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

Chapter 141 The Mysterious Island (26)
The sailor exclaimed, "My God, thirty feet of asparagus! Would that taste good?"

Hubbert replied, "It's very tasty, but instead of the thirty-foot bamboo they eat, they eat very young shoots."

said Pencroft: "It's very good, my boy, it's very good!"

"I also want to say that soaking the marrow of Hsinchu in vinegar can be used as a condiment that everyone likes."

"Harbert! Even better."

"The last thing to tell you is that the energy of this bamboo secretes a sweet liquid that can be used to make a delicious drink."

"Is there any more?" asked the sailor.

"there is none left!"

"Is it okay to smoke once in a while?"

"My poor Pencroft, not to be smoked!"

It did not take much time for Hubbert and the sailor to find a suitable place for the night.The rocks on the coast may have been severely weathered by the violent impact of sea water under the action of southwest wind, so many caves have been formed.People sleep in these caves and may be protected from bad weather.But just as they were about to enter one of the caves, there was a terrible roar.This frightened them, and they stopped immediately.

"Back back," cried Pencroft, "our guns are loaded with buckshot, and it is very difficult, and probably useless, to deal with a beast that roars so ferociously."

The sailor immediately grabbed Hubbert by the arm and dragged him behind the rocks.At this moment, an animal with colorful and gorgeous coat color appeared at the entrance of the cave.

It was a jaguar, about the same size as its Asian counterparts, and about five feet long.There are several regular rows of black eye spots on the light brown fur, while the belly is white.Hubbert recognized the fierce rival of the tiger, more terrifying than the puma, who was no more than the rival of the wolf!

The jaguar took a few steps forward in a majestic manner, looked around, and saw that its hair stood on end and its eyes were spitting fire, as if it was no stranger to humans.

At this time, the reporter was bypassing high rocks.Hubbert, thinking he hadn't seen the jaguar, rushed out to warn him, but Jardine Splane made a sign to him and went on.This was not the same as the first time he had met the tiger, so he walked straight, calmly, to within ten paces of the jaguar, and then, motionless, raised his gun, perfectly composed.

The jaguar sprang up and sprang at the hunter, and at the instant it jumped, a bullet passed between its eyes, and it fell instantly.

At this moment Pencroft and Harbert ran to the panther.Neb and Cyrus Harding also came running this way.They stopped for a moment to look at the jaguar lying on the ground - thinking that its magnificent fur would adorn the great halls of Granite Palace.

Hubbert was full of enthusiasm and shouted from the bottom of his heart: "Ah! Mr. Splane! I envy you and admire you!"

The reporter replied, "Well, boy, you can do the same."

"Me? Will I be so calm?..."

"Just think, Harbert, of taking a jaguar for a rabbit, and you'll be shooting at it in utter calm."

"Look, how clever this is!"

Jardin Splane said: "Now, the jaguar has no chance of returning to the den, my friends, why don't we occupy it for a night?"

"There may be other panthers coming back," said Pencroft.

The reporter said: "As long as there is a fire at the entrance of the cave, they will not dare to come."

As the sailor answered, he grabbed the jaguar's body and said, "Let's go to the jaguar's den now!"

They headed for the cave where the jaguar had once occupied.When they got there, Neb skinned the leopard, and the big guys piled up many dry branches at the entrance of the cave, which were given by the forest.Cyrus Harding went and felled a bundle of bamboo, to mingle with the pile of sticks.

After finishing this, everyone settled down in the cave.The sand was littered with animal bones.In order to guard against the sudden intrusion of the enemy, everyone loaded all the weapons with ammunition.After dinner, everyone went to rest.So the settlers set fire to the wood piled at the entrance.

Immediately, the sound of real firecrackers sounded in the air!This is bamboo. When they burn, they make a loud noise like firecrackers!Just by the crackling sound, the most daring beast will be scared away!
The method of producing this loud noise was not invented by engineers. According to Marco Polo, the Tatars used this method to scare away those terrible beasts and protect their camp hundreds of years ago.

boat going down the river

In the cave which the jaguar had once used, Cyrus Harding and his companions slept soundly.

The sun came out, and everyone came to the coast at the end of the "cape". Their eyes could not help turning to the distant horizon, and they could see two-thirds of the circle.Once again the engineer found no sailing vessel or ship frame, not even a tiny part, on the surface of the sea, and no other suspicious things were found.

The coast, at least the straight line three nautical miles long forming the southern coast where the "headland" is, is also empty.Beyond that, a raised plateau hides the rest of the coast, and up to the very tip of the Serpentine Peninsula, the Claw Cape cannot be seen, blocked by tall rocks.

So, the next step is to start surveying the south coast of the island.However, they intend to conduct this survey immediately, can it start on November 11?

However, that was not the original plan.The actual situation is that when they disembarked at the source of the "Grateful River", they had already negotiated that after inspecting the west coast, they would come back to pick up the boat and return to the "Granite Palace" via the "Grateful River" waterway.It seemed to Cyrus Harding then that there might be places of refuge on the west coast, and that wrecked ships might be found.Looking at it now, it is impossible to land in this coastal area, so we need to go to the south coast to have a look.

The suggestion to continue the survey was put forward by Jardine Splane, in order to allow the presumed death to be resolved.To that end, he asked, "How far is it to that 'claw cape' at the end of the peninsula?"

The engineer replied: "If you count the curve of the coast, it is about thirty nautical miles."

Jardine Splane continued: "Thirty miles! It'll take a whole day. But we can get back to Granite House along the south coast."

Hubbert reminded: "However, it is at least ten nautical miles from 'Granite Palace' to 'Claw Cape'."

The reporter said: "It's a total of [-] nautical miles. Let's not hesitate any longer, hurry up and go. This way we have inspected this strange place, and we don't have to re-investigate in the future."

"Very true," said Pencroft, "but what about our little boat?"

Jardine Splane replied, "The boat has been alone for a day at the source of the Thanksgiving River, and it can stay there for two days! We can't say that there are thieves on the island yet."

Sailor said, "But when I think of the last time the turtle escaped, I feel the chills in my heart."

The reporter replied: "Turtle! Turtle! Don't you think that the rising water can turn it over?"

The engineer whispered, "God knows?"

Neb said, "But..." He opened his mouth to say something, but swallowed it back.

The engineer asked him, "Nab, what do you want to say?"

Neb went on: "If we go along the coast to 'Claw Cape' in this way, and if we round this cape, what obstacles will stop us..."

Hubbert replied: "Yes, it will be blocked by the 'Grateful River'! If we want to cross the river, there is no boat and no bridge!"

Pencroft said: "Mr. Cyrus, that's all right, with some floating tree trunks, we can cross the river smoothly!"

Jardin Splane said: "Never mind, a bridge will be useful if we want to reach the Far West Forest quickly."

cried Pencroft: "Build a bridge! Yes, isn't Mr. Cyrus Harding a good engineer? When we need a bridge, he will build it! As for the crossing of the 'Grateful River' to-night, just Leave it to me, and I promise that everyone will not get wet at all. We still have food for another day, which is fine, and besides, today is the same as yesterday, and we will encounter good prey. Let's go!"

The reporter's suggestion was unanimously approved by everyone, and even got the full support of the sailors.The main thing is that everyone has a lot of questions to figure out, and they can go back from the "claw-shaped cape", which will make the survey more complete.But forty nautical miles was not a short journey, and there was no time to waste, otherwise Granite Palace would not be reached before dark.

At six o'clock in the morning, everyone opened the way.In order to prevent being attacked by dangerous animals, everyone loaded their bullets, and Top was still responsible for leading the way and searching the edge of the forest.

From the end of the "headland" which forms the tip of the peninsula, the coast is circular for a distance of five nautical miles.The migrants made the journey quickly.After exhaustive investigation, there was no trace of landing, whether it was a long time ago or recently, and there were no drifts, burnt ashes, remnants of the camp, or even footprints!

The settlers came to the corner, where the arc of the coast ended, and then the coast turned northeastward to form "Washington Bay," where they could see the whole of the island's southern coast. After 25 nautical miles, the coast ends at "Claw Head".

In the early morning mist, the cape is hazy, like a mirage floating between the land and the sea.From where we stand to the depths of the great bay, the coast consists first of flat and uniform beaches.A forest belt as its background.Beyond that, some sharp capes extend to the sea, and finally black rocks are piled up close together. Although they have not been designed and arranged, they are also patchwork and have a special flavor.These rocks pile up to "Claw Cape" and there is no more.

The above is the whole picture of this part of the island. It is the first time for everyone to see it. Stop for a while and look around by the way.

Said Pencroft: "If a ship strays here by mistake, it will be killed. There are many reefs! This sea is too dangerous!"

The reporter reminded: "At least there will be some leftovers."

The sailor replied: "If there is a shipwreck, there may be some chips left on the reef, but nothing will be left on the beach."

"What's the reason for that?"

"Because this soft sand is more dangerous than hard rocks, everything on it can be swallowed by it. In just a few days, a ship weighing hundreds of tons will be swallowed by it!"

"On that account, Pencroft," asked the engineer, "if a ship were to be wrecked on this beach, it should not be surprising that there is nothing left of it?"

"Well, Mr. Cyrus, such a long time, and the storm, will not leave much behind. But don't there be pieces of masts where the sea can't wash up? Stay on the coast!"

"Let us continue our search," replied Cyrus Harding.

At one o'clock in the afternoon, we traveled about twenty nautical miles and came to the depths of "Washington Bay".

It's time for lunch, and everyone stopped here for dinner.The waves here are not urgent. The waves hit the rocks on the shore, break into foam, and spread down like long tassels.From here to the Claw Point the beach narrows, as if pushed aside by the rocks and forest belts.

Walking is difficult because of the many collapsed rocks scattered on the coast.The granite cliffs grew steeper and steeper, revealing a touch of green treetops behind them.There was not a breath of wind, and the treetops remained motionless.

We had to rest for half an hour, and then continue on the road.They take every reef and beach to heart.Whenever something seemed to appear, Pencroft and Neb, at any rate, went into the middle of the reef to look around, and they were not afraid of the risk.However, there is still nothing, but the strange-shaped rocks give everyone an illusion.However, they still gained something.There are too many edible shellfish on this beach.However, the beach can only be used effectively when the bridge over the "Grateful River" is built and the means of transportation are improved.

Thus, nothing left of the supposed shipwreck has been found along the coast.If there had ever been a shipwreck, there would have been something to be seen, the hull or pieces of it, washed ashore like the box.The chest was found at least twenty miles from here, but there was nothing here.

About three o'clock Cyrus Harding and his companions came to a closed and narrow inlet, impenetrable by any current.Its small natural harbor is not at all visible from the sea, except for a narrow channel between the reefs.

Here, the violent movement of the earth's crust has cracked the edge of the rock, forming a gentle slope-like porthole, leading to the plateau above.The plateau was probably less than ten miles from Claw Cape, so the straight-line distance between it and Prospect Heights was about four miles.

Jardin Splane called everyone to a short break.Everyone agreed, because the non-stop walking has already made everyone feel hungry.Although it is not time for dinner, no one will refuse the delicious meat.This light meal will keep them going until dinner at Granite Palace.

After a few minutes, everyone sat down at the root of a clump of exposed sea pine.Neb took food from his knapsack, and they all devoured it.

It was already five o'clock, and everyone was still two nautical miles away from the end of the "Serpentine Peninsula".Apparently, "United States Bay" can be seen directly after reaching "Snaketail Point".However, the island and Prospect Heights were not visible, but they really shouldn't be, because the high mountains and dense trees completely obscured the northern horizon.

Needless to say, everyone can see the sea unobstructed.Although the engineer had scanned all the visible places with great detail through his telescope, no ship was found.

In the same way, this part of the coast, from every beach to every reef, was carefully inspected by the engineer with his telescope, but nothing was found.

Jardine Splane said: "Well, it's time to give up, and besides, it's nice to think that no one is competing with us for the ownership of 'Lincoln Island'!"

Hubbert was still uneasy, and said: "Anyway, how to explain that buckshot! It must not be imagined!"

Pencroft thought at once of his broken tooth, and exclaimed, "Absolutely not!"

The reporter asked: "What conclusion did you get?"

The engineer replied: "This question should be like this, that is, at most three months ago, there may have been a ship that docked on the shore intentionally or inadvertently..."

The reporter exclaimed: "What! Cyrus, do you think it was swallowed up without leaving any trace?"

"My dear Spline, no, it should be noted that if anyone has ever been to the island, it is equally certain that he is gone now."

"Mr. Cyrus," said Harbert, "if I understand you correctly, you mean that the ship has departed again? . . . "

"Well, apparently so."

"Is it possible we've lost a chance to go home forever?" said Nab.

"Probably yes."

Now that nothing had been discovered, Pencroft was now anxious to return to Granite House.He said: "Very well! Since this opportunity has been lost, we shall return to 'Granite Palace'."

He had hardly risen when he heard Top's frantic cry.I saw Top jumping out of the forest with a piece of dirty and torn cloth covered with mud in his mouth.

Neb tore the rag from the dog's mouth, and found it to be quite strong.

Top kept barking, and walked impatiently around, as if to remind his master to follow him into the forest.

Exclaimed Pencroft excitedly: "There must be something there to explain the buckshot problem!"

Hubbert replied, "Probably a victim!"

"Maybe hurt too!" said Neb.

The reporter guessed: "It may also be dead!"

So, led by the dog, everyone rushed into the tall pine forest, which was the first row of the forest.Cyrus Harding and his companions had their arms ready for any eventuality.

They estimated that they had reached the depths of the forest, but they still did not find any footprints.This made them very disappointed.The thorns and vines didn't seem to have moved at all, and every step forward had to be chopped with an axe.Therefore, it is unimaginable that someone will pass by here.But Top still walked back and forth abnormally, not like a small, aimless and unthinking animal, but like a person with firm beliefs and thoughts of his own.

Seven minutes later, Top led everyone to a clearing surrounded by towering trees.They looked around, but there was nothing there, either among the trunks or under the thorns.

Cyrus Harding asked: "What is the matter, Top?"

Top cried out louder, and jumped to the root of a giant pine.

"Ah! very well! ah! very well!" cried Pencroft suddenly:
Jardin Splane asked, "What's the matter?"

"We were thinking of finding drifters on land or at sea!"

"What's the matter?"

"What's the matter, it's actually staying in the air!"

The sailor pointed to something white and dusty on the top of the pine tree. It seemed to be a huge rag, and what Top had just picked up was a small piece that had fallen to the ground.

Pencroft saw it: "But it's not a drifter. It's a mistake!"

"What? This is?..."

"Here is our dirigible, all that remains of our balloon! It hangs on the top of a tree, and is stranded on a high place." Pencroft was not mistaken, he said yes again and again, and continued: "How wonderful Cloth! That's enough for a few years! Enough for shirts and handkerchiefs and the like! Alas! Mr. Splain, how can you say there are shirts growing on trees on an island? Such an island?"

The balloon should have landed on this island after it was lifted into the sky, which made them regain their lost ones.This is very lucky for them.If they could keep the bladder well, it might help them try to escape through the air; or the few hundred yards of fine cotton would be useful to them after the paint was removed from it.The acquisition of this airbag has brought a few glimmers of hope to everyone.All were therefore as excited as Pencroft.

(End of this chapter)