The Land of the Hibiscus Blossom
James Hume Nisbet (1888)
Country of origin: Australia
Available texts by the same author here
XVI. Driven Ashore.
MORNING came at last, and Collins and Hector were freed from all anxiety, in the sense that the condemned criminal feels relieved after the judge has pronounced his sentence. Their steering-gear had snapped just as the darkness melted away, and they were now pitching and rolling due west, without the power to alter their course or avoid reefs which might come in their way.No boat could live on that sea, so that they had just to take their chance of whatever mishap was in the near future.
At present the ocean seemed clear, and presented only a tumbling waste, so now the pair sat sucking away at their saturated pipes, and hanging on to the sides while they lay on the deck and waited.
"Whereabouts do you think we are?" observed Hector, quietly.
"God only knows," responded Collins. "I take it we were near on to Bristow Island when the gear gave way, and now are drifting on to Sabai or the Baxter River; but we'll very soon find out."
The schooner was full before the wind now, going at a furious rate, and so they relapsed into silence, dropping asleep now and then, to be roused up by another sweeping wave, when, after they had cleared the brine out of their eyes, they'd look ahead, and then settle down again to sleep.
The men forward still clung, as they had done all night, and looked towards their masters with apathetic faces.
"Land ahead at last!" suddenly cried Collins, getting up and staring out. "The mainland, or I'm much mistaken."
Yes, there it was, like a low bank of clouds, very flat, and spreading out in front of them; nearer, and they can see the yellow sands with a fringe of white beating against it, and between them and it, in detached places, patches of reef with wide openings between.
"Like as not we shall strike against one of these patches and go to pieces; let's have the boat ready."
The sea was not quite so wild now, and since the vessel had been left to herself the waves broke less frequently over her; she went with the waves and the wind, and rode lighter over the crests, so that they were able to get the dingey ready.
"It's no use, you know, if we strike a patch, but it's our only chance." And they all got up and stood beside the boat ready to spring in if she struck, but they did not loosen the lashings, but waited with knives drawn ready to cut.
The coast was level as far as they could see it, with a thickly-wooded country behind, but no sign of natives.
"A near shave that time," cried Collins, as they darted into one of the openings only a few feet distant from the reef, where the waters beat against it with a thunderous fury. "I think we are pretty safe now, for the rest of the way seems to be sand."
The waves were much quieter inside this partial barrier, and so mixed up with mud and sand that they could not see the bottom or what they were passing over.
"We'll get ashore yet, mate," again cried out Collins, his piping voice almost cheery. "Heave out the line and let's see the depth, and be ready, boys, with the anchor."
A heave or two showed them they were getting into shallow waters with a good mud bottom, and soon they were near enough to drop the anchor, which, after dragging a few yards, caught fast, and brought them to with a jerk. So far, they were in comparative safety, although far from being comfortable, and could look about them.
The coast appeared completely deserted, for not a native village could be seen, while from where they lay a broad river of nearly a mile wide could be seen emptying itself into the sea, all muddy coloured; the banks of the river were lined with mangrove bushes and low mud banks.
"That ought to be the Baxter River from its appearance," remarked Collins. "If so, we'll tow her into it as soon as the sea settles down, and strike overland and make for the Fly; if Nig has got right, we'll find him somewhere there."
"Our only plan now, while this monsoon lasts; so meantime let's have something to eat and drink."
The storm had spent itself, as they could see, and although still raging away outside, it was growing quieter every moment at their anchorage, so, after making the best breakfast they could, they got the dingey over the side, and, taking their revolvers and rifles with them, rowed into the river, where shortly they discovered a pretty safe landing-place, and making their boat fast to one of the branches, they waded through the soft slime to the firm grass beyond.
"A splendid lair for alligators," observed Hector, as they stood on firm ground once more.
"First-rate! but I'm much more concerned about natives; let's get along cautiously and see if there are any about."
The sun was now full up, and they could see the vessel tugging away at her anchor chain and the two boys they had left in charge squatting upon the deck cleaning and drying their guns, but no signs of either house or canoe anywhere.
Out to sea the billows still rose and fell in irregular dark masses, with the white splashes which marked a hidden reef, but the wind felt softer as it struck against their cheeks. Yes, decidedly, the storm was over, and by mid-day they would be able to tow their little schooner into the calm shelter of the river.