CHAPTER V.
The Sea or the Mountains? A second Exploring Voyage. Cannibals of South America. A walk up the Banks of the River. The Wild Goose. The Potato. The Voyage determined on. Visit of the Indians. Loss of the Boat. Proposed Flight.

AFTER they had dined, Mrs. Merton anxiously asked if they had discovered any mode by which they could be released from their present dreary, damp solitude, without incurring the misery of a sea voyage.

"Ah, Mrs. Merton!" said Dr. Lewis, "if all were constituted like you, there would be an end of maritime discovery.

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I know you will not be sorry to learn that, on reaching the coast, we found most formidable obstacles to our further progress by sea, unless we could contrive to improve our little boat. This is an undertaking, however, beyond our power, even if we had possessed more mechanical tools than Tom's small carpenter's chest contains. The coast is guarded by a reef of rocks, which we have only avoided by a miracle, and which threaten destruction to any who should attempt to cross them. The opening through which we must have passed last night we could not discover, for the breakers foamed to a great distance from the coast. By the aid of my glass, I made out several small islands at a distance but the danger would be very great of any attempt to reach them; and as far as I could judge, they are probably barren and uninhabited. We had intended to put out our boat as far from the shore as we could do it with safety, to obtain a wider survey, but the tide was ebbing, and we found the undertaking hopeless to-day; to-morrow we will choose a more favorable time. But everything now convinces me that the mainland is our best, I may say, our only hope."

"The mountains, you might as well say, Lewis," observed Tom "for we are certainly even now on the Cordillera, which extends down to the ocean. What is your opinion, papa?"

"I believe, my son, that your observation is correct," said Mr. Merton. "It is a source of great regret to me that we are deprived of the means of ascertaining our position; but from the observations I have made on the form, and the productions of the coast, I would venture to pronounce that we must have landed on the rock-bound shores which extend far outh of the country of Chili--the very base of the Andes. We are probably in the latitude of the forty-two or forty-three degrees, a locality full of dangers and difficulties, and offering little to interest the inquiring mind."

"Then, the sooner we leave it the better, papa," said Jack. "We must either rig up our little craft to fit her for breeze, or we must pack up our property, and set out across the Andes."

"How very absurdly you talk, Jack," said Matilda; "you propose to scale the lofty Andes, as if they were our Westmoreland hills. I am of opinion that you would find this no easy undertaking yourself; and for us, it would be impossible.

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How could dear mamma ever be got up these precipitous mountains?"

"The best conveyance for Mamma," said Tom, "would certainly be a litter, carried by mules."

This observation was received with a burst of mirth, which somewhat disconcerted the speculative youth; and Matilda added, "You might as well have suggested that we should make the journey on an elephant Tom, which we are just as likely to meet with here as a mule."

Mrs. Merton sighed over her helplessness, which occasioned so much care to her children: she almost determined to exert herself a little more; but the habit of inaction, in which she had so long indulged, is one of the most difficult of despotic habits to subdue. After considering and discussing many measures, nothing was decided on, except that the boat-party should revisit the coast next morning, to make a forther survey. Charles again excused himself from the toil, saying, he would go out and shoot some more ducks; and the young ladies sat down to mend their tattered garments.

A store of provisions was made up for the voyagers, consisting of ducks, cooked as well as ducks could be cooked with such inadequate means, and a small supply of biscuit. They set out in high spirits, laughing at Charles, who, at the same time, sauntered lazily out with his rifle, half ashamed of his idleness, but not energetic enough to overcome it.

After the little girls had tired of their needlework, Mary said, "I wish, dear mamma, that you would try to walk up the banks of the river. There are beautiful trees and flowers, and you would he amused to see the quantity of ducks and and geese on the water, a little higher up. Certainly, the ugly dark-gray ducks are very unlike our dear pretty ducks at home; and the geese are as dingy as the ducks; but we saw one beautiful, proud-looking, old white gander, that would have delighted Nanny,--he was so like Old Clark, that we left at Winston."

"Oh, Miss Mary," cried Nanny, quite softened by the remembrance of her favorite, "Old Clark was no common gander, he was a knowing fellow: folks said he was cross and spiteful; but, if it please God I should ever see Winston again, | | 57 so sure will Old Clark come up and put his neb into my hand for a bit of bread. Now Clark knew folks as well as if be had been a Christian; but what can these creatures know in this outlandish place, where I'll be bound they've never set eyes on man or woman before we were so unlucky as to come among them."

"And no great luck for them either, Nanny," said Mary, for cousin Charles makes cruel havoc among them with his rile."

"Ay, there again!" replied the irritable maiden: "he's just like the rest of you not a bit of thought for what's to happen to-morrow. There he goes on; firing away all his powder, and that over a heap of poor skinny things, that smell so strong there's no touching them. What will he do if a lot of them black savages come to eat us all up? God help us! There's no more shot to be come at here!"

"Nanny, you are quite right," observed Matilda. "Indeed, I have been considering myself the imprudence of this wonton waste of ammunition, and I shall certainly remonstrate severely with Charles when he returns. Not that I would encourage you Nanny, in the absurd idea that any of the natives of the continent of America are cannibals. This has been distinctly proved; has it not, papa?"

"It is more than suspected," answered Mr. Merton, "that the Fuegians, a people only separated by the Straits of Magellan from the great continent, and even some of the continental tribes of South Patagonia, make no scruple in feasting on the flesh of their slaughtered prisoners of war. Moreover recent voyagers have narrated more frightful deeds of barbarity among these tribe, especially in Tierra del Fuego. The natives themselves allow that, in seasons of famine, they murder and devour the aged women of the tribes. The poor victims knowing the fate that awaits them on such occasions, always flee to hide themselves in the woods; but they cannot escape their famishing hunters, who seize and strangle them, or hold them over the smoke of a fire of green wood, until they are suffocated and then cut up the body and feed on their infernal repast. But I am persuaded this barbarous custom does not exist so far north as our present position. Neither should we be endangered, who are enemies to | | 58 none of our kind; and the profusion of provision around us, prevents any possibility of our falling victims to the famished."

"Nevertheless, it would not be desirable to come into contact with any of these uncivilized people." observed Matiida; "and we cannot have a better place of concealment than this snug cave."

"But surely, Mr. Merton!" said Mrs. Merton, in great alarm, "You do not apprehend that there is any probability of encountering those wild Indians, of whose deeds of blood you have so often read to me? I should die at the sight of one of those savages."

"Have no fears, mamma," replied Mary "I shall insist on Charles making wooden lances for Matilda and me. Then look at the number of armed men we could raise. Depend on it we should be a formidable troop to oppose. But come out now, mamma, and look round you, and you will be satisfied no Indians have ever visited this quiet solitary spot, nor is there any temptation for them to come."

Mrs. Merton was persuaded to venture, and she agreed that the solitude appeared never to have been broken and, supported by her husband and children, she walked along the banks of the river as far as the sandy beach extended, but took fright at the difficulty, when her feet became entangled in the brakes of fuschias, covered with crimson blossoms, that frequently hung quite over the river. She wished to return, but the sound of Charles' rifle at no great distance encouraged her to remain. She sat down on a piece of rock, while Mary raised her clear voice to sumumon the sportsman, who soon came up to them, with his bag full of game, and a dark-looking goose swung over his shoulder.

"I have shot the goose, rather than its mate," said he; "for I thought it looked younger, and might be more tender; though certainly the appearance of the snowy-white gander was more tempting."

"I perceive," said Mr. Merton, "that this bird is the Anas hybrida, remarkable for the contrast in color between the male and female birds. The latter is black, except that the tips of some of the feathers are white, and the bill and legs red. The male bird is of pure white, with gold | | 59 colored bill and legs,--a beautiful creature. These birds are remarkable for their attachment and constancy, and are always found in pairs, not in flocks."

"Then I am really very sorry, uncle," said Charles, " that I have severed the bonds of union but the necessity of the case must plead my excuse. Matilda declared to me this morning that her affections were set on a roast goose Speak, peerless manager of the household,--Is not this the truth?"

"I am very glad, indeed, Charles," replied Matilda, who had been examining the vegetation around "for this low shrub has the smell and taste of sage, and is doubtless the herb called by the Indians palghi, of which we read in Sonth American travels. This will be a sort of seasoning for the goose. But, papa, come here, and tell me, is not this the flower of the potato?"

"It is, undoubtedly, that most valuable plant, my child," answered Mr. Merton. "The potato is certainly a native of South America. This is not, however, the locality in which I should have expected to discover the Solanum tuberosum which usually selects a dry sandy habit. I doubt much that the tubers will prove fit for food."

"Nevertheless, papa, I should advise that we make the experiment," said Matilda.

Mary immediately seized the rough plant, and endeavored to pluck it from the ground with her hands, but was not successful. Charles laughed at the vain attempts of his determined little friend, and went to her assistance. He produced a large knife, and soon dug up about a dozen good-sized potatoes of an oval form.

"We must have more, dear cousin Charles," cried Mary. "Nanny will be so delighted to see real potatoes, that she will half-reconciled to our dismal cave."

Charles was not very eager to undertake the labor of digging, but his good-nature prevailed, and they soon filled up the game-bag with a good supply of potatoes.

"And now," cried Mary, delighted, "I will carry home a couple of these huge rhubarb-leaves, to dish the game and fish upon."

"This plant is not the rhubarb," observed Mr. Merton "but, if I do not err, it is the Gunnera scabra. If it be so, the stalks, like these of the rhubarb, are eatable. You must | | 60 cut some for the examination of Dr. Lewis, whose profound botanical knowledge far exceeds mine. And by all means take some of the leaves, which are rather more suitable for table-covers than dishes, for some of them must be eight feet in diameter, and, as you see, nearly circular."

They selected some of the smaller leaves, but left the stalks for another expedition, for they were now all laden with new treasures; and Mrs. Merton being quite weary, they set out homewards.

"And very good-looking potatoes they are, for a poor place like this," said Nanny, when she had looked over their several acquisitions. "And a bonny goose too, Master Charles, if it hadn't been so black; and if I knew how to get it roasted, we could make out a decent dinner to-day."

Matilda showed Nanny how to spit the goose on a long stick, of which one end was sharpened, and stuck in the ground before the fire. By turning this simple spit occasionally, the goose was roasted perfectly. The salmon and the potatoes were boiled, and all served on the large leaves. The repast was duly praised; the salmon was really excellent; but Nanny murmured much at their bringing home sage and no onions. Surely they might have found some: sage and onions were not likely to be far parted. Still the goose, though somewhat meagre, was enjoyed and though the potatoes were rather watery, no one complained. The sole regret was for the absent, who did not return till evening, and were then so weary, that it was only after taking some refreshment that they were able to speak of their voyage.

After a good supper, Jack said, "Now, Nanny, take care that you and these girls rise early, and set to work briskly. Pack up everything; cook all the provisions you have. Tom and I will go to the wood and scratch up a bag of these wonderful potatoes. We will fill the water-cask higher up the river, where the tide does not reach ; and then we will ship our cargo, and set out on our voyage of discovery."

Mrs. Merton turned very pale, and looked imploringly at her husband, who turned to Dr. Lewis, and said, "My boys are young and rash, my dear friend; it is on your cooler judgment I rely for our safety. Do you think it prudent to leave the security of land, to risk a voyage in a small and crowded boat, and without a definite plan or object?"

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"I do indeed think this the most advisable plan, situated as we are," answered Dr. Lewis. "Even now, in summer, the climate on this coast is damp, and probably unhealthy. The chance of our seeing any vessel is very improbable; and should we remain in this moist and murky atmosphere until winter, our situation would be intolerable. We must make some efforts to escape from it. Taking advantage of the current from the river, we sailed out to-day, with little difficulty, a mile from the shore. I could thence, with my glass, distinguish a small island, the shores of which appeared woody and verdant. It is this island we propose to reach; it will not be a long or dangerous voyage; and even should the island, as I suspect, prove uninhabited, it will probably afford us a more agreeable and healthy abode than our cave, and we shall be in a situation to hail any passing vessel. At all events, if we find it unsuitable to our wants, we can extend our voyage to some other spot, for I have no doubt it is one of the Archipelago islands, which lie off this coast."

The arguments of Dr. Lewis were convincing; and, however formidable the undertaking, the sisters were content, and the youths sanguine. Mrs. Merton, as usual, yielded to the wishes of her husband; and Nanny's murmurs were overpowered by the voices of the majority. After Mr. Merton had performed his sacred duties, and added an especial prayer for the blessing of God on their perilous undertaking, they lay down to rest, after the fatigues of the day, full of hope for the morrow.

About midnight, Dr. Lewis was roused by unusual sounds, and, starting up, he approached one of the crannies in the face of the rock, and listening attentively, he heard voices and the neighing of horses. He went forward from his sleeping-place towards that part of the cave used for the kitchen, and was glad to see the fire was extinguished, for he was fearful some escape of smoke might have betrayed their place of concealment. He reflected a moment, and then decided on cautiously awaking the family, one after another, to prevent the danger of any sudden alarm. His information caused them all much anxiety; but Lewis enjoined silence, and mounting on a chest, he contrived to reach an aperture, that, by the hazy light of the moon, gave him a view down to the river. He | | 62 distinguished a party of Indians mounted on horses. They were tall men with flowing hair, clothed in long mantles, of a peculiar form. He could not ascertain their number, for they were crowded together on the spot were the boat was moored, and had evidently been arrested by the sight of it.

They were speaking rapidly in their own language, which Dr. Lewis did not understand; but one man, who seemed a a leader, used several Spanish words in his discourse, and often alluded to los Christianos.

Dr. Lewis thought he could comprehend from this man's words that the sight of the boat alarmed them that they suspected many Spaniards had landed on the coast, and that they must bring their warriors to conquer and destroy them. The words of the leader seemed to occasion much pleasure to the rest, who uttered wild cries; then, dismounting from their horses, they fastened the bridles to trees and all entering the boat, they pushed forward down the river.

When Dr. Lewis announced this movement to his anxious friends, the boys were in such indignation against the robbers, that he had some difficulty in preventing them from crying out and rushing from the cave after their boat. But he pointed out to them the madness of endeavoring to arrest an armed party, of unknown number, and the certainty that such an attempt must bring danger, if not destruction, on all.

They waited in great anxiety for about twenty minutes, when, concluding the strangers had really departed, Dr. Lewis left the cave, accompanied by Charles, who, in this emergency, was really roused to action. The moon was still up, and they were able to see that the boat was really gone, and that six horses remained, tied to the trees, in all probability till the Indians returned in formidable numbers. The rest of the family were immediately summoned to hold a couiltation on this important and vexatious event. Jack, who had actually shed tears for the loss of the boat, on the very eve of the projected voyage, brightened up when he saw the horses, and he exclaimed,--

"I know mamma will prefer travelling on horse-back to making a voyage, and we have a right to these horses, in exchange for our boat; have we not, papa?"

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"I am glad, my son," replied Mr. Merton, "that you feel a doubt on the subject, for the horses are not legally or justly our property. They have been left here by their masters, in good faith, to be reclaimed on their return, when they may possibly restore the boat."

"But, papa," said Tom, "it is more probable that they will return with a formidable body of warriors, to massacre us, or to carry us off as slaves. It seems to me a perfect folly to wait hero for their arrival, when we have a chance of escape by means of the horses."

"I doubt the equity of such an act" observed Mr. Merton.

"I believe we may consider it doubtful," said Dr. Lewis; "nevertheless, my good friend, our ease is urgent; we have a fearful responsibility in the care of our young and helpless family, and I am decidedly of the opinion, that on certain conditions, we are justified in using the horses of the robbers. This we will promise to do. Should we be so fortunate as to reach a place of safety, we will turn the animals loose; and if they have been well treated by the Indians, depend on it their sagacity will point out to them the road to their former friends. We will therefore, sir, with your permission, return to the cave and make our preparations, for no time must be lost."

Mr. Merton yielded to the majority, but remained unconvinced that they were acting right. They returned to the cave discussing various plans, all ending in the same conclusion that they must leave the spot before the return of the Indians. As to Mrs. Merton, she really felt overjoyed at the capture of the boat, notwithstanding the alarm of the Indian visitors, such was her dread of the sea; nor did an equestrian journey seem so terrible to her, timid as she was; for, among her native hills, her usual mode of travelling had been on horseback, seated behind her husband.

The first consideration on their return to the cave was, whether it was possible to remove the contents of the boat on the horses. They were reluctant to abandon any part of their property in their uncertain situation and it was determined to make the attempt.

"The carpenter's chest, which was one of Charles' gene- | | 64 rous gifts to Jack and me," said Tom, "I cannot consent to leave, though it certainly feels rather heavy."

"We will lighten it a little by taking out the two axes," said Jack, "for I have a notion we shall need them to cut our way through the woods. I hope we shall distance the rascals. What a lucky thing it was that we tore the sail so clumsily under that overhanging beech-tree last night, and that I was so prudent as to bring it up to the cave for the girls to mend, for the thieves will be sometime in performing their voyage without it; though, poor wretches, I doubt very much whether they would understand how to hoist a sail it they had one."

"And a very lucky blunder it was too, Jack," replied Dr. Lewis, "that you brought it up rolled round the mast, for we must certainly place it on one of our horses, to form a tent which may shelter us from the dews of night during our wanderings, till we meet with more comfortable accommodation; but you had better not mention this plan to Nanny just now, for she looks rather irritated by the sudden demands on her exertions, and doubtless expects to rest at some convenient inn to-morrow. I would propose the the black horse that looks elderly, and I suspect, has a blind eye, should be given up entirely to papa and mamma. It will certainly require the three strongest animals to carry our baggage, and we must arrange as well as we can with the two remaining."

"Positively, Lewis," said Charles, "you must let me have an animal of some sort. I am no pedestrian."

"Very well, Charles," replied Lewis, "but you must take a lady en croupe,--Nanny, par example?"

"I will take Mary," answered Charles, hastily. "Mary and I have often had a scamper together at Winston; I will leave Nanny to you, Lewis."

"I have no objection in the world to walk," said Lewis, "and Jack has offered to be my companion; we must add Nanny to our party, and Tom must take Matilda on the remaining horse. If Nanny gets tired, we must perch her on the baggage-horses."

"See which on us will tire first," said the valiant maiden. "But here, honeys, come and take a bits before you set out while I fill a bag with what we have left."

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Cold ducks, cold goose, and salmon, with some potatoes, were placed in Nanny's bag. The large water-cask was to be tilled at the river before they diverged from it. Breakfast was concluded, and then Mr. Merton performed the morning devotions with unusual fervor, and all rose from their knees with gratitude for the mercies God had bestowed on them, and a firm reliance on Him for the future.