Blown to Bits; or, The Lonely Man of Rakata by R. M. Ballantyne (dar e dil novel online reading .txt) 📕

owner, Captain Roy.

It must not be imagined, however, that our friends have settled down there to spend their lives in idleness. By no means. This probably would not be permitted by the "King of the Cocos Islands" even if they wished to do so. But they do not wish that. There is no such condition as idleness in the lives of good men and women.

Nigel has taken to general superintendence of the flourishing community in the midst of which he has cast his lot. He may be almost regarded as the prime minister of the islands, in addition to which he has started an extensive boat-building business and a considerable trade in cocoa-nuts, etc., with the numerous islands of the Java Sea; also a saw-mill, and a forge, and a Sunday-school—in which last the pretty, humble-minded Winnie lends most efficient aid. Indeed it is said that she is the chief manager as well as the life and soul of that business, though Nigel gets all the credit.

Captain Roy sometimes sails his son's vessels, and sometimes looks after the secular education of the Sunday-school children—the said education being conducted on the principle of unlimited story-telling with illimitable play of fancy. But his occupations are irregular—undertaken by fits and starts, and never to be counted on. His evenings he usually devotes to poetry and pipes—for the captain is obstinate, and sticks—like most of us—to his failings as well as his fancies.

There is a certain eccentric individual with an enthusiastic temperament and blue binoculars who pays frequent and prolonged visits to the Keeling Islands. It need scarcely be said that his name is Verkimier. There is no accounting for the tastes of human beings. Notwithstanding all his escapes and experiences, that indomitable man of science still ranges, like a mad philosopher, far and wide over the archipelago in pursuit of "booterflies ant ozer specimens of zee insect vorld." It is observed, however, even by the most obtuse among his friends, that whereas in former times the professor's nights were centrifugal they have now become centripetal—the Keeling Islands being the great centre towards which he flies. Verkimier is, and probably will always be, a subject of wonder and of profound speculation to the youthful inhabitants of the islands. They don't understand him and he does not understand them. If they were insects he would take deep and intelligent interest in them. As they are merely human beings, he regards them with that peculiar kind of interest with which men regard the unknown and unknowable. He is by no means indifferent to them. He is too kindly for that. He studies them deeply, though hopelessly, and when he enters the Sunday-school with his binoculars—which he often does, to listen—a degree of awe settles down on the little ones which it is impossible to evoke by the most solemn appeals to their spiritual natures.

Nigel and Winnie have a gardener, and that gardener is black—as black as the Ace of Spades or the King of Ashantee. He dwells in a corner of the Rakata Cottage, but is addicted to spending much of his spare time in the Krakatoa one. He is as strong and powerful as ever, but limps slightly on his right leg—his "game" leg, as he styles it. He is, of course, an immense favourite with the young people—not less than with the old. He has been known to say, with a solemnity that might tickle the humorous and horrify the timid, that he wouldn't "hab dat game leg made straight agin! no, not for a hundred t'ousand pounds. 'Cause why? —it was an eber-present visible reminder dat once upon a time he had de libes ob massa and Nadgel in his arms ahangin' on to his game leg, an' dat, t'rough Gracious Goodness, he sabe dem bof!"

Ha! You may smile at Moses if you will, but he can return the smile with kindly interest, for he is actuated by that grand principle which will sooner or later transform even the scoffers of earth, and which is embodied in the words—"Love is the fulfilling of the law."

Even the lower animals testify to this fact when the dog licks the hand that smites it and accords instant forgiveness on the slightest encouragement. Does not Spinkie prove it also, when, issuing at call, from its own pagoda in the sunniest corner of the Rakata garden, it forsakes cocoa-nuts, sugar-cane, fruits, and other delights, to lay its little head in joyful consecration on the black bosom of its benignant friend?

And what of Moses' opinion of the new home? It may be shortly expressed in his own words-"It's heaben upon eart', an' de most happiest time as eber occurred to me was dat time when Sunda Straits went into cumbusti'n an' Krakatoa was Blown to Bits."

THE END

Printed by T. and A. CONSTABLE, Printers to Her Majesty,

at the Edinburgh University Press.

ADVERTISEMENTS BY MR. R.M. BALLANTYNE.

With Illustrations. Crown 8vo, 3s. 6d. each.

'The fathers, mothers, guardians, uncles, and aunts who wish to find an acceptable birthday present for a healthy-minded boy of normal tastes, cannot possibly go wrong if they buy a book with Mr. Ballantyne's name on the title-page.'—Academy.

The Hot Swamp: A Romance of Old Albion.

The Buffalo Runners: A Tale of the Red River Plains.

Charlie to the Rescue: A Tale of the Sea and the Rockies.

Blown to Bits; or, The Lonely Man of Rakata: A Tale of the Malay Archipelago.

Blue Lights; or, Hot Work in the Soudan. A Tale of Soldier Life.

The Fugitives; or, The Tyrant Queen of Madagascar.

Red Rooney; or, The Last of the Crew.

The Rover of the Andes: A Tale of Adventure in South America.

The Young Trawler: A Story of Life, Death, and Rescue in the North Sea.

Dusty Diamonds, Cut and Polished: A Tale of City Arab Life.

The Battery and the Boiler; or, Adventures of a Telegraph-Cable Layer.

The Giant of the North; or, Pokings Round the Pole.

The Lonely Island; or, The Refuge of the Mutineers.

Post Haste: A Tale of Her Majesty's Mails.

In the Track of the Troops: A Tale of Modern War.

The Settler and the Savage: A Tale of Peace and War in South Africa.

Under the Waves; or, Diving in Deep Waters.

The Lifeboat: A Tale of our Coast Heroes.

The Golden Dream: A Tale of the Diggings.

The Red Eric; or, The Whaler's Last Cruise.

Freaks on the Fells, and Why I did not Become a Sailor.

The Wild Man of the West.

Gascoyne, the Sandalwood Trader: A Tale of the Pacific.

Rivers of Ice: A Tale Illustrative of Alpine Adventure and Glacier Action.

The Pirate City: An Algerine Tale.

Black Ivory: A Tale of Adventure among the Slavers of East Africa.

The Norsemen in the West; or, America before Columbus.

The Iron Horse; or, Life on the Line. A Railway Tale.

Erling the Bold: A Tale of the Norse Sea Kings.

Fighting the Flames: A Tale of the London Fire Brigade.

Deep Down: A Tale of the Cornish Mines.

The Floating Light of the Goodwin Sands.

Shifting Winds: A Tough Yarn.

The Lighthouse: Being the Story of a Great Fight between Man and the Sea.

The Big Otter: A Tale of the Far Nor'West.

Extra Crown 8vo, 5s.

The Walrus Hunters: A Romance of the Realms of Ice.

BY MR. R.M. BALLANTYNE.

With Illustrations. Crown 8vo. 2s. 6d. each.

HUNTED AND HARRIED.

A COXSWAIN'S BRIDE;

Or, THE RISING TIDE. AND OTHER TALES.

THE GARRET AND THE GARDEN;
Or, LOW LIFE HIGH UP. AND JEFF BENSON; or, THE YOUNG COASTGUARDSMAN.

THE CREW OF THE WATER-WAGTAIL.
A STORY OF NEWFOUNDLAND.

THE MIDDY AND THE MOORS:
AN ALGERINE TALE.

THE PRAIRIE CHIEF.

LIFE IN THE RED BRIGADE:
A FIERY TALE. AND FORT DESOLATION; or, SOLITUDE IN THE WILDERNESS.

THE ISLAND QUEEN;
Or, DETHRONED BY FIRE AND WATER. A TALE OF THE SOUTHERN HEMISPHERE.

TWICE BOUGHT:
A TALE OF THE OREGON GOLD-FIELDS.

THE MADMAN AND THE PIRATE.

MY DOGGIE AND I.

PHILOSOPHER JACK:
A TALE OF THE SOUTHERN SEAS.

THE RED MAN'S REVENGE.

SIX MONTHS AT THE CAPE.
LETTERS TO PERIWINKLE FROM SOUTH AFRICA. A RECORD OF PERSONAL EXPERIENCE AND ADVENTURE.

BATTLES WITH THE SEA;
Or, HEROES OF THE LIFEBOAT AND THE ROCKET.

Price 3s. 6d. each.

TALES OF ADVENTURE BY FLOOD, FIELD, AND MOUNTAIN.

TALES OF ADVENTURE;
Or, WILD WORK IN STRANGE PLACES.

TALES OF ADVENTURE ON THE COAST.

With numerous Illustrations. Crown 8vo. 2s.

THE KITTEN PILGRIMS;
Or, GREAT BATTLES AND GRAND VICTORIES.

LONDON: JAMES NISBET & CO., 21 BERNERS STREET.

JAMES NISBET & CO.'S SELECT LIST OF BOOKS

SUITABLE FOR

PRESENTS AND PRIZES,

BY

WELL-KNOWN AND POPULAR WRITERS.

Profusely Illustrated and handsomely Bound in Cloth.

A Complete List will be forwarded post free on application to the Publishers.

WORKS by Mrs. MARSHALL.

"Readers who value culture and refinement, but, above all, seek for truth and unction, will recommend her tales, especially for young ladies."-Churchman.

With numerous Illustrations.

Price Five Shillings each. Extra Crown 8vo.

THE CLOSE OF ST. CHRISTOPHER'S.
NEW RELATIONS. A Story for Girls.
THOSE THREE; OR, LITTLE WINGS.
EASTWARD HO! A Story for Girls.
LAUREL CROWNS; OR, GRISELDA'S AIM.
HOUSES ON WHEELS. A Story for Children.

Price Three Shillings and Sixpence each. Crown 8vo.

IN THE PURPLE.
DAPHNE'S DECISION; OR, WHICH SHALL IT BE?
THE ROSES OF RINGWOOD. A Story for Children.
CASSANDRA'S CASKET.
SILVER CHIMES; OR, OLIVE.
STORIES OF THE CATHEDRAL CITIES OF ENGLAND.
POPPIES AND PANSIES.
REX AND REGINA; OR, THE SONG OF THE RIVER.
DEWDROPS AND DIAMONDS.
HEATHER AND HAREBELL.
MISTRESS MATCHETT'S MISTAKE. A very old Story.
SIR VALENTINE'S VICTORY, AND OTHER STORIES.
OUR OWN PICTURE BOOK. 151 Illustrations. Small 4to.

Price Two Shillings and Sixpence each.

DULCIBEL'S DAY-DREAMS; OR, THE GRAND, SWEET SONG. With Illustrations. Crown 8vo.
PICTURES ILLUSTRATIVE OF THE LORD'S PRAYER. With Appropriate Stories for Children. Medium 4to.
THE LIFE OF OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST FOR VERY YOUNG CHILDREN. 12 Illustrations. Medium 4to.

Mrs. MARSHALL'S WORKS—continued.

Price Two Shillings each.

With Illustrations. Crown 8vo.

OLIVER'S OLD PICTURES; OR, THE MAGIC CIRCLE.
RUBY AND PEARL; OR, THE CHILDREN AT CASTLE AYLMER. A Story for Little Girls.

Price One Shilling and Sixpence each.

With Illustrations. Small Crown 8vo.

NATURE'S GENTLEMAN.
THE BRIDE'S HOME.
MY LADY BOUNTIFUL.
STELLAFONT ABBEY; OR, NOTHING NEW.
GOLDEN SILENCE.
WHEN I WAS YOUNG.
MATTHEW FROST, CARRIER; OR, LITTLE SNOWDROP'S MISSION.
MICHAEL'S TREASURES; OR, CHOICE SILVER.
MY GRANDMOTHER'S PICTURES.
MARJORY; OR, THE GIFT OF PEACE.
GRACE BUXTON; OR, THE LIGHT OF HOME.
THREE LITTLE BROTHERS.
THREE LITTLE SISTERS.
THE BIRTH OF A CENTURY; OR, EIGHTY YEARS AGO.
THE STORY OF JOHN MARBECK: A Windsor Organist of 300 Years Ago. His Work and His Reward.

Price One Shilling each.

HEATHERCLIFFE; OR, IT'S NO CONCERN OF MINE.
DAISY BRIGHT.
THE LITTLE PEAT-CUTTERS; OR, THE SONG OF LOVE.
PRIMROSE; OR, THE BELLS OF OLD EFFINGHAM.
TO-DAY AND YESTERDAY:
A STORY OF SUMMER AND WINTER HOLIDAYS.
BETWEEN THE CLIFFS; OR, HAL FORESTER'S ANCHOR.
A VIOLET IN THE SHADE.
LIGHT ON THE LILY; OR, A FLOWER'S MESSAGE.
A ROSE WITHOUT A THORN.
A CHIP OF THE OLD BLOCK.

By R.M. BALLANTYNE.

With Illustrations. Extra Crown 8vo. 5s.

"The fathers, mothers, guardians, uncles, and aunts who wish to find an acceptable present for a healthy-minded boy cannot possibly go wrong if they buy a book with Mr. Ballantyne's name on the title-page."—Academy.

THE WALRUS HUNTERS: A Tale of Esquimaux Land.

Crown 8vo. With Illustrations. 3s. 6d. each.

THE HOT SWAMP: A Romance of Old Albion.
THE BUFFALO RUNNERS: A Tale of the Red River Plains.
CHARLIE TO THE RESCUE! A Tale of the Sea and the Rockies.
BLOWN TO BITS; or, The Lonely Man of Rakata. A Tale of the Malay Archipelago.
BLUE LIGHTS; or, Hot Work in the Soudan.
THE FUGITIVES; or, The Tyrant Queen of Madagascar.
RED ROONEY; or, The Last of the Crew.
THE ROVER OF THE ANDES: A Tale of Adventure in South America.
THE YOUNG TRAWLER: A Story of Life and Death and Rescue in the North Sea.
DUSTY DIAMONDS, CUT AND POLISHED: A Tale of Arab City Life.
THE BATTERY AND THE BOILER; or, Adventures in the Laying of Submarine Electric Cables.
THE GIANT OF THE NORTH; or, Pokings Round the Pole.
THE LONELY ISLAND; or, The Refuge of the Mutineers.
POST HASTE: A Tale of Her Majesty's Mails.
IN THE TRACK OF THE TROOPS: A Tale of Modern War.
THE SETTLER AND THE SAVAGE: A Tale of Peace and War in South Africa.
UNDER THE WAVES; or, Diving in Deep Waters.
RIVERS OF ICE: A Tale Illustrative of Alpine Adventure and Glacier Action.
THE PIRATE CITY: An Algerine Tale.
BLACK IVORY: A Tale of Adventure among the Slavers of East Africa.
THE NORSEMEN IN