THE ABANDONED 217 ÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄ CHAPTER XII The rigging of the boat - An attack by colpeos - Jup wounded - Jup nursed - Jup healing - Completion of the boat - Pencroff's triumph - The "Bonadventure" - First trial to the south of the island - An unexpected document. That same evening the hunters returned, having had a good hunt and literally loaded down with game. They carried all that four men could carry. Top had a string of pintail around his neck and Jup a belt of snipe around his body. "Here master," cried Neb, "here is something to employ our time with! Preserves, pies, we will have tasty dishes. But someone must help me. I am counting on you Pencroff." "No Neb," replied the sailor, "the job of rigging the boat calls me, and you must do without me." "And you, Mister Herbert?" "Me, Neb, I must go to the corral tomorrow," replied the lad. "Then will it be you, Mr. Spilett, who will help me?" "To oblige you, Neb," replied the reporter, "but I warn you that if you reveal your recipes to me I will publish them." "As you see fit, Mister Spilett," replied Neb, "as you see fit." And that was how Gideon Spilett became Neb's assistant and was installed the next day in his culinary laboratory. But previously the engineer had acquainted him with the result of the exploration that he had made on the previous day. In this respect the reporter agreed with Cyrus Smith that although nothing was found a secret still remained to be discovered. The frost lasted for still another week and the colonists did not leave Granite House except for the attention needed by the poultry yard. The dwelling was fragrant with those good odors emitted from the learned manipulations of Neb and the reporter; but not all of the products of the marsh hunt were transformed into preserves and since the game kept well in this intense frost, the wild ducks and others were eaten fresh and declared superior to all other waterfowl of the known world. During this week, Pencroff, aided by Herbert who skill- fully handled the sailmaker's needle, worked with such ardor that the boat's sails were completed. There was no lack of hemp cord, thanks to the rigging which had been recovered from the balloon. The cables and the cordage of the net made excellent rope which the sailor put to good use. The sails had their edges stitched with strong bolt-ropes, but there still remained enough to make halyards, shrouds, sheets, etc. As to the tackles, Cyrus Smith fabricated the necessary pulleys by means of a lathe that he had made with Pencroff's counsel. And so it happened that the rigging was completely ready before the boat was finished. Pencroff even made a red, white, and blue flag whose colors had been furnished by tinctorial plants which were very abundant on the island. Except that instead of the 218 THE MYSTERIOUS ISLAND ÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄ thirty seven stars representing the thirty seven states of the union which shine from the flags of American yachts, the sailor had added a thirty eighth, the star of "Lincoln State," because he considered his island already a part of the great republic. "And" said he, "it is so in heart if still not in fact." While waiting, the flag was unfurled at the main window of Granite House and the colonists saluted it with three hurrahs. However they were approaching the end of the cold season and it seemed that this second winter would pass without any serious incident when, during the night of the 11th of August, Grand View Plateau was threatened with complete devastation. After a very full day the colonists were in a deep sleep when about four o'clock in the morning they were suddenly awakened by Top's barks. This time the dog was not barking near the orifice of the well but at the threshold of the door and he threw himself upon it as if he wanted to push it open. Jup, on his part, uttered sharp cries. "Well, Top!" shouted Neb, who was the first to awaken. But the dog continued to bark more furiously. "What is it?" asked Cyrus Smith. And everyone, hurriedly dressing, ran toward the room's windows which they opened. Below was a layer of snow which barely appeared white on this very obscure night. The colonists saw nothing but they heard strange barks which burst out from the darkness. It was evident that the shore had been invaded by a certain number of animals that they could not make out. "What are they?" shouted Pencroff. "Wolves, jaguars, or apes!" replied Neb. "The devil! But they can get to the top of the plateau," said the reporter. "And our poultry yard," shouted Herbert, "and our plantations..." "How did they get through?" asked Pencroff. "They had to cross the bridge on the shore," replied the engineer, "that one of us had forgotten to close." "In fact," said Spilett, "I remember having left it open..." "A fine thing you did there, Mister Spilett," shouted the sailor." "What is done is done," replied Cyrus Smith. "What shall we do now?" Such were the questions and answers which were rapidly exchanged between Cyrus Smith and his companions. It was certain that the bridge had been crossed, that the beach had been invaded by some animals, and that they, whatever they were, could ascend the left bank of the Mercy to reach Grand View Plateau. They must therefore hurry to fight them if need be. "But what kind of animals are they?" Pencroff asked a second time just as the barks became louder. THE ABANDONED 219 ÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄ These barks made Herbert shudder and he remembered having already heard them during his first visit to the sources of Red Creek. "They are colpeos, they are foxes," he said. "Forward," shouted the sailor. And everyone, armed with axes, carbines and revolvers, threw themselves into the car of the elevator and set foot on the beach. These colpeos are dangerous animals when there are many of them and they are provoked by hunger. Nevertheless the colonists did not hesitate to throw themselves into the midst of the band and their first revolver shots, lighting up the darkness, threw back the leading assailants. It was important above all else, that they prevent these plunderers from reaching Grand View Plateau because the plantations and the poultry yard were at their mercy and immense damage, perhaps irreparable, would inevitably result especially to the cornfield. But since the invasion of the plateau could only be accomplished by passing on the left bank of the Mercy, it was sufficient to oppose the colpeos with an insurmountable barrier on this narrow section of the beach between the river and the granite wall. That was everyone's opinion and upon Cyrus Smith's order they reached the designated place while the colpeos were dashing about in the dark. Cyrus Smith, Gideon Spilett, Herbert, Pencroff and Neb positioned themselves so as to form an uncrossable line. Top, with open jaws, preceded the colonists and he was followed by Jup, armed with a knotty cudgel, which he swung like a club. It was very dark. It was only by the light of everyone's firings that they could see the assailants. There were at least a hundred of them and their eyes shone like hot coals. "They must not pass," shouted Pencroff. "They shall not pass," replied the engineer. But if they did not pass, it was not because they did not try. Those to the rear pushed against those in front and it was an incessant battle with revolver shots and axes. Many of the colpeos' cadavers were already scattered on the ground, but the band did not seem to diminish. Others renewed their ranks by crossing the bridge on the shore. Soon the colonists were forced to fight hand to hand not without receiving some wounds, light ones fortunately. Herbert, with a gunshot, got rid of a colpeo on Neb's back who was fighting like a tigercat. Top was fighting furiously, lunging at the throats of the foxes and strangling them. Jup, armed with his club, was banging with all his might, and it was in vain that they tried to make him stay to the rear. Endowed doubtless with a vision that permitted him to pierce the darkness, he was always in the thickest part of the battle, uttering from time to time a sharp cry which for him was a sign of extreme jubilation. At one point he advanced so far that, from the light of a revolver, they could see him surrounded by five or six colpeos. He held up with coolness. 220 THE MYSTERIOUS ISLAND ÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄ However the battle ended to the colonist's advantage, but after they had fought for two long hours! The first rays of dawn doubtless made the assailants decide to retreat. They scampered off toward the north passing over the bridge which Neb immediately raised. When day lighted up the field of battle, the colonists could count fifty bodies scattered on the beach. "And Jup!" shouted Pencroff. "Where is Jup?" Jup had disappeared. His friend Neb called him and for the first time Jup did not respond to his friend's call. Everyone set out to look for Jup, trembling that they might find him among the dead. They cleared away the bodies which stained the snow with their blood, and Jup was found in the midst of a veritable pile of colpeos whose jaws had been smashed and whose backs had been broken, bearing testimony that they had had to deal with the terrible cudgel of the fearless animal. Poor Jup still had his hand on the stump of his broken club; but deprived of his weapon, he had been overwhelmed by their numbers and his chest received deep wounds. "He is alive!" shouted Neb, who leaned over him. "And we will save him," replied the sailor, "we will nurse him as if he were one of us!" It seemed that Jup understood because he inclined his head on Pencroff's shoulder as if to thank him. The sailor himself was wounded but these wounds, as well as those of his companions, were insignificant. Thanks to their guns, they had almost always kept their assailants at a distance. It was not so with the orang whose condition was serious. Jup, carried by Neb and Pencroff, was brought to the elevator and it was with difficulty that a feeble groan left his lips. They lifted him gently to Granite House. There he was placed on a borrowed mattress on one of the bunks and his wounds were washed with the greatest care. It appeared that the wounds had not reached any vital organ but Jup was weak from the loss of blood and his fever was rather high. They put him to bed after dressing his wounds and a severe diet was imposed on him "just like a real person," as Neb said, and they made him drink a few cups of a refreshing infusion whose ingredients were furnished by the vegetable pharmacy of Granite House. At first Jup's sleep was agitated, but little by little his breathing became more regular and they let him sleep quietly. From time to time Top came in "on tip toe" so to speak, to visit his friend and he seemed to approve of all the attention that was lavished upon him. One of Jup's hands hung outside the bed and Top licked it humbly. That same morning they proceeded to bury the dead who were dragged up to the forest of the Far West and interred. This attack, which might have had serious consequences, was a lesson for the colonists and henceforth they did not go to sleep without one of them being sure that all the bridges were raised and that no invasion was possible. THE ABANDONED 221 ÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄ However Jup, after having given them some serious fears for a few days, made a vigorous comeback. His constitution prevailed, the fever went down little by little and Gideon Spilett, who was something of a doctor, soon considered the difficulty over. On the 16th of August Jup began to eat. Neb made sweet dainty dishes for him which the patient tasted sensually because, if he had a pet fault, it was that he was a bit of a gourmand and Neb had never tried to correct him from this fault. "What do you want?" he said to Gideon Spilett, who reproached him several times for spoiling him. "He has no other pleasure than that of his mouth, poor Jup, and I am very happy to be able to recognize his services in this way." Ten days after having taken to bed, on the 21st of August, Jup got up. His wounds were healed and they could well see that he would not be long in recovering his suppleness and his usual vigor. Like all convalescents, he was then consumed by a devouring hunger and the reporter let him eat whatever his heart desired because he trusted this instinct which is very often lacking in rational beings and which would protect the orang from any excess. Neb was overjoyed to see his pupil's appetite return. "Eat, my Jup," he said to him, "and want for nothing. You have shed your blood for us and the least I can do is to help you recover." Finally on the 25th of August they heard Neb calling his companions. "Mister Cyrus, Mister Gideon, Mister Herbert, Pencroff, come! Come!" The colonists, gathered in the large hall, got up at the call of Neb, who was then in the room reserved for Jup. "What is it?" asked the reporter. "Look!" replied Neb, bursting into laughter. And what did they see? Master Jup smoking tranquilly and seriously, squatting like a Turk by the door of Granite House. "My pipe!" shouted Pencroff. "He has taken my pipe! Ah! My brave Jup, I give it to you as a present. Smoke, my friend, smoke!" And Jup seriously emitted thick puffs of smoke and seemed to be getting unlimited joy. Cyrus Smith showed no astonishment about this incident and he cited several examples of tame apes who had become familiar with the use of tobacco. But from this day on, Master Jup had a pipe of his own, the sailor's ex-pipe, which hung in his room near a supply of tobacco. He filled it himself, lit it with a burning coal and appeared to be the happiest of quadrumanes. One could well believe that this common interest could only tighten the bonds of close friendship that already united the worthy ape and the honest sailor. "Perhaps he is a man?" Pencroff sometimes said to Neb. "Would it astonish you if one day he spoke to us?" 222 THE MYSTERIOUS ISLAND ÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄ "My word, no," replied Neb. "What astonishes me is that he hasn't already spoken because all he lacks is speech." "It would amuse me all the same," said the sailor, "if one fine day he said to me, 'suppose we change pipes, Pencroff.'" "Yes," replied Neb, "What a pity he was born mute." With the month of September the winter was completely over and activities were resumed with zest. The construction of the boat advanced rapidly. It was already completely decked and structured on the inside so as to bind together all the parts of the hull with a framework made pliable with steam. This would take up the slack of dimensional tolerances. Since there was no lack of wood, Pencroff proposed to the engineer that they build a double hull on the inside with a watertight inner planking which would completely assure the strength of the boat. Cyrus Smith, not knowing what the future had in store, approved the sailor's idea of making the boat as strong as possible. The inner planking and the bridge of the boat were completely finished around the 15th of September. To caulk the seams, they packed them with dry seaweed, which was hammered in between the planking of the hull, the inner planking and the bridge; then these seams were covered with boiling tar which had been abundantly furnished by the pines of the forest. The fitting of the boat was very simple. First it was ballasted with heavy pieces of granite cemented in a bed of lime. They stowed away about twelve thousand pounds of this. A deck was placed above this ballast and the interior was divided into two rooms, with two benches extending along its length to serve as chests. The foot of the mast supported the partition which separated the two rooms, with access to the bridge through two hatchways provided with canopies. Pencroff had no trouble in finding a tree suitable for the mast. He chose a young fir, very straight and without knots, which he squared at the base and rounded at the top. The ironwork for the mast, the rudder and the hull had been crudely but firmly made on the forge at the Chimneys. Finally yards, topmast, boom, spars, oars, etc., all was finished in the first week of October and it was agreed that they would make a trial run of the boat in the coastal waters of the island in order to know how well it took to the sea and to what degree they could depend on it. During all this time, other work had not been neglected. The corral was rearranged because the flock of sheep and goats counted a certain number of young which had to be lodged and nourished. The colonists did not fail to visit the oyster bed, nor the warren, nor the coal and iron beds, nor several still unexplored parts of the forests of the Far West which were very full of game. Certain indigenous plants were also discovered and if they did not have any immediate use, they still would contribute to THE ABANDONED 223 ÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄ a diversification of the vegetable reserves of Granite House. One was a species of Hottentot's fig, resembling those of Capetown, with fleshy edible leaves. Another produced seeds which contained a sort of flour. On the 10th of October, the boat was launched. Pencroff was radiant. The operation succeeded perfectly. The fully rigged boat was pushed on rollers to the edge of the shore and was lifted by the rising tide to the applauds of the colonists, especially Pencroff who showed no modesty on this occasion. Moreover, his vanity would outlast the completion of the boat since, after having constructed it, he would be called upon to command it. The grade of captain was awarded by common agreement. To satisfy Captain Pencroff, it was first necessary to give the boat a name and after several proposals discussed at length, the voters agreed on that of "Bonadventure" which was the baptismal name of the honest sailor. As soon as the "Bonadventure" was lifted by the rising tide, they could see that it would be perfectly seaworthy and that it would be easy to navigate at all speeds. All that was left was to give it a try on that very day, with an excursion off the coast. The weather was beautiful, the breeze fresh and the sea smooth, especially off the southern shore where the wind had already been blowing for an hour. "Get in! Get in!" shouted Captain Pencroff. But they had to eat before leaving and it even seemed best to carry some provisions on board in case the excursion was prolonged until evening. Cyrus Smith was also in a hurry to try out the boat since the plans had originated with him although, on the sailor's advice, he had often modified some parts; but he did not have as much confidence in it as Pencroff did, and since the latter no longer spoke of the voyage to Tabor Island, Cyrus Smith hoped that the sailor had forgotten it. He was reluctant in fact, to see two or three of his companions venture so far in this small boat which did not displace more than fifteen tons. At ten thirty everyone was on board, even Jup and Top. Neb and Herbert raised the anchor which was buried in the sand near the mouth of the Mercy, the spanker sail was hoisted, the Lincolnian flag waved at the top of the mast, and the "Bonadventure" commanded by Pencroff, took to the open sea. In order to leave Union Bay it was first necessary to sail before the wind and they could see that under this situation the speed of the vessel was satisfactory. After having doubled Flotsam Point and Cape Claw, Pencroff had to sail close to the wind in order to coast along the southern shore of the island. After navigating by a series of tacks, he saw that the "Bonadventure" could sail at about five points from the wind and that it could suitably hold itself against the drift. It tacked very well, having "the knack" as the sailors would say, and its tacking even deserved praise. 224 THE MYSTERIOUS ISLAND ÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄ The passengers of the Bonadventure were truly enchanted. They had here a good boat which could given them good service if need be. With this fine weather and good breeze, the excursion was charming. Pencroff went out to three or four miles from shore on the way to Port Balloon. The island then appeared in all its development and under a new aspect, with the varied panorama of its shore from Cape Claw to Reptile Promontory, with the nearest part of the forest in which the green conifers stood out from the other trees whose young foliage was barely blooming, and with Mount Franklin, which dominated it all, with white snow at the top. "It is beautiful," cried Herbert. "Yes, our island is beautiful and good," replied Pencroff. "I love it like I love my poor mother. It received us, poor and lacking everything, and what is lacking now to the five children who fell on it from the sky?" "Nothing," replied Neb, "Nothing, Captain!" And the two worthy gentlemen gave three formidable hurrahs in honor of their island. During this time, Gideon Spilett, leaning against the mast, was drawing the panorama which developed before his eyes. Cyrus Smith looked in silence. "Well, Mister Cyrus," asked Pencroff, "what do you think of our boat?" "She seems to conduct herself well," replied the engineer. "Good! And do you think that at this time it could undertake a voyage of some duration?" "What voyage, Pencroff?" "To Tabor Island, for example." "My friend," replied Cyrus Smith, "I believe that, if need be, we should not hesitate to put our trust in the Bonadventure, even for a longer trip; but as you know, it would pain me to see you leave for Tabor Island since nothing obliges you to go there." "Everyone likes to know his neighbors," replied Pencroff stubbornly. "Tabor Island is our neighbor and it is the only one! Politeness requires that we go there, at least to pay it a visit." "The devil," said Gideon Spilett, "our friend Pencroff is so proper." "I am not proper about anything," retorted the sailor, a bit vexed by the engineer's opposition but not wishing to cause him any pain. "Think, Pencroff," replied Cyrus Smith, "that you cannot go to Tabor Island alone." "One companion will be sufficient." "So be it," replied the engineer. "That means that you will risk depriving the Lincoln Island colony of two colonists out of five." "Out of six!" replied Pencroff. "You forget Jup." "Out of seven!" added Neb. "Top is another worthy member." THE ABANDONED 225 ÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄ "There is no risk, Mister Cyrus," replied Pencroff. "That is possible, Pencroff; but I repeat to you that we will expose ourselves without necessity." The stubborn sailor did not reply and dropped the conversation deciding to pick it up again later. But he hardly suspected that an incident would come to help him and to change into an act of humanity what was after all a debatable caprice. In fact, after having been out at a distance, the Bonadventure approached the shore sailing toward Port Balloon. It was important to note the channels among the banks of sand and reefs so as to put down beacons if need be, since this small inlet would be the boat's official port. They were only a half mile from the coast and it was necessary to tack to make headway against the wind. The speed of the Bonadventure was then only moderate because the breeze, partly hindered by the high land, hardly filled the sails, and the sea, smooth as ice, only rippled to an occasional wind. Herbert had stationed himself up front in order to indicate the route to follow among the channels when all of a sudden he shouted: "Luff, Pencroff, luff." "What is it?" replied the sailor, getting up. "A rock?" "No... wait," said Herbert... "I do not see well... luff again... good ... over a little..." And saying this Herbert, leaning over the edge, quickly plunged his arms into the water and then got up saying: "A bottle!" He held in his hand a closed bottle which he had seized a few cables from shore. Cyrus Smith took the bottle. Without saying a single word, he smashed the cork and took out a wet paper from which he read these words: "Castaway... Tabor Island: 153ø W. Long. - 37ø 11' Lat. S." CHAPTER XIII Departure decided - Hypothesis - Preparations - The three passengers - First night - Second night - Tabor Island - Search on the shore - Search in the woods - No one - Animals - Plants - A dwelling - Deserted. "A castaway!" shouted Pencroff, "Abandoned a few hundred miles from us on this Tabor Island! Ah Mister Cyrus, now you will no longer oppose my proposed trip!" "No, Pencroff," replied Cyrus Smith, "and you will leave as soon as possible." "As soon as tomorrow?" "As soon as tomorrow." 226 THE MYSTERIOUS ISLAND ÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄ The engineer held in his hand the paper which he had taken from the bottle. He meditated for a few moments, then spoke again: "From this document, my friends," he said, "and from the very form in which it is composed, we must first conclude this: It is first, that the castaway of Tabor Island is a man having a rather advanced knowledge of navigation, since he gives the latitude and the longitude of the island, confirming to what we have found, and to within a minute of approximation: Second, that he is English or American since the document is written in the English language." "That is perfectly logical," replied Gideon Spilett, "and the presence of this castaway explains the arrival of the case on the shores of our island. There has been a wreck since there is a castaway. As to the latter, whoever he is, it is a lucky thing for him that Pencroff had the idea of constructing this boat and of trying it out this very day because one day later and this bottle would have broken on the reefs." "In fact," said Herbert, "it is a happy chance that the Bonadventure has passed here while the bottle was still floating." "And doesn't that seem strange to you," Cyrus Smith asked Pencroff. "It seems fortunate to me, that is all," replied the sailor. "Do you see something extraordinary in this, Mister Cyrus? This bottle had to go someplace and why not here as well as any place else?" "Perhaps you are right, Pencroff," replied the engineer, "and yet..." "But," noted Herbert, "there's nothing to prove that this bottle has been floating long in the sea." "Nothing," replied Gideon Spilett, "and the document itself appears to have been recently written. What do you think, Cyrus?" "That is difficult to verify and besides we will know," replied Cyrus Smith. During this conversation Pencroff had not remained inactive. He had turned the boat around, and the Bonadventure cast off, all sails hoisted, rapidly running toward Cape Claw. Everyone was thinking of this castaway from Tabor Island. Was there still time to save him? This was an important event in the life of the colonists. Even they themselves were castaways but they feared that someone else might not have been as lucky as they and their duty was to run to the unfortunate. Cape Claw was doubled and the Bonadventure was anchored about four o'clock at the mouth of the Mercy. That very evening the details relative to the new expedition were settled. It appeared expedient that Pencroff and Herbert, who knew how to handle a boat, would undertake this voyage by themselves. By leaving the next day, the 11th of October, they could arrive on the 13th during the day because, with the prevailing wind, not more than forty eight THE ABANDONED 227 ÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄ hours were needed to make this crossing of one hundred fifty miles. A day on the island, three or four days to return, they could then count on returning to Lincoln Island by the 17th. The weather was fine, the barometer was rising without shocks, the winds seemed steady. Everything then favored these brave men who were being taken so far from their island by the duties of humanity. So then, it had been agreed that Cyrus Smith, Neb, and Gideon Spilett would remain at Granite House; but a protest was lodged and Gideon Spilett, not forgetting his duties as a reporter for the New York Herald, having declared that he would rather swim than miss such an occasion, he was admitted to take part in the voyage. The evening was employed in transporting on board the Bonadventure several objects of bedding, utensils, arms, munitions, a compass, and provisions needed for a journey of eight days, and this loading being quickly accomplished, the colonists went back to Granite House. The next day, at five o'clock in the morning, they said their goodbyes, not without a certain emotion on everyone's part, and Pencroff, filling the sails, went toward Cape Claw which he had to double in order to then take a direct southwest route. The Bonadventure was already a quarter of a mile from the coast when its passengers saw on the heights of Granite House two men making a sign of goodbye. They were Cyrus Smith and Neb. "Our friends," shouted Gideon Spilett. "This is our first separation in eighteen months!..." Pencroff, the reporter, and Herbert made a final sign of goodbye and Granite House soon disappeared behind the high rocks of the cape. During the first hours of the day the Bonadventure remained continually in view of the southern coast of Lincoln Island which soon appeared in the form of a wide green basket from which Mount Franklin emerged. The heights, diminished by the distance, gave it an appearance not likely to attract vessels to its shores. Reptile Promontory was passed at about one o'clock but at ten miles out. At this distance it was no longer possible to distinguish anything on the western coast which extended up to the top of Mount Franklin and three hours later all that was Lincoln Island had disappeared below the horizon. The Bonadventure conducted itself perfectly. It rose easily with the waves and moved rapidly. Pencroff had rigged his topmast and having everything hoisted he sailed in a straight direction guided by the compass. From time to time Herbert took his turn at the helm and the lad's hand was so firm that the sailor could find no error to reproach him with. Gideon Spilett chatted with one, with the other and, when it was necessary, he took his turn at the helm. Captain Pencroff was absolutely satisfied with his crew and spoke of 228 THE MYSTERIOUS ISLAND ÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄ rewarding them with nothing less than "a quart of wine with which to go on a spree!" At sunset the crescent of the moon, which would not be in the first quarter until the 16th, appeared in the twilight and soon disappeared. The night was dark but full of stars which promised a fine day for the morrow. Pencroff prudently lowered the topmast not wanting to be surprised by some gust of wind with a sail at the top of the mast. It was perhaps too much caution on so calm a night, but Pencroff was a prudent sailor and one could not blame him. The reporter slept a part of the night. Pencroff and Herbert took turns at the helm every two hours. The sailor trusted Herbert as he would himself and his confidence was justified by the coolness and intelligence of the lad. Pencroff gave him directions like a commander to his helmsman and Herbert did not allow the Bonadventure to deviate a line. The night passed well and the day of October 12th passed under the same conditions. The southwesterly direction was strictly maintained during the entire day and if the Bonadventure was not subjected to some unknown current, Tabor Island would be in its path. As to the sea in which the boat was then sailing it was absolutely deserted. At times some large bird, an albatross or a frigate, passed within gun range and Gideon Spilett asked himself if one of these powerful flyers was not the one to whom he had confined his last dispatch addressed to the New York Herald. These birds appeared to be the only ones frequenting this part of the ocean between Tabor Island and Lincoln Island. "However," Herbert noted, "this is the season when the whalers ordinarily head toward the southern part of the Pacific. In truth, I do not believe that there is a more deserted sea than this one!" "It is not as deserted as all that," replied Pencroff. "What do you mean by that?" asked the reporter. "But we are here! Do you take our boat for a wreck and us for porpoises." And Pencroff laughed at his joke. By evening, according to their estimate, they reckoned that the Bonadventure had covered a distance of one hundred twenty miles since its departure from Lincoln Island, that is to say in thirty six hours which gave a speed of three and a third miles per hour. The breeze was weak and tended to become calmer. Nevertheless they could hope that the next day, at daybreak, if the estimate was correct and the direction had been true, they would sight Tabor Island. Neither Gideon Spilett, nor Herbert, nor Pencroff slept during this night of the 12th to the 13th of October. During this wait for the next day, they could not restrain their emotions. There was so much uncertainty in this enterprise that they had attempted. Were they near Tabor Island? Was the island still inhabited by this castaway to whose rescue they were coming? Who was this man? Wouldn't his presence bring THE ABANDONED 229 ÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄ trouble to the small colony so united until then? Besides, would he consent to change his prison for another? All these questions, which would doubtless be answered the next day, kept them awake and at the first rays of dawn they cast their glances on all points of the western horizon. "Land!" shouted Pencroff about six o'clock in the morning. And since it was inadmissible that Pencroff was mistaken, it was evident that land was there. One can judge the joy of the small crew of the Bonadventure. In a few hours they would be on the shore of the island. Tabor Island had a low coast, hardly emerging from the waves. It was not more than fifteen miles away. The bow of the Bonadventure, which was a little to the south of the island, was put in direct line with it and as the sun rose in the east, several high points appeared here and there. "This island is much less important than Lincoln Island," Herbert noted, "and like it, it probably resulted from some submarine convulsion." At eleven o'clock in the morning the Bonadventure was only two miles away and Pencroff, looking for a passage to shore, sailed very prudently through these unknown waters. Their view then embraced the entire islet. Clusters of verdant gum trees and other large trees of the kind that grew on Lincoln Island, stood out. But the thing that was astonishing was that there was no rising smoke to indicate that the islet was inhabited. No signal appeared at any point whatsoever of the shore. And yet the document had been precise: there was a castaway there and the castaway should have been on the watch. Nevertheless the Bonadventure ventured among the rather capricious passes through the reefs. Pencroff paid careful attention to the least meandering. He placed Herbert at the helm, and posted in front, he examined the water, halyard in hand, ready to drop sail. Gideon Spilett swept his eyes over the shore with the telescope but saw nothing. Finally, about noon, the keel of the Bonadventure struck the sandy beach. The anchor was thrown out, the sails lowered, and the crew of the small boat set foot on land. And there was no doubt that this was really Tabor Island since, according to the most recent maps, no other island existed in this portion of the Pacific between New Zealand and the American Coast. The boat was firmly moored so that the ebbing tide could not carry it off; then Pencroff and his two companions, well armed, went up the shore in order to get to a kind of cone, two hundred fifty to three hundred feet high, which rose a half mile away. "From the top of this hill," said Gideon Spilett, "we will doubtless have a bird's eye view of the islet, which will facilitate our search." "Which is what Mister Cyrus first did on Lincoln Island," said Herbert, "by climbing Mount Franklin." 230 THE MYSTERIOUS ISLAND ÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄ "Exactly," replied the reporter, "and it is the best way to proceed." While chatting the explorers advanced, following the edge of a prairie which ended at the very foot of the cone. Bands of rock pigeons and sea swallows, resembling those of Lincoln Island, flew before them. Under the woods which lined the prairie on the left, they heard rustlings in the brushwood and caught glimpses of movement in the grass which indicated the presence of fleeing animals; but nothing until then indicated that the islet was inhabited. Arriving at the foot of the cone, Pencroff, Herbert and Gideon Spilett climbed it and in a few moments their gaze surveyed the various points on the horizon. It was really an islet which did not measure more than six miles all around. Its perimeter was barely fringed by any capes or promontories, or any coves or creeks. It presented the form of an elongated oval. All around was the absolutely deserted sea extending to the limits of the horizon. There was no land nor any sail in view. This islet, wooded over all its surface, did not offer the diversity of Lincoln Island, arid and wild on one part but fertile and rich on the other. Here it was a uniform mass of verdure dominated by two or three slightly elevated hills. Oblique to the oval of the islet a creek flowed across a large prairie, reaching the sea on the western coast through a narrow mouth. "The domain is limited," said Herbert. "Yes," replied Pencroff, "it would have been a little small for us." "And what's more," replied the reporter, "it seems uninhabited." "In fact," replied Herbert, "nothing reveals the presence of man." "Let us descend," said Pencroff, "and let us search." The sailor and his two companions returned to the shore where they had left the Bonadventure. They decided to walk around the islet before venturing into the interior so that no point would escape their attention. The shore was easy to follow except for a few places blocked by large rocks which they easily went around. The explorers went southward causing the flight of numerous waterfowl and seals who dashed into the water when they saw them from afar. "These animals," the reporter noted, "do not see men for the first time. They fear them, therefore they know them." An hour after their departure, all three arrived at the southern point of the islet, terminated by a sharp cape, and they ascended toward the north, walking along the western shore which was also made up of sand and rocks with thick woods bordering to the rear. Nowhere was there any trace of a dwelling, nowhere a human footprint all around the perimeter of the island which they had covered in four hours. THE ABANDONED 231 ÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄ This was at the least very extraordinary and they were compelled to believe that Tabor Island was not or was no longer inhabited. Perhaps, after all, the document was already several months or several years old and in that event it was possible that the castaway had been repatriated or had died of misery. Pencroff, Gideon Spilett and Herbert, forming more or less plausible hypotheses, dined rapidly on board the Bonadventure so as to be able to continue their excursion until evening. It was five o'clock in the evening when they ventured into the woods. Numerous animals fled at their approach, principally, they could even say only, goats and pigs which, it was easy to see, were of the European species. Doubtless some whaler had landed them on the island where they rapidly multiplied. Herbert promised himself that he would capture one or two living couples in order to bring them to Lincoln Island. There was then no longer any doubt that men at some time had visited this islet. And this appeared to be still more evident when, on crossing the forest, they saw traces of footpaths, of tree trunks felled with an axe, and everywhere the mark of the human hand; but these trees, which were rotting, had been cut down several years ago, the notches made by the axe were velvety with moss, and long thick grass overran the footpaths which were difficult to recognize. "But," noted Gideon Spilett, "this proves that men not only landed on this islet, but that they lived here for a certain period of time. Now, who were these men? How many were there? How many are left?" "The document," said Herbert, "spoke only of a single castaway." "Well, if he is still on the island," replied Pencroff, "it is impossible that we will not find him." The exploration was therefore continued. The sailor and his companions followed naturally the route that cut diagonally across the islet. They then found themselves walking along the creek that ran to the sea. If the animals of European origin and the works of the human hand proved incontestably that man had already come to this islet, several specimens from the vegetable kingdom proved it no less. In certain places among clearings, they saw that the land had been cultivated with garden vegetables at some rather distant time. What was Herbert's joy when he recognized potatoes, chicory, sorrel, carrots, cabbage, and turnips. It was sufficient to collect the seeds so as to enrich the soil of Lincoln Island. "Good, well done!" replied Pencroff. "This will be a happy affair for Neb and ourselves. If we do not find the castaway at least our voyage will not have been in vain, and God will have rewarded us." 232 THE MYSTERIOUS ISLAND ÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄ "Doubtless," replied Gideon Spilett, "but to look at the state in which we find these plantations, one is led to believe that the islet has not been inhabited for a long time." "In fact," replied Herbert, "an inhabitant, whoever he was, would not have neglected so important a culture." "Yes," said Pencroff, "the castaway has left!... We must assume that..." "It must then be admitted that the document is already an old one?" "Evidently." "And that this bottle arrived at Lincoln Island only after having floated on the sea for a long time?" "Why not?" replied Pencroff. "But night is coming on," he added, "and I think that it would be best to suspend our search." "Let us return on board and tomorrow we will begin again," said the reporter. This was very wise and the advice was about to be followed when Herbert, pointing to a confused mass among the trees, shouted: "A dwelling!" All three went to the dwelling at once. In the twilight it was possible to see that it had been constructed of planks covered with a thick tar canvas. The half closed door was pushed open by Pencroff, who quickly entered... The dwelling was empty. CHAPTER XIV Inventory - Night - Some lettering - Continuing the search - Plants and animals - Herbert in great danger - On board - The departure - Bad weather - A glimmer of instinct - Lost at sea - A timely light. Pencroff, Herbert, and Gideon Spilett remained silent in the darkness. Pencroff shouted. There was no response. The sailor then struck the flint and lit a twig. For an instant this light illuminated a small room which appeared to be absolutely abandoned. To the rear there was a crude fireplace with a few cold cinders supporting an armful of dry wood. Pencroff threw the burning twig on it, the wood crackled and gave a vivid flame. The sailor and his two companions then saw an unmade bed, with wet and yellowish covers which proved that it had not been used for a long time; in a corner of the fireplace, two kettles covered with rust and an overturned pot; a wardrobe with a few half mildewy sailor's clothes; on the table, tin kitchen THE ABANDONED 233 ÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄ utensils and a bible rotted by the dampness; in a corner, some tools, a shovel, a pickaxe, a pick, two hunting guns one of which was broken; on a raised platform, a still intact barrel of powder, a barrel of shot and several boxes of primers; all covered with a thick layer of dust which had perhaps accumulated over long years. "There is no one here," said the reporter. "No one," replied Pencroff. "It is a long time since this room has been occupied," Herbert noted. "Yes, a really long time!" replied the reporter. "Mister Spilett," Pencroff then said, "instead of returning on board, I think that it would be best to pass the night in this dwelling." "You are right, Pencroff," replied Gideon Spilett, "and if its owner returns, well! Perhaps he will not be pleased to find the place taken over." "He will not return!" said the sailor, shaking his head. "You believe that he has left the island?" asked the reporter. "If he has left the island, he would have taken his arms and his tools," replied Pencroff. "You know the value that castaways attach to these things, which are the last remains from a wreck. No! No!," repeated the sailor convincingly, "No!, he has not left the island. If he had rescued himself with a boat that he made he would still not have left behind these things of prime necessity. No, he is on the island!" "Living?..." asked Herbert. "Living or dead. But if he is dead, I suppose he has not buried himself," replied Pencroff, "and we will at least find his remains." It was then agreed that they would pass the night in the abandoned dwelling. A supply of wood found in a corner provided sufficient warmth. The door closed, Pencroff, Herbert and Gideon Spilett, seated on a bench, stayed there, speaking little and thinking. They were in a frame of mind to imagine anything. While waiting they listened carefully to outside noises. If the door were to suddenly open and if a man should present himself to them, it would not have surprised them in spite of everything that showed the dwelling to be abandoned. Their hands were ready to clasp the hands of this man, this castaway, this unknown friend whose friends were waiting. But no noise was heard, the door did not open and so the hours passed. How long this night seemed to the sailor and his two companions! Herbert alone slept for two hours because at his age sleep is a necessity. All three were in a hurry to continue the previous day's exploration and to search the most secret corners of the islet. The conclusions reached by Pencroff were absolutely justified and it was nearly certain that since the house was abandoned and the tools, utensils and arms were still there, that its host had succumbed. It was 234 THE MYSTERIOUS ISLAND ÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄ therefore agreed to look for his remains and at least give them a Christian burial. Day appeared. Pencroff and his companions immediately proceeded to examine the dwelling. It had really been built in a good location atop a small hill on which five or six magnificent gum trees grew. In front, across the trees, a large clearing had been made with the axe, which allowed the view to extend over the sea. A small lawn, surrounded by a wooden fence fallen in ruin, led to the shore with the mouth of the creek to the left. This dwelling had been constructed of planks and it was easy to see that these planks came from the hull or the bridge of a vessel. It was therefore probable that a disabled ship had been thrown on the coast of the island, that at least one man of the crew had been saved and that by means of the debris from the vessel this man, having tools available, had constructed this dwelling. And this was even more evident when Gideon Spilett, after having gone around the dwelling, saw on a plank - probably one of those which formed the bulwark of the wrecked vessel - these letters already half defaced: BR.TAN..A "Britannia!" shouted Pencroff, after the reporter called him. "It is a very common name for vessels but I cannot say if it is English or American." "It is of little importance, Pencroff." "Of little importance, in fact," replied the sailor, "and if the crew's survivor still lives, we will save him regardless of his nationality. But before continuing our exploration, let us return on board the Bonadventure." A sort of uneasiness took hold of Pencroff on the subject of his boat. If perchance the islet was inhabited and if some inhabitant took possession... but he shrugged his shoulders at such an unlikely supposition. Still the sailor was not sorry to go to dine on board. The route, already traced out, was not long, hardly a mile. They got back on the road again, all the while looking carefully at the woods and the underbrush from which the goats and the pigs fled by the hundreds. Twenty minutes after having left the dwelling, Pencroff and his companions again saw the eastern shore of the island and the Bonadventure, held by its anchor which was buried deep in the sand. Pencroff could not hold back a sigh of satisfaction. After all, this boat was his child and fathers have the right to be uneasy more often than to be reasonable. They came on board and dined so that there would be no need to eat again until much later; then, the meal finished, the exploration was resumed with the most minute care. In short, it was very probable that the sole inhabitant of the islet had succumbed. It was for a dead person rather than THE ABANDONED 235 ÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄ a living one that Pencroff and his companions were searching. But their search was in vain and for half a day they looked uselessly among the massive woods that covered the islet. They had to admit that if the castaway was dead, there no longer remained any trace of his body and that doubtless some beast had devoured it down to the last bone. "We will leave tomorrow at daybreak," said Pencroff to his two companions who, at about two o'clock in the afternoon, were lying in the shadow of a cluster of pines in order to rest for a few moments. "I believe that we can take with us, without any scruples, the utensils which belonged to the castaway," added Herbert. "I believe that too," replied Gideon Spilett, "and these arms and tools will complement the materiel of Granite House. If I am not mistaken the supply of powder and shot is considerable." "Yes, replied Pencroff, "but let us not forget to capture one or two couples of these pigs of which Lincoln Island is deprived..." "Nor to collect these seeds," added Herbert, "which will give us all the vegetables of the old and new worlds." "It would then perhaps be best to stay another day longer on Tabor Island," said the reporter, "in order to collect everything that can be useful to us." "No, Mister Spilett," replied Pencroff, "I will ask you to leave tomorrow at daybreak. The wind appears to me to have a tendency to change into a westerly and after having had a good wind for coming we will have a good wind for returning." "Then let us not lose any time!" said Herbert, getting up. "Let us not lose any time," replied Pencroff. "You, Herbert, collect the seeds which you know better than we. During this time, Mister Spilett and I will hunt for some pigs and even in Top's absence, I dare say that we will succeed in capturing a few." Herbert took the footpath that would bring him to the cultivated part of the islet while the sailor and the reporter went directly into the forest. Many specimens of the pig family fled from them and these animals, oddly agile, did not appear in a humor to be approached. However, after a half hour of pursuit, the hunters succeeded in getting hold of a couple who were hiding in a thick brushwood when some shouting resounded a few hundred feet away in the north of the islet. With these shouts were mingled some horrible hoarse sounds that had nothing human about them. Pencroff and Gideon Spilett stood up and the pigs profited from this movement by escaping just when the sailor was ready to tie them. "That's Herbert's voice!" said the reporter. "Run!" shouted Pencroff. And soon the sailor and Gideon Spilett were running as fast as their limbs could carry them to the place where the shouting emanated. 236 THE MYSTERIOUS ISLAND ÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄ They did well to hurry because, on making a turn in the footpath near a clearing, they saw the lad thrown to the ground by a savage being, a gigantic ape doubtless, who was about to harm him. To pounce upon this monster, throw him in turn to the ground, wrench Herbert from him and hold him down firmly was the work of an instant for Pencroff and Gideon Spilett. The sailor had a hurculean strength and the reporter was also robust and, in spite of the monster's resistance, he was firmly tied down so that he could not move. "You aren't hurt, Herbert?" asked Gideon Spilett. "No! No!" "Ah! If this ape had hurt you!..." shouted Pencroff. "But this not an ape!" replied Herbert. At these words Pencroff and Gideon Spilett looked at this strange being who lay on the ground. In truth, it was not an ape! It was a human creature. It was a man! But what a man. A savage in all the horrible meaning of the word, and what was even more dreadful was that he seemed to have fallen into the last stages of brutishness. With a bristling head of hair, an unkempt beard that came down to his chest, an almost nude body except for a rag covering his privates, fierce eyes, enormous hands, long fingernails, skin as dark as mahogany, feet as hard as hoofs, such was the miserable creature that was nevertheless called a man. But they truly had the right to ask themselves if there still was a soul in this body or if the vulgar instinct of the brute alone survived in him. "Are you sure that this is a man or that he once was that?" Pencroff asked the reporter. "Alas! There is no doubt of it," replied the latter. "Is this then the castaway?" asked Herbert. "Yes," replied Gideon Spilett, "but the unfortunate no longer has anything human about him." The reporter spoke the truth. It was evident that if the castaway had ever been a civilized being, loneliness had made him a savage and perhaps worse, a veritable man of the woods. Hoarse sounds issued from his throat and from his teeth which had the shrillness of carnivore's teeth intended for the chewing of raw meat. Memory had abandoned him long ago and it doubtless was a long time since he had used tools, arms, or made a fire. One could see that he was nimble and agile but all the physical faculties had developed in him to the detriment of the moral qualities. Gideon Spilett spoke to him. He did not seem to understand nor even to hear... And yet, upon looking into his eyes, the reporter felt that all reason was not extinguished within him. However, the prisoner did not struggle nor did he try to break his bonds. Was he crushed by the presence of these men whose fellows he had once been? Did some fleeting memory of humanity return to a corner of his brain? If freed would he THE ABANDONED 237 ÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄ try to escape or would he remain? They did not know but they did not make the test and after having looked the wretched person over carefully: "Whatever he is," said Gideon Spilett, "and whatever he has been and whatever will become of him, it is our duty to take him with us to Lincoln Island." "Yes! Yes!" replied Herbert, "and perhaps, with atten- tion, we will be able to awaken some glimmer of intelligence in him." "The soul is not dead," said the reporter, "and it will be a great satisfaction to save this creature of God from brutishness." Pencroff shook his head doubtfully. "We ought to try it in any case," replied the reporter. "Humanity requires it of us." It was, in fact, their duty as civilized beings and Christians. The three of them understood this and they well knew that Cyrus Smith would approve of their action. "Shall we keep him tied?" asked the sailor. "Perhaps he will walk if we free his feet," said Herbert. "Let us try," replied Pencroff. The prisoner's feet were freed but his hands remained firmly bound. He got up by himself but showed no desire to escape. His dry eyes darted a sharp look at the three men who walked beside him but nothing showed that he remembered that he was their fellow being or at least that he once was so. A hiss continued to escape from his lips. He looked fierce but he did not resist. At the reporter's suggestion, they brought the unfor- tunate to his dwelling. Perhaps the sight of those objects which belonged to him would make some impression on him. Perhaps it would act as a spark to revive his obscure thought, to illuminate his extinct soul. The dwelling was not far. In a few minutes they all arrived there; but once there the prisoner recognized nothing and it seemed that he had lost awareness of all these things. All they could say about this degree of brutishness was that his imprisonment on the islet was already of long dur- ation and after having arrived there a rational person, loneliness had reduced him to this state. The reporter then had the idea that the sight of fire might produce some reaction in him and in an instant one of the beautiful flames that even attract animals was lit in the fireplace. The sight of the flame at first seemed to attract the attention of the unfortunate; but he soon drew back and his unconscious look turned elsewhere. Evidently there was nothing more to do for the moment at least, except to return on board the Bonadventure, and that being done, he remained there in Pencroff's custody. Herbert and Gideon Spilett went back to the islet to finish their operations and a few hours later they returned to 238 THE MYSTERIOUS ISLAND ÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄ the shore carrying utensils and arms, a collection of vegetable seeds, some game and two couples of pigs. All went on board and the Bonadventure was made ready to raise anchor as soon as the next morning's rising tide would be felt. The prisoner had been placed in the forward cabin where he calmly remained, silent, insensible and mute. Pencroff offered him food but he pushed away the cooked meat that was presented to him and which doubtless no longer suited him. And in fact, when the sailor showed him one of the ducks that Herbert had killed, he threw himself upon it like a beast and devoured it. "You think he will recover?" asked Pencroff, shaking his head. "Perhaps," said the reporter, "it is not impossible that our attention will produce a reaction in him because it is loneliness that has make him what he is and henceforth he will no longer be alone." "It has doubtless been a long time that the poor man has been in this state," said Herbert. "Perhaps," replied Gideon Spilett. "How old could he be?" asked the lad. "That is difficult to say," replied the reporter, "because it is impossible to see his features under the thick beard which covers his face, but he is no longer young and I suppose he is at least fifty years old." "Have you noticed, Mister Spilett, how deeply set his eyes are?" asked the lad. "Yes, Herbert, and I will add that they are more human than we had a right to expect from his appearance." "Well, we will see," replied Pencroff, "and I am curious to know what Mister Smith will think of our savage. We went in search of a human creature and will return with a monster. Well, we did what we could." The night passed and they did not know whether or not the prisoner slept, but in any event, since he had been bound he did not stir. He was like a beast first overpowered by capture but who would go into a rage later. At daybreak the next day - the 15th of October - the change in weather predicted by Pencroff took place. The wind, blowing northwest, favored the return of the Bonadventure; but at the same time it was a fresh breeze which would make navigation more difficult. Anchor was weighed at five o'clock in the morning. Pencroff took in a reef in his large sail and put the bow to east northeast to sail directly toward Lincoln Island. The first day's passage was not marked by any incident. The prisoner remained calm in the forward cabin and since he had been a sailor, it seemed that the motion of the sea produced a beneficial reaction in him. Did some memory of his former calling come back to him? In any case he remained calm, astonished rather than dejected. The next day - the 16th of October - the wind blew much stronger and more from the north, and consequently from a THE ABANDONED 239 ÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄ direction less favorable to the Bonadventure which bounced on the waves. Pencroff soon sailed close to the wind and without saying anything, he began to become uneasy at the condition of the sea which foamed violently against the front of his boat. Certainly if the wind did not change it would take longer to reach Lincoln Island than it did to get to Tabor Island. In fact on the morning of the 17th it was forty eight hours since the Bonadventure had left and nothing indicated that they were near the island. Moreover, it was impossible to determine where they were or to estimate it because the direction and the speed had been very irregular. Twenty four hours later, there was still no land in sight. The wind was then directly ahead and the sea wretched. They had to quickly maneuver the sails of the boat which the waves of the sea covered in wide areas, taking in the reefs and often changing the tack. It even happened, on the 18th, that the Bonadventure was completely laid aback by a wave and if the passengers had not taken the precaution in advance of tying themselves to the bridge they would have been carried away. On this occasion, Pencroff and his companions were very occupied in disentangling themselves. They received an unexpected assistance from the prisoner who ran up the hatchway, as if his sailor's instinct had gained the upper hand, and broke an awning using a spar in order to allow for the quicker escape of the water which filled the bridge; then the boat disencumbered, he went down to his room without saying a word. Pencroff, Gideon Spilett and Herbert, absolutely astonished, let him proceed. However the situation was bad and the sailor had reason to believe that they were lost on this immense sea without any possibility of getting back on the track. The night of the 18th to the 19th was dark and cold. However, around eleven o'clock the wind became calm, the surging fell and the Bonadventure, being less jolted, acquired a greater speed. It performed well. Neither Pencroff, nor Gideon Spilett, nor Herbert thought of taking an hour's sleep. They watched carefully because Lincoln Island could not be far off. By daybreak they would not know where the current and wind had carried the Bonadventure and it would be almost impossible to rectify its direction. Pencroff, uneasy to the last degree, did not despair however, because he had a well tempered spirit. Seated at the helm, he searched obstinately, endeavoring to pierce the darkness which enveloped him. About two o'clock in the morning he suddenly got up: "A fire! A fire!" he shouted. And in fact, a vivid flame appeared about twenty miles to the northeast. Lincoln Island was there and this flame, evidently lit by Cyrus Smith, showed the route to follow. Pencroff, sailing too much to the north, altered his direction and put his bow toward this fire which burned above the horizon like a star of the first magnitude. 240 THE MYSTERIOUS ISLAND ÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄ CHAPTER XV Return - Discussion - Cyrus Smith and the stranger - Port Balloon - The third harvest - A windmill - The first flour and the first bread - The engineer's devotion - A moving experience - Some flowing tears. The next day - the 20th of October - at seven o'clock in the morning, after a voyage of four days, the Bonadventure gently went aground on the beach at the mouth of the Mercy. Cyrus Smith and Neb, very uneasy about the bad weather and the prolonged absence of their companions, had climbed to Grand View Plateau at daybreak and they finally saw the boat which had been so long in returning. "God be praised! There they are!" shouted Cyrus Smith. Neb, in his joy, began to dance, turning around, clapping his hands and shouting: "Oh! My master," a pantomime more touching than the finest discourse. The engineer's first thought, on counting the people that he could see on the bridge of the Bonadventure, was that Pencroff had not found the castaway of Tabor Island or that at least the unfortunate had refused to leave his island to exchange his prison for another. And indeed, Pencroff, Gideon Spilett and Herbert were alone on the bridge of the Bonadventure. At the moment when the boat came alongside, the engineer and Neb were waiting on the shore and before the passengers could jump to the sand, Cyrus Smith said to them: "We have been very uneasy at your delay, my friends. Have you met with any difficulty?" "No," replied Gideon Spilett, "on the contrary, everything went well. We will tell you about it." "However," replied the engineer, "you have failed in your search, since there are only three of you, the same as when you left." "Excuse me, Mister Cyrus," replied the sailor, "we are four!" "You found this castaway?" "Yes." "And you brought him back?" "Yes." "Living?" "Yes." "Where is he? What is he?" "He is," replied the reporter, "or rather he was a man. That Cyrus, is all that we can tell you." The engineer was soon brought up to date on what had occurred on the trip. They related under what conditions the search had been conducted, how the only dwelling on the islet had long been abandoned, how finally the capture was made of a castaway who no longer seemed to belong to the human species. "And the point is," added Pencroff, "that I don't know if we were right in bringing him here." THE ABANDONED 241 ÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄ "Certainly you were right, Pencroff," replied the engineer vividly. "But this unfortunate no longer has his reason." "That is possible for now," replied Cyrus Smith, "but hardly several months ago this unfortunate was a man like you or me. And who knows what will become of the last survivor among us after a long solitude on this island? It is a misfortune to be alone, my friends, and it seems that loneliness has quickly destroyed his sanity since you found this poor soul in such a condition." "But, Mister Cyrus," asked Herbert, "what leads you to believe that the brutishness of this unfortunate occurred only a few months ago?" "Because the document that we found has been recently written," replied the engineer, "and only the castaway could have written this document." "Assuming," said Gideon Spilett, "that it was not composed by a companion of this man, since dead." "That is impossible, my dear Spilett." "Why?" asked the reporter. "Because the document would have mentioned two castaways," replied Cyrus Smith, "but it only spoke of one." In a few words, Herbert related the incidents that occurred during the return crossing and emphasized the strange fact about the fleeting return of the prisoner's senses when, for a moment, he became a sailor again at the height of the storm. "Well, Herbert," replied the engineer, "you are right to attach a great importance to this fact. This unfortunate is not incurable and it is despair that has made him what he is. But here he has his fellow beings and since he still has a soul within him, this soul we will save." The castaway of Tabor Island, to the great pity of the engineer and to the great astonishment of Neb, was then escorted from the forward cabin that he occupied on the Bonadventure, and once on land his first impulse was to flee. But Cyrus Smith approached, put his hand on his shoulder with a gesture full of authority, and looked at him with infinite gentleness. Soon the unfortunate submitted to his authority, he became calmer little by little, his eyes lowered, his face inclined and he made no more resistance. "This poor forsaken man!" murmured the engineer. Cyrus Smith looked at him carefully. Judging from his appearance, the castaway no longer had anything human about him but Cyrus Smith detected an elusive glimmer of intelligence, as had the reporter previously. It was decided that the castaway, or rather the stranger - because this is what his new companions would henceforth call him - would remain in one of the rooms of Granite House from which, besides, he could not escape. They escorted him there without difficulty and with good care they could hope that one day he would become an additional companion to the colonists of Lincoln Island. 242 THE MYSTERIOUS ISLAND ÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄ The reporter, Herbert and Pencroff were dying of hunger. During a breakfast that Neb quickly put together, they told Cyrus Smith all the incidents in detail that marked the exploration of the islet. He agreed with his friends on this point that the stranger had to be either English or American because the name Britannia suggested this, and besides, under his unkempt beard, under this hairy growth, the engineer thought that he saw the characteristic features of the Anglo- Saxon. "But, as a matter of fact," said Gideon Spilett to Herbert, "you did not tell us how you met this savage and all we know is that he would have strangled you if we did not chance to arrive in time to save you." "Dear me," replied Herbert, "I'm not sure what happened. I was, I believe, occupied with collecting some plants when I heard a noise like an avalanche falling from a tree. I hardly had time to turn around... The unfortunate was doubtless hiding in a tree and fell upon me in less time than I can tell you about it and without Mister Spilett and Pencroff..." "My child!" said Cyrus Smith, "you ran a real danger, but without it perhaps this poor person would always have remained hidden and we would not have had an additional companion." "You hope then, Cyrus, to rehabilitate him?" asked the reporter. "Yes," replied the engineer. The meal ended, Cyrus Smith and his companions left Granite House and returned to the beach. They then unloaded the Bonadventure. The engineer examined the arms and the tools but he saw nothing that would enable him to establish the identity of the stranger. The capture of the pigs was considered a very profitable thing for Lincoln Island and these animals were conducted to the stables where they easily became acclimatized. The two barrels containing powder and shot, as well as the primer caps, were very well received. They agreed to establish a small arsenal either outside Granite House or even in the upper cavern where there was no fear of the effects of an explosion. Nevertheless the use of pyroxle would be continued because this substance gave excellent results and there was no reason to substitute ordinary powder for it. When the unloading of the boat was completed: "Mister Cyrus," said Pencroff, "I think that it would be prudent to put our Bonadventure in a secure place." "Isn't the mouth of the Mercy suitable?" asked Cyrus Smith." "No, Mister Cyrus," replied the sailor. "Half the time it is stranded on the sand which strains it. It is a good boat, as you can see, and it behaved well during the windstorm that struck us so violently on our return," "Can't we leave it afloat on the river?" "Doubtless, Mister Cyrus, we could do that, but this mouth presents no shelter, and with the winds from the east, I believe that the Bonadventure would suffer much from the sea." THE ABANDONED 243 ÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄ "Well, where would you like to put it, Pencroff?" "At Port Balloon," replied the sailor. "This small creek, protected by the rocks, seems to me to be just the port we need." "Isn't it a little far?" "Bah! It's not more than three miles from Granite House, and we have a fine straight road to take us there." "Do it, Pencroff. Bring your Bonadventure there," replied the engineer. "And yet I would much prefer to have it under our more immediate surveillance. When we have the time, we must make a small port for it." "Wonderful," shouted Pencroff. "A port with a lighthouse, a breakwater and a repair dock. Ah, really, with you Mister Cyrus, everything becomes easy." "Yes, my worthy Pencroff," replied the engineer, "but on the condition, however, that you help me because you are good for three quarters of all our work." Herbert and the sailor then went back on board the Bonadventure, the anchor was raised, the sail hoisted, and the wind rapidly brought it to Cape Claw. Two hours later it was resting on the tranquil waters of Port Balloon. During the first days that the stranger passed at Granite House, did he give them reason to think that his savage nature was changing? Did some intense spark shine deep within his obscure mind? Would the soul return to the body? Yes, assuredly, and on this very point, Cyrus Smith and the reporter asked themselves whether the sanity of the unfortunate had ever been totally extinct. Since he was accustomed to the wide open spaces and unlimited liberty which he enjoyed on Tabor Island, the stranger at first manifested some muted fury and they feared that he would throw himself on the beach from one of the windows of Granite House. But little by little he became calm and they were able to allow him the liberty of his movements. They then had good reason for hope. Already forgetting his instincts as a raw flesh eater, the stranger accepted a less bestial nourishment than that which he ate on the islet. Cooked meat did not produce the revulsion in him that he had manifested on board the Bonadventure. Cyrus Smith profited from a moment when he was asleep to cut his hair and unkempt beard which had formed a sort of mane and gave him a savage appearance. He also dressed him in more suitable clothes after having removed the rag which covered him. Thanks to these cares, the result was that the stranger presented a human figure and it even seemed that his eyes became more gentle. Certainly, when his former intelligence would return, the figure of this man would have a sort of beauty. Each day Cyrus Smith imposed upon himself the task of spending a few hours in his company. He worked near him and occupied himself with various things so as to capture his attention. In fact, a spark would suffice to illuminate his 244 THE MYSTERIOUS ISLAND ÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄ soul, some remembrance crossing his mind would bring back his sanity. They had seen this on board the Bonadventure during the storm. The engineer did not neglect to speak loudly so as to penetrate at the same time the organs of hearing and sight to the depths of his dulled intelligence. Sometimes one of his companions, sometimes another, sometimes all would join him. Very often they spoke of those things that would interest a sailor and which would appeal to him. At times the stranger paid some attention to what was said and the colonists soon concluded that he partly understood them. Sometimes his expression was deeply painful, proving that he suffered inwardly, because his face could not be mistaken about this, but he did not speak in spite of some moments when they thought he had some words at the tip of his tongue. Be it as it may, the poor soul was calm and sad. But was his calm only apparent? Wasn't his sadness only the consequence of his being confined? They could not tell. Seeing only certain objects in a limited field and having no contact except with the colonists to whom he became accustomed, having no desire to satisfy, having better food and better clothing, it was natural that his physical nature should change a bit; but did this signify a new life for him or rather, to use a word which would correctly apply to him, was he merely becoming tame like an animal with a master? This was an important question that Cyrus Smith wanted to resolve quickly yet he did not wish to hurt his patient. For him the stranger was a patient. Would he ever become a convalescent? The engineer observed him constantly. How he was on the alert for his soul to show itself, if one may speak this way! How he was ready to seize it! With sincere emotion the colonists followed all the phases of this cure undertaken by Cyrus Smith. They also helped him with this work of humanity and all, except perhaps for the incredulous Pencroff, soon began to share his hope and his faith. The stranger's calm was deep, as has been said, and he showed a sort of attachment to the engineer, to whose influence he visibly submitted. Cyrus Smith decided to test this by bringing him to other surroundings, before this ocean which he formerly gazed at and to the edge of the forest which would remind him of those forests where he spent many years of his life. "But," said Gideon Spilett, "can we hope that once set at liberty he will not escape?" "That's an experiment we must make," replied the engineer. "Good!" said Pencroff. "When this here chap finds the open spaces in front of him and he inhales the fresh air, he will be off as fast as his legs can carry him." "I don't believe that," replied Cyrus Smith. "Let us try," said Gideon Spilett. "Let us try," replied the engineer. THE ABANDONED 245 ÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄ This day was the 30th of October and consequently it was now nine days that the castaway from Tabor Island had been a prisoner at Granite House. It was warm and a fine sun cast its rays on the island. Cyrus Smith and Pencroff went to the room occupied by the stranger and found him leaning at the window looking at the sky. "Come, my friend," the engineer said to him. The stranger immediately got up. With his eyes fixed on Cyrus Smith, he followed him. The sailor was to the rear of him, having little confidence in the result of the experiment. Arriving at the door, Cyrus Smith and Pencroff made him take his place in the elevator while Neb, Herbert and Gideon Spilett waited for them below at the foot of Granite House. The basket descended and in a few moments all were together on the shore. The colonists moved away a little from the stranger so as to give him some liberty. The latter took a few steps advancing toward the sea. His gaze shone with extreme animation but he did not seek to escape. He looked at the small waves which, broken by the islet, came to die on the sand. "This is still only the sea," noted Gideon Spilett, "and it is possible that it does not inspire him with the desire to escape." "Yes," replied Cyrus Smith, "we must take him to the plateau, to the edge of the forest. There the experiment will be more conclusive." "Besides, he cannot escape," noted Neb, "since the bridges are raised." "Oh!" said Pencroff, "a man like this will not be inconvenienced by a creek such as Glycerin Creek. He will cross it in a single bound." "We will see," Cyrus Smith was content to reply, not taking his eyes away from those of his patient. The latter was taken to the mouth of the Mercy, and they all then ascended the left bank of the river, reaching Grand View Plateau. Arriving in the vicinity of the first fine trees of the forest, with the breeze gently blowing through their foliage, the stranger inhaled with rapture the scent that permeated the air and a deep sigh escaped from his chest. The colonists kept to the rear ready to seize him if he should try to escape. And in fact, he was on the point of throwing himself into the creek that separated him from the forest and for a moment his legs bent like a spring... But almost immediately he fell back, he collapsed and large tears flowed from his eyes. "Ah!" said Cyrus Smith, "you have become a man again, since you are crying." 246 THE MYSTERIOUS ISLAND ÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄ CHAPTER XVI A mystery to clear up - The stranger's first words - A dozen years on the islet - Admissions which escape him - The disappearance - Cyrus Smith's confidence - Construction of a mill - The first bread - An act of devotion - Honest hands. Yes, the unfortunate had cried! Some remembrance doubtless had crossed his mind and, to use Cyrus Smith's expression, he had become a man again by his tears. The colonists left him for a while on the plateau and even withdrew a little so that he could feel free; but he no longer thought of profiting from this liberty and Cyrus Smith shortly decided to bring him back to Granite House. Two days after this scene the stranger seemed to want to mix a little with the community life. It was evident that he heard and that he understood but it was none the less evident that he was strangely obstinate in not speaking to the colonists because one evening Pencroff, putting his ear to the door of his room, heard these words escape from his lips: "No! here! me! never!" The sailor related these words to his companions. "There is some painful mystery here," said Cyrus Smith. The stranger began to use some tools and worked in the garden. When he paused in his work, which was often, he remained as if concentrating on himself; but, at the engineer's recommendation, they respected this isolation which he seemed to want to protect. If one of the colonists approached him he withdrew and sobs came from his chest as if full of them. Was he overcome by remorse? It seemed so, and Gideon Spilett could not refrain one day from making this observation: "If he does not speak it is because he has, I believe, things too grave to talk about." They would have to be patient and wait. Several days later, the third of November, the stranger, working on the plateau, stopped and let his spade fall to the ground. Cyrus Smith, who observed him a little distance away, saw the tears flow from his eyes once more. He felt an irresistible pity for him and he gently touched his arms. "My friend," he said. The stranger tried to avoid his gaze, and since Cyrus Smith wanted to take his hand, he withdrew. "My friend," said Cyrus Smith in a firm voice, "look at me, I wish it." The stranger looked at the engineer and seemed to be under his influence like a hypnotized person under the power of a hypnotist. He wanted to flee. But then his countenance changed. His look emitted a flash. Words tried to escape from his lips. He could no longer hold them in... Finally he crossed his arms; then in a hollow voice: "Who are you?" he asked Cyrus Smith. THE ABANDONED 247 ÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄ "Castaways, like yourself," replied the engineer, with deep emotion. "We have brought you here to be with your fellow men." "My fellow men!... I do not have any." "You are among friends..." "Friends!... me! friends!" The stranger shouted, hiding his head in his hands. "No... never... leave me alone... leave me alone." Then he ran to the edge of the plateau which overlooked the sea and remained there immobile for a long time. Cyrus Smith rejoined his companions and related what had occurred. "Yes! There is a mystery in this man's life," said Gideon Spilett, "and it seems that he will return to humanity only by the path of remorse." "I hardly know what kind of a man we have brought here," said the sailor. "He has secrets..." "Which we will respect," replied Cyrus Smith vividly. "If he has committed some mistake he has severely expiated it and in our eyes he is absolved." For two hours the stranger remained alone, evidently under the influence of past memories - a disastrous past doubtless - and the colonists, without losing sight of him, did not disturb his privacy. However, after two hours, he appeared to have come to a decision and he went to find Cyrus Smith. His eyes were red from the tears that had poured forth, but he was no longer crying. He had a look of deep humility. He seemed timid, bashful, very humble and he constantly gazed at the ground. "Sir," he said to Cyrus Smith, "your companions and you, are you English?" "No," replied the engineer, "we are Americans." "Ah!" said the stranger, and he murmured these words: "I much prefer that." "And you, my friend?" asked the engineer. "English," he replied hurriedly. And, as these words were hard to say, he ran to the shore to the area between the cascade and the mouth of the Mercy. He was extremely agitated. Then, passing near Herbert for a moment he stopped and in a strange voice: "What month?" he asked him. "December," replied Herbert. "What year?" "1866." "Twelve years! twelve years," he shouted. Then he left abruptly. Herbert related to the colonists the questions and answers that had been made. "This unfortunate," Gideon Spilett noted, "was no longer aware of months or years," "Yes," added Herbert, "and he was already twelve years on the islet when we found him there." 248 THE MYSTERIOUS ISLAND ÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄ "Twelve years!" replied Cyrus Smith. "Ah! twelve years of isolation after a cursed existence perhaps could deprive any man of his sanity." "I am led to believe," Pencroff then said, "that this man did not reach Tabor Island as a castaway but that he was abandoned there as a result of some crime." "You may be right, Pencroff," replied the reporter, "and if that is so, it is not impossible that those who left him there will return to look for him one day." "And they will no longer find him," said Herbert. "But then," replied Pencroff, "they must leave again and..." "My friends," said Cyrus Smith, "let us not consider this question before we know what we have to contend with. I believe that this unfortunate has suffered, that he has harshly expiated his mistakes, whatever they be, and that he has the need to unburden himself. Let us not provoke him to tell us his story. He will doubtless tell it to us and when we have learned it, we will see what course it is best to follow. Besides, he alone can tell us if he still hopes to he rescued one day, but I doubt it!" "And why?" asked the reporter. "Because in the event that he had been assured of being delivered within a certain time, he would have waited for the hour of his deliverance and he would not have thrown this document into the sea. No, it is rather probable that he was condemned to die on this islet and that he would never be able to see his fellow beings again." "But," noted the sailor, "there is one thing that I have been unable to explain to myself." "Which is?" "If it is twelve years since this man has been abandoned on Tabor Island, then we may surely suppose that he was already for several years in the savage state in which we found him." "That is probable," replied Cyrus Smith. "It would consequently be several years since he had written this document." "Doubtless... and yet the document seems to have been recently written!..." "Besides, wouldn't the bottle which enclosed the document have taken several years to go from Tabor Island to Lincoln Island?" "That is not absolutely impossible," replied the reporter. "Could it not already have been a long time in the vicinity of the island?" "No," replied Pencroff, "because it was still floating. We cannot even assume that after having remained on the beach for a longer or a shorter time it was returned to the sea because there are so many rocks on the southern coast that it would surely have broken." "Right," replied Cyrus Smith, who remained absorbed in thought. "So," added the sailor, "if the document was written several years ago, if it was enclosed in this bottle for THE ABANDONED 249 ÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄ several years, it would have been damaged by the dampness. Now, there is nothing of the sort, and we find it in perfect condition." The sailor was right. It was an incomprehensible fact, because when the colonists found the document in the bottle, it seemed to have been recently written. In addition, it gave the position of Tabor Island in latitude and in longitude with precision which implied that its author had a rather complete knowledge of hydrography which a simple sailor could not have. "Once again we have here something inexplicable," said the engineer, "but let us not provoke our new companion to speak. When he wishes it, my friends, we will be ready to listen to him." During the days which followed, the stranger did not say a word nor did he at any time leave the confines of the plateau. He worked the ground, without losing a moment, without taking a moment's rest, but always in solitude. At mealtimes he did not go to Granite House although invited several times to do so and he was content to eat some raw vegetables. When night came, he did not go back to the room which had been assigned to him but he remained there under some cluster of trees or, when the weather was bad he crouched in some cavity among the rocks. Thus he still lived like the time when there was no other shelter than the forests of Tabor Island and, since any attempt to get him to change his life was in vain, the colonists waited patiently. But the time had to come when his conscience would force him to reveal his terrible crimes. On the 10th of November, at about eight o'clock in the evening, when night was coming on, the stranger unexpectedly presented himself to the colonists who were gathered under the veranda. His eyes were blazing strangely and his entire person had taken on the fierce aspect of his former days. Cyrus Smith and his companions were taken aback on seeing him under the influence of this terrible emotion, his teeth clacking like someone in a fever. What was this about? Was the sight of his fellow men unbearable? Had he had enough of this honest existence? Did he have a nostalgia for his brutish life? They were led to think this on hearing him express these incoherent phrases: "Why am I here?... What right did you have to drag me from my islet?... Is there any bond between you and me?... Do you know who I am... what I have done... why I was there... alone? And how do you know that I wasn't abandoned there... that I wasn't condemned to die there?... Do you know my past?... How do you know that I am not a thief, an assassin... that I am not worthless... a wretch... fit to live like a wild beast... away from everyone... speak... do you know this?" The colonists listened without interrupting the unfortunate who was half confessing in spite of himself. Cyrus Smith, wanting to calm him, approached, but he drew back. "No!, no!" he shouted. "One word only... am I free?" "You are free," replied the engineer. "Goodbye then!" he shouted, and fled like a madman. 250 THE MYSTERIOUS ISLAND ÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄ Neb, Pencroff and Herbert immediately ran to the edge of the forest... but they returned alone. "He needs to get away," said Cyrus Smith. "He will never return..." shouted Pencroff. "He will return," replied the engineer. And the days passed; but Cyrus Smith - was it a sort of premonition? - persisted in the firm idea that the unfortunate would return sooner or later. "It is the last revolt of his wild nature," he said, "which is affected by remorse and which a new seclusion will terrify." However various activities of all sorts were continued. Cyrus Smith intended to build a farm either at Grand View Plateau or at the corral. It goes without saying that the seed collected by Herbert on Tabor Island had been carefully planted. The plateau then became a large kitchen garden, well arranged and well maintained which the colonists did not cease to work. They were always laboring there. As the vegetables multiplied, they had to enlarge the simple squares which tended to develop into real fields and replace the prairie. But forage was plentiful in other parts of the island and the onagers never had to fear any rationing. Besides, it was better to transform Grand View Plateau into a kitchen garden shielded as it was by a deep belt of creeks and to leave to the outside the prairies which had no need to be protected against the depredations of quadrumanes and quadrupeds. On November 15th they had the third harvest. The area had grown in the eighteen months since the first grain of corn had been planted. The second harvest of six hundred thousand grains this time produced four thousand bushels which is more than five hundred million grains. The colony was rich in corn because it would suffice to sow about ten bushels each year to assure a harvest from which every one, man and beast, could be nourished. The harvest was then completed and they devoted the last half of the month of November to making it into bread. In fact, they had the grain but not the flour so the installation of a mill was necessary. Cyrus Smith could have used the second fall which overflowed into the Mercy for his motor power, the first being already used to drive the rammers of the fulling mill; but after discussion it was decided that they would establish a simple windmill on the heights of Grand View. The construction of one did not offer any more difficulty than the construction of the other, and they were sure, on the other hand, that there would be no lack of wind on this plateau exposed as it was to the open sea. "Without counting," said Pencroff, "that this windmill would be pretty and would have a good effect on the landscape." They began the work by choosing timber for the framework of the cage and for the mechanism of the mill. Several large sandstones found to the north of the lake were easily transformed into grindstones and as to the arms, the inexhaustible envelope of the balloon furnished the necessary cloth. THE ABANDONED 251 ÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄ Cyrus Smith made his plans and the location for the mill was chosen a little to the right of the poultry yard, near the banks of the lake. The entire cage rested on a pivot supported by the main framework so as to be able to turn with the entire mechanism which it contained, according to the demands of the wind. This work was quickly accomplished. Neb and Pencroff had become very skilful carpenters and they had only to follow the model furnished by the engineer. A sort of cylindrical turret, topped by a roof, soon rose at the designated place. The four frames which formed the arms were firmly implanted into a shaft so as to make a certain angle with it and were fixed to it by means of iron bolts. As to the various parts of the internal mechanism, the box destined to contain the two grindstones, the stationary stone and the turning stone, the hopper which was a sort of square spout, large on top and narrow at the base, which would permit the grains to fall on the grindstones, the oscillating spout designed to regulate the flow of grain and to which its perpetual tic-tac would give it the name of "blabbermouth," and finally the sieve which, by the operation of the sifter, separated the bran from the flour, all these were made without difficulty. The tools were good and the work presented little difficulty because, in short, the mechanism of a mill is very simple. It is only a question of time. Everyone worked on the construction of the mill and on the 1st of December it was finished. As always, Pencroff was enchanted with his work and he did not doubt but that his apparatus was perfect. "Now for a good wind," he said, "and we will merrily grind our first harvest." "A good wind, so be it," replied the engineer, "but not too much wind, Pencroff." "Bah! our mill will only turn faster" "It is not necessary that it turn so fast," replied Cyrus Smith. "It is known from experience that the greatest amount of work is produced by a mill when the number of rotations of the arms per minute is six times the speed of the wind in feet per second. With a moderate breeze which gives a speed of twenty four feet per second, it will impart sixteen revolutions per minute to the arms which is no more than we need." "Right!" shouted Herbert. "A jolly breeze is blowing from the northeast which will do our work." There was no reason to delay the inauguration of the mill because the colonists were in a hurry to taste the first piece of bread from Lincoln Island. On this day then, in the afternoon, two or three bushels of corn were ground and the next day at lunch a magnificent loaf, a bit compact perhaps even though raised with brewer's yeast, appeared on the table of Granite House. Everyone bit off huge chunks and with what pleasure as one can imagine. However the stranger had not reappeared. Several times Gideon Spilett and Herbert had gone to the forest in the neighborhood of Granite House without encountering him and 252 THE MYSTERIOUS ISLAND ÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄ without finding any trace of him. This prolonged disappearance made them very anxious. Certainly the old savage from Tabor Island would have no difficulty keeping alive in these forests of the Far West so full of game, but wasn't it to be feared that he would return to his old habits and that this independence would revive his wild instincts? By a sort of premonition, Cyrus Smith always persisted in saying that, without doubt, the fugitive would return. "Yes, he will return," he repeated with a confidence which his companions could not share. "When this unfortunate was on Tabor Island he knew himself to be alone. Here he knows that his fellow beings await him. Since he has half spoken of his past life, he has repented, and he will return to tell us the entire story and from that day on he will be one of us." The event showed that Cyrus Smith was right. On the 3rd of December, Herbert had left Grand View Plateau to go fishing on the southern bank of the lake. He was without weapons and until then there had never been any precaution to take since dangerous animals had not shown themselves on this part of the island. During this while, Pencroff and Neb were working at the poultry yard while Cyrus Smith and the reporter were occupied at the Chimneys making soda, the supply of soap being exhausted. Suddenly these shouts resounded: "Help me!" Cyrus Smith and the reporter, being too far away, could not hear these shouts. Pencroff and Neb, quickly abandoning the poultry yard, ran toward the lake. But as they arrived they saw the stranger, whose presence in this neighborhood no one suspected, crossing Glycerin Creek which separated the plateau from the forest and jump to the opposite bank. There, Herbert was face to face with a formidable jaguar which resembled the one that had been killed at Reptile Promontory. Suddenly surprised, he stood against a tree while the animal was getting ready to leap upon him... But the stranger, without any weapon other than a knife, hurled himself on the redoubtable beast who turned toward this new adversary. The battle was a short one. The stranger had strength and prodigious skill. With one hand, as powerful as a shear, he seized the jaguar by the throat without bothering with the beast's claws which penetrated into his flesh, and with the other hand he dug his knife into the animal's heart. The jaguar fell. The stranger kicked it aside and was about to flee just as the colonists reached the field of battle. Herbert held him back shouting: "No! No! You will not go!" Cyrus Smith went toward the stranger who frowned when he saw him approach. The blood was flowing under his torn shirt but he took no notice of it. THE ABANDONED 253 ÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄ "My friend," Cyrus Smith said to him, "we are indebted to you. You risked your life to save our child." "My life!" murmured the stranger. "What is it worth? Less than nothing." "You are wounded." "That's of little importance." "Will you give me your hand?" And as Herbert tried to grasp the hand that had saved him, the stranger crossed his arms, swelled up his chest, his look became clouded and he seemed to want to flee; but making a violent effort to control himself and in an abrupt tone: "Who are you," he asked, "and what do you claim to be to me?" It was the colonists' story that he was thus asking for, and for the first time. Perhaps, if this story was related, would he tell his own? In a few words, Cyrus Smith related all that had occurred since their departure from Richmond, how they had managed their affairs, and what resources were now available to them. The stranger listened carefully. The engineer spoke for everyone, for Gideon Spilett, Herbert, Pencroff, Neb and himself and added that the greatest joy that they had experienced since their arrival on Lincoln Island was their return from the islet when they had been able to count an additional companion. At these words the latter blushed, lowered his head on his chest and became confused. "And now that you know about us," added Cyrus Smith, "will you give us your hand?" "No," replied the stranger in a hollow voice, "no! You are honest men, you! and I!..." Chapter XVII Always alone - A request from the stranger - A farmhouse established at the corral - He was there twelve years - The first mate of the "Britannia" - Abandoned on Tabor Island - The hand of Cyrus Smith - The mysterious document. These last words justified the colonists' premonitions. There was some past disaster in this unfortunate's life, expiated perhaps in the eyes of men, but his conscience had still not absolved him. In any case, the criminal was remorseful, he repented, but this hand that was asked of him, which his new friends would have cordially grasped, he did not feel worthy to offer to honest men. Nevertheless, after the scene with the jaguar, he did not return to the forest and after this day he did not leave the Granite House area. What was his mystery? Would the stranger speak of it one day? The future would tell. In any event it was agreed that 254 THE MYSTERIOUS ISLAND ÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄ they would never ask him about his secret and that they would live with him as if they suspected nothing. For several days the community life continued as it had always been. Cyrus Smith and Gideon Spilett worked together sometimes as chemists and sometimes as physicists. The reporter left the engineer only to hunt with Herbert because it would not have been prudent to let the lad roam the forest alone, and they had to be on guard. As to Neb and Pencroff, one day at the stables or at the poultry yard, another at the corral, without counting the tasks at Granite House, they had no lack of work. The stranger worked alone and he resumed his usual existence, never present at mealtime, sleeping under some trees on the plateau and never mingling with his companions. It truly seemed that the society of those who had saved him was unbearable. "But then," noted Pencroff, "why did he ask for the help of his fellow men? Why did he throw this document into the sea?" "He will tell us," Cyrus Smith invariably replied. "When?" "Perhaps sooner than you think, Pencroff." And in fact, the confession day was near. On the 10th of December, a week after his return to Granite House, Cyrus Smith saw the stranger coming to him. With a calm voice and a humble tone he said to him: "Sir, I have a request to ask of you." "Speak," replied the engineer, "but first let me ask you a question." At these words the stranger blushed and was on the point of leaving. Cyrus Smith understood what was passing in the guilty man's soul. He was doubtless afraid that the engineer would question him about his past. Cyrus Smith held him back. "Comrade," he said to him, "not only are we your companions but we are your friends. I insist on saying this to you and now I will listen to you." The stranger passed his hands over his eyes. He trembled and for a few moments he could not say a word. "Sir," he finally said, "I came to beg you to grant me a favor." "What?" "Four or five miles from here, at the foot of the mountain, you have a corral for your domestic animals. These animals need to be cared for. Will you permit me to live there with them?" Cyrus Smith looked at the unfortunate for a few moments with a sentiment of deep commiseration. Then: "My friend," he said, "the corral only has stables hardly fit for animals..." "It will be good enough for me, sir." "My friend," replied Cyrus Smith, "we will never interfere with you on anything. It pleases you to live at the corral.