Chapter
1 II | mate, whose name is Robert Curtis, our crew consists of Walter,
2 IV | favourable opinion of Robert Curtis, the mate, a man of about
3 IV | were still talking of him, Curtis himself came on deck, and
4 V | been very rapid. Robert Curtis, the mate, with whom I continue
5 V | Yes, indeed; sir,” replied Curtis, “that is the usual course;
6 V | attention to it?” I inquired.~Curtis acknowledged that he had
7 V | strongly.~“All very well, Curtis,” I said, “but I don’t know
8 V | to add, “Do you mind, Mr. Curtis giving me your honest opinion
9 V | set me thinking the more.~Curtis was not mistaken. At about
10 V | you, M. Andre,” interposed Curtis, who had as usual joined
11 V | doubt you are right, Mr. Curtis,” said Andre, smiling, “
12 VI | directly SOUTH-EAST, and Robert Curtis owns that he is quite bewildered;
13 VI | quarters.~I was alone with Curtis to-day upon the poop, and
14 VI | not help saying to him “Curtis, is your captain mad?”~“
15 VII | I can get nothing out of Curtis; he listens coldly whenever
16 VII | poop alone. As I expected, Curtis appeared, that he might
17 VII | boatswain, Walter,” said Curtis aloud as the lieutenant
18 VII | his head as he replied to Curtis’s inquiries, and then, in
19 VII | the mystery I went up to Curtis and began to talk to him
20 VII | the matter in the night, Curtis?”~He looked at me steadily,
21 VII | the impression that Robert Curtis has not acted with me in
22 VIII | crew, of which probably Curtis had already detected the
23 VIII | and to-day I have observed Curtis remonstrating somewhat vehemently
24 VIII | meal-times; for although Curtis continually endeavours to
25 VIII | perfectly hot to my feet! Curtis heard my exclamation of
26 IX | his grave communication, Curtis remained silent. I shivered
27 IX | Yes, Mr. Kazallon,” said Curtis; “it is not at all an unusual
28 IX | as I fully entered into Curtis’s views as to the absolute
29 X | snap with the pressure. But Curtis is ever on the alert; he
30 X | regretting that I had given Curtis my pledge of silence, and
31 X | boatswain has taken place. Curtis has confided the result
32 X | remarked the change of tack; Curtis however, has set all speculation
33 X | routine has been undisturbed. Curtis indulges the hope even yet
34 XI | resignation that I made my way to Curtis on the forecastle, and made
35 XI | board to blow up a mountain. Curtis received the information
36 XI | just as I had left them. Curtis walked straight up to Ruby,
37 XI | smuggling.~I observed that Curtis was obliged for a moment
38 XI | and not being endowed with Curtis’s reticence and self-control,
39 XI | mercies of Miss Herbey. Curtis endeavoured to silence Ruby’
40 XI | preparing to launch it, when Curtis’s voice was heard peremptorily
41 XI | escape. As it was, only Curtis, Falsten, and myself were
42 XI | through Ruby’s imprudence. Curtis himself took the responsibility
43 XI | Fire! fire!” Accordingly Curtis gave orders to some of his
44 XII | CHAPTER XII.~OCTOBER 22nd.—Curtis has told the captain everything;
45 XII | his cabin without a word.~Curtis, Lieutenant Walter, Falsten,
46 XII | There is no doubt” said Curtis, “that we must abandon all
47 XII | which we had been sitting, Curtis seized my hand.~“Oh, Mr.
48 XII | after communicating to Curtis his instructions that he
49 XII | Captain Huntly sent for Curtis into his cabin, and the
50 XII | what passed between them.~“Curtis,” began the captain, his
51 XII | Chancellor,’ so it is. Well, Curtis, I really can’t take her
52 XII | rather not leave my cabin.”~Curtis went on to tell me how he
53 XII | carefully for a moment,” added Curtis, “and seeing what his condition
54 XII | very critical moment;” said Curtis thoughtfully; “but I shall
55 XII | her course south-west and Curtis crowds on all sail and makes
56 XIII | bore the deck?” I said to Curtis. “Why not admit the water
57 XIII | you, Mr. Kazallon,” said Curtis, “that the very moment we
58 XIII | Kear occupied one, and Curtis reserved the other for Ruby,
59 XIII | quarters of the crew. At once Curtis ordered the partition to
60 XIII | hurricane. To no purpose did Curtis do everything in his power
61 XIII | still the remaining chance, Curtis rescued from the store-room
62 XIII | our feet. The crew run to Curtis for orders. He hesitates;
63 XIII | yawl.~“Stop, stop,” shouts Curtis; “do you mean to cut off
64 XIII | and seizing a cutlass, Curtis shouts again,—~“Touch the
65 XIII | grimy smoke; he bows to Curtis, as he passes, and then
66 XIV | frantic rush towards the yawl. Curtis again made a vigorous endeavour
67 XIV | silence, saying “All over now, Curtis.”~“No, sir, not yet,” he
68 XIV | starboard!” is the cry.~Curtis leaps on to the netting,
69 XV | bows.~“That is well,” said Curtis; “Walter and the boatswain
70 XV | along the rails, and joined Curtis on the poop.~Here they held
71 XV | reaching the nearest coast. Curtis told us that it was long
72 XVI | larboard that at one time Curtis feared she would altogether
73 XVI | distinguished, shouting loudly, “Curtis! Curtis!” Following the
74 XVI | shouting loudly, “Curtis! Curtis!” Following the direction
75 XVI | clinging to the rigging. Curtis, at the peril of his life,
76 XVI | Letourneur stood watching Curtis as he continued eagerly
77 XVI | sea and sky. After a time Curtis made his way along the netting
78 XVI | ill-tempered tone, asked Curtis where we were. Curtis replied
79 XVI | asked Curtis where we were. Curtis replied that he did not
80 XVI | you are yourself,” said Curtis.~“Well,” said Mr. Kear, “
81 XVI | haste and start off again.”~Curtis condescended to make no
82 XVI | take refuge on the reef. Curtis thought not; and the lieutenant
83 XVI | to be relied on. As for Curtis, words can scarcely be found
84 XVI | us to despond.~Meanwhile Curtis prepares to do all that
85 XVII | had confidence in Robert Curtis?~“Perfect confidence,” he
86 XVII | Whatever man can do I know that Curtis will not leave undone to
87 XVII | trying to ascertain from Curtis himself, how long he reckoned
88 XVII | prolonged calm.~Meantime Curtis is taking active measures
89 XVII | plan of the rocks, of which Curtis could afterwards verify
90 XVII | Letourneur agrees to my proposal, Curtis has promised to let us have
91 XVIII | disappear, I expect Captain Curtis would be glad to see it
92 XVIII | we had better ask Captain Curtis to let us call our island
93 XVIII | result of our explorations to Curtis, who entered the island
94 XVIII | in our Ham Rock grotto. Curtis has taken an opportunity
95 XIX | the fire was extinguished. Curtis, nevertheless, deemed it
96 XIX | the interior of the ship, Curtis employed the interval in
97 XIX | action of the pumps; so Curtis ordered that a number of
98 XIX | their task of unlading.~Curtis thinks it quite probable
99 XX | While they were below, Curtis and Dowlas made themselves
100 XX | deck with anxious faces. Curtis lost no time in assembling
101 XX | seemed to suggest itself, Curtis’s proposal was unanimously
102 XX | put in.~To-day, the 20th, Curtis having done all that human
103 XX | out of the question; so Curtis determined to run the risk,
104 XX | operation was commenced, Curtis took the precaution of having
105 XX | cleared the obstruction, Curtis deemed that there was no
106 XX | being at the starboard bar. Curtis stood upon the poop, giving
107 XX | times.~“Now, my boys,” said Curtis in his calm clear voice, “
108 XX | now?”~“I don’t know” said Curtis, “but we shall get across
109 XXI | and the rocks uncovered, Curtis, the boatswain, and Dowlas
110 XXI | at once, boatswain,” said Curtis.~“But if it is to take us
111 XXII | with the wind, and although Curtis would not crowd on all sail
112 XXII | much on one side, and as Curtis felt that she was labouring
113 XXII | remained on deck, whilst Curtis never quitted his post upon
114 XXII | water below.”~In an instant Curtis and the boatswain had descended
115 XXII | the report, I glanced at Curtis, his lips were white, but
116 XXII | that all would yet be well.~Curtis at once divided the crew
117 XXII | its depth, I noticed that Curtis’s brow contracted each time
118 XXIII | to their task.~Yesterday Curtis, who does not allow himself
119 XXIII | whichever might be the case, Curtis determined to try a plan
120 XXIII | than ever at the pumps, and Curtis makes those who are not
121 XXIII | ill feelings.~Twice did Curtis order the men back to the
122 XXIII | the rest, refuse; and when Curtis made a step forward as though
123 XXIII | away to the forecastle.~Curtis descended to his cabin,
124 XXIV | it is to be hoped that Curtis will succeed as well in
125 XXIV | perishing in the flames.~Curtis kept the men up to the mark,
126 XXIV | Walter and the boatswain, Curtis resolved to abandon the
127 XXIV | inanimate form of Mrs. Keat. Curtis ran to his cabin, instantly
128 XXIV | save him, if possible.”~But Curtis had already caught hold
129 XXV | NIGHT OF DECEMBER 4th.—Curtis caught young Letourneur
130 XXV | dark, and I could see that Curtis had returned to his post
131 XXV | at any moment?” I said to Curtis, when I had joined him for
132 XXV | to be said in support of Curtis’s sanguine view of things,
133 XXV | for a new raft.~But here Curtis interposed:—~“Back to your
134 XXV | had sufficiently advanced Curtis mounted the mast, and looked
135 XXV | convenience of the two ladies Curtis has contrived to make a
136 XXVI | to be immediate; so that Curtis insisted upon the raft being
137 XXVI | eight o’clock in the evening Curtis mounted to the main-top
138 XXVII | wind, and could distinguish Curtis’s voice as he shouted in
139 XXVII | tumult, I made out to be Curtis and the boatswain.~Just
140 XXVII | all possible expedition Curtis and his crew were labouring
141 XXVIII | but finished, and unless Curtis preferred to wait till morning
142 XXVIII | up all active labour; but Curtis and the boatswain were resolute,
143 XXIX | nor return to the ship. Curtis tied a rope round his waist
144 XXIX | waves and were seen no more. Curtis, bruised and beaten with
145 XXIX | water.~The time was come. At Curtis’s word “Embark!” we all
146 XXIX | very few minutes all except Curtis and old O’Ready had left
147 XXIX | had left the “Chancellor.”~Curtis remained standing on the
148 XXIX | lingering look around him, Curtis then left the ship; the
149 XXX | ship’s officers, Captain Curtis, Lieutenant Walter, the
150 XXX | the small quantity that Curtis has been able to save will
151 XXXI | eight o’clock this morning Curtis asked our attention for
152 XXXI | maintain our desired direction. Curtis and Falsten assisted him
153 XXXI | preliminary observations, Curtis took the altitude of the
154 XXXI | barely last three months. Curtis has called us into consultation,
155 XXXII | uselessly against the mast. Curtis and the boatswain, however,
156 XXXIII | mentioned the matter to Curtis I found he had already noticed
157 XXXIII | before he could interfere Curtis was standing and looking
158 XXXIII | discussing the matter with Curtis I asked him whether he was
159 XXXIV | This was the opinion of Curtis and the boatswain. The boatswain
160 XXXIV | experience as a sailor; but Curtis, in addition to his experience,
161 XXXIV | Yes, Mr. Kazallon,” said Curtis, “our raft has been driven
162 XXXV | and in a few moments, with Curtis’s assistance, M. Letourneur,
163 XXXV | were drenched to the skin. Curtis, Dowlas, the boatswain,
164 XXXVI | believe that it is to Robert Curtis that I owe my real deliverance,
165 XXXVI | Chancellor” at Charleston.~Curtis’s first care had been to
166 XXXVIII| hopelessly smashed, and Curtis had no longer any compass
167 XXXVIII| attached myself in a moment to Curtis’s party. Falsten followed
168 XXXVIII| captain! Overboard with Curtis! Owen shall take the command!”
169 XXXVIII| down with your arms!” said Curtis sternly, as he advanced
170 XXXVIII| urged on his accomplices.~Curtis’ pushed aside the excited
171 XXXVIII| giving the slightest heed to Curtis’s words.~A regular struggle
172 XXXVIII| Owen and Wilson attacked Curtis, who defended himself with
173 XXXVIII| forepart of the raft, and Curtis, who had managed to parry
174 XXXVIII| of Owen.~“Now then,” said Curtis, as he raised his blood-stained
175 XXXVIII| audacious reply saved his life; Curtis turned as pale as death,
176 XLI | throwing it overboard, I asked Curtis to assist me in the sad
177 XLI | see what we were about, Curtis and I proceeded to our melancholy
178 XLI | guilty of so fowl a deed! Curtis looked around with anger
179 XLI | might be likely to occur. Curtis said a few short prayers,
180 XLI | the utmost difficulty that Curtis, Falsten, and myself could
181 XLI | I might say, alive; only Curtis, Andre and Miss Herbey having
182 XLII | the longed-for moment when Curtis shall dole out the scanty
183 XLII | upon us all. I glanced at Curtis as he stood with folded
184 XLII | their accustomed places. Curtis alone remained motionless,
185 XLII | act as an emetic. I asked Curtis for a little of the lukewarm
186 XLII | and he was able to speak.~Curtis and I both implored him
187 XLIII | lowered into the water; while Curtis during the half-hour of
188 XLIII | direction she was taking. Curtis was far more deliberate
189 XLIII | ours being overheard; but Curtis gave directions that every
190 XLIII | ship to our captain’s face. Curtis stood leaning against the
191 XLIII | sight.~“My friends,” said Curtis, “we must make a fire; it
192 XLIV | from his confinement, but Curtis has taken no measures for
193 XLIV | might serve as a substitute. Curtis and Dowlas were consulted,
194 XLIV | heard the boatswain say to Curtis,—~“Captain, when shall we
195 XLV | what it had to give us. Curtis had placed the broken barrel
196 XLV | the saturated sails, when Curtis made them desist from their
197 XLVI | monsters in their own element? Curtis expressed his willingness
198 XLVII | nothing for certain as to what Curtis did, and I did not venture
199 XLVIII | other in frightful rage; and Curtis, who had come forward from
200 XLVIII | to pieces. I beckoned to Curtis for protection, and he came
201 XLIX | the negro went raving mad. Curtis and several of the men tried
202 L | about three miles an hour.~Curtis and Falsten are certainly
203 LI | inquired more than once of Curtis if he has the faintest idea
204 LI | hard against the waves, and Curtis, Falsten, and the boatswain,
205 LI | somewhere beneath the sails. Curtis was the only man who remained
206 LII | terminate my sufferings. I told Curtis, with the utmost composure,
207 LII | not far off.”~But although Curtis might still cling to the
208 LII | the phantom fallacies that Curtis’s words had suggested to
209 LII | heavily round the raft; whilst Curtis, leaning against the side,
210 LII | definite, distinct as ever! Curtis gazed with intensest scrutiny,
211 LII | a friend before I died. Curtis was standing near, and crawling
212 LIII | learn. Then came Falsten, Curtis, Sandon. More than half
213 LIV | long, and endured so much.~Curtis and Falsten agreed with
214 LIV | upon the unbroken horizon, Curtis, Miss Herbey, Falsten, and
215 LV | agony broke out all over me. Curtis and the boatswain stood
216 LV | carpenter raised his hatchet.~Curtis and I could bear this scene
217 LVI | wish to die, and already Curtis, who had heard my cries,
218 LVI | uttered.~“Fresh water?” cried Curtis, “why then, my friends,
219 LVI | victim had not yet fallen. Curtis and Andre (who had regained
220 LVI | follow my example, but soon Curtis, Falsten, and all the rest
221 LVI | The land is there,” said Curtis pointing towards the west.~
222 LVI | South America,” answered Curtis, “and near the Amazon; no
223 LVII | JANUARY 27th CONTINUED.—Curtis, no doubt was right The
224 LVII | Before an hour had passed Curtis, leaped in ecstasy and raised
225 LVII | though not least,~“Robert Curtis, captain.”~At Para we soon
226 LVII | circumstance to destroy; Curtis must ever remain the honoured
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