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

Chapter 150 The Mysterious Island (35)
The inner walls and decks of the ship were all finished around September 9th.They used dried seaweed to make stuffing to fill in the seams of the ship, and then used a mallet to drive the stuffing between the hull planks, decks, and inner walls.Finally, close these seams with boiled turpentine.Pine resin is provided by pine trees in the forest.

The arrangement of the boat is very simple.A ballast of heavy granite stones was chosen, which weighed around 1.2 pounds and was set in a lime trough.The deck was laid over the ballast, and the interior of the ship was divided into two rooms, with two benches set aside to serve as trunks.The base of the mast supported the partition between the two rooms, which were accessed through two hatches fitted with tarpaulins and facing the deck.

Pencroft had no difficulty in finding a suitable tree for the mast.It is a straight young fir, and it only needs to be rounded off at the top to make its mast square.Metal fittings such as masts, rudders, and hulls are also made from the "chimney" iron furnace. Although they are not delicate, they are very strong.Be aware that they are not meant to look good.The rest of the studs, rigging, masts, booms and oars were also completed during the first week of October.Everyone decided to test the boat around the island first to verify the driving conditions and safety of the boat.

Those necessary works were not neglected for shipbuilding.Because the blue sheep and lambs had new life, the livestock pen was expanded.Oyster farms, rabbit farms, coal and iron mines, were not forgotten by all.They also surveyed several places in the Far West Forest that had not been set foot in the past, and there were many prey there.

They also collected some plants unique to the island, although they are currently useless, but increased the plant categories of the "Granite Palace" reserve.These plants are of the genus Apricot, some of which are similar to those grown in the Cape of Good Hope, and whose fleshy leaves are edible.Some produced starchy kernels.

The day the ship went to sea was October 10.Pencroft smiled and looked bright.The whole process was very successful.Rolling the well-equipped boat to the shore, and just approaching the rising water, she floated up, and there was a joyous applause, the loudest of which was Pencroft, who is always immodest under such circumstances.Moreover, everyone jointly elected him as the commander-in-chief of the ship and awarded him the title of captain.So when the ship was finished, his vanity was once again satisfied.

In order to satisfy Captain Pencroft, they first named the ship.Everyone put forward a lot of suggestions and discussed again. Finally, under the suggestion of loyal sailors, they unanimously agreed to use the name "Lucky".

The Lucky floated as soon as it hit the water and stayed well within its waterline.At the same time, it can drive well no matter what direction it is heading.On that day, the trial voyage was conducted off the coast.At this moment, the sky is clear and the sea is calm, especially on the south coast, where the northwest wind has been blowing for an hour.

Captain Pencroft cried, "Aboard! Aboard!"

Cyrus Harding was also anxious to see how the ship would fare.For in the final analysis it was he who drew the plans, although he often made changes in certain parts at the suggestion of the sailors.And he was not so sure of it as Pencroft.Of late Pencroft had made no further mention of the visit to Tabor Island.Cyrus Harding was very reluctant to venture his companions far away in this ship, as she was so small at not more than fifteen tons, and it was hoped that Pencroft had forgotten the plan.Lunch is required for departure, and it is best to bring some food, because if the trial voyage may last until the evening.

At 10:30, everyone boarded the boat, including Jupp and Top.The anchor was dropped on the sand near the mouth of the Thanksgiving River, and Neb and Harbert heaved it.Then set sail. The flag of "Lincoln Island" was hoisted on the top of the mast, and the "Lucky" piloted by Pencroft put out to sea.

Need to sail backwards to sail out of "United States Bay".They found that the speed of the ship was also satisfactory on this course.

After rounding the drifting objects "Headland" and "Claw Point", Pencroft had to sail out of the wind in order to follow the west coast of the island.After traveling a straight distance, Pencroft observed that the "Lucky" could go to about five directions without yaw.U-turns are also nimble, and sailors say they can "steer the rudder hard," while turning into a headwind with no problem.

The passengers of the "Lucky" are very happy.On a warm day, it's a delight to drive around the sea.Now they finally have a good boat that can run.It will surely help them a lot in a time of need.

Pencroft sailed near Balloon Harbour, about three or four miles from the shore.Here you can see the whole picture of "Lincoln Island".After a winter of closure, the old look of "Lincoln Island" has taken on a new look.The coastline from Claw Point to Snaketail Headland is varied.From the close-up of the forest, the coniferous trees that have just sprouted are green.Overlooking the whole island from "Franklin Peak", you can see the white snow on the peak.

"It's beautiful!" exclaimed Hubbert.

Pencroft replied: "Of course, this is our island, our island is beautiful and good, and I love it like my dear mother! It took us. At that time, we were very poor and had nothing, but now we are here What do the five castaways need?"

Neb replied, "Everything! Captain!"

Two just and good men salute their island with a loud three-cry "Hurrah!"
During this time, Jardine Splane leaned on the base of the mast, painting the beautiful scenery in front of him.

Cyrus Harding watched silently.

"Well, what do you think of our ship, Mr. Cyrus?" asked Pencroft.

"It seems to be driving fine," the engineer replied.

"Very well! Will you now see if it is suitable for a short trip?"

"What trip, Pencroft?"

"For instance, to Tabor Island?"

Cyrus Smith replied: "My friend, if there is any emergency, I might as well take the 'Lucky' to go to a farther place. However, according to the current situation, it is not very necessary, let it go I will be sad to see you go to Tabor Island."

Pencroft replied: "Everyone wants to know his neighbor. Tabor Island is our neighbor and the only neighbor. Even out of courtesy, we should go and see it!" It can be seen that he is very stubborn. .

Jardine Splane said: "Strange! Our friend Pencroft is so well behaved!"

The sailor retorted: "I don't follow the rules at all." The engineer's objection made him very unhappy, but he didn't want to embarrass the engineer.

Cyrus Harding replied: "Pencroft, think again, you cannot go to Tabor Island alone."

"Just one traveling companion is enough."

The engineer replied: "Think about it, wouldn't it be possible for us to lose two-fifths of our members?"

Pencroft replied: "You forget Jupp, it's two-sixths, that's one-third!"

Neb added: "Top also counts, two-sevenths!"

Pencroft added: "Mr. Cyrus, rest assured that you will be very safe."

"There may be no danger, Pencroft, but hear me again, the risk is unnecessary!"

The stubborn sailor didn't answer.This conversation was temporarily put on hold, and he planned to find another opportunity to continue persuading Sellers in the future.But he didn't expect that a small incident that was about to happen helped him realize this wish, and turned an idea that was thought to be purely curious and controversial, into an act of kindness.

After the "Lucky" sailed in the open sea for a while, it began to approach the coast and headed for the "Balloon Port".As this little bay was to serve as homeport, it was necessary to check the channel between the sand and the reef, in order to place a beacon there.

When they were half a nautical mile from the coast, they had to steer forward with the sea wind facing diagonally. The speed of the "Lucky" was much slower, and because the high ground blocked part of the wind, the sails were not easy to bulge.The sea surface is as calm as a mirror, and only when the breeze blows by, there will be bursts of fine ripples.

Hubbert stood at the bow of the ship to indicate the channel, and suddenly shouted:

"Pencroft, turn the ship and steer, turn the ship and steer!"

The sailor stood up and said, "Why do you say that? Is there a rock?"

Hubbert said, "No... wait, I can't see very well... turn the boat around again... come a little more..."

As he spoke, Hubbert threw himself down on the side of the boat, threw his arms swiftly into the water, then rose again and cried:

"A bottle!"

He fished out a sealed bottle from the water.This he just fished out a few chains from shore.

Cyrus Smith took the bottle, pried off the cork without saying a word, and then pulled out a slightly damp piece of paper, on which was written: Tabor Island: West Longitude 153°, South Latitude 37°11 ’… killed.

No trace of people was found

exclaimed Pencroft: "Ah! Mr. Cyrus, a wreck! He was wrecked on Tabor Island, a few hundred leagues from us! Now you will agree to my travel plans!"

"No, Pencroft," replied Cyrus Harding, "and wants you to set off as soon as possible."

"Leave tomorrow?"

"Yes, let's go tomorrow."

The engineer looked at the piece of paper he had just drawn out of the bottle in his hand, thought for a while, and then said:
"Friends, according to this letter, we can draw the following conclusions: First, the victim has a wealth of navigation knowledge, because he can provide the longitude and latitude of the island, and it is basically consistent with our measurement, even Even points are close. Second, the letter is written in English, which means he is either British or American."

Jardin Splane said: "The analysis is correct and completely logical. The existence of this victim can explain where the box we found on the island came from. Since there are victims, then It means that there was a shipwreck. No matter who the victim is, he is lucky. Pencroft has been building this ship, but he did not expect to encounter it during the trial voyage today. If it is a day later, the bottle is likely to be smashed On the rocks."

Hubbert said: "It's really lucky, just when the bottle was floating there, the 'Lucky' was also passing there!"

Cyrus Harding asked Pencroft: "Doesn't it seem to you a strange thing?"

The sailor replied: "I just feel very lucky. Have you seen any other unusual things from it? I don't think it's anything. The bottle is floating around anyway, so why must it float somewhere else? How to get here?"

The engineer replied: "Perhaps you are right, Pencroft, but..."

Hubbert reminded: "You can take a look at the floating time of this bottle in the sea. Has it been floating for a long time? Can't you tell?"

Jardine Splane replied: "I can't see it. The letters seem to be written recently, Cyrus, what do you think?"

Cyrus Harding replied: "It is hard to prove, but we shall know!".

While all were talking, Pencroft had turned the boat.So, the "Lucky" raised all the sails, and sailed quickly to the "Claw Cape".

Everyone's thoughts are with the man who died on Tabor Island.Is there still time to save him?This is such a big deal for everyone!Although they themselves were also victims, it was estimated that that person was not as lucky as them, so they felt it was their responsibility to save him.

The "Lucky" rounded the "Claw Point" and dropped anchor at the mouth of the "Grateful River" about four o'clock.

That night, everyone made careful arrangements for this new adventure trip.Pencroft and Herbert, who knew how to steer, were the most suitable persons for the journey.If they leave the next day (October 10), they can reach their destination on the 11th.Because according to the present, it is downwind, so 13 nautical mile of 150 nautical miles = 1 meters.It takes up to 1852 hours to stay on the island for one day, and the return journey takes three or four days. In this way, they can return to "Lincoln Island" on the 48th.

The temperature is gradually rising, the weather is clear, and the wind direction does not seem to change, all of which are in favor of the humanitarian work of these two honest and good men.They are about to leave their island.

It was agreed that Cyrus Harding, Neb, and Jardin Splane remained at Granite House.But Jardine Splane suggested that as a reporter for the New York Herald, he must keep his duties in mind.He even said that even if he went swimming, he would not give up this opportunity.In the end he was allowed to go with him.

They used the night time to move a few pieces of bedding, some utensils, some weapons and ammunition, a compass, and enough food for a week to the ship.They are ready for everything.

At five o'clock in the morning the next day, everyone bid farewell to each other excitedly.Then Pencroft sailed for the Claw Cape, by which they were to go directly by the water to the southwest.

When the Luck was a quarter of a mile from shore, she could still see two figures waving farewell to them on top of Granite House, Cyrus Harding and Neb.

Jardine Splane exclaimed, "My friends! This is the first time we've been apart in fifteen months! . . . "

Pencroft, the reporter, and Harbert waved again to them both, and presently Granite House disappeared behind the tall rocks of the promontory.

During the first few hours of driving, the south coast of "Lincoln Island" was always within the sight of "Lucky".As the boat traveled farther and farther away, the island looked like a green flower basket from a distance, and the "Franklin Peak" gradually appeared, because it looked very short because of the distance.

At about one o'clock they crossed "Snaketail Headland", ten miles out to sea.From this great distance, nothing on the coast could be discerned except those round summits that stretched from the west coast to "Franklin Peak".Three hours later, there was only the vast sea in front of my eyes, and there was no trace of "Lincoln Island".

The "Lucky" sailed easily on the waves, moved forward at high speed, and was in good driving condition.Pencroft hoisted its foresail, and took the straight direction as the compass pointed.

Hubbert would often come to take the helm for him.The young man held his hand firmly and never strayed from the course, and the sailors were very pleased with him.

Jardin Splane chatted with them incessantly, and sometimes he drove.

In short, Captain Pencroft was so pleased with his crew that he did not need to encourage them with "a small bottle of wine for every tack."

At night, the first phase of the moon, which will not appear until the 16th, refers to the shape of the bright part of the moon's surface that people see.The new moon appeared at dusk, but disappeared soon after.The night is dark, but the sky is full of stars, so you can know that tomorrow will be a sunny day.

In order not to attract too much sea wind to the sail on the top of the mast, Pencroft lowered the sail.In the dead of night like this, it might be overly cautious to do so.But when sailing on an uninhabited sea, Pencroft's cautious approach is not too much.

Reporters can sleep for a while at night.Pencroft and Harbert, changing shifts every two hours, took turns at the helm.Harbert was cool and sensible, and the sailor trusted the young man as much as he trusted himself.Pencroft pointed the way to Herbert as the captain guides his helmsman, and Harbert never let the "Lucky" stray from her course.

The night was safe, and the daytime on October 10 was also safe.Throughout the day, the "Lucky" sailed strictly to the southwest.If it went on like this, it would just land at Tabor Island.

The sea was deserted.Occasionally frigatebirds or albatrosses fly by.Whenever this happened, Jardin Splane wondered if this albatross had taken away his latest column in the New York Herald.The sea between Tabor Island and "Lincoln Island" seems to be the only bird in flight.

Hubbert said: "At this time there are often whaling teams coming to the South Pacific. I do not believe, therefore, that the sea will be empty and desolate!"

"It's not so desolate," said Pencroft.

The reporter asked, "What do you mean?"

"Aren't we still there! Is our ship a wreck, or are we whales?"

Pencroft laughed when he had finished speaking, amused by what he had said.

At night, the "Lucky" has been traveling for 36 hours, and it is estimated to have traveled 120 nautical miles. It can be known that the speed of the "Lucky" is about 3.1 nautical miles.At this time, the sea breeze has gradually weakened and nearly subsided.If the direction is correct and the forecast is correct, Tabor Island will be visible at dawn tomorrow.

Tomorrow we will arrive at the long-awaited island, and Jardine Splain, Harbert, and Pencroft are so excited that they cannot restrain themselves, so that on the night from October 10th to 12th, all three did not sleep.They came to this island and experienced so many uncertainties!Are they really near Tabor Island?All three of them seemed to be dreaming.

There are countless questions popping up in their minds.Does the victim who asked for help still live on the island?Who is this person and where are they from?Would their little group of wretched men cause some kind of discord because of the human presence?So far they have been united and harmonious.There is another question, is he willing to come to a new island with them?All these problems will be solved by the next day, but they can't sleep because of it.As soon as day broke, their eyes were fixed on every point on the western horizon.

At about six o'clock in the morning Pencroft called out: "Land!"

Pencroft was not mistaken, it was really land.

How happy the passengers of the "Lucky" must have been!The degree of excitement can be imagined. In a few hours, they will be on the coast of the island!

Tabor Island was not more than fifteen miles from them, and it had a very low shore, barely protruding from the sea.Pencroft found that the "Lucky" was not heading quite south of the island, and corrected her.As the sun rose gradually, the sea became clear and several mountains appeared.

Hubbert said: "These are just a few small islands, which may have risen from the sea floor like 'Lincoln Island', but they are much smaller than 'Lincoln Island'.

At eleven o'clock in the morning, the "Lucky" was only two nautical miles from the island, and Pencroft sailed cautiously on the unfamiliar waters, while looking for a way to land.

(End of this chapter)