An Invasion of Seals.
Stores landed—Party sent to kill seals—A tent rigged—Woodcutters set to work—Tiger-seals—A mob of seals attacked—Peter chased by tiger-seal—Willy rescues Peter from the seal—Harry meditates on his responsibilities—The encampment at night—A storm threatens—Rain comes through the huts—Invaded by seals—Seals driven off—A hurricane—Boats in danger—The cutter hauled up—The launch wrecked—The huts blown down.
As soon as the thirst of the long sea-tossed party was assuaged, Harry called the officers and men round him.
“We have an abundance of work before us,” he said. “We have but a scanty stock of provisions remaining, and must obtain more without delay. We have wood to cut for fuel, and we must get up the best shelter we can manage for the women and children before nightfall. First, however, we must land our remaining stores, and secure them under cover. For these purposes we will form three parties.”
Dr Davis volunteered at once to go in search of seals; several, it will be remembered, having been observed poking their snouts out of the water as they came up the harbour. He had hopes also of finding more on the islands or rocks within its circuit. Captain Twopenny offered to accompany him, and Willy and Peter Patch begged that they might go also. Harry told them that they might take the cutter as soon as she was unloaded, with four of the men to pull. The boatswain and a large party took charge of the unloading of the boats and putting up the huts, while the remainder, armed with all the axes which could be mustered, were directed to cut down wood for fuel.
“And, please sir, what are we to do?” asked Mrs Rumbelow; “there are other hands here willing to work.”
“I think the best thing you can do is to look after the children,” answered Harry.
“Oh, sir, the ladies can do that; and they will pardon me for saying so. I and several other women can manage to bring in the wood as the men cut it, or to carry up the stores from the water. No one among us wishes to be idle.”
“I am not going to work,” said poor Mr Holt, who was seated by himself on a rock. “I was brought here against my will, and do not intend to be made a slave of.”
“Poor fellow,” observed Harry, “he is not yet recovered from his attack, Well, Mrs Rumbelow, I will accept your services; but what we have to do must be done quickly, as night will shortly be upon us.”