Henry Maynard's adventures in the Arctic regions

Chapter I

It was midnight, and the time for changing watchman had arrived. The night was very dark, and the waves roiled as high as mountains. Thunder claps came heavy and rapidly, and quick Hashes of lightning crossed the heavens; the wind howled and roared through the riggings.

It was on board a large vessel built chietly for w'halefishing, which was now making its way through the northern waters, and was in 60 degree north latitude. Although it was in the month of June it was terribly cold.

By the faint light from a few lanterns, mingled with the sharp flashes of lightning, it could be distinguished what was going on, on deck.

Two men were steering, their eyes constantly gazing upon the compass, and their ears strained to catch every order given by the captain, who, together with two men stood close by, their faces turned towards the bow.

The vessel was under full sail; which made her almost too top heavy in a storm like this.

“A rough night, captain,” said a young man who stood close by, his face almost hidden by his sou-wester which was pulled rather far down over his eyes, “this is the worst I have ever seen”.

And as bad as I ever witnessed, Henry, answered the captain, and I have plowed the seas for nearly thirty years; but the polar seas are not to be compared with a

4 HENRY MAYNARD’S ARCTIC TRIP, duck pond my boy.” Mr. Williams, we had better take in one of those top sails she is working terribly, continued the captain, turning towards a short square shouldered man who stood quietly by his side. Take in one sail ? Well I have not sailed in these frozen waters as long as you have, but I should judge we had better pull in all; as I think the bare masts would be safest in this storm. As you choose Mr. Williams, said the captain, 1 have never found your opinion wrong, and besides it is now your turn to take command, and I shall not meddle; call me at the least change in the weather; I dare say that the wind will drop off before morning. Come Henry, we will go below and rest a little while.

Both the captain and Henry looked around, and although the wind howled, the waves rolled and foamed, and thunder and lightning seemed to increase in violence, there was not the least sign of fear in their faces as they went below to take refreshment and rest.

They entered a small cabin which had but little accommodation; on each side was a kind of a shelf about two feet wide, and about three feet from the tioor; these went by the name of “bunks” or beds. Here and there was a board projecting from the wall which answered for seats: in the center hung a lamp, which was so arranged as to always remain upright in whatever position the ship might be.

Under the ceiling hung, guns, revolvers, swords, and different varieties of harpoons. The odor from tobacco, rum, soap, oil, cheese, etc., greeted them as they entered; and was far from agreeable to a man that was accustomed to the luxuries of a well arranged home.

But the hardships of the sea soon makes a man used to such, and he feels as contented to rest there as in the best furnished room.

Both the captain and Henry were wet, cold, and hungry; and their first thought was something to eat; which consisted of cold salt fish, a few potatoes and crackers, which was washed down with a mixture of rum and water.

The captain was a man some over forty, with a rough weather beaten face; but still showing signs of good nature and intelligence. His short black hair was already turning gray; he was very sober, but just as they entered a smile crossed his face when he eyed the young man and saw the disgusted look on him in response to the odor that met them upon opening the door.

Henry Maynard was a young man nigh on twenty-one, a little taller then the average, with an oval face, brown eyes, and very dark hair. He showed signs of good character, when he spoke he drew the attention of those around him, as he had what is a blessing to men, “an elegant voice”. His forehead showed deep thought and hard study. In fact, according to his whole bearing he seemed out of place in the cabin of this whale-hunter. He was however in sailor costume and was first mate on board the “Fanny”.

The reason for a young man of his standing to take this course in life will hereinafter be explained.

Now tell me Mr. Maynard, said the captain as they sat down to partake of their cold lunch; what do you begin to think of Polar expeditions, whalefishing, etc?

It is as I expected; hard work, more storms and rough

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weather then calm, said the young man, as he grabbed foj the edge of his bed to keep from being thrown across the cabin, the ship rolling and plunging fearfully.

I should say so Mr. Maynard, we hare had a very rough voyage so far; we have arrived early on fishing ground, and not a whale has showed up yet, and I heard some remarks among the crew that we would have bad luck, said the captain eyeing the young man closely.

You know Captain Shipton that whale fishing is not our main object, although we expect to pay part of our expense with it. I am here on other business.

I am aware of it, Mr. Maynard, but how could you leave your father’s house, your pretty intended bride, and all the luxuries and happiness of a home like yours to come out here and be tossed around by the foaming waters of the ocean, perhaps never to return again V as for me, well I am a poor man and compelled to in order to earn a living for my wife and children, “God bless them”, but with you it is different. I have not the edu cation you have, although I had a better rearing than most sailors. But I fail to see what could induce you to take this step; you have wealth, a girl you love, a happy home and everything a man can wish for in this world, at your command.

Mr. Shipton. 1 am not very sleepy, and if you have an hour or two to spare, I will now, that we are drawing near the scene, explain to you how I came to be here, and my motive for coming, at the age of rw r enty-one, to the Polar seas.

I will remain up all night, said the captain, tilling his pipe and speaking with an air of good humor, if I can get this matter fully explained to me. Take a pipe young man, a sailor can’t get along without tobacco, and you know I hate to smoke alone.

Well, to please you captain, said Henry with a smile, will take a few puffs, but as to learning all that is cus tomary to the life of a sailor, outside of business duties I don’t feel much inclined to, and the young man sa down to commence his story.

As 4 the captain was familiar with certain parts of his history, which Henry therefore left out in their conversation, we will now explain a little more definite, so as to make the reader better acquainted with his situation.

He was the only son of a wealthy merchant, who owned, besides his immense business property, a large place at Petershill, which his wife had inherited.

Being rich and quite liberal, he spent large sums in completing a library in which could be found books of nearly all discretions.

His place of business being in Plymouth, he spent most of the day there, but left his wife and child at their country home, as he thought it the best place to bring up their boy. Mr. Maynard used to go on horse back to attend his duties, returning for supper, and then spend the rest of the day in company with his wife and child, or if they had other engagements he would go to his library to read.

His little boy had all the enjoyments of the day. A park with a herd of deer, a large pond which was always supplied with boats and small vessels under the supervision of an old sailor by the name of Timothy Stop, who after a number of years’ service on one of Mr. Maynard’s vessels had lost one leg, and was now young Henry’s servant and companion.

He would take him boat riding and would tell of his adventures on the ocean; thus the boy became more and more interested in reading about expeditions, voyages etc.

He would study hard at his daily task, and then rush into the library, take down Cook, Haklyt, Frobisher or Barenz, and would be so interested in reading that he seldom would notice anyone entering.

As long as he attended his regular studies and daily exercises properly, his father would not interfere with his reading in the library, or tak^ a book and go out to some secluded spot on the premises.

Henry was accustomed to rise at six in the morning, go out for a walk in the park (generally taking Mr. Stop with him), and return at eight for breakfast.

It was one morning in the month of May, the year of his tenth birthday (it being a holiday and his father and mother having stayed in the city that night), that he went into the library at daybreak and hunted the shelves over as though nothing was suitable; finally taking down a book he started out alone.

Passing through the little growth of trees opposite the house, he went along a narrow path to a well hidden spot in the woods. This was his favorite place.

The hour of eight arrived, but Henry had not showed up yet. Thinking that he had gone to the city to meet his parents, nobody thought of looking for him.

But at five o’clock in the afternoon he returned, pale and excited, his eyes staring as though he had been

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frightened by some wild beasts. He was very hungry, His father, having just arrived, asked him where he had been.

Spent the day alone reading, he answered slowly.

He was not questioned further, but his father told him not to forget his meals another time, as such neglect was injurious to his health.

He ate his meal without saying a word, something that was unusual, but it was thought to be on account of not having had any nourishment all day.

I think you better go out and take a little walk Henry said his mother, after they had finished their meal; take Mr. Stop with you. but be back for tea; and don’t run or get overheated as you are feverish.

Thank you mother, the air will do me good, said he, and nodding to his parents he walked quietly out.

A few minutes later they saw him with a book under his arm, walking in the direction of the woods, in company with Mr. Stop.

That boy has a great desire for reading, said his father; will have to take him into town for a change, he needs more excercise.

He looks paler of late, said Mrs. Maynard; but Stop can take him out a little more; and L will get him to ride by my side, when I go out for my afternoon ride.

That is a good idea, dear Helen, said Mr. Maynard as he rose and walked out.

The next morning, and for a month after, Henry and Stop would go out regularly at a certain hour; taking their breakfast with them, which consisted of bread, butter and milk : returning at ten to wash and dress, and then part; Henry going to his studies, and Stop to rig a boat or other work for his young master.

Their four hours absence regularly every morning made Mr. and Mrs. Maynard wonder at what they passed their time with; and took up the task of investigating.

One fine June morning they started out together in the direction they had seen Henry and Stop so often go; and following a crooked path that led through the thick woods, they soon heard voices.

Going in that direction they came to an open spot; they stopped short, and looked surprised; there was their boy imitating Robinson Crusoe on his island, Mr. Stop acting as Friday, and a goat enclosed with a few pickets answered for Crusoe’s herd.

Old Stop was busy sawing a plank, while Henry with an old umbrella over his head, was giving his orders from a book which he held in his hand.

Now Friday, he said suddenly, we must have our breakfast I feel hungry.

Y"es Mr Robinson, said Stop; but first let me feed the goat.

And while Henry laid on a plank and read the book/' which we readily guess was the, story of “Robinson Crusoe,” the brave old Tim Stop went and fed the goat which Mrs. Maynard recognized as one of her pets,

Mrs. Maynard was about to speak but her husband drew her back and let her quietly away.

When out of hearing Mrs. Maynard asked; but why did you come away so quiet ?

Because my dear Helen, the boy looked so happy, L would not for all the w r orld have disturbed him there.

So they walked on towards the house and for some time paid no more attention to Mr. Robinson and Friday ’s morning walk.

But after a while this began to drop off, the boy taking more interest in other books and did not spend as much time in the woods.

One day Mr. Maynard said in a pleasant voice; well Mr. Crusoe you seem to be getting tired of your island and your cave ?

What papa! did you know that? said the boy blushing.

Y'es my son, for three months have I known it, and your mother also.

And you never scolded me? said Henry, his face brightening as he spoke.

My dear boy, you seemed so happy, and always attended your studies and other tasks to my entire satisfaction; 1 have always allowed you to enjoy yourself to your heart’s content; when you only kept out of mischief; but how did you come to feel so interested in your imagined cave?

Because I seemed a little like Crusoe; I should have felt perfectly happy had I been in his place/

But my dear boy, you don’t seem to think of his sufferings and loneliness.

But he had Friday for company.

Yes, at the latter end it was not so lonesome, but he was alone for twenty years, without mother, sister, friend or companion; and you will remember that his life was a constant battle.

But papa, who can gain a name without hardships; see Captain Cook.

My dear boy, Captain Cook went through everything in reality; and done service to his country; but Robinson Crusoe lived only in Daniel Defoe’s imagination.

What ! Robinson Crusoe only a story, and no truth in it! cried Henry at the top of his voice, and his eyes filled with tears.

Yes my boy, and one of the finest ever written; it is very enteresting, and we can learn a great deal from it. First we learn how Crusoe suffered for disobeying his parents; then he is taken a slave and afterwards thrown upon an island; here God has mercy on him and keeps him supplied with the necessary wants; finally when his thoughts are gathered and he begins to love his redeemer, he is given a companion, and at last released from his lonely place. I hope to find you interested in it when you grow up, as well as now.

Henry did not answer; he remained quiet and after a few minutes reflection he suddenly started out to tell Mr. Stop that they had believed in something which never had occured; and it is hard to explain who was the most surprised the old sailor or the boy.

Chapter II

Years rolled by and Henry reached his fifteenth year; his parents talked about sending him to the university.

My dear father and mother, said he slowly when he hacL. heard their plans; I ask you to listen a few minutes to me, I like to study; 1 take great pleasure in books, and what they teach. But I must sometime or other go to sea, take a trip to other parts of the world — .

Go to sea! exclaimed his mother in surprise.

Listen to him my dear, said Mr. Maynard. Continue

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Henry.

I know a good deal now, almost enough, if I continue to read, to become a merchant or a private gentlemen. But my dreams and thoughts are of nothing but traveling, ships, water, and to see other countries, and this is my wish. L?t me go to sea, take a few trips, while you are still both young, and then I will come back and be your company when you get old. I will take books with me, and try to learn different languages, and then afterwards when you desire me to stay home, I will obey. But let me go to India, and America, then I shall be satisfied, and now dear father and mother, I pray, let me go.

My dear, said Mr. Maynard turning to his wife, the boy is right. By doing as he now want to I learned to associate with different class of people, and in my travels both on land and water 1 learned the course to take as a merchant and do a successful business. The boy is right although it makes me feel sorry that he has chosen this course, and to think that we must part with him. But we must not object, he will have no desire for anything else as long as this is his sincere wish, and a voyage or two will be sufficient to satisfy his craze.

Oh, my dear father, said Henry with sparkling eyes, and, turning to his mother he put his arms around her neck, pressed a kiss upon her cheek as he said: do you give your consent also?

Don’t kiss me you naughty boy when you wish to leave us, said his mother with tears in her eyes.

But when I go to school or to the university, then I must leave you also, pleaded Henry.

Yes, said his father thoughtfully, and perhaps come back less like our boy, then after a long voyage.

This settled the case, and arrangements were made for him to take a voyage on the first vessel laden for India, Tim Stop was to accompany him as servant and companion.

Thus he left, and for eighteen long months the Maynard mansion was quiet and lonely as though it had been deserted.

Mr. and Mrs. Maynard were very sober and were often seen together talking in low whispers, evidently about their boy, whom they both loved dearly, and longed to hear his footsteps again.

They had only received a few letters from him, as correspondence could only be had whenever the vessel landed iu some port, and it thus took a long time between every tiding they received.

It was the day before Christmas, in the morning while sitting at the breakfast table discussing matters about the party and ball, that Mr. Maynard had promised his servants and employes, and saying how nice a time they could have if their son could be present, etc., when suddenly a carriage from London stopped at the door, and a young man in regular sailor costume stepped out followed by an old man with a wooden leg, whom we at once recognizd as Timothy Stop, our old favorite.

After giving some orders regarding his baggage, the young man rushed up the steps, while the old gent followed as fast as his wooden leg would permit. “My child!” exclaimed Mrs. Maynard. “My dear son,” said her husband, thank God that he has thus delivered you

HENRY MAYNARDS ARCTIC TRIP.

to us, and the next momeat he was in their arms.

The joy and excitement that followed, is more than pen and ink can describe. Mr. and Mrs. Maynard looked at their boy and then at each other smiling; there stood their son before them, grown almost to manhood, tanned by the sun and ocean winds, but still the same pleasant smile.

Mr. Maynard ordered several more invitations to be given for their party the next day, and everything was arranged at the very best.

Christmas day came, and a pleasant party gathered at the mansion and Henry was the hero of the evening. He would tell stories about his voyage, would imitate the Hindoos and Ilottentotts and other nations whom he had met; and when he kissed all the girls, but most his cousin Fannie, his parents would look at each other and smile. The evening passed with dancing and other amusements, and everybody declared it to be the most pleasant Christmas ever spent.

Chapter III

Henry’s next voyage was to America. He did not go there to write a book, but to gain knowledge in different branches of business, and to get acquainted with the ways and rules of the great republic. He travelled in the United States for two years, returning in his twentieth year, a man with a well cultivated mind and good character; the seed that had been sown in his boyhood by reading, was now well harvested.

Still he was always thirsting for more knowledge, and although he was needed in assisting his father in his business, he spent a great deal of his time at their country

HENRY MAYNARD'S ARCTIC TRIP.

home, where he could indulge more freely in. reading; and he chose his old lonely spot in the woods.

But he found now a different companion to accompany him there; his cousin Fanny, a pretty girl of nineteen, with a graceful form and a very pleasant face, and a pair of eyes that showed love and tenderness in her heart, was now a steady inmate at the Maynard mansion.

Her parents both being dead, Mr. Maynard thought it his duty to take charge of his sister's only child, and he invited her to make her home with them, which she gladly accepted.

Henry would take Fanny with him occasionally to his secluded spot in the woods, and would tell her about his boyhood days, or read to her: but when she was with him it was no more Robinson Crusoe or Cook he would read but Milton, Thompson or Shakespeare.

And when he would taik about how he used to imitate Crusoe when a boy, he was wondering why Defoe had not sent an angel of the feminine sex to accompany Robinson Crusoe on his island, instead of a black native; Fanny would laugh at him and call it all nonsense.

One day they were sitting side by side reading Romeo and Juliet; Henry would often pause, look at Fanny and draw a deep sigh; suddenly he closed the book.

“Fanny,” he said in a low tone, “my feelings for you have long been known to me; and the time has come when I must reveal the secret of my heart I love you, not as a cousin, but as Romeo loved Julia. We are nearly the same-age, why should we not some day become man and wife? See how happy papa and mamma are; there could be no better happiness in store for us than to live

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a life like theirs.

Eanny sat motionless for a few minutes, her hand resting in Henry’s, and not able to keep back the tears that forced their way and rolled down over her cheeks. Finally she answered.

“Henry, I will not deny that under certain circumstances would, what you have just said, make me feel happy. It is sweet to be loved and sweeter still to love. But I have lost my parents, am a poor girl, and am here through your father’s kindness. Therefore let not such thoughts cross our mind. You are wortny of some greater lady, so forget what you have said, dear Henry, and let us xemain cousins and friends. If not, then I must depart from your father’s house, as I could not bring such disgrace to your parents —

Sh! Fanny, broke in Henry; you do not know my parents. They are not alone good-hearted and kind, but would do anything for me, and would not object to my choice.

No, no, Henry; that would be trespassing on their kindness after giving me a home under their roof when I was left alone and almost penniless; let us not talk any more on that subject. I feel that I am doing wrong by just listening to you.

No, no, dear Fanny, said Henry lovingly; there can. be no harm >n listening to me, to your coming husband.

Sh, Sh, Henry, don’t talk so fast. Forget this, and look upon it oily as a pleasant dream.

‘Never!” exclaimed Henry.

Well, then, it is clear to me what my duty is. If you have not the manliness and strength to break up this conversation, I must. Come, now, let us go to the house;

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and she arose, followed by Henry.

They walked arm in arm towards home and arrived just in time for dinner. Fanny was pale and her eyes showed signs of crying.

My dear Fanny, what is the matter? said Mrs. Maynard, are you not well ?

Y^es, quite well, said the girl shyly.

My dear father and mother, said Henry as soon as the servant had left the room. I can tell you what is the matter. Fanny has refused to become my wife as she thinks it her duty because she is poor.

“My sister’s only child, said Mr. Maynard, it has long been our wish that Henry would choose you for his companion through life. But we never would mention or show any sign that this was our hope, as we wanted him to be perfectly free in his love affairs. Come, now, make Henrv happy if you can; if you love him, let not your financial situation bar the way.

My dear Uncle and Aunt, said Fanny, I must confess that I love your son, and if it is your wish that he should marry a girl without capital, I shall feel proud to become his wife.

. Henry kissed a tear from Fanny’s cheek and then took her hand and led her to the table, where they all sat down to dinner. I will now tell you dear Fanny, said Mr Maynard; that you are not entirely without capital, when I took charge of your father’s affairs I found several indebted to him, most of which I have collected of late and invested to good advantage. And you will have about six thousand pounds coming to you at the age of twenty-one.

What do you say Henry, if you have your wedding on Fanny’s twenty-first birthday.

But dear father, that is two years yet, said Henry downhearted.

Two >ears will soon pass away my son, and then you wiil reach your twenty-second year. I dare say you will not be any too old and I think you will find the time pass quicker then you now realize. I can not change this plan and I hope you will see into that I am right.

Henry brought no objection but shook his head as he said, your will be done dear father, but two years is a long time to wait, God only knows what will happen ere then.

These last words of his often came to their mind after this and would always bring a heavy sigh and a sad look to Mr. Maynard and tears would roll down Mrs Maynards cheeks.

Everything went pleasantly for awhile, Henry would share Fanny’s company as much as possible, and she was as happy as an angel.

He would however not forget to read, and would often go into the the library, lock the door and read till late -at night.

One night he called his father into the library, shut the door, and asked for an hour’s conversation.

Mr. Maynard consented, rather surprised at the troubled look on his son’s face.

Dear father, be began in a quiet and steady tone, I have concluded to make one more voyage. Nearly two years will pass before my wedding day, “when all notions for voyages must cease.” But ever since I was twelve

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years old one thought has haunted me both day and night, and it seems to work more on me now than before. In my dreams I see a vision which constantly *ays “go. 7

Where? asked his now almost terrified father.

To discover the North pole, answered Henry.

My boy, my son, what madness has overcome you ?

My dear father, it is no madness. Y ou have the means If I fail the loss will not be great, and if I succeed our name will be known to the world for centuries to come ; it will stand high, together with such as Columbus, Magellan, Polo and others who have gained a famous name* You have a fishing vessel chartered to leave in a month . Give them extra provision, and let whale fishing be the object of the voyage to shield my plans. Leave the vessel in charge of Captain Shipton publicly, but give him private instructions that I am to be the leader of the expedition.