Part 21 (1/2)
Tom of course explained what had happened, while Gerald and Billy were telling the same story to Captain Murray. Doctor Loc.o.c.k was of course well taken care of by the surgeon, and invited into the ward-room. Tom had a good deal to hear about family matters. Desmond and Billy Blueblazes were soon made at home by the other young gentlemen of the s.h.i.+p, while the men were equally cared for forward. Captain Murray did not think it worth while to send on sh.o.r.e for the small part of the whaler's cargo which had been saved, but he promised to give information to the first American man-of-war he might fall in with, that she might go for it if it was thought worth while.
The account which the mids.h.i.+pmen gave of the _Dragon_ caused considerable anxiety. When Captain Murray heard that her machinery was out of order, he felt satisfied that she had gone on to Hong-kong, and as she would certainly be detained there for some time, she would not even yet be able to get back to the Bonins.
”Perhaps,” observed Tom, ”Commander Rawson fancies we are lost, and if so he is not likely to come and look for us.”
The wind continuing light, the _Bellona_ steered on, soon leaving the coral island far astern.
Shortly after they had got on board, Gerald asked Tom to try and learn from his brother the reasons why his uncle had sent for him home.
”One of them was, I conclude, that as he expected to get a command himself, he was anxious to have his nephew with him,” answered Jack.
”Another is that in consequence of the death of several persons, young Desmond is heir-at-law to a handsome estate and a t.i.tle. His uncle thought it better to have him near at hand, instead of knocking about far away from home. There is likely to be a trial of some sort, but my friend Adair is very sanguine of success. It may be several years, however, before the matter is settled, as all depends upon the life of the present possessor, who, although somewhat old, is hale and hearty.
But as he may possibly break his neck, or go out of the world suddenly by some other means, it is well that Desmond should be on the spot to claim his rights. I don't know whether Adair intended to let his nephew know this until his arrival, but as it was not told to me in confidence, I may mention it to you. However, use your own discretion in what you say to your friend--only do not let him be too sanguine; but it may perhaps make him take care of himself, which hitherto I suspect he has not been apt to do.”
Tom promised to be very discreet in what he said to Gerald, so as not to disappoint him should he fail of success.
Towards the evening of the day the _Bellona_ had left the coral island, a shout was heard from the look-out at the mast-head, ”A rock on the starboard bow!” An officer, however, going aloft with his gla.s.s, p.r.o.nounced it to be a dismasted vessel. The frigate was accordingly headed up towards her, and on a nearer approach, from her peculiar build, she was seen to be undoubtedly a Chinese or j.a.panese craft. It was at first supposed that no one was on board, but as the steamer neared, a flag was waved from the after part of the stranger.
The s.h.i.+p's way was accordingly stopped, and a boat was lowered. Captain Rogers volunteering to examine her, Tom accompanied him. As they approached they saw that she must have encountered bad weather, for not only had she lost her masts, but she had no boats, and a considerable portion of her upper works had been carried away, while her sides had a weather-worn appearance, as if she had been a long time knocking about at sea.
On getting on deck, one person only was to be seen, who, though dressed as a Chinese, had European features.
”I am thankful you have fallen in with us, gentlemen,” he said, in good English, ”for I don't know what would otherwise have become of this craft or us.”
”Of us! Is there any one besides yourself on board?” asked Jack.
”Yes, I have my wife with me--we were pa.s.sengers on board; when the junk was blown off the coast and lost her masts, the crew deserted in the boat, leaving us to our fate.”
”Your wife! Where is she?” asked Jack.
”She is below, sir,” was the answer; ”but she is a foreigner, young, and timid, and was afraid to come on deck.”
”What are you?--an Englishman?” inquired Jack.
”Well, as to that, I am more of an American, though I have been out in these seas so long that I cannot say I belong to any nation. Still, I have not forgotten my native tongue. I should be grateful if you would take us in tow, or supply me with spars and canvas, so that I might find my way back.”
”That is more than you will be able to do, I suspect, with your craft knocked about as she is, and probably leaking not a little, even with the a.s.sistance of your wife,” answered Jack. ”As for taking you in tow, that is out of the question--we should drag the bows out of her; but if you will bring your wife and any property you possess on board, I can answer for it that the captain will give you a pa.s.sage to Hong-kong or any other place at which we may touch where you desire to leave the s.h.i.+p. You are a seaman, I presume, from your undertaking to sail back the junk. What is your name, may I ask?” said Jack.
”Jonathan Jull, at your service.”
”That name has a Yankee smack about it, certainly,” observed Jack.
”Well, Mr Jull, I'll overhaul the craft, and report her condition to the captain. He may possibly think fit to take her in tow, but I can make no promises on the subject. In the mean time prepare your wife for accompanying you on board.”
While Jonathan Jull went into one of the after cabins, Jack and Tom, with two men who had come on board, went round the junk. She had a considerable amount of cargo on board, of a somewhat miscellaneous character. Jack ordered the well to be sounded. Tom and one of the men performed the operation, and reported three feet in the hold, a large amount of water for a flat-bottomed craft. They had not long continued their search when Tom exclaimed--
”Look here; these are suspicious-looking marks. I have already observed others. They are evidently caused by bullets. See, in several places pieces of wood have been chipped off, and here is a bullet sticking in the planking.”
”What do you think of this, sir?” asked one of the men, pointing to some dark splashes on the deck and side of the vessel.
”That's blood; there can be no doubt about it. I suspect that there has been some foul work on board,” observed Jack. ”I wonder whether Mr Jull can account for the circ.u.mstance.”
”He, at all events, will give his own version of the matter,” remarked Tom.