to the match, the end of which projected far enough beyond the
plank to allow us sufficient time to escape. I now hurried on-board
the raft, into which I had previously sent the boys before applying
a light to the match; and who, though they had assisted in forming
the cracker, had no suspicion of the use for which it was intended,
and believing all the while it concealed some subject of amusement
for their next trip to the vessel. I confess I had purposely
avoided giving them the true explanation, from the fear of the
entire failure of my project, or that the vessel, pinnace, and
all that it contained, might in consequence be blown up in a
moment. I had naturally, therefore, some reluctance to announce
myself before the time, as the author of so many disasters.

On our arrival at Tent-House, I immediately put the raft in a
certain order, that she might be in readiness to return speedily
to the wreck, when the noise produced by the cracker should have
informed me that my scheme had taken effect. We set busily to
work in emptying her; and during the occupation, our ears were
assailed with the noise of an explosion of such violence, that
my wife and the boys, who were ignorant of the cause, were so
dreadfully alarmed as instantly to abandon their employment.
What can it be?—what is the matter?—what can have happened? cried
all at once. It must be cannon. It is perhaps the captain and
the ship’s company who have found their way hither! Or can it
be some vessel in distress? Can we go to its relief?

_Mother._—The sound appeared to come in the direction of the
wreck; perhaps she has blown up. Were you careful of not leaving
any light which could communicate with gun-powder?—From the bottom
of her heart she made this last suggestion, for she desired nothing
more earnestly than that the vessel should be annihilated, and
thus an end be put to our repeated visits.

_Father._—If this is the case, said I, we had better return
immediately, and convince ourselves of the fact.—Who will be
of the party?

I, I, I, cried the boys; and the three young rogues lost not
a moment in jumping into their tubs, whither I soon followed
them, after having whispered a few words to my wife, somewhat
tending to explain, but still more to tranquillise her mind during
the trip we had now to engage in.

We rowed out of the bay with more rapidity than on any former
occasion; curiosity gave strength to our arms. When the vessel
was in sight, I observed with pleasure that no change had taken
place in the part of her which faced Tent-House; and that no
sign of smoke appeared: we advanced, therefore, in excellent
spirits; but instead of rowing, as usual, straight to the breach,
we proceeded round to the side, on the inside of which we had
placed the cracker. The horrible scene of devastation we had
caused now broke upon our sight. The greater part of the ship’s
side was shivered to pieces; innumerable splinters covered the
surface of the water; the whole exhibited a scene of terrible
destruction, in the midst of which presented itself our elegant
pinnace, entirely free from injury! I could not refrain from
the liveliest exclamations of joy, which excited the surprise
of the boys, who had felt the disposition such a spectacle naturally
inspired, of being dejected at the sight of so melancholy an event.
They fixed their eyes upon me with the utmost astonishment.—Now
then she is ours, cried I—the elegant little pinnace is ours!
for nothing is now more easy than to launch her. Come, boys,
jump upon her deck, and let us see how quickly we can get her
down upon the water.

_Fritz._—Ah! now I understand you, father, you have yourself
blown up the side of the ship with that machine you contrived
in our last visit, that we might be able to get out the pinnace;
but how does it happen that so much of the ship is blown away?

_Father._—I will explain all this to you when I have convinced
myself that the pinnace is not injured, and that there is no
danger of any of the fire remaining on-board: let us well examine.
We entered by the new breach, and had soon reason to be satisfied
that the pinnace had wholly escaped from injury, and that the
fire was entirely extinguished. The mortar, however, and pieces
of the chain, had been driven forcibly into the opposite side
of the inclosure. Having now every reason to be satisfied and
tranquil, I explained to the boys the nature of a cracker, the
manner of its operation, and the important service for which
I was indebted to the old mortar.

I now attentively examined the breach we had thus effected, and
next the pinnace. I perceived that it would be easy, with the
help of the crow and the lever, to lower her into the water.
In putting her together, I had used the precaution of placing
the keel on rollers, that we might not experience the same difficulty
as we had formerly done in launching our tub-raft. Before letting
her go, however, I fastened the end of a long thick rope to her
head, and the other end to the most solid part of the wreck,
for fear of her being carried out too far. We put our whole ingenuity
and strength to this undertaking, and soon enjoyed the pleasure
of seeing our pretty pinnace descend gracefully into the sea;
the rope keeping her sufficiently near, and enabling us to draw
her close to the spot where I was loading the tub-boat, and where
for that purpose I had lodged a pulley on a projecting beam,
from which I was enabled also to advance with the completing
of the necessary masts and sails for our new barge. I endeavoured
to recollect minutely all the information I had ever possessed
on the art of equipping a vessel; and our pinnace was shortly
in a condition to set sail.

On this occasion a spirit of military affairs was awakened in
the minds of my young flock, which was never after extinguished.
We were masters of a vessel mounted with two cannon, and furnished
amply with guns and pistols! This was at once to be invincible,
and in a condition for resisting and destroying the largest fleet
the savages could bring upon us! In the height of exultation
it was even almost wished they might assail us! For my own part,
I answered their young enthusiasm with pious prayers that we
might ever escape such a calamity as the being compelled to use
our fire arms. Night surprised us before we had finished our
work, and we accordingly prepared for our return to Tent-House,
after drawing the pinnace close under the vessel’s side. We arrived
in safety, and took great care, as had been previously agreed
on, not to mention our new and invaluable booty to the good mother,
till we could surprise her with the sight of it in a state of
entire completeness. In answer, therefore, to her inquiries as
to the noise she heard, we told her that a barrel of gun-powder
had taken fire, and had shivered to pieces a small part of the
ship. We relied that no suspicion of the secret would occur to
her mind, should she even have the fancy of looking at the vessel
through the glass, as she sometimes did; for the pinnace lay
so as to be concealed by the immense bulk of the ship’s body.

Two whole days more were spent in completely equipping and loading
the beautiful little barge we had now secured. When she was ready
for sailing, I found it impossible to resist the earnest importunity
of the boys, who, as a recompense for the industry and discretion
they had employed, claimed my permission to salute their mother,
on their approach to Tent House, with two discharges of cannon. These
accordingly were loaded, and the two youngest placed themselves,
with a lighted match in hand, close to the touch-holes, to be
in readiness. Fritz stood at the mast to manage the ropes and
cables, while I took my station at the rudder. These matters
being adjusted, we put off with sensations of lively joy, which
was demonstrated by loud huzzas and suitable gesticulation. The
wind was favourable; and so brisk, that we glided with the rapidity
of a bird along the mirror of the waters: and while my young
ones were transported with pleasure by the velocity of the motion,
I could not myself refrain from shuddering at the thought of
some possible disaster.

[Illustration: Fritz at the same time discharged his pistols
and all joined instantly in three loud huzzas]

Our old friend the tub-raft had been deeply loaded and fastened
to the pinnace, and it now followed as an accompanying boat to
a superior vessel. We took down our large sail as soon as we
found ourselves at the entrance of the Bay of Safety, to have
the greater command in directing the barge; and soon, the smaller
ones were lowered one by one, that we might the more securely
avoid being thrown with violence upon the rocks so prevalent
along the coast: thus, proceeding at a slower rate, we had greater
facilities for managing the important affair of the discharge
of the cannon. Arrived within a certain distance—“_Fire_”—cried
commander Fritz. The rocks behind Tent-House returned the sound.
—“_Fire_”—said Fritz again.—Ernest and Jack obeyed, and the echoes
again majestically replied. Fritz at the same moment had discharged
his two pistols, and all joined instantly in three loud huzzas.

Welcome! welcome! dear ones, was the answer from the anxious
mother, almost breathless with astonishment and joy! Welcome,
cried also little Francis with his feeble voice, as he stood
clinging to her side, and not well knowing whether he was to
be sad or merry! We now tried to push to shore with our oars
in a particular direction, that we might have the protection
of a projecting mass of rocks, and my wife and little Francis
hastened to the spot to receive us: Ah, dear deceitful ones!
cried she, throwing herself upon my neck and heartily embracing
me, what a fright have you, and your cannon, and your little
ship thrown me into! I saw it advancing rapidly towards us, and
was unable to conceive from whence it could come, or what it
might have on board: I stole with Francis behind the rocks, and
when I heard the firing, I was near sinking to the ground with
terror; if I had not the moment after heard your voices, God
knows where we should have run to—but come, the cruel moment
is now over, and thanks to Heaven I have you once again in safety!
But tell me where you got so unhoped-for a prize as this neat
charming little vessel? In good truth it would really almost
tempt me to venture once more on a sea voyage, especially if
she would promise to convey us back to our dear country! I foresee
of what use she will be to us, and for her sake I think that
I must try to forgive the many sins of absence you have committed
against me.

Fritz now invited his mother to get on-board, and gave her his
assistance. When they had all stepped upon the deck, they entreated
for permission to salute, by again discharging the cannon, and
at the same moment to confer on the pinnace the name of their
mother—_The Elizabeth_.

My wife was particularly gratified by these our late adventures;
she applauded our skill and perseverance: but do not, said she,
imagine that I bestow so much commendation without the hope of
some return in kind: on the contrary, it is now my turn to claim
from you, for myself and little Francis, the same sort of agreeable
recompense; for we have not, I assure you, remained idle while
the rest were so actively employed for the common benefit.—No,
not so; little Francis and his mother found means to be doing
something also, though not at this moment prepared to furnish
such unquestionable proofs as you, by your salutations of cannon,
&c.: but wait a little, good friends, and our proofs shall hereafter
be apparent in some dishes of excellent vegetables which we shall
be able to regale you with.—It depends, to say the truth, only
on yourselves, dear ones, to go with me and see what we have
done.

We did not hesitate to comply, and jumped briskly out of the
pinnace for the purpose. Taking her little coadjutor Francis
by the hand, she led the way, and we followed in the gayest mood
imaginable. She conducted us up an ascent of one of our rocks,
and stopping at the spot where the cascade is formed from Jackal’s
river, she displayed to our astonished eyes a handsome and commodious
kitchen garden, laid out properly in beds and walks, and, as
she told us, every where sowed with the seed of useful plants.

This, said she, is the pretty exploit we have been engaged in,
if you will kindly think so of it. In this spot the earth is
so light, being principally composed of decayed leaves, that
Francis and I had no difficulty in working it, and then dividing
it into different compartments; one for potatoes, one for manioc, and
other smaller shares for lettuces of various kinds, not forgetting
to leave a due proportion to receive some plants of the sugar-cane.
You, dear husband, and Fritz, will easily find means to conduct
sufficient water hither from the cascade, by means of pipes of
bamboo, to keep the whole in health and vigour; and we shall
have a double source of pleasure from the general prosperity,
for both the eyes and the palate will be gratified. But you have not
yet seen all: there, on the slope of the rock, I have transplanted
some plants of the ananas. Between these, I have sowed some melon
seeds, which cannot fail to succeed, thus securely sheltered
and in so warm a soil: here is a plot allotted to pease and beans,
and this other for all sorts of cabbage. Round each bed or plot
I have sowed seeds of maize, on account of its tall and bushy
form, to serve as a border, which at the same time will protect
my young plants from the scorching heat of the sun.

I stood transported in the midst of so perfect an exhibition
of the kind zeal and persevering industry of this most amiable
of women! I could only exclaim, that I should never have believed in
the possibility of such a labour in so short a time, and particularly
with so much privacy as to leave me wholly unsuspicious of the
existence of such a project.

_Mother._—To confess the truth, I did not myself at first expect
to succeed, for which reason I resolved to say nothing of the
matter to any one, that I might not be put to the blush for my
presumption. But as I found my little calculations answer better
than I expected, I was encouraged, and the hope of surprising
you so agreeably, gave me new strength and activity. I, on my
part, however, had my suspicions that your daily visits to the
wreck were connected with some great mystery, which at a certain
time you would be prepared to unfold—So, mystery for mystery,
thought I; and thus, my love, it has turned out. Though acting
in different directions, one only object has been our mutual
aim—the substantial good of our beloved companions of the desert!

After a few jocose remarks with which we closed this conversation,
we moved towards Tent-House. This was one of our happiest days,
for we were all satisfied with ourselves and with each other;
we had conferred and received benefits, and I led my children
to observe the goodness of Providence, who renders even labour
a source of enjoyment, and makes our own happiness result from
that of the objects of our affection, and our pride to arise
from the commendations of which those objects may be deserving.

I had almost forgot though, said my wife, after a short pause,
one little reproach I had to make you: your trips to the vessel
have made you neglect the bundle of valuable fruit saplings we
laid together in mould at Falcon’s Stream; I fear they by this
time must be dying for want of being planted, though I took care
to water and cover them with branches. Let us go, my love, and
see about them.

I readily consented to so reasonable a proposal. I should have
been no less grieved than my wife, to see this charming acquisition
perish for want of care. We had reason on many accounts to return
quickly to Falcon’s Stream, where different matters required
our presence. We had now in possession the greater part of the
cargo of the vessel; but almost the whole of these treasures
were at present in the open air, and liable to injury from both
sun and rain.

My wife prepared with alertness for our walk; and the rather
from the aversion she had ever entertained, on account of the
intense heat, for Tent-House. We hastened to unload the boat,
and to place the cargo safely under shelter along with our other
stores.

The pinnace was anchored on the shore, and fastened with a rope,
by her head, to a stake. When all our stores were thus disposed
of, we began our journey to Falcon’s Stream, but not empty-handed;
we took with us every thing that seemed to be absolutely wanted
for comfort; and when brought together, it was really so much,
that both ourselves and our beasts of burthen had no easy task
to perform.