Captain Grant's Children

Chapter 40 The Macquarie
Declare failure like this?Without the Duncan, it would be impossible to call back home.This puts everyone in a dilemma.After Glenarvan had tasted the taste of failure, he did not dare to continue.

Everyone was downcast and seemed to have lost all confidence and courage, and Mary Grant was helpless; it seemed too unreasonable to insist on continuing to look for her father.Think of those crew members who died, how pitiful they are.She really can't bear it!
Therefore, this understanding girl pretended to be calm, and even forced a smile to comfort Mrs. Glenarvan, and first proposed: return to Scotland.

John Mengel saw these things in his eyes, and his heart was full of admiration for her.He thought that the search for Captain Grant should be continued even for the sake of this understanding girl.But before he could speak, Mary made the opposite opinion: "Stop talking, Mr. John, we should be considerate of everyone. Especially Sir Glenarvan, how come he is more European!"

"That's right, Miss Mary," said John, "he has to go back, and just in time to report the situation of the Duncan to the British government. Now that we have found this place, we must not retreat or lose heart! I have made up my mind. I will stay and find Until the captain, I will not give up!"

After hearing John's firm and powerful words, Mary's heart was warmed.She handed the passionate young man her hand, expressing her silent gratitude.John understood—he knew Mary's silent gratitude.

On the same day, everyone decided to go back to Europe.Get to Melbourne as soon as possible first.Early the next morning, John hurriedly inquired about the boat number to Melbourne.

He felt that there would be many boats from Aydin to Victoria.Unexpectedly, there were only three or four merchant ships moored in Tufu Bay.Moreover, none of them went to Melbourne, let alone Sidney and Cape Wales.As we all know, to return to Europe, you must first go to these three places before you can board the ship to the UK.

After a total discussion, Glenarvan decided to go straight to Sydney by land.At this moment, Paganel unexpectedly proposed his own idea.

In fact, he had already been to Tufu Bay, and found out that one of the three boats parked there was going to Auckland in the North Island of New Zealand.He proposed to take this ship to Auckland first, and then change to the Peninsula Cruises ship to go to Europe.Uncharacteristically this time, he did not talk eloquently, but simply introduced the time required for the voyage—five or six days.

This is well known, and Australia is about 1000 nautical miles away from New Zealand.

Oakland was right on the 37th line—precisely where they had been eyeing since leaving the Aroganian coast.This also means an opportunity for this search.

The two misinterpretations of the letter made him afraid to have a third one.He didn't say a word about his own reasoning-going to Oakland to find the captain; because he didn't know the bottom line.However, he always felt that what was mentioned in the document-Captain Grant fled to a "continent" instead of a small island.The obvious: New Zealand can only be called an island.He just emphasized that there are many ships from Auckland to Europe, and then he led his companions to see that ship.

The captain of the McGalley is Will Halley, and this ship is also a 250-ton brig.Its range is limited to between Australia and New Zealand.The captain's face was crimson, full of flesh.The nose was slumped and dirty, and it matched the blind eye above it very well.

John made a half deposit of £25 after he settled with the nasty fellow.We can leave at noon tomorrow.

As annoying as he looks, there's no other ship to choose right now!I had to make do with it.

Will took the money and stuffed it into his pocket in a hurry, without even saying thank you, it was really rude. "Get it before noon, don't blame me for abandoning you if it's late!" He issued an order arrogantly.

"Absolutely on time!" "What a jerk!" John whispered. "He looks like a sea wolf to me!" Paganel cursed.

"Hmph! Bear!" The major also interrupted. "I think this bear seems to be in the human flesh business." John looked suspicious.Glenarvan said, "Whatever it is? He has the Macquarie right now, and we just need to take it to Oakland! From now on, we'll know who he is!"

After everything was settled in this way, Lady Helen and Mary rejoiced; although Sir told them that the condition of the ship was very bad, it didn't affect their emotions at all.

Aubinet was in charge of shopping for food.After the accident on the Duncan he was always thinking about his poor wife.It's scary enough to think about it. Will she end well if she falls into the hands of those pirates?Despite being sad, Obine finished buying dry food as required.The major went to the bank and cashed the check.Bought some more guns and ammunition.

Paganel had also obtained a fine map—the complete map of New Zealand compiled by Johnston Press in Edinburgh.

Murady's injury is slowly improving, and it will heal faster if the sea breeze blows.

After everything is set, there is still some time left.Glenarvan wanted to visit the coast on the 37° line.

First, it will give you a lot of peace of mind after you inspect it.Because there is no chance to come here again in the future.But maybe the Britannia could have sunk in this area.

Second, see if you can find any clues about what happened to the Duncan.

The sailors must have fought with those fugitives. Even if they died in the sea, they wouldn't lose their bodies, right?They silently checked every place.But not even the slightest clue.

Didn't the Britannia sink here?Well, the Duncan must have left some signs.Glenarvan shook his head helplessly and returned to the hotel.

That night, everyone was unhappy, not in any mood at all, and couldn't be happy.A series of misfortunes are unacceptable, and the disillusionment of hope has greatly affected everyone's enthusiasm. Thinking about the time at the corner of Bainui, it can be said to be full of pride and high ambition.Failure can cast a shadow over perseverance and confidence for passionate people.

At this moment, Paganel was a bit like an ant on a hot pot pacing back and forth, looking restless and restless, as if he was being suffocated by something.

Careful John noticed this, invited the geographer to his room, and asked him what was on his mind that made him like this?
"John, what's wrong with me? Isn't this all right?" He pretended to be nonchalant.

"Brother Paganel, don't hide from me, there must be something you dare not tell everyone!"

"Where is it! Why am I afraid? Cough, I am like this, you still don't know? I have mixed feelings..."

"Why do you have mixed feelings?" "Oh, oh, mixed feelings."

"Sorrow and joy-combination?" "Well, going to New Zealand makes me both happy and worried..." "You must have something planned?" "No, no. John, my brother, it will not be easy for us to go to New Zealand Oh, how should I put it? I like to admit death, and I like to be called Zhener. I don’t cry when I don’t see the coffin..."

The next day, January 1.We boarded the Macquarie and lived in low and narrow cabins. The speed of the ship was very slow, and we walked forward like old ducks.We just have to wait patiently. After 27 or 5 days, we can always arrive in Auckland.

(End of this chapter)