60. CHAPTER LX.
WHAT THEY THOUGHT OF US IN MARTAIR.
Several quiet days now passed away, during which, we just
worked sufficiently to sharpen our appetites; the planters leniently
exempting us from any severe toil.
Their desire to retain us became more and more evident;
which was not to be wondered at; for, beside esteeming us
from the beginning a couple of civil, good-natured fellows, who
would soon become quite at home with them, they were not
slow in perceiving, that we were far different from the common
run of rovers; and that our society was both entertaining and
instructive to a couple of solitary, illiterate men, like themselves.
In a literary point of view, indeed, they soon regarded us
with emotions of envy and wonder; and the doctor was considered
nothing short of a prodigy. The Cockney found out,
that he (the doctor) could read a book upside down, without
even so much as spelling the big words beforehand; and the
Yankee, in the twinkling of an eye, received from him the sum
total of several arithmetical items, stated aloud, with the view
of testing the extent of his mathematical lore.
Then, frequently, in discoursing upon men and things, my
long comrade employed such imposing phrases, that, upon one
occasion, they actually remained uncovered while he talked.
In short, their favorable opinion of Long Ghost in particular,
rose higher and higher every day; and they began to indulge
in all manner of dreams concerning the advantages to be derived
from employing so learned a laborer. Among other projects
revealed, was that of building a small craft of some forty tons, for
the purpose of trading among the neighboring islands. With a
native crew, we would then take turns cruising over the tranquil
Pacific; touching here and there, as caprice suggested, and
collecting romantic articles of commerce;—beach-de-mer, the
pearl-oyster, arrow-root, ambergris, sandal-wood, cocoa-nut oil,
and edible birdsnests.
This South Sea yachting was delightful to think of; and
straightway, the doctor announced his willingness to navigate
the future schooner clear of all shoals and reefs whatsoever.
His impudence was audacious. He enlarged upon the science
of navigation; treated us to a dissertation on Mercator's Sailing
and the Azimuth compass; and went into an inexplicable
explanation of, the Lord only knows what plan of his, for infallibly
settling the longitude.
Whenever my comrade thus gave the reins to his fine fancy,
it was a treat to listen, and therefore I never interfered; but,
with the planters, sat in mute admiration before him. This apparent
self-abasement on my part, must have been considered
as truly indicative of our respective merits; for, to my no small
concern, I quickly perceived, that in the estimate formed of
us, Long Ghost began to be rated far above myself. For aught
I knew, indeed, he might have privately thrown out a hint
concerning the difference in our respective stations aboard the
Julia; or else, the planters must have considered him some illustrious
individual, for certain inscrutable reasons, going incog.
With this idea of him, his undisguised disinclination for work
became venial; and, entertaining such views of extending their
business, they counted more upon his ultimate value to them
as a man of science, than as a mere ditcher.
Nor did the humorous doctor forbear to foster an opinion
every way so advantageous to himself; at times, for the sake
of the joke, assuming airs of superiority over myself, which,
though laughable enough, were sometimes annoying.
To tell the plain truth, things at last came to such a pass,
that I told him, up and down, that I had no notion to put up
with his pretensions; if he were going to play the gentleman,
I was going to follow suit; and then, there would quickly be an
explosion.
At this he laughed heartily; and after some mirthful chat,
we resolved upon leaving the valley, as soon as we could do
so with a proper regard to politeness.
At supper, therefore, the same evening, the doctor hinted at
our intention.
Though much surprised, and vexed, Zeke moved not a
muscle. “Peter,” said he at last—very gravely—and after
mature deliberation, “would you like to do the cooking? It's
easy work; and you needn't do any thing else. Paul's heartier;
he can work in the field when it suits him; and before long, we'll
have ye at something more agreeable:—won't we, Shorty?”
Shorty assented.
Doubtless, the proposed arrangement was a snug one; especially
the sinecure for the doctor; but I by no means relished
the functions allotted to myself—they were too indefinite.
Nothing final, however, was agreed upon;—our intention to
leave was revealed, and that was enough for the present. But,
as we said nothing further about going, the Yankee must have
concluded, that we might yet be induced to remain. He redoubled
his endeavors to make us contented.
It was during this state of affairs, that one morning, before
breakfast, we were set to weeding in a potato-patch; and the
planters being engaged at the house, we were left to ourselves.
Now, though the pulling of weeds was considered by our
employers an easy occupation (for which reason, they had assigned
it to us), and although as a garden recreation, it may be
pleasant enough, for those who like it—still, long persisted in,
the business becomes excessively irksome.
Nevertheless, we toiled away for some time, until the doctor,
who, from his height, was obliged to stoop at a very acute
angle, suddenly sprang upright; and, with one hand propping
his spinal column, exclaimed, “Oh, that one's joints were but
provided with holes to drop a little oil through!”
Vain as the aspiration was, for this proposed improvement
upon our species, I cordially responded thereto; for every vertebra
in my spine was articulating its sympathy.
Presently, the sun rose over the mountains, inducing that
deadly morning languor, so fatal to early exertion in a warm
climate. We could stand it no longer; but, shouldering our
hoes, moved on to the house, resolved to impose no more upon
the good-nature of the planters, by continuing one moment
longer in an occupation so extremely uncongenial.
We freely told them so. Zeke was exceedingly hurt, and
said every thing he could think of to alter our determination;
but, finding all unavailing, he very hospitably urged us not to
be in any hurry about leaving; for we might stay with him as
guests until we had time to decide upon our future movements.
We thanked him sincerely; but replied, that the following
morning, we must turn our backs upon the hills of Martair.
