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

Chapter 65 Captain Grant's Children (65)
"I really have nothing to say. If you want to blame, you can blame yourself for not doing things carefully. Now you are here, you can deal with it as you like!"

When he finished speaking, Ayrton turned his head to look at the coast to the west, with an expression of indifference.But Sir Glenarvan decided to be patient, because there is a matter of interest, which is forcing him to take a closer look at Ayrton's past, especially Harry Grant and the "Britannia".Therefore, he suppressed his anger and asked in a gentle tone:
"Ayrton, now I want to ask you a few questions. It is impossible for you not to know these questions. Don't refuse to answer them! First, what is your name? Is it Ayrton or Ben Joyce? Yes, have you ever been a sailor on the Britannia?"

Ayrton pretended not to hear, still staring at the distant sea.

Sir Glenarvan couldn't hold back, with some angry fire in his eyes, he continued to ask:

"Now, answer me honestly. How did you leave the 'Britannia'? Why did you come to Australia alone?"

Ayrton remained silent and expressionless.

Sir Glenarvan became a little impatient, and immediately asked again:
"Ayrton, tell the truth. It will be to your advantage to tell it, and it will do you no good to conceal it. Now, I will ask you for the last time, whether you will or will not answer my question?"

At this moment, Ayrton turned his head suddenly, and stared directly at Sir, and their eyes met.

"Sir, I only tell you," said Ayrton, "that I am guilty or not, that is for the courts to decide. It is useless to tell you!"

"It would be so easy to convict you!"

"Hmph! Is it really easy, sir?" Ayrton replied arrogantly, "Your Excellency, it may not be too early for you to draw a conclusion! Now I will tell you honestly, the most capable and most capable in London, England. A judge with power has nothing to do with me! Now, Captain Grant is not here, who can testify against me? Does anyone know my background? Now, the police have not arrested me, and my brothers have not been arrested. Who can testify that I am the criminal whom the police are looking for—Ben Joyce! Now, who but sir have seen me, or have any evidence of what I have done? Who can testify, I want to hijack this ship and give it to exiles? Actually, no, not a single one! Do you know all this? No one can accuse me! Actually, you only suspect, but doubt alone can Conviction? There must be solid evidence! Now, do you have proof that I am not Ayrton the sailor? Prove that I am not a sailor on the Britannia?"

When Ayrton finished speaking in one breath, there was still a look of triumph on his face, thinking that this interrogation would soon be over.But unexpectedly, Sir Glenarvan immediately changed the subject and asked sincerely:

"You know, Ayrton, that I am not a judge, and I do not want to question you about your crimes; to tell you the truth, I did not try to deduce your crimes from your words when I questioned you; It's what the courts do! You knew from the beginning that I was here looking for someone; so I hope you will tell us the truth of the matter; how can you do me a favor?"

Ayrton shook his head, with an expression that he didn't want to say.

"Now, can you tell me where Captain Grant is?"

"Sir! No!" was all Ayrton said.

"Okay! Now, where did the 'Britannia' go wrong?"

"Sir, no!" Ayrton repeated the words.

"Ayrton, I think you should pity these two orphans! You know, it is very hard for them to find their own father!"

Ayrton hesitated for a moment, twitched the muscles on his face a few times, and repeated in a low voice:

"Sir, no!"

Afterwards, with an air of righteousness and confidence, as if blaming himself for not being soft-hearted, he continued:

"I just won't say it, even if I'm killed, I won't say it!"

"It is indeed time to kill you!" Sir Glenarvan was also angry.After that, he tried his best to control his emotions again, and said in a steady and solemn tone: "Ayrton, I will give you some time now; there is no judge here, let alone an executioner. When we reach the dock in front, we will I will hand you over to the British authorities."

"It's very good to do that!" said Ayrton.

After the villain said this sentence, he walked to the place of detention with a leisurely expression.Two sailors immediately shut the door and stood guard at the gate, keeping him under close watch.Seeing that there was no result in this interrogation, everyone was disappointed and angry.

Ayrton is neither afraid of intimidation, nor will he accept this soft trick. Sir Glenarvan really has nothing to do, so he has no choice but to let it go. He intends to go back to Europe as originally planned, and the visitation work is like this Come to an end, there are still opportunities to continue to look for.However, they are still thinking here, did the "Britannia" just disappear on the earth?These three letters, there will be no other explanation; there really is no other land on the 37° line.

Sir Glenarvan communicated this opinion with everyone; especially with John Mengel, discussing how to return to the voyage.Meng Geer didn't say anything, so he went to observe the remaining coal bunkers, and saw that the remaining coal could only be burned for half a month at most.So have to berth at a pier near here to be able to refuel.

Menger then suggested to Sir Glenarvan that the ship should first sail to Talcahuano Bay, replenish the fuel, and then return to the European continent.From here to Tarcano Bay, exactly on the 37° line, sailing in a straight line.If in Talcahuano Bay, after the "Duncan" has replenished all its fuel and provisions, it can successfully bypass the Horn Island, go straight across the Atlantic Ocean, and finally return to Scotland.

Everyone agreed with the proposal made by Captain Mengele. Half an hour later, the "Duncan" sailed in the direction of Talcahuano Bay.The vast Pacific Ocean is indeed very "peaceful"; although the wind and waves on the sea are not too big, everything is smooth.At six o'clock in the evening, the mountains of New Zealand were out of sight; thus the return flight began.

The people on the "Duncan" couldn't help but feel a little regretful when they thought of not being able to find Captain Grant and bring him back to Europe when they were in Glasgow Harbor.At the time of departure, everyone was excited and very happy.When we returned, everyone felt very disappointed and downcast.Yes, if Captain Grant could be found, how wonderful it would be!Even if you suffer a little more and return to Europe later, it doesn't matter much.Therefore, what pervades the "Duncan" is a kind of melancholy pessimism.No one wanted to talk, still less to take a leisurely walk on the deck.Everyone was so silent; even Paganel, who had always been optimistic, joyful, and carefree, was now depressed and disappointed, and huddled in his cabin.

In fact, it was known that there was only one person on board who knew the whole story of the "Britannia"'s death, and that person was Ayrton.But he just kept silent.If he didn't know exactly where Captain Grant was, he would at least know where the ship was wrecked.But once Captain Grant is found, all the crimes he has done will be exposed, so he won't be so stupid as to tell the truth.Therefore, everyone on board, especially the sailors, was extremely angry with Ayrton, and wanted to kill him!

Sir Glenarvan was not discouraged, and still tried to test Ayrton many times, hoping to get some clues from his words; but Ayrton just didn't say a word.The Sir was also very strange, thinking that there was another reason for his refusal to tell; but the major and Paganel thought that Ayrton might really be ignorant of the truth, which was consistent with the speculation about Captain Grant's pessimistic fate. .

However, people wondered, if Ayrton really didn't know anything, why didn't he just say it?Why does he have to carry it to death?Is there something else hidden in it?Moreover, can it be inferred that Captain Harry Grant will also be in Australia from the appearance of Ayrton in Australia?Only Ayrton can solve these mysteries.

Seeing her husband's sad face, Mrs. Helen wanted to help him, so she wanted to test Ayrton herself; she thought that maybe a woman could do something that a man couldn't do!

On March 3th, Mrs. Helen ordered Ayrton to be taken to her cabin, and Miss Mary Grant was also on the side, talking to him; Mrs. Helen thought, maybe this girl had more influence than him .

Lady Helene and Miss Grant chatted with Ayrton for an hour in the cabin.What did they talk about, what did they talk about?What's the catch?How was the harvest?No one knows.I just saw that when Ayrton came out of the cabin, the two women looked disappointed.

When Ayrton was escorted out of the cabin, the sailors crowded up, cursing and shaking the wretch, but Ayrton showed no sign of fear, but shrugged his shoulders.This arrogant attitude angered the sailors even more, and everyone clenched their fists, wanting to beat him up.Sir Glenarvan and Captain Mengel just stepped out and stopped everyone immediately.

However, Mrs. Helen did not admit defeat, she was a woman who would not give up easily.On the second day, she went to the cabin where Ayrton lived, and she spoke hard and earnestly alone for a long time.She did not order Ayrton to be taken to her stateroom again, for fear of being beaten by angry sailors as he moved about.No doubt Ayrton could have comprehended this good intention.

The two chatted alone for a total of two hours.Sir Glenarvan was waiting next door, pacing anxiously, restraining himself all the time, desperately enduring, and controlling his hasty emotions.

Finally, Mrs. Helen came out with a triumphant smile on her face.Everyone else was curious, did she really get all the words out?Get all the truth out?Really convinced this villain who did all kinds of evil?Sir Glenarvan was in doubt, but Major MacNabbs thought there was little chance of success; it would be a waste of time to persuade him!

However, Lady Helene said Ayrton was persuaded.The news spread quickly among the sailors, who crowded the deck faster than Obinet's whistle for dinner.

"He really told the whole story?" Sir asked his wife impatiently.

"Say, I didn't say it. It's just that Ayrton was a little loose. He said he wanted to see you." Madam Helen said.

"My dear Helen, you are really not simple!"

"Edward, I'm happiest to be able to help."

"Did you promise him any benefits? What other conditions did he put forward? Do you need to promise again?"

"I just allow him a condition that you try to reduce the punishment for his crime."

"Dear Helen, you have done a great job!" After finishing speaking, the Sir ordered, "Bring up this Ayrton!"

Miss Mary Grant accompanied Mrs. Helen to her stateroom.Sir Glenarvan went into the square drawing room, and waited for Ayrton to be brought up.

谈妥
When Ayrton was escorted into the square drawing room, the others withdrew from it.

"Ayrton, I heard that you want to see me, don't you?" Sir asked calmly.

"Sir, yes!" Ayrton answered honestly.

"What would you like to say to me alone?"

"Well, yes. I still think it would be better if Paganel and Major McNabbs were there."

"Why is it better?"

"For me, it's even better!"

Sir Glenarvan gazed at Ayrton for a moment with a composed expression, and then gave orders for the Major and Paganel to be called in.

"Okay, now that we are all here, you can talk!" Sir Glenarvan hurriedly urged Ayrton after the two invited friends entered the living room.

Ayrton recovered his composure, and began:
"Sir, according to past practice, whenever a treaty is signed or negotiated, a witness must be present in person, and the witness must sign and sign. This is the purpose of inviting these two gentlemen here. Strictly speaking, I am here to negotiate with you Yes, you only need to agree to an exchange condition!"

Sir Glenarvan was very annoyed at the boy's arrogance, but he managed to calm himself; after all, there was still something to ask of him.So, he nodded in agreement:
"Okay, tell me about your terms of exchange!"

"The terms of exchange are simple!" said Ayrton. "I know that you want to get some certain information from me, and I want to get some benefits from you. This is called paying first and delivering first, and this transaction is very fair. ! Sir, what do you think?"

"What definite news can you tell us?" asked Paganel impatiently.

"I will not ask for your information now," interposed Sir Glenarvan, "but now, I should like to know what advantage you want?"

Ayrton was very satisfied with Jazz's statement, nodded and said:
"Actually, I don't want much; sir, you said you'd hand me over to the English authorities!"

"Ayrton, yes! That's very reasonable!"

"I didn't say it was unreasonable!" said Ayrton calmly. "If I asked you to let me go, you wouldn't let me go, would you?"

Sir Ayrton was a little taken aback by this straightforward and straightforward statement; but he was still dependent on Captain Harry Grant for his information.However, Jazz also knew that the dignity of the law was not allowed to be violated.After pondering for a moment, the spirit of loyalty to the law in Sir's heart prevailed, so he said:

"It's impossible, I don't have the power to release you!"

"I don't ask you to release me either!" Ayrton said, his tone somewhat confident.

"So, what do you hope to gain?"

"Sir, I now have a compromise; I am in a situation where I either go to the gallows or go to the world of freedom; I don't want to go to the gallows, and you don't want to give me freedom; so I thought of A great way to get the best of both worlds.”

"What is this method?"

"You just throw me on a deserted island in the Pacific Ocean, and at the same time give me some necessities of life; so that I can live alone on the island, and I can confess my life there."

Sir Glenarvan had not thought of Ayrton's condition, so he could not make up his mind for a while; so he turned to look at the two friends next to him; but they also sat silently, not knowing how to answer.Sir stopped, thought for a while, and continued:

"Ayrton, if I meet your conditions, you can tell me the real situation you know."

"Sir, of course! I promise I can tell all I know about Captain Grant and the Britannia."

"Tell them all?"

"Yes, tell them all! Don't keep anything!"

"What terms do you guarantee?"

"Guaranteed by my personality! Sir, you must know that a person who commits all kinds of crimes also has personality! Besides, I have nothing else to guarantee. It's up to you to believe it or not!"

"Okay, I believe you!"

"Believe me, this is the right thing to do! Even if I deceive you, don't you still have a way to deal with me?"

"Is there any way to deal with you?"

"I am on a desert island, there is no way to escape, you can still arrest me!"

Ayrton had a good point, and the eloquence with which he responded showed that he had thought carefully; it was evident that he was sincerely interested in negotiating.

"Yes, sir, and these two gentlemen," continued Ayrton, "you can see it now, and I have made it clear. I do not mean to blackmail you. And, to prove that I am not lying, I need to tell you one more fact."

"What facts, you continue to talk about."

"Sir, although you have not agreed to my terms, I do not want to hide everything; in fact, I know very little about the whereabouts of Captain Harry Grant."

"Very little!" exclaimed Sir Glenarvan.

"That's right, sir. What I'm offering you are just some trivial matters about me and Captain Grant, all related to myself; it may not be of great help to you in finding him."

This remark disappointed the Sir and the major; they thought that the boy had many secrets, but they did not expect that this time, the information he had was of no help in finding Captain Grant.Paganel, however, showed no expression.

However, no matter how you say it, the three people still feel Ayrton's candid attitude, especially the last sentence added, which is very touching:

"Sir, let me put my ugly words in front of me now; from the perspective of negotiation conditions, there are few conditions that are beneficial to you, but many conditions that are beneficial to me, so please think carefully about everything."

"Okay! Ayrton, it's okay! Now tell me, I agree with your conditions, and I can help you find a small island in the Pacific Ocean where you can repent."

"Yes, sir."

It should be said that Ayrton was satisfied with the result of this negotiation, but others could not see whether he was pleased, because there was no joyful expression on his face, as if the results of these negotiations had nothing to do with him.

"Let's not ask questions now, you start from the beginning, start with who you are."

(End of this chapter)