The Island School — page 161: what you’re looking at

Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.

154 “Massa Farrell wanta cup. He been out on de spree all night, an’ took bad in de schoolroom.” “On de spree ?” exclaimed the amazed Macbeth. “Seem so,” said Romeo. “ Anyway, when me went in dere to sweep up de dust, dere he was, on him back, snorin’ like a full congregative at de chapel, sermon-time. Dere a ladder by de window, showin’ how he got in.” “Dat true enough,” bawled out Hamlet from the rear; “it am wisible at dis moment.” Macbeth went out, accompanied by Romeo, and they both had a look at the ladder. The latter quietly took it away from the window, remarking, “ Dat he see no use in reposin’ de massa to de boys.” “But what hab he been a-doin’?” asked Macbeth ; ¢ dere no place for larks on de island.” ‘‘Dere more dan you ’speck,” said Romeo, myste- riously. “ But about dis cup ob tea; he want him berry badly.” ‘The tea was hurried on, and Romeo took a cup to Mr. Farrell, who was sitting dejectedly on one of the forms in the schoolroom. He could make nothing of his mysterious adventure the night before, nor could he associate it in any way with his similar experience in the cave. It was the darkest and deepest of mysteries to him, and naturally his thoughts turned towards the super- natural. He asked Romeo if he ever heard any sounds or saw any sights that could be called out of the common in the house, and Romeo plunged into a record of the sufferings from spirits endured by his father and grandfather. Mr. Farrell listened, not liking to believe, but, - coupling it with his own experience, hardly able to avoid doing so. It was a great puzzle, to say the least. He went away to his room and sat down in his chair. He knew that sooner or later he would be missed by Mrs. Farrell, who would come in search of him, One of the curious portions of the feminine nature is that the more worthless a man is, the more interest they take in his movements, if there is the least mystery in the matter. He heard her coming, and feigned to be sound asleep. He had a part to play. Mrs. Farrell opened the door and peeped in. Her spouse favoured her with a soit snore by way of salute. _ % Nap!” she exclaimed. He opened his eyes and stared about him with well- feigned bewilderment. “Where am 1?” he asked, imitating the stage- heroine aroused from slumber. ““Why,in your study, Nap,” morning.” she said, “and it is THE ISLAND SCHOOL. ‘Morning !” he repeated, incredulously; “then F must have been asleep in this chair all night. I am sorry, my dear, that you did not think it worth your while to rouse me.” “T fell asleep last night,” she said, “ and did not awake until this morning. I am very sorry.” ‘¢ Never mind, my dear,” he said, with elephantine: cheerfulness ; ‘it is rather trying to the constitution, but matters might have been worse.” “Can I get you a cup of tea, Nap?” “No, my dear.” “T should have thought you required one.” He had forgotten that he was concealing from her very material facts, and quickly changed his mind. “T meant'that I shall be very glad of one,” he said. So the bell was rung, but there was no response; and after waiting awhile Mrs. Farrell rang again. Almost immediately the soft footstep of Romeo was. heard approaching. Presenting himself atthe door, he exhibited a pair of wild eyes starting from his head. ‘Massa Groby !” he gasped. “What in the name of all misfortune has hap- pened ?” cried the schoolmaster. “He gone,’ said Romeo; “cl’ared out in de night Put on him clothes, filled a bag wif extra clothes, and gone orf.” “But the man was still seriously ill,” said Mr: Farrell; “‘ his wounds could only be half healed.” “Still he am gone,” insisted Romeo, “ and dere a letter lef for someborry on de table.” “Then why did you not bring it with you ?” a Massa, how me know whoitam for? You don’t ‘spect a pocr nigger like me to read de writing.” “IT will see who it is addressed to,” said the school- master. He left the room, beckoning to Romeo to follow him, fearing his tongue might run loose and utter forbidden matter. In Mr. Groby’s room there were many indications of: hasty departure—drawers open, odd things tossed upon the floor, a store of clothing diminished and disarranged. On the table was a note folded and addressed to the schoolmaster, but not sealed down or fastenéd in any way. Its contents were very brief. ‘‘T have left this house, unable to stay under a roof where I have conceived and executed so much bitter wrong. It is my intention to make for the woods, and in a: lonely existence do something towards the expiation of my sins, That was all. Mr. Farrell, not being in the secret of much of the conduct of his departed master, knew not what to make of it. One thing only was clear = Romeo was relieved of a duty, and he dismissed him to attend to his ordinary work. com Cc 900 ES (el @) nN