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The Expedition of Captain Flick: A Story of Adventure

Chapter V. How We Decided to Take Ship

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Chapter V. How We Decided to Take Ship.

“Oh, shall we idly stay at home,
Where neither storms nor dangers be;
Or spread our daring sails to roam,
The wide waste spaces of the sea.

“Come, let us venture on the flood,
And search for empire, fame, and gold;
For we be Englishmen, whose blood
Flowed in the veins of Vikings bold.”

Thus craftily did Flick broach the subject, and dazzle Harry with chimerical visions; whereupon ensued endless arguments, for and against the expedition; the ladies and I being in opposition to the would-be adventurers. Harry, as I guessed he would, held by the captain and his extravagant fables; but Bertha and Aunt Chrissy, fearful for his safety—and with good reason, as Flick admitted—disapproved of the whole mad scheme. For my part, disbelieving in the truth of the story, I effected to treat it as a jest, and advised Harry to waste no time or money in attempting so foolish a quest page break How his common-sense could be gulled by fairy tales of unknown islands, and idolatrous islanders, and classical anachronisms, passed my comprehension. The very genesis of the scheme, ex pede Hercule, foretold its improbability.

At certain times, according to Dosk, an embassy of negroes repaired to Cythera, there to select a bride for their king; and as a new ruler had lately ascended the throne of Isk, it was certain that within a month or so he would send northward for a Greek wife. On this slender assumption, Flick proposed to sail for Cythera, and there await the arrival of the negroes; when, by following in their trail, he might hope to reach the unknown island. From this point all was to be left to the flux of circumstance.

His idea was to carry off the statue of the goddess, and sell it in Europe as the undoubted work of Praxiteles; he hoped therefrom to realize a sufficient sum to render comfortable his declining years. As a casuist, I did not hold with the idea, for I failed to see by what right Flick could justify the shady morality of the transaction. The statue was indubitably the property of the negroes, and he had no more right to contemplate such a raid than he would have had to steal the crown jewels. But this view of the question did not commend itself page 59 to the mind of Flick, whose instincts were those of a fillibuster, and who held by the brutal rule that might is right. I did not argue with him on this point, as I did not believe in the existence of either island or statute; and so much I said openly, in reply to Flick's assertion that the story of Dosk was true.

“If it is true, sir,” said I with some scorn, which I took no pains to conceal, “in what quarter of the globe is this island hidden? Do you think it at all probable that any land of considerable magnitude could escape the eagle eyes of our geographers? Here, captain, is the chart of the world—Mercator's projection. Show me, if you please, where, in your opinion, lies the island of Isk.”

In nowise loath, Flick took up the gauntlet thus thrown down, and placed the tip of a gnarled forefinger on the blank space of ocean intermediate between Africa and Australia.

“I should place it hereabouts,” said he triumphantly.

“Your reasons, captain?”

“I can only give you circumstantial evidence,” said the captain, frowning. “See here, Sir Denis. I was coming up from the Auckland Islands, and made for the nor'ard, intending to fetch Zanzibar by Mozambique Channel. It is a roundabout way page 60 of getting there, no doubt; but time was of no value to me, and I simply cruised where my fancy took me. Now then, lad, I picked up Dosk shortly after leaving St. Paul's Island. If he was driven south'ard by a storm, his home must be up here nigh Capricorn.”

“If so the liners to Australia and New Zealand, skirting the Cape, would have long ago come across Isk; that is, if it is of any size.”

“I don't know so much about that, sir,” retorted Flick, losing his temper. “I only know that the island is there—in my opinion—and I'm going to look it up with Harry.”

“I'm with you there, captain,” chimed in Harry heartily. “We'll start next week.”

“Indeed!” cried Bertha, who was seated at the window, “and what about my marriage? It takes place in three months.”

Flick and Harry looked at one another in dismay. They had not thought of this obstacle. It was clearly impossible that Harry could leave England at such a juncture, without setting family affections and social observances at defiance; and Bertha saw that she had at length found a way of nipping the mad scheme of Flick in the bud.

“You can't think of leaving till then,” said Bertha, following up her advantage.

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“No; but afterwards,” muttered Harry, consulting Flick by a look.

“Hey! What!” cried he, growing red. “Wait three months, and perhaps miss the negro embassy.”

“True enough,” said Harry gloomily. “You see how it is, Bertha.”

“I see that it is my brother's duty to remain here,” replied Bertha haughtily, “and Captain Flick cannot say otherwise.”

“True enough,” said Flick, repeating Harry's words; “and yet I don't want to miss my chance. If I stay, the negroes may be gone. If I go, I offend this young lady by taking her brother.”

“Suppose I suggest an alternative,” said I, hastening to avert a quarrel. “It is three months before I have the happiness of making Bertha my wife. Her trousseau is, I believe, all in order; and I can vouch that Harry and I have arranged all legal business touching the settlements. Consequently there is nothing to be done here for, say, twelve weeks. Why, then, should not the three of us—Flick, Harry, and myself—go to Cythera, to see if there is any truth in Dosk's story.”

“You mean as to the negro embassy?”

“Precisely. I don't believe myself that there is the slightest chance of one arriving; but, to humour the captain and Harry, I am willing to go and see page 62 At Cythera we will wait a reasonable time, and then return to England for my marriage.”

“But if the negroes arrive, sir—hey?” demanded Flick grimly.

“They won't arrive. I believe the whole story to be a creation of Dosk's brain.”

“By—!” thundered the captain, bringing down his mighty fist on the table, “it is as true as gospel. The tattooing on Dosk's chest substantiates every detail.”

“Humph! The story has been manufactured to fit the symbol.”

“I see well, Sir Denis, that nothing will convince you but your eyes. So, if Miss Bertha will consent, I accept your offer. We will go to Cythera, and,” added Flick savagely, “if the negroes are not there, I will myself return to England to be present at the marriage.”

“Good. There is some chance of matters being settled, Bertha.”

“I don't want you to go,” she said in a low voice. “I cannot bear to be separated from you even for twelve weeks.”

“Well, and why should you?” cried Harry gaily. “Come also.”

“To Cythera?”

“Yes. Let us make up a party. Aunt Chrissy page 63 can act as chaperon, and I am sure the Carmen is large enough for us all. Come, Bertha, you are fond of the sea, and are a good sailor.”

“Harry, I cannot come. I have no time, and—What do you say, Denis?”

“Oh, I should be delighted with a pre-matrimonial honeymoon,” said I, laughing; “but I think you had better settle the matter with Aunt Chrissy. At all events, a trip to Cythera will reveal the truth or falsehood of Dosk's story.”

By this compromise, it seemed as though the difference of opinion which existed amongst us would be removed. If no negro embassy came to Cythera, all Flick's fine schemes would be at an end, and Harry saved from going on a wild-goose chase; on the other hand, should Dosk's story prove true—But I could not bring myself to credit the fantasy, and, providing we went to Greece, I quite looked forward to returning to England long before the lapse of three months. Flick thought otherwise. Which of the two was right will be shown hereafter.

It was no easy task to gain Aunt Chrissy's consent to embark for Cythera, as she was as rooted to Devon soil as any oak, and protested against a lady of her age being removed from congenial surroundings. Indeed, had it not been for Harry's persuasions, she would not have moved from the spot; but, page 64 idolizing him as she did, it was impossible for her to refuse his earnest request; so, after much talk and many lamentations, she consented to this Mediterranean cruise. Bertha was easier to manage, as I pointed out to her that the only way to deal with the bee in Harry's bonnet was to let him see for himself, by the non-arrival of the negroes, that the island of Isk had no foundation in fact.

“If Harry goes alone with Flick,” I urged, “notwithstanding the non-appearance of the chimerical negroes, he may be persuaded to remain waiting at Cythera, and will not return in time for our marriage.”

“Harry would not break his word.”

“I am well aware of that; but remember, Captain Flick is a monomaniac on the subject of this island, and may persuade him into staying at Cythera till it is too late. Whereas, if we all go, both of them will be forced to admit that they have been deceived, and thus they will return when we wish. I think, on the whole, we may as well indulge Harry in his freak.”

“Then I agree,” said Bertha reluctantly, “since it is the only chance of making him see sense. But I wish Captain Flick had never come near us.”

“So do I, Bertha; but the spilt milk proverb comes in there.”

So it was settled, and, with great rejoicings, Captain page 65 Flick and his one supporter left Bucksford for Plymouth, there to overhaul the yacht for, what we expected would prove, a short and merry cruise in Greek waters. How long that cruise lasted, into what perilous seas we ventured, and with what dire dangers we were confronted, I am afraid to say. But that Providence had mercifully blinded our eyes to the future, I doubt whether one of us would have set foot on the deck of the Carmen.

Yet even then, when we began our voyage with fair promise, I had a premonition of coming danger. Some instinct warned me, despite my disbelief in the existence of Isk and its barbarians, that Fate was luring us into narrow straits, fatal to life and liberty; and it was in my mind, even at this eleventh hour, to protest against the coming of Bertha and Mrs. Barber. But, unwilling—vain fool that I was—to expose myself to ridicule, I held my peace; and in due course I escorted the ladies down to Plymouth.

Here we found that Harry's sailing-master had broken his leg, and was unable to proceed on the voyage. In such dilemma, Flick had taken charge of the boat, and he was now in his element, in getting things ship-shape. Harry was duly grateful to Roaring Tom for thus relieving him of the responsibility, for he had heard many encomiums passed on the seamanship and cool courage of Flick. page 66 The event proved his fitness for the post, as he was a born administrator, and so dexterous in his management of the men, that he got twice as much work out of them as another would have done. Burly, red-faced, and trumpet-voiced, he permeated the ship with an activity wonderful for so old a man; and thundered, and bullied, and put to his hand on all occasions: yet so kindly and large-hearted was he withal, that the crew soon adored Roaring Tom, and would have followed him to the death if needs be: as indeed they did before many months had come and gone.

The Carmen was as pretty a craft as ever danced on Channel waters; and after a trial trip or so—made before I arrived with my charges—she satisfied even the extravagant demands of her new skipper as to speed and sea-going powers. Rigged as a two-masted, fore-and-aft schooner, her sailing powers were excellent, though she relied more on steam than wind for travelling. Her powerful engines, of three hundred horse-power, could spin her twin screws to some purpose; and at racing speed she averaged eighteen knots with ease. I am thus particular in describing the yacht, as we hereafter owed our lives to her speed and endurance. But that comes later in the story.

What with seeing after guns, and ammunition, and page 67 stores, and cordage, and canvas, and all the thousand and one details connected with the fitting out of a ship, Flick and Harry had their hands full. The latter submitted in all things to the former; and no article, even the most trivial, came on board without being passed by Flick. Years of experience had taught him what was requisite, and when the Carmen lifted her anchor, she was filled with all necessaries likely to be needed for a long and perilous voyage.

“Though I don't know why you should be so particular at this moment, Flick,” said Harry carelessly; “for in any event, whether those niggers arrive or not, we shall return here for Bertha's marriage.”

“It is as well to be prepared for emergencies,” retorted Flick curtly.

He caught my eye as he answered Harry, and looked—I thought—oddly at me, with a remark on his lips, but restrained himself with a singular smile, and went forward. Then, in my ignorance, I set down his reticence to caution; but later on I saw reason to change my mind, and that at no distant date.

Meantime Bertha and her aunt, who had made themselves comfortable below, came on deck to see the last of England. It was a bright day, and the waters of Plymouth harbour sparkled in the sunlight. page 68 Thence, in days of old, many ships had gone on strange voyages: the ships of Drake and Hawkins, and many another valiant English mariner; but I question if any had before her so eventful a journey. As the yacht, with spinning screws and fluttering flags, slid past the verdant heights of Mount Edgecombe, I again felt that dismal foreboding grip my heartstrings.

“Why so silent, Old Sobersides?” said Harry, coming to my side; “anything wrong?”

“Nothing, as yet. But I have a presentiment of coming troubles.”

“What kind of troubles, you Jeremiah?”

“I can't say. But you mark my words, Harry,” I added, pointing to the receding shores so verdant in the sunlight, “it will be many a weary day before we set eyes on old England again; if indeed we ever do.”

It was a true speech, as I then thought and now know; but Harry laughed at my forebodings.