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

Chapter 164 The Mysterious Island (49)
"Mr. Smith," replied Ayrton, "I have no better opinion on the subject. I trust that your decision is the best. I am ready to go with you when you need me." Set off."

"Thank you, Ayrton," continued Cyrus Harding, "but I wish you would answer my question. You are now our true companion, and have risked your life several times for us, so, When we are about to make some important decision, we should ask for your opinion. Please tell me."

"Well, Mr. Smith," replied Ayrton, "I feel, too, that we should make every effort to find out this strange benefactor. Perhaps he is alone too? Perhaps he is suffering somewhere? Perhaps he changes What is the current state of life? As you said, I also have a debt of gratitude to him. It was he, and only he, who came to Tabor Island and found there that you had rescued This poor fellow of mine, and managed to inform you that there is an unfortunate man in need of help! .

"Then it is settled," said Cyrus Harding, "that we shall begin our search as soon as possible. Not even the most secret places of the island shall be spared, nor shall we spare any unexplored part of the island. It is hoped that this A strange benefactor could forgive us in consideration of our good intentions."

In the next few days, the immigrants quickly harvested hay and wheat.They had made plans to survey those unknown parts of the home island, and they hoped to finish the work at hand before carrying out the plan.The vegetables transplanted from Tabor Island are also in the harvest season, and everything needs to be stored. Fortunately, the Granite Palace is very spacious, even if it is necessary to store all the wealth on the island, it can be done.All the products of the immigrants are there, arranged in an orderly manner, and very safe. It can be said that no one, be it a beast or a person, can plunder these wealth.Because there is a thick granite wall, there is no need to worry about moisture.It turned out that there were several natural caves in the aisle on the upper floor, which were later enlarged by the immigrants with pickaxes or dynamite. The "Granite Palace" has thus become a comprehensive large warehouse, which can store food, ammunition, tools and various Various utensils.In a word, store all the supplies of the immigrants.

The cannons from the sunken ship were well made, all cast high-quality steel cannons.At Pencroft's repeated request, the immigrants hoisted them to the platform of the "Granite Palace" with a double block and a hoist, and drilled a few more holes in the windows.Soon, you can see the cannon barrel protruding from the granite wall.These cannons occupy an advantageous geographical position and control the entire "United States Bay" condescendingly.It was the equivalent of a small British colony of Gibraltar, strategically positioned on a narrow peninsula on the Mediterranean coast in southern Spain.Any ship, as long as it anchors off the island, will inevitably be under the firepower of the aerial battery.

"Mr. Smith," said Pencroft, who approached him on the 11th of November, "now that the battery is finished, we shall next proceed to test the range of these cannon."

"Do you think this should be done?" asked the engineer.

"Not only should it be, it is absolutely necessary! If we don't try, how can we know how far the shells in our hands can hit?"

"In that case, try it, Pencroft," replied the engineer, "but I think it would be better for us not to try it with ordinary gunpowder, this precious reserve, but with gunwool, which will We will never be short of stuff."

"But will these guns stand up to the blast of the cotton?" asked the reporter, who, like Pencroft, was eager to see the power of Granite House's guns.

"I think it's all right. Besides," the engineer added, "we'll be careful."

The engineers were right that these guns were indeed well made.He is an expert in this field.These cannons were breech-loaded guns made of forged steel, so they could carry a decent amount of ammunition and have a very long range.Therefore, in order to obtain the best effect, the trajectory drawn by the shell should be as straight as possible. In order to achieve this straightness, there must be a large initial velocity to push the shell out.

"However the muzzle velocity is directly proportional to the quantity of powder," said Cyrus Harding to his companions. "In the final analysis, the crucial factor in the manufacture of these guns is whether it is made of a metal as strong as possible. Undoubtedly the strongest of metals. So I venture to say that our guns will safely withstand the expansion of the explosive gases of the gunpowder, and give satisfactory test firing results."

"We shall be more certain after the test-firing," replied Pencroft.

As you can imagine, the four guns were well maintained.Since they were picked up from the water, the sailors have consciously acted as custodians, taking good care of them.How much time he spent wiping them down, oiling them, polishing them, and not only that, taking apart the gas seals, the breech bolts, and the pressure plugs, and cleaning them all!And now these guns are as bright as the cannons on American warships!

On this day, all the immigrants, including Master Jupu and Top, witnessed the power of the four cannons.As mentioned earlier, they took into account that the explosive force of gunpowder is four times that of ordinary gunpowder, so they packed the right amount of gunpowder.And the shells they were going to fire were conical.

Pencroft volunteered to be gunner.He grabbed the fuse, ready to fire.

Cyrus Harding waved his hand, and he fired at once.The first shell passed over the island and disappeared into the sea; as to its range, it is difficult to estimate with certainty.

The second gun was aimed at the farthest rocks of Drifter Head.The shell hit a sharp rock about three miles from Granite Palace and blew it into pieces.

The gun was aimed and fired by Hubbert, who was proud of his test results.And Pencroft was prouder than he!Because this precise shooting honor belongs to his dear child!

The third shell was aimed at the sand dunes beyond the "United States Bay". It hit the sand and bounced up and disappeared into the sea, causing a large spray at the same time.The range is at least four nautical miles.

In order to test its maximum range, the fourth gun, Cyrus Smith, deliberately installed a little more gun cotton.

Then everyone stood at a distance in case the barrel exploded, while the detonating cord was ignited with a long cord.

After a loud noise, the barrel of the cannon was unharmed, and the immigrants rushed to the window immediately.The cannon was so powerful that it chipped off the horns of the rocks of "Jawbone Point" nearly five nautical miles away, and then crashed into "Shark Bay".

"Brilliant, Mr. Smith," cried Pencroft, whose cheers were as loud as the explosions. "You see our battery is fine, don't you think? It's no use getting all the pirates in the Pacific here, they They can only stop in front of the 'Granite Palace'! As long as we don't allow it, no one will be able to go ashore!"

"If you believe me, Pencroft," replied the engineer, "this sort of thing had better be avoided."

"One more thing," continued the sailor, "what shall we do with those six rascals who roam the island? Shall we let them roam our woods, and lay waste in our fields and pastures? But the heinous pirates, the jaguars full of beasts, I think we should destroy them all without hesitation? What do you think, Ayrton?" Pencroft turned to his companion for advice.

Ayrton hesitated for a while before replying somewhat hesitantly.Cyrus Harding regretted Pencroft's a little rashness in raising the question.Therefore, it was very touching to hear Ertong's humble voice answer:
"I was one of these jaguars, Mr. Pencroft, and I have no right to speak in the matter..."

Then he walked away slowly.

Pencroft understood now.

"Oh, what a damned fool I am!" cried he. "Poor Ayrton! He is our companion, and has as much right to speak as anyone here!"

"Yes," said Jardine Splane, "but his prudence was proper, and we ought to respect his repentance."

"Of course, Mr. Splain," replied the sailor, "don't worry, I won't be so rash again, and I'd rather swallow my tongue than hurt Ayrton! Let's talk about the topic. I don't think those gangsters deserve mercy at all, what we have to do is to wipe them off the island as soon as possible."

"Do you really think so, Pencroft?" asked the engineer.

"Completely correct."

"Do you mean to say that even if they do not take hostile action against us, we will pursue them mercilessly?"

"Haven't they done enough?" asked Pencroft, wondering why there was any hesitation in the matter.

"Perhaps they will repent!" said Cyrus Harding. "Perhaps they will regret their past..."

"Repent? How can people like them repent!" shrugged the sailor.

"Don't be so obstinate, Pencroft, and think of Ayrton!" said Herbert, seizing the sailor's hand. "He is a man again!"

Pencroft looked at the expressions of his companions one by one.He obviously hadn't thought of the opposition that his proposal would cause.His personality is straightforward and rough, he hates evil, and he can't tolerate Bob Harvey's accomplice who has landed on the island and the murderer who killed the crew of the "Endeavour".He sees them as beasts that must be destroyed without hesitation and without mercy.

"That's very nice!" he said. "Look, you're all against me! You're being kind to those scoundrels! Well. Let's hope we don't regret it!"

"As long as we pay attention to vigilance, how can there be danger?" Hubbert said.

"Hmm!" said the reporter, who hadn't yet expressed his opinion explicitly, "there were six of them, and they were all armed to the teeth. Imagine if they were lying in an ambush in a corner and everyone shot one of us, Then they'll have 'Lincoln Island' for themselves in no time!"

"Why didn't they do it?" replied Hubbert. "Probably because they didn't intend to. Besides, they were outnumbered, because we were six of us."

"Well said! Very well!" replied Pencroft, who could not be persuaded by any reason now, "let these good people do what they like on the island, and think of them no more!"

"Come, Pencroft," said Neb, "don't be so vicious; if one of those rascals were here now, he'd be within range of your gun, and you wouldn't shoot him. of……"

"Of course I would, and kill him like a mad dog, Neb," said Pencroft grimly.

"Pencroft," said the engineer, "you have always respected my opinion. Would you like to hear my opinion again on this question?"

"I will do as you wish, Mr. Smith," replied the sailor, but the original idea was still stubbornly coiled in his mind.

"Well, that's what we'll do, and we won't attack unless they attack us."

Thus it was decided what to do with the pirates, though Pencroft still thought it would be more harmful than helpful.Don't take the initiative to attack them, but be vigilant. Anyway, "Lincoln Island" has a vast land and abundant resources, which is suitable for survival.If these villains still have a little conscience, they may be able to correct their evil ways. In the current situation, what they have to consider, of course, is to start a new life in this strange environment.In short, even out of humanitarian considerations, they should be given a chance.The immigrants could no longer walk around without any scruples like before. Before, they only had to beware of wild animals, but now there were six more criminals on the island. Maybe they were still some hopelessly bad people.The situation is serious indeed, and for the faint of heart it makes the island feel insecure.

certainly!The emigrants might have reason against Pencroft now, but never mind, would they have reason in the future?Just wait and see.

undeliverable telegram

However, the most troublesome thing for the immigrants was that they had to conduct a comprehensive survey of the island, which had been decided long ago.The survey of the island has two purposes: the first is to find the mysterious figure whose existence is undisputed; What is the current living situation, and find out what makes them scary.

Cyrus Harding intended to set out for survey at the shortest possible time, but the expedition seemed to last several days, and the vehicles were to be loaded with all the necessary camping supplies and implements, so as to arrange rest.But at this time, a wild donkey's leg was injured, and it could no longer be harnessed to the cart. It had to rest for a few days to recover from the injury.Everyone felt that it was okay to postpone the departure for a week, that is, to delay the start of the survey until November 11.At this latitude, November is no different from May in the northern hemisphere.

Now is the most beautiful season of the year.The sun shines on the Tropic of Capricorn, which is the longest day of the year.Therefore, it is very advantageous to carry out planned expeditions during this period.Even if this expedition fails to achieve its main purpose, other discoveries will be made from the point of view of natural products, for Cyrus Harding is going to explore the land that extends to the end of the "Serpentine Peninsula". , the dense forests of the Far West.

With nine days to go, it was agreed to finish the last bit of work on Prospect Heights.

But Ayrton had to go back to the "corral" and tend the animals there.It was decided that he should go there for two days and come back after preparing enough feed for the animals.

As he was about to start, Cyrus Harding asked him if he would not like one of them to accompany him back, and reminded him that the island was not as safe as it had been.

Ayrton replied bluntly: "No, it is enough for me to live alone, and besides, I am not afraid of anything."If something really happened in or around the Corral, he would have telegraphed the settlers at Granite House.

At dawn on November 11, Ayrton set off alone.He drove away in a cart drawn by a wild ass.Two hours later, he telegraphed everyone that everything was fine in the Corral.

During these two days Cyrus Harding was busy with a plan to save Granite House from surprise attack. The original gap at the southern end of "Grant Lake" had long since been closed and had been partly covered by overgrowth, and must now be completely covered.The rest seemed easy enough to raise the level of the lake by three feet.In this case, the drain will be completely submerged below the surface of the water.

To raise the level of the lake, it is only necessary to build a sluice at each of the two gaps in the lake, because the lake water flows into the "glycerin river" and "waterfall river" through these two gaps.Immigrants quickly started the work.Using cemented rock blocks, the settlers quickly completed the two dams, no more than eight feet wide and three feet high.

After this work was completed, no one would have guessed that there was a channel under this part of the lake, and that this was the way from which the water used to flow out.

Of course, the water supply to the cistern in Granite Palace and the small diversion used to start the elevators had been carefully planned so that there would be no shortage of water under any circumstances.Once the lift is hoisted, this safe and cozy hideout is foolproof.

The work was soon done, and Pencroft, Jardine Splane, and Harbert found time to go to Balloon Harbor.What the sailors wanted to know was whether the convicts had reached the little harbour.You know, in the depths of the harbor, the "Lucky" is moored there.

"Excellent!" said Pencroft. "Those damned fellows have landed on the south coast, and if they had followed the shore they would have found the little bay. Our 'Lucky' is handed over to them!"

Pencroft's worries were not unfounded, so it is very necessary to go to the "Balloon Harbor".

On the afternoon of November 11, the sailor and his companions set out fully armed.Pencroft unabashedly loaded two cartridges into each barrel of his gun, shaking his head.This foreshadowed that it was no good for anyone who got too close, "beast or man," he said.Jardine Splane and Harbert also took up their guns, and at about three o'clock the three left Granite House.

Neb carried them all the way to the corner of the Thanksgiving River, and when they had passed he hoisted the bridge.They agreed to fire a shot when they got back.As soon as Neb heard this signal, he would come again to restore the cross-strait passage.

The immigrants walked straight along the road leading to the south coast of the deserted island.It was a distance of only three and a half miles, but it took Jardine Splain and his companions two hours to cover it.For they had searched the whole roadside, from the dense forest side to the Duck Moor side.They found no trace of any fugitives.Undoubtedly, this group was probably uncertain about the number of settlers, and their means of defense, and therefore occupied only a small part of the desert island.

After arriving at the "Balloon Harbor", Penkrolov was satisfied to see that the "Lucky" was moored in the narrow harbor safe and sound.All thanks to the hidden location of "Balloon Harbor". The "Balloon Harbor" was sheltered by high cliffs, and the terrain was so precipitous that it was impossible to find it, either from sea or land, except on or in it.

(End of this chapter)