Beck Center English Dept. University Libraries Emory University
Emory Women Writers Resource Project Collections:
Women's Genre Fiction Project

Adventures of the Merton Family, an electronic edition

by Anne Bowman [Bowman, Anne]

date: 1868
source publisher: Quaker City Publishing House.
collection: Genre Fiction

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CHAPTER VI.
The Departure. The Lasso and Bolas. The ascent through the Mountain Forests. The Parrots. Strawberries. The Guanaco and Condor. Failure of Provisions.

"FAREWELL," cried Mary, "our good cave of refuge! And if we cannot find nests, as the birds do, among the trees and rocks, we can still come back, after the Indians are gone, to this quiet retreat. You boys have axes, you might cut down some of the trees, and we would plant gardens and make a comfortable home. What. do you think of my plan, Cousin Charles?"

"I cannot say that I approve of it, Mary," replied Charles. "I have no taste for caves generally; I abhor this dungeon in particular; and if our evil fate drives us once more to seek such a shelter, I trust the mountains may afford us a more cheerful abode than this."

"Nevertheless, Charles," said Lewis, "I think it would be a measure of prudence to conceal the entrance, lest we should unfortunately again be glad of such a place of refuge."

This was soon accomplished; the baggage was brought out, and pieces of rock piled before the openings secured them from observation the horses were brought up and laden. They were strong animals, apparently well trained; each had a bridle of hide, and a sort of saddle made of skins, with the hair uppermost; to each saddle was attached the lasso, and the indispensable set of bolas, so useful in the Indian chase. The lasso was a thong forty feet long formed of many strips | | 66 of hide of a regular thickness, plaited together it was quite pliable, from having been rubbed with oil. At one end was an iron ring, about an inch and a half in diameter, through which the other end of the thong was passed; thus forming a running noose.

The bolas were three balls of stone, probably iron pyrites, covered with hide, and attached to the ends of three thongs of plaited hide, about four or six feet in length. The balls were about the size of a hen's egg. Charles and Dr. Lewis were both skilled in the art of throwing the lasso and the bolas, and undertook to teach Tom and Jack, when circumstances permitted it. Beneath the beech tree, where the boat had been moored, Jack was delighted to find three long Indian lances, which the Indians had probably found inconvenient, appendages in their voyage, and had abandoned until their return. These lances were made of bamboo, about fifteen feet in length; they were headed with iron, skilfully sharpened, and were really formidable weapons. Charles and Tom, the equestrians, took possession of these arms, and, when mounted on their noble horses, with their ladies seated behind them, and poising their long lances gracefully, they rode off from the cave, Matilda declared they resembled the knights-errant of old, sallying forth in search of adventures.

The cushions and cloaks, which had formed their couches, had been strapped upon the horses to make commodious seats for the ladies, and with some contrivance they managed to carry away all their possessions. The cavalcade then, in the dim light of breaking day, roved slowly up the banks of the river for about half a mile, till they reached a convenient spot, when they filled the water cask. From thence they divirged to the left, and passed with great toil over the entangled underwood. Jack and Dr. Lewis led the way, as pioneers, armed with axes, with which they cut away any extraordinary impediment; then followed the mounted party; the haggage-horses, which were fastened to each other in a single file by ropes, brought up the rear, led by Nanny: there was no danger of their running away, heavily laden as they were.

They continued gradually to ascend through the wood as much as they were able, but their progress was necessarily | | 67 very slow; and though they continued moving onwards till noon without rest, Dr. Lewis calculated that they had not journeyed more than twelve miles. The sun was now so scorching that they were unable to go on, and, worn out with fatigue and anxiety, they gladly hailed the appearance of a small clear spot which offered pasturage to their horses and beneath the grateful shade of a spreading beech they made their first halt.

The poor horses were unloaded and secured to the trees by the long lassoes, the cloaks and cushions were spread on the ground, the dinner was heartily enjoyed, and then the wearied party lay down to sleep, and had two hours of profound repose.

They rose refreshed and ready to proceed, and, relieved from immediate danger, began too look around and admire their new and romantic situation. Buried in the lonely woods that clothe the sides of the majestic Andes, far from all human-kind, homeless wanderers as they were, they enjoyed their adventure. The woods resounded with the notes of thousands of strange birds bright-colored and luxuriant plants wound round the dark pines, the beeches, and the still unknown forest-trees around them, and the weather was calm and pleasant. Once more they set out, but now in cheerfulness and hope.

"But why do you, our trusty guides and pioners [sic] ," asked Mr. Merton, "conduct us thus gradually from the coast for I observe our course is continually N. E.? My own opinion would have induced me to continue to travel along the coast till we reached some town, or, at all events some fishermens huts."

"I fear, my good sir," answered Dr. Lewis, "that the people on this savage coast are not industrious enough to become fisherman, or to build huts. Charles and I know something of these shores, which are in this part indented by long arms of the sea. If we did not leave the coast, we should be compelled to pass round these arms,--a labor of time, even if it were possible, which I doubt, for much of the coast is so rocky, that I do not believe it would he passable. We have therefore concluded it most advisable to ascend as high as we are able, in order to escape these impediments. I dare scarcely speculate on our success, for the forest is so intricate | | 68 that I dread lest our animals should be exhausted with the labor of struggling through it. But I have remarked a sort of track from our resting-place, which I am now taking: I have no doubt it is made by the wild cattle which frequent the mountains, and which, like ourselves, have discovered the convenience of this plot of pasturage. You perceive the track is sufficiently beaten to render it passable, and, if we should meet a wild cow on our way, I will show the boys the use of the bolas."

They went on toiling through the mazy woods with more confidence than before, following the track of the animals for five hours, when they reached a rapid, but now shallow river. After the first melting of the snow in spring, this brawling stream must certainly have been an impassable torrent and they congratulated themselves that the season was so favorable for their expedition. Here they found a convenient, spot beneath the trees for their night's rest. The horses were unloaded and secured; then the young men formed a sort of tent by suspending the sail over the lower branches of a tree, and the mast of the boat fixed in the ground. The boxes formed a barricade in front, and blankets were hung at the sides. A fire was then lighted, and the unanimous opinion of the party was, that the tent was ten times more comfortable than the cave. Nanny and her young assistants boiled the kettle, and a refreshing supper was made on tea and biscuit. The hungry youths petitioned for a cold duck, but the prudent Nanny was inflexible. "Where's the dinner to come from tomorrow, if you eat the ducks to-night?" was her question; and, though they promised to procure game next day, she put no trust in them. So they gave God thanks for his mercies, and went to rest; two of the young men watching alternately during the night, for two hours at a time, to keep up the fire, and to guard against the approach of any wild animals.

The night, however, passed without disturbance, and at early dawn they assembled at prayers, after which they took a scanty breakfast, loaded the horses, refilled the water-cask, and moved onwards. They began already to feel the air clearer and drier than on the low moist shores they had left and even the languid spirits of Mrs. Merton revived in the brisk morning air. Nature was waking from the sleep of wight, the leaves were rustling in the light breezes, the bright | | 69 blossoms were opening, the small birds were twittering on the low bushes deeper in the woods was heard the richer music of unknown tribes; the huge condor, was sailing over their heads, and, strangest sound of all, the chatter of the parrot reached their ears on all sides. The plumage of this bird, which varies so remarkably according to its habitat, was in these woods of a dusky green, assimilating so well with the foliage amidst which it was perched, that it was very difficult to distinguish it. Jack and Tom were now initiated in the art of throwing the bolas. Their instructors showed them how to hold one ball in the hand, whirling the others round with great rapidity above the head, then sending them with a certain aim, revolving through the air, to wind round the victim, crossing each other, and binding so closely that the game was prostrated or crippled till it was easily secured. After many ineffectual attempts and laughable failures, the boys attained some skill, and Jack had the glory of bringing down two fine parrots, which he dispatched remoreselessly, and presented them to Nanny to cook for dinner.

Her repugnance to cook the birds was very great, and loud were her murmurs. "Well, Master Jack, it's not for me to speak, I know. One certainly doesn't know what one has to come to in this world and little do our folks at Winston think that we are driven to eat a poll-parrot!"

But the "poll-parrots" were, nevertheless, most excellent food roasted, and on a stick, everbody thought Nanny very niggardly because she had reserved a second couple, killed by Dr. Lewis, for supper; for she declared she had little else to give them.

Mr. Merton examined the birds with interest, and said, "My reading has not acquainted me with the peculiar species of Psittacus jaquilma to which these creatures, on which we have dined so luxuriously, belong. Can you assist me with your knowledge, Dr. Lewis?"

"The bird," answered Lewis, "is the Psittacus jaquilma species, which inhabit the Andes during the summer, while in the winter, flocks of them descend into Chili, destroytng the produce of every field they rest on Fortunately, their visit is not till after the harvest, or the whole country would be laid waste. You will observe this is one of the most elegant of the parrots, with its long pointed tail; and I | | 70 think we must all agree that it must be one of the most delicious when cooked."

"And after such a delicious dinner," said Matilda, "I can offer you a most delicate dessert." And she led them to a bank perfectly scarlet with large ripe strawberries.

"Truly," cried Mr. Merton, "this is the Fragaria Chilensis, which derives its name from that delicious perfume which doubtless led you, my child, to discover it. And this provision is spread here, in this lonely mountain-forest, to feed the birds, who abide here, in the midst of abundance, and unmolested."

"I very much doubt their lives being secure, papa," said Jack. "Observe yon carnivorous condor hovering over our heads he would soon pick our bones if we were in his power; and, wanting richer prey, he will make no scruple of devouring his lesser brethren by scores."

The enjoyment of the dessert made up for the scanty dinner; even Nanny smiled as she ate strawberries as large as a hen's egg, and of rich flavor; and she declared the fruit looked as if it had been grown in a Christian country. But next morning, when they resumed their journey, the thoughtful and prudent of the party could not but feel much anxiety for the future. They had certainly not yet met with any distressing impediments or annoyances, but their slender stores daily decreased; the birds were an uncertain dependence, and famine threatened them. Another day passed no game offered itself for the skill of the sportsman to be exerted on, and their spirits began to droop. To complete their trouble, a cold rain came on, and compelled them at an early hour to seek such imperfect shelter as their rude tent afforded. Then a keen wind rose, scattering their fire, which they found it impossible to keep up; and they ate their dry biscuit, moistened in water, with heavy hearts, and, covered with cloaks, tried to rest.

After a watchful and shivering nght, they rose early, and, as the rain had ceased, they set out before breakfast, to escape from the chill atmosphere of the damp tent. As they rode alone, Charles asked, in a mournful tone, "Do you think, Matilda, you could screw nothing more from Nanny than that hateful prison fare, bread and water, for breakfast?"

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"No, indeed, cousin Charles" answered Matilda, half-sobbing, "it is quite impossible; we have nothing more, except a little rice. I do think, Charles, you might have provided us with some game before this. But we are very unfortunate. In all the histories of shipwrecked and deserted families that I have read, they always had deer or goats, or wild birds or they met with every thing they wanted in some wrecked stores on the coast. It would have been better not to have left the coast! Here we can find nothing. To be sure I did find the strawberries."

Mary laughed merrily at the complaints of her disconsolate companions, and said, "Look well about among the rocks to-day, Matilda; perhaps you may find the entrance into Aladdin's cavern, and if we could get that 'Geni of the Lamp' under our control wouldn't we make him bring us a good supper?"

Matilda did not like her sorrows to be laughed at, and she was about to reply, when Dr. Lewis made a signal for the cavalcade to halt, and beckoning to Charles and Tom to come forward, he silently pointed out to them a herd of curious looking animals, browsing on a patch of rushy grass, which grew on the mountain-side.

The uplifted finger of their cautious guide stopped the exclamations that were ready to burst out; he silently directed his young allies to arm themselves with their bolas, and the anxious party then crept slowly towards the herd. Dr. Lewis stopped them when they had approached as near as he considered safe, as it would have been vexatious to have alarmed and dispersed the animals; they then whirled the balls rapidly above their heads, and flung them at their unconscious victims with some skill, considering the little experience they had had. One animal, whose hind legs were wound round by the bolas sent by Lewis, fell down struggling hopelessly; a second received the bolas of Jack round its neck, and after tossing its head wildly, and uttering an odd neighing cry, made off after the rest of the herd, which had fled in confusion at the first alarm. Jack was greatly mortified at the loss of his bolas; but as they had two spare sets, this was not of so much consequence.

The whole party now proceeded towards their valuable spoil; but, before they reached the spot, an enormous con- | | 72 dor descended rapidly from above upon the fallen animal, and had already commenced his feast by devouring the eyes, when they came up. Regardless of their cries, the voracious creature continued its foul repast but, unwillng to lose the precious spoil, and doubting the probability of securing the marauder with the bola, Jack fled back to the horses, and returning armed with his Indian lance, he drove the powerful animal from its prey, and slowly and reluctantly it winged its heavy flight.

"I regret," observed Tom, "that we are unable to secure the condor, a bird no less remarkable for its habits than for its magnitude. The immense extent of its wings when spread, and its peculiar and ravenous mode of tearing out the eyes of its victims, are all that we have been able to observe of its characteristics."

"And that must suffice for the present, Tom," said Dr. Lewis "for, however we may desire to collect specimens of natural history, we must remember and compassionate our already heavily-laden beasts. A condor would have been no slight addition to their burthens. But I do not object to load them for a day or two with the produce of our bola today, for I suspect we shall find th:s animal worth the labor of carriage."

The animal was despatched, the legs tied together, a branch cut from a tree and passed under them, and then Tom and Jack bore the spoil with great pride towards the anxious party who were waiting for them. Nanny gave a sharp look of suspicion at the unknown creature, as they placed it on one of the baggage horses, shaking her head doubtfully; and Tom the savant, and even Mr. Norton himself, looked, a little puzzled.

"This animal," said Mr. Merton, addressing Dr. Lewis, who was walking by his side, "must be of the llama family of the genus Auchenia?"

"You are correct, sir," replied Dr. Lewis it is the guanaco, an animal remarkable for the length and slenderness of its neck, its thin rat-like tail, and its foot so admirably adapted for climbing the mountains. You observe that the foot consists of two springy toes completely divided, a strong short hoof, pointed at the tip and hooked downwards, like a claw. The hoofs are compressed at the sides, and are concave be- | | 73 neath, to enable the animal to climb securely. I trust we shall meet with more guanacoes, and then we shall be in no danger famine."

"Why, you won't tell me that the flesh of that queer-looking beast is fit for a Christian to eat!" said Nanny.

"It is greatly superior to mutton," replied Dr. Lewis " and I know your excellent cookery will enable us to make some capital dinners on it."

There was much rejoicing at the sight of such in abundant supply of food sent to them and they rested at an earlier hour than usual, that they might have time to skin and cut up the guanaco. The skin, which was covered with fine long soft hair, they plunged into a little stream near their encampment, to cleanse it thoroughly. Beneath the skin lay a large quantity of fat, part of which they used to rub the skin, in order to keep it pliable after which it was spread over one of the horses to be dried. Dr. Lewis, as the best anatomist, was appointed butcher to the community; and he cut up the guanaco, Nanny declared, as well as if he had been bred to the trade and from that time she looked with added respect at the doctor.

The steaks which were broiled for dinner were pronounced delicious; even the fastidious Charles, converted to reason by privation and the mountain air, declared he had eaten worse venison; and, after they resumed their journey, the travelling larder was carefully watched, lest another condor should descend and rob them if their treasure.

The guanaco was a large animal, and lasted them for many days, for in the high region they had reached, the cool air preserved it from corruption. But it was finished at last, and then several days succeeded when dry biscuit, scantily doled out, a few eggs found in some hollow tree, and an occasional parrot, constituted their ineuffieient diet. They concluded that they must now have travelled above one hundred miles, with very little repose, indifferent food, and through unbroken solitudes; but they were totally ignorant of their locality, for the thick forests, though the trees were more stunted than those of the lower regions, were yet high enough to shut out entirely their prospect in every direction; and Mary was certain they must have entered one of the enchanted woods of the fairy tales, from whence the intruders could | | 74 never escape, but were doomed to wander there through the remainder of their lives. Alternately they climbed the steep and rough sides of the mountain, and then descended into some wooded valley, sometimes of great extent, again to ascend, and again to find another valley, yet ever gaining some higher part of that wonderful mass of mountains. The valleys were the oases of their journey. There they ever found shelter, fuel, and fresh water, the latter occasionally more abundant than they wished, for their overladen beasts were little able to ford a river. Sometimes they fell upon the dry bed of a river, which the melted snow from the Upper Andes would probably, in the spring, fill with a rushing torrent. They were then glad to exchange the struggle through the entangled brushwood for the comparatively easy path the rough and stony bed of the river afforded them, till some yawning chasm or insurmountable precipice compelled them once more to turn to their forest road.

The poor horses had become wretchedly emaciated from hard labor and scanty food. The patches of rushy grass found here and there on the mountain-side afforded them an insufficient pasturage; and the party contemplated with dismay the melancholy prospect of being left without any mode Of conveyance in that dreary wilderness.

The air had now become cold in the evening, for an early autumn had set in; and as they crowded round the fire, for which they had still the means of always procuring fuel, watching the boiling of the kettle which was to furnish them with their slender supper of one cup of ten, in addition to one biscuit each, all they could venture to consume from their remaining store, Matilda, unable to restrain her complaints, turned to her father, weeping bitterly, and said, "Oh! papa, what will become of us when the biscuit-bag is exhausted?"

"God can spread us a table in the wilderness, my child," said the good man, "He sheltered us from the danger of assassination, from the perils of the ocean. He sheltered us from the blood-thirsty Indian, and has guarded us from the ferocious beasts of the forest. He has given health and strength to endure our fatigues; and, if we continue to pray to him, he will not forsake us."

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"I have especial reason for gratitude to the Divine Mercy," said Mrs. Merton, "for I feel my health and strength daily improve with the mountain air and the wholesome exercise and I have had time to reflect, in our long journey, on my wasted life. I hope, my dear children, I have not been an unkind mother but I have been unfaithful to the trust God has placed in me. If he spare us all from the perils that surround us, I hope to begin a new life, and endeavor to atone for my past errors."

The children had all remarked, with pleasure, the improvement in their beloved mother's health, and they now rejoiced with grateful hearts to hear her acknowledgment of restored strength and energy. They forgot their scanty supper in the joy of their hearts and their evening devotions were doubly fervent in their gratitude.

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