Facing the World, Jr. Horatio Alger [free e books to read TXT] 📗

When the second trip had been made, it was decided to rest for a time and eat breakfast.

The little group gathered on a bluff looking out to sea, and, sitting down, ate heartily. By this time the sun had made its appearance, and it bade fair to be a pleasant day.

“Have you any idea where we are, Mr. Holdfast?” asked Mr. Stubbs.

“I only know that we are on an island. There is no mainland near here,” answered the commander.

“It seems to be a large one, then. While you were gone with the boys, I ascended a tree, and, looking inland, could not see the ocean in that direction.”

“I feel like exploring the island,” said Harry; “who will go with me?”

Curious to see what kind of a new home they had, all set out. First, however, the professor asked:

“How long before the ship is likely to go to pieces, Mr. Holdfast?”

“Not under a day or two in this weather,” was the answer. “Later in the day I will board her again.”

They struck inland and walked for about two miles. There were trees and plants such as they had never seen before, and the songs of unknown birds floated out upon the air. It was certainly a delightful change from the contracted life they had been leading upon shipboard.

“Do you think the island is inhabited?” asked Harry.

“I know no more about it than you do, my lad,” answered Holdfast.

“Suppose we should meet with a pack of savages armed with spears!” suggested Harry, with a side look at Clinton, who was walking by him.

“Oh, good gracious! Mr. Holdfast, do you think we will?” asked that young gentleman, nervously.

“We must do the best we can. I take it we are all brave, and would be willing to fight.”

After a considerable walk, they reached a grove of trees, bearing a different leaf from any to which they were accustomed. They did not appear to produce fruit of any kind, but were comely and afforded a grateful shade. This was the more appreciated, because the sun had begun to make its heat felt, and a feeling of languor diffused itself over all.

“I move we squat here a while,” said Mr. Stubbs.

“Very well,” said the mate. “We have all day before us, and I am afraid a great many more to come, in which we may explore the island.”

All threw themselves on the grass without ceremony.

They returned to the shore about noon, and sitting down on the bluff, ate heartily of the stores they had brought with them from the ship. They had brought no water, but, fortunately, discovered a spring on their homeward walk, which promised a constant supply of refreshing drink.

“This seems a great deal like a picnic,” said Harry, as they sat down on the grass with the food in the center.

“I am afraid it will prove a larger picnic than we care for,” remarked the professor.

When dinner was over, if their informal meal can be dignified by that name, Mr. Holdfast said:

“I think we had better make another trip to the ship, and bring back what we can. We shall need a further supply of provisions, and there will be other things that will occur to us as likely to be needed.”

“May I go with you, Mr. Holdfast?” asked Harry.

“Yes,” answered the mate; “I will take you and Jack, and Mr. Stubbs, too, may come, if he will.”

“I am quite at your command, captain,” said the Yankee.

Nothing suited Harry better than to make one of the expeditions. He and Jack clambered up the ship’s sides, and chased each other in boyish fun. Jack had no fear of a stern rebuke from Mr. Holdfast, who had a sympathy with the young. He would not have dared to take such liberties with Captain Hill.

“How long do you think the ship will hold together, Mr. Holdfast?” asked Stubbs.

“For a week, perhaps, unless the sea becomes rough, and dashes her against the reef with violence.”

“At present she seems motionless.”

“Yes, she is not at present receiving any damage. It will be a sad day when she goes to pieces,” continued the mate, gravely.

“Yes, but it will hardly make our position worse. There is no chance of our making any use of her, I take it.”

“You don’t quite understand me,” said Holdfast. “A sailor gets to feel an attachment for the craft he sails on, and she seems to him something like a living creature. This is my first voyage on the old Nantucket, but it will grieve me to see her disappear.”

It was not easy to decide of what the boat’s load should consist. In the main, provisions were taken as an article of first necessity. Some clothing, also, was selected, and among the rest, at Harry’s instance, an extra pair of Mr. Clinton’s trousers.

It was decided not to make another trip to the ship that day. Mr. Holdfast expressed the opinion that the Nantucket was not in any immediate danger of going to pieces, and there was much other work in hand.

“Do you know anything about the climate here, Mr. Holdfast?” asked the professor.

“I don’t think it is ever cold. It is too far south for that.”

“I mean as to the chance of rain. I am told that in these tropical places, rain comes on very suddenly at times.”

“I suspect that this is the dry season, professor.”

“Still, it may be wise to provide ourselves with some shelter.”

“True; have you anything to suggest?”

“It occurred to me that we might procure some of the sails, and use as a roof covering to shield us from the heat of the sun, and from any unexpected showers.”

“A good idea. I am glad you mentioned it. On the whole, I think I will make one more trip to the ship this afternoon for the special purpose of bringing back materials for a roof. Then we can put it up to-night.”

“Better bring hatchets, if there are any on board, some nails and cordage.”

“Also well thought of. You are a practical man, professor.”

“We shall all have to think for the general benefit. I am sorry I can’t do more work, but I never was handy with tools.”

“I am,” said Stubbs. “In fact, most Yankees are, and I am a Yankee. You