Edward Stratemeyer

“ The Spaniard bit his lips. He was trembling with fear.
“I—I—what do you want?” he faltered.
“We want our rights,” replied Oliver.
[223]
“There is nothing here for you.”
“I think there is,” returned Mr. Whyland. “Mr. Shattock!” he called out, and a tall, sharp-eyed stranger rode from under cover.
“The sheriff of the county!” muttered Colonel Mendix, and on the instant his backbone seemed to desert him.
It was an exciting moment for all. To Oliver Bright it was a time of triumph. The termination of his quest was at hand, full of the promise of success. ”

“ On the corner was a policeman, and the officer quickly directed the boy to the proper elevated road by which he could reach the hotel mentioned. Oliver climbed the steps, procured his ticket, dropped it into the box, and a moment later was aboard the train.
Though he had been to New York a number of times, the ride in the air as it were was somewhat of a novelty to him. He sat in one of the little cross seats in the middle of the car, and thoroughly enjoyed the panorama that swept by—a panorama that was so close to him that he could note every detail. ”

“ In spite of himself the boy gave a low laugh.
“Dobbins!” he cried. And in a moment more he was around the bend.
True enough, there stood the mule, shivering and braying all to himself.
It did not take Oliver long to climb upon the animal’s back, and once there he urged the beast on as before. Dobbins had had a short rest, and struck out well.
“Now to find the others. They cannot be so very far away. Get up, Dobbins, you rascal!”
In a few moments more the narrow pass came to an end and Oliver found himself upon an open plain. He tried to peer through the darkness and rain. ”

“ I didn’t dare to think of not getting out for fear my hair would turn white!”
“I can realize now the horror of a cave-in in a coal-mine,” put in Oliver. “It’s one of the most dreadful things that can happen to any one.”
“You are right, my lad,” said Mr. Whyland. “But come, there is no use to dwell upon what you have gone through. Try to forget it, and give your mind and body a chance to recuperate.”
“Well, I’m going to try it, anyway,” grumbled Gus, as he prepared to retire. “If I get a nightmare, just poke me in the ribs somebody.”
“We will!” laughed Oliver. ”

“ He then braced himself against the rail and raised the cry for help heard by the others. But the strain on his arm was terrible, and when the shark gave an extra heavy tug, Gus went overboard in a twinkling.
The tension on the rope carried him fully fifteen feet from the steamer. He struck the water with a loud splash, and then disappeared beneath the surface.
“Man overboard!” cried Oliver. “Good heavens! what shall we do?”
“Man the boat!” sang out Captain Morris, who saw at a glance what had taken place. “Quick, boys! Sharks are thick here!” ”

“ You ought to be above such things, Oliver.” Mr. Bright heaved a sigh. “I am afraid this will tend to make the doctor stiff in his demands. I thought the tone of yesterday’s letter was rather severe.”
“I am afraid so too.” Oliver bit his lip in vexation. [21] “I wish he had punished me in school instead. It isn’t fair to make you suffer for what I have done!” he cried.
“When we do wrong we are not always sure who will suffer for it. But we will say no more about it. What I have revealed will be punishment enough for you. Now I must go; it will not do to keep the doctor waiting any longer.” ”

“ In half an hour poor Gus was as bad as ever. Oliver did all for his chum that he could think of, and even went to the purser for advice.
“Can’t do a thing,” replied Mr. Willett. “Perhaps he may not be so bad as he was on the trip around Cape Hatteras.”
“I trust not,” returned Oliver. “I haven’t been seasick myself, but I imagine it’s something awful.”
[117]
“It is,” responded the purser. “Get it real bad and you won’t care whether you live or not. I have followed the sea for twelve years, but once in a while my stomach goes back on me even yet.”
“Why, I thought sailors never got sick!” ”

“ With a mighty spring Oliver made the jump. Half way up he paused. Was he going to fail again? No; he clung fast, reached up overhead, and drew himself up into the gloom.
“All right!” he called back. “Throw me the stick and then perhaps I can help you up.”
Gus flung the firebrand as best he could. Oliver caught it and stuck it in a crevice.
“Now make the jump up the rocks and catch my hand,” he called down, and he leaned as far as possible over the edge. ”

“ The restaurant keeper listened closely, and then began to bow and smile, and sent the waiter off for more stuff.
“I have told him that I will settle the bill and that I will have dinner with you,” explained Mr. Whyland. “He says only last week a party of three Americans came in and fooled him, and he thought you belonged to the same crowd.”
“They ought to have been ashamed of themselves,” sniffed Gus. “Might have got us into a terrible mess.”
“Yes; Americans away from home ought to be more circumspect in their actions. A few of them can give the entire nation a bad name.” ”

“ If it had kept up much longer I believe I would have died.”
“No one ever dies of seasickness,” said Mr. Whyland, who had come up. “Your health will be better after this dose.”
“Well, it ought to be,” laughed Gus. “I’ve suffered enough. I ought to have some reward.”
“But we do not always get what we deserve in this world,” responded the gentleman, and for a moment a light shadow swept across his brow. “Sometimes both evil and good pass us by.”
At dinner Oliver did full justice to what was passed to him. ”

“ Cottle would have gone ahead as usual; but the boys and Mr. Whyland voted to remain in camp and take a rest, and let the mules do the same.
“Besides,” said Oliver, “nothing will ever be gained by breaking in on the Sabbath when there is no absolute necessity for so doing.”
“You are right,” said Gus.
“I like to hear young men talk like that,” put in Mr. Whyland; “it shows a proper spirit. Let us spend the day as it should be spent.”
“Not many men keep the day out here,” remarked Cottle. “Many of them don’t know what a Sunday is after they once leave the city.” ”

“ Whyland.
“Not much. They are getting the boat out as fast as they can. Your friend was very foolish to tie that line fast to his wrist.”
“See! see! the shark is making for him!” cried Oliver in a strained voice. “What can we do? Oh, Mr. Whyland!”
“We can do nothing. Heaven grant they reach the poor boy in time. But—but—I fear not!” And the gentleman turned away to hide his emotion.
Oliver glanced around. It was terrible to be so helpless. He and Gus were the closest of friends. He could never let his chum perish without trying to save him. He ought to do something—he would do something! ”

“ There is no use trying to escape. Even if you manage to get up here again, I shall take pains to close the passage in such a way that you cannot get out.” And, with another loud laugh, Colonel Mendix took up his lantern and disappeared, leaving the two boys in total darkness.
[205]
“Crickety, but we are in a pretty mess and no mistake!” said Gus, as the last ray of light left them.
“You are right; but don’t let us despair,” returned Oliver. “I think I did what was right; but it is rough on you.”
“Don’t mind me,” said Gus. “I owe you a good deal. The question is, what is best to be done?” ”

“ He went to dinner alone. The table was more [71] than three-quarters deserted—nearly every one was under the weather. When he came from the dining-saloon he found his chum in the stateroom flat on the floor.
“What! as bad as this?” he asked kindly.
“Don’t say a word!” moaned Gus. “I’ll never travel on the water again, never! I wish the steamer was at the bottom of the sea, and myself with it.”
He continued to roll and moan for the rest of the day. Oliver tried to help him in various ways, but it was of no avail. There is nothing to do but to let seasickness run its course. ”

“ I can almost feel him coiling around my body!”
“So can I,” returned Oliver. “Of all things to meet I think a snake is the worst. I would just as lief encounter a tiger or a lion.”
“Let us get back at once,” said Gus; “I won’t feel safe until I am in the car, and when I am you won’t catch me leaving the train again until we arrive at Panama.” ”

“ The sheriff fired, and the sound of the shot, echoing and re-echoing through the cañon, frightened the animal below. He leaped to one side; and in a trice horse and rider were in the mountain stream, and being borne along by the swift current.
“Just my miserable luck!” muttered the sheriff. “See, he knows enough to duck under, and thus avoid another shot!”
“What is best to do now?” asked Oliver anxiously. ”

“ Oliver introduced his companion to Mr. Whyland, and their mutual sympathy soon placed them on the plane of friendship. But Gus was too sick to remain long, and before a great while retired again to the stateroom, whither he was presently followed by Oliver.
“What do you think of Mr. Whyland?” asked the latter.
“Very nice man,” returned Gus. “I’d like him still better if he would only order this storm to stop. Creation! it seems to me I’d give all I’m worth to be on land once more!” ”

“ Willett. “I will not be outdone by a boy, even though he be as noble as this lad.” And he disappeared down the hatchway.
Anxiously those on deck waited for him to reappear. At the end of five minutes he did so.
“It is about out,” he reported. “The hose has soaked everything, and there is no more danger. The smoke that is coming up doesn’t amount to anything.”
“Thank God it is so!” exclaimed Mr. Whyland; and everybody near echoed the sentiment.
“Our safety is due to this young man,” said Captain Morris, grasping Oliver by the shoulder. “You deserve a medal for your bravery.” ”

“ Whyland and the others climbing a rocky slope over to the westward. Near the top of the slope, among some scanty brush, the boys could see Colonel Mendix, astride of his horse, urging the animal along with hand and spur.
Oliver could have fired at the man with ease, but the thought of bloodshed held him back. He wished to capture the Spaniard as much as did any of the others, but he would not run the risk of having the rascal’s blood on his conscience. ”

“ It was thought every spark of fire had been extinguished; but to make doubly sure two of the men were told to remain on guard for the balance of the night and all the next day.
“Then I suppose we might as well go to bed again,” said Gus who, now that the excitement was over, began to feel sleepy.
“Yes; there is no further danger,” returned Captain Morris. “To-morrow I will hold a strict investigation as to the cause of the fire. If I find any of the men are to blame, they shall pay the penalty, I can tell you.”
Mr. Whyland went below, and Oliver followed Gus to their stateroom. ”

“ As for Gus, he gave a half-suppressed groan.
[203]
“First, I want to know who sent you out here?” went on Colonel Mendix. “Was it Arthur Bright?”
Oliver was silent.
“Did you hear my question?”
“I did.”
“And why didn’t you answer?”
“I shall say nothing until you help us out of this pit and conduct us back to your office,” was the boy’s determined reply.
“What! do you defy me?”
“I do. You have no right to treat us in this fashion.”
“Ha, ha! right! Might is right out here. You must answer my question.”
“And I refuse to do so.”
“Think well. I am not a man to be trifled with.” ”

“ Quick! there is not a moment to lose!”
Again the sheriff went on, with the three others stringing after him in single file. The flat rock was passed, and once more they found themselves among the loose stones and short, thorny bushes. The sheriff was the best rider of the party, and he soon drew ahead. Gus was the worst laggard, and he begged Oliver not to leave him alone.
“This bit of the country may be full of snakes and wild beasts,” said the stout youth. “And I don’t want to face anything like that all alone.” ”

“ This news was heard by every one who stood around, and its effect was to quiet the fearful ones. Many wondered if the schooner was seriously damaged, and if she would be able to continue her voyage.
It is safe to say that there was little or no sleep that night for those on board the steamer. Towards morning the storm cleared off, and the sun rose bright as ever.
“Well, I never!” declared Gus. “The scene has changed as quickly as it does in a panorama!” ”

“ A few seconds later a dull roar was heard, followed by the sound of falling rocks.
“All right now,” said the Spaniard; “no more for an hour.”
“I wouldn’t want to be around when any of these blasts go off,” shuddered Gus. “Might kill a fellow without half trying.”
“You are right,” replied Oliver. “Ever kill any one?” ”

“ The boys were eager to go ashore, but were told that no passengers would be allowed to land until the following morning.
“Well, so much of the journey is done,” said Oliver. “How I wish this was San Francisco Bay!”
“I don’t know as I do,” returned Gus. “Now that I’ve got over that nasty seasickness, I rather enjoy the trip.”
“I would too, if I didn’t have anything on my mind.”
“Well, you ought not to let that interfere. Worry won’t do any good.” ”

“ The clerk paid another visit to the office.
“We will make that sixty dollars,” he said, coming back. “You will not get more anywhere.”
“I shall try,” replied Oliver.
Another establishment was close at hand. But here the proprietor would not go above fifty dollars; so Oliver went back to the first place.
“I guess I’ll take that sixty dollars,” he said.
“Told you you couldn’t get any more,” returned the clerk coolly, as he made out the ticket and handed over the money.
“And now how much will you allow me for this pin?” asked Oliver, as he drew it from his wallet. “It is a pure diamond.” ”

“ Oliver told their story. Mr. Whyland smiled, but shook his head.
“Both of you want to be more careful,” he said. “Those flowers may have been poisonous, and also the snakes. It is well enough to go out on a tour of inspection, but one must be mighty cautious.”
“I’ll not leave the car until we reach Panama,” affirmed Gus, and he was as good as his word.
The train moved along slowly, as if feeling its way. Gus said he could very well walk about as fast; but when Oliver suggested that he get out and try it, the stout youth begged to be excused. ”

“ Bright shook his head.
“I have hoped, until now; all hope is useless—that is”—and the man paused.
“What, father? What is the chance?” asked the boy eagerly.
“It is hardly worth considering, Oliver, it is so small. We had better face the truth, bitter as it is.”
Oliver drew a long breath. To endure poverty is no pleasant thing, especially when one has once [13] been rich. The boy was so completely taken aback that for a moment he did not say a word.
“I should have spoken of this before and prepared you for its coming,” went on Mr. Bright ”

“ And that was the end of Gus’s grumbling.
They were soon on their way. As Cottle had said, the road now became little more than a wagon-track, crossed and recrossed in many places.
[159]
“It is lucky Cottle is along,” said Mr. Whyland to Oliver, as they dropped a bit behind. “We could never find the right track by ourselves. To me half a dozen appear to be the right ones.”
“That is so,” returned the boy. “It isn’t like a city with a signboard at every corner. One could get completely lost without half trying.” ”

“ As Oliver and Gus began the ascent of the rocky slope Colonel Mendix appeared at the extreme top. For a single instant he looked back and shook his fist at his pursuers.
Again the sheriff fired, and so did Felix Cottle; and this time the fleeing criminal was wounded in [228] the leg. He gave a shrill cry of pain, sent back two shots in return, both of which flew wide of their mark and disappeared.
“He is gone!” gasped Oliver.
“Don’t you think they will get him?” queried Gus.
“I don’t see how they can; the woods over yonder are so thick. But come, we may as well follow the others;” ”