WEBVTT 1 00:00:00.840 --> 00:00:04.320 Dramatis persona of Freaks on the Fels. This is the 2 00:00:04.360 --> 00:00:08.000 Liberfox recording. All Liberfox recordings are in the public domain. 3 00:00:08.439 --> 00:00:12.080 For more information or the volunteer, please visit librifox dot org. 4 00:00:12.960 --> 00:00:16.280 Freaks on the Fel's three Months rustication by r. M. 5 00:00:16.359 --> 00:00:23.480 Valentine Dramatis persona narrator read by Phone and Isabella dent 6 00:00:24.440 --> 00:00:28.440 Robert Bob Smith read by Jenny Hughes and Tricia G. 7 00:00:29.480 --> 00:00:32.119 John Jack Brown read by. 8 00:00:32.679 --> 00:00:39.039 Cory Samuel and Doug Falhardo Edwards read by David Bonds 9 00:00:39.399 --> 00:00:41.240 and Chuck Williamson. 10 00:00:42.159 --> 00:00:47.359 The Cook read by David Bonds, Bob's Father read by 11 00:00:48.079 --> 00:00:53.079 David Bonds, and The Pirate Captain read. 12 00:00:52.880 --> 00:00:56.840 By David Bonds and Phil. 13 00:00:56.679 --> 00:01:05.280 She deckhand read by Cary Samuel. Officer read by Cary Samuel, First. 14 00:01:05.040 --> 00:01:07.439 Mate read by David Bonds. 15 00:01:08.280 --> 00:01:09.280 Voice from Down. 16 00:01:09.120 --> 00:01:12.159 Below read by Cary Samuel. 17 00:01:12.400 --> 00:01:15.719 Slave read by Chuck Williamson. 18 00:01:16.040 --> 00:01:20.400 Slave Owner read by Lynette, Slave Owner two read by 19 00:01:21.000 --> 00:01:21.840 Phil Sheaver. 20 00:01:23.760 --> 00:01:25.719 End of Termatus persona. 21 00:01:30.879 --> 00:01:33.879 Story two Chapters one and two of Freaks on the Fells. 22 00:01:34.519 --> 00:01:37.920 This is a LibriVox recording. All LibriVox recordings are in 23 00:01:37.920 --> 00:01:41.519 the public domain. For more information or to volunteer, please 24 00:01:41.599 --> 00:01:46.439 visit LibriVox dot org. Freaks on the Fells by R. M. Valentine, 25 00:01:47.079 --> 00:01:51.000 Story two, Chapter one, Why I did not become a sailor. 26 00:01:51.879 --> 00:01:54.359 There is a mystery connected with the incidents which I'm 27 00:01:54.400 --> 00:01:57.040 about to relate. Looked at from one point of view, 28 00:01:57.040 --> 00:02:00.959 the whole affair is mysterious, eminently so. Yet regarded from 29 00:02:00.959 --> 00:02:03.239 another point of view, it is not so mysterious as 30 00:02:03.280 --> 00:02:06.200 it seems. Whatever my reader may think about it as 31 00:02:06.200 --> 00:02:08.800 he goes along, I entreat him to suspend his judgment 32 00:02:08.919 --> 00:02:11.840 until he has reached the conclusion of my narrative. My 33 00:02:11.960 --> 00:02:14.800 only reason for bringing this mysterious matter before the public 34 00:02:14.919 --> 00:02:18.240 is that, in addition to filling me with unutterable surprise, 35 00:02:18.719 --> 00:02:20.960 it had the effect of quenching one of my strongest 36 00:02:20.960 --> 00:02:25.560 desires and effectually prevented my becoming a sailor. This, I 37 00:02:25.599 --> 00:02:28.199 freely admit, is not in itself a sufficient reason to 38 00:02:28.319 --> 00:02:31.280 justify my rushing into print. But when I regard the 39 00:02:31.280 --> 00:02:33.599 matter from what may be termed a negative point of view, 40 00:02:34.000 --> 00:02:36.800 I do not feel that it is not absolutely presumptuous 41 00:02:36.800 --> 00:02:39.960 in me to claim public attention. Suppose that Sir John 42 00:02:40.000 --> 00:02:42.560 Franklin had never gone to see. What a life of 43 00:02:42.599 --> 00:02:44.960 adventure and discovery would have been lost to the world, 44 00:02:45.439 --> 00:02:49.840 What deeds of heroism undone and therefore untold. I venture 45 00:02:49.879 --> 00:02:52.199 to think that if that great navigator had not gone 46 00:02:52.240 --> 00:02:54.639 to see, it would have been a matter of interest, 47 00:02:55.159 --> 00:02:57.639 knowing what we know now, to have been told that 48 00:02:57.639 --> 00:03:00.000 such was the case. In this view of the matter, 49 00:03:00.199 --> 00:03:03.400 I repeat it as being of possible future interest that 50 00:03:03.479 --> 00:03:06.000 the incident I am about to relate prevented my becoming 51 00:03:06.000 --> 00:03:08.919 a sailor. I am said to be a soft boy. 52 00:03:09.159 --> 00:03:11.080 That is to say, I was said to be soft. 53 00:03:11.560 --> 00:03:13.280 I'm a man now, but of course I was a 54 00:03:13.280 --> 00:03:16.199 boy once. I merely mention this to prove that I 55 00:03:16.240 --> 00:03:19.840 make no pretension whatever to unusual wisdom. Quite the reverse. 56 00:03:20.080 --> 00:03:22.879 I hate sailing under false colors, not that I ever 57 00:03:22.960 --> 00:03:25.800 did sail under any colors, never having become a sailor. 58 00:03:26.159 --> 00:03:28.240 And yet I shouldn't say that either, for that's the 59 00:03:28.319 --> 00:03:31.240 very point round which all the mystery hangs I did 60 00:03:31.240 --> 00:03:33.919 go to see. I'm rather apt to wander, I find 61 00:03:33.960 --> 00:03:36.560 from my point, and to confuse my own mind, I 62 00:03:36.639 --> 00:03:40.199 trust not the readers. Perhaps the shortest way to let 63 00:03:40.240 --> 00:03:42.240 you understand how it was is to tell you all 64 00:03:42.280 --> 00:03:45.840 about it. My name is Robert Smith, not an unusual 65 00:03:45.919 --> 00:03:48.319 name I am given to understand. It was of little 66 00:03:48.400 --> 00:03:50.319 use to me during the period of my boyhood, for 67 00:03:50.360 --> 00:03:53.520 I never got any other name than Bob. Sometimes soft 68 00:03:53.599 --> 00:03:56.919 was added. I had a father. He loved me. As 69 00:03:56.919 --> 00:04:00.520 a natural consequence I loved him. He was old, partially bald, 70 00:04:00.639 --> 00:04:05.240 silver haired, kind, affectionate, good, five feet six and more spectacles. 71 00:04:05.560 --> 00:04:08.000 I at the time I ride of, was young, stout, 72 00:04:08.080 --> 00:04:11.159 well grown, active, and had a long nose, much too 73 00:04:11.199 --> 00:04:13.439 long a nose. It was the only point in regard 74 00:04:13.439 --> 00:04:15.719 to which I was sensitive. It was owing to the 75 00:04:15.800 --> 00:04:18.199 length of this member. I believe that I once went 76 00:04:18.240 --> 00:04:21.560 by the name of Mozambique. You see, I conceal nothing 77 00:04:21.920 --> 00:04:25.439 the remarkable, the mysterious, the every way astonishing. Instance I 78 00:04:25.439 --> 00:04:27.959 am about to relate require that I should be more 79 00:04:28.000 --> 00:04:31.360 than usually careful and particular in stating things precisely as 80 00:04:31.360 --> 00:04:35.279 I saw them and understood them at the time. In 81 00:04:35.360 --> 00:04:37.160 this view of the matter, I should remark that the 82 00:04:37.199 --> 00:04:39.600 softness with which I was charged did not refer to 83 00:04:39.639 --> 00:04:42.560 my muscles, they were hard and well developed, but to 84 00:04:42.639 --> 00:04:45.800 my intellect. I take this opportunity of stating that I 85 00:04:45.839 --> 00:04:49.639 think the charge unjust. But to conclude my description of myself, 86 00:04:49.800 --> 00:04:53.079 I am romantic. One of my dearest companions used to 87 00:04:53.120 --> 00:04:55.480 say that my nose was the same minus the tick. 88 00:04:56.199 --> 00:04:58.319 What he meant by that I could never make out. 89 00:04:58.720 --> 00:05:02.639 I doubt if he himself knew. My chief delight in 90 00:05:02.680 --> 00:05:04.879 my leisure hours was to retire to my bedroom and 91 00:05:04.879 --> 00:05:07.920 immerse myself in books of travel and adventure. This was 92 00:05:07.959 --> 00:05:11.319 my mania. No one can conceive the delight I experienced 93 00:05:11.319 --> 00:05:14.279 in following heroes of every name over the pathless steep 94 00:05:14.319 --> 00:05:17.480 and through the trackless forests of every clime. My heart 95 00:05:17.560 --> 00:05:20.319 swelled within me, and the blood rushed through my veins 96 00:05:20.360 --> 00:05:23.480 like liquid fire. As I read of chasing lions, tigers, 97 00:05:23.519 --> 00:05:27.279 elephants in Africa, white bears and walrus in the Polar regions, 98 00:05:27.600 --> 00:05:31.199 and deer and bisons on the American prairies. I struggled 99 00:05:31.240 --> 00:05:33.519 long to suppress the flame that consumed me, but I 100 00:05:33.560 --> 00:05:36.759 could not. It grew hotter and hotter. At last it 101 00:05:36.839 --> 00:05:40.600 burst forth. And this brings me to the point I thought. 102 00:05:40.800 --> 00:05:44.879 One dark, dismal night in the middle of November, I thought, mind, 103 00:05:44.959 --> 00:05:47.800 I don't say, I determined no. But I thought of 104 00:05:47.879 --> 00:05:50.920 running away from home and going to sea. I confess 105 00:05:50.959 --> 00:05:53.680 it with shame. The image of my dear father rose 106 00:05:53.720 --> 00:05:57.040 before me with a kind and sorrowful look. I repented, 107 00:05:57.319 --> 00:05:59.519 started to my feet and seized the book I was reading, 108 00:05:59.519 --> 00:06:02.079 with the intention of tossing it into the fire. In 109 00:06:02.199 --> 00:06:05.720 doing so, I accidentally turned over a leaf. There was 110 00:06:05.720 --> 00:06:08.560 an illustration on the page. I looked at it, an 111 00:06:08.600 --> 00:06:11.759 African savage firing the whole contents of a six barreled 112 00:06:11.800 --> 00:06:15.000 revolver down the throat of a Bengal tiger, without apparently 113 00:06:15.040 --> 00:06:18.800 doing it any harm. I thought not of the incongruous combination. 114 00:06:19.360 --> 00:06:22.160 My soul was fired anew. Once again, I thought of 115 00:06:22.199 --> 00:06:24.680 running away from home and going to sea, not by 116 00:06:24.720 --> 00:06:27.319 any means, with the intention of remaining at sea, but 117 00:06:27.480 --> 00:06:30.879 for the purpose of reaching foreign, if possible, unknown lands. 118 00:06:31.680 --> 00:06:34.800 Having conceived the thought, I rose calmly, shut the book carefully, 119 00:06:34.839 --> 00:06:37.600 but with decision, thrust my hands firmly into my pockets, 120 00:06:37.959 --> 00:06:40.120 knitted my brows, and went out in search of my 121 00:06:40.160 --> 00:06:43.639 bosom friend. John Brown, also a commonplace name, I believe, 122 00:06:44.040 --> 00:06:47.120 at least so it is, said Jack, as I used 123 00:06:47.160 --> 00:06:49.360 to call him had a mother but no father. His 124 00:06:49.439 --> 00:06:52.600 father died when Jack was an infant. I've often fancied 125 00:06:52.639 --> 00:06:55.000 that there was a delicate bond of union between us here. 126 00:06:55.439 --> 00:06:57.560 He had a mother but no father. I had a 127 00:06:57.600 --> 00:07:01.360 father but no mother. Strange coincident. I think the fact 128 00:07:01.360 --> 00:07:04.399 helped draws together. I may be wrong, but I think so. 129 00:07:05.079 --> 00:07:06.759 Jack was on a visit to us at the time, 130 00:07:07.079 --> 00:07:09.399 so I had only to cross the passage to reach 131 00:07:09.439 --> 00:07:12.959 his room. Come in, he cried, as I not. 132 00:07:14.079 --> 00:07:16.560 Jack, Come to my room. It's more comfortable than yours. 133 00:07:16.800 --> 00:07:17.800 I want your advice. 134 00:07:18.560 --> 00:07:22.319 He rose, in some surprise and followed me. If John 135 00:07:22.399 --> 00:07:25.120 Brown's name was commonplace, his person was certainly not. 136 00:07:25.199 --> 00:07:25.360 So. 137 00:07:25.879 --> 00:07:28.360 He looked like a young lord. He was a noble 138 00:07:28.360 --> 00:07:32.000 fellow by nature, if not by birth. A clear, sunny face, 139 00:07:32.199 --> 00:07:35.439 masculine chin and nose, sweet firm mouth, the eye of 140 00:07:35.480 --> 00:07:39.560 an eagle, and the soft, curly golden hair of a child. Tall, 141 00:07:39.639 --> 00:07:43.199 broad shouldered, elegant, bold as a lion, gentle and kind 142 00:07:43.240 --> 00:07:47.040 as a lamb. Such was my best, my dearest friend, Jack. 143 00:07:48.040 --> 00:07:51.000 Jack said I I'm going to run away. 144 00:07:51.480 --> 00:07:54.560 You'll do nothing of the sort, said he, and. 145 00:07:54.720 --> 00:07:57.040 I continued, Regardless of his remark. 146 00:07:57.319 --> 00:07:59.079 I mean that you sull run away with me. 147 00:07:59.600 --> 00:08:02.000 I'll do nothing of the sort, he replied. 148 00:08:02.639 --> 00:08:05.759 But come, my boy, you're joking. Surely this is not 149 00:08:05.879 --> 00:08:08.000 the object for which you called me out of my room. 150 00:08:08.800 --> 00:08:11.360 Indeed, it is Listen to me, Jack. 151 00:08:12.240 --> 00:08:14.879 I looked at him impressively. He returned. The look for 152 00:08:15.000 --> 00:08:16.680 Jack was earnest as well as gay. 153 00:08:17.519 --> 00:08:20.319 You know that my dear father positively refused to let 154 00:08:20.319 --> 00:08:22.800 me go abroad, although I have entreated him to do 155 00:08:22.839 --> 00:08:25.879 so again and again. No, I think that's hard. You know, 156 00:08:26.720 --> 00:08:28.600 I love my dear father very much, but. 157 00:08:29.360 --> 00:08:30.519 You love yourself better. 158 00:08:30.720 --> 00:08:33.679 Is that it? We'll put it so if you choose, 159 00:08:33.720 --> 00:08:36.159 I don't care. I'm going to run away, and if 160 00:08:36.200 --> 00:08:37.960 you won't go with me, you can stay at home. 161 00:08:38.039 --> 00:08:39.519 That's all. Come. 162 00:08:39.559 --> 00:08:42.360 Come, Bob, don't be cross, said Jack kindly. 163 00:08:42.879 --> 00:08:44.000 You know you don't mean it. 164 00:08:44.799 --> 00:08:47.240 But I do. And I'm sure I don't see what 165 00:08:47.279 --> 00:08:49.000 it is that prevents you from going. 166 00:08:48.840 --> 00:08:50.759 Too, said I testily. 167 00:08:51.639 --> 00:08:53.879 Hum, Well, there is a small matter, a sort of 168 00:08:53.919 --> 00:08:56.399 moral idea, so to speak, that prevents. 169 00:08:56.440 --> 00:08:57.279 And what is that? 170 00:08:57.879 --> 00:09:01.440 Respect from my mother? Bob, my boy, I've been too 171 00:09:01.480 --> 00:09:03.919 deeply imbued with that in my babyhood to shake it 172 00:09:03.960 --> 00:09:06.480 off now, even if I wish to do so. But 173 00:09:06.519 --> 00:09:09.759 I don't, Bob, I don't. I'm proud of my mother, 174 00:09:10.120 --> 00:09:13.759 and moreover, I remember her teachings. There's one little verse 175 00:09:13.799 --> 00:09:16.440 I used to repeat to her every Sunday night, along 176 00:09:16.440 --> 00:09:19.679 with the rest of the ten commandments, Honor thy father 177 00:09:19.840 --> 00:09:22.840 and thy mother, et cetera. It seems to me that 178 00:09:22.960 --> 00:09:25.039 running away is rather flying in the face of that. 179 00:09:25.679 --> 00:09:27.080 Doesn't it strike you in that light? 180 00:09:27.159 --> 00:09:30.440 Bob? I was silent. I felt that I had no 181 00:09:30.600 --> 00:09:35.039 argument against such reasoning. Jack rose, it's late, Bob. 182 00:09:35.320 --> 00:09:37.639 We are to start on our fishing expedition tomorrow morning 183 00:09:37.679 --> 00:09:40.080 at six, so it behooves us to get into bed 184 00:09:40.519 --> 00:09:42.120 good night and think over it. 185 00:09:43.080 --> 00:09:46.519 I seized his hand and pressed it warmly. Good night, Jack, 186 00:09:46.559 --> 00:09:51.600 I will End of story two, Chapter one, Story two, 187 00:09:51.919 --> 00:09:55.960 Chapter two. My bedroom was a small one with little 188 00:09:55.960 --> 00:09:59.080 furniture in it. A small iron stove in the fireplace 189 00:09:59.159 --> 00:10:02.039 acted instead of a and as I was accustomed to 190 00:10:02.080 --> 00:10:04.120 read late, my father allowed me to light it in 191 00:10:04.159 --> 00:10:07.480 cold weather. It was blazing cheerfully when Jack left me, 192 00:10:07.840 --> 00:10:10.200 and the bright gleams of ruddy light that darted through 193 00:10:10.200 --> 00:10:12.279 the chinks of the door and fell on the opposite 194 00:10:12.279 --> 00:10:15.320 wall through the light of my solitary candle, quite into 195 00:10:15.320 --> 00:10:18.360 the shade. I have already remarked that the night was 196 00:10:18.480 --> 00:10:21.399 dark and dismal, in addition to that it was stormy. 197 00:10:21.960 --> 00:10:25.240 The wind moaned drearily among the venerable elms that surrounded 198 00:10:25.279 --> 00:10:29.039 our quiet country residence, and ever and anon came in sharp, 199 00:10:29.080 --> 00:10:32.039 fitful gusts that caused the window frames to rattle, and 200 00:10:32.159 --> 00:10:35.519 even shook the house at times to its foundation. Heavy 201 00:10:35.600 --> 00:10:38.480 drops of rain fell occasionally on the window panes, and 202 00:10:38.519 --> 00:10:41.320 in a few minutes the storm broke forth in full violence. 203 00:10:42.159 --> 00:10:44.720 As the old house had stood many such and years 204 00:10:44.759 --> 00:10:47.440 gone by. I did not give myself much concern about 205 00:10:47.440 --> 00:10:50.480 the gale, but pulled down the blind, placed my little 206 00:10:50.480 --> 00:10:53.279 table in books near the stove, and, drawing in my chair, 207 00:10:53.480 --> 00:10:56.320 sat down to think. How long I remained in this 208 00:10:56.399 --> 00:10:59.480 condition I cannot tell, but my reveries were broken by 209 00:10:59.519 --> 00:11:03.919 the large clock on the stairs, striking twelve. I started up, and, 210 00:11:04.120 --> 00:11:06.240 clenching my hands, exclaimed aloud. 211 00:11:06.720 --> 00:11:09.080 No, I've made up my mind. I won't run away. 212 00:11:09.919 --> 00:11:12.159 Under the impulse of the feeling, I threw open the 213 00:11:12.159 --> 00:11:15.039 door of the stove and heaped on fresh coals, muttering 214 00:11:15.080 --> 00:11:16.279 to myself as I did so. 215 00:11:17.039 --> 00:11:19.639 No, I won't run away. I won't run away. No, no, no, 216 00:11:19.720 --> 00:11:20.559 I won't run. 217 00:11:21.080 --> 00:11:23.600 I was checked suddenly by my eye falling a second 218 00:11:23.639 --> 00:11:26.960 time on that terrific African savage, sending from his revolver 219 00:11:27.039 --> 00:11:29.639 a charge down the throat of that magnificent Bengal tiger 220 00:11:30.159 --> 00:11:32.399 that would have blown the inside entirely out of any 221 00:11:32.399 --> 00:11:35.879 living creature smaller than an elephant. I sat down, I 222 00:11:36.000 --> 00:11:39.200 gazed at the picture. I read the account. I followed 223 00:11:39.240 --> 00:11:43.559 up the adventurous savage. My head reeled with excitement. A strange, 224 00:11:43.639 --> 00:11:46.279 terrible heat seemed to dart like lightning through my veins, 225 00:11:46.279 --> 00:11:48.960 and the book began to flicker before my eyes. I 226 00:11:49.039 --> 00:11:49.879 became alarmed. 227 00:11:50.919 --> 00:11:53.279 Surely some terrible fevers seizing on me. 228 00:11:53.600 --> 00:11:56.399 I exclaimed, and in the terror of thought, I started 229 00:11:56.480 --> 00:11:59.399 up and paced my room rapidly. But the fire increased 230 00:11:59.480 --> 00:12:02.679 and my head swam. I meditated ringing the bell and 231 00:12:02.720 --> 00:12:05.480 alarming the household. But the thought of this quieted me, 232 00:12:05.759 --> 00:12:09.399 and gradually I became calmer. It was at this moment 233 00:12:09.440 --> 00:12:13.000 that my former resolution turned upon me with tenfold violence. 234 00:12:13.519 --> 00:12:15.399 I'll submit to this no longer. 235 00:12:15.480 --> 00:12:19.279 I growled between my teeth, I will run away. The 236 00:12:19.360 --> 00:12:21.279 instant I said that, I felt as if I were 237 00:12:21.320 --> 00:12:24.960 imbued with the determination that nothing could shake Jack's reasoning 238 00:12:25.039 --> 00:12:27.559 never once came into my mind. I took down the 239 00:12:27.639 --> 00:12:29.960 knapsack that hung on a nail, ready packed for the 240 00:12:30.000 --> 00:12:33.120 intended fishing expedition of the morrow. I buckled it on, 241 00:12:33.519 --> 00:12:36.440 put on my thickest shoes, and, seizing a stout cudgel, 242 00:12:36.840 --> 00:12:40.240 issued softly from my apartment and tapped gently at Jack's door. 243 00:12:40.799 --> 00:12:44.120 Come in. I entered, and was overwhelmed with surprise at 244 00:12:44.159 --> 00:12:46.120 finding my friend standing in the middle of the room, 245 00:12:46.240 --> 00:12:49.080 accoutered for the road, just like myself. He put his 246 00:12:49.120 --> 00:12:50.159 finger to his lips. 247 00:12:51.320 --> 00:12:51.919 Hush, Bob. 248 00:12:52.279 --> 00:12:53.799 I was on the point of going to your room 249 00:12:53.879 --> 00:12:55.559 to say that I've made up my mind to run 250 00:12:55.600 --> 00:12:56.120 away with you. 251 00:12:57.200 --> 00:13:00.840 I was staggered. I did not relish this unaccountable change. 252 00:13:01.200 --> 00:13:03.240 If I had persuaded him to go, it would have 253 00:13:03.279 --> 00:13:05.559 been all right. But to find him thus ready and 254 00:13:05.600 --> 00:13:08.879 eager was unnatural. I felt as if I were accountable 255 00:13:08.879 --> 00:13:11.639 for this change in his opinions and actions, and immediately 256 00:13:11.720 --> 00:13:14.960 strange to say experienced a tendency to dissuade him. 257 00:13:15.720 --> 00:13:17.679 But Jack, you forget what you said to me some 258 00:13:17.759 --> 00:13:18.320 hours ago. 259 00:13:19.000 --> 00:13:21.200 No I don't, he answered gloomily. 260 00:13:21.519 --> 00:13:23.279 Perhaps you'd better think it over again. 261 00:13:24.120 --> 00:13:27.279 No, he won't come, Bob, don't show the white feather. Now, 262 00:13:27.600 --> 00:13:31.519 don't waste time. It's about dawn. It's too late to reason. 263 00:13:32.039 --> 00:13:34.120 You have tempted me, and I have given. 264 00:13:33.919 --> 00:13:37.320 In saying this. He seized me by the collar and 265 00:13:37.360 --> 00:13:40.519 pushed me before him. And now the mysterious events which 266 00:13:40.559 --> 00:13:43.240 I am about to relate began. The conduct of my 267 00:13:43.320 --> 00:13:46.159 friend Jack on this occasion was in itself a mastery. 268 00:13:46.639 --> 00:13:49.360 He was, by nature the gentlest and most inoffensive of 269 00:13:49.440 --> 00:13:53.279 human beings, except when circumstances required him to act vigorously. 270 00:13:53.799 --> 00:13:57.320 Then he was a lion, irresistible. Since the commencement of 271 00:13:57.320 --> 00:14:00.360 our acquaintance, which was of many years standing, he had never, 272 00:14:00.480 --> 00:14:03.200 by word or look, given me the slightest cause for anger. 273 00:14:03.639 --> 00:14:06.399 And yet here he was grasping me violently by the 274 00:14:06.399 --> 00:14:09.840 collar and pushing me forcibly before him. I did not 275 00:14:09.879 --> 00:14:12.279 get angry. My conscience smote me. 276 00:14:12.639 --> 00:14:15.600 I said to myself, Ah, this is the result of 277 00:14:15.639 --> 00:14:16.440 evil conduct. 278 00:14:16.919 --> 00:14:19.360 I have tempted Jack to act against his judgment. He 279 00:14:19.440 --> 00:14:20.639 is no longer what he was. 280 00:14:22.440 --> 00:14:25.600 Instead of melting under this feeling, I became hardened. I 281 00:14:25.639 --> 00:14:28.039 stepped out, and so dragged my friend after me down 282 00:14:28.080 --> 00:14:29.840 the back stairs, which led to the lower part of 283 00:14:29.879 --> 00:14:33.519 the house where the servants slept. Jack whispered, all right, 284 00:14:33.879 --> 00:14:36.799 and let go his hold. Now we must be cautious, 285 00:14:37.080 --> 00:14:39.240 I said, in a low tone, as we proceeded to 286 00:14:39.279 --> 00:14:41.799 traverse the passage, on each side of which were the 287 00:14:41.879 --> 00:14:45.039 rooms occupied by the servants. We took off our shoes 288 00:14:45.080 --> 00:14:48.000 and advanced on tiptoe. At the far end of the passage, 289 00:14:48.000 --> 00:14:50.960 we heard a sound like a trombone. That was the butler. 290 00:14:51.399 --> 00:14:54.399 We knew of his snoring propensities, and so were not alarmed. 291 00:14:54.879 --> 00:14:57.559 His door was open, so was his mouth. I could 292 00:14:57.559 --> 00:14:59.919 see that plainly as I passed by the dim light 293 00:15:00.159 --> 00:15:03.120 a candle which he always burned at night. The butler 294 00:15:03.200 --> 00:15:06.679 was excessively fat. I merely mention this because it accounts 295 00:15:06.720 --> 00:15:09.159 for the fact of his not awaking when we unlocked 296 00:15:09.159 --> 00:15:13.159 the street door. Fat people are not easily wakened. The 297 00:15:13.159 --> 00:15:15.200 lock of the door was an old fashioned large one. 298 00:15:15.559 --> 00:15:18.600 It grated slightly as Jack turned the key. Then at 299 00:15:18.600 --> 00:15:20.879 a certain point the key lost control over it, and 300 00:15:20.919 --> 00:15:23.200 it shot back with a report like a pistol shot. 301 00:15:23.799 --> 00:15:26.240 My heart flew to my mouth and almost choked me. 302 00:15:26.919 --> 00:15:29.480 The butler gave a double snort and turned in his bed, 303 00:15:29.519 --> 00:15:31.480 as Jack and I darted round an angle of the 304 00:15:31.480 --> 00:15:34.440 wall and hid in a dark corner. The butler soon 305 00:15:34.480 --> 00:15:38.000 gave an unquestionable evidence that he had not been thoroughly aroused, 306 00:15:38.440 --> 00:15:40.399 and we were about to issue from our place of 307 00:15:40.480 --> 00:15:43.639 concealment when the door of our manservants room opened and 308 00:15:43.720 --> 00:15:47.039 he peeped out edwards. That was his name, was a 309 00:15:47.080 --> 00:15:49.480 stout young fellow, and we felt certain that he would 310 00:15:49.480 --> 00:15:51.960 not rest satisfied until he had found out the cause 311 00:15:51.960 --> 00:15:52.519 of the noise. 312 00:15:53.399 --> 00:15:53.960 We were right. 313 00:15:54.519 --> 00:15:56.879 He stepped cautiously into the passage with a poker in 314 00:15:56.919 --> 00:16:00.399 his hand. My heart sank within me. Just at that moment, 315 00:16:00.440 --> 00:16:02.679 a cat darted across the passage, with its back and 316 00:16:02.720 --> 00:16:06.120 tail up and its eyes glaring Edwards. Flung the poker 317 00:16:06.159 --> 00:16:08.559 at it, missed the cat and knocked over an old 318 00:16:08.559 --> 00:16:11.480 tin umbrella stand, with which the poker made a hideous 319 00:16:11.480 --> 00:16:13.480 clatter on the stone floor of the passage. 320 00:16:14.080 --> 00:16:15.120 Hi, you brute. 321 00:16:15.240 --> 00:16:16.679 What is it you making all that? 322 00:16:16.799 --> 00:16:17.039 Row? 323 00:16:17.159 --> 00:16:17.399 Is it? 324 00:16:18.039 --> 00:16:19.879 Oh, dear Edwards, what's happened? 325 00:16:20.279 --> 00:16:22.639 Cried a shrill voice from the other end of the passage. 326 00:16:22.879 --> 00:16:23.519 It was the cook. 327 00:16:24.159 --> 00:16:25.919 Oh nothing, only the cat. 328 00:16:26.000 --> 00:16:28.279 Replied the man, as he sauntered into the butler's room. 329 00:16:28.679 --> 00:16:30.919 The butler seemed at that moment to have been smitten 330 00:16:30.960 --> 00:16:33.519 with a fit of apoplexy. We could see him from 331 00:16:33.559 --> 00:16:36.720 our dark corner. He grew purple in the face, gasped 332 00:16:36.759 --> 00:16:39.720 once or twice, choked awfully, and then sat up in bed, 333 00:16:39.840 --> 00:16:44.559 staring like a maniac. Oh, Jack, I whispered in horror. 334 00:16:45.240 --> 00:16:47.919 Don't be alarmed. It's only his usual way of waking up. 335 00:16:48.240 --> 00:16:49.360 I've seen him do it often. 336 00:16:50.279 --> 00:16:52.639 What noise is that? What's going on down there? 337 00:16:53.200 --> 00:16:55.960 Cried a deep bass voice in the distance. It was 338 00:16:56.000 --> 00:17:00.320 my father, no one replied, presently my father's bedroom. With 339 00:17:00.360 --> 00:17:04.000 extreme violence, Edwards rushed out of the butler's room. The 340 00:17:04.039 --> 00:17:07.000 butler fell back, opened his mouth, and pretended to be asleep, 341 00:17:07.359 --> 00:17:10.880 snoring moderately. This of itself would have undeceived any one, 342 00:17:11.319 --> 00:17:13.960 for when the old hypocrite was really asleep, he never 343 00:17:14.039 --> 00:17:17.680 snored moderately. The cook and housemaid uttered two little shrieks 344 00:17:17.680 --> 00:17:20.920 and slammed their respective doors, while the bell rang violently 345 00:17:20.960 --> 00:17:25.240 a second time. Now for it, whispered Jack. He opened 346 00:17:25.240 --> 00:17:27.720 the back door softly, and we darted out. A streak 347 00:17:27.759 --> 00:17:30.279 of pale light on the horizon indicated the approach of day. 348 00:17:30.799 --> 00:17:32.680 We tried to close the door behind us, but we 349 00:17:32.680 --> 00:17:35.200 heard the butler choke, gasped, and shout at the top 350 00:17:35.240 --> 00:17:38.960 of his voice, Hey Hello. At the same instant, the 351 00:17:38.960 --> 00:17:41.839 old dinner gong sent a peal of horrible sound through 352 00:17:41.839 --> 00:17:45.359 the house, and we took to flight, filled with unutterable terror. 353 00:17:46.400 --> 00:17:48.839 Oh how we did run. We had scarcely cleared the 354 00:17:48.880 --> 00:17:51.039 offices and got fairly into the avenue when we heard 355 00:17:51.160 --> 00:17:54.400 Edward shout as he started in pursuit. We were both 356 00:17:54.440 --> 00:17:57.000 good runners, but Jack soon took the lead and kept 357 00:17:57.000 --> 00:18:00.960 it by about five yards our feet scarcely touched. I 358 00:18:01.000 --> 00:18:03.519 felt as if I had wings, so great was my terror. 359 00:18:04.000 --> 00:18:06.039 We reached the end of the avenue, the gate was 360 00:18:06.079 --> 00:18:09.720 full five feet high. To my inexpressible amazement, Jack went 361 00:18:09.759 --> 00:18:12.759 clear over it with one bound. I have never been 362 00:18:12.799 --> 00:18:15.480 able to analyze my feelings and impulses on that occasion. 363 00:18:16.079 --> 00:18:18.960 I am and always was rather a poor jumper, yet 364 00:18:18.960 --> 00:18:22.079 without hesitation, without even a doubt as to my ability 365 00:18:22.119 --> 00:18:24.200 to clear it, I went at that gate like an 366 00:18:24.240 --> 00:18:27.279 Irish hunter at a stone wall, and leapt fairly over it. 367 00:18:27.960 --> 00:18:30.119 The leap did not even check my pace for an instant. 368 00:18:30.599 --> 00:18:32.720 I remember, in the whirl and confusion of the moment 369 00:18:32.799 --> 00:18:36.279 that I attributed my almost superhuman powers to terror, But 370 00:18:36.359 --> 00:18:39.519 the feeling that we were pursued again absorbed all my faculties. 371 00:18:40.279 --> 00:18:43.039 We dashed on at a killing pace, and, strange to say, 372 00:18:43.279 --> 00:18:46.680 without feeling the slightest fatigue. Having cleared the avenue, we 373 00:18:46.759 --> 00:18:49.359 mounted the high ground in the neighborhood, passed the church, 374 00:18:49.759 --> 00:18:52.359 entered the village, and went through it like a railway train. 375 00:18:52.880 --> 00:18:55.160 Came out upon the road beyond, and reached a wooded 376 00:18:55.160 --> 00:18:57.480 part of the country where several roads and by paths 377 00:18:57.480 --> 00:19:00.839 diverged from the highway. All this time towards kept close 378 00:19:00.839 --> 00:19:03.519 on our heels. He did not gain on us, but 379 00:19:03.519 --> 00:19:06.440 we felt that we did not distance him down Here, 380 00:19:06.960 --> 00:19:10.599 cried Jack, doubling suddenly into a lane. We passed a 381 00:19:10.640 --> 00:19:13.200 small bridge that crossed a mill lake. Beyond there was 382 00:19:13.240 --> 00:19:15.759 a farm yard. The pathway was high, and we could 383 00:19:15.759 --> 00:19:18.440 look down on the tops of the stacks. One of these, 384 00:19:18.480 --> 00:19:20.599 a hay stack, stood about ten feet from the low 385 00:19:20.680 --> 00:19:23.440 wall that skirted the road. It had been half pulled down, 386 00:19:23.480 --> 00:19:26.119 and the hay was loose. Without a word or warning, 387 00:19:26.200 --> 00:19:29.400 Jack sprang completely across this space, turned right over, and 388 00:19:29.440 --> 00:19:33.240 plunged head first into the hay. I followed instantly and disappeared. 389 00:19:33.880 --> 00:19:36.720 We lay for a few seconds perfectly still, and heard 390 00:19:36.839 --> 00:19:39.960 Edwards pass at full speed. Then we struggled out and 391 00:19:40.039 --> 00:19:43.799 watched him out of sight, sliding down. We regained the lane, 392 00:19:44.119 --> 00:19:47.079 returned to the high road, and continued our flight. We 393 00:19:47.160 --> 00:19:50.200 saw no more be Edwards. About eight miles from my 394 00:19:50.279 --> 00:19:53.119 father's house there was a small seaport town. We made 395 00:19:53.119 --> 00:19:55.279 for this and reached it just as the sun rose 396 00:19:55.359 --> 00:19:57.720 in all his golden glory on the distant edge of 397 00:19:57.759 --> 00:20:07.720 the sleeping sea. End of Story I, Chapter two, Story two, 398 00:20:08.000 --> 00:20:10.960 Chapters three and four of Freaks on the Fells. This 399 00:20:11.000 --> 00:20:14.319 is a LibriVox recording. All LibriVox recordings are in the 400 00:20:14.319 --> 00:20:18.200 public domain. For more information or to volunteer, please visit 401 00:20:18.279 --> 00:20:22.759 LibriVox dot org. Freaks on the Fells by R. M. Ballantine. 402 00:20:23.480 --> 00:20:27.640 Story two, Chapter three on entering the village, we found 403 00:20:27.640 --> 00:20:30.400 it in a state of unusual bustle. I had often 404 00:20:30.440 --> 00:20:32.960 been there before, and had thought it a rather quiet 405 00:20:32.960 --> 00:20:35.359 place for a seaport. But now there was a sort 406 00:20:35.359 --> 00:20:37.720 of bustling activity, and an air of mystery about it 407 00:20:37.759 --> 00:20:41.279 that I could not understand. I mentioned my feelings to Jack, 408 00:20:41.640 --> 00:20:43.759 but he did not answer me, which was a piece 409 00:20:43.799 --> 00:20:46.359 of rudeness so unusual that I could only suppose that 410 00:20:46.440 --> 00:20:49.400 his mind was so deeply affected with the circumstances in 411 00:20:49.440 --> 00:20:52.680 which we had placed ourselves as to render him somewhat absent. 412 00:20:53.599 --> 00:20:56.160 On arriving at the chief, indeed the only end of 413 00:20:56.200 --> 00:20:58.759 the place, we discovered the reason of all the bustle. 414 00:20:59.319 --> 00:21:02.440 A strange ship had arrived the night before, a large 415 00:21:02.440 --> 00:21:05.119 ship fitted out for an expedition to some distant part 416 00:21:05.160 --> 00:21:08.119 of the world. She had come to complete her supply 417 00:21:08.160 --> 00:21:12.079 of provisions and to engage a few extra hands. Here, then, 418 00:21:12.200 --> 00:21:15.119 was a fortunate opportunity. We asked at once where we 419 00:21:15.160 --> 00:21:17.480 could find the captain. He was in the bar room 420 00:21:17.519 --> 00:21:20.079 of the inn. We entered it and found him there, 421 00:21:20.240 --> 00:21:22.200 standing with his back to the fire and a coat 422 00:21:22.240 --> 00:21:25.119 tail under each arm. He was a big, fat man 423 00:21:25.160 --> 00:21:28.119 with a savage expression of countenance, and a ragged head 424 00:21:28.119 --> 00:21:29.519 and beard and a red nose. 425 00:21:30.799 --> 00:21:33.440 Suh, said Jack, we wish to ship with you. 426 00:21:34.400 --> 00:21:37.200 The captain stared, took a pencil case out of his pocket, 427 00:21:37.440 --> 00:21:40.559 picked his teeth, therewith, and surveyed us from head to foot. 428 00:21:41.599 --> 00:21:44.359 Oh you do do you you wish to ship with me? 429 00:21:45.359 --> 00:21:45.599 Yes? 430 00:21:46.319 --> 00:21:49.079 Suppose I don't want you, then we shall. 431 00:21:48.880 --> 00:21:49.839 Have to try elsewhere. 432 00:21:50.960 --> 00:21:54.400 The captain smiled grimly, shut up the pencil case, and said. 433 00:21:54.720 --> 00:21:55.559 What can ye do? 434 00:21:56.480 --> 00:21:58.359 We can read and write and count. 435 00:21:58.920 --> 00:22:01.799 Said I take the words out of Jack's mouth, for 436 00:22:01.880 --> 00:22:04.160 I felt that his brusque manner of replying was not 437 00:22:04.279 --> 00:22:06.359 calculated to command us to the captain. 438 00:22:07.279 --> 00:22:10.480 Oh you can read and write and count, can ye? 439 00:22:11.279 --> 00:22:14.000 Repeated the captain with deep sarcasm. 440 00:22:14.240 --> 00:22:17.599 If you'd said you could feed and fight and shout, 441 00:22:17.880 --> 00:22:19.400 it would have been more to the purpose. 442 00:22:20.400 --> 00:22:22.480 Perhaps we can do a little of that sort of thing. 443 00:22:22.319 --> 00:22:27.960 Too, suggested Jack, with a broad grin ha ejaculated the captain. 444 00:22:28.279 --> 00:22:29.440 What else can you do? 445 00:22:30.160 --> 00:22:30.359 Oh? 446 00:22:30.480 --> 00:22:31.839 Anything, said Jack? 447 00:22:32.440 --> 00:22:34.039 He generally find. 448 00:22:34.160 --> 00:22:35.200 Observed the captain. 449 00:22:35.680 --> 00:22:38.319 When a boy says he can do anything, he very 450 00:22:38.359 --> 00:22:40.319 soon proves that he can do nothing. 451 00:22:41.119 --> 00:22:43.799 Well, I don't mean that exactly, rejoined Jack. 452 00:22:44.279 --> 00:22:45.640 I mean we can try anything. 453 00:22:46.599 --> 00:22:50.039 Ah, that's more than the pint. Where do you come from? 454 00:22:50.680 --> 00:22:53.400 We looked at each other that said. 455 00:22:53.160 --> 00:22:56.720 I is a matter of no importance to anyone but ourselves. 456 00:22:57.279 --> 00:22:59.079 We've run away from home, and we want to go 457 00:22:59.119 --> 00:23:01.720 to See as fast as possible. If you're willing to 458 00:23:01.759 --> 00:23:03.039 take us, we're willing to go. 459 00:23:03.680 --> 00:23:05.759 What say you run away? 460 00:23:05.960 --> 00:23:06.279 Ho? 461 00:23:06.279 --> 00:23:07.440 Ho, run away? 462 00:23:08.319 --> 00:23:11.079 Said the captain, chuckling, you're just the lads. 463 00:23:11.079 --> 00:23:15.160 I want nothing like runaway boys for me. I wouldn't 464 00:23:15.160 --> 00:23:17.279 give a pinch of snuffy or good boys that do 465 00:23:17.359 --> 00:23:20.960 what their bid. Commend me to the high spirited fellers 466 00:23:20.960 --> 00:23:23.839 that runs away and that focus so wicked as to 467 00:23:23.880 --> 00:23:27.559 call bad boys. That's the sort of stuff that suits 468 00:23:27.599 --> 00:23:28.319 our service. 469 00:23:29.599 --> 00:23:31.759 I did not, by any means, relish the manner and 470 00:23:31.799 --> 00:23:34.559 tone in which all this was said, So I asked 471 00:23:34.640 --> 00:23:36.680 him what particular service he belonged to. 472 00:23:37.839 --> 00:23:39.799 You'll know that time enough. 473 00:23:40.039 --> 00:23:41.160 He replied, laughing. 474 00:23:41.880 --> 00:23:44.839 But after all, why shouldn't I tell you? There's nothing 475 00:23:44.880 --> 00:23:48.920 to conceal. We're a discovery ship. We're going to look 476 00:23:48.920 --> 00:23:52.480 for Sir John Franklin's expedition, and after we've found it. 477 00:23:52.640 --> 00:23:55.480 We're going to try the North Pole and then go 478 00:23:55.640 --> 00:23:59.319 right through the Northwest Passage down by bearing straits across 479 00:23:59.400 --> 00:24:03.240 the Pacific, touching at the Cannibal Islands in passing, and 480 00:24:03.319 --> 00:24:07.799 so on the China. Having revictualled there, we'll bear away 481 00:24:07.880 --> 00:24:11.480 for Japan, Hoss, Tralia, Cape of good Oap and the 482 00:24:11.480 --> 00:24:14.400 West Indies, and come tearing across the Atlantic with the 483 00:24:14.440 --> 00:24:17.000 Gulf Stream to England. Will that suit e? 484 00:24:18.359 --> 00:24:21.160 It may seem strange, and the reader will hardly believe 485 00:24:21.160 --> 00:24:24.480 me when I say that transparently absurd. Though this statement 486 00:24:24.720 --> 00:24:27.559 was nevertheless, I believed every word of it, and so 487 00:24:27.680 --> 00:24:30.440 did Jack. I saw that by his glowing eye and 488 00:24:30.519 --> 00:24:31.240 heightened color. 489 00:24:32.079 --> 00:24:32.960 And when do you sail? 490 00:24:33.640 --> 00:24:35.720 I inquired joyfully, in. 491 00:24:35.759 --> 00:24:38.640 Half an hour. So get a board, boys, and don't 492 00:24:38.640 --> 00:24:41.640 give so much tongue. I have other matters to mine. Now, 493 00:24:41.680 --> 00:24:42.640 come on, be off. 494 00:24:44.000 --> 00:24:46.039 We retreated precipitately to the door. 495 00:24:46.839 --> 00:24:47.559 What's her name? 496 00:24:48.160 --> 00:24:53.640 Inquired Jack? Looking back. The ringtailed smasher cried the captain fiercely. 497 00:24:54.400 --> 00:24:58.079 What the ringtailed smasher. 498 00:24:58.079 --> 00:25:02.440 Roared the captain, seizing the poe okre, we vanished. In 499 00:25:02.519 --> 00:25:05.119 five minutes we were on board the ship. To this hour, 500 00:25:05.240 --> 00:25:07.359 I have no remembrance of how we got on board. 501 00:25:07.839 --> 00:25:10.920 My brain swam with intense excitement. I felt as if 502 00:25:10.960 --> 00:25:13.400 I were flying, not walking, as I ran about the 503 00:25:13.440 --> 00:25:16.680 deck and clambered up the rigging. Shortly after the captain 504 00:25:16.720 --> 00:25:19.440 came aboard, the rope that attached the vessel to the 505 00:25:19.519 --> 00:25:22.200 quay was cast off. The sails flew out as if 506 00:25:22.240 --> 00:25:25.000 by magic, and the shore began to fall rapidly astern. 507 00:25:25.839 --> 00:25:27.680 It was now, for the first time that a full 508 00:25:27.720 --> 00:25:30.039 sense of what I had done came over me. I 509 00:25:30.160 --> 00:25:32.240 leaned over the stern of the ship and gazed at 510 00:25:32.240 --> 00:25:34.440 my native shores as it grew fainter in the distance, 511 00:25:34.880 --> 00:25:37.440 until the familiar hills became a mere line of blue 512 00:25:37.440 --> 00:25:40.480 on the horizon, and were finally blotted from my view 513 00:25:40.519 --> 00:25:43.079 by the blinding tears that sprang suddenly to my eyes. 514 00:25:43.839 --> 00:25:46.480 Oh the agony of that moment. I shall never forget. 515 00:25:47.039 --> 00:25:49.400 The words that Jack had quoted to me the night before. 516 00:25:49.880 --> 00:25:52.720 Honor thy father and thy mother seemed to be stamped 517 00:25:52.720 --> 00:25:55.920 in letters of fire within my brain. I felt keenly that, 518 00:25:56.000 --> 00:25:58.359 in a moment of passionate self will, I had done 519 00:25:58.440 --> 00:26:01.359 that which would cause me the deepest sorrow all my life. 520 00:26:02.119 --> 00:26:04.680 In that dark hour, I forgot all my romantic notions 521 00:26:04.720 --> 00:26:07.400 of travel in foreign lands. I cared not a straw 522 00:26:07.440 --> 00:26:10.640 for hunting, or fighting or wild adventures. I would have 523 00:26:10.720 --> 00:26:13.599 cheerfully given worlds had I possessed them, to be permitted 524 00:26:13.599 --> 00:26:16.519 to undo the past, to hasten to my dear father's 525 00:26:16.519 --> 00:26:19.319 feet and implore forgiveness of the evil that I had done. 526 00:26:20.119 --> 00:26:23.359 But regret was now unavailing. The land soon sank below 527 00:26:23.400 --> 00:26:26.440 the horizon, and ere many hours had passed our ship 528 00:26:26.519 --> 00:26:29.799 was scuttling before a stiff breeze and leaping wildly over 529 00:26:29.839 --> 00:26:34.160 the waves of the Atlantic. End of Story two, Chapter three, 530 00:26:35.519 --> 00:26:40.160 Story two, Chapter four. Ho tumble up there, tumble up, 531 00:26:40.440 --> 00:26:43.680 all hands, ahoy, tumble up. Look alive, lads, there's work 532 00:26:43.720 --> 00:26:47.079 to do, my hearties. Such were the words uttered in 533 00:26:47.119 --> 00:26:50.359 the most terrifically violent base tones that awoke me on 534 00:26:50.400 --> 00:26:53.599 the first morning after I went to sea. Instantly, all 535 00:26:53.640 --> 00:26:55.960 the men around me leaped out of their hammocks. They 536 00:26:55.960 --> 00:26:58.039 were all half dressed, and I noticed that the greater 537 00:26:58.079 --> 00:27:00.440 part of them completed their toilet in the short interval 538 00:27:00.440 --> 00:27:03.519 between quitting their hammocks and gaining the deck, Jack and 539 00:27:03.559 --> 00:27:05.759 I had lain down in our clothes, so we were 540 00:27:05.799 --> 00:27:08.680 on deck almost as soon as the others. Here the 541 00:27:08.720 --> 00:27:12.000 most unexpected sites assailed us. It seemed to me as 542 00:27:12.000 --> 00:27:14.640 if a miraculous change had taken place on everybody and 543 00:27:14.680 --> 00:27:17.880 everything during the night. The ship, when she had set sail, 544 00:27:18.000 --> 00:27:20.279 was as untidy and lumbered about the decks as a 545 00:27:20.279 --> 00:27:23.920 merchantman usually is on quitting port. Now everything was clean 546 00:27:24.039 --> 00:27:27.799 in its place, snugly fastened and in order. The sails 547 00:27:27.799 --> 00:27:31.279 appeared to have undergone some modification. I fancied too, that 548 00:27:31.359 --> 00:27:33.599 the masks raked aft a good deal more than they 549 00:27:33.599 --> 00:27:37.759 had done, and round the foot of them were ranged muskets, pistols, cutlasses, 550 00:27:37.759 --> 00:27:41.200 and boarding pikes. Where masses of cordage and handspikes had 551 00:27:41.200 --> 00:27:44.160 been before the hen coops had vanished, and in their 552 00:27:44.200 --> 00:27:47.319 place were rows of brass carronades, while in the center 553 00:27:47.359 --> 00:27:49.880 of the deck an enormous swivel gun occupied the place 554 00:27:49.920 --> 00:27:53.640 on which the longboat had formerly rested. Even the captain 555 00:27:53.720 --> 00:27:56.880 seemed to have changed. His costume was somewhat eastern in 556 00:27:56.920 --> 00:28:00.000 its character, and his whole aspect was much more ferrocle 557 00:28:00.319 --> 00:28:04.160 than when I first saw him. Vague and terrible suspicions 558 00:28:04.200 --> 00:28:07.519 crossed my mind as I viewed these wonderful transformations, but 559 00:28:07.599 --> 00:28:09.920 I had no time to indulge them, for the men 560 00:28:10.000 --> 00:28:12.319 had hastened, with the promptitude of men of war's men 561 00:28:12.359 --> 00:28:15.160 to their stations, leaving Jack and me alone in the 562 00:28:15.160 --> 00:28:19.400 middle of the deck. Hello, boys, shouted the captain. 563 00:28:19.599 --> 00:28:22.559 No idlers allowed aboard this ship. Here, stand by this 564 00:28:22.680 --> 00:28:24.920 gun and lend a hand with the ropes. When you're 565 00:28:24.960 --> 00:28:27.920 told to obey orders, That's the only duty I've got 566 00:28:28.000 --> 00:28:28.599 to lay on you. 567 00:28:29.960 --> 00:28:32.359 We hastened to the gun pointed out, and while I 568 00:28:32.480 --> 00:28:34.720 was standing there waiting for orders, I looked over the 569 00:28:34.839 --> 00:28:37.200 side and for the first time became aware of the 570 00:28:37.240 --> 00:28:40.960 cause of these proceedings. About two miles to leeward of us, 571 00:28:41.240 --> 00:28:43.680 just off our larboard bow, I saw a large ship 572 00:28:43.759 --> 00:28:47.279 running under a pressive canvas. She was a huge, clumsy 573 00:28:47.319 --> 00:28:50.000 looking merchantman, and I heard our first mate say she 574 00:28:50.119 --> 00:28:51.200 was an East Indiaman. 575 00:28:51.839 --> 00:28:56.440 Then why Chasa, thought I, and why these warlike preparations? 576 00:28:57.119 --> 00:28:59.200 It struck me at the time. I remember that the 577 00:28:59.240 --> 00:29:02.119 captain must have guessed my thoughts, for he glanced at 578 00:29:02.160 --> 00:29:04.200 me quickly and then turning to the mate, with a 579 00:29:04.240 --> 00:29:06.599 sarcastic smile, said, I. 580 00:29:06.599 --> 00:29:08.680 Thought you had better sight than you seemed to have. 581 00:29:09.440 --> 00:29:12.799 In my judgment, that's a Russian merchantman, and as we 582 00:29:12.839 --> 00:29:15.119 happened to be at war with Russia just now, I'll 583 00:29:15.160 --> 00:29:17.200 take the liberty of overhaul in her. 584 00:29:18.400 --> 00:29:20.759 Instead of replying to this, the mate burst into a 585 00:29:20.799 --> 00:29:24.000 loud laugh, in which, strangely enough, he was joined by 586 00:29:24.000 --> 00:29:26.079 the Captain and all the men who were within hearing. 587 00:29:26.720 --> 00:29:29.480 I felt uneasy at this, and expressed my feelings in 588 00:29:29.480 --> 00:29:31.880 a whisper to Jack, who shook his head and looked 589 00:29:31.920 --> 00:29:35.839 at me mysteriously, but said nothing. I felt that even 590 00:29:35.880 --> 00:29:38.160 though we were at war with Russia, we as a 591 00:29:38.200 --> 00:29:41.000 discovery ship, had no right whatever to interfere in the 592 00:29:41.000 --> 00:29:44.119 capacity of a warship, and I was about to remonstrate 593 00:29:44.160 --> 00:29:46.640 with the Captain at all hazards when my thoughts were 594 00:29:46.640 --> 00:29:49.000 suddenly changed by the order being given to fire a 595 00:29:49.039 --> 00:29:52.160 shot across the stranger's bows. The gun at which I 596 00:29:52.240 --> 00:29:56.119 was stationed was run out stand by, cried the Captain. 597 00:29:56.839 --> 00:30:00.960 Fire in the excitement of the moment, and without knowing 598 00:30:01.000 --> 00:30:03.440 what I had to do, Though deeply impressed with the 599 00:30:03.480 --> 00:30:05.599 feeling that something ought to be done. When an order 600 00:30:05.680 --> 00:30:08.079 was given, I pulled violently at the rope which I 601 00:30:08.119 --> 00:30:10.400 had in my hand, the effect of which was to 602 00:30:10.440 --> 00:30:13.960 move the gun very slightly when it exploded. The result 603 00:30:14.000 --> 00:30:16.279 was that the ball, instead of passing well ahead of 604 00:30:16.319 --> 00:30:19.359 the strange vessel, passed close to its bow and carried 605 00:30:19.400 --> 00:30:22.680 away half of the bowsprit The captain turned on me 606 00:30:22.720 --> 00:30:26.559 with a face absolutely blazing with wroth. He seized a handspike, 607 00:30:26.640 --> 00:30:28.319 and I thought he was about to dash out my 608 00:30:28.400 --> 00:30:31.119 brains on the spot. He hissed at me between his 609 00:30:31.200 --> 00:30:34.960 clenched teeth, then suddenly bursting into a shout of fiendish laughter, 610 00:30:35.039 --> 00:30:35.839 he cried. 611 00:30:36.119 --> 00:30:39.319 Well, well, after all, there's no harm done. It will 612 00:30:39.319 --> 00:30:41.839 make him understand that we don't want the trifle with him. 613 00:30:42.039 --> 00:30:45.279 Clear the boarding pikes. There are the grappling irons ready, 614 00:30:46.000 --> 00:30:46.720 oy oy sah. 615 00:30:48.640 --> 00:30:51.000 By this time the stranger had hoved too, and we 616 00:30:51.000 --> 00:30:53.200 were bearing down on her so rapidly that a few 617 00:30:53.200 --> 00:30:56.640 minutes more would bring us alongside. Our men stood ready 618 00:30:56.640 --> 00:30:59.440 for action. They were the worst looking set of scoundrels 619 00:30:59.480 --> 00:31:04.319 I ever behad. Ship aheyh shouted our captain as we 620 00:31:04.400 --> 00:31:08.880 drew near what ship'sat A smart young officer leaped on 621 00:31:08.880 --> 00:31:10.319 the bulwarks and cried. 622 00:31:10.839 --> 00:31:13.119 Come alongside, and I'll tell you show your colors. 623 00:31:14.079 --> 00:31:16.319 At the word, our colors went up, as colors are 624 00:31:16.400 --> 00:31:19.599 usually hoisted, rolled up like a ball. I watched with 625 00:31:19.640 --> 00:31:22.359 intense interest, for I felt that now, at last I 626 00:31:22.359 --> 00:31:25.400 should know our true character. The ball of what seemed 627 00:31:25.400 --> 00:31:27.720 to be dark blue bunting reached the mast head and 628 00:31:27.759 --> 00:31:31.079 hung for one instant. Then its folds fell heavily and 629 00:31:31.160 --> 00:31:34.079 were swept out by the breeze. The flag was black, 630 00:31:34.359 --> 00:31:37.160 and in the center were a white skull and cross bones. 631 00:31:38.200 --> 00:31:41.079 I almost fainted at the sight. I looked at Jack, 632 00:31:41.119 --> 00:31:43.799 who stood beside me. He was as white as a sheet, 633 00:31:44.160 --> 00:31:46.960 but his lips were firmly compressed and his brows knitted. 634 00:31:47.559 --> 00:31:49.440 Do we deserve what we have got? 635 00:31:49.759 --> 00:31:53.440 He muttered in a deep sad voice. I did not reply, 636 00:31:53.599 --> 00:31:55.319 but my conscience answered. 637 00:31:55.400 --> 00:31:56.960 We do, at least I do. 638 00:31:58.160 --> 00:32:00.319 We were now hove to about a pistol sh to 639 00:32:00.359 --> 00:32:03.599 leeward of the ship, and our captain, leaping on the bulwark, 640 00:32:03.680 --> 00:32:05.440 cried with a dreadful. 641 00:32:05.000 --> 00:32:09.720 Oath, send your gig alongside instantly with your captain and papers. 642 00:32:10.000 --> 00:32:12.279 If you don't look sharp, I'll blow you out of 643 00:32:12.319 --> 00:32:12.759 the water. 644 00:32:13.640 --> 00:32:16.559 He had scarcely finished speaking when a loud shout rent 645 00:32:16.599 --> 00:32:19.559 the air and the bulwarks of the strange vessel swarmed 646 00:32:19.559 --> 00:32:23.680 with soldiers. At the same time, twenty concealed ports flew open, 647 00:32:23.759 --> 00:32:27.359 and twenty heavy guns were run out. Our captain gave 648 00:32:27.400 --> 00:32:30.519 the word fire as he leaped on the deck and 649 00:32:30.599 --> 00:32:32.920 rushed to the wheel. The word must have been given 650 00:32:32.960 --> 00:32:35.319 at the same moment on board. The chase for both 651 00:32:35.359 --> 00:32:39.039 broadsides burst simultaneously from the vessel's sides with a deafening 652 00:32:39.039 --> 00:32:41.880 crash that sounded ten times louder and more terrible than 653 00:32:41.920 --> 00:32:45.039 the loudest thunder I ever heard. We were so near 654 00:32:45.119 --> 00:32:48.039 that the combined volumes of smoke completely blinded and almost 655 00:32:48.039 --> 00:32:51.240 suffocated me. I fancied for a moment that our powder 656 00:32:51.279 --> 00:32:54.599 magazine had blown up. The thunder of the broadsides was 657 00:32:54.640 --> 00:32:57.480 followed by the most appalling shrieks I ever heard, and 658 00:32:57.559 --> 00:33:00.440 by the ceaseless rattle of musketry as the soldiers opened 659 00:33:00.440 --> 00:33:03.640 on us with deadly precision. Through the smoke, I saw 660 00:33:03.720 --> 00:33:06.640 men falling around me, and the decks were immediately covered 661 00:33:06.640 --> 00:33:09.839 with blood. While bullets and splinters of wood whistled round 662 00:33:09.839 --> 00:33:13.559 my head like hail. I was stunned. I felt like 663 00:33:13.599 --> 00:33:16.720 one in a horrid dream. Gradually the smoke cleared away, 664 00:33:16.920 --> 00:33:18.759 and then I saw that our captain had put down 665 00:33:18.759 --> 00:33:21.000 the helm, and our vessel was sheering off to leeward 666 00:33:21.079 --> 00:33:24.400 under full sail. The rapidity with which everything was done 667 00:33:24.519 --> 00:33:27.799 quite took away my breath. Before we were out of gunshot, 668 00:33:27.839 --> 00:33:30.319 the decks had been cleared, the dead thrown in the water, 669 00:33:30.440 --> 00:33:33.160 the wounded carried below, and the decks washed with buckets 670 00:33:33.160 --> 00:33:36.079 of water. Just then I thought of Jack, and looked 671 00:33:36.119 --> 00:33:39.559 round in haste. He was not there. I rushed below. 672 00:33:39.799 --> 00:33:42.799 He was not in his hammock. In an agony of anxiety, 673 00:33:42.799 --> 00:33:44.839 I went down into the horrible den of blood, where 674 00:33:44.839 --> 00:33:48.359 our surgeon was attending to the wounded. Here, amid groaning 675 00:33:48.400 --> 00:33:50.839 and dying men, I found my friends stretched in a 676 00:33:50.880 --> 00:33:53.599 cot with a blanket over him. His handsome face was 677 00:33:53.720 --> 00:33:56.400 very pale, and his eyes were closed. When I approached, 678 00:33:57.039 --> 00:33:59.359 Going down on my knees beside him, while my heart 679 00:33:59.400 --> 00:34:03.279 fluttered with an inexpressible feeling of dread, I whispered his name. 680 00:34:04.480 --> 00:34:07.400 He opened his eyes slowly, and a sweet, sad smile 681 00:34:07.440 --> 00:34:09.360 lit up his face for one moment as he took 682 00:34:09.360 --> 00:34:10.039 me by the hand. 683 00:34:11.679 --> 00:34:15.599 Jack, Jack, my friend, my brother. You wounded, I. 684 00:34:15.639 --> 00:34:19.480 Asked, yes, he replied in a faint voice. 685 00:34:19.880 --> 00:34:23.480 I'm badly hurt. I fear. Has the doctor dressed your wound? 686 00:34:24.280 --> 00:34:29.119 He finished that the operation just before you came down. 687 00:34:29.639 --> 00:34:34.000 Operation, I whispered, while a feeling of deadly sickness came 688 00:34:34.039 --> 00:34:40.559 over me. Where what I could not go further? Poor 689 00:34:40.639 --> 00:34:43.480 Jack knew what I wished to ask. He gently lifted 690 00:34:43.519 --> 00:34:45.280 part of the blanket, and I felt as if I 691 00:34:45.320 --> 00:34:48.280 had been stunned by an electric shock, on observing that 692 00:34:48.320 --> 00:34:51.280 his right leg had been amputated above the knee. For 693 00:34:51.320 --> 00:34:54.199 some moments, I could not speak, I could not move. 694 00:34:54.719 --> 00:34:57.199 It was with difficulty that I could draw my laboring breath. 695 00:34:57.639 --> 00:34:59.599 Suddenly I clasped my hands. 696 00:35:00.239 --> 00:35:02.559 Oh, Jack, my beloved Mike. 697 00:35:02.880 --> 00:35:06.280 I gasped. My throat was parched. For one moment I 698 00:35:06.320 --> 00:35:09.480 thought I was dying. Suddenly I started up, uttered a 699 00:35:09.480 --> 00:35:12.760 great agonizing cry, and fell down on the deck. Then 700 00:35:12.800 --> 00:35:15.039 a flood of tears sprang into my burning eyes, and 701 00:35:15.079 --> 00:35:18.000 I sobbed as if my heart would burst asunder I 702 00:35:18.039 --> 00:35:20.639 did not try to check this. It was too precious 703 00:35:20.639 --> 00:35:23.719 a relief to my insupportable agony. I crept close to 704 00:35:23.760 --> 00:35:26.559 my friend's cot, took his hand gently, and, laying my 705 00:35:26.639 --> 00:35:29.480 cheek upon it, wept there as I never wept before. 706 00:35:30.239 --> 00:35:32.920 Jack's former advice now came back to me vividly, and 707 00:35:33.000 --> 00:35:34.320 his words of caution. 708 00:35:34.559 --> 00:35:36.719 Honor thy father and thy mother. 709 00:35:37.039 --> 00:35:40.760 Burned deep into my throbbing brain, while my accusing conscience 710 00:35:40.760 --> 00:35:42.000 whispered unceasingly. 711 00:35:42.639 --> 00:35:44.960 You brought him to this, You brought him to this. 712 00:35:46.519 --> 00:35:49.440 My sorrow was broken in upon rudely by the first mate. 713 00:35:50.159 --> 00:35:52.400 What are you doing here, young blaggard. 714 00:35:52.480 --> 00:35:55.039 He cried, seizing me by the collar and dragging me 715 00:35:55.079 --> 00:35:56.519 to the foot of the ladder that led out of 716 00:35:56.559 --> 00:35:57.320 this bloody den. 717 00:35:57.760 --> 00:36:01.079 Skulkinnay, I'll teach you to skulk. I'll cure your that, 718 00:36:01.239 --> 00:36:03.480 my lad, I'll turn your skin for you. 719 00:36:04.159 --> 00:36:06.280 And at each emphatic word, he gave a blow with 720 00:36:06.320 --> 00:36:08.559 a rope's end that raised a bar of livid flesh 721 00:36:08.599 --> 00:36:12.400 across my back. There he cried, giving me a final cut, 722 00:36:12.440 --> 00:36:15.079 and hurling me up the first few steps of the ladder. 723 00:36:14.880 --> 00:36:15.639 On deck with you. 724 00:36:16.559 --> 00:36:19.320 I did not hesitate to comply. I gained the deck 725 00:36:19.360 --> 00:36:22.960 with unusual rapidity, smarting with pain and burning with indignation. 726 00:36:23.440 --> 00:36:25.480 But what I saw going on there made me almost 727 00:36:25.559 --> 00:36:28.559 forget my pain. The great swivel gun amidst ships was 728 00:36:28.599 --> 00:36:31.519 being cleared for action, and our captain was giving orders 729 00:36:31.519 --> 00:36:34.360 beside it, as coolly and quietly, as if nothing unusual 730 00:36:34.400 --> 00:36:37.519 had occurred that day. I was deeply impressed for a 731 00:36:37.519 --> 00:36:40.679 few minutes with this cool, calm indifference, which characterized the 732 00:36:40.719 --> 00:36:42.800 men as well as the captain. But when I had 733 00:36:42.800 --> 00:36:45.079 considered a little, I came to understand that they were 734 00:36:45.199 --> 00:36:47.599 used to battle and bloodshed, and that therefore it was 735 00:36:47.679 --> 00:36:51.519 quite natural. After that I ceased to wonder at anything. Indeed, 736 00:36:51.559 --> 00:36:54.239 the power to be astonished seemed to leave my breast altogether, 737 00:36:54.559 --> 00:36:56.920 and from that moment I regarded everything that happened on 738 00:36:56.960 --> 00:36:59.440 the pirate vessel as being quite what might be expected. 739 00:37:00.159 --> 00:37:03.119 Matter of course, I now observed that we had not 740 00:37:03.239 --> 00:37:06.320 yet done with the supposed Russian. We had merely run 741 00:37:06.320 --> 00:37:09.239 astern out of range of her guns, but not beyond 742 00:37:09.239 --> 00:37:11.679 the range of our large swivel. In a few minutes 743 00:37:11.679 --> 00:37:14.760 it was ready. The captain sighted the gun and gave. 744 00:37:14.599 --> 00:37:15.960 The word fire. 745 00:37:16.880 --> 00:37:19.280 The ship quivered with the shock, and so large was 746 00:37:19.280 --> 00:37:22.119 the ball that I could distinctly trace its flight. It 747 00:37:22.159 --> 00:37:24.000 fell short a few yards. 748 00:37:24.360 --> 00:37:26.400 So, so muttered the captain. 749 00:37:26.519 --> 00:37:27.800 The next wildoy's work. 750 00:37:28.360 --> 00:37:30.760 He was right. The next ball struck the rails that 751 00:37:30.840 --> 00:37:33.320 ran round the poop, carried away the binnacle, and raked 752 00:37:33.320 --> 00:37:35.960 the upper deck from stern to stern. I could see 753 00:37:35.960 --> 00:37:40.599 it quite plainly with the glass. Hurrah, shouted some of 754 00:37:40.639 --> 00:37:41.000 the crew. 755 00:37:41.840 --> 00:37:42.280 Silence. 756 00:37:42.280 --> 00:37:44.159 Shoe babies, growled the captain. 757 00:37:44.360 --> 00:37:46.519 Time enough to crow, when our work's done. 758 00:37:47.199 --> 00:37:50.280 The men who had cheered fell back, abashed. I noticed 759 00:37:50.280 --> 00:37:52.159 that they were chiefly the younger men of the crew, 760 00:37:52.360 --> 00:37:56.159 whose countenances were not yet utterly unhumanized by crime. 761 00:37:57.440 --> 00:38:01.480 Load ready fire again, The. 762 00:38:01.599 --> 00:38:05.000 Huge iron mass sprang from the cannon's mouth and rushed 763 00:38:05.000 --> 00:38:08.000 along its deadly track. It struck the top of a wave, and, 764 00:38:08.119 --> 00:38:10.760 bounding up, passed through the sails and cordage of the Russian, 765 00:38:11.159 --> 00:38:13.480 cutting one or two of the lighter spars and also 766 00:38:13.519 --> 00:38:16.360 the main topsail halliards, which caused the yard to come 767 00:38:16.440 --> 00:38:20.159 rattling down and rendered the sail useless. Seeing this, the 768 00:38:20.199 --> 00:38:22.519 pirate captain ordered sail to be reduced in order to 769 00:38:22.599 --> 00:38:25.320 keep it a sufficient distance astern to render the guns 770 00:38:25.320 --> 00:38:28.559 of the chase useless. Every shot from our gun now 771 00:38:28.599 --> 00:38:31.719 told with terrible effect. We could see the splinters fly 772 00:38:31.880 --> 00:38:34.519 as every ball entered the ship's stern, or swept her deck, 773 00:38:34.920 --> 00:38:38.559 or crashed through her rigging. Presently she turned her broadside 774 00:38:38.599 --> 00:38:39.000 to us. 775 00:38:39.840 --> 00:38:42.800 She don't mean to waste our ammunition, surely. 776 00:38:42.960 --> 00:38:45.920 Remarked the captain, with a sneer. She did not mean 777 00:38:45.960 --> 00:38:48.599 to do so. She evidently meant to turn the tables 778 00:38:48.639 --> 00:38:51.800 by bearing suddenly down on us, and if possible, give 779 00:38:51.880 --> 00:38:54.079 us a broadside before we could get out of range. 780 00:38:54.400 --> 00:38:58.679 The captain saw the intention instantly and thwarted it up. 781 00:38:58.719 --> 00:39:01.360 Your helm square the yards look alive. 782 00:39:01.400 --> 00:39:05.159 There We fell off, and were soon running before the wind, 783 00:39:05.400 --> 00:39:08.079 with a swivel gun thundering over our stern as it 784 00:39:08.119 --> 00:39:11.400 had formerly thundered over our bows. The Russian fired a 785 00:39:11.400 --> 00:39:14.639 broadside and lay to. Every ball fell short of us, 786 00:39:15.039 --> 00:39:17.320 we also lay to, And now the fire was kept 787 00:39:17.360 --> 00:39:21.239 up steadily. The ship's fate was sealed. Those on board 788 00:39:21.239 --> 00:39:23.760 evidently thought so, for the colors which had hitherto been 789 00:39:23.840 --> 00:39:27.039 flying from the mast, were presently lowered. Upon this we 790 00:39:27.079 --> 00:39:29.199 ceased firing and ranged up alongside. 791 00:39:30.079 --> 00:39:31.519 Oh you've had enough, have you. 792 00:39:31.960 --> 00:39:32.880 Cried our captain. 793 00:39:33.039 --> 00:39:36.800 Perhaps you'll condescend to let your captain and papers come aboard. Now. 794 00:39:37.920 --> 00:39:40.199 The Russian did not reply, but a boat was lowered. 795 00:39:40.480 --> 00:39:43.599 It was evident they meant to obey. Here, you boy, 796 00:39:44.039 --> 00:39:47.440 cried our captain, as he paced the deck awaiting their arrival. 797 00:39:47.559 --> 00:39:50.320 Here's a letter for you, letters, sir. 798 00:39:50.960 --> 00:39:54.559 I exclaimed, stepping forward and touching my cap Aye. 799 00:39:54.840 --> 00:39:57.400 Your father gave it to me just before we set sail. 800 00:39:58.280 --> 00:40:00.039 He told me not to give it to you and 801 00:40:00.119 --> 00:40:03.320 till you'd seen a little rough work. You've seen some now, 802 00:40:03.360 --> 00:40:04.119 I think. 803 00:40:04.760 --> 00:40:07.199 He accompanied this remark with a horrible leer. 804 00:40:07.960 --> 00:40:11.199 So there's the letter. Go below and read it. I'll 805 00:40:11.199 --> 00:40:13.760 want you in half an hour for some still rougher work. 806 00:40:14.880 --> 00:40:18.039 There seemed to me something very unaccountable and mysterious in this. 807 00:40:18.639 --> 00:40:20.920 I knew that the captain did not know my father. 808 00:40:21.559 --> 00:40:23.760 I had not even told him that I had a father. 809 00:40:24.360 --> 00:40:26.400 It seemed to me impossible that in the course of 810 00:40:26.400 --> 00:40:28.840 the short half hour that intervened between the time of 811 00:40:28.840 --> 00:40:31.639 my engaging to serve in the ring tailed smasher and 812 00:40:31.760 --> 00:40:34.440 the time of my setting sail. My father could have 813 00:40:34.519 --> 00:40:36.880 found out where I had run to, have met and 814 00:40:36.960 --> 00:40:39.400 conversed with the captain, and have written a letter to me. 815 00:40:39.960 --> 00:40:42.920 Yet it seemed that such was the case. I recognized 816 00:40:42.920 --> 00:40:43.559 the handwriting. 817 00:40:44.559 --> 00:40:47.119 Whom did you get the letter from? Did you see 818 00:40:47.119 --> 00:40:47.559 my father? 819 00:40:48.280 --> 00:40:51.599 Come, youngster, don't you go for a question me? Go 820 00:40:51.679 --> 00:40:54.199 below directly and stop there till you're wanted. 821 00:40:54.960 --> 00:40:57.119 The captain seized the end of a rope as he spoke. 822 00:40:57.280 --> 00:40:59.360 So I retreated at once to the bedside of my 823 00:40:59.400 --> 00:41:02.400 poor friend Jem, only too glad to escape from the 824 00:41:02.400 --> 00:41:04.920 presence of the men whom I now abhorred with all 825 00:41:04.920 --> 00:41:09.239 my heart. Jack said I eagerly, here's. 826 00:41:09.039 --> 00:41:10.039 A letter from my father. 827 00:41:11.320 --> 00:41:14.480 He evinced no surprise, but looking up, solemnly said, in 828 00:41:14.519 --> 00:41:18.760 a faint voice, read it. Breaking the seal, I read 829 00:41:18.800 --> 00:41:19.920 as follows. 830 00:41:20.360 --> 00:41:24.840 My beloved son, I forgive you. You have sinned deeply 831 00:41:24.880 --> 00:41:27.920 in thus leaving me, But I know that you have repented. 832 00:41:28.280 --> 00:41:31.280 I know that your own conscience has rebuked you more 833 00:41:31.320 --> 00:41:35.960 sternly than any earthly parent could do. You cannot now 834 00:41:36.000 --> 00:41:39.280 recall the past, You cannot undone what you have done. 835 00:41:40.079 --> 00:41:43.440 You must now continue your voyage. And in order to 836 00:41:43.480 --> 00:41:47.159 relieve your oppressed heart, I give you my blessing. I 837 00:41:47.239 --> 00:41:50.159 commend you, my dear boy, to him who is the 838 00:41:50.239 --> 00:41:55.239 savior of sinners. Beware of the captain. Obey him in 839 00:41:55.360 --> 00:41:59.000 all that is right, but do not serve him again. 840 00:41:59.079 --> 00:42:02.360 I say, beware of him. There are secrets concerning him 841 00:42:02.360 --> 00:42:05.400 that I cannot unfold. I have just been to see 842 00:42:05.480 --> 00:42:09.039 Jack's mother. She sends her forgiveness and blessing to her son. 843 00:42:09.719 --> 00:42:13.840 God bless you boy, your loving father John Smith. 844 00:42:14.559 --> 00:42:17.760 My father understood human nature. No reproaches that he could 845 00:42:17.760 --> 00:42:20.119 have heaped upon me would have cut half so deeply 846 00:42:20.159 --> 00:42:23.880 into my heart as did this kind forgiving letter. My 847 00:42:24.000 --> 00:42:26.800 heart was full, yet I felt a deep undercurrent of 848 00:42:26.880 --> 00:42:29.880 joy at knowing that my father loved me. Still, I 849 00:42:29.920 --> 00:42:32.280 looked at Jack. He seemed to be asleep, but he 850 00:42:32.360 --> 00:42:35.760 was not. A single tear coursed over his pale cheek 851 00:42:35.800 --> 00:42:37.719 as he looked up and whispered. 852 00:42:37.840 --> 00:42:39.280 We don't deserve this, Bob. 853 00:42:40.320 --> 00:42:42.679 Before I could reply, the ship was shaken by a 854 00:42:42.679 --> 00:42:46.679 tremendous explosion, and immediately after I heard the most appalling 855 00:42:46.760 --> 00:42:50.159 shrieks and yells on deck, accompanied by the clashing of 856 00:42:50.239 --> 00:42:53.239 swords and the scuffling of men in deadly conflict. I 857 00:42:53.280 --> 00:42:56.360 looked at Jack. He lay motionless with his eyes closed. 858 00:42:56.840 --> 00:42:58.639 For a moment I feared that he was dead. 859 00:43:00.239 --> 00:43:03.719 Bob Smith, Hello, tumble up there, you Skulka. 860 00:43:04.199 --> 00:43:07.079 Shouted a voice down the hatchway. At the same moment, 861 00:43:07.199 --> 00:43:10.039 two wounded men were carried into the place, and the 862 00:43:10.079 --> 00:43:13.960 surgeon appeared with his horrible instruments, glittering cold and sharp 863 00:43:14.000 --> 00:43:17.320 on a wooden tray, seizing my cutlass and thrusting a 864 00:43:17.360 --> 00:43:19.840 brace of pistols in my belt, I rushed on deck. 865 00:43:22.000 --> 00:43:23.639 End of story two, chapter. 866 00:43:23.360 --> 00:43:33.599 Four, Story two, chapters five and six of Freaks on 867 00:43:33.679 --> 00:43:37.840 the Fells. This is a librifox recording. All librifox accordings 868 00:43:37.840 --> 00:43:41.239 are in the public domain. For more information or to volunteer, 869 00:43:41.519 --> 00:43:46.280 please visit LibriVox dot org. Freaks on the Phils by R. M. Valentine, 870 00:43:46.840 --> 00:43:51.440 Story two, chapter five. On reaching the deck, I saw 871 00:43:51.519 --> 00:43:54.880 at once how matters stood. The Russian had allowed us 872 00:43:54.880 --> 00:43:58.880 to come alongside, and then, throwing out grappling irons, had 873 00:43:58.880 --> 00:44:02.639 fired a broadside into us and attempted to board. They 874 00:44:02.679 --> 00:44:06.000 were soon overcome, however, by the pirates and driven back 875 00:44:06.039 --> 00:44:10.760 into their ship, whether they were immediately followed. I resolved, 876 00:44:10.880 --> 00:44:13.000 come what might, that I would take no part in 877 00:44:13.039 --> 00:44:16.079 the fray. But I was carried in spite of myself 878 00:44:16.440 --> 00:44:18.960 on board the strange vessel in the rush that our 879 00:44:19.000 --> 00:44:22.199 men made when they drove their opponents back. There was 880 00:44:22.239 --> 00:44:25.000 a short, sharp skirmish on the deck of the Russian, 881 00:44:25.440 --> 00:44:28.039 and then the crew were driven below and the hatches 882 00:44:28.039 --> 00:44:31.639 put on. I remembered having seen a number of soldiers 883 00:44:31.679 --> 00:44:33.760 on board when we first came up with this vessel. 884 00:44:34.360 --> 00:44:34.960 There were none. 885 00:44:35.000 --> 00:44:35.199 Now. 886 00:44:36.039 --> 00:44:39.280 Their mysterious disappearance struck me at first, but I soon 887 00:44:39.320 --> 00:44:42.760 forgot it and the thrilling scenes that followed. In the 888 00:44:42.760 --> 00:44:45.159 middle of the vessel's main deck there was a cage 889 00:44:45.159 --> 00:44:48.119 of wild beasts. How they had got there, of course, 890 00:44:48.159 --> 00:44:51.119 I knew not, but at once concluded the ship must 891 00:44:51.119 --> 00:44:54.039 have been in southern climes, and these animals were being 892 00:44:54.039 --> 00:44:57.960 brought home to represent it to some menagerie or zoological garden. 893 00:44:58.880 --> 00:45:02.679 There were several fire specimens of lions and tigers, and 894 00:45:02.760 --> 00:45:05.559 the sight of blood, which flowed plentifully on the decks, 895 00:45:05.599 --> 00:45:08.519 had so excited these creatures that they were now filling 896 00:45:08.559 --> 00:45:11.920 the air with deafening roars, bounding against the sides of 897 00:45:11.960 --> 00:45:15.360 their cage, which I expected every moment to see broken 898 00:45:15.400 --> 00:45:18.840 to pieces by their united strength, and glaring at us 899 00:45:18.880 --> 00:45:22.199 with the most awful expressions of ferocity I ever beheld. 900 00:45:23.239 --> 00:45:26.480 Our captain, who looked almost as fierce as the wild brutes, 901 00:45:26.800 --> 00:45:29.719 could not make his voice heard for their roaring. In 902 00:45:29.760 --> 00:45:32.119 savage fury, he rushed at the cage and made a 903 00:45:32.119 --> 00:45:35.119 desperate cut with his sword at the lion nearest the bars. 904 00:45:35.880 --> 00:45:39.119 The blood flowed from the wound freely, and the savage animal, 905 00:45:39.320 --> 00:45:42.679 being unable to wreak its vengeance on his cowardly assailant, 906 00:45:43.079 --> 00:45:46.519 attacked one of its comrades. This and the blood now 907 00:45:46.519 --> 00:45:51.039 flowing in the cage quite maddened them all. An indiscriminate 908 00:45:51.079 --> 00:45:55.280 fight ensued. The wooden partition that separated the tigers from 909 00:45:55.280 --> 00:45:58.559 the lions was smashed in, and a strong cage shook 910 00:45:58.639 --> 00:46:00.280 as if it were made of card. 911 00:46:01.440 --> 00:46:03.679 Turn a gun in board. 912 00:46:03.719 --> 00:46:06.840 Yelled the captain, who seemed to have actually gone mad 913 00:46:06.920 --> 00:46:10.000 with passion. The order was instantly obeyed. 914 00:46:10.719 --> 00:46:15.519 Load to the muzzle, great canister chain shot in with it. 915 00:46:16.239 --> 00:46:20.400 He assisted in the operation rammed home the extraordinary charge, 916 00:46:20.480 --> 00:46:24.559 pointed the gun at the cage and applied the match. Instantly, 917 00:46:24.639 --> 00:46:26.800 the gun leaped backwards as if it had been a 918 00:46:26.840 --> 00:46:30.000 living thing, broke down the bulwarks of the ship, and 919 00:46:30.079 --> 00:46:34.719 plunged overboard. The effect of the shot was terrific. The 920 00:46:34.760 --> 00:46:37.559 cage was blown to atoms, and the mangled remains of 921 00:46:37.599 --> 00:46:41.880 the wild beasts were strewn about the deck. One animal, however, 922 00:46:42.079 --> 00:46:47.159 a magnificent Bengal tiger, had apparently escaped unhurt. It sprang 923 00:46:47.199 --> 00:46:49.880 at the captain with a hideous roar. He pointed the 924 00:46:49.920 --> 00:46:53.639 pistol at its open throat. At that moment, the wood 925 00:46:53.679 --> 00:46:56.320 cut in my book of Travels flashed vividly before me. 926 00:46:57.000 --> 00:47:00.000 But they had no time to think. The pistol exploded, 927 00:47:00.480 --> 00:47:04.360 sending its contents down the creature's throat. The tiger fell 928 00:47:04.400 --> 00:47:07.599 short in his sleep. Blood poured from its mouth and nose. 929 00:47:08.239 --> 00:47:11.159 With another bound, it cleared the bulwarks and fell into 930 00:47:11.159 --> 00:47:15.559 the sea. The calm that succeeded this thrilling incident was 931 00:47:15.639 --> 00:47:18.400 like a sudden lull in the midst of a furious storm. 932 00:47:19.039 --> 00:47:21.480 Even the pirates seemed to be solemnized. Though it had 933 00:47:21.519 --> 00:47:26.599 passed now to work, cried the captain, wiping his sword 934 00:47:26.840 --> 00:47:29.360 and laying it with a brace of loaded pistols on 935 00:47:29.440 --> 00:47:30.440 the capsain. 936 00:47:30.920 --> 00:47:34.280 What are you staring at, you fools? Have you lost 937 00:47:34.320 --> 00:47:35.119 your senses? 938 00:47:35.840 --> 00:47:38.679 Open the after hatch and bring them up one at 939 00:47:38.719 --> 00:47:39.280 a time. 940 00:47:39.800 --> 00:47:41.000 Get the plank ready. 941 00:47:41.639 --> 00:47:43.960 The first who was led bound before the captain was 942 00:47:43.960 --> 00:47:46.840 the steward of the ship. He was deadly, pale, and 943 00:47:46.920 --> 00:47:52.519 trembled very much. Now, my man, said the captain. 944 00:47:52.719 --> 00:47:56.320 Answer my questions the truth. Mind else. 945 00:47:56.960 --> 00:47:59.280 He touched the butt of a pistol significantly. 946 00:48:00.159 --> 00:48:02.840 Where did you last sail from? 947 00:48:03.519 --> 00:48:05.840 To my amazement, the man gave the name of the 948 00:48:05.920 --> 00:48:09.480 port from which we ourselves had sailed. I felt certain 949 00:48:09.559 --> 00:48:12.079 that this was a falsehood, and that the poor man's 950 00:48:12.079 --> 00:48:15.480 life would be forfeited. Judge. Then my surprise when the 951 00:48:15.519 --> 00:48:16.559 captain said. 952 00:48:16.920 --> 00:48:18.800 I know that as well as you. 953 00:48:19.199 --> 00:48:23.360 I saw you sneak out just the day before we did. 954 00:48:23.920 --> 00:48:29.519 But you didn't escape me. You are too good to live. 955 00:48:29.639 --> 00:48:33.119 My man, stand aside here till I call someone who's 956 00:48:33.199 --> 00:48:34.719 not quite so frightened. 957 00:48:35.159 --> 00:48:37.800 Here, hold him one of you, bring another. 958 00:48:38.719 --> 00:48:42.079 I started, my heart almost ceased to beat when the 959 00:48:42.119 --> 00:48:45.199 next man was led forward. He was my father's man, 960 00:48:45.280 --> 00:48:48.960 servant Edwards. In the confusion and horror of that hour, 961 00:48:49.079 --> 00:48:51.679 I could not reason, but a vague sense of some 962 00:48:51.800 --> 00:48:56.400 mysterious impossibility having actually taken place oppressed me in the 963 00:48:56.440 --> 00:48:59.719 way that I cannot explain. The ship had sailed the 964 00:48:59.800 --> 00:49:03.320 day before ours? Did I left Edwards behind me in 965 00:49:03.360 --> 00:49:06.119 the race from home? How then did I see him 966 00:49:06.159 --> 00:49:10.000 before me? Then the cage of wild beasts? How was 967 00:49:10.039 --> 00:49:12.920 it possible that a vessel leaving an English port could 968 00:49:12.920 --> 00:49:17.000 have such creatures on board? Then my father's letter. It 969 00:49:17.079 --> 00:49:20.239 seemed more than ever mysterious, how that letter could reach me, 970 00:49:20.719 --> 00:49:22.920 and through such a channel, and without a word of 971 00:49:22.920 --> 00:49:27.159 reference to Edwards. He did not observe me as he paused. 972 00:49:27.599 --> 00:49:30.239 I tried to utter his name, but my tongue was tied. 973 00:49:30.760 --> 00:49:32.599 I could not speak, I could not move. 974 00:49:33.599 --> 00:49:35.760 Where did you last sail from? 975 00:49:36.119 --> 00:49:37.079 Began the captain. 976 00:49:37.559 --> 00:49:38.599 You'll get nothing out of. 977 00:49:38.559 --> 00:49:40.960 Me, replied Edwards, stoutly. 978 00:49:41.599 --> 00:49:45.320 Do your moust torture me if you like, I defy 979 00:49:45.440 --> 00:49:50.000 you to your teeth, do you, my fine fellow. 980 00:49:50.039 --> 00:49:52.000 Said the captain with a bitter sneer. 981 00:49:52.519 --> 00:49:56.760 Then I'll just send you overboard at once. I've no 982 00:49:56.880 --> 00:50:00.679 time to torture you. And as I shall find plenty 983 00:50:00.800 --> 00:50:03.639 of your comrades willing enough to tell me all they know, 984 00:50:04.440 --> 00:50:07.159 I'll not trouble you any further. 985 00:50:07.719 --> 00:50:09.719 Ho run out the plank there. 986 00:50:10.400 --> 00:50:13.039 I knew what that meant, and a cold shiver passed 987 00:50:13.039 --> 00:50:16.079 through my frame. As the men obeyed and blindfolded Edward's 988 00:50:16.320 --> 00:50:19.639 preparatory to make him walk the plank, I could restrain 989 00:50:19.719 --> 00:50:23.400 myself no longer. Darting up to the captain, I shouted, 990 00:50:23.440 --> 00:50:25.400 in a voice of indignation. 991 00:50:25.559 --> 00:50:29.280 Do you mean to murder an innocent man, you dastardly villain. 992 00:50:30.239 --> 00:50:32.760 He looked at me for a moment in surprise, then, 993 00:50:32.920 --> 00:50:35.960 snatching a pistol, felt me with it to the deck. 994 00:50:36.599 --> 00:50:39.880 I was not rendered quite insensible. I heard a shriek 995 00:50:39.920 --> 00:50:42.599 of agony uttered by poor Edwards as he fell off 996 00:50:42.639 --> 00:50:45.800 the end of the plank into the sea. Then I fainted. 997 00:50:47.199 --> 00:50:50.239 How long I lay I know not, probably not long, 998 00:50:50.360 --> 00:50:52.679 for I was restored to a state of consciousness by 999 00:50:52.719 --> 00:50:55.760 being plunged into the sea. I had no doubt that 1000 00:50:55.840 --> 00:50:58.639 the captain had ordered me to be thrown overboard just 1001 00:50:58.719 --> 00:51:03.719 after I fell under brutal blow. Being a good swimmer, 1002 00:51:03.880 --> 00:51:05.960 I struck out at once and made for the side 1003 00:51:05.960 --> 00:51:08.280 of the pirate vessel, where I caught the end of 1004 00:51:08.320 --> 00:51:11.719 a rope and soon clambered on board. I was much 1005 00:51:11.760 --> 00:51:14.480 exhausted and sat down on the breach of a caranad 1006 00:51:14.559 --> 00:51:18.760 to rest and recover my stunt and scattered faculties. The 1007 00:51:18.800 --> 00:51:21.559 crew of the pirate were so busily engaged with the 1008 00:51:21.599 --> 00:51:24.559 captured ship that I found myself quite alone on the deck. 1009 00:51:25.360 --> 00:51:28.639 Not a man remained in the ship, and ideas suddenly 1010 00:51:28.679 --> 00:51:31.920 occurred to me. Just then I glanced up at the sails. 1011 00:51:32.320 --> 00:51:35.119 They were all flapping in the wind except the fore topsail. 1012 00:51:35.840 --> 00:51:38.599 That sail had slewed round and was drawing so that 1013 00:51:38.639 --> 00:51:41.519 the vessel strained their ropes and grappling irons that held 1014 00:51:41.519 --> 00:51:45.519 her to the captured ship. I sprang up, burning with 1015 00:51:45.639 --> 00:51:48.880 eager excitement. I heard the shrieks of the ill fated 1016 00:51:48.960 --> 00:51:51.960 victims as one by one they walked the plank, which, 1017 00:51:52.119 --> 00:51:55.519 fortunately for the success of my design, was thrust out 1018 00:51:55.559 --> 00:51:58.239 on the other side of the ship. A crow bar 1019 00:51:58.440 --> 00:52:01.320 enabled me to wrench you off the grappling irons. Two 1020 00:52:01.400 --> 00:52:03.920 cuts of a large axe severed the cable that had 1021 00:52:03.960 --> 00:52:06.960 been fastened to the bow, and the vessel's head fell 1022 00:52:06.960 --> 00:52:10.519 slowly off. As it did so, all the sails filled 1023 00:52:10.559 --> 00:52:14.320 with a sudden clap. This was observed. I heard a 1024 00:52:14.360 --> 00:52:16.760 shout and saw the pirate spring on the bulwarks of 1025 00:52:16.800 --> 00:52:20.159 the Prize. I flew, rather than ran, to the stern, 1026 00:52:20.440 --> 00:52:22.639 where the cable that held the vessel was rigid as 1027 00:52:22.639 --> 00:52:25.840 a bar of iron. One blow cut it, and the 1028 00:52:25.920 --> 00:52:28.800 rope recoiled violently in the faces of the men who 1029 00:52:28.840 --> 00:52:32.360 laid hold of it. Next moment, the pirate ship was 1030 00:52:32.360 --> 00:52:35.679 heading away before a stiff breeze, which was quickly freshening 1031 00:52:35.719 --> 00:52:38.840 to a gale. As I sprang to the helm, a 1032 00:52:38.840 --> 00:52:41.559 shower of musket and pistol bullets tore up the deck 1033 00:52:41.599 --> 00:52:44.239 around me, and I heard the captain's voice give the 1034 00:52:44.360 --> 00:52:48.239 order to load the guns. It was a few minutes 1035 00:52:48.400 --> 00:52:52.280 before the vist inechie of the ship was overcome, so 1036 00:52:52.360 --> 00:52:55.320 that I was within close range when a whole broadside 1037 00:52:55.360 --> 00:52:59.039 was fired at me, but not a shot struck. They 1038 00:52:59.079 --> 00:53:02.000 tore up the water all round and ricocheted over me. 1039 00:53:02.800 --> 00:53:05.679 Before they could reload. I was almost beyond range, for 1040 00:53:05.760 --> 00:53:09.039 the gale was freshening every moment, and the canvas spread 1041 00:53:09.199 --> 00:53:11.719 was enough almost to tear the masts out of the ship. 1042 00:53:12.559 --> 00:53:15.280 The water hissed as she flew over the heaving waves, 1043 00:53:15.559 --> 00:53:18.920 and in a few minutes I felt that I was free. 1044 00:53:19.440 --> 00:53:22.199 Oh the feeling of wild delight that filled me. When 1045 00:53:22.199 --> 00:53:26.440 I realized this, I lashed the helm amidships and ran 1046 00:53:26.519 --> 00:53:29.480 down below to tell Jack what I had done. He 1047 00:53:29.599 --> 00:53:33.400 was asleep by a powerful effort. I restrained myself and 1048 00:53:33.480 --> 00:53:37.000 did not disturb him. Then I rushed on deck. My 1049 00:53:37.119 --> 00:53:40.840 brain seemed on fire. I shouted, laughed, and sang, and 1050 00:53:40.960 --> 00:53:44.280 wept until I began to feel a terrible sensation of 1051 00:53:44.360 --> 00:53:47.719 dread lest they should go mad. But this, instead of 1052 00:53:47.760 --> 00:53:50.719 calming me, caused me to dance and sing and shout. 1053 00:53:50.719 --> 00:53:55.360 The more a burning thirst came upon me. I ran 1054 00:53:55.440 --> 00:53:57.719 to the water cask and drank till I could drink 1055 00:53:57.760 --> 00:54:01.519 no more. I was refreshed, but soon the fever returned, 1056 00:54:01.519 --> 00:54:02.440 fiercer than ever. 1057 00:54:03.079 --> 00:54:03.840 I was mad. 1058 00:54:04.320 --> 00:54:07.480 I knew it, I felt it, but I did not care. 1059 00:54:08.400 --> 00:54:11.159 I saw that the storm increased. This caused me to 1060 00:54:11.199 --> 00:54:13.599 shout again with joy at the thought that I was 1061 00:54:13.639 --> 00:54:16.719 so quickly borne away from the scene of butchery and 1062 00:54:16.800 --> 00:54:19.639 from the fiends in human form with whom I had 1063 00:54:19.679 --> 00:54:24.320 so lately associated. The gale burst in all its fury 1064 00:54:24.480 --> 00:54:28.360 upon us. The sails were new and strong. The ship 1065 00:54:28.480 --> 00:54:31.760 plunged into the waves. A green billow swept inboard and 1066 00:54:31.800 --> 00:54:34.920 burst in fury on the deck, carrying away boats and 1067 00:54:35.000 --> 00:54:39.039 loose spars. I yelled with delight and plunged into the 1068 00:54:39.079 --> 00:54:42.199 brine that lashed the deck from stem to stern. I 1069 00:54:42.280 --> 00:54:45.239 heard a noise overhead, but was so confused that I 1070 00:54:45.280 --> 00:54:49.000 could not understand what it was. As I gazed, there 1071 00:54:49.000 --> 00:54:53.280 came a terrific blast. The mainsail split from top to bottom. 1072 00:54:53.800 --> 00:54:57.119 The topsails burst and were blown to ribbons. At the 1073 00:54:57.159 --> 00:55:00.000 same moment, I received a violent blow on the head. 1074 00:55:01.119 --> 00:55:06.119 After that, all was darkness and oblivion. End of Story two, 1075 00:55:06.440 --> 00:55:13.679 Chapter five. Story two, Chapter six. When consciousness returned to me, 1076 00:55:13.960 --> 00:55:16.159 I found myself lying on my back on the deck 1077 00:55:16.159 --> 00:55:19.480 of a vessel, surrounded and propped out by pillows, and 1078 00:55:19.599 --> 00:55:23.239 Jack Brown sitting beside me reading a book. I felt 1079 00:55:23.280 --> 00:55:26.480 a curious sensation of weakness and emptiness in my head, 1080 00:55:26.840 --> 00:55:30.679 as if it were hollow, and a strange disinclination, almost 1081 00:55:30.679 --> 00:55:35.760 inability to speak or think. Suddenly this passed away, and 1082 00:55:35.840 --> 00:55:38.519 the events which I have related in the previous chapters 1083 00:55:38.679 --> 00:55:41.159 rushed back upon my memory with vivid power. 1084 00:55:41.840 --> 00:55:45.079 It must have been a dream, I thought, or I 1085 00:55:45.159 --> 00:55:48.000 must have been ill and delirious, and these things have 1086 00:55:48.119 --> 00:55:49.800 passed through my fevered brain. 1087 00:55:50.679 --> 00:55:53.800 At that moment, the thought of Jack's amputated leg came 1088 00:55:53.840 --> 00:55:54.599 into my head. 1089 00:55:55.119 --> 00:55:56.320 That will prove it. 1090 00:55:56.480 --> 00:55:59.320 Thought I, and turned quickly to look at my friend. 1091 00:56:00.119 --> 00:56:03.760 One glance was sufficient. A wooden stump occupied a place 1092 00:56:03.800 --> 00:56:09.280 of his right leg. I groaned aloud and burst into tears. Come, Bob, 1093 00:56:09.880 --> 00:56:13.039 said Jack in a soft, kind tone, laying down his 1094 00:56:13.119 --> 00:56:14.360 book and bending over me. 1095 00:56:14.960 --> 00:56:19.079 Come, my poor fellow. Keep quiet. It's about time you 1096 00:56:19.199 --> 00:56:23.039 had your dinner. Lie still and I'll fetch it to you. 1097 00:56:24.000 --> 00:56:26.360 I laid my hand on his arm and attained him. 1098 00:56:26.960 --> 00:56:28.519 Then it's all true. 1099 00:56:28.880 --> 00:56:31.599 Said I, in a tone of the deepest despondency. 1100 00:56:32.519 --> 00:56:33.719 It's what all true? 1101 00:56:34.199 --> 00:56:38.480 This this horrible your leg? Your leg? 1102 00:56:39.480 --> 00:56:42.679 Jack suddenly stooped and gazed earnestly into my face. 1103 00:56:43.559 --> 00:56:44.719 Do you know me, Bob? 1104 00:56:45.119 --> 00:56:46.800 He trembled as he spoke. 1105 00:56:47.199 --> 00:56:50.079 Know you, Jack? Why should I not know you? When 1106 00:56:50.079 --> 00:56:51.320 did I ever forget you? 1107 00:56:52.039 --> 00:56:52.920 Thank God? 1108 00:56:53.559 --> 00:56:56.920 He exclaimed, fervently, taking my hand and pressing it to 1109 00:56:57.000 --> 00:56:57.519 his breast. 1110 00:56:58.360 --> 00:57:01.559 You're all right again, Oh, how I have longed and 1111 00:57:01.719 --> 00:57:02.519 prayed for this? 1112 00:57:03.239 --> 00:57:06.679 All right? Jack? Have I been wrong then that you 1113 00:57:06.760 --> 00:57:08.039 have just said? 1114 00:57:08.159 --> 00:57:10.000 Jack, smiling sadly. 1115 00:57:10.440 --> 00:57:13.079 You've been as mad as a march hare. That's all. 1116 00:57:13.960 --> 00:57:16.760 I fell flat down and gazed at him. In a 1117 00:57:16.840 --> 00:57:20.000 minute more, I raised myself on one elbow, and, looking 1118 00:57:20.039 --> 00:57:22.599 at him earnestly, said how. 1119 00:57:22.480 --> 00:57:23.199 Long, Jack? 1120 00:57:24.119 --> 00:57:25.480 Just three weeks today? 1121 00:57:26.320 --> 00:57:29.360 I fell flat down again, in which position Jack left 1122 00:57:29.400 --> 00:57:32.280 me to go and fetch me some dinner. He returned 1123 00:57:32.360 --> 00:57:35.840 quickly with a plate of soup. Before commencing to eat it. 1124 00:57:36.079 --> 00:57:38.519 I pressed my hand on my forehead and said. 1125 00:57:39.000 --> 00:57:43.199 Jack, I am surrounded by mysteries. How got you so soon? Well? 1126 00:57:43.719 --> 00:57:47.320 Where got you that wooden leg? How are we here alone? 1127 00:57:47.840 --> 00:57:51.280 Where are we going? Clear up my faculties? Jack? While 1128 00:57:51.280 --> 00:57:53.760 I eat this soup, do like a good fellow. 1129 00:57:54.400 --> 00:57:58.920 I can easily do that. Bob. First, I got well 1130 00:57:58.960 --> 00:58:03.480 because you took care of me. What I yes you 1131 00:58:05.039 --> 00:58:08.199 at the commencement of your madness. You tended me and 1132 00:58:08.360 --> 00:58:10.880 cared for me as if you had been my mother. 1133 00:58:11.880 --> 00:58:14.559 When you got to lose all method in your madness, 1134 00:58:15.239 --> 00:58:18.079 I was well enough to take care of myself and 1135 00:58:18.199 --> 00:58:23.119 you too. Secondly, I found this wooden leg in the 1136 00:58:23.159 --> 00:58:28.480 carpenter's berth and gladly availed myself of its services, though 1137 00:58:28.519 --> 00:58:32.039 it is three inches too short and caused me to 1138 00:58:32.119 --> 00:58:38.039 hobble in a most undignified manner. Thirdly, we are here 1139 00:58:38.119 --> 00:58:42.159 alone because there is no one else with us. You 1140 00:58:42.280 --> 00:58:44.880 took good care of that by cutting the ropes before 1141 00:58:44.920 --> 00:58:48.599 any of our crew could get aboard. So you told 1142 00:58:48.679 --> 00:58:50.360 me just before you went mad. 1143 00:58:51.119 --> 00:58:54.079 Oh I remember, now I recollect it all. 1144 00:58:54.639 --> 00:58:54.920 Go on. 1145 00:58:55.960 --> 00:58:59.639 Fourthly, as to where we are going, I don't know. 1146 00:59:00.840 --> 00:59:04.079 Our compass was smashed to pieces in the fight, and 1147 00:59:04.119 --> 00:59:07.159 I've been running for the last three weeks, right before 1148 00:59:07.199 --> 00:59:11.840 the wind. So now you know all. And as you've 1149 00:59:11.840 --> 00:59:14.719 finished your soup, I'll go and get you a lump 1150 00:59:14.760 --> 00:59:17.000 of boiled junk, don't. 1151 00:59:17.079 --> 00:59:19.639 Said I, rising and cheeking myself. 1152 00:59:20.320 --> 00:59:23.679 I've dined. I feel quite strong. I don't feel a 1153 00:59:23.719 --> 00:59:27.480 bit as if I had been ill. Hallo, what land 1154 00:59:27.599 --> 00:59:27.920 is that? 1155 00:59:28.760 --> 00:59:31.880 Jack started and gazed at it with surprise. He had 1156 00:59:31.920 --> 00:59:34.840 evidently not known that we were in the neighborhood of Land. 1157 00:59:35.639 --> 00:59:39.000 A dense fog bank had concealed it from us. Now 1158 00:59:39.039 --> 00:59:41.480 that it cleared away, it revealed to our gaze a 1159 00:59:41.519 --> 00:59:44.760 stretch of yellow sand, backed by the lofty blue hills 1160 00:59:44.760 --> 00:59:47.280 of the interior, and from the palm trees that it 1161 00:59:47.320 --> 00:59:50.159 could make out distinctly. I judged that we must have 1162 00:59:50.199 --> 00:59:53.320 been making for the tropical regions during the last three weeks. 1163 00:59:54.480 --> 00:59:58.159 Yet here again mystery surrounded me. How was it possible 1164 00:59:58.199 --> 01:00:00.360 that we should have reached the tropics and so short 1165 01:00:00.400 --> 01:00:04.239 a time. While I was puzzling over this question, the 1166 01:00:04.320 --> 01:00:07.639 greatest mystery of all occurred to us. If I were 1167 01:00:07.679 --> 01:00:11.719 not conscientiously relating events exactly as they occurred, I should 1168 01:00:11.719 --> 01:00:15.960 expect my readers to doubt my veracity. Here, as we 1169 01:00:15.960 --> 01:00:19.679 were sailing smoothly along, our ship without any apparent cause, 1170 01:00:19.840 --> 01:00:23.840 began to sink. She went down gradually but quickly, inch 1171 01:00:23.920 --> 01:00:26.320 by inch, until the water was on the level with 1172 01:00:26.400 --> 01:00:29.880 the decks. We struck no rock. We did not cease 1173 01:00:29.920 --> 01:00:32.920 to advance toward the shore. I fancied that we must 1174 01:00:32.960 --> 01:00:35.320 certainly have sprung a leak, But there had been no 1175 01:00:35.440 --> 01:00:38.119 sound of a plank starting, and there was no noise 1176 01:00:38.119 --> 01:00:41.400 of water rushing into the hold. I could not imagine 1177 01:00:41.400 --> 01:00:44.280 what had occurred, but I had not much time for thought. 1178 01:00:45.119 --> 01:00:48.719 We could do nothing to avert the catastrophe. It occurred 1179 01:00:48.760 --> 01:00:51.880 so suddenly that we were both rendered mute and helpless. 1180 01:00:52.480 --> 01:00:54.760 We stood gazing at the water as it crept over 1181 01:00:54.760 --> 01:00:58.239 the deck, without making the slightest effort to save ourselves. 1182 01:00:58.920 --> 01:01:01.760 At length, the water reached the hatchway and poured in 1183 01:01:01.800 --> 01:01:05.679 a roaring cataract into the hold. The vessel filled gave 1184 01:01:05.719 --> 01:01:08.840 a heavy lurch to port. A species of tremor passed 1185 01:01:08.880 --> 01:01:11.039 through her frame as if she was a living thing, 1186 01:01:11.440 --> 01:01:14.159 and knew that her hour had come. Then she went 1187 01:01:14.239 --> 01:01:17.360 down in a whirlpool, leaving Jack and me struggling in 1188 01:01:17.440 --> 01:01:20.679 the sea. We were both good swimmers, so that we 1189 01:01:20.760 --> 01:01:23.920 did not experience much alarm, especially when we felt that 1190 01:01:23.960 --> 01:01:27.559 the sea was comparatively warm. We struck out for the shore, 1191 01:01:27.639 --> 01:01:29.880 and being in the better swimmer of the two, I 1192 01:01:29.960 --> 01:01:33.559 took the lead. But now, to our horror, we found 1193 01:01:33.639 --> 01:01:37.039 that we were followed by sharks. No sooner than we 1194 01:01:37.119 --> 01:01:39.400 observed this than we struck out with all the energy 1195 01:01:39.400 --> 01:01:42.679 of terror. We never swam as we did on that occasion. 1196 01:01:43.159 --> 01:01:46.440 It seemed to me quite miraculous. The water burst from 1197 01:01:46.480 --> 01:01:49.199 our breasts in foam, and we left long white tracks 1198 01:01:49.199 --> 01:01:51.440 behind us as we clove our way through the water 1199 01:01:51.639 --> 01:01:55.480 like two boats. It was awful. I shall never forget 1200 01:01:55.480 --> 01:02:01.519 my feelings on that occasion. They were indescribable, inconceivable. We 1201 01:02:01.519 --> 01:02:03.599 were about a quarter of a mile from a point 1202 01:02:03.639 --> 01:02:06.760 of rocks when our ship sank in an incredibly short 1203 01:02:06.760 --> 01:02:09.800 space of time. We were close on the rocks, being 1204 01:02:09.840 --> 01:02:12.280 several yards ahead of Jack. I was the first to 1205 01:02:12.280 --> 01:02:16.039 clamber up. My heart fluttering with fear, yet filled with 1206 01:02:16.119 --> 01:02:20.039 deep gratitude for my deliverance. I turned to help Jack. 1207 01:02:20.519 --> 01:02:23.320 He was yet six yards from shore when a dreadful 1208 01:02:23.360 --> 01:02:24.679 shark made a rush at him. 1209 01:02:25.480 --> 01:02:28.039 Oh quick, quick. 1210 01:02:28.039 --> 01:02:31.719 I screamed. He was panting and straining like a lion. 1211 01:02:32.199 --> 01:02:34.639 Another moment and his hand would have been in mine. 1212 01:02:34.800 --> 01:02:37.159 But at that moment I beheld the double rows of 1213 01:02:37.239 --> 01:02:41.519 horrid teeth close upon him. He uttered a piercing shriek, 1214 01:02:41.599 --> 01:02:45.519 and there was an indescribably horrible scrunch as he went down. 1215 01:02:46.440 --> 01:02:49.400 In a moment after he reappeared and making a lost, 1216 01:02:49.480 --> 01:02:53.360 frightful effort to gain the rocks, caught my hand. I 1217 01:02:53.440 --> 01:02:56.280 dragged him out of danger instantly, and then I found 1218 01:02:56.400 --> 01:02:59.800 to my unutterable joy that the shark had only bitten 1219 01:02:59.800 --> 01:03:04.280 off the half of his wooden leg. Embracing each other fervently, 1220 01:03:04.440 --> 01:03:06.760 we sat down in the rocks to rest and collect 1221 01:03:06.760 --> 01:03:11.159 our thoughts. End of Story two, chapter six. 1222 01:03:17.039 --> 01:03:20.880 Story two, Chapter seven and eight of Freaks on the Fells. 1223 01:03:21.119 --> 01:03:24.400 This is a librifox according all LibriVox accordings are in 1224 01:03:24.440 --> 01:03:28.039 the public domain. For more information or the volunteer, please 1225 01:03:28.119 --> 01:03:32.079 visit librifox dot org. Freaks on the Fells by R. M. Valentine, 1226 01:03:32.480 --> 01:03:37.519 Story two, chapter seven. I have often found from experience 1227 01:03:37.599 --> 01:03:40.280 that the more one tries to collect one's thoughts, the 1228 01:03:40.360 --> 01:03:44.840 more one's thoughts pertinaciously scatter themselves abroad, almost beyond the 1229 01:03:44.880 --> 01:03:48.800 possibility of discovery. Such was the case with me after 1230 01:03:48.920 --> 01:03:52.320 escaping from the sea and the sharks, as related circumstantially 1231 01:03:52.360 --> 01:03:55.639 in the last chapter. Perhaps the truth of this may 1232 01:03:55.679 --> 01:03:59.119 be best illustrated by laying before my readers the dialogue 1233 01:03:59.159 --> 01:04:01.880 that ensued between me and Jack on the momentous occasion, 1234 01:04:01.920 --> 01:04:03.519 refer to as follows. 1235 01:04:04.519 --> 01:04:07.760 I say, Bob, where in all the world if we got. 1236 01:04:07.559 --> 01:04:10.079 To upon my word, I don't. 1237 01:04:09.760 --> 01:04:12.400 Know, it's very mysterious. 1238 01:04:12.960 --> 01:04:15.480 What's very mysterious. 1239 01:04:14.960 --> 01:04:17.840 Where do we've got to? Can't you guess? 1240 01:04:18.679 --> 01:04:21.920 Certainly? Suppose I say Lapland. 1241 01:04:22.119 --> 01:04:26.800 Jack, shaking his head, won't do why. 1242 01:04:27.000 --> 01:04:29.480 Because there are no palm trees in Lapland. 1243 01:04:30.320 --> 01:04:34.519 Dear me, that's true. How confused my head is. I'll 1244 01:04:34.519 --> 01:04:37.880 tell you what it is, Jack, I can't think that's it. 1245 01:04:38.400 --> 01:04:40.440 That's the cause of the mystery that seems to be 1246 01:04:40.559 --> 01:04:44.079 set me. I can't tell how. And then I've been ill. 1247 01:04:44.599 --> 01:04:45.320 That's it too. 1248 01:04:46.320 --> 01:04:49.079 How can there be two causes for one effect? Bob, 1249 01:04:49.960 --> 01:04:53.719 you're talking stuff? Man. If I couldn't talk better sinse 1250 01:04:53.760 --> 01:04:55.960 than that, I'd not talk at all? 1251 01:04:56.719 --> 01:04:59.440 Then why don't you hold your tongue? I tell you 1252 01:04:59.480 --> 01:05:02.519 what it is? Jack, we're bewitched. You said I was 1253 01:05:02.559 --> 01:05:06.239 mad some time ago. You were right, so I am, 1254 01:05:06.679 --> 01:05:09.960 so are you. There are too many mysteries here for 1255 01:05:10.000 --> 01:05:12.199 any two sane men here. 1256 01:05:12.320 --> 01:05:14.480 Jack murmured, we weren't men but boys. 1257 01:05:15.360 --> 01:05:18.320 There's the running away and not being caught, the ship 1258 01:05:18.400 --> 01:05:21.760 ready to sail the moment we arrive. There's your joining 1259 01:05:21.760 --> 01:05:25.320 me after all your good advice. There's that horrible fight 1260 01:05:25.599 --> 01:05:28.800 and the lions and Edwards and the sinking of our 1261 01:05:28.840 --> 01:05:32.440 ship and the the In short, I feel that I'm 1262 01:05:32.480 --> 01:05:36.559 mad still, I'm not recovered yet. Here Jack, take care 1263 01:05:36.639 --> 01:05:36.880 of me. 1264 01:05:38.000 --> 01:05:41.119 Instead of replying to this, Jack busied himself and fitting 1265 01:05:41.119 --> 01:05:42.840 a piece of wood he had picked up to his 1266 01:05:42.880 --> 01:05:45.800 wooden leg and lashing it firmly to the old stump. 1267 01:05:46.400 --> 01:05:48.920 When he had accomplished his task, he turned gravely to 1268 01:05:48.960 --> 01:05:51.039 me and said, Bob. 1269 01:05:51.159 --> 01:05:55.639 Your faculties are wandering pretty wildly today, but you've not 1270 01:05:55.800 --> 01:05:59.599 yet hit upon the cause of all our misfortunes. The 1271 01:05:59.639 --> 01:06:04.000 true cause is that you have disobeyed your father, and 1272 01:06:04.039 --> 01:06:04.920 I my mother. 1273 01:06:05.760 --> 01:06:08.679 I hung my head. I had now no longer difficulty 1274 01:06:08.719 --> 01:06:11.960 in collecting my thoughts. They circled round that point until 1275 01:06:11.960 --> 01:06:15.280 I thought the remorse would have killed me. Then suddenly 1276 01:06:15.320 --> 01:06:17.599 I turned, with a look of gladness to my friend. 1277 01:06:18.159 --> 01:06:22.000 But you forget the letter. We are forgiven. 1278 01:06:22.280 --> 01:06:25.159 True, cried Jack, with a cheerful expression. 1279 01:06:25.760 --> 01:06:29.880 We can face our fate without assurance. Come, let us 1280 01:06:29.920 --> 01:06:33.840 strike into the country and discover where we are. I'll 1281 01:06:33.880 --> 01:06:36.679 manage to hop along pretty well with my wooden leg. 1282 01:06:37.559 --> 01:06:40.320 We'll get home as soon as we can by land, 1283 01:06:40.360 --> 01:06:43.760 if not by water, And then we'll remain at home, 1284 01:06:44.400 --> 01:06:45.440 won't we Bob. 1285 01:06:45.840 --> 01:06:50.760 Remain at home. I cried, Ay, that will we. I've 1286 01:06:50.800 --> 01:06:55.800 had more than enough of foreign experiences already. Oh, Jack, Jack, 1287 01:06:55.840 --> 01:06:58.440 it's little I care for the sufferings I have endured. 1288 01:06:58.840 --> 01:07:03.119 But your leg, Jack, Jack willingly, most willingly, my dear friend, 1289 01:07:03.360 --> 01:07:06.119 would I part with my own if by so doing 1290 01:07:06.159 --> 01:07:07.440 I could replace yours? 1291 01:07:08.239 --> 01:07:10.000 Jack took my hand and squeezed it. 1292 01:07:10.960 --> 01:07:14.880 Oh it's gone now, Bob, he said, sadly, I must 1293 01:07:14.920 --> 01:07:18.159 just make the most of the one that's left. Tis 1294 01:07:18.159 --> 01:07:20.800 a pity that the one that's left is only the 1295 01:07:20.920 --> 01:07:22.199 left one. 1296 01:07:22.239 --> 01:07:24.559 So saying, he turned us back to the sea, and, 1297 01:07:24.760 --> 01:07:27.920 still retaining my hand in his, led me into the forest. 1298 01:07:28.880 --> 01:07:31.679 But here, unthought of trouble awaited us at the very 1299 01:07:31.719 --> 01:07:35.239 outset of our wonderings. The ground which we first encountered 1300 01:07:35.320 --> 01:07:37.760 was soft and swampy, so that I sank above the 1301 01:07:37.800 --> 01:07:41.519 ankles at every step. In these circumstances, as might have 1302 01:07:41.559 --> 01:07:46.039 been expected, poor Jack's wooden leg was totally useless. The 1303 01:07:46.079 --> 01:07:49.079 first step he took after entering the jungle, his leg 1304 01:07:49.199 --> 01:07:51.760 penetrated the soft ground to the depth of nine or 1305 01:07:51.760 --> 01:07:55.119 ten inches, and at the second step it disappeared altogether, 1306 01:07:55.639 --> 01:07:57.920 insomuch that he could by no means put it out, 1307 01:07:58.840 --> 01:08:02.960 I say, Bob, said he, with a rueful expression of countenance. 1308 01:08:03.599 --> 01:08:07.519 I'm in a real fix now, and no mistake come 1309 01:08:07.559 --> 01:08:12.920 to anchor. Prematurely, I resolved to stick at nothing, and 1310 01:08:13.039 --> 01:08:16.920 here I have stuck in the first step. What is 1311 01:08:17.039 --> 01:08:17.960 to be done? 1312 01:08:18.640 --> 01:08:21.279 Jack's right leg being deep in the ground, it followed 1313 01:08:21.319 --> 01:08:24.119 as a physical consequence that his left leg was bent 1314 01:08:24.199 --> 01:08:27.560 as if he were in a sitting posture. Observing this fact, 1315 01:08:27.840 --> 01:08:30.439 just as he made the above remark, he places both 1316 01:08:30.439 --> 01:08:33.520 hands on his left knee, rested his chin on his hands, 1317 01:08:33.600 --> 01:08:37.279 and gazed meditatively at the ground. The action tickled me 1318 01:08:37.359 --> 01:08:40.439 so much that I gave a short laugh. Jack looked 1319 01:08:40.479 --> 01:08:43.960 up and laughed too, whereupon we both burst incontinently in 1320 01:08:44.039 --> 01:08:47.439 an uproarious fit of laughter, which might have continued ever 1321 01:08:47.520 --> 01:08:50.279 so long had not Jack, in the fullness of his mirth, 1322 01:08:50.600 --> 01:08:55.119 given his fixed leg a twist that caused it to crack. Hello, Bob, 1323 01:08:55.640 --> 01:08:57.960 he cried, suddenly, becoming very grave. 1324 01:08:58.640 --> 01:09:02.319 I say, this won't do. You know? If I break 1325 01:09:02.319 --> 01:09:04.920 it off short, you'll have to carry me, my boy. 1326 01:09:05.880 --> 01:09:09.520 So it behooves me to be careful. What is to 1327 01:09:09.560 --> 01:09:10.760 be done? 1328 01:09:11.000 --> 01:09:12.800 Come I'll help you pull it out. 1329 01:09:13.399 --> 01:09:16.800 Oh, that's not what troubles me. But after we get 1330 01:09:16.840 --> 01:09:18.760 it out, what's to be done? 1331 01:09:19.600 --> 01:09:24.279 Jack said, I seriously, one thing at a time. When 1332 01:09:24.279 --> 01:09:26.560 we get you out, then it will be time enough 1333 01:09:26.560 --> 01:09:28.199 to inquire what to do next. 1334 01:09:29.119 --> 01:09:32.600 That sound philosophy, Bob, where did you pick it up? 1335 01:09:33.239 --> 01:09:36.279 I suspect you must have been studying Shakespeare of late 1336 01:09:36.520 --> 01:09:40.680 on the sly. But come get behind me and put 1337 01:09:40.680 --> 01:09:44.359 your hands under my arms and heave. I'll shove with 1338 01:09:44.479 --> 01:09:50.359 my sound limb. Now let us act together. Stay, Bob, 1339 01:09:50.800 --> 01:09:53.239 We've been long enough aboard ship to know the value 1340 01:09:53.319 --> 01:09:56.880 of a song in producing a unity of action. Take 1341 01:09:56.920 --> 01:09:57.840 the tune from me. 1342 01:09:58.600 --> 01:10:01.600 Suiting the action to the word. Jack gave forth at 1343 01:10:01.600 --> 01:10:04.000 the top of his voice, one or two of those 1344 01:10:04.039 --> 01:10:07.960 peculiarly nautical howls, where with seamen are wont to constrain 1345 01:10:08.079 --> 01:10:11.600 windlasses and capstans to creak, and anchors to let go 1346 01:10:11.680 --> 01:10:12.159 their hold. 1347 01:10:13.239 --> 01:10:20.199 Now, then heave away, my hearties, yo, heave yo, hoy. 1348 01:10:21.079 --> 01:10:23.600 At the last word, we both strained with all our might. 1349 01:10:24.119 --> 01:10:27.479 I heard Jack's braces burst with the effort. We both 1350 01:10:27.520 --> 01:10:30.479 became purple in the face. But the leg remained immovable. 1351 01:10:31.279 --> 01:10:34.319 With a loud, simultaneous sigh, we relaxed, and, looking at 1352 01:10:34.319 --> 01:10:35.600 each other, groan slightly. 1353 01:10:36.640 --> 01:10:41.880 Come, come, Bob, never say die. One trial more. It 1354 01:10:42.000 --> 01:10:46.920 was the braces that spoiled at that time. Now, then, cheerly, 1355 01:10:47.159 --> 01:10:52.960 ho my hearties, heave yo, heave hoy. 1356 01:10:53.800 --> 01:10:56.720 The united force applied this time was so great that 1357 01:10:56.760 --> 01:10:59.279 we tore asunder all the fastenings of the leg at 1358 01:10:59.279 --> 01:11:02.279 one wrench, and Jack and I suddenly shot straight out, 1359 01:11:02.319 --> 01:11:04.039 as if we had been discharged from a hole in 1360 01:11:04.079 --> 01:11:07.479 the ground. Losing our balance, we fell over each other 1361 01:11:07.520 --> 01:11:10.319 on our backs, the wooden leg remaining hard and fast 1362 01:11:10.319 --> 01:11:15.439 in the ground. Ah, Jack, said I sorrowfully, as I 1363 01:11:15.560 --> 01:11:17.359 rubbed the mud of my garments. 1364 01:11:17.800 --> 01:11:20.600 If we had remained at home, this would not have happened. 1365 01:11:21.479 --> 01:11:25.399 If we had remained at home, returned Jack rather gruffly, 1366 01:11:25.600 --> 01:11:27.039 as he hopped towards. 1367 01:11:26.640 --> 01:11:32.079 His leg, nothing would have happened. Come, Bob, lay hold 1368 01:11:32.119 --> 01:11:35.439 of it. Out it shall come, if the inside of 1369 01:11:35.479 --> 01:11:41.399 the world should come along with it. There now heave. 1370 01:11:42.000 --> 01:11:44.279 This time we gave en to no shout, but we 1371 01:11:44.359 --> 01:11:47.079 have with such a will that Jack split his jacket 1372 01:11:47.079 --> 01:11:49.319 from the waist to the neck. And the leg came 1373 01:11:49.359 --> 01:11:51.520 out with a crack that resembled the drawing of the 1374 01:11:51.600 --> 01:11:56.399 largest possible cork out of the biggest conceivable bottle. Having 1375 01:11:56.399 --> 01:11:59.600 accomplished his feet, we congratulated each other and then sat 1376 01:11:59.640 --> 01:12:02.920 down to repair damages. This was not an easy matter. 1377 01:12:03.399 --> 01:12:06.279 It caused us no little thought to invent some contrivance 1378 01:12:06.319 --> 01:12:08.880 that would prevent the leg from sinking. But at last 1379 01:12:08.880 --> 01:12:11.520 we thought of a plan. We cut a square piece 1380 01:12:11.560 --> 01:12:13.960 of bark off a tree, the outer end of which 1381 01:12:14.039 --> 01:12:17.159 was peculiarly tough and thick. In the center of this 1382 01:12:17.359 --> 01:12:19.880 we scooped a hole and inserted therein the end of 1383 01:12:19.920 --> 01:12:22.880 the leg, fastening it there too with pieces of twine 1384 01:12:22.880 --> 01:12:26.039 that we chanced to have in our pockets. Thus we made, 1385 01:12:26.119 --> 01:12:29.439 as it were, an artificial foot, which, when Jack tried it, 1386 01:12:29.479 --> 01:12:33.359 served its purpose admirably. Indeed, it acted too well for 1387 01:12:33.439 --> 01:12:35.720 being a broad bass. It did not permit the wooden 1388 01:12:35.800 --> 01:12:38.439 leg to sink at all, while the natural leg did 1389 01:12:38.479 --> 01:12:41.079 sink more or less. And as the wooden limb had 1390 01:12:41.079 --> 01:12:43.680 known knee, it was stiff from hip to heel and 1391 01:12:43.720 --> 01:12:46.199 could not bend, so that I had to walk behind 1392 01:12:46.199 --> 01:12:48.840 my poor comrade. And when I observed him get somewhat 1393 01:12:48.840 --> 01:12:51.520 into the possession of the leaning tower of Pisa. I 1394 01:12:51.600 --> 01:12:56.640 sprang forward and supported him. Thus we proceeded slowly through 1395 01:12:56.640 --> 01:13:01.920 the forest, stumbling frequently, tumbling occasionally, and staggering oft but 1396 01:13:02.039 --> 01:13:05.119 strange to say, without either of us having any very 1397 01:13:05.159 --> 01:13:08.199 definite idea where we were going, or what we expected 1398 01:13:08.239 --> 01:13:10.680 to find, or why we went in one direction more 1399 01:13:10.720 --> 01:13:14.560 than another. In fact, we proceeded on that eminently simple 1400 01:13:14.600 --> 01:13:17.079 principle which is couched in the well known and time 1401 01:13:17.119 --> 01:13:22.119 honored phrase follow your nose true. Once I ventured to 1402 01:13:22.119 --> 01:13:24.680 ask my companion where he thought we were going to, 1403 01:13:24.720 --> 01:13:27.960 which he replied, much to my surprise, that he didn't 1404 01:13:28.000 --> 01:13:30.880 know and didn't care. That it was quite certain if 1405 01:13:30.880 --> 01:13:33.199 we did not go forward we could not expect to 1406 01:13:33.199 --> 01:13:35.880 get on, and that in the ordinary course of things, 1407 01:13:35.920 --> 01:13:40.239 if we proceeded, we should undoubtedly come to something. To this, 1408 01:13:40.359 --> 01:13:43.079 I replied, in a meditative tone, that there was much 1409 01:13:43.119 --> 01:13:46.199 truth in the observation, and that at any rate, if 1410 01:13:46.239 --> 01:13:49.199 we did not come to something, something would certainly come 1411 01:13:49.239 --> 01:13:53.319 to us. But we did not pursue the subject. In fact, 1412 01:13:53.399 --> 01:13:55.520 we were too much taken up with the interesting and 1413 01:13:55.600 --> 01:13:58.439 amusing sights that met our gaze in that singular forest, 1414 01:13:59.000 --> 01:14:03.039 insomuch that on several occasions I neglected my peculiar duty 1415 01:14:03.079 --> 01:14:05.640 of watching Jack, and was only made aware of my 1416 01:14:05.720 --> 01:14:07.199 carelessness by hearing him. 1417 01:14:07.079 --> 01:14:12.119 Shout, Hello, Bob, look alive, I'm over. 1418 01:14:12.840 --> 01:14:15.279 When I would suddenly drop my eyes from the contemplation 1419 01:14:15.399 --> 01:14:17.439 of the plumage of a parrot or the antics of 1420 01:14:17.479 --> 01:14:20.319 a monkey, to behold my friend leaning over at an 1421 01:14:20.359 --> 01:14:24.000 angle of forty five, to leap forward and catch him 1422 01:14:24.039 --> 01:14:26.560 in my arms was the work of an instant on 1423 01:14:26.600 --> 01:14:29.840 each of these occasions. After setting him upright, I used 1424 01:14:29.880 --> 01:14:32.560 to give him a tender hug to indicate my regret 1425 01:14:32.680 --> 01:14:35.800 at having been so inattentive, and my sympathy with him 1426 01:14:35.840 --> 01:14:41.520 in his calamitous circumstances. Poor Jack was very gentle and uncomplaining. 1427 01:14:42.079 --> 01:14:44.800 He even made light of his misfortune and laughed a 1428 01:14:44.800 --> 01:14:48.000 good deal at himself. But I could see, nevertheless, that 1429 01:14:48.079 --> 01:14:51.079 his spirits were at times deeply affected, in spite of 1430 01:14:51.079 --> 01:14:54.039 his brave efforts to bear up and appear gay and cheerful. 1431 01:14:56.079 --> 01:15:02.039 End of Story two, Chapter seven. Story two, Chapter eight. 1432 01:15:03.319 --> 01:15:05.479 It was evening when we were acrost ashore in this 1433 01:15:05.600 --> 01:15:08.479 new country, so that we had not advanced far into 1434 01:15:08.479 --> 01:15:11.560 the forest before night closed in and compelled us to halt, 1435 01:15:12.159 --> 01:15:14.800 For had we continued our journey in the dark, we 1436 01:15:14.840 --> 01:15:17.279 should certainly have been drowned in one of the many 1437 01:15:17.319 --> 01:15:20.760 deep morasses which abounded there, and which we had found 1438 01:15:20.760 --> 01:15:24.640 it difficult to steer clear of even in daylight. As 1439 01:15:24.680 --> 01:15:26.840 the moon arose and the stars began to glimmer in 1440 01:15:26.880 --> 01:15:30.000 the sky, I observed, to my dismay, that all kinds 1441 01:15:30.000 --> 01:15:32.960 of noxious creatures and creeping things began to move about, 1442 01:15:33.319 --> 01:15:36.800 and strange hissing sounds and low, dismal hootings and whales 1443 01:15:37.000 --> 01:15:40.199 were heard, at times indistinctly, as if the place were 1444 01:15:40.239 --> 01:15:43.119 the abode of evil spirits who were about to wake 1445 01:15:43.199 --> 01:15:48.479 up to indulge in their midnight orgies. Oh Jack, said I, 1446 01:15:48.760 --> 01:15:52.039 shuddering violently, as I stopped and seized my companion by 1447 01:15:52.039 --> 01:15:52.880 the arm. 1448 01:15:53.239 --> 01:15:55.279 I can't tell what it is that fills me with 1449 01:15:55.359 --> 01:15:59.600 an unaccountable sensation of dread. I I feel as if 1450 01:15:59.600 --> 01:16:02.119 we should never more get out of this horrible swamp, 1451 01:16:02.560 --> 01:16:06.600 or see again the blessed light of day. See see 1452 01:16:06.760 --> 01:16:08.359 what horrid creature is that. 1453 01:16:09.479 --> 01:16:13.039 Pooh Man, interrupted Jack with a degree of levity in 1454 01:16:13.079 --> 01:16:14.680 his tone, which surprised me much. 1455 01:16:15.359 --> 01:16:18.960 It's only a serpent. All these kinds of things are 1456 01:16:19.000 --> 01:16:22.840 regular cowards. Only let them alone, and they're sure to 1457 01:16:22.920 --> 01:16:26.880 let you alone. I should like, above all things to 1458 01:16:26.960 --> 01:16:29.560 tickle up one of these brutes and let him have 1459 01:16:29.600 --> 01:16:33.479 a bite at my wooden toe. It would be rare fun, 1460 01:16:33.600 --> 01:16:38.279 wouldn't it. Bob Eh, Come, let us push on and 1461 01:16:38.319 --> 01:16:40.600 see that you keep me straight, old fellow. 1462 01:16:41.399 --> 01:16:44.159 I made no reply for some time. I was horrified 1463 01:16:44.239 --> 01:16:47.800 at my comrade's levity in such circumstances. Then, as I 1464 01:16:47.840 --> 01:16:50.560 heard him continue to chuckle and remark in an undertone 1465 01:16:50.600 --> 01:16:53.159 on the surprise the serpent would get on discovering the 1466 01:16:53.239 --> 01:16:56.119 exceeding toughness of his toe, and for the first time 1467 01:16:56.159 --> 01:16:59.520 flashed across my mind that his sufferings had deranged my 1468 01:16:59.600 --> 01:17:04.159 dear Panion's intellect. The bare probability of such a dreadful 1469 01:17:04.159 --> 01:17:07.680 calamity was sufficient to put to flight all my previous terrors. 1470 01:17:08.239 --> 01:17:11.239 I now cared nothing whatever for the lowesome reptiles that 1471 01:17:11.279 --> 01:17:14.359 wallowed in the swamps around me, and the quiet glidings 1472 01:17:14.359 --> 01:17:17.720 and swelterings of whose hideous forms were distinctly audible in 1473 01:17:17.760 --> 01:17:21.800 the stillness of approaching night. My whole anxiety was centered 1474 01:17:21.840 --> 01:17:24.319 on Jack. I thought that if I could prevail on 1475 01:17:24.399 --> 01:17:27.119 him to rest, he might recover, and proposed that we 1476 01:17:27.159 --> 01:17:30.479 should encamp. But he would not hear of this. He 1477 01:17:30.600 --> 01:17:34.439 kept plunging on, staggering through break and swamp, reedy pond, 1478 01:17:34.479 --> 01:17:38.199 and quaking morass, until I felt myself utterly unable to 1479 01:17:38.239 --> 01:17:42.439 follow him a step farther. Just at this point, Jack 1480 01:17:42.479 --> 01:17:44.479 stopped abruptly and said. 1481 01:17:44.720 --> 01:17:46.880 Bob, my boy, we'll camp here. 1482 01:17:47.640 --> 01:17:50.560 It was a fearful spot, dark, dismal, and not a 1483 01:17:50.600 --> 01:17:53.199 square foot of dry ground here. 1484 01:17:53.399 --> 01:17:59.439 Jack, Ay, here, but it's it's all wet. Excuse me, 1485 01:17:59.520 --> 01:18:02.479 my dear, I've not yet acquired the habit of sleeping 1486 01:18:02.520 --> 01:18:03.039 in water. 1487 01:18:03.960 --> 01:18:07.119 No more have I, Bob, we shall sleep on a 1488 01:18:07.159 --> 01:18:10.399 fallen tree, My boy. Did you never hear of men 1489 01:18:10.479 --> 01:18:12.720 sleeping in a swamp on the top of a log. 1490 01:18:13.439 --> 01:18:16.680 It's often done, I assure you, and I mean to 1491 01:18:16.720 --> 01:18:20.439 do it tonight. See here is a good, large one, 1492 01:18:20.800 --> 01:18:24.600 three feet broad by twenty feet long, with lots of 1493 01:18:24.600 --> 01:18:29.479 stumps of broken branches to keep us from rolling off. Come, 1494 01:18:29.880 --> 01:18:30.600 let's begin. 1495 01:18:31.520 --> 01:18:34.199 We immediately began to make our arrangements for the night. 1496 01:18:34.680 --> 01:18:36.920 With the aid of our clasp knives, we cut a 1497 01:18:37.000 --> 01:18:39.960 quantity of leafy branches and spread them on the trunk 1498 01:18:40.000 --> 01:18:42.840 of a huge, prustrated tree, the half of which was 1499 01:18:42.880 --> 01:18:45.680 sunk in the swamp, but the other half was sufficiently 1500 01:18:45.680 --> 01:18:48.800 elevated to raise us well out of the water. The 1501 01:18:48.840 --> 01:18:51.840 bed was more comfortable than one would suppose, and, being 1502 01:18:51.960 --> 01:18:54.479 very tired, we lay down on it as soon as 1503 01:18:54.520 --> 01:18:57.880 it was made and tried to sleep. Having nothing to eat, 1504 01:18:58.079 --> 01:19:00.239 we thought it well to endeavor to obtain all the 1505 01:19:00.359 --> 01:19:03.920 refreshment we could out of sleep. We had not lain 1506 01:19:04.000 --> 01:19:06.640 long when I started up in a fright and cried. 1507 01:19:06.840 --> 01:19:13.640 Hello, Jack, what's that See through the reeds? It creeps slowly, Oh, horror, 1508 01:19:13.920 --> 01:19:15.119 it comes towards us. 1509 01:19:16.119 --> 01:19:17.479 Jack looked at it sleepily. 1510 01:19:18.199 --> 01:19:22.239 It's an alligator, said he. If it approaches too close, 1511 01:19:22.479 --> 01:19:26.479 just wake me, But pray, don't keep howling at everything 1512 01:19:26.520 --> 01:19:27.920 that comes to peep at us. 1513 01:19:28.680 --> 01:19:31.680 Just at that moment, the hideous reptile drew near, and, 1514 01:19:31.840 --> 01:19:34.800 opening its jaws, let him come together with a snap. 1515 01:19:35.600 --> 01:19:38.800 Even Jack was not proof against us. He started up 1516 01:19:38.840 --> 01:19:42.079 and looked about for a defensive weapon. We have nothing 1517 01:19:42.159 --> 01:19:46.600 but our clasp knives. The alligator wallowed towards us. Oh 1518 01:19:46.640 --> 01:19:50.560 for an axe gasped Jack. The brute was within a 1519 01:19:50.600 --> 01:19:53.760 few yards of us. Now I was transfixed with horror. 1520 01:19:54.479 --> 01:19:56.479 Suddenly an idea occurred. 1521 01:19:56.159 --> 01:19:59.039 To me, your leg, Jack, your leg. 1522 01:20:00.039 --> 01:20:03.039 He understood me. One sweep of his class knife cut 1523 01:20:03.079 --> 01:20:06.079 all the fastenings. The next moment, he grasped a toe 1524 01:20:06.079 --> 01:20:08.600 in both hands, and, swaying the heavy butt of the 1525 01:20:08.640 --> 01:20:10.840 limb in the air, brought it down with all his 1526 01:20:11.000 --> 01:20:13.960 force on the skull of the alligator. It rang like 1527 01:20:14.000 --> 01:20:16.920 the sound of a blow on an empty cask. Again, 1528 01:20:16.960 --> 01:20:20.720 the limb was swayed aloft, and descended with extraordinary violence. 1529 01:20:20.720 --> 01:20:24.199 On the extreme point of the alligator's snout. There was 1530 01:20:24.239 --> 01:20:27.239 a loud crash, as if of small bones being driven in. 1531 01:20:28.039 --> 01:20:30.840 The animal pause, put its head on one side, and, 1532 01:20:30.920 --> 01:20:34.439 turning slowly round, waddled away into the noisome recesses of 1533 01:20:34.479 --> 01:20:38.760 its native swamp. Scarcely had we recovered from the effects 1534 01:20:38.760 --> 01:20:41.359 of this when we heard in the distance shouting, yells 1535 01:20:41.359 --> 01:20:44.399 and the barking of dogs. Crouching in our nest. We 1536 01:20:44.439 --> 01:20:48.319 listened intently. The sounds approached, but while those who made 1537 01:20:48.319 --> 01:20:50.880 them were yet at some distance we were startled by 1538 01:20:50.920 --> 01:20:53.960 the sudden approach of a dark object running at full speed. 1539 01:20:54.800 --> 01:20:57.600 It seemed like a man, or rather a huge ape, 1540 01:20:57.680 --> 01:21:00.039 for it was black, and as it came tearing to 1541 01:21:00.039 --> 01:21:03.159 towards us, running on its hind legs, he could see 1542 01:21:03.199 --> 01:21:05.880 its eyes glaring in the moonlight, and could hear its 1543 01:21:05.920 --> 01:21:10.159 laboring breath. It was evidently hard pressed by its pursuers, 1544 01:21:10.479 --> 01:21:12.720 for it did not see what lay before it, and 1545 01:21:12.800 --> 01:21:15.560 had well nigh run over our couch. Ere it observed 1546 01:21:15.640 --> 01:21:18.359 Jack standing on one leg, but the other limb raised 1547 01:21:18.399 --> 01:21:21.880 in a threatening attitude above his head. It was too 1548 01:21:21.960 --> 01:21:26.119 late to turn to avoid the blow. Uttering a terrible cry, 1549 01:21:26.239 --> 01:21:30.640 the creature fell on its knees and, trembling violently, cried. 1550 01:21:30.960 --> 01:21:36.840 Oh Massa, Oh Massa, spare me mean no run away again. 1551 01:21:38.560 --> 01:21:43.920 Mercy Massa, mercy, silence you, No easy villain. 1552 01:21:44.000 --> 01:21:48.640 Cried Jack, seizing the negro by the hair of the head. Yes, Massa, 1553 01:21:49.319 --> 01:21:52.159 gasped the man, while his teeth chattered and the whites 1554 01:21:52.199 --> 01:21:53.680 of his eyes rolled fearfully. 1555 01:21:54.800 --> 01:21:59.840 What are you? Where do you come from? Who's after? Ye? 1556 01:22:00.520 --> 01:22:04.359 To these abrupt questions, the poor negro replied, as briefly 1557 01:22:04.640 --> 01:22:07.079 that he was a runaway slave, and that his master 1558 01:22:07.199 --> 01:22:10.800 and bloodhounds were after him. We had guessed as much, 1559 01:22:10.960 --> 01:22:13.439 and the deep baying of the hounds convinced us of 1560 01:22:13.479 --> 01:22:17.600 the truth of his statement. Quick cried Jack, dragging the 1561 01:22:17.640 --> 01:22:19.159 black to the edge of our log. 1562 01:22:19.399 --> 01:22:22.920 Get under there, life blot, keep still. 1563 01:22:23.279 --> 01:22:26.000 So, saying, he thrust the negro under the branches that 1564 01:22:26.079 --> 01:22:28.960 formed our couch. We covered him well up, and then 1565 01:22:29.000 --> 01:22:32.119 sat down on him. Before we had well finished our tasks, 1566 01:22:32.239 --> 01:22:35.359 the foremost of the bloodhounds came bounding towards us, with 1567 01:22:35.479 --> 01:22:38.319 its eyeballs glaring and its white fangs glittering in the 1568 01:22:38.359 --> 01:22:41.279 dim light, like glow worms in a blood red cavern. 1569 01:22:42.000 --> 01:22:44.760 It made straight for the spot where the negro was concealed, 1570 01:22:44.960 --> 01:22:48.119 and would have seized him in another instance, had not Jack, 1571 01:22:48.199 --> 01:22:50.399 with one blow of his leg, beaten. 1572 01:22:50.199 --> 01:22:52.720 Its skull show him out of sight. 1573 01:22:52.880 --> 01:22:56.760 Bob I seized the deadhound and obeyed, while my comrade 1574 01:22:56.760 --> 01:23:00.840 prepared to receive the second dog. But that animal's more timid. 1575 01:23:01.479 --> 01:23:04.760 It swerved as the blow was delivered, received on his haunches, 1576 01:23:04.880 --> 01:23:09.479 and fled away, howling in another direction. Jack at once 1577 01:23:09.600 --> 01:23:11.800 laid down his leg and sat down on the negro, 1578 01:23:12.039 --> 01:23:15.000 motioning me to do the same. Then pulling an old 1579 01:23:15.039 --> 01:23:17.920 tobacco pipe out of his pocket, he affected to be 1580 01:23:18.000 --> 01:23:20.840 calmly employed in filling it. When the pursuers came up, 1581 01:23:21.319 --> 01:23:24.600 there were two of them in straw hats and nineteen pantaloons, 1582 01:23:24.880 --> 01:23:28.079 armed with cudgels, and a more ruffianly pair of villains 1583 01:23:28.119 --> 01:23:33.319 and never saw before or since. Hello, strangers, pried one 1584 01:23:33.479 --> 01:23:35.119 as they halted for a few moments. 1585 01:23:35.159 --> 01:23:38.439 On observing us quare place to camp. 1586 01:23:39.279 --> 01:23:40.560 Fond of water and dirt. 1587 01:23:40.600 --> 01:23:45.199 I guess you seemed fond of dirt and not a water, 1588 01:23:45.359 --> 01:23:47.359 to judge from your faces. 1589 01:23:47.359 --> 01:23:50.840 Replied Jack, calmly, attempting to light his pip, which was 1590 01:23:50.920 --> 01:23:54.119 rather a difficult operation, seeing that it was empty and 1591 01:23:54.159 --> 01:23:55.000 he had no fire. 1592 01:23:55.760 --> 01:23:59.119 Oh my right side. Could you lend us a match? Friend? 1593 01:23:59.720 --> 01:23:59.760 No? 1594 01:24:00.039 --> 01:24:04.359 Oh, we can't, no time, ain't got none. 1595 01:24:04.640 --> 01:24:06.560 Did you see a nigger pass this way? 1596 01:24:07.399 --> 01:24:07.920 Ah? 1597 01:24:08.000 --> 01:24:09.359 You're after him, are you? 1598 01:24:09.760 --> 01:24:11.119 Cried Jack indignantly. 1599 01:24:12.079 --> 01:24:15.800 Do you suppose I'd tell you if I did go 1600 01:24:15.840 --> 01:24:17.520 and find him yourselves. 1601 01:24:18.199 --> 01:24:21.159 The two men frowned fiercely at this and appeared about 1602 01:24:21.199 --> 01:24:24.239 to attack us, but they changed their minds, and said. 1603 01:24:24.399 --> 01:24:26.760 May app you'll tell us if you saw two. 1604 01:24:26.600 --> 01:24:29.079 Ounds, then yes, I did. 1605 01:24:29.560 --> 01:24:30.920 Which way did they pass? 1606 01:24:31.960 --> 01:24:33.760 They haven't passed yet. 1607 01:24:33.680 --> 01:24:37.159 Replied Jack with deep sarcasm, at the same time quietly 1608 01:24:37.199 --> 01:24:39.840 lifting his leg and swaying it gently to and fro. 1609 01:24:40.479 --> 01:24:43.680 Whether they'll pass without a licking remains to be seen. 1610 01:24:44.439 --> 01:24:48.720 Looky, lads, we'll pay you for this, shouted the men 1611 01:24:48.800 --> 01:24:49.720 as they turned away. 1612 01:24:50.279 --> 01:24:53.600 We've not time to waste, but will come back. 1613 01:24:54.520 --> 01:24:57.640 I've remonstrated with my friend, you're too rash. 1614 01:24:57.760 --> 01:25:02.239 Jack, Why I don't need to fear two men? 1615 01:25:02.880 --> 01:25:04.960 Aye? But there may be more in the woods. 1616 01:25:06.119 --> 01:25:09.439 My surmise was correct. Half an hour after the hound 1617 01:25:09.520 --> 01:25:12.680 was heard returning, it came straight at us, followed by 1618 01:25:12.680 --> 01:25:15.399 at least a dozen men. Jack killed the dog with 1619 01:25:15.479 --> 01:25:17.840 one blow and felt the first man that came up 1620 01:25:18.000 --> 01:25:20.960 that we were overwhelmed by numbers, and in a much 1621 01:25:20.960 --> 01:25:23.399 shorter time than it takes to tell it, both of 1622 01:25:23.479 --> 01:25:27.720 us were knocked into the mud and rendered insensible. End 1623 01:25:27.720 --> 01:25:29.600 of Story two, Chapter eight. 1624 01:25:34.880 --> 01:25:38.560 Story two, chapters nine to ten of Freaks on the Fells. 1625 01:25:38.800 --> 01:25:42.159 This is a LibriVox recording. All libervox accordings are in 1626 01:25:42.199 --> 01:25:46.000 the public domain. For more information or to volunteer, please 1627 01:25:46.079 --> 01:25:50.399 visit librifox dot org. Freaks on the Fells by R. M. Valentine, 1628 01:25:50.680 --> 01:25:55.239 Story two, Chapter nine, on recovering from the stunning effects 1629 01:25:55.279 --> 01:25:57.680 of the blow that have felt me. I found myself 1630 01:25:57.760 --> 01:26:00.640 lying on a hard urden floor, surround it by deep, 1631 01:26:00.680 --> 01:26:05.960 impenetrable darkness. Are you there, Jack, I sighed faintly. 1632 01:26:06.840 --> 01:26:11.960 Aye, Bob, I'm here, at least all I made it's left. 1633 01:26:12.520 --> 01:26:15.720 I confess to you that I do feel a queer sensation, 1634 01:26:16.720 --> 01:26:19.960 as if one half of my head were absent and 1635 01:26:20.039 --> 01:26:23.359 the other half a wanting while the brain lies exposed 1636 01:26:23.399 --> 01:26:27.359 to the atmosphere. But I suppose that's impossible. 1637 01:26:28.279 --> 01:26:30.680 Where are we, Jack, We're in. 1638 01:26:30.680 --> 01:26:34.760 An outhouse, in the hands of planters. So I made 1639 01:26:34.760 --> 01:26:37.199 out by what I heard them say when I got 1640 01:26:37.239 --> 01:26:40.560 my senses back. But I've no notion of what part 1641 01:26:40.600 --> 01:26:45.399 of the world we're in. Moreover, I don't care. A 1642 01:26:45.520 --> 01:26:49.399 man with only one leg, no head, and an exposed 1643 01:26:49.439 --> 01:26:54.560 brain isn't worth caring about. I don't care for him. 1644 01:26:54.600 --> 01:26:58.399 Not a button, Oh Jack, dear, don't speak like that. 1645 01:26:58.840 --> 01:27:00.159 I can't stand it. 1646 01:27:01.159 --> 01:27:02.560 You're lying down, ain't you? 1647 01:27:03.079 --> 01:27:04.000 Inquired? Jack? 1648 01:27:04.840 --> 01:27:08.319 Yeah, then, how do you know whether you can stand 1649 01:27:08.399 --> 01:27:08.880 it or not? 1650 01:27:10.039 --> 01:27:13.439 I was so overcome and to say the truth, surprised 1651 01:27:13.520 --> 01:27:17.439 at my companion's recklessness, that I could not reply. I 1652 01:27:17.520 --> 01:27:21.319 lay motionless on the hard ground, meditating on our forlorn situation. 1653 01:27:21.800 --> 01:27:24.199 When my thoughts were interrupted by the grating sound of 1654 01:27:24.239 --> 01:27:26.680 a key turning in a lock. The door of the 1655 01:27:26.760 --> 01:27:30.119 hut opened and four men entered, each bearing a torch, 1656 01:27:30.399 --> 01:27:32.840 which cast a brilliant glare over the huddle in which 1657 01:27:32.880 --> 01:27:35.960 we were confined. There was almost nothing to be seen 1658 01:27:36.000 --> 01:27:39.880 in the place. It was quite empty. The only peculiar 1659 01:27:39.920 --> 01:27:42.239 thing that I observed about it was a thick post 1660 01:27:42.319 --> 01:27:44.960 with iron hooks fixed in it, which rose from the 1661 01:27:45.000 --> 01:27:47.600 center of the floor to the rafters against which it 1662 01:27:47.680 --> 01:27:51.399 was nailed. There were also a few strange looking implements 1663 01:27:51.399 --> 01:27:53.880 hanging round the walls, but I could not at first 1664 01:27:53.920 --> 01:27:57.079 make out what these were intended for. I now perceived 1665 01:27:57.079 --> 01:27:59.800 that Jack and I were chained to the wall. Go 1666 01:28:00.039 --> 01:28:02.560 into the four corners of the apartment. The four men 1667 01:28:02.680 --> 01:28:05.279 placed the four torches in four stands that seemed made 1668 01:28:05.279 --> 01:28:09.079 for the purpose, and then, approaching us, ranged themselves in 1669 01:28:09.119 --> 01:28:12.159 a row. Before us. Two of them I recognized as 1670 01:28:12.159 --> 01:28:14.159 being the men we had first seen in the swamp. 1671 01:28:14.560 --> 01:28:19.159 The other two were strangers, So my bocks began. One 1672 01:28:19.159 --> 01:28:22.520 of the former, a hideous looking man whose personal appearance 1673 01:28:22.600 --> 01:28:25.119 was by no means improved by a closed eye, a 1674 01:28:25.159 --> 01:28:28.239 flattened nose, and a swell cheek, the result of Jack's 1675 01:28:28.239 --> 01:28:29.760 first flourish of his wooden leg. 1676 01:28:30.600 --> 01:28:35.920 So we've got you, have we? The hounds have got you, eh, 1677 01:28:36.520 --> 01:28:38.159 so it appears. 1678 01:28:38.239 --> 01:28:41.319 Replied Jack in a tone of quiet contempt, as he 1679 01:28:41.319 --> 01:28:43.640 sat on the ground with his back leaning against the wall, 1680 01:28:43.920 --> 01:28:46.960 his hands clasped above his solitary knee and his stumbs 1681 01:28:47.000 --> 01:28:51.560 revolving round each other. Slowly, I say, continued Jack. An 1682 01:28:51.560 --> 01:28:54.279 expression of concern crossed his handsome countenance. 1683 01:28:55.000 --> 01:29:00.119 I'm afraid you're damaged. Rather about your head, peace. Your 1684 01:29:00.119 --> 01:29:03.319 eyes seems a little out of order, and pardon me, 1685 01:29:04.039 --> 01:29:08.840 but your noses a little too flat, just a little, 1686 01:29:10.159 --> 01:29:14.000 my poor fellow. I'm quite sorry for you, I really am, 1687 01:29:14.760 --> 01:29:16.000 though you are a dog. 1688 01:29:16.840 --> 01:29:19.840 The man opened his solitary eye and stared with amazement 1689 01:29:19.880 --> 01:29:23.119 at Jack, who smiled, and, putting his head a little 1690 01:29:23.119 --> 01:29:25.520 to the other side, returned to stare with interest. 1691 01:29:26.319 --> 01:29:28.520 You're a bold fellow. 1692 01:29:28.479 --> 01:29:31.359 Said the man, unrecovering a little from his surprise. 1693 01:29:32.199 --> 01:29:36.520 I'm sorry, retorted Jack that I cannot return you the compliment. 1694 01:29:37.399 --> 01:29:41.039 I was horrified. I saw that my poor friend, probably 1695 01:29:41.119 --> 01:29:43.960 under the influence of madness, had made up his mind 1696 01:29:43.960 --> 01:29:47.560 to insult and defy your captors to their teeth, regardless 1697 01:29:47.560 --> 01:29:51.279 of consequences. I tried to speak, but my lips refused 1698 01:29:51.319 --> 01:29:55.159 their office. The man grinned horribly and gnashed his teeth, 1699 01:29:55.439 --> 01:29:57.560 while the others made as though they would rush upon 1700 01:29:57.640 --> 01:30:00.720 us and tear us limb from limb. But their chief 1701 01:30:00.960 --> 01:30:04.039 for such, the spokesman, seemed to be restrained them. 1702 01:30:04.439 --> 01:30:04.600 Ha. 1703 01:30:05.039 --> 01:30:07.880 He gasped, looking fiercely at Jack and at the same 1704 01:30:07.920 --> 01:30:09.800 time pointing to the implements on the wall. 1705 01:30:10.239 --> 01:30:14.000 You see these things, not being quite so blind as 1706 01:30:14.039 --> 01:30:15.439 you are, I do. 1707 01:30:15.800 --> 01:30:17.039 Do you know what they're for? 1708 01:30:18.079 --> 01:30:21.520 Not being a demon, which you seem to be. I don't. 1709 01:30:22.439 --> 01:30:27.920 Ha, these are he spoke very slowly and hissed out 1710 01:30:27.920 --> 01:30:33.840 the words between his teeth. Tortus, what, inquired Jack, putting 1711 01:30:33.880 --> 01:30:36.159 his head a little more to one side and revolving 1712 01:30:36.199 --> 01:30:39.359 his thumbs in a contrary direction. By way of variety. 1713 01:30:39.479 --> 01:30:45.720 Tortures man tortures what You twirl your thumbs like that for. 1714 01:30:45.800 --> 01:30:49.720 Eh, because it reminds me how easily if I were 1715 01:30:49.840 --> 01:30:53.279 unchained and had my wooden leg, I could twirl you 1716 01:30:53.359 --> 01:30:56.560 around your own neck and cram your heels into your 1717 01:30:56.560 --> 01:31:00.159 own mouth, ram you down your own throat. There is 1718 01:31:00.199 --> 01:31:02.760 nothing left to you but extreme ends of your shirt 1719 01:31:02.840 --> 01:31:04.800 collar sticking out of your eyes. 1720 01:31:05.840 --> 01:31:09.079 The mention of this peculiarly complicated operation seemed to be 1721 01:31:09.159 --> 01:31:11.760 too much for the men. Setting up a loud yell, 1722 01:31:11.920 --> 01:31:14.840 they rushed upon Jack and seized him quick. 1723 01:31:15.479 --> 01:31:17.359 The screws cried. 1724 01:31:17.119 --> 01:31:20.600 The man with the flattened nose. A small iron instrument 1725 01:31:20.680 --> 01:31:24.319 was broad Jack's thumbs inserted her in, and the handle turned. 1726 01:31:24.840 --> 01:31:27.800 I heard a harsh grating sound and observed my poor 1727 01:31:27.840 --> 01:31:31.359 companion's face grow deadly pale, and his lips turned blue. 1728 01:31:31.920 --> 01:31:34.640 But he uttered no cry, and to my surprise, he 1729 01:31:34.720 --> 01:31:38.720 did not even struggle. Stop, I shouted, in a voice 1730 01:31:38.760 --> 01:31:42.640 of thunder. The men looked round in surprise. At that moment, 1731 01:31:42.720 --> 01:31:45.439 a great idea seemed to fill my soul. I cannot 1732 01:31:45.439 --> 01:31:47.680 explain what it was. To this day, I do not 1733 01:31:47.840 --> 01:31:51.760 know what it was. It was a mystery, an indescribable mystery. 1734 01:31:52.279 --> 01:31:54.520 I felt as one might be supposed to feel whose 1735 01:31:54.560 --> 01:31:57.920 spirit were capable of eating material food and had eaten 1736 01:31:57.960 --> 01:32:02.000 too much. It was awful. Under the impulse of disensation, 1737 01:32:02.279 --> 01:32:03.840 I again shouted. 1738 01:32:03.880 --> 01:32:08.640 Stop why. I cannot tell you why until you unscrew 1739 01:32:08.720 --> 01:32:12.000 that machine quick. It is of the deepest, the most 1740 01:32:12.119 --> 01:32:13.760 vital importance to yourselves. 1741 01:32:14.600 --> 01:32:17.479 The extreme earnestness of my voice and manner induced the 1742 01:32:17.520 --> 01:32:20.840 men to comply, almost, I might say, in spite of themselves. 1743 01:32:21.640 --> 01:32:25.239 Now, lad, what is it mind? Your turn is coming, 1744 01:32:25.680 --> 01:32:27.680 So don't trifle with us. 1745 01:32:28.399 --> 01:32:32.079 Trifle with you, I said, in a voice so deep 1746 01:32:32.159 --> 01:32:35.640 and slow and solemn. With it looks so preternaturally awful 1747 01:32:35.960 --> 01:32:38.000 that the foe men were visibly impressed. 1748 01:32:39.079 --> 01:32:42.560 Listen, I have a secret to tell you, a secret 1749 01:32:42.560 --> 01:32:47.399 that intimately concerns yourselves. It is a fearful one. You 1750 01:32:47.439 --> 01:32:51.199 would give all you possess, your wealth, your very lives 1751 01:32:51.640 --> 01:32:54.800 rather than not know it. I can tell it to you, 1752 01:32:55.319 --> 01:32:59.279 but not now. All the tortures of the inquisition could 1753 01:32:59.279 --> 01:33:02.800 not drag it out of me. Nay, you need not smile. 1754 01:33:03.439 --> 01:33:06.560 If you did torture me before I told you this secret, 1755 01:33:07.039 --> 01:33:10.119 that would have the effect of rendering my information useless 1756 01:33:10.119 --> 01:33:14.079 to you. Nothing could then save you. I must be 1757 01:33:14.239 --> 01:33:17.880 left alone with my friend for an hour. Go you 1758 01:33:17.920 --> 01:33:21.239 may leave us chained. You may lock and bar your door, 1759 01:33:21.680 --> 01:33:25.439 you may watch and guard the house. But go leave us. 1760 01:33:26.279 --> 01:33:30.520 Much too much valuable time has been already lost. Come 1761 01:33:30.560 --> 01:33:31.439 back in one. 1762 01:33:31.319 --> 01:33:33.560 Hour here I pulled out my watch. 1763 01:33:34.359 --> 01:33:38.039 In one hour and three minutes and five seconds exactly, 1764 01:33:38.640 --> 01:33:43.920 not sooner. Go quick, as you value your lives, your families, 1765 01:33:44.039 --> 01:33:46.800 your property, and hark in your. 1766 01:33:46.680 --> 01:33:49.880 Ear here I glared at him like a maniac and 1767 01:33:49.960 --> 01:33:52.039 sank my voice to a deep, hoarse whisper. 1768 01:33:52.800 --> 01:33:56.880 As you value the very existence of your slaves, Go 1769 01:33:57.479 --> 01:34:00.800 leave us instantly and return at the our name. 1770 01:34:01.920 --> 01:34:04.720 The men were evidently overawed by the vehemence of my 1771 01:34:04.800 --> 01:34:08.479 manner and the mysterious nature of my remarks. Without uttering 1772 01:34:08.520 --> 01:34:11.079 a word, they withdrew and locked the door behind them. 1773 01:34:11.560 --> 01:34:15.119 Happily they left the torches. As soon as they were gone. 1774 01:34:15.159 --> 01:34:17.760 I threw my arms around my comrade's neck, and, resting 1775 01:34:17.800 --> 01:34:21.359 my head on his shoulder, bemoaned or sat lot, dear 1776 01:34:21.600 --> 01:34:23.439 dear Jack, have they hurt you? 1777 01:34:24.279 --> 01:34:29.000 Oh? Nothing to speak of. But I say, Bob, my boy, 1778 01:34:29.680 --> 01:34:33.399 what on earth? Can this monstrous secret be? There must 1779 01:34:33.399 --> 01:34:36.880 be something very tremendous, My poor. 1780 01:34:36.760 --> 01:34:39.520 Jack said I, regardless of his question. 1781 01:34:40.359 --> 01:34:43.600 Your thumbs are bruised and bleeding. Oh that I should 1782 01:34:43.600 --> 01:34:44.840 have lived to bring you to this. 1783 01:34:45.840 --> 01:34:51.000 Come, come, Bob, enough of that. They are a little soreish, 1784 01:34:51.239 --> 01:34:53.680 but nothing to what they would have been had you 1785 01:34:53.720 --> 01:34:58.520 not stopped them. But I say, what is the secret? 1786 01:34:59.239 --> 01:35:04.239 I'm dying. No, my dear boy, you've no idea how 1787 01:35:04.239 --> 01:35:07.159 you looked when you were spouting like that. You made 1788 01:35:07.159 --> 01:35:11.399 my flesh creep. I assure you come out with it. 1789 01:35:12.359 --> 01:35:13.439 What's the secret? 1790 01:35:14.199 --> 01:35:16.680 I felt, and, no doubt looked somewhat confused? 1791 01:35:17.560 --> 01:35:21.359 Do you know? Jack said I solemnly, I have no 1792 01:35:21.520 --> 01:35:22.399 secret whatever. 1793 01:35:23.239 --> 01:35:24.880 Jack Guston stared. 1794 01:35:25.319 --> 01:35:29.439 No secret, Bob, not the most distant shadow of one. 1795 01:35:30.560 --> 01:35:33.520 Jack pulled out his watch and said, in a low voice. 1796 01:35:33.880 --> 01:35:38.359 Bob, my boy, we have just got about three quarters 1797 01:35:38.399 --> 01:35:42.159 of an hour to live. When these villains come back 1798 01:35:42.199 --> 01:35:45.560 and find that you've been humbugging them, they'll brain us 1799 01:35:45.560 --> 01:35:48.520 on the spot. Sure as my name is John Brown 1800 01:35:48.880 --> 01:35:53.039 and yours is Robert Smith. Romantic names, both of em, 1801 01:35:53.600 --> 01:35:57.000 especially when associated with a little romance in which we 1802 01:35:57.039 --> 01:35:58.159 are now involved. 1803 01:36:00.119 --> 01:36:02.560 I shrank back from my friend with the terrible dread 1804 01:36:02.640 --> 01:36:05.079 which had more than once crossed my mind that he 1805 01:36:05.159 --> 01:36:05.920 was going mad. 1806 01:36:06.800 --> 01:36:10.439 Oh, Jack, don't laugh. Pray, could we not invent some 1807 01:36:10.560 --> 01:36:12.279 secret to tell them? 1808 01:36:12.399 --> 01:36:15.319 Not a bad idea, returned my friend gravely. 1809 01:36:16.319 --> 01:36:18.720 Well, let us think what could we say? 1810 01:36:19.359 --> 01:36:23.199 Ay, that's the rub. Suppose we tell them seriously that 1811 01:36:23.239 --> 01:36:26.039 my wooden leg is a ghost, and that it haunts 1812 01:36:26.039 --> 01:36:30.079 those who ill treat its master, giving them perpetual bangs 1813 01:36:30.119 --> 01:36:33.720 on the nose and otherwise rendering their lives miserable. 1814 01:36:34.319 --> 01:36:35.239 I shook my head. 1815 01:36:35.800 --> 01:36:38.960 Well, then suppose we say we've been sent by the 1816 01:36:39.000 --> 01:36:41.880 Queen of England to treat with them about the liberation 1817 01:36:42.000 --> 01:36:45.720 of the Niggers at one thousand pounds a head, one 1818 01:36:45.800 --> 01:36:50.600 hundred paid down in gold, the rest in American chin plasters. 1819 01:36:51.000 --> 01:36:52.840 That would be a lie, you know, Jack. 1820 01:36:53.439 --> 01:36:57.920 Oh come, that's good. You're wonderfully particular about the truth 1821 01:36:58.399 --> 01:37:01.399 for a man who's just told such tre medous falsehoods 1822 01:37:01.720 --> 01:37:04.920 about a secret that doesn't exist, True. 1823 01:37:04.680 --> 01:37:09.039 Jack, I replied seriously, I confess that I have lied, 1824 01:37:09.439 --> 01:37:11.560 but I did not mean to. I assure you I 1825 01:37:11.600 --> 01:37:14.600 had no notion of what I was saying. I think 1826 01:37:14.640 --> 01:37:18.199 I was bewitched. All your nonsense rolled out as it 1827 01:37:18.239 --> 01:37:21.720 were without my will. Indeed, I did not mean to 1828 01:37:21.760 --> 01:37:25.520 tell lies, yet I confess to my shame that I did. 1829 01:37:26.239 --> 01:37:28.880 There is some mystery here which I can by no 1830 01:37:29.000 --> 01:37:30.239 means fathom. 1831 01:37:30.439 --> 01:37:31.960 Fathom or not fathom. 1832 01:37:32.159 --> 01:37:34.439 Rejoined my friend, looking at his watch again. 1833 01:37:34.920 --> 01:37:38.000 You got me into this scrape, so I request you 1834 01:37:38.079 --> 01:37:41.800 get me out of it. We have exactly twenty five 1835 01:37:41.880 --> 01:37:44.479 minutes and a half before us. Now. 1836 01:37:45.239 --> 01:37:47.359 Jack and I now set to work in real earnest 1837 01:37:47.399 --> 01:37:49.880 to devise some plan of escape or to invent some 1838 01:37:49.920 --> 01:37:54.600 plausible secret. But we utterly failed. Minutes after minute paused, 1839 01:37:54.840 --> 01:37:56.680 and as the end of her time drew near, we 1840 01:37:56.720 --> 01:37:59.199 felt less and less able to think of any scheme, 1841 01:37:59.520 --> 01:38:02.640 until our brains became confused with the terror of approaching 1842 01:38:02.640 --> 01:38:08.119 an inevitable death aggravated by previous torture. I trembled violently, 1843 01:38:08.279 --> 01:38:13.079 and Jack became again uproarious and sarcastic. Suddenly he grew quiet, 1844 01:38:13.239 --> 01:38:15.479 and I observed that he began to collect a quantity 1845 01:38:15.520 --> 01:38:18.439 of straw that was scattered about the place, making a 1846 01:38:18.520 --> 01:38:21.079 large pile of it. He placed it before us and 1847 01:38:21.119 --> 01:38:24.680 then loosened one of the torches in its stand. There, 1848 01:38:25.000 --> 01:38:28.119 said he, with a sigh of satisfaction. When all was arranged. 1849 01:38:28.600 --> 01:38:31.760 We shall give our amiable friends a warm reception when 1850 01:38:31.800 --> 01:38:32.239 they come. 1851 01:38:32.680 --> 01:38:35.760 But they will escape by the door, said I, in 1852 01:38:35.880 --> 01:38:39.479 much anxiety, and we only shall perish. 1853 01:38:39.720 --> 01:38:44.520 Oh, never mind that, Bob, what can only die once? Besides, 1854 01:38:44.880 --> 01:38:47.600 they shan't escape, trust me for that. 1855 01:38:48.439 --> 01:38:52.439 As he spoke, we heard approaching footsteps. Presently, the key 1856 01:38:52.479 --> 01:38:56.199 turned in the lock, and the door opened. End of 1857 01:38:56.239 --> 01:39:03.119 Story two, Chapter ninety, Chapter ten. Punctually to a minute, 1858 01:39:03.239 --> 01:39:05.800 our jailer's returned and once again drew up in a 1859 01:39:05.880 --> 01:39:07.079 row before us. 1860 01:39:07.720 --> 01:39:12.039 Now, lads, what have you got to say my friends? 1861 01:39:12.279 --> 01:39:15.479 Began Jack, standing up and balancing himself on one leg 1862 01:39:15.520 --> 01:39:17.840 as well as he could, at the same time speaking 1863 01:39:17.840 --> 01:39:20.640 with the utmost gravity and candor of expression. 1864 01:39:21.279 --> 01:39:25.920 My companion here in temporary distress, for I feel that 1865 01:39:26.000 --> 01:39:30.720 it will be but temporary. Has devolved upon me the 1866 01:39:30.840 --> 01:39:33.920 interesting duty of making known to you the secret which 1867 01:39:33.920 --> 01:39:38.039 has burdened his own mind for some time, and which 1868 01:39:38.039 --> 01:39:42.479 has had so impressive and appropriate an effect on yours. 1869 01:39:42.880 --> 01:39:46.239 But first I must request you lock the door and 1870 01:39:46.359 --> 01:39:50.920 hang the key. On this nail at my elblow you hesitate, 1871 01:39:51.560 --> 01:39:55.800 Why I am in chains and so is my comrade. 1872 01:39:55.960 --> 01:39:59.600 We are two, you are four. It is merely a 1873 01:39:59.640 --> 01:40:03.880 per to prevent the possibility of anyone entering by stealth. 1874 01:40:04.359 --> 01:40:06.079 And Overhearing what I say. 1875 01:40:06.720 --> 01:40:08.920 The man with the battered face locked the door and 1876 01:40:09.000 --> 01:40:11.640 hung up the key, as directed, merely remarking with a 1877 01:40:11.720 --> 01:40:14.560 laugh that we were safe enough anyhow, and that if 1878 01:40:14.600 --> 01:40:17.119 we were humbugging him, it would be worse for us 1879 01:40:17.159 --> 01:40:17.960 in the long run. 1880 01:40:18.800 --> 01:40:21.279 Come now out with your secret. 1881 01:40:21.399 --> 01:40:27.199 He added, impatiently. Certainly, answered Jack with increased urbanity, at 1882 01:40:27.199 --> 01:40:29.600 the same time taking down the key, which caused the 1883 01:40:29.640 --> 01:40:32.000 four men to start and gazing at it in a 1884 01:40:32.079 --> 01:40:32.840 pensive manner. 1885 01:40:33.680 --> 01:40:40.039 The secret, Ah, yes, well, it's a wonderful one, do 1886 01:40:40.119 --> 01:40:42.520 you know, my lads? There would not be the most 1887 01:40:42.560 --> 01:40:45.039 distant chance of your guests in it if you were 1888 01:40:45.079 --> 01:40:46.399 to try ever so much. 1889 01:40:47.039 --> 01:40:48.359 Well, but what is it? 1890 01:40:48.680 --> 01:40:51.479 Cried one of the men, whose curiosity was now excited 1891 01:40:51.520 --> 01:40:56.000 beyond endurance. It is this, rejoined Jack, with slow. 1892 01:40:55.840 --> 01:40:59.079 Deliberation, that you four men are. 1893 01:41:00.920 --> 01:41:03.520 They whispered, leaning forward eagerly. 1894 01:41:03.760 --> 01:41:09.199 The most outrageous, unmitigated asses we ever saw ha. I 1895 01:41:09.319 --> 01:41:12.880 thought it would surprise you. Bob and I are quite 1896 01:41:12.880 --> 01:41:17.520 agreed upon it. Pray don't open your eyes too wide, 1897 01:41:18.000 --> 01:41:22.680 in case you should find it difficult to shut them again. Now, 1898 01:41:23.000 --> 01:41:26.039 in proof of this great and to you important truth, 1899 01:41:26.640 --> 01:41:29.960 let me show you a thing. Do you see this. 1900 01:41:29.960 --> 01:41:34.960 Torch taking it down, and that straw lifting up a handful? 1901 01:41:35.600 --> 01:41:40.079 Well, you have no idea what an astonishing result will 1902 01:41:40.159 --> 01:41:43.640 follow the application of the former to the latter. 1903 01:41:44.800 --> 01:41:48.399 See to my horror, and evidently to the dismay of 1904 01:41:48.439 --> 01:41:50.359 the men, who did not seem to believe that he 1905 01:41:50.439 --> 01:41:53.439 was in earnest. Jack Brown thrust the blazing torch into 1906 01:41:53.439 --> 01:41:56.520 the center of the heap of straw. The men uttered 1907 01:41:56.520 --> 01:41:59.560 a yell, and, rushing forward, threw themselves on the smoking 1908 01:41:59.600 --> 01:42:02.640 heap the hope of smuttering it at once, But Jack 1909 01:42:02.640 --> 01:42:06.640 applied the torch quickly to various parts. The flames leaped up. 1910 01:42:07.039 --> 01:42:09.960 The men rolled off in agony. Jack, who had somehow 1911 01:42:10.039 --> 01:42:13.159 managed to break his chain, hopped after them, showering the 1912 01:42:13.199 --> 01:42:16.079 blazing straw on their heads and yelling as never mortal 1913 01:42:16.159 --> 01:42:19.560 yelled before. In two seconds, the whole place was in 1914 01:42:19.600 --> 01:42:23.000 a blaze, and I beheld Jack actually throwing somersets with 1915 01:42:23.039 --> 01:42:25.159 his one leg over the fire and through the smoke, 1916 01:42:25.640 --> 01:42:29.159 punching the heads of the four men, most unmercifully, catching 1917 01:42:29.279 --> 01:42:32.279 up blazing handfuls of straw and thrusting them into their 1918 01:42:32.279 --> 01:42:34.840 eyes and mouths in a way that quite overpowered me. 1919 01:42:35.439 --> 01:42:38.479 I could restrain myself no longer. I began to roar 1920 01:42:38.520 --> 01:42:41.960 in abject terror. In the midst of this dreadful scene, 1921 01:42:41.960 --> 01:42:44.399 the roof fell in with a hideous crash, and Jack, 1922 01:42:44.720 --> 01:42:47.880 bounding through the smoking debris, cleared the walls and vanished. 1923 01:42:48.920 --> 01:42:51.159 At the same moment, I received a dreadful blow on 1924 01:42:51.199 --> 01:42:54.640 the side, and awoke to find myself lying on the 1925 01:42:54.640 --> 01:42:57.920 floor of my bedroom and our man servant, Edward's, furiously 1926 01:42:57.960 --> 01:43:00.560 beating the bed curtains, which I had said, on fire 1927 01:43:00.600 --> 01:43:04.840 by upsetting the candle in my fall. Why, mister Robert, 1928 01:43:05.239 --> 01:43:10.039 gasped Edwards, sitting down and panting vehemently, after having extinguished. 1929 01:43:09.600 --> 01:43:11.880 The flames, What have you been a do enough? 1930 01:43:12.760 --> 01:43:15.560 I was standing speechless in the midst of my upset chair, 1931 01:43:15.680 --> 01:43:20.520 table and books, glaring wildly. When the man said this, Edwards, 1932 01:43:21.119 --> 01:43:22.840 I replied with deep solemnity. 1933 01:43:23.359 --> 01:43:26.680 The mysteries cleared up at last, it has all been 1934 01:43:26.720 --> 01:43:27.239 a dream. 1935 01:43:27.880 --> 01:43:30.760 What's been all a dream? You ain't been a bed 1936 01:43:30.800 --> 01:43:34.279 all night, for the clothes has never touched and it's 1937 01:43:34.319 --> 01:43:37.319 broad daylight. What has been up? 1938 01:43:38.000 --> 01:43:40.760 I might have replied that, according to his own statement, 1939 01:43:40.960 --> 01:43:43.720 I had been up, but I did not. I began 1940 01:43:43.760 --> 01:43:46.600 gradually to believe that the dreadful scenes I had witnessed 1941 01:43:46.640 --> 01:43:50.359 were not reality, and an overpowering sense of joy kept 1942 01:43:50.399 --> 01:43:52.960 filling my heart as I continued to glare at the man, 1943 01:43:53.039 --> 01:43:56.640 until I thought my chest would rend asunder. Suddenly, and 1944 01:43:56.680 --> 01:43:59.159 without moving hand to foot or eye, I gave vent 1945 01:43:59.239 --> 01:44:03.760 to a loud shark Hurrah. Edward started, Hey. 1946 01:44:04.279 --> 01:44:07.399 Hurrah, Hurrah, it's a dream. 1947 01:44:08.159 --> 01:44:14.520 Hello, I say, you know, come, this won't hurrah, bless 1948 01:44:14.560 --> 01:44:16.560 my art master wrote again. 1949 01:44:16.600 --> 01:44:19.479 I interrupted him by seizing my cap, swinging it round 1950 01:44:19.520 --> 01:44:22.319 my head in an ecstasy of delight, and uttering cheer 1951 01:44:22.399 --> 01:44:26.199 upon cheer with such outrageous vehemence that Edwards, who thought 1952 01:44:26.199 --> 01:44:30.159 me raving mad, crept towards the door, intending to bolt. 1953 01:44:30.640 --> 01:44:34.039 He was prevented from carrying out his intention, and violently 1954 01:44:34.079 --> 01:44:37.600 overturned by the entrance of my father and Disabelle. I 1955 01:44:37.640 --> 01:44:41.039 sprang forward plucked spectacles off his nose, threw my arms 1956 01:44:41.079 --> 01:44:43.279 round his neck, and kissed him on both eyes. 1957 01:44:44.199 --> 01:44:48.079 I won't run away now, father, No, no, no, it's 1958 01:44:48.159 --> 01:44:52.680 all a dream, A horrid dream. Ha ha ha, Bob, my 1959 01:44:52.920 --> 01:44:53.640 dear boy. 1960 01:44:54.119 --> 01:44:57.279 At this moment, Jack, also in Disabelle, rushed. 1961 01:44:57.000 --> 01:44:59.920 In, Hello, Bob, what's all the row? 1962 01:45:00.760 --> 01:45:04.319 I experienced a different but equally powerful gush of feeling 1963 01:45:04.399 --> 01:45:08.800 on seeing my friend leaving my father. I rushed towards him, and, 1964 01:45:08.840 --> 01:45:12.439 falling on his neck, burst into tears. Yes, I confess 1965 01:45:12.520 --> 01:45:15.479 it without shame. Reader, If he had felt as I did, 1966 01:45:15.760 --> 01:45:18.840 you would have done the same. Jack led me gently 1967 01:45:18.880 --> 01:45:21.079 to my bed, and, seating me on the edge of it, 1968 01:45:21.199 --> 01:45:24.560 sat down beside me. I at once perceived from their 1969 01:45:24.560 --> 01:45:26.960 looks that you all thought me mad and felt the 1970 01:45:27.000 --> 01:45:31.399 necessity of calming me before taking more forcible measures. This 1971 01:45:31.439 --> 01:45:34.960 tickled me so much that I laughed again heartily, insomuch 1972 01:45:35.000 --> 01:45:38.439 that Jack could not help joining me. Suddenly a thought 1973 01:45:38.439 --> 01:45:41.720 flashed into my mind. My heart leaped to my throat, 1974 01:45:41.880 --> 01:45:46.199 and I glanced downwards. It was there I seized Jack's 1975 01:45:46.279 --> 01:45:49.199 right leg, tumbled him back into the bed, and laying 1976 01:45:49.239 --> 01:45:52.880 the limb across my knee grasped it violently. All right, 1977 01:45:53.520 --> 01:45:54.720 I shouted. 1978 01:45:54.880 --> 01:45:59.760 Straight, firm, muscular supple as ever, I squeezed harder. 1979 01:46:00.319 --> 01:46:01.039 Jack roared. 1980 01:46:01.800 --> 01:46:04.720 I say, Bob, gently hold your. 1981 01:46:04.600 --> 01:46:06.960 Tongue, said I, pinching the thigh. 1982 01:46:07.399 --> 01:46:08.359 Do you feel that? 1983 01:46:09.600 --> 01:46:15.960 Oh? Ah, don't? And that stop him? I say, dear boy, 1984 01:46:16.079 --> 01:46:16.800 have mercy. 1985 01:46:17.399 --> 01:46:20.399 Jack tried to raise himself, but I tilted him back, and, 1986 01:46:20.520 --> 01:46:24.640 grasping the limb in both arms, hugged it. After breakfast, 1987 01:46:24.720 --> 01:46:27.279 Jack and I retired to my room, where the weather, 1988 01:46:27.359 --> 01:46:30.960 being unfavorable for our fishing excursion, I went all over 1989 01:46:31.000 --> 01:46:34.399 it again in detail. After that, I sent Jack off 1990 01:46:34.439 --> 01:46:37.279 to amuse himself as he chose, and, seizing a choir 1991 01:46:37.359 --> 01:46:40.760 of foolscap mended a pen, squared my elbows, and began 1992 01:46:40.800 --> 01:46:43.680 to write. This remarkable account of the reason why I 1993 01:46:43.720 --> 01:46:46.720 did not become a sailor. I now presented to the 1994 01:46:46.800 --> 01:46:49.079 juvenile public in the hope that it may prove a 1995 01:46:49.119 --> 01:46:52.119 warning to all boys who ventured to entertain the notion 1996 01:46:52.199 --> 01:46:56.039 of running away from home and going to sea. End 1997 01:46:56.079 --> 01:46:59.760 of story two, Chapter ten, end Freaks on the Fells 1998 01:47:00.000 --> 01:47:03.600 three Months Rustigation Story two by R. M. Balanchine