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

Chapter 46 Captain Grant's Children (46)
Sir Glenarvan, Ayrton, and Mulady hurried over.But when they got there, everyone was stunned.They saw two cows and two horses lying dead on the ground; a group of crows found the corpses and hovered over the corpses, croaking.Wilson looked at it and couldn't help cursing.

"Wilson, it's useless to scold you!" Sir Glenarvan suppressed his emotions. "There's nothing we can do about it. Well, Ayrton, you bring back these remaining cows and horses." , now we can only rely on them to pull the ox cart.”

"If the car is not stuck in the quagmire, with the help of these two animals, we can also pull the cart to the beach, at most at a slower speed. Therefore, what we need most now is to drag the car out of the quagmire!" Meng Meng Captain Gale said.

"Go and try it now!" said Sir Glenarvan. "You know, we have been out for a long time, and maybe they will be anxious. Now let's go back!"

When Ayrton had untied the cattle, Moradi had also untied the horses; and they all walked back along the meandering banks of the river; and after half an hour's walk they reached base camp.At once Paganel, the Major, Lady Helene, and Miss Grant all knew of the death of the cattle and horses.

"Oh! Ayrton! What a pity, what a pity!" sighed the major. "If only all the cattle had been shoed when crossing the Vimela!"

"Why, sir?" Ayrton asked in bewilderment.

"You see, of all the horses, only the horse that you had the blacksmith shoe on, escaped unharmed; all the others died!"

"Yes! What a coincidence!" Meng Geer interjected.

"Yes, it's just a coincidence!" replied Ayrton casually, looking at the major.

The major moved his mouth as if to say something; but he swallowed it and said no more.Sir Glenarvan, John Mengel, and Lady Helene were all waiting for him to finish.But the major remained silent, and walked up to Ayrton, who was inspecting the cart.

"Do you know what the major said just now?" Sir Glenarvan asked Mengel.

"I don't understand either, but I have always believed that the major never talks nonsense!" Meng Ge said.

"Dear John, you are right," said Mrs. Helene. "Maybe there is something suspicious about Ayrton, which made MacNabbs suspect."

"Suspicious!?" Paganel shrugged and said in bewilderment.

"Suspect him for what?" said Sir Glenarvan. "Do you suspect that Ayrton poisoned the dead horses? If so, why did Ayrton do it? His interests are at stake with our lives! "

"Dear Edward, you are right!" Madam Helen said, "We have also seen that from the first day of departure, Ayrton is sincere and serious in everything he does. He is indeed a very honest person!"

"That's true," interposed Captain John Mungle, "but I still don't understand what he meant. I'll make sure to ask to my face."

"Does he think that Ayrton and the exiles are actually in the same gang!" Paganel blurted out with a blunt heart.

"Ah! Exile, what exile!" Miss Grant asked in bewilderment.

"Oh, Paganel said the wrong thing! He said before that there are no exiles in Victoria!" Captain Mengel immediately added, trying to change the subject.

"Oh! Yes, I'm sorry, I've made a mistake of carelessness again!" Paganel knew that he had slipped the tongue, regretted it, and quickly changed his words, "Exile, how can this Australian inland There are exiles? Even if there are exiles, all of them have reformed in this climate. Everyone has seen that the climate here is good for people’s physical and mental health! Miss Mary, you can also think about it, the climate here can also make people’s souls refreshed Purification..."

Because the lovely scholar said something wrong for a while, he tried his best to find an excuse to avoid it.However, the more he explained the situation, the more awkward it became.Seeing Mrs. Helen staring at him made him even more anxious.After that, Madam Helen didn't want to see his embarrassed expression, so she walked to the tent with Miss Mary.There, Mr. Aubinet was making breakfast.

"Damn me! It's better to be deported like an exile." After seeing Mrs. Helen leave, Paganel said angrily.

"I think so too." Having said this, Sir Glenarvan walked towards the cart with Mengel.

Sir Glenarvan's simple words made Paganel feel even worse.At this time, on the other side of the mire, Ayrton and two sailors were trying their best to pull the ox cart out of the mire.They had harnessed what little cattle and horses they had; Wilson and Moradi were holding onto the wheels and pushing hard; It was a pity that the heavy ox cart did not move at all, as if it was attracted by the thick mud.They saw that the sticky mud was slowly drying up, so Meng Geer ordered people to pour water on it, but it still had no effect, and the ox cart still remained motionless.It seems that the only way to pull the ox cart out is to disassemble the ox cart; however, tools are needed to disassemble the cart, where can I find it now?
At this point Ayrton tried again, and whipped the ox and horse hard; but Sir Glenarvan stopped him at once.

"Now, Ayrton, don't call the ox and the horse hard!" said Sir, "and take good care of the cattle, for we need them to go on! For they are the only ones to carry the baggage and the two ladies!"

"Yes, sir, I am at your command!" answered Ayrton, and unleashed the two beasts.

"Now, my dear friends," Sir Glenarvan continued, "we are back in the tent, and it is time to discuss how we should make a plan for the next step in the face of this situation!"

After a hasty breakfast, everyone gathers together to discuss.Sir Glenarvan encouraged everyone to express their opinions.

Then, before discussing the plan of action, it was necessary to ascertain the exact current position; this task was naturally performed by Paganel.After careful calculation, he reported to his companions that the current position should be 37° south latitude, 147° 53′ east longitude, just on the banks of the Snowy River.

"What is the exact longitude of the coast of Dufoe Bay?" asked Sir Glenarvan.

"On the 150° east longitude," said Paganel.

"Exactly two degrees and seven minutes from us. How many miles?"

"75 miles!"

"How far is it from Melbourne?"

"At least two hundred miles."

"Okay! Now that we have figured out the location, let's talk about what to do next?"

Everyone still advocates advancing to the coast as soon as possible.Mrs. Helen and Miss Grant took the lead in expressing that they would never show weakness and promised to walk five miles every day.

"Dear Helen, you are truly a heroine!" Sir Glenarvan praised his wife, "But what I am thinking now is whether we can find everything we need in Dufou Bay ?”

"Absolutely no problem!" Paganel said. "You know, Eden City not only has a long history, but also has very convenient transportation with Melbourne. I estimate that if we continue to walk for 35 miles, we can reach the border city of Victoria Province— —Derekter. After we are there, we can buy the food we need, and we can find convenient transportation.”

"But what about the 'Duncan'? It must be time to drive it to Dufford Sound, sir?" said Ayrton hastily.

"What do you think, John?" asked Sir Glenarvan.

"I think about it, let's not worry; we will have plenty of time in the future, so let's notify Tom Austin in time!" Captain Mengel said after careful consideration.

"That makes sense," Paganel agreed.

"Well, don't forget, we will be able to reach Eden City after another four or five days of walking." Captain Menger then added.

"Four or five more days?" Ayrton disagreed, shaking his head and said slowly, "I think your Excellency should say fifteen or twenty days! Because it's too late for you to really regret it!"

"Actually, it's only 75 miles. Would it take fifteen or twenty days?" Sir Glenarvan expressed his disbelief.

"Sir, I guess I should say less! You know, going forward is the most difficult journey in Victoria Province! The locals there say that there are no roads in that wasteland, it's just a piece of bush. We The way has to be made with an axe, and torches are used to light the way. So, believe me, you can't go any faster there."

Ayrton's tone was firm and sure.Everyone looked again at Paganel, who also nodded slightly.

"Even if the journey ahead is difficult and difficult, even if it takes fifteen or twenty days, it will not be too late for us to order the 'Duncan' to come when we get there." Meng Ge insisted on his point of view.

"I need to add again that it doesn't matter whether the road is difficult or not. The important problem we are facing now is in the Snowy River. We need its water to recede before we can cross the river." Ayrton gave another reason Come.

"We must wait for the river to fall back!? Isn't there a shallow beach where we can wade across the river?" Meng Geer said loudly.

"I know there is no shallow water there! I went there this morning, but I didn't find it. In this season, it is really rare to have a fast-moving river blocking the way. To blame, we can only blame us. Bad luck!" said Ayrton.

"Is this river very wide?" asked Mrs. Helen.

"It's not only wide, but it's deep. It's about a mile wide, and it's so fast that some good swimmers can't be sure they'll be able to swim through it," said Ayrton.

"We can find a way to build a small boat!" Robert Jr. suggested, "We can cut down a big tree, then hollow out the middle of the trunk, and we can sit on it, isn't that okay?"

"Great idea! You really deserve to be Captain Grant's child!" Paganel praised loudly.

"The kid has a point!" Menger echoed. "But we only do this when we have to. Let's not talk about it here now, it will waste precious time."

"What do you think, Ayrton?" asked Sir Glenarvan.

"In my personal point of view, if there is no help from outsiders, we may be stuck here for a month."

"Ah! Then tell me, do you have any other good ideas?" Captain Menger was a little impatient at this moment.

"Yes, I have always argued that it would be best for the Duncan to leave Melbourne and come to the East Coast."

"Hmph, 'Duncan' and 'Duncan' all day long, even if 'Duncan' comes to Dufoe Bay, won't we face any difficulties?"

Ayrton did not speak. After thinking for a moment, he replied ambiguously:

"Actually, I'm not stubborn. I'm just thinking about everyone. If Your Excellency orders you to get ready to go now, I'll be ready to go now." After saying this, he folded his arms tightly and waited silently.

"Don't talk like that, Ayrton," said Sir Glenarvan, "say what you want to say! Say what you think, and let it be discussed. Now speak freely!"

"The current situation leaves us with no other options; therefore, my proposition is that we should not risk crossing the river, and we should continue to wait where we are, until others come to help us; and it seems that the only person who can help us is the 'Duncan' ' so we might as well stay here for the time being, there's no shortage of food; but send a letter to Tom Austin ordering him to sail to Dufoe Sound."

Everyone was amazed by Ayrton's suggestion, and Menger even scoffed at it.

"While the messenger is being dispatched," continued Ayrton, "if the Snowy River falls back, we should find a ford and ford it; , if there is a need for a boat to cross, we have time to build it in time. Your Excellency, this is my suggestion, you can decide for yourself!"

"Very well, Ayrton!" began Sir Glenarvan. "Your opinion is well worth our consideration. The great regret of this project is that it has delayed our journey. We may, however, take this opportunity of a good rest; and A lot of dangerous injuries can be avoided. My friends, what do you think?"

"Dear McNabbs, tell us your own opinion!" Mrs. Helen said, "I realize that you just listen and don't talk. Now you should give us some advice."

"Now that I have been called upon, I shall express myself freely," said the major. "I have always felt that Ayrton was a wise and prudent man, as evidenced by the conversation just now. Therefore, he I totally agree with the proposition!"

It was a surprise that MacNabbs, who had previously opposed Ayrton's proposal, now made such a proposal.Even Ayrton himself could not have expected it, so he could not help but glance at MacNabbs.And Paganel, Mrs. Helen, and the other two sailors supported Ayrton's proposition. Of course, the major would not hesitate to say what he said now.

Sir Glenarvan, seeing the situation, declared that Ayrton's proposition was now to be adopted in principle.

"John, now," he turned to Menger, "just to be on the safe side, do you think we should stay here by the river and wait for someone to deliver the transport?"

"In this way, I think that's the only way to go," said John Mengel. "But if we don't cross the river, how can the messenger get by?"

They turned again to Ayrton, who smiled confidently, and said,

"Actually, the messenger who sends the letter does not need to cross the river."

"Ah! What! No need to cross the river?" Captain Mengel was very surprised.

"The messenger only needs to go back to the road from Lucano to Melbourne, and that's it!"

"That's a 250-mile walk!" Menger exclaimed.

"Go on horseback!" replied Ayrton. "Now, don't we have a fine horse? If we go on horseback, it will take less than four days!" The 'Duncan' is in Melbourne, and it takes only two days to travel to Dufoe Sound. It will take only one day, and then it will only take one day to drive here from Dufu Bay; within a week before and after, the messenger sent to deliver the letter can lead the friends on the ship to help us here."

Listening to Ayrton's explanation, the major nodded frequently in agreement.Seeing this, Captain Meng Geer felt very strange.Then, now that everyone supports Ayrton's proposition, it is hard for Meng Geer to say anything.

"Now, my friends, we need to send a man to be a postman, to deliver letters!" said Sir Glenarvan. Take on this mission and go for it yourself!"

As soon as the Jazz finished speaking, Wilson, Mulady, Menger, Paganel, and even Robert Jr. rushed to express their willingness.Among them, Menger's request was the most resolute.At this moment, Ayrton, who had been silent all this time, spoke:

"Sir, if you trust me, send me to do it! Because I am familiar with this place, and I have traveled through any dangerous areas. As long as you write a letter to First Officer Austin, so that he can trust me! I assure you that in six days the Duncan will be at Dufoe Sound."

"It is you, Ayrton!" said Sir Glenarvan. "I believe, with your intelligence and courage, that you will succeed in your mission!"

It is also very clear that no one is better at this daunting task than Ayrton.Therefore, everyone did not argue.At this point Captain John Mungle made some disapproving remarks.He thinks it is best for Ayrton to stay; because it can help everyone find the traces left by the "Britannia" and Captain Grant; but the major said that if Ayrton stays here, everyone can only stay forever On this side of the river, the visiting work cannot be carried out.

"In this case, Ayrton, you have to work hard! When you come back, look for us in the direction of the Snowy River in Ayden City. Remember to return as soon as possible, hurry up, the sooner the better." said Sir Glenarvan.

Ayrton's face beamed at Sir's remark, and he turned away quickly; John Mungle saw him, and could not help suspecting him.

Ayrton then busied himself making preparations for departure, with two sailors helping him.A sailor helped him with his horses, and a sailor with his provisions.Sir Glenarvan was busy writing to Tom Austin.

In the letter, the jazz ordered Austin, the first mate of the "Duncan", to sail the ship to Dufoe Bay immediately; he also emphasized that Ayrton was loyal, reliable and trustworthy; "Driving to Dufu Bay on the east coast, I immediately sent a team of sailors to rescue people...

Major McNabbs was watching Sir's letter from the side; when he saw that it was written here, the major asked Sir in a strange way, how should Ayrton's name be spelled.

"Just write it according to the sound!" Sir Glenarvan replied with some doubts.

"Sir, you are quite mistaken!" said the major seriously. "The phonetic name is 'Ayrton'; but the name should be Ben Joyce!"

The words aland and zealand in the drift bottle mean "land" and "Zealand".

When the major said the name of Ben Joyce, it was like a bolt from the blue, and everyone was startled.Ayrton rose suddenly, straightened up, pistol raised.After that, there was a loud "bang", and Sir Glenarvan fell to the ground with the sound; then, gunshots rang out from all directions outside the tent.

John Mengel and the two sailors were stunned for a moment, and then they rushed over, trying to catch Ben Joyce.But in the blink of an eye, this criminal who committed crimes has escaped into the rubber forest and joined his accomplices.

It is very difficult for this tent to withstand bullets, so we can only choose to dodge.Sir Glenarvan struggled to his feet from the ground, although he was seriously injured.

(End of this chapter)