The Boy Fortune Hunters in the South Seas by L. Frank Baum

"This is a terrible experience," said De Jiminez in a gloomy voice. "A nation's fate has been decided by a South Sea typhoon!"

"All is not lost," replied Little Jim, attempting to console him. "The ship is high on the rocks yonder, and all the arms and ammunition may yet be saved. Perhaps the natives of this island are civilized and friendly, and will care for us until we can find another ship to take us to Colombia."

His father shook his head disconsolately.

"I doubt if any people at all live on these rocks," he said. "The place seems absolutely barren."

"Why, there is a grove of big trees a quarter of a mile back," declared Alfonso, "and the island is surely big enough to support many inhabitants. Wherever there are trees we are likely to find fields of grain and fruits. Come; let us go inland and explore the place."

During this conversation the three women had huddled under their wet cloaks, terrified and trembling. To them this adventure was a dreadful thing. To be shipwrecked upon a barren island is not wholly unknown to mankind but may well be regarded at all times with foreboding and horror.

"Come, then," said the elder De Jiminez; "let us walk to the forest yonder. We shall find better shelter there, if nothing more."

"Wait a moment, please! " I exclaimed, for I had been watching Bryonia and Nux, who stood apart eagerly conversing together.

"Why should we wait? " demanded Alfonso, annoyed at my interference.

"Because these blacks are natives of the South Seas," I replied, "and they think they recognize this island. Let us therefore counsel with them before we act."

"Bah! Any of these islands is safe enough," persisted the boy.

"I am not sure of that," I responded. "We are far from the usual path of ships as we have been blown from our course by the gale. This island is not marked upon any chart, I am sure, which means that there is no record of a white man having ever visited it."

This statement had its influence upon our passengers, for they cast uneasy glances around and I am sure De Jiminez had no desire to risk the safety of the women by acting recklessly.

Presently our blacks came toward us with grave faces. Bryonia approached my father and said:

"We pretty sure this Faytan Island, the home of the cruel Pearl People. If that is so, we no safe here, and better go away."

"What, and leave the _Seagull_! " exclaimed my father.

"If no go away," returned Bry in solemn tones, "we soon be dead."

"Why?"

"Pearl People never let people come to their island. If people come, they kill 'em quick. Nux and I, we once live on island near here. Twice the young men of my people make a war party to conquer Pearl People. The first time none ever came back. The second time Nux and I we go with them. We have many hundred fighting men -- warriors. We come to other side of island, where is big city. Pearl People see us and send many hundred boats to meet us on the water. We make brave fight. All our warriors die. Nux and me, we bound and put in bottom of canoe. Pearl People king say he take us to city and kill us with fire to honor his great Pearl God, who win him the fight. But sudden storm come up; very bad storm; our boat break away and drift out to sea; we nearly die from thirst and pain when you pick us up and save us. That the story of the Pearl People. They very bad, cruel blacks."

Bry's dramatic recital gave us all food for thought, as may well be imagined. The sailors and passengers formed an eager group around him and listened intently to the tale; but there was little of comfort in it for anyone.