The Mysterious Island Twenty Thousand Leagues Under the Sea by Captain Grant's Children

Chapter 148 The Mysterious Island (33)
Pencroft smoked and smoked, until at last he remembered to ask: "Who has discovered this? Perhaps it was you, Harbert?"

"Pencroft, it's not I, it's Sprine."

The sailor hugged the reporter tightly to his chest and shouted, "Mr. Splane!" The other had never been hugged so intimately.

Jardin Splane, who had been so out of breath just now, was breathing freely."Oh, Pencroft," said he, "you owe them all, Harbert for recognizing the plant, Cyrus for the tobacco, and Neb for keeping the secret for us with great difficulty!"

The sailor said emotionally: "Very well, my dear friends, I will definitely repay you! Believe me! But now, let us live and die together with one heart and one mind!"

Exploring the inner well
With the arrival of June comes winter.June is about the same weather as December in the arctic regions, and sewing warm and strong clothes is a top priority during this period.

After cutting the wool of blue sheep in the high pen, the next step is to consider how to process this precious textile raw material into clothing.

It is well known that Cyrus Harding had no brushing, carding, drawing, polishing, spinning, twisting, etc. machines for spinning wool, nor looms for weaving wool.Therefore, he had to save the two processes of spinning and weaving, and adopted a simpler method.This simple method is to take advantage of the properties of wool fibers, mess them up, and squeeze them from all directions at the same time, so that they are intertwined in a chaotic way, forming a wool felt.Such felt can be obtained by simple extrusion, and although this method makes the material less soft, its warmth is greatly improved.And rock wool happens to be composed of very short fibers, which is very beneficial for felting.

The engineer, with the help of his companions, including Pencroft, who was once more forced to abandon his ship, began the preliminary work.The fat and oil that has penetrated into the wool must be removed first, the so-called degreasing process, that is, the degreasing process is carried out in some vats filled with water.The water temperature has to reach 24 degrees, the wool has to be soaked for [-] hours, and then washed thoroughly with soda, and then squeezed out of the water, so that the wool becomes fluffy, so it is made into a rough, but Very strong material.This crude material may not be ignored in developed European and American industrial centers, but it is welcomed by everyone on this "Lincoln Island".

It is certain that the material was known in antiquity, and it is so, that the first woolen materials were made by the method which Cyrus Harding was about to employ.

In fact, engineers are best at making machines for pressing wool.Because he knows how to drive the shrinking machine, in his eyes, the powerful mechanical force generated by the waterfall on the beach has come to be developed and utilized.

This shrinking machine is very simple.Attach to a tree cams by which vertical mortars are raised and lowered by turns; stone grooves are provided in which the mortars rest and are stuffed with wool; and a strong The frame that holds and connects the whole unit: the whole machine is like that.People used machines like this for hundreds of years until the mortars were replaced by compression rollers.The raw material is no longer beaten, but the real rolling begins.

The work, under the right direction of Cyrus Harding, was accomplished with complete success.In order to ensure the quality of the wool felt, we soak the wool in soapy water first. The soapy water is used to make the wool easy to compress, slide and become soft, and to prevent the wool from being hammered.When the wool comes out of the shrinking machine, the wool fibers are tightly entangled and hooked together, and a thick felt suitable for making clothes and blankets is formed.Of course this cannot be compared with cashmere, merine, tweed, plain, Chinese silk, ribbed, silk wool, camel's hair, flannel and cloth.But in everyone's eyes, this material is the best in the world, this is "Lincoln Island Felt"!In this way, another industry has been added to "Lincoln Island".

As a result, everyone has good quality clothes and warm quilts, and there is no need to worry about the arrival of the winter of 1866 and 1867.

Around June 6, the cold really began to show.Pencroft's shipbuilding was also suspended.Although the project was sure to be finished by spring, he still regretted it.

There was a firm belief in the sailor's mind that he must go to Tabor Island for a survey.But, as the deserted and semi-arid cliffs were difficult to escape in case of danger, Cyrus Harding disapproved of this curious journey.Cyrus Harding was worried about this. The journey of 150 nautical miles, the boat was small, and it was an unknown ocean. Such a trip was indeed uneasy.What would happen in this precarious Pacific Ocean if the boat could not reach Tabor Island and "Lincoln Island" could not come back?

Cyrus Harding often talked about this plan with Pencroft, trying to persuade the sailors to give up the plan, but the stubborn sailors would not listen at all, and said that they would never give up the trip.He himself may not have felt that he was going his own way.

One day, the engineer said to him again: "In any case, I have to remind you that you have said many times in the past how good 'Lincoln Island' is, and you have also said many times that if you have to leave it, you It will be sad, but now you are the one who wants to leave it."

Pencroft said indifferently: "Only a few days, Mr. Cyrus Harding, just a few days! The time to come and go, and the time required to visit the island, just a few days."

"But it's certainly not as good as 'Lincoln Island'!"

"There is this certainty."

"Then why are you taking risks?"

"Just trying to figure out what's going on on Tabor Island!"

"But nothing happened there, and nothing will happen!"

"Who knows?"

"What if we catch some storm?"

Pencroft replied: "No such thing will happen this season, don't worry about it, but, Mr. Cyrus, there may be unexpected things, please allow me to take Harbert with me." travel."

The engineer put his hand on the sailor's shoulder kindly and said: "Pencroft, because of this accident, I have regarded this child as our son. If something happens to you and him, we will never be able to get rid of this pain in this life." gone."

Pencroft replied: "Don't worry, Mr. Cyrus, we'll be safe. Or we'll talk about the matter when the weather is about to come. Besides, I trust, if you see that we're fully equipped When you see the metal work on the ship, the sail rigging, and how it behaves at sea, there will be no more doubts. When we sail around the island-it is agreed that we will circle the circle together. I believe that, You will definitely not stop us from setting off! Now I can tell you that your ship must be a masterpiece!" It seems that his confidence is still unshakable.

"It's our ship, Pencroft!" said the engineer, softening his manner.

This conversation is over, but none of them convinced anyone, and they will talk again in the future.

The first snow comes around the end of June.There is already enough feed in the corral, so there is no need to check it every day, but everyone agrees that they should go there once a week.

They also laid traps and experimented with baleen made by Cyrus Harding--that is, baleen bent, then allowed to freeze, and then covered with a thick layer of blubber, and finally passed by the animals on their way to the lake. put it in place.

The engineers were very satisfied, and the method, invented by fishermen in the Aleutian Islands, was a success.They harvested several wild boars, a dozen foxes, and even a tough jaguar.These animals were killed by being pierced through the stomach by the straightened baleen.

There is another very meaningful thing to say here, this is the first attempt everyone made to connect with people from the outside world.

Jardine Splane had considered many times, either bottled up a statement about everybody and thrown it into the sea, where it might drift to inhabited shores; or sent a pigeon to the island. Someone outside sends a message.However, the distance between "Lincoln" Island and the nearest piece of land is at least twelve hundred nautical miles, and no one can believe that pigeons or bottles will reach the other shore.Sounds like a fantasy.

But, on June 6, they finally caught an albatross.It had been shot by Hubbert, and suffered a slight wound in the paw.The bird was a megaptera, with wings spread ten feet long.This giant winged bird should be able to fly over a sea as wide as the Pacific Ocean.

Soon, the wound of this beautiful albatross healed, and Hubert really wanted to keep it and tame it well.Under the persuasion of Jardine Splane, Harbot also understood that he could not lose this rare opportunity, and he had to find a way to use this messenger to contact the mainland in the Pacific region.If the albatross came from somewhere inhabited, it will surely fly back when it is free again.Therefore, Hubbert gave up the idea of ​​domestication.

Jardine Splane sometimes accepts requests from column editors.For his part, however, it was a pleasure to write an account of what had happened to the castaways of "Lincoln Island."

If this article can reach the respected president John Bennett and the "New York Herald" publishes it, then this issue of the newspaper will definitely cause a great sensation, and it will be a great success!
So Jardine Splane wrote a brief fact sheet and sealed it in a strong, glued cloth bag.In order to allow this short article to be discovered by the New York Herald, he pleaded repeatedly in his explanation that those who found it must deliver it to the office of the New York Herald.Because the bird is used to perching on the surface of the sea, the small bag was tied around the albatross' neck.Then, everyone watched excitedly as the freed albatross quickly flapped its wings and disappeared into the western mist.

"Where did it go?" asked Pencroft.

Hubbert replied, "New Zealand."

"Bon voyage!" cried the sailor, not having much hope for this method of communication.

The harsh winter has finally arrived.So they turned back to Granite House and did some indoor work, like mending clothes and making various things, and they made sails for ships, which were cut out of the never-ending supply of balloon-sacs.

Throughout July, the weather is extremely cold.But they need not save wood and coal.Cyrus Harding also built another fireplace in the hall, by which the long winter evenings were spent.Everyone chatted while working, and read books when they were resting.Time passed day by day, and everyone gained something.

After dinner, the house smells of elderberry coffee and tobacco.For everyone, listening to the roaring storm outside in the warm living room created by candlelight and coal fire is really a kind of enjoyment!They were always talking about their country, friends they had left, about the great United States of America.At this moment, they miss their country and friends more than ever.

Cyrus Harding was personally involved in the affairs of the "United States."His analysis of reality and prediction of the future aroused everyone's strong interest.

"My dear Cyrus, is there not the danger that, in your predictions, these trades and industries will go on forever, and that they will stop anyway?"

"Stop! Why stop?"

"Because of the lack of coal, coal is the most precious mineral, and coal will be used up sooner or later!"

The engineer replied, "Yes, coal is the most precious thing, and nature probably wanted to prove it, so she created diamonds, which are crystallized pure coal."

"Mr. Cyrus," asked Pencroft again, "are you trying to tell us that diamonds are going to be thrown into the furnace for coal?"

Cyrus Harding replied, "Not so, my friend."

Jardine Splane said: "But I repeat, you won't deny that someday the coal will run out?"

"Well, there is still more than enough coal reserves. One hundred thousand miners only extract one hundred million quintals a year, and they will not be exhausted any time soon!"

Jardin Splane added: "Coal is being used more and more, and it can be concluded that these 20 miners will soon increase to [-], and the mining volume will double, can't it?
"It may be like this, but new machines will be invented soon, so that it can be mined at a deeper level. At the same time, when the coal in Europe is exhausted, the coal seams in America and Australia can also be mined to meet the long-term consumption of the industry."

The reporter asked: "How long can I be satisfied?"

"It is estimated that there will be no problem in 250 to 300 years."

"We may be safe and sound, but our children and grandchildren will be worrying!"

"There are alternatives," Hubbert said.

Jardine Splane replied: "There should be hope, because, after all, without coal, there would be no machinery, and there would be no railroads, steamships, factories, and all that is necessary for the development of modern life!"

Pencroft continued: "What substitute could be found? Can you imagine it, Mr. Cyrus?"

"Almost, my friend."

"What else is there to burn without burning coal?"

Cyrus Harding said with certainty: "Boil water!"

Pencroft exclaimed in amazement: "Boiling water? Boiling water to heat locomotives and steamships, and boiling water to heat water?"

Cyrus Harding answered: "Yes, but not ordinary water as we now use it, but water decomposed into its constituent parts, and probably to be decomposed by electricity, so that the water becomes a manipulable, powerful Because everything in the world is basically coordinated and complementary to each other. Although this is difficult to explain, it does exist. Friends, I believe that one day water will become a fuel, and the hydrogen and hydrogen that make it up Oxygen will be used separately or simultaneously as an inexhaustible source of light or heat, and its intensity is incomparable to that of coal. In that day, the tender of the locomotive and the coal storage room of the steamship will be filled with These two compressed gases, not coal. They will generate a huge amount of heat when they burn. So, you don't need to worry. As long as there are people living on the earth, people's needs will be met, and light and heat will never disappear , as eternal as the products of the mineral, vegetable, and animal kingdoms. I conclude, therefore, that if the coal seams are exhausted, water will be the coal of the future, and men will use it for warmth and heat.”

"I wish I could see that," said the sailor.

Neb said: "Pencroft, you were born too early." This sentence was the only one he made in this discussion.

But before Neb had finished speaking, he was interrupted by a cry from Top.And the cry sounded again, with an even weirder tone.Everyone has heard the sound of Top, so it once caught the attention of the engineer.While making strange noises, Top kept turning around the mouth of the well again.The wellhead is at the end of the interior corridor.

Pencroft asked: "Why is Top yelling like that again?"

Hubbert added, "Why is Jupp called that?"

Indeed, the orangutan and the dog uttered the same excited strange cry, and at the same time, the sound contained anxiety and anger.

Jardin Splane said: "Obviously, this well must be connected to the sea. It must have been that some marine animal came to the bottom of the well to breathe just now."

"That's the only way to explain it," replied the sailor, "and it is evidently so." Turning to Top, Pencroft added, "Well, Top, shut up." And to Jupp: "You too. Go back to your room, Jupe."

Both the chimpanzee and the dog fell silent.Jupp went back to bed, but Top remained in the drawing room.Throughout the night, the dog continued to bark low-pitched.

Nothing happened again, but concern was written all over the engineer's face.

The rest of July was rainy and unseasonably cold.Temperatures were slightly warmer than last winter, but the low was 8 degrees below freezing at 13.3 degrees Fahrenheit.the following.Although this winter is not very cold, under the attack of blizzards and gusts of wind, coupled with the impact of sea water, the "chimney" has been damaged time and time again.It seems that the tsunami caused by the shock of the seabed set off these turbulent waves and stormed the stone wall of the "Granite Palace".The waves were thrown back powerfully in dazzling spray, and the furious waters flooded the whole beach, and the plateau seemed to float on the sea, and the boiling foam rose to a height of more than 100 feet.

Everyone lay at the window, watching the giant waves roaring, rolling and crashing in front of their eyes. Everyone couldn't help but marvel at the power of nature.

Trees are often downed during storms, making walking difficult and dangerous.But everyone still checks the following corrals every week. Fortunately, the southeast ridge branch of "Franklin Peak" is sheltered, so this enclosure has not suffered too much damage from the storm, and the livestock, sheds, fences and trees are basically intact.The poultry farm built on Prospect Heights was not so lucky because it faced directly to the east wind.The fence was also knocked down and the roof of the pigeon shed was toppled twice.All of these need repairs and ways to make them stronger.It is obvious that "Lincoln Island" is the most treacherous sea in the Pacific Ocean.It was really like the center of a wide-spreading tornado, which whipped at it like a whip on a top.Only here, the top is standing still, and the whip is spinning.

During the first week of August, the wind dies down and the weather gradually calms down.But the temperature continued to drop. It was extremely cold. The thermometer was probably 8 degrees below the freezing point of minus 22 degrees Fahrenheit.The following is up.

On August 8, they went to the direction where the "Crown Duck Swamp" is located - the southeastern part of the island.The plan to go out this time has been considered for several days.People are primarily attracted to the aquatic prey that spend the winter there.There are countless sand pheasants, mallards, pintails and teals.That's why they agreed to use a day's time to acquire these waterfowl.

(End of this chapter)