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17. The Coast of Oregon
When he had somewhat recovered, Rob sat up and looked around him.
The elder sailor was kneeling in earnest prayer, offering grateful thanks
for his escape from suffering and death. The younger one lay upon the
ground sobbing and still violently agitated by recollections of the frightful
experiences he had undergone. Although he did not show his feelings as
plainly as the men, the boy was none the less gratified at having been
instrumental in saving the lives of two fellow-beings.
The darkness was by this time rapidly enveloping them, so Rob asked his
companions to gather some brushwood and light a fire, which they
quickly did. The evening was cool for the time of year, and the heat from
the fire was cheering and grateful; so they all lay near the glowing
embers and fell fast asleep.
The sound of voices aroused Rob next morning, and on opening his eyes
and gazing around he saw several rudely dressed men approaching. The
two shipwrecked sailors were still sound asleep.
Rob stood up and waited for the strangers to draw near. They seemed to
be fishermen, and were much surprised at finding three people asleep
upon the bluff.
"
Whar 'n thunder 'd ye come from?" asked the foremost fisherman, in a
surprised voice.
"
From the sea," replied the boy. "My friends here are shipwrecked sailors
from the 'Cynthia Jane.'"
"
"
But how'd ye make out to climb the bluff?" inquired a second fisherman;
no one ever did it afore, as we knows on."
"
Oh, that is a long story," replied the boy, evasively.
The two sailors had awakened and now saluted the new-comers. Soon
they were exchanging a running fire of questions and answers.
"
Where are we?" Rob heard the little sailor ask.
"
Coast of Oregon," was the reply. "We're about seven miles from Port
Orford by land an' about ten miles by sea."
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