Captain Grant's Children

Chapter 65 Paganel's Last Joke

March 3.That is, the 18th day after the Duncan was launched.The coast of America was looming.

The next day, the boat anchored in Talcahuano Bay.

Yes, it took a full five months, a full five months, to circle the earth, and it has been sailing on the 5th parallel south latitude.It was truly an unprecedented feat and filled a void in British travel history.

They passed through Chile, the Pampas, the Argentine Republic; crossed the Atlantic Ocean, Indian Ocean, and Pacific Ocean; passed through the Quenya Islands, the Amsterdam Islands, Australia, and the island of Tabo.Moreover, in the end, they also brought the victims of the Britannia back to their homeland.

Counting the number of people, all the Scots who responded to the jazz's call returned to their homeland.It can be said that this long journey is like the "war without tears" as the ancient Scots said.

After refueling and provisions here, the Duncan set sail again.Round the Cape Horn along the coast of Patagonia and hit the Atlantic at full speed.This is a voyage forward.The happiness and cheerful mood of smooth sailing make the whole ship feel like flying.Similarly, it is John's almost public love for Mary.

However, there was one more thing that troubled McNabbs and made him feel depressed, and that was Paganel's dressing habits.

Why does he always wear tight clothes?Moreover, the tie was meticulously tied, and the scarf was wrapped up to the ears... Regarding this, the major always wanted to find out the truth.

However, no matter how much McNabbs snooped, questioned, and interrogated, Paganel was also "tight water".

Isn't he afraid of the heat?When the Duncan was sailing near the equator, the scorching sun had reached more than 50 degrees, but he couldn't even untie a single button.

"He's so sloppy and careless that he must be thinking it's cold Petersburg," the major murmured to himself, for he saw the geographer wearing an overcoat that looked like a heat-and-heat watch in a case.

May 5.Day 9 from Talcahuano Bay.At last John saw the flickering lights of Cape Clear.

So they sailed across St. George's Strait, across the Irish Sea, and into Chilleder's Firth.

11 o'clock.The cruise ship arrived at Dunbarton.

2 p.m.Entering Macombe Mansion, the locals cheered happily.

Readers, you may also realize that the story should have a happy ending.For example: Grant and his two fellow sufferers were finally saved; John and Mary became good friends for a hundred years, and the wedding was officiated by Pastor Moulton who had prayed for Harry nine months ago; Robert was the same as Harry Became a crew member, became Captain Grant's successor, etc... and even Paganel, he shouldn't be a bachelor all his life, right?

In fact, this well-educated geographer has already become a household name.The jokes about him are well known in Scottish society.Everyone talks about him with great relish.

Faced with all kinds of invitations, Paganel was really a little overwhelmed.

Just at this moment, a lovely young lady appeared.She is the cousin of McNabbs. She is already 30 years old. Although she has a slightly weird temper, she is still a very beautiful and gentle girl on the whole.

But she really fell in love with the geographer and wanted to marry him soon.

He was a little uncertain about this; of course, he didn't know that she still had a dowry of 100 million francs.

In front of Mademoiselle Arobella, Paganel had more energy than he wanted, and he always shy away from attacking.

The major had to make an effort, and he tried his best to match the lovers.He solemnly warned Paganel: Your last "joke" should be marriage!
This made Paganel very embarrassed. After scratching his head and holding back for a long time, he didn't say a word. "Could it be that you despise her?" asked the major eagerly.

"Ah... no, she's so nice! She's so cute!" Paganel confessed, "My own opinions and thoughts, this is the truth! I'm speaking from the bottom of my heart, if only she wasn't so cute Yes; yes, it would be nice to have a few shortcomings..."

"Hey, flaws? She has plenty!" The major suddenly realized. "Who hasn't flaws? Even the best women have flaws. I think you'd better marry her."

"No...I dare not..." Paganel hurriedly declared. "Hey? That's strange! Why don't you dare? My big man, why are you so timid?" "I, it's because I'm not good enough..."

He always finds various reasons to refuse, but he doesn't say a word about the reason.

On this day, the major blocked his way and insisted on his approval.

In this way he was compelled to speak out—of course begging the Major to keep him secret.

It turned out that there was something embarrassing about him that could not be erased even in a lifetime.If the police want to arrest him, according to this, no matter where he hides, no matter where, he will be searched for and taken to prison.

"Hey, what is this!" The major said disapprovingly. "It's nothing?" Paganel was worried.

"It's a good thing you're a well-known person? It doesn't matter!" "It doesn't matter?" "Yes! Not only does it not matter, but it can also strengthen the relationship between you and Miss Arobella; you think, in her eyes Aren't you the only lover in the world..."

The major's tone and manner made him even more uncertain.McNabbs turned around and found his cousin, and told her the situation in a few words.

15 days later.In the chapel at Malcolm Hall.

A lively wedding was being held: the groom Paganel was dressed completely new, from head to toe;

In fact, the secrets of geographers should not be known to outsiders, but how can there be an impenetrable wall in the world?

The major then told Glenarvan the secret. Of course, Glenarvan could not hide from Mrs. Helen, and Mrs. Helen revealed her mouth in front of Mrs. Menger.In this way, the secret was completely disclosed after it was passed on to Mrs. Aubinette's ears.

Paganel was held captive by the Maori for 3 days and 3 nights.The Maori tattooed him, not just a little, but from top to bottom, almost the whole body.Especially on the chest, he stabbed a vulture bird with its teeth and claws, which just happened to peck at his heart viciously... Speaking of which, this is Paganel's saddest memorial - the great voyage brought him many honors, of course There is also this shame - he can't even forget it for the rest of his life; seeing things and thinking about others, it is New Zealand that left him with this wound that cannot heal... Therefore, he still cannot return to France after many years, although he misses his motherland very much, Although his nostalgic heart for his hometown has been inspired more than once... He is worried that his secret will be used by those boring literati as a gossip and a joke in the streets; The society is in disrepute... Captain Grant was warmly received by the people of Scotland on his return to his country; it really seemed to be a national event.For this, his fame grew, and was known to women and children in ancient Caledonia.

His son Robert also lived up to expectations. It can be said that his son inherited his father's career and became a seaman. With the care and support of Sir Glenarvan, he and Captain John braved the wind and waves, made their home all over the world, and chased the sea in the vast Pacific Ocean. A great dream of the Scottish nation.

(End of this chapter)