- end_line
- 7530
- extracted_at
- 2026-01-30T20:48:15.153Z
- extracted_by
- structure-extraction-lambda
- start_line
- 7477
- text
- The period, so called by the planters, embraced about three hours in
the middle of the day; during which it was so excessively hot, in this
still, brooding valley, shut out from the Trades, and only open toward
the leeward side of the island, that labour in the sun was out of the
question. To use a hyperbolical phrase of Shorty’s, “It was ’ot enough
to melt the nose h’off a brass monkey.”
Returning to the house, Shorty, assisted by old Tonoi, cooked the
dinner; and, after we had all partaken thereof, both the Cockney and
Zeke threw themselves into one of the hammocks, inviting us to occupy
the other. Thinking it no bad idea, we did so; and, after skirmishing
with the mosquitoes, managed to fall into a doze. As for the planters,
more accustomed to “Nooning,” they, at once, presented a nuptial back
to each other; and were soon snoring away at a great rate. Tonoi
snoozed on a mat, in one corner.
At last, we were roused by Zeke’s crying out, “Up b’ys; up! rise, and
shine; time to get at it agin!”
Looking at the doctor, I perceived, very plainly, that he had decided
upon something.
In a languid voice, he told Zeke that he was not very well: indeed,
that he had not been himself for some time past; though a little rest,
no doubt, would recruit him. The Yankee thinking, from this, that our
valuable services might be lost to him altogether, were he too hard
upon us at the outset, at once begged us both to consult our own
feelings, and not exert ourselves for the present, unless we felt like
it. Then—without recognizing the fact that my comrade claimed to be
actually unwell—he simply suggested that, since he was so tired, he had
better, perhaps, swing in his hammock for the rest of the day. If
agreeable, however, I myself might accompany him upon a little
bullock-hunting excursion in the neighbouring hills. In this
proposition, I gladly acquiesced; though Peter, who was a great
sportsman, put on a long face. The muskets and ammunition were
forthwith got from overhead; and, everything being then ready, Zeke
cried out, “Tonoi! come; aramai! (get up) we want you for pilot.
Shorty, my lad, look arter things, you know; and if you likes, why,
there’s them roots in the field yonder.”
Having thus arranged his domestic affairs to please himself, though
little to Shorty’s satisfaction, I thought, he slung his powder-horn
over his shoulder, and we started. Tonoi was, at once, sent on in
advance; and leaving the plantation, he struck into a path which led
toward the mountains.
After hurrying through the thickets for some time, we came out into the
sunlight, in an open glade, just under the shadow of the hills. Here,
Zeke pointed aloft to a beetling crag far distant, where a bullock,
with horns thrown back, stood like a statue.
- title
- Chunk 3