The Wichita daily eagle. [volume] (Wichita, Kan.) 1890-1906, 1891-02-17

1
and 122 degs. 54 minis. east longitude
This would make our position about 14C
miles east by some so miles south of the
island of Formosa, and nearly 500 miles
east of Hong Kong. By keeping on a
direct western course l could readily see
that we would miss Formosa full thirty
miles and follow in the wake of the
Jeanette. As reflected on this fact il
suddenly occurred to me that l might
mislead the robbers as to our true posi-
ton, and while pretending to pilot them
to Formosa might induce them to con-
tinue on toward Hong Kong, thereby
providing possibility Of encountering
the Jeanette. But scarcely had this
resolution taken place in my mind when
Peters approached and began to exam
inc the chart, asking me to show him
our position.
SIN response to his request 1 pointed
to spot one degree north Of our true
position, venturing the remark that we
would reach the island the quickest by
keeping In a due western course.
He made no reply to my remark, but
after asking few questions as to the
probable distance to the island he turned
TO his men and gave orders for the boat
to be headed for the north.
MY heart sank within me at this. and
for moment believed that my decep-
ton had been discovered. However, the
next moment he explained to the men
that 1t was his object to get as far out OF
the track of the Jeanette as possible be-
fore making for the island.
"Being thus treasured, l ventured to
suggest that the Jeanette would most
likely search for Us among the Bosher
islands that lay close to us on the south,
but Peters cut me off with the pert re-
mark that was not brought along to
give advice. This left me with no
alternative but to quietly submit to be-
ing carried away beyond the possibility
OF encountering the Jeanette.
"My knowledge of the island to which
we were bound was Of the most meager
character, and all could recall regard
ing 1t was that it lay some thirty leagues
off the coast of Fu-Kina, a province in
southeastern China, and was infested
with tribe Of savage and warlike ma
| tiveS.
''All that day we continued our course
to the north, then turned westward, and
two days later sighted the rock bound
coast Of eastern FormOsa. Continuing
our course northward for several leagues
we entered narrow inlet, and passing
up this for four or five miles, we landed
in a secluded spot, where we disem-
barked and concealed the boat under a
cluInp Of trees that overhung a narrow
neck in the little bay.
''In level spot about 200 yards from
the shore camp was made, and here
we remained for three days before
learned anything regarding the future
plans of my captors. Then, from what
l overheard from Peters in his conversa-
ton with the others, l learned that we
were to remain in concealment there for
three or four weeks, perhaps, when a
small vessel-a smuggler on the Chinese
coast, l gathered-cOmmanded by an
old friend and pal of Peters, would az
rive and carry us to Australia. In order
to carry out this plan one of the con-
spirators had been left aboard the Jean
nette, and on his arrival at Hong Kong
he was to see the smuggler, whose ship
would probably be at that port, and ac-
quaint him with the business on hand,
and pilot him to the place agreed upon
on the west coast of Formosa. What
disposition was TO be made of me in the
L - I
had the gravest apprehensions that 1T
was their intention to leave me on the
island.
However, was allowed my freedom,
and went and came as pleased. Some
times l would venture quite distance
inland, wandering over the hills and
through the deep canons, in which grew
abundance of tropical fruit, EhiIe birds
of rare and brilliant plumage flew about
me through the perfumed air.
1T was about a week subsequent to
our landing on the island. Twas return
ing one evening from. one of my short
excursions inland, when, on crossing a
little hill, a strange, startling sound,
coming from the camp in the valley be-
low, reached my ears.
''Hastening to the top Of the hill l
looked down into the little valley. where
a strange sight met my gaze. Coming
swiftly from a strip of deep forest to the
north, leaping over the jagged rocks that
covered the hill. saw a horde of For
mosa savages rushing furiously down
upon the sailors at the camp. bTandishing
their spears and gesiculating wildly as
they ran.
For moment was almost stupefed
with surprise and fear. Sosuddenly had
they appeared upon the scene that it
seemed as if they had sprung up from
the very earth. l recognized in a mo-
ment that | as well as the sailors was in
the most deadly peril, for the natives Of
FOrmOsa are as fierce and warliSe IS the
Sioux and Apaches of our own country.
Il heard the voice of Peters shouting
TO the men to run for the boat. but be-
fore the order could be Obeyed the saw
ages were upon them. heard the rapid
discharge of firearms as the sailors rallied
about their leader and sought TO repel
the advancing foe. Then the line OF
screaming, maddened natives closed in
upon them, and nothing could be seen I
but mass Of struggling humanity. II
would be impossible for me TO describe !
the fearful scene that followed, IN which /
the boats crew were every one cut down |
and literally hacked to pieces before my |
very eyes.
AT the first appearance of the saw
ages | had sunk down behind a clump Of 4
bushes. and, lying there upon the ground /
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