The Good Sailor Boy (Paperback)

This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can usually download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1882 edition. Excerpt: ..."Tou will lose your own life and do no good," said the negro. "Save yourself, I beg. If I am discovered, I shall be killed too; but go." Charley's late manner of living had sharpened his wits. He thought for a moment, and decided that if he could escape and reach Buena Vista he might bring up assistance in time. So he consented to go. He had to wait, however, till the fire had subsided, and when the flames no longer burned brilliantly, he was to go. Morabe gave him a few directions at parting. "Come with me," said Charley. "No. Tapai would find me out and kill me," replied the slave. "Tou can remain at the settlement." "No; I wounded my master for ill-treating my son, and I shall never be pardoned. I could not help it. Now, there, the fire is low. Go " Charley seized the hand of the poor slave, who would never have thought of offering it, and, squeezing it between his own, glided away. He suffered terrible agony of mind while he was creeping into the brushwood. Just as he reached it one of the sentinels looked in his direction. "Oh, Heaven, have mercy on me " murmured Charley, who believed he was discovered. But the CHARLEYS ESCAPE. 123 negro suddenly looked away, and went to get some tobacco from one of his companions. In another minute Charley was crawling on all fours through the underwood. His face and hands were scratched and bleeding, but he pressed on, and at length was able to stand upright. At last he reached the river, and then he hurried along the bank as fast as his bleeding limbs and failing strength would permit him to travel. It was a great undertaking for so young a boy, --to travel so many miles in tho face of such difficulties through an unknown country...