Читать книгу Dikes and Ditches; Or, Young America in Holland and Belgium - A Story of Travel and Adventure - Oliver 1822-1897 Optic - Страница 12

CHAPTER IV.

UP THE SCHELDT TO FLUSHING.

“I am very glad to see the ship again,” said Paul to Professor Stoute.

“I supposed she would get in before us, we were detained so long by the wreck,” replied Mr. Stoute.

“Probably she stood off and on during the night, seeking for us,” added Paul, as he again looked through the spy-glass at the ship. “She seems to be sound in all her upper works, so far as I can see.”

“I dare say the ship would be safe enough as long as Mr. Lowington and Mr. Fluxion are on board of her.”

“Yes, sir; I didn’t suppose any harm had come to her; but Mr. Lowington will naturally be very anxious about us. He has made us out by this time, and is satisfied that we are still on the top of the water. There are the steeples of a town,” said Paul, pointing to the Walcheren shore. “That must be Middleburg.”

“This island was inundated in 1808,” continued Mr. Stoute, after the pilot had assured him that the steeples seen in the interior of the island were those of Middleburg. “Though the sea is as diligently watched as the advance-guard of an invading army, the great dike of West Kappel broke through, and a large part of the island was under water. Middleburg has its own dikes and ditches, the former constituting the wall of the town, upon the top of which there is a public promenade. This dike or mound kept the water out of the city after the sea-dike had given way. The inundation rose as high as the roofs of the houses in the town, but was fortunately kept at bay by the strength of the walls.”

“Were you ever in Holland, Mr. Stoute?” asked Paul, with a significant smile.

“Never,” laughed the professor; “but the schoolmaster must not be abroad when boys ask as many questions as the students on board of this vessel. As soon as I learned that we were coming to Holland, I read up everything I could find relating to the country, and I assure you my interest in the country has been doubled by my studies. We have in our library quite a collection of works relating more or less directly to Holland. The New American Encyclopædia contains very full and reliable articles on the subject. We have a full list of Murray’s Hand-Books, which form a library in themselves, and which impart the most minute information. Indeed, half the books of travel which are written are based upon Murray’s invaluable works. Then we have Motley’s History of the Dutch Republic, and the two volumes of his United Netherlands which have been published. My knowledge of Holland and Belgium comes mainly from these works.”

“I haven’t had time to look up these matters yet. I have given considerable extra time to my French. As soon as we are moored, I suppose Mr. Mapps will give us his lecture on the country; and I intend to make that the basis of my reading.”

“Then I will not say anything more about the dikes,” laughed Mr. Stoute. “You can do the matter up more systematically by your intended course.”

“I am very glad to get all I can without the trouble of hunting it up,” replied Paul, as he glanced again at the Young America. “I may have more time than I want to study up these subjects.”

“Why so?”

“I suppose I am to be court-martialed for disobedience as soon as Mr. Lowington arrives,” replied Paul, fixing his eyes upon the deck. “Mr. Hamblin has not spoken to me since I left the class yesterday afternoon.”

“It is not proper for me to say anything about that to you, Captain Kendall,” added Mr. Stoute.

“I feel that I have tried to do my duty; and, whatever happens to me, I shall endeavor to be satisfied.”

Professor Stoute walked away, apparently to avoid any further conversation on the disagreeable subject. Paul did not feel quite easy about the difficulty which had occurred between him and the dignified professor. He had hoped and expected that the storm would justify his action in the opinion of the learned gentleman; but Mr. Hamblin carefully avoided him, and he was confident he intended to prefer charges against him as soon as the principal arrived.

The Josephine was now entering the port of Flushing. The pilot was talking with the Dutch skipper very earnestly, and occasionally glancing at the “Wel tevreeden.” The latter seemed to be very uneasy, and to manifest a great deal of solicitude in regard to his vessel, notwithstanding she was safe, though the cargo had been damaged, and she had lost her masts and part of her standing rigging.

“Captain Schimmelpennink to you wish to talk,” said the pilot, stepping up to Paul.

“Who?” exclaimed Paul, almost stunned by the sound of the Dutchman’s name.

The pilot repeated it, but not much more to the edification of the young commander than before.

“I can’t talk Dutch,” laughed Paul.

“I for you will speak the English,” added the Belgian.

This was hardly more encouraging than the Dutch of the disconsolate skipper; but Paul consented to the conference.

“The galiot to you belongs for the labor you have to save him,” continued the pilot.

With some difficulty, with the assistance of Mr. Stoute, who, however, was not familiar with French nautical terms, Paul learned that Captain Schimmelpennink was much disturbed about the ultimate disposal of the “Wel tevreeden.” According to maritime law, recognized by all countries, the captain, officers, and crew of the Josephine were entitled to salvage for saving the vessel. As, without assistance, it was probable that the galiot would have been totally lost, the salvors would be entitled to the greater part of the value of the wreck when it should be sold. One half, two thirds, or even three fourths, is sometimes awarded to those who save a vessel, the proportion depending upon the condition of the wreck.

It appeared that the captain of the galiot was much distressed on this account. He declared that he was a poor man; that his vessel was all the property he had in the world; that one of the men lost overboard in the squall was his own brother, and the other his wife’s brother; and misery had suddenly come upon him in an avalanche. By the exertions of Martyn and others from the Josephine, a portion of the sails and standing rigging of the galiot had been saved, so that only about one fourth of the value of the vessel had been sacrificed by the tempest. But now the skipper was in great trouble because two thirds or three fourths of the remaining value of his property was to be decreed to the salvors by a maritime court.

Paul did not feel that it would be right for him to settle, or even discuss, this question, and he referred the skipper to Mr. Lowington, assuring him that he was a fair man, and would deal kindly with him. But this did not satisfy the unfortunate man. It was bad enough to lose one fourth of his property,—for the vessel was not insured,—without having the greater part of the remainder wrested from him by a court.

“All hands, moor ship, ahoy!” shouted the boatswain, when the schooner was approaching one of the great canals of Flushing, or Vlissingen, as the Dutch call it.

The anchor was let go, the sails lowered and stowed, and the Josephine was once more at rest. The galiot came in, and anchored a cable’s length from her. Communication between the two vessels was immediately opened, and Lieutenant Martyn made his report of the voyage since he sailed from Thornton’s Ridge. No events of any importance had occurred, and his story could not be said to be at all sensational.

In less than an hour the Young America ran into the port, and moored near the Josephine. The moment her anchor had buried itself in the mud of the harbor, her officers and crew were in the rigging, gazing earnestly at the consort. It was possible they had noticed the galiot under a jury-mast, and in some manner connected her with the Josephine; but they could have had no other clew to the exciting incidents which had transpired since the two vessels parted company the day before.

“I desire to renew my request for a boat, Captain Kendall,” said Professor Hamblin, stiffly, the moment the rattling cable of the ship was heard.

“Certainly, sir. I shall be very happy to furnish a boat for you,” replied Paul, politely. “Mr. Terrill, you will pipe away the first cutters for Mr. Hamblin.”

“Yes, sir,” replied the first lieutenant, touching his cap. “Boatswain, pipe away the first cutters for Mr. Hamblin.”

“Mr. Terrill, you will pipe away the crew of the gig for me. I will go on board of the ship,” added the captain.

“Yes, sir,” answered Terrill. “Boatswain’s mate, pipe away the gigsmen for the captain.”

“All the first cutters, on deck, ahoy!” shouted the boatswain.

“All the gigsmen, on deck, ahoy!” piped the boatswain’s mate.

Professor Hamblin stamped his foot on deck when he heard these orders, given almost in the same breath. He did not seem to consider that there was anything to be done except to attend to his affair.

“Captain Kendall,” said he, walking up to the young commander, with a brisk, nervous step, “I wish to see Mr. Lowington alone.”

“Certainly, sir; I will not object to your seeing him alone. If I can do anything to favor your views, I shall be happy to assist.”

“You have ordered your gig, and you said you were going on board the ship,” added the learned gentleman, his wrath not at all appeased by the conciliatory reply of Paul.

“I am, sir.”

“Am I to understand that you are going to see the principal in reference to my communication with him?” demanded Mr. Hamblin.

“No, sir. It is my duty to report any unusual event which occurs in the navigation of this vessel,” answered Paul, respectfully.

“It is quite proper for you to regard your own disobedience as an unusual event,” retorted the professor.

“I was not thinking of that, sir. I am quite willing to leave that matter with Mr. Lowington, and to abide by his decision. I refer to the storm, and the wreck of the Dutch galiot. Those were unusual events.”

“It would be more proper, and more respectful to me, for you to defer your affairs till after I have seen the principal. This is the Sabbath day,” added Mr. Hamblin, solemnly. “I do not desire to have this controversy opened to-day.”

“Then, sir, I suggest that you defer it until to-morrow,” added Paul.

“This is a question of discipline, and admits of no delay. If the professors of this vessel are to be disobeyed and insulted, it is not proper for me to remain in her another hour.”

“Insulted, sir?” exclaimed the young commander, blushing under this charge.

“Yes, sir; insulted, sir!” replied Mr. Hamblin, angrily. “Did you not leave the class? That was disobedience, which, under the circumstances, perhaps I might have forgiven, if you had not added insult to injury. Not contented with your own misconduct, you immediately ordered all hands to be called, and every member of my class was taken away.”

“As to-day is Sunday, sir, I will not attempt to explain my conduct. I am very sorry that any difficulty has occurred; but I think Mr. Lowington will understand the matter. Your boat is ready, Mr. Hamblin,” added Paul, pointing to the gangway, where the third lieutenant was waiting for his passenger.

“Do I understand that you insist upon going on board of the ship immediately?” demanded the professor.

“Yes, sir. It is my duty to report to the principal without delay. There is a signal at the peak of the ship now,” replied Paul.

“Signal for the captain to report on board of the ship, sir,” said the signal-officer, touching his cap to his commander.

Mr. Hamblin went over the side into the first cutter, which pulled away towards the ship. The gig immediately took her place, and the captain stepped into her. The cutter reached the Young America first, and the angry professor ran up the ladder with unwonted briskness. The principal was standing on the quarter, waiting to see the captain of the Josephine, for he was anxious to learn whether she had sustained any damage or lost any one overboard in the fierce storm. He knew that nothing but the most skilful seamanship could have prevented the decks of the schooner from being washed in the tremendous sea that prevailed during the hurricane.

To Mr. Lowington every moment of time since the two vessels of the squadron parted company the day before had been burdened with the most intense solicitude for the fate of the consort and her crew. The fact that she had been dilatory in taking in sail, when no one could know at what instant the squall would break upon her, had indicated a degree of recklessness which increased his anxiety. Mr. Fluxion had been sent to the fore cross-trees with a powerful glass early in the morning, and the Josephine had been discovered by the ship long before the Young America was seen by the pilot.

During the night the ship had cruised off and on in search of her consort, but the Josephine had drifted to the southward, and had sailed in that direction, after the fury of the tempest had wasted itself, in looking for the wreck of the galiot. The report of Mr. Fluxion on the cross-trees that she was entering the Hond, relieved the principal’s anxiety in part; but he was still fearful that some of her crew had been washed overboard. As soon as the anchor was let go, he had ordered the signal for Captain Kendall to be hoisted.

Mr. Hamblin was the first person from the Josephine who presented himself to the principal. There was something in the professor’s countenance which looked ominous, and Mr. Lowington’s fears seemed to be confirmed by the unusual solemnity of the learned gentleman’s expression. Mr. Lowington’s heart rose up into his throat; for independently of the sorrow which the loss of one or more of the Josephine’s crew would cause him, he realized that such a calamity would be the death-blow to his favorite experiment. The entire charge of her had been committed to a boy of sixteen, and he blamed himself severely because he had not placed an experienced officer on board of her, who might at least act in great emergencies. Though Mr. Cleats was an old sailor, he was not a navigator.

The principal was in this state of suffering, bordering upon anguish, when the irate professor of Greek and Latin came on board. Mr. Lowington tried to think that nothing had happened, but it was impossible. If any one had been lost, the Josephine’s flag would be at half mast, or some other signal would have been made. Mr. Hamblin’s face looked like death itself, only his brow was contracted, and his lips were compressed as though anger and sorrow were combined in his expression.

“What has happened, Mr. Hamblin?” demanded the principal, manifesting more emotion than any one on board had ever before observed in his manner.

“I am sorry to say, Mr. Lowington, that an unpleasant event has occurred on board of the Josephine,” the professor began, very solemnly.

“I feared it,” gasped Mr. Lowington. “Who was it?”

“The captain—”

“Captain Kendall!” groaned Mr. Lowington, striking his bewildered head with both hands. “Good Heaven! I am responsible for this!”

“What is the matter, Mr. Lowington?” demanded the astonished professor.

“What did you say about Captain Kendall?” asked the principal, catching at the straw which the learned gentleman’s question seemed to hold out to him.

“I prefer to speak to you alone about it, Mr. Lowington,” added the professor, glancing at the group of officers and instructors that were gathering around him. “I will endeavor to control my emotions in stating this unpleasant business.”

Mr. Lowington, apparently happy to have even a moment’s respite from the grief and gloom which must follow the sad intelligence of the loss of Captain Kendall, led the way to the professors’ cabin.

“Now, sir, what is it? Let me know the worst!” exclaimed the principal, dropping upon the sofa like a man whose strength had all been taken from him. “I have been dreading it for many long and weary hours.”

“Dreading it?” repeated the confused professor. “Dreading what, sir?”

“That the Josephine had suffered severely in the storm,” replied the principal, impatiently. “You have come to tell me that Captain Kendall was lost overboard?” And Mr. Lowington heaved a long sigh.

“No, sir,” protested Mr. Hamblin.

“Didn’t you say that a very unpleasant affair had happened on board?” demanded the principal, eagerly.

“I did; but it was not the loss of the captain.”

“Who was it?” asked Mr. Lowington, catching his breath, in the heaviness of his anxiety.

“I really don’t understand you, sir,” said the learned gentleman, astonished and confounded by what he regarded as the singular conduct of the principal.

“Has any one been lost overboard from the Josephine?” demanded Mr. Lowington, in a loud tone, for he was impatient under the shuffling manner of the professor.

“No, sir; no one, that I am aware of.”

“That you are aware of!” exclaimed Mr. Lowington, sternly.

“Of course, if any one had been lost, I should have heard of it,” answered Mr. Hamblin, who did not quite like the tone of the principal.

“Then the officers and crew are all safe—are they?”

“They are, sir—all safe.”

“Thank God!” ejaculated Mr. Lowington, heartily, an awfully heavy load removed from his mind.

“I have come on board, sir, to make a complaint against the captain of the Josephine. This is the unpleasant business which brings me here,” added the learned gentleman, decidedly.

“Indeed!”

But even this, disagreeable as it was, came as a relief to the overcharged heart of Paul’s best friend, who had received a terrible shock from the confused state-ment of the professor. Yet it was very strange that any one should have a complaint to make against Paul Kendall, who had always been noble and manly, gentle and conciliating.

“Yesterday, just before the storm came on, Mr. Kendall was reciting with the Greek class,” continued Mr. Hamblin. “Word came to him that his presence was required on deck. He asked my permission to go on deck. As I could not see the necessity of his leaving the class before the lesson was finished, I refused to give him permission.”

“Did he leave then?”

“Not then; but half an hour later another message came to him, and he left, contrary to my orders, and contrary to my protest,” added the professor, waxing indignant as he recounted his wrongs.

“What was the message that came the second time?” asked Mr. Lowington, mildly.

“I do not remember precisely what it was—I am not versed in sea terms; but I do remember that Mr. Kendall left the class contrary to my express order. Not contented with this, he called all hands, and broke up the school, when there was no need of it. Such conduct is utterly subversive of school discipline, and—”

“Excuse me, Mr. Hamblin, but as to-day is Sunday, I must defer hearing any more of your complaint until to-morrow,” continued Mr. Lowington, rising from his chair.

“I desire to have this question settled before I resume my position in the Josephine,” said the professor, cut by the apparent coolness of the principal.

“I will hear what Captain Kendall has to say about it.”

“Sir,” exclaimed the learned gentleman, “am I to understand that you are not satisfied with the truth of my statement?”

“By no means. I wish to hear from Captain Kendall his excuse for leaving the class. I am not able to determine whether it was satisfactory.”

“I have already determined that question myself. I think I observed to you that there was not a sufficient excuse for his leaving the class.”

“I will defer the discussion of the matter till to-morrow,” replied Mr. Lowington.

“I do not object to the delay, sir; but I do object to having any of the statements of the pupil counterbalance those I have made.”

“Do you wish me to condemn him without a hearing?”

“I do not wish you to condemn him at all. I simply ask to be sustained in the discharge of my duty as a teacher.”

“I will hear what more you have to say to-morrow, Mr. Hamblin.”

“Very well, sir; but you must allow me to remain on board of the ship until to-morrow, for I cannot return to the Josephine till this unpleasant matter has been adjusted.”

“As you please,” replied the principal, as he hastened on deck, where a cheer, half suppressed in deference to the day, had a few moments before been heard.

As Paul came down from the rail of the ship, he was greeted with applause; for, without knowing what had occurred after they lost sight of the consort, the students in the ship realized that Paul had taken his vessel safely through the storm. He bowed and blushed at this demonstration, and hastened to meet Mr. Lowington, who was just coming up from his interview with the professor. He had purposely delayed his passage to the ship, in order to afford Mr. Hamblin time to make his charges. It was plain that he had done so now, and Paul was not a little anxious for the result.

“Captain Kendall, I am very glad to see you,” said Mr. Lowington, warmly, as he extended his hand to the young commander.

“Thank you, sir; I am just as glad to see you,” replied Paul, taking the proffered hand, and concluding that the professor had not materially prejudiced the principal against him.

“I have been very anxious about you, Captain Kendall,” added Mr. Lowington. “I have imagined that all sorts of terrible things had happened to you and the Josephine. Is all well on board?”

“Yes, sir; but we are all very tired. We were up all night, and the crew had to work very hard.”

“All night?”

“We went to the assistance of that galiot, sir. We saved four persons, and brought the vessel in, as you see her now. She was knocked down in the squall, and lost two men. We found her on her beam-ends.”

“Indeed, Captain Kendall, you have had your hands full,” replied Mr. Lowington, pleased with the gallant conduct of his young friend.

“The captain of the galiot,—he has a name as long as the main royal-mast backstay, and I can’t remember it,—the captain is on board of the Josephine, and wishes to see you very much. I referred the whole matter to you, sir.”

“I will see him at once.”

“He don’t speak a word of English—only Dutch.”

“Mr. Fluxion speaks Dutch, and he shall go with me. I will return with you in your boat,” added the principal.

The professor of mathematics was called, and they embarked in the Josephine’s gig. On the way Paul briefly detailed the events which had occurred since the squall came on, explaining the means by which the shipwrecked party had been saved, and the vessel righted. He generously bestowed great praise upon his officers and crew for their zealous efforts both in working the Josephine, and in saving the galiot and her crew.

“I have been worried about you, Captain Kendall. You did not seem to be as prudent as usual when the storm was threatening. Ten minutes before the squall came up you had every rag of canvas set, including your fore square-sail. You ought to have reduced sail half an hour sooner, especially as there was no wind, and not a sail was drawing. You should have taken your precautions sooner, for you can’t tell the precise moment when a hurricane will burst upon you. All light sails and all extra ones should be taken in when there is a possibility of a squall.”

“I was attending the Greek class,” replied Paul; but he resolved to make no allusion to the difficulty between Mr. Hamblin and himself.

Paul’s reply gave the principal an idea of the occasion of the unpleasantness, but he refrained from any further remark on the subject.

“The Dutch captain is much troubled about the salvage on his vessel, for the Belgian pilot told him the Josephine would be entitled to two thirds or three fourths of the property saved,” continued Paul.

“Salvage!” said the principal, with a smile. “Well, I suppose you are entitled to it.”

“I hope you will give the Dutchman the vessel and cargo. He feels very badly. He has lost a brother and a brother-in-law, and now he is afraid of losing nearly all that was saved. I hope you will not take any salvage. I am sure the Josephines would all vote to have you make no claim for it.”

“Excellent! I hope they will,” replied the principal, as he ascended to the schooner’s deck, followed by Mr. Fluxion and Paul.