The Crater; or, Vulcan’s Peak A Tale of the Pacific

who had worked his way into the ascendant; and, if a por­tion of the population had, unwittingly, aided the latter in his designs, under the momentary impulses of a love of change, they now fully repented of their mistake, and would gladly see the old condition of things restored. There was one is­land, in particular, which might be considered as the seat of power in the entire group. Ooroony had been born on it, and it had long been the residence of his family; but Waally suc­ceeded in driving him off of it, and of intimidating its people, who, in secret, pined for the return of their ancient rulers. If this island could be again put in his possession, it would, itself, give the good chief such an accession of power, as would place him, at once, on a level with his competitor, and bring the war back to a struggle on equal terms. Could this be done with the assistance of the schooner, the moral effect of such an alli­ance would, in all probability, secure Ooroony’s ascendency as long as such an alliance lasted.

chiefs resided, and which in fact was the hold where about a hundred of his followers dwelt; fellows that kept the whole island in fear, and who rendered it subservient to Waally’s wishes. This fortress, fort, or whatever it should be called, was then summoned, its chief being commanded to quit, not only the hold, but the island altogether. The answer was a defi ­ance. As time was given for the reception of this reply, mea­sures had been taken to support the summons by a suitable degree of concert and activity. Ooroony landed in person, and got among his friends on the island, who, assured of the sup­port of the schooner, took up arms to a man, and appeared in a force that, of itself, was suffi cient to drive Waally’s men into the sea. Nevertheless, the last made a show of resistance until the governor fi red his six-pounder at them. The shot passed through the wooden pickets, and, though it hurt no one, it made such a clatter, that the chief in command sent out a palm-branch, and submitted. This bloodless conquest caused a revolution at once, in several of the less important islands, and in eight-and-forty hours, Ooroony found himself where he had been when Betts appeared in the Neshamony. Waally was fain to make the best of matters, and even he came in, acknowledged his crimes, obtained a pardon, and paid tribute. The effect of this submission on the part of Waally, was to es­tablish Ooroony more strongly than ever in authority, and to give him a chance of reigning peacefully for the remainder of his days. All this was done in less than a week after the war had begun in earnest, by the invasion of the Reef!

and his party, now received to make merry. He traded a little with Ooroony’s people, obtaining many things that were use­ful in exchange for old iron, and other articles of little or no value. What was more, he ascertained that sandal-wood was to be found on Rancocus Island in small quantities, and in this group in abundance. A contract was made, accordingly, for the cutting and preparing of a considerable quantity of this wood, which was to be ready for delivery in the course of three months, when it was understood that the schooner was to re­turn and take it in. These arrangements completed, the Friend Abraham White sailed for home.

before the seven men, and they were asked as to their wishes for the future. Four of these men, including Brown, at once signed the constitution, and were sworn in as citizens. It was their wish to pass their days in that delicious climate, and amid the abundance of those rich and pleasing islands. The other three engaged with Mark for a time, but expressed a desire to return to America, after awhile. Wives were wanting; and this the governor saw, plainly enough, was a diffi culty that must be got over, to keep the settlement contented. Not that a wife may not make a man’s home very miserable, as well as very happy; but, most people prefer trying the experiment for themselves, instead of profi ting by the experience of others.

was the only proper person to carry her home, and to deliver her to her owners, whomsoever those might now be, and he could not conceal from himself the propriety, as well as the ne­cessity, of his going in her himself. On the other hand, what might not be the consequences to the colony, of his absence for twelve months? A less time than that would not suffi ce to do all that was required to be done. Could he take Bridget with him, or could he bear to leave her behind? Her presence might be necessary for the disposal of the real estate of which she was the mistress, while her quitting the colony might be the sig­nal for breaking it up altogether, under the impression that the two persons most interested in it would never return.

this property, and it might be questioned, if such a wreck had ever occurred as to discharge the crew. The rule in such cases we believe to be, that, as seamen have a lien on the vessel for their wages, when that lien ceases to be of value, their obliga­tions to the ship terminate. If the Rancocus could be carried to America, no one belonging to her was yet legally exonerated from his duties.

voyage. These casks had all been fi lled with fresh water, to an­swer the double purpose of a supply for the people, and as bal­last for the ship. When these casks were all got on deck, and the water was started, it was found that the vessel fl oated sever­al inches lighter than before. The sending ashore of the spars, sails, rigging, lumber, provisions, &c., produced a still fur­ther effect, and, after carefully comparing the soundings, and the present draught of the vessel, the governor found it would be necessary to lift the last only eight inches, to get her out of her natural dock. This result greatly encouraged the labour­ers, who proceeded with renewed spirit. As it would be alto­gether useless to overhaul the rigging, caulk decks, &c., unless the ship could be got out of her berth, everybody worked with that end in view at fi rst. In the course of a week, the water­casks were under her bottom, and it was thought that the ves­sel would have about an inch to spare. A gale having blown in the water, and a high tide coming at the same time, the gover­nor determined to try the experiment of crossing the barrier. The order came upon the men suddenly, for no one thought the attempt would be made, until the ship was lifted an inch or two higher. But Mark saw what the wind had been doing for them, and he lost not a moment. The vessel was moved, brought head to her course, and the lines were hauled upon. Away went the Rancocus, which was now moved for the fi rst time since the eruption!