 This is a LibriVox recording. All LibriVox recordings are in the public domain. For more information or to volunteer, please visit LibriVox.org. This recording is by Mark Smith of Simpsonville, South Carolina. The Mysterious Island by Jules Verne. Part 3, Chapter 10 Of the convicts the dangers which menace granite house, the ruins with which the plateau was covered, the colonists thought no longer. Herbert's critical state outweighed all other considerations. Would the removal prove fatal to him by causing some internal injury? The reporter could not affirm it, but he and his companions almost despaired of the result. The cart was brought to the bend of the river. There some branches, disposed as a litter, received the mattress on which lay the unconscious Herbert. Ten minutes after, Cyrus Harding, Spillett and Pencroft were at the foot of the cliff, leaving Nebb to take the cart on to the plateau of Prospect Heights. The lift was put in motion, and Herbert was soon stretched on his bed and granite house. What cares were lavished on him to bring him back to life? He smiled for a moment on finding himself in his room, but could scarcely even murmur a few words, although great was his weakness. Gideon Spillett examined his wounds. He feared to find them reopened, having been imperfectly healed. There was nothing of the sort. From whence, then, came this prostration? Why was Herbert so much worse? The lad then fell into a kind of feverish sleep, and the reporter and Pencroft remained near the bed. During this time Harding told Nebb all that had happened at the corral, and Nebb recounted to his master the events of which the plateau had just been the theatre. It was only during the preceding night that the convicts had appeared on the edge of the forest, at the approaches to Creek Glycerin. Nebb, who was watching near the poultry yard, had not hesitated to fire at one of the pirates, who was about to cross the stream, but in the darkness he could not tell whether the man had been hit or not. At any rate it was not enough to frighten away the band, and Nebb had only just time to get up to Granite House, where at least he was in safety. But what was he to do there? How prevent the devastations with which the convicts threatened the plateau? Had Nebb any means by which to warn his master? And besides, in what situation were the inhabitants of the corral themselves? Cyrus Harding and his companions had left on the eleventh of November, and it was now the twenty-ninth. It was, therefore, nineteen days since Nebb had had other news than that brought by top, disastrous news. Ayrton disappeared, Herbert severely wounded, the engineer, reporter and sailor, as it were, imprisoned in the corral. What was he to do, asked poor Nebb. Personally he had nothing to fear, for the convicts could not reach him in Granite House. But the buildings, the plantations, all their arrangements at the mercy of the pirates. Would it not be best to let Cyrus Harding judge of what he ought to do, and to warn him at least of the danger which threatened him? Nebb then thought of employing Jupe, and confiding a note to him. He knew the Orang's great intelligence, which had been often put to the proof. Jupe understood the word corral, which had been frequently pronounced before him, and it may be remembered, too, that he had often driven the cart thither in company with Pencroft. Day had not yet dawned. The act of Orang would know how to pass unperceived through the woods, of which the convicts besides would think he was a native. Nebb did not hesitate. He wrote the note, he tied it to Jupe's neck, he brought the ape to the door of Granite House, from which he let down a long cord to the ground. Then, several times, he repeated these words, Jupe! Jupe! Corral! Corral! The creature understood, seized the cord, glided rapidly down to the beach, and disappeared in the darkness, without the convict's attention having been in the least excited. You did well, Nebb, said Harding, but perhaps in not warning us, you would have done still better. And in speaking thus, Cyrus Harding thought of Herbert, whose recovery the removal had so seriously checked. Nebb ended his account. The convicts had not appeared at all on the beach, not knowing the number of the island's inhabitants, they might suppose that Granite House was defended by a large party. They must have remembered that, during the attack by the brig, numerous shots had been fired both from the lower and upper rocks, and no doubt they did not wish to expose themselves. But the plateau of prospect heights was open to them, and not covered by the fire of Granite House. They gave themselves up, therefore, to their instinct of destruction, rendering, burning, devastating everything, and only retiring half an hour before the arrival of the colonists, whom they believed still confined in the corral. On their retreat Nebb hurried out. He climbed the plateau at the risk of being perceived and fired at, tried to extinguish the fire which was consuming the buildings of the poultry-yard, and had struggled, though in vain, against it, until the cart appeared at the edge of the wood. Such had been these serious events. The presence of the convicts constituted a permanent source of danger to the settlers in Lincoln Island, until then so happy, and who might now expect still greater misfortunes. Spillett remained in Granite House with Herbert and Pencroft, while Cyrus Harding, accompanied by Nebb, proceeded to judge for himself of the extent of the disaster. It was fortunate that the convicts had not advanced to the foot of Granite House. The workshop at the chimneys would, in that case, not have escaped destruction. But after all, this evil would have been more easily reputable than the ruins accumulated on the plateau of Prospect Heights. Harding and Nebb proceeded towards the mercy, and ascended its left bank without beating with any trace of the convicts, nor on the other side of the river, in the depths of the wood could they perceive any suspicious indications. Besides, it might be supposed that in all probability either the convicts knew of the return of the settlers to Granite House by having seen them pass on the road from the corral, or, after the devastation of the plateau, they had penetrated into Jackamar Wood, following the course of the mercy, and were thus ignorant of their return. In the former case they must have returned towards the corral, now without defenders, and which contained valuable stores. In the latter they must have regained their encampment and would wait an opportunity to recommence the attack. It was therefore possible to prevent them, but any enterprise to clear the island was now rendered difficult by reason of Kerbert's condition. Indeed, their whole force would have been barely sufficient to cope with the convicts, and just now no one could leave Granite House. The engineer and Neb arrived on the plateau. Desolation reigned everywhere. The fields had been trampled over. The ears of wheat, which were nearly full-grown, lay on the ground. The other plantations had not suffered less. The kitchen garden was destroyed. Happily Granite House possessed a store of seed which would enable them to repair these misfortunes. As to the wall and buildings of the poultry-yard and the onager's stable, the fire had destroyed all. A few terrified creatures roamed over the plateau. The birds, which during the fire had taken refuge on the waters of the lake, had already returned to their accustomed spot and were dabbling on the banks. Everything would have to be reconstructed. Cyrus Harding's face, which was paler than usual, expressed an internal anger which he commanded with difficulty, but he did not utter a word. Once more he looked at his devastated fields and at the smoke which still rose from the ruins, then he returned to Granite House. The following days were the saddest of any that the colonists had passed on the island. Herbert's weakness visibly increased. It appeared that a more serious malady, the consequence of the profound physiological disturbance he had gone through, threatened to declare itself and Gideon's spillet feared such an aggravation of his condition that he would be powerless to fight against it. In fact, Herbert remained in an almost continuous state of drowsiness and symptoms of delirium began to manifest themselves. The finishing drinks were the only remedies at the colonist's disposal. The fever was not as yet very high, but it soon appeared that it would probably recur at regular intervals. Gideon's spillet first recognized this on the 6th of December. The poor boy, whose fingers, nose, and ears had become extremely pale, was at first seized with slight shiverings, infections, and tremblings. His pulse was weak and irregular, his skin dry, his thirst intense. To this soon succeeded a hot fit, his face became flushed, his skin reddened, his pulse quick, then a profuse perspiration broke out, after which the fever seemed to diminish. The attack had lasted nearly five hours. Gideon's spillet had not left Herbert, it was only too certain, was now seized by an intermittent fever, and this fever must be cured at any cost before it should assume a more serious aspect. And in order to cure it, said Spillet the saris-harding, we need a febri-fuge. A febri-fuge, answered the engineer, we have neither Peruvian bark nor sulfate of quinine. No, said Gideon's spillet, but there are willows on the border of the lake, and the bark of the willow might, perhaps, prove to be a substitute for quinine. Let us try it without losing a moment, replied saris-harding. The bark of the willow has, indeed, been justly considered as a succidanium for Peruvian bark, as has also that of the horse-chestnut tree, the leaf of the holly, the snake-root, et cetera. It was evidently necessary to make trial of this substance, although not so valuable as Peruvian bark, and to employ it in its natural state, since they had no means of extracting its essence. Saris-harding went himself to cut from the trunk of a species of black willow a few pieces of bark. He brought them back to Granite House and reduced them to a powder which was administered that same evening to Herbert. The night passed without any important change. Herbert was somewhat delirious, but the fever did not reappear in the night and did not return either during the following day. Pencroft again began to hope. Gideon Spillett said nothing. It might be that the fever was not quotidian, but tertian, and that it would return next day. Therefore he awaited the next day with the greatest anxiety. It might have been remarked besides that during this period Herbert remained utterly prostrate, his head weak and giddy. Another symptom alarmed the reporterate to the highest degree. Herbert's liver became congested, and soon a more intense delirium showed that his brain was also affected. Gideon Spillett was overwhelmed by this new complication. He took the engineer aside. It is a malignant fever, said he. A malignant fever, cried Harding. You are mistaken, Spillett. A malignant fever does not declare itself spontaneously. Its germ must previously have existed. I am not mistaken, replied the reporter. Herbert no doubt contracted the germ of this fever in the marshes of the island. He has already had one attack. Should a second come on, should we not be able to prevent a third, he is lost. But the willow-bark? That is insufficient, answered the reporter. And the third attack of a malignant fever, which is not arrested by means of quinine, is always fatal. Fortunately, Pencroft heard nothing of this conversation, or he would have gone mad. It may be imagined what anxiety the engineer and the reporter suffered during the day of the 7th of December and the following night. Towards the middle of the day the second attack came on. The crisis was terrible. Herbert fell himself sinking. He stretched his arms towards Cyrus Harding, towards Spillett, towards Pencroft. He was so young to die. The scene was heart-rending. They were obliged to send Pencroft away. The fit lasted five hours. It was evident that Herbert could not survive a third. The night was frightful. In his delirium Herbert uttered words which went to the heart of his companions. He struggled with the convicts. He called to Ayrton. He poured forth in treaties to that mysterious being, that powerful unknown protector, whose image was stamped upon his mind. Then he again fell into a deep exhaustion, which completely prostrated him. Several times Gideon Spillett thought that the poor boy was dead. The next day, the 8th of December, was but a succession of the fainting fits. Herbert's thin hands clutched the sheets. They had administered further doses of pounded bark, but the reporter expected no result from it. If before tomorrow morning we have not given him a more energetics-febber-fuge, said the reporter, Herbert will be dead. Night arrived. The last night it was too much to be feared of the good, brave, intelligent boy so far in advance of his years, and who was loved by all as their own child. The only remedy which existed against this terrible malignant fever, the only specific which could overcome it was not to be found in Lincoln Island. During the night of the 8th of December, Herbert was seized by a more violent delirium. His liver was fearfully congested, his brain affected, and already it was impossible for him to recognize anyone. Would he live until the next day, until that third attack which must infallibly carry him off? It was not probable. His strength was exhausted, and in the intervals of fever he lay as one dead. Towards three o'clock in the morning Herbert uttered a piercing cry. He seemed to be torn by a supreme convulsion. Neb, who was near him, terrified ran into the next room where his companions were watching. Chopp at that moment barked in a strange manner. All rushed in immediately and managed to restrain the dying boy, who was endeavouring to throw himself out of his bed, while Spillett, taking his arm, felt his pulse gradually quicken. It was five in the morning. The rays of the rising sun began to shine in at the windows of Granite House. It promised to be a fine day, and this day was to be poor Herbert's last. A ray glanced on the table, placed near the bed. Suddenly Pencroff uttering a cry pointed to the table. On it lay a little oblong box, of which the cover bore these words, all fate of quinine and of chapter. This is a LibriVox recording. All LibriVox recordings are in the public domain. For more information or to volunteer, please visit LibriVox.org. This recording is by Mark Smith of Simpsonville, South Carolina. The Mysterious Island by Jules Verne Part 3, Chapter 11 Gideon Spillett took the box and opened it. It contained nearly two hundred grains of a white powder, a few particles of which he carried to his lips. The extreme bitterness of the substance precluded all doubt. It was certainly the precious extract of quinine, that preeminent anti-febrile. This powder must be administered to Herbert without delay. How it came there might be discussed later. Some coffee, said Spillett. A few moments Ned brought a cup of the warm infusion. Gideon spilled it through into it about eighteen grains of quinine and they succeeded in making Herbert drink the mixture. There was still time for the third attack of the malignant fever had not yet shown itself. How they longed to be able to add that it would not return. Besides, it must be remarked, the hopes of all had now revived. The mysterious influence had been again exerted and in a critical moment when they had despaired of it. In a few hours Herbert was much calmer. The colonists could now discuss this incident. The intervention of the stranger was more evident than ever. But how had he been able to penetrate during the night into Granite House? It was inexplicable and in truth the proceedings of the genius of the island were not less mysterious than was that genius himself. During this day the sulfate of quinine was administered to Herbert every three hours. The next day some improvement in Herbert's condition was apparent. Certainly he was not out of danger. Intermittent fevers being subject to frequent and dangerous relapses. But the most assiduous care was bestowed on him. And besides the specific was at hand nor doubtless was he who had brought it far distant. The hearts of all were animated by returning hope. This hope was not disappointed. Ten days after, on the 20th of December Herbert's convalescence commenced. He was still weak and strict diet had been imposed upon him but no access of fever supervened. And then the poor boy submitted with such docility to all the prescriptions ordered him. He longed so to get well. Pancroft was as a man who had been drawn up from the bottom of an abyss. Fits of joy approaching delirium seized him. When the time for the third attack had passed by he nearly suffocated the reporter in his embrace. Since then he always called him Dr. Spillett. The real doctor, however, remained undiscovered. We will find him, repeated the sailor. Certainly this man, whoever he was would expect a somewhat too energetic embrace from the worthy Pancroft. The month of December ended and with it the year 1867 during which the colonists of Lincoln Island had of late been so severely tried. They commenced the year 1868 with magnificent weather, great heat and a tropical temperature delightfully cooled by the sea breeze. Herbert's recovery progressed and from his bed, placed near one of the windows of Granite House, he could inhale the fresh air charged with ozone which could not fail to restore his health. His appetite returned and what numberless, delicate, savory little dishes Ned prepared for him. It is enough to make one wish to have a fever oneself, said Pancroft. During all this time the convicts did not once appear in the vicinity of Granite House. There was no news of Ayrton and though the engineer and Herbert still had some hopes of finding him again, their companions did not doubt but that the unfortunate man had perished. However this uncertainty could not last and when once the lads should have recovered the expedition, the result of which must be so important, would be undertaken. But they would have to wait a month perhaps for all the strength of the colony must be put into requisition to obtain satisfaction from the convicts. However Herbert's convalescence progressed rapidly. The congestion of the liver had disappeared and his wounds might be considered completely healed. During the month of January important work was done on the plateau of Prospect Heights but it consisted solely in saving as much as was possible from the devastated crops either of corn or vegetables. The grain and the plants were gathered so as to provide a new harvest for the approaching half season. With regard to rebuilding the poultry wall, yard or stables, Cyrus Harding preferred to wait. While he and his companions were in pursuit of the convicts the latter might very probably pay another visit to the plateau and it would be useless to give them an opportunity of recommencing their work of destruction. When the island should be cleared of these miscreants they would set about rebuilding. The young convalescent began to get up in the second week of January at first for one hour a day, then two, then three. His strength visibly returned so vigorous was his constitution. He was now 18 years of age. He was tall and promised to become a man of noble and commanding presence. From this time his recovery while still requiring care and Dr. Spillett was very strict, made rapid progress. Towards the end of the month Herbert was already walking about on Prospect Heights and the beach. He derived from several sea baths which he took in company with Pencroft and Neb the greatest possible benefit. Cyrus Harding thought he might now settle the day for their departure for which the 15th of February was fixed. The nights very clear at this time of year would be favorable to the researches they intended to make all over the island. The necessary preparations for this exploration were now commenced and were important for the colonists had sworn not to return to Granite House until their two-fold object had been achieved. On the one hand to exterminate the convicts and rescue Ayrton if he was still living, on the other to discover who it was that presided so effectually over the fortunes of the colony. Of Lincoln Island the settlers knew thoroughly all the eastern coast from Claw Cape to the Mandible Capes, the extensive Tador Marsh, the neighborhood of Lake Grant, Jackamar Wood, between the road to the corral and the mercy, the courses of the mercy and Red Creek, and lastly the spurs of Mount Franklin among which the corral had been established. They had explored though only in an imperfect manner the vast shore of Washington Bay from Claw Cape to Reptile End, the woody and marshy border of the west coast and the interminable downs ending at the open mouth of Shark Gulf. But they had in no way surveyed the woods which covered the serpentine peninsula all to the right of the mercy, the left bank of the Falls River, and the wilderness of spurs and valleys which supported three-quarters of the base of Mount Franklin to the east, the north, and the west, and where doubtless many secret retreats existed. Consequently many millions of acres of the island had still escaped their investigations. It was therefore decided that the expedition should be carried through the far west so as to include all that region situated on the right of the mercy. It might perhaps be better worthwhile to go direct to the corral where it might be supposed that the convicts had again taken refuge, either to pillage or to establish themselves there. But either the devastation of the corral would have been an accomplished fact by this time and it would be too late to prevent it, or it had been the convict's interest to entrench themselves there and it would be still time to go and turn them out on their return. Therefore after some discussion the first plan was adhered to and the settlers resolved to proceed through the wood to reptile end. They would make their way with their hatchets and thus lay the first draft of a road which would place Granite House in communication with the end of the peninsula for a length of from sixteen to seventeen miles. The cart was in good condition. The onagers, well rested, could go a long journey. Provisions, camp effects, a portable stove and various utensils were packed in the cart as also weapons and ammunition carefully chosen from the now complete arsenal of Granite House. But it was necessary to remember that the convicts were perhaps roaming about the woods and then in the midst of these thick forests a shot might quickly be fired and received. It was therefore resolved that the little band of settlers should remain together and not separate under any pretext whatever. It was also decided that no one should remain at Granite House. Top and juke themselves were to accompany the expedition the inaccessible dwelling needing no guard. The fourteenth of February Eve of the Departure was consecrated entirely to repose and thanksgiving addressed by the colonists to the Creator. A place in the cart was reserved for Herbert who, though thoroughly convalescent, was still a little weak. The next morning at daybreak Cyrus Harding took the necessary measures to protect Granite House from any invasion. The ladders, which were formally used for the ascent were brought to the chimneys and buried deep in the sand so that they might be available on the return of the colonists for the machinery of the lift had been taken to pieces and nothing at the apparatus remained. Pencroft stayed the last in Granite House in order to finish this work and he then lowered himself down by means of a double rope held below and which, when once hauled down left no communication between the upper landing and the beach. The weather was magnificent. We shall have a warm day of it," said the reporter, laughing. Pooh, Dr. Spillett, answered Pencroft, we shall walk under the shade of the trees and shan't even see the sun. Forward, said the engineer. The cart was waiting on the beach before the chimneys. The reporter made Herbert take his place in it during the first hours at least of the journey and the lad was obliged to submit to his doctor's orders. Nebb placed himself at the manager's heads. Cyrus Harding, the reporter and the sailor, walked in front. Top bounded joyfully along. Herbert offered a seat in his vehicle to Jupe, who accepted it without ceremony. The moment for departure had arrived and the little band set out. The cart first turned the angle of the mouth of the mercy, then having ascended the left bank for a mile, crossed the bridge at the other side of which commenced the road to Port Balloon, and there the explorers, leaving this road on their left, entered the cover of the immense woods which formed the region of the far west. For the first two miles the widely scattered trees allowed the cart to pass with ease. From time to time it became necessary to cut away a few creepers and bushes, but no serious obstacle impeded the progress of the colonists. The thick foliage of the trees threw a grateful shade on the ground. Deodars, Douglas Furs, Casuarinas, Banksias, Gumtrees, Dragontrees, and other well-known species succeeded each other far as the eye could reach. The feathered tribes of the island were all represented, Grouse, Jackomars, Pheasants, Lourries, as well as the chattering cockatoos, parrots, and parriquettes. Agoutis, kangaroos, and capybaras fled swiftly at their approach, and all this reminded the settlers of the first excursions they had made on their arrival at the island. Nevertheless, observed Cyrus Harding, I noticed that these creatures, both birds and quadrupeds, are more timid than formerly. These woods have therefore been recently traversed by the convicts, and we shall certainly find some traces of them. And in fact, in several places they could distinguish traces, more or less recent, of the passage of a band of men. Here branches broken off the trees, perhaps to mark out the way, there the ashes of a fire, and footprints in clayey spots, but nothing which appeared to belong to a settled encampment. The engineer had recommended his companions to refrain from hunting. The reports of the firearms might give the alarm to the convicts who were perhaps roaming through the forest. Moreover, the hunters would necessarily ramble some distance from the cart, which it was dangerous to leave unguarded. In the after part of the day, when about six miles from Granite House, their progress became much more difficult. In order to make their way through some thickets they were obliged to cut down trees. Before entering such places, Harding was careful to send in top and jupe, who faithfully accomplished their commission, and when the dog and orang returned without giving any warning, there was evidently nothing to fear, either from convicts or well-beasts, two varieties of the animal kingdom whose ferocious instincts placed them on the same level. On the evening of the first day the colonists encamped about nine miles from Granite House, on the border of a little stream falling into the mercy, and of the existence of which they had till then been ignorant. It evidently, however, belonged to the hydrographical system to which the soil owed its astonishing fertility. The settlers made a hearty meal before their appetites were sharpened, and measures were then taken that the night might be passed in safety. If the engineer had had only to deal with wild beasts, Jaguars or others, he would have simply lighted fires all around his camp, which would have sufficed for its defense. But the convicts would be rather attracted than terrified by the flames, and it was therefore better to be surrounded by the profound darkness of night. The watch was, however, carefully organized. Two of the settlers were to watch together, and every two hours it was agreed that they should be relieved by their comrades. And so, notwithstanding his wish to the contrary, Herbert was exempted from guard. Pencroft and Gideon spill it in one party, the engineer and Neb in another, mounted guard in turns over the camp. The night, however, was but a few hours. The darkness was due, rather to the thickness of the foliage than to the disappearance of the sun. The silence was scarcely disturbed by the howling of Jaguars and the chattering of the monkeys, the latter appearing to particularly irritate Master Jupe. The night passed without incident, and on the next day, the 15th of February, the journey through the forest, tedious rather than difficult, was continued. On this day they could not accomplish more than six miles, for every moment they were obliged to cut a road with their hatchets. Like true settlers, the colonists spared the largest and most beautiful trees, which would besides have cost immense labor to fell, and the small ones only were sacrificed. But the result was that the road took a very winding direction and lengthened itself by numerous detours. During the day, Herbert discovered several new specimens not before met with in the island, such as the tree fern, with its leaves spread out like the waters of a fountain, locust trees, on the long pods of which the outagers browsed greedily, and which supplied a sweet pulp of excellent flavor. There, too, the colonists again found groups of magnificent quarries, their cylindrical trunks crowned by a cone of verdure, rising to a height of two hundred feet. These were the tree kings of New Zealand, as celebrated as the cedars of Lebanon. As to the fauna, there was no addition to those species already known to the hunters. However, they saw, though unable to get near them, a couple of those large birds peculiar to Australia, a sort of cassowary called emu, five feet in height, and with brown plumage, which belonged to the tribe of waiters. Top darted after them as fast as his four legs could carry him, but the emus distanced him with ease, so prodigious was their speed. As to the traces left by the convicts, a few more were discovered. Some footprints found near an apparently recently extinguished fire were attentively examined by the settlers. By measuring them one after the other, moving to their length and breadth, the marks of five men's feet were easily distinguished. The five convicts had evidently camped on this spot, but—and this was the object of so minute an examination— a sixth footprint could not be discovered, which in that case would have been that of Ayrton. Ayrton was not with them, said Herbert. No, answered Pencroft, and if he was not with them, because the wretches had already murdered him. But then these rascals have not a den to which they may be tracked like tigers. No, said the reporter. It is more probable that they wander at random, and it is their interest in Roeve about until the time when they will be masters of the island. The masters of the island, exclaimed the sailor, the masters of the island, he repeated, and his voice was choked as if his throat was seized in an iron grasp. Then in a calmer tone. Do you know, Captain Harding, said he, what the ball is which I have rammed into my gun? No, Pencroft. It is the ball that went through Herbert's chest, and I promise you it won't miss its mark. But this just retaliation would not bring Ayrton back to life, and from the examination of the footprints left in the ground must, alas, conclude that all hopes of ever seeing him again must be abandoned. That evening they encamped fourteen miles from Granite House, and Cyrus Harding calculated that they could not be more than five miles from Reptile Point. And indeed the next day the extremity of the peninsula was reached, and the whole length of the forest had been traversed. But there was nothing to indicate the retreat in which the convicts had taken refuge, for that no less secret which sheltered the mysterious unknown. End of chapter. This is a LibriVox recording. All LibriVox recordings are in the public domain. For more information or to volunteer, please visit LibriVox.org. This recording is by Mark Smith of Simpsonville, South Carolina. The Mysterious Island by Jules Verne. Part 3, Chapter 12. Next day, the 18th of February, was devoted to the exploration of all that wooded region forming the shore from Reptile End to Falls River. The colonists were able to search this forest thoroughly, for as it was comprised between the two shores of the serpentine peninsula, it was only from three to four miles in breadth. The trees, both by their height and their thick foliage, bore witness to the vegetative power of the soil, more astonishing here than in any other part of the island. One might have said that a corner from the Virgin Forest of America, or Africa, had been transported into this temperate zone. This led them to conclude that the superb vegetation found a heat in the soil, damp in its upper layer, but warmed in the interior by volcanic fires, which could not belong to a temperate climate. The most frequently occurring trees were caries and eucalypti of gigantic dimensions. But the colonist's object was not simply to admire the magnificent vegetation. They knew already that, in this respect, Lincoln Island would have been worthy to take the first rank in the canary group, to which the first name given was that of the happy isles. Now, alas, their island no longer belonged to them entirely. Others had taken possession of it, miscreants polluted its shores, and they must be destroyed to the last man. No traces were found on the western coast, although they were carefully sought for. No more footprints, no more broken branches, no more deserted camps. This does not surprise me, said Cyrus Harding to his companions. The convicts first landed on the island in the neighborhood of Flotsam Point, and they immediately plunged into the far west forest after crossing Tatorn Marsh. They then followed almost the same route that we took on leaving Granite House. This explains the traces we found in the wood. But, arriving on the shore, the convicts saw at once that they would discover no suitable retreat there, and it was then that, going northwards, again, they came upon the corral. Where they have perhaps returned, said Pencroft. I do not think so, answered the engineer, for they would naturally suppose that our researches would be in that direction. The corral is only a storehouse to them, and not a definitive encampment. I am of Cyrus's opinion, said the reporter, and I think that it is among the spurs of Mount Franklin that the convicts will have made their lair. Then, Captain, straight to the corral, cried Pencroft. We must finish them off, until now we have only lost time. No, my friend, replied the engineer. You forget that we have a reason for wishing to know if the forests of the far west do not contain some habitation. Our exploration has a double object, Pencroft. If, on the one hand, we have to chastise crime, we have on the other an act of gratitude to perform. That was well said, Captain, replied the sailor. But all the same it is my opinion that we shall not find the gentlemen until he pleases. And truly Pencroft only expressed the opinion of all. It was probable that the stranger's retreat was not less mysterious than he himself. That evening the cart hauled at the mouth of Falls River. The camp was organised as usual, and the customary precautions were taken for the night. Herbert, become again the healthy and vigorous lad he was before his illness, derived great benefit from this life in the open air, between the sea breezes and the vivifying air from the forests. His place was no longer in the cart, but at the head of the troop. The next day, the nineteenth of February, the colonists leaving the shore, where, beyond the mouth, basalts of every shape were so picturesquely piled up, ascended the river by its left bank. The road had been already partly cleared in their former excursions made from the corral to the west coast. The settlers were now about six miles from Mount Franklin. The engineer's plan was this, to minutely survey the valley forming the bed of the river, and to cautiously approach the neighbourhood of the corral. If the corral was occupied, to seize it by force, if it was not, to entrench themselves there and make it the centre of the operations which had for their object the exploration of Mount Franklin. This plan was unanimously approved by the colonists, for they were impatient to regain entire possession of their island. They made their way then along the narrow valley separating two of the largest spurs of Mount Franklin. The trees, crowded on the river's bank, became rare on the upper slopes of the mountain. The ground was hilly and rough, very suitable for ambushes, and over which they did not venture without extreme precaution. Top and jupe skirmished on the flanks, springing right and left through the thick brushwood and emulating each other in intelligence and activity. But nothing showed that the banks of the stream had been recently frequented. Nothing announced either the presence or the proximity of the convicts. Toward five in the evening, the carts stopped nearly six hundred feet from the palisade. A semi-circular screen of trees still hid it. It was necessary to recognise the corral in order to ascertain if it was occupied. To go there openly in broad daylight when the convicts were probably in ambush would be to expose themselves as poor Herbert had done to the firearms of the Ruffians. It was better then to wait until night came on. However Gideon Spillett wished without further delay to recognise the approaches to the corral and Pencroft, who was quite out of patience, volunteered to accompany him. "'No, my friends,' said the engineer. "'Wait till night. I will not allow one of you to expose himself an open day.' "'But Captain,' answered the sailor, little disposed to obey. "'I beg of you, Pencroft,' said the engineer.' "'Very well,' replied the sailor, who ventured his anger in another way by bestowing on the convicts the worst names in his maritime vocabulary. The colonists remained therefore near the cart and carefully watched the neighbouring parts of the forest. Three hours passed thus. The wind had fallen and absolute silence reigned under the great trees. The snapping of the smallest twig, a footstep on the dry leaves, the gliding of a body among the grass would have been heard without difficulty. All was quiet. Besides, Top, lying on the grass, his head stretched out on his paws, gave no sign of uneasiness. At eight o'clock the day appeared far enough advanced for the reconnaissance to be made under favourable conditions. Gideon Spillett declared himself ready to set out, accompanied by Pencroft. Cyrus Harding consented. Top and Jupe were to remain with the engineer, Herbert and Nebb, for a bark or a cry at a wrong moment would give the alarm. Do not be imprudent, said Harding to the reporter and Pencroft. You have not to gain possession of the corral, but only to find out whether it is occupied or not. All right! answered Pencroft. And the two departed. Under the trees, thanks to the thickness of their foliage, the obscurity rendered any object invisible beyond a radius of from thirty to forty feet. The reporter and Pencroft, holding at any suspicious sound, advanced with great caution. They walked a little distance apart from each other, so as to offer a less mark for a shot. And, to tell the truth, they expected every moment to hear a report. Five minutes after leaving the cart, Gideon Spillett and Pencroft arrived at the edge of the wood before the clearing beyond which rose the palisade. They stopped. A few straggling beams still fell on the field clear of trees. Thirty feet distant was the gate of the corral, which appeared to be closed. The thirty feet, which it was necessary to cross from the wood to the palisade, constituted the dangerous zone to borrow a ballistic term. In fact, one or more bullets fired from behind the palisade might knock over anyone who ventured on to the zone. Gideon Spillett and the sailor were not meant to draw back, but they knew that any imprudence on their part, of which they would be the fairest victims, would fall afterwards on their companions. If they themselves were killed, what would become of Harding, Nebb, and Herbert? But Pencroft, excited at feeling himself so near the corral where he supposed the convicts had taken refuge, was about to press forward when the reporter held him back with a grasp of iron. In a few minutes it will be quite dark, whispered Spillett in the sailor's ear. Then will be the time to act. Pencroft, convulsively clasping the butt end of his gun, restrained his energies and waited, swearing to himself. Soon the last of the twilight faded away. Darkness, which seemed as if it issued from the dense forest, covered the clearing. Mount Franklin rose like an enormous screen before the western horizon, and night spread rapidly over all, as it does in regions of low latitudes. Now was the time. The reporter in Pencroft, since posting themselves on the edge of the wood, had not once lost sight of the palisade. The corral appeared to be absolutely deserted. The top of the palisade formed a line, a little darker than the surrounding shadow, and nothing disturbed its distinctness. Nevertheless, if the convicts were there, they must have posted one of their number to guard against any surprise. Spillett grasped his companion's hand, and both crept towards the corral, their guns ready to fire. They reached the gate without the darkness being illuminated by a single ray of light. Pencroft tried to push open the gate, which, as the reporter and he had supposed, was closed. However, the sailor was able to ascertain that the outer bars had not been put up. It might then be concluded that the convicts were there in the corral, and that very probably they had fastened the gate away that it could not be forced open. Gideon Spillett and Pencroft listened. Not a sound could be heard inside the palisade. The musmans and the goats sleeping no doubt in their huts, in no way disturbed the calm of night. The reporter and the sailor hearing nothing asked themselves whether they had not better scale the palisades and penetrate into the corral. This would have been contrary to Sarah's Harding's instructions. It is true that the enterprise might succeed, but it might also fail. Now, if the convicts were suspecting nothing, if they knew nothing of the expedition against them, if, lastly, there now existed a chance of surprising them, ought this chance to be lost by inconsiderately attempting to cross the palisades? This was not the reporter's opinion. He thought it better to wait until all the settlers were collected together before attempting to penetrate into the corral. One thing was certain that it was possible to reach the palisade without being seen, and also that it did not appear to be guarded. This point settled there was nothing to be done but to return to the cart where they would consult. Pencroft probably agreed with this decision for he followed the reporter without making any objection when the latter turned back to the wood. In a few minutes their engineer was made acquainted with the state of affairs. Well, said he after a little thought, I now have reason to believe that the convicts are not in the corral. We shall soon know, said Pencroft, when we have scaled the palisade. To the corral, my friends, said Sarah's Harding. Shall we leave the cart in the wood? Ask Neb. No, replied the engineer. It is our wagon of ammunition and provisions, and if necessary it would serve as an entrenchment. Forward, then, said Gideon Spillett. The cart emerged from the wood and began to roll noiselessly towards the palisade. The darkness was now profound. The silence as complete as when Pencroft and the reporter crept over the ground. The thick grass completely muffled their footsteps. The colonists held themselves ready to fire. Jupe, at Pencroft's orders, kept behind. Neb led top and a leash to prevent him from bounding forward. The clearing soon came in sight. It was deserted. Without hesitating the little band moved towards the palisade. In a short space of time a dangerous zone was passed. Neb remained at the onager's heads to hold them. The engineer, the reporter, Herbert and Pencroft proceeded to the door in order to ascertain if it was barricaded inside. It was open. What do you say now? asked the engineer, turning to the sailor and Spillett. Both were stupefied. I can swear, said Pencroft, that this gate was shut just now. The colonists now hesitated. Were the convicts in the corral when Pencroft and the reporter made their reconnaissance? It could not be doubted as the gate then closed could only have been opened by them. Were they still there or had one of their number just gone out? All these questions presented themselves simultaneously to the minds of the colonists. How could they be answered? At that moment Herbert, who had advanced a few steps into the enclosure drew back hurriedly and seized Harding's hand. What's the matter? asked the engineer. A light! In the house? Yes. All five advanced and indeed through the window fronting them they saw glimmering a feeble light. Cyrus Harding made up his mind rapidly. It is our only chance, said he to his companions, of finding the convicts collected in this house, suspecting nothing. They are in our power, forward. The colonists crossed through the enclosure holding their guns ready in their hands. The cart had been left outside under the charge of jupe and top who had been prudently tied to it. Cyrus Harding, Pencroft, and Gideon spill it on one side. Herbert and Neb on the other going along by the palisade surveyed the absolutely dark and deserted corral. In a few moments they were near the closed door of the house. Harding signed to his companions not to stir and approached the window then feebly lighted by the inner light. He gazed into the apartment. On the table burned a lantern. Near the table was the bed formerly used by Ayrton. On the bed lay the body of a man. Suddenly Cyrus Harding drew back and in a hoarse voice, Ayrton he exclaimed. Immediately the door was forced rather than opened and the colonists rushed into the room. Ayrton appeared to be asleep. His countenance showed that he had long and cruelly suffered. On his wrist and ankles could be seen great bruises. Harding bent over him. Ayrton cried the engineer, seizing the arm of the man whom he had just found again under such unexpected circumstances. At this exclamation Ayrton opened his eyes and gazing at Harding, then at the others. You! he cried. You! Ayrton! Ayrton! repeated Harding. Where am I? In the house in the corral. Alone? Yes. But they will come back! cried Ayrton. Defend yourselves! Defend yourselves! And he fell back exhausted. Spill it! exclaimed the engineer. We may be attacked at any moment. Bring the cart into the corral. Then barricade the door and all come back here. Pencroft Nebb and the reporter hastened to execute the engineer's orders. There was not a moment to be lost. Perhaps even now the cart was in the hands of the convicts. In a moment the reporter and his two companions had crossed the corral and reached the gate of the palisade behind which Top was heard growling sullenly. The engineer, leaving Ayrton for an instant, came out ready to fire. Herbert was at his side. Both surveyed the crest of the spur overlooking the corral. If the convicts were lying and ambushed there they might knock the settlers over one after the other. At that moment the moon appeared in the east above the black curtain of the forest and a white sheet of light spread over the interior of the enclosure. The corral with its clumps of trees, the little stream which watered it, its wide carpet of grass was suddenly illuminated. From the side of the mountain the house and a part of the palisade stood out white in the moonlight. On the opposite side towards the door the enclosure remained dark. A black mass soon appeared. This was the cart entering the circle of light and Cyrus Harding could hear the noise made by the door as his companions shut it and fastened the interior bars. But at that moment Top, breaking loose, began to bark furiously and rushed to the back of the corral to the right of the house. Be ready to fire, my friends! cried Harding. The colonists raised their pieces and waited the moment to fire. Top still barked and Jupe, running towards the dog, uttered shrill cries. The colonists followed him and reached the borders of the little stream shaded by large trees. And there in the bright moonlight what did they see? Five corpses stretched on the bank. They were those of the convicts who, four months previously, had landed on Lincoln Island. End of chapter. This is a LibriVox recording. All LibriVox recordings are in the public domain. For more information or to volunteer, please visit LibriVox.org. This recording has been Mark Smith of Simpsonville, South Carolina. The Mysterious Island by Jules Verne Part 3 Chapter 13 How had it happened? Who had killed the convicts? Was it Ayrton? No, for a moment before he was dreading their return. But Ayrton was now in a profound stupor from which it was no longer possible to rouse him. After uttering those few words he had again become unconscious and had fallen back motionless on the bed. The colonists, a prey to a thousand confused thoughts under the influence of violent excitement waited all night without leaving Ayrton's house or returning to the spot where lay the bodies of the convicts. It was very probable that Ayrton would not be able to throw any light on the circumstances under which the bodies had been found since he himself was not aware that he was in the corral. But at any rate he would be in a position to give an account of what had taken place before this terrible execution. The next day Ayrton awoke from his torpor and his companions cordially manifested all the joy they felt on seeing him again, almost safe and sound, after a hundred and four days' separation. Ayrton then in a few words recounted what had happened or at least as much as he knew. The day after his arrival at the corral on the 10th of last November at nightfall he was surprised by the convicts who had scaled the palisade. They bound and gagged him, then he was led to a dark cavern at the foot of Mount Franklin where the convicts had taken refuge. His death had been decided upon and the next day the convicts were about to kill him when one of them recognized him and called him by the name which he bore in Australia. The wretches had no scruples as to murdering Ayrton. They spared Ben Joyce. But from that moment Ayrton was exposed to the importunities of his former accomplices. They wished him to join them again and relied upon his aid to enable them to gain possession of granted house to penetrate into that hitherto inaccessible dwelling and to become masters of the island after murdering the columnists. Ayrton remained firm. The once convict now repentant and pardoned would rather die than betray his companions. Ayrton bound, gagged and closely watched lived in this cave for four months. Nevertheless the convicts had discovered the corral a short time after their arrival in the island and since then they had subsisted on Ayrton's stores but did not live at the corral. On the 11th of November two of the villains surprised by the colonists' arrival fired at Herbert and one of them returned boasting of having killed one of the inhabitants of the island but he returned alone. His companion, as is known, fell by Cyrus Harding's dagger. Ayrton's anxiety and despair may be imagined when he learned the news of Herbert's death. The settlers were now only four and, as it seemed, at the mercy of the convicts. After this event and during all the time that the colonists detained by Herbert's illness remained in the corral the pirates did not leave their cavern and even after they had pillaged the plateau of prospect heights they did not think it prudent to abandon it. The ill treatment inflicted on Ayrton was now redoubled. His hands and feet still bore the bloody marks and cords which bound him day and night. Every moment he expected to be put to death nor did it appear possible that he could escape. Matters remained thus until the third week of February. The convicts, still watching for a favorable opportunity rarely quitted their retreat and only made a few hunting excursions either to the interior of the island or the south coast. Ayrton had no further news of his friends and relinquished all hope of ever seeing them again. At last the unfortunate man, weakened by ill treatment fell into a prostration so profound that sight and hearing failed him. From that moment, that is to say, since the last two days he could give no information whatever of what had occurred. But Captain Harding, he added, since I was imprisoned in that cavern how is it that I find myself in the corral? How is it that the convicts are lying yonder dead in the middle of the enclosure? answered the engineer. Dead! cried Ayrton, half rising from his bed notwithstanding his weakness. His companions supported him. He wished to get up and with their assistance he did so. They then proceeded together towards the little stream. It was now broad daylight. There, on the bank, in the position in which they had been stricken by death in its most instantaneous form lay the corpses of the five convicts. Ayrton was astounded. Harding and his companions looked at him without uttering a word. On a sign from the engineer, Nebb and Pencroft examined the bodies already stiffened by the cold. They bore no apparent trace of any wound. Only after carefully examining them Pencroft found on the forehead of one, on the chest of another, on the back of this one, on the shoulder of that, a little red spot, a sort of scarcely visible bruise the cause of which it was impossible to conjecture. It is there that they have been struck, said Cyrus Harding. But with what weapon? cried the reporter. A weapon lightning-like in its effects and of which we have not the secret. And who has struck the blow? asked Pencroft. The avenging power of the island, replied Harding. He who brought you here, Ayrton, whose influence has once more manifested itself, who does for us all that which we cannot do for ourselves, and who, his will accomplished, conceals himself from us. Let us make search for him, then, exclaimed Pencroft. Yes, we will search for him, answered Harding, but we shall not discover this powerful being who performs such wonders until he pleases to call us to him. This invisible protection which rendered their own action unavailing will both irritate and pique the engineer. The relative inferiority which it proved was of a nature to wound a haughty spirit. A generosity evinced in such a manner as to elude all tokens of gratitude implied as sort of disdain on those on whom the obligation was conferred, which in Cyrus Harding's eyes marred, in some degree, the worth of the benefit. Let us search, he resumed, and God grant that we may some day be permitted to prove to this haughty protector that he has not to deal with ungrateful people. What would I not give could we repay him by rendering him in our turn, although at the price of our lives, some signal service. From this day the thoughts of the inhabitants of Lincoln Island were solely occupied with the intended search. Everything incited them to discover the answer to this enigma, an answer which would only be the name of a man endowed with a truly inexplicable and in some degree, superhuman power. In a few minutes the settlers re-entered the house, where their influence soon restored to Ayrton his moral and physical energy. Nabid Pencroft carried the corpses of the convicts into the forest some distance from the corral and buried them deep in the ground. Ayrton was then made acquainted with the facts which had occurred during his seclusion. He learned Herbert's adventures and through what various trials the colonists had passed. As to the settlers, they had despaired of ever seeing Ayrton again and had been convinced that the convicts had ruthlessly murdered him. And now, said Cyrus Harding, as he ended his recital, a duty remains for us to perform. Half of our task is accomplished, but although the convicts are no longer to be feared, it is not owing to ourselves that we are once more masters of the island. Well, answered Gideon Spillett, let us search all this labyrinth of the spurs of Mount Franklin. We will not leave a hollow, not a hole unexplored. Ah, if ever a reporter found himself face to face with a mystery, it is I who now speak to you, my friends. And we will not return to Granite House until we have found our benefactor, said Herbert. Yes, said the engineer, we will do all that is humanly possible to do. But I repeat, we shall not find him until he himself permits us. Shall we stay at the corral? asked Pencroft. We shall stay here, answered Harding. Provisions are abundant, and we are here in the very center of the circle we have to explore. Besides, if necessary, the cart will take us rapidly to Granite House. Good, answered the sailor, only I have a remark to make. What is it? Here is the fine season getting on, and we must not forget that we have a voyage to make. A voyage? asked Gideon Spillett. Yes, to Tabor Island, answered Pencroft. It is necessary to carry a notice there to point out the position of our island, and say that Ayrton is here in case the Scotch yacht should come to take him off. Who knows if it is not already too late? But Pencroft asked Ayrton, how do you intend to make this voyage? In the Bonaventure? The Bonaventure, exclaimed Ayrton, she no longer exists. My Bonaventure exists no longer! shouted Pencroft, bounding from his seat. No! answered Ayrton. The convicts discovered her in her little harbor only eight days ago. They put the sea in her and— and? said Pencroft, his heart beating. And not having Bob Harvey to steer her they ran on the rocks and the vessel went to pieces. Oh, the villains, the cutthroats, the infamous scoundrels, exclaimed Pencroft. Pencroft said her taking the sailor's hand. We will build another Bonaventure, a larger one. We have all the ironwork, all the rigging of the brig at our disposal. But do you know, returned Pencroft, that it will take at least five or six months to build a vessel of from thirty to forty tons? We can take our time, said the reporter, and we must give up the voyage to Tabor Island for this year. Oh, my Bonaventure, my poor Bonaventure! cried Pencroft, almost broken-hearted at the destruction of the vessel of which he was so proud. The loss of the Bonaventure was certainly a thing to be lamented by the colonists, and it was agreed that this loss should be repaired as soon as possible. This settled. They now occupied themselves with bringing their researches to bear on the most secret parts of the island. The exploration was commenced to daybreak on the nineteenth of February and lasted an entire week. The base of the mountain, with its spurs and their numberless ramifications, formed a labyrinth of valleys and elevations. It was evident that there, in the depths of these narrow gorges, perhaps even in the interior of Mount Franklin itself, was the proper place to pursue their researches. No part of the island could have been more suitable to conceal a dwelling whose occupant wished to remain unknown. But so irregular was the formation of the valleys that Cyrus Harding was obliged to conduct the exploration in a strictly methodical manner. The colonists first visited the valley opening to the south of the volcano, which first received the waters of Falls River. There Ayrton showed them the cavern, where the convicts had taken refuge, and in which he had been imprisoned until his removal to the corral. This cavern was just as Ayrton had left it. They found there a considerable quantity of ammunition and provisions conveyed thither by the convicts in order to form a reserve. The whole of the valley bordering on the cave, shaded by fir and other trees, was thoroughly explored. And on turning the point of the southwestern spur, the colonists entered a narrower gorge similar to the picturesque columns of basalt on the coast. Here the trees were fewer. Stones took the place of grass. Goats and musk-monds gambled among the rocks. Here began the barren part of the island. It could already be seen that of the numerous valleys branching off at the base of Mount Franklin, three only were wooded and rich in pastures like that of the corral, which bordered on the west on the Falls River Valley, and on the east on the Red Creek Valley. These two streams, which lower down became rivers by the absorption of several tributaries, were formed by all the springs of the mountain and thus caused the fertility of its southern part. As to the mercy, it was more directly fed from ample springs concealed under the cover of Jackamar Wood, and it was by springs of this nature spreading in a thousand streamlets that the soil of the serpentine peninsula was watered. Now of these three well-watered valleys either might have served as a retreat to some solitary who would have found there everything necessary for life. But the settlers had already explored them and in no part had they discovered the presence of man. Was it then in the depths of those barren gorges in the midst of the piles of rock in the rugged northern ravines among the streams of lava that this dwelling and its occupant would be found? The northern part of Mount Franklin was at its base composed solely of two valleys, wide, not very deep, without any appearance of vegetation, strewn with masses of rock, paved with lava and varied with great blocks of mineral. This region required a long and careful exploration. It contained a thousand cavities, comfortless no doubt, but perfectly concealed and difficult of access. The colonists even visited dark tunnels dating from the volcanic period, still black with the passage of the fire and penetrated into the depths of the mountain. They traversed these somber galleries, waving lighted torches, they examined the smallest excavations, they sounded the shallowest depths, but all was dark and silent. It did not appear that the foot of man had ever before trodden these ancient passages or that his arm had ever displaced one of these blocks, which remained as the volcano had cast them up above the waters at the time of the submersion of the island. However, although these passages appeared to be absolutely deserted and the obscurity was complete, Cyrus Harding was obliged to confess that absolute silence did not reign there. On arriving at the end of one of these gloomy caverns, extending several hundred feet into the interior of the mountain, he was surprised to hear a deep rumbling noise increased in intensity by the sonorousness of the rocks. Gideon Spillett, who accompanied him, also heard these distant mutterings, which indicated a revivification of the subterranean fires. Several times both listened and they agreed that some chemical process was taking place in the bowels of the earth. Then the volcano was not totally extinct, said the reporter. It is possible that since our exploration of the crater, replied Cyrus Harding, some change has occurred. Any volcano, although considered extinct, may evidently again burst forth. But if an eruption of Mount Franklin occurred, asked Spillett, would there not be some danger to Lincoln Island? I do not think so, answered the engineer. The crater, that is to say the safety valve, exists, and the overflow of smoke and lava would escape, as it did formerly by this customary outlet. Unless the lava opened a new way for itself towards the fertile parts of the island. And why, my dear Spillett, answered Cyrus Harding, should it not follow the road naturally traced out for it? Well, volcanoes are capricious, returned the reporter. Notice, answered the engineer, that the inclination of Mount Franklin favors the flow of water towards the valleys which we are exploring just now. To turn aside this flow an earthquake would be necessary to change the mountain's center of gravity. But an earthquake is always to be feared at these times, observed Gideon Spillett. Always, replied the engineer, especially when the subterranean forces begin to awake, as they risk meeting with some obstruction after a long rest. Thus, my dear Spillett, an eruption would be a serious thing for us, and it would be better that the volcano should not have the slightest desire to wake up. But we could not prevent it, could we? At any rate, even if it should occur, I do not think prospect heights would be seriously threatened. Between them and the mountain the ground is considerably depressed, and if the lava should ever take a course towards the lake, it would be cast on the downs and the neighboring parts of shark gulf. We have not yet seen any smoke at the top of the mountain to indicate an approaching eruption, said Gideon Spillett. No, answered Harding. Not a vapor escapes from the crater, for it was only yesterday that I attentively surveyed the summit. But it is probable that at the lower part of the chimney time may have accumulated rocks, cinders, hardened lava, and that this valve of which I spoke may at any time become overcharged. But at the first serious effort every obstacle will disappear, and you may be certain, my dear Spillett, that neither the island, which is the boiler, nor the volcano, which is the chimney, will burst under the pressure of gas. Nevertheless, I repeat, it would be better that there should not be an eruption. And yet we are not mistaken, remarked the reporter, mutterings can be distinctly heard in the very bowels of the volcano. You are right, said the engineer, again listening attentively. There can be no doubt of it. A commotion is going on there, of which we can neither estimate the importance nor the ultimate result. Cyrus Harding and Spillett, on coming out, rejoined their companions, to whom they made known the state of affairs. Very well, cried Pencroft, the volcano wants to play his pranks. Let him try, if he likes. We will find his master. Who? asked Neb. Our good genius, Neb, our good genius who will shut his mouth for him, if he so much as pretends to open it. As may be seen, the sailor's confidence and the tutelary deity of his island was absolute. And certainly the occult power, manifested until now in so many inexplicable ways, appeared to be unlimited. But also it knew how to escape the columnist's most minute researches, for in spite of all their efforts, in spite of the more than zeal, the obstinacy with which they carried on their exploration, the retreat of the mysterious being could not be discovered. From the nineteenth to the twenty-fifth of February the circle of investigation was extended to all the northern region of Lincoln Island, whose most secret nooks were explored. The columnist even went the length of tapping every rock. The search was extended to the extreme verge of the mountain. It was explored thus to the very summit of the truncated cone, terminating the first row of rocks, then to the upper ridge of the enormous hat at the bottom of which opened the crater. They did more. They visited the gulf now extinct, but in whose depths the rumbling could be distinctly heard. However no sign of smoke or vapor, no heating of the rock indicated an approaching eruption. But neither there nor in any other part of Mount Franklin did the columnist find any traces of him of whom they were in search. Their investigations were then directed to the downs. They carefully examined the high lava cliffs of shark gulf from the base to the crest, although it was extremely difficult to reach even the level of the gulf. No one. Nothing. Indeed in these three words was summed up so much fatigue uselessly expended, so much energy producing no results that somewhat of anger mingled with the discomfort of Cyrus Harding and his companions. It was now time to think of returning, for these researches could not be prolonged indefinitely. The colonists were certainly right in believing that the mysterious being did not reside on the surface of the island, and the wildest fancies haunted their excited imaginations. Pancroft and Nebb particularly were not contented with the mystery, but allowed their imaginations to wander into the domain of the supernatural. On the 25th of February, the colonists re-entered Gradient House, and by means of the double cord carried by an arrow to the threshold of the door, they re-established communication between their habitation and the ground. A month later they commemorated, on the 25th of March, the third anniversary of their arrival on Lincoln Island. End of chapter. This recording is by Mark Smith of Simpsonville, South Carolina. The Mysterious Island by Jules Verne. Part 3, Chapter 14 Three years had passed away since the escape of the prisoners from Richmond, and how often during those three years had they spoken of their country always present in their thoughts. They had no doubt that the Civil War was at an end, and to them it appeared impossible that the just cause of the North had not triumphed. But what had been the incidence of this terrible war? How much blood had it not cost? How many of their friends must have fallen in the struggle? They often spoke of these things, without as yet being able to foresee the day when they would be permitted once more to see their country. To return thither were it but for a few days to renew the social link with the inhabited world to establish a communication between their native land and their island, then to pass the longest, perhaps the best portion of their existence in this colony, founded by them, and which would then be dependent on their country, was this a dream impossible to realize? There were only two ways of accomplishing it. Either a ship must appear off Lincoln Island, or the colonists must themselves build a vessel strong enough to sail to the nearest land. Unless, said Pencroft, our good genius himself provides us with the means of returning to our country. And really had any one told Pencroft and Nebb that a ship of three hundred tons was waiting for them in shark-golf or at port balloon, they would not even have made a gesture of surprise. In their state of mind nothing appeared improbable. But Cyrus Harding, less confident, advised them to confine themselves to fact and more especially so with regard to the building of a vessel, a really urgent work, since it was for the purpose of depositing, as soon as possible, at Tabor Island, a document indicating Ayrton's new residence. As the Bonaventure no longer existed, six months at least would be required for the construction of a new vessel. Now winter was approaching and the voyage would not be made before the following spring. We have time to get everything ready for the fine season, remarked the engineer who was consulting with Pencroft about these matters. I think therefore, my friend, that since we have to rebuild our vessel, it will be best to give her larger dimensions. The arrival of the Scotch yacht at Tabor Island is very uncertain. It may even be that, having arrived several months ago, she has again sailed after having vainly searched for some trace of Ayrton. Will it not then be best to build a ship which, if necessary, could take us either to the Polynesian archipelago or to New Zealand? What do you think? I think, Captain," answered the sailor, I think that you are as capable of building a large vessel as a small one. Neither the wood nor the tools are wanting. It is only a question of time. And how many months would be required to build a vessel of from 250 to 300 tonnes? Asked Harding. Seven or eight months at least, replied Pencroft. But it must not be forgotten that winter is drawing near and that in severe frost wood is difficult to work. We must calculate on several weeks delay, and if our vessel is ready by next November we may think ourselves very lucky. Well, replied Cyrus Harding, that will be exactly the most favourable time for undertaking a voyage of any importance, either to Tabor Island or to a more distant land. So it will, Captain," answered the sailor. Make out your plans then. The workmen are ready, and I imagine that Ayrton can lend us a good helping hand. The colonists, having been consulted, approved the engineer's plan, and it was indeed the best thing to be done. It was true that the construction of a ship of from two to 300 tonnes would be great labour, but the colonists had confidence in themselves, justified by their previous success. Cyrus Harding then busied himself in drawing the plan of the vessel and making the model. During this time his companions employed themselves in felling and carting trees to furnish the ribs, timbers, and planks. The forest of the Far West supplied the best oaks and elms. They took advantage of the opening already made on their last excursion to form a practicable road, which they named the Far West Road, and the trees were carried to the chimneys where the dockyard was established. As to the road in question, the choice of trees had rendered its direction somewhat capricious, but at the same time it facilitated the access to a large part of the serpentine peninsula. It was important that the trees should be quickly felled and cut up, for they could not be used while yet green, and some time was necessary to allow them to get seasoned. The carpenters, therefore, worked vigorously during the month of April, which was troubled only by a few equinoctial gales of some violence. Master Jupe aided them dexterously, by climbing to the top of a tree to fasten the ropes, or by lending his stout shoulders to carry the lopped trunks. All this timber was piled up under a large shed built near the chimneys, and there awaited the time for use. The month of April was tolerably fine, as October often is in the northern zone. At the same time other work was actively continued, and at noon all trace of devastation disappeared from the plateau of Prospect Heights. The mill was rebuilt, and new buildings rose in the poultry yard. It had appeared necessary to enlarge their dimensions, for the feathered population had increased considerably. The stable now contained five onagers, four of which were well broken, and allowed themselves to be either driven or ridden, and a little cult. The colony now possessed a plow, to which the onagers were yoked like regular Yorkshire or Kentucky oxen. The colonists divided their work, and their arms never tired. Then who could have enjoyed better health than these workers? And what good humor enlivened the evenings in Granite House, as they formed a thousand plans for the future. As a matter of course, Ayrton shared the common lot in every respect, and there was no longer any talk of his going to live at the corral. Nevertheless, he was still sad and reserved, and joined more in the work than in the pleasures of his companions. But he was a valuable workman at need, strong, skillful, ingenious, intelligent. He was esteemed and loved by all, and he could not be ignorant of it. In the meanwhile, the corral was not abandoned. Every other day one of the settlers, driving the cart, or mounted on an onager, went to look after the flock of muslins and goats and bring back the supply of milk required by Neb. These excursions at the same time afforded opportunities for hunting. Therefore Herbert and Gideon spill it with top in front, traversed more often than their companions the road to the corral, and with the capital guns which they carried, capybaras, agoutis, kangaroos, and wild pigs for large game, ducks, grouse, jack-a-mars, and snipe for small game, were never wanting in the house. The produce of the warren, of the oyster bed, several turtles which were taken, excellent salmon which came up the mercy, vegetables from the plateau, wild fruit from the forest, were riches upon riches, and Neb the head cook could scarcely by himself store them away. The telegraphic wire between the corral and granite house had of course been repaired, and it was worked whenever one or other of the settlers was at the corral and found it necessary to spend the night there. Besides, the island was safe now, and no attacks were to be feared at any rate from men. However, that which had happened might happen again. A descent of pirates, or even of escaped convicts, was always to be feared. It was possible that companions or accomplices of Bob Harvey had been in the secret of his plans, and might be tempted to imitate him. The colonists, therefore, were careful to observe the sea around the island, and every day their telescope covered the horizon enclosed by Union and Washington Bays. When they went to the corral they found the sea to the west with no less attention, and by climbing the spur their gaze extended over a large section of the western horizon. Nothing suspicious was discerned, but still it was necessary for them to be on their guard. The engineer one evening imparted to his friends a plan which he had conceived for fortifying the corral. It appeared prudent to him to heighten the palisade of Blockhouse, which, if necessary, the settlers could hold against the enemy. Granted House might, by its very position, be considered impregnable. Therefore the corral with its buildings, its stores, and the animals it contained would always be the object of pirates, whoever they were, who might land on the island, and should the colonists be obliged to shut themselves up there without any disadvantage. This was a project which might be left for consideration, and they were, besides, obliged to put off its execution until the next spring. About the fifteenth of May the keel of the new vessel lay along the dockyard, and soon the stern and stern post mortised at each of its extremities rose almost perpendicularly. The keel of Good Oak measured one hundred and ten feet in length, this allowing a width of five and twenty feet to the midship beam. But this was all the carpenters could do before the arrival of the frost and bad weather. During the following week they fixed the first of the stern timbers, but were then obliged to suspend work. During the last days of the month the weather was extremely bad. The wind blew from the east, sometimes with a violence of a tempest. The engineer was somewhat uneasy on account of the dockyard sheds, which besides he could not have established in any other place near to Granite House, for the islet only imperfectly sheltered the shore from the fury of the open sea, and in great storms the waves beat against the very foot of the Granite Cliff. But very fortunately these fears were not realised. The wind shifted to the southeast and there the beach of Granite House was completely covered by flotsam point. Pencroft and Erchin, the most zealous workmen at the new vessel, pursued their labour as long as they could. They were not men to mind the wind tearing at their hair, nor the rain wetting them to the skin, and a blow from a hammer is worth just as much in bad as in fine weather. But when a severe frost succeeded this wet period the wood, its fibres acquiring the hardness of iron became extremely difficult to work and about the tenth of June shipbuilding was obliged to be entirely discontinued. Cyrus Harding and his companions had not omitted to observe how severe was the temperature during the winters of Lincoln Island. The cold was comparable to that experienced in the states of New England, situated at almost the same distance from the equator. In the northern hemisphere, or at any rate in the part occupied by British America and the north of the United States, this phenomenon is explained by the flat confirmation of the territories bordering on the pole, and on which there is no intimescence of the soil to oppose any obstacle to the north winds. Here in Lincoln Island this explanation would not suffice. It has even been observed, remarked Harding one day to his companions, that in equal latitudes the islands and coast regions are less tried by the cold than inland countries. I have often heard it asserted that the winters of Lombardi, for example, are not less rigorous than those of Scotland, which results from the sea restoring during the winter the heat which it received during the summer. Islands are, therefore, in a better situation for benefiting by this restitution. But then Captain Harding asked Herbert why does Lincoln Island appear to escape the common law? That is difficult to explain, answered the engineer. However, I should be disposed to conjecture that this peculiarity results from the situation of the island in the southern hemisphere, which, as you know, my boy, is colder than the northern hemisphere. Yes, said Herbert, and icebergs are met with in lower latitudes in the south than in the north of the Pacific. That is true, remarked Pencroft, and when I have been serving on board whalers, I have seen icebergs off Cape Horn. The severe cold experienced in Lincoln Island, Sigideon Spillett, may then perhaps be explained by the presence of flows or icebergs comparatively near to Lincoln Island. Your opinion is very admissible, indeed, my dear Spillett. Answered Cyrus Harding. And it is evidently to the proximity of icebergs that we owe our rigorous winters. I would draw your attention also to an entirely physical cause, which renders the southern colder than the northern hemisphere. In fact, since the sun is nearer to this hemisphere during the summer, it is necessarily more distant during the winter. This explains, then, the excess of temperature in the two seasons. For if we find the winter is very cold in Lincoln Island, we must not forget that the summers here on the contrary are very hot. But why, if you please, Captain, asked Pencroft, knitting his brows, why should our hemisphere, as you say, be so badly divided? It isn't just that. Friend Pencroft answered the engineer, laughing. Whether just or not, we must submit to it, and here lies the reason for this peculiarity. The earth does not describe a circle around the sun, but an ellipse, as it must by the laws of rational mechanics. Now, the earth occupies one of the foci of the ellipse. And so, at one point in its course is at its apogee, that is, at its farthest from the sun, and at another point it is at its perigee, or nearest to the sun. Now it happens that it is during the winter of the southern countries that it is at its most distant point from the sun, and consequently in a situation for those regions to feel the greatest cold. Nothing can be done to prevent that. And men, Pencroft, however learned they may be, can never change anything of the cosmographical order established by God himself. And yet, added Pencroft, persisting, the world is very learned. What a big book, Captain, might be made with all that is known. And what a much bigger book, still, with all that is not known, answered Harding. At last, for one reason or another, the month of June brought the cold, whether it is a custom intensity, and the settlers were often confined to Granite House. Ah! How weary some this imprisonment was to them, and more particularly to Gideon Spillett. Look here, said Heedon Ebb one day. I would give you by notarial deed all the estates which will come to me some day, if you were a good enough fellow to go, no matter where, and subscribe to some newspaper for me. Decidedly the thing that is most essential to my happiness is the knowing every morning what was in the day before in other places than this. Neve began to laugh. Pond my word! he replied. The only thing I think about is my daily work. The truth was that indoors as well as out there was no want of work. The colony of Lincoln Island was now at its highest point of prosperity, achieved by three years of continued hard work. The destruction of the brig had taken place. Without speaking of the complete rig which would serve for the vessel now on the stocks, utensils and tools of all sorts, weapons and ammunition, clothes and instruments were now piled in the storerooms of Granite House. It had not even been necessary to resort again to the manufacture of the coarse felt materials. Though the colonists had suffered from cold during their first winter for any reason to dread its severity, linen was plentiful also and besides they kept it with extreme care. From chloride of sodium which is nothing else than sea salt Cyrus Harding easily extracted the soda and chlorine. The soda which it was easy to change into carbonate of soda and the chlorine of which he made chloride of lime were employed for various domestic purposes and especially bleaching linen. Besides they did not wash more than four times a year as was done by families in the olden times and it may be added that Pencroft and Gideon spill it while waiting for the postman to bring him his newspaper distinguished themselves as washer men. So passed the winter months, June, July and August. They were severe and the average observations of the thermometer did not give more than eight degrees of Fahrenheit. It was therefore lower in temperature than the preceding winter but then what splendid fires blaze continually on the harse of granite house, the smoke marking the granite wall with long zebra-like streaks. Fuel was not spared as it grew naturally a few steps from them. Besides the chips of the wood destined for the construction of the ship to economize the coal which required more trouble to transport. Men and animals were all well. Master Jupe was a little chilly, it must be confessed. This was perhaps his only weakness and it was necessary to make him a well-padded dressing-gown. But what a servant he was! Clever, zealous, indefatigable, not indiscreet, not talkative and he might have been with reason for all his biped brothers in the old and new worlds. As for that, said Pencroft, when one has four hands at one service, of course one work ought to be done so much the better. And indeed the intelligent creature did it well. During the seven months which had passed since the last research is made round the mountain and during the month of September which brought back fine weather of the genius of the island. His power was not manifested in any way. It is true that it would have been superfluous for no incident occurred to put the columnist to any painful trial. Cyrus Harding even observed that if by chance the communication between the unknown and the tenants of Granite House had ever been established through the Granite and if Toppe's instinct had, as it were, felt it, there was no further sign of it during this period. The dogs growling had entirely ceased as well as the uneasiness of the orang. The two friends, for they were so, no longer prowled round the opening of the inner well. Nor did they bark or whine in that singular way which from the first the engineer had noticed. But could he be sure that this was all that was to be said about this enigma? And that he should never arrive again? Could he be certain that some conjecture would not occur which would bring the mysterious personage on the scene? Who could tell what the future might have in reserve? At last the winter was ended. But an event, the consequences of which might be serious, occurred in the first days of the returning spring. On the 7th of September, Cyrus Harding, having observed the crater, saw a smoke from the summit of the mountain, its first vapors rising in the air. End of chapter.