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

Chapter 154 The Mysterious Island (39)
Many days passed without the stranger being seen, but Cyrus Harding still maintained his conviction that the stranger would return, as if he had a sixth sense.

He said: "This is the last defiance of the savage. He has a sense of guilt now, but it will make him even more frightened if he is isolated from the world again."

During this time, various projects are still proceeding in an orderly manner.Cyrus Harding intended to establish a farm at Prospect Heights and the Corral.The seeds collected by Hubbert on Tabor Island have been carefully sown, and a large vegetable garden has begun to take shape.This big vegetable garden keeps everyone busy, there is always work to be done.With the increasing variety of vegetables, the vegetable field should have been expanded long ago.Some fields have been turned into real fields, and the pastures tend to shrink gradually.But there is enough forage on the island, and the wild donkeys will never lack food.In addition, Prospect Heights is protected by the deep river that surrounds it, which is a good advantage to turn into a vegetable garden.The grassland can be relocated outside. The grassland does not need to be protected, and it is not afraid of damage by other animals.

On November 11, the third batch of wheat was harvested.The area of ​​the wheat field has been constantly expanding since the first wheat was planted eighteen months ago!The second time I harvested 15 grains of wheat, this time I harvested 60 buckets, and there were more than 5 million grains of wheat!Because it only needs to sow a dozen buckets of wheat, and the annual harvest is guaranteed, enough for people and livestock to eat, so there is no shortage of wheat now.

But you can't have wheat without flour, so a mill must be built.As the first waterfall on the Thanksgiving River had been used to power the shrinking machines, Cyrus Harding intended to use the second waterfall for the mill.But after discussion, everyone agreed that it would be better to build a simple wind mill on the top of the "Granite Palace".Jianfeng Mill is no more difficult than Jianshui. Besides, this highland is facing the sea breeze, so it will definitely be very convenient in the future.

Pencroft said: "Also, this cheerfully spinning windmill is also a pretty sight!"

So, everyone started to choose the frame wood, and started to make the support and mechanical parts of the wind mill.We easily converted a few pieces of sandstone on the north side of the lake into millstones.What are the wings of a windmill made of?Of course the inexhaustible supply of balloon sacs would supply enough canvas.

Again the floor plans were drawn up by Cyrus Harding.Slightly to the right of the poultry yard is the wind mill, near the steep bank of the lake.The shaft is contained in a thick frame, and the bracket is mounted on this shaft.In this way, as the shaft rotates, the mechanical structure of the entire wind mill also rotates.

Soon, the job is done.Neb and Pencroft had long since become very competent carpenters, and they could work to the dimensions given by the engineer.Therefore, according to the drawings, a cylindrical building with a pointed lid like a pepper shaker was erected on the designated site within a few days.The four wooden frames that make up the wind wings are firmly fixed on the power shaft with iron buckles, and form a certain angle according to the requirements of the drawing.All other parts of the internal mechanical structure are also complete, with a rectangular hopper that is wide at the top and narrow at the bottom.It can ensure that the wheat falls on the millstone; it has boxes for the fixed millstone and the movable millstone; it has a vibrating trough for regulating the throughput of the wheat, because it always makes a ticking sound, it is called "the chatterer"; Finally there are sieves to separate the bran from the flour.The whole production process is not difficult, and there are available tools, and everyone goes all out, so, on December 12st, the work was completed.

As usual, Pencroft was very pleased with his new work, which he thought was perfect.

He said, "Now, with a good wind, the first harvest is well ground into flour!"

"Yes, Pencroft," said the Engineer, "a good wind will do, if it is not too strong."

"Wouldn't it be better if the wind is stronger? That way our wind mill will spin faster!"

"As a rule of thumb, it's not good for a windmill to go too fast. It's usually measured in feet as the number of times a windmill turns in 1 minute through the wings. When the wind travels six times the distance per second, it's done. It’s the most work. And at moderate wind speeds, 24 feet per second, sixteen revolutions per minute is enough, not too much.”

"Just right," cried Hubbert, "and there's a fine wind blowing from the northeast, which suits us well!"

The eagerness to taste the first bread on "Lincoln Island" was such that there was no excuse for postponing the start of the windmill.So that morning, two or three buckets of wheat were ground.And the next day, a large round loaf of browned bread was served on the lunch table.Although it was fermented with beer yeast, it was not soft and delicious enough, but everyone ate it with relish and was very happy.This is very understandable!

However, the stranger never showed up again.Jardine Splane and Hubbert passed through the woods near Granite House several times, paying attention to what was going on around them, but they never met him, nor found any trace of him.

The long absence of strangers disturbed them.Though the former savage of Tabor Island would not have been unaccustomed to life in the food-rich forests of the Far West, he would easily revert to his old savage habits, and such a free and undisciplined life would To reawaken his wild instincts.This is very worrying.But Cyrus Harding might have had some premonition, and had been convinced that the stranger would return.

He repeated his attitude with great confidence: "Yes, he will come back!" But others did not have such confidence, "When the poor man was on Tabor Island, he knew he was alone." And here, he knows that there are people waiting for him! Since he can tell half of his past, this poor man who is guilty, he will definitely come back and tell us about his past. On that day, he will be our friends!"

A few days later, a sudden incident proved Cyrus Harding's guess right.

On December 12, Hubbert left Prospect Heights to go fishing on the south shore of the lake.As no dangerous animal had hitherto been found in this part of the island, and no precautions had been necessary, it did not occur to him to take a weapon.

Pencroft and Neb were at that time busy in the poultry-yard.For there was no soap, and Cyrus Harding and the reporter were busy making soda beyond the "chimney".

Suddenly, there was a hoarse shout: "Help! Help me!"

Cyrus Harding was too far away from the reporter to hear the shout.Pencroft and Neb, hearing the cry, left the poultry-yard hastily, and rushed in the direction of the lake.

No one expected that the stranger would appear in this place.Before they arrived, he rushed across the Glycerin River that separated the highlands from the forest with flying speed, and jumped to the other side of the river.

There, Hubbert was confronting a fearsome jaguar that seemed to have been slain at Snaketail Point and revived.Horrified, Harbert stood close to a tree.And the jaguar is shrinking its body, ready to pounce... At this critical moment, a stranger appears.He had no other weapon but a knife and charged at the frightening beast.

Sensing danger from behind, the beast turned hastily to meet its new opponent.The struggle lasted only a short time.The stranger was enormous and agile.He immediately clasped the leopard's throat with his strong hands like pliers, and it seemed that he was not worried that the beast's sharp claws would get into his flesh; while the other held a knife to stab it in the heart.

The jaguar fell.The stranger kicked the jaguar away.At this time, everyone rushed to the fighting scene.Hubbert grabbed the stranger and shouted, "No, no, don't you go!"

Cyrus Harding approached the stranger.The stranger's shirt was torn, his shoulders were exposed and bleeding, but he didn't care about his shoulders.The stranger frowned when he saw Cyrus approaching him.

Cyrus Harding said to him: "Dear friend, we owe you a great debt of kindness just now, at the risk of your life to save our child!"

The stranger whispered: "My life! No! What is it worth? It's worth nothing!"

"Are you injured?"

"it does not matter."

"Would you please give me your hand?"

Hubbert tried to catch the hand that had saved him, but the stranger rebuffed him, crossing his arms.His chest was heaving, his eyes were wary, and he looked like he was about to run away.Then he struggled to control his emotions and said unceremoniously:
"What are you going to do to me? Who are you? Tell me about yourself."

This is the first time he is asking everyone about their experiences.Probably, after telling him the story, he will tell his own.

Cyrus Harding related briefly to him all that had happened to them since their departure from Richmond, how they had managed their difficulties, and what resources they now had in store.

The stranger listened attentively.

Then the engineer told him about all of them: Jardine Splain, Harbert, Pencroft, Neb, and himself, adding that since coming to "Lincoln Island" , the happiest thing is that when they returned from Tabor Island, they had another friend.

After hearing these words, the stranger blushed and lowered his head, giving off a very guilty feeling.

Cyrus Harding continued: "Now that you know us, will you give me your hand?"

The stranger said in a low and hoarse voice, "No, no! You are all good people, but I..."

12 years of redemption
Everyone's hunch was confirmed by the stranger's last words.The poor man had a sinful past which, in everyone's opinion, had been atoned for, but the poor man still had a bad conscience.In short, everyone has extended friendly hands to him and wants to hold him, but he feels guilty and feels that he is not worthy to shake hands with those kind and upright people!
However, after the jaguar incident, he never returned to the forest.And from that day on, he never left the "Granite Palace" area.

What is the secret of Stranger Life?Will he ever say it?It is certain that everyone will know this secret in the future.Therefore, everyone agreed not to force him to tell his secret, but also to pretend that he hadn't guessed anything, and to act as if nothing had happened in front of him.

Everyone is still living together as usual.Cyrus Harding and Jardine Splane worked together, now chemist, now physicist.Because it was not safe to leave Harpott alone in the woods, the reporter only left the engineer when he went hunting with the lad.Neb and Pencroft had a lot of work to do, they might be in the Corral or the Poultry-yard today, and in the Stables tomorrow, and there was plenty of work waiting for them in Granite House. .

The stranger resumed his old life, always alone, not with the others at work, nor at dinner, nor at bedtime.It seems that it is difficult for him to accept these people who saved him.

"But," said Pencroft, "why did he throw that letter into the sea? Why was he asking for help?"

Cyrus Harding always said: "He will tell."

"What time?"

"Pencroft, it may be sooner than you think."

Indeed, the day has finally arrived.

On December 12, a week had passed since the stranger had returned to Granite Palace.Cyrus Harding saw him coming towards him.

"Sir, I have a request." His tone was humble and his voice was calm.

The engineer said kindly, "Go ahead, but I want to ask a question first."

The stranger blushed and looked as if he was about to leave.Cyrus Harding was well aware of the inner workings of strangers, and he might have feared that the Engineer would ask him about his past!
Cyrus Harding seized him, and said to him: "Brother, I have always wanted you to know that we are not only your companions, but your friends. Now, I have finished, and now I will listen to you. You say."

The stranger was trembling all over and could not utter a word.He wiped his eyes with his hand, and calmed down for a while.At last he spoke: "Sir, I have come to ask you for a favor."

"What favor?"

"Your corral at the foot of the mountain, three or four nautical miles from here, where the animals need care. Can I live with them?"

Cyrus Harding looked pityingly at the unfortunate, and after a moment said:
"My dear friend, the corrals are only barns, and barely house animals..."

"Sir, it suits me very well."

Seeing his resoluteness, Cyrus Harding added: "My dear friend, you will always be welcome at Granite House, and we will never displease you in anything. If you like to live You can go and live there. But in order to make your stay there comfortable, we will also make some necessary arrangements."

"There's no need to arrange anything, I'm sure I'll have a good time there."

Cyrus Harding replied: "My dear friend," he insisted on addressing him with such kindness, "you leave it to us to arrange it, and we shall decide for ourselves!"

"Thank you, sir!" After saying this, the stranger turned around and left.

The engineer quickly told everyone what the stranger thought.So it was decided to build a log cabin for the stranger in the corral, and to make it as comfortable as possible for the stranger.

On the same day, everyone took their tools and went to the livestock pen.The wooden house is built more than 20 feet away from the barn, where you can see all the blue sheep, and now there are more than 80 blue sheep.With everyone's joint efforts, the wooden house was built within a week, and only the owner is waiting to move in.Everyone also made furniture such as beds, tables, stools, wardrobes, and boxes, and equipped them with weapons, ammunition, tools, etc.

The stranger hasn't seen his new house until now. He didn't participate in the construction himself, so he just let everyone do it.During this time, he was busy on the high ground, just trying to finish his own work.In fact, thanks to him, all the land has been plowed, and sowing can be done at any time as soon as the solar term comes.

On December 12, the wooden house was furnished.The engineer told the stranger that the new house was all ready, and he only needed to live in it.The stranger replied that he would live there that night.

At eight o'clock that evening, all were assembled in the great hall of Granite House, the hour when strangers should leave them and enter their new abodes.They didn't want to embarrass him with everyone's presence, and it would make him uncomfortable to say goodbye to him solemnly.So they all went back to Granite Palace, and left him there alone.

When they were chatting in the hall, there was a light knock on the door, and then a stranger pushed the door open and walked in.

He cut to the chase: "Gentlemen, before I leave you, I need to tell you what happened to me. I will tell you now."

The words were simple, but Cyrus Harding and company had strong repercussions.

The engineer stood up and said: "Dear friend, we have no request in this regard, you have the right to remain silent..."

"I have an obligation to speak up."

"Then please sit down."

"I'll just stand there first."

Cyrus Harding replied, "We are all ears!"

The stranger stood in a corner of the hall, half-lighted, and his expression was a bit hard to see clearly.With his arms crossed in front of his chest, in this posture and in a low voice, as if forcing himself, he told the following story.Everyone let him talk non-stop, without interrupting him once.

"On December 1854, 12, the Scottish Sir Glenarvan's steam yacht 'Duncan' broke down at Cape Benoy on the west coast of Australia at 20° south latitude. At that time, there were Sir Glenarvan, his wife, A British major, a French geographer, and Captain Grant's son and daughter. A year ago, Captain Grant's 'Britannia' was killed with all crew and cargo. At that time, the 'Duncan' With a crew of fifteen, under Captain John Mengel's command."

"Why did this yacht appear on the coast of Australia at that time?"

"Six months ago, the 'Duncan' found and picked up a drift bottle containing a letter in the waters of Ireland. The letter was written in English, German and French, and the main content was: After the wreck of the 'Britannia' , as well as Captain Grant and two of his men, a total of three survived. They had found refuge somewhere. But the letter only gave the latitude, and the longitude was already unrecognizable due to being soaked in sea water.

"Although I don't know the longitude, the latitude is 37°11′ south latitude. At that time, I thought that as long as I drove along this 37° latitude, I would definitely find the land where Captain Grant and his two companions took refuge.

"The Admiralty hesitated at the time to launch the search, but Sir Glenarvan was determined to do his best to find the captain. Mary and Robert Grant also made contact with him, and the 'Duncan' was also searched according to the specifications of the expedition. Equipped, the jazz family and the captain's sons and daughters are willing to participate in this expedition. Therefore, the "Duncan" left the port of Glasgow and sailed to the Atlantic Ocean. According to the first reading of the letter, it is believed that Captain Grant may have been captured by the natives there.

"The 'Duncan' first sent its passengers to the west coast of the Patagonian plateau, and then sailed to Cape Corrientes on the east coast to continue looking for them.

"Sir Glenarvan crossed the Patagonian plateau along the 37° parallel, but never found any trace of the captain. So he boarded the ship again on November 11, and planned to cross the Pacific Ocean to continue the search there.

"The 'Duncan' made a careful inspection of the Tristan da Cunha and Amsterdam Islands along the way, but it was a great disappointment with nothing. Arrived at Cape Benoy on the west coast of Australia.

(End of this chapter)