May 15, 2025 • 29 mins
Experience an enthralling journey through time and geography with this captivating series by Guy Newell Boothby, an Australian writer who gained fame during his years in London. Embark on the first of five books that delve into the mysterious world of Dr. Nikola, a criminal mastermind with an intriguing touch of occult. The narrative isnt just about Dr. Nikola, but about the characters who find themselves ensnared in his intricate web. This tale of adventure and romance takes you from Australia to the Middle East, the South Seas, and rural Hampshire, as the protagonist battles against Dr. Nikola and his accomplices. Boothbys vivid portrayal of exotic locations and the underlying sense of mystery transports you back to the era of hardened empire builders and imperialists, offering a nostalgic appeal.
Mark as Played
Transcript
Episode Transcript
Available transcripts are automatically generated. Complete accuracy is not guaranteed.
Speaker 1 (00:01):
Part two, Chapter five of A Bid for Fortune by
Guy Boothby. This is a LibriVox recording. All LibriVox recordings
are in the public domain. Chapter five The Islands and
what we found there. To those who have had no
(00:22):
experience of the South Pacific, the constantly recurring beauties of
our voyage would have seemed like a foretaste of Heaven itself.
From Sydney, until the Loyalty Group lay behind us, we
had one long spell of exquisite weather. By night under
the winking stars, and by day in the warm sunlight.
Our trim little craft plowed away across the smooth seas,
(00:45):
and our only occupation was to promenade or loaf about
the decks, and to speculate us to the result of
the expedition upon which we had in barks. Having sighted
the Isle of Pines, we turned our boughs almost dune
and headed for the New Hebrides. Every hour of our
impatience was growing greater. In less than two days, all
(01:08):
being well, we should build our destination, and twenty four
hours after that, if our fortune proved in the ascendant,
we ought to be on our way back, with Phyllis
in our possession. Once more, and what this would mean
to me, I can only leave you to guess. One morning,
just as the fate outline of the coast of Anneum
(01:28):
was peering up over the horizon a head weather all than,
I chanced to be sitting in the bows. The sea
was as smooth as glass, and the tinkling of the
water round the little vessel's nose as she turned it
off in snowy lines for neither bow was the only
sound to be heard. As usual, the conversation, after wandering
into other topics, came back to the subject nearest to
(01:51):
our hearts. This led us to make a few remarks
and Nicola and his character, but could not help asking
him for an explanent. You want to know how it
is that I am so frightened of Niccola, He asked, Well,
to give you my reason will necessitate by telling you
a story. I don't mind doing that at all, But
what I'm afraid of is that you might be inclined
(02:12):
to doubt its probability. However, if you want to hear it,
you shall, I should like to above all things, I replied,
I have been longing to ask you about it some
time past, but could not quite screw up the courage
well in the first place, mister Weatherall said, you must
understand that before I came a minister of the Crown,
and or indeed a member of Parliament at all, I
(02:34):
was a barrister, a fairly renunerative practice. That was before
my wife's death, and when Phyllis was at school. Up
to the time I need to tell you about, I
had taken part in a no very sensational case. But
my opportunity for earning not a riot. He was, though
I did not know it near at hand. One day
(02:54):
I was brief to defend a man accused of the
murder of a Chinaman the boarder Sydney vessel on a
void for Shanghai. At first there seemed to be no
doubt at all as to his guilt. But by a
singular chance, with the details of which I will not
bore you, I hit upon a scheme which got him off.
I remember the man perfectly a queer fellow. He was
(03:15):
half witted, I thought, by the time of the trial,
within an ace of dying of consumption. His gratitude was
the more pathetic because he had not the wherewithal to
pay me. However, he made it up to me in
another way. One wet night, a couple of months or
so after the trial, I was sitting in my drawing
room listening to my wife's music, when a servant entered
(03:36):
to tell me the woman wanted to see me. I
went out into the passage to find waiting there a
tall buxom lass of about five and twenty years of age.
She was poorly dressed, but in a great state of excitement.
I you, mister weather, or, she asked. The gentleman has
defended China Pete in the trial the other day, I am,
I answered, What can I do for you? I hope
(03:57):
China Pete is not in trouble again. He's in worse
trouble this time, sir, said the woman. He's dying, and
he sent me to fetch you to him before he goes,
because he want me for hours rather suspiciously, I don't know,
was the girl's reply. But he's been calling for you
all this blessed day. Send for mister Weatherill, send for
mister weatherall so off. I came when I got back
(04:19):
from work to fetch you. If you're coming, sir, he'd
best be quick or he won't last till morning. Very well,
I'll come here at once, I said, and having told
my wife not to sit up for me, I followed
my strange messenger out of the house. For an early
an hour, we walked on and on, plunging deeper into
the lower quarter of the town, and all through the march,
(04:40):
my guide maintained a rigid silence, walking a few paces ahead,
and only recognizing the fact that I was following her
by nodding in a certain direction whenever we arrived at
across thoroughfares or interlacing lanes. At last we arrived the
street she wanted. At the corner she came to suddenly
(05:00):
to a standstill, and, putting her two first fingers into
her mouth, blew a shrill whistle after the fashion of
street boys. A moment later, a shock headed urchin about
ten years old made his appearance from a dark alley
came towards us. The woman said something to him which
I did not catch, then, turning sharply to her left hand,
(05:20):
beckon me to follow her. From the street itself. We
passed by way of a villainous alley into a large courtyard,
where brooded a silence like that of death. Indeed, a
more weird and desolate place I don't remember ever having
met with. Not a soul was to be seen, and
though it was surrounded by houses, only two feeble lights
(05:41):
showed themselves. Towards one of these, my guide made her way,
dopping on the threshold on a panel she wrapped with
her fingers, And as she did so, a window on
the first floor opened, and the boy we had met
in the street looked out. How many inquired a woman
who had brought me in a loud voice. None, now,
replied the boy. But it has been a pile of
(06:02):
chinkies hereabouts all the evening and arf and ago as
a gent in a cloak. Without waiting to hear any more,
the woman entered the house, and I followed close on
her heels. The adventure was clearly coming to her head. Now.
When the door had been closed behind us, the boy
appeared at the top of a flight of stairs with
a lighted candle. We accordingly ascended to him, and, having
(06:24):
done so, made our way towards the door at the
end of the abominably dirty landing. At intervals I could
hear the sound of coffin coming from a room at
the end. My companion however, bade me stop, while she
went herself into the room, shutting the door after her.
I was left alone with the boy, who immediately took
me under his protection and from my undivined benefit, performed
(06:46):
a series of highly meritous acrobatic performances upon the feeble banister,
to his own danger but apparent satisfaction. Suddenly, just as
he was about to commence what I promised to be
the most success for Lighter in his repertoire, he paused,
laid flat on his stomach upon the floor, craned his
head over the side where once banist As had been,
(07:09):
and gazed into the half dark below, all as quiet
as the grave, and never that morning, an almond eyed
pigtail head appeared on the stairs and looked upwards. Before
I could say anything to stop him, the youth had
divested himself of his one slipper, taking it in his
right hand, leaned over a bit further and struck the
(07:30):
ascending celestial a severe blow on the mouth with the
heel of it. There was the noise of a hasty
descent and the banging of the street door. A moment later.
Then all was still again, and the youngster turned to me.
That was our chong, he said, confidently, he is a
sixth chinkey. I've landed that way since dark. This important
(07:51):
piece of information. He closed with a double jointed oath
of remarkable atrocity. Having done so, would have recommenced the
performance of robatic feat had I not stopped him by
asking the reason of his action. He looked at me
with a grin. I don't know, but all I cares
is that China Peete in there. It gives me a
sprat as a sixpence for every chinky what I keeps
(08:13):
out o the house. He's a rum one is China
peat and can't eke off my word, he concluded. I
was about to put another question when the door open
and the girl who had brought me to the house
beckoned me into the room. I entered, and she left
me alone with the occupant. Of all the filthy places
I have ever seen, and I have had the ill
(08:34):
luck to discover a good many in my time, that
one eclipsed them all. On the bed, propped up by pillows,
and evidently in the last stage of collapse, was a
man called China Pete. When we were alone together, he
pointed to a box near the bed. That signified that
I should seat myself. I did so, at the same time,
(08:55):
taking occasion to express my sorrow at finding him in
this lamentable condition. He made no reply to my civilities,
but after a little pause, found strength enough to whisper,
see if there's anybody at the door. I went across,
opened the door and looked into the passage. But save
the boy who was now sitting on the top step
of the stairs at the other end, there was not
(09:15):
a soul in sight. I told him this, and, having
again closed the door, sat down on the box and
waited for him to speak. You did me a good term,
mister Weather. All over that trial, the invalid said at last,
and I couldn't make it worth your while. Oh you
mustn't let that worry or, I answered, soothingly. You would
have paid me if you'd been able. Perhaps I should,
(09:35):
Perhaps I shouldn't. Anyhow I didn't. I want to make
it up to you. Now feel under my pill and
bring out what you find there. I did as he
directed me, and brought to light a queer, little wooden
box about three and a half inches long, made of
some heavy timber and covered all over with Chinese inscriptions.
At one end was a tiny bit of heavy gold cord,
(09:57):
much tarnished. I gave it to him, and he looked
at it fondly. Do you know the value of this
little stick? He asked after a while, I have no
possible notion, I replied, Make a guess, he said, to
whom are whom? I guessed five pounds, and he laughed
with scorn. Five pounds. Oh ye, gods, whereas a bit
of stick, it's not worth fivepence. But for what it
(10:19):
really is, there's not enough money in the world to
purchase it. If I could get about again, I would
make myself the richest and most powerful man on earth
with it. If you could only guess one particle of
the dangers I've been through to get it, you would
die of astonishment. And the irony of it is all that.
Now I've got it, I can't make use of it.
On six different occasions, the priests of the Lamassar iron
(10:42):
Pea king have tried to murder me to get hold
of it. I brought it down from the center of
China disguised as a wandering beggar. That business connected with
the murder of the Chinaman on board The ship against
which you defended me was on account of it. And
now I lie here, dying like a dog, with the
ki over ten millions in my hand. Nicola has tried
(11:04):
for five years to obtain it, without success. However he
little dreams I've got it, after all. If he did,
I'd be a dead man by now. Who is this Nicola?
Then I asked Dr Nicola. Well, he's Nicola, and that's
all I can tell you. If you're a wise man,
you'll want to know no more. Ask the Chinese mothers
(11:24):
nursing their almonide spawn in peking who he is. Ask
the Japanese, Ask the Malaise, the Hindus, the Burmese, the
coal porters in Port, said, the Buddhist priests of Celon.
Ask the young king of Korea, the men up in Thibet,
the Spanish priests in Manila, or the Sultan of Borneo,
the ministers of Siam, or the French and Saigon. They'll
(11:47):
all know doctor Nicola and his cat, and take my word,
they fear him. I looked at the little stick in
my hand and wondered if the man had gone mad
when he wished me to do with this. I asked,
take it away with you. He answer, guard it like
your life, and when you have occasion, use it. Remember
you have in your hand what will raise a million
men and the equivalent of over ten milk. At this point,
(12:10):
a violent fit of coughing seized him and nearly tore
him to pieces. I lifted him up a little in
the bed, but before I could take my hands away,
a stream of blood had gushed from his lips. Like
a flash of thought, I ran to the door to
call the girl. The boy on the stairs re echoed
my shout, and in less time than it takes to
tell the woman was in the room. But we were
(12:32):
too late. China Peete was dead. After giving her all
the money I had about me to pay for the funeral,
I bade her good bye, and with a little stick
in my pocket, returned to my home. Once there, I
sat myself down in my study, took my legacy out
of my pocket, and carefully examined it As to his
peculiar power and value as described to me by the
(12:55):
dead man, I hardly knew what to think. My own
private opinion was that China Peet was not sane at
the time he told me, And yet how was I
to account for the affray with a chinaman on the boat,
and the evident desire of the celestials in Sydney had
to obtain the information concerning it. After half an hour's
consideration of it, I locked it up in a drawer
(13:17):
of my safe and went upstairs to bed. Next day,
China Pete was buried, and by the end of the
month I had well nigh forgotten that he had ever existed,
and had hardly thought of his queer little gift, which
still reposed in the upper drawer of my safe. But
I was to hear more of it later. On one night,
about a month after my coming into possession of a stick,
(13:38):
my wife and I entertained a few friends at dinner.
As the clock struck eleven, I said good night to
the last of my guests. Upon the door step. A
carriage had not gone fifty yards down the street before
a handsome drew up before the door, and a man
dressed in a heavy cloak jumped out, bidding the driver
wait for him as he ran up my steps. Mister weatherall,
I believe, he said, I did, and wished him good evening,
(14:01):
at the same time asking his business. I will tell
you with pleasure, he answered, you will permit me five
minutes alone with you. It's most important. As I leave
Sydney early to morrow morning, you will see that there
is not much time to spare. I led the way
into the house and to my study, which was in
the rear overlooking the garden. Once there, I bade him
be seated, and taking up my position at my desk. Then,
(14:24):
in the light of the lamp, I became aware of
the extraordinary personality of my visitor. He looked at me
very searchingly for a moment, and then said, my business
will surprise you a little, I expect, mister Weatherall. First,
if you will allow me, I will tell you something
about myself and then ask you a question. You must
understand that I am pretty well known as an Eastern
(14:45):
traveler from Port Sayed to the Cure Isles. There is
hardly a place with which I am not acquainted. I
have a hobby. I am a collector of Eastern curios.
But there is one thing I have never been able
to obtain, and that is Chinese executioner's symbol of office.
How can I help you in that direction, I asked,
(15:06):
completely mystified by selling me the one that has lately
come into your possession, he said. It is a little
black stick about three inches long, covered with Chinese characters.
I happened to hear, quite by chance that you had
one in your possession, and I have taken a journey
of some thousands of miles to endeavor to purchase it
from you. I went across to the safe, unlocked it,
(15:28):
and took out the little stick China Pete had given me.
When I turned round, I almost dropped it with surprise
as I saw the look of eagerness that rose in
my visitor's face. But he pulled himself together and said,
as calmly as he had yet addressed me, that is
the very thing. If you will allow me to purchase it,
I will complete my collection. What value do you place
(15:48):
upon it? I have no notion of its worth, I answered,
putting it down on the table and looking at it.
Then in a flash of thought came into my brain,
and I was about to speak, when he did dressed
me again. Of course, my reason for wishing to buy
it is rather a hair brained one. But if you
care to let me have it, I will give you
fifty pounds for it, with pleasure. Not enough, doctor Niccoler,
(16:09):
I said, with a smile. He jumped as if he
had been shot, and then clasped his hands tight on
the arm of his chair. My random bolt had gone
straight to the heart of the bull's eye. This man, then,
was doctor Niccoler, the extraordinary individual against whom China Pete
had warned me. I was determined now that come what might,
he should not have the stick. Do you not consider
(16:31):
the offer I made you a good one, then, mister
weather all the ouse, I am sorry to say, I
don't think the stick is for sale, I answered. It
was left to be by a man in return for
a queer sort of service I rendered him, and I
think I should like to keep it as a souvenir.
I will raise my offer to a hundred pounds. In
that case, said Niccola. I would rather not part with it,
I said, and as I spoke as if to clinch
(16:54):
the matter, I took it up and returned it to
the safe, taking care to lock the door upon it.
I'll give you five hundred pounds for it, cried Niccolo,
now thoroughly excited. Surely that will tempt you. I'm afraid
an offer of ten times that amount would make no difference,
I replied, feeling more convinced than ever that I would
not part with it. He laid himself back in his
(17:14):
chair and for nearly a minute and a half stared
me full in the face. You have seen Nichola's eyes,
so I needn't tell you what a queer effect they
are able to produce. I could not withdraw mine from them,
and I felt that if I did not make an effort,
I should soon be mesmerized. So, pulling myself together, I
sprang from my chair, and by doing so, let him
(17:34):
see that our interview was at an end. However, he
was not going without a last attempt to drive a bargain.
When he saw that I was not to be moved
by his temper gave way, and he bluntly told me
that I would have to sell it. There is no
compulsion in the matter, I said warmly. The curio is
my own property, and I will do just as I
please with it. Thereupon he begged my pardon, asked me
(17:58):
to attribute his impatience to the collect as eagerness, and
after a few last words, bade me good night and
left the house. When his cab had rolled away, I
went back to my study and sat thinking for a while,
and then something prompted me to take the stick out
from the safe. I did so and sat at my table,
gazing at it, wondering what the mystery might be to
(18:18):
which it was the key and it was not what
doctor Nicholl had described it, I felt certain. At the
end of half an hour, I put it in my pocket,
intending to take it upstairs to show my wife. Locked
the safe again and went off to my dressing room.
When I had described the interview and shown the stick
to my wife, I placed it in the drawer of
the looking glass and went to bed. Next morning, about
(18:39):
three o'clock I was awakened by the sound of someone
knocking violently at my door. I jumped out of bed
and inquired who it might be. To my intense surprise,
the answer was please. Therefore, I donned my dressing gown
and went out to find a sergeant of police on
the landing waiting for me. What's the matter, I cried,
A burglar, was his answer. He got him downstairs caught
him in the act. I followed the officer down to
(19:02):
the study. What a scene was there? The safe had
been forced its contents lay scattered in every direction. One
drawer of my writing table was wide open, and in
a corner, handcuffed and guarded by a stalwart constable, stood
a Chinaman. Well. To make a long story short, the
man was tried, after denying all knowledge of Nicola, who
by the way, could not be found, was convicted and
(19:25):
sentenced to five years hard labor. For a month, I
heard no more about the curio than a letter arrived
from an English solicitor in Shanghai demanding from me on
behalf of a Chinaman residing in that place a little
wooden stick covered with Chinese characters, which was said to
have been stolen by an Englishman known in Shanghai as
(19:45):
China Pete. This was very clearly another attempt on Nicho's
part to obtain possession of it, so I replied to
the effect that I could not entertain the request. A
month or so later, I cannot, however, be particular as
to the exact date, I found myself again in communication
with Niccola, this time from South America. But there was
(20:06):
this difference. This time he used undisguised threats, not only
against myself in the event of my still refusing to
give him what he wanted, but also against my wife
and daughter. I took no notice, with the result that
my residence was again broken into, but still without success.
Now I no longer locked the toilers when up in
the safe, but hid it in a place where I
(20:29):
knew no one could possibly find it. My mind, you
will see, was perfectly made up. I was not going
to be driven into surrendering it. One night, a month
after my wife's death, returning to my house, I was
garrotted and searched within a hundred yards of my own
front door, but my assailants could not find it on me.
Then peculiar pressure from other quarters was brought to bear.
(20:53):
My servants were bribed, and my life became almost a
burden to me. What was more, I began to develop
that extraordinary fear of Niccola, which seems to seize upon
everyone who has had any dealings with him. When I
went home to England some months back, I did it
because my spirits had gone into such a depressed state
that I could not remain in Australia, and I took
(21:14):
care to deposit the stick with my plate in the
bank before I left there. It remained till I returned,
but I put it back in its old hiding place again.
The day after I reached London, I happened to be
crossing Trafalgar Square, believing that I had left him at
least ten thousand miles away. You may imagine my horror
when I saw doctor Nichola watching me from the other
(21:35):
side of the road. Then and there I returned to
my hotel, bade Phyllis pack with all possible dispatch, and
that same afternoon you started to return to Australia. The
rest you know. Now, what do you think of it all?
It's an extraordinary story. Where is the stick at the
present moment in my pocket? Would you like to see
it very much? If you would permit me to do so.
(21:58):
He unbuttoned his coat and from a carefully contrived pocket
under the arm, drew out a little piece of wood,
exactly the length and shape he had described. I took
it from him and gazed at it carefully. It was
covered all over with Chinese writing, piece of gold silk
attached to the handle. There was nothing very remarkable about it,
(22:19):
but I must own I was strangely fascinated by it,
and I remembered the misery it had caused, the changes
and chances it had brought about, the weird story told
by China Pete, and all the efforts that had been
made by Niko to obtain possession of it. I gave
it back to its owner, and then stood looking out
over the smooth sea, wondering where Phyllis was and what
(22:41):
she was doing. Nichola, when I met him, would have
a heavy account to settle with me, and if my
darling reported any further cruelty on his part, I would
show no mercy. But why had mister Weatherill brought the
curier with him? Now? I put the question for one
very good reason, he answered, if it's the stick that
Nicol is after, as I have every right to suppose,
(23:03):
he may demand it as a ransom for my girl,
and I am quite willing to let him have it.
The wretched thing has caused sufficient misery to make me
only too glad to be rid of it. I hope, however,
we shall well to get her without giving it up.
I said, now let's go. After lunch the day following
we were within one hundred miles of our destination, and
(23:23):
by mid day of the day following that again we
were near enough to render it advisable to hold a
council over our intended movements. Accordingly, a little before lunch time,
the Marquis weather All, the Skipper, and myself met under
the after awning to consider our plan of war. The
first matter to be taken into consideration, I think, mister Weatherall,
(23:44):
said the skipper, is to point to which side of
the island we shall bring you upon. You will be
able to settle that, answered weather All, looking at me,
you are acquainted with the place that can best advise us.
I will do so to the best of my ability,
I said, sitting down on the deck and drawing an
outline with a piece of chalk. The island is shaped
like this, There is no reef. Here is the best anchorage,
(24:06):
without doubt. But here is the point where we should
be most likely to approach without being observed. The trend
of the land is all upward from the shore, and
as far as I remember, the most likely spot for
a hut. If they are detaining this weather All, there
as we suppose, we will be on a little plateau
looking south and hard by the only water on the island.
(24:28):
And what sort of anchorage shall we get there? Do
you think asked the skipper, who very properly wished to
run no risk with his owner's boat mostly coral. None
too good perhaps, but as we shall have steam up
quite safe enough, and how do you propose we shall
reach the hut when we land. I've been thinking that out,
I said, I have come to the conclusion that the
best plan would be for us to approach the island
(24:49):
after dark, to heave two about three miles out, and
pull the shore in the boat. We will then ascend
the hill by the eastern slope and descend upon them.
They will probably not expect us from that quarter, and
it will at least be easier than climbing the hill
in the face of heavy fire. What do you say?
They all agreed that it seemed practicable. Very good, Then
(25:11):
said the skipper. We'll have lunch and afterwards begin our preparations. Then,
turning to me, I'll get you to come into my cabin,
mister Harters, by and by and take a look at
the admiralty chart. If you will, you'll be able to
probably tell me if you think it can be relied on.
I'll do so with pleasure, I answered, and then we
went below directly. Our meal was over. I accompanied the
(25:31):
skipper to look at the charts, and upon it we
marked our anchorage. Then an adjournment was made after and
our equipment of rifles and revolvers thoroughly overhauled. We had
decided earlier that our landing party should consist of eight men,
whether or beckon them, the mate of the yacht, myself
and four of the crew, each of whom would be
supplied with a Winchester repeating rifle, a revolver, and a
(25:53):
dozen cartridges. Not a shot was to be fired, however,
and it's absolutely necessary, and the greatest care was to
be taken in order to approach the hut, if possible,
without disturbing its inmates. When the arms had been distributed
and carefully examined, the sixteen foot surfbook was uncovered and
preparations were made for hoisting or overboard. By the time
(26:15):
this was done, it was late in the afternoon, and
almost soon enough for us to be thinking about overcoming
the distance which separated us from our destination. About dusk,
I was standing aft, leaning against the taffrail when Beckenham
came up and stood beside me. It was wonderful, what
a difference these few months had made in him. He
was now as brown as a berry and as fine
(26:36):
looking young fellow as any man could wish to see.
We should be picking up the island directly, I said,
as he came to an anchor alongside me. Do you
think you ought to go to night? Remember, you will
run the risk of being shot. I've thought of that,
he said, and I believe it's my duty to do
my best to help you with mister Weatherill. What would
your father say if he knew, he would say that
I only did what was right. I've just been writing
(26:59):
to him, telling him everything. If anything should happen to me,
you will find the letter on the chest of drawers
in your cabin. I know you will send it on
to him. But if we both come out of it
safely and rescue miss weather Or, I'm going to ask
a favor, granted before I know what it is. This
is't a very big one. I want you to let
me be your best man at your wedding. You shall,
(27:21):
and the better I could not possibly desire. I like
to hear you say that we've been through a good
deal together since we left Europe, haven't we We have,
and tonight we'll bring it to a climax, or I'm
much mistaken. I think Nichola will show fight. I a
doubt about it. I should think if he finds himself
corn and he'll probably fight like a demon. It's Baxter
I want to meet. Nichola is my man of a
(27:43):
big grudge against him, and I want to pay it.
How little we thought when we were cruising about Bournemouth
Bay together that within such a short space of time
we should be sailing in the South Pacific on such
an errand it seems almost too strange to be possible.
It does. All's well, that ends well, however, Let's hope
we're going to be successful tonight. Now going on to
(28:05):
the bridge to see if I could pick up the
land ahead, I left him and went forward to the
captain's side. Dusk had quite fallen by this time, rendering
it impossible to see very far ahead. A hand had
been posted in the fore ringing as a lookout, and
every moment we expected to hear his warning cry. But
nearly an hour passed and still it did not come.
(28:26):
And then suddenly the shout rang out land ahead, and
we knew that our destination was in sight. Long before
this all our lights had been obscured, and so in
the darkness, for a thick pool of cloud covered the sky,
we crept towards the coast. Within a couple of minutes
of hearing the hail, every man on board was on
deck gazing in the direction in which we were proceeding.
(28:50):
By tea time we had brought the land considerably nearer,
and by eight o'clock were within three miles of it.
On a sign, however, of any craft we could discover,
and the greatest vigilance had to be exercised on our
part to allow no sign to escape us to show
our whereabouts to those on shore. Exactly at nine o'clock,
the shore party, fully armed, assembled on deck and the
(29:14):
surf boat was swung overboard. Then, in the darkness, we
crept down the gangway and took our places. The mate
was in possession of the tiller, and when all was ready,
we set off for the shore. End of Part two,
Chapter five
Part two, Chapter five of A Bid for Fortune by
Guy Boothby. This is a LibriVox recording. All LibriVox recordings
are in the public domain. Chapter five The Islands and
what we found there. To those who have had no
(00:22):
experience of the South Pacific, the constantly recurring beauties of
our voyage would have seemed like a foretaste of Heaven itself.
From Sydney, until the Loyalty Group lay behind us, we
had one long spell of exquisite weather. By night under
the winking stars, and by day in the warm sunlight.
Our trim little craft plowed away across the smooth seas,
(00:45):
and our only occupation was to promenade or loaf about
the decks, and to speculate us to the result of
the expedition upon which we had in barks. Having sighted
the Isle of Pines, we turned our boughs almost dune
and headed for the New Hebrides. Every hour of our
impatience was growing greater. In less than two days, all
(01:08):
being well, we should build our destination, and twenty four
hours after that, if our fortune proved in the ascendant,
we ought to be on our way back, with Phyllis
in our possession. Once more, and what this would mean
to me, I can only leave you to guess. One morning,
just as the fate outline of the coast of Anneum
(01:28):
was peering up over the horizon a head weather all than,
I chanced to be sitting in the bows. The sea
was as smooth as glass, and the tinkling of the
water round the little vessel's nose as she turned it
off in snowy lines for neither bow was the only
sound to be heard. As usual, the conversation, after wandering
into other topics, came back to the subject nearest to
(01:51):
our hearts. This led us to make a few remarks
and Nicola and his character, but could not help asking
him for an explanent. You want to know how it
is that I am so frightened of Niccola, He asked, Well,
to give you my reason will necessitate by telling you
a story. I don't mind doing that at all, But
what I'm afraid of is that you might be inclined
(02:12):
to doubt its probability. However, if you want to hear it,
you shall, I should like to above all things, I replied,
I have been longing to ask you about it some
time past, but could not quite screw up the courage
well in the first place, mister Weatherall said, you must
understand that before I came a minister of the Crown,
and or indeed a member of Parliament at all, I
(02:34):
was a barrister, a fairly renunerative practice. That was before
my wife's death, and when Phyllis was at school. Up
to the time I need to tell you about, I
had taken part in a no very sensational case. But
my opportunity for earning not a riot. He was, though
I did not know it near at hand. One day
(02:54):
I was brief to defend a man accused of the
murder of a Chinaman the boarder Sydney vessel on a
void for Shanghai. At first there seemed to be no
doubt at all as to his guilt. But by a
singular chance, with the details of which I will not
bore you, I hit upon a scheme which got him off.
I remember the man perfectly a queer fellow. He was
(03:15):
half witted, I thought, by the time of the trial,
within an ace of dying of consumption. His gratitude was
the more pathetic because he had not the wherewithal to
pay me. However, he made it up to me in
another way. One wet night, a couple of months or
so after the trial, I was sitting in my drawing
room listening to my wife's music, when a servant entered
(03:36):
to tell me the woman wanted to see me. I
went out into the passage to find waiting there a
tall buxom lass of about five and twenty years of age.
She was poorly dressed, but in a great state of excitement.
I you, mister weather, or, she asked. The gentleman has
defended China Pete in the trial the other day, I am,
I answered, What can I do for you? I hope
(03:57):
China Pete is not in trouble again. He's in worse
trouble this time, sir, said the woman. He's dying, and
he sent me to fetch you to him before he goes,
because he want me for hours rather suspiciously, I don't know,
was the girl's reply. But he's been calling for you
all this blessed day. Send for mister Weatherill, send for
mister weatherall so off. I came when I got back
(04:19):
from work to fetch you. If you're coming, sir, he'd
best be quick or he won't last till morning. Very well,
I'll come here at once, I said, and having told
my wife not to sit up for me, I followed
my strange messenger out of the house. For an early
an hour, we walked on and on, plunging deeper into
the lower quarter of the town, and all through the march,
(04:40):
my guide maintained a rigid silence, walking a few paces ahead,
and only recognizing the fact that I was following her
by nodding in a certain direction whenever we arrived at
across thoroughfares or interlacing lanes. At last we arrived the
street she wanted. At the corner she came to suddenly
(05:00):
to a standstill, and, putting her two first fingers into
her mouth, blew a shrill whistle after the fashion of
street boys. A moment later, a shock headed urchin about
ten years old made his appearance from a dark alley
came towards us. The woman said something to him which
I did not catch, then, turning sharply to her left hand,
(05:20):
beckon me to follow her. From the street itself. We
passed by way of a villainous alley into a large courtyard,
where brooded a silence like that of death. Indeed, a
more weird and desolate place I don't remember ever having
met with. Not a soul was to be seen, and
though it was surrounded by houses, only two feeble lights
(05:41):
showed themselves. Towards one of these, my guide made her way,
dopping on the threshold on a panel she wrapped with
her fingers, And as she did so, a window on
the first floor opened, and the boy we had met
in the street looked out. How many inquired a woman
who had brought me in a loud voice. None, now,
replied the boy. But it has been a pile of
(06:02):
chinkies hereabouts all the evening and arf and ago as
a gent in a cloak. Without waiting to hear any more,
the woman entered the house, and I followed close on
her heels. The adventure was clearly coming to her head. Now.
When the door had been closed behind us, the boy
appeared at the top of a flight of stairs with
a lighted candle. We accordingly ascended to him, and, having
(06:24):
done so, made our way towards the door at the
end of the abominably dirty landing. At intervals I could
hear the sound of coffin coming from a room at
the end. My companion however, bade me stop, while she
went herself into the room, shutting the door after her.
I was left alone with the boy, who immediately took
me under his protection and from my undivined benefit, performed
(06:46):
a series of highly meritous acrobatic performances upon the feeble banister,
to his own danger but apparent satisfaction. Suddenly, just as
he was about to commence what I promised to be
the most success for Lighter in his repertoire, he paused,
laid flat on his stomach upon the floor, craned his
head over the side where once banist As had been,
(07:09):
and gazed into the half dark below, all as quiet
as the grave, and never that morning, an almond eyed
pigtail head appeared on the stairs and looked upwards. Before
I could say anything to stop him, the youth had
divested himself of his one slipper, taking it in his
right hand, leaned over a bit further and struck the
(07:30):
ascending celestial a severe blow on the mouth with the
heel of it. There was the noise of a hasty
descent and the banging of the street door. A moment later.
Then all was still again, and the youngster turned to me.
That was our chong, he said, confidently, he is a
sixth chinkey. I've landed that way since dark. This important
(07:51):
piece of information. He closed with a double jointed oath
of remarkable atrocity. Having done so, would have recommenced the
performance of robatic feat had I not stopped him by
asking the reason of his action. He looked at me
with a grin. I don't know, but all I cares
is that China Peete in there. It gives me a
sprat as a sixpence for every chinky what I keeps
(08:13):
out o the house. He's a rum one is China
peat and can't eke off my word, he concluded. I
was about to put another question when the door open
and the girl who had brought me to the house
beckoned me into the room. I entered, and she left
me alone with the occupant. Of all the filthy places
I have ever seen, and I have had the ill
(08:34):
luck to discover a good many in my time, that
one eclipsed them all. On the bed, propped up by pillows,
and evidently in the last stage of collapse, was a
man called China Pete. When we were alone together, he
pointed to a box near the bed. That signified that
I should seat myself. I did so, at the same time,
(08:55):
taking occasion to express my sorrow at finding him in
this lamentable condition. He made no reply to my civilities,
but after a little pause, found strength enough to whisper,
see if there's anybody at the door. I went across,
opened the door and looked into the passage. But save
the boy who was now sitting on the top step
of the stairs at the other end, there was not
(09:15):
a soul in sight. I told him this, and, having
again closed the door, sat down on the box and
waited for him to speak. You did me a good term,
mister Weather. All over that trial, the invalid said at last,
and I couldn't make it worth your while. Oh you
mustn't let that worry or, I answered, soothingly. You would
have paid me if you'd been able. Perhaps I should,
(09:35):
Perhaps I shouldn't. Anyhow I didn't. I want to make
it up to you. Now feel under my pill and
bring out what you find there. I did as he
directed me, and brought to light a queer, little wooden
box about three and a half inches long, made of
some heavy timber and covered all over with Chinese inscriptions.
At one end was a tiny bit of heavy gold cord,
(09:57):
much tarnished. I gave it to him, and he looked
at it fondly. Do you know the value of this
little stick? He asked after a while, I have no
possible notion, I replied, Make a guess, he said, to
whom are whom? I guessed five pounds, and he laughed
with scorn. Five pounds. Oh ye, gods, whereas a bit
of stick, it's not worth fivepence. But for what it
(10:19):
really is, there's not enough money in the world to
purchase it. If I could get about again, I would
make myself the richest and most powerful man on earth
with it. If you could only guess one particle of
the dangers I've been through to get it, you would
die of astonishment. And the irony of it is all that.
Now I've got it, I can't make use of it.
On six different occasions, the priests of the Lamassar iron
(10:42):
Pea king have tried to murder me to get hold
of it. I brought it down from the center of
China disguised as a wandering beggar. That business connected with
the murder of the Chinaman on board The ship against
which you defended me was on account of it. And
now I lie here, dying like a dog, with the
ki over ten millions in my hand. Nicola has tried
(11:04):
for five years to obtain it, without success. However he
little dreams I've got it, after all. If he did,
I'd be a dead man by now. Who is this Nicola?
Then I asked Dr Nicola. Well, he's Nicola, and that's
all I can tell you. If you're a wise man,
you'll want to know no more. Ask the Chinese mothers
(11:24):
nursing their almonide spawn in peking who he is. Ask
the Japanese, Ask the Malaise, the Hindus, the Burmese, the
coal porters in Port, said, the Buddhist priests of Celon.
Ask the young king of Korea, the men up in Thibet,
the Spanish priests in Manila, or the Sultan of Borneo,
the ministers of Siam, or the French and Saigon. They'll
(11:47):
all know doctor Nicola and his cat, and take my word,
they fear him. I looked at the little stick in
my hand and wondered if the man had gone mad
when he wished me to do with this. I asked,
take it away with you. He answer, guard it like
your life, and when you have occasion, use it. Remember
you have in your hand what will raise a million
men and the equivalent of over ten milk. At this point,
(12:10):
a violent fit of coughing seized him and nearly tore
him to pieces. I lifted him up a little in
the bed, but before I could take my hands away,
a stream of blood had gushed from his lips. Like
a flash of thought, I ran to the door to
call the girl. The boy on the stairs re echoed
my shout, and in less time than it takes to
tell the woman was in the room. But we were
(12:32):
too late. China Peete was dead. After giving her all
the money I had about me to pay for the funeral,
I bade her good bye, and with a little stick
in my pocket, returned to my home. Once there, I
sat myself down in my study, took my legacy out
of my pocket, and carefully examined it As to his
peculiar power and value as described to me by the
(12:55):
dead man, I hardly knew what to think. My own
private opinion was that China Peet was not sane at
the time he told me, And yet how was I
to account for the affray with a chinaman on the boat,
and the evident desire of the celestials in Sydney had
to obtain the information concerning it. After half an hour's
consideration of it, I locked it up in a drawer
(13:17):
of my safe and went upstairs to bed. Next day,
China Pete was buried, and by the end of the
month I had well nigh forgotten that he had ever existed,
and had hardly thought of his queer little gift, which
still reposed in the upper drawer of my safe. But
I was to hear more of it later. On one night,
about a month after my coming into possession of a stick,
(13:38):
my wife and I entertained a few friends at dinner.
As the clock struck eleven, I said good night to
the last of my guests. Upon the door step. A
carriage had not gone fifty yards down the street before
a handsome drew up before the door, and a man
dressed in a heavy cloak jumped out, bidding the driver
wait for him as he ran up my steps. Mister weatherall,
I believe, he said, I did, and wished him good evening,
(14:01):
at the same time asking his business. I will tell
you with pleasure, he answered, you will permit me five
minutes alone with you. It's most important. As I leave
Sydney early to morrow morning, you will see that there
is not much time to spare. I led the way
into the house and to my study, which was in
the rear overlooking the garden. Once there, I bade him
be seated, and taking up my position at my desk. Then,
(14:24):
in the light of the lamp, I became aware of
the extraordinary personality of my visitor. He looked at me
very searchingly for a moment, and then said, my business
will surprise you a little, I expect, mister Weatherall. First,
if you will allow me, I will tell you something
about myself and then ask you a question. You must
understand that I am pretty well known as an Eastern
(14:45):
traveler from Port Sayed to the Cure Isles. There is
hardly a place with which I am not acquainted. I
have a hobby. I am a collector of Eastern curios.
But there is one thing I have never been able
to obtain, and that is Chinese executioner's symbol of office.
How can I help you in that direction, I asked,
(15:06):
completely mystified by selling me the one that has lately
come into your possession, he said. It is a little
black stick about three inches long, covered with Chinese characters.
I happened to hear, quite by chance that you had
one in your possession, and I have taken a journey
of some thousands of miles to endeavor to purchase it
from you. I went across to the safe, unlocked it,
(15:28):
and took out the little stick China Pete had given me.
When I turned round, I almost dropped it with surprise
as I saw the look of eagerness that rose in
my visitor's face. But he pulled himself together and said,
as calmly as he had yet addressed me, that is
the very thing. If you will allow me to purchase it,
I will complete my collection. What value do you place
(15:48):
upon it? I have no notion of its worth, I answered,
putting it down on the table and looking at it.
Then in a flash of thought came into my brain,
and I was about to speak, when he did dressed
me again. Of course, my reason for wishing to buy
it is rather a hair brained one. But if you
care to let me have it, I will give you
fifty pounds for it, with pleasure. Not enough, doctor Niccoler,
(16:09):
I said, with a smile. He jumped as if he
had been shot, and then clasped his hands tight on
the arm of his chair. My random bolt had gone
straight to the heart of the bull's eye. This man, then,
was doctor Niccoler, the extraordinary individual against whom China Pete
had warned me. I was determined now that come what might,
he should not have the stick. Do you not consider
(16:31):
the offer I made you a good one, then, mister
weather all the ouse, I am sorry to say, I
don't think the stick is for sale, I answered. It
was left to be by a man in return for
a queer sort of service I rendered him, and I
think I should like to keep it as a souvenir.
I will raise my offer to a hundred pounds. In
that case, said Niccola. I would rather not part with it,
I said, and as I spoke as if to clinch
(16:54):
the matter, I took it up and returned it to
the safe, taking care to lock the door upon it.
I'll give you five hundred pounds for it, cried Niccolo,
now thoroughly excited. Surely that will tempt you. I'm afraid
an offer of ten times that amount would make no difference,
I replied, feeling more convinced than ever that I would
not part with it. He laid himself back in his
(17:14):
chair and for nearly a minute and a half stared
me full in the face. You have seen Nichola's eyes,
so I needn't tell you what a queer effect they
are able to produce. I could not withdraw mine from them,
and I felt that if I did not make an effort,
I should soon be mesmerized. So, pulling myself together, I
sprang from my chair, and by doing so, let him
(17:34):
see that our interview was at an end. However, he
was not going without a last attempt to drive a bargain.
When he saw that I was not to be moved
by his temper gave way, and he bluntly told me
that I would have to sell it. There is no
compulsion in the matter, I said warmly. The curio is
my own property, and I will do just as I
please with it. Thereupon he begged my pardon, asked me
(17:58):
to attribute his impatience to the collect as eagerness, and
after a few last words, bade me good night and
left the house. When his cab had rolled away, I
went back to my study and sat thinking for a while,
and then something prompted me to take the stick out
from the safe. I did so and sat at my table,
gazing at it, wondering what the mystery might be to
(18:18):
which it was the key and it was not what
doctor Nicholl had described it, I felt certain. At the
end of half an hour, I put it in my pocket,
intending to take it upstairs to show my wife. Locked
the safe again and went off to my dressing room.
When I had described the interview and shown the stick
to my wife, I placed it in the drawer of
the looking glass and went to bed. Next morning, about
(18:39):
three o'clock I was awakened by the sound of someone
knocking violently at my door. I jumped out of bed
and inquired who it might be. To my intense surprise,
the answer was please. Therefore, I donned my dressing gown
and went out to find a sergeant of police on
the landing waiting for me. What's the matter, I cried,
A burglar, was his answer. He got him downstairs caught
him in the act. I followed the officer down to
(19:02):
the study. What a scene was there? The safe had
been forced its contents lay scattered in every direction. One
drawer of my writing table was wide open, and in
a corner, handcuffed and guarded by a stalwart constable, stood
a Chinaman. Well. To make a long story short, the
man was tried, after denying all knowledge of Nicola, who
by the way, could not be found, was convicted and
(19:25):
sentenced to five years hard labor. For a month, I
heard no more about the curio than a letter arrived
from an English solicitor in Shanghai demanding from me on
behalf of a Chinaman residing in that place a little
wooden stick covered with Chinese characters, which was said to
have been stolen by an Englishman known in Shanghai as
(19:45):
China Pete. This was very clearly another attempt on Nicho's
part to obtain possession of it, so I replied to
the effect that I could not entertain the request. A
month or so later, I cannot, however, be particular as
to the exact date, I found myself again in communication
with Niccola, this time from South America. But there was
(20:06):
this difference. This time he used undisguised threats, not only
against myself in the event of my still refusing to
give him what he wanted, but also against my wife
and daughter. I took no notice, with the result that
my residence was again broken into, but still without success.
Now I no longer locked the toilers when up in
the safe, but hid it in a place where I
(20:29):
knew no one could possibly find it. My mind, you
will see, was perfectly made up. I was not going
to be driven into surrendering it. One night, a month
after my wife's death, returning to my house, I was
garrotted and searched within a hundred yards of my own
front door, but my assailants could not find it on me.
Then peculiar pressure from other quarters was brought to bear.
(20:53):
My servants were bribed, and my life became almost a
burden to me. What was more, I began to develop
that extraordinary fear of Niccola, which seems to seize upon
everyone who has had any dealings with him. When I
went home to England some months back, I did it
because my spirits had gone into such a depressed state
that I could not remain in Australia, and I took
(21:14):
care to deposit the stick with my plate in the
bank before I left there. It remained till I returned,
but I put it back in its old hiding place again.
The day after I reached London, I happened to be
crossing Trafalgar Square, believing that I had left him at
least ten thousand miles away. You may imagine my horror
when I saw doctor Nichola watching me from the other
(21:35):
side of the road. Then and there I returned to
my hotel, bade Phyllis pack with all possible dispatch, and
that same afternoon you started to return to Australia. The
rest you know. Now, what do you think of it all?
It's an extraordinary story. Where is the stick at the
present moment in my pocket? Would you like to see
it very much? If you would permit me to do so.
(21:58):
He unbuttoned his coat and from a carefully contrived pocket
under the arm, drew out a little piece of wood,
exactly the length and shape he had described. I took
it from him and gazed at it carefully. It was
covered all over with Chinese writing, piece of gold silk
attached to the handle. There was nothing very remarkable about it,
(22:19):
but I must own I was strangely fascinated by it,
and I remembered the misery it had caused, the changes
and chances it had brought about, the weird story told
by China Pete, and all the efforts that had been
made by Niko to obtain possession of it. I gave
it back to its owner, and then stood looking out
over the smooth sea, wondering where Phyllis was and what
(22:41):
she was doing. Nichola, when I met him, would have
a heavy account to settle with me, and if my
darling reported any further cruelty on his part, I would
show no mercy. But why had mister Weatherill brought the
curier with him? Now? I put the question for one
very good reason, he answered, if it's the stick that
Nicol is after, as I have every right to suppose,
(23:03):
he may demand it as a ransom for my girl,
and I am quite willing to let him have it.
The wretched thing has caused sufficient misery to make me
only too glad to be rid of it. I hope, however,
we shall well to get her without giving it up.
I said, now let's go. After lunch the day following
we were within one hundred miles of our destination, and
(23:23):
by mid day of the day following that again we
were near enough to render it advisable to hold a
council over our intended movements. Accordingly, a little before lunch time,
the Marquis weather All, the Skipper, and myself met under
the after awning to consider our plan of war. The
first matter to be taken into consideration, I think, mister Weatherall,
(23:44):
said the skipper, is to point to which side of
the island we shall bring you upon. You will be
able to settle that, answered weather All, looking at me,
you are acquainted with the place that can best advise us.
I will do so to the best of my ability,
I said, sitting down on the deck and drawing an
outline with a piece of chalk. The island is shaped
like this, There is no reef. Here is the best anchorage,
(24:06):
without doubt. But here is the point where we should
be most likely to approach without being observed. The trend
of the land is all upward from the shore, and
as far as I remember, the most likely spot for
a hut. If they are detaining this weather All, there
as we suppose, we will be on a little plateau
looking south and hard by the only water on the island.
(24:28):
And what sort of anchorage shall we get there? Do
you think asked the skipper, who very properly wished to
run no risk with his owner's boat mostly coral. None
too good perhaps, but as we shall have steam up
quite safe enough, and how do you propose we shall
reach the hut when we land. I've been thinking that out,
I said, I have come to the conclusion that the
best plan would be for us to approach the island
(24:49):
after dark, to heave two about three miles out, and
pull the shore in the boat. We will then ascend
the hill by the eastern slope and descend upon them.
They will probably not expect us from that quarter, and
it will at least be easier than climbing the hill
in the face of heavy fire. What do you say?
They all agreed that it seemed practicable. Very good, Then
(25:11):
said the skipper. We'll have lunch and afterwards begin our preparations. Then,
turning to me, I'll get you to come into my cabin,
mister Harters, by and by and take a look at
the admiralty chart. If you will, you'll be able to
probably tell me if you think it can be relied on.
I'll do so with pleasure, I answered, and then we
went below directly. Our meal was over. I accompanied the
(25:31):
skipper to look at the charts, and upon it we
marked our anchorage. Then an adjournment was made after and
our equipment of rifles and revolvers thoroughly overhauled. We had
decided earlier that our landing party should consist of eight men,
whether or beckon them, the mate of the yacht, myself
and four of the crew, each of whom would be
supplied with a Winchester repeating rifle, a revolver, and a
(25:53):
dozen cartridges. Not a shot was to be fired, however,
and it's absolutely necessary, and the greatest care was to
be taken in order to approach the hut, if possible,
without disturbing its inmates. When the arms had been distributed
and carefully examined, the sixteen foot surfbook was uncovered and
preparations were made for hoisting or overboard. By the time
(26:15):
this was done, it was late in the afternoon, and
almost soon enough for us to be thinking about overcoming
the distance which separated us from our destination. About dusk,
I was standing aft, leaning against the taffrail when Beckenham
came up and stood beside me. It was wonderful, what
a difference these few months had made in him. He
was now as brown as a berry and as fine
(26:36):
looking young fellow as any man could wish to see.
We should be picking up the island directly, I said,
as he came to an anchor alongside me. Do you
think you ought to go to night? Remember, you will
run the risk of being shot. I've thought of that,
he said, and I believe it's my duty to do
my best to help you with mister Weatherill. What would
your father say if he knew, he would say that
I only did what was right. I've just been writing
(26:59):
to him, telling him everything. If anything should happen to me,
you will find the letter on the chest of drawers
in your cabin. I know you will send it on
to him. But if we both come out of it
safely and rescue miss weather Or, I'm going to ask
a favor, granted before I know what it is. This
is't a very big one. I want you to let
me be your best man at your wedding. You shall,
(27:21):
and the better I could not possibly desire. I like
to hear you say that we've been through a good
deal together since we left Europe, haven't we We have,
and tonight we'll bring it to a climax, or I'm
much mistaken. I think Nichola will show fight. I a
doubt about it. I should think if he finds himself
corn and he'll probably fight like a demon. It's Baxter
I want to meet. Nichola is my man of a
(27:43):
big grudge against him, and I want to pay it.
How little we thought when we were cruising about Bournemouth
Bay together that within such a short space of time
we should be sailing in the South Pacific on such
an errand it seems almost too strange to be possible.
It does. All's well, that ends well, however, Let's hope
we're going to be successful tonight. Now going on to
(28:05):
the bridge to see if I could pick up the
land ahead, I left him and went forward to the
captain's side. Dusk had quite fallen by this time, rendering
it impossible to see very far ahead. A hand had
been posted in the fore ringing as a lookout, and
every moment we expected to hear his warning cry. But
nearly an hour passed and still it did not come.
(28:26):
And then suddenly the shout rang out land ahead, and
we knew that our destination was in sight. Long before
this all our lights had been obscured, and so in
the darkness, for a thick pool of cloud covered the sky,
we crept towards the coast. Within a couple of minutes
of hearing the hail, every man on board was on
deck gazing in the direction in which we were proceeding.
(28:50):
By tea time we had brought the land considerably nearer,
and by eight o'clock were within three miles of it.
On a sign, however, of any craft we could discover,
and the greatest vigilance had to be exercised on our
part to allow no sign to escape us to show
our whereabouts to those on shore. Exactly at nine o'clock,
the shore party, fully armed, assembled on deck and the
(29:14):
surf boat was swung overboard. Then, in the darkness, we
crept down the gangway and took our places. The mate
was in possession of the tiller, and when all was ready,
we set off for the shore. End of Part two,
Chapter five
Popular Podcasts
Stuff You Should Know
If you've ever wanted to know about champagne, satanism, the Stonewall Uprising, chaos theory, LSD, El Nino, true crime and Rosa Parks, then look no further. Josh and Chuck have you covered.
Dateline NBC
Current and classic episodes, featuring compelling true-crime mysteries, powerful documentaries and in-depth investigations. Follow now to get the latest episodes of Dateline NBC completely free, or subscribe to Dateline Premium for ad-free listening and exclusive bonus content: DatelinePremium.com
On Purpose with Jay Shetty
I’m Jay Shetty host of On Purpose the worlds #1 Mental Health podcast and I’m so grateful you found us. I started this podcast 5 years ago to invite you into conversations and workshops that are designed to help make you happier, healthier and more healed. I believe that when you (yes you) feel seen, heard and understood you’re able to deal with relationship struggles, work challenges and life’s ups and downs with more ease and grace. I interview experts, celebrities, thought leaders and athletes so that we can grow our mindset, build better habits and uncover a side of them we’ve never seen before. New episodes every Monday and Friday. Your support means the world to me and I don’t take it for granted — click the follow button and leave a review to help us spread the love with On Purpose. I can’t wait for you to listen to your first or 500th episode!