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Books: The Little Savage

C >> Captain Marryat >> The Little Savage




Much to my surprise, I recognised Mrs Reichardt walking rapidly
towards a part of the shore, near which I should be obliged to pass.
From this I saw that she was intent on watching me from point to
point, to know the worst, if any accident should befall me, and be at
hand should there be a necessity for rendering assistance. I shouted
to her, and she waved her hand in reply.

On rounding the headland, my astonishment was extreme on finding my
little bark in the midst of a shoal of enormous sharks. If I came in
contact with one of them I was lost, for the frail boat would
certainly be upset and as Jackson had assured me, if ever I allowed
these monsters to come near enough, one snap of their jaws, and there
would be an end of the Little Savage. I thought of the warning of Mrs
Reichardt, and was inclined to think I had better have taken her
advice, and remained in the fishing-pool; nevertheless, I went on as
quietly and deliberately as possible, exercising all my skill to keep
clear of my unexpected enemies.

It was not till I had got into the middle of the shoal that the
sharks seemed to be aware there was anything unusual in their
neighbourhood, but as soon as they were fully aware of the presence
of an intruder, they exhibited the most extraordinary excitement,
rushing together in groups, with such rapid motion, that the water
became so agitated, I was obliged to exercise all my skill to keep
the boat steady on her course.

They dived, and rushed to and fro, and jostled each other, as I
thought, in anything but an amicable spirit; still, however, keeping
at a respectful distance from the boat, for which I was extremely
thankful. I urged her on with all my strength, for the purpose of
getting away from such unpleasant neighbours; but they were not to be
so easily disposed of. They came swimming after the boat, then when
within a few yards dived, and in a moment they were before it, as if
to bar any further progress.

I however pushed on, and they disappeared, but immediately
afterwards rose on all sides of me. They were evidently getting more
confidence; a fact I ascertained with no slight apprehension, for
they began to approach nearer, and their gambols threatened every
minute to overwhelm my poor craft, that, light as a cork, bounced up
and down the agitated waves, as if quite as much alarmed for our
safety as ourselves.

The captain was not the only one who began to fear evil; the gannets
were very restless, and it was only by strong admonitions I could
prevail on Nero to retain his recumbent attitude at my feet; their
instinct warned them of approaching danger, and I felt the
comfortable assurance that my own rashness had brought me into my
present critical position, and that if the menaced destruction did
arrive, there was no sort of assistance at hand on which I could rely.

Every moment the sharks became more violent in their demonstrations,
and more bold in their approaches, and I could scarcely keep the boat
going, or prevent the water rushing over her sides. The gannets,
having shewn themselves for some minutes uneasy, had at last flown
away to the neighbouring rock, and Nero began to growl and snap, as
though meditating a forcible release from his prostrate position, to
see what mischief was brewing.

As I was coaxing him to be quiet, I felt a tremendous blow given to
the boat, evidently from beneath, and she rose into the air several
yards, scattering Nero and myself, and the oars, in different
directions.

The noise we made in falling appeared for the instant to have
scattered the creatures, for I had struck out for the rock and nearly
reached it before a shark made its appearance.

Just then I saw a large monster rushing towards me. I thought all
was over. He turned to open his great jaws, and in another instant I
should have been devoured.

At that critical period I saw a second object dart in between me and
the shark, and attack the latter fiercely. It was Nero, and it was
the last I ever saw of my faithful friend. His timely interposition
enabled me to reach a ledge in the cliff, where I was in perfect
safety, hanging by some strong seaweed, although my feet nearly
touched the water, and I could retain my position only with the
greatest difficulty.

The whole shoal were presently around me. They a first paid their
attentions to the boat and the oars, which they buffeted about till
they were driven close to the rock, at a little distance from the
place where I had found temporary safety. They left these things
unharmed as soon as they caught sight of me, and then their eagerness
and violence returned with tenfold fury. They darted towards me in a
body, and I was obliged to lift my legs, or I should have had them
snapped off by one or other of the twenty gaping jaws that were
thrust over each other, in their eagerness to make a mouthful of my
limbs.

This game was carried on for some minutes of horrible anxiety to me.
I fancied that my struggles had loosened the seaweed, and that in a
few minutes it must give way, and I should then be fought for and
torn to pieces by the ravenous crew beneath. I shouted with all the
strength of my lungs to scare them away; but as if they were as well
aware that I could not escape them as I was myself, they merely left
off their violent efforts to reach my projecting legs, and forming a
semi-circle round me, watched with upturned eyes, that seemed to
possess a fiendish expression that fascinated and bewildered me, the
snapping of the frail hold that supported me upon the rock.

In my despair I prayed heartily, but it was rather to commend my
soul to my Maker, than with any prospect of being rescued from so
imminent and horrible a peril. The eyes of the ravenous monsters
below seemed to mock my devotion. I felt the roots of the seaweed
giving way: the slightest struggle on my part would I knew only
hasten my dissolution, and I resigned myself to my fate.

In this awful moment I heard a voice calling out my name. It was Mrs
Reichardt on the cliff high above me. I answered with all the
eagerness of despair. Then there came a heavy splash into the water,
and I heard her implore me to endeavour to make for a small shrub
that grew in a hollow of the rock, at a very short distance from the
tuft of seaweed that had become so serviceable.

I looked down. The sharks had all disappeared; I knew, however, that
they would shortly return, and lost not a moment in making an effort
to better my position in the manner I had been directed. Mrs
Reichardt had thrown a heavy stone into the water among the sharks,
the loud splash of which had driven them away. Before they again made
their appearance, I had caught a firm hold of the twig, and flung
myself up into a position of perfect safety.

"Thank God he's safe!" I heard Mrs Reichardt exclaim.

The sharks did return, but when they found their anticipated prey
had escaped, they swam lazily out to sea.

"Are you much hurt, Frank Henniker?" she presently cried out to me.

"I have not a scratch," I replied.

"Then thank God for your deliverance," she added.

I did thank God, and Mrs Reichardt joined with me in prayer, and a
more fervent thanksgiving than was ours, it is scarcely possible to
imagine.




Chapter XXXVII


I had several times pressed Mrs Reichardt for the conclusion of her
story, but she had always seemed reluctant to resume the subject. It
was evidently full of painful incidents, and she shrunk from dwelling
upon them. At last, one evening we were sitting together, she working
with her needle and I employed upon a net she had taught me how to
manufacture, and I again led the conversation to the narrative my
companion had left unfinished. She sighed heavily and looked
distressed.

"It is but natural you should expect this of me, my son," she said;
"but you little know the suffering caused by my recalling the
melancholy events that I have to detail. However, I have led you to
expect the entire relation, and, therefore, I will endeavour to
realise your anticipations."

I assured her I was ready to wait, whenever it might be agreeable
for her to narrate the termination of her interesting history.

"It will never be agreeable to me," she replied mournfully; "indeed
I would forget it, if I could; but that is impossible. The struggle
may as well be made now, as at any time. I will therefore commence by
informing you, that during our long voyage to the Sandwich Islands, I
found ample opportunity for studying the disposition of my husband.
He was much changed since he first left me, but his was still the
same grateful nature, full of truth and purity, that had won me
towards him when a child. A holy enthusiasm seemed now to exalt him
above ordinary humanity. I could scarcely ever get him to talk upon
any but religious subjects, and those he treated in so earnest and
exalted a manner, that it was impossible to avoid being carried away
with his eloquence.

"He seemed to feel the greatness of his destination, as though it
had raised him to an equality with the adventurous Saints, who
established the banner of Christ among the Pagan nations of Europe.
He was fond of dilating upon the importance of his mission, and of
dwelling on the favour that had been vouchsafed him, in causing him
to be selected for so high and responsible a duty.

"It was evident that he would rather have been sent to associate
with the barbarous people whom he expected to make his converts, than
have been raised to the richest Bishopric in England. And yet, with
this exultation, there was a spirit of deep melancholy pervading his
countenance, as well as his discourses, that seemed to imply a sense
of danger. The nimbus of the saint in his eyes was associated with
the crown of martyrdom. He seemed to look forward to a fatal
termination of his ministry, as the most and proper conclusion of his
labours.

"His conversation often filled me with dread. His intimations of
danger seemed at first very shocking, but, at last, I got more
familiar with these terrible suggestions, and regarded them as the
distempered fancies of an overworked mind.

"In this way our long voyage passed, and we arrived at last at our
place of destination. When we had disembarked, the scene that
presented itself to me was so strange, that I could almost believe I
had passed into a new world. The most luxurious vegetation, of a
character I had never seen before--the curious buildings--the
singular forms of the natives, and their peculiar costume--excited my
wonder to an intense degree.

"My husband applied himself diligently to learn the language of the
people, whilst I as intently studied their habits and customs. We
both made rapid progress.

"As soon as I could make myself understood, I endeavoured to make
friends with the women, particularly with the wives of the great men,
and although I was at first the object of more curiosity than regard,
I persisted in my endeavours, and succeeded in establishing with many
a good understanding.

"I found them ignorant of everything that in civilised countries is
considered knowledge--their minds being enveloped in the most
deplorable darkness--the only semblance of religion in use amongst
them, being a brutal and absurd idolatry.

"I often tried to lead them to the consideration of more humanising
truths, for the purpose of preparing the way for the inculcation of
the great mysteries of our holy religion: but the greater portion of
my hearers were incompetent to understand what I seemed so desirous
of teaching, and my making them comprehend the principles of
Christianity appeared to be a hopeless task.

"Yet I continued my pious labours, without allowing my exertions to
flag--making myself useful to them and their families in every way I
could--attending them when sick--giving them presents when well--and
showing them every kindness likely to make a favourable impression on
their savage natures. In this way I proceeded doing good, till I
found an opportunity of being of service to a young girl, about
twelve years of age, who was a younger sister of one of the wives of
a great chief. She had sprained her ankle and was in great pain, when
I applied the proper remedies and gave her speedy relief. Hooloo, for
that was her name, from that moment became warmly attached to me, and
finding her of an affectionate and ingenuous disposition, I became
extremely desirous of improving upon the good impression I had made.

"At the same time my husband sought, by his knowledge of the
mechanical arts, and some acquaintance with medicine, to recommend
himself to the men. He also met with much difficulty at first, in
making his information properly appreciated. He sought to increase
their comforts--to introduce agricultural implements of a more
useful description, and to lead them generally towards the
conveniences and decencies of civilisation. He built himself a house,
and planted a garden, and cultivated some land, in which he shewed
the superior advantages of what he knew, to what they practised. They
seemed to marvel much, but continued to go on in their own way.

"He also went amongst them as a physician, and having acquired
considerable knowledge of medicine and simple surgery, he was enabled
to work some cures in fevers and spear wounds, that in course of time
made for him so great a reputation, that many of the leading chiefs
sent for him when anything ailed them or their families, and they
were so well satisfied with what he did for them, that he began to be
looked upon as one who was to be treated with particular respect and
honour, by all classes of the natives, from the highest to the lowest.

"On one occasion the king required his services. He was suffering
from a sort of cholic, for which the native doctors could give him no
relief. My husband administered some medicines, and stayed with his
Majesty until they had the desired effect, and the result being a
complete recovery, seemed so astonishing to all the members of his
Sandwich Majesty's court, that the doctor was required to administer
the same medicine to every one, from the queen to the humblest of her
attendants, though all were apparently in good health. He managed to
satisfy them with a small portion only of the mixture, which he was
quite certain could do them no harm: and they professed to be
wonderfully the better for it."




Chapter XXXVIII


"His reputation had now grown so great, that whatever he required
was readily granted. He first desired to have some children sent him;
to learn those things which had enabled him to do so much good, and
this having been readily sanctioned, we opened a school for girls and
boys, in which we taught the first elements of a civilised education.

"Finding we made fair progress in this way, we commenced developing
our real object, the inculcation of Christian sentiments. This
meeting with no opposition, and Reichardt having established a
powerful influence over the entire community, he next proceeded with
the parents, and earnestly strove to induce them to embrace the
profession of Christianity.

"His labours were not entirely unproductive. There began to prevail
amongst the islanders, a disposition to hear the wondrous discourses
of this stranger, and he was employed, day after day, in explaining
to large and attentive audiences, the history of the Christian world,
and the observances and doctrine of that faith which had been
cemented by the blood of the Redeemer. The new and startling subjects
of his discourse, as well as the impressive character of his
eloquence, frequently deeply moved his hearers; and at his
revelations they would often burst forth into piercing shouts and
loud expressions of amazement.

"In truth it was a moving scene. The noble figure of the Missionary,
with his fine features lighted up with the fire of holy enthusiasm,
surrounded by a crowd of dusky savages, armed with spears and war
clubs, and partly clothed with feathers, in their features shewing
traces of unusual excitement, and every now and then joining in a
wild chorus, expressive of their wonder, could not have been
witnessed by any Christian, without emotion.

"But when the ceremony of Baptism was first performed before them,
their amazement was increased a thousandfold. The first member of our
flock was Hooloo, whom I had instructed so far, in the principles of
our faith, and I had acquired such an influence over her mind, that
she readily consented to abandon her idolatrous customs and become a
Christian.

"After a suitable address to the natives, who had assembled in some
thousands to witness the spectacle, in which he explained to them the
motive and object of baptism, my husband assisted the girl down a
sloping green bank which led to a beautiful stream, and walked with
her into the water till he was up to his waist; then, after offering
up a long and fervent prayer that this first victory over the false
worship of the Devil, might be the forerunner of the entire
extirpation of idolatry from the land, he, plunging her into the
water, baptised her in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy
Ghost.

"All the people were awed to silence while the ceremony proceeded,
but when it was over they burst forth into a loud cry, and came down
to meet the new Christian and my husband as they came out of the
water, and waved over them boughs of trees, and danced and shouted as
though in an ecstasy.

"We however had not proceeded to this extent, without exciting
considerable opposition; our disrespect towards their idols had given
great offence to those who were identified with the superstitions of
the people, and flourished according as these were supported.
Complaints were made too of our teaching a new religion, in
opposition to the gods they and their fathers had worshipped, and a
powerful party was got together for the purpose of pursuing us to
destruction.

"My husband was summoned before a council of the great chiefs, to
hear the accusations that had been brought against him: and the old
idolaters got up and abused him, and threatened him with the
punishment of their monstrous gods, for telling lies to the people,
and deceiving them with forged tales and strange customs.

"They sought all they could, to move the judges against him, by
painting the terrible fate that would befall them if they failed to
kill the white stranger, who had insulted their gods; and they
predicted hosts of calamities that were to happen, in consequence of
their having allowed the teller of lies to work so much mischief
against them.

"My husband then being called upon for his defence, first declared
to the judges the attributes of the Deity he worshipped: that he
created the vast heavens, the stars, the mountains, the rivers, and
the sea; his voice spoke in the thunder, and his eye flashed in the
lightning. He then dwelt on his goodness to man, especially to the
Sandwich Islanders, whom he had created for the purpose of enjoying
the fine country around them and of beholding the beauty of the
heavens where he dwelt. Then he referred to the gods they had
worshipped, and asked how they were made, and what such senseless
things could do for them; commenting on their inability to serve
them, in any way, or do them any harm; and went on to speak of the
benefits he had been able to confer upon them, through the influence
of the all powerful God he worshipped; and asked them if he had ever
done them anything but good. Lastly, he promised them innumerable
benefits, if they would leave their useless gods, and turn to the
only God who had the power to serve them.

"It is impossible for me to do justice to the animated manner in
which he delivered this discourse. It produced great effect upon the
majority of his hearers; but there was a powerful minority it still
more strongly influenced against him; and they continued to interrupt
him with terrible outcries.

"Most of the leading chiefs were against his suffering any harm.
They bore in mind the advantages he had conferred, by his skill in
medicine, and superior wisdom in various other things, which the
people would lose were he put to death. They also remembered the hope
he held out of future benefits, which of course they could not
expect, if they offered him any violence.

"The result was, that my husband was suffered to go harmless from
the meeting, to the great disappointment of his enemies, who could
scarcely be kept from laying violent hands upon him. The danger he
had escaped, unfortunately, did not render him more prudent. Far from
it. He believed that he was a chosen instrument of the Most High, to
win these savages from the depths of idolatry and Paganism; and
continued, on every occasion that presented itself, to endeavour to
win souls to God.

"The school increased, several of the parents suffered themselves to
be baptised, and there was a regular observance of the Lord's Day
amongst those who belonged to our little flock. Even many of the
islanders, although they did not become Christians, attended our
religious services, and spoke well of us.

"We brought up the young people to be able to teach their brethren
and sisters; and hoped to be able to establish missions in other
parts of the island, to which we sometimes made excursions; preaching
the inestimable blessings of the gospel to the islanders, and
exhorting them to abandon their dark customs and heathen follies. I
was not far behind my husband in this good work, and acquired as much
influence among the women as he exercised over the men: indeed we
were generally looked upon as holy people, who deserved to be treated
with veneration and respect."




Chapter XXXIX


"Things went on in this flourishing way for several years; my
husband, deeply impressed with the responsibility of his position, as
a chosen servant of God, devoted himself so entirely to the great
work he had undertaken, that he often seemed to overlook the claims
upon his attention of her he had chosen as his partner, in his
struggle against the Powers of Darkness. Sometimes I did not see him
for several days; and often when we were together, he was so
abstracted, he did not seem aware I was present. Whenever I could get
him to speak of himself, he would dilate on the unspeakable felicity
that he felt in drawing nearer to the end of his work. I affected not
to know to what he alluded; but I always felt that he was referring
to the impression he entertained of his own speedy dissolution, which
he had taken up when he first embraced this mission.

"I tried to get rid of my misgivings by recalling the dangers and
difficulties we had triumphantly passed, and referring to the
encouraging state of things that existed at the present time;
nevertheless, I could not prevent a sinking of the heart, whenever I
heard him venture upon the subject; and when he was absent from me, I
often experienced an agony of anxiety till his return. I saw,
however, no real cause of apprehension, and endeavoured to persuade
myself none existed; and very probably I should have succeeded, had
not my husband so frequently indulged in references to our separation.

"Alas," she exclaimed, mournfully, "he was better informed than I
was of the proximity of that Celestial Home, for which he had been so
long and zealously preparing himself. He, doubtless, had his
intimation from on high, that his translation to the realms of bliss,
was no remote consequence of his undertaking the mission he had
accepted; and he had familiarised his mind to it as a daily duty, and
by his constant references had sought to prepare me for the
catastrophe he knew to be inevitable."

Here Mrs Reichardt became so sensibly affected, that it was some
time before she could proceed with her narrative. She, however, did
so at last, yet I could see by the tears that traced each other down
her wan cheeks, how much her soul was moved by the terrible details
into which she was obliged to enter.

"In the midst of our success," she presently resumed, "when we had
established a congregation, had baptised hundreds of men, women, and
children, had completed a regular place of worship, and an extensive
school-house, both of which were fully and regularly attended, some
European vessel paid us a short visit, soon after which, that
dreadful scourge the small-pox, broke out amongst the people. Both
children and adults were seized, and as soon as one died a dozen were
attacked.

"Soon the greatest alarm pervaded the natives; my husband was
implored to stop the pestilence, which power they felt convinced he
had in his hands. He did all that was possible for him to do, but
that unfortunately was very little. His recommendation of remedial
measures was rarely attended with the desired results. Death was very
busy. The people died in scores, and the survivors, excited by the
vindictive men who had formerly sought his death for disparaging
their gods, began not only to fall off rapidly in their regard and
reverence for my husband, but murmurs first, and execrations
afterwards, and violent menaces subsequently, attended him whenever
he appeared.