Part 31 (1/2)

[Ill.u.s.tration: THE BOY'S ILl.u.s.tRATION.

FIG. 108.--Blythe's Flute Charms Tigrina.]

Blythe's heart fluttered a little, it must be confessed. It really seemed that the grim creature was preparing to pounce upon him. See! she is just above the musician's head. She has fastened a cable to the branch and is slowly lowering herself toward the ground. There was a slight quaver in the notes of the flute that could not be credited wholly to the performer's intention. Yet, he behaved with wonderful coolness and courage. The music went on; not a false note, not a pause, while the Pixie was gradually lowering herself toward the ground.

When about one-third of the descent had been made, Tigrina paused and sat quite still. She was listening to the music, not foraging for victims! Blythe's flute had charmed her forth from her cell. There she hung in mid air indulging her fondness for sweet sounds. Who would have thought it of the old hag? However, it would perhaps be well to mention that it has frequently been reported that some Pixies are strangely sensitive to music.[AX]

True's conduct was now explained. He had caught a glimpse of the Pixinee when she first left her hall, but had not been able to mark the spot from which she came. When the singing stopped and the applause began, Tigrina retreated so rapidly and stealthily that the Sergeant again failed to note the door of her cave, but saw the general direction and neighborhood thereof. He thought that if Blythe would repeat the music it would charm the old creature forth once more, and so it proved.

From his blind in the bushes he saw the cave door slowly open, and marked the spot. He saw the Pixinee peep here and there, then, satisfied that the coast was clear, return to her place above the musician, where she hung and listened as before.

True had gained his point. He did not indeed understand how near he was to his heart's great desire. But he had thought it probable that Faith and Sophia might be hidden on the island in some of the Pixie dens, and at once resolved to follow up this fortunate incident in hope that it might give a clew to a more important discovery. He quietly left his hiding place, planted himself before the spot whence Tigrina had come, and drew his battle axe.

”Hist!” The sound directed the Brownies' attention toward him. ”Close in around me when I call. Don't move before that. Now, Blythe,--stop!”

The music ceased. No one stirred for a moment or two; then Tigrina, as though persuaded that the performance had ended, scampered up the cable from which she hung, and hurried off toward her cave.

”Close up!” ordered True.

The company rushed forward and surrounded the Sergeant, who now stood with axe poised, face to face with the Pixinee. Tigrina was in the act of springing upon True. Her claws were outstretched, her eyes were ablaze with excitement, and in the greatness of her wrath her fangs clattered against each other.

As the Brownies closed the circle about her, she started, and cast a quick, terrified glance around her. Then her whole visage changed; the arms fell to her side; her face dropped upon her chest; her limbs relaxed; the eyes became gla.s.sy and fixed; she suddenly sank to the ground and lay rigid and motionless.

True lowered his axe. An exclamation of surprise broke from the group.

”Is she dead?” asked several at once.

Pipe stepped to Tigrina's side and cautiously turned her body with his foot.

”'Pon my honor,” he said, ”I do believe the old witch has burst a blood-vessel, or had an attack of apoplexy. She's dead as a mackerel.”

”It does seem so, indeed,” remarked True, who had also examined the body. ”There is every sign of death, beyond doubt. For my part I don't wonder, for I never saw such a swift and terrible change in any living creature as came over this one.”

”Come,” said Clearview, ”let me try an experiment. I know something more of the tricks of these Pixies than you. They can beat the 'possums at feigning death. Now, I venture that Madame here is as alive and awake as any of you. Stand back a little. We shall see. Bring me a cord.”

A stout cord was brought by one of the sailors. Clearview approached cautiously, and looped the rope around all the Pixinee's limbs except one arm. During all this there was no sign of life.

”Hand me your axe, Sergeant.” The weapon was pa.s.sed to him. ”Observe now,” continued Clearview, ”that I intend to strike just where that claw lies. If the creature is dead it will not hurt her to have it chopped off.”

[Ill.u.s.tration: FIG. 109.--Att.i.tudes of Spiders when Feigning Death.]

He lifted the axe deliberately, and struck directly at the unbound arm which was stretched out motionless upon the gra.s.s. The blade sank into the ground! The claw had been removed by a quick motion as the axe fell.

”Phew----ew!” said Pipe, drawing a long breath. ”Talk about wonders of the stage! That acting beats Charlotte Cushman all hollow.”[AY]

A burst of merriment broke from the circle of astonished and amused Brownies, in the midst of which Tigrina slowly raised her body from the ground, and sat up looking around upon her captors, quite crestfallen.

”Well,” she said at last, ”now you have me, what'll you do with me?”

The Brownie officers held a brief, whispered consultation. Then the boatswain addressed Tigrina.

”Old woman, we shall exchange few words with you. You know well that your life in ordinary circ.u.mstances wouldn't be worth a salt herring.