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

Chapter 57 Captain Grant's Children (57)
The time now is already eight o'clock in the evening.Jazz and his party decided to sleep here.So, everyone spread out blankets under the pine tree, covered them with something, and fell asleep carelessly.

In order to prevent the attacks of outsiders, Sir Glenarvan asked to take turns to be on duty; two people formed a group and brought live ammunition to watch the night; in order to prevent the attacks of wild animals, they also lit a bonfire.Fortunately, in New Zealand, there are no animals such as lions and bears.The only ones who came to harass were a few sand flies called "Gams" by the local aborigines, and some bold wild mice.

The next day, February 2, when Paganel woke up from his dream, he felt much better.Because the Maori he was afraid of didn't appear, and he didn't even dream of them in his dreams, but he really slept a comfortable and good night's sleep.He was even in a good mood, and said cheerfully to Sir Glenarvan:

"This long trip will be an easy walk and nothing dangerous will happen! I reckon we'll be on the main road to Oakland tonight. Once there, there will be very few Possibilities for the natives!"

"How far are we to the confluence of the two rivers?" asked Sir Glenarvan.

"There should be fifteen more miles! About as far as we walked yesterday."

"If we hit the bushes again, we might not be able to go any faster."

"Don't worry about that. We'll keep walking along the bank of the Kumpa River, and we won't see those bushes along the way. Because the road there is relatively easy to walk."

"Okay, let's go now!" Sir Glenarvan saw that his companions were ready, and gave the order to go.

During the first few hours of the day, the traveler also encounters some bushes.But at noon, when we reached the banks of the Kumpa River, the bushes disappeared.Then all the way to the north, the traveler encountered no obstacles.

The scenery along the river here is unique.The water and grass in the river are luxuriant, and the clear river water is full of ports and branches.The famous botanist Hooker has calculated that there are more than 2000 species of plants found in New Zealand, of which more than 500 species are unique to the local area.However, among these plant species, there are not many types of flowers, and the colors are relatively monotonous.Few annuals grow, mostly ferns, grasses and umbrellas.

In the verdant land of New Zealand, there is a wide variety of arbor plants.Arbors with red flowers include "Metrosidero" tree, Podocarpus is characterized by dense and straight upward growth of branches, and there is also a cypress called "Limubai".

In the lush trees, the birds fluttered among the leaves, and the noise of the birds was everywhere.Among these birds, some are rare birds. There are three kinds of birds in the big parrot alone: ​​one kind of feathers is turquoise, and there is a red feather under the neck. This kind of parrot is called "Kakaliji". The feathers are turquoise, with a ring of red feathers under the neck; there is also a bird called "Toppo", which has a black mane on both sides of the face, which looks very beautiful!There is also a kind of big parrot, which naturalists call "the old man of the southern country"; these parrots are as big as ducks, with brown-red feathers all over the body, and the whole body is more beautiful when the wings are spread.

Without much effort, the major and Robert Jr. shot down a few sandpipers and bamboo chickens.Aubine happily carried the birds, plucking their feathers as they walked, and was very happy to have delicious food to fill their stomachs.

To tell the truth, Paganel didn't care whether the wild game was tasty or not. All he could think about was to take a few birds as specimens and go back to Europe to observe them.What the lovely scholar was most interested in was a strange bird, which the aborigines called "Tuyi".This kind of bird can make strange calls, like laughing, and the locals call this kind of bird "Haha bird".In addition, the appearance of this bird is also very strange, like wearing priest's clothes, the whole body is dark; but there is a white tie around the neck; so it is also called "priest bird".

"When winter comes, the 'tips' become very fat," Paganel explained to the major, "and are so fat that they can hardly fly. To reduce weight, the birds will themselves Cut open the belly, and peck at the excess fat in the body bit by bit. McNabbs, do you think this bird is weird?"

"It's so weird that it doesn't have a clue at all, so I don't believe it!" The major shook his head, showing suspicion.

Paganel was eager to catch a "too" at once and show the major himself that this bird had a bloodstain on its chest.But unfortunately, there is no way to catch this bird.

These travelers, however, encountered another strange bird, also rare, called the kiwi, also called the kiwi, which is now endangered.This bird has no wings, let alone a tail. Each paw has four toes. It is covered with white feathers and has a beak like a snipe.Little Robert looked about, and found several of these birds in a nest made of the roots of a large tree, which was very gratifying.Paganel tied them together like holding precious treasures, held them firmly, and held them carefully; he planned to bring them back to France in the future and send them to the Botanic Gardens in Paris, France, in the urban area of ​​Paris. .The area of ​​the park is very large, not only are there plants, but also a small zoo. ; and hang a plaque there saying "Gift of M. Jacques Paganel".

Jazz and his party continued to walk downstream along the banks of the Kumper River.The environment here is peaceful and safe.There is no human habitation within a hundred miles, not even a trace of the aborigines.Walking here, looking at the quietly flowing river, lush aquatic plants, and a flat riverside beach, everyone feels refreshed and energetic.

It was already four o'clock in the afternoon, and Jazz and his party had already walked nine miles.Paganel looked at the map and saw that there were still five miles to go, and he would reach the confluence of the Kumpa and Kumakato rivers.If you walk to the confluence of the river, you can successfully embark on the road to Auckland.That road is only fifty miles from Oakland, and it takes only two or three days on foot; but if you take the mail, it takes only seven or eight hours to get there.

"Looking at the distance, we'll have to sleep rough tonight," said Sir Glenarvan.

"Yeah, let's just hope it's our last camping trip," Paganel said.

"It would be really great if you don't have to sleep in the open. Because for Mrs. Helen and Miss Mary, sleeping in the open is really inconvenient."

"These two women are really not simple. They didn't complain or complain along the way!" After Meng Ge finished speaking, he said to Paganel, "Mr. Paganel, didn't you say that in the Is there a village where the two rivers meet?"

"Yes, why don't you look at the map! It says the village is called 'Ganavasia Village'; it's only two miles from there to where the two rivers meet!"

"This is great! In order to find a comfortable hotel, we might as well work harder now and go to the village tonight! Mrs. Helen and Miss Mary don't care about walking an extra two miles."

"Ah! Hotel?" Paganel exclaimed. "We're going to stay in a hotel in a Maori village! Let alone a hotel, I'm afraid you won't even see a small inn or tavern. Those villages are all thatched huts." Therefore, I still suggest that everyone walk around and don’t be a bird that throws itself into the net!”

"Paganel, you are overly frightened and sensitive now!" Sir Glenarvan laughed.

"Dear sir, I am really not a coward. It is better to be cautious and be on guard. As the saying goes, don't be afraid of ten thousand, just in case! You know, this is New Zealand! Who knows where the war has spread Maybe the angry Maori want to catch a few Europeans to eat them to get angry! I don’t want to take the initiative to come to the door.” Paganel said with good reason, “Now, let’s go to Drury, there must be A comfortable hotel. In Drury, not only Mrs. Helen and Miss Mary, but also us men can have a good night's sleep!"

Everyone followed Paganel's advice.Especially Mrs. Helen and Miss Grant, they also agreed that they would rather sleep in the open air at night than ask for trouble on their own initiative.So Jazz and his party continued to walk along the river bank for another two hours.The travelers saw that it was dusk and sunset at this time; the western sky, the setting sun slowly descending to the horizon, gave the western sky a gorgeous red halo.In the rays of the sun, the mountains in the east gradually changed from dark green to a noble purple, as if it was a farewell tribute to these travelers.

Jazz and his party are very clear that New Zealand is located in a high latitude area; therefore, the time of dusk is short, and the dark night will soon rise.In order to hurry, everyone quickened their pace.

The fog at night diffused unknowingly, covering everyone's sight.In the night, everyone could only hear the rushing of the river, and the noise became louder and louder.Indeed, they have reached the confluence of two rivers.The roaring sound of running water is the sound of the collision between the river and the river when they meet.Everyone's spirits were lifted.

"Look, we have come to the Kuma Kato River!" Paganel exclaimed excitedly, "walking up the right bank of this river is the main road to Auckland!"

"Early tomorrow morning, we will be able to successfully embark on this road!" The major also said excitedly, "It's dark ahead, let's make do with it tonight! Let's see, is there a grove there? Why! If so, we can camp there. We'll go there after supper."

"Let's eat now!" Paganel said, "However, we should be more cautious. We can only eat biscuits and dried meat, and we must not light fires! The night fog that is filling the air can just hide us."

The knight and his party walked into the grove; following Paganel's suggestion, they ate only some biscuits and dried meat, and then fell asleep on the ground.After walking fifteen miles, everyone was so tired that they all fell asleep in a short time, and fell into a sweet dream.

Kuma Katoe

It was broad daylight.Thick fog permeated the river, and the Kuma Kato River was covered by fog.When the sun came out, the thick fog dissipated little by little.In the misty morning light, Kuma Kato River looks particularly delicate and charming.

A long and narrow peninsula stretches between the two rivers; the island is covered with green bushes, and the island becomes narrower as it goes forward, disappearing into the distant current.On the peninsula side, there is the turbulent Kupa River, whose turbulent water blocks the direction of the Kukato River.However, the river water still defeated the ferocious river water, and flowed to the Pacific Ocean safely and securely with the river water.

When all the fog on the river dissipated, there was a boat going upstream on the Kumakato River.It was a small boat, like a Venetian gondola in appearance; with a high bow, seventy feet long, five feet wide, and three deep.The boat should have been carved out of a tree, a tree called "Kashikati" cedar.There appeared to be a layer of dried ferns spread over the bottom of the boat.There are eight wooden oars installed in the front of the boat. When the whole boat is rowed, it seems to fly on the water; on the stern is a person sitting, holding a long wooden oar, and is controlling the direction of the boat. direction.

From the outside, one could tell that this man must be an aborigine from New Zealand.He is 50 to [-] years old, has a tall figure, and a broad chest; the muscles on his limbs are particularly sharp, and he looks strong and powerful.However, the man's face was fierce and frightening.

From the whole body of this man and the fine and dense red lines tattooed on his face, it can be known that this man is a tribal chief of the Maori people.His forehead was covered with thick wrinkles, his pointed aquiline nose, and his yellow eyes cast a fierce look.

Tattoos are called "ink carvings" in New Zealand.In the eyes of the aborigines, tattoos are a sign of dignity and glory, and only warriors who have participated in battles many times are worthy of this honor.Naturally, low-status slaves and commoners could not enjoy this honor. There are not a few tribal chiefs who "carved ink" five or six times, and some chiefs endured the pain and "carved ink" on their bodies many times.

According to Ju Meng Juweier's description, the "ink engraving" of New Zealand aborigines is like the proud family emblems of European nobles; the difference between the two is that the family emblems of European nobles are inherited from ancestors; "Carve" is just a mark of a person's bravery and strength, and it is not inherited from generation to generation.

Moreover, in the eyes of the Maori, tattoos have another advantage: "ink carving" can make the skin thicker, can resist the cold, and can also prevent mosquito bites.

The bare body parts of the Maori chief who is at the helm have been tattooed at least five times by the tattoo artist with the sharp bones of the albatross. This may be the source of his domineering self-confidence.

Now, the tribal chief was wearing a cloak made of Simeon linen with dog skins on his shoulders, and a short skirt around his waist. The skirt was still stained with blood, which must have been left over from a recent battle.A pair of green jade rings dangled from the chief's ears, and the earrings stretched the ears; several circles of "Punam" bead collars were wrapped around his neck; this "Punam" is a noble and holy Jade, New Zealanders have been using it as a protective stone.The chief also wore a long spear made in England, and a two-foot-long emerald green double-edged ax hung on his waist. The local people called it a "Batu Batu" axe.

In front of the chief, several warriors were seated.These people are all armed with live ammunition and look murderous.Several warriors were still wounded, and they were all wearing cloaks of flimion, sitting securely. At their feet, lay three vicious dogs; sitting on the bow were eight other The oarsmen, who seemed to be the chief's servants, were rowing hard.The current on the river is not very fast, and this long boat is speeding forward against the current.

In this small boat were also ten European captives; these Europeans were motionless, piled together, and seemed to be tightly bound with ropes; these ten Europeans were none other than Sir Glenarvan and his party. All ten of the people.

It turned out that last night, the diffuse fog made it dark everywhere.The Jazz and his party thought it was a bush, but it was a straw hut where Maori lived.In this way, they entered the territory of the indigenous people.When they slept soundly until midnight, the Maori caught them all.But these Maori had never abused Jazz and his party; all the guns on their bodies were taken away by the Maori in advance, so they did not engage in unnecessary resistance; they also knew that bare hands can only be a meaningless sacrifice.

When these Maori spoke, they mixed some English words.From these few words, Jazz and his party guessed that they came here after being defeated by the British army; in the just-concluded battle, the soldiers of the British 42nd Brigade killed most of the Maori soldiers; so they were going to return to their original place , Then gather the tribes near the river and challenge William Sampson.Outsiders gave this chief a nickname - "Bone Nibbler".This means that he especially likes to chew on the bones of the limbs of his enemies.He has always been ruthless, fierce and aggressive.In the British army, his name can be described as a household name.Recently, the Governor of New Zealand has issued a notice offering a high reward for his arrest.

Sir Glenarvan originally thought that on this river, he was not far from Auckland, which he had been looking forward to. He originally planned to take a boat from there and return to Europe smoothly; but unexpectedly, he fell into the hands of the aborigines.But at this time, he still remained calm and calm, with the demeanor of a general who is not afraid of danger, calm and firm, and regards death as home.Because he felt that he was the captain of the team, the main force of his companions, and shouldered heavy responsibilities; moreover, he was also Helen's husband, so he had to lead by example and give everyone strength and courage.

Encouraged, Jazz's other companions also acted righteously when facing the natives.In fact, the Maori, like other primitive aborigines in the world, reverence those who are brave, strong and fearless of death; therefore, the indifference and calmness of Jazz and his party shocked and admired these Maori from the bottom of their hearts.

These Maori people in New Zealand, like the aboriginal people in other places, are naturally reticent. From the grass shed to the boat, almost no Maori said too much.But Sir Glenarvan knew from the fragments of English these Maori spoke.So, Jazz asked the "Bone Eater" chief in a calm and composed tone:
"Chief, where are you going to take us now?"

"Bone Crawler" glared at him fiercely, without opening his mouth.

"Now, what are you going to do with us?" Sir Glenarvan continued to ask, not frightened by the fierce eyes.

The "bone gnawing devil" showed fierce eyes again, and replied fiercely:
"If the people over there need you, I'll exchange you; if they don't need you, I'll kill you!"

After Sir Glenarvan heard this, he felt much calmer, and felt that he did not have to be killed.Several tribal chiefs among the Maori have now fallen to the side of the British army; this "bone gnawer" wants to exchange them as hostages; therefore, there is still hope of survival.

On the river, the boat sailed fast like an arrow from the string.Paganel's mood was like a boat, suddenly jumping from an extreme of hope to an extreme of depression and despair; suddenly jumping from an extreme of despair to an extreme of hope;

(End of this chapter)