THE SHIPWRECK

A Story for the Young

by

REV. JOSEPH SPILLMANN, S. J. 

Translated from the German

Mary Richards Gray

Second Edition

St. Louis, Mo. , and Freiburg, (Baden)Published by B. Herder, 1910. 

TALES OF FOREIGN LANDSA Series of Stories for the YoungEdited by Rev. Joseph Spillmann, S. J. Vol. VII. The ShipwreckSecond EditionSt. Louis, Mo. , and Freiburg, (Baden)Published by B. Herder, 1910. Copyright 1906byJoseph Gummersbach. 

CONTENTS. 

Chapter. 

 I. Two Young Friends II. Sad Tidings III. Aboard the "St. George" IV. With the Priest of the God of the Golden Fish V. In the City VI. The Chinese New Year VII. The Unexpected Departure VIII. A Very Real Danger IX. A New Plan X. The Hurricane XI. Stranded XII. At Last

To

ANN ELIZA SMYTHE OF CHICAGO

The translator dedicates her part of this little volume. 

THE SHIPWRECK. 

CHAPTER I. 

Two Young Friends. 

At the mouth of the great river of Canton lies a maze of islands largeand small, of which the most important is Hongkong on account of itsfine harbor. More than half a century ago the English seized upon thisisland and forced the Chinese to cede it to them. Then it was littlemore than a barren rock with a low swampy shore on which were a fewvillages inhabited by poor fisher folk. The swamps have been drained, gardens planted, and villas built, until now the once barren heightsvie in beauty with the grass-grown slopes of the hills at the foot ofwhich in the shade of great trees nestle pleasant little fisherhamlets. On the north side of the island stands the capital city, Victoria, in which tier above tier, stair-like the rows of houses andsplendid buildings rise one above another up the side of a hill. Beautiful quays, broad streets lined with shade trees, churches, barracks, theaters, hospitals, hotels, and shops with great showwindows take one back in thought to the European capitals; and as theelaborately decorated pagodas are not near to the Christian churches, and, as there are not many more Chinese than English people in thestreets, one can almost forget that he is within the confines of Chinaand a tropical land. 

In this great capital city nearly all the missionary societies of Chinahave settlements, and in each of the missionary seminaries the strangerfinds a hospitable welcome, but the one we like best of all to visit isthe beautiful College of the Holy Saviour in Mayland. It stands in thevery shadow of the cathedral, the tall spires of which, towering to theheavens, tell us in which direction to turn our steps to find it. Weknow full well that the door-keeper, the old Italian Brother withsnow-white hair and coal-black eyes, will greet us cordially, and showus the garden and the grounds on which blonde-haired European boys playin brotherly fashion with pig-tailed Chinese youths. When BrotherOnufrio--for this is the name of the door-keeper--is in very good humorand has the time he tells us stories of his experiences in the Collegeof the Holy Saviour in which he has been in active service since itsfoundation. One of these is the wonderful history of the small Irishlad, Willy Brown, the son of a sea captain, and his friend, the Chinesefoundling, Joseph. We shall tell the tale just as Brother Onufriowould tell it, beginning with the day in the first year of hisresidence in Hongkong when the crosses were placed on the spires of thedome of the cathedral. 

 * * * * * *

A few days before the Chinese New Year in 1858 the work on thecathedral had progressed so far that the great golden crosses could beerected. Securely fastened with strong ropes they lay at the foot ofthe scaffolding ready to be drawn up into place, and standing about ina half circle were missioners, pupils, and workmen. The ApostolicPrefect, dressed in festal robes, and attended by the small acolytes, Willy Brown and the Chinese Joseph, had blessed the crosses. Then at asignal the workmen pulled the ropes and, as they rose on high, theclear, piping voices of the boys rang out in the splendid old hymn:

 The Royal banners forward go, The Cross shines forth in mystic glow; On which the One Who in our flesh was made Our sentence bore, our ransom paid. 

When the crosses had been put in place the Prefect made a speech, saying among other things, "Now afar over Hongkong and its harbor whereit may be seen not only by all the people who dwell here but also bythose who come in ships from far distant ports shines the sign of OurLord. " Of all that the head of the order of missioners said on thisoccasion this impressed little Willy most, and when the celebration wasover the small acolyte went to Father Somazzo and said: "Father, theApostolic Prefect said that the cross on the cathedral could be seenfrom all the ships that come into the harbor. From the cross can yousee all the ships?"

"Yes, certainly, Willy, " he answered. "From all the ships, streets, open squares, and hills round about from which the cross is visible, any and all those places are visible from the dome on which the crossstands. "

"Oh, then, Father, let me climb up. It is not dangerous. The laddersare fastened tightly to the scaffolding, and the scaffolding is sostrong that it will hold big men. Yesterday at recess Joseph almostclimbed up; he would have gone to the very top, if the Prefect had notseen him and called him down. O Father, don't frown so at me, but letme go. I want so much to see whether my father's ship has come. Hewrote that he would be here before the New Year, and I would know hisship at a glance from the golden picture of holy Saint George that's onthe bow. Please, Father, please. "

Father Somazzo shook his head and said: "The ship is too far away foryou to see what is painted on the bow, and besides it is too dangerousfor you to climb up there. You might get dizzy and fall, and whatwould your father say if he were to come here and find you a corpse, orwith your legs and arms broken?"

"Oh, but Father, I do not get dizzy. I have often been up on therigging of the 'Saint George', in the crow's nest, and even on the veryhighest yard. I know every bit of the rigging of the ship. O Father, let me climb up right now. "

The teacher looked at Willy earnestly and raised his finger chidingly. "Willy, " he said, "you've got that stubborn little head of yours setagain. How often have I told you that it is not becoming for you toinsist on having your own way. No, you cannot climb up to the domeunder any circumstances. I forbid it. "

With that Father Somazzo left the small boy standing in the garden andfollowed the other missioners into the house. Willy looked about him, half frightened, half defiant, and giving his cap a jerk down over hiscurly yellow hair muttered, as he glanced at the shining cross: "I willclimb up there, and he can punish me if he likes. Let him catch mefirst. "

Willy Brown was really not a naughty boy, but he could be very willfulat times. Irish by birth and accustomed to more liberty than theItalian teacher was wont to give his pupils in Hongkong, he did notalways submit readily to the rather strict discipline of the school, but aside from this was an exemplary child. In order to break him ofhis habit of being so stubborn his teacher often commanded or forbadehim to do things which otherwise would never have been thought of asecond time. Just now the one desire of Willy's heart was to see hisfather's ship, and to him the climbing of the scaffolding seemed sowholly without danger that he looked upon the command which he hadreceived as an act of tyranny, and resolved to disobey. His consciencesaid to him, "It is a sin to disobey, " but he heeded not the smallvoice within him. Before going up he sought out his favoritecompanion, a little twelve year old Chinaman. The boys were of an ageand were to receive their first communion at the same time--facts whichcreated a bond of sympathy between two children almost as totallyunlike as it was possible for children to be. The young Chinaman was afoundling. His parents after the fashion of many of the Chinese hadexposed him when but a few days old, thus consigning him to death, although their heathen religion forbids the practice, and if theSisters of Mercy had not found and cared for him in the orphanage hewould have perished. There the boy was baptized and brought up in theChristian religion. And when the years passed by, as Joseph--this wasthe name given him at baptism--showed decided talent, he was put inschool, and finally given over to the missioners in the college, to betrained for the priesthood, if God called him to the work. 

At the very time that Willy was seeking for Joseph, Joseph was seekingfor Willy, and, when he heard the voice of his red-cheeked companion, his black slanting eyes danced and his yellow face flushed withpleasure. 

"Hello, Peppo, " said Willy, addressing him by the nickname which oldBrother Onufrio had given him. 

"Come with me behind the camelia-bush where Father Somazzo cannot seeus. "

"But why must he not see us? You are not going to do anything wrong, are you?" asked the small Chinaman trembling. 

"What? Anything wrong? I'll play him a trick or two--the tyrant--andthat will not be wrong, I say. Is there anything wrong about mylooking to see whether my father's boat is here? Come with me rightnow. " Peppo hesitated. "Come this minute or I'll drag you along byyour pig-tail the way naughty Freddy used to do before I took you incharge. "

Joseph went with his protector without more ado, but did not approve ofthe plan disclosed to him behind the camelia bush. 

"Don't do it, Willy. It will be disobedience, and it's against thefourth commandment. "

"The fourth commandment of God tells me to love my father, and for loveof my father I want to climb up and look for his ship. That cannot beagainst the fourth commandment, " said the sinful distorter. 

The sophism did not enlighten small Peppo. "I believe, Willy, " hesaid, "that it is against the fourth commandment, because the Fatherhas forbidden it. He will be very sorry to have you do this, and willgive us a dreadful punishment. Only think! the day after tomorrow willbe the Chinese New Year, and then in the evening we shall be allowed togo to the marketplace and the harbor to see all the lights, --and thefireworks, --and the Punch and Judy show, if we are good boys. You havenever in all your life seen anything so beautiful, --green, and red, andblue, and yellow lanterns, --and all the people, --and thesky-rockets, --and the puppet show. Wouldn't you be sorry to have tostay at home for punishment while all of us boys go to the show?"Willy was almost persuaded and hesitated a moment; then he struck hisheels into the ground defiantly and said:

"Never mind, Peppo, Father Somazzo won't catch me, and, if he does, Iwon't tell on you. Now you've got to help me over the wall, and I'llclimb up on the other side where he can't see me from the house. Come, now hurry up, Peppo, if you want to be my friend. "

Unwillingly the young Chinaman yielded to his comrade's command. Hefelt it was wrong to lend a helping hand to one who was disobeying, buthe did not wish to lose his best friend, the one who had so oftendefended him from the teasings of his companions. He slipped alongwith Willy in the shadow of the bushes, then helped him climb the wall, but even when the youthful sinner had swung himself from the wall tothe scaffolding he remonstrated, saying:

"Willy, don't do it. Come down. "

"Nonsense, Peppo, " he said as he began to ascend. 

"Willy, ----he does not hear me. I wish I had not helped him, " sighedPeppo, as he slipped away to his companions with an uneasy conscience. 

CHAPTER II. 

Sad Tidings. 

A very few moments after Willy with the help of Peppo had climbed thegarden wall the bell called Brother Onufrio to the door. There stood astranger. He wore a cap marked with a golden anchor and inquired foran Irish lad named Willy Brown. 

"Yes, Willy is here. You are his father, are you not? For days he hastalked of nothing but your coming. He will be so pleased to see you. Come in, Captain, I'll announce your arrival to the Father Prefect, andcall Willy. "

With these words the Brother showed the Captain into the smallreception-room near the door, and would have left quickly had not thestranger motioned him to wait. 

"Hm, --hm, --my coming, " he said, "will not give the boy so much pleasureas you think. I am not his father but his guardian. His father diedsuddenly last week at sea. "

"Oh, how sad! And the poor child knows nothing of it, " sighed theBrother. "I'll first speak to the Father Prefect in private; he mustprepare him somewhat for this sad news. Wait a moment. Father Somazzowill be here immediately. "

The Captain gave the gray-haired man a sinister look as he left theroom, then muttered to himself: "Prepared! As if such a piece of newscould have much effect on a healthy child. If it would only frightenhim to death. --Well, there'd be no great damage done. Then I'd havehis inheritance--which is really not a trifling sum--instead of beingmerely the administrator, and my creditors would not be driving mealmost out of my senses. If his father had only given me a lump sum ofat least ten thousand pounds, as I begged him to do before hedied!--Our ship will be confiscated in Melbourne. The 'St. George'does not belong to me but to my nephew, my ward. --Oh, if I only knewhow to get myself out of this predicament! One fortunate thing hashappened since the death of my brother. I have managed to get all thebooks and accounts out of the way, and perhaps things will go better, if I once get the boy in my power. " These were the thoughts whichoccupied the mind of John Brown, as, with downcast eyes and sullenmien, he paced up and down the reception-room. 

John Brown was the younger brother of George Brown, Willy's father. Both men had received from their parents, in Dublin, a large amount ofmoney, but they had not managed it equally well. George, choosing togo to sea had invested his in a merchantman, and in a short timethrough prosperous voyages to the Indian and Chinese Seas doubled hiscapital. In Hongkong he married a Catholic maiden, who unfortunatelydied, leaving a child, Willy, now barely eight years old. Inaccordance with her last wish this child was taken to the MissionaryCollege of the Holy Saviour to be educated. Here the father hadfrequent opportunities of seeing him, as his trading expeditions oftentook him to Hongkong. The reports of the child's progress and behaviorwere always good, and he seemed so happy and contented that the fatherquestioned the advisability of taking him to a larger Europeaninstitution, especially as Willy begged to remain where he was. Oftentimes the Captain took his little son with him on short trips tothe neighboring ports of Canton and Malacca; and for one of these Willywas now hoping, as his father was just returning from a voyage toIreland. But instead of the father, there came the uncle, whom he hadnever seen, and of whose existence he did not even know, bringing thesad news of the death of George Brown. 

John Brown was a man of an altogether different stamp, and had lived analtogether different life. Possessed of a passion for drinking andgambling he had indulged in riotous living until he made an end of hispatrimony, then appealed to his brother to pay his debts. In order tosave the family name from disgrace George furnished him money, but theappeals for more were so constant that he was obliged to give no heedto them or else ruin himself. On the occasion of his last visit toDublin he found his brother in trouble, and, to escape the chargespreferred against him in the criminal courts, took him with him on whatproved to be his last voyage. Captain Brown died a few days out fromHongkong and was buried at sea. 

John Brown was innocent of his brother's death, and so the officers andcrew of the "St. George" believed, yet the death came so suddenly andopportunely that it gave grounds for suspicion. John was leftadministrator of the estate of his nephew, and, directly on landing inHongkong, had himself, as next of kin, appointed Willy's guardian, withthe idea of taking him with him on board the "St. George. " But how toget him away from the school in the middle of the term was a puzzlingquestion. 

Father Somazzo appeared in the doorway and greeted the strangerpolitely, but with utmost reserve. "You are the brother of theesteemed Captain Brown, the father of dear little Willy, " began thepriest, noting as he spoke the dark features of the man and thestriking resemblance which he bore to his brother. 

"I am the Captain's younger brother and the guardian of his son. George died at sea last week, as the door-keeper undoubtedly told you, "said the man with a stiff bow. "How is my nephew? Is he doing well?Is he advanced sufficiently so that he can take business training orhave the schooling of life at sea prove of value to him?"

"We are much pleased with Willy and the progress he is making, "answered Father Somazzo, inviting the stranger to be seated. "He is agood, pious child, only somewhat stubborn and capable of playing madtricks at times. Just now he has been guilty of disobedience for whichwe would punish him, were it not that he must be told of the death ofhis father. That, of course, drives away all thought of harshtreatment. "

"What has my nephew been doing?"

"Oh, nothing so very bad. He climbed to the dome of the Cathedral onthe scaffolding, or, rather worse than that, he went after beingexpressly forbidden to go. Of course, he did it--he can in a measurebe excused--out of love of his father, whose ship--"

"Is that the careless way in which you watch over the boys in thisinstitution?" interrupted the Captain. "On a bright day like this canyour pupils climb the scaffolding on that dome at will without beingstopped? Now, what if my nephew, for whose welfare I, as guardian, have a care, had fallen headlong and been killed or crippled for life?My dear Father, that decides me right now to take my nephew out of yourinstitution immediately. "

"Captain Brown, before I give the boy over to your care you must giveproof of being his guardian. And, then, too, before taking such a rashstep you ought to consider well what is for his best interest. Hisrevered father would have sanctioned no such thing as this; yourreasons for taking him away from here are groundless. He is neitherready to go into business, nor into training on shipboard, and what ismore has no desire for any such thing. Of that I'm very sure. "

Father Somazzo spoke very quietly and firmly, yet not without anger, ashe scrutinized the man before him, and pictured what Willy's life wouldbe on board the "St. George. "

Captain Brown gave the priest a wicked look and said sarcastically:"Indeed, my ward is to be neither a sea-faring man nor a businessman--but a priest, I suppose, in which case you would inherit the notunimportant property which has been left him by his father?--Oh, do notlook so angry--holy intentions of such a sort as that are not unheardof. That is another reason for my taking the boy away from yourinfluence. Here is the official proof that I am his guardian, and Iwish him given over to me at once. "

Father Somazzo examined the paper. It was legal, therefore he couldnot refuse the request, but he asked permission to keep the child untilthe following day to comfort him as much as he could over the death ofhis father. The Captain objected and Willy was sent for. Frightenedand with tears streaming from his eyes he was led into thereception-room by Brother Onufrio. At sight of his uncle he screamed, "I won't go, I won't go with him, " and buried his face in FatherSomazzo's skirts. "Father, send the bad man away that says he is myuncle, and that my father is dead. He doesn't tell the truth. I haveno uncle. My father never told me anything at all about having anuncle. And see what wicked eyes he has. I don't want to, and I won'tgo with him. "

With difficulty Father Somazzo quieted the child, saying:

"God knows that I am willing to keep you here, Willy, but youruncle--the Captain is your uncle, even though you never have seen orheard of him--has control over you, and you owe obedience to him in allthings which are not sinful. Go with him, and may God and his guardianangels watch over you. We will pray to the Blessed Virgin for you, andI hope she will safely bring you back to us. Perhaps you will comesooner than you think for. "

Blessing the boy the priest sprinkled him with holy water and then gavehim over to the Captain, saying:

"Only because I am compelled to, Captain, do I give this boy into yourcare. He is good and innocent. Bear in mind that from now on you areaccountable to God for his soul. "

The Captain muttered something which could not be understood and triedto make an end to the scene. He took the boy by the arm, made a stiffbow, and stepped to the door. Here, on hearing the news that Willy wasabout to leave the school, most of his companions had assembled to bidhim good-bye. Many shed tears, and Peppo, at the last moment, cameflying in breathless. "Oh, Willy, Willy, " he cried embracing him, "never, never shall I forget how good you were to me. Who will protectme now when they all tease me?"

"Oh, but you are all here together and like each other so much, "answered Willy. "Who is going to protect me from this bad man?" Thelast words he whispered in the ear of his little friend. 

"Your holy guardian angel, " he answered, "and we will all pray for you. "

"Come on, nephew, I don't want to stay here any longer, " urged theCaptain, and a moment later the two had left the College of the HolySaviour and were out in the street. 

Immediately after their departure Father Somazzo called his pupils intothe chapel and there they commended their small companion to theBlessed Virgin and the holy guardian angels. Of all there assembledsmall Peppo prayed most earnestly. 

"O holy guardian angel, thou who art my protector, " he said in hischildish simplicity, "Willy will now have need of two guardian angelsinstead of one, if God will permit, go and help Willy's guardian angelto protect him from the bad man who has taken him away. You see herewhere I am the good Fathers will watch over me, and it will be enoughif each day you but look at me and then fly away to Willy. But, dearangel, come to me when I am in danger and call for help. "

After this the boys returned to the schoolroom, and as soon as theywere at work, Father Somazzo took his hat and walking-stick and went tothe city to consult Mr. Black, an English lawyer. To him he stated thecase assuring the learned gentleman that the father would not willinglyhave placed his child under the guardianship of this younger brother, who was a gambler and a spendthrift, and asked if there was any way ofgetting the boy a way from him. Mr. Black said that according to lawthe uncle, as next of kin, could claim the guardianship of hisbrother's children, and unless sufficient proof that he was not a fitperson to have such guardianship could be secured immediately, monthsmight elapse before he could be taken from him. At the time of ourstory Hongkong was not connected with Europe by telegraph, as it nowis, and it took from eight to ten weeks to communicate with people inDublin. 

CHAPTER III. 

Aboard the "St. George. "

The Captain took his nephew directly to the harbor. The boy criedsoftly to himself as he trudged along, and at last his uncle said tohim in a mild tone of voice, "Willy, stop your crying. See, all thepassersby are looking at you. If I were a boy like you, I would beonly too happy to get out of such a tiresome old place where you justlearn and pray all day long. I am going to take you into quite adifferent school, one in which all is bright and gay. On board theship you won't have any old exercises to do. "

"Oh, but I liked everything at the College so much, and in the newschool there won't anybody know me, " wailed Willy. "And you--are youreally my uncle?"

"Most assuredly. How can you doubt if? Just look at me! Have I notthe same hooked nose that your father had?"

"Yes, but you have no such friendly eye. And my father always had somuch reverence for the Father Prefect. "

"While I speak to the Father Prefect only compliments in which all thei's are dotted and all the t's are crossed most punctiliously--ha!ha!--not so bad. But now see here: let us strike a bargain. Yourecognize me as your uncle to whom you owe obedience, and everythingwill be all right. If you go on in this obstinate, defiant way, youshall, so sure as my name is John Brown, this very day make theacquaintance of the cat-o'-nine-tails, and take a diet of bread andwater in the company of the rats in the hold of the ship for awhile. "

Willy had once seen a cabin boy flogged with a cat-o'-nine-tails, andthere was nothing in the world which he feared more than rats, so hethought it best to make peace with his uncle. After a pause he said:

"If you really are my uncle, I must obey you, but don't whip me, anddon't shut me up with the rats, please. --If you wish me to love youvery much indeed, send me back to the College. "

"Don't say another word about that College, " snarled the Captain with adark look. "Now dry your eyes. Here we are on the shore, and here isour boat. Get in, obey--else--"

The Captain sprang into the boat and Willy followed without more ado. He looked back toward the city to seek among the domes that of theCathedral of the Holy Saviour, and soon recognized it by thescaffolding. At sight of the glittering crosses tears came to hiseyes, but the thought that those he had left behind would pray for himcomforted him. Unmoved he gazed while the boat glided in and outbetween the great ships at anchor in the harbor, and at last, far out, they reached the ship they sought. The "St. George" was a beautifulboat with three masts, and as we have said Willy had made more than onetrip on it with his father. He was then the darling of the crew. Nowas he climbed the ladder behind the Captain strange faces peered downat him over the railing; there were new officers, and officers and crewalike seemed rough fellows. Late in the evening as he stood on therear deck watching the golden crosses of the Church of the Holy Saviourin the light of the setting sun, he heard a well-known voice behind himspeak his name. 

"Oh, it is you, Tommy Green!" said Willy looking around in a friendlymanner. "So there really is after all one old friend on board. Areyou still the second mate? Where are James and John and all the rest?"

"Well, Master Willy, " said Tommy, "they are all gone, one to the 'SouthStar, ' and the others to 'The Water Rose. ' I was on the point ofleaving"--then he added, looking around cautiously and lowering hisvoice, "for the life on the 'St. George' is not what it was when yourfather was alive. God rest his soul! Now instead of rice sacks andbales of merchandise we carry human freight--slant-eyed, pig-tailedChinamen bound for the gold fields of Australia. "

"I am so glad you are here, Tommy; there is one human being on board Iknow, " repeated Willy. 

"Why Master Willy, do you not know your uncle, the Captain?"

"I did not know until today that I had an uncle. "

"Is that possible? Well, your father surely had no reason to be proudof his brother. Why, in a single night he gambled away 'The GoldNixie' and more, too. I believe that he would gamble away the 'St. George' if it were his, but it belongs to you, Master Willy. I oughtnot to say anything to such a young lad as you about the matter--I knowthat, but--"

In the cabin Redfox, the first officer, and the Captain sat in earnestconversation. "Redfox, your wish is fulfilled. My nephew is on board, but, do you know, now that I have seen the boy--he so much resembles mypoor dear brother when he was his age--I have not the heart to carryout our plan, " said the Captain. 

"Hm, hm, " answered the first officer, stroking his red beard, andgiving the Captain a wicked side glance, "hm--and we have everything sowell planned. It is our only salvation. Must I repeat the reasonswhy?"

"It is not necessary; I understand them, but when our salvation isbought at such a price--shall I say it?--bought at the price of crime. "

"Mr. Brown, you can do it, and it is not only your salvation, but alsomine. --I am far from planning to sacrifice the half million for whichthe 'St. George' is insured on account of any evasion on your part. The half million will suffice to pay our debts and give us enough tolive on for awhile. After your brother had the good grace to die justat the right time--"

"Do not speak to me of his death. As time goes on I become more andmore convinced, Redfox, that you had a hand in his death. "

"Your brother died a natural death, " said the first officer with alowering look; "and even if that were not the case, the most of thesuspicion would fall on you instead of me. And so surely as I standhere, I swear to you, that if you upset my plan I'll manage mattersso you'll be condemned as the murderer of your brother. Sincehis death nothing stands in our way except this boy. Now, if heshould--accidentally--follow in the footsteps of his father, he wouldsurely go to heaven, that is, if what the priests teach is true. If hedoes not die now in the days of his innocence, ten chances to one, hewill grow up to be as reckless and worthless as ourselves. It would bethe greatest luck imaginable for him, if now--by chance, of course, --hewere to make his journey to heaven. "

"True, most true. I wish that I had died when I was his age, " groanedthe Captain. 

"You leave all with me. The boy is on board. That is enough--"

CHAPTER IV. 

With the Priest of the God of the Golden Fish. 

On the south side of the island of Hongkong are a number of smallvillages occupied by fishermen. Any one of these hidden away under theshade of the great bamboos may be taken as a type of all the others. The little houses have roofs made of reeds and bundles of twigs, butthese do not serve so well for protection from wind and weather as thethick foliage of the overhanging trees. On the beach fishing nets arespread to dry; and in the calm waters of the little bay a number ofpoor old junks ride lazily at anchor. One of these is drawn up on theshore and the men are examining the haul of fish just brought in. Women and children with baskets and buckets are hurrying down to thebeach to do their part in the work of sorting. The large shining bluefishes with bands of blue and rose-red and the yellow ones with spotsof red and green they pack in small baskets between rows of greenleaves. The lobsters, always plentiful, they place in baskets havingcompartments so that they cannot get at each other and mangle theirbodies fighting; the oysters they throw into a large common bucket, keeping out the small and inferior ones to carry to their huts to usefor food. Whenever wind and weather permit the men go off on fishingexpeditions, and this is the usual scene which attends their homecoming. Then, according to whether the haul has been a good or a poorone, Lihoa, the oldest man in the village, says: "We will take to theGod of the Sea who rides on the Golden Fish a thank offering, " or "TheGod who rides on the Golden Fish is angry with us; we must pacify himwith strips of gold-paper. " And, regularly on an appointed day, theold man goes up to the cell of the priest carrying the thank- or thesin-offering, as the case may be, to the God with the dreadful goggleeyes who rides a gilded sea-monster. 

On the day on which the crosses had been erected on the Cathedral ofthe Holy Saviour Lihoa and his people had had a miserably small catchof fish. 

"My children, " cried Lihoa, "what crime against the God of the GoldenFish have you committed? So small a haul as this we have not had for ayear and a day. The New Year is at hand. How can we have our usualcelebration with only a sapeck or two in our pockets?"

"How shall we celebrate the New Year?" cried one. "How shall weappease the God?" wailed others mournfully. 

An old Chinaman, whose wrinkled face looked like parchment cried out:

"Why do you even ask the cause of our bad luck? Do you not know why ithas come upon us? Were not those white-faced women here againyesterday whose God is the enemy of our God? Again they have carriedoff bur babies to the great white house in Hongkong. Why do not thepeople kill the superfluous children according to the old custom of theland? Why let living children get into the hands of these foreignwomen to be murdered and to have their eyes and hearts stewed up intomagic drinks? The God of the Golden Fish is angry with us. Notanother good haul shall we have; and what is more we shall be swallowedup in the sea, if we allow any more children to be taken to the houseof the foreign God. "

"Be still, be still, old Loha, " answered Lihoa. "You don't know whatyou are taking about. I myself have been to the great white house ofthe foreign women in Hongkong. There they do naught but good, andnobody ever hears of your doing anything good from morning till night. Our children are better taken care of there than here in our poor oldhuts. If our women only loved their babes as much as these white-facedwomen do! Be still. Your drivelling talk about stewing up their eyesand hearts to make drinks is all a foolish lie. Did we not open one ofthe graves of one of the children to see if the eyes and hearts werethere? And they were. A nephew of mine, the son of my sister Luli, who was exposed twelve years ago by his mother, because her husband wasdrowned and she had no means of bringing him up, was taken to the greathouse and now he is a splendid big boy. From there they sent him tothe school, and he can speak and write the Chinese language and alsothat of the West. Some day I shall go and get him and bring him backto live with our family. --Ah! here we stand and gossip like old women, while the sun is sinking. It is time to take the fish and the oystersto the market. Whose turn is it to go?"

Four men stepped forward and raised the wooden yoke having attached toit buckets of oysters and baskets of fish. The sack containing thecrabs Lihoa himself swung over his shoulder, and they started at aquick pace up the hill over which the path to Victoria lay. The womenas they turned to go with the children to the huts to prepare theevening meal bade them farewell and called out, "A fortunate sale!"

Night settled down quickly, for in a tropical climate the twilight doesnot last so long as with us. In Hongkong the sun hardly sets before itis dark, and this evening as the moon, almost at the full, stood highin the heavens, Lihoa had no occasion to light the little lantern whichhe carried with him. He found the footpath leading up the hill withoutdifficulty, and his people followed after him goose-fashion in singlefile. Almost at the top they came to the cell in the rock occupied bythe priest of the God of the Golden Fish, and in the moonlight to theirastonishment saw in the broad open space in front of it a group of menfrom the neighboring villages. At a signal from Lihoa the carriersplaced their burden upon the ground and all went forward to see whatthe gathering meant. 

"Have you heard nothing, Lihoa, of the great scheme which is on foot?"asked the leader of the most important of the villages on the northcoast of Hongkong. "Has not the recruiting officer of the rich Natsebeen to your village?--Oh, it is so small and hidden away that he doesnot deem it worth his while to go to you, and then, besides, the threehundred who are wanted have announced their intention to go, for whowould remain here and tiresomely drag out existence with the niggardlysums to be made from fishing when elsewhere the gold lies in such heapsthat one can pick up whole bags full in a few days?"

"How? What? For heaven's sake!--sacks full of gold in a few days?"cried Lihoa, who, like all Chinamen, was covetous of great wealth. "Speak, Lohe, tell us, can we get some of the gold, --at least a handfulor two? It is just as you say, our village is the last and the veryleast in the world, and not a soul has come to us with the good news. Tell us the road to fortune. "

The agent Lohe, who for each able-bodied Chinaman whom he secured, received a hundred sapecks, agreed to tell Lihoa the road for thereason that he was "his cousin and was glad to do him a littleservice". He pictured to him a land, bearing the barbaric nameAustralia, which the "devils from the West" had discovered many days'journey away beyond the islands to the south, where the gold lay in thefields like the stones on the island of Hongkong, and where greatnuggets, as large as a man's head, were to be had. This Goldland "thedevils from the West" wanted for themselves, but the priest of the God, in whose cell he had just been, said that this gold could be taken awayonly by the sons of the Celestial Kingdom, that the treasures of thisland belonged to the Chinese, and not to the barbarians of the West. The sly discoverers of the Goldland had come to get the Chinese tobring these lumps of gold to their ships, where the men from the Westand the sons of the Celestial Kingdom would divide the spoils. Therich Natse was out in search of three hundred men to bring this goldfrom the distant land to the south. Of course, each one of the threehundred fortunate enough to go would receive his own weight in gold, and for him and his entire family there would be a life of wealth andhonor on his return home. 

Thus Lohe explained the situation. 

"More than a hundred pounds of gold, and wealth and honor, " repeatedLihoa, on whom the story of the gold which the God had said was to begiven to the Chinese and not to the hated barbarians from the West, hadmade a deep impression. 

"Have you heard it, my people? We can all become as rich as richNatse, and even richer, if we go on the ship to the southland. "

"Yes", said one of the oyster carriers, "if all that is true--"

"And if we are not drowned on the long journey, " put in another. 

"Or, if 'the devils from the West' do not kill us for our money afterwe have brought all the gold from the land to the ship for them, " putin the third fish carrier. 

"Yes, but if I knew that I would surely come back with some of thegold, I would go, " added the fourth. 

"There, just see how sharp you all are!" said Lohe. "Just such doubtsas these troubled my friends and myself, so we are here to consult thepriest of the God of the Golden Fish, who surely knows. We havepromised to have a new fish made of solid gold to replace the gildedwooden one, if he counsels us well and has a care over us while on theway. The priest is now in his cell burning incense before the God, andwhen the moon reaches that constellation in the middle of the heavens, he will tell us the God's answer. "

The moon had almost reached the place designated. Lihoa and hisfollowers with the rest of the men seated themselves on the mossy rocksbefore the sanctuary, to await the answer of the spirit. The nearerthe time came the quieter they were; until at last they scarcely daredbreathe. The rim of the moon touched the constellation: no sound washeard in the cave. Softly the silver beams of light fell upon the barerocks and cast over the "waters of the sea a shimmering bridge thatstretched from the foot of the hill away into the darkness. 

"Will the spirit not answer?" whispered Lihoa impatiently. 

"Wait. The moon is not yet in the middle of the constellation, "answered Lohe. Hardly had he uttered these words when from the cellcame the sound of a gong, then a song in a high nasal tone, which wasplainly heard, but being in a strange language was not understood byany of the listeners. 

"The Spirit speaks to the priest, " said the credulous men, tremblingwith superstitious fear. The secret song lasted for a minute perhaps, then from the depths of the cave came a flash of lightning and a loudpeal of thunder. Many of the Chinamen, half frightened out of theirwits, fled screaming at the top of their lungs. Again the gongsounded, and the priest came to the entrance of the cell with a smokingpan of incense in his hand. So suddenly did he appear, that it seemedas if he had sprung out of the very rock on which they stood. All gavea wild cry of terror, as with utter abhorrence they gazed, while alittle deformed old man described figures in the air with his smokingpan, and said, shaking his great bald head:

"What do you fear, O children of the Middle Kingdom? Surely not mymaster, the terrible God that rides on the back of the Golden Fish, norme, poor old Lihong. For you and you alone I have just subjectedmyself to his terrible gaze. Had you seen his burning eyes, yourcourage would have failed you. He is angry because some of you do nothate enough those who serve the foreign God, his deadly enemy; yet heanswered your questions, because many of you have heretofore brought tohim your offerings. Listen to the words of the Spirit which rides uponthe back of the Golden Fish:

 Gold, gold, gold, In distant fields so far away! 'Tis his who comes to seek, I say; 'Tis his to take where'er he will, 'Tis his go where he will--his still. 

 Gold, gold, gold, In getting it three things beware! In discord take no part or share; Beware the sea's engulfing waves, And thirst which drives men to their graves. "

With open mouths the Chinamen listened to the mysterious words of thepriest, and when he had finished his slyly contrived speech, they satfor a time in mute astonishment. Finally Lohe spoke up:

"To me the answer seems favorable. The God confirms the idea of therebeing gold in a distant laud to the south, and says that we can get andkeep possession of it, if we only take heed of three things--discord, the sea, and thirst. As to discord--it lies within our power to avoidthat; as to the sea--we could be drowned quite as easily on our owncoast as on a long journey to the south, if that is to be our fate; andas to thirst, who would not endure thirst for the sake of becoming tentimes richer than the rich Natse?"

All agreed that the answer was most favorable. The greedy priest didnot stop, but went on to tell that the God could not be relied upon totake them safely through all dangers, unless rich sacrificial offeringswere made. "Daily", said he, "I will burn incense and strips of goldpaper before his picture. The clouds of smoke will appease the spiritsof the storm and fall upon you as rain-drops which will quench yourburning thirst, and the gold paper will reconcile the spirits thatwatch over the gold in the distant Goldland, so that they willwillingly give to you their treasures. "

The Chinamen reached into their pockets and handed over their lastsapeck to the priest, then in silence left, firmly resolved to attemptthe journey to the Goldland. 

CHAPTER V. 

In the City. 

Lohe attached himself to the party of fish carriers, because he did notwish them to get away before binding themselves to go to the goldfields. A two hours' walk diagonally across the island brought them toa high point of land above the city of Hongkong. Below them the whitehouses shimmered in the moonlight, stretching row after row like stepsdown to the harbor, and out on the glistening sea many large vesselslay at anchor. The carriers put down their burden to rest for a timebefore descending into the streets of the city. 

"The barbarians of the West are a capable people after their fashion, "said Lohe. "See what a great city they have built here where a fewyears ago there were only a half dozen or more bamboo huts. And, too, each day their power increases. Over there another great building withtowers reaching to the very sky is going up. What can it be?"

"One of their pagodas, " answered Lihoa, "and down there is the schoolin which one of my nephews is being instructed in the learning of theWest. The white-faced women with the long veils brought him up becausemy sister exposed him when a baby. They found and cared for him in thegreat white house where a light burns in the window; there they bringup the children which our women are not able to care for. Let us godown and see what is going on at this time of the night. "

Lohe and Lihoa went down to the long low orphanage in which the Sistersof Mercy care for a hundred or more foundlings. The shutters weredrawn, but they found a tiny hole through which they could peep. Inthe dormitory they saw four rows of small white beds, all spread withbeautiful white linen, and in each little bed lay a child. The most ofthem were asleep, but a few were crying and fretting--for Chinesebabies have quite as many troubles as American children. Some of thenuns were walking up and down between the rows of beds, lovinglytucking up the fretful little beings, giving the bottle to some, androcking others with the utmost patience. Hardly did they quiet onebefore another began to whimper, and so it went on. Shaking theirheads the two Chinamen slipped away. They had seen for themselves thelove and patience with which the Sisters care for these poor desertedinfants. 

"I thought we were going to find them putting the children's eyes out, "said Lohe, "when I heard the cries in there. These women show greaterlove for these babes than their own mothers. "

"Yes, yes, " answered Lihoa. "It is wonderful. I wish our priestswould do for our children what the foreigners do for them. "

Without further delay Lihoa went to Nona, the fish dealer, who lived inone of the alleys near the harbor. All night long he watched andwaited for the fishermen who came to him from all parts of the island. Complaining as he took what Lihoa had brought, he weighed the fish andpoured the oysters out in a heap to estimate their value, then handedthe old Chinaman a tael ($1. 50) and several sapecks. 

"What? Is that all you are going to give me, when you know that thesum must be divided among twenty families?" complained Lihoa. "To-morrow morning in the market you will get three times that amountfor the beautiful fish. "

"Well--and why not? When I take inferior things to the market, I haveto content myself with a small price. --Not a sapeck more for you, "answered the dealer. 

"Now then, Nona, don't be surprised if you get no more fish from us. We are going into a more profitable business. We are going to thedistant Goldland, and shall come back rich men. "

"What? What do you mean, you fools?" cried Nona. "Do you want to bedrowned? Well, if you get back with whole skins you'll be doing well, and no matter how much gold you get, the rich Natse will have it allbefore you are through with him. "

"As far as drowning is concerned, we could drown easily in the businessin which we are now engaged, and as to Natse's getting our gold, we'llattend to that. " With these words Lihoa put the money in his pocketand started with his followers to the harbor, where, behind one of thewarehouses, they laid down and took a nap. 

At break of day they went to interview Natse, who was trying to getthree hundred men to sail on the "St. George". When they arrived, hehad just engaged a hundred or more, and there seemed no likelihood ofthere being a place for Lihoa and his followers, "though Lohe's peoplealways had the preference". "But", said Natse, "if you have some oneamong your people who understands the language of the West well enoughto act as interpreter, perhaps I can arrange for you and a dozen ormore of your friends to go. "

Then an idea popped into old Lihoa's head: "Wait until to-night, and Iwill bring you an answer, " he said. "I think I can get an interpreter. "

Lihoa sent his companions to the hamlet with the command, that thosewho wished to go on the trip to the Goldland were to get readyimmediately, and he betook himself straight to the College of the HolySaviour. There he asked to see the foreign teacher. Father Somazzocame into the reception room, and learned to his utter astonishmentthat the old Chinaman had called to demand his beloved pupil, littlePeppo. Quietly the priest listened while the old man spoke, then tooka pinch of snuff, and said: "My dear friend, for twelve years we havehad this boy in our care, and have spent much time and money on him, and now that he is old enough to be of use, you ask us to give him toyou. You are unreasonable. Prove in the court that the child isyours, and then, that we took him illegally, and you can have him. Hehas not been brought up in your religion, as you know, but is aChristian. We have many plans and hopes for him, and I am sure he willnot care to leave us. Go, and may peace attend you. "

"But I am the boy's uncle, and an uncle has paternal power over hissister's children according to Chinese law. I know the boy by thebirthmark on his wrist, " said Lihoa. 

"Take your claims into court, and we will settle them there. In themeantime may peace attend you, " repeated the missioner as he left theman. 

Lihoa expected a refusal, for he was not so simple-minded as to believethat the child would be given over to him without ado, but the answerthat he received, according to his way of thinking, justified hiskidnapping his nephew. He knew a Chinese youth, who was a servant atthe seminary, and to him he went for help to carry out his plan ofgetting possession of Peppo. In a nearby tavern he waited forTotu--for that was the youth's name--knowing that while the missionersand their pupils were at table, he was accustomed to come here for aglass of saki, a wine made from burnt rice. When he entered, Lihoawent and sat down beside him, addressed him as cousin, and ordered andpaid for a second glass of saki. The two conversed for a time in lowtones, then finally Totu said:

"Agreed! The day after to-morrow, at the New Year's celebration, I'llsee to it that you get your nephew, but may the gods of the sea destroyyour ship, if you do not pay me the money you say you will. I musthave three tael to-morrow, for this may cost me my job, and you know, 'No penny, no paternoster'. " Lihoa promised what Totu asked, and thetwo separated. 

CHAPTER VI. 

The Chinese New Year. 

The New Year came and found Hongkong in festal array. All the Chinesehouses were decorated with plants and flowers, and from long cordsstretched from house to house, and diagonally across the streets, weresuspended hundreds upon hundreds of lanterns of various colors. At thefirst peep of day thousands of people, dressed in holiday attire, beganto throng the streets and crowd into the great open squares, whereeatables of all sorts were to be had. Here were tables loaded downwith all kinds of Chinese delicacies, many of which, I fear, my littlereaders would not find palatable. For example, there were sugar-coatedworms, preserved red snails, trepang, --a kind of sea-worm, --and putriddoves' eggs in an unspeakable sauce. The cakes made of honey, sugarand rice-meal, I am sure, would have been much more to your liking. Each hour the crowd increased, as the people poured into the city fromthe villages on the island of Hongkong, and from neighboring places. It was a general reception day. Whenever a Chinaman met anacquaintance, putting his hands in the wide, flowing sleeves of hisgown, he greeted him with many bows, wished him a happy New Year, andinvited him to have a cup of tea or saki. Even the poorest people hadsaved up enough to take part in the celebration. All over the greatcity joy reigned. 

The missioners, glad to give their pupils English as well as Chinese, all the pleasure they could, always celebrated the New Year by having amore elaborate supper than usual, and taking the boys to see thebrilliantly lighted city and the puppet shows. For weeks beforehandall looked forward to the great holiday, and could hardly wait for thetime to come when the city would be in holiday attire, and thefireworks and puppet shows in progress. On this night supper was over, the bell had rung, and the boys were in a double line ready to start ontheir little excursion. At the head of the ranks stood young Peppo, the leader, in a state of subdued excitement. He was anxious to seethe beautiful lights, and also hoped to find his little companion, Willy, at the puppet show, where he knew he would be, if possible. Just as the happy band was about to start, Father Somazzo called Peppoback, for it occurred to him that perhaps the man, who had a few daysprevious to this so impudently demanded possession of him, might try tokidnap him. 

"Peppo", he said, addressing Lihu by his Italian nickname, "Peppo, youknow that I mean well by you. "

"Yes, Father, " answered the boy impatiently, "but please don't keep menow. We are going to the city and I am to be the leader of the ranks. "

"Peppo, not very long ago you said that you were willing to make agreat sacrifice to God, because he saved you from death, and permittedyou to be baptized, and because you are soon to receive your firstcommunion. "

"Yes, Father, I did, and I will willingly make a sacrifice, but let mego now. Brother Onufrio has already opened the door. "

"Peppo, would it not be a beautiful sacrifice for you to give up goingto-night?"

"O Father, " stammered the child with tears in his eyes, "no, I don'twant to. I will make a sacrifice, but not to-night. I want to see thefire-works and the puppet show. And Willy will be at the puppet show, I want to find him, too. He will go if he can, for he knows that everyNew Year's night we boys go. Please, Father, do not keep me. I willwillingly live on rice and water for a month rather than stay hometo-night. "

"Poor child, you do not know what is for your best good, " answeredFather Somazzo. "I wanted you to look upon this as a sacrifice whichyou were willing to make, but since you will not, I command you toremain at home, for a reason which I cannot tell you. Come, Peppo, into the class-room. You may take my big picture-book with all thepictures of European cities and churches, ladies and gentlemen in fineclothes and battles and ships. The time will pass quickly. Come andwin the reward of obedience. "

"I don't want to, I won't go!" cried the boy, crying at the top of hislungs and stamping his feet on the floor. 

"What? What? Such a thing as this from you? That is no way tobehave. If you do not come with me willingly, you shall not have thepretty picture-book. "

With these words Father Somazzo led the weeping child into theclass-room, while he went to get the promised book. Totu, the servant, who was standing near the door at the time, was a witness of the scene. His plan was to seize the boy at the puppet show, when the attention ofall the by-standers was on the stage, fasten him to himself by acunningly contrived chain and belt, so that he could not possiblyescape in the crowd, and deliver him over to his uncle. When he sawthat the boy was detained against his will, the sly fellow changed histactics. 

"Ha, ha, " said he, "this is much easier for Totu, " and hurrying intothe garden, stationed himself under the window which opened into andwas on a level with the garden. As soon as Father Somazzo left theroom, Peppo went to the window to watch the sky rockets that every nowand then went shooting into the sky, and to listen to the shouts of themerry revelers in the streets. 

"What, little Lihu, are you not going to the celebration? Why, down inthe marketplace there is the finest puppet show that was ever seen orheard of anywhere, " said Totu in a sympathetic tone of voice. 

"I can't, " said he, "Father Somazzo is an old tyrant. He wants me torenounce this pleasure, to make a sacrifice to God to-night by stayingat home. "

"Oh, nonsense!" answered the tempter. "You come with me. I'll takeyou down into the city, and to the puppet show, and the fireworks, andeverything else. We'll be back in an hour, and Father Somazzo, who issaying his prayers, won't even know you've been away. "

"He has locked the door, and will be angry if he finds me gone, " saidthe boy, half ready to yield to the tempter. 

"He won't find it out. Quick. Climb up on the window-sill, I'll liftyou down, and in a moment we'll be out through the little gate in thewall, for I have the key that unlocks it. We've no time to lose. Don't you hear the drums and tomtoms in the market-place? The puppetshow is beginning. "

Little Peppo's conscience told him that he ought not to go, but hisanger at what seemed to him an unjust command, caused him to give noheed to its dictation. "Well, anyway, when Father Somazzo shuts me upfor punishment, I'll have seen the puppet show and the fireworks, " hesaid, climbing up on the window-sill, and the next moment he was in thegarden. Taking Totu by the hand, he slunk along in the shadow of thewall to the little gate, and soon the two were with the crowd out inthe brilliantly lighted street. 

Father Somazzo was detained a short time, and when he returned to theclassroom was dumbfounded to find his favorite pupil gone. He went tothe window and called "Peppo, Peppo", but received no answer. At firsthe could scarcely believe that the boy, who had always been soobedient, could be guilty of such a grievous breach of discipline; butas calling and searching proved of no avail, at last, with a heavyheart, he had to admit that even good little Peppo had yielded totemptation. 

"Lord, deal not harshly with the erring, " sighed the missioner, andthen he prayed: "Let not his disobedience cause him and us too muchsorrow, Blessed Virgin. Take the poor child to thy motherly bosom, andbring him back to us in safety. Thou knowest we have great hopes forhim. "

Father Somazzo could do no more than this, for he could not leave thehouse alone; and, even if he had been able to do so, his attempts tofind the child in the crowds that thronged the streets would haveavailed nothing. Hoping that Peppo would join his companions andreturn with them, the good Father waited, but in vain. He neither camewith the boys, nor later by himself. 

On the following morning Father Somazzo received a visit from Mr. Black, the lawyer, whom he had consulted concerning the guardianship ofWilly. He came to report that he believed he had sufficient proof toask the court to take Willy away from John Brown, and also to cause hisimprisonment. He had through agents sought out the sailors dismissedfrom the "St. George", and from them not only learned of the life ofJohn Brown in Dublin, but also of the peculiar circumstances attendantupon his brother's death at sea. Mr. Black asked whether he shouldprosecute, adding: "Whatever is done, must be done quickly, for I amtold that the 'St. George' will sail to-morrow morning, or the morningafter at the latest, for Australia with three hundred Chinaman onboard. "

Father Somazzo signed the necessary papers, then told of little Peppo'sdisappearance, and his conjecture that he had been carried off by aChinaman named Lihoa, who claimed to be a relative. 

"I'll wager ten to one, this Lihoa is one of the greedy Chinamen who isgoing to sail on the 'St. George', " said Mr. Black. "Let's go down tothe office of the Chief of Police, and, if my conjecture is true, we'llfind the people we want on board the 'St. George'--'kill two birds withone stone', as the old saying has it. Be quick, Father, get your hatand walking stick and come with me. We haven't a moment to lose. "

The two men hurried down to the harbor. The Chief of Police receivedthem in a friendly manner, but when they laid their case before him, heshrugged his shoulders and said: "I am very sorry, indeed. You havecome just eight hours too late. The 'St. George' sailed this morningat two with the tide and a favorable wind. "

"What is to be done?" questioned the Father. 

"We will send your papers to Melbourne and Sidney and have the Captainand Lihoa arrested when they put into port. That is all that can bedone, " answered the Chief. 

Matters had to be left thus. Mr. Black returned to his office to makeout the necessary documents, and Father Somazzo to the College tocommend both boys to God and his ministering angels. 

CHAPTER VII. 

An Unexpected Departure. 

On the morning following the Chinese New Year, with a favoring westwind the "St. George" put to sea with Green at the helm, because theCaptain was unable to find a man that he liked better, who was capableof taking his place. Restlessly the Captain paced up and down thedeck, gazing at the island in the moonlight until it was lost in thesea. As soon as the morning light gave better opportunities, heclimbed to the crow's nest and with a field glass searched the westernhorizon, and not until the sun was well up did he push the glasstogether. Then he muttered to himself as he came down from the rigging:

"My fears are vain. Why, that Italian priest wouldn't have the Chiefof Police send a steam launch after us on account of that boy. And yetRedfox states positively that he sent the agents of the police to thesailors' home, to sidle up to the crew that I dismissed and to try toget out of them all the information they could. But what do they know?What can they prove?--Oh, I am such a coward! Come, John, come. Drivethese stupid fears out of your head. Think of the future and not ofthe past. "

The Captain went to the helmsman and found the boatswain and firstofficer, Redfox, with him. All greeted the Captain in a becomingmanner and wished for favoring winds to carry them on their way. 

"We could make use of them all right, " cried the Captain. "Gray, theship can carry more canvas. Set all the sails, and Green, do you steeras straight as a crow flies for the Channel of Balintang. How far isit to Balintang, Redfox?"

"Four hundred and fifty sea miles, but we can save a hundred miles byholding for the southern point of Luzon--"

"Yes, and be wrecked on some one of the hundred reefs and islands whichmake the route by the Philippines so dangerous! No, Mr. Redfox, thoughit is of great importance for me to get to Melbourne as soon aspossible, I shall not take any risks going that way. We'll go fartherto the north through the Balintang, from there down between the Palauand Caroline Islands, on through by the Soloman Islands, and theLousiade Archipelago. "

"We shall meet with dangerous seas that way, too, but if it's the routeyou've decided on, that's all there is to it. What's going on with thethree hundred Chinamen in the steerage?"

"I don't know. Let them stay down where they are; they won't suffocateyet awhile, and we'll have peace on deck for an hour or two, " growledthe Captain. 

"With the last lot that came on board there was a little pigmy, barelyten years old, " said Gray. "An old Chinaman carried him in his armsand said he was asleep. It seemed to me that he was in a stupor, and Ihad more than half a mind to send them back, and then it occurred to methat we could use the lad in the kitchen, as the cook's assistant. I'll get the boy, Captain, and let you see what you think of giving himover to the cook. By cuffs and knocks perhaps he can be developed intosomething useful. "

"Go ahead, Gray, " answered the Captain. "And you, Redfox, want mynephew, of whom this small Chinaman makes me think. " Then he added ina low tone: "Since our last talk I have thought the thing over. --Youare right. It cannot be otherwise. He must disappear, at least for atime, that is, until we are in possession of the money; later I willrestore it to him. "

"Quite right. And if--by any accident--he should fall from therigging, or else--"

"No, no, I won't have him put to death. God knows I wish my brotherwere alive. The thought even that perhaps in my drunkenness Isanctioned the changing of his medicine, almost drives me mad. --I amsatisfied, though, that we will have to hide this boy for a time insome institution, and then announce to the authorities that at theshipwreck, which we contemplate having, he perished. "

"Captain, you are always for half-way measures. But as you like, solong as you hold fast to our agreement--the half of the property. "

"On the day on which I come into possession of the property, the halfis yours. "

"Very well. You have sworn to this, and now be assured that just sosurely as you betray me, or attempt to cheat me out of the wages of mysins, you are a dead man, even if at that very hour I go to eternaldamnation with you. "

"You may depend upon me. Half and half, just as I have sworn. And nowI'll go for my nephew. "

With these words the Captain stepped into the cabin. Through thiscabin ran a partition, and in one corner of the smaller part Willy hadhung his hammock. So soundly had he slept, that his first knowledgethat the "St. George" was under sail came when he noticed the motion ofthe ship, and heard the swishing of the water. 

"O dear! We've left Hongkong, and Father Somazzo couldn't get me awayfrom my uncle, " was his first thought. "And last night I dreamed thathe did get me away, and that Brother Onufrio and Peppo were with me, but I can't remember where. --O dear, we are out at sea and on the wayto Australia, or God knows where. "

Willy was almost in tears. Father Somazzo's comforting words came tohis mind, then kneeling down for a short morning prayer, he commendedhimself to the care of his guardian angel. Strengthened by the thoughtthat God's holy guardian angels are companions and protectors at sea aswell as on land, he was rising from his knees just as his uncle cameinto the room. 

"What, up and dressed! By the seven sleepers of old, I verily believethat you have been praying! That's what they set you to doing at thepension, but you'll soon get over it; a seaman has no time for any suchsuperfluous business as that. "

"Superfluous to say one's prayers?" questioned Willy in utmostsurprise, opening wide his big blue eyes. "The good Fathers prayedevery day, and used to say that 'he who knows not how to pray, the seawill teach to pray'. What will become of us, if God and his angels donot watch over and guard us?"

"Oh, dear me! You talk just like the preaching Brothers, " laughed theCaptain, in a way that made the boy shudder. 

"Well, for aught that I care keep on praying to your guardian angel towatch over you, but now go into the kitchen and get a cup of coffee anda biscuit or two. Hurry yourself. In five minutes be ready for workand report on deck to the first officer. "

In the meantime the boatswain had started for the steerage, where threehundred Chinamen were packed like herrings on the floor and in theberths along the sides of the room. When he opened the trap-door to godown the stairs, the poisonous stench which assailed his nostrilsalmost knocked him down. "By all the great sharks in the sea, " hecried angrily, "I believe it would be easier to breathe in the bottomof the ocean than down there with those pig-tailed Chinamen! He! Idon't want to go down there. Be quick, and send the interpreter uphere, " he called. 

A babel of Chinese words came from the unventilated room which waslighted by an old kerosene lamp, and the crowd pushed to the gangway toget up on deck. The boatswain thundered "Back", and to make his wordsemphatic as well as intelligible, drew his revolver. The men wentback, and Lihoa brought his nephew, the small Peppo, to the foot of thegangway. "Tell him that he is to let us come out on deck before wesuffocate in this vile hole, " commanded Lihoa. 

As soon as Peppo began to tell in English what he had been told to say, the boatswain cried out: "Ha, ha! So you are the interpreter, youlittle pigmy? Why, that's all right. How lucky! Come up. I amlooking for you, but your pig-tailed cousins will have to stay downthere. They won't suffocate for awhile; the air of the steerage isthicker and more nourishing than that on deck. "

After a little parleying Lihoa let his nephew go. Quickly he ran upthe ladder, and when Gray had closed the trap-door he threw himself athis feet, and with outstretched hands begged to land, because he hadbeen brought on board against his will. 

"Land?" laughed Gray. "Land on what? We have been under sail for sixhours or more and are now a goodly number of miles from Hongkong, andprobably won't see land again for weeks. For good or for evil, forbetter or for worse, my little pigmy, you'll have to go with us untilwe land those cousins of yours in Australia. Get up. I'll take you tothe kitchen, and there our cook will find so much for you to do, thatyou won't have time for sad thoughts. "

With these words he seized Peppo by the arm and led him to the kitchen, where he gave him over to the cook. The fat cook with the big whiteapron looked at the slender youth half angrily, half compassionately, and grumbled:

"That little Chinaman is to give me the promised help? How is he tolift the heavy kettles of rice off the fire, Mr. Gray?"

"Well now, Mr. Blue, it's better to have a little help than none atall. Why, indeed, you'll have to lift the heavy kettles off the fireyourself. The boy can peel potatoes and wash dishes. "

"Yes, and break more than his neck is worth in Brothers. Iunderstand. --Now, little one, come here and get into this apron, andbegin work. --Oh, wait a moment. You have not had any breakfast. There, take that bowl of rice; you are more accustomed to that than toour bread and coffee. When you have finished get at those dishes, andwash and wipe them quicker than scat, and for every one you break aprecious good thump you'll get. "

With tears in his eyes poor little Peppo choked down his rice, and wentto work. "Oh, dear, " he said to himself, as he dipped the plates inhot water and burned his fingers trying to get them out, "Oh, dear, howGod is punishing me for my disobedience! If I had only stayed where Iwas told. Father Somazzo must have known what Lihoa was going to do. This is what I get for running off and having my own way. And whoknows whether I'll ever see Hongkong and the good Fathers again so longas I live?"

Poor little Peppo's cup was full to overflowing. As with tremblingfingers he kept on fishing the hot plates out of the dishpan, henoticed that all the plates had on them the word "St. George"; then herecalled that that was the name of Willy's father's boat. Just as itwas dawning on him that he must be on the "St. George" the kitchen dooropened and he heard a well-known voice say, "Give me some breakfastquicker than a wink, dear cook, for I've got to go to work as cabin-boyright away. "

Peppo was walking across the floor to the crockery chest to put away adozen or more clean plates which he had in his hands, when at the soundof the voice he turned and saw Willy whom the Captain had given a pushthat sent him half across the kitchen. The small Chinaman gave a cryof surprise and let the plates fall on the floor where they broke intoa thousand rattling pieces. Angrily the cook sprang at him, and wouldhave struck him with the big wooden cooking spoon, if Willy had notcome between them and received the blow meant for Peppo. 

"Peppo, Peppo, " he cried, "are you here?"

"Yes, Willy, as a punishment for my disobedience. And now see whatmore mischief I have done, and what more punishment I shall get. Thecook will beat me half to death for breaking all the beautiful plates, "moaned Peppo. 

"But I was all to blame for that, " said Willy. "I frightened you sothat you let them fall. That's so, isn't it, dear cook? You won'tpunish him, will you?"

The cook's anger was somewhat mollified. The good-natured man waspleased with the boys, and gave them both some breakfast on a littletable. Peppo told of his adventures, and Willy comforted him bysaying, "You have been disobedient and you'll have to take yourpunishment, but the dear God ordained it that you should come to me. We'll pray together and be good, so that our holy guardian angels willtake us back to Hongkong again to the Fathers. "

Just here the boatswain came in and ordered Willy on deck, or theywould have continued talking indefinitely. 

CHAPTER VIII. 

A Very Real Danger. 

Meanwhile the "St. George" under full sail and well over on her sidewas running before a strong west wind. The waves washed over the deck;the sea was so rough that it was hard for an experienced seaman to makehis way, and only those sure of foot and hand dared venture on therigging. Nevertheless Redfox ordered Willy to climb the mainmast withhim to help unfurl the sail at the very top. 

"If you want to be a good seaman like your father you must learn toclimb the rigging not only in a light breeze like this but also in ahurricane. You want to get so that you can run around up there like asquirrel in a Christmas tree. There is no danger; just hold tight tothe rigging with one hand and don't get frightened when the boatpitches. You can't learn to do any climbing that's worth whilestanding around here on deck. Up, my little man, let's see if you haveany nerve. "

"Yes, I have nerve, and lots of times in pleasant weather I've been upthe mast, but when the ship rocks as it does now, my father would neverlet me think of going up, " answered Willy. 

"And he had good reason, too, " put in the helmsman, who was standingnear Redfox and had heard all the conversation. 

"I never heard of such a thing as asking the cabin-boy to climb therigging when the sea is rough, and before he has had a chance to provehimself a good climber in pleasant weather. Master Willy, don't obeyany such foolhardy order. The Captain, I am sure, does not want you totry any such thing. "

"Oho, helmsman, you dare to order this boy to be insubordinate, do you?I'll have you put in irons for your impudence, " cried Redfox, givinghim a wicked look. 

"Green, don't be frightened. I can climb much better than you think, and then besides my guardian angel will watch over me and keep me fromfalling. I am sure I won't come down any more of a corpse than I didfrom the dome of the cathedral. I must obey this man. Let me go. Youjust see my guardian angel will take care of me. "

"Mr. Redfox, I tell you plainly it's a foolhardy game you are playingwith that boy, " said the helmsman earnestly. "If anything happens tohim you'll answer for it on a charge of criminal carelessness at thefirst port we put into. "

"Wait till you get a chance, " growled the officer to Green; to Willy hesaid, "Go on up. "

Willy crossed himself, then swung himself without fear up on the ropeladder leading from the side of the vessel to the crow's nest. Rightafter him followed Redfox. With anger and fear Green watched how thewind blew Willy's blonde hair and the officer's red beard; for a momentthe two disappeared behind the sails, then they appeared scaling thetopmost ladder. The wind had increased; the vessel tipped still moreto the side. Willy clambered on courageously higher and higher up, butthe real danger was yet to come. 

"Now see, he is astride the yard sliding out fully twelve feet from themain mast--now he is loosening the rope by which the top-sail isfastened to the arm! Redfox ought to do that himself, " said thehelmsman to himself. "But no, he forces the boy before him out on theyard, orders him to stand up and unfasten the rope. The inhumanwretch!--That means the boy's death. It is no easy task even for anexperienced seaman. And he is not even holding him by the belt, onlyby the bottom part of his jacket. ----Now he is holding him tighter. There----O holy Mother of God the boy is falling!" Green closed hiseyes for a moment and gasped. "No, he is sliding along the yard. Holdfast, Willy, hold fast for two or three minutes. I'll come to helpyou. "

He threw the rope over the wheel and ran like a cat up the rigging. Willy, in utmost danger of falling, was sliding and swinging alongbetween the sails of the fore and mainmast, every moment expecting thathis strength would give out and that he would fall on the planks of thedeck below or into the sea. 

"Holy guardian angel, " he cried, "take me; I cannot hold on anylonger!" Everything swam before his eyes, and in a moment he wouldhave fallen, if the helmsman had not, almost miraculously reached himand seized him in his arms. He carried him down to the deck and laidhim in a dead faint on a pile of rope, and began working over him. Before Redfox came down from the rigging Willy had recovered. "Yousee, " he said to Green, "my holy guardian angel did not leave me. "

"Indeed, Master Willy, you speak the truth, for without the help ofyour guardian angel I should not have been able to save you, " affirmedGreen, wiping drops of cold sweat from his forehead. Then he thunderedat Redfox:

"Thank God, that you lay yourself down to rest tonight without a murderon your conscience. It is no fault of yours that that boy came downfrom the rigging alive. "

"I forbid any such talk, " answered Redfox without meeting the gaze ofthe helmsman. "The stupid youngster got dizzy when I let go of hisjacket and started to get a better hold of his belt. "

"No, no, Mr. Redfox, " answered Willy firmly, "you pushed me instead ofgetting hold of my bolt. I did not get dizzy. "

"Ridiculous! Your fear put that notion into your head. Now if you goto telling that story round here--even once--I'll have the Captain shutyou up in the steerage with the Chinamen. You go to telling the wrongsyou suffer from your superior officer and you'll get yourself intotrouble. No more of this. "

Redfox went to the Captain's cabin. Indignantly the helmsman lookedafter him, and then he again asked the boy if he was very sure thatRedfox had pushed him. 

"Quite sure, " he replied, "and he looked at me more wickedly than Ithought any man could look. What has he against me? I have never donehim any harm. And my uncle, too, acts so strangely, he has never oncegiven me a pleasant word or look. "

"I understand well enough, " answered the helmsman. "Be on your guardwith Redbeard and your uncle; I don't dare to tell you any more. I'dlike to open your eyes, but I can't. Trust in God and your holyguardian angel who saved you almost miraculously today. In the firstport that we put into Redbeard will answer for what he did today--andfor a few other things, too. "

To the Captain Redfox reported, "I did not think it possible for thatboy to come down from the rigging alive, and now he is telling that Itried to push him off the yard, and, of course, that numbskull of aGreen is only to ready to believe him. That fellow has got wind ofsome things, too. We must see to it that he gets no chance to tellwhat he knows or thinks he knows. "

"You are my bad angel, Redfox, and want to drag me deeper and deeperinto crime, " said the Captain. "Haven't I told you again and againthat I will not have that boy put out of the way?"

"Oh, you are always for half-way measures. I take no account of themin my reckonings. It would have been very fine for you, if--accidentally--he had fallen from the rigging, " growled Redfox. 

"No, no, I won't have any bloodshed, " said the Captain most earnestly. "There are enough things now for which I have to answer, --and therewill be more when we wreck the 'St. George' on one of the many reefsoff the east coast of Australia, as we have planned to do. Now, ifagainst my will, you do anything to that boy, I'll have you turned overto the authorities, even if I run the danger of being arrested as youraccomplice. You may know what to expect. "

With these words the Captain left Redfox standing at the door of thecabin. He muttered to himself, "Well, do you know, I really believehis conscience is troubling him--the mushhead! I must deal with himmore firmly. --No, no, Captain, after what happened this morning theonly thing to do is to get him out of the way, --and the helmsman alongwith him. I'll tend to that. Ha, ha! Mr. Captain, you'll get up inthe morning early to turn Redfox over to the authorities!"

CHAPTER IX. 

A New Plan. 

Weeks had passed since the happenings told of in the previous chaptertook place, and nothing of any importance had occurred. Redfox had notagain ordered Willy to climb the mast with him, and even when the shipwas becalmed and lay with slackened sails on a sea smooth and clear asa looking-glass, he would not allow him to go up to the crow's nest. 

"Oh, no, no, if you were to get dizzy and fall, you'd tell that Ipushed you, " he sneered at every possible opportunity. Green heavoided as much as possible. 

"The boy was perhaps mistaken, and my suspicions of the Captain andRedfox may be wholly unfounded, " thought honest Green, when week afterweek went by without their taking revenge on either him or Willy. Thevoyage had been an extraordinarily quick and fortunate one. The dayswhich ships usually spend in being becalmed under the Equator the 'St. George' spent under full sail with favoring winds. Everything onshipboard was going very well, yet the Captain was always sullen andmorose. He and Redfox sat in the cabin and gambled and drank most oftheir time. Rarely did they finish one debauch before they began onanother. Redfox seemed to exercise hypnotic power over the Captain. 

Willy, the darling of the crew, at first was much grieved over hisuncle's behavior and the aversion which the first officer showed forhim, but he soon became accustomed to their ways. The companionship ofGreen, who initiated him into the mysteries of the compass and thepractical work of steering the ship, was pleasant, and he had Peppo. The Captain had allowed the boatswain to put up another hammock inWilly's cabin, so that Peppo could sleep there instead of going downinto the steerage. Together the boys said their morning and eveningprayers, just as they were accustomed to do in the pension in Hongkong, and slept like nabobs in their little hammocks while the ship wentploughing its way through the placid ocean. 

The "St. George" was at this time in the sea between the New BritainArchipelago, as the group of islands which now goes by the name of theBismarck Archipelago was at that time called, and the Soloman Islands. With full sail the boat was running before a stiff northwest breeze. The fiery tropical sun burned in the heavens, and far as the eye couldreach the waters rolled in a long swell on the deep blue southern sea. A pair of screaming sea-gulls circled round the top of the mast, thesails flapped, the rigging creaked, and the waters swished and dashedagainst the sides of the vessel. Other sounds there were none. Thevessel might almost have been a phantom ship upon an enchanted sea. 

Green sat near the wheel in the shade of one of the sails smoking hispipe and with difficulty keeping his eyes open sufficiently to glanceat the big compass and the distant horizon occasionally. "If ourreckonings are right we shall sight the Soloman Islands now at anyminute, " he said to himself, and was about to call to the man on watchin the crow's nest to see that he was not asleep, when Willy came outfrom the cabin and motioned to Green that he had something important totell him. 

"Hello, Willy, what's the matter? Any one would think from theexpression on your face that you had seen 'The Klabautermann'!"

"The Klabautermann" is a spirit of the sea similar to the brownies ofthe mountains and the goblins which play such a part in children'sstories. Ordinarily unseen this spirit helps the sailors in their workwhen they are good and true, but when he appears with a fiery head andgreen teeth, attired in riding boots, yellow hose, and pointed hat, --asthe sailors assert they have seen him--then look out. Beware ofmisfortune. Some awful fate awaits the ship, so the superstitioussailors solemnly swear. 

"I have not seen 'The Klabautermann', " answered Willy, "and I don'tbelieve there is any such spirit, although you are so positive aboutit; but I have something to tell you that will surprise you more than avisit from the Flying Dutchman's haunted ship, that you told me about. "

"Well, let's have the surprise. "

"Can any one play eavesdropper here?"

"No; no one at all. We are here all by ourselves aft and who is therethat would want to listen to us?"

"Redbeard and my uncle, but they are in the cabin, drinking andgambling as usual. Last night, you know, Peppo had toothache all nightand couldn't sleep, so this afternoon I took his place in the kitchenwhile he went up to have a nap in his hammock. He just came and toldme that he had overheard Redbeard plotting some dreadful thing againstus. Peppo couldn't understand it all, but he got this much, that atthe island to which we are coming today, or at the latest tomorrowmorning, he is going to send you ashore for drinking water. He has letthe water leak out of the casks. 'When Green goes ashore, ' he said, 'Ihaven't a doubt in the world but that the young one, who stands in yourway, will want to go with him, and the little Chinaman, whom I do nottrust, will also want to go--We can just send them, even if you don'thanker after this plan. And--well--if they don't come back, why thewild Soloman Islanders will know what to do with them. ' Peppo heardthe first officer say this. "

"Oh, the traitor!" said Green. "And so he is going to furnish thecannibals with a nice juicy stew for their pots, is he? And pray tell, what did that nice uncle of yours, the Captain, say to all this?"

"At first he would not listen to a word of it; then Redfox threatenedhim with something which Peppo could not understand, and at last hesaid, 'Oh, you are my bad angel. I am in your power. Do what youmust, but I won't have any part in it. '"

"Pontius Pilate made similar remarks when he gave Our Lord over todeath, but handwashing of that sort is of no use. As for the rest youare right. Redfox is the chief sinner and forces the Captain intothings which he would never think of doing otherwise. --But what are weto do? Here we are helpless in the power of these monsters. We mightgive them over to the authorities at the first port at which we touch, but the trouble with that plan comes in just here: Gray will not listento or believe what that little Chinaman says. It couldn't be donewithout a life and death struggle. I must win over the Chinamen--andif I fail, by so much as a hair-breadth, I'll go to the gallows as arebel. --And yet--I must risk my life for you as well as for the rest ofus. Quick, bring your little friend here. I'll tell him what to sayto the men in the steerage. They will be on our side for they havebeen badly treated. "

Willy did not understand all that the honest helmsman said for he washalf talking to himself, but he got enough to realize that they were ingreat danger, and that Green scarcely knew what to do. Why didRedbeard wish their death? Green had told him a number of times, butthe boy could not understand the question of the property, even afterit was explained to him, and now there was no time to talk about it. "Be quick, go get Peppo for me, " repeated the helmsman, instead ofanswering his questions. "The crisis may come any moment. In themeantime pray to your guardian angel, who once saved you miraculouslyfrom the power of these monsters. "

A few minutes later Peppo slipped down to the steerage and deliveredGreen's message to his uncle, and he in turn held a secret counsel withthe most resolute of his companions. They talked much of the warningwhich the God of the Golden Fish had given them about keeping out ofbroils without arriving at any conclusion, though their feelingsprompted them to wreak vengeance on the Captain for his rough treatmentof them. While they were talking a voice from the crow's nest called, "Land--ahoy!" and in a moment the ship was all life. The boatswainsounded his pipe calling every sailor to his place and the Captain cameon deck to give orders. On the left in the South Sea a wooded hillrose from the water, and quickly became larger, as the ship flewtowards it like a bird. The Captain and Redfox stepped up to the wheeland the Captain said to Green, "We must heave to. "

"What? Heave to in such a fine breeze as this? What have we got forthe cannibals over there?"

"We must have water, " said the Captain without looking at the helmsman. "Redfox says that the cask has leaked and that there is not enoughwater to last us through to Australia. "

"I saw the cask yesterday, and then there was no leak in it. If it isempty now there has been foul play. "

"Hello! What ails the man?" cried Redfox. "Who has been doing thefoul play?"

"Since you ask I'll tell you. You have. And as you let the water runout you can see to getting more to put in. Under no circumstances willI do it. "

"Well, Captain, what do you think of the fellow's impudence? I say hebelongs in chains, " cried Redfox in a rage. 

"Quite right. Insubordination on shipboard cannot be tolerated. Either you take a small boat and go for water to fill the cask or I'llput you in irons. A dozen Chinamen and the small interpreter are toaccompany you. "

"Just as I thought. And your nephew is to go, too, and when we are onshore the 'St. George' is to take advantage of favoring breezes, and weare to be left for the cannibals. You'll have to murder the boy and meright here; we'll not run our heads into any such trap. Heda! mylittle Chinaman, now is the time for your countrymen to defendthemselves. The responsibility is mine, " and with these words he threwhimself upon Redfox who drew out his knife with a curse. Green struckhim a blow that knocked him senseless, and then turned on the Captain, who called loudly for help. The sailors to a man rushed to his aid, while the Chinamen refused to mix in the white men's quarrel. Greenwas quickly overpowered and was thrown into chains in the steerage. There the Captain also put the boys who had openly taken the helmsman'spart. 

CHAPTER X. 

The Hurricane. 

In utmost astonishment the sailors looked after the helmsman and thetwo boys as they were led away. All honored and trusted Green as a mantrue to his duty and a brave comrade; the Captain's nephew was thefavorite of the crew, and everybody liked faithful little Peppo. Whatdid it all mean? Now before their very eyes the helmsman had attackedthe first officer and the Captain, and even commanded the Chinamen tobe insubordinate, and the boys openly had taken sides with the helmsman. 

"Green has lost his mind, " cried an old sailor. 

"It must be so, " answered his companion. "Perhaps he is moonstruck;more than one good fellow has gone moonstruck in the tropics. "

"He must be out of his mind, " put in the Captain, "but that's a matterfor the judge to find out. You can testify as to what he said and did, and if the judge sends him to the mad-house instead of the gallows, Ishall be glad. Redfox has fortunately recovered himself after themurderous attack and is going into my cabin. " The Captain startedacross the deck. "But hello, here!--What's the matter? The wind haschanged all of a sudden, or rather the breeze has ceased. The sailsare flapping against the mast, and the pennons are not moving. Everyman to his post, " he shouted. "I fear the wind will veer suddenlybefore we have time to turn round, and blow harder than will bepleasant for us. Gray, go to the wheel. The rest of you mount therigging, furl the sails, all, even the great topsail. Oh, here, youChinamen, get down stairs. "

The scene which had just taken place on deck had so absorbed theattention of the entire crew that now for the first time they took noteof the change. There was the same long swell on the sea, but thebeautiful blue green waters had taken on a dull leaden hue. The skywas threatening; instead of being azure, as it had been for weeks, itwas of a peculiar grayish color, although not a cloud was visible. Inthe west the sun surrounded by a dark halo was going down. First adark bank of clouds appeared above the horizon; then quickly, like agiant's hand with outstretched fingers to grasp the ship which laymotionless on the waters, it spread until it covered the sun. Withgreatest anxiety the sailors watched the signs of the approachinghurricane, making what preparations they could by furling the sails, locking the hatchways, and fastening every rope securely. 

"We're going to have a hurricane, I fear, Captain. Just see how thequicksilver has dropped in the barometer, and we are right upon thisaccursed island with its coral reefs. God have mercy on us or we arelost, " said Gray. 

White with fear he looked at the barometer, then at the sky. Alreadythe rumblings of the storm could be heard, and in the distance sheetsof foam like a mist were being driven before the wind. 

"It will be here in a moment. The first shock will strike us on theside. --If we only don't capsize, " said the Captain. 

"I cannot turn the ship against the wind so long as it is lying stilllike this. We must let the waves wash over us--there!"

While Gray was speaking the storm broke and went howling through therigging, filling the only sail which was unfurled. The mast creaked;the ship groaned in all its joints, as it tipped on its side until theends of the yards touched the water, and for one awful moment it seemedas if it could not right itself. Then yielding to the rudder it swunground to the west, and offered the point of the bow to the storm. Onlythe fact that it was very strongly built saved it from destruction. 

"Keep to the south as much as you can, " called the Captain. 

"The first danger is over, " said Gray breathless, "but what now? Howam I to steer a ship that won't and can't be steered in such a storm asthis. I wish Green were here in my place. "

"Keep to the south as much as you can. Every inch that we get awayfrom the Soloman Islands is so much away from sure destruction. If wecan only avoid those coral reefs we shall be safe. --Oh, that I was everfool enough to listen to Redfox and steer for those accursed islands. "These last words the Captain muttered under his breath, as he realizedhow quickly God's punishment was overtaking him. 

"To the south, Captain, so long as mast and sails remain and the goodship yields to the rudder; but do let Green come and take my place. Iam not capable of steering in such a storm as this. "

The Captain left Gray and went immediately to the room where thehelmsman was chained. The thrashing of the vessel, and the noise ofthe waves dashing over its decks told that a frightful storm wasraging, and of the dangers of the coral reefs he knew only too well. Consequently he said when the Captain came in, "It is no time now totalk of grievances and discipline, you need my help. I give you myword that when the ship is saved, if saved it can be, I will put on mychains again. "

"I hope it will not be necessary. You will see that there is somemisunderstanding. --What was that awful crash? Death is upon us, " criedthe Captain, interrupting himself. 

"One of the masts has broken and gone over board!" cried Green. "Comequickly or we'll go to the bottom. Bring the two boys into the cabinand let them pray. If God will not spare these two innocent childrenthere is no hope for the rest of us. We can only repent and preparefor the end. "

A moment later Green was on deck. The mizzen-mast had broken off, butstill hung to the side of the vessel with all its tackling. 

"Cut the ropes and clear the ship; then try one of the jib-sails, otherwise there will be no such thing as steering, " he said. 

The sailors obeyed quickly. They were approaching nearer and nearer tothe reefs, over which the breakers washed with a thundering noise. 

"If only the jib-sail will stand the pressure on it, perhaps we canavoid the reefs. I reckon they are not a half mile away; the shipyields a little, " said Green. 

The Captain again came on board, but avoided the helmsman. To Gray hesaid, "Put out the flying-jib so as to be prepared in case the jib doesnot hold, and get ready to cast the anchor. " The sailors took theirplaces at the capstan and made ready to lower the anchor. Meantime thenight had settled down quickly, for in the tropics night follows thegoing down of the sun without any twilight. There was a rainbow butthick banks of clouds driven along by the storm hid it. The darknesswas so intense that you could not see the top of the mast, and even onthe deck it was impossible to distinguish objects only a step or twoaway. Now and again a flash of lightning showed the foaming breakerswashing over the reefs and the dark outlines of the island beyond them. Anxiously every eye was turned towards the point of danger. 

"We're not two knots away from those accursed islands, " said Gray. 

"The storm is rising. The sails will be in shreds in a moment. Suchwaves I have never seen before, " answered Gray. 

The ship danced like a nutshell on the raging waters. The bowspritraised itself high in the air, while the stern was buried in the troughof the sea. All clung to the ropes or whatever object presented itselfexpecting to be washed overboard, as the boat shook and creaked in itsagony. 

Hanging for dear life to the railing near the wheel the Captain lookedupon the uproar of the elements, and must have admitted to himself thatthe helmsman's words of accusation were only too well founded. Afrightful cry shook his soul. "Cain, where is thy brother Abel? Whathast thou done with thy brother's child? What judgment will bepronounced on thee?" Now he did not seek to put the guilt on hiscorrupter, his bad angel, but admitted that he was guilty, and despairalmost broke his heart. "There is no forgiveness, miserable sinner, "whispered the arch enemy. "Thou art a murderer, thy brother'smurderer!" Then came back a happier thought, a picture of his innocentyouth. He saw himself before the miraculous image of the BlessedVirgin, which he then so often visited. There were the lights of manycandles, and her motherly eyes looking down upon him, and at the footof the image written on a little tablet these words: "Mother of mercy, refuge of sinners: pray for us. " Like a friendly star in the night ofawful darkness came this bright picture, and in his agony he cried toheaven: "O Lord, give me time to repent and atone for my sins. "

The vessel swept on. The wind tore the sails to shreds. The sailorscast the anchor. With a thud it went into the sea, and for a momentheld the vessel. 

"Cut the masts, " thundered the Captain. The sailors obeyed orders, butwith the first stroke of the ax, above the roaring of winds and wavescame the awful human cry: "The anchor is lost! We're drifting!"

"God have mercy on our souls, " cried Green crossing himself, and theCaptain fell on his knees, moaning, "Mercy, mercy, O Lord, have mercyon us!"

A dazzling streak of lightning showed the white outlines of the reefand the next moment a wave mountain high washed the vessel upon it. 

CHAPTER XI. 

Stranded. 

When the ship stranded on the reef all on board were thrown from theirfeet, and the anguishing cries of the shipwrecked mingled with thecreaking of the vessel and the roaring of the waves. The two boysfound themselves in utter darkness in a corner of the cabin. Willy, the first to recover himself sufficiently to speak, said:

"Oh, Peppo, are you alive?"

"I thought the ship was sinking and that we were drowning. Oh, if wehad only all repented and atoned, " groaned Peppo. 

"Hear your people calling, " said Willy. 

"They are not baptized and will go to hell. Shall we not try tobaptize them? Come, quickly, let us try. If I could only find thedoor--here it is. Come, come. "

Willy wished to make the effort with his little friend acting asinterpreter and preacher, but scarcely had he and Peppo groped theirway out of the cabin before they found themselves caught in a crowd ofhuman beings, who screaming and howling at the top of their lungs, weremaking their way from the steerage into which the water was streaming. The prow of the ship had struck the reef and was high above the waterwhile great waves washed over the stern. All were crowding up thenarrow gangway and soon with three hundred Chinaman on deck there wasnot an inch of space not covered with water which was unoccupied. Intheir fear of death they climbed what was left of the rigging and hungthere like monkeys calling upon Buddha and all the heathen gods forhelp and giving utterance to wild, maniacal shrieks. The boys wouldhave been pushed overboard in this panic had it not been that they fellin with the Captain and helmsman who protected them as best they could. 

"Tell your people, " cried Green to Peppo, "that there is no need ofthis frightful, insane howling. We are so securely lodged that wecannot possibly sink, and the wreck will hold together until morning. Five minutes ago when I saw that we were going to strike the reef, Iwouldn't have given a pipeful of tobacco for all our lives. " And theCaptain said to Willy in a more friendly manner than he had everspoken: "You prayed well, my little man. "

"Will the first officer also be good to me?" asked Willy, happy toreceive a kind word. 

"Hello, Redfox, " cried Green, "we quite forgot you in this madscramble, " and the helmsman went to him and helped him along the deck. "We are all in the same fix, and as Christians who pray 'Our Father' weshould forgive and be brothers. Here is my hand. " The first officerrefused the proffered hand, turning his back on the honest helmsman. 

The night with its raging storm wore away; towards morning the moonshowing itself in a rift in the clouds lighted the scene. Scarcely twoships' lengths away the sea thundered on the beach; farther out thewaves, mountain-high, rolled in endless succession; to the right andleft extended the reef like a wall, several meters above the water, except in one place it sank down so abruptly that even at low tide itwas under water. 

"Truly it is a marvel that we struck this reef just in this particularplace, instead of there where it breaks off so abruptly, " said theCaptain, "yet we are not in a fortunate position. We have been savedfrom sudden death, but in its place we shall have a lingering andperhaps more agonizing one. The ship is a total loss. The provisionsin the stern are under water, and the nearest port is a thousand milesaway. "--Today the great island of Bougainville, on the east coast ofwhich the "St. George" stranded, belongs to Germany, and now it is notso difficult for those who meet with misfortunes at sea to reach aGerman harbor, but at the time of my story the nearest ports were thoseof Australia and New Caledonia. --"How are three hundred Chinamen tolive here for an indefinite length of time?"

The full light of day revealed the fact that the reef which was ofgreat length was only a few feet wide and separated from the main landby an inlet of water. The first thing that the Captain did was toorder the Chinamen to take what was left of the sails and buildthemselves tents; then he gave his attention to the question of thewater supply. 

"We must cross to the main land and get some drinking water, " he said, "for we have only one cask left. "

"Just enough to last the big boat on its trip to Australia, " whisperedRedfox to the Captain. "You and I and Gray, and a couple of thestrongest of the young fellows will attempt the journey. Let Green andthe boys stay here with the Chinamen until we bring help. Our planswill come out all right after all. The half million for which the shipis insured will be ours--and we shall be able to take it with a clearconscience, too. "

"No, Redfox, enough of your machinations. I have resolved to turn overa new leaf, and to do good hereafter, that is, if there is any goodleft in me. We must fix up these people the best that we can with thewreckage of the ship, build a fort for them yonder on that littlebrook, and give them arms and provisions, then we will cast lots as towho is to go in the open boat to the nearest Australian port. "

The Captain went on then with preparations for crossing to the islandfor drinking water and edible fruits. Unfortunately the powder andfirearms were all under water, so that the men had to make thedangerous landing armed only with clubs and knives. The Captain ledthe party, taking with him four sailors, a dozen or more Chinamen, andsmall Peppo to act as interpreter. Willy would have gone gladly, buthis uncle would not hear to his risking his life unnecessarily. 

"I'll pray for you, uncle, " said the boy, "that it won't go with youas--as--"

"As certain people had planned it for you and others, " the unclefinished the sentence of the faltering child. "Yes, pray that the oldsaying that 'He who digs a grave for another, himself falls therein, 'may not be fulfilled. " Turning to Redfox, he asked: "Don't you want togo with me?"

The latter muttered something under his breath and slipped away. TheCaptain gave the signal and soon they were on the opposite shore. Agroup of natives came down to greet them, seemingly in friendlyfashion, offered them fruit, and helped to roll the casks up on thebeach; then all of a sudden with unearthly shrieks they fell upon themwith their clubs. With difficulty the Captain and two sailors managedto get into the boat and across the inlet, to where their companions, pale with fear, stood shuddering to think of the awful fate of theircomrades. 

"Poor, poor Peppo, " wailed Willy, "can't we help him? Will he be eatenup by the cannibals?"

Immediately there appeared on the shore whole troops of cannibals, andmore poured out of the woods. Swinging their clubs and givingfrightful war cries they challenged the intruders to do battle withthem. 

"Quickly, boatswain, " said the Captain, "order the Chinaman to make araft from the beams of the boat, and to arm themselves as best theycan. We must force a landing and get some drinking water or we arelost. It we only had half a dozen guns and some ammunition. --Justlisten to the cries of these men whom they are putting to death, " saidthe Captain, turning his eyes away from the sickening sight. [1]

By means of signs the boatswain tried to incite the Chinamen to action. They understood perfectly well what was wanted but remained passive, for Lihoa reminded them of the warning of the God of the Golden Fishnot to engage in any strife. 

"Leave the cowards to their fate, " said Gray. "We'll take the singlecask of water, the salted meat and hardtack which we fished out of thesea and get out of here tonight secretly. "

The sailors to a man agreed to this plan, but as the boat would holdonly six persons the thing could not be managed. The Captain offeredto remain, and asked who was willing to stay with him. The helmsmanwas the only one to signify his willingness to stay; the rest preferredto settle the matter by drawing lots. According to this Redfox andGray were to remain, so the Captain appointed Green to direct the boatto Australia. 

"Green, you are the only man equal to the task, and I give my nephewinto your keeping. The boy's life must be saved. The dangers whichthreaten you on this perilous trip are scarcely less than those whichwe face here. Perhaps on some neighboring island you can getdrinking-water, perhaps you will fall in with some ship which will cometo our rescue. If we are here a month, yes, a week, even, withoutdrinking-water, what then? But as God wills. For my part I willwillingly offer my life as a sacrifice in atonement for the past. Maythe best of fortune favor you, and may you save the life of my nephew. The insurance on this boat all goes to him; and if you rescue him, sendhim to Father Somazzo in Hongkong. If you cannot save us, come backand see that our bones receive decent Christian burial. "

Thus spoke the Captain. The helmsman, who would willingly have stayedbehind on the dreary reef, made ready for the trip and at midnight setsail with the ebb of the tide. 

[1] NOTE. --What is told here and in the following chapter concerningthe cannibals happened at the time that the "St. Paul" was wrecked onthe Island of Rossel in July, 1858. Compare this account with the onefound in Jos. Spillmann's story, called "Over the South Sea. "

CHAPTER XII. 

At Last. 

Night had settled down. The Chinamen lay under their tents andlistened to what Lihoa spoke: "So far we have avoided discord; from thesea we have been saved, and now surely the God of the Golden Fish willnot let us perish from thirst. Within a few days it must rain;drinking-water will come to us from the heavens. Tonight, Iunderstand, that the helmsman is to set sail for Australia in a smallboat, and take the boy with him. That will never do. As you know theCaptain and Redbeard are the helmsman's enemies and have conspiredagainst his life. He will not come back to save them--he would be afool if he did--but he loves the boy. Our only salvation lies inkeeping the boy here with us; in holding him as a whiplash over thehelmsman. Otherwise we are lost. "

All nodded assent to Lihoa's words, but as they had no way of tellingthe Captain what they wanted, they decided that when the time came forthe boat to sail they would forcibly detain Willy. Just here littlePeppo, whom they thought dead, appeared in their midst. He and onesailor had escaped and swum across the little inlet. The cannibals hadnot killed them when they did their companions for some reason or otherbut had bound them with cords and left them on the shore. These cordsthey had managed to unfasten, and, protected by the darkness, had gotaway. While the sailor was telling his companions of his awfulexperience Lihoa told Peppo what to say to the Captain, and to addforce to the words, the Chinamen in a body attended the smallinterpreter on his mission. Great was the noise and excitementfollowing his announcement, but how could a handful of men oppose threehundred Chinaman? Willy was ready to stay behind. 

"Tommy, " he said to the helmsman, "leave me here with Peppo and myuncle. In the boat I'd only be in the way. I'll pray that you mayreturn soon. Good luck to you. Be brave of heart, Tommy, and may yourholy guardian angel watch over you. "

Those embarking promised faithfully to come back or to send help assoon as possible, and parted with tears in their eyes. Tommy kissedWilly and said: "God knows that if I do not put my faith in yourguardian angel there is little hope of ever seeing you again on thisearth. Once more good-bye until we meet again. Pray for us all, little one. "

Thereupon he sprang into the boat, and they were off. The moon wasfull and in its light they could be seen as they passed through theopening in the reef. Again they called farewell and waved theirhandkerchiefs. The crew raised the sail and in a few moments the stiffbreeze had carried the little boat beyond the tongue of land and out ofsight. With hearts too full for utterance the men sat and wonderedwhat the future would bring. If by chance the boat fell in with amerchant vessel--not a likely thing, as few vessels frequented thisroute--help might come soon, otherwise under the most favorable ofcircumstances they must wait for months for Green to go to Australiaand come back. 

In the crow's nest of the mast which was still standing they kept aconstant watch in the hope of sighting a vessel and signalling of theirdistress. Day after day went by with no sign of help. Mercilessly thetropical sun burned down on the dreary sandbar. Scurvy broke out. Thesmall amount of rations which they had, water-soaked biscuits andsalted meats, increased their thirst, and to add to their distress thecannibals on the opposite shore mockingly showed them bunches ofluscious bananas and other tropical fruits. 

"Don't look there any more, Willy, " said Peppo. "Those dreadfulcannibals are only just showing us the fruit to tantalize us, and if wego after it we shall be murdered and eaten up the way I've told youabout. "

"But, Peppo, I think the thirst is just as bad as being killed, "complained Willy, "I'd just as soon be killed as die of thirst. "

"That's just what my people were saying today, " answered Peppo. "Lihoatold them that they were to be patient a little longer, that the rainwould surely come for he had seen unfailing signs. We will bear thethirst with patience for a little time yet. You know why I want themto hold out. I want to convert them. My poor countrymen!"

"Peppo! how came you to think of that?" said Willy, looking at hisfriend with open eyes. 

"I don't know. Just a little while ago when I was praying the thoughtcame to me, and I firmly believe that God saved me from the cannibalsfor this purpose. I have been talking to Lihoa and the others aboutthe belief in Jesus Christ and baptism, and many of them said that ifour God would save them now in their hour of peril, they would bebaptized. The most of them are looking for help from one of their godswho rides on a Golden Fish. They expect he will be forced to rescuethem from this miserable reef through the offerings of one of theirpriests. "

"A God that rides on a Golden Fish? I'd like to see him, " said Willy. "You are right about advising them to be baptized. We may all perishhere before Tommy gets back with help. And if we do, the Chinese withthe holy grace of baptism will go to heaven. If we are all saved, thenthey will take back with them to Hongkong a greater treasure than allthe gold of the Goldland to the south. That would be such a fine thingfor yon, Peppo! Do you not remember what Father Somazzo said about thesaving of a soul--that one precious soul was worth more to God than allthe gold and jewels in the world. What a happy boy you will be, if yousave not one but three hundred souls? Oh, if I only understood Chineseand could help you explain our faith!"

"You can help by offering this awful desire for water to God as asacrifice. Father Somazzo used to tell us to offer up many unpleasantlittle things as sacrifices to God for the conversion of the heathensand promised us our reward for so doing. "

Willy did as Peppo suggested and his thirst became easier to bear. Captain Brown who happened to be standing by and overheard thisconversation most heartily approved of the plan. Since the rescue fromthe shipwreck he had been a different man. Redfox no longer held himin his power; drinking and gambling had no attractions for him and heturned away from "his bad angel" in disgust. His sins and frivolity herepented most sincerely, and with tears in his eyes, he said to theboys, "If only you and the rest can be saved I will give my life. --OLord, Lord, take my life as atonement for the past, " he prayed aloud. 

Next day Lihoa's prophecy came true. The heavens clouded over andthere came a frightful thunderstorm. The rain poured down. Thethirsty men caught it by spreading out the sails and soon the emptycasks were filled. Its coming gave relief to dire distress but broughtwith it a new misery. The water soaked and rotted the sun-dried woodof the wreck, which the Chinese had made into small huts, until feverbroke out to add to the suffering caused by scurvy. The coming of thefever more than anything else caused the Chinese to lose their faith inthe God of the Golden Fish. 

"Neither by discord, the sea, nor thirst, concerning which our lyingpriest warned us, have we lost a single one of our number, but nowdisease rages until our men die like flies, " said Lihoa. 

From this time on all of the sick were willing to be baptized--not bythe Captain but by the two boys, Willy and Peppo. The Captain becamevery ill and Willy nursed him. Redfox was taken with fever, and in hisdelirium would trust no one to wait upon him. Constantly he cried"Water! water!" then would not take it when offered him. Willy gavehim a glass and he threw it at his head screaming, "Poison! poison!The boy wants to poison me!" One morning he was gone. His companionssearched for him in vain, and finally recognized his agonizing criesfrom the opposite shore where the cannibals were torturing him. In hisdelirium he had swum across the narrow inlet which separated them fromtheir enemies; his heartrending cries told of the reception accordedhim. "Oh, if he had only repented!" cried the boys with a shudder, asthey listened. 

 * * * * * *

The rainy season had been over for weeks and again the water in thecasks was running short. When it was gone, what then?--Men lookeddeath in the face and prepared for it. Of the crew barely a dozen wereleft; and of the Chinamen not more than fifty, and all of them weresuffering from scurvy. They wandered about looking more like ghoststhan human beings, and now still another danger threatened. For a longtime they had noticed that the cannibals were preparing to attack them. 

"How shall we protect ourselves?" asked the Captain; "if they really dofall upon us, we are lost. Willy go have Peppo tell his people whohave not been baptized that it is high time that they attend to thematter, and then climb the mast to see if you can make out what thecannibals are doing. We will sell our hides as dearly as possible. "

Willy delivered the message to Peppo, and climbed the mast, which afterthe destruction of the wreck had been put up on the shore as a placefrom which to keep a lookout for passing vessels rather than to spy onthe neighbors opposite. The sailors were so sick and weak that none ofthem could climb the mast to the crow's nest, so the task alwaysdevolved on the two boys, who though they had eaten of the salt meat, had not as yet been attacked with scurvy. This time instead ofwatching the sea Willy gave his attention to the natives who had builta raft and were manning it to cross the inlet and make an attack. After reporting what he saw his uncle called to him to come down andhelp baptize the Chinamen. Just then the boy glanced seaward and tohis surprise discovered a ship lying at anchor not a mile away. "Holyguardian angel! Blessed Mother of God!" he cried in joy. "A ship! aship! A ship in sight! Ship--ahoy! Wait, wait, they're coming!They're launching a small boat!" Willy was so excited that he did notknow what he was saying, as he slid down the mast and ran for the shorefollowed by all his companions. 

It was really true that a ship was at anchor but a short distance awayand that the needed help was at hand, for, "When need is greatest God'shelp is nearest. " Just as the first raft loaded with cannibalsattempted to land, a boat with Tommy Green at the helm appeared in theopening of the coral reef and a half dozen shots sufficed to frightenaway the enemy. A moment or two later Willy was in the arms of his oldfriend. It did not take long for the men who had survived the horrorsof life on the coral reef to make their way to "The South Star. "

What had been Tommy Green's experiences at sea in an open boat? Hetold of storms, a calm, hunger, and thirst, and how more than once heand his companions were in utter despair, but ever to their minds inthe hour of greatest trial came the thought "Surely the guardian angelsof those two innocent boys will not desert us. "

"And they have not, " said Tommy, "for they have brought us to you nowwhen you needed us most. Is that not true, my children. "

With good care and treatment the most of the sick recovered before "TheSouth Star" put into the harbor of Hongkong. On disembarking atWilly's request the Captain gave each of the Chinamen a sum of gold, which to them seemed a great fortune. Lihoa thanking the Captain forhimself and his people said, "This is not the real treasure which wehave brought home with us; our real treasure is the true religion. "Full of joy they went back to their little hamlet where they told oftheir experiences and soon converted many of their people to theChristian faith. Still greater than the rejoicing in the little hamletwas that at the College of the Holy Saviour when the shipwrecked boysput in their appearance. Brother Onufrio shed tears of joy and FatherSomazzo was deeply moved when told of the sufferings endured on thecoral reef. "God has done all things for the best, " he said, "and Hisguardian angels watched over you, my children, in your hour of greatestneed. "

When the excitement attendant upon the arrival of the sufferers hadsomewhat died down Tommy Green asked to be received as lay brother inthe congregation of missioners, in accordance with a solemn vow he madeon the night of the shipwreck. Captain Brown showed a desire to followhis example, but God in His mercy took the deed for the word, callingthe repentant man to Him within a few months. The two boys continuedtheir studies in the College. Peppo became a missioner, and is perhapsthis very day carrying on his blessed work among his people. Willymade law his life work and had an honorable career in his chosenprofession.