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

Chapter 4 Captain Grant's Children (4)
"Son, you are so alien! Here, you and your brother are really no strangers. Now that you are here, stay here and wait for Sir Glenarvan to come back, and listen to him tell you— —Children of Captain Grant, tell me how the government plans to rescue your father."

Mrs. Helen's expression was so sincere and sincere, the siblings were too embarrassed to refuse.So Miss Grant and her brother stayed in the castle, waiting for the good news from Sir Glenarvan.

Lady Helen's Advice

When Mrs. Helen talked with Captain Grant's children, she did not mention her husband's dissatisfaction with the officials of the Admiralty expressed in the letters, nor did she mention that Captain Grant might be captured by South America when he landed on the mainland. The Indians plundered things.Because the kind Mrs. Helen thought in her heart that saying these things was not only meaningless, but also made the two children worry about their father's fate, and made all their good hopes come to naught.Therefore, Mrs. Helen made up her mind to keep her mouth shut and said nothing about it.After answering a series of questions from Miss Grant, she took the initiative to ask about Miss Grant's living conditions.During the conversation, she felt that Miss Grant loved her brother very much, as if she was his only protector in the world.

So Miss Grant told Mrs. Helen the life story of herself and her brother.These stories are simple and touching, which further increases Mrs. Helen's sympathy and love for the two children.

Mary Grant and Robert Grant were Captain Grant's only two children.Captain Grant's full name was Harry Grant, and he died unfortunately when his wife gave birth to Robert Jr.When Captain Grant went on a long voyage, he could only entrust the two children to the care of his close cousin.Captain Grant lives in Guodicheng, Perthshire, Scotland, and is a native of the country.He has a strong and brave personality, is good at navigating and commanding, and is proficient in business. He is a rare and outstanding talent.His talent comes from his father's education.Captain Grant's father was a pastor in St. Catherine's Church. He hoped that his son Harry could get a comprehensive education since he was a child, because he felt that educating his children was a matter of infinite benefit.Although the son's ambition is to be a navigator, education can enable people to acquire more knowledge, which is of great benefit to becoming a seaman.Therefore, Pastor Katrin has always paid attention to the comprehensive education of his son Harry, which enabled Captain Grant to acquire profound knowledge from an early age and become an outstanding navigator.

Harry Grant began his seafaring career as first mate and later as captain.In the following several voyages across the oceans, his ability was outstanding and his business was very good.So a few years after Robert was born, Captain Grant's family was already very rich.

At this time, Captain Grant conceived a great plan, and was committed to carrying it out.This made him famous all over Scotland.As a Scot, from beginning to end, like all the Glenarvan families and some famous families in central Scotland, he has always harbored a strong resentment against the English who plundered the interests of the northerners.He believes that the interests of the Scots must be protected and cannot be overthrown by the Anglo-Saxons.deprived of.Therefore, he felt that he should rely on his own personal efforts to safeguard the interests of the entire Scots and develop the Scottish nation.His plan was to find a piece of land in this area of ​​Australia where the Scots could emigrate.Perhaps, he once thought that in Australia, a land of Scots immigrants, one day, like the United States of America, India, or Australia, it would gain independence from the rule of the British Empire and become a country belonging to the Scots.But unfortunately, he once revealed his thoughts.The result of the matter is obvious. The government of the British Empire not only did not support this kind of plan, but also tried every means to sabotage and obstruct it.In other despotic countries, this plan might have cost him his life, but Captain Grant was not discouraged in the face of these difficulties.He mobilized all Scots to action and patriotism; he himself led by example by giving away all his possessions, building a ship, and raising a capable crew of sailors.In order to do a better job, he entrusted his two children to the care of his kind and intimate cousin, and went to the Pacific Islands for sailing adventures without hesitation to realize his dream.This is all in 1861, and from 1861 to May 1862, you can hear a lot about him in England.However, in June 5, it was only known that Captain Grant had left Callao. After that, there was no news about him and the "Britannia" ship, and even the "Navigation Daily", which focused on navigation, did not mention it at all. The case of Captain Grant.

As the saying goes, the house leaks happen to rain overnight, and at this juncture, the cousin who took care of Captain Grant's child also passed away.Since then, the two children have lived alone in the world.

At that time, Mary Grant, who was the older sister, was only 14 years old.Although he is still young, he is strong, brave, and proud, and devotes all his efforts to his younger brother.As an older sister, she not only needs to support herself and her younger brother with her own hands, but also educates and trains her younger brother; she always has her younger brother in her heart, thinking wholeheartedly about his happiness and future.In ordinary life, Miss Grant is not only hardworking, thrifty, smart and capable, but also willing to sacrifice everything for her younger brother.With this kind of perseverance and spirit, the young Miss Grant actually undertook the burden of raising her younger brother and fulfilled the responsibilities of a mother and sister; in the days of living in London, although they were poor, they lived in poverty and worked hard for their lives. Strive hard.Telling people about this kind of thing is really pitiful, sad but touching.After her father's accident on the Britannia, she thought there was no hope of him ever coming back.But by chance, she saw the advertisement published in the "Times", and hope was rekindled in her desperate heart.Her excitement and excitement cannot be described in words.

Miss Grant didn't delay at all, and immediately ran here to inquire about the news.It would be better, she thought, than to know her father, Captain Grant, was dead in a boat on the edge of a deserted beach, than to live a life of uncertainty, worry, and constant concern.

So, after reading this announcement, she immediately told her brother all her thoughts and circumstances.So the next day, the siblings took the train to Perth and arrived at Macomb House that night.After learning all the situation from Mrs. Helen, her long-sorrowed and hopeless heart was rekindled with hope.

These were the life experiences Miss Mary Grant related to Lady Helene.When telling about these painful lives, Miss Grant's expression was so flat and simple, but the audience felt the brave and strong noble qualities of this girl from her description of the long and difficult years in her life, and they couldn't help admiring her .Therefore, when Mrs. Helen heard all this, she couldn't help bursting into tears again and again, and hugged these two orphans without father and mother tightly in her arms.

The younger brother, Robert Jr., next to him, seemed to be the first to hear his sister talk about her long life experience.He widened his eyes as he listened, and listened intently to his sister's description.When all this was over, he knew what his sister had been doing for him, and only then did he know the hardships his sister had endured.Unable to restrain his excitement, he threw himself into his sister's arms and shouted loudly: "Ah! Sister, you are really my mother! My dear mother!" This voice is so sincere, it comes from The deepest touch in my heart is my sincere gratitude to my sister for taking care of me for a long time.

The three of them chatted and chatted like this until late at night.At this time, Madam Helen felt that it was too late.The two children, needing a good rest from their long journey, ceased to chat; and then ordered the servants to lead the children, Mary Grant and Robert Grant, into the rooms prepared.The siblings lay on the bed and fell asleep when they touched the pillows.When all this was settled, Mrs. Glenarvan called the major, and told him the truth about Captain Grant's two children.

"What a remarkable little girl!" The major couldn't help admiring when Mrs. Helen finished speaking.

"I really hope that God bless my husband, and the aid plan proposed to the Admiralty will be successful." Madam Helen said, "Otherwise, the siblings will really be completely desperate!"

"Well, I'm sure he will succeed!" Major McNabbs replied with certainty, "If he doesn't succeed, the hearts of these Admiralty officers are really worse than Portland, an island city in England. The name, the whole city is rock. The rock on the shore is even harder."

Although the major's tone was so firm, Mrs. Helen was still anxious and didn't sleep well all night.

The next day, early in the morning, Mary Grant and Robert Grant got up and walked in the castle grounds.Suddenly, there was a rumbling sound of a carriage outside the house. It was Sir Glenarvan who was returning home in a carriage and came to the yard.At the same time, Mrs. Helen, accompanied by Colonel McNabbs, also walked into the yard and ran straight to her husband.But Sir Glenarvan's expression was indignant and gloomy.After embracing his wife, he said nothing and remained silent.

"My Edward, dear, what's the matter?" Mrs. Helen asked cautiously.

"Hmph, don't mention it any more, my dear Lady Helen, those guys are really heartless." Sir Glenarvan replied.

"Don't they agree..."

"Yes, that's right, these officials and lords disagree! They also plausibly said that millions of financial funds were wasted in vain to find Franklin. They even made strong arguments, saying that the three letters were vague and ambiguous. Why do those unfortunate people, since they have been kidnapped by the Indians, have been taken to the depths of the interior with no hope of survival? Why do they still do such hopeless things? Said that it was impossible to spend human and financial resources to find the whole province of Patagonia for these three people - these three Scots! And without the heart to say that it would be very dangerous and useless to do it, said The number of undecided sacrifices is much greater than the three people who were rescued! All in all, these officials and lords just disagreed, and put forward all the reasons that were not reasons. I think they must still remember Captain Grant’s grand plan, so they have always held a grudge. Alas! Poor Captain Grant, it's hopeless this time!"

"Father, my father, my poor father!" Sir Glenarvan had just finished speaking, when Miss Grant threw herself down before him, calling sadly.

"What, girl, your father? What's going on..." Sir Glenarvan asked in surprise when he saw Miss Mary kneeling before him.

"Oh, my dear Edward, I haven't had time to tell you. These are the sons and daughters of Captain Grant, this is Miss Mary, and this is Mr. Robert Jr. It seems that these inhumane practices of the Admiralty really want to put these two The child is orphaned!" replied Lady Helene.

"Oh, God, my dear lady," said Sir Glenarvan, hastily helping Miss Mary Grant to her feet, "forgive me, but if I had known that Captain Grant was your father, I would not have . . . ..."

Sir Glenarvan could not continue, but stopped and stood silent.There was a deathly silence in the yard, except for occasional intermittent, low choking sounds and sobs.Sir Glenarvan, Mrs. Helen, the major, and some servants who were watching in the courtyard gathered together, their expressions biting their lips tightly, and they were very indignant at this kind of inhumane action of the British government.

After a long time, Major McNabbs finally broke the silence and asked Sir Glenarvan, "So there is no hope at all?"

"Unfortunately, it is true."

"Well, that's good!" Little Robert yelled angrily, "Now, I'm going to look for those people, I just want to see their faces..."

"Dear Robert, don't be so impulsive!" Mary Grant stopped her younger brother, "Don't do it! In fact, these benevolent, kind and enthusiastic adults have made a lot of efforts for us. We should thank them very much, and want to Always remember their kindness. Now, let's go!"

"Stop, dear Mary!" Mrs. Helen called to Miss Grant.

"My dear lady, where are you going?" asked Sir Glenarvan.

"I'm going to kneel and beg the Queen now," Miss Grant replied, "I want to see for myself, whether Her Majesty the Queen is hardened and indifferent to us children who plead for their father's life."

Sir Glenarvan couldn't help shaking his head. He didn't doubt whether the Queen of England had a good heart, but he was sure that the poor Miss Grant had no chance to see the Queen at all.Because it is difficult for anyone who asks the queen for grace to approach the stone steps in front of the throne of her palace.The gates of the palace, like the steering wheels of all ships, are clearly written:

Please don't talk to the helmsman.

Lady Helen knew what her husband was thinking, and also realized that the poor girl's wish to see the Queen was impossible.Just as she was mourning the hopeless life of these two lonely children who had no father or mother, a great, kind and benevolent thought suddenly flashed in her mind.

"My dear Miss Mary," said Lady Helen loudly, "wait a moment, stop here, and wait until I have finished."

The poor girl was about to drag her brother away, but stopped now.

At this time, Mrs. Helen, with tears in her eyes, walked to her husband's side excitedly and said: "Dear Edward," her tone was so firm, "When Captain Grant wrote the letter and put it in the drift bottle, put When it was thrown into the sea; it was obvious that he had entrusted everything to God. But God has also passed his letter into our hands. All this proves that it is God who wants us to take responsibility for the rescue of these three wrecks task!"

"My dear Helen, what exactly do you want to say?" Sir Glenarvan asked.

All the people present quietly listened to Mrs. Helen's answer.

"What I want to say," went on Lady Helene, "is that a newlywed will be very happy if they do an act of kindness. So, my dear Edward, remember that you have charted a voyage to make me happy. However, the greatest, happiest, and most valuable thing is to rescue the unfortunate people who have been abandoned by the country, am I right?"

"Ah, my dear Helen!" exclaimed Sir Glenarvan in surprise.

"Ah, my venerable Edward, now you finally understand what I mean! You know that the 'Duncan' you built is not only strong and strong, but also light and easy to handle. And, if need be, it is capable of circumnavigating the world. Now, my dear Edward! Let us set out in the ship, and find Captain Grant in distress!"

After listening to the young wife's narration, Sir Glenarvan was so excited that he couldn't help opening his arms and hugging her tightly.The two children, Mary and Robert, also grabbed Mrs. Helen's hand excitedly, kissing wildly.Seeing this touching scene, the servants in the yard were also very excited, and couldn't help shouting praises from the bottom of their hearts: "Long live! Long live our Mrs. Luis! Long live! Long live! Sir Glenarvan and Long live Mrs. Luis, long live!"

Search operation begins

From here, we have seen that Mrs. Helen is indeed a generous, kind and chivalrous woman.She has a heart of gold.All her actions are the best proof.Our Sir Glenarvan can have such a considerate wife who not only understands him, but also follows him all the time.This is what he is most proud of.In fact, in London, when Sir Glenarvan saw that his request was firmly rejected, he initiated a plan to rescue Captain Grant himself.However, in front of Mrs. Helen, he still didn't say anything.Because he thought about it, he still couldn't do without his newlywed wife emotionally.But now, since Madam took the initiative to speak first, all worries and worries are gone.All the servants in the house enthusiastically approved of this plan.Because these people all know that what the master wants to rescue is not only the Scots, but also the compatriots who are connected by flesh and blood like himself!They cheered and raised their arms to express their warm support for Mrs. Luis.Although Sir Glenarvan remained calm, he also applauded his wife in his heart.

Now that the voyage plan has been decided and human lives are at stake, there is no delay for a minute.On the same day, Sir Glenarvan ordered Menger to drive the "Duncan" to Glasgow Harbor first, and start making all preparations for the voyage; he also explained that the voyage will take a long time and may take a circle around the earth. All preparations must be detailed and thoughtful.In fact, when the beautiful Lady Helen boldly made this claim, she did not exaggerate the strength and speed of the "Duncan".It does have the strength to travel around the world.When Sir Glenarvan built the "Duncan", he considered the preparations for long-distance voyages and considered the direction of firmness and lightness in construction.

(End of this chapter)