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

Chapter 5 Captain Grant's Children (5)
Take a closer look at the cruise ship "Duncan", which has a novel and beautiful appearance, is equipped with a steam engine inside, and can load up to 210 tons.You know, those navigators who explored the New World in history, such as Columbus Columbus (1451-1506), the famous Italian navigator, was the first to discover the American continent. , Vespucci Amerigo Vespucci (1451-1512), Italian, famous navigator.In his life, he sailed to the New World twice for exploration; therefore, the continent he discovered was called the "America Continent". , Pinton Pinton (1509-1583), a Portuguese, a famous traveler, once went to East India to explore. , Magellan Magellan (1480-1521), Portugal, a famous navigator, once explored the East India and Morocco.The ships they drove were much smaller in tonnage than the "Duncan". When Columbus sailed for the fourth time, he led a total of four ships, and he commanded the largest ship, which weighed seventy tons. ; and the smallest boat can only carry a weight of fifty tons, just like a small boat sailing along the coast. ——Original note.

The "Duncan" mainly has two main masts: on the foremast, there are small front sails, small top sails, main sails, and trapezoidal sails;In addition, it has spinnakers, small tentacles, large tentails, and many auxiliary sails.Therefore, the sails on the ship are sufficient; when sailing, it can use the wind force of various wind directions, and the speed can be as fast as an ordinary clipper ship; but the movement of the ship is mainly driven by the internal steam engine.You know, this steam engine is the latest production, with a full power of 160 horsepower; it is loaded with a steam engine with increased air pressure, which is a machine with high-pressure performance characteristics; speed.Therefore, if the "Duncan" is fully powered, it can far exceed the top speed of all ships at that time.When the cruise ship was just built and tested the water in Clyde Harbour, Sir Glenarvan watched the test of the speedometer and saw that the maximum speed of the ship could reach seventeen knots.Therefore, at this speed, Universal is more than enough.In order to travel around the world, Captain Menger only needs to modify the cabin to expand the area and store more materials.

What Captain John Mengel had to do was to enlarge the coal bunker so that more coal could be loaded.Because fuel is needed during voyages, it is often not easy to replenish fuel along the way.At the same time, in order to be able to travel far, he also expanded the grain cabin and stored grain for at least two years.As for money, there will be no shortage.In order to avoid possible accidents in the future, the captain also specially bought a cannon with a rotating shaft and installed it on the deck of the bow.This cannon has great deterrent power. The eight-pound shells it emits can be fired as far as four nautical miles, which fully proves its power.

It should be emphasized that Captain Mengel was a master of the seafaring business.Although he commanded only a cruise ship, he was indeed one of the most outstanding captains in the port of Glasgow.He is only 30 years old this year, and his expression is as serious as Sir Glenarvan's, but he has a brave and kind character.He lived in the Glenarvan family since he was a child, and it was the Glenarvan family who raised him and worked hard to train him to be an outstanding sailor and captain.During several voyages of the fleet, Captain Menger showed his strong, calm and intelligent character.Therefore, when Sir Glenarvan invited him to be the captain of the "Duncan", he sincerely thanked him for his appreciation, and fell in love with the master of Malcolm House just like a younger brother loves his own brother.In return, he has always wanted to play for him, but unfortunately he has not found any opportunities.

The first mate of the "Duncan"-Tom Austin is an experienced old sailor and very trustworthy.All the crew members on board, including the captain and first mate, totaled 25 people. This is the crew team on the "Duncan".The crew were all from Dunbartonshire, and they were all battle-hardened sailors, descendants of sharecroppers who had plowed the fields for the Glenarvan family for generations.Therefore, this proves that the fleet of the "Duncan" is a team formed by honest and trustworthy people.In this fleet, there are all kinds of unique talents, even the traditional and ancient bagpipers, who are engaged in bagpipes.There is now a bagpiper in every highland regiment. — There is no shortage of original notes.Therefore, the fleet owned by Sir Glenarvan is naturally an excellent and brave team.These crew members all sincerely love their profession as sailors. They are all enthusiastic, sincere, strong, and brave in character.These crew members are only willing to follow the master, and he will follow him wholeheartedly on any adventurous voyage.Therefore, when the crew heard the purpose of the voyage of the "Duncan", everyone was very happy, and the joyful celebration sounded continuously in the valley of Dumbarton, echoing constantly.

When Captain Mengel was busy expanding the cabin and storing food, he still remembered to prepare rooms for the Glenarvans for the long-distance voyage.At the same time, he also prepared cabins for Captain Grant's two children.This is because Mrs. Helen promised Mary Grant and her brother to follow the "Duncan" and go on a long voyage together.

As for little Robert Grant, even if no one asked him to go, he would hide in the cabin and follow the departure without telling everyone.If people told him that he would go on a long voyage with Franklin and Nelson Nelson (1758-1805), the famous British army generals.The situation was the same when he was a child. He lived a difficult life as an apprentice sailor on the ship, and this little Robert would go on a long voyage without fear.He has the appearance of a young adult and a man, and no one can beat him.Therefore, everyone in Malcolm Mansion knew his determination, so no one obstructed his thoughts.Moreover, everyone agreed with his approach that he should not be treated the same as a passenger, but should be made to serve everyone.On the ship, he was very happy no matter whether he was called an apprentice sailor, a big sailor or a small sailor.Seeing the young boy's strong determination, Captain Menger taught him the knowledge of sailing and various skills about sailors.

"That's really good!" When the captain pointed him out, Robert Jr. said happily, "My dear sir, if I don't learn well, you can pick up the whip and beat me."

"You needn't be afraid of that, my boy," said Sir Glenarvan in a solemn tone.It is really unnecessary for this Sir to emphasize that on the "Duncan" cruise ship, the use of "nine-tailed cats" and "nine-tailed cats", nine leather whips at the end of wooden handles, has long been banned.On British ships in the [-]th century, it was customary to use this instrument of torture to flog cadet sailors. ——The original note, and the spirit of the "Duncan" fleet, there is no need to use any "nine-tailed cats".

As for the identities of the passengers on board, besides the Jazz couple and the Grant siblings, there is also Major McNabbs.This Major McNabbs is about 50 years old. He has a stable and mature personality and a dignified appearance. He is very polite in dealing with people and things, modest and gentle; He always takes other people's opinions as the standard.And he doesn't argue with anyone, and he doesn't lose his temper or quarrel with anyone; when he encounters anything, he is calm and calm, without panic.At the same time, he is a brave and courageous person, even if the terrible shells fall around him, he will not panic, and he will not even frown; calm.It can be seen that he is really fearless.If one must find faults in him, it was that he was a real Scot, a real Scot, a pure Caledonian.He has always stubbornly followed the old customs of his nation.Therefore, he was naturally unwilling to serve in the British Empire for the English.His rank of major was obtained in the No.40 Second Regiment of the Highland Black Guard.The Black Guard is an army composed of pure Scottish nobles.Now Major McNabbs, as Lord Glenarvan's cousin, lived at Malcolm House, so it was only natural that he boarded the "Duncan" as a major.

Now, the introduction of all the personnel on board the "Duncan" has been completed.You must know that the voyage of the "Duncan" cruise ship was an unexpected coincidence, so it is naturally a great and sacred mission that attracts worldwide attention.Since the ship sailed to Glasgow Harbour, it naturally aroused the curiosity and attention of people from all walks of life in the UK.Thousands of people come to watch the "Duncan" every day, and the flow of people is always continuous.And people talked about it and cared about it, which made the captains of other ships in Glasgow harbor jealous, especially Captain Burton of the Scotia.It should be mentioned here that the "Scottia" is also a cruise ship with a beautiful appearance, and it is next to the "Duncan", but it is going to Calcutta, India.

Comparing these two ships, the "Scottia" has every right to regard the "Duncan" as a small yacht in terms of its size.However, people's interest was only concentrated on Sir Glenarvan's "Duncan", and the enthusiasm of attention continued to increase, and it seemed to be increasing day by day.

The day of the ship's departure came day by day.This Captain Mengel is really smart and capable: only one month after the "Duncan" made her first trial voyage in the Firth of Clyde, the "Duncan" was completely refitted, and the coal fuel and provisions inside had been stored. enough.It seems that all the preparations are done, it's just time for a long voyage.Sir Glenarvan set the sailing time on August 8th, and the plan was that the ship could enter the waters of the southern hemisphere before early spring.

When people learned about Sir Glenarvan's great plan, many people came to dissuade him personally, claiming that doing so was not only hard work and fatigue, but also full of more weird dangers.But Sir Glenarvan was unmoved, and now that he had made up his mind, he wanted to leave Malcolm House to carry out this sacred mission.In fact, many people who dissuaded him sincerely praised and admired him deep in their hearts.The public opinion of the society tends to appreciate this brave and selfless act of the Scottish lord.And in British society, except for some government agency newspapers, the rest of the newspapers unanimously criticized the indifference of the officials of the Ministry of the Navy on this matter.Although the public opinion supports him, Sir Glenarvan has always been a loyal character, he will not be narrow-minded and care about everything.He only abides by his own job, and ignores everything else.

On the 8th of August, the Glenarvans, Major McNabbs, the Grants, Mr. Aubinet, the ship's steward, and Mrs. Aubinet, the servant accompanying Sir Glenarvans and his wife, were at the castle. After being sent off warmly, he left Macomb Mansion in Lusi Village.After a few hours, they reached the port and were all settled on board.The local residents of Glasgow, with admiration and admiration, came to the shore to send off Mrs. Helen collectively.Because everyone knows that Mrs. Helen gave up her comfortable and rich life in order to save her suffering compatriots.How much courage and courage is needed for this approach!How admirable and proud it is!

On board the "Duncan", Sir Glenarvan and his wife were accommodated in the cabin of the ship.There are two bedrooms, a living room, and two bathrooms in this cabin.Immediately next to the jazz couple was a public square drawing room, with six rooms on both sides, where the Grants, the Aubinats, and the major lived respectively.Captain John Menger and Austin's rooms are at the other end of this living room, the room is facing away from the square living room, and the door faces the middle deck of the ship.The crew lived in the flats of the ship, which were spacious and comfortable.Nothing was loaded on board except the requisite coal, provisions, and arms.Therefore, there are a lot of vacant places, because Captain Menger once thought that during the voyage, these spaces need to be cleverly used for layout.

The "Duncan" cruise ship decided to set sail at three o'clock in the middle of the night between August 8th and 24th, when the sea tide was low.But before sailing, residents of Glasgow saw a touching ceremony.At eight o'clock in the evening, Sir Glenarvan, the passengers and companions, and the whole crew, from the lowest mate to the highest captain, who were part of the rescue voyage, left the ship. , to the ancient St. Mungo's Church in the center of Glasgow.This is an ancient church that survived the destruction of the Reformation Movement. The famous writer Walter Scott once described it wonderfully.Now the doors of this church are being thrown open for all the passengers and crew of the Duncan.Following behind the crew of the "Duncan" were some citizens who were moved by the voyage.In this ancient church, there are churches with many historic sites.In front of the sanctuary of the ancient mound, Pastor Moulton was blessing them, asking God to bless the voyage smoothly and return successfully.Occasionally, people can still hear the voice of the young Miss Mary Grant echoing clearly in the hall, that is, she is praying for the rescue of her benefactors.Miss Grant shed tears of gratitude, excitement, and emotion before God, Lord of all.In the end, people left the church with great affection.At exactly eleven o'clock in the middle of the night, everyone on board returned to the "Duncan".Captain Menger and his crew were busy with the final preparations for the sail.

In the middle of the night, the steam engine of the "Duncan" was fired.Captain Mengel gave the order to add enough fuel to keep the stoves fired up, so that the ship's horsepower could be fired at full power.It didn't take long before thick and heavy smoke billowed up, mingling in the mist of the sea in the middle of the night.All the sails on the ship were furled and hidden in the sail covers to avoid being blackened by the smoke.In doing so, it is also considered that the northwest wind blows on the sea, which is not conducive to sailing far.

At two o'clock in the morning, the "Duncan" cruise ship, which attracted worldwide attention, set sail amidst the sound of rumbling machines.At this time, the pointer of the steam pressure gauge on the ship was at the pressure of level four. In the cylinder, the steam was boiling and heating continuously, and the cylinder was buzzing, mixed with the sound of the rising tide. .In the faint starlight in the night, a Clyde channel can be recognized between buoys and cairns.Slowly, the signal lights on the buoys and cairns gradually dimmed in the morning light of moonlight and starlight.Now is a good time to set sail.

Captain Mengel sent someone to inform Sir, and Sir immediately ran to the deck.

Soon, the sea tide calmed down, but the whistle of the "Duncan" began to hum.Captain Meng Geer ordered the cable to be released and turned on the propeller himself. In this way, the "Duncan" left the nearby ships and sailed to the channel of Clyde Bay alone.Captain Mengel does not need a pilot, because he knows the depth of the water in this harbor and the curve of the water very well.Therefore, his ability is much stronger than any leader.I saw him operating the machine with one hand and holding the tiller with the other; as long as he moved his hand on the tiller, the boat would turn in the same direction.His technique is skilled and sophisticated, and his expression is composed and composed.Soon, the last few factories in the city disappeared from sight, and a few scattered villas appeared on the hills beside the river. Finally, the noise of the city became farther and farther away, until nothing could be heard .

An hour later, the "Duncan" was driving on the steep rocks close to Dumbarton.Two hours later it sailed into the Firth of Clyde.At six o'clock in the morning, the "Duncan" rounded Cape Cantale, and out of the North Channel, began to sail on the Atlantic Ocean.

uninvited guest

After the Duncan's first day in the Atlantic, the wind was rough and the sea was high.In the evening, the sea wind was getting stronger and stronger, the waves were violently heaving up and down, and the "Duncan" was violently tossed on the sea.None of the women on board came to the deck, and they all stayed in their own cabins to avoid seasickness.

But the next day, the direction of the sea wind changed, so Captain Mengel hoisted the mainsail, schooner and jib.Under the action of the sail, the "Duncan" was a little more stable, and the turbulence was not so violent.Early in the morning, Lady Helen and Mary Grant came to the deck of the ship, walked beside the Sir, the major, and the captain, watching the early morning sunrise at sea.I saw a round of red sun erupting and rising above the sea level, what a magnificent sight it was.The red sun is like a huge golden plate, slowly climbing up to the sky, dyeing the sea water into golden yellow.The "Duncan", bathed in the bright morning light, galloped on the sea, and under the golden sunlight, the sails of the ship were bulging.

The people on board were all intoxicated by the magnificent sunrise.

"It's really beautiful!" Mrs. Helen couldn't help shouting, "It seems that this is really a sunny day. I hope that God will bless the wind direction of the sea and keep blowing the 'Duncan' to continue sailing. "

"That's right, my dear Helen, it seems that only this wind direction is the best." Sir Glenarvan said, "It seems that we are really lucky, and the beginning of the voyage went so smoothly."

"My dear Edward, will this voyage be long?"

"That question can only be asked of the captain," Sir Glenarvan continued. "My dear Mengle, everything is all right now, and are you satisfied with the ship?"

(End of this chapter)