 When Pencroft had once got a plan in his head, he had no peace till it was executed. Now he wished to visit Table Island, and as a boat of a certain size was necessary for this voyage, he determined to build one. What wood should he employ, elm or fir, both of which abounded in the island? They decided for the fir, as being easy to work, but that stands water as well as the elm. These details settled. It was agreed that since the fine season would not return before six months, Cyrus Harding and Pencroft should work alone at the boat. Gideon's spell it in Herbert were to continue to hunt, and neither Neb nor Master Chewpe, his assistant, were to leave the domestic duties which had devolved upon them. Directly the trees were chosen, they were felled, stripped of their branches, and sawn into planks as well as sawyers would have been able to do it. A week after, in the recess between the chimneys and the cliff, a dockyard was prepared, and a keel five and thirty feet long, furnished with a stern post at the stern, and a stem at the boughs lay along the sand. Cyrus Harding was not working in the dark at this new trade. He knew as much about ship-building as about nearly everything else, and he had at first drawn the model of his ship on paper. Besides, he was ably seconded by Pencroft, who, having worked for several years in a dockyard in Brooklyn, knew the practical part of the trade. It was not until after careful calculation and deep thought that the timbers were laid on the keel. Pencroft, as may be believed, was all eagerness to carry out his new enterprise, and would not leave his work for an instant. A single thing had the honour of drawing him, but for one day only from his dockyard. This was the second wheat harvest which was gathered in on the fifteenth of April. It was as much a success as the first, and yielded the number of grains which had been predicted. Five bushels, Captain, said Pencroft, after having scrupulously measured his treasure. Five bushels, replied the engineer, and a hundred and thirty thousand grains of bushel will make six hundred and fifty thousand grains. Well, we will sow them all this time, said the sailor, except a little in reserve. Yes, Pencroft, and if the next crop gives a proportionate yield, we shall have four thousand bushels. And shall we eat bread? We shall eat bread. But we must have a mill. We will make one. The third cornfield was very much larger than the two first, and the soil, prepared with extreme care, received the precious seed. That done, Pencroft returned to his work. During this time, Spillett and Herbert hunted in the neighbourhood, and they ventured deep into the still unknown parts of the far west, their guns loaded with ball, ready for any dangerous emergency. It was a vast thicket of magnificent trees, crowded together as if pressed for a room. The exploration of these dense masses of wood was difficult in the extreme, and the reporter never ventured there without the pocket compass, for the sun scarcely pierced through the thick foliage, and it would have been very difficult for them to retrace their way. It naturally happened that game was more rare in those situations, where there was hardly sufficient room to move. Two or three large herbivorous animals were however killed during the last fortnight of April. These were koalas, specimens of which the settlers had already seen to the north of the lake, and which stupidly allowed themselves to be killed among the thick branches of the trees in which they took refuge. Their skins were brought back to Granite House, and there, by this help of sulfuric acid, they were subjected to a sort of tanning process which rendered them capable of being used. On the thirtieth of April the two sportsmen were in the depth of the far west, when the reporter, preceding Herbert a few paces, arrived in a sort of clearing into which the trees more sparsely scattered had permitted a few rays to penetrate. Gideon's spillet was at first surprised at the odor which exhaled from certain plants with straight stalks, round and branchy, bearing grape-like clusters of flowers and very small berries. The reporter broke off one or two of these stalks and returned to the lad, to whom he said, "'What can this be, Herbert?' "'Well, Mr. Spillet,' said Herbert, "'this is a treasure which will secure you Pencroft's gratitude for ever.' "'Is it tobacco?' "'Yes, and though it may not be of the first quality, it is none the less tobacco.' "'Oh, good old Pencroft, won't he be pleased? But we must not let him smoke at all. He must give us our share.' "'Ah, an idea occurs to me, Mr. Spillet,' replied Herbert. "'Don't let us say anything to Pencroft yet. We will prepare these leaves, and one fine day we will present him with a pipe already filled.' "'All right, Herbert, and on that day our worthy companion will have nothing left to wish for in this world.' The reporter and the lad secured a good store of the precious plant, and then returned to Granite House, where they smuggled it in with as much precaution as if Pencroft had been the most vigilant and severe of custom-house officers. Cyrus Harding and Nebb were taken into confidence, and the sailor suspected nothing during the whole time, necessarily somewhat long, which was required in order to dry the small leaves, chop them up, and subject them to a certain torr-affection on hot stones. This took two months, but all these manipulations were successfully carried on, unknown to Pencroft, for occupied with the construction of his boat, he only returned to Granite House at the hour of rest. For some days they had observed an enormous animal two or three miles out in the open sea, swimming around Lincoln Island. This was a whale of the largest size, which apparently belonged to the southern species called the Cape Whale. "'What a lucky chance it would be if we could capture it,' cried the sailor. "'Ah! If we only had a proper boat and a good harpoon, I would say, after the beast, for he would be well worth the trouble of catching.' "'Well, Pencroft,' observed Harding, "'I should much like to watch you handling a harpoon. It would be very interesting.' "'I am astonished,' said the reporter, to see a whale in this comparatively high latitude.' "'Why so, Mr. Spillett?' replied Herbert. "'We are exactly in that part of the Pacific which English and American whalemen call the Whale Field. And it is here, between New Zealand and South America, that the whales of the southern hemisphere are met with in the greatest numbers.' And Pencroft returned to his work, not without uttering a sigh of regret, for every sailor is a born fisherman, and if the pleasure of fishing is in exact proportion to the size of the animal, one can judge how a whaler feels in sight of a whale. And if this had only been for pleasure, but they could not help feeling how valuable such a prize would have been to the colony, for the oil, fat, and bones would have been put to many uses. Now it happened that this whale appeared to have no wish to leave the waters of the island. Therefore, whether from the windows of Granite House, or from Prospect Heights, Herbert and Gideon Spillett, when they were not hunting, or Neb, unless presiding over his fires, never left the telescope, but watched all the animals' movements. The cetacean, having entered far into Union Bay, made rapid furrows across it from mandible cape to claw cape, propelled by its enormously powerful flukes, on which it supported itself, and making its way through the water at the rate little short of twelve knots an hour. There's also an approach so near to the island that it could be clearly distinguished. It was the southern whale, which is completely black, the head being more depressed than that of the northern whale. They could also see it throwing up from its air-holes to a great height, a cloud of vapor, or of water, for, strange as it may appear, naturalist and whalers are not agreed on this subject. Is it air, or is it water which is thus driven out? It is gently admitted to be vapor, which, condensing suddenly by contact with the cold air, falls again as rain. However, the presence of this mammothur preoccupied the colonists. It irritated Pencroft especially, as he could think of nothing else while at work. He ended by longing for it, like a child for a thing which it has been denied. At night he talked about it in his sleep, and certainly if he had had the means of attacking it, if the sloop had been in a fit state to put to sea, he would not have hesitated to set out in pursuit. But what the colonists could not do for themselves, chance did for them, and on the third of May, shouts from Neb, who had stationed himself at the kitchen window, announced that the whale was stranded on the beach of the island. The bird and Gideon's spillet, who were just about to set out hunting, left their guns, Pencroft threw down his axe, and Harding and Neb, joining their companions, all rushed towards the scene of action. The stranding had taken place on the beach of Flotsam Point, three miles from Gannet House, and at High Tide. It was therefore probable that the cetacean would not be able to extricate itself easily. At any rate it was best to hasten, so as to cut off its retreat if necessary. They ran with pickaxes and iron-tipped poles in their hands, passed over the mercy bridge, descended the right bank of the river along the beach, and in less than twenty minutes the settlers were close to the enormous animal, above which flocks of birds already hovered. What a monster! cried Neb. The exclamation was natural, for it was a southern whale, eighty feet long, a giant of the species, probably not weighing less than a hundred and fifty thousand pounds. In the meanwhile the monster thus stranded did not move, nor attempt by struggling to regain the water while the tide was still high. It was dead, and a harpoon was sticking out of its left side. There are whalers in these quarters, then, said Gideon Spillett directly. Oh, Mr. Spillett, that doesn't prove anything, replied Pencroft. Whales have been known to go thousands of miles with a harpoon in the side, and this one might even have been struck in the north of the Atlantic and come to die in the south of the Pacific, and it would be nothing astonishing. Spillett, having torn the harpoon from the animal's side, read this inscription on it. Maria Stella Vineyard. A vessel from the Vineyard! A ship from my country! he cried. The Maria Stella! A fine whaler upon my word! I know her well! Oh, my friends, a vessel from the Vineyard! A whaler from the Vineyard! And the sailor brandishing the harpoon repeated, not without emotion, the name which he loved so well, the name of his birthplace. But as it could not be expected that the Maria Stella would come to reclaim the animal harpooned by her, they resolved to begin cutting it up before decomposition should commence. The birds, who had watched this rich prey for several days, had determined to take possession of it without further delay, and it was necessary to drive them off by firing at them repeatedly. The whale was a female, and a large quantity of milk was taken from it, which, according to the opinion of the naturalist Duvenbach, might pass for cow's milk, and indeed it differs from it neither in taste, color, nor density. Pencroft had formally served on board a whaling-ship, and he could methodically direct the operation of cutting up, a sufficiently disagreeable operation lasting three days, but from which the settlers did not flinch, not even giddy and spill it, who, as the sailor said, would end by making a real good castaway. The plubber, cutting parallel slices of two feet and a half in thickness, then divided into pieces which might weigh about a thousand pounds each, was melted down in large earthen pots brought to the spot, for they did not wish to taint the environs of Granite House, and in this fusion it lost nearly a third of its weight. But there was an immense quantity of it. The tongue alone yielded six thousand pounds of oil, and the lower lip four thousand. Then besides the fat which would ensure for a long time a store of steering and glycerin, there were still the bones, for which a use could doubtless be found, although there was neither umbrellas nor stays used at Granite House. The upper part of the mouth of the cetacean was indeed provided on both sides with eight hundred horny blades, very elastic, of a fibrous texture, and fringed at the edge like great combs, at which the teeth, six feet long, served to retain the thousands of Anna McCuley, little fish, and mollusks on which the whale fed. The operation finished, to the great satisfaction of the operators, the remains of the animal were left to the birds, who would soon make every vestige of it disappear, and their usual daily occupations were resumed by the inmates of Granite House. However, before returning to the dockyard, Cyrus Harding conceived the idea of fabricating certain machines which greatly excited the curiosity of his companions. He took a dozen of the whale's bones, cut them into six equal parts, and sharpened their ends. This machine is not my own invention, and it is frequently employed by the Aleutian hunters in Russian America. You see these bones, my friends, well, when it freezes I will bend them, and then wet them with water till they are entirely covered with ice, which will keep them bent, and I will strew them on the snow, having previously covered them with fat. Now what will happen if a hungry animal swallows one of these baits? Why the heat of his stomach will melt the ice, and the bone, springing straight, will pierce him with its sharp points. Well, I do call that ingenious, said Pencroft. And it will spare the powder in shot, rejoined Cyrus Harding. This will be better than traps, added Nebb. In the meantime the boat building progressed, and towards the end of the month half the planking was completed. It could already be seen that her shape was excellent and that she would sail well. Pencroft worked with unparalleled ardour, and only a sturdy frame could have borne such fatigue, but his companions were preparing in secret a reward for his labours. And on the 31st of May he was to meet with one of the greatest joys of his life. On that day, after dinner, just as he was about to leave the table, Pencroft felt a hand on his shoulder. It was the hand of Gideon Spillett, who said, One moment, Master Pencroft, you mustn't sneak off like that. You've forgotten your dessert. Thank you, Mr. Spillett, replied the sailor. I am going back to my work. Well, a cup of coffee, my friend. Nothing more. A pipe, then? Pencroft jumped up, and his great, good-natured face grew pale when he saw the reporter presenting him with a ready-filled pipe and Herbert with a glowing coal. The sailor endeavored to speak, but could not get out a word, so seizing the pipe he carried it to his lips, then, applying the coal, he drew five or six great whiffs. A fragrant blue cloud soon arose, and from its depths a voice was heard repeating excitedly, Tobacco! Real tobacco! Tobacco! Yes, Pencroft, returned Cyrus Harding, and very good tobacco, too. Oh, to find Providence, sacred author of all things, cried the sailor. Nothing more is now wanting to our island. And Pencroft smoked, and smoked, and smoked. And who made this discovery, he asked at length. You, Herbert, no doubt? Oh, Pencroft, it was Mr. Spillett. Mr. Spillett exclaimed the sailor, seizing the reporter, and clasping him to his breast with such a squeeze that he had never felt anything like it before. Oh, Pencroft said Spillett, recovering his breath at last. A truce for one moment. You must share your gratitude with Herbert, who recognized the plant, with Cyrus, who prepared it, and with Neb, who took a great deal of trouble to keep our secret. Well, my friends, I will repay you some day, replied the sailor. Now we are friends for life. CHAPTER XI Winter arrived with the month of June, which is the December of the Northern Zones, and the great business was the making of warm and solid clothing. The muslins and the corral had been stripped of their wool, and this precious textile material was now to be transformed into stuff. Of course, Cyrus Harding, having at his disposal neither carters, comers, polishers, stretchers, twisters, mule-genny, nor self-acting machine to spin the wool, nor loom to weave it, was obliged to proceed in a simpler way, so as to do without spinning and weaving. And indeed he proposed to make use of the property which the filaments of wool possess when subjected to a powerful pressure of mixing together, and of manufacturing by this simple process the material called felt. This felt could then be obtained by a simple operation which, if it diminished the flexibility of the stuff, increased its power of retaining heat and proportion. Now the wool furnished by the muslins was composed of very short hairs, and was in a good condition to be felted. The engineer, aided by his companions, including Pencroft, who was once more obliged to leave his boat, commenced the preliminary operations, the subject of which was, to remove the wool of that fat and oily substance with which it is impregnated, and which is called grease. This cleaning was done in vats filled with water, which was maintained at the temperature of seventy degrees, and in which the wool was soaked for four and twenty hours. It was then thoroughly washed in baths of soda, and when sufficiently dried by pressure it was in a state to be compressed, that is to say, to produce a solid material, rough no doubt, and such as would have no value in a manufacturing center of Europe or America, but which would be highly esteemed in the Lincoln Island markets. This sort of material must have been known from the most ancient times, and in fact the first woolen stuffs were manufactured by the process which Harding was now about to employ. Where Harding's engineering qualifications now came into play was in the construction of the machine for pressing the wool, for he knew how to turn ingeniously to profit the mechanical force, hitherto unused, which the waterfall on the beach possessed to move a fulling mill. Nothing could be more rudimentary. The wool was placed in troughs, and upon it fell in turns heavy wooden mallets. Such was the machine in question, and such it had been for centuries until the time when the mallets were replaced by cylinders of compression, and the material was no longer subjected to beating, but to regular rolling. The operation, ably directed by Cyrus Harding, was a complete success. The wool, previously impregnated with a solution of soap, intended on the one hand to facilitate the interlacing, the compression and the softening of the wool, and on the other to prevent its diminution by the beating, issued from the mill in the shape of thick felt cloth. The roughnesses with which the staple of wool is naturally filled were so thoroughly entangled and interlaced together that a material was formed equally suitable either for garments or bed clothes. It was certainly neither merino, muslin, cashmere, rep, satin, alpaca, cloth nor flannel. It was Lincolnian felt, and Lincoln Island possessed yet another manufacture. The colonists had now warm garments and thick bed clothes, and they could without fear await the approach of the winter of 1866-67. The severe cold began to be felt about the twentieth of June, and to his great regret, Pencroft was obliged to suspend his boat-building, which he hoped to finish in time for next spring. The sailor's great idea was to make a voyage of discovery to Tabor Island, although Harding could not approve of a voyage simply for curiosity's sake, for there was evidently nothing to be found on this desert and almost arid rock. A voyage of a hundred and fifty miles in a comparatively small vessel over unknown seas could not but cause him some anxiety. Suppose that their vessel, once out at sea, should be unable to reach Tabor Island and could not return to Lincoln Island, what would become of her in the midst of the Pacific so fruitful of disasters? Harding often talked over this project with Pencroft, and he found him strangely bent upon undertaking this voyage, for which determination he himself could give no sufficient reason. Now, said the engineer one day to him, I must observe, my friend, that after having said so much in praise of Lincoln Island, after having spoken so often of the sorrow you would feel if you were obliged to forsake it, you are the first to wish to leave it. Only to leave it for a few days, replied Pencroft, only for a few days, Captain, time to go and come back and see what that island is like. But it is not nearly as good as Lincoln Island. I know that beforehand. Then why venture there? To know what is going on in Tabor Island. But nothing is going on there. Nothing could happen there. Who knows? And if you are caught in a hurricane? There's no fear of that in the fine season, replied Pencroft. But, Captain, as we must provide against everything, I shall ask your permission to take Herbert only with me on this voyage. Pencroft, replied the engineer, placing his hand on the sailor's shoulder, if any misfortune happens to you or to this lad whom Chance has made our child, do you think we could ever cease to blame ourselves? Captain Harding, replied Pencroft with unshaking confidence, we shall not cause you that sorrow. Besides we will speak further of this voyage when the time comes to make it. And I fancy, when you have seen our tight-rigged little craft, when you have observed how she behaves at sea, when we sail round our island, for we will do so together, I fancy, I say, that you will no longer hesitate to let me go. I don't conceal from you that your boat will be a masterpiece. Say, our boat, at least, Pencroft, replied the engineer, disarmed for the moment. The conversation ended thus to be resumed later on, without convincing either the sailor or the engineer. The first snow fell towards the end of the month of June. The corral had previously been largely supplied with stores, so that daily visits to it were not requisite. But it was decided that more than a week should never be allowed to pass without someone going to it. Traps were again set, and the machines manufactured by Harding were tried. The bent whale-bones, imprisoned in a case of ice, and covered with a thick outer layer of fat, were placed on the border of the forest at a spot where animals usually passed on their way to the lake. To the engineer's great satisfaction, this invention, copied from the Aleutian fisherman, succeeded perfectly. A dozen foxes, a few wild boars, and even a jaguar were taken in this way. The animals being found dead, their stomachs pierced by the unbent bones. An incident here must be related, not only as interesting in itself, but because it was the first attempt made by the colonists to communicate with the rest of mankind. Gideon's spillet had already several times pondered whether to throw into the sea a letter enclosed in a bottle, which currents might perhaps carry to an inhabited coast, or to confide it to pigeons. But how could it be seriously hoped that either pigeons or bottles could cross the distance of twelve hundred miles, which separated the island from any inhabited land? It would have been pure folly. But on the thirtieth of June the capture was effected, not without difficulty, of an albatross, which a shot from Herbert's gun had slightly wounded in the foot. It was a magnificent bird, measuring ten feet from wing to wing, and which could traverse seas as wide as the Pacific. It would have liked to keep this superb bird, as its wound would soon heal, and he thought he could tame it. But Spillet explained to him that he should not neglect this opportunity of attempting to communicate by this messenger with the lands of the Pacific, for if the albatross had come from some inhabited region there was no doubt but that it would return there so soon as it was set free. This in his heart Gideon Spillet, in whom the journalist sometimes came to the service, was not sorry to have the opportunity of sending forth to take its chance an exciting article relating the adventures of the settlers in Lincoln Island. What a success for the authorized reporter of the New York Herald, and for the number which should contain the article. If it should ever reach the address of its editor, the Honorable James Bennett. Spillet then wrote out a concise account, which was placed in a strong waterproof bag, with an earnest request to whoever might find it, to forward it to the office of the New York Herald. This little bag was fastened to the neck of the albatross and not to its foot, for these birds are in the habit of resting on the surface of the sea. Then Liberty was given to this swift courier of the air, and it was not without some emotion that the colonists watched it disappear in the misty west. Where is he going to? asked Pencroft. Towards New Zealand, replied Herbert. A good voyage to you! shouted the sailor, who himself did not expect any great result from this mode of correspondence. With the winter work had been resumed in the interior of Granite House, mending clothes and different occupations, among others making the sails for their vessel, which were cut from the inexhaustible balloon case. During the month of July the cold was intense, but there was no lack of either wood or coal. Cyrus Harding had established a second fireplace in the dining room, and there the long winter evenings were spent. Talking while they worked, reading when the hands remained idle, the time passed with profit to all. It was real enjoyment to the settlers when, in their room, well lighted with candles, well warmed with coal, after a good dinner, elderberry coffee smoking in the cups, the pipes giving forth an odoriferous smoke, they could hear the storm howling without. Their comfort would have been complete, if complete comfort could ever exist for those who are far from their fellow creatures and without any means of communication with them. They often talked of their country, of the friends whom they had left, of the grandeur of the American Republic, whose influence could not but increase. And Cyrus Harding, who had been much mixed up with the affairs of the Union, greatly interested his auditors by his recitals, his views, and his prognostics. It chanced one day that spillet was led to say, But now, my dear Cyrus, all this industrial and commercial movement to which you predict a continual advance, does it not run the danger of being sooner or later completely stopped? Stopped! And by what? By the want of coal, which may justly be called the most precious of minerals. Yes, the most precious indeed, replied the engineer. And it would seem that nature wished to prove that it was so, by making the diamond, which is simply pure carbon crystallized. You don't mean to say, Captain, interrupted Pencroft, that we burn diamonds in our stoves in the shape of coal? No, my friend, replied Harding. However, resumed Gideon's spillet, you do not deny that some day the coal will be entirely consumed? Oh, the veins of coal are still considerable, and the hundred thousand miners who annually extract from them a hundred millions of hundred weights have not nearly exhausted them. With the continuing consumption of coal, replied Gideon's spillet, it can be foreseen that the hundred thousand workmen will soon become two hundred thousand, and that the rate of extraction will be doubled. Doubtless, but after the European mines, which will be soon worked more thoroughly with new machines, the American and Australian mines will for a long time yet provide for the consumption in trade. For how long a time? asked the reporter. For at least two hundred and fifty, or three hundred years. That is reassuring for us, but a bad look-out for our great-grandchildren, observed Pencroft. They will discover something else, said Herbert. It is to be hoped so, answered Spillet, for without coal there would be no machinery, and without machinery there would be no railways, no steamers, no manufactures. Nothing of that which is indispensable to modern civilization. But what will they find, asked Pencroft? Can you guess, Captain? Nearly, my friend. And what will they burn instead of coal? Water, replied Harding. Water, cried Pencroft. Water is fuel for steamers and engines? Water to heat water? Yes, but water decomposed into its primitive elements, replied Saras Harding, and decomposed doubtless by electricity, which will then have become a powerful and manageable force, for all great discoveries by some inexplicable law appear to agree and become complete at the same time. Yes, my friends, I believe that water will one day be employed as fuel. The hydrogen and oxygen which constitute it, use singly or together, will furnish an inexhaustible source of heat and light, of an intensity of which coal is not capable. Some day the coal rooms of steamers and the tenders of locomotives will, instead of coal, be extort with these two condensed gases, which will burn in the furnaces with enormous calorific power. There is therefore nothing to fear. As long as the earth is inhabited, it will supply the wants of its inhabitants, and there will be no want of either light or heat, as long as the productions of the vegetable, mineral, or animal kingdoms do not fail us. I believe, then, that when the deposits of coal are exhausted, we shall heat and warm ourselves with water. Water will be the coal of the future. I should like to see that! observed the sailor. You were born too soon, Pencroft! returned Neb, who only took part in the discussion by these words. However, it was not Neb's speech which interrupted the conversation, but Topsparking, which broke out again with that strange intonation which had before perplexed the engineer. At the same time Topsparking began to run round the mouth of the well, which opened at the extremity of the interior passage. What can Topsparking in that way for? asked Pencroft. And you'd be growling like that! added Herbert. In fact, the Orang, joining the dog, gave unequivocal signs of agitation and singular to say the two animals appeared more uneasy than angry. It is evident, said Gideon Spillet, that this well is in direct communication with the sea, and that some marine animal comes from time to time to breathe at the bottom. That's evident, replied the sailor, and there can be no other explanation to give. Quiet there, Topp! added Pencroft, turning to the dog, and you, Jupe, be off to your room! The ape and the dog were silent. Jupe went off to bed, but Topp remained in the room and continued to utter low growls at intervals during the rest of the evening. There was no further talk on the subject, but the incident, however, clouded the brow of the engineer. During the remainder of the month of July there was alternate rain and frost. The temperature was not so low as during the preceding winter, and its maximum did not exceed eight degrees Fahrenheit. But although this winter was less cold, it was more troubled by storms and squalls. The sea besides often endangered the safety of the chimneys. At times it almost seemed as if an undercurrent raised these monstrous billows which thundered against the wall of Granithouse. When the settlers, leaning from their windows, gazed on the huge watery masses breaking beneath their eyes, they could not but admire the magnificent spectacle of the ocean in its impotent fury. The waves rebounded in dazzling foam, the beach entirely disappearing under the raging flood, and the cliff appearing to emerge from the sea itself, the spray rising to a height of more than a hundred feet. During these storms it was difficult and even dangerous to venture out, owing to the frequently falling trees. However the colonists never allowed a week to pass without having paid a visit to the corral. Happily this enclosure, sheltered by the southeastern spur of Mount Franklin, did not greatly suffer from the violence of the hurricanes which spared its trees, sheds, and palisades. But the poultry yard on Prospect Heights, being directly exposed to the gusts of wind from the east, suffered considerable damage. The pigeon house was twice unroofed and the paling blown down. All this required to be remade more solidly than before, for as may be clearly seen, Lincoln Island was situated in one of the most dangerous parts of the Pacific. It really appeared as if it formed the central point of vast cyclones which beat it perpetually as the whip does the top. Only here it was the top which was motionless and the whip which moved. During the first week of the month of August the weather became more moderate and the atmosphere recovered the calm which it appeared to have lost forever. With the calm the cold again became intense and the thermometer fell to eight degrees Fahrenheit below zero. On the third of August an excursion which had been talked of for several days was made into the southeastern part of the island towards Tadorn Marsh. The hunters were tempted by the aquatic game which took up their winter quarters there. Wild duck, snipe, teal, and grebe abounded there, and it was agreed that a day should be devoted to an expedition against these birds. Not only Gideon Spillett and Herbert, but Pencroft and Nebb also took part in this excursion, Cyrus Harding alone, alleging some work as an excuse, did not join them, but remained at Granite House. The hunters proceeded in the direction of Port Balloon in order to reach the marsh after having promised to be back by the evening. Top and Jupe accompanied them. As soon as they had passed over the Mercy Bridge the engineer raised it and returned, intending to put into execution a project for the performance of which he wished to be alone. Now this project was to minutely explore the interior well, the mouth of which was on a level with the passage of Granite House, and which communicated with the sea, since it formally supplied away to the waters of the lake. Why did Top so often run around this opening? Why did he utter such strange barks when a sort of uneasiness seemed to draw him towards this well? Why did Jupe join Top in a sort of common anxiety? Had this well branches besides the communication with the sea? But it spread towards other parts of the island. This is what Cyrus Harding wished to know. He had resolved, therefore, to attempt the exploration of the well during the absence of his companions, and an opportunity for doing so had now presented itself. It was easy to descend to the bottom of the well by employing the rope ladder which had not been used since the establishment of the lift. The engineer drew the ladder to the hole, the diameter of which measured nearly six feet, and allowed it to unroll itself after having securely fastened its upper extremity. Then having lighted a lantern, taken a revolver, and placed a cutlass in his belt, he began the descent. The sides were everywhere in tire, but points of rock jutted out here and there, and by means of these points it would have been quite possible for an active creature to climb to the mouth of the well. The engineer remarked this, but although he carefully examined these points by the light of his lantern, he could find no impression, no fracture which could give any reason to suppose that they had either recently or at any form or time been used as a staircase. His hearting descended deeper, throwing the light of his lantern on all sides. He saw nothing suspicious. When the engineer had reached the last rounds he came upon the water, which was then perfectly calm. Neither at its level nor in any other part of the well did any passage open which could lead to the interior of the cliff. The wall which hearting struck with the hilt of his cutlass sounded solid. It was compact granite, through which no living being could force away. To arrive at the bottom of the well and then climb up to its mouth it was necessary to pass through the channel under the rocky subsoil of the beach, which placed it in communication with the sea, and this was only possible for marine animals. As to the question of knowing where this channel ended, at what point of the shore, and at what depth beneath the water it could not be answered. Then Cyrus hearting, having ended his survey, reassented, drew up the ladder, covered the mouth of the well, and returned thoughtfully to the dining-room, saying to himself, I have seen nothing, and yet there is something there. In the evening the hunters returned, having enjoyed good sport, and being literally loaded with game. Indeed, they had as much as four men could possibly carry. Top wore a necklace of teal, and jupe wreaths of snipe round his body. Here, master! cried Neb, here's something to employ our time. Preserved and made into pies, we shall have a welcome store. But I must have someone to help me. I count on you, Pencroft. No, Neb, replied the sailor. I have the rigging of the vessel to finish and to look after, and you will have to do without me. And you, Mr. Herbert? I must go to the corral tomorrow, Neb, replied the lad. It will be you then, Mr. Spillett, who will help me? To oblige you, Neb, I will, replied the reporter. But I warn you, that if you disclose your recipes to me, I shall publish them. Whenever you like, Mr. Spillett, replied Neb, whenever you like. And so the next day Gideon Spillett became Neb's assistant, and was installed in his culinary laboratory. The engineer had previously made known to him the result of the exploration which he had made the day before. And on this point the reporter shared Harding's opinion, that although he had found nothing a secret still remained to be discovered. The frost continued for another week, and the settlers did not leave Granite House unless to look after the poultry-yard. The dwelling was filled with appetizing odors, which were emitted from the learned manipulation of Neb and the reporter. But all the results of the chase were not made into preserved provisions, and as the game kept perfectly in the intense cold, Wild Duck and other fowl were eaten fresh, and declared superior to all other aquatic birds in the known world. During this week, Pencroft, aided by Herbert, who handled the sail-maker's needle with much skill, worked with such energy that the sails of the vessel were finished. There was no want of cordage. Thanks to the rigging which had been discovered with the case of the balloon, the ropes and cables from the net were all of good quality, and the sailor turned them all to account. After the sails were attached strong bolt ropes, and there still remained enough from which to make the halyards, shrouds, and sheets, etc. The blocks were manufactured by Cyrus Harding under Pencroft's directions by means of the turning lathe. It therefore happened that the rigging was entirely prepared before the vessel was finished. Pencroft also manufactured a flag—that flag so dear to every true American containing the stars and stripes of their glorious union. The colors for it were supplied from certain plants used in dying, and which were very abundant in the island, only to the thirty-seven stars representing the thirty-seven states of the union which shine on the American flag. The sailor added a thirty-eighth, the star of the State of Lincoln, for he considered his island as already united to the great republic. And, said he, it is so already in heart, if not indeed. In the meantime the flag was hoisted at the central window of Granite House, and the settlers saluted it with three cheers. The cold season was now almost at an end, and it appeared as if this second winter was to pass without any unusual occurrence. When on the night of the eleventh of August the plateau of prospect heights were menaced with complete destruction. After a busy day the colonists were sleeping soundly, when towards four o'clock in the morning they were suddenly awakened by Topp's barking. The dog was not this time barking near the mouth of the well, but at the threshold of the door at which he was scratching as if he wished to burst it open. Jup was also uttering piercing cries. Hello, Topp! cried Neb, who was the first awake, but the dog continued to bark more furiously than ever. What's the matter now? asked Arting. And all dressing in haste rushed to the windows which they opened. Beneath their eyes was spread a sheet of snow which looked gray in the dim light. The settlers could see nothing, but they heard a singular yelping noise away in the darkness. It was evident that the beach had been invaded by a number of animals which could not be seen. What are they? cried Pencroft. Wolves, jaguars, or apes, replied Neb. They have nearly reached the plateau, said the reporter. And our poultry-yard exclaimed Herbert, and our garden. Where can they have crossed? asked Pencroft. They must have crossed the bridge on the shore, replied the engineer, which one of us must have forgotten to close. True, said Spillett, I remember having left it open. A fine job you've made of it, Mr. Spillett! cried the sailor. What is done cannot be undone, replied Cyrus Harding. We must consult what it will now be best to do. Such were the questions and answers which were rapidly exchanged between Harding and his companions. It was certain that the bridge had been crossed, that the shore had been invaded by animals, and that whatever they might be they could, by ascending the left bank of the mercy, reach prospect heights. They must therefore be advanced against quickly and fought with, if necessary. But what are these beasts? was asked a second time, as the yelping's were again heard more loudly than before. These yelps made Herbert start, and he remembered having heard them before, during his first visit to the sources of the Red Creek. Their copios, foxes, he exclaimed. Forward! shouted the sailor, and all arming themselves with hatchets, carbines, and revolvers, threw themselves into the lift and soon set foot on the shore. Copios are dangerous animals, when in great numbers, and irritated by hunger. Nevertheless the colonists did not hesitate to throw themselves into the midst of the troop, and their first shots vividly lighting up the darkness made their assailants draw back. The chief thing was to hinder these plunderers from reaching the plateau, for the garden and the paltry-yard would then have been at their mercy, and immense, perhaps irreparable mischief would inevitably be the result, especially with regard to the cornfield. But as the invasion of the plateau could only be made by the left bank of the mercy, it was sufficient to oppose the copios on the narrow bank between the river and the cliff of Granite. This was plain to all, and by Cyrus Harding's orders they reached the spot indicated by him, while the copios rushed fiercely through the gloom. Harding, Gideon Spillett, Herbert, Pancroft, and Nebb posted themselves in impregnable line. Top, his formidable jaws open, preceded the colonists, and he was followed by Jupe, armed with naughty cudgel, which he brandished like a club. The night was extremely dark. It was only by the flashes from the revolvers as each person fired that they could see the assailants, who were at least a hundred in number, and whose eyes were glowing like hot coals. They must not pass, shouted Pancroft. They shall not pass, returned the engineer. But if they did not pass, it was not for want of having attempted it. Those in the rear pushed on the foremost assailants, and it was an incessant struggle with revolvers and hatchets. Several copios already laid dead on the ground, but their number did not appear to diminish, and it might have been supposed that reinforcements were continually arriving over the bridge. The colonists were soon obliged to fight at close quarters, not without receiving some wounds, although happily very slight ones. Herbert had, with a shot from his revolver, rescued Nebb, on whose back a copio had sprung like a tiger-cat. Top fought with actual fury, flying at the throats of the foxes and strangling them instantaneously. He wielded his weapon valiantly, and it was in vain that they endeavored to keep him in the rear. Endowed doubtless with sight which enabled him to pierce the obscurity, he was always in the thick of the fight, uttering from time to time a sharp hissing sound which was with him the sign of great rejoicing. At one moment he advanced so far, that by the light from a revolver he was seen surrounded by five or six large copios, with whom he was coping with great coolness. However, the struggle was ended at last, and victory was on the side of the settlers, but not until they had fought for two long hours. The first signs of the approach of day doubtless determined the retreat of their assailants, who scampered away towards the north, passing over the bridge, which Nebb ran immediately to raise. When day had sufficiently lighted up the field of battle, the settlers counted as many as fifty dead bodies scattered about on the shore. "'And Jupe!' cried Pancrot. "'Where is Jupe?' Jupe had disappeared. His friend Nebb called him, and for the first time Jupe did not reply to his friend's call. Everyone set out in search of Jupe, trembling lest he should be found among the slain that cleared the place of the bodies which stained the snow with their blood. Jupe was found in the midst of a heap of copios whose broken jaws and crushed bodies show that they had to do with the terrible club of the intrepid animal. Poor Jupe still held in his hand the stump of his broken cudgel, but deprived of his weapon he had been overpowered by numbers, and his chest was covered with severe wounds. "'He's living!' cried Nebb, who was bending over him. "'And we will save him,' replied the sailor. "'We will nurse him as if he was one of ourselves.' It appeared as if Jupe understood, for he leaned his head on Pancrot's shoulder as if to thank him. The sailor was wounded himself, but his wound was insignificant, as were those of his companions, for thanks to their firearms they had been almost always able to keep their assailants at a distance. It was therefore only the orang whose condition was serious. Jupe, carried by Nebb and Pancrot, was placed in the lift and only a slight moan now and then escaped his lips. He was gently drawn up to Granite House. There he was laid on a mattress taken from one of the beds, and his wounds were bathed with the greatest care. It did not appear that any vital part had been reached, but Jupe was very weak from loss of blood, and a high fever soon sat in after his wounds had been dressed. He was laid down. Direct diet was imposed, just like a real person, as Nebb said, and they made him swallow several cups of a cooling drink for which the ingredients were supplied from the vegetable medicine chest of Granite House. Jupe was at first restless, but his breathing gradually became more regular, and he was left sleeping quietly. From time to time, Top, walking on tiptoe, as one might say, came to visit his friend, and seemed to approve of all the care that had been taken of him. One of Jupe's hands hung over the side of his bed, and Top licked it with a sympathizing air. They employed the day in interring the dead, who were dragged to the forest of the far west, and there buried deep. This attack, which might have had such serious consequences, was a lesson to the settlers, who from this time never went to bed until one of their number had made sure that all the bridges were raised and that no invasion was possible. However, Jupe, after having given them serious anxiety for several days, began to recover. His constitution brought him through, the fever gradually subsided, and Gideon Spillett, who was a bit of a doctor, pronounced him quite out of danger. On the sixteenth of August Jupe began to eat. Neb made him nice little sweet dishes, which the invalid devoured with great relish, for if he had a pet failing it was that of being somewhat of a gourmand, and Neb had never done anything to cure him of this fault. "'What would you have?' said he to Gideon Spillett, who sometimes expostulated with him for spoiling the ape. "'Poor Jupe has no other pleasure than that of the pallet, and I am only too glad to be able to reward his services in this way.' Ten days after having taken to his bed, on the twenty-first of August, Master Jupe arose. His wounds were healed, and it was evident that he would not be long in regaining his usual strength and agility. Like all convalescence he was tremendously hungry, and the reporter allowed him to eat as much as he liked, for he trusted to that instinct, which is too often wanting and reasoning beings, to keep the orang from any excess. Neb was delighted to see his pupil's appetite returning. "'Eat away, my Jupe,' said he, "'and don't spare anything. You have shed your blood for us, and it is the least I can do to make you strong again.' On the twenty-fifth of August Neb's voice was heard calling to his companions. "'Captain, Mr. Spillett, Mr. Herbert, Pencroft, come, come!' The colonists who were together in the dining-room rose at Neb's call, who was then in Jupe's room. "'What's the matter?' asked the reporter. "'Look!' replied Neb with a shout of laughter. "'And what did they see? Master Jupe smoking calmly and seriously, sitting cross-legged like a Turk at the entrance to Granite House. "'My pipe!' cried Pencroft. "'He has taken my pipe. "'Hello, my honest Jupe. I make you a present of it. Smoke away, old boy. Smoke away!' And Jupe gravely puffed out clouds of smoke, which seemed to give him great satisfaction. Harding did not appear to be much astonished at this incident, and he cited several examples of tame apes to whom the use of tobacco had become quite familiar. From this day Master Jupe had a pipe of his own, the sailor's X-pipe, which was hung in his room near his store of tobacco. He filled it himself, lighted it with a glowing coal, and appeared to be the happiest of Quadramana. It may readily be understood that this similarity of tastes of Jupe and Pencroft served to tighten the bonds of friendship which already existed between the honest ape and the worthy sailor. "'Perhaps he's really a man,' said Pencroft, sometimes to Neb. "'Should you be surprised to hear him beginning to speak to us some day?' "'My word, no,' replied Neb. "'What astonishes me is that he hasn't spoken to us before. For now he wants nothing but speech.' "'It would amuse me all the same,' resumed the sailor. "'It's some fine day, he said to me. Suppose we change pipes, Pencroft?' "'Yes,' replied Neb. "'What a pity he was born dumb!' With the month of September the winter ended, and the works were again eagerly commenced. The building of the vessel advanced rapidly, she was already completely decked over, and all the inside parts of the hall were firmly united with ribs bent by means of steam which answered all the purposes of a mould. As there was no want of wood, Pencroft proposed to the engineer to give a double lining to the hall to ensure the strength of the vessel. Harding, not knowing what the future might have in store for them, approved the sailor's idea of making the craft as strong as possible. The interior and deck of the vessel was entirely finished towards the fifteenth of September. For caulking the seams they made oakum of dry seaweed which was hammered in between the planks. Then these seams were covered with boiling tar, which was obtained in great abundance from the pines in the forest. The management of the vessel was very simple. She had from the first been ballasted with heavy blocks of granite walled up in a bed of lime, twelve thousand pounds of which they stowed away. A deck was placed over this ballast, and the interior was divided into two cabins, two benches extended along them, and served also as lockers. The foot of the mast supported the partition which separated the two cabins, which were reached by two hatchways let into the deck. Pencroft had no trouble in finding a tree suitable for the mast. He chose a straight young fir with no knots, and which he had only to square at the step and round off at the top. The ironwork of the mast, the rudder and the hull, had been roughly but strongly foraged at the chimneys. Lastly, yards, masts, boom, spars, oars, etc., were all finished by the first week in October, and it was agreed that a trial trip should be taken round the island so as to ascertain how the vessel would behave at sea and how far they might depend upon her. During all this time the necessary works had not been neglected. The corral was enlarged, for the flock of musmans and goats had been increased by a number of young ones who had to be housed and fed. The colonists had paid visits also to the oyster bed, the warren, the coal and iron mines, and to the till then unexplored districts of the far west forest which abounded in game. Certain indigenous plants were discovered, and those fit for immediate use contributed to vary the vegetable stores of Granite House. They were a species of ficowide, some similar to those of the Cape, with eatable fleshy leaves, others bearing seeds containing a sort of flower. On the 10th of October the vessel was launched. Pancroft was radiant with joy. The operation was perfectly successful. The boat completely rigged, having been pushed on rollers to the water's edge, was floated by the rising tide amid the cheers of the colonists, particularly of Pancroft, who showed no modesty on this occasion. Besides his importance was to last beyond the finishing of the vessel since, after having built her, he was to command her. The grade of captain was bestowed upon him with the approbation of all. To satisfy Captain Pancroft it was now necessary to give a name to the vessel, and after many propositions had been discussed, the votes were all in favor of the Bonaventure. As soon as the Bonaventure had been lifted by the rising tide, it was seen that she lay evenly in the water and would be easily navigated. However, the trial trip was to be made that very day by an excursion off the coast. The weather was fine, the breeze fresh, and the sea smooth, especially towards the south coast, for the wind was blowing from the northwest. All hands on board! shouted Pancroft, but breakfast was first necessary, and it was thought best to take provisions on board in the event of their excursion being prolonged until the evening. Cyrus Harding was equally anxious to try the vessel, the model of which had originated with him, although in the sailor's advice he had altered some parts of it, but he did not share Pancroft's confidence in her, and as the latter had not again spoken of the voyage to Tavor Island, Harding hoped he had given it up. He would have indeed great reluctance in letting two or three of his companions venture so far in so small a boat, which was not of more than fifteen tons burden. At half-past ten everybody was on board, even top and juke, and Herbert waved the anchor, which was fast in the sand near the mouth of the mercy. The sail was hoisted, the Lincolnian flag floated from the mast-head, and the bonadventure, steered by Pancroft, stood out to sea. The wind blowing out of Union Bay, she ran before it, and thus showed her owners, much to their satisfaction, that she possessed a remarkably fast pair of heels, according to Pancroft's mode of speaking. After having doubled flotsam point in Claw Cape, the captain kept her close hauled so as to sail along the southern coast of the island, when it was found she sailed admirably within five points of the wind. All hands were enchanted, they had a good vessel, which, in case of need, would be of great service to them, and with fine weather and a fresh breeze the voyage promised to be charming. Pancroft now stood off the shore three or four miles across from Port Balloon. The island then appeared in all its extent and under a new aspect, with a varied panorama of its shore from Claw Cape to Reptile End, the forests in which dark firs contrasted with the young foliage of other trees, and overlooked the whole, and Mount Franklin, whose lofty head was still whitened with snow. How beautiful it is! cried Herbert. Yes, our island is beautiful and good! replied Pancroft. I love it as I love my poor mother. It received us poor and destitute, and now what is wanting for us five fellows who fell on it from the sky? Nothing! replied Ned. Nothing, Captain! And the two brave men gave three tremendous cheers in honour of their island. During all this time Gideon Spillett, leaning against the mast, sketched the panorama which was developed before his eyes. Cyrus Harding gazed on it in silence. Well, Captain Harding, asked Pancroft, what do you think of our vessel? She appears to behave well, replied the engineer. Good! And do you think now that she could undertake a voyage of some extent? What voyage, Pancroft? One to Table Island, for instance. My friend replied Harding, I think that in any pressing emergency we'd need not hesitate to trust ourselves to the Bon Adventure even for a longer voyage. But you know I should see you set off to Table Island with great uneasiness, since nothing obliges you to go there. One likes to know one's neighbours, returned the sailor who was obstinate in his idea. Table Island is our neighbour, and the only one. Politeness requires us to go at least to pay a visit. My Joe, said Spillett, our friend Pancroft has become very particular about the proprieties all at once. I am not particular about anything at all, retorted the sailor, who was rather vexed by the engineer's opposition, but who did not wish to cause him anxiety. Consider, Pancroft, resumed Harding, you cannot go alone to Table Island. One companion will be enough for me. Even so, replied the engineer, you will risk depriving the colony of Lincoln Island of two settlers out of five. Out of six, replied Pancroft. You forget, Jupe. Out of seven, added Neb, top is quite worth another. There is no risk at all in it, Captain, replied Pancroft. That is possible, Pancroft, but I repeat it is to expose ourselves uselessly. The obstinate sailor did not reply, and let the conversation drop, quite determined to resume it again. But he did not suspect that an incident would come to his aid and change into an act of humanity that which was at first only a doubtful whim. After standing off the shore, the Bonaventure again approached it in the direction of Port Balloon. It was important to ascertain the channels between the sandbanks and reefs that buoys might be laid down since this little creek was to be the harbor. They were not more than half a mile from the coast, and it was necessary to tack to beat against the wind. The Bonaventure was then going at a very moderate rate, as the breeze, partly intercepted by the high land, scarcely swelled her sails, and the sea, smooth as glass, was only rippled now and then by passing gusts. Herbert had stationed himself in the boughs that he might indicate the course to be followed among the channels when all it once he shouted, Lough, Pancroft, Lough! What's the matter? replied the sailor. A rock? No. Wait! said Herbert. I don't quite see. Lough again. Right now. So saying, Herbert, leaning over the side, plunged his arm into the water and pulled it out, exclaiming, A bottle! He held in his hand a corked bottle which he had just seized a few cables length from the shore. Cyrus Harding took the bottle. Without uttering a single word he drew the cork, and took from it a damp paper on which were written these words. Castaway, Tabor Island, 153 degrees west longitude, 37 degrees, 11 minutes south latitude. 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 2, Chapter 13. A castaway, exclaimed Pancroft, left on this Tabor Island not two hundred miles from us. Ah, Captain Harding, you won't now oppose my going. No, Pancroft, replied Cyrus Harding, and you shall set out as soon as possible. Tomorrow? Tomorrow. The engineer still held in his hand the paper which he had taken from the bottle. He contemplated it for some instance, then resumed. From this document, my friends, from the way in which it is worded, we may conclude this. That the castaway on Tabor Island is a man possessing a considerable knowledge of navigation, since he gives the latitude and longitude of the island exactly as we ourselves found it. And to a second of approximation. Secondly, that he is either English or American, as the document is written in the English language. That is perfectly logical, answered Spillett. And the presence of this castaway explains the arrival of the case on the shores of our island. There must have been a wreck since there is a castaway. As to the latter, whoever he may be, it is lucky for him that Pancroft thought of building this boat and of trying her this very day, for a day later and this bottle might have been broken on the rocks. Indeed, said Herbert, it is a fortunate chance that the Bonaventure passed exactly where the bottle was still floating. Does this not appear strange to you, asked Harding of Pancroft? It appears fortunate, that's all, answered the sailor. Do you see anything extraordinary in it, Captain? The bottle must go somewhere, and why not here, as well as anywhere else? Perhaps you are right, Pancroft, replied the engineer, and yet. But, observed Herbert, there's nothing to prove that this bottle has been floating long in the sea. Harding, replied Gideon Spillett, and the document appears even to have been recently written. What do you think about it, Cyrus? During this conversation Pancroft had not remained inactive. He had put the vessel about, and the Bonaventure, all sail set, was running rapidly towards Claw Cape. Everyone was thinking of the castaway on Table Island. Should they be in time to save him? This was a great event in the life of the colonists. They themselves were but castaways, but it was to be feared that another might not have been so fortunate, and their duty was to go to his sucker. Claw Cape was doubled, and about four o'clock the Bonaventure dropped her anchor at the mouth of the mercy. That same evening the arrangements for the new expedition were made. It appeared best that Pancroft and Herbert, who knew how to work the vessel, should undertake the voyage alone. By setting out the next day, the tenth of October, they would arrive on the thirteenth, for with the present wind it would not take more than forty-eight hours to make this passage of a hundred and fifty miles. One day in the island, three or four to return, they might hope therefore that on the seventeenth they would again reach Lincoln Island. The weather was fine, the barometer was rising, the wind appeared settled. Everything then was in favor of these brave men whom an act of humanity was taking far from their island. Thus it had been agreed that Cyrus Harding, Neb and Gideon Spillett, should remain at Granite House. But an objection was raised, and Spillett, who had not forgotten his business as reported to the New York Herald, having declared that he would go by swimming rather than lose such an opportunity, he was admitted to take apart in the voyage. The evening was occupied in transporting on board the Bon Adventure, articles of bedding, utensils, arms, ammunition, a compass, provisions for a week, this being rapidly done, the colonists ascended to Granite House. The next day, at five o'clock in the morning, the farewells were set, not without some emotion on both sides, and the Pancroft setting sail made towards Claw Cape, which had to be doubled in order to proceed to the south-west. The Bon Adventure was already a quarter of a mile from the coast when the passengers perceived on the heights of Granite House two men waving their farewells, they were Cyrus Harding and Neb. Our friends exclaimed, Spillett, this is our first separation in fifteen months. Pancroft, the reporter and Herbert, waved in return, and Granite House soon disappeared behind the high rocks of the Cape. During the first part of the day the Bon Adventure was still in sight of the southern coast of Lincoln Island, which soon appeared just like a green basket with Mount Franklin rising from the center. The heights, diminished by distance, did not present an appearance likely to tempt vessels to touch there. The farewell end was passed in about an hour, though at a distance of about ten miles. At this distance it was no longer possible to distinguish anything of the western coast, which stretched away to the ridges of Mount Franklin, and three hours after the last of Lincoln Island sank below the horizon. The Bon Adventure behaved capitally. Bounding over the waves, she proceeded rapidly on her course. Herbert had hoisted the foresail, and steering by the compass followed a rectilinear direction. From time to time Herbert relieved him at the helm, and the lad's hand was so firm that the sailor had not a point to find fault with. Gideon Spillett chatted sometimes with one, sometimes with the other. If wanted he lent a hand with the ropes, and Captain Pancroft was perfectly satisfied with his crew. In the evening the crescent moon, which would not be in its first quarter until the sixteenth, appeared in the twilight and soon set again. The night was dark but starry, and the next day again promised to be fine. Pancroft prudently lowered the foresail, not wishing to be caught by a sudden gust while carrying too much canvas. It was perhaps an unnecessary precaution on such a calm night, but Pancroft was a prudent sailor, and cannot be blamed for it. The reporter slipped part of the night. Pancroft and Herbert took turns for a spell of two hours each at the helm. The sailor trusted Herbert as he would himself, and his confidence was justified by the coolness and judgment of the lad. Pancroft gave him his directions as a commander to his steersman, and Herbert never allowed the Bonaventure to swerve even a point. The night passed quickly, as did the day of the twelfth of October. A south-easterly direction was strictly maintained. Unless the Bonaventure fell in with some unknown current, she would come exactly within sight of Tabor Island. As to the sea over which the vessel was then sailing, it was absolutely deserted. Now and then a great albatross, or frigate bird, passed within gun-shot, and Gideon's fillet wondered if it was to one of them that he had confided his last letter addressed to the New York Herald. These birds were the only beings that appeared to frequent this part of the ocean between Tabor and Lincoln Islands. And yet, observed Herbert, this is the time that whalers usually proceed towards the southern part of the Pacific. Indeed, I do not think there could be a more deserted sea than this. It is not quite so deserted as all that, replied Pencroft. What do you mean?" asked the reporter. We are on it. Do you take our vessel for a wreck and us for purposes?" And Pencroft laughed at his joke. By the evening, according to calculation, it was thought that the Bonaventure had accomplished a distance of 120 miles since her departure from Lincoln Island, that is to say, in thirty-six hours, which would give her a speed of between three and four knots an hour. The breeze was very slight and might soon drop altogether. However, it was hoped that the next morning, by break of day, if the calculation had been correct and the course true, they would sight Tabor Island. Neither Gideon's fillet, Herbert nor Pencroft, slept that night. In the expectation of the next day they could not but feel some emotion. There was so much uncertainty in their enterprise. Were they near Tabor Island? Was the island still inhabited by the castaway to whose sucker they had come? Who was this man? Would not his presence disturb the little colony till then so united? Besides, would he be content to exchange his prison for another? All these questions, which would no doubt be answered the next day, kept them in suspense, and at the dawn of day they all fixed their gaze on the western horizon. Land! shouted Pencroft at about six o'clock in the morning. And it was impossible that Pencroft should be mistaken. It was evident that land was there. Imagine the joy of the little crew of the Bonadventure. In a few hours they would land on the beach of the island. The low coast of Tabor Island, scarcely emerging from the sea, was not more than fifteen miles distant. The head of the Bonadventure, which was a little to the south of the island, was set directly towards it, and as the sun mounted in the east its rays fell upon one or two headlands. This is a much less important isle than Lincoln Island, observed Herbert, and is probably due like ours to some submarine convulsion. At eleven o'clock the Bonadventure was not more than two miles off, and Pencroft, while looking for a suitable place at which to land, proceeded very cautiously through the unknown waters. The whole of the island could now be surveyed, and on it could be seen groups of gum and other large trees, of the same species as those growing on Lincoln Island. But the astonishing thing was that no smoke arose to show that the island was inhabited, no signal whatever appeared on the shore. And yet the document was clear enough there was a castaway, and this castaway should have been on the watch. In the meanwhile the Bonadventure entered the winding channels among the reefs, and Pencroft observed every turn with extreme care. He had put Herbert at the helm, posting himself in the boughs, inspecting the water, while he held the halyard in his hand, ready to lower the sail at a moment's notice. The Indian spillet with his glass eagerly scanned the shore, though without perceiving anything. However, at about twelve o'clock the keel of the Bonadventure grated on the bottom. The anchor was let go, the sails furrowed, and the crew of the little vessel landed. And there was no reason to doubt that this was Table Island, since according to the most recent charts there was no island in this part of the Pacific between New Zealand and the American coast. The vessel was securely moored, so that there should be no danger of her being carried away by the receding tide. Then Pencroft and his companions, well armed, ascended the shore, so as to gain an elevation of about two hundred and fifty or three hundred feet, which rose at a distance of half a mile. From the summit of that hill, said Spillet, we can no doubt obtain a complete view of the island, which will greatly facilitate our search. So as to do here, replied Herbert, that which Captain Harding did the very first thing on Lincoln Island by climbing Mount Franklin. Exactly so, answered the reporter, and it is the best plan. While this talking the explorers had advanced along a clearing which terminated at the foot of the hill, flocks of rock pigeons and sea swallows, similar to those of Lincoln Island, fluttered around them. Under the woods which skirted the glade on the left they could hear the bushes rustling and see the grass waving, which indicated the presence of timid animals. But still nothing to show that the island was inhabited. Arrived at the foot of the hill, Pencroft, Spillet and Herbert climbed it in a few minutes, and gazed anxiously round the horizon. They were on an islet, which did not measure more than six miles in circumference. It shaped not much bordered by capes or promontories, bays or creeks, being a lengthened oval. All around the lonely sea extended to the limits of the horizon. No land nor even a sail was in sight. This woody islet did not offer the varied aspects of Lincoln Island, arid and wild in one part, but fertile and rich in the other. On the contrary this was a uniform mass of verdure, out of which rose two or three hills of no great height. Obliquely to the oval of the island ran a stream through a wide meadow falling into the sea on the west by a narrow mouth. The domain is limited, said Herbert. Yes, rejoined Pencroft. It would have been too small for us. And moreover, said the reporter, it appears to be uninhabited. Indeed, answered Herbert, nothing here betrays the presence of man. Let us go down, said Pencroft, and search. The sailor and his two companions returned to the shore, to place where they had left the Bonadventure. They had decided to make the tour of the island on foot, before exploring the interior, so that not a spot should escape their investigations. The beach was easy to follow, and only in some places was their way barred by large rocks, which however they easily passed around. The explorers proceeded towards the south, disturbing numerous flocks of sea-birds and herds of seals which threw themselves into the sea as soon as they saw the strangers at a distance. Those beasts yonder, observed the reporter, do not see men for the first time. They fear them, therefore they must know them. An hour after their departure they arrived on the southern port of the islet, terminated by a sharp cape, and proceeded towards the north along the western coast, equally formed by sand and rocks, the background bordered with thick woods. There was not a trace of a habitation in any part, not the print of a human foot on the shore of the island, which after four hours walking had gone completely round. It was to say the lease very extraordinary, and they were compelled to believe the Table Island was not or was no longer inhabited. Thus after all the document was already several months or several years old, and it was possible, in this case, either that the castaway had been enabled to return to his country or that he had died of misery. Pencro, Spillet, and Herbert, forming more or less probable conjectures, dined rapidly on board the Bonaventure, so as to be able to continue their excursion until nightfall. This was done at five o'clock in the evening, at which hour they entered the wood. Numerous animals fled at their approach, being principally, one might say, only goats and pigs, which were obviously European species. Doubtless some whaler had landed them on the island, where they had rapidly increased. Herbert resolved to catch one or two living and take them back to Lincoln Island. It was no longer doubtful that men at some period or other had visited this islet, and this became still more evident when paths appeared trodden through the forest, felled trees, and everywhere traces of the hand of man. But the trees were becoming rotten, and had been felled many years ago. The marks of the axe were velveted with moss, and the grass grew long and thick on the paths, so that it was difficult to find them. But, observed Gideon Spillet, this not only proves that men have landed on the island, but also that they lived on it for some time. Now who were these men? How many of them remain? The document, said Herbert, only spoke of one cast away. Well, if he is still on the island, replied Pencroft, it is impossible but that we shall find him. The exploration was continued. The sailor and his companions naturally followed the route which cut diagonally across the island, and they were thus obliged to follow the stream which flowed towards the sea. If the animals of European origin, if works due to a human hand showed incontestably that men had already visited the island, several specimens of the vegetable kingdom did not prove it less. In some places, in the midst of clearings, it was evident that the soil had been planted with culinary plants at probably the same distant period. What then was Herbert's joy when he recognized potatoes, chicory, sorrel, carrots, cabbages, and turnips, of which it was sufficient to collect the seed to enrich the soil of Lincoln Island? Capital, jolly! exclaimed Pencroft. That will suit Neb as well as us. Even if we do not find the cast away, at least our voyage will not have been useless, and God will have rewarded us. This replied Gideon Spillett. But to see the state in which we find these plantations, it is to be feared that the island has not been inhabited for some time. Indeed! answered Herbert, an inhabitant, whoever he was, could not have neglected such an important culture. Yes, said Pencroft, the cast away is gone. We must suppose so. It must then be admitted that the document has already a distant date? Evidently. And that the bottle only arrived at Lincoln Island after having floated and seen a long time. Why not? returned Pencroft. But night is coming on, added he, and I think that it will be best to give up the search for the present. Let us go on board, and to-morrow we will begin again. said the reporter. This was the wisest course, and it was about to be followed when Herbert, pointing to a confused mass among the trees, exclaimed, Ah, hut! All three immediately ran towards the dwelling. In the twilight it was just possible to see that it was built of planks and covered with a thick tarpaulin. The half-closed door was pushed open by Pencroft, who entered with a rapid step. The hut was empty. 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 II, Chapter XIV. Pencroft, Herbert, and Gideon's spillet remained silent in the midst of the darkness. Pencroft shouted loudly. No reply was made. The sailor then struck a light and set fire to a twig. This lighted for a minute a small room which appeared perfectly empty. At the back was a rude fireplace, with a few cold cinders, supporting an armful of dry wood. Pencroft threw the blazing twig on it, the wood crackled and gave forth a bright light. The sailor and his two companions then perceived a disordered bed, of which the damp and yellow coverlets proved that it had not been used for a long time. In the corner of the fireplace were two kettles, covered with rust and an overthrown pot. A cupboard with a few moldy sailor's clothes, on the table a tin plate and a Bible, heathen away by damp. In a corner a few tools, a spade, pickaxe, two fouling pieces, one of which was broken. On a plank forming a shelf stood a barrel of powder, still untouched, a barrel of shot, and several boxes of caps, all thickly covered with dust, accumulated perhaps by many long years. "'There's no one here,' said the reporter. "'No one,' replied Pencroft. "'It is a long time since this room has been inhabited,' observed Herbert. "'Yes, a very long time,' answered the reporter. "'Mr. Spillett,' then said Pencroft, "'instead of returning on board, I think it would be well to pass the night in this hut.' "'You are right, Pencroft,' answered Gideon Spillett. And if its owner returns, well, perhaps he will not be sorry to find the place taken possession of.' "'He will not return,' said the sailor, shaking his head. "'You think that he has quitted the island?' asked the reporter. "'If he has quitted the island, he would have taken away his weapons and his tools,' replied Pencroft. "'You know the value which Castaway set on such articles as these? The last remains of a wreck?' "'No, no,' repeated the sailor, in a tone of conviction. "'No, he has not left the island. If he had escaped in a boat made by himself, he would still less have left these indispensable and necessary articles. No, he is on the island.' "'Living?' asked Herbert. "'Living or dead? But if he is dead, I suppose he has not buried himself, and so we shall at least find his remains.' It was then agreed that the night should be passed in the deserted dwelling, and a store of wood found in a corner was sufficient to warm it. The door closed. Pencroft, Herbert, and Spillett remained there, seated on a bench, talking little but wondering much. They were in a frame of mind to imagine anything or expect anything. They listened eagerly for sounds outside. The door might be open suddenly, and a man presented himself to them without their being in the least surprised, notwithstanding all that the hut revealed of abandonment, and they had their hands ready to press the hands of this man, this Castaway, this unknown friend, for whom friends were waiting. But no voice was heard. The door did not open. The hours thus passed away. How long the night appeared to the sailor and his companions! Herbert alone slept for two hours, for at his age sleep is a necessity. They were all three anxious to continue their exploration of the day before and to search the most secret recesses of the islet. The inferences deduced by Pencroft were perfectly reasonable, and it was nearly certain that, as the hut was deserted, and the tools, utensils, and weapons were still there, the owner had succumbed. It was agreed, therefore, that they should search for his remains and give them at least Christian burial. Day dawned, Pencroft and his companions immediately proceeded to survey the dwelling. It had certainly been built in a favourable situation, at the back of a little hill, sheltered by five or six magnificent gum-trees. Before its front and through the trees the axe had prepared a wide clearing, which allowed the view to extend to the sea. Beyond a lawn, surrounded by a wooden fence falling to pieces, was the shore, on the left of which was the mouth of the stream. The hut had been made of planks, and it was easy to see that these planks had been obtained from the hull or deck of a ship. It was probable that a disabled vessel had been cast on the coast of the island, that one at least of the crew had been saved, and that by means of the wreck this man, having tools at his disposal, had built the dwelling. And this became still more evident when Gideon's pellet, after having walked around the hut, saw on a plank, probably one of those which had formed the armour of the wrecked vessel, these letters already half effaced, B-R, space, T-A-N, more space, A. Britannia exclaimed Pencroft, whom the reporter had called, it is a common name for ships, and I could not say if she was English or American. It matters very little, Pencroft. Very little indeed, answered the sailor, and we will save the survivor of her crew if he is still living, to whatever country he may belong. But before beginning our search again, let us go on board the Bon Adventure. A sort of uneasiness had seized Pencroft upon the subject of his vessel. Should the island be inhabited after all? And should someone have taken possession of her? But he shrugged his shoulders at such an unreasonable supposition. At any rate the sailor was not sorry to go to breakfast on board. The road already trodden was not long, scarcely a mile. They set out on their walk, gazing into the wood and thickets through which goats and pigs fled in hundreds. Twenty minutes after leaving the hut, Pencroft and his companions reached the western coast of the island, and saw the Bon Adventure held fast by her anchor, which was buried deep in the sand. Pencroft could not restrain a sigh of satisfaction. After all, this vessel was his child, and it is the right of fathers to be often uneasy when there is no occasion for it. They returned on board, breakfasted, so that it should not be necessary to dine until very late. Then the repast being ended, the exploration was continued and conducted with the most minute care. Indeed it was very probable that the only inhabitant of the island had perished. It was therefore more for the traces of a dead than of a living man that Pencroft and his companions searched. But their searches were vain, and during the half of that day they sought to no purpose among the thickets of trees which covered the island. There was then scarcely any doubt that, if the castaway was dead, no trace of his body now remained, but that some wild beast had probably devoured it to the last bone. We will set off to-morrow at daybreak, said Pencroft to his two companions, as about two o'clock they were resting for a few minutes under the shade of a clump of furs. I should think that we might, without scruple, take the utensils which belonged to the castaway, and at Herbert. I think so too. Return giddy and spill it, and these arms and tools will make up the stores of Granite House. The supply of powder and shot is also most important. Yes, replied Pencroft, but we must not forget to capture a couple or two of these pigs of which Lincoln Island is destitute. Nor to gather those seeds, added Herbert, which will give us all the vegetables of the old and the new worlds. Then perhaps it would be best, said the reporter, to remain a day longer on Table Island so as to collect all that may be useful to us. No, Mr. Spillett, answered Pencroft. I will ask you to set off to-morrow at daybreak. The wind seems to me to be likely to shift to the west, and after having had a fair wind for coming we shall have a fair wind for going back. Then do not let us lose time, said Herbert, rising. We won't waste time, returned Pencroft. You, Herbert, go and gather the seeds, which you know better than we do. While you do that, Mr. Spillett and I will go and have a pig-hunt, and even without top I hope we shall manage to catch a few. Herbert accordingly took the path which led towards the cultivated part of the islet, while the sailor and the reporter entered the forest. Many specimens of the poor sign race fled before them, and these animals which were singularly active, did not appear to be in a humor to allow themselves to be approached. However, after an hour's chase, the hunters had just managed to get hold of a couple lying in a thicket, when cries were heard resounding for the north part of the island, where the cries were mingled terrible yells in which there was nothing human. Pencroft and Gideon Spillett were at once on their feet, and the pigs by this movement began to run away, at the moment when the sailor was getting ready the rope to bind them. "'That's Herbert's voice,' said the reporter. "'Run!' exclaimed Pencroft, and the sailor and Spillett immediately ran at full speed towards the spot from whence the cries proceeded. They did well to hasten, for at a turn of the path, near a clearing, they saw the lad thrown on the ground, and in the grasp of a savage being, apparently a gigantic ape who was about to do him some great harm. To rush on this monster, throw him on the ground in his turn, snatch Herbert from him, then bind him securely, was the work of a minute for Pencroft and Gideon Spillett. The sailor was of Herculean strength, the reporter also very powerful, and in spite of the monster's resistance he was firmly tied so that he could not even move. "'You are not hurt, Herbert?' asked Spillett. "'No. No.' "'Oh, if this ape had wounded him!' exclaimed Pencroft. "'But he is not an ape!' answered Herbert. At these words Pencroft and Gideon Spillett looked at the singular being who lay on the ground. Indeed it was not an ape. It was a human being, a man. But what a man! A savage in all the horrible acceptation of the word, and so much the more frightful that he seemed to fall into the lowest degree of brutishness. Shaggy hair, untrimmed beard descending to the chest, the body almost naked except the rag round the waist, wild eyes, enormous hands with immensely long nails, skin the color of mahogany, feet as hard as if made of horn. Such was the miserable creature who yet had a claim to be called a man. But it might justly be asked if there was yet a soul in this body, or if the brute instinct alone survived in it. "'Are you quite sure that this is a man, or that he has ever been one?' said Pencroft to the reporter. "'Alas, there is no doubt about it,' replied Spillett. "'Then this must be the cast away?' asked Herbert. "'Yes,' replied Gideon Spillett. "'But the unfortunate man has no longer anything human about him.' The reporter spoke the truth. It was evident that if the cast away had ever been a civilized being, solitude had made him a savage, or worse, perhaps the regular man of the woods. Horse sounds issued from his throat between his teeth, which were sharp as the teeth of a wild beast made to tear raw flesh. Memory must have deserted him long before, and for a long time also he had forgotten how to use his gun and tools, and he no longer knew how to make a fire. It could be seen that he was active and powerful, but the physical qualities had been developed in him to the injury of the moral qualities. Gideon Spillett spoke to him. He did not appear to understand or even to hear, and yet on looking into his eyes the reporter thought he could see that all reason was not extinguished in him. However, the prisoner did not struggle, nor even attempt to break his bonds. Perhaps he overwhelmed by the presence of men whose fellow he had once been. Had he found in some corner of his brain a fleeting remembrance which recalled him to humanity? If free, would he attempt to fly, or would he remain? They could not tell, but they did not make the experiment, and after gazing attentively at the miserable creature. Whoever he may be, remarked Gideon Spillett, whoever he may have been, and whatever he may become, it is our duty to take him with us to Lincoln Island. Yes, yes, replied Herbert, and perhaps with care we may arouse in him some gleam of intelligence. The soul does not die, said the reporter, and it would be a great satisfaction to rescue one of God's creatures from brutishness. Pancroft shook his head doubtfully. We must try at any rate, returned the reporter. Humanity commands us. It was indeed their duty as Christians and civilized beings. All three felt this, and they well knew that Cyrus Harding would approve of their acting thus. Shall we leave him bound? asked the sailor. Perhaps he would walk if his feet were unfastened, said Herbert. Let us try, replied Pancroft. The cords which shackled the prisoner's feet were cut off, but his arms remained securely fastened. He got up by himself and did not manifest any desire to run away. His hard eyes darted a piercing glance at the three men who walked near him, but nothing denoted that he recollected being their fellow, or at least having been so. A continual hissing sound issued from his lips. His aspect was wild, but he did not attempt to resist. By the reporter's advice the unfortunate man was taken to the hut. Perhaps the sight of the things that belonged to him would make some impression on him. Perhaps a spark would be sufficient to revive his obscured intellect, to rekindle his dulled soul. The dwelling was not far off. In a few minutes they arrived there. The prisoner remembered nothing, and it appeared that he had lost consciousness of everything. What could they think of the degree of brutishness into which this miserable being had fallen, unless that his imprisonment on the island dated from a very distant period, and after having arrived there a rational being solitude had reduced him to this condition? The reporter then thought that perhaps the sight of fire would have some effect on him, and in a moment one of those beautiful flames that attract even animals blazed up on the hearth. The sight of the flame seemed at first to fix the attention of the unhappy object, but soon he turned away, and the look of intelligence faded. Evidently there was nothing to be done, for the time at least, but to take him on board the Bonaventure. This was done, and he remained there in Pencroft's charge. But in Spillett returned to finish their work, and some hours after they came back to the shore, carrying the utensils and guns, a store of vegetables, of seeds, some game, and two couple of pigs. All was embarked, and the Bonaventure was ready to weigh anchor and sail with the morning tide. The prisoner had been placed in the fore cabin, where he remained quiet, silent, apparently deaf and dumb. Herbert offered him something to eat, but he pushed away the cooked meat that was presented to him, and which doubtless did not suit him. But on the sailor showing him one of the ducks which Herbert had killed he pounced on it like a wild beast, and devoured it greedily. You think that he will recover his senses? Asked Pencroft. It is not impossible that our care will have an effect upon him, for it is solitude that has made him what he is, and from this time forward he will be no longer alone. The poor man must no doubt have been in this state for a long time, said Herbert. Perhaps. Answered Gideon Spillett. About what age is he? asked the lad. It is difficult to say, replied the reporter, for it is impossible to see his features under the thick beard which covers his face, but he is no longer young, and I suppose he might be about fifty. Have you noticed, Mr. Spillett, how deeply sunk his eyes are? asked Herbert. Yes, Herbert, but I must add that they are more human than one could expect from his appearance. However we shall see, replied Pencroft, and I am anxious to know what opinion Captain Harding will have of our savage. We went to look for a human creature, and we are bringing back a monster. After all, we did what we could. The night passed, and whether the prisoner slept or not could not be known, but at any rate, although he had been unbound he did not move. He was like a wild animal, which appears stunned at first by its capture, and becomes wild again afterwards. That daybreak the next morning, the fifteenth of October, the change of weather predicted by Pencroft occurred. The wind, having shifted to the northwest, favored the return of the Bonadventure, but at the same time it freshened, which might render navigation more difficult. At five o'clock in the morning the anchor was weighed. Pencroft took a reef in the main sail, and steered towards the northeast so as to sail straight for Lincoln Island. The first day of the voyage was not marked by any incident. The prisoner remained quiet in the fore-cabin, and as he had been a sailor it appeared that the motion of the vessel might produce on him a salutary reaction. Did some recollection of his former calling return to him? However that might be, he remained tranquil, astonished rather than depressed. The next day the wind increased, blowing more from the north, consequently in a less favorable direction for the Bonadventure. Pencroft was soon obliged to sail close-hauled, and without saying anything about it he began to be uneasy at the state of the sea, which frequently broke over the boughs. Certainly if the wind did not moderate it would take a longer time to reach Lincoln Island than it had taken to make Table Island. Indeed on the morning of the seventeenth the Bonadventure had been forty-eight hours at sea, and nothing showed that she was near the island. It was impossible, besides, to estimate the distance traversed or to trust to the reckoning for the direction, as the speed had been very irregular. Twenty-four hours after there was yet no land in sight. The wind was right ahead, and the sea very heavy. The sails were close-reefed, and they tacked frequently. On the eighteenth a wave swept completely over the Bonadventure, and if the crew had not taken the precaution of lashing themselves to the deck they would have been carried away. On this occasion Pencroft and his companions, who were occupied with loosing themselves, received unexpected aid from the prisoner, who emerged from the hatchway as if his sailor's instinct had suddenly returned, broke a piece out of the bulwarks with a spar so as to let the water which filled the deck escape. Then the vessel being clear, he descended to his cabin without having uttered a word. Pencroft, Gideon Spillard and Herbert, greatly astonished, let him proceed. Their situation was truly serious, and the sailor had reasoned to fear that he was lost on the wide sea without any possibility of recovering his course. The night was dark and cold. However about eleven o'clock the wind fell, the sea went down, and the speed of the vessel as she labored less greatly increased. Neither Pencroft, Spillard nor Herbert thought of taking an hour sleep. They kept a sharp look out, for either Lincoln Island could not be far distant and would be sighted at daybreak, or the Bonadventure carried away by currents had drifted so much that it would be impossible to rectify her course. Pencroft, uneasy to the last degree, yet did not despair, for he had a gallant heart, and grasping the tiller he anxiously endeavored to pierce the darkness which surrounded them. About two o'clock in the morning he started forward. A light! A light! he shouted. Indeed, a bright light appeared twenty miles to the northeast. Lincoln Island was there, and this fire evidently lighted by Cyrus Harding showed them the course to be followed. Pencroft, who was bearing too much to the north, altered his course and steered towards the fire, which burned brightly above the horizon like a star of the first magnitude.