As it was a dead calm, we had
to row during the greater part of the day; but towards the afternoon a
fair breeze sprang up, which enabled us to hoist our sail. We soon
passed Penguin Island and the other island which we had failed to reach
on the day the storm commenced; but as we had still enough of
provisions, and were anxious to get home, we did not land, to the great
disappointment of Peterkin, who seemed to entertain quite an affection
for the penguins.
Although the breeze was pretty fresh for several hours, we did not
reach the outer reef of our island till nightfall, and before we had
sailed more than a hundred yards into the lagoon, the wind died away
altogether, so that we had to take to our oars again. It was late, and
the moon and stars were shining brightly, when we arrived opposite the
bower and leaped upon the strand. So glad were we to be safe back again
on our beloved island, that we scarcely took time to drag the boat a
short way up the beach, and then ran up to see that all was right at
the bower. I must confess, however, that my joy was mingled with a
vague sort of fear lest our home had been visited and destroyed during
our absence; but on reaching it we found everything just as it had been
left, and the poor black cat curled up, sound asleep, on the coral
table in front of our humble dwelling.
Chapter XIX
Shoemaking--The even tenor of our way suddenly interrupted--An
unexpected visit and an appalling battle--We all become warriors, and
Jack proves himself to be a hero.
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