Captain Grant's Children

Chapter 6 Departure of the Duncan

Sir Glenarvan was very pleased to find himself in such a understanding, generous, and generous wife.Because when he knew that the people in the Admiralty had rejected his request, he personally planned to rescue Captain Grant.

The servants also wholeheartedly supported the plan.Because they knew that the master came forward to rescue the Scots like them.

Sir Glenarvan immediately issued an order to Captain Menger to let the Duncan sail to the port of Glasgow and make all preparations for the circumnavigation of the world!
When the Duncan sailed in the Firth of Clyde, its top speed reached 17 knots, which would be faster than any ship at that time if it was fully powered.It is no problem to sail around the world at this speed. All Captain Mengel needs to do before sailing is to renovate the cabin.Captain Meng Geer not only expanded the coal warehouse, but also expanded the granary, which could hold enough food for two years and bring enough money.

Menger was 30 years old at the time, and he was raised and raised by the Glenarvan family. He regarded Sir Glenarvan as his father and brother, and he was always looking for opportunities to express his gratitude. He moved quickly and looked serious. Swan is a first-class captain.

The first mate's name was Tom Austin, and he was an old sailor who could be trusted in every way.

The other twenty-four sailors were Dumbartonshire men, weather-beaten, fit and experienced sailors, sons of reliable servants who had served the Glenarvan family for generations.

Thus formed on board the Duncan a frugal, highly skilled, and dependable body.When they heard that the Duncan was going on an expedition, shouts of "Long live" and "Long live" resounded one after another.

While repairing the coal bunker and granary, Captain Mengel also prepared rooms for the long journey for Sir Glenarvan and his wife and Captain Grant's children.

Let Marie go, let little Robert go.If you don't let him go, he will sneak into the cargo hold even though he has seen the bitterness and tiredness of the life of a sailor.

It fell to Menger to teach young Robert the business of the sea.

"If I don't study well, you can just whip me with a whip! I am willing to accept the punishment!" Little Robert expressed his determination in this way.

Major McNabbs was also on the passenger list.The major is about 50 years old, with good facial features, neat clothes, and good at dealing with people; he is a humble and mature man, with a gentle and polite attitude, and he is not impatient. He can calmly deal with anyone and anything.

But he's also fearless: he doesn't show panicked behavior even when shells go off around him.

At the same time, everyone is not perfect, he also has shortcomings, that is pure Caledonian tradition and style in him.

Such was the case with all the crew members who landed on the Duncan.Many people came to visit, and the topic of discussion was around the Duncan and the upcoming voyage of the Duncan.

The Scotia, moored beside the Duncan, was handsome, ready to sail for Calcutta.But compared with the Duncan, it was neglected, and people's attention did not spare it at all.Captain Bulton was very jealous.

Moreover, the Duncan was a skiff by comparison with the Scotia; but no attention was drawn to the Scotia.

After a month of trials in the Firth of Clyde, sailing is scheduled for 8 August, allowing access to southern latitudes in early spring.Meanwhile, Captain Mengel made all preparations for sailing.

During this period, there were many people who persuaded Sir Glenarvan to give up this plan. They talked a lot about danger, fatigue, and unimaginability; Sir Glenarvan didn't care at all, and he insisted on leaving.

But the praises of Sir Glenarvan in the public opinion circle are endless.The performance of the Ministry of the Navy has also been condemned, and even strongly criticized-of course, this does not include government newspapers.

On August 8, the Glenarvans, Major McNabbs, the Grant siblings, Steward Obine, and Mrs. Obine, who served Helen, left Macomb House together with the local residents and servants sending them off.

There was no cargo on board the Duncan, so there was a lot of space left, so Captain Mengel cleverly used these spaces to arrange a comfortable, spacious, clean and tidy living room for passengers and sailors.

The Jazz and his wife lived in the cabin.There were six rooms round the common square, five of which were occupied by the Grants, the Aubinas, and Major McNabbs; Menger and Austin lived in the room facing away from the square and facing the foredeck; The crew lived in the steerage.

However, before sailing, Sir Glenarvan led his boat people into the church: praying, asking God to bless them with success and return safely.After that, everyone reluctantly left the church.The door was open, and a large group of people followed behind them.

At 2 o'clock in the morning, Jazz came to the deck in person, and with the signal lights clearly guiding the direction, the ship started slowly and headed for the Firth of Clyde.

Captain Mengel steered the helm himself, controlled the power of the steam engine, and swayed from side to side skillfully, which was a breeze for an experienced captain, and quickly left the factories, houses, hills and human voices on the shore behind. behind.

(End of this chapter)