The Good Ship Barbara (Paperback)

This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1882 Excerpt: ...open country. And this is how Paul felt that hot afternoon, in the Fan village; and, feeling thus, he persuaded Mr. Parker at last to move. The natives, however, seemed in no way inclined to part with their visitors so easily. Rising up and gesticulating angrily, they completely blocked the way to the narrow door. Still no spears were lifted; and though the situation was critical, Mr. Parker thought that with the exercise of a little tact and presence of mind a means of escape might be found. "Follow me closely," he said. "If we are separated, we are lost." Then, facing the door, he took a step or two in that direction with a look of calm determination on his face; and the wall of natives in front, not yet strung up to the pitch of absolute resistance, gradually gave way. So far so good; he and Paul were in the open air. How they longed to be in the canoe, clear of these noisy and excited savages, who now crowded close upon their heels But to show the slightest sign of uneasiness, or to hasten their steps, would be fatal; and slowly and calmly that terrible walk began. When the village and cultivated ground was passed, a party of the Fans rushed forward, in order to keep ahead of their prisoners--for prisoners they were evidently now considered--while treading the narrow pathway through the high grass. Escorted thus, and feeling as if any moment a spear might be thrust through their backs, the party reached the river bank. Aroused by the noise, the canoe-men started up, and then, with a cry of affright, began pushing off from the shore. "Make a rush for it, or those cowards will run off with the canoe," cried Mr. Parker. Suiting the action to the word, he and Paul dashed forward. A scene of confusion ensued. Paul could never t...