Part 42 (1/2)
”It is just that which I greatly doubt, sir,” said Morgan. ”We seem to be landed at the back of the north wind, and out of the way of everything.”
”But the balloon,” continued Duncan. ”I and Conal--”
”And I,” interrupted the c.o.c.kney boy.
”Well, and you if the balloon is strong enough.”
”It would carry you all, and a horse besides,” said the skipper with just the ghost of a smile.
”Well, we should ascend until we found a wind to carry us towards the mainland, where we could descend and find a.s.sistance.”
”It is a forlorn hope, Duncan.”
”Seems to me, though, that it is our last chance,” said Morgan. ”The water can't last long. What if it rains no more for months. All that could ever be found of us in that case would be our skeletons bleaching in the sun.”
”Not so pessimistic, please, Morgan. I still have hope in G.o.d. If it be His will to help us we shall be rescued. If not, it is our duty to submit.”
Truly a brave man was Talbot.
And the merchant-service has many a thousand such, who, without doubt, will be of infinite service to their country in our day of direst need--when wild war comes,
”In a fostering power, while Jack puts his trust As fortune comes--smiling he'll hail her, Resign'd still, and manly, since what must be must; And this is the mind of a sailor.”
Talbot arose at last.
”I cannot go,” he said, almost solemnly, after gazing for over a minute at the blue above and the blue below, the sky without a cloud, the sea without a ripple. ”For weal or for woe, boys, I must stay with my men.
Now am I resigned. I will pray for you, lads, and so shall we all.”
”But,” he added, ”serve out some water and a modic.u.m of wine. G.o.d bless our poor fellows yonder, for their conduct and discipline have been splendid. Many men in their hopeless condition would have broken into the spirit stores and died maudlin drunk, or murderously mad.”
The men quickly came to the call of ”All hands!” and just as quickly Talbot explained the position, and told them what the three youngsters proposed doing. The cheer that followed his words was not a l.u.s.ty one, but it was very sincere.
And now, though with no nervous haste, the work of arranging and inflating the balloon was commenced and for some days steadily proceeded with.
On the third day dark clouds came sweeping down, and a thunder-storm broke over the island. What a G.o.d-send! Somewhat unusual, too, for the time of year. Not only was the rocky tank filled with water and rapidly-melting hail, but many hollows elsewhere, and every drop was precious.
Compared with Andree's great Arctic balloon, the _Hope_, as Talbot's had been named, was quite a baby, but it was strong enough for anything, and could have supported and carried far more than they needed for weeks together.
Long before this, Talbot had instructed his youngsters in the art of managing a balloon, and now there was little more for them to learn on this score.
The inflation was completed at last. The net, a very strong one, was in its place. The car attached, and the splendid ball dragged impatiently at her moorings, as if longing to soar away into freedom.
Food, arms, ammunition, wine, and water--everything was in its place, everything secure, yet handy.
Then the last night came.