Bolt and Win: a tale of the olden time

Introduction

. The daring act of the writer in submitting the folloAving story to the public, may probably be judged as strange as its title,' but it is hoped its adA*enturous flight may be as successful as that of its hero. A novel is generally a literary avalanche of three A'olumes, the first thousand disposed of, and the public in eager expectation for the second. To a serial, by some unknown writer, deviating from these orthodox rules of procedure, backed by approving friends who dissipate many a misgiving by their animated cheer 'courage'! what is to be responded but " Jh suis bien static de Vhonneur que vous me faites ?" How about the chronology? It certainly is in charming keeping Avith the irregular and erratic. This, but for the absolution Father Time has pronounced and declared, would of itself shiver to pieces any chance of immortality, and it is curious how this blessing Avas granted by that Venerable Sage.

At an audience to which I was duly introduced by my borough members as a piece of local notoriety of con siderable importance, character, and standing, he pointed to a chair of sparkling ice that shone with all the varied tints of the rainboAV, and was

INTRODUCTION.

. sumptuously cushioned with suoav, and begged me to be seated. At once I was frozen to a most hopeless condition, and expected an awful doom. The Holy Father's far-seeing piercing eyes shot through me, and by their brilliancy, shut up all my imagined knowledge of the past. Seeing I was humble he began to re-assure me in soft silvery accents, and thus delivered his decree, — I have given this story a glance, and your object is plain and good enough; you know my conservative nature slowly develops the purposes I have in store for the improvement of mankind ; you liberal gentlemen go too fast for me, yet, all things considered, I am loth to stop you. I perceive you attempt to escape the charge of personalities by judicious alteration of time and place, and heaping on the head of one, the absurdities perpetrated by three distinct individuals, which necessarily involves your chronology in inextricable confusion.

My son, in such a work as this, your sin is venial, and I duly absolve it. Yet at the same time, let those grave and learned theologians, who make me out to be a boy of only 6,000 years of age, tremble in their shoes ; for my scientific scholars have already multiplied my years many thousandfold. Let the book go forth. It will modify your liberal idea of opening masculine professions for the benefit of women ; and young ladies will discover from your pages that accomplished

INTRODUCTION.

. and well-educated female intellects can well bear contrast Avith and conquer honesty and Avorth in the other sex, not by assuming their professions, but by shining in their own loveli ness. Farewell. Lord Campbell's ' Lives of the Chancellors,' Dr. Mason Good's translation of ' Lucretius,' the Auto-Biography of the Rev. Steggell, and a small brochure on the ' Cape,' by the Writer, some thirty-five years ago, are hereby duly acknoAvledged for variety of suggestion and information during the composition, whilst one, amongst approving friends, who have cheered me into print, kindly forwarded me the illus trations, with which his talented pencil has sketched several scenes, and to Avhom I am greatly indebted. A. W. BOLT AND WIN: A TALE OF THE OLDEN TIME. A wet sheet and flowing sea, A wind that follows fast, And fills the white and mstling sail, And bends the gallant mast !

And bends the gallant mast, my boys, AVhile like the eagle free, Away the good ship flies, and leaves Old England on the lea." " If that is the case, Wynflete, it is high time you were at sea again, that's all I have to say about that." These words, accidentally heard in passing, by a Captain of an Indiaman embarking for India, commanded his attention by the earnest downright manner in which they were spoken, and the interesting appearance of the young man to AA*hom they were addressed. The Captain stopped, and asked the old salt who had uttered them, what the particulars were. "Particulars, your honour, why, here we are all on shore, and this lad has run aground, them's the particulars. The lad is as good and as clever a lad as ever served in a ship, and though he is now in a bit of a fix, will yet prove himself a marvellous rare man.

I was his shipmate on his last, and it was also' his first voyage, and know his worth. There he stands, all ready for sea, and by your pardon, you cannot do better than give him a helping hand." " Well, my man, I am pleased with what you say, and the appearance of your young friend, and have no doubt he will obtain suitable employment before long." " I believe that, but you remember the old saying, ' while the grass groAvs the poor horse starves.' Come, Sir, do a kind action and take him." There was no response on the part of Wynflete beyond Avhat his expressive face indicated. It AA*as a novelty and an experiment to take a hand out of the street as proposed, and yet the Captain began to feel somewhat disposed to entertain the idea ; so he continued : " It is impossible to engage the man Avithout some agreement, and I really have no time ; there's my ship, the topsails up, and only waiting for my being on board to be off on a long voyage."

" That is all A*ery true ; the lad wants no agreement, all he wants is you to say in the words of the Great Master, ' follow me,' and you will have a faithful follower." There was no resisting this appeal, and young Wynflete nimbly stepped into the Captain's boat, after shaking his friend's hand very heartily, and wishing each other every bless ing. The old sailor then touched his hat and Avished Captain Baldock a good and prosperous voyage. The Captain returned the old salt's good wishes with an opportune tip, and the party rowed off to the Valencia, a fine old Indiaman, of 1,500 tons burden; on reaching the ship she immediately tripped her anchor, shook her w'hite feathers, spread her imperial wings, darted away for her long flight, and Avas soon lost to sight. James Pope, for that Avas the old sailor's name, amazed by the suddenness AA'ith which he had lost his friend, could hardly realize his position.

He gazed at the receding vessel Avith feelings and emotions in harmony w*ith — So may whatever tempest mars, Mid-ocean spare thee saored baik, Amid balmy drops in summer dark Slide from the bosom of the stars." Having dashed from his eye the involuntary, though manly tear, to view the rough world surrounding him, the Avorthy seaman braced his energies to go forth once again and face its tempests, resohred by dint of toil and effort to triumph OA*er prospective difficulties. All soon found their places on board the Valencia, Wynflete assisting them, in his humble capacity, as cabin boy. Dispensing with the \*icissitudes of ship board and the weather, let us make the acquaintance of the worthy people we have on board. First and foremost there is the Captain of the vessel. Captain Baldock was a senior officer in the East India Company's Commercial Marine, and had gradually risen in the service to his present command.

He w*as an excellent officer and a perfect gentleman, and from having made several successful voyages, was well-to-do, and gradually accumulating a fortune. We find him pacing his deck under the depressing influence of a calm, his sails beating violently against the masts, the ship her own mistress, and all the concomitant disagreeables, which those can ap preciate who have experienced a calm in mid ocean. To divert his attention from affairs beyond his control, the incident of his having engaged Wynflete under the circumstances aboA*e related, occurred to his remembrance. Turning at the same moment as he paced the quarter-deck, Wynflete, like an apparition fresh from the lower regions, suddenly rose from a hatchway; the vision amused the Captain, WIN. tickled his fancy, and restored his usual good spirits and humour.

"Is that you, my lad ! " cried Captain Baldock. " I was just thinking of you. How have you fared since our extraordinary interview at Portsmouth ?" " I am obliged, Sir, by your kind remem brance," answered Wynflete. " I have been treated very kindly, and have endeavoured to make myself as useful as possible." " Have your shipmates given you any name yet, for if my memory is correct, you had too lofty a one for 'board ship. We require names to be short, so that we can call you on the instant. Pray tell me, Avhat is your name ? " Wynflete (keeping his countenance) touched his cap, and replied " Augustus Wynflete." " Ah," said the Captain, " I thought it was something in that style ; Avhat say you to our calling you Gusty ? " " Certainly, Sir, that contraction will save trouble, and no doubt answer quite as well."

Captain Baldock thought to himself, " That is no ordinary character — respectful, intelligent, and respectable. Who can he be ? Well, that is no concern of mine, so long as his conduct is approved he shall have every consideration shown to him.''

Chapter II. Alter Hubert

" Some faults we own, but you can guess AVhy virtue's carried to excess." This worthy, who had recently taken Holy Orders, was a younger scion of an ancient Shropshire family, and was proceeding in the capacity of Chaplain to Bombay. He was in the bloom of youth, handsome, and well-grown, with an intelligent face that indicated some disturbing cause Avhich served to interrupt its natural cheerfulness ; (imparting to his eyes a languid expression, his head was adorned Avith masses of silken dark hair). In addition to these tokens of gentle blood, his manners were pleasing, he had taken a good degree at Cam bridge, had a fine A*oice that he Avell knew how to use when reading, Avhile as a preacher perhaps brevity was his best qualification, for his theology w*as gloomy, and at times he shocked ears polite.

He knew no better, and believed he was only faithfully discharging his duty when indulging in ebullitions that gave his flock but a poor look out. Take him all in all he was a noble fellow. Wynflete naturally excited his attention and curiosity. He had some lingering remembrance of an undergraduate of that name, and sought an opportunity which, by the way, shortly pre sented itself, of having it out Avith this wonderful cabin boy. On the other hand, the latter had, from the first, recognized him, and knew all about him, even the means by which he had obtained his present appointment to India. A calm at sea, while in the Tropics, is no ordinary annoyance, especially to such as are without resources or employment. They have indeed the delights of unity. If unanimity be wanting in their ways, one grievance and one complaint exist to form a bond between them.

On deck the heat is scorching, below it is suf focating. Unity of opinion only serves to aggravate their sufferings, Aykile sympathy furnishes additional distress without affording any alleA*iation. On such a day, and while they Avere in such a condition, Hubert, to escape the suffocation below, was ascending the companion ladder, Avhen he discovered Wynflete busy at his occupation as if no heat existed. "Ah! Gusty," he exclaimed, "at work, as cool as a cucumber." " Yes, Sir, I have too much to do to tliink about the Aveather, employment is the remedy to dispel the power of all our trials. Yet, in spite of this philosophy, I haA*e a grievance." " What may that be ? " " Twenty drops of sulphuric acid in this tum bler of water would at once clean these glasses, and with a little rubbing restore brilliancy, and the polish Avould be completely perfected.

Nothing like it, I can assure you, Sir." "Well," said Hubert, "I never thought of that ; aud, to tell you the truth, I was not aware that sulphuric acid had such powers." "Ah, Sir, there's the rub," replied Wynflete. "If we only thought, knew, and acted on thought and knoAvledge, Iioav clear Avould our position in this universe become. I met with the following in an Indian newspaper, and thought it so good that I copied it, and placed it among the scraps I always carry about Avith me in my pocket-book. Shall I read it to you ? " " By all means, pray, clo so," said Hubert. Wynflete read the following : "Understand ing always that the end of man is in action, not in thought ; endeavour incessantly, with all the strength that is in you, to ascertain Avhat — there, where you are, thus as you are — you can do in this world ; and upon that bend your whole faculties, regarding all reveries, feelings, 1(3 BOLT AND AVIN. singular thoughts, moods, and so forth, as worth nothing whatever, excepting as they bear on that, and will help you towards it.

Your thoughts, moods, &c, will thus in part legitimate them selves and become fruitful possessions for you : in part, fall away as illegitimate, and die out of the way, and your goal will become clearer to you every step you courageously advance towards it. Each man may understand this universe, each man may understand AAThat good and manful work it lies within him to accomplish there. " Cheer up, there's gear to win you never saw." So says the old song." " That is excellent," said Hubert, " but while there's the hand of the Indian Press, I hear the A'oice of the Chelsea philosopher, but I hope you do not estimate me as never thinking or acting on my convictions ? " " Observe the wide difference between adopting the thoughts of others, and of meditating, and AveU weighing them in all their various aspects."

"Well, but do you class me amongst such thinkers ?" " To be honest, if you will have it, I do." "I Avill not flinch from the charge," said Hubert, "there is some apparent truth in what you say as regards my study of theology. It requires so many things to be taken as granted, or in faith, or on trust, every thought brought into obedience." "Into obedience to what?" inquired Wynflete. " Certainly you can never legitimately do that, even on the large assumptions you take. For you find yourself compelled to bring both your thoughts and holy writ into obedience to a system of theology. In a word, your mind and the Book are brought into bondage to the system, and then the idea of taking the rest for granted is rather an off-hand manner of forming a judgment on such important and sacred subjects.

It is the most vicious exempli fication of ' Bolt and Win,' with which I am acquainted ; such a ' bolt ' must lose, according to my thinking." " Be that as it may," said Hubert, " this was not the object I had in speaking to you in the midst of this heat. It was rather to find you out ; and by the drift of your chat I discover you have the same object toward myself. That is the latent motive, and I plainly see you do not approve of my sermons." " What consequence, Avhether one like myself approves or disapproves of your sermons ? " " Why, your present position is an assumption — a piece of pure imposture — that an-in telligent, educated gentleman should act as you B are doing is as profound a difficulty as any the ological one you can propose, unless you are mad." " Perhaps before our voyage is over you will discover a method in my madness that will exonerate me from that charge most noble Chaplain.

I am well acquainted with the school of theology in which you have been disciplined, and have considerable respect for the eminent men who originated the movement ; as to their successors, it appears they are the people, and wisdom will die with them, but be that as it may, I have a personal observation to make, if you will allow me the liberty?" " By all means, let me have it." " Last Sunday, if you remember, you asserted that the future condition of the ship's company depended on tlieir adopting, and firmly believing certain dogmas of theology that you very earnestly stated. Pray reflect on the propriety of placing such matters in such a light; and if you have not yet pondered our American cousin's question, give that also due consideration. " What question from the West do you allude to ?

" " Truly, the practical West responds to the emblematical teachings of the East in this case when she asks : ' What ! is the unbeliever to be damned for not believing ?' " " Surely," said Hubert, " there can be no difficulty in giving our Western friends a satisfactory answer to their pertinent question." " Easy enough," said Wynflete, " on the principle of taking much for granted and more on trust, but not so easy for those who exercise thought and meditation. Reflection clears the mind, and then it discovers that a message of glad tidings to all people cannot possibly admit of such a dark cloud to intervene as theology interposes." Here, a voice from the deck stopped all this, with a command. " I say, Gusty, bring me a cigar and a glass of beer !" " Yes, coming Sir.''

CHAPTER II

A TRAGIC STORY-BATHING IN THE TROPICS. During the night a current had carried the Valencia out of her reckoning, and, at the break of day, the loom of the ten islands, knoAvn of old under the title of the Gorgades, and now as the Cape de Verde Islands, w*ere distinctly descried. Captain Baldock resolved to bearup for Santiago. Late in the evening of the day the Valencia dropped her anchor off that toAvn, and as the ship had to be supplied with sundry necessaries, those whose purses admitted of the indul gence Avent on shore, others not so financially supplied, had to put up with the misery of a ship whose thermometer stood at 120°. In this intense heat, the treacherous sea looked cool, refreshing, and highly suggestive of the delight a plunge would afford. The temptation assailed in particular four young gentlemen cadets for the Indian Army, who, for a time, silently gazed, waiting some prompting power, for the seducer to have them as its victims.

At last one broke silence with the fatal challenge: " Dar'st thou now leap with me into the calm flood, and buffet it with mighty sinews ? " "Undoubtedly!" was the unanimous reply. Over the ship's side all four descended into a boat that was there, and as they were un dressing, were thus remonstrated with by Tom Bowling : "I tell you what, young gentlemen, I've seen a thing or two in my day, and woe betide you, if in these seas, and this heat, you dare to dip as you propose. The bolting principle was dominant with the cadets, and suggested the usual youthful response. "Why? What is the harm?" "Why, indeed? None but fools would ask why ; and as to the harm, it will tell upon your constitutions if no worse thing abide you." " Why, are there any sharks ? " " Plenty, but I do not want to frighten you with sharks ; there are dangers surer than sharks, — bad fevers if you bathe.

I can say no more " In, alas ! they plunged, swam round the ship, and when they came on board declared them selves greatly refreshed, and Bowling an old croaker. He hoped it might be so, but he was afraid before a fortnight was over they would find he was right. The Valencia put to sea again the next day, and within a fortnight these four young men were struck down with fever, under which tAvo of them sank, the other two become incapacitated by broken health from serving in India.* The gloom this event occasioned was felt by the sailors in their honest, quiet manner, and at their usual gathering on the forecastle that evening there Avas an absence of their gay jokes and jolly yarns, the smoke from their pipes being as silent as their grief. When Wynflete made his appearance he endeavoured to rally them somewhat aster this fashion : — " Well, my boys, I suppose, of the two, he aa*1io desires nothing is better off than he who has lost what he desires.

It is true we have lost these young gentlemen, but with them we have not lost everything. Losses and gains, sorrows and joys, balance one another in a marvellous way in our passage through this portion of eternity which we call time." " I hold it true, whate'er befall, I feel it, when I sorrow most ; 'Tis better to have lost and loved, Then never to have loved at all." "Yes," replied one of the men, " I think we may belay all this ; as for Bowling, who has given way to his feelings more than any of us, he has little to reproach himself with. Had the lads listened to his caution, this calamity 1 A'ide Rev. J. Steggell's Autobiography. WIN. would never have occurred ; and when they fell sick he nursed them as if they had been his own children. So I hope he Avill now listen to what our young philosopher says, and cheer us all up with one of his merry yarns."

" Very well," said Bowling, " I will see what I can do for you." " I will relate a story of what occurred to me while I was at the wheel the other day. It Avas a fresh trade wind, with which, by great attention on my part, the vessel was able to lay her course. There were not many passengers on deck to distract me, so the breeze, the vessel, and myself Avere making it pleasant. Well, there is a limit to pleasant things, and so, as my destiny would have it, a gentleman, accompanied by a lady passenger, put in an appearance, and com menced a little innocent flirtation ; no blame to them." " Who is going to blame them ? Go ahead with your yarn, and mind, Bowling, stick to the naked, none of your imaginary talk.'' " Well, I will do my best, but you must give a sailor a little latitude, for unless he embellish a little what he happens to see, it will not be Avorth listening to.

Well, the breeze Avas stiff, there was no doubt about it ; the vessel and wind demanded all my strength and atten tion, and this gentleman and lady seemed in league to distract it. I tried to keep my eye on the compass, but the flirtation was more attractive, and I could not help watching and being amused with their proceedings. The gentleman, in order to keep the lady steady, had to support her Avaist Avith his arm; the consequence was, my steering became un steady." A laugh, and several extemporaneous obser vations here interrupted the speaker, Avhich, having subsided, Bowling proceeded. " The fact Avas, the flirtation had become as violent as the wind, and I do not know where we should all have been but for the officer of the watch singing out, " What are you about ? We shall be aback, directly."

So I eased my helm, and the ship instantly responding gave a heavy lurch and sent our friends into the lee scuttles. But this was not all." These words were scarcely uttered, before the shrill sound of the Boatswain's pipe summoned all hands to their respective stations to put the ship about, which put an abrupt termination to BoAvling's yarn.

Chapter IV. Mrs

MORTIMER AND HER DAUGHTERS— MR. BRUCE. In the olden time, Avhen India AA'as under the patronage of the Company, the youth, bloom, and promise of England, had, Avith other outlets for their activity, an honourable exile and em ployment in that country; and they considered themselves very fortunate if they obtained an opportunity to " bolt" in that direction. The fairer bloom and beauty were not AA'anting in following their example, and Avere generally fortunate enough to Avin good husbands. On board the Valencia there were young men and maidens so embarked, and it is now time to introduce some of the fairer portions of creation to notice, viz., Mrs. Mortimer and her three daughters, Lucy, Emily, and Mary Mortimer. A quarter of a century previously, Mrs. Mortimer and her sister, then the Miss Berthiers, had made this adventurous " bolt" and avoh husbands — Mrs. Mortimer suecessfully, her sister less so, having shortly aster been left a widoAV with a son, who proved anything but " Her widows comfort and her sorrows joy."

But such is the lottery of life in which our lots have fallen, one sister became the flou rishing wife of a civilian, and aster having superintended the education of her two sons, Edward and Charles, had despatched the former Avith a writership, the other with a cavalry cadetship ; she Avas now on her way, with her three elegant and accomplished daughters, to join her husband. Mrs. Mortimer was an energetic and excellent mother, her figure rather graceful than tall, set off by the most fashionable attire ; she had a good complexion, speaking eyes, teeth Avhite to perfection, and a profusion of bright brown hair, while her manners were such as enabled her to maintain her sitting position. Lucy Mortimer's figure Avas slight, without any indication of delicacy, her expression refined and thoughtful, with someAvhat of her mother's beauty, yet Avithal of rather the brunette tendency ; her hair was darker, and her eyes large and soft, stole with a languid dreamy fascination that subdued their A*ictim when their power was put forth.

Emily Mortimer bore a strong family likeness, possessing these attractions, yet with the impress of pride and decision, that bespoke a fixedness of purpose, to Avhich her charming eyes and smile were wonderful auxiliaries. Mary Mortimer Avas a bright, loving, laughing child, Avho disciplined her mirthful spirit by deep feelings that carried her safely, cheerfully, and submissively over the troublesome waves of life. These constituted the lady powers, that, if exerted, might attract or assail the gentlemen. Let us uoav look up some of these youths avIio had to " win" or to " bolt," We have on board one Avhose manners are quite those of the gentleman, in appearance prepossessing, and of good family. He Avas fond of the society of ladies, but had no thought of matrimony. This was a Mr. Bruce.

He had distinguished himself at College, and Avas in noAA*ise Avanting in the Aveakness and conceit common to the class that are apt to regard as unread or unintelligent all who question or differ from them in opinion. Of course, he AA*as a great reformer in politics, religion, and philosophy ; he was iioav proceeding as a writer to Bombay, where his immature knowledge and exuberant confidence Avere sure to involve him in aAvkAvard scrapes, that would rub off these absurdities, and place him in the true position that his merits deserved. The charms of the Miss Mortimers were not lost upon him, but whilst attentive and polite he was resolved to keep clear of the absurdity of entering the service as a married man. With this prudent resolve he determined, as opportunity might offer, to enjoy the pleasure of conversing with the ladies, having the emotions which occasion such awkward shyness and render gentlemen often so very disagreeable and foolish duly suppressed.

Let us picture the flowing sheet, the slightly inclined deck, the breeze propitious, the sea unobtrusive, in a Avord all things pleasant. These attractions drew Mrs. Mortimer and her daughters on deck, to enjoy this elysium. Bruce was there before them, upon a reading lounge, intent on his book, from AA'hich the appearance of the Mortimers apparently did not distract him. Mrs. Mortimer and her daughters settled them selves at the greatest possible distance from Bruce. Mamma also took to reading, the young ladies to chat about the fashions, whether the hair ought to be dressed high, forward, plain or ornamented, the beauty or otherwise of black tarlatan powdered with silver leaves, the loveliness of deep rose coloured tulle, and other mysteries in general of female attire. All this took place in the vicinity of the wheel, where Bowling happened to be on duty.

He necessarily overheard all this conversation, but the young ladies might have conversed in Greek, for all he comprehended. He felt somewhat bewildered and abashed by the striking contrast of the quiet conversation and pursuits of the ladies and gentleman, with the yarns he was in the habit of spinning or weaving among his shipmates. He was deep in reverie when the command " Port" recalled him to his duties, and he gave the old response, "Port, it is, Sir." Mrs. Mortimer gave one of her expressive and conscious smiles, which showed that her at tention to the book was more assumed than real. " Ah, dear Mamma," exclaimed Lucy, " your thoughts are rather derived from the past and the future of those pleasant visions that obscure the vanishing present." " Indeed," replied Mrs. Mortimer, " it may be so.