The Italian family Robinson

II And

JAMES T. CAREY, A.M.

PRINCIPAL OF PUBLIC SCHOOL NO. 110 BROOKLYN, NEW YORK

ILLUSTRAim

D. C. HEATH AND COMPANY

BOSTON

NEW YORK

CHICAGO

COPYRIGHT, 1916, BY D. C. HEATH AND COMPANY

I C 6 c

C

To THE BOYS AND GIRLS

WHO ENJOY- TALES OF ADVENTURE, WHO KNOW THE VALUE OF WISE COUNSEL AND EXAMPLE, WHO LOVE TO OBTAIN KNOWLEDGE OF STRANGE AND DISTANT PARTS OF THE WORLD, WHO APPRECIATE WHAT RESPECT AND OBEDI- ENCE TO PARENTS AND ELDERS WILL BRING TO THEIR FUTURE LIVES, THE AUTHORS WHO HAVE TRANS- LATED AND ADAPTED THE ITALIAN FAMILY ROBINSON DEDICATE THIS* VOLUME. THEY TRUST THAT THE BOYS AND GIRLS WHO READ THE BOOK WILL LEARN MANY USEFUL LESSONS FROM IT, AND DERIVE AS MUCH PLEASURE FROM ITS PAGES AS WAS FELT IN PREPAR- ING THE BOOK FOR THEIR PERUSAL

Table Of Contents

PAGE

I. On the Way to Australia 1

II. The Crew Abandon the Ship 9

Chapter I On The Way To Australia

The Tirreno, a fine ship with a crew of twenty sailors and seven passengers, was overtaken on the high seas by a severe tempest. The storm had lasted six days and showed no signs of abating.

At the time our story opens, the wind, having driven the ship far out of its course, first to the south for three days and then for the next three days toward the east, was blowing with great force towards the north-east. No one, not even the captain, could tell upon what coast the ship was being driven. All the masts save one had been broken off, the ship was leaking in many places, and the sailors, worn out with work and constant watching, had almost given up hope.

The captain of the Tirreno, an expert officer and navigator who at critical moments took charge of the ship himself, was standing by the wheel, directing the sailors in their work. During a lull in the storm, he was joined by two men, one a youth of sixteen, the other an old and weather-beaten sailor. The long gray hair of the latter was blown about by the wind as his eyes vainly strove to pierce the darkness.

Just then an immense wave struck the vessel with gigantic force.

“Salvator, we are lost!” shouted the youth, grasping the old sailor by the arm.

“Do not be afraid, my boy,” replied old Salvator, “our ship is still as firm as a rock. See how nobly she recovers from the shock of the wave!”

“Yes, yes, Salvator, I believe you. The Tirreno is a good ship, solid and well built, but nevertheless I should prefer to be on land safe from those terrible waves that seem bound to smash her into splinters.”

“It certainly looks as if they might, my boy,” said Salvator. “But let wind and wave do their worst. With a ship like the Tirreno, a commander like Captain Sturla, and our excellent crew, we can afford to defy the elements.”

ON THE WAY TO AUSTRALIA

“But are not ships as strong as this and with as able crews sometimes wrecked?” inquired the youth.

“Our lives are in the hands of God,” answered Salvator gravely. “Good ships have been lost not only during violent storms, but even in good weather when the sailors felt perfectly safe. We have done everything possible to save the Tirreno from the. fury of the waves. The rest is now in the hands of God.”

Just then the ship pitched so violently that Cyrus — for that was the youth’s name — was almost thrown to the deck.

“You had better join your mother in the cabin below, Cyrus. It is not safe for you to stay here longer. Take firm hold of the ropes,” Salvator added, as Cyrus turned to obey. “That’s right. Bravo! Be careful not to fall.”

Thanks to Salvator’s warnings, Cyrus reached the companion-way safely, after a dangerous trip across the deck, and disappeared below.

While the Tirreno continues to battle against the wind and the sea, let us get better acquainted with the old sailor.

Born on the Island of Sicily, Salvator at a very early age shipped as a cabin boy on board a three-masted sailing vessel. He had sailed pretty much all around the world, now under one captain and now under another, before he reached the age when he was drafted into the army to do his military service. Having paid this debt to his country, he again went to sea, this time on board a merchant vessel. Wherever he sailed he was respected and loved by all who knew him, because of his sturdy honesty, his upright character, and his faithfulness to duty.

Shortly before our story begins, Salvator shipped on the Tirreno, where he occupied the post of boatswain, although his skill and experience were such that he was entirely competent to take full command of the ship. In fact, the captain frequently showed his appreciation of Salvator’s ability by consulting him.

Salvator’s mind was a perfect storehouse of knowledge and information, — the result of his practical training and his habit of observation. He could tell hundreds of stories, many so strange that , they seemed incredible. But Salvator’s respect for the truth was so well known that no one ever doubted his word, no matter how improbable it seemed.

To complete Salvator’s good qualities, he was of a profoundly religious turn of mind; but.

ON THE WAY TO AUSTRALIA 5

while he followed the precepts of his religion faithfully, he was nevertheless entirely free from bigotry.. He was absolutely confident at all times that Providence directed even the most trifling events of life.

Captain Sturla, in addition to being a good sailor and a skilful navigator, was a man of excellent character. He was liberal with kind words and of unfailing good humor. It was his pleasure to see smiling faces about him at all times. He was well liked by his sailors and highly esteemed by the passengers and others who knew him. He also enjoyed the confidence of his employers, the owners of the Tirreno.

Unfortunately, as much could not be said of Clermont, the second in command. This man, who did his duty faithfully and was cool and calm in the presence of danger, was noted for severity and for the violence of his temper. The passengers and even his fellow officers could barely tolerate him, while the crew detested him in their hearts, although they obeyed him. The captain, nevertheless, had full confidence in his ability, for Clermont was a thorough seaman. He could not, however, regard him with that affection which he was disposed to feel for all those with whom he came in contact.

Because of Clermont’s bad temper, seven of the sailors deserted the ship at an English port. This meant that the twenty remaining men of the crew had to do not only their own work, but the work of the deserters. Unfortunately — as we shall soon see — Captain Sturla, fearing to lose time which was valuable to his employers, did not try to trace and bring back the deserters, thinking it wiser to continue the voyage shorthanded.

On this particular trip there were only seven passengers, all members of one family.

Doctor Paul, the head of the family, was born in Milan, Italy. His father, a well-to-do merchant, educated him for the medical profession, but later called him to take an active part in his own business. When twenty -five years of age. Doctor Paul married a charming and beautiful young lady and, at the time our story begins, his family included four children.

Of these children Cyrus, the eldest, was barely sixteen years of age; the next, Giselda, was a sweet tempered and lovable girl of twelve; Junius, seven, was an impulsive, thoughtless, but generous boy; and Marie, the baby, was little more than a year old.

A young woman, Selena by name, accompanied

ON THE WAY TO AUSTRALIA the family as nurse, not only for Marie, but for Madame Paul who at this time was in very poor health.

Some time after the Doctor’s marriage his father had died suddenly, a misfortune that was undoubtedly hastened by business troubles, the existence of which he had carefully concealed. It appeared that several months before his death he had lost a large sum of money, through no fault of his own, but rather through the dishonesty of a firm in Sydney, Australia, with whom he had had large business dealings. Fearing that the news of such a serious loss would injure his credit in the business world, he kept his loss to himself, believing that he would soon be able to replace his business on a safe, if not on an extensive, footing. He told his troubles to no one, not even to his son, who was not taken into his confidence until much later.

After the death of his father, the news of the Australian loss was confirmed and Doctor Paul found himself in somewhat difficult circumstances. He felt bound in honor to settle his father’s affairs, and although this was a long and troublesome task, he was finally able to pay his father’s creditors in full. When everything was settled, he found himself in possession of some twenty thousand lire, or about four thousand dollars.

Soon after this, he took his family to London, where he had some good friends and where he stayed for several weeks, uncertain as to the future, but determined not to return to Milan, where so many misfortunes had overtaken them.

While in London Doctor Paul received a letter from his uncle urging him to go to Australia. Although the letter gave no hope of recovering any money from the people who had cheated his father, the uncle kindly offered to receive Doctor Paul as a friend and business associate, and begged him to set out as soon as possible.

Doctor Paul arranged at once with the captain of the Tirreno — then about to sail for New South Wales — for passage for himself and family, and two days later the ship left England with all sails set, well freighted with all kinds of merchandise and with all the supplies needed for a long voyage.

Now that we have made the acquaintance of those on board the Tirreno, we shall go on with our story.

Chapter II

The next morning, the long and violent storm just described ceased as suddenly as it had begun, being followed by several days of fine weather. Cyrus spent much of his time on deck, and all seemed in the best of spirits, save only Salvator, who, far from sharing in the general content, appeared to be very thoughtful and serious.

“Salvator, why are you so solemn.^” asked the Captain, at last, tired of seeing his boatswain in so serious a frame of mind.

“I am not able to explain just what I feel. Captain,” was the answer. “But I do not like this continued calm. I think it is the forerunner of another storm, even more terrible than the one we have just escaped — and from which we have not yet recovered,” he added, pointing sadly to the battered deck.

Captain Sturla cast a look over the quarter deck, which was still littered with broken planks and tangled cordage, and then went into his cabin. When he reappeared, a minute later, his face was as serious as his boatswain’s.

“I am afraid you are right, Salvator,” he said. “Never before have I seen the barometer fall so rapidly in so short a time. It looks as though we must again put ourselves on the defensive. The squall — ”

“A squall! We shall have much more than a squall,” exclaimed Salvator. “And we have not a moment to lose, if we are to be ready,” he added.

In fact the preparations ordered by the Captain had scarcely been completed when the wind commenced to blow with great violence, lashing the sea into enormous waves which lifted the ship like a feather on their foamy crests.

In a short time, the Tirreno was again driven out of her course. The working of the ship became more and more difficult for the weary crew. The Captain’s voice could scarcdy be heard in the midst of the uproar caused by the fury of the wind and the waves that threatened to swamp the ship at any moment.

“What is your opinion, Salvator asked the Captain. “Do you think the storm will continue like this much longer.^”

“For a long time yet. Captain,” answered the old sailor. “But we have more to fear from the sky than from the ”

The sturdy old sailor did not have time to finish. His sentence was cut short by a blinding flash of lightning, accompanied by a crash of thunder that shook the vessel from stem to stern. The one remaining mast had been struck and had fallen, encumbering the entire deck, and a few minutes later a column of flame burst from the wreckage.

All was now confusion and fright on board. The sailors stationed at the wheel, half suffocated by the smoke, dazed by the now continuous lightning, and nearly deafened by the crashes of thunder, were as white as death. Before long, they deserted their post in a panic and the vessel, left to itself, lurched wildly about, while immense waves washed the deck, entering the hold through the hatchways. The fire, however, soon died out. The heavy seas had at least done that one good service to the Tirreno!

The captain ordered all the sailors to the deck, where he called the roll. Six were missing. The fury of the waves had swept them from the decks into the yawning abyss of the sea.

Fortunately, however, sailors are not easily discouraged, even in the presence of the greatest dangers and misfortunes. They are always ready to battle with the elements and to meet bravely the many perils of their calling, even when there is but little hope of success. So, neither the sad loss of their comrades nor their own perilous condition disheartened the brave mariners of the Tirreno.

Captain Sturla did not lose courage even for an instant. Everything that his skill and experience could suggest was done to save the ship in her hour of danger.

The mast which had been struck by lightning was soon cut away by the sailors and replaced by a temporary one. For the sails torn to shreds by the gale, others were gradually substituted, and much of the other damage was repaired in a very short time. A joyful hurrah burst from the sailors’ throats when the ship, once more obedient to the wheel, started again on her course.

Were they now safe.^ No one dared say so, but hope animated the breasts of all, including the passengers, who had been sustained and cheered by the inspiring courage of the captain and Salvator.

Madame Paul, the wife of Doctor Paul, who was ill when they embarked, was now in such a condition of weakness as to cause Doctor Paul the gravest fears. The anguish she experienced during the two storms was such as to render her, much of the time, unconscious of the danger that threatened her and her family.

During the night the vessel sailed amid the deepest darkness, but with a favorable wind. This ceased at dawn, when the sea became calm. The sailors, profiting by the fine weather, applied themselves with renewed energy and courage to the repairing of the damage done by the storm.

Captain Sturla, Officer Clermont, and Salvator encouraged the men in every possible way, taking every precaution that nothing should be neglected. Whoever has traveled much on sailing vessels can easily imagine what terrible consequences may result from the negligence of even an ordinary seaman.

The sun was already high when Doctor Paul and Cyrus appeared on deck. It would not be easy to describe their feelings as they gazed upon the charred stump of the foremast and the broken hatchways. Cyrus in particular was utterly downcast.

“How could so much damage be done in so short a time!” he exclaimed. “How lucky that mother is not in a condition to come on deck, for the sight would almost frighten her to death.”

Salvator who had heard Cyrus’s last words drew near, saying, “Do you know, I believe that, on the contrary, it would do her good to see all that has been done to save the ship.”

“Then you do believe that the ship can be saved, after all.^” asked Cyrus.

“With God’s help and with courage and common sense everything is possible to man,” replied Salvator, quietly.

“I try to believe that,” said Cyrus. “And then, too, we may be rescued by some other vessel or driven by the wind upon the shore of some unknown island. But I cannot see how the ship can ever reach Sydney, without masts, without sails, as we are . . .”

“Without masts and sails!” exclaimed Salvator. “The stump of the mainmast still remains and the torn sails are being replaced with new ones, as you can see.”

“But the ship cannot sail as well as she did before,” said Cyrus, anxiously.

“No, but nevertheless before night you will see the Tirreno making good progress, thanks to the temporary sails, which, while not so powerful as the old ones, will enable us to profit by any favorable winds.”

“I know you must be right,” said Cyrus. “But,” he added, shaking his head, “it seems almost too good to be true just now.”

“It is true, nevertheless,” said Salvator, smiling. “In place of the mast and spars we have lost, we will put up the others which we always have on hand in case of disaster. So that, leaving out the possibility of a new storm, we shall arrive in Sydney later than we expected, to be sure, but we shall reach there, finally, you can depend upon it.”

Turning to Doctor Paul, Salvator added in a low tone, “I can tell you that I am much more disturbed by the smallness of our crew than by the damage done to the vessel.”

“Do you really believe that the shortage in the crew is so serious.^” asked Doctor Paul.

“Well,” said Salvator, “we ought to be thirty and we are only fourteen, — which means more than double labor, therefore, for every man. This of itself would not amount to so much if we were not all obliged to work at the same time. But there are times when one man cannot do the work of two, no matter how strong and willing he may be.”

“Let us hope that circumstances will favor us,” said Doctor Paul. “The weather looks now as if it would continue fair.”

“I wish I could think so, Doctor,” said Salvator. “I do not like the looks of that bank of clouds yonder,” he added, “and I shouldn’t be at all surprised if inside of a few hours the Tirreno should run into a new storm.”

“How terrible the sea is!” murmured Cyrus.

“More terrible than you know,” said the old sailor. “Still, those who have chosen to follow the sea for a living love it and never willingly leave it. Ask the sailors who have just seen six of their comrades disappear forever beneath the waves. Ask them if they are tired of the sea. They will tell you that the greater the danger of their work the dearer it is to them.”

“And do you feel that way, too.^” asked Doctor Paul.

“Yes, Doctor,” replied Salvator. “I believe that the more a man is exposed to danger the more he feels it necessary to keep close to God; and therefore to my idea we sailors enjoy a privilege peculiar to ourselves. A mere deck separates us from the ocean’s depths; but above us watches a Father, all-good and all-powerful, whosie protection through life is necessary to us all and who will not fail us at the hour of death. And so, what difference can it make if the deck should break into bits and the deep water swallow us up, since God is always with us.?”

“You have taught me a lesson, Salvator,” said Doctor Paul, clasping the old sailor’s hand. “I thank you for it. And you, my son,” he added, turning to Cyrus, “I hope you will never forget these beautiful words.”

Just then, duty called Salvator to another part of the ship, and Doctor Paul and Cyrus descended to the cabin to rejoin the rest of their family.

All that day the sailors worked busily. The head carpenter and his assistants occupied their time in putting up what are known as jury masts, while the remainder of the crew devoted their attention to renewing the sails.

About sunset, just as Salvator had foreseen, the wind began to blow a gale and the waves to rise threateningly. Soon, in spite of every precaution, the water made its way into the hold so rapidly that the crew was obliged to abandon all other work and take , to the pumps. The storm increased in fury from hour to hour and at the end of two long days, the sailors, absolutely worn out, were obliged to abandon the pumps.

The frightful rolling of the vessel left no doubt as to the amount of water that had been shipped, and discouragement at last began to master the crew. Then, next morning came a new misfortune in the shape of an accident to Captain Sturla.

He was on the bridge giving orders when he suddenly fell to the deck, unconscious and bleeding profusely from a wound in the forehead. A pulley connected with the rigging of one of the masts had parted suddenly from its fastening, striking the good Captain on the head and causing a most serious wound.

The crew, seeing their captain in this condition, became utterly demoralized. Not wishing to be commanded by Clermont, whom in their hearts they feared and disliked, they with one accord stopped work and gathering near the bridge began to debate among themselves what was best to be done under the circumstances. They were plainly on the verge of mutiny.

Clermont approached them.

“Back to the pumps!” he ordered.

The men looked at him impudently and defiantly.

“Instead of ordering us to the pumps, you had better give us a glass of brandy all round,” shouted one of the sailors, stepping forward.

“If the Captain could speak,” said another, “he would not refuse us; I am sure of that.”

“Instead of working, then, you want to drink!” exclaimed Clermont in a hoarse voice.

At this point, Salvator, who had been trying to bind up the Captain’s wound, joined the group.

“Comrades,” said he, addressing the men, “the wind has gone down somewhat and good weather must be near. Now, with a little more labor and a little more good will ”

“All our labor and all our good will will not prevent the vessel from sinking inside of a few hours,” interrupted one of the sailors.

“Perhaps not,” said Clermont coldly. “It is quite possible that the condition of the Tirreno is desperate. But that is no reason for giving up now. There can be no talk of brandy, in any case. A drunken man is no longer a man but a useless brute. I command, now, and I say. No liquor!^’

“We should like to know,” said one of the boldest of the sailors, “how you are going to prevent us from drinking.”

“Well,” answered Clermont, “two resolute men can do a great deal. I may perhaps say three, as our passenger will undoubtedly join Salvator and myself when it comes to a matter of suppressing a mutiny. Besides,” continued Clermont, “we are provided with good firearms, . . . But why lose time over matters of small account when we should be working to save ourselves.^”

“Our united forces will not be sufficient to save the Tirreno,^’ muttered the men. “Listen! Hear that fearful* gurgle! That is the sound of the water pouring into the hold. What can pumps do against that torrent.^”

“There may be little hope of saving the ship,” said Salvator, “but a life boat in good condition is one way to safety. I know, too, that both our life boat and the long boat are still on the davits, from which they can be lowered in the wink of an eye. We cannot be very far from the islands of Coringa. Let us load both boats with as many provisions as they can hold. Then when we are obliged to abandon the ship, we can take our chances in the boats. In this way we may perhaps save ourselves.”

“Or die!” grumbled the men.

“But at least we can say then that we have done our duty, — that we have done everything that was humanly possible to save the ship and ourselves. And may Heaven help us!” said

Salvator. “Meanwhile I shall notify the passengers at once,” he added.

“Notify them of what.^^” said Clermont brusquely.

“To make their preparations to leave the ship.”

“We cannot possibly take them along,” said Clermont. “The two boats are hardly big enough for the crew.”

“And the Captain who lies there wounded.^” exclaimed Salvator, “will you abandon him, too.^”

“We’ll take him along no matter what happens,” shouted one of the sailors.

“Well said!” echoed the others in chorus.

“Very well,” said Clermont. “We shall take the Captain with us, but we cannot take the passengers. I am sorry, but after all charity begins at home. That matter is settled. Now my lads,” he added briskly, “to work at once, loading the boats! Bring water and provisions, my sextant and compass, and a half dozen muskets and ammunition.”

The sailors, thoroughly satisfied with this plan, began to work with a will. Salvator alone did not join them, devoting all his attention to the wounded Captain whom he left only to sound the water in the hold. He had intentionally said nothing for or against the proposed plan.

22 THE ITALIAN FAAIILY ROBINSON

nor had he made the slightest attempt to persuade Clermont to take the passengers with him in the boats.

The loading of the boats was nearly finished. When the sailors were shipping the last barrel of water, Doctor Paul appeared on deck.

“What is the meaning of all this bustle.^” he asked Salvator. Then, catching sight of Captain Sturla, still senseless on the deck: “They have not killed their commander.^” he cried. “Why did you not tell me before.^” he added, as he stooped to render what aid he could to his friend.

A slight examination convinced him that the Captain’s wound was not very serious.

“No, sir,” said Salvator. “The poor Captain was struck by a falling pulley. And the bustle you see can readily be explained. The sailors are preparing to leave the ship.”

“Do we then abandon the ship.^” asked Doctor Paul, in surprise.

“‘Not we, sir, but they,'' answered Salvator, quietly.

“‘They’.^^ Yfho?"

“Clermont and the crew.”

“What! Do they intend to leave us behind on a sinking ship.^” he cried. “They cannot be so heartless as to leave my wife and children behind, to certain death!”

While talking, Doctor Paul was hurriedly binding up the Captain’s wound, but he could not conceal his anxiety for the safety of his family.

“I do not wish to excuse them. Doctor,” said Salvator, “but self-preservation is the first law of Nature, and that is the law which governs them now. When one’s life is in danger, one is tempted to think solely of himself. These men are no more cruel or selfish than they think it necessary to be. If there were more boats or larger ones they would not abandon anyone.”

“My poor wife and children! the good Selena!” murmured Doctor Paul, paying no attention to Salvator’s explanations. “Can I possibly allow them to be abandoned.^ No, I shall talk to these men. I shall tell them.” . . .

“But Clermont is in command,” said Salvator. “He will not permit anyone to embark except the crew. Of that you may be certain. Clermont is the one who proposed to abandon you. He was the first to point out that there was not room enough in the boats to take you and your family. For that matter, I believe that you are safer here; otherwise, I should have taken your part more strongly than I did.”

“Then, is there no hope left for us?” cried Doctor Paul, in despair.

“Man should never despair,” said Salvator. “No matter how near death he may be, the hand of God can always save him. We must have faith in God, Doctor, who will dispose of us as He thinks best.”

“Of us? Are you not going with them?” asked the Doctor, in surprise.

“No, sir,” answered Salvator, firmly. “I have decided to stay with you and your family. The sailors intend to take the Captain with them. They asked me to go, but I intend to remain.”

“To die with us!” exclaimed Doctor Paul.

“No; not to die with you but to help you and your family to safety, if God wills,” was Salvator’s reply. “I am old and for years have been ready to die. What does a year more or less matter to me? But down in the cabin are four young children, whose career in this world has barely begun. Every tree must produce its own fruit and no one should pluck away the blossom. It is your duty. Doctor, to save your wife and family and it is mine to help you.”

Just then two sailors approached them. Lifting the Captain, one by the head and the other by the feet, they prepared to carry him to the boat.

“Come on, Salvator,” said one of them; “the boats are ready. There’s no time to lose.”