The Flag of Distress Part 49

"Well, shipmates," says Harry Blew, seeing himself obliged to give way, and conceding the point with apparent reluctance; "if ye're all in favour o' steerin' up coast, I an't goin' to stand out against it. It be the same to me one way or t'other. Only I thought, an' still think, we'd do better by runnin' up toward Panyma."

"No, no; Santiago's the place for us. We've decided to go there."

"Then to Santiago let's go. An' if the barque's to be put about, I tell ye there's no time to be lost. Otherways, we'll go into them whitecaps, sure; the which would send this craft to Davy Jones sooner than we intend. If we're smart about it, I dar say we can manage to sc.r.a.pe clear o' them; the more likely, as the wind's shifted, an' is now off-sh.o.r.e. It'll be a close shave, for all that."

"Plenty of sea-room," says the second mate. "But let's about with her at once!"

"You see to it, Padilla!" directs Gomez, who, from his success in having his plan adopted in opposition to that of the Englishman, feels his influence increased so much, he may now take command.

The second mate starts aft, and going up to the helmsman, whispers a word in his ear.

Instantly the helm is put hard up, and the barque paying off, wears round from east to west-nor'-west. The sailors at the same time brace about her yards, and trim her sails for the changed course; executing the manoeuvre, not, as is usual, with a chorused chant, but silently, as if the ship were a spectre, and her crew but spectral shadows.

CHAPTER FIFTY SEVEN.

A CHEERFUL CUDDY.

The _Condor's_ cabin is a snug little saloon, such as are often found on trading-vessels, not necessarily for pa.s.sengers, but where the skipper has an eye to his own comforts, with tastes that require gratification.

Those of Captain Lantanas are refined, beyond the common run of men who follow his profession--usually rough sea dogs--caring little for aught else save their grub and grog.

That the Chilian skipper is not of this cla.s.s is proved by the appearance of his "cuddy," which is neatly, if not luxuriously, furnished, and prettily decorated. In addition to the instruments that appertain to his calling--telescope, aneroid barometer, s.e.xtant, and compa.s.s, all placed conspicuously in racks--there is a bookcase of ornamental wood, filled with well-bound volumes; and several squares of looking-gla.s.s inlaid between the doors that lead to the four little staterooms--two on each side. There are two settees, with hair-cloth cushions, and lockers underneath the same, in which Don Gregorio's gold-dust is stowed.

Centrally stands a table, eight by six, mahogany, with ma.s.sive carved legs, and feet firmly fixed to the floor. It is set lengthwise, fore and aft, a stout hair-cloth chair at top, another at bottom, and one at each side--all, like the table, stanchioned to the timbers of the half-deck.

Above a rack, with its array of decanters and gla.s.ses; and in the centre, overhead, a swing-lamp, lacquered bra.s.s--so constructed as to throw a brilliant glare on the surface of the table, while giving light more subdued to all other parts of the little cabin.

To-night its rays are reflected with more than ordinary sparkle. For the table beneath is spread with the best plate and gla.s.sware Captain Lantanas can set forth. And in the dishes now on it are the most savoury viands the _Condor's_ cook can produce. While in bottles and decanters are wines of best _bouquet_ and choicest vintage.

Around are seated the four guests; the Captain, as host, at the head; Don Gregorio, his _vis-a-vis_, at the foot; the ladies at opposite sides--right and left.

As the barque is going before a gentle breeze, without the slightest roll, or pitch, there is no need for guards upon the table. It shows only the spread of snow-white damask, the shining silver plate, the steel of Sheffield, the ware of Sevres or Worcester, with the usual array of cut-gla.s.ses and decanters. In the centre an epergne, containing fruits, and some flowers, which, despite exposure to the saline breeze, Captain Lantanas has nursed into blooming. But the fruits seem flowers of themselves, having come from California, famed for the products of Pomona. There are peaches, the native growth of San Franciscan gardens, with plums and nectarines; melons and grapes from Los Angelos, further south; with the oranges, plantains, and pine-apples of San Diego. And, alongside these productions of the tropical and sub-tropical clime, are Newtown pippins, that have been imported into California from the far Eastern States, mellowed by a sea voyage of several thousand miles, around the stormy headland of Cape Horn.

The savoury meats tasted, eaten, and removed, the dessert, with its adjuncts, has been brought upon the table--this including wines of varied sorts. Although not greatly given to drink, the Chilian skipper enjoys his gla.s.s; and on this occasion takes half-a-dozen--it may be more. He is desirous of doing honour to his distinguished guests, and making the entertainment a merry one.

And his amiable effort has success.

In addition to having seen much of the world, he is by birth and education a gentleman. Although nothing more than the skipper of a merchant-ship--a South Sea trader at that--as already known, he is not one of the rude swaggering sort; but a gentle, kind-hearted creature, as well, if not better, befitted for the boudoir of a lady, than to stir about among tarred ropes, or face conflicting storm.

So kind and good has he shown himself, that his two fair pa.s.sengers, in the short companionship of less than a month, have grown to regard him with affection; while Don Gregorio looks upon him in the light of a faithful friend. All three feel sorry they are so soon to part company with him. It is the only regret that casts a shadow over their spirits, as they sit conversing around the table so richly furnished for their gratification.

Eating fragrant fruits, and sipping sweet wines, for the moment they forget all about the hour of parting; the easier, as they listen to the tales which he tells to entertain them. He relates strange adventures he has had, on and around the sh.o.r.es of the great South Sea.

He has had encounters with the fierce Figian; the savage New Caledonian; both addicted to the horrid habit of anthropophagy. He has been a spectator to the voluptuous dances of Samoa, and looked upon the daughters of Otaheite, Owyhee, whose whole life is love.

With stories of the two extremes--symbols of man's supreme happiness, and his most abject misery--grim cannibals and gay odalisques--he amuses his guests, long detaining them at the table.

Enthralled by his narration--naive, truthful, in correspondence with the character of the man--all three listen attentively. The senoritas are charmed, and, strange to say, more with his accounts of Figi and New Caledonia, than those relating to Otaheite and Hawaii. For to the last-named group of islands have gone Edward Crozier and Willie Cadwallader. There these may meet some of the brown-skinned _bayaderes_ Captain Lantanas so enthusiastically describes--meet, dance with, and admire them!

But the jealous fancies thus conjured up are fleeting in the shadows of summer clouds; and, soon pa.s.sing, give place to pleasanter thoughts.

Now that land is near, and a seaport soon to be reached, the young ladies are this night unusually elated; and, listening to the vivid description of South Sea scenes, they reflect less sadly and less bitterly on the supposed slight received at the hands of their lovers.

In return, Don Gregorio imparts to the Chilian skipper some confidences. .h.i.therto withheld. He is even so far admitted into the family intimacy as to be told how both the senoritas are soon to become brides. To which is added an invitation, that should he ever carry the _Condor_ to Cadiz, he will not only visit them, but make their house his home.

Several hours are pa.s.sed in this pleasant way; interspersed with song and music--for both Carmen and Inez can sing well, and accompany their singing with the guitar.

At length the ladies retire to their state-room, not to stay, but to robe themselves, with the design of taking a turn in the open air. The smooth motion of the ship, with the soft moonlight streaming through the cabin windows, tempts them to spend half-an-hour on deck, before going to rest for the night; and on deck go they.

Lantanas and the ex-haciendado remain seated at the table. Warmed by the wine--of which both have partaken pretty freely--the Chilian continues to pour his experiences into the ears of his pa.s.senger; while the latter listens with unflagging interest.

Supping choice _canario_, his favourite tipple, the former takes no note of aught pa.s.sing around, nor thinks of what may be doing on the _Condor's_ deck. All through the evening he has either forgotten or neglected the duties appertaining to him as her commanding officer. So much, that he fails to notice a rotatory motion of the cabin, with the table on which the decanters stand; or, if observing, attributes it to the wine having disturbed the equilibrium of his brain.

But the cabin _does_ revolve, the table with it, to the extent of a three-quarter circle. Gradually is the movement being made--gently, from the sea being calm--silently--with no voice raised in command--no piping of boatswain's whistle--no song of sailors as they brace round the yards, or board tacks and sheets!--not a sign to tell Captain Lantanas has been set upon a course, astray, and likely to lead to her destruction.

CHAPTER FIFTY EIGHT.

KILL OR DROWN?

Having set the _Condor's_ course, with Slush still in charge at the helm, the second mate returns to the fore-deck, where by the manger-board the others are again in deliberation; Gomez counselling, or rather dictating what they are next to do.

The programme he places before them is in part what has been arranged already--to run along coast till they discover a gap in the line of coral reef; for it is this which causes the breakers. Further, they are told that, when such gap be found, they will lower a boat; and having first scuttled the barque, abandon her; then row themselves ash.o.r.e.

The night is so far favourable to the execution of the scheme. It is a clear moonlight; and running parallel to the trend of the sh.o.r.e, as they are now doing, they can see the breakers distinctly, their white crests in contrast with the dark _facade_ of cliff, which extends continuously along the horizon's edge; here and there rising into hills, one of which looming up on the starboard bow has the dimensions of a mountain.

The barque is now about a league's distance from land; and half-way between are the breakers, their roar sounding ominously through the calm quiet of the night. As they were making but little way--scarce three knots an hour--one proposes that the boat be lowered at once, and such traps as they intend taking put into her. In such a tranquil sea it will tow alongside in safety.

As this will be some trouble taken off their hands in advance, the plan is approved of, and the pinnace being selected, as the most suitable boat for beaching.

Cl.u.s.tering around it, they commence operations. Two leap lightly inside; insert the plug, ship the rudder, secure the oars and boat-hooks, clear the life-lines, and cast off the lanyards of the gripes; the others holding the fall-tackle in hand, to see that they were clear for running. Then taking a proper turn they lower away.

And, soon as the boat's bottom touches water, with the two men in it, the painter, whose loose end has been left aboard, is hauled fast, bringing the boat abeam, where it is made fast under a set of man-ropes, already dropped over the side.

Other movements succeed; the pirates pa.s.sing to and from the forecastle, carrying canvas bags, and bundles of clothing, with such other of their belongings as they deem necessary for a debarkation like that intended.

A barrel of pork, another of biscuit, and a beaker of water are turned out, and handed down into the boat; not forgetting a keg containing rum, and several bottles of wine they have purloined, or rather taken at will, from Captain Lantanas' locker bins.

The miscellaneous supply is not meant for a voyage, only a stock to serve for that night, which they must needs spend upon the beach--as also to provision them for the land journey, to be commenced in the morning.

In silence, but with no great show of caution or stealth, are these movements made. They who make them have but little fear of being detected, some scarce caring if they be. Indeed, there is no one to observe them, save those taking part. For the negro cook, after dressing the dinner, and serving it, has gone out of the galley for good; and, now acting as table waiter, keeps below in the cabin.

Soon everything is stowed in the pinnace, except that which is to form its most precious freight; and again the piratical crew bring their heads together, to deliberate about the final step; the time for taking which is fast drawing nigh.

A thing so serious calls for calm consideration, or, at all events, there must be a thorough understanding among them. For it is the disposal of those they have destined as victims. How this is to be done, nothing definite has yet been said. Even the most hardened among them shrinks from putting it in words. Still it is tacitly understood.

The ladies are to be taken along, the others to be dealt with in a different way. But how? that is the question, yet unasked by any, but as well understood by all, as if it had been spoken in loudest voice.

For a time they stand silent, waiting for some one who can command the courage to speak.