292 THE MYSTERIOUS ISLAND ÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄ circumference which is dominated by Mount Pitt, rising to a height of eleven hundred feet above sea level. This is Norfolk Island, turned into an establishment for the jailing of the most intractable convicts of the English penitentiaries. There are five hundred of them, subject to an iron discipline and terrible punishments, and guarded by one hundred fifty soldiers and one hundred fifty employees under the orders of a governor. It would be difficult to imagine a worse group of criminals. Sometimes - though this is rare - in spite of the excessive surveillance to which they are subject, some escape, seize vessels by surprise, and then scour the Polynesian Archipelagoes. Such were Bob Harvey and his companions. Such had Ayrton once wished to be. Bob Harvey had seized the 'Speedy', anchored in sight of Norfolk Island; the crew had been massacred and for a year now this vessel, now a pirate ship, had scoured the Pacific seas under the command of Harvey, formerly a master mariner, now a pirate of the seas and well known to Ayrton. The convicts were for the most part gathered on the poop deck to the rear of the vessel but a few were stretched out on the bridge, shouting. The conversation continued amidst shouting and drinking. Ayrton learned that chance alone had brought the 'Speedy' within sight of Lincoln Island. Bob Harvey had never set foot on it but, as Cyrus Smith had feared, finding himself near an unknown land, unmarked on any map, he thought of visiting it, and if suitable, he would make it the brig's home port. As to the black flag unfurled from the truck of the Speedy's mast and the firing of the cannon, that was pure bragging on the part of the pirates, following the example of warships when they lower their colors. It was not a signal and no communication existed between Lincoln Island and the escapees of Norfolk. The domain of the colonists was menaced by an immense danger. Evidently the island, with its easy access to fresh water, its small port, its resources of all sorts so increased in value by the colonists, and the hidden retreats of Granite House, would be suitable for the convicts; in their hands it would become an excellent place of refuge and because it was unknown, it would assure them, for a long time perhaps, impunity with security. It was also evident that the colonists' lives would not be respected and that the first concern of Bob Harvey and his companions would be to massacre them without mercy. Cyrus Smith and his men did not even have the option of fleeing and hiding themselves on the island since the convicts intended to live there and in the event that the 'Speedy' would leave on an expedition, it was probable that some of the crew would remain on land in order to look after things. Thus they must fight them and destroy them to the last man. They deserved no pity and any methods used against them would be justified. Those were Ayrton's thoughts and he well knew that Cyrus Smith shared his viewpoint. THE SECRET OF THE ISLAND 293 ÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄ But was resistance and victory in the end possible? That depended on the brig's armament and the number of men that she carried. It was this that Ayrton resolved to determine at any cost, and since an hour after his arrival things began to quiet down and a good number of the convicts were already in a drunken stupor, Ayrton did not hesitate to venture onto the deck of the 'Speedy' which the extinct lanterns then left in deep darkness. He hoisted himself on the cutwater and by the bowsprit he reached the brig's forecastle. He glided among the convicts stretched out here and there. He made a tour of the ship and discovered that the "Speedy" was armed with four cannons which could fire balls of eight to ten pounds. By touching them he even verified that these cannons were breech loaders. Thus they were modern weapons, easy to use and terrible in effect. As to the men lying about the deck, they numbered about ten but it was to be supposed that others, more numerous, were sleeping inside the brig. Besides, on listening to them, Ayrton was led to believe that there were about fifty on board. That was a lot for the six colonists of Lincoln Island. But thanks to Ayrton's devotion, Cyrus Smith would not be surprised. He would know the strength of his adversaries and make arrangements in consequence. It now remained for Ayrton to return to render an account to his companions of the mission with which he was charged and he prepared to go to the forward part of the brig in order to glide down to the sea. But, as he had said, he wanted to do more than his duty, and an heroic idea then came to him. It was to sacrifice his life, but he would save the island and the colonists. Cyrus Smith evidently could not resist fifty bandits armed with all kinds of weapons who, whether they penetrated Granite House by force or starved out the besieged, would overcome them. And then he thought of his saviors, those who had remade him into a man and an honest man at that, those to whom he owed everything, they being killed without pity, their work utterly destroyed, their island changed into a pirate's retreat! He told himself that he, Ayrton, was the original cause of these disasters since otherwise his old companion, Bob Harvey, would not have realized his very own plans. A sentiment of horror then took hold of his entire being and he was seized by an irresistible desire to blow up the brig, himself and all those that it carried. Ayrton would perish in the explosion but he would have done his duty. Ayrton did not hesitate. It was easy to reach the powder room which is always situated to the rear of a ship. There would be no lack of powder on a vessel made for this business, and a spark would suffice to annihilate it in an instant. Ayrton carefully slid down between decks where numerous sleepers were strewn about, weighed down more from drunkenness than slumber. There was a lighted lantern at the foot of the grand mast around which was suspended a rack furnished with firearms of all sorts. 294 THE MYSTERIOUS ISLAND ÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄ Ayrton took a revolver from the rack and assured himself that it was loaded and primed. He needed nothing more to accomplish his work of destruction. He then glided to the rear so as to arrive under the poop deck where the storeroom ought to be. However, on this between decks level, which was rather dark, it was difficult to move about without jostling some convict not fully asleep. Between oaths and jabs, Ayrton was more than once forced to suspend his advance. But finally he reached the partition that enclosed the rear compartment and he found the door that would open into the very storeroom. Ayrton was reduced to forcing it and set about the task. It was difficult to accomplish this without noise because he had to break a padlock. But under Ayrton's vigorous hand the padlock was sprung and the door was opened... At this moment, Ayrton felt an arm on his shoulder. "What are you doing here?" asked a tall man in a harsh voice who, standing in the shadows, projected the light of a lantern onto Ayrton's figure. Ayrton drew back. In a quick glare from the lantern, he recognized his former accomplice, Bob Harvey, but he could not have been recognized by him, believing him to be long since dead. "What are you doing here?" said Bob Harvey, seizing Ayrton by the belt of his trousers. But without replying, Ayrton shoved the pirate chief back and tried to get into the storeroom. One shot of the revolver into these tons of powder and all would be over! "Help, lads!" shouted Bob Harvey. Two or three pirates, awakened by his voice, threw themselves on Ayrton, trying to bring him down. Ayrton shook them off. Two shots from his revolver resounded and two convicts fell; but a knife stab that he could not parry cut a gash on his shoulder. Ayrton realized that he could not carry through his plan. Bob Harvey had locked the door of the storeroom and Ayrton sensed that everyone on board was awakening. It was necessary for Ayrton to save himself to fight by Cyrus Smith's side. There remained nothing for him to do but to escape. But was escape still possible? That was uncertain but Ayrton intended to do everything to rejoin his companions. He still had four shots left. Two were fired, one of which was directed at Bob Harvey. It did not hit him, at least not seriously. His adversaries drew back and Ayrton profited from this movement by running toward the ladder leading up to the deck of the brig. Passing in front of a lantern he broke it with the butt of his revolver. The resulting darkness favored his escape. Two or three pirates, aroused by the noise, were coming down the ladder at this moment. A fifth shot from Ayrton's revolver threw one down and the others drew back, not understanding what was going on. In two leaps Ayrton was on the deck of the brig and three seconds later, after having discharged his revolver for the last time into the face of a THE SECRET OF THE ISLAND 295 ÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄ pirate who was about to seize him by the throat, be leaped over the bulwarks and plunged into the sea. Ayrton had not made six strokes when shot was crackling all around him like a hailstorm. What must have been the emotions of Pencroff, sheltered beneath a rock on the islet, and those of Cyrus Smith, of the reporter, of Herbert and of Neb huddled at the Chimneys, when they heard these detonations on board the brig. They ran to shore and, with their weapons to their shoulders, were ready to repel any attack. There was no doubt for them. Surprised by the pirates, Ayrton had been massacred by them and perhaps these wretches would profit by the night to descend on the island. A half hour passed in extreme apprehension. The detonations however had ceased and neither Ayrton nor Pencroff had reappeared. Had the islet been invaded? Should they run to bring help to Ayrton and to Pencroff? But how? The tide, being high at the moment, made it impossible to cross the channel. The canoe was no longer there. One can imagine the terrible uneasiness which took hold of Cyrus Smith and his companions. Finally, about a half hour past midnight, a canoe carrying two men drew alongside the shore. It was Ayrton, slightly wounded in the shoulder, and Pencroff, safe and sound, whom their companions received with open arms. Everyone immediately took refuge in the Chimneys. There Ayrton related what had occurred, not hiding his plan to blow up the brig which he had tried to put into execution. All hands were held out to Ayrton who did not conceal how serious the situation was. The pirates had been forewarned. They knew that Lincoln Island was inhabited. They would descend en masse and well armed. They respected nothing. If the colonists fell into their hands, no pity would await them. "Well, we will know how to die," said the reporter. "Let us return to our posts and keep on guard," replied the engineer. "Do we have some chance of pulling through, Mister Cyrus?" asked the sailor. "Yes, Pencroff." "Hm! Six against fifty!" "Yes, six... without counting..." "Who?" asked Pencroff. Cyrus did not reply but pointed upward. 296 THE MYSTERIOUS ISLAND ÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄ CHAPTER III The fog lifts - The engineer's arrangements - Three posts - Ayrton and Pencroff - The first boat - Two more boat loadings - On the islet - Six convicts on land - The brig raises anchor - The projectiles from the "Speedy" - Desperate situation - An unexpected denouement. The night passed without incident. The colonists remained on the alert, not abandoning their post at the Chimneys. On their side, the pirates did not seem to have made any attempt to land. After the last shots had been fired at Ayrton, there were no detonations, not even a noise to reveal the presence of the brig on the approaches to the island. In a strict sense they could have believed that it had raised anchor, thinking that they had to deal with a powerful opponent, and were far from these waters. But that was not so because at daybreak the colonists were able to catch a glimpse of a confused mass through the morning fog. It was the "Speedy". "Here, my friends," the engineer then said, "are the arrangements which seem to me to be the best to make before the fog lifts completely. It hides us from the eyes of the pirates so we must act without arousing their attention. What is especially important is to lead the convicts to believe that there are many inhabitants on the island who consequently are capable of resisting them. I therefore propose to you that we divide into three groups, the first posted here at the Chimneys, and the second at the mouth of the Mercy. As to the third, I think that it would be best to place it on the islet in order to repel or at least to delay any attempt to land. We have for our use two carbines and four rifles. Each of us will thus be armed and since we are well provided with powder and shot, we will not spare our ammunition. We have nothing to fear from their rifles nor even from the brig's cannons. What can they do against these rocks? and since we will not be firing from the windows of Granite House, the pirates will not think of sending any shells there, which could cause irreparable damage. What is to be feared is if hand to hand combat becomes necessary since the convicts have numbers on their side. We must hence resist any attempt to land without revealing ourselves. So do not economize on the ammunition. Fire often but accurately. Each of us has eight or ten enemies to kill and kill them he must." Cyrus Smith had sized up the situation clearly, all the while speaking in a calm voice as if he were supervising some job and not directing a battle. His companions approved these arrangements without saying a word. He had no need to tell everyone to go to his post before the fog was completely dissipated. Neb and Pencroff immediately went to Granite House and brought back sufficient munitions. Gideon Spilett and Ayrton, both good shots, were armed with precision carbines which carried to nearly a mile. The four other guns were distributed to Cyrus Smith, Neb, Pencroff and Herbert. THE SECRET OF THE ISLAND 297 ÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄ The posts were assigned as follows. Cyrus Smith and Herbert remained posted at the Chimneys so as to command the shore at the foot of Granite House over a rather large radius. Gideon Spilett and Neb went to crouch among the rocks at the mouth of the Mercy - the bridge there as well as the other bridges had been lifted - their purpose to repel any passage by boat and even any landing on the opposite shore. As to Ayrton and Pencroff, they crossed the channel with the canoe to occupy two separate posts on the islet. In this way there would be firings from four different points and the convicts would think that the island had sufficient people to defend it well. In the event that they were unable to repel a landing or even if they were at the point of being outflanked by some boat from the brig, Pencroff and Ayrton would return with the canoe, setting foot on shore to go to the most menaced area. Before going to their posts, the colonists shook hands for a last time. Pencroff succeeded in mastering his emotions when he embraced Herbert, his child!... then they parted. A few minutes later, Cyrus Smith and Herbert on the one side and the reporter and Neb on the other, had disappeared behind some rocks, and five minutes later Ayrton and Pencroff, having successfully crossed the channel, set foot on the islet and hid themselves behind some windings of the eastern shore. No one could have been seen because they themselves could still barely distinguish the brig in the fog. It was six thirty in the morning. Little by little the fog broke up and the truck of the brig's mast emerged. For a few moments large volutes still circulated on the surface of the sea; then a breeze rapidly dissipated the haze. The "Speedy" appeared in full view, moored with two anchors, its bow pointed north, presenting its portside quarter to the island. Cyrus Smith estimated that it was not more than a mile and a quarter from shore. The sinister black flag flew from the truck of the mast. With his telescope, the engineer could see that the four cannons which comprised the vessel's artillery had been pointed toward the island. It was evidently ready to fire at the first signal. However the "Speedy" remained silent. One could see about thirty pirates moving about on the bridge. Several had gone up to the poop deck; two others, posted at the large topgallant and provided with telescopes, were carefully observing the island. Certainly Bob Harvey and his crew could account for what had happened on board during the night only with great difficulty. This half nude man who came to force the door of the powder storeroom, against whom they had fought, who had discharged his revolver six times, who had killed one of their number and wounded two others, had this man escaped their shots? Had he been able to swim back to shore? Where did he come from? How did he get on board? Was his intent really to 298 THE MYSTERIOUS ISLAND ÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄ blow up the brig as Bob Harvey thought? All this had to be very confusing for the convicts. But this they could no longer doubt, that the unknown island before which the "Speedy" had thrown anchor, was inhabited and that perhaps there was an entire colony ready to defend it. Nevertheless no one showed himself, neither on shore nor on the heights. The shore appeared to be absolutely deserted. In any event, there was no trace of a dwelling. Had the inhabitants fled to the interior? That was the question asked by the pirate chief and doubtless, as a prudent man, he would explore the neighborhood before engaging his forces. For an hour and a half there was no indication on board the brig of preparations for an attack or a landing. It was evident that Bob Harvey was hesitating. His best telescopes doubtless, would not allow him to perceive any of the colonists crouching among the rocks. It was not even likely that his attention had been directed to the covering of green branches and creepers which hid the windows of Granite House cut into the bare wall. In fact, how could he imagine that a dwelling had been hollowed out, at this height, into the block of granite? From Cape Claw to the Mandible Capes, over the entire perimeter of Union Bay, there was nothing to indicate that the island could be occupied. At eight o'clock however, the colonists saw some activity on board the "Speedy". They hauled out the tackle and a boat was put to sea. Seven men descended. They were armed; one of them placed himself at the tiller, four at the oars and the other two, crouching up front, ready to fire, examined the island. Their purpose doubtless, was to perform a preliminary reconnaissance, but not to land, because in the latter case they would have come in greater numbers. The pirates, perched in the topgallant mast, had evidently been able to see that an islet protected the coast and was separated from it by a channel about a half mile wide. By observing the direction followed by the boat, Cyrus Smith soon realized that they would not move first into the channel but would draw alongside the islet, which was besides a justified measure of prudence. Pencroff and Ayrton, each hidden separately among the narrow windings of the rocks, saw them coming directly toward them and they waited for the right moment. The boat advanced carefully. The oars dipped into the water only at long intervals. They could also see that one of the convicts in front held a sounding line in his hand and that he was trying to discover the channel hollowed out by the Mercy's current. This indicated that Bob Harvey intended to bring his brig as close to shore as he could. About thirty pirates, dispersed in the shrouds, did not lose sight of the boat and took the bearings of certain landmarks which would allow them to land without danger. The boat was not more than two cables from the islet when it stopped. The man at the helm, standing up, was looking for the best point at which to land on the islet. In an instant two gunshots were heard. Some smoke twirled above the rocks on the islet. The man at the tiller and the THE SECRET OF THE ISLAND 299 ÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄ man with the sounding line fell back into the boat. Ayrton's and Pencroff's bullets had struck both at the same instant. Almost immediately a more violent detonation was heard. A bright jet of vapor spread from the brig's broadside and a ball struck the tops of the rocks which sheltered Ayrton and Pencroff, making them fly into splinters, but not touching the two marksmen. Horrible curses escaped from the boat which quickly resumed its movement. The man at the tiller was immediately replaced by one of his comrades and the oars vigorously plunged into the water. Nevertheless, instead of returning on board, as one would have expected, the boat continued along the shore of the islet, so as to turn its southern point. The pirates were working the oars hard in order to put themselves outside the range of the weapons. They advanced in this way until they were within five cables from that part of the shore which ended at Flotsom Point. Following a semi-circular path, they went toward the mouth of the Mercy, all the while protected by the brig's cannons. Their evident intention was to penetrate the channel so as to get to the rear of the colonists posted on the islet. The latter, whatever their number, would be then caught between the weapons of the boat and the weapons of the brig and would find themselves in a very disadvantageous position. A quarter of a hour passed during which time the boat advanced in this direction. There was absolute silence, and complete calm in the air and on water. Pencroff and Ayrton well understood that they risked being surrounded, but they did not leave their post, not wanting to show themselves to their assailants nor to expose themselves to the Speedy's cannons. They counted on Neb and Gideon Spilett, on guard at the mouth of the river, and on Cyrus Smith and Herbert, posted among the rocks at the Chimneys. Twenty minutes after the first gunshots, the boat was at least two cables off from the Mercy's entrance. Since the tide began to rise with its usual violence, which was increased by the narrow opening, the convicts felt themselves drawn toward the river and it was only the pull of the oars which kept them in the channel. But as they passed within easy range of the mouth of the Mercy, two shots saluted them in passing, and two others of their number were again thrown back into the boat. Neb and Spilett had not wasted their rounds. Immediately the brig sent a second ball to the post betrayed by the smoke from the firearms but without any result other than breaking the corners of some rocks. At this moment, the boat held only three able bodied men. Carried by the current, it moved through the channel with the rapidity of an arrow, passed in front of Cyrus Smith and Herbert who, not judging it to be within easy range, remained silent; then it turned the northern point of the islet with the two remaining oars, placing itself in line to return to the brig. 300 THE MYSTERIOUS ISLAND ÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄ Up to that point the colonists had no cause to complain. The engagement had gone badly for their adversaries. The latter already counted four men seriously wounded, dead perhaps; while they, on the contrary, with no casualties, had not wasted a shot. If the pirates continued to attack them in this way, if they continued to attempt to land by the use of boats, they would destroy them one by one. One can understand how advantageous were the arrangements made by the engineer. The pirates were lead to believe that they had to deal with numerous as well as with armed adversaries whom they would not easily rout. A half hour passed before the boat, which had to struggle against the current from the open sea, rejoined the Speedy. Strong cries were heard when it returned on board with the wounded, and the cannons were fired three or four times to no avail. But then about twelve other convicts, filled with anger and perhaps still drunk from the previous evening, threw themselves into the boat. A second boat was also thrown into the sea into which eight men took their place and while the first one moved straight for the islet to flush out the colonists, the second went to force the entrance to the Mercy. The situation had evidently become very perilous for Pencroff and Ayrton, and they realized that they must get back to the mainland. However, they still waited for the first boat to come within easy range and two skilful shots produced a turmoil among its crew. Then Pencroff and Ayrton abandoned their post, not without being exposed to a dozen or so shots, crossed the islet as fast as their limbs could carry them, threw themselves into the canoe, crossed the channel and ran to hide at the Chimneys just as the second boat reached the southern point. They had hardly rejoined Cyrus Smith and Herbert when the islet was completely overrun by the pirates from the first boat. At nearly the same moment, new detonations burst forth from the post at the Mercy which was rapidly approached by the second boat. Two of the eight men which it carried were mortally wounded by Gideon Spilett and Neb and the boat itself, not being able to avoid the reef, broke up at the mouth of the Mercy. But the six survivors, raising their weapons above their heads so as to preserve them from contact with the water, succeeded in setting foot on the right bank of the river. Then, finding themselves exposed to almost excessive fire from the post, they fled out of range with all possible speed in the direction of Flotsom Point. The actual situation was as follows: on the islet there were a dozen convicts, some doubtless wounded but still having a boat available to them; on the island, six had landed but without any chance of reaching Granite House because they could not cross the river whose bridges were raised. "What now!" said Pencroff rushing into the Chimneys, "what now, Mister Cyrus! What do you think?" "I think," replied the engineer, "that the battle will take a new turn because we cannot assume that the convicts will THE SECRET OF THE ISLAND 301 ÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄ be so stupid as to continue under conditions which are so unfavorable for them." "Anyhow, they won't get across the channel," said the sailor. "Ayrton's and Mister Spilett's carbines are there to hold them in check. You know that they have a range of more than a mile." "Doubtless," replied Herbert, "but what can two carbines do against the brig's cannons?" "Well, the brig is not yet in the channel, I imagine," replied Pencroff. "And if it comes there?" asked Cyrus Smith. "That is impossible because it will risk stranding itself there and it will become lost." "It is possible," Ayrton replied. "The convicts could profit from the high tide to enter the channel and leave before the low tide strands it. Then, under fire from their cannons, our posts would no longer be tenable." "By the thousand devils of hell," shouted Pencroff, "it really seems that the scoundrels are getting ready to raise anchor." "Perhaps we will be forced to seek refuge in Granite House," noted Herbert. "Let us wait," replied Cyrus Smith. "But Neb and Mister Spilett?..." said Pencroff. "They will know enough to rejoin us at the right time. Get ready, Ayrton. It is your carbine and that of Spilett which must speak now." It was only too true. The Speedy began to lift anchor with the intention of approaching the islet. The tide would still be high for an hour and a half, and with the current at a standstill, it would be easy to maneuver the brig. But as to entering the channel, Pencroff, contrary to Ayrton's opinion, would not admit that they would dare to attempt it. During this time, the pirates who occupied the islet moved over to the opposite bank little by little and it was only the channel which separated them from the mainland. They were armed with simple weapons which could not harm the colonists lying in wait at the Chimneys and at the mouth of the Mercy. Not realizing that the colonists had long range carbines, they did not think that they were exposed. They were surveying the islet and rambling along the shore. Their illusion was of short duration. Ayrton's and Gideon Spilett's carbines then spoke and doubtless said some disagreeable things to two convicts, because they fell backward. There was a general helter-skelter. The other ten did not even take the time to pick up their companions, wounded or dead. They ran with all possible speed to the other side of the islet, threw themselves into the boat which had brought them there and got back on board under oar power. "Eight down," shouted Pencroff. "One could truly say that Mister Spilett and Ayrton were told to fire simultaneously." 302 THE MYSTERIOUS ISLAND ÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄ "Gentlemen," replied Ayrton, reloading his carbine, this is becoming most serious. The brig is getting under weigh." "The anchor is apeak!..." shouted Pencroff. "Yes, and she is already atrip." In fact, they distinctly heard the clicking of the pawl on the windlass as it was turned by the ship's crew. At first the Speedy was held by its anchor; then when that had been wrenched from the bottom, it began to drift toward land. The wind blew from the open sea; the large jib and the small topsail were hoisted and little by little the vessel came nearer. At the two posts at the Mercy and at the Chimneys they saw it maneuver, without giving any signs of life but not without a certain emotion. It would be a terrible situation for the colonists if they were exposed to the fire from the brig's cannons at short range, without being able to respond in kind. How then could they prevent the pirates from landing? Cyrus Smith knew this and he asked himself if there was anything to be done. Before long he would be called upon to make a decision. But what? Enclose themselves in Granite House, let themselves be besieged for weeks, months even, since supplies abounded there. Good! But afterwards? The pirates would none the less be masters of the island, they would ravage it as they saw fit and in the end they would overcome the prisoners of Granite House. However one chance still remained: it was that Bob Harvey would not hazard his vessel into the channel and that he would keep it away from the islet. A half mile still separated it from shore and at this distance his fire would not be extremely harmful. "Never," repeated Pencroff, "if this Bob Harvey is a good sailor, he will never enter the channel. He well knows that he risks the brig because it takes only a little for the sea to become rough. And what would he become without his ship?" However, the brig approached the islet and they could see that it was looking to reach the lower extremity. There was a light breeze and since the current had then lost much of its force, Bob Harvey could maneuver his vessel pretty much as he wanted. The path previously followed by the boats had allowed him to familiarize himself with the channel and he imprudently entered. His plan was quite clear: he wanted to bring the vessel broadside in front of the Chimneys and from there reply with shell and cannon balls to the shot which had decimated his crew. Soon the Speedy reached the islet's point; it turned it with ease; the spanker sail was then full and the brig, propelled by the wind, found itself facing the Mercy. "The bandits! They came!" shouted Pencroff. At this moment, Cyrus Smith, Ayrton, the sailor and Herbert were joined by Neb and Gideon Spilett. The reporter and his companion had judged it best to abandon the post at the Mercy where they could no longer do anything against the vessel and they were wise to do so. It THE SECRET OF THE ISLAND 303 ÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄ was better for the colonists to be together at the moment when a decisive action was about to take place. Gideon Spilett and Neb had moved behind the rocks but not without sustaining a hail of shot which had not harmed them. "Spilett! Neb!" shouted the engineer. "You are not wounded?" "No," replied the reporter, "a few bruises only from the ricochet! But the damn brig has entered the channel." "Yes," replied Pencroff, "and before ten minutes are over it will have anchored in front of Granite House." "Do you have a plan, Cyrus?" asked the reporter. "We must take refuge in Granite House while there is still time and the convicts cannot see us." "That is also my opinion," replied Gideon Spilett, "but once inside..." "We will consider the circumstances," replied the engineer. "Let's get going then and hurry!" said the reporter. "Would you want Ayrton and me to remain here, Mister Cyrus?" asked the sailor. "For what good, Pencroff?" replied Cyrus Smith. "No, we will not separate!" There was not an instant to lose. The colonists left the Chimneys. A small turn in the facade prevented them from being seen from the brig; but two or three detonations and the shattering of shells against the rocks informed them that the Speedy was only a short distance away. To throw themselves into the elevator, hoist themselves to the door of Granite House where Top and Jup had been shut up since the previous evening and run into the large hall was the affair of a moment. It was just in time because the colonists, through the branches, saw the Speedy moving through the channel, surrounded by gunsmoke. The firing was incessant and the balls from four cannons struck blindly either at the post at the Mercy which was no longer occupied, or at the Chimneys. Rocks were shattered and hurrahs accompanied each detonation. However, they could hope that Granite House would be spared thanks to the precaution that Cyrus Smith had taken of concealing the windows, when a cannon ball grazed the doorway, penetrating inside. "Curses! We are discovered," shouted Pencroff. Perhaps the colonists had not been seen but it was certain that Bob Harvey had judged it appropriate to send a projectile through the suspicious foliage that covered this portion of the high wall. He soon increased his fire when a ball nicked the screen of foliage and brought to view a gaping opening in the granite. The situation of the colonists was desperate. Their retreat had been discovered. They had nothing to oppose these projectiles nor to prevent damage to the stone whose splinters were flying all around them like grape-shot. Nothing remained 304 THE MYSTERIOUS ISLAND ÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄ except to take refuge in the upper passageway of Granite House and to abandon their dwelling to complete destruction when a rumbling sound was heard followed by terror stricken cries. Cyrus Smith and his companions ran to one of the windows. The brig, irresistibly raised by a sort of waterspout, split in two and in less than ten seconds it was engulfed with its criminal crew. CHAPTER IV The colonists on the beach - Ayrton and Pencroff work at salvaging - Gossip during lunch - Pencroff's remarks - Close inspection of the brig's hull - Intact storeroom - New riches - The last of the debris - A piece of broken cylinder. "They've blown up!" shouted Herbert. "Yes! Blown up just as if Ayrton had ignited their powder," replied Pencroff, throwing himself into the elevator while Neb and the lad were doing likewise. "But what happened?" asked Gideon Spilett, still stupefied by the unexpected denouement. "Ah! This time we will know..." replied the engineer vividly. "What will we know?..." "Later! later! Come Spilett. The important thing is that these pirates have been exterminated!" And Cyrus Smith, hurrying the reporter and Ayrton along, joined Pencroff, Neb and Herbert on the beach. They no longer saw anything of the brig, not even its mast. After having been raised by this waterspout, it was thrown on its side and had foundered in this position, doubtless as a result of some enormous water flooding. But inasmuch as the channel at this point did not measure more than twenty feet in depth, it was certain that the sides of the immersed brig would reappear at low tide. Some wreckage was floating on the surface of the sea. They saw spare masts and yards, poultry cages with their occupants still living, chests and barrels which little by little rose to the surface after having gotten out through the hatchways; but there was no other drifting debris, neither the planking from the deck nor from the hull - this made the sinking of the Speedy rather inexplicable. However, the two masts, which had broken a few feet above the partner after having snapped their stays and shrouds, soon rose to the surface of the channel with their sails, some unfurled and others rolled up. But it was best not to wait until the ebb tide carried away all these riches. Ayrton and Pencroff threw themselves into the canoe with the intention of mooring all of the wreckage be it on the shore of the island or on the shore of the islet. THE SECRET OF THE ISLAND 305 ÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄ But just as they were about to leave a thought from Gideon Spilett stopped them. "And what about the six convicts who went ashore on the right bank of the Mercy?" he said. In fact, they must not forget that the six men whose boat had broken on the rocks had set foot at Flotsom Point. They looked in that direction. None of the fugitives were visible. It was probable that, after having seen the brig engulfed by the waters of the channel, they had fled into the island's interior. "We will concern ourselves with them later," Cyrus Smith then said. "They could still be dangerous because they are armed, but now with six against six the chances are equal. Let's attend to the most urgent business first." Ayrton and Pencroff got into the boat and vigorously paddled to the wreckage. The tide was then slack and very high since the moon had been new two days earlier. A full hour at least must pass before the hull of the brig would emerge from the water. Ayrton and Pencroff used the time to moor down the masts and the spars with ropes whose ends were anchored at the Granite House beach. There the colonists, working together, succeeded in hauling up the wreckage. Then, with the canoe, they collected everything that was floating, poultry cages, barrels, and cases which were immediately transported to the Chimneys. A few bodies were floating on the surface. Among others, Ayrton recognized that of Bob Harvey and he pointed him out to his companion while saying with an emotional voice: "That is what I have been, Pencroff!" "But what you are no longer, brave Ayrton!" replied the sailor. It was rather strange that so few bodies were floating. They barely counted five or six which the ebb tide was already beginning to carry out to the open sea. Most likely the convicts, surprised by the engulfment, had not had the time to flee and with the vessel lying on its side, most of them had been caught under the bulwarks. The tide would drag the bodies of these wretches to the high seas and would save the colonists the sad task of burying them in some corner of the island. For two hours, Cyrus Smith and his companions were only occupied with hauling the spars on to the beach. Then they stretched out the perfectly intact sails to dry out. They spoke little, since their work absorbed them but what thoughts were on their minds! The brig contained a fortune. In fact, a vessel is like a small but complete world and the stores of the colony would be increased by many useful items. It would be, on a large scale, the equivalent of the case found at Flotsom Point. "And besides," thought Pencroff, "why would it be impossible to refloat this brig? If it is only a water leak, that can be sealed. A vessel of three or four hundred tons is 306 THE MYSTERIOUS ISLAND ÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄ a real vessel compared to our Bonadventure. And we can go quite a distance with it! It will go wherever we want. Mister Cyrus, Ayrton and I must examine it. It would be worth the trouble." In fact, if the brig could be made seaworthy, then the colonists' chances of returning to their native land would be remarkably increased. But to decide this important question, they must wait for low tide in order to examine every part of the hull. When the wreckage had been secured on shore, Cyrus Smith and his companions devoted a few moments to eating. They were literally dying of hunger. Happily, the pantry was not far away and Neb could pass for a ship's cook if need be. So they dined near the Chimneys and during this meal they thought about the unexpected event which had so miraculously saved the colony. "Miraculously is the word," repeated Pencroff, "because it must be admitted that these rascals were blown up at a most opportune time. Granite House was oddly becoming uninhabitable!" "And can you imagine, Pencroff," asked the reporter, "what occurred to bring on the brig's explosion?" "Well, Mister Spilett, nothing is more simple," replied Pencroff. "A pirate ship is not run like a warship. Convicts are not sailors! It is certain that the powder room of the brig was open since they were firing on us without letup and it would suffice for someone imprudent or careless to blow up the works." "Mister Cyrus," said Herbert, "what astonishes me is that this explosion has not produced a greater effect. The detonation was not strong and in short there is little debris or torn planking. It would seem that it foundered rather than that it blew up." "Does that astonish you, my child?" asked the engineer. "Yes, Mister Cyrus." "And me too, Herbert," replied the engineer, "it astonishes me; but when we will visit the brig's hull we will doubtless find the explanation for this event." "So then, Mister Cyrus," said Pencroff, "you are not going to allege that the Speedy simply foundered like a ship that struck a rock?" "Why not?" noted Neb, "if there are rocks in the channel." "That's fine, Neb," replied Pencroff. "You did not have your eyes open at the right moment. An instant before the engulfment, as I saw perfectly, the ship was raised by an enormous wave and fell back on its port side. Now if it had only struck a rock it would have foundered tranquilly like an honest vessel going to the bottom." "But it was not an honest vessel, strictly speaking," replied Neb. "We will take a good look, Pencroff," replied the engineer. THE SECRET OF THE ISLAND 307 ÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄ "We will take a good look," added the sailor, "but I will bet my head that there are no rocks in the channel. Look here, Mister Cyrus, to speak frankly, would you say that there was something strange in this event?" Cyrus Smith did not reply. "In any case," said Gideon Spilett, "impact or explosion, you will agree, Pencroff, that it came just in time." "Yes!... yes!..." replied the sailor, "...but that is not the question. I ask Mister Smith if he sees anything supernatural in this." "I do not know, Pencroff," said the engineer. "That is all that I can say to you." This reply did not satisfy Pencroff. He insisted on "an explosion" and he would not give in. He would not admit that this channel, formed of a bed of sand like the beach itself, and which he had often crossed at low tide, had some unknown rock. And besides, it was high tide when the brig sank, that is to say that there was enough water to cross over, without bumping any rocks that did not appear at low tide. Therefore there could not have been any impact. Therefore the vessel had not collided. Therefore it had blown up. And it must be admitted that the sailor's logic did not lack a certain justification. About one thirty, the colonists got into the canoe and went to the place where the stranding had occurred. It was regrettable that the two boats from the brig had not been salvaged; but as we know one had been broken up at the mouth of the Mercy and was absolutely useless; the other had disappeared when the brig went down and had doubtless been crushed by it since it had not reappeared. At this moment the Speedy's hull began to show itself above the water. The brig had done more than fall on its side because after having snapped its masts under the weight of the falling ballast, it had brought its keel almost into the air. It had truly been turned upside down by the inexplicable but frightful submarine action which had at the same time been manifested by the displacement of an enormous waterspout. The colonists made a tour of the hull and as the tide continued to go down, they were able to discover, if not the cause which had provoked the catastrophe, at least the effect produced. Up front, on both sides of the keel, seven or eight feet before the beginning of the stem, the sides of the brig had been frightfully torn up for a length of at least twenty feet. There were two large water leaks which would be impossible to plug up. Not only had the copper bottom and the sheathing disappeared, doubtless pulverized to dust, but there was no longer any trace of the framework itself, nor of the iron bolts and treenails which fastened them. Along the entire length of the hull up to the stern, the strakes were torn to shreds, no longer sea worthy. The false keel had been separated with an inexplicable violence and the keel itself, torn from the keelson at several points, was broken along its entire length. 308 THE MYSTERIOUS ISLAND ÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄ "A thousand devils!" shouted Pencroff. "Here is a vessel which will be difficult to refloat." "It will even be impossible," said Ayrton. "In any case," Gideon Spilett said to the sailor, "the explosion, if it was an explosion, has produced strange effects. It has damaged the inside of the hull instead of blowing up the deck and the upper structure. These large openings appear to have been made by a collision with a rock rather than by the explosion of the powder room." "There is no rock in the channel" replied the sailor. "I will admit to anything you wish, except a collision with a rock!" "Let us try to get inside the brig," said the engineer. "Perhaps we will then know what caused its destruction." That was the best thing to do and it was agreed besides to inventory all the riches contained on board and to decide on their disposal. Access to the brig's interior was then easy. The tide was low and they reached the lower side of the deck, which had now become the upper side because the hull had turned over. The ballast, composed of heavy pig iron, was smashed in several places. They heard the splashing sea flowing in through several fissures in the hull. Cyrus Smith and his companions, with ax in hand, advanced along the half broken deck. Cases of all sorts obstructed the deck and since these cases had been in the water for only a limited time, their contents might not be damaged. They then occupied themselves with putting all of this cargo in a secure place. The water would not return for several hours and this time was used profitably. Ayrton and Pencroff fastened a tackle at a practical opening in the hull which served to hoist the barrels and the cases. The canoe received them and transported them immediately to the beach. They took everything without discrimination, leaving for later the task of sorting out these objects. In any case the colonists took satisfaction from the very varied cargo which the brig contained, an assortment of articles of all sorts, utensils, manufactured products and tools such as are carried by the ships which trade with Polynesia. It was probable that they would find a little of everything and they agreed that that was precisely what the colony of Lincoln Island needed. Besides, and Cyrus Smith noted this in astonished silence, not only the brig's hull, as has been said, had suffered enormously from the collision whatever the cause, but the interior arrangements lay in waste especially toward the bow. Bulkheads and stanchions were broken as if some formidable shell had exploded inside the brig. After having removed the cases as they went along, the colonists could now move easily from bow to stern. These cases were not heavy bales whose removal would have been difficult, but simple packages which were no longer recognizable. THE SECRET OF THE ISLAND 309 ÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄ The colonists then reached that part of the brig's stern which was formerly above the poop deck. It was there that, according to Ayrton's directions, they must look for the powder room. Cyrus Smith thought that if it had not exploded, it was possible that a few barrels could be salvaged and that the powder, which is ordinarily enclosed in metal envelopes, would not have suffered from contact with the water. That was in fact, what had occurred. They found, among a large quantity of projectiles, about twenty copper lined barrels which they carefully removed. Pencroff was convinced by his own eyes that the destruction of the Speedy could not be attributed to an explosion. The portion of the hull in which the powder room was situated was precisely the one that had suffered the least. "Possibly," replied the stubborn sailor, "but as to a rock, there is no rock in the channel." "Then what happened?" asked Herbert. "I don't know anything about it," replied Pencroff, "Mister Cyrus doesn't know anything about it, no one knows about it or will ever know anything about it." Several hours passed during these various activities, and the rising tide began to be felt. It was necessary to suspend the salvage work. Besides, they did not need to fear that the remains of the brig would float away to sea because it was already sunk into the mud as firmly as if it had been moored with its anchors. They could therefore wait without inconvenience for the next ebb tide to resume their operations. But as to the ship itself, it was doomed and it would even be necessary to make haste in salvaging the debris from the hull because it would not be long in disappearing into the shifting sand of the channel. It was five o'clock in the evening. The day had been a rough one for the laborers. They ate with a good appetite but in spite of their fatigue they could not resist the desire, after dinner, to inspect the cases which comprised the cargo of the Speedy. For the most part they contained ready made clothing which, as we can imagine, was well received. There was enough to clothe the entire colony, with linen for every usage and shoes for every foot. "We are rich," shouted Pencroff. "But what are we going to do with all of this?" And at each instant hurrahs burst forth from the happy sailor when he recognized barrels of rum, cases of tobacco, firearms and bladed weapons, bales of cotton, laborer's tools and tools for the carpenter, the cabinet maker and the blacksmith, and boxes of seed of all varieties. Their short stay in the water had not damaged them. Ah! If these things had come only two years earlier. But even now that these industrious colonists had tools of their own, these riches would find use. 310 THE MYSTERIOUS ISLAND ÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄ There was no lack of space in the storerooms of Granite House but on this day they did not have enough time to store everything. They must not forget that six survivors of the Speedy's crew had set foot on the island, that they were truly scamps of the first order, and that they must guard against them. Even though the bridge across the Mercy and the smaller bridges were raised, the convicts would not be inconvenienced by a river or a brook, and driven by despair, rascals such as these could be formidable. They would see later what steps it would be best to take in this matter; but in the meantime they must keep watch over the cases and packages piled up near the Chimneys, and that is what the colonists took turns in doing during the night. The night however passed without the convicts attempting any attack. Master Jup and Top, on guard at the foot of Granite House, would have given some signal. The three days which followed, the 19th, 20th and 21th of October, were used to salvage everything that could have any value or use whatsoever, either from the cargo or from the rigging of the brig. At low tide they removed everything from the hold. At high tide they stored what they had salvaged. A large part of the copper lining had been torn off the hull which each day, sunk further into the sand. But before the sand had engulfed the heavy objects that had sunk to the bottom, Ayrton and Pencroff had several times plunged down to the bed of the channel to recover the chains and anchors of the brig, the pig iron of its ballast and even four cannons which, lightened by empty barrels, they were able to bring to land. As we can see, the colony's arsenal gained as much from the salvage as the pantry and storerooms of Granite House. Pencroff, always enthusiastic about his projects, already spoke of constructing a battery which would command the channel and the mouth of the river. With four cannons they could prevent any navy "however powerful it might be" from venturing into the waters of Lincoln Island. Nothing now remained of the brig but a useless carcass. Bad weather completed its destruction. Cyrus Smith had intended to blow it up in order to recover the debris on the shore but a strong northeast wind and a strong sea allowed him to economize his powder. In fact, on the night of the 23rd to the 24th, the hull of the brig was completely dismantled and a part of the wreckage was stranded on the beach. As to any papers on board, needless to say, Cyrus Smith could find no trace however carefully he searched the closets of the poop deck. The pirates had evidently destroyed every reference to the captain and to the ownership of the Speedy, and since the homeport was not given on any aft nameplate, they had no clue as to its nationality. However, from the forward shape of the vessel, Ayrton and Pencroff thought that the brig was of English construction. THE SECRET OF THE ISLAND 311 ÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄ Eight days after the catastrophe, or rather after the fortunate but inexplicable denouement to which the colony owed its salvation, they could no longer see anything of the vessel, not even at low tide. Its debris had been dispersed and Granite House was enriched by nearly all that it had contained. However, the mystery of its strange destruction would doubtless have never been cleared up if on the 30th of November Neb, while roaming about the beach, had not found a thick piece of an iron cylinder which bore the traces of an explosion. This cylinder was twisted and broken as if it had been subjected to the action of an explosive substance. Neb brought this piece of metal to his master who was then occupied with his companions at the Chimneys workshop. Cyrus Smith examined this cylinder carefully and then turning to Pencroff: "You persist, my friend," he said to him, "in maintaining that the Speedy did not perish as a result of a collision?" "Yes, Mister Cyrus," replied the sailor, "you know as well as I do that there are no rocks in the channel." "But if it had run up against this piece of iron?" said the engineer, showing him the broken cylinder. "What, this stump of pipe?" shouted Pencroff, with a completely incredulous tone. "My friends," replied Cyrus Smith, "do you recall that before foundering, the brig was raised to the summit of a real waterspout?" "Yes, Mister Cyrus," replied Herbert. "Well, do you want to know what brought on this waterspout? It was this," said the engineer, showing the broken tube. "This?" replied Pencroff. "Yes! This cylinder is all that remains of a torpedo." "A torpedo!" shouted the engineer's companions. "And who put this torpedo there?" asked Pencroff, not wanting to yield. "All that I can tell you is that it wasn't I," replied Cyrus Smith, "but it was there, and you were able to judge its incomparable power!" CHAPTER V The engineer's assertions - Pencroff's grandiose hypotheses - An aerial battery - Four projectiles - On the subject of the surviving convicts - Ayrton's hesitation - Cyrus Smith's generous sentiments - Pencroff apologizes. So then, everything was explained by the submarine explosion of this torpedo. Cyrus Smith, who during the war of the Union had had occasion to experiment with these terrible engines of destruction, was not mistaken. It was under the action of this cylinder, loaded with an explosive substance, 312 THE MYSTERIOUS ISLAND ÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄ nitroglycerin, picrate or other material of the same nature, that the water of the channel rose like a waterspout. The brig was struck from below and foundered instantly. It was impossible to refloat the brig because its hull had been subjected to considerable damage. The Speedy had not been able to resist a torpedo which could destroy an armored frigate as easily as a simple fishing boat. Yes! everything was explained, everything... except the presence of this torpedo in the waters of the channel! "My friends," Cyrus Smith then said, "we can no longer doubt the presence of a mysterious being, a castaway like ourselves perhaps, abandoned on our island, and I say this in order that Ayrton may be brought up to date on the strange events that have occurred during these two years. Who is this unknown benefactor whose intervention, fortunately for us, is manifested in so many ways? I cannot imagine him. What interest does he have in acting so and in concealing himself after rendering these services? I do not understand it. But these services are none the less real and such that only a man possessing prodigious power could have rendered them for us. Ayrton is just as indebted to him as we are, because it was the stranger who saved me from the waves after the fall of the balloon, it was evidently he who wrote the document, who put this bottle along the route of the channel which told us of our companion's situation. I will add that this case, so conveniently containing everything that we needed, was brought to and stranded at Flotsom Point by him; that it was he who lighted the fire placed on the heights of the island which permitted you to reach land; that it was he who fired the lead bullet found in the body of the peccary; that it was he who placed this torpedo in the channel which destroyed the brig; in a word, that all these inexplicable events, which we have not been able to render an account of, they are due to this mysterious being. Thus whoever he is, castaway or exile on this island, we would be ingrates if we thought ourselves free of any obligation toward him. We have contracted a debt and I hope that we will pay it one day." "You are right in speaking this way, my dear Cyrus," replied Gideon Spilett. "Yes, there is a being, almost all powerful, hidden in some part of the island, whose influence has been strangely useful for our colony. I will add that this stranger seems to have means of action which border on the supernatural, if the supernatural is acceptable to the events of practical life. Is it he who is in secret communication with us by means of the well in Granite House and does he therefore know all our plans? Was it he who put this bottle within our reach when the canoe made its first sea excursion? Was it he who threw Top out of the waters of the lake and gave the mortal wound to the dugong? Was it he, as we are all led to believe, who saved you from the waves, Cyrus, and under circumstances in which any other man could not have acted? If it is he, then he possesses a power which renders him master of the elements." THE SECRET OF THE ISLAND 313 ÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄ The reporter's observation was justified and everyone agreed with him. "Yes," replied Cyrus Smith, "if we no longer doubt the intervention of a human being, I agree that he has a means of action which are outside that available to humanity. That is also a mystery, but if we discover the man, the mystery will also be solved. The question then is this: should we respect the privacy of this generous being or should we do everything to find him? What is your opinion in this respect?" "My opinion," replied Pencroff, "is that whoever he is, he is a brave man and he has my esteem." "That is so," replied Cyrus Smith, "but that is not an answer, Pencroff." "My master," Neb then said, "my opinion is that we can search as much as we wish for the gentleman in question but we will not find him until it pleases him." "What you say, Neb, is not foolish," replied Pencroff. "I agree with Neb," replied Gideon Spilett, "but that is no reason for not trying. Whether we find or do not find this mysterious being, we will at least have done our duty toward him." "And you, my child, give us your opinion," said the engineer, turning toward Herbert. "Ah!" shouted Herbert, whose look became animated, "I would like to thank him. It was he who first saved you and who saved us afterwards." "Don't despair, my lad," retorted Pencroff, "and I also, and all of us! I am not curious but I would give one of my eyes to see this particular person face to face. It seems to me that he must be handsome, tall, strong, with a fine beard, hair like rays, and that he must lie on the clouds with a large ball in his hand!" "But Pencroff," replied Gideon Spilett, "that is the portrait of God, the Father, that you have given us." "Possibly, Mister Spilett," replied the sailor, "but that is how I visualize him." "And you, Ayrton?" asked the engineer. "Mister Smith," replied Ayrton, "I can hardly give you my advice on this matter. What you will do will be fine with me. When you wish me to join your search, I will be ready to follow you." "I thank you, Ayrton," replied Cyrus Smith, "but I would like a more direct response to the question which I have asked. You are our companion; several times already you have shown your devotion to us and, like everyone here, you should be consulted when we are making some important decision. Speak then." "Mister Smith," replied Ayrton, "I think that we should do everything to find this unknown benefactor. Perhaps he is alone? Perhaps he suffers? Perhaps there is a life to renew? I also, as you have said, owe him a debt. It was he, it could only be he who came to Tabor Island, who found there this 314 THE MYSTERIOUS ISLAND ÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄ wretch that you have come to know, who made you aware that there was an unfortunate to save... It is therefore thanks to him that I have become a man once again. No, I will never forget him." "It is decided," Cyrus Smith then said. "We will begin our search as soon as possible. We will not leave any part of the island unexplored. We will pry into its most secret retreats and I hope that our unknown friend will pardon our intentions." For several days the colonists were employed in hay making and harvesting. Before putting into execution their project to explore the still unknown parts of the island, they wanted to complete all indispensable tasks. It was also the season for harvesting the various vegetables grown from the Tabor Island plants. Everything was stored and fortunately there was no lack of space at Granite House where they could put all the riches of the island. The products of the colony were there, methodically arranged and in a secure place, protected, we can be sure, as much from beasts as from men. No dampness was to be feared in the midst of this thick mass of granite. Several natural excavations situated in the upper passageway were enlarged and widened either with the pickaxe or with the mine and Granite House thus became a general warehouse containing the provisions, the munitions, the tools and the spare utensils, in a word all the material of the colony. As to the cannons from the brig, they were fine pieces cast in steel which, at Pencroff's urging, were hoisted by means of winding tackle and cranes to the very level of Granite House; recesses were made in the windows and soon one could see the shining muzzles of the cannons through the granite wall. From this height, these muzzles truly commanded all of Union Bay. It was like a miniature Gibraltar and any vessel which would moor in sight of the islet would be inevitably exposed to the fire from this aerial battery. "Mister Cyrus," Pencroff said one day, - it was the 8th of November - "now that this armament is in place, we should try our pieces for range." "Do you believe that this is useful?" replied the engineer. "It is more than useful, it is necessary! Without it, how can we know to what distance we can send one of these fine balls with which we are provided?" "Let us try it then, Pencroff," replied the engineer. "Nevertheless I think that we should try to use not ordinary powder whose supply I would like to leave intact, but pyroxylin which we will never lack." "Can these cannons withstand the explosion of pyroxylin?" asked the reporter, who was no less desirous than Pencroff to try out the Granite House artillery. "I think so. Besides," added the engineer, "we will proceed carefully." The engineer had reason to believe that these cannons were of excellent manufacture as he could plainly see. Made with THE SECRET OF THE ISLAND 315 ÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄ forged steel and breech loaded, they could, as a result, withstand a considerable charge and consequently have an enormous range. In fact, from the practical point of view, the trajectory described by the ball should be as accurate as possible and this accuracy can only be obtained if the projectile is given a very large muzzle velocity. "Now," said Cyrus Smith to his companions, "the muzzle velocity is in proportion to the amount of powder used. In the manufacture of these pieces, the question reduces itself to using the strongest possible metal, and steel is incontestably the strongest of all metals. I therefore have reason to believe that our cannons will withstand the expansion of the pyroxylin gases without danger and will give excellent results." "We will be more certain of that when we try it," replied Pencroff. It goes without saying that the four cannons were in perfect condition. After they had been salvaged from the water, the sailor had given himself the task of polishing them conscientiously. What hours he spent rubbing them, lubricating them, cleaning the obturator mechanism, the locking bolt and the pressure screw! And now these pieces were as brilliant as if they had been on board a frigate of the United States Navy. On this day then, in the presence of all the personnel of the colony, Master Jup and Top included, the four cannons were tried in turn. They loaded them with pyroxylin, taking account of its explosive power which, as has been said, is quadruple that of ordinary powder; the projectile that they would use was cylindro-conical. Pencroff, holding the fuze cord, was ready to fire. On a sign from Cyrus Smith, this was done. The ball, directed toward the ocean, passed over the islet and was lost at sea at a distance that they could not determine accurately. The second cannon was pointed toward the extreme rocks at Flotsom Point and the projectile, striking a sharp rock nearly three miles from Granite House, made it fly into splinters. It was Herbert who had aimed the cannon and fired it and he was full of pride over the test. Only Pencroff was even prouder, for the honor of this shot belonged to his dear child. The third projectile, thrown this time over the dunes which formed the upper coast of Union Bay, struck the sand at a distance of at least four miles; then after having ricocheted, it lost itself at sea in a cloudy spray. For the fourth piece, Cyrus Smith overloaded it a bit, in order to test it at maximum range. Everyone took cover in case it exploded. The fuze was ignited with a long cord. A violent detonation was heard but the piece held. Running to the window the colonists could see the projectile chip the rocks of Cape Mandible at nearly five miles from Granite House and disappear into Shark Gulf. "Well, Mister Cyrus," shouted Pencroff, whose hurrahs rivaled the detonations produced, "what do you think of our 316 THE MYSTERIOUS ISLAND ÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄ battery? All the pirates of the Pacific have only to present themselves in front of Granite House. Now not one will land without our permission." "Believe me, Pencroff," replied the engineer, "it would be better not to have the experience." "On the same subject," replied the sailor, "what shall we do with the six rascals who are roaming the island? Will we let them overrun our forests, our fields and our prairies? Pirates like these are real jaguars and it seems to me that we should not hesitate to treat them as such. What do you think Ayrton?" said Pencroff, turning to his companion. At first Ayrton hesitated to reply and Cyrus Smith regretted that Pencroff had been a little thoughtless in asking this question. He was very moved when Ayrton replied in a humble tone: "I have been one of these jaguars, Mister Pencroff, and I do not have the right to speak..." And he quietly withdrew. Pencroff understood. "Devilish beast that I am," he shouted. "Poor Ayrton! He nevertheless has the right to speak as much as anyone here..." "Yes," said Gideon Spilett, "but his reserve does him honor and we must respect this feeling that he has about his sad past." "Agreed, Mister Spilett," replied the sailor, "I won't do that again. I would rather devour my tongue than cause Ayrton any sorrow. But let us return to the question. It seems to me that these bandits have no right to any pity and that we must rid the island of them as soon as possible." "Is that really your opinion, Pencroff?" asked the engineer. "It is definitely my opinion." "And before pursuing them without mercy would you not wait until they had done something hostile against us?" "Isn't what they have already done sufficient?" asked Pencroff, who could not understand these hesitations. "They could take on other sentiments," said Cyrus Smith, "and perhaps repent..." "Repent, they!" shouted the sailor, raising his shoulders. "Pencroff, think of Ayrton!" Herbert then said, taking the sailor's hand. "He became an honest man again." Pencroff looked at his companions from one to the other. He had not thought that his proposal would have encountered any hesitation whatsoever. His rough nature could not admit that they compromise with the rascals who had landed on the island, the accomplices of Bob Harvey, the assassins of the Speedy's crew, and he looked upon them as wild beasts whom he must destroy without hesitation and without remorse. "Come now!" he said. "I have everyone against me. You want to deal generously with these rascals! So be it. May we not regret it." THE SECRET OF THE ISLAND 317 ÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄ "What danger do we run," said Herbert, "if we take care to keep up our guard?" "Hm!" said the reporter, who had not spoken much. "They are six and well armed. If each of them lay in wait in a corner and fired on one of us they would soon be masters of the colony." "Why haven't they done so?" replied Herbert. "Doubtless because it is not in their interest to do so. Besides, we are also six." "Good! good!" replied Pencroff, whom no amount of reasoning could convince. "Let us allow these worthy men to attend to their little occupations and let us think no more about them." "Come, Pencroff," said Neb. "You are not as wicked as all that. If one of these unfortunates were here, in front of you, in easy range of your gun, wouldn't you fire over..." "I would fire on him as if he were a mad dog, Neb," replied Pencroff coldly. "Pencroff," the engineer then said, "you have often shown much deference to my opinion. Won't you in this circumstance yield to me again?" "I will do as you wish, Mister Smith," replied the sailor, who was not convinced. "Well then, let us wait, and attack only if we are attacked." Their conduct with respect to the pirates was thus decided even though Pencroff could foresee no good result. They would not attack them but they would remain on guard. After all, the island was large and fertile. If some sentiment of honesty remained in the depths of their souls, these wretches could perhaps reform. Under the conditions in which they had to live, was it not in their interest to start a new life? In any case, humanity required that they wait. Perhaps the colonists no longer could come and go as before without caution. Until then they had had to guard only against wild animals, and now six convicts, perhaps of the worst kind, were roaming their island. It was doubtless serious and for less brave men it would have been lost security. No matter! For the present the colonists were right contrary to Pencroff. Would they be right in the future? That remained to be seen. 318 THE MYSTERIOUS ISLAND ÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄ CHAPTER VI Expedition plans - Ayrton at the corral - Visit to Port Balloon - Remarks made by Pencroff on board the Bonadventure - Dispatch sent to the corral - No reply from Ayrton - Departure the next day - Why the telegraph no longer functioned - A detonation. However, the principal preoccupation of the colonists was to conduct a complete exploration of the island, which had been decided upon, an exploration which now had two goals: first, to discover the mysterious being whose existence was no longer in doubt and at the same time, to find out what had become of the pirates, what retreat they had chosen, what life they were leading and what they would have to fear from them. Cyrus Smith wanted to leave without delay; but for an expedition that would last several days, they would find it convenient to load up the cart with various things needed for the encampments, and with utensils which would make their stopovers easier. Now at this time, one of the onagers had hurt his leg and could not be harnessed; he needed a few days of rest and they could put off the departure for a week without inconvenience, that is to say until the 20th of November. The month of November, under this latitude, corresponds to the month of May in the northern zones. They were therefore in the fine season. The sun had arrived over the Tropic of Capricorn and gave the longest days of the year. The time was hence favorable for the planned expedition which, if it did not attain its main goal, could be fruitful in discoveries, especially from the point of view of the island's natural productions. Cyrus Smith proposed that they explore those thick forests of the Far West which extended up to the extremity of Serpentine Peninsula. During the nine days that preceded their departure, it was agreed that they would put the finishing touches on their work on Grand View Plateau. However it was necessary for Ayrton to return to the corral where the domestic animals needed care. It was decided that he would pass two days there and that he would return to Granite House after having abundantly stocked the stables. As he was about to leave, Cyrus Smith asked him if he wanted someone to accompany him, making a comment that the island was less secure than before. Ayrton replied that it wasn't necessary, that he could do the work alone and that besides, he feared nothing. If some incident occurred at the corral or in the neighborhood, he would immediately inform the colonists with a telegram to Granite House. Ayrton therefore left on the 9th at daybreak, leading the cart harnessed to only one onager and two hours later the electric bell announced that he had found everything in order at the corral. During these two days, Cyrus Smith was occupied with a project which would positively protect Granite House from any THE SECRET OF THE ISLAND 319 ÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄ surprise. His purpose was to completely conceal the upper opening of the old passageway which had already been cemented and half hidden under grass and plants at the southern corner of Lake Grant. Nothing would be easier since it would suffice to raise the level of the lake by two or three feet so that the opening would then be completely submerged. Now to raise this level, he had only to build a dam at the two trenches of the lake which fed Glycerin Creek and Grand Falls Creek. The colonists were urged on in this work and two dams, not exceeding seven or eight feet in length and three in height, were quickly erected by means of well cemented lumps of rock. With this work completed, it was impossible to guess at which point of the lake there existed a subterranean passage through which the overflow had formerly escaped. It goes without saying that the small diversion of water which served to supply the Granite House reservoir and to drive the elevator had been carefully spared and that there would be no lack of water in any case. Once the elevator was raised, this secure and comfortable retreat defied any surprise attack. This task moved forward quickly so that Pencroff, Gideon Spilett and Herbert found the time for a trip to Port Balloon. The sailor wanted very much to know if the small cove in which the Bonadventure had been anchored, had been visited by the convicts. "To be precise," he noted, "these gentlemen set foot on the southern coast and if they followed the shoreline it is to be feared that they have discovered the little port in which case I would not give a half-dollar for our Bonadventure ." Pencroff's apprehensions were not without some foundation and a visit to Port Balloon seemed to be most opportune. The sailor and his companions therefore left after lunch on the 10th of November and they were well armed. Pencroff, while conspicuously sliding two balls into each barrel of his gun, shook his head, which did not forebode anything good for whoever came too close, be it "man or beast", as he said. Gideon Spilett and Herbert also took their weapons and at about three o'clock all three left Granite House. Neb accompanied them just up to the bend in the Mercy and after they passed he raised the bridge. It was agreed that a gunshot would announce the return of the colonists and that at this signal Neb would return to re‰stablish communication between the two banks of the river. The small troop advanced directly by the port route toward the southern coast of the island. It was only a distance of three and a half miles but Gideon Spilett and his companions took two hours to traverse it. They probed all along the route which included the edges of the thick forest which bordered on Tadorn's marsh. They found no trace of the fugitives who doubtless, still not knowing how many colonists there were nor their means of defense, had gone to the less accessible portions of the island. 320 THE MYSTERIOUS ISLAND ÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄ On reaching Port Balloon, Pencroff saw with extreme satisfaction that the Bonadventure was tranquilly anchored in the narrow creek. Besides, Port Balloon was so well hidden among these high rocks that it could not be discovered neither from land nor from sea, except if one were higher up or within the cove. "So then," said Pencroff, "these rascals still have not been here. Tall grass suits reptiles better, and it is evident that we will find them in the Far West." "And that is very fortunate because if they had found the Bonadventure," added Herbert, "they would have taken possession of it and fled, and that would have prevented us from returning soon to Tabor Island." "In fact," replied the reporter, "it is important that we bring a document there which will make known our situation on Lincoln Island and Ayrton's new residence, in case the Scotch yacht comes to bring him back." "Well, the Bonadventure is always there, Mister Spilett," replied the sailor. "It and its crew are ready to leave at the first signal." "I think, Pencroff, that we should do this as soon as our exploration of the island is completed. It is possible, after all, that this stranger, if we succeed in finding him, knows a great deal about Lincoln Island and about Tabor Island. Let us not forget that he is the incontestable author of the document and perhaps he knows about the return of the yacht." "A thousand devils!" shouted Pencroff, "can that be so? This person knows us and we do not know him. If he is a simple castaway, why does he hide himself? We are worthy people, I suppose, and the society of worthy people is not disagreeable to anyone. Did he come here voluntarily? Perhaps he leaves the island whenever it pleases him? Is he still here? Is he no longer here?..." While chatting, Pencroff, Herbert and Gideon Spilett went on board and surveyed the deck of the Bonadventure. The sailor examined the bitt on which he had fastened the anchor cable and suddenly said: "Ah! Upon my word," he shouted, "that's outrageous!" "What is it, Pencroff?" asked the reporter. "It was not I who made this knot!" And Pencroff pointed to the cord which held the cable fast to the bitt itself, to prevent it from getting atrip of the anchor. "What, it was not you?" asked Gideon Spilett. "No! I swear it. This is a reef knot and I am in the habit of making a double half-hitch (1)..." "You could be mistaken, Pencroff." "I am not mistaken," affirmed the sailor. "The hand does it naturally and the hand is not mistaken." "Then have the convicts been on board?" asked Herbert. ÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄ (1) A sort of knot familiar to sailors which has the advantage of always remaining tight. THE SECRET OF THE ISLAND 321 ÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄ "I know nothing about that," replied Pencroff, "but this much is certain, that the anchor of the Bonadventure was raised and then lowered anew. And hold on! Here is another proof. The cable of the anchor was payed out and its trimming (1) has no wear left at the hawse-hole. I say again that someone used our boat." "But if the convicts had helped themselves to it, they would either have ransacked it or fled..." "Fled!... to where?... to Tabor Island?..." replied Pencroff. "Do you think that they would have taken a chance with such a light boat?" "Besides, it would be necessary to admit that they know about the islet," replied the reporter. "Be it as it may," said the sailor, "as sure as my name is Bonadventure Pencroff of the Vineyard, our Bonadventure has sailed without us!" The sailor said this so positively that neither Gideon Spilett nor Herbert could question his word. It was evident that the boat had been moved more or less since Pencroff had brought it to Port Balloon. As to the sailor, he had no doubt that the anchor had been raised and then dropped later to the bottom. Now what was the purpose of these two maneuvers if the boat had not been used for some expedition? "But how could we not have seen the Bonadventure pass in sight of the island?" noted the reporter, who tried to raise all possible objections. "Well, Mister Spilett," replied the sailor, "it would suffice for it to leave at night with a good breeze and in two hours it would be out of sight." "Well then," replied Gideon Spilett, "I ask again what purpose would the convicts have in using the Bonadventure and why, after having used it, would they return it to port?" "Well, Mister Spilett," replied the sailor, "let us add that to the list of those inexplicable things and think no more about it. The important thing is that the Bonadventure went and came back. Unfortunately, if the convicts take it a second time, they may not return it to its place." "Then Pencroff," said Herbert, "perhaps it would be prudent to put the Bonadventure in front of Granite House?" "Yes and no," replied Pencroff, "or rather no. The mouth of the Mercy is a bad place for a boat and the sea is rough there." "But we could haul it up on the sand to the very foot of the Chimneys..." "Perhaps... yes...," replied Pencroff. "In any case, since we must leave Granite House for a rather long expedition, I think that the Bonadventure will be more secure here during our absence and that we will do well to leave it here until such time as the island is purged of these rascals." ÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄ (1) The trimming is a piece of old cloth covering the cable of the anchor so that it will not wear out on the section which passes through the hawse-hole. 322 THE MYSTERIOUS ISLAND ÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄ "That is also my opinion," said the reporter. "At least in case of bad weather, it will not be as exposed as it would be at the mouth of the Mercy." "But if the convicts come again to pay it a visit!" said Herbert. "Well, my son," replied Pencroff, "if they didn't find it here, they would be quick to look for it in front of Granite House, and during our absence nothing would prevent them from seizing it. I think therefore, as Mister Spilett does, that it should be left at Port Balloon. But when we return, if we have not rid the island of these scoundrels, it would be prudent to bring our boat back to Granite House until such time as we need no longer fear any unpleasant visit." "Agreed. Let us be on our way," said the reporter. When they returned to Granite House, Pencroff, Herbert and Gideon Spilett let the engineer know what had happened and the latter approved of their arrangement for the present and for the future. He even promised the sailor that he would examine the portion of the channel situated between the islet and the shore in order to see if it would be possible to create an artificial port by means of dams. In this way the Bonadventure would always be within reach, under the colonist's eyes, and if need be, under lock and key. That same evening they sent a telegram to Ayrton asking him to bring a couple of goats which Neb wanted to acclimatize to the prairies of the plateau. It was strange that Ayrton did not acknowledge the receipt of the dispatch as he usually did. This did not surprise the engineer. Perhaps at the moment, Ayrton was not at the corral or even on his way back to Granite House. In fact, two days had already passed since his departure and it had been decided that on the 10th toward evening or the morning of the 11th at the latest, he would return. The colonists therefore waited for Ayrton to show himself at the Grand View heights. Neb and Herbert even waited at the approaches to the bridge in order to lower it as soon as their companion presented himself. But around ten o'clock in the evening, there was no longer any question about Ayrton. They therefore agreed to send a new dispatch asking for an immediate response. The Granite House bell remained silent. The colonists then became very anxious. What had happened? Was Ayrton no longer at the corral or if he was still there, did he no longer have the liberty of his movements? Should they go to the corral on this dark night? They discussed it. Some wanted to leave, others to stay. "But," said Herbert, "perhaps the telegraphic apparatus is broken and is no longer functioning?" "That may be," said the reporter. "Let us wait until tomorrow," said Cyrus Smith. "It is possible, in fact, that Ayrton has not received our dispatch or even that we have not received his." THE SECRET OF THE ISLAND 323 ÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄ They waited and, as may be imagined, not without a certain anxiety. At daybreak on the 11th of November, Cyrus Smith again threw the electric current across the wire and received no response. He tried again: the same result. "Let's go to the corral!" he said. "And well armed," added Pencroff. They decided at once that Granite House should not be deserted and that Neb would remain there. After having accompanied his companions to Glycerin Creek, he would raise the bridge and, hiding behind a tree he would watch either for their return or for Ayrton's return. In case the pirates presented themselves and tried to cross, he would attempt to stop them with gunfire, and finally he would take refuge inside Granite House where, once the elevator was raised, he would be secure. Cyrus Smith, Gideon Spilett, Herbert and Pencroff would go directly to the corral and, if they did not find Ayrton there, they would scour the woods in the neighborhood. At six o'clock in the morning, the engineer and his three companions crossed Glycerin Creek and Neb posted himself behind a slight shoulder which overlooked some large dragon trees on the left bank of the creek. After having left Grand View Plateau, the colonists immediately took the road to the corral. They carried their guns in their arms ready to fire at the least hostile demonstration. The two carbines and the two rifles had been loaded with ball. On each side of the road, the woods were thick and could easily hide the malefactors who, thanks to their weapons, would be truly formidable. The colonists moved quickly and in silence. Top preceded them, sometimes on the road, sometimes making a detour into the woods, but always silent and not appearing to anticipate anything unusual. And they could count on the faithful dog not to leave them in surprise and to bark at the least appearance of danger. At the same time that they were following the road, Cyrus Smith and his companions were also following the telegraphic wire which linked the corral and Granite House. After travelling for about two miles, they still did not note any break in its continuity. The posts were in good condition, the insulators intact and the wire was properly extended. However, beyond this point, the engineer saw that the tension seemed to diminish and finally at post No. 74, Herbert, who was ahead of the others, stopped and shouted: "The wire is broken." His companions quickened their pace and arrived at the place where the lad had stopped. There the post was thrown down across the road. The break in the continuity of the wire was thus confirmed and it 324 THE MYSTERIOUS ISLAND ÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄ was evident that the dispatches from Granite House had not been received at the corral nor those of the corral at Granite House. "It was not the wind that threw over this post," noted Pencroff. "No," replied Gideon Spilett. "The ground has been dug up around its base and it was uprooted by the hand of man." "Besides, the wire is broken," added Herbert, showing the two ends of the iron wire that had been violently torn apart. "Is the fracture a recent one?" asked Cyrus Smith. "Yes," replied Herbert. "It was certainly ruptured a short time ago." "To the corral! to the corral!" shouted the sailor. The colonists were then midway between Granite House and the corral. Thus there still remained two and a half miles for them to cover. They took to the road. In fact, it was to be feared that something serious had occurred at the corral. The reason for their anxiety was not the question of the receipt of a telegram from Ayrton but a more inexplicable circumstance, that Ayrton had promised to return on the previous evening and had not done so. Finally, it was not without a motive that all communication had been interrupted between the corral and Granite House and who besides the convicts had any interest in interrupting this communication? The colonists therefore ran, their hearts gripped with emotion. They were sincerely attached to their new companion. Would they find him wounded by the very men he had once commanded? Soon they arrived at the place where the road skirted along the small stream leading into Red Creek, which irrigated the prairies of the corral. They then moderated their steps in order not to find themselves out of breath just when a fight might become necessary. The guns did not have their safety catches on but were cocked. Each one surveyed a side of the forest. Top was heard to make some muffled growls which did not auger any good. Finally the walls of the palisade appeared through the trees. They saw no trace of damage. The door was closed as usual. A profound silence reigned in the corral. Neither the bleating of the sheep nor Ayrton's voice was heard. "Let us enter," said Cyrus Smith. And the engineer advanced while his companions were on the lookout, twenty feet behind him, ready to fire. Cyrus Smith lifted the inner latch of the gate and was going to push open one of the swing doors when Top barked violently. A detonation burst out above the palisade and a cry of pain was heard. Herbert, struck by a bullet, lay stretched out on the ground! THE SECRET OF THE ISLAND 325 ÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄ CHAPTER VII The reporter and Pencroff in the corral - Herbert transported - The sailor's despair - Consultation between the reporter and the engineer - Mode of treatment - They recover some hope - How to warn Neb? - A reliable and faithful messenger - Neb's reply. At Herbert's cry, Pencroff dropped his weapon and ran toward him. "They have killed him !" he shouted. "He, my child. They have killed him." Cyrus Smith and Gideon Spilett ran toward Herbert. The reporter tried to hear if the poor child's heart was still beating. "He lives," he said, "but he must be carried..." "To Granite House? That is impossible," replied the engineer. "To the corral then!" shouted Pencroff. "One moment," said Cyrus Smith. And he ran to the left to get around the corner of the enclosure. There he saw a convict who, aiming at him, sent a ball through his hat. A few seconds later, before he even had time to fire his second round, he fell, struck in the heart by Cyrus Smith's dagger, still more reliable than his gun. During this time, Gideon Spilett and the sailor raised themselves up the corners of the palisade, went over the top, removed the stays which shut the inner door, ran to the house which was empty, and soon poor Herbert was lying on Ayrton's bed. A few moment's later, Cyrus Smith was by his side. On seeing Herbert unconscious, the sailor's pain was terrible. He sobbed, he cried, he wanted to knock his head against the wall. Neither the engineer nor the reporter could calm him. They themselves were suffocating with emotion. They could not speak. Nevertheless it was dependent on them to save this poor child who was dying under their eyes. Gideon Spilett, whose life was strewn with incidents such as these, was not without some practical knowledge about current medicine. He knew a little about everything and he had already encountered many a circumstance in which he had been called upon to attend to wounds produced either by bare arms or by firearms. Assisted by Cyrus Smith, he therefore proceeded to give the attention required by Herbert's condition. First of all, the reporter was struck by the general stupor which overwhelmed him, a stupor which was due either to hemorrhage or even to shock, if the bullet struck a bone with sufficient force to cause a violent reaction. Herbert was extremely pale and his pulse was so weak that Gideon Spilett felt it beat only at long intervals, as if it had been on the point of stopping. During this time, he came to a nearly complete conclusion based on his instinct and knowledge. These symptoms were very serious. 326 THE MYSTERIOUS ISLAND ÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄ Herbert's chest was bared and, inasmuch as the bleeding had stopped with the aid of handkerchiefs, his chest was washed with cold water. The contusion, or rather the wound, became visible. An oval hole existed in his chest between the third and fourth ribs. It was there that the bullet had struck Herbert. Cyrus Smith and Gideon Spilett then turned the poor child over. He groaned so weakly that they thought it was his last sigh. Another wound had bloodied Herbert's back and the bullet which had struck Herbert had directly exited. "God be praised!" said the reporter, "the bullet did not remain in the body and we will not have to extract it." "But the heart?..." asked Cyrus Smith. "The heart has not been touched, otherwise Herbert would be dead!" "Dead!" shouted Pencroff, with a roar! The sailor had only heard the reporter's last word. "No, Pencroff," replied Cyrus Smith, "no! He is not dead. His pulse still beats. He has even uttered a sigh. But in the interests of your child, calm yourself. We have need of all our composure. Let us not lose it, my friend." Pencroff was silent but a reaction set in and large tears covered his face. Nevertheless, Gideon Spilett tried to recall what he knew and to proceed methodically. From what he could see, there was no doubt that the bullet had entered from the front and left at the rear. What ravages had this bullet caused in its passage? What vital organs had it reached? A professional surgeon could hardly say at the moment, nor with better reason could the reporter. However, he knew one thing: it was that he would have to prevent the inflammatory restriction of the injured parts, and then deal with the local inflammation and the fever which would result from this wound, a mortal wound perhaps. Now what topical medications, what antiphlogistics should be used? By what means could he reduce this inflammation? In any event, one thing was important, it was that the two wounds should be dressed without delay. It did not seem necessary to Gideon Spilett to bring on a new flow of blood by washing the wounds in lukewarm water and by compressing the lips. The hemorrhage had been very abundant and Herbert was very weak from the loss of blood. The reporter therefore felt that he must be content with washing the two wounds in cold water. Herbert was placed on his left side and kept in that position. "It is not necessary for him to move," said Gideon Spilett. "He is in the best position for his back and chest wounds to suppurate easily, and rest is absolutely necessary." "What! Can't we carry him to Granite House?" asked Pencroff. "No, Pencroff," replied the reporter. THE SECRET OF THE ISLAND 327 ÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄ "Curses," shouted the sailor, with his fist turned toward the sky. "Pencroff!" said Cyrus Smith. Gideon Spilett again examined the wounded child carefully. Herbert was so frightfully pale that the reporter was troubled. "Cyrus," he said, "I am not a doctor... I am terribly perplexed... You must help me with your advice and your experience..." "Keep your calm..., my friend," replied the engineer, seizing the reporter's hand. "Judge coolly... Think only of this: Herbert must be saved!" With these words, Gideon Spilett regained possession of himself, which he had lost in a moment of discouragement. He sat down beside the bed. Cyrus Smith remained standing. Pencroff tore his shirt and was mechanically making bandages. Gideon Spilett then explained to Cyrus Smith that he felt that, before anything else, he must stop the hemorrhage, but not to close the two wounds, nor to encourage their immediate cicatrization, because he had had an interior perforation and he must not let the pus accumulate in the chest. Cyrus Smith approved completely and it was decided that they would dress the two wounds without trying to close them with immediate coaptation. Very fortunately, it did not seem that an incision was necessary. And now, did the colonists possess any effective agent to react against the inflammation which would follow? Yes! They had one, because nature had generously provided it. They had cold water, that is to say the most powerful sedative that can be used against the inflammation of wounds, the most effective therapeutic agent in these serious cases and which is now used by all doctors. Moreover, cold water has the advantage of leaving the wound at absolute rest and to protect it from any premature dressing, a considerable advantage, since it has been demonstrated by experience that contact with air is disastrous during the first few days. Gideon Spilett and Cyrus Smith reasoned thus with their simple good sense and they acted as the best surgeon would have. Cloth compresses were applied to poor Herbert's two wounds and they were constantly soaked in cold water. The sailor had, from the first, lit a fire in the fireplace of the dwelling which did not lack the things necessary for life. Some maple sugar and medicinal herbs - the very ones that the lad had gathered on the banks of Lake Grant - allowed them to make some refreshing drinks and they made him take it without his being aware of it. His fever was extremely high and the entire day and night passed without his regaining consciousness. Herbert's life hung by a thread and that thread could break at any moment. The next day, the 12th of November, Cyrus Smith and his companions recovered some hope. Herbert came out of his long 328 THE MYSTERIOUS ISLAND ÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄ stupor. He opened his eyes and recognized Cyrus Smith, the reporter and Pencroff. He said two or three words. He knew nothing of what had happened. They told him and Gideon Spilett asked him to remain absolutely at rest, telling him that his life was not in danger and that his wounds would cicatrize in a few days. Besides, Herbert did not suffer nearly as much and this cold water, which was sprinkled on continually, prevented any inflammation of the wounds. The suppuration established itself in a regular way, the fever did not go higher and they could hope that this terrible wound would not become a catastrophe. Pencroff felt his heart inflate little by little. He was like a sister of charity, like a mother at the bed of her child. Herbert became drowsy again but his sleep seemed to be better. "Tell me again that you are hopeful, Mister Spilett!" said Pencroff. "Tell me again that you will save Herbert." "Yes, we will save him!" replied the reporter. "The wound is serious and perhaps the bullet has even gone through the lung but the perforation of this organ is not fatal." "God has heard you," repeated Pencroff. As one can well imagine, during the twenty four hours that they were at the corral, the colonists had no other thought than to care for Herbert. They did not concern themselves either with the danger which could menace them if the convicts returned or with precautions to take for the future. But on this day, while Pencroff watched at the bed of the patient, Cyrus Smith and the reporter spoke to each other about what it would be best to do. First of all, they ran through the corral. There was no trace of Ayrton. Had the unfortunate been dragged away by his former accomplices? Had they surprised him in the corral? Had he fought back and succumbed in battle? This last hypothesis was only too likely. When Gideon Spilett had scaled the palisade enclosure, he perfectly saw one of the convicts fleeing from Top by the southern buttress of Mount Franklin. He was among those whose boat had broken up on the rocks at the mouth of the Mercy. Moreover, the one that Cyrus Smith had killed, and whose body was found outside the enclosure, certainly belonged to Bob Harvey's gang. As to the corral, it had not been subjected to any devastation. The doors being closed, the domestic animals had not been able to disperse into the forest. They no longer saw any trace of a battle, nor any damage either in the dwelling or at the palisade. Only the munitions with which Ayrton had been provided had disappeared with him. "The unlucky fellow had been surprised," said Cyrus Smith, "and since he was a man to defend himself, he succumbed." "Yes! That is to be feared," replied the reporter. "Then doubtless, the convicts installed themselves at the corral where they found everything in abundance and they took to flight when they saw us coming. It is also quite evident that at this moment Ayrton, dead or alive, is no longer here."